DISTRACTIONS, DISTRACTIONS… – Andrew Strom.
I made a number of people mad with my piece a few days ago, “Can Patriotism Be Idolatry?” I have always found that this is by far the “riskiest” topic that I can ever bring up. One guy even asked if I “hate America”. I replied that I truly love America and love it’s people. In fact, it is one of my topmost favorite nations in the world. My brother lives there. My nephews live there. I love America! But that was certainly not the issue in my article.
Another man hinted that I must be a “left-winger”. Actually, I am truly and deeply Conservative – and have been for years.
The major point we were really raising in that article has to do with
“Distractions”. I can’t bear to see my fellow brothers and sisters
literally exhausting themselves with campaign after campaign of
political activism – when the real problems in America are
“SPIRITUAL”. And only ‘spiritual’ solutions can solve them.
JESUS is the answer to what ails America. Politics will never do it.
I am not against “voting” at all. By all mean vote! But what I am
talking about here is the “distraction” of spending so much time
on Politics when that can never truly solve the problems we face.
Just think of the enormous time and energy and devotion that so
many people put into “electing the right guy”. Do we put that
much passion into the Gospel and Prayer? I think not. A lot of
us have deluded ourselves that Politics can solve these “spiritual”
issues. They can’t. Only Jesus can.
A lot of the time, Fox News and Talk Radio simply exist to “rile
up” the Conservative people with “trash talk”, etc. The whole point
is to get the Christians and conservatives so riled that they will
“do something”. What will they do? Will they start Prayer movements
and True Gospel movements? No – they will start “political”
movements. They will march down to the Town Hall and shout and
scream at people. Their opponents will start calling them “hateful”
because of the way they look and act. Is this what Jesus wants?
Does he want the Christians all caught up in political movements
that use the “arm of the flesh” to solve their problems? The Bible
says we “wrestle not against flesh and blood”. Why then are we
trying to do just that? Because we are being “distracted” – that’s why.
Distracted from our true mission on this earth. Distracted and
sidetracked into thinking Politics is the answer. Distracted into
spending hours watching Fox and the Internet for new things to
get mad at the Liberals about. We don’t pray like we should. We
don’t preach the glorious gospel like we should. We simply rant
and rave and get mad at all those Liberals – and waste hours and
hours trying to work out how we can “beat” them. Its all flesh,
flesh – all the time.
Don’t tell me this is not happening on a large scale with a lot of
Christian people. We all know it is. That’s where Fox News and
Talk Radio get all their “ratings” from. They know if they can get
you “mad” enough, you will keep coming back for more.
We need to repent. We need to repent of our nasty, ugly, trash-
talking behavior – which is so unchristlike. We need to repent of
partaking in this stuff at all. We need to repent of relying on the
“arm of the flesh” instead of Jesus. We need to repent that we
will raise up Political movements first before even trying “spiritual”
remedies to save the nation.
The Christians are too busy fighting in the flesh to PRAY as they
ought. Too busy fighting with bitter and angry words to preach
the true gospel. This is a huge part of why these problems are
not being solved. We are not going to GOD at all. We are relying
on “ourselves” – and what we can do. And until we repent and
start looking to Jesus – to solve the things that only He can
solve – I believe things will continue to get worse and worse.
The Christians are “distracted” – trusting entirely the wrong things.
Brothers, sisters, we need to PRAY.
-Please comment on this article below-
Great job Andrew. Yes Americans and even more American Christians… have a hard time seperating thier religion from politics. I could share scores of info about conservative politicians involved with the occult (Reagan), homosexuality (GWB) Bohemian Grove (all conservatives over the last 30 years) standing at the alter of a demonic god while an effigy is being placed in the burning arms of an old testament pagan/demon god. And chanting and cheering as this takes place. Yet most Americans see conservative politicians as somehow next to Godliness! Many American Christians believe we are to conquer the world for Christ and THEN he will come back….they need to read their bibles! Many American Christians cheer the bombing in Iraq and Afgahnistan that killed thousands of innocent and even Christian babies all in the name of American Democracy. The church in America needs a MAJOR wake-up call or they will fall to the delusion that God will send in 2 Thess.2.
Your article I know will reach many and hopefully they will start to seek souls for Christ and not conquer through the sword like Islam.
When we all get to heaven, there will be a special American (USA) section-divided into Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists etc. And no one will mingle. LOL!!! When we Americans pray for America to strengthen, we may be praying against God’s will. The “Ten Toes” of Daniel have two big toes, but they are essentially the same toes. Right now America is like the body and the other 9 toes are waiting for America to implode into another toe. If we stand in defiance of God a few more years he will crush us just as fast as he did with Great Britain from 1940 to1947. God’s will is for 10 world toes as his prophet stated. I pray for God’s will to be done. I also pray for America to repent.
You are right about us walking in the flesh. We need to die out to the flesh so the spirit of God can be raised up in us. We have to crucify ourselves like christ did everyday. But only GOD can save us. we have worshipped Jesus for generations and have forgoten our creator God, he formed us, he breathed life into us. So my prayer is Repent and turn to God the Father. Thy Kingdom Come!!!!!!
Amen, Andrew! It reminds me of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread…”. This prayer STARTS with HEAVEN: Our Father is our heavenly Father. THY Kingdom com, THY will be done. We’re actually praying that God’s will be done on earth THE SAME WAY it is done in heaven. God’s will is done PERFECTLY in heaven.
Jesus taught us to pray heaven ‘down’, not even to pray earthly issues ‘up’, let alone to change things by activism. It’s important for us Christians to learn this. It’s all about God’s Kingdom. We’re heavenly citizens in the first place and patriotism can really hinder this.
Politically I’m not left wing either, but it really annoys me that so many Christians think that a Christian should be right wing. If I look at American Christian conservatism as an outsider – not being an American, I never could understand how they can be pro-life on one hand and still condone carrying a gun to kill trespassers on their property. Or how they can politically live with the fact that some Americans actually die because they can’t afford health care. How pro-life is that attitude? You really don’t have to be left-wing to ask that.
Here in Europe we’ve also have Christians who campaign against all kinds of things, often with a lot of condemnation against liberals. This is so different from what Jesus did. It’s more like the pharasee approach. Jesus would confront the hypocrites, but approach the sinners with love and grace, showing them a way out. And that’s exactly what we should do. Even if political action succeeded and we managed to outlaw sinfull practices, it wouldn’t mean there were less sinners. Only true repentance and redemption by Jesus Christ can save a sinner. Our mission is to preach salvation, not to drill people into change their lifestyle.
I actually wrote this in 2007…
Christians on the Warpath
To all my fellow siblings in Christ:
I have witnessed a growing trend among Christians over the past few years which has concerned me. The onslaught of news articles, emails, TV programs, radio, and all other forms of unmentioned media, by Christians to other Christians which call for “activism”. Every week it seems I hear more and more about the state of our nation and how Christians need to wake up and “take action”. Boycotts, petitions, phone calls to legislatures, street protests, etc. are being promoted as ways to “take back our country”.
I agree some of these actions are necessary to ensure protection for the innocent and defenseless, but have we taken things too far in the wrong direction? An article I recently read made me stop and think for a while. In the article, a homosexual journalist compared Christians and discussing homosexual issues, to the KKK discussing racial issues. The article went on about how absurd and hurtful this comparison was, but I got a different feeling. It pains me to know that those who are hurting so badly would rather go anywhere else besides the church to find help, hope, and acceptance.
We might claim that we want to preserve the USA for our children, a very noble desire. However, if we are so much on the warpath that those who need us the most are turned away so quickly, what kind of a legacy is that for our children? Indeed we must model for our children how to behave towards those who seek to oppress, persecute, and destroy us-namely, continuing to serve and pray for them in humility and love. We are not showing Jesus to others by boycotting stores, and we are not defeating Satan by protesting in public. Both parties seek the hearts and souls of people, which is what our focus should be as well.
It is inconvenient and upsetting to be confronted by blatant sin when passing billboards or watching TV. It is frightening to think of American pastors being jailed for speaking truth. It is frustrating and worrisome to see the country we love so dearly succumb to peer pressure (both from the inside and out) in the form of policy and ideals. It is extremely disconcerting to see such rampant sin in our fellow countrymen. But let us consider two facts: One, there is nothing new under the sun, and two, we are all sinners.
Let us not despair, but change tactics. History has proved many times over that human hearts cannot be changed through policy, nor is it wise to try. Instead, let us strive to turn the other cheek when persecuted, be compassionate to all who need it (not just those who seek it), and to pray always. Policy cannot change things, but love can and has.
Andrew,
Before America invaded Iraq, the Lord gave me a warning to give to Pres. Bush. Through an amazing set of circmstanes, he got and read the warning. The word was that this was a trap and don’t fall for it.
When I made this word known, the slander hit the fan! I was called un-American, a liar, a commie, clearly not saved, and my favorite was “Rebel” for daring to speak agains the sins of my own country.
To the neocons who God told there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq: I’m still waiting for the proof. Even Bush finally admitted the intel was flawed (or more probably manipulated).
Further, the Lord warned me that as a nation, by the standard we judged Babylon, we ourselves would be judged!
Anybody but me read the news about the multiplied disasters that keep hitting the USA and wonder why? Judgment is here!
I confronted many of my accusors about this and have been told, “Well, maybe you were right about Iraq but only because Satan told you this!” Then they start blabbering on quoting Mormon Glen Beck or defiantly “not born again” Rush Limbaugh.
Sigh.
Many in leadership in the body of Christ are nothing but hijackers bent on political rampages that have absolutely nothing to do with the kingdom of God. Jesus did not bleed red white and blue (or the colors of any flag) on the cross. Either our highest allegiance is to him and his kingdom, or we may find ourselves on that terrible day cast into outer darkness branded as eternal tratiors.
I’ve had my eyes opened to what is driving much of the professing church these days: lawlessness. Men have their agendas and God has his. As a former charismatic, I can tell you this movement (along with the prophetic, evangelicism, etc) is rooted in lawlessness. Self rules. It is a form of godliness that masks the true intent of that awful ursurper, the god of self.
Andrew, I am part of the underground church in America. I love my country but love the kingdom of God more. And yes, patriotism can be idolatry.
God bless America?
Bryan Hupperts
USA
Andrew:
Great teaching. This is a problem in America in particular, because we have adopted the attitude that America is a Christian nation. Not so. There is only one Nation with Christ as its head, and that is our Holy Nation made up of all those in Christ. Scripture is clear!
I have complete looks at this on my website. Our boasting is not in men, or nations on earth, but in Christ alone…
A. Brother
Gary Bixler
Brother Andrew, AMEN and pass the ammunition. That’s spiritual ammunition! Our battle is aganist the flesh, first, then spiritual beings that have an agenda to destroy us.
Repentance, prayer and intercession for our nation (Church) will bring greater change than all the rallies, debates and other political activites we can involve ourselves in.
As the founding fathers of the United States demonstrated, action is required to bring change, but that action was founded in critical thinking and a foundation of prayer. Read the Federal Papers and see how they relied on God “providence” to guide their every step.
It is hearts that are shaped and motivated by the Love of God that will change this nation (people) and assure freedom to all mankind.
PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO CHANGE JUST BECAUSE THEY DO NOT GET INVOLVED IN POLITICS AND END TIME EVENTS. LONG BEFORE THIS WHOLE END TIME HORROR STARTED, PEOPLE DID NOT PRAY AND FOUGHT AND SINNED. THE PROBLEM IS NOT ON THE OUTSIDE IN THE EVENTS AND POLITICS, BUT IN THE HEART OF HUMANS WHO ARE IN SIN AND DARKNESS.
PEOPLE IN THE CHURCHES HAVE ALWAYS FOUGHT AND ARGUED, SINCE THE EARLY CHURCH. WE CANNOT FOCUS ON THE SYMPTOMS BUT ON THE INNER DISEASE, WHAT IS IN THE HEART GUIDES WHAT WE DO ON THE OUTWARD. FOREVER WE FIGHT AND ARGUE AND GRIPE AND PREACH ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS….HOW SAD. MAN AND HIS SIN HAS NEVER CHANGED! WE SHOULD NOT EVEN BE HAVING THIS ARGUMENT AT ALL.
WHY SHOULD WE LET THIS THING SPLIT AND DIVIDE US? WE ARE ADULTS AND KNOW WHAT WE ARE TO DO ABOUT IDOLS OF ANY KIND IN OUR LIVES. LETS STOP BLAMING ONE THING, AND REPENT OF ALL OUR IDOLS THAT WE MAY HAVE. CHANGE MUST OCCUR ON THE INSIDE.
PEOPLE ARE NOT GOING TO STOP LISTENING TO FOX NEWS NOR TO THE NEWS ON THE INTERNET. THAT IS NOT EVEN A CONSIDERATION. WE CAN WATCH FOX OR THE NEWS AND STILL BE GODLY. ANY IDOL PULLS OUR ATTENTION FROM GOD AND PRAYER.
SO LETS GET TO THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM AND STOP FOCUSING FOREVER ON THE SYMPTOMS! LETS PRAY FOR A GREAT REVIVAL IN THE HEARTS OF THE CHRISTIANS AND FOR SINNERS TO BE BIRTHED INTO THE KINGDOM.
YES, I LISTEN SOME TO FOX NEWS, AND TO ALEX JONES AND TO RICK WILES, WARN RADIO WITH DANA SMITH SOME. I PRAY AS I LISTEN IN TONGUES AND IN ENGLISH. I PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, AND FAST AND CRY OUT TO GOD. WHY? BECAUSE OF WHAT AND WHO IS IN ME IN GREAT MEASURE. IGNORANCE OF GOD, HIS WORD IS NOT BLISS, AND NEITHER DO WE NEED TO COVER OUR EYES TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND US. WE JUST PRAY!! LETS PUT THE BLAME WHERE IT BELONGS AND STOP ARGUING……SIN AND DEADNESS INSIDE OF OUR HEARTS. THERE IS ONLY ONE REMEDY FOR IT. CHRIST, REPENTANCE AND TOTAL CONVERSION.
As an avid FOX News watcher I must say………………….. YOU ARE RIGHT ANDREW! We are all spending too much time on politics and I found that out last year when the Lord pressed me on to do a 3 month fast from all politics. It was GLORIOUS! My prayer life improved – my attitude toward others improved – and most importantly it showed me how little control I have over things of this world. Oh, it was difficult at first, but when I realized I was trying to do it in my own will and asked the Lord for help, He supplied what I needed to complete the fast.
One thing that I must add to your article, if I may. Yes, FOX news and certain radio programs are fueling the fire, but the most disturbing contributor of this political propaganda is the Church! I receive the UMC newsletter and they are spending much time and money on spreading the word about Arizona’s new immigration law and how we must pray and sign petitions. If the Church spent that time bolstering its congregants for evangelizing, think how many people might come to know the Lord!
Amen Andrew, it is truly hideous when I think back on the broken home I come from, the broken home I raised my children in (as a non-believer) where parents are basically absent, feminism rampant, abortion the answer to ‘problems’, worship of the all mighty dollar, and the “freedom of speech” where prayer and God are no longer welcome in Congress or schools and now seldom found in homes. Unfortunate that we Americans use our platform where free to speak our minds as a place to rant and rave pointing the finger at the government instead of taking responsibility, go home to the wife and kids, lead them in prayer, sit at Jesus’ feet and let God be in control. Unfortunate that we as Americans take much for granted and are not in the ‘trenches’ dying for Jesus in an attempt to save souls, preaching REPENT! My heart was once on fire for Africa and it is where my true love still burns but it is now thwarted to a land where drought is heavy, the Word so tainted that souls are being won for the wrong kingdom and how sly the enemy is! Not only are Christians being distracted by politics as well as “political views” so to speak within the family of Christ. Even if it isn’t about governmental Politics I see so much fighting, back biting and descention among the ranks of those who as you said: “The Christians are too busy fighting in the flesh to PRAY as they
ought. Too busy fighting with bitter and angry words to preach
the true gospel. This is a huge part of why these problems are
not being solved. We are not going to GOD at all. We are relying
on “ourselves” – and what we can do. And until we repent and
start looking to Jesus – to solve the things that only He can
solve – I believe things will continue to get worse and worse.
The Christians are “distracted” – trusting entirely the wrong things.
Brothers, sisters, we need to PRAY.”
Amen brother, AMEN!!
Ok, I agree that we can really get too involved (to distraction) with activism. I agree that talk radio and television can produce so much angst within me that I cannot deal with it in any other way than to turn to Christ and remember that He has it all under control. I agree that human hearts cannot be changed except by repentance and regeneration in Jesus. But, I have a sincere question; if we remain silent will that not be like the citizens of Germany as Hitler began to take over who looked the other way as the atrocities were perpetrated? Bonhoeffer was not silent. I have heard friends say vaguely, “Oh, Jesus will take care of all of this, don’t get invovlved.” Is it not better to draw a line and stand with the righteousness?
Edie – I believe we can stand for righteousness and Jesus without becoming “political” about it.
Prayer and preaching are the answers – not politics, in my view.
Only this can clean the hearts of the nation
Andrew,
As a student of America’s Christian History, the first source documents definitely prove that the United States of America was founded as a Christian nation. that being said- many Christians are very upset at seeing the America we know being destroyed.
However, this is a spiritual battle and must be fought in the spirit. The only way for America to return to its roots is a Great Awakening! If fact there might even be a Great Awakening and America still not return. Whatever the case, the Lord has impressed on me to lay off listening to the news, and immersing myself in reading every source of information I can find. Instead, I have to start forgiving these people and concentrate on praying and repenting- for myself.
Your article was very timely.
I great lady of God once said”Prayer prepares the way and action possess the land.”
For me I will first pray and the move as directed by God.
When a whole nation is roaring Patriotism at the top of its voice, I am fain [compelled] to explore the cleanness of its hands and purity of its heart.
~~~~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
****
Part of what fuels the anger and determination of the whole ‘conservative’ movement is the sense of ‘powerlessness’ at the overwhelming tide of political correctness that has pushed the Gospel to silence. If you talk about homosexuality as a sin, you are branded as being ‘hateful.’ If you talk of Jesus as the only way to God, you are branded as ‘intolerant.’
And it isn’t just the world.
In the church, if you bring rebuke they don’t want to hear, you are ‘judging’ or ‘condemning.’ If you put forth a hard truth in plain words that is unpleasant, you are ‘offensive.’ If you stand on the veracity of Scripture, you are a ‘legalist.’
