All things were created through Him and for Him. Above all creation, this includes the powers and principalities of this world.

Christians proclaim a God who is above all governors, governments, nations, rulers, and even angelic beings. This is a deeply subversive message—and a dangerous one. Throughout history, earthly powers have demanded ultimate allegiance, loyalty, and recognition. The early Christians refused.

Empires attempted to silence this message through force, persecution, and their ultimate threat: death itself. Yet Christ overcame death, exposing the weakness and fraudulent claims of every power that seeks to rival His authority.

So how do we balance honoring the authorities Christ has established to govern the world without diminishing our allegiance and obedience to the exalted Christ?

What are powers and principalities? Why are they so important to understanding the biblical story? And what does any of this have to do with how Christians relate to governments today?

Tune in today to find out, because the best conversations happen after class.

Who really rules the nations? God, governments, or something else entirely?

Today, the guys continue their discussion on governing authorities by looking at one of the Bible's most intriguing and often misunderstood themes: powers and principalities.

Are earthly governments merely human institutions, or is there something deeper at work behind the scenes? What did Paul mean when he spoke of rulers, authorities, and powers in the heavenly realms? Why was Satan able to offer Jesus the kingdoms of the world? And what do these passages have to do with how Christians understand governing authorities today? Join Sam, John, and Ron as they trace this theme through Scripture and explore how the biblical worldview challenges many of our modern assumptions about power, authority, and the kingdoms of this world.

Tune in today, because the best conversations happen, After Class.

Is God on your political side? Scripture may say otherwise. Sam, John, and Ron continue their series on governing authorities by challenging one of the most common assumptions Christians make: that God automatically supports "our" nation, party, or political tribe.

From Isaiah's shocking blessing of Egypt and Assyria, to Nahum's judgment against violent empires, to Daniel's warning that even admired superpowers can become beastly, the guys explore the Bible's deeply unsettling view of political power. Then Revelation raises the stakes. Rome is portrayed as a beast empowered by Satan itself, tempting believers to exchange allegiance to Jesus for security, prosperity, and survival. (Sound familiar?)

Finally, the conversation turns toward the New Testament's provocative language about Satan as the "god" and "ruler" of this world—setting the stage for next week's deep dive into powers and principalities.

Are Christians placing too much hope in earthly kingdoms?

Tune in to find out.

What if the nation you despise most is actually on God's payroll? In this episode of The After Class Podcast, John, Ron, and Sam trace what the Bible really says about God and governing authorities — from Babylon and Assyria to Cyrus the Great — and why the "lesser of two evils" argument might be more sub-Christian than you think. If politics has been messing with your faith, this one's for you!

Tune in to today's episode of The After Class Podcast. Because the best conversations happen... after class.

How does the language of the Bible talk about how God's people should relate to governing authorities and the level of our engagement with them? What do we do when differing groups of Christians land on different sides regarding the same administration? Split? μὴ γένοιτο ("May it never be!").

Today the guys begin investigating different approaches Christians take when approaching government and politics.

But to what extent is it okay to participate in the system; endorse certain styles of government, parties, candidates, or policies; or preach and teach on government policies? To what extent should these things occupy our minds, and to what extent should we hold a position?

Will you join the conversation, or land on an opposing side?

Tune in to find out.

Today, the guys wrap up the series and share some final observations and takeaways.

But first, Paul writes that in the Supper we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes, through the bread and the cup. But how often do we do this? And what does it mean to proclaim His death? Who is guilty of eating in an unworthy manner when they come together for the Lord's Supper? Are we doing the right thing in the wrong way?

Tune in today to find out!

So far guys have covered the following aspects in the Lord's Supper series: * Building on OT sacred meals * Commemorating key events in sacred history * Meal practices with Jesus and His disciples * An experience of the Kingdom of God—"a Kingdom meal" Today the guys dive into the body of the Lord's Supper—specifically, "this is my (Christ's) body." So, are Christians cannibals, or is this some form of symbolic gesture? Or is there more to it than that? What are you actually partaking of? Tune in to find out!

Today, the guys look into the Last Supper accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, investigating the differences and what they reveal about the Lord's Supper, the influence of Passover, and how it impacts our practice today. What do Passover and the Last Supper have in common? And what don't they?

Tune in today to find out.

Ritual? Meal? Nourishment? Remembrance? Micro-banquet? Flesh and blood? What is the Lord's Supper—and how are we meant to practice it? What does it have to do with the other meals we share as believers, and how do the practices of the early church shape our understanding today? Join the guys as they dig into the meaning behind the meal—and how it reveals Christ and His Kingdom, and the first fruits of the banquet to come.

Who do you eat with? Sinners? Tax collectors? Church leaders and influencers? Today, the guys survey the wider narrative of meals presented in the New Testament in hopes of enriching our understanding of the Last Supper.