Preserving The Spartan Way

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  This reading in Plutarch’s “Lives Of The Noble Grecians and Romans” covered chapters 51-55, comparing two Greek-Spartan leaders, who reflected Plato’s political ideal, with two Roman leaders, who reflected Aristotle’s political ideal. Chapters 51 and 52 introduce us to the Spartan kings, Agis and Cleomenes.  Sparta was in danger losing their Spartan ways, embracing luxury over discipline. Agis proposed to return people and country to their heritage by proposing a cancellation of all debt and redistribution the land of the wealthy to citizens “who were fit for service as able-bodied soldiers.” Opposition was instant as the rich dug in their heels against losing power and status. Ultimately, Agis was killed by the rich under the leadership of his half-brother, Leonidas.  After Leonidas died with his “300” in the last day of the Battle of Thermopylae, his son, Cleomenes, rose to power. Observing the deepening apathy and laziness of Sparta, Cleomenes grew curious about Agis’ model of gov

"When God died for our sins during his death who was in charge of the heaven and the universe?"

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I recieved this question from a reader in Oslo, Norway: "When God died for our sins during his death who was in charge of the heaven and the universe?"

I believe your question is answered here: “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3)

Did you notice the phrase, “upholds all things by the word of His power?” This term reflects the efficiency of His power; that is, He commanded, all things came to be and will continue to be because of His power, until He makes all things new. He holds all things together by His effective Word.

Consider: these words. I am writing them in my present, which is now your past. You are reading them in what is for me, my future. Do my words lose their meaning, or their power in conversation? How much more powerful are God’s words?

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