I have often imagined myself there when Jesus was on trial. Pilate asked if he was a king and Jesus’ reply was, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36. And yet we read about a time in the future when the Bible says, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” Revelation 11:15.
Biblically speaking, we are living in-between those two verses and although we have come a long way in the 2,000+ years since Pilate, we are not there yet. We are on a journey and sometimes I hear God, the Father telling all of us children… “five more minutes!”
Without a doubt, the kingdoms of this 21st century world are as much in conflict with the kingdom of God as they were in the 1st century. The Biden-Harris administration (kingdom of this world) has laid out their vision for America. Here are some points of conflict that YOU should be concerned about. Their vision calls for:
- Abortion-on-demand
- Taxpayer-funded abortion
- Redefining “sex” throughout our laws
In a very real sense, the government here in America is increasingly anti-life, anti-family, anti-religious freedom and, in a nutshell, anti-God! The spiritual storm clouds are gathering as the kingdoms clash!
But here’s the good news: they are clashing. We’re fighting back!
Rhode Island has one of the most extreme abortion laws in the nation, yet in this legislative session we saw more challenges to it in both the House and the Senate:
- The Pain-Capable Act
- The Heartbeat Bill
- Born Alive Bill
- Protection for doctors and nurses who do not want to participate in abortions.
- Regular health inspections of abortion clinics (McDonald’s restaurants are inspected more than abortion clinics!)
Despite every one of these bills being tabled for further study, the silver lining was that there were so many more pro-life bills introduced this session, by many different legislators and across party lines than in recent memory. Even as a blue state, Rhode Island seems to be following an ‘Unprecedented’ nationwide trend of over 500 pro-life bills filed in 2021 and more than 60 enacted nationwide. God really is speaking to our nation!
I believe that is a direct answer to prayer! The church in our state is waking up and responding to the challenge of being salt and light to the sin and darkness around us, and we need to keep it up. It really is a spiritual battle that will not be won by earthly means alone.
This past year in Rhode Island, Family Policy Alliance has been engaged in these kingdom conflicts by sponsoring the “Save Girls’ Sports” legislation introduced by Senator Elaine Morgan. We also provided training for conservative legislators on how to deal with difficult “hot topics” like abortion and sex-ed in our public schools. This fall, I will be teaching a course for Northpoint Bible College to help young ministers deal with these difficult cultural issues. Opportunities are increasing and your prayers and support are much needed and greatly appreciated. As the COVID restrictions are lessening, I would love the opportunity to speak to your church, missions committee, or small group.
Let me leave you with this encouragement: we must remember that none of these conflicts are a surprise to God! The late Corrie Ten Boom (who survived the Nazi Prison Camps) used to say, “I read the back of the book and, WE WIN!” The Apostle Paul also encouraged young Timothy with these words, “The One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end.” 2 Timothy 1:12 (MSG)
For Rhode Island families,
Dave Aucoin
Chairman, Board of Directors – Rhode Island