But political activism is ‘acceptable.’ You can line up behind or beside Mormons, secular Jews, non-religious ‘conservatives’ and anyone else that is ‘like -minded’ politically and really ‘do something’ about your complaints. Too bad it comes between you and God, isn’t it?
Very insightful, Seraphah.
About an hour ago, I was in Prayer to the Creator, and I once again cried out to Him, saying…”no matter what happens in this country, USA,you are still in control, you always have been and always will be.”
Yes, Andrew, I have been distracted from time to time and ultimately, it is of my own accord.
Prayers are the only way at this point of our time in history, may our knees bleed and our hearts ache for His will and not ours. Amen, Shalom
AMEN!!
Amen to this article! Oh how wordly the church has gotten! Repentance, prayer, preaching the good news is key. I am beginning with my household.Thank you for speaking the truth, Andrew.
Right on. Politics, even right wing politics are distractions. I woke up to that years ago. I use to go to meetings and such where we would ban together across denominations to fight against abortion and fight for other things that was needed. I truly hate abortion so please don’t misunderstand but it generated a spirit of fear in me against the opposing political party that was for what I was against.
It was a distraction. There was no love. I found myself suspicious of Democrats, especially liberals. They were the enemy. It dawned on me that, it wasn’t the Holy Spirit, it wasn’t compassion for the lost, it wasn’t Christlike. This was not what Jesus called us to do. His kingdom is not of this world. We are not to make the world perfect by voting in the right people, we are to preach the gospel and get people to change their lives by repentance and being baptized in the Holy Spirit. All the other things may be good in their place but I see them as substitutes, not the real deal. They are distractions.
I use to watch 700 Club for instance and come away depressed, not fired up for the cause of Christ. I get more emails against Obama then for the gospel. I’m not a fan of the president but it tells us something. We are not walking in our first love for the Lord, for souls and for the word when we are distracted by political causes.
Yes, those things can be idolatry because they are distractions. If one can burn with passion for the lost and for the church and still be involved in politics, fine, but I personally can’t do it. I believe it brings in a spirit that causes anger and fear rather than compassion.
We need a grass roots tea party movement in the Church. We need to oust the career religious leaders that are leading God’s people astray! They have been in their positions to long that they have made it all about themselves no longer serving the Lord or His people.
Andrew, Excellent. You have written so many things I have said. The problem of course is that it APPEARS so unAmerican. Those caught in the rightwing political – religious movement can’t see that this stuff is really not spiritual but simply moral. Morality without spirituality means nothing. I agree the rhetoric coming out of these quarters in truly aimed at stirring up the flesh, not the Spirit.
The hatred, judgment and pure legalism coming out of this movement disturbs me a lot.
Hi Andrew:
several decades ago, I was getting deeper & deeper into politics, but, when the Lord brought me into the next personal revival & deeper into Him, I immediately discovered that, when visiting someone with whom I wanted to share spiritual things, when we started off the visit talking politics, my views were rejected & so, when we got onto spiritual things, I saw that the rejection continued. When I saw that,that my active involvement in politics would turn people against my sharing of spiritual things, I knew that I must turn away from it, and did. I continue to vote & talk about politics, but, not to press my political views, lest they hinder any later sharing of the gospel.
We must accept & deal with the natural offence of the Gospel, but we should not put barriers & stumbling blocks before others before even getting to sharing the Gospel.
We are called to be separate from the world & such things as sacrificing our hobbies that interfere with our sharing the Gospel, like political involvements, I see as part of the cost of discipleship.
The Lord may certainly call some to a life in politics where they may then be a witness there, but, unless we have such a calling, we must weigh what our hobby is costing us.
Read the papers, listen to the programs, but, then pray. Many yrs ago, I suddenly felt led to pray for our mayor. I didn’t know why or about what, but, soon after, he made a public declaration that he would not endorse the gay rights movement or proclaim a day for them. Some yrs later, our city became the first N Amer city to have an openly gay mayor. I wish that our Christians had all just prayed. Many later did & he was defeated. But, crime & immorality has vastly increased in our city since then.
Let us PRAY without ceasing. Faith43.
Amen! As followers of Jesus Christ , our commission is to ” go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Any thing that draws us from this is a distraction to take our eyes off Jesus and put them on ourselves. Jesus is the answer to all the worlds problems ,which begins first in us, with repentance and then obedience to His word. .
Like Abraham, I am looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Heb. 11: 10.
America Third, after God and Family.
Andrew. In your questioning of Patriotism – - – I think it would have been somewhat better – - had you more clearly qualified what you were saying.
To me – - – God is the Author and the Finisher of our faith, but – - he GIVES us things, such as Family and Country, and perhaps even prosperity (such as it is).
And all of these gifts God gives us, are UNDER him, and his authority – - – - but – - they are OUR Gifts non-the-less, so – - we are to protect and water and feed and work for these things that God has given us.
In a sense – - one can compare Love of Family, with Patriotism. Both are Under God, and both are to be nourished.
So when you QUESTION Patriotism, you just as well also QUESTION Love of Family – - or question a woman’s love for her children. All of these would be bound to stir the people up. But then, that is probably what you are trying to do?
Bert
Bert
Bert – Actually I was not questioning Patriotism as such.
I was questioning what happens when it becomes mixed in with Christianity, so that people feel when the are fighting for the USA they are actually fighting for “Jesus”. They literally feel this.
I think there has been a massive confusion between the nation and the kingdom of God – which are totally different things – but many act like the USA is “God’s kingdom” to fight for.
This leads to masses of confusion and distortion about what we are actually supposed to be doing here. EVERYTHING becomes kind of twisted – and people become aggressive, hateful and nasty fighting for their “rights”. But they do it in God’s name.
-Andrew
Dear Andrew,
Let me first and foremost say this: PATRIOTISM IS NOT A CHRISTIAN SPIRIT! Confessing to be a disciple ( a learner and follower ) of Christ and at the same time continue to pledge allegiance to an earthly nation no matter what nation that is, is idolatry. Every nation on this earth is a fallen and sinful nation. A true disciple of Christ dare not to attach itself to any of it. We have been bought with a price, remember?? I read in a lot of the comments peoples thoughts and opinion. This is another error; on the fundamental truth’s of GODS WORD, we are not allowed to have an opinion. Psalm 119:160 says: The sum of thy word is truth, in John 17:17 Jesus prays to the Father: sanctify them in thy truth; THY WORD IS TRUTH. These are just two of many exhortation concerning what is truth for the believer. Opinions will lead to error and confusion.
Without a doubt, we have enough of that.
Whether one likes it or not, America is no different than any other country on this earth.
In the Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1-44) God reveals something important, verse 8 says; When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.
God separated the children of men in the days of Peleg geographically and demographically, he also set the bounds ( borders ) of it. Now lets fast-forward to Acts 17:26, Paul is explaining just that to the men in Athens, verse 26; and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed seasons and the bounds of their habitation; 27 that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us; 28 for in HIM we live , and move and have our being…..
Every true born-again believer has his life in HIM and not in a country of this earth, since they are seasonal anyway according to Acts 17:26. We are here for one reason, to honor and glorify our GOD and FATHER through JESUS CHRIST and not to idolize a nation and its ideologies. The Idolatry of America is already written in the declaration of independence, “ the pursuit of happiness”. Happiness is not an object of a pursuit, it’s a consequence of something else, namely , living rightly related onto GOD and in that true happiness will be the result of. If I pursue happiness without living onto God, I’m in idolatry. Remember, an Idol is anything I put between me and God. An idolatrous person will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Let’s face it, every nation on earth has patriotism, America has not invented that. The people in IRAN, SWEDEN, ICELAND you name it, all have patriotism. Just because we print “ IN GOD we TRUST “ on our money makes not one iota of a difference. The people of God need to repent of this idolatry. Do you want to see an examples in recent history of gross idolatry, look at Germany! Our Kingdom is NOT of this World. We all have to come before the judgment seat at the end of our time here on earth, do you honestly believe America has its own section, because it declares itself to be a Christian Nation?? This country hides in a Disneyworld Theology, it will take a mighty shaking to break loose from it and for God’s TRUE Church to rise.
( Scripture quoted from the ASV Bible)
The problem with the entire world is spiritual. And therefore isn’t just an american problem at all, but a world wide problem.
As for being involved in coming against the evils in this world, which does involve politics, and always will, until the end, when God does take over in that area again, I see nothing wrong with people becoming involved in this, no more than I see someone taking the time to eat or sleep. As it is politics that the spirit of antichrist ends up taking over the world, before the return of Jesus Christ. But if it interferes with your praying, and sharing Jesus Christ with anyone at any time, then yes, then it is wrong. But if even going to church would interfere with either of those things, then your insisting upon going there would be wrong too. I believe in balance in all things. Believing in this because I believe God hates and uneven balance just as it says he does in Pr. 11:1. So stay balanced in even this subject as well. And if you begin to get unbalanced, then make the adjustment to become balanced again. As politics are a part of life. Just as eating and sleeping and all the other things are we do as well. Meaning be involved, if you feel led to do so, but not to the point where you do not take care of the spiritual things of God first. Meaning keep a balance, not allowing this word to get you to stop doing anything at all either. Or if you are doing to much, repent, and stop doing this also, taking care of the things you are neglecting to do then as well. But just keep a balance about even this issue too. Not that the writer of these issues are saying not to do so either. I am just saying that is what I truly believe we need to do. As the world is going to be here until Jesus does return to take over. Meaning so is the problem with politics going to exist until then as well, Most likely getting worse as time does go by. My prayer for all believers is that they do what God is telling them to do period, no matter what it is.
This is all about our identity. National identity is subordinate to our identity in Christ. In fact it is not that relevant. We do not belong to this world, we are part of a new kingdom. A have a new nationality, we are part of a new mankind. We have different values, ideas, thoughts and works.
Christ unites. Our worldly nationalities divide. In Christ there is no division. Therefore we must act as ONE.
Gal 3:28
There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is NEITHER bond nor free, there is NEITHER male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
1 Co 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into ONE BODY, whether we be JEWS OR GENTILES, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Good thoughts, Emanuel.
Andrew:
I certainly agree that Christians can go overboard on patriotism as much as anyone else. I also agree that it is the Lord Jesus who holds the answers for this nation I live in. May He be merciful when we need mercy the most!
However…I disagree with assigning blame to “talk radio and Fox News”. Sometimes the high ratings are due to Fox reporting accurately breaking news stories that others don’t. Also, there are commentators I enjoy listening to on Fox as there are some at that station who opening share their faith in Jesus and that Jesus is our only hope.
The “tea parties” are not Christian organizations – they are protestors that contain Christian and non-Christian participants. It is situations such as that which can lead us astray as we assign Christianity to that which is not.
Prayer for our country is a VERY GOOD thing to do! Absolutely!
And there are times when, like John the Baptist did regarding Herod’s sin, we need to say the truth.
There are times when, like Jesus, we do need to take action, such as speaking up against wrongdoing. (or voting, or even taking food to someone in need)
I believe this is why many prophets do not speak up. They may be misunderstood when sharing that which the Lord tells them to speak. No, talk radio and Fox News are not prophetic organizations. (smile)
We need to use the discernment the Lord gives us and the guidance He gives us to know that which He wants us to know, to do, and to pray.
Amen! There is only one problem in our country that needs to be dealt with — LACK OF REPENTANCE! Until we (as individuals) take the action commanded in II Chronicles 7:14, all other actions and words are merely chaff.
The fact so many people in the USA get so annoyed when you question their nationalism is surely a sign of just how great a form of idolatry it is to many of them?
After reading your post Distractions Distractions, I didn’t quiet understand why there was ever an issue in the first place.
2 Tim 4:2 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.
Jean 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
John 6:15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
John 7:4-5 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
Why do these Christian activists act like THEY DO NOT BELIEVE IN JESUS?
Matt 26:52,53,55-56 Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Vs 55At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. 56But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Jesus sat in the temple court and taught about his Kingdom not lead a rebellion (NOT LEAD AN ACTIVIST CAMPAIGN)
By the time Jesus was no longer physically with his disciples here on earth they had learnt to pray and consult Christ their King and not draw swords & clubs Acts 4:23-31 and God released his power. The kingdom of God is not about talk; parading before political personnel/s 1 Cor 4:20; 15:50
John 7:4; Luke 23:14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him”. What would little Christs be charged with today inciting an activist campaign or teaching about the kingdom of God?
What Christ the King expects from us: Luke 9:2 and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Luke 12:13; Jesus refuses to be drawn into civil matters, IMITATE HIM.
Jesus sends us out to preach his kingdom as He did and his disciples and not to become activists (Luke 8:1, Acts 1:6; 19:8; 28:31)
2 Kings 1:16 He told the king, “This is what the LORD says: Is it because there is no God in Israel for you to consult that you have sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron? Because you have done this, you will never leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!”
Is it because you NO LONGER HAVE CHRIST AS A KING that you consult the kings and rulers of this earth who have NO REGARD FOR GOD ; consulting these human political rulers is like consulting Baal ; diviners ; mediums ; idols etc
Prov 8:13-17
13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. 19 My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
The question is are these activists campaign to rulers who rule by God and even if they ruled by God is it right to consult any human for ANSERS? Prov 1:22-33, Prov 2, Prov 8. BFAUGERE
Your article is the truth. Thank you. Everyday I come home i turn on Glenn Beck, and it gets me madder and madder. I have become obsessed on what the politicians are doing to this country. It also fills me with fear. I am ashamed of myself….Thank you for the articles you send, i always enjoy them. please keep speaking the truth.
Brother Andrew, I thank you for bringing correction to many who are drowing (that’s what happens when we go overboard) in a sea of political rhetoric.
When I think of Fox news and their stirring up the Christians, I first wonder why we seen to believe what they say is the truth without question. I’ve heard so many say they present the truth that no one else presents, but IS IT the truth? As for me, I’ve found many things they say are NOT true. Do we accept it because we believe they are Christians? We all need to be Berean.
I Cor. 6:12 says “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” We can and should apply that to political things.
May we always follow the humble servant, Jesus Christ who was not, isn’t, and never will be a USA political activist! Yes, repentance followed by whole hearted devotion to the cause of Christ, daily doing His will, is the answer. And may it begin with me.
I know that this comment is not going to be popular, but that’s OK. If it doesn’t line up with scripture, that is one thing, but if it simply is not politically correct, or does not line up with your liberal theology, that is all together different.
This is what caused the decline of America. They stopped preaching from the pulpits years ago. No warnings, no exortations. Paul said the time would come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but heap to themselves teachers, teaching what they want to hear.
We live in an effeminate society now, & the church has moved right along with it. Where are the strong men in the church? Where are the leaders in the home? The Bible forbids woman to be leaders, teachers, or hold an office in the church, but the “Christians” have moved right in step with the world. If this gets you angry, then you are the one who needs to repent. We are all to blame, everyone of us. The Christian men today (for the most part, not all) are a bunch of passive woman-dominated sissies, that need to step up to the plate & be responsible, & accountable. God is not considered supreme anymore, & the husband/ dad has all but lost all his authority in the home. And last but not least, instead of worshipping the Creator of the universe, The one with eyes of flames, and a sword in His mouth, they have created “another Jesus” who is some effeminate figment of their vain imaginations.
We need to get back to sound doctrine, & strong preaching, and get away from all the emotionalism.
The wolves have crept in, & scattered the flock (Acts 20.29) (that is why you all are scattered now) and the effeminate, cowardly hirelings have allowed it, instead of being stong leaders. Go into any church, before service, during football season, and listen to what these ungodly reprobates are talking about.
If we start talking about what the Bible really teaches, about real New Testament living, & godliness, & holiness, this would be a foreign language to America’ s congregations. Why is anyone preaching about diligence, perseverence, or excellence in everything we do? Because this would be too dry & boring for the entertainment addicts that call themselves Christians today.
Hi,
I would have to agree with Andrew on this subject, america is indeed in great trouble…patriotism is indeed a serious danger and a serious distraction in a sence…people may love their country more then they love God, is this right? obviously not it would seem that patriotism has over grown the peoples love for God..
it doesnt matter what government label you wear – left wing, right wing.. conservitive what ever…who cares .. is one group better then the next….
only God can heal a nation such as America, no man or government which is focused on its pride, agenda or view can do anything..
With out God first the nation is abit like a chichen shed… you ran up and down the side of the shed with a stick… all the chickens jump and squark and ruffel a few feathers… but soon they are back to pecking at the ground again…
so whats changed…
Excellent comment Andrew. The kingdom of God is NOT of this world. We should be about the business of the Gospel sharing the Love of God with a lost and dying world. Many “christians” expect a higher standard from politicians than they do within churches themselves. Infractions of the moral code by church leaders are covered up but every perceived error by politicians is shouted from the rooftop. I have even been vilified for daring to insist that God has given us His Word (The Bible) as the SOLE basis of our faith and morality and I know many others have also at this time when people are erroneously considering that unity with every body is somehow more important the the TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD.
What is the Bible definition of love? “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (I John 5:3). That is beautiful! Similarly, Paul is saying that, if we really believe in the right things and the right Person (that is, have faith), then it will produce the keeping of the commandments.
The evidence of our faith, then, is in whether or not we keep His commandments. John tells us that the basis of love is commandment-keeping. It is not the whole picture, because emotion, feeling, is also tied to it, but we have to begin somewhere, and the bottom line is keeping the commandments.
Another statement that proves that Paul was not doing away with law keeping comes right from this context. The word “Spirit” reflects on a subject he dealt with earlier. The enemy—Judaistic Gnostics—believed that their calling and election by God came because they had the law and kept it. But Paul is saying, “No. We are drawn to God by His Spirit,” which is what Jesus says in John 6:44.
Also, truth is revealed by God’s Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10-16; John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13), so our calling has nothing to do with our works. Romans 9:16 tells us that it is not of him who wills or of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Thus, we are in this position because God, by His Spirit, has drawn us. He, by His Spirit, has revealed Himself, His Word, and the purpose of life to us. Our calling and election are completely a work of grace. At the point of our calling, law-keeping has nothing to do with it, but comes into play later when our faith works through love.
The true church has left the building and the political scene. She is waging warfare everyday on things that matter- souls.
Amen Andrew. Keep speaking truth, someone will hear it.
I thought you were pretty nice about it. :-)
Hello Andrew,
Getting back to you, again.
The Israelis gave up Jesus, largely speaking, to gain Political points. Gave up the Messiah, the King of Kings, to gain with the Kings of this world.
