Christendom

The idea of a Christian civilization is something most modern Christians don’t talk about unless they’re giving a history lesson. But the idea of a Christian civilization (also called “Christendom”), isn’t a concept that only belongs in the past, it’s important to the future as well.

Our commission from Christ says we are to teach the nations everything that Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). We tend to think that Jesus really meant, “teach some of the people in those nations some of My commands.” But that’s not what He said. The command is to teach whole nations to obey everything that Jesus commanded. Since Jesus is God, this means that the “commands” we are to teach the nations include all the commands in Scripture. Of course, a handful of OT commands are repealed in the NT (such as sacrificing animals), but they should still be taught since they are in our Bibles, even if we are not bound to keep them anymore.

While the commission isn’t an explicit command to build Christian civilizations, that’s exactly what obeying this commission would produce. There are commands and principles in Scripture that pertain to every area of life: art, dress, music, business, health, the family, worship, education, etc. A Christian civilization is one where all of these areas of life (and more) are conformed to God’s word.

The goal of “Christianizing” our nation is a large one. But for a nation to be discipled (Christianized), we must work from the local level to the national level. How “local” does this process start? Really local, like in your heart. But from there, it will work its way out to others as you obey God’s word and teach others to do the same.

While one person can be a “city on a hill” (Matt. 5:14) in some sense, a “city” implies more than one person. A “Christianized” church would be a better example of a city on a hill than an individual would (as would a family or a literal town that was Christianized).

To start building a Christian civilization in a local church, this concept must be taught from the pulpit. Preaching that teaches people how be saved from their sins is good. Only teaching people how to be saved is not good. Again, the goal of the commission is to see all of God’s commands being lived out. A church’s preaching must reflect this.

Of course, the people in the congregation also have responsibilities in this area: they must desire preaching that applies God’s word to everything.

It’s easy to pick on pastors for not teaching the whole Bible, but often the people in the congregation don’t want to hear it! They’re fine with the preacher telling them how to get to heaven when they die, but they don’t like being told that they have to obey God in every area of their lives. Many don’t like to hear that they have to follow God’s rules for their job, money, entertainment, who they vote for, etc.

Nevertheless, every Christian should be one who is willing to learn about (and do!) what the Bible says about every aspect of their life and the society in which they live. So, the pastors and teachers of a church must learn what the Bible says about every area of life and society, and teach the congregation those things.

While the pastors/teachers are responsible to know what the Bible says about all areas of life, it is impossible for them to be an expert in everything. This is why God gifts every Christian with certain knowledge and skills. As 1 Corinthians 12 says, God does this “for the profit of all” (v. 7).

Every Christian needs to know the Bible, and since the Bible has something to say about every area of life, every Christian should know a little bit about every area of life. But again, it is impossible for anyone to know everything. This is one reason you need others. Also remember, the pastors/teachers are not to do all the work of ministry; they are to equip others to do that work (Eph. 4:11-12).

We should seek to find out what skills and knowledge those in our congregation have. Of course, this can be done simply by talking to them, but pastors may find it helpful to have those in the congregation write out their jobs, hobbies, and interests. After these skills are known, encourage people to teach others in the congregation.

For example, if someone works as a doctor, have them learn all they can about medicine from a biblical perspective. Then, have them teach the rest of the congregation about health.

If someone has an interest in economics, have them learn all they can about economics from a biblical perspective. Then, have them teach others.

If someone is skilled in gardening, have them learn all they can about gardening from a biblical perspective. Then, have them teach everyone else.

If someone has an interest in fashion, have them learn all they can about clothing from a biblical perspective. Then, have them teach others in the congregation.

When a congregation begins to learn and do what the Bible says in all areas of life, a mini Christian civilization will begin to form. We cannot build a larger, nation-wide Christian civilization until the churches can model it to the rest of the nation. We must start local.

One final note: if you aren’t sure about where to get information about what the Bible says about a certain topic, feel free to contact me. I’ve been blessed to meet authors, speakers, teachers, etc. who are knowledgable on a wide variety of topics (including all the ones I mentioned in this article). I’d love to pass on the name of a book or a sermon on those topics and others.

You can email me at:

mike@5thKingdomMinistries.com