Hey there,
We read the section on the Iron Kingdom and listened along. This was really good. I have heard you talk about the apostate body of Christ for some time now, but it is really something to learn that there had to be an apostasy of Rome from a Republic in order for the blending of the two to even take place. Even though you are just beginning to touch on the details of Rome’s Third transformation, you can just feel how much of a complex, and yet subtle transformation it was – beyond any human kind of genius. It is really incredible that Jesus has put it in our hearts to believe it, even if it is, right now anyway, far too much for our brains to really grasp.
A question I had as I read and listened to everyone’s comments was, when did the “holy Roman empire” lose its military might? It almost seems like there was a mini-transformation even after the 3rd transformation. The Church still seems to have dominion over Western society and culture, but it’s almost like it’s a dominion that’s so much part of everyone’s lives (whether they admit it or not) that it doesn’t even have to actively exercise any military or political might over anyone. I can’t really put my finger on what I’m trying to ask, but like you talk about later in this section in your notes – it’s more than just a mere influence. It seems like a complete infiltration of Christianity into the culture that most people don’t even realize that they are influenced by it – and that is much more powerful that physically forcing people to think or believe a certain way.
Anyway, just some thoughts I was having this morning – disconnected as they are. I am really enjoying what you are doing with this work, even though I’m a long way from understanding it in my mind – it just feels good in my spirit to think about these things.
Vince
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Hi, Vince.
The Third Transformation of Rome took time to be perfected after it began in AD 325. The Church maintained much of its military power, with ebbs and flows, until fairly recently, just a few centuries ago. I suspect that the Church would love to have it back, even though its control over men’s minds is enormous without it. God help those who love the truth in Christ if the Church ever does regain it! Only time will tell if the Church will again possess great political/military power, or if the Beast will arise and destroy Christianity without it achieving that goal.
Pastor John