We are in agreement, I would expect – thus far.
So. What is Patriotism in America to us? Those Christians who are here?
You say now, that Christ is NOT of America? This is NOT or (this is a bit trickier, so be careful) – - CAN NOT become a Christian nation?
To me, this is the crux of the matter. It definitely ties in with OUR expectations.
Some, are of the mind – - that the AC ends up ruling the entire world… so – - if this is to be true, then – - – yes, building up America – - is somewhat self-defeating.
Yet – - “I” am of the mind, that America truly IS blessed of God, and it WILL become a Christian NATION under God… and will be the harbor to which the Jewish people flee – - when the AC attacks THEIR land.
So it comes down to one’s eschatology.
If you expect a rapture tomorrow – - – then – - – you probably ought to drag out your harp, and start practicing.
But if you expect – - – that America will go through some troubles, and we will LOSE our money lenders – - and we will turn into a Philadelphia Church – - then, you best set down your harp, and gather with your neighbors, and try to get some honest folks into politics.
And you think this is MIS-placed Patriotism? Ha. Defeated, you are?
Bert
AMEN!!!!! You can be either American (or any other nationality) or Christian, but You Can’t Be BOTH!!! Please don’t refer me to the Old Testament for your theology. Search the scriptures, for they are they which testify of me (Jesus). There’s never the slightest hint from Jesus or any of the Apostles to direct someone towards involvement in the kingdoms of this world, a.k.a. political activism. Rather they were so consumed w/ the Kingdom of God somehow they never got around to lesser things!
Political Activism = Compromised Christianity
- Justin
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”
If people of God should refrain from politics, why did God raise up Joseph? Why did God raise up Daniel?
Christians in the United States need to understand that God called them to be part of our government, to guide it, and to guide this country for His glory. Read about the Founding Fathers. Read our Founding Documents.
When we simply say, “We need to pray”, that is faith without works. God called us in this country to be part of the political process.
Why are so many of us so ready to curse a country that was dedicated to Him? Why are we so willing to not be involved with the country He so greatly and obviously blessed?
Amen Andrew, preach it brother!
Hi everybody—I believe Andrew is right-for years i have wondered why the church has been so involved in the world’s answer to everything-throw out the old and bring in the new which will be old again in a few months and everyone will be looking for a “new” new-it’s a bad cycle with no end because it is the arm of the flesh for sure-i do not think christians should even say the pledge of alliance to the usa and i don’t because the new testament clearly states we are not to swear an oath to anything or one. We do not belong to this world no matter what country we live-a lot of this thinking comes from the wrong doctrine of dominion.
Very well stated, Andrew! Thank you for this.
I have three questions to all of you.? one. What is your idea of a Christian nation what does it consist of or look like .? two. Who does the word of God say is the god of this world is ? three. When were truly born again what do we inherit. Finely I believe there is only one christian nation on earth and that is to be the elect church of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ, remember we are in this world but not of it amen! read john:18:36. Endure to the end that no man take your crown.
AMEN and AMEN! I praise God for the wisdom and revelation the Lord has given you regarding these circumstances!
Lord help us to FULLY relinquish “self” to You! Cleanse us of all unrighteousness and make us ready instruments to do Your will!
Blessings to you all in the name of Jesus!
I am interested in God and His plan. I don’t watch TV. It pollutes my house. I smile when I read ‘patriotic’ comments on how great America is. I think it is a cess pool, and Canada isn’t far behind. American politics and business have run America for over 100 years, lying all the way. They do not represent the people, but are manipulating everything to destroy them. They build prisons for people who ‘might’ be bad, but I think they will put the poor and helpless in them and gas them all to reduce the population so America will consist of ‘proper paying citizens’.
As to religion, it is also dead, a cess pool of dry bones and false teachings and doctrines. When Overcomers are manifested, they will be sent forth to clean up the mess, and not with ‘dettol’ spray, but with the HOly Spirit and POWER. All systems will fall. All man-made plans will be dashed, crumbled. All man-made religions will be dust and be blown away by the winds of God.
God’s Kingdom is coming shortly, and overcomers will rule and reign under the headship of Christ. The mighty men of the world’s disbelievers will fall on their faces like Goliath, with a hole in their heads.
I find it interesting that people from the USA want to snarl at Andrew because of his stand on the state of America and American Christians. They are insulted and angry that a man who is not even a citizen of the nation should dare to say such things.
Why?
Because it is the truth and they don’t like it. It pops the bubble of their belief and pokes them right in their tender spot.
But truth is truth, no matter who says it. Andrew Strom is not anti-American for telling the truth about American Christians any more than I would be anti-semitic for telling the truth about the Jews or racist for telling the truth about blacks.
Jesus said “And you will know the TRUTH and the TRUTH will set you free” – but it just might get you really angry first.
AMEN AND AMEN! Grant…….. Our citizenship is in heaven, a spiritual kingdom, not yet made manifest to the world. The veil still remains.
Hallelujah!!!,You beauty,praise God,excellent Mate,please excuse my Aussie slang but oh what excitement in seeing what you wrote here Andrew regards [distractions].How we all need to take this on board and be very discerning on how the enemy wills to whip us into a frenzy regards politics in and out of the church so that we are neutralised and not available to be used for the Lord in any form or way.Or for those who fully engage themselves in politics,arguments etc,etc,do they then justify themselves because they wave the christian banner?Resembles works without faith![read book of James]Being involved in the futile things of this world only serves to replace Gods love in us with bitterness,judgement,criticism & hardness of heart!Brothers and sisters remove yourselves from Satans trickery and pray to our Father in Heaven for forgiveness and his unfailing LOVE,to be empowered by his spirit and be the light in a fallen world.Only then can we fulfill the great commission.Repent and change our worldly ways,seek after Gods own heart,worship,journal and pray in that secret place daily and watch the enemy flee from our lives.LOVE the UNLOVED.
I’m glad that Andrew and others like him, bring the Light of God into the realm of this dark earth. We forget that man loves darkness, more than the Light. The Light (Truth, Jesus, etc.) makes the unfinished part take cover, like 1st Adam did in the garden. Someone needs to “go tell it on the mountain.” So many sure can’t tell it from the pulpit.
“Suffer hardship with us as a good soldier of Yehoshua Messiah. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in the affairs of this life, in order to please only Him Who inlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Tomothy 2:3,4
Hi Andrew… great article.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned.
As a non-American (Heaven forbid, is that even allowable?) I am a little confused by American patriotism. You see, I receive satellite TV here in Australia and on that TV I get Christian programs… 90+% of which originate from America. Much of the preaching is good… but some of it is really quite questionable.
Many years ago, I was advised that America was in debt to the tune of trillions of dollars – but America would not admit or acknowledge their debt, so, by and large, America lied or gave false and/or misleading evidence to the rest of the world. The truth has now come out (and the average American in the street has been blamed for a debt he/she did not create). This mountain of debt has impacted the rest of the world.
All the time that this misleading was going on, America continued to espouse its “We are the greatest country on earth” verbal rant. Now that America has finally admitted its trillions and trillions of dollars of debt, it STILL continues to rant its “WE ARE THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH” at the rest of the world. Why?
America IS a great country and God HAS blessed that nation… but it has slipped somewhat in its spiritual ‘greatness’ and can no longer rant and rave at the rest of the world as if other countries are of lesser importance… even (or especially) when it comes to spiritual matters.
Is pride an issue in this thing called ‘patriotism’? Has pride played a part in bringing this once great country down, and have some people stepped over into ‘fanatical patriotism’? By all means be patriotic… but call pride for what it is… PRIDE! Perhaps the slogan ‘AMERICA THE BOASTFUL AND THE PROUD’ would be more fitting!
Are we (true Christian believers all purchased with the blood of Christ) not all brothers and sisters of the Kingdom of Heaven, and not of the kingdom of America? Is the God of Heaven (our Father in Heaven) not the Father of us all… or is there a special section for Americans and a lesser place for those of us from the rest of the world? It would surely seem that way!
How can America still be so proud and so bold as to make this claim “We are the greatest country on earth”?
The rest of the world sees America as the country which intentionally and deliberately mislead the rest of the world for so long, led the rest of the world into the greatest world recession ever known, takes pot-shots at any country it chooses, sacrifices its own young people in wars that these young people never wanted, sacrifices millions of babies each year (in the name of abortion) and manipulates socialistic laws through its Congress which will eventually effect every citizen on the face of this planet… no matter where they live (to name just a few).
We all know that Israel is God’s chosen country and His people are His CHOSEN people. I do not hear these people ranting and raving at the rest of the world that they are “God’s chosen people” and making the rest of the world feel as if they are lesser beings. If anyone had a ‘right’, so to speak, to rant and rave, then surely Israel would have that right. But instead, I hear them going about their way in a less confronting manner and with much less of a ‘superior and boastful attitude’.
If the rest of the world is to look up to America (as the American preachers preach from their pulpits and fanatical American patriots preach from the streets) then why has America (the SO great) fallen from its pedestal? Or was that pedestal man made?
Yes, America IS a great country and has done many great things for the free world… that’s why there is a free world and we are grateful to America for that… BUT America has lost its way spiritually, and like so many countries (Australia included) we all need to fall on our knees and ask for God’s forgiveness… or does America see itself as being above that? It would seem so!
Surely God said in 2 Chron 7:14, “If My people who are called by My name will HUMBLE themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land…”
Does that refer to and include America as well, or is “The greatest country on earth” exempt from God’s cry for repentance?
As one person said earlier… God is looking for an INWARD turning away from sin… not for a continuation of the same arrogance!
I challenge America to stand up to its boastful, loud and proud call of being the greatest country on earth, and to lead the way in being humble and turning from its wicked ways, to set the standard in seeking the face of God and lead the rest of the world in true, heart-felt repentance.
Perhaps when America comes down from from its self imposed pedestal, stops ranting at the rest of the world, and LEADS by way of example… then and only then will the rest of the world take a good hard look at what America is claiming.
No! I do not hate America! What I do not like, is pride, arrogance and boastfulness. Are these things not opposite to the fruit of the Spirit?
Either put your money where your mouth is America – or stop making such an arrogant and boastful claim!
Andrew, You hit the nail on the head.
It’s not a flesh and blood battle, it’s spiritual warfare.
God has given us everything we need to do spiritual warfare.
He told us to cast our cares on Him because He cares.
The cares of this life are not ours, they are His.
God said vengence is mine.
We spend to much time trying to handle God’s business.
We need to pray, come against darkness, make no place for the devil, and take our thoughts captive.
The thing is, the devil is the biggest tricker there ever was.
If we’re in line with God’s Word, we can take care of the spiritual then God will take care of the physical.
My wife and I have finally figured it out, if we follow God’s plan, it works.
Lord, help us to see the truth that will set us free.
Amen Amen Bless All
Silly me, here I go again attempting to bring a little sanity here! Let me first explain the difference between politics and left or right, conservative or liberal. You claim that we Christians should not get involved in politics and for the most part, outside of voting, I never do! However, where you are confusing the two is this; politics is related to doing what ever you must to get your party elected into government power, your party’s ideology may well be left or right, conservative or liberal or a combination of the two, but don’t confuse the issue of politics with ideology, that would be ideas. If you believe that we as proclaiming Christians should shrink from ideas, then you are not reading the same Bible I am, nor are you serving the same God of Truth and Wisdom, where all godly ideas originate. As an earlier person pointed out, much of what you say about this carefully selected question, curious indeed, has everything to do with your position of end time eschatology, that is obviously true. Most of the people on this forum believe that America is Babylon, so no wonder such a question is being selectively brought forward! While I don’t believe we should put our trust in government, but fully trust the Lord as our refuge, I must admit that I question your motives in this. On an earlier post, it was not well received when I accused some of being left wingers, on this forum, Andrew claims he is a conservative and says that there are no left wingers here, I think that depends how you define those terms, for me the debate is not about POLITICS , obtaining government power, but about Ideas, which can be defined for our purposes here, conservative or liberal. I find it interesting while people here speak against political involvement, in favor of prayer and being led by the Spirit, I seem to keep getting ideology from some that I can clearly recognize as liberal or left ideology. These people speak with no apparent opposition from anyone here to any great extend, let me give a few examples; I read an earlier post extolling the virtues of “Social Justice”, this is a “wonderful” socialist, communist Marxist idea of the left. I heard another claim that concern for abortion should be put on the same plain with free health care, leftist agenda! I heard another extolling the virtues of distribution of wealth to the poor by the government, left ideology. So for you to claim that there is no leftist ideology here doesn’t ring true to me. Who loves the doctrine of America is Babylon, hate America first? The leftist does, that is until they conform it into their own image and re-write history to erase from our minds the truth of it’s founding! You are attempting to say, as I see it, conservatives are to into God and country, patriotism, while at the same time defeating the notion that this is a Christian nation by pointing out the wickedness out of Hollywood, and America’s culture that has become corrupt. The corruption in our society is not that people hold to a conservative ideology, like the founders, for the most part, it is because they have departed from godliness, the ideas that I would define as conservativism, for lack of a better term. Since progressives – leftists have taken over what was originally America, that means America is not what it was anymore – which America is Babylon? George Washington’s America or Barack Obama’s America? Politics and ideology are two separate issues, and Christians who abandon ideology are fools!
Robert Begnaud
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!
Well said Andrew. It is true.
Yes the Lord has been putting this on my heart about distractions actually more about lukewarmness for the things of God. People get so wrapped up in the natural things that they forget that we are fighting spirtual battles and must do that from a spirtual viewpoint. Lets worship Jesus Christ in Spirit and in Truth. and Lets pray for Godly Wisdom. and most of all lets give praise and adoration to King Jesus. The Everlasting King who rules from the Holy Hill of Zion. Yes the Trumpet of Zion has ben blown and the Glory Clouds are forming.
I think this is an excellent comment Andrew and LONG overdue.
This message is a DISTRACTION. It only scratches the surface and does not deal with the children’s REAL SINS.
What the messages on here should be doing is telling the people that their sins and their cares are not preparing them for what is to come. And MANY will not be ready, nor will they be used by the Lord in the coming hour because they are too busy worrying about their opinions instead of coming to Him and learning of Him.
The hour is late and still people are worrying instead of coming to the Lord and learning of Him.
Your opinions WILL NOT save you in the day of trouble.
Patriotism is but one SYMPTOM of a much bigger problem, and that is the issue of the conditions of people’s hearts.
Brother Strom; Set your face like adamant flint as you dispense God’s truths. Look neither to the left nor the right at distracting influences. And call to remembrance that Holy One of the LORD of hosts whom Joshua encountered and asked, “Are you for us or our adversaries?” And He said, “Nay; but as Captain of the host of the LORD am I now come.” That, Brother Strom, is the stance we Christians ought to take concerning the issues which plague the land which is defiled. God bless you.
Amen to Heidi 144. Yes the spirit of patriotism/nationalism is rampant in the church, but it is only a ymptom a far deeper malady.
2ti 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
As Leonard Ravenhill quipped “If you were accused of practicing Christianity, would there be enough evidence to convict you??”
The real issue is most “born again believers” need to be born again. They worship an American Jesus, not the living Son of Yahweh.
Repent of all worldliness and carnality. The time is very short.
Hisservant rich
Amen, brother, preach it!
The problem with most American Christians as it relates to politics…is they falsely believe that America was founded on Christian principles by strong Christians. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. America was founded and declarations and constitutions written by practicing FREEMASONS who took dictates from the extremely occult Lodges of London and Paris. George Washington had “little time” form the bible can not be traced to any church, and when inaugarated chose his FREEMASONS regalia for the event. Thomas Jefferson denounced the God of the bible, and Benjamin Franklin practiced the occult arts as was prevelant at the HELLFIRE CLUB, and the highly occult Grand Orient Lodges in Paris and London. This is where true magic was practiced and where the dictates and origines of THE NEW WORLD ORDER came out of. Franklin was on strict orders from The high ranking masons from the lodge in Europe on exactly what should be present in the constitution and the declaration. To this day if you compare the FREEMASON lodge constitution to Americas there are whole paragraphs identical.
It goes on and on. America was smitten with witchcraft and spiritualism, and the occult from the start.
We have been told we are a Christian nation and yes through the sincerity of the puritans and poilgrams there was a great foundation of strong believers in America. But most churches have trended towards politics believing we must get back to what the “Founders” believed…really? Do you want to get back to an orgy infested occult practicing HELLFIRE CLUB America? Or just bring Freemasonry OUT OF THE SHADOWS to complete their foray into the NEW WORLD ORDER?
Americans have been duped by Hollywood…and can not see that they have been taken over, and that there was a nefarious plan over America FROM THE BEGINNING.
It is all about Jesus. Jesus spoke ONLY of a Kingdom NOT OF THIS WORLD. He never preached a jingoistic message of national pride for Israel…(which is a whole nother problem with judiazing American Evangelicals.)
i agree america’s start was far from true faith in God- the founding fathers were not all christians-research their lives and their fruit becomes in question-God used the opportunity to futher the gospel-he will do that when he finds anyone willing to stand up and declare His word-the kingdoms of this world ARE YET TO BECOME the kingdoms of our LORD-it’s in the furture-after Christ returns-not before!
Hi ANdrew:
Very very good observation of the church in America. Many don’t want to hear it or can’t hear it. Some don’t want to hear that they are being lead astray and distracted, and some can’t hear because they really aren’t christians born of the spirit, just in name only. The thing that this reminds me of is when Israel wanted freedom from Roman oppression when Jesus came and they thought He would set up His kingdom then. Many, many jews, including Judas wanted Jesus to take over and set up His kingdom, but they didn’t understand what His kingdom was about. He said it was not of this world. He didn’t want His followers to try to bring in His kingdom by political force, that is one of the reasons why he said to Peter after he chopped off the soldier’s ear that this was not the way. Not with force but by the Spirit. People don’t understand the Lord’s plan or His timing in regard to His purposes with the church or Israel and that is why there is so much confusion in the professed christian church, especially in today’s America. We will not bring in the Kingdom in any fashion. We are to be filled and lead by His Spirit to bring in the lost souls for the kingdom and when that number is reached, He will come for us to bring us to heaven to the marriage supper of the lamb. After the church is wedded and given our roles and responsibilities for the kingdom, we will come back to earth with Him to bring the kingdom in on earth. Israel will be His capital and He will reign from there and we will reign with Him. The biggest problem with America’s church is that many in it are not truely saved or they are consumed with their own little kingdoms (lives and problems) that they don’t understand the scriptures and where we are in time and what our role is to be. Also, most are asleep and this is the endtime and the Lord said it would be this way exactly, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to us that this is actually happening. I think we should be praying for revival in the hearts of every person on earth so that they might be saved, but not just so this earth can be a better place, but so that everyone possible will ready when the Lord comes to get us. We know that this earth will never be a better place until He sets up His kingdom and that is what we yearn for….the salvation of many souls to fill His kingdom. Amen!
