To: American Christians
To: American Christians
I recently read a post by a local pastor, which was mostly a case for why Christians should not be involved (or partner) with government and how nations (America in particular) cannot ever be considered anything other than a kingdom of this world, in contrast to the Kingdom of God. I’m writing this, because I realized that this is not just an isolated paradigm, but there is a disconnect from a balanced Biblical view and where much of Western Christianity is today. We need a spiritual reformation of Christians in government (indeed all the mountains of society) but from a slightly different angle. Basically because most American Christians have not been in this position before, or assumed they weren’t. While many Christians did vote for this administration, some did not and have become increasingly critical of Trump, because he didn't fit the typical “Christian presidential material”. Some even refuse to bless and pray for their leaders with thanksgiving, even though this is a divine directive (James 3:9,10; 1 Timothy 2). And He warns us against cursing anyone (James 3:9-10). In this particular case, the pastor mentions a few Christian leaders by name (Rick Joyner, Franklin Graham, Lance Wallnau, Dr. James Dobson, and “others”) and brings their perspective or prophetic insight into question. His tone regarding these very well-established Christian leaders was a bit disconcerting. It felt to me a little like the soldiers drawing back from Uriah, while he takes the heat of the battle alone. While it is proper for us to "test everything," we also need to "hold unto what is good." (1 Thess. 5:21) and to not despise prophecies (1 Thess 5:20). While it is proper to teach those growing in the prophetic (and discernment) to hear for themselves, it is also good to uphold those who have a well-established track record for their accuracy and maturity as a model. The mature must continue to lead the immature. Even of the voices that he mentioned, I would caution anyone about putting words in their mouths, judging their motives, or creating an apparent narrative, because I don't believe they would state things quite the way he had indicated or as many accuse them. On some of them, I am certain about it. In spite of this, I personally would still say that God's will is actually being unfolded in our nation and the world, but maybe not in the way some think. As the prophet Daniel says, "No one can hold back His hand, or say to Him, 'what have you done?'" It is not a blanket God-endorsement of everything a nation-state or leader does, but He does say the heart of the king is like a river in the Lord’s sovereign hand to turn in where He wants (Prov. 21:1). Historically, if you read the timelines of nations, God clearly uses some nations to execute justice against other nations, yet still punishes those same nations for going too far (Jeremiah 50). He still works righteousness and justice in the earth (Ps. 103:6). And this is not something relegated to just the Old Testament. Jesus was still speaking the same narrative to cities and nations in His time, indicating their time of reckoning was near, (Matt. 24; Luke 10:13, Luke 19:44) and the prophecies of Daniel 2 and others had not even been fully realized. Whether our nation is or will be "great again" really depends largely upon the Church and our response to everyone around us, including our leaders -- whether we will side with zealotism protests or otherwise a political spirit, or learn to love patiently, discern correctly, and stand up for what is just and merciful in the face of false accusations regarding our true intentions and alliances--all the while holding forth the truth in love. In spite of the working out of justice between the nations from a natural level, His greatest display of justice has and always will be the cross of Jesus the Messiah -- where all condemnation and judgment was placed upon Him, and all who look to him are forgiven.
I also don't believe it is prudent to relegate all the nations of the earth into merely "man's kingdom," any more that I would relegate the State of Montana, Flathead County , or Kalispell city council in the same way. I admire those I know personally who have done their best to serve in this capacity - Gary Hall, Chad Graham, MarcysometimesRod Kuntz. Likewise, I would not relegate a company like FedEx as an “earthly kingdom” or it's rulers (managers) to being wholly given to something "other than" the kingdom of heaven. No, human government was an institution designed by God (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2:13). To the extent anyone in a position, large or small, submits themselves to God's purposes, there heaven's domain resides—even with (though this is hard for some to grasp) an unbeliever, or an immature one. If we abdicate any positions of authority, wherever they are, then we have abandoned the place where His love, His Fathering, and His light can shine. He has called us to not just disciple individuals, but to disciple cities and nations (Matt.28:19), and every sphere of society -- government is part of this.
