Chapter 2 – Jesus Is Lord of All, or Not Lord at All
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” — Luke 6:46
We say His name. We sing His praise. We call Him Lord.
But do we obey?
Francis Schaeffer warned that modern Christianity is often built on a divided foundation — one part sacred, one part secular. We confess Christ on Sunday, yet live as if He has no claim on Monday.
If Jesus is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all.
Fragmented Faith
We have learned to live in compartments. Faith in one box, career in another. Morality in one moment, compromise in the next.
We ask Jesus to save our souls but not our schedules. To bless our plans but not rewrite them. To rule our hearts but not our habits.
This was the very sickness Schaeffer saw in his generation — and it has only deepened in ours.
He wrote of a culture that sought the benefits of Christianity without the authority of Christ. A Church content with truth in theory, but allergic to truth in practice.
“Do not be conformed to this world,” Paul wrote, “but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) The Church has done the opposite — reshaped itself in the world’s image.
Lord of All Creation
Jesus is not a life coach. He is Creator, Sustainer, and King.
“All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16–17)
He rules galaxies and governments, yet we hesitate to let Him rule our desires.
The heavens obey Him without question. The winds and waves know His voice. Even demons kneel at His name.
Only man debates whether obedience is optional.
The Modern Idol
Our generation has replaced wooden idols with digital ones. We no longer bow to stone, but to self.
Comfort is our king. Autonomy is our creed.
We pray, “Your will be done,” but live as if we meant, “My will be blessed.”
Schaeffer saw this rebellion in the Church’s pursuit of personal peace and affluence — a quiet idolatry that numbs the conscience.
But Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24) We cannot crown Him King while enthroning ourselves.
The Cost of Lordship
The cross is not a decoration. It is a declaration.
“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
Lordship demands death — to ego, pride, comfort, and control. This is not cruelty but freedom. Only in surrender do we find peace.
Schaeffer called it true spirituality — a faith that costs something, because it transforms everything.
He saw that the Church’s weakness was not in its message, but in its obedience to the message.
We preach about the Kingdom while living as tourists. We admire Jesus’ sacrifice but resist His Lordship.
The Whole-Life Gospel
The Gospel is not partial. It redeems the whole person.
Mind, body, relationships, vocation — all come under His reign. The true disciple learns to live before the face of God — coram Deo — in every hour and every decision.
This is what it means to walk in the Spirit, to live with undivided allegiance. It is not legalism; it is love expressed in loyalty.
“At the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10–11) Better to bow now in joy than later in judgment.
A Church Undivided
Revival begins when the Church returns to obedience. When worship is not an event but a posture. When believers stop asking, “What can I keep?” and start asking, “What must I yield?”
Christ does not share thrones. He sits alone.
The question for every believer is not, Do I believe in Jesus? but Do I submit to Him?
The prophets have always called God’s people to this same point: repentance and loyalty. Their cry still echoes — “How long will you waver between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21) If Jesus is Lord, follow Him.
Reflection Questions
What areas of my life still resist His authority?
Do I live differently because Jesus reigns over me?
Have I confused belief with surrender?
What would change if Christ truly ruled my choices?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, reign over every part of me.
No compartments, no resistance, no excuses.
You are not one priority among many — You are the center of all.
Break my divided heart and make it whole again.
Teach me to live coram Deo — before Your face — in everything.
Let my obedience prove my love.
Amen.
