The New Testament tells of a world constantly in the shadow of Rome. The life and teachings of Jesus and the early church were a rigid dichotomy to a world defined by allegiance to the emperor, the empire, the power and supremacy of Rome. There are those today attempting to hijack Christianity as a prop in their pursuit of nationalism, supremacy and power. But the teachings of Jesus have already met the powers of Rome. The way of Jesus is love. It is sacrificial.