My husband and I attended a service last night at a local church. We have rarely darkened the door of a church for over 15 years (we study and pray all the time together and watch your program), but this was supposed to be on prophecy. Instead it was a giving of the prophetic word over people, which was great, but in the message they said that “we”, the church, are Kings and Priests, now! I do not agree with that from what I understand in scripture. I believe we are the Church, the Body, and will be Kings and Priests in the Millennium, ruling and reigning with Christ forever after. Am I wrong on this, confused or off track?

I do not believe the Kingdom is here and now. From what I understand in scripture Christ will bring the Kingdom with Him when He returns. Would you please set me straight with scriptures, if I am off track here?

Also, this man said we are to respect our leaders, not talk against them, etc. I know the scripture says “God sets them up and tears them down,” but how can you respect this governmental leadership (the whole thing) right now? How can you sit by and not speak up when they are trying to destroy our nation and the foundational documents? Where is the balance here?

I read scripture that says to respect the authorities that be, but they also say to expose the evil works of darkness.  What a mess this world’s churches have come to.

God bless and I appreciate a reply to my questions if you have time.

For time sake I will give you a short answer.  First of all God’s Word is complete and because it is, there is no gift of prophecy today.  The completion of Scripture is “that which is perfect” and since it has come “that which is in part” – “prophecy” – has been “done way.” – I Corinthians 13:8-9.

Next, God’s purpose for the Nation of Israel was to make them a “Kingdom of Priests” – see Ex 19:3-6.  Even though Israel failed under the law, the new covenant will fulfill God’s purpose in them that they shall be “Priests of the LORD” – Isaiah 61:1-6.  Those who are “Kings and Priests” in Revelation 5:10 are said to “reign on the earth.”  This is God’s purpose for Israel in the first resurrection – Revelation 20:1-6.

The “Body of Christ” awaits the catching up in the air (I Thessalonians 4:13-18) into “heavenly places” where we will be in the “ages to come” – Ephesians 1:3; 2:6,7; and II Corinthians 5:1.  Colossians 1:12-20 tells us God has a purpose for both heaven and earth and that the purpose of the “Body of Christ” is in the heavens.

I hope that clears some things up for you.