I strongly agree, the world now is like a big buffet, we cant have it all and we cant do it all. We need to make some mature decisions as to what we are going to allow into our lives and what we are going to allocate our precious time to.I felt led to ask people in a prayer group last night to ask themselves to evaluate what was the source of the renewing of the mind.Is it TV or The Bible? In many cases if a person evaluates honestly how much time they spend in The Word VS time watching TV, it will give one an idea how much of a follower of Christ they are.
Dear Brother Andrew:
Thank you for your faithfulness in declaring the Word of God as it really is.
You, like some of us, are experiencing the wrath of Christians regarding the things surrounding their “Christianity”. T. Austin Sparks has a teaching that hits this on the mark, and is a terrific Biblical response to those who malign your name, and the names of others who seek to speak clear Scriptural truth today. May our self-focus, and our focus on institutions, whether church-related or political, be obliterated in the light and glory of Christ Himself.
http://narrowgatepub.blogspot.com
Title: WHEN THE CHRISTIAN THING BECOMES AN IDOL
A. Brother
Gary Bixler
Wow, talking about distractions. I was just sitting here realizing how long I’ve been spending on these comment pages. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against them. However, as good as they are, they can also become a distraction. Wanting to read the opinions of others and share your own can become very time consuming, just like politics. I think we need to be careful that something good like this does not become a distraction as well.
Hi Andrew u always hit the message on the spot, the spirit of the lord is indeed on u , this problem is not just in america but throughout the world the devil is distracting christians who are spiritually blind, it is as if they dont have work to do at all, compromising with the world. The one who is spiritually aware, will not get distracted very easily.
Hello JimmieKrackKorn,
I fully agree – - – that the America or United States of America – - was fully formed by – - – Free Masons – - in compromise with other Christians. Of course – - – it took time to form this nation, so we have rags of all kinds of things attached to this nation, including communism and Slavery and rebellion/etc..
But while this may appear to be a HORRIBLE heritage – - as we all are descended from Adam, we all would have somewhat flawed Governments filled with sinners.
This FACT however, does not tell us – - where we are going.
Even as – - God at times – - – shut his eyes to the Evil of the Jewish land – - – - – even so – - he could turn around and bless it later.
America – - is beautiful. The Land, and the Common People that are typically despised by many of the leaders – - – can be blessed again.
Bert
Andrew,
Step back for a moment and look at both your articles. Your intent was to discuss the “distractions” of politics. This has nothing to do with patriotism, that’s why the controversy errupted and justifiably so. There is a huge difference between patriotism and politics.
I understand your point on both articles, but you brought the controversy on yourself as a writer. The beautiful thing is that the backlash caused you to focus and articulate more to the point..flesh and politics.
Brian
Brother Andrew,
I agree with you 100 percent!! I receive daily more political nonsense in my email account than I do prayer requests, devotionals, and words of encouragement! Most of what I receive, the underlining spirit is hatred towards one party or another. Meanwhile, countless of souls are being lost while Christians debate and argue over who is right or wrong where politics are concern. I just feel personally we are wasting precious time with such foolishness. The government cannot heal/correct/change etc. the state of the world ONLY God can do this! What is happening in the world today is inevitable and clearly prophesied in the word, and we certainly cannot change bible prophesy. I just feel many more need to get into the WORD and pull away from worldly issues. We cannot change it so why argue and debate over it, JUST PRAY and leave ALL in the hands of The Father. HE will bring to light all that is hidden in darkness and HE will correct all wrong in HIS timing! HE is in control, not man. I look towards my Lord and trust him for the help I need, not man. Man is limited, but the Lord is limitless!
God bless you my brother!
WARNING: TOUGH PILL TO SWALLOW. THIS IS A REALITY CHECK. IF YOU LIKE LIVING IN A FRANK CAPRA WORLD OF APPLE PIE AND THE AMERICAN FLAG….DO NOT READ! REPEAT. DO NOT READ!
I do believe in the 2 Chron 7:14 prayer. It is obviously a predecessor of our sinners prayer today. Here is what I think.
In 2 Chron 20:4 after Jehoshaphat heard Judah was coming under attack he decided to inquire of the Lord. 20:4 says,”The people of Judah came together to seek the Lord. indeed they CAME FROM EVERY TOWN IN JUDAH TO SEEK HIM. Again in 20:13 it says,” ALL (that is ALL!) the men of Judah AND their WIVES, and children and little ones STOOD THEIR BEFORE THE LORD. Of course they were delivered in one of the best displays of God hearing…. a truthful, and seeking people and yielding to their pleas…in all the bible.
So when they prayed for repentance or for inquiry in a time of crisis as was happening to Judah at this time under attack by not 1, not 2, but by 3 armies….each army many times larger then theirs….when they sought the Lord…. EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY CAME OUT. Not 5-10% from A FEW CHURCHES IN A FEW TOWNS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Again after Jonah’s warning in Nineveh…. with an equally serious crisis looming…it says in Jonah 3:7 the King upon hearing the prophet said, “Do not let ANY man or beast , herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink….let them give up their evil ways and violence. …THEN in 3:10 When God saw what they did and how they TURNED FROM THEIR EVIL WAYS HE HAD COMPASSION AND DID NOT BRING UPON THEM THE DESTRUCTION HE HAD THREATENED. Again it was EVERYBODY!
So in both instances…when faced with a looming crisis…the doomed people SOUGHT the LORD but the key is this:….EVERY SINGLE PERSON, MAN, WOMAN, and CHILD came out…and they did in fact TURN FROM THEIR EVIL WAYS AND THEIR VIOLENCE and God spared them.
In both instances….it took every single person to repent….. before God saved them from judgment.
Unfortunately AMERICA LOVES SIN! America embraces Homosexuality…it CELEBRATES abortion….it is entertain by witchcraft and the occult on TV and in the Movies…The Vampire series Twilight latest movie “Eclipse” came out #1 at the box-office this week. Even our Christian Churches celebrate occultism and fake doctrine through the ritual loving Gnostic foundation- Word of Faith Movement and Dominionism…and I have recently come to believe that through our military involvement overseas we are killing innocent people around the world in the name of democracy and freedom…when those “fruits” are not manifesting in those areas…… and we can not share Christianity…as to not offend the locals.
Now since the Bilderbergs this June 2010 meetings….apparently gave the green light for Iran to be attacked….suddenly WE/America…. have 3 aircraft carriers groups floating off the coast of Iran TODAY July 5th 2010 waiting for…..??? Why us? What did Iran do to us? I know that have a mouthy little president who hates Israel…but we ARE NOT ISRAEL….First…. Israel DOES NOT NEED OUR HELP…they could defeat Iran quicker and more efficiently then we can because they do not adhere to a liberal congress and media and let the media and congress run the war. Israel doesn’t care what the world will think about them…they would decimate Iran in a matter of hours. Back to the stone age.
So my question remains……..why are we there?
My point is…. part of Jonah’s words to Nineveh was too stop the violence! …. was to turn from VIOLENCE and when America is murdering innocent babies, and blowing up innocent middle easterners and killing children “collateral damage” they call it….we have the third largest murder rate on Earth, and a complex grid of gang activity throughout the nation….and as we celebrate the new Gay Month, from a President that for the first time in American history said ,”We are a nation of Non-Christians”….and has a grandmother-in-law doing Voo-Doo rituals in the White House…
What makes anyone think that God will hear our prayers? And heal our nation.
Most American Christians, Evangelicals, and Baptist have some strong Dominionists beliefs…. they believe that we are to make the world democratic…It is Dominionism…that we are to conquer for Christ and then He will come. THAT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE! Many Christians believe that we have a right to kill Iraqis’, and Afghans and Iranians….even Middle-eastern Christians are dying over there…OUR BOMBS CAN NOT DIFFERENTIATE! We the nation that produces more Porn, has the highest drug use, the lowest education, #1 in the most prisons and most people incarcerated…. a high level of sexual immorality in society, the 3rd highest murder rate, the #1 highest abortion rate and #1 the latest to abort a fetus up to 9 months…days before birth…not to mention our brand of democracy and capitalism has left us as the LARGEST DEBTOR NATION….ON EARTH! We have TV preachers spreading false doctrines straight out of hell…out and out necromancy and heresies about our Lord Jesus Christ…yet some how we believe we have a divine right to go in a kill the innocents in other nations in order to spread our infection overseas….and that we deserved to delivered from God’s judment when a small handful of Christians pray the 2 Chron 7: 14 prayer.
The truth is this. The world is going global NOW! There are a few rogue world leaders that will not capitulate to a world dictatorship as mentioned in Daniel 7& 8, 2 Thess 2, Rev. 13 & 17, ….So somebody needs to take out those leaders. Iraq and Iran are major OIL concerns…have to get a leader in place that will play along with Global Governance. Need the oil! Afghanistan has the most abundant and most profitable Heroin/poppy fields IN THE WORLD! $6-12 Billion USD in sales annually with a distribution system second to NONE! Need the heroin to control! They must have a leader that will capitulate to a global dictator in order to bring the world under…. the New World Order that so many recent US presidents and leaders and global leaders have been spouting.
America is another country that loves and defends her “sovereignty.” America must be brought to her knees so that the leaders of AMERICA which is the PEOPLE……will go along with the NWO. how? ORDER OUT OF CHAOS. Written on the Great Seal of America. Ordo ab Chao. In Washington DC. …..BOOM 9/11. American comes to her knees. But gets back up. BOOM! Economic crisis…America wavers but stands. BOOM Healthcare debacle to further burden the struggling economy…America watches American Idol instead of worrying about Healthcare. BOOM Comprehensive Immigration reform bringing 40 million new citizens to a weakened and famished “TROUGH” TO FEED ON THE GOVERNMENT! BOOM Cap and Trade to tax the public into submission and send ALL manufacturing overseas….leaving America jobless and on her knees READY TO ACCEPT A NEW GLOBAL CURRENCY which was announced at the G20 last week…. and to sign away our sovereignty with the promise of returning our economy to a livable existence.
QUICK PROGRAM NOTE: All of us who believe in a Frank Capra America…..who believe we are making the world safe for democracy and are affording an opportunity to evangelize once we “secure” the nations. FALSE: We are the military arm of the Global Power. We are making the world safe for the Anti-Christ. Democracy is history…look at the last several elections. The media elected Obama and whatever high ranking Skull and Bones/ Freemason/ Mormon /CIA troll the “POWERS” decide to run. There is NO righteous King of The West mentioned in the bible. There is no one who does battle with the Anti-Christ. ALL NATIONS FALL AT HIS FEET. GOD GAVE HIM POWER OF OVER ALL THE EARTH AND EVERY NATION FOR A SHORT TIME. So with that in mind as POWERFUL as AMERICA”S military is….the GLOBALIST control US. They control our military and every move it makes in order to bring about a New World order.
So that leaves us with…… the 2 Chron 7:15 prayer.
We can and should pray for America. But I believe we are at a time PROPHETICALLY that we should take the Joseph approach before the coming famine and prepare for what is already written. I believe we should be more about souls! Reaching out to the lost. Family first.
Brian Becker – How I read Andrews articles is that patriotism (idolatry of an earthly kingdom) is the hook that draws people into politics. It really can be a hard thing to grasp that Jesus and His followers really and truly are not of this world, and that we don’t need to be focused on and distracted by the things that the pagans feel they have to run after. As believers, not only do we need to be on guard against the leaven of the Pharisees, but the leaven of Herod as well..this has to do with an earthly kingdom and politics and the terrible compromise this brings.
..sorry, maybe “grasp” isn’t the right word, “accept” is more accurate..it’s hard to accept that we are not of this world…
Watchful, just last night, in my prayer time, after reading through again the book of Revelations, the Lord impressed on me to focus on the full meaning of being in the world but not of it. Thanks for the confirmation. If anyone else out there has more insight about this topic, most particularly Brother Andrew, please share. I’m sure Watchful and I aren’t the only ones needing more insight on this important topic.
I’m off to my Bible NOW.
To JimmieKrackKorn…
Amen and amen! So well put, my brother, so well put. I can hear/feel your passion in what you have written. Yes, we need to be about souls and the Kingdom of God, not a kingdom of man, irrespective of country or political party within that country!
Yes, we need to be aware of the times. Jesus instructed us to be on the lookout and we need, now more than ever (if that’s possible) to have our eyes fixed on Him and on Him alone.
Lord Jesus, as the time is short, help us to be willing to be obedient to your word and to do the things you have required of us in this present hour.
Even so, come Lord Jesus…
Oh my, Cara…yes, a few thoughts flooding my mind right now:
friendship with the world is hatred towards God..
our weapons are not carnal..
we are as strangers passing through..
blessed are they who have set their hearts on pilgrimmage..
my kindgom is not of this world..
we are the spiritual people of a spiritual kingdom who offer spiritual sacrifices and inherit spiritual blessings..
whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my mother and brother and sister..
no man can serve two masters, he will love the one and hate the other..
Judas..
So many of us (God’s people) are waiting for Joel 2:28-32 (God will pour out His Spirit etc) to ‘happen’ and this is a good thing. But have we considered what is required PRIOR to Him pouring out His Spirit, ‘in the last days’ as the Bible says? The answer is right in Joel 2:12-17 (etc).
Rend your hearts and not your garments, is what the Lord requires! Let the priests (that’s all of us)… weep between the temple porch and the alter’. First repentance on our part… THEN God may act on our behalf.
God always requires a ‘turning away’ from sin, a rending of the heart – not an outward appearance of repentance only – but a true and heartfelt genuine repentance of sins, both as individuals and on behalf of a nation.
Godlessness came into homes, then it came into churches (which did not oppose those Godless activities, in fact often condoned those actions), then, because there was a spiritual vacuum (we no longer want the Holy Spirit in our meetings…), this Godlessness crept on into our schools, our hospitals and so on, and eventually into our governments.
Not laying aside the facts re Freemasonry at all, but the devil has been just waiting for God to be kicked out of various institutions, and as soon as God was kicked out and there appeared a spiritual vacuum – the devil saw an opportunity and wasted no time in filling the spiritual gap. The devil has always been crouching at the door – waiting, just waiting, for an opportunity, and he has found open doors at every turn!
There is only one answer – and His name is Jesus!
Morality has always been a subjective thing. It was the era of rationality that ushered in Freud and Jung and psychology that turned everything on it’s ear and made society the responsible party instead of the individual.
Everything from pedophilia to homosexuality to fornication to murder is being blamed on society instead of putting the blame where it belongs – mankind’s innate fallen nature and individual choices. So, yes, Paraca godlessness has become the norm.
As I noted in the Patriotism thread – America is not ‘Christian’ and never has been. It was a creation of men, not God and as such has always been corrupt. You cannot defend the indefensible.
So quit trying.
This whole issue is a distraction from what is truly important. So many American Christians are like children playing at their ‘tea party.’ There is no victory in the arm of the flesh and you cannot stop what is going to happen in the world by any means – because, you see, “it is written.” God’s word cannot be broken.
Time is short. Soon – very soon – all will stand or fall by their decisions. The call of God is going out – from many different voices – to all who name the name of Jesus. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” Not the other guy – you! Get your heart and mind right with God, because your very life may depend on in.
Seraphah wrote:
“Get your heart and mind right with God, because your very life may depend on in.”
I very much agree with that statement.
It is not man that has forged the relationship between religion and nationality, but God. He declares in the word that the NATION that knows their God will do exploits. Then he backs up that promise by protecting and strengthening the NATION that knows God. So to say things like, ‘Americans have a hard time separating religion from politics’, is a false premise to begin with. We ARE a Christian NATION even as ISRAEL is a nation that belongs to Jehovah. And God’s hand in forging this NATION, a place where his word would explode and missions go out to the ends of the earth, where he put a sea on either side to protect us from our enemies, where he sent Colombus on a mission from the Spanish Queen and guided his course, where He promoted Washington from the general whose life he guarded from the indian’s arrows to become the spiritual and political leader for the new nation, is all written in stone. But just like the man Solomon who God gave many gifts, so did this nation of its own volition, turn from God. Yes, only repentance will restore our position of ‘doing exploits’, but to try to separate the Christian from political activism as if he has no place, is to disregard the struggles of so many saints in political and military places who gave fortunes, families and lives to prepare for us the nation under God, the prosperity and relative peace we now enjoy, and to dishonor – as Lincoln might have said – their sacrifice. During World War II the church was strangely silent in Europe. Hermann Bach named the citizens and in particular the ‘believers’ of Europe, complicit in the Nazi atrocities, because of this pacifist religiously-fatalistic notion that ‘it is not my battle’. Thank God for saints like Corrie Ten Boom, her father, her family, and many others, whose ACTIVISM during WWII exceeded private prayer and spilled over into the realm of personal sacrifice for God’s afflicted children. No, I believe James who said, show me your faith by your words, and I’ll show you my faith by my works. In 1978 when he visited me and delivered me from 20 years of demonic affliction, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to me and told me to join the Army. I got up and did so that very day. 16 years of service later, I got his message. We are to serve in every capacity that we find ourselves in. Our sainthood is not limited to our closets but to be demonstrated in works of faith that will move mountains and prove to a gainsaying world, that there is POWER in the blood. Christ reserved his most exquisite expressions of anger, not for demons nor those so possessed, nor for the sinners and adulterers, but to the political leaders of his day – the Pharisees, and the scribes and lawyers, the interpreters of the law, who used the rules that were laid on the people as an iron fist, but of which they exonerated themselves. Christ in this fashion, was protesting politically. He prayed, he delivered, he protested – and that vehemently. I thank God for Fox news, for for the talk shows and the college and internet sites that expouse conservative thought. Because all conservatism is, is a loyalty to constitutional law, which constitution is based either on Blackstone’s legal writings – which are themselves based on biblical principal – or based on the Bible itself. Which puts the conservative squarely where the christian ought to position himself till all earthly authority is done away with, and that is, under appointed rulers who love God, respect his laws, and guard the precepts that provide for the religious freedom that permits the assembling of ourselves, the preaching of the good news, and the execution of the great commission left to us in Mark 16. WE did not with our own blood provide such great liberties that we now apparently attribute to some sense of our own great faith, but these great liberties that tend to the dissemination of the gospel, were LEFT to us as an inheritance by great men of God who both PRAYED AND ACTED. God forbid we forsake such now.
