In Luke 2 we see not peace but division. Christ makes who he is very clear when he says, "I've come to bring fire on the earth..." We learn from Christ that Kingdom is a political term and the way to live as kingdom people brings not only new life and freedom but disruption and confrontation as a radical new social and political system is born.

In Colossians God warns us that although we are smart enough to read the weather and predict coming storms we cannot read the present times and the spiritual poverty we are experiencing. When Jesus says, "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right" , it is a warning. The signs of the times demanded an immediate decision for the Jewish nation. The times we live in also demand an immediate decision for all Christians to turn from the negative rhetoric and the belief we are in control to prayerfully considering how we can "Be the Church."

Romans 13 is the classic political script for Christians, it draws us to peace and order by submitting to the governing authorities and to be good citizens. God is a God of order and uses governments to keep order. We are to live responsibly before our governing authorities and before God. In order to "BeThe Church" we refuse to return evil for evil by living in peace and sharing goods, and doing deeds of charity as opportunity arise.