I would disagree with the assertion that God has never partnered with the United States or other nations in history and won't in the future. God clearly indicates that a nation is blessed whose "God is the LORD" (Ps. 33:12), and He wasn't prophesying this just to the Old Testament nation of Israel. I would qualify that by stating that it takes more to make a nation "God's" than just stamping it on currency or having some nice quotes from history to point to. However, He specifically indicates that Egypt and (As)Syria will one day be nations that He declares are His own (Isaiah 19), just exactly like the nation of Israel. This is a prophecy still unfulfilled, lest one try to make it simply “Old Testament theology.” America and the kingdoms of this world will not “always” (ad-infinitum) be "kingdoms of this world," as he stated. In fact, [cue music from Handel’s Messiah] the kingdom of the world will one day become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev.11:15). He is king over all the earth even now. I'm certainly not suggesting that America is in this "God's nation" place fully right now. I actually see some real issues with some of the founding principles of America as well as current laws and rulings, that God will judge her for if she doesn't alter them, just as He will judge every nation (Ps. 110:6). But I am stating very emphatically that it is well within the reach of our spiritual inheritance and destiny as a nation to be a “sheep” nation, not a goat one and we (as America Christians) should seek a renewed covenant with Him-- humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, so He will hear from heaven, and forgive our sin and will heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14). He will judge nations, cities, and groups, just as He will judge individuals -- this is clear in Scripture. In which case, we will be part of that scrutiny. To the extent that we collectively hold on to Jesus, His blood and only sacrifice for our sin, to that extent we are justified and made right in His sight. To the extent we have relied upon nice ethics, platitudes, rules and procedures, power, wealth, alliances, or anything else to "make us good," then we fall short of His glory and will suffer loss. I don't believe He will look well on Christians to hide our talents and abdicate our role among whatever region of the world we live in, which includes any positions of influence.
This pastor indicated that America uses violence to advance and protect American wealth, not because God blessed us. I have to agree with him, at least to some extent. It's yet to be seen whether this was truly because God was "blessing" America or just allowing human nature of covetousness, greed, and power to amass wealth to test us to see how we have used our freedom. It may be a bit of both. I certainly don't believe God smiles upon the exploitation of others to make ourselves rich. But the Word teaches that God blesses those who trust Him, work honestly and live generously. I do not personally entertain the accusations against America from her adversaries, or even her own self-condemnation and self-hatred to some extent. I don't believe this is how God sees it. In any case, it is our obligation (as kingdom priests) to ask for forgiveness for the sins of our country, like Daniel did (Daniel 9:5), not to misuse our priestly position to condemn or accuse. I tend to ask God for vision to view individuals, groups, cities, and nations through the eyes of what God's original intent and destiny is for them, instead of merely through the lens of accusation [God forgive us]. He alone is the ultimately the omniscient and just judge of America, its leaders, and all nations, and how it all will end has yet to be seen. If we seek the blessing of the place where we live, we ourselves will be blessed. (Jer. 29:7)
As for partnering with rulers of this world. I would begin by using the Fed-Ex analogy. If someone were an employee and indicated they were a Christian and could not conscientiously “partner with” their superior, they probably wouldn't last one day at work. They might not even get hired. As far as national or regional governments, while it might not seem ideal to work-for or "partner-with" managers or leaders we disagree with, who might not hold the same values we do, and sometimes do things that we misunderstand or adamantly oppose in our hearts, sometimes we are left with no choice (as much as the American independent, individualist spirit doesn't like to hear that). We can either be a Joseph, an Esther, or a Daniel -- learning how to honor those in authority and speaking His love, wisdom and counsel to protect and bless a larger group of people, or we will be set aside because we stubbornly refuse to recognize how and where God is at work, even through imperfect leaders. When it comes right down to it, we can take a stand when it really counts (not for nit-picky fault-finding), but at least by then we've earned the respect and credibility of those in authority. Joseph, Daniel, and Esther didn't have a choice in their captivity, but it was all God's design -- God was setting them up. Thankfully, we still do have a choice. Maybe to some extent we don't. They certainly didn't have the liberty to express their spiritual ideals as we do. It would be irresponsible of us to not utilize what opportunities are given to us. But we can only do this when we cultivate a culture of honor, especially toward leaders. I have seen how well some modeled this with the Obama administration, which I'm sure they didn't agree with 100% on everything. It is now time to do the same for this administration. If anyone has some tangible, confirmed issues that you have with President Donald J. Trump, I encourage you to write him – give him your best case for correcting the personal issues you have with him, but do it in a way that you would want to be addressed in such circumstances.