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer
God Bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the Mountains , to the Prairies,
To the Oceans, White with Foam,
May God Bless America,
My home Sweet Home.
May God Bless America,
My Home Sweet Home
Does this mean that we should go down to the Town Hall and shout hateful slogans at the Liberals?
Should we get our guns out and threaten them?
Would Jesus do any of this?
Only prayer and the true gospel can save America. This political activism can not. In fact, it often turns even more people off.
-Andrew
I THOUGHT THE ORIGINAL QUESTION WAS MORE BASED ON TIME SPENT ON POLITICS IN CHURCHES ,NOT ABOUT WATCHING FOX OR OTHER NEWS CHANNELS. OUR PASTOR DOES TRY TO TEACH SOME GOOD VOTING HABITS WITHIN OUR CHURCH ABOUT THE PEOPLE BEING AWARE OF WHO IS RUNNING FOR STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICES AND THEIR VALUES ( OR LACK OF THEM) .WE ARE NOT A “FEEL GOOD ” CHURCH AND I BELIEVE CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE FOCUSED ON WHOM TO VOTE FOR . IF CHRISTIANS VOTED FOR VALUES RATHER THAN THEIR WALLETS IN THE LAST ELECTION WE ( USA ) MIGHT NOT BE IN THE MESS WE’RE IN. THE BIBLE SAYS TRUST NO MAN AND PRAYER SHOULD OVERSEE ADVISE FROM ANYONE ABOUT ISSUES, BUT IF WE DON’T STAY ON TOP OF WHAT PEOPLE IN OFFICE MIGHT DO WITH OUR RIGHTS , WORSHIP AND EVANGELIZING AS WE KNOW IT NOW, COULD BE TAKEN AWAY FROM US. DON’T THINK IT COULD NOT HAPPEN …DID YOU SEE A NAT’L DAY OF PRAYER AT THE WHITEHOUSE THIS YEAR? CHRISTIANS GOING INTO JAILS AND JUVENILE FACILITIES ARE HAVE MORE TROUBLE GETTING IN TO PREACH TO PEOPLE ALL THE TIME! STAY AWARE, VOTE RIGHT TO KEEP YOUR RIGHTS, AND REMEMBER ..ANYTHING CAN BECOME AN OBSESSION ! AND ABOVE ALL PRAY BEFORE YOU ACT!
We have been praying for repentance and deliverance for the USA for years – until, that is, God told us to stop. There comes a point – and the history of Israel will bear this out – that God says “Enough, now it’s time for judgment.” Now, judgment is intended to bring repentance – but it sure hasn’t so far. And, before anyone trots out Nineveh, show me the repentance.
It isn’t there. On the contrary – political activism notwithstanding this country just keeps getting worse. Realistically speaking, things were no better for Christians in this country under the Republicans – and won’t get better if they get in again.
There is a reason the book of Revelation is called ‘prophecy.’ No nation on earth will be on Jesus’ side when He comes back, they will all be under the heel of the beast. Even Israel, who is under attack, isn’t on Jesus’ side – how could they be, when they rejected Him long ago? If you look at the Scripture, God steps in and defends Jerusalem because He wants to – because it is HIS city and He said He would – in spite of anyone or anything.
“It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. Zechariah 12:9-10
THEN they finally get it. And won’t THAT be glorious!
“For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”
Salvation lies in Jesus Christ – there is no other name under the heaven by which men might be saved.
JESUS CHRIST – not Republican, Democrat, Tea Party, Activism or Politics.
“Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”
This is true, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom–the politics of where we are at have to be subordinate. Daniel affected the greatest nation on earth using spiritual warfare, revelation knowledge and faithful, daily, committed prayer –despite it’s paganism and rejection of Biblical values. We need a Daniel spirit–seek God first, then do what he shows us to do (politically and/or otherwise)
All so true. I remember when I started out 20 years ago as a new turned-around christian, I lapped up all the christian books I could, many on last days prophecy. It was very informative, and these authors speculated on last day scenarios about different nations. I heard preachers come from different states to preach. Great revival preachings. But there was always the element that the U.S. would always be protected, mainly because of it’s relationship to Israel. There was that legalistic thing again. If we did a certain act, we’d get blessed.
I always felt that emotional love for the land of our spiritual ancestors, and where Jesus walked. But, now, I am seeing a trend in those thinking that any nation that (politically supports) Israel will never see judgment, always blessings.
Lately, I’ve had a turnaround in my thinking and asking, what would Jesus do? He died for all men, every last one, in every nation, of every creed, doctrine, and I personally don’t think a christian should have as much love for the palestinians as jews. At one time, I would rejoice hearing shout-outs to Israel, but today, am seeing I should be just as rejoiced to hear shout-outs to their neighbors, not in a political sense, but in a brotherly sense, that they are just as worthy.
Some cunning U.S. politicians want the christian community’s allegiance, so they include support for Israel in their speeches. This only divides more people when the christian community is vocal about it’s support, because they also want the politician’s allegiance when he gets voted into power.
So, are christians supposed to be vocal about what nation, ethnicity they support? No, I think we are called say we preach Jesus in love to whoever will listen. And this comes back to the distractions that Bro. Andrew mentions. Some elements in the western churches today are just like the last church of revelation. Sit as a queen and have no need for anything. Rich, filled, greedy, don’t want to pay more taxes, don’t like those funny dressed people, march in the streets for their rights, freedoms, make abortion and homosexuality a platform to make themselves feel self-righteous.
Sorry, one other thing on my heart. It’s how christians who get caught up in politics speak out against abortion and homosexuality. It’s the “how”. They don’t offer any solutions, they don’t find a gay friend, and share, or make any effort to try to understand and live in their shoes. Sharing the gospel isn’t the same thing as standing in processions holding placards with anti-this and that slogans. Would Jesus have done that? Chant and rail and wear a t-shirt that says, “I’m a gun-loving, bible-toting, redneck, don’t trample or tread on me, no way”.
OK, I’ll calm down with a cup of tea and a verse now.
Sorry just posted. Wow, I have to proofread. I would like to correct my sentence – I made a grammatical error, I meant to say “that I personally think that we all should have as much love for the palestinians as jews”. Wow, I nearly had a heart attack after I re-read my post.
Will say it again. I have a special love in my heart for all those in the middle east, palestinian, gentile, jew, and anyone else I haven’t mentioned, and all you commenters too.
AMEN and AMEN !!!
postasy Paves the Way
In 2007 the Roman Catholic Arch Diocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $630 million in compensation after its Cardinal Mahoney protected pedophile clergy at the expense of the children whose lives these sex criminals destroy. A similar huge settlement was made a week later by the Arch Diocese of San Diego (indeed, very nearly every single Roman Catholic diocese in the USA alone, with their bishops have been similarly found liable in court; a saga repeated globally).
Yet this very week, Pope Benedict XV , who as Cardinal Joseph Radzinger issued the ‘Criminale Solicitacciones’ directive from the Vatican instructing bishops to protect these criminals, made a declaration stating that only Roman Catholicism was valid and other churches were not. Not a word was spoken in reaction by Chuck Colson , James Dobson and other supposedly Evangelical henchmen of ecumenical union with Roman Catholicism and its wide spread sex pervert violation of children and conspiracy to cover it up and protect its pedophile priests and nuns.
Yet, looking to this same pope who received a letter from 38 Moslem leaders, including leaders of the Moslem Brotherhood on public record for supporting terror, and hatred of Jews and Christians, made an advance in a good neighbor letter without retracting any of their previous statements placing religious benedictions on terror, hatred of America, Britain & the West, intolerance of Christians, and murder of Jews. This is the Islamic practice of ‘taq’yya’ , permissible lying in the struggle for Islam, dissimulating misleading information to the infidel in preparation for Jihad.
At the same time President Bush announced his departure from biblical Evangelical Christianity (which he does not appear to have ever embraced in any scriptural sense)
And decreed all faiths have the same god. “I Am The Lord Your God, You Shall Have No Other gods Before Me” is erased from the Bush bible in the name of oil money and political correctness.
The prelude to the Annapolis summit however was indeed to be religious and spiritual. Annihilationist John Stott, Robert Schuller (with the Moslem Grand Mofti of Damascus in his pulpit), Bill Hybels (with a Moslem imam in his), Rick Warren (after paying tribute to terrorist Syria and telling Christians to avoid end times prophecy) , Emergent Church guru Brian Maclaren (who mixes New Age and post modernism with a version of mystical Christendom, and argues for a 5 year moratorium on debating homosexual & lesbian ordination), and Yongee Cho (who combines Oriental shamanism with Christianity in his book ‘The Fourth Dimension’), and a host of other apostate clergy responded to the letter to the pope.
The letter was also signed by a leader representing the National Association of Evangelicals, whose recently resigned head honcho Ted Haggard was caught in a web of lies, deception, and scandal regarding his involvement with homosexual prostitutes and dangerous illegal drugs. As if the pope who instructed the protection of child molesters and denounced the very existence of their churches as invalid represented Christianity, this sad collection theocrats issued a letter of reply to the Moslem letter.
These so called Christian signers were pleased to ignore the pro terrorist history of many of the Moslem signatories and that other of the signatories were Wahabists who impose the sentence of death for becoming a Christian. They apologized to the Moslems for the crusades (a Roman Catholic adventure, not a Protestant one) and for the way in which ‘the war on terror’ has in part been pursued.
This same crowd eager to placate Islam stands prepared to shun Israel and support
Bush and whoever succeeds him on the same course. This is not new. Disclosure of released Nixon tapes in 2006 revealed that Richard Nixon and Billy Graham were both secretly malicious anti Semites and discussed their vehemence against Jews in The White House at some length. In his retirement, Jimmy Carter has become a spokesman for fundamentalist Islamic interests and a virtual defender of anti Israel Islamic terror paid by Moslem oil money donated to his ‘ Peace Center ’. Like Bush and Graham, Carter also proclaimed himself to be a ‘Born Again’ Christian.
It is righteousness that exalts nations . How could treason in the pulpit yield anything but such de facto treason in the corridors of political power?
A day of judgment is indeed coming for corrupt governments and godless nations. A day of judgment is coming on those who curse Israel and betray the persecuted church. A day of judgment is indeed coming on Israel for her rejection of her Messiah and persecution of Jewish believers. A terrible day of judgment is coming with Gog and Magog, Armageddon, and Isaiah 17 on the Arab Moslem world. But judgment begins in the House of God !
Rick Godwin Financial Scandal
Texas newspapers have uncovered an unbelievable maelstrom of financial and ethical impropriety by Texas ‘Kingdom Now’ preacher Rick Godwin. God has had what appear to be dogmatic clones in The UK Assemblies of God such the ‘yellow jacket hype artist’ David Shearman and his brother Andrew Shearman of Nottingham . It was Godwin who authored the promotion of The Toronto deception in the UK Assemblies of God magazine.
The disclosures found incredible and highly manipulative fund raising schemes as Godwin charged all manner of salubrious personal expenditures tallying unbelievable sums of money to his church in San Antonio , Texas .
The articles also reported Godwin’s willingness to avoid moral issues of divorce and homosexuality in the name of being “Real, Raw, and Relevant”.
Godwin, an anti-Israel preacher who proclaims Kingdom Dominion Theology, leads a church that curiously has the same name as Hitler’s Alpine hideout ‘Eagles Nest’ where Hitler and Himmler planned their final solution to the problem of The Jews.
The comment above provides a factual account of why I strongly believe the Christian Church should be preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting biblical christian living and avoid promoting the religious virtues and cause of either side of politics is an extract from the article:
The Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing Kiss The Just plain Wolves
by James Jacob Prasch
THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THAN THIS
Listed below are more factual considerations that demand that the Church should be solely focussed on its God Given role of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ based on the Bible as the sole basis of our faith and empowered by the Holy Spirit to apply its teachings to the lives and relationships of its individual members. Political and social activism are but diversions from the real task at hand.
Although He lived in a politically charged environment, Jesus never aligned Himself or His message with political causes or parties. Jesus simply observed and examined political events in light of biblical prophecy, particularly The Book of Daniel, and in passages such as Matthew 23&24 He prophetically taught the outcome of such events, both of 70 AD and eschatologically, to His followers.
We do not expect politicians to be aware of Joel chapter 3, Zechariah chapter 12, or Revelation chapter 16. None of these politicians seem to recognize the spiritual and theological implications of what they are doing nor prophetic significance. Neither of course do the leaders of the increasingly apostate church.
Annapolis Summit – November 2007
The first Bush administration of George Bush Sr. with James Baker handed Lebanon to Iranian aligned and terror sponsoring Syria on a silver platter in 1971. In the tradition of his father, George Bush Jr. and Candolezza Rice have pursued a foreign policy creating Iranian controlled Islamic terror enclaves in southern Iraq and again in Gaza . They also continued the policy of the Clinton administration in Kosovo. In league with Britain’s Tony Blare, Arch euro-crat Xaviero Solano, and General Wesley Clark, in total violation of the NATO Treat which only allows attack on a country attacking a NATO country bombed the Serbians .Clinton intervened in the three way blood bath (in which there was no totally innocent faction) on the side of the Islamic Kosovo Liberation Army, which is allied to Al Qaeda, alienating pro western opinion in Russia and helping pave the way for Putin’s incipient neo Stalinism to gain momentum. Bush and Rice oppose the Christian population of Kosovo on the side of Islam, trying to create an Islamic state in Europe .
Not content with this, Bush & Rice desperate to save their legacy as a failed administration and needing a foreign policy success turn against the easy target,
Israel – in league with the most unpopular Prime Minister and scandal ridden Prime Minister in Israeli history, the left wing Ehud Olmert.
It was against this background that the Annapolis summit was staged in the pro Islamic foreign policy bent on creating another Iranian backed terrorist enclave in The West Bank as they did in Lebanon , Gaza , and southern Iraq . It is again, Daniel chapter 10 that warns us that the demonic principality over Iran ( Persia ) would rise to attempt to destroy Israel in The Last Days. George Bush has given that demon a guest room in the White House.
While claiming to build a buttress against Iran , Bush in practice continues to assist Iran .
Bush, Rice, and ‘Road Map for Peace’ ambassador Tony Blare pushed the myth that
Fatah, the heirs of Arafat under President Abbas, are moderates and only Hamas is bad.
Tony Blare, with probable presidential ambitions within the European Union (his style of governance as UK Prime Minister was in fact ‘presidential’, not ‘parliamentarian’), has an agenda that is personally political.
Second term US presidents are generally consumed with preserving their legacy for posterity. While Jimmy Carter is usually trumpeted by presidential historians, the press, and in the academic world as the weakest and most failed President in modern American history, history will still accord him together with Menahem Begin and Anwar Sadat
The feather in his cap was the Camp David Treaty. George Bush Jr. however has no feather for his cap, and will eclipse Carter as the President remembered as “The President of Failure”. Candolezza Rice is often estimated, even by many Republicans, as the most incompetent Secretary of State in American history. Bush must find a feather.
The Bush government at the dawn of 2008 is frantic in its efforts to salvage a legacy after one diplomatic failure after another and a massive expansion of federal debt for which he and a Republican congress were mainly responsible together with a serious decline in the value of the US dollar. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who is not without his own culpabilities but is himself a Republican, holds Bush and the first term Republican congress directly responsible for this hyper deficit spending which makes the record quadrupling of the deficit under Ronald Reagan almost insignificant in comparison. Reagan indeed took America from being the world’s biggest lender to its biggest borrower and destroyed the balance of trade in favor of Asia with his Reaganomics that George Bush Sr., his Vice President, had described as “voodoo”. But the economic decline of America under George Bush Jr. went well beyond this.
The badly weakened dollar under Bush failed to significantly help correct the record trade deficits that cheaper dollar denominated exports normally would, and while his beloved oil cartel profited, Bush made the USA more and more dependent on Saudi and Persian Gulf support of the dollar to retain it the currency of world reserves by keeping Arabian crude priced in petro-dollars.
The abysmal underlying Bush economic record of mega fiscal deficit combined with mega trade deficit and Saudi sweetening record oil prices that will haunt his legacy can only be managed as a facet of Middle East foreign policy with Israel being the sacrificial lamb.
This was compounded however by the Bush imbroglio in Iraq that dates back to his father and James Baker leaving Sadam Hussein in power in 1991 because the Saudis did not wasn’t the precedent of regime change in the Persian Gulf and the Reagan administration supplying arms to the vehemently anti American regime of Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran and covering it up in the Reagan contra scandal.
If Sadam Hussein was to be deposed, the US could have done it with world approval, including most Arab and Islamic approval in 1991, but their Saudi masters said no amidst fears of an Iranian Shia regime in Southern Iraq . The most desperate factor in the failed Bush legacy remains Iraq . Bush Sr failed to finish the job, so his son just botched it up.
Bush, Iraq , and The Ghost Viet Nam
A Republican administration under Gerald Ford, with a hostile Democratic congress and a fed up public saw the loss of Viet Nam .
Now, as the Republicans lost Viet Nam , a Republican with a hostile Democratic congress and a fed up public is losing the ‘War on Terror’. They Republicans moreover are doing so for the same reasons.
As American died in Viet Nam , ships of Americas allies visited The North Vietnamese port of Haiphong . As the Soviets and Chinese supplied the North Vietnamese with the wherewithal to kill Americans, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger pursued détente with Soviets and an open door to China , increasing trade with those funding the war effort to kill Americans. Some non partisan conservatives saw this as a diplomacy of treason.
As a Viet Nam style imbroglio has taken root in Iraq and the terror threat looms, Bush has pushed America more and more into economic league with the Saudi and Emirate Wahabist financiers of radical Islam that inherently generates support for terror. Again, a Republican party diplomacy of treason places the west in bed with the enemy whom we are not allowed to identify as the enemy in the name of ‘oil détente’.
We may moreover rest assured that the imbroglio taking place in Iraq has the Democratic Congress and Senate as its co-architects and that any Democratic President will be just as beholden to oil industry interests and Moslem oil interests as any Republican one.
Indeed, as the American presidential race took shape in 2007, Al Qaeda toned down its activities in Iraq and elsewhere to prevent a conservative from being elected which The White House exploits as evidence that its strategy against terror is working. The strategy of either party in fact does as much to work in favor of terror than it does to oppose it.
Once the plight of persecuted Christians is ignored and God’s covenant land to Israel is divided however, judgment becomes inevitable and the stage is further set for Joel chapter 3 and Zechariah chapter 12.
Putin and Bush, Gog and Magog
There indeed appears a political insanity to policies of Russian President Vladamir Putin.
After the Moscow theater and stadium ordeals and the Beslan slaughter of little children
In front of their parents by Islamic terrorists in the Chechnya dispute, common sense would demand a recognition that a fundamentalist Iran on the doorstep is not desirable and constitutes a serious militant Islamic threat – potentially more serious than the one faced by the West.
Russia has a 70% abortion rate with only Moslems growing as a demographic sector of the society. The Islamization of Russia is more pronounced than similar trends in Holland , France , and Britain ( China also faces a rising Islamic threat in its extreme west).
Yet, in a policy that makes no strategic or logical sense, Putin repeatedly aligns himself with Iran against the West for the sake of short term political gain in his quest to revive a defeated and humiliated Russia that lost the Cold war and saw its Soviet Empire collapse as a major player once again on the global stage.
The illogicality of Putin’s policies cannot be explained rationally or politically. It is indeed conspicuous in its resemblance to the Hebrew Prophet Ezekiel’s warning to
God and Magog that God would put hooks into their jaws and draw them into a Middle East conflict to destroy them in chapters 38 & 39 of Ezekiel’s amazing prophetic book.
In Putin’s world, the short term gain of alignment with heathen Shia Iran is attained at the expense of long term security of Mother Russia.. In the world of Bush, it is precisely the same. Short term gain is attained from alignment with no less barbarian Saudi Arabian Wahabists is attained at the expense of long term security of America and The West.
Many conservative wonder what kind of president refuses to define the enemy, protect the nation’s borders during a time of war, and continues to hand out express visas to Saudi Wahabists after September 11th; (not far from handing out visas to Japanese kamakazi pilots after Pearl Harbor)?
Bush and Putin are two of a kind. It is furthermore most unlikely that the successors of either Bush or Putin will have any more brains or any more integrity than their predecessors. It is also unlikely, that neither will they even read The Book of Ezekiel.
ANNAPOLIS – The Feather Came From A Vulture
The Bush Administration knows that George Bush jr. is the Jimmy Carter of the Republican Party. In his time, the Republican president who lost Viet Nam , Gerald Ford, was portrayed in the media as a dunce. But his tenure in office was too short to be remembered for it. Nixon will be remembered as a liar and a thief, but he saw America land on the moon and had a highlight. Reagan was half senile and may have ran the most corrupt and sleaze ridden administration in American history , but it saw the collapse of
The Iron Curtain. So Bush must have his highlight. He needs a publicity ploy that will be remembered as his crowning success in what is otherwise a legacy of failure. He needs his feather. But the only place he can get it is from a bird of prey.
What Bush and Rice did not want addressed in setting the agenda for the conference is:
1. Abbas and Fatah have a Palestinian Constitution that is Islamic and inherently supportive of future jihadist terror and suppression of women, non Moslems, and enshrines hatred of Jews and Christians in its Sharia laws.
Fatah and Abu Abbas have a militant terrorist faction as bad as Hamas also supported by Iran .
In the weeks prior to the summit Fatah TV , radio, and media continued as usual broadcasting its anti American, anti western, anti Judeo – Christian, and anti Israel hatred and promulgation of jihadist violence implicitly endorsing of terror. Yet Bush demanded further concessions to those openly wanting to destroy you.
Abbas has no electoral mandate from his own people. Bush and Rice claim to be in pursuit of their fantasy endeavor to democratize Moslems, yet Abbas has no democratic or electoral mandate. In any free election, Hamas would likely win.
Fatah stole most of the international assistance given to develop an infrastructures Blare and Bush want to give them even more American and Western money without the missing misallocated and misappropriated hundreds of millions being accounted for. Of course it is the over taxed European and deficit strapped American taxpayers whom Bush , Blare, and Rice expect to pay for this, not the oil wealthy Saudi Wahabists with escalating oil revenues they use to propagate the intolerance of Wahabism globally.
The Palestinian delegation claims it will never accept as a condition the existence of Israel as a Jewish state maintaining no nation can mix its religious and national identity; except of course his own Islamic Palestinian constitution and more than 30 Islamic nations including Saudi Arabia. Bush utters not a word. Israel is suppose top negotiate away its land to those not prepared to recognize its existence as a Jewish homeland to those who have a fundamentalist Islamic one.
The National Intelligence Estimate that Bush was aware of since August 2007 (although not released until after the Annapolis summit in early December) stated that active Iranian pursuit of nuclear arms has been dormant since 2003, even though the supposedly peaceful technology could be converted to enrichment of weapons grade plutonium at a future point. Bush and Rice pushed the summit by exploiting the need for a common front against Iran by so called moderate Moslem states (such as extremism funding Saudi Arabia ) and Israel .
Israel was to be propelled by Bush and Rice to sit down with a number one against sixteen mainly Moslem countries including terror sponsoring Syria and human rights violating Saudi Arabia . The very week that Bush invited the Saudi government to attend, Saudi Arabia ordered a young 19 year old woman who was gang raped by 21 Moslem to be flogged with 200 lashes (initially 90, but raised to 200 when the international media was alerted). The US State department under Rice admitted the victim was going to be mercilessly whipped under the Islamic law of savage Saudi Arabian ‘House of Saud’ barbarianism who are business associates with the Bush family.
None of this of course matters to Bush, but the political injustice was not the beginning of the Annapolis betrayal committing Israel to creating a second Palestinian state in addition to Jordan that will likely be another non democratic Islamic state that persecutes Christians and continues its support of terror courtesy of the American government, oil interests, and the European Union.
As we witness in the biblical books of Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation – these political events are the mere result of dark spiritual forces in the heavens as Ephesians chapter 6 describes them.
Apostasy Paves the Way
In 2007 the Roman Catholic Arch Diocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay $630 million in compensation after its Cardinal Mahoney protected pedophile clergy at the expense of the children whose lives these sex criminals destroy. A similar huge settlement was made a week later by the Arch Diocese of San Diego (indeed, very nearly every single Roman Catholic diocese in the USA alone, with their bishops have been similarly found liable in court; a saga repeated globally).
Yet this very week, Pope Benedict XV , who as Cardinal Joseph Radzinger issued the ‘Criminale Solicitacciones’ directive from the Vatican instructing bishops to protect these criminals, made a declaration stating that only Roman Catholicism was valid and other churches were not. Not a word was spoken in reaction by Chuck Colson , James Dobson and other supposedly Evangelical henchmen of ecumenical union with Roman Catholicism and its wide spread sex pervert violation of children and conspiracy to cover it up and protect its pedophile priests and nuns.
Yet, looking to this same pope who received a letter from 38 Moslem leaders, including leaders of the Moslem Brotherhood on public record for supporting terror, and hatred of Jews and Christians, made an advance in a good neighbor letter without retracting any of their previous statements placing religious benedictions on terror, hatred of America, Britain & the West, intolerance of Christians, and murder of Jews. This is the Islamic practice of ‘taq’yya’ , permissible lying in the struggle for Islam, dissimulating misleading information to the infidel in preparation for Jihad.
At the same time President Bush announced his departure from biblical Evangelical Christianity (which he does not appear to have ever embraced in any scriptural sense)
And decreed all faiths have the same god. “I Am The Lord Your God, You Shall Have No Other gods Before Me” is erased from the Bush bible in the name of oil money and political correctness.
The prelude to the Annapolis summit however was indeed to be religious and spiritual. Annihilationist John Stott, Robert Schuller (with the Moslem Grand Mofti of Damascus in his pulpit), Bill Hybels (with a Moslem imam in his), Rick Warren (after paying tribute to terrorist Syria and telling Christians to avoid end times prophecy) , Emergent Church guru Brian Maclaren (who mixes New Age and post modernism with a version of mystical Christendom, and argues for a 5 year moratorium on debating homosexual & lesbian ordination), and Yongee Cho (who combines Oriental shamanism with Christianity in his book ‘The Fourth Dimension’), and a host of other apostate clergy responded to the letter to the pope.
The letter was also signed by a leader representing the National Association of Evangelicals, whose recently resigned head honcho Ted Haggard was caught in a web of lies, deception, and scandal regarding his involvement with homosexual prostitutes and dangerous illegal drugs. As if the pope who instructed the protection of child molesters and denounced the very existence of their churches as invalid represented Christianity, this sad collection theocrats issued a letter of reply to the Moslem letter.
These so called Christian signers were pleased to ignore the pro terrorist history of many of the Moslem signatories and that other of the signatories were Wahabists who impose the sentence of death for becoming a Christian. They apologized to the Moslems for the crusades (a Roman Catholic adventure, not a Protestant one) and for the way in which ‘the war on terror’ has in part been pursued.
This same crowd eager to placate Islam stands prepared to shun Israel and support
Bush and whoever succeeds him on the same course. This is not new. Disclosure of released Nixon tapes in 2006 revealed that Richard Nixon and Billy Graham were both secretly malicious anti Semites and discussed their vehemence against Jews in The White House at some length. In his retirement, Jimmy Carter has become a spokesman for fundamentalist Islamic interests and a virtual defender of anti Israel Islamic terror paid by Moslem oil money donated to his ‘ Peace Center ’. Like Bush and Graham, Carter also proclaimed himself to be a ‘Born Again’ Christian.
It is righteousness that exalts nations . How could treason in the pulpit yield anything but such de facto treason in the corridors of political power?
A day of judgment is indeed coming for corrupt governments and godless nations. A day of judgment is coming on those who curse Israel and betray the persecuted church. A day of judgment is indeed coming on Israel for her rejection of her Messiah and persecution of Jewish believers. A terrible day of judgment is coming with Gog and Magog, Armageddon, and Isaiah 17 on the Arab Moslem world. But judgment begins in the House of God !
Rick Godwin Financial Scandal
Texas newspapers have uncovered an unbelievable maelstrom of financial and ethical impropriety by Texas ‘Kingdom Now’ preacher Rick Godwin. God has had what appear to be dogmatic clones in The UK Assemblies of God such the ‘yellow jacket hype artist’ David Shearman and his brother Andrew Shearman of Nottingham . It was Godwin who authored the promotion of The Toronto deception in the UK Assemblies of God magazine.
The disclosures found incredible and highly manipulative fund raising schemes as Godwin charged all manner of salubrious personal expenditures tallying unbelievable sums of money to his church in San Antonio , Texas .
The articles also reported Godwin’s willingness to avoid moral issues of divorce and homosexuality in the name of being “Real, Raw, and Relevant”.
Godwin, an anti-Israel preacher who proclaims Kingdom Dominion Theology, leads a church that curiously has the same name as Hitler’s Alpine hideout ‘Eagles Nest’ where Hitler and Himmler planned their final solution to the problem of The Jews.
The comment above provides a factual account of why I strongly believe the Christian Church should be preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and promoting biblical christian living and avoid promoting the religious virtues and cause of either side of politics is an extract from the article:
The Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing Kiss The Just plain Wolves
by James Jacob Prasch
THERE IS MUCH MORE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THAN THIS
Edie, It’s good for Christians to stand up against unrighteousness, but that’s a complety different thing than patriotism or political activism. Don’t forget political activism is made possibly by democracy. In a totalitarian system – which Nazi Germany was – there is no place for political action from the opposition. In the days of the NT, the emperor ruled, in no way could Christians politically campaign against him. But Paul told them – and us – the battle is NOT against flesh and blood, but against spiritual principalities. Those who take up the sword will die by the sword.
Andrew, you hit the nail flat on it’s head. Politics is flesh. I do vote but no longer get “worked up over it”. This world and the people that live to this world get what they deserve in government.
If you truly belong to Christ, you are not of this world. America (and any other country) is a ‘passing through’ place – a proving ground – a place of preparation for eternity….to cling to a country, a flag, that is not heaven is an offense to God and truly makes a mockery of the proclamation “I am His”. If you are His, you need to release the world and all that it entails. If those claiming to be Christian would sit at His feet in the heavenly realm, staying in His presence always, walking in His Spirit always, the only thing you would boldly proclaim is Him Him Him. We are not of this world. May He woo you away from all worldliness – truly our preparation for His next great move is required and indeed the world is not merely a distraction, it is at enmity with all that He is.
Ephesians 6:12:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places
John 15:19:
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Jesus Himself proclaimed He was not of this world – if we are to die to self that it is Christ through us and nothing of ourselves, we, too, are not of this world. Once we became His, once we said “yes” and surrendered, we were no longer of this world; even more stunning is the fact that as He chose us before the foundation of the earth, we never were! Then why oh why do you cling so strongly to the things of this world? There is not wisdom in it…and truly nothing about it honors our Lord.
John 17:14:
I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
John 17:16:
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Romans 12:2:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 2:12:
We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
1 Corinthians 3:3:
You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?
1 John 2:15:
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Oh, that there would be a great and mighty surrender of pride, of will, of self – that all who truly love Jesus would say “Not my will, but Yours be done!” That they would love NOT being like the world but would be humbly awed that they are like Him….
Run to Him….
In His love.
ANDREW, ONE PROOF OF THE PUDDING ABOUT THE ORIGINAL QUESTION… PATRIOTISM OR IDOLATRY SURE DOES SHOW UP IN SOME OF THE POST…. SOME OF THESE POST ARE LIKE LOOKING AT A C-SPAN HISTORY LESSON !! AND THEN THERE ARE SOME POST WHO HAVE TO GIVE THEIR APPROVAL OR DIS – APPROVAL TO EVERYONE ELSE BOTTOM LINE …PRAY AND VOTE RIGHT…. IF YOU DON’T THAN DON’T BLAME ANYONE ELSE ON YOUR LACK OF JUDGEMENT!
You are saying what has been on my heart for a long time. Some people, even in the church, worship “freedom”, worship our country’s democracy, worship our “rights”. We love freedom so much but we want freedom to DO what? Freedom to sin. . . freedom to do what I want . . . freedom to choose the wrong. . . .
The heart is deceitfully wicked, to be sure. It’s not like I don’t love my country or the freedom that many have died for — OF COURSE NOT! But I must be careful to use my freedom for a Godly purpose.
Andrew, I wish that all you were trying to do was convince Americans to get back on their knees. And that our government was not the answer to our problems. But instead we now have Christians against Christians and I truly feel from the tone of most of these posts that the writers feel spiritually superior to everyone else in America. In fact you have blamed Foxnews and conservative talk hosts for the riling up of people, but quite frankly the division came in this country several years ago. And now that we have the most liberal Whitehouse in many years the division is even greater. I can’t side with what you are saying except for the call to repentance and prayer. I do not think Americans who serve God wholehearted should not vote or even run for office. If we had not had this fight in the 60′s I do not think we would be where we are today. Now you have branded tea partiers are anti- everything. And ofcourse the Patriotism is the blame. When in fact it is not Patrotism that is the problem but the mindset of Nationalism. This is what Hitler used-The definition is as follows:
Nationalism involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. Often, it is the belief that an ethnic group has a right to statehood,[1] or that citizenship in a state should be limited to one ethnic group, or that multinationality in a single state should necessarily comprise the right to express and exercise national identity even by minorities .[2] It can also include the belief that the state is of primary importance, or the belief that one state is naturally superior to all other states.[3][4] It is also used to describe a movement to establish or protect a homeland (usually an autonomous state) for an ethnic group. In some cases the identification of a national culture is combined with a negative view of other races or cultures.[5] Conversely, nationalism might also be portrayed as collective identities towards imagined communities which are not naturally expressed in language, race or religion but rather socially constructed by the very individuals that belong to a given nation.[6] Nationalism is sometimes reactionary, calling for a return to a national past, and sometimes for the expulsion of foreigners. Other forms of nationalism are revolutionary, calling for the establishment of an independent state as a homeland for an ethnic underclass.
Nationalism emphasizes collective identity – a ‘people’ must be autonomous, united, and express a single national culture.[7] However, some nationalists stress individualism as an important part of their own national identity.[8]
National flags, national anthems, and other symbols of national identity are often considered sacred, as if they were religious rather than political symbols. Deep emotions are aroused
This is what Hitler used to seduce the Germans.
The problem in our church is the same problem John the Baptist had when he cried out to the repent. And we see that his standing up to a corrupt political system of his time that it did not stop him. And Jesus did not condemn him. In fact it got him beheaded yet he stood for what God was calling that nation to do. And even if you don’t like Glenn Beck and believe what he believes guess what? He is calling on America to pry. Almost every night. People are hearing him that will never step into church to pray to God to return to the God of their fathers. You know the ones who left government and religious oppression for here.
I am sorry I can’t even begin to tell you the damage I have seen on these last two blogs. I cannot say I have the answers, but I know that there are distractions but never give up fighting unless you want to lose the right to religous freedom which is next on the far left agenda. That is why alot of Americans are fighting for now. To keep America as free as possible. Nationalism in this case is wanted to expand to one world, one governemtal body. It is coming.
Having opposition to soicalist,communist and facsist rule is not bad, your just not going to win without fighting it in the spiritual realm. I know you won’t agree, I’ve read enough to see that. It just dis-heartens me to see a rift now placed between Christians even more. And this blog alone has convienced people not to vote?? That is awful. There is a time of doing-
I clearly state in the article, “By all means vote!”
But political activism is taking enormous dedication, energy and time from the Christians. And it is simply the wrong focus. In fact, it is a very serious “distraction” away from the things that will REALLY save America.
-Andrew
America needs revival. That is obvious. What is less obvious is that the people of God do also. Even the ‘out-of-church’ ones.
Revival, whether personal or national, begins with one word – REPENT! This was John the Baptist’s first message, and Jesus’ as well. Whenever the call to repent goes forth we, as the people of God, should reply by hitting our knees and pleading, “Lord, search my heart and see if there is any false way in me.”
Revival comes only on God’s time and God’s terms. We can pray for it, plan for it, preach about it and even proclaim it – but if God isn’t in it, it won’t happen.
There is an old proverb that goes like this: The things we leave to God, God does, and blesses us. The things we choose to keep as our own, God lets alone.” Revivals die the moment man puts his hands on the reins.