Attn: Donald Trump, C/O The Trump Organization 725 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10022. Phone: 202-456-1111 Email: president@whitehouse.gov
The President, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
But it really does no good to slander and accuse him openly to others, without trying to address him personally.
I'm not certain everything many believe regarding the American church is quite how God sees her as we stand at this crossroads. The cultural war against true love, virtue and purity has been so damaging, that true followers of Jesus have to some extent become the outsider and the poor that he speaks about. Thankfully He has never left us alone (and never will). There is a real anti-Christian narrative being theatricated right now, and the sooner we realize this and where it is coming from, the better positioned we will be to love and serve His purposes with wisdom. As he says, "all that can be shaken" will be (Heb. 12:27), but His promise is that all that cannot be shaken will remain. Christians: learn to lean into His voice, abide in His love, and hear the precious thoughts that He thinks about you and the world around you. The sum of them is vast -- outnumbering the grains of sand. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who trust in Him, and He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a future and a hope.
- Brian Martin
He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen
I recently read a post by a local pastor, which was mostly a case for why Christians should not be involved (or partner) with government and how nations (America in particular) cannot ever be considered anything other than a kingdom of this world, in contrast to the Kingdom of God. I’m writing this, because I realized that this is not just an isolated paradigm, but there is a disconnect from a balanced Biblical view and where much of Western Christianity is today. We need a spiritual reformation of Christians in government (indeed all the mountains of society) but from a slightly different angle. Basically because most American Christians have not been in this position before, or assumed they weren’t. While many Christians did vote for this administration, some did not and have become increasingly critical of Trump, because he didn't fit the typical “Christian presidential material”. Some even refuse to bless and pray for their leaders with thanksgiving, even though this is a divine directive (James 3:9,10; 1 Timothy 2). And He warns us against cursing anyone (James 3:9-10). In this particular case, the pastor mentions a few Christian leaders by name (Rick Joyner, Franklin Graham, Lance Wallnau, Dr. James Dobson, and “others”) and brings their perspective or prophetic insight into question. His tone regarding these very well-established Christian leaders was a bit disconcerting. It felt to me a little like the soldiers drawing back from Uriah, while he takes the heat of the battle alone. While it is proper for us to "test everything," we also need to "hold unto what is good." (1 Thess. 5:21) and to not despise prophecies (1 Thess 5:20). While it is proper to teach those growing in the prophetic (and discernment) to hear for themselves, it is also good to uphold those who have a well-established track record for their accuracy and maturity as a model. The mature must continue to lead the immature. Even of the voices that he mentioned, I would caution anyone about putting words in their mouths, judging their motives, or creating an apparent narrative, because I don't believe they would state things quite the way he had indicated or as many accuse them. On some of them, I am certain about it. In spite of this, I personally would still say that God's will is actually being unfolded in our nation and the world, but maybe not in the way some think. As the prophet Daniel says, "No one can hold back His hand, or say to Him, 'what have you done?'" It is not a blanket God-endorsement of everything a nation-state or leader does, but He does say the heart of the king is like a river in the Lord’s sovereign hand to turn in where He wants (Prov. 21:1). Historically, if you read the timelines of nations, God clearly uses some nations to execute justice against other nations, yet still punishes those same nations for going too far (Jeremiah 50). He still works righteousness and justice in the earth (Ps. 103:6). And this is not something relegated to just the Old Testament. Jesus was still speaking the same narrative to cities and nations in His time, indicating their time of reckoning was near, (Matt. 24; Luke 10:13, Luke 19:44) and the prophecies of Daniel 2 and others had not even been fully realized. Whether our nation is or will be "great again" really depends largely upon the Church and our response to everyone around us, including our leaders -- whether we will side with zealotism protests or otherwise a political spirit, or learn to love patiently, discern correctly, and stand up for what is just and merciful in the face of false accusations regarding our true intentions and alliances--all the while holding forth the truth in love. In spite of the working out of justice between the nations from a natural level, His greatest display of justice has and always will be the cross of Jesus the Messiah -- where all condemnation and judgment was placed upon Him, and all who look to him are forgiven.
I also don't believe it is prudent to relegate all the nations of the earth into merely "man's kingdom," any more that I would relegate the State of Montana, Flathead County , or Kalispell city council in the same way. I admire those I know personally who have done their best to serve in this capacity - Gary Hall, Chad Graham, MarcysometimesRod Kuntz. Likewise, I would not relegate a company like FedEx as an “earthly kingdom” or it's rulers (managers) to being wholly given to something "other than" the kingdom of heaven. No, human government was an institution designed by God (Romans 13; 1 Peter 2:13). To the extent anyone in a position, large or small, submits themselves to God's purposes, there heaven's domain resides—even with (though this is hard for some to grasp) an unbeliever, or an immature one. If we abdicate any positions of authority, wherever they are, then we have abandoned the place where His love, His Fathering, and His light can shine. He has called us to not just disciple individuals, but to disciple cities and nations (Matt.28:19), and every sphere of society -- government is part of this.
I would disagree with the assertion that God has never partnered with the United States or other nations in history and won't in the future. God clearly indicates that a nation is blessed whose "God is the LORD" (Ps. 33:12), and He wasn't prophesying this just to the Old Testament nation of Israel. I would qualify that by stating that it takes more to make a nation "God's" than just stamping it on currency or having some nice quotes from history to point to. However, He specifically indicates that Egypt and (As)Syria will one day be nations that He declares are His own (Isaiah 19), just exactly like the nation of Israel. This is a prophecy still unfulfilled, lest one try to make it simply “Old Testament theology.” America and the kingdoms of this world will not “always” (ad-infinitum) be "kingdoms of this world," as he stated. In fact, [cue music from Handel’s Messiah] the kingdom of the world will one day become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev.11:15). He is king over all the earth even now. I'm certainly not suggesting that America is in this "God's nation" place fully right now. I actually see some real issues with some of the founding principles of America as well as current laws and rulings, that God will judge her for if she doesn't alter them, just as He will judge every nation (Ps. 110:6). But I am stating very emphatically that it is well within the reach of our spiritual inheritance and destiny as a nation to be a “sheep” nation, not a goat one and we (as America Christians) should seek a renewed covenant with Him-- humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, so He will hear from heaven, and forgive our sin and will heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14). He will judge nations, cities, and groups, just as He will judge individuals -- this is clear in Scripture. In which case, we will be part of that scrutiny. To the extent that we collectively hold on to Jesus, His blood and only sacrifice for our sin, to that extent we are justified and made right in His sight. To the extent we have relied upon nice ethics, platitudes, rules and procedures, power, wealth, alliances, or anything else to "make us good," then we fall short of His glory and will suffer loss. I don't believe He will look well on Christians to hide our talents and abdicate our role among whatever region of the world we live in, which includes any positions of influence.
This pastor indicated