God will not use unbroken vessels. So, if we want revival, we had best look to ourselves first. Many voices are crying now – REPENT!!!! You can hit your knees – or hit the messenger. It’s up to you.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Andrew. I had heard about the Tea Party movement in our county, and my husband and I went to a meeting a couple of weeks ago. We were amazed at the large turnout and, at times, an almost “mob mentality” seemed to be on the verge of appearing. Thank you for writing this article. It made me rethink joining these other conservative Christians and becoming a more active member of any political organization to take back America…..only Almighty God can do that!
Thanks again for waking us up.
Hello Andrew,
I rather like the conversation here. I think that – - most people are now seeing – - that there is a LINE one must walk – - – - not ONLY in your daily walk, but also in – - your politics. And I personally think, that most people GET it.
Relative to your rhetorical question to me – - – - – where you ask – -
Does this mean that we should go down to the Town Hall and shout hateful slogans at the Liberals?
Should we get our guns out and threaten them?
Would Jesus do any of this?
I think this can be perhaps best answered by an article on WND.
Now ‘Christians’ set to attack tea partiers
Author warns of next assault after failed attempt to define group as racist Posted: July 25, 2010
7:44 pm Eastern
© 2010 WorldNetDaily
With recent attempts to portray tea-party members as racist backfiring, a renewed attack is being launched, warns the author of “The Tea Party Manifesto,” and this one is from progressive Christians who claim the movement lacks Christ-like charity.
This article can be found here:
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=182909
It sort of sounds like they did an excellent job of addressing the question you brought up.
My thoughts on this – - again, is there is a narrow path that the Christian is supposed to walk, and – - – - – the Devil is and will do quite a bit of shouting, to try to get us off that path. he will have bad actors – - acting out on both sides of the path. He will also place straw man arguments in front of us – - and will roar – - to try to get us to move off our God directed path.
BUT – - though we walk through the Valley of Death, we will fear no evil.
Bert
The thing that bothers me the most Andrew is when “Christians” vote for the wrong candidate. Some Christians either have no discernment or they vote out of fear. We need to ask who would Jesus vote for?
Our political fight must be done in love for the purpose of turning the country to the truth of the word of God. God warned us of these end times. Jesus said, If the good man of the house had known in what hour the thief would come he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken up. That is what our political fight is about.
Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all else would be given. Our national kingdom is against God’s ways. God warned against debt, interest, insurance, covetousness, seeking riches and honors, pride and vanity. That is what leads to our enslaving employment lifestyle and causes the world problems of pollution to our air, land, water and food causing young and old to be diseased. We could return to the land, create a garden paradise lifestyle of true freedom and independence and quickly and easily solve the pollution, disease, energy crisis, climate change fears, war, immigration, reoccurring financial crises, crime, inequality and social welfare programs with the one strategy.
This is how we fight this political war, by faith that God has given us His solution and we must show our faith by promoting it and declaring our intention to turn from the buy and sell lifestyle that continues to entrap us and will trap us with the mark of the beast.
Divine-Way has how to overcome Satan’s hold on our leaders. It must be done in love in hopes of salvation for them and their families. It must be done in love because that is what is required to dwell in the presence of God. We must pray and lead people to God and His word, but we can do it with the focus on righting what we neglected so long, our government.
I’m a decorated Marine Corps vet, and my ancestors were colonists, not immigrants. The United States of today bears no resemblance to the United States of 1776. The Federal government has become the enemy of freedom, liberty and religion, yet most Christians show more reverence for the government than they do God. The government took God out of the schools, while teaching students as young as kindergarten to pledge their allegiance to the symbol of the state (the flag). Even Hitler never did that. The same Christians who do not humble themselves before God, who balk at the idea of communion being holy, who forget to imitate Christ, will jump to their feet at the sounds of the national anthem, or solemnly place their hands over their hearts in front of the flag. The government is their god. Every bridge and highway in this country is named after a government employee, not the taxpayers who paid for them. The government erects memorials to their gods (Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington) yet they won’t allow you to have a nativity in your own town on public property. Fox news, Hannity, Limbaugh and the rest only have one purpose: to get you to vote republican. They are not conservatives or christians, they are liars and deceivers. When the republicans had both houses of Congress and the White House, they grew the national debt, increased entitlement programs and did NOTHING to counteract liberalism or to enact a conservative agenda. Reagan promised to get rid of the Department of Education, yet he doubled it’s size. He was no conservative either. The republicans and democrats are two sides of the same coin. Why do Christians in America follow charlatans, liars and fools? All satan has to do is dress like Uncle Sam and Americans will gleefully send to sons and daughters to kill across the globe. Turn the other cheek, love those that hate you? Not us!! Not when there are “towelheads” to bomb. It wasn’t Muslims who did 9-11. It was 15 Saudi’s, 2 United Arab Emirates, 1 Egyptian, and 1 Lebanese. Led by a Saudi Arabian, and funded through Pakistan. All “allies” of the federal government in Washington, DC. American Christians have allowed themselves to be the most mis-informed and gullible group in this country. Can patriotism be idolatry? It can’t be anything else, except idolatry.
Who is the right candidate Luisa?
I feel sad that this discussion has turned into a “who’s right” in the spiritual sense. The “Church” has become irrelevant, it has rejected God and Jesus, and God’s Law. The Sunday Sabbath if a lie of satan. The “Church” observes pagan holidays, Christmas, Easter, etc. while it has rejected God’s Holy Convocations. The true flock is certainly small. the true flock know’s it’s Shepherd and follows Him, He is Yeshua (His name given by the Angel of God before His earthly birth). “Come out of her My people.”
Anytime someone uses the term “what would Jesus do” will vote for a leftist, that would be my guess. And by the way John the Baptist did not just say repent, he said a good many other things, and it is about time that we consider which things to repent of. John the Baptist came as the prophets claim, to turn the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest I strike the earth with a curse (repent over feminism and our nanny state mentality of safety first rather than faith first, emasculation of males who’s head should be Christ). John the Baptist came to the natural born Jews and said “say not that you are Abraham’s children, for God is able to make children unto Abraham out of these stones. (repent of your worship of fleshly heritage rather than being born not of flesh and blood, but of and by the will of God – the only people that are the apple of God’s eye are those who God himself has under his wings, it is God that shows mercy to whom he will). 1948 does not match the Biblical prophecies about the gathering of Israel. Just one more thing! The one reason I don’t buy all the outrage here against “Patriotism”? Because it is obvious to me that you are being lead by your feelings and are being influenced by spiritual influences that all people today are influenced by whether proclaiming christian or not. When people are influenced by spiritual forces that be, they do what they feel, not what they know. If you doubt me, just ask an Obama voter why they voted for Obama or Clinton for that matter, they cannot give you a factual honest answer because they voted their feelings rather than the facts. We are living in a time of an extreme anti-patriotic, anti-founding America spirit. You can try to paint a “christian concern on it if you like” however, true Christians are supposed to love truth and not be lead around by their noses! Sorry I just don’t buy it, I see the same anti-founding American spirit all over. And Dean, you too, please tell me which lies are being told by fox news and Rush Limbaugh, I might agree with you if you were specific, however, I don’t expect that you can be, it is a spiritual influence that you are speaking from otherwise.
Robert Begnaud
Oh yeah and since you believe that America is Babylon, then you believe that all the Saints and prophets of God that were killed shall be required of her! Get that? America’s freedom has been bad for the spread of Biblical truth! We are no better than a bunch of Stalin – Nazi murderers, it is are fault Christians are being murdered everywhere!
Go figure!
Kalev, it goes much deeper than that – and you descry the ‘who’s right’ when even you show your agenda, bringing out the name Yeshua, holy days and sabbaths as though they were the most important things. What little clique are you so determined is ‘right’?
You see, I AM isn’t interested in anyone’s cliques. The most important thing is the state of your heart. If you hold more tightly to your choice of names than you do to Him you are in trouble. I really don’t think He cares what you call Him as long as you call ON Him. If you count what days are holy or not according to the flesh rather than according to the spirit, you are in bondage.
If you place your trust in the USA, the Tea Party, Andrew Strom (or me, heaven forbid) you are not only going to be disappointed, you will be in idolatry. Only the Kindler of the stars and maker of All and His only begotten Son are worthy of all adoration, worship, praise and loyalty. They are who you should be seeking after.
Man tries to protect his territory. But the minute man gets his fingers in and tries to exert control, God leaves. And THAT, more than anything else, is what kills revivals. The Welsh revival died because some human browbeat Evan Roberts with their opinion until he accepted it and walked away from the revival against the will of God. The Azusa revival died when corrupt leadership and power struggles were allowed to creep in.
When man’s control comes is God leaves.
It’s the same all over.Now, I am not suggesting some sort of spiritual anarchy, either. Bur God is not afraid of questions or honest discussion. The problems come when we get so entrenched in our beliefs that we cannot give ground – even when proven wrong.
Have you ever had a phrase or concept that kept popping up and wouldn’t leave you alone? Chances are God was trying to get your attention. In any given fellowship, God usually gives a message with confirmation. If several people get the same thing and you don’t like it – really hate it, in fact – do you think maybe God is trying to talk to you or do you assume it’s collusion by a group of troublemakers?
Look at the responses on this topic. Who is looking to the Kingdom of God and who is looking to the United States of America? God is speaking – America is NOT His. God is speaking – seek ye first the Kingdom of God. God is speaking – put your trust IN HIM, not in any man.
One distracts a fussy baby by dangling something in front of it’s face. Are we no more than babes or can we eat solid meat? Do we hear, or are we distracted by the ‘shiny’ the enemy dangles in front of us?
Nothing will save but Jesus Christ – call on His Name, the name of the SON – in whatever language you have. He will hear and answer.
Seraphah, may God continue to bless you, I am in no clique’. I have spent considerable time in Bible study and studying the history of Christianity. Most of what is called Christian today WAS NOT what Yeshua (or Jesus if you prefer) or the Apostles taught. Father has seven Holy Convocations He taught His children to observe forever, He commands us to keep His Sabbaths, weekly and annual. He gave us the Kosher ruling for our well being – our good health. Like the children of Israel we all like sheep and have gone astray. I am simply contending for the faith once delivered to the very best of my ability. What is called the “Church” today barely resembles the early Church founded in Jerusalem. A good source for study is “The Two Babylons” by Alexander Hislop, this will show many similarities between the worship in ancient Babylon and the worship that began to be taught by about 350 A.D. and continues to our modern time. I rely on no one but One that is my Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah in Hebrew). I do my very best to love God with all my heart, soul and strength and to love my fellow brother or sister as I love myself as Yeshua commanded (He summed up the entire Law in that statement).
And that’s the end of my part in this discussion. God bless all!
Although He lived in a politically charged environment, Jesus never aligned Himself or His message with political causes or parties. Jesus simply observed and examined political events in light of biblical prophecy, particularly The Book of Daniel, and in passages such as Matthew 23&24 He prophetically taught the outcome of such events, both of 70 AD and eschatologically, to His followers.
We do not expect politicians to be aware of Joel chapter 3, Zechariah chapter 12, or Revelation chapter 16. None of these politicians seem to recognize the spiritual and theological implications of what they are doing nor prophetic significance. Neither of course do the leaders of the increasingly apostate church.
Andrew,
Enclosed is an excerpt from something I wrote May of last year. The Title was, “A Mutiny in America”. What you have said about America is true about every Free Nation that developed under a Judeo/Christian culture and I think you probably expected some dissension. It is not hard to expose the Americanized Christian in America when we write articles challenging the deeply embedded American idealism taught to us Americans from the time we are born.
Distinguishing things such as idolatry by Christians in a Free Nation is much like the problem Paul faced when he had to deal with Jewish and Gentile converts in the Church, as in Romans 14. If led by the Holy Spirit to confront established societies, then be prepared for hell’s backlash.
Is the Secular Media a friend to the True Christian?
What I give you next is an example of the confusion spreading in our Nation and the World. This is just one of the many deceptions the born again Christian leaders should be exposing publically and with no thought as to the repercussions that may come from taking this kind of stand against this most hellish trickery.
Glenn Beck has risen to the rank and title of being one of the most influential conservative talk show and TV personalities today in America. He supposedly is championing the cause of Freedom of Religion, Americanism, and the Plight of the Believer in God. Very worthy positions in the Judeo/Christian society that still exists in America.
I followed him for a while, overlooking his cultic membership with the Mormons. However, when we were in danger of having a Mormon president, God reminded me of Beck’s affiliation with the Mormons. There is no good thing that can come from yoking our true relationship in Christ with those who follow false doctrine and false leaders. If you say then, just whom can we follow if we have no voice, then you desperately need to review that question. Jesus never promised we would have a voice concerned for our best interests. Instead, we should be looking for the next Stephen, Paul, or even another Luther.
Here is a sample of the dangerous words coming out of Glenn Beck’s mouth. I underlined the critical catchphrases just to point out his conversation is not as innocent and sincere as it appears.
BECK: So, let me ask you this question, and, I think, this is the — this is the main point here that I’m trying to get to. I believe, just as we are, men of different faith, we need to come together and people that believe in God need to put their differences aside and stand up and start saying, you know what? I’m not ashamed that I’m a religious person. I’m not ashamed that I go to synagogue on Saturday or I go to church on Sunday. It’s OK.
And if you don’t like my principles, that’s OK, too. You have a right to answer to God in your way, and I’ll answer to God in my way, as long as we’re not hurting one another. But we’ve got to stop feasting on each other, because religion is under attack. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509012,00.html
Was it not Religious people that crucified Jesus Christ, Matthew 20:17-19, And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
What did Jesus say regarding this different faith argument, John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
And what does it mean to believe in God. Isn’t this the same lying spirit Jesus had to deal with, John 8:41, Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. John 8:47, He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
Hello Pray 1.
I am not “Andrew”, but – - I will toss my hat back in the ring, and proclaim that I do believe, you are also coming at the “American Patriotism” question from left field.
Indeed. I believe Andrew, came to the Bible Belt and lived here for some years. He, while he was here – - he tried to get “In Harmony” and join to those who were “In the Spirit”.
In my opinion – - he was surrounded by people who were “In the Spirit” while he was here, yet – - he did not recognize them as being so. Instead – - he seemed to focus on the Big Actors.
Who was in the Spirit? The Housewife. The Barber. The Farmer. The people of the earth, and also many of the Union folks… etc., etc., etc. Also of course, I should mention the Soldier. (Not the leaders, or not the Politicians, necessarily.)
Here in the Biblebelt, we hire preachers, and we put them behind the pulpit. We also then buy flowers, and they go to each side of the pulpit. Ya see, this is how it tends to be done here.
then if the Preacher gets too – - – rambunctious – or goes carnal on us – - we move him out. And as the flowers fade – - we move them out also. Generally speaking, the Preacher lasts longer than the flowers, but – - it is not necessarily so.
You see, in America here – - it is not the PREACHER or Obama or Bush who is America – - – it is the PEOPLE, and perhaps the LAND that is America. And if the LEADERS get to rambunctious, or if they go carnal on us – - we move them out also. For a footnote for that, see Bill Clinton.
And to answer you further, it is not the Becks or the Oprahs or the J. Springers of the world that are America. Yes, they talk. They all Talk BIG. But they are no more the SPIRIT of America – - then the KC Prophets were/are. Goodness! They are just the folks that are put up front, behind the flowers!
You want to meet America? OK. Instead of putting on a suit, and standing around in Church – - go enlist. And when you get into foreign lands, and are trying not to kiss your butt goodbye, while you are curled up in a fox-hole, then tell the guy praying next to you – - – - there is no God. Ha.
In America – - – - – there are lots of ACTORS, who can read lines real well. This is who most people see, and talk about.
But the Soil is deep, and the Mountains are high – - so we can put up, with a few clowns.
But typically speaking, the Clowns have a rather short life – - dancing to the money bands. But the lady who just changed the 2500′th diaper, out of faith – - – is more to be praised, and is what America is all about.
America is Christian, and while you may think along with President Obama that it is not – - if I remember correctly – - he did not spend any time in a fox-hole either. And while there is trouble on the horizon – - we will come through it – because God wants it that way. (this is what I get from MY Bible).
Have you no faith? Have we not prayed – - for the last 2000 years – - this one prayer? May thy Kingdom come, and may thy will be done? Is not this our PRAYER?
So now that his Kingdom is getting closer – - – we are supposed to be all depressed and give up? ha. Put on your armor, and STAND. STAND I say.
Bert
Bert – I get back to my original question about “Distractions”
If you can show me in the New Testament that the Christians spent all their time involved in Politics, then I will go along.
But it seems to me that they felt their mission was not Politics at all – but Prayer and the Gospel.
THESE are the answers to America’s problems – and Politics will not save the nation – only SPIRITUAL remedies. Don’t you agree?
So why is the church now spending so much time on Politics when it will not solve the basic problems?
-Andrew
What I think is coming, at least in Hawaii, is a political movement spurred by prayer. If the hearts of the people are turned again to the LORD, the election will be superfluous.
>>>So why is the church now spending so much time on Politics when it will not solve the basic problems?
-Andrew<<<
Because they have never learned not to rely on the arm of the flesh. Especially in the USA – but all over the 'west' – Christians have been taught to 'guide' (read control) their ministries, groups, and gatherings to achieve the desired results. The amount of money you make, the number of people on your mailing list, the number of supporters / followers you have is the measure of your 'success.' It is utterly wrong, but it is almost universally accepted, even among the independent and out-of-church groups.
It never ceases to amaze me how many descry the American Church even as they ape their methods and views. It is simply astonishing.
The Church claims to be spirit-filled and spirit-led, yet they fear letting God take care of things without their oversight and control. They can't simply rest in the finished work and let God do as He wills – they have to try to engineer the outcome to suit their own ideas of what is 'right and proper.'
Hello Andrew,
Sorry for the delay in getting back.
Jesus was once asked – - should he pay taxes to the Government? He answered – - who’s name is on the coin? Then he answered – - Give unto Caesar, that which is Caesars, and Give unto God, that which is God’s.
On a nickel I have here – - it has these words…
Liberty, 1995. IN GOD WE TRUST. E Pluribus unum.
Five cents. United States of America.
Liberty could be understood as being – - Men have certain rights. Brings to mind the Bill of Rights. People can own property – and when the Government takes, the Government should pay.
In God we Trust. This is not an OLD saying. This is the truth. We Trust in God, and we trust that he will work it out. And if we get gored, we expect to be able to complain and shout about the unfairness of it all. And yes, we act like little Children at times – - but that is OK.
E Pluribus unum. We are many, and united.
In a sense then – -
In a sense then – - this is who we are – - and there is terrific momentum behind this concept.
……
Independent. Trust In God. United.
And the reason people are now HUGELY excited about politics – - is – - they suddenly sense that…
The Current Administration – - is pushing European concepts at us – - and they are taking away our Liberty.
Liberty is changing to Government rules and guarantees.
Trust in God is changing to Trust in Government.
United is changing to Divided.
Laws are changing.
So what you are seeing – - is the Spirit of Trusting in God – - – is being attacked.
- – - – - – - – - –
Another facet of this excitement is – - – - Religious.
Preachers have been saying that – - there is a Pre-Trib Rapture.
People who study their bible however, have always sort of – - hedged their bets on this a bit. They have listened, but – -
They have also heard, that they will be forced into a ONE World Government, in the end times – - if they do NOT get Raptured.
It is apparent, that – - – - MANY of the Churches have back-tracked on this “Pulpit” Guarantee about the Pre-Trib Rapture. People therefore are looking at the world, and they see – - this ONE WORLD Government coming at them. They are disturbed therefore, and they have become quite fearful. They do NOT wish to find themselves a part of the Anti-Christ kingdom.
So they are suddenly dragging their heels – - HARD. They are NOT pleased by US Money being used to bail out European banks. They are NOT pleased by open borders. They are NOT pleased by imported goods. They are NOT pleased by Higher Taxes. They are NOT pleased by Gov. controlled health care.
So what we are looking at – - – - – - is a quite disturbed bunch of people – - – that will NOT be content to cheerfully sing songs in Church while the Government writes down their names to take away their Liberty, and property – etc. etc.
You may think of this as a Distraction – - – but, that is like saying the hungry are distracted because they have no food. Distraction is totally the WRONG word.
Hannah, was Distressed by her Sister wife. She was NOT distracted. And God heard her Distress, and answered.
Amen, Biblepath!
There is wisdom in your words.
GK Chesterton, who was very influential in the salvation of CS Lewis wrote:
“Idolatry is committed, not merely by setting up false gods, but also by setting up false devils; by making men afraid of war or alcohol, or economic law, when they should be afraid of spiritual corruption and cowardice.” (9/11/1909)
I am not an American. My view of America is gained from what I see/read in the media, including the internet, but perhaps the strongest impressions I have come from American made movies and T.V. As an outsider I have to say that Americans have too high an opinion of themselves and are sometimes quite ignorant about the rest of the world.I recall polls taken of American students to guage their knowledge of other countries and I was horrified at how little they seemed to know.
I have observed a patriotism which is quite ‘over the top’ to my mind. Either America is Utopia or its inhabitants are on some kind of ‘juice’. Don’t get me wrong. I like America, but I hate unbalance.I agree with Andrews staement. Your patriotism is too much. It is dangerous . Any excess is.
I have nothing against political involvement.It is just not for me, although I have sent a few emails to my local papers, my member of parliament, the prime minister and other office holders.They do not seem to follow my advice, even though I think it is sound. The time it takes me is a drop in the bucket – not comparing at all with the amount of time I spend in prayer for America , let alone my own country of New Zealand. I wonder why Americans cannot see what is happening to their country,and( dare I say it,) what did they think they were doing when they elected Mr.Obama ? but then I wonder what my own coutrymen think about what is happening here, and almost despair. For a season I prayed intensely for America.I saw the four aeroplanes approaching and knew they were for harm, but not until after 9/11 did I understand what I had seen. I saw the sniper who killed all those people . I did not understand – his sites were trained on me when I saw him. I thought I was a dead duck, realised I was still alive and prayed fervently for myself.If only…
I used to say that America protected the world. What can I say now? I realised that God used America for His purposes as He can use any country. Ameriica is no longer the power it was, but God is. The good news is that revival is coming – here to New Zealand, and to America, Canada and many other places. I have heard many give advice on what Christians should be doing, but I have only one word of advice . You need to hear the ‘now’ word (rhema) for yourself, and that is what you should do. How well do you hear His voice? ‘ My sheep hear..’ you know.
Well said Biblepath! As I am reading what has been said here, I do know one obvious thing; everyone speaks from their own perspective, based on the information they believe credible and based on their own biases. Not to single you out Harry, but your perspective of America is probably media driven and like you said TV and movies. I, as a southern California resident, if given the job of God, would turn Hollywood and Beverly Hills into 5000 Degrees! That is not far from where I live, as for me, we don’t hardly enjoy anything coming from these degenerate low life’s! We own a TV for news, history, nature and old reruns, we hate wickedness as much or more than you! My desire is not to save America, that is above my station, God’s call, but I desire to make sure I and my family are right with God and those to whom I have the opportunity by the grace of God to speak to and maybe get them to consider. I believe that if only a remnant of “Christians” would become what they claim to be, maybe America and many other places in the world would escape the judgment of God. We all need to repent of sin and turn from our idols to serve the true and living God. Come let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow. We are doing exactly this on Saturday July 31, 2010. I invite you to come reason with us on our open line Radio Blog cast, we will be talking about repentance and issues of godly wisdom 5:00pm pacific – 8:00pm eastern; check out my Radio page for details http://www.thestraightwaychurch.org/html/upcoming_radio_show.html – open chat room and open phone lines if you want to comment!
Hey, what else do you want, that’s what I can do by his grace! Hope you can join us.
Robert Begnaud
Blindness is the problem.
-Andrew
Hello,
Ha. Nah. That is not the problem. I think the problem is someone is getting their political understanding – - not from the Bible, but from watching too much TV and News.
ha. Then again, you COULD be right? That might make one blind to what is really going on?
I commented on a homeschool forum recently that interestingly Jesus paid no mind to the politics of the day. Jesus never railed against the rulers of the day, Jesus never in fact preached against the rulers of the day. He never actually bothered to even mention them of his own self.
Jesus never even railed against the unsaved of the day. But Jesus did rail against the pharisees, saducees and the religious hypocrites of that day.
We are called to be like Jesus. This means that we should follow in His footsteps.
with love,
Sarah
“So why is the church now spending so much time on Politics when it will not solve the basic problems?”
Hi Andrew,
Because they are a 501c3 corporation and come under the category of moneychangers?
love,
Sarah
Peter wrote:
“Or how they can politically live with the fact that some Americans actually die because they can’t afford health care. How pro-life is that attitude? You really don’t have to be left-wing to ask that.”
Is relying on the medical corporation God’s will for us then? God is our health care! The medical corp. just wants to drug people (the temple of the Holy Ghost) with “pharmakiea” and make the most money as they can from every “body” before they bury them.
Sarah
I don’t know how to answer the question of what to do about people who die because of the lack of affordable health care, it truly is tragic, but as someone who used to work in the health care sector as a nurse I can attest that it is corrupt and anti-christ, at least where I live in Canada. At some point my conscience actually started to bother me regarding all the pills I was pushing, vis-a-vis their side effects,etc, with NO-ONE BEING CURED, and the fact that drugs seemed to be the only answer that the medical profession can offer besides cutting and hacking at body parts, which when you think about it from one point of view, is actually hellish. Somehow because of a complete lack of trust in God, medicine and nursing has gotten off track, they are serving another god in fact and it blinds them to solutions that the Lord would be able to provide.
Where I worked there was a subtle intimidating spirit at work, trying to force health care workers to take the flu shot whether they wanted it or not. The Holy Spirit told me not to take it, and I didn’t even know why. There was also a mandatory program for the staff part of which involved the new age practice of laying on of hands and “transferring our spirits” – I kid you not!! There was a terrible atmosphere of intimidation surrounding this whole program and most of my colleagues were literally fearful and did not want to attend but had no choice if we wanted to keep our jobs. Many nurses take courses in and practise what is called “therapeutic touch”, another new age goodie. I don’t know what it’s like in the U.S. and other parts of the world, but anyone going to hospital or under care of a doctor needs to be in prayer and be vigilant for themselves or their loved ones. I’m not saying to eschew professional health care altogether right now, but we need to be prepared that there may come a point in the near future where the people of God will really need to. The system where I live is all pretty much serving Satan/anti-christ now.
Don’t trust in politics to save you, don’t trust in health care to save you, don’t trust in America’s left wing government to save you; and by all means don’t trust in men of religious hierarchy of ANY kind to save you! The Lord is coming back and the Scribes and Pharisees of our time will love it just the way they did the first time. You want revival here? I would ask what do you want to revive? You want a bunch of people to cry and speak in tongues? You don’t need revival, you need life from the dead! That is what it is going to be like as our Lord returns, there ain’t gonna be any remake of the past, no new reformation, no new awakening, no new azusa street, there instead is going to be a valley of dry bones! Don’t hate me for telling you the truth!
Robert Begnaud
Can’t there be a “harvest” in the midst of very dark days, Robert?
“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
“For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the LORD will rise upon you
And His glory will appear upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2 NASB)
Amen “Harvey Rosieur” yes “Andrew” there can be a “harvest” in the midst of what appears in the natural to be “very dark days”… :-)
“for we walk by faith, not by sight– ” (2 Cor 5:7 NASB)
A man whom I deeply respect in the Lord who is a prophetic intercessor in NZ, Warren Lyons, once told me that the Lord lets the principalities grow until they reach full stature before He destroys them – that comment has stayed with me… :-)
>>>>ON Aug 2nd 2010 Andrew writes:
Can’t there be a “harvest” in the midst of very dark days, Robert?<<<<
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man.38 “The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one.39 “The enemy who sowed them is the devil,
the harvest is the end of the age,
and the reapers are the angels.40 “Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.41 “The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,42 “and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.43 “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:37-43
Arise and shine for thy light is come is going to be like life from the dead for those who have been counted worthy to escape. That hasn’t happened yet, I wouldn’t underestimate the weightiness of such a promise and connect that with where we are now. What I would be looking to Andrew, if I were you, is Daniel 11 where it says “those who know the Lord their God shall be strong and do exploits” and on the other hand “many shall cleave to them of flattery”. Those who know the Lord their God do not flatter others to gain their favor and yet the Word does say they will be strong and do exploits. It also speaks of a time where many are tried in the fire and fail for their own purification that they might be brought forth as pure gold. The greatest thing that I could say is Isaiah 13:3 “REJOICE IN THE HIGHNESS OF GOD”! In other words, do not claim that you have revival by comparing yourselves with others, like revivals of the past. When we rejoice in the highness of God, we compare ourselves to HIM, keep our eyes on the mark, the high calling in Christ Jesus and not settle or be pleased with anything else! That we might know him in the power of his resurrection! So please don’t get mad at me if I rain on your parade. I am not trying to be mean or discouraging, I just refuse to rejoice in anything but the highness of God! I have been a pentecostal from my childhood, I have seen plenty of people whipped up into a frenzy and believe that God was doing a great work. The bottom line has to be rejoicing in the highness of God and knowing that God is able to show what he is doing beyond all of our questions and experiences. I know that God does not expect anymore from me than to fear him and abide in him. As I previously said “Come let us reason together” Isaiah 1 -the whole chapter. If only a few of us learn God’s opinion rather than our own, we know that God is a God of Truth and he has Reasons and he is right, then there is reasonable hope for us and the favor of God. We know that a house divided cannot stand and we know that we cannot unit outside of Truth. So there it is, let’s reason together and by his grace get to truth, so then repentance isn’t just a humble slogan we use, but an act we take based on truth.
Robert Begnaud
Andrew writes:
Can’t there be a “harvest” in the midst of very dark days, Robert?”
Of course! You can’t keep God’s warrior called out people down….even if ya tried…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXzGZ6GXnTw
And speaking of “distractions”…..
Isn’t about time we became single-minded in our focus on the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ? And let other unimportant, unnecessary things fall by the wayside?
Jesus said to his disciples are you so dull; do you have eyes but fail to see and ears but fail to hear. I am HONESTLY surprised that people spend any amount of energy into politics. This is a CRUCIAL time in the history of mankind for all CHRISTIANS; every ounce of energy should be spent proclaiming the kingdom of God.
People who spend their time and energy in politics have probably given up that Christ will ever be returning to rule the world and ONLY UNDER HIS RULE WILL THERE BE PERFECT PEACE!!
BFAUGERE wrote:
“Jesus said to his disciples are you so dull; do you have eyes but fail to see and ears but fail to hear. I am HONESTLY surprised that people spend any amount of energy into politics. This is a CRUCIAL time in the history of mankind for all CHRISTIANS; every ounce of energy should be spent proclaiming the kingdom of God.”
Those are good points. At this critical time in history, why ARE people so caught up in politics at all? As if it’s going to make a bit of difference. Jesus didn’t concern Himself at all with the rulers of His day. Why should we? The WHOLE political system is all rigged anyway by “the powers that be.”
They put in exactly who “they” want in power. Not a bit a difference between the two political parties. They just “tell” the public there is and most just lap it up. It’s ALL an illusion.
Hello #Heidi144,
To me, what you say there – - – sounds like Depression. “Oh me, or My, no one listens to me?”
Ha. I voted this morning, at 6:30. Then I visited the Bank later, on a different chore. I joked with the Teller there, that – - the Pole places appeared to be having some trouble – - as they miss-guessed which ballots the voters would want. – - Seems they ran out of Republican ballots twice already.
Yes, I will agree with you to a certain extent Heidi, but – - only to a certain extent. If you are stuck in a hole – - you can give up, or – - – you can keep praying and hoping and trying to dig out. And who knows? Perhaps we can find traction on the this attempt?
To me, the problem is – - Congress does not represent the people… but it ignores the people. Easy solution is – - kick em all out? You see, most in America, want a secure border… but – - neither party would let us have that. We also mostly want our soldiers to come home.. but again, neither party wants that… Other things also – - like quit giving money away – - especially to foreign banks/etc.. Point is – - – the Government quit being MY government, years ago, so now WE are IT”S servants and it is starting to seem quite crazy. Perhaps we need to try to rein it in?.
Biblepath, it’s not a matter of giving up or being depressed. It’s just the reality. If you do any amount of research, you wil realise the truth. It’s not that hard to find. BOTH sides of the political spectrum are controled and “they” put in whoever “they” want to.
But of couse, “they” (the powers that be) don’t realise that “they” are being controlled by an even greater power. And that’s God Almighty who is ultimately “puling all the strings”. He’s the REAL one in control.
As scripture tells us, He raises up and He brings down and there ain’t nuthin’ we little humans can do about it, if it is something He has allowed.
Daniel 2:21:
“And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.”
He just lets TPTB “think” they have control.
God also provides all of our needs, so why don’t we just stop working and let God do it? We trust God enough to know that it is worthless for us to vote, why not trust him enough in other areas to cease to do what we can? It’s gonna go God’s way anyway right?
Robert
I am a 57-year-old American Christian who essentially very, very much agrees with Andrew’s basic premise here. Yet I frankly confess that, if the God of the Bible is truly more powerful than any earthly person, authority, or institution (including anything calling itself “government”, “business”, “medicine”, “media”, etc.), I fail to see any indication of such in most of these international replies. With all due love and respect to brethren worldwide, I don’t see any verses in my King James Bible that say that the Spirit of the Living God does not exist at all in a nation unless every government person and business person in said nation is a cloned “robot” of Jesus, and infallible. Nor do I read that a nation has to be an exact duplicate of Heaven for a Christian to live any kind of godly, powerful, victorious, fruitful, overcoming, worthwhile life. (Yes, I realize the need for salvation and the inluence of righteousness, but I’m trying to make a point.) And where is it written that, in order for me to make Heaven, I must talk, think, and act as if I’m trapped in Hell without God or hope until then? Back around 1870, The U.S. had a President named Ulysses S. Grant. From what I’ve heard, he smoked, drank, cussed, and was involved in crooked business dealings. Was the American Body of Christ “doomed” and “in Hell” until the Second Coming because of that, and their individual lives not worth living? Likewise, our President in the early 1920s, Warren G. Harding (a Republican newspaper publisher from Ohio), was an ungodly man who was reputed to have been a heavy drinker (during Prohibition) and womanizer who frequently sneaked out of the White House to attend striptease shows. As awful as these things were, was the God of the Universe “boycotting” His People in the States at that time? I don’t think so. And isn’t it a Biblical principle that the Lord can take people and situations that we consider horrible and work THROUGH them to produce good, while not excusing the wrongness? As I once heard a well-known American preacher say, “I don’t believe God has abdicated His Throne and given total control of the Universe to Satan!” This final thought: Back in the early 1980s, I was exposed to several songs by a pioneering U.S. Contemporary Christian “rock” singer/songwriter/recording artist from California who has been doing this kind of music for about forty years; he is still performing, recording, and concertizing around the world and appears on “Christian” TV very occasionally. The message in these songs seemed to be that Satan has “killed” the Spirit of God on Earth, has, in effect, turned Earth into Hell, and has gained such total, absolute, complete control of the planet and everyone and everything on it, all Christians included, that the only thing any person, saved or lost, can do now is die and get off Earth ASAP, maybe even by suicide, as Jesus has no power to prevent, or do anything about, starvation, unemployment, corruption, pollution, nuclear war, etc. Since, according to this gentleman, the Lord is basically “dead” until His Return and everyone in the Western World, saved or lost, is a combination of Satan, Atilla the Hun, Hitler, Stalin, Idi Amin,and Mao – only worse – death is perhaps the only way out, because, as he repeats in the song, “It’s all over! It’s all over!” Frankly, I’ve never heard “Christian” songs in my life manifesting so much of a spirit of atheism, despair, hopelessness, rage, and suicide, or so much of a “Satan has permanently beaten God” attitude. Yet, this man has supported overseas missionary and food ministries. And these tunes were recorded during the Reagan Administration. Comments on anything I’ve presented here are surely welcome, and thank you all for your time and understanding. I’d just like to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, Almighty God, actually does exist on Earth BEFORE His Second Coming.
I liked your post “Trying to be hopeful”, our authority is in the spiritual realm and as the Lord establishes this authority in us in prayer we can pray for an “open door” or an “open heaven” for the gospel to be preached in power…
I went to search for this verse (the “open door” one) – which the Lord brought back to my mind – and came across this sermon on the internet – it’s actually the same thought, “pray… that God may open a door for the word” (Col 4:3) – at the link below and the testimony of how Duncan Campbell came to preach and be used in the revival which the Lord brought to the island of Berneray in the Hebrides in 1952 really blessed me, I think it will encourage your faith… :-)
http://www.soundofgrace.com/piper89/11-12-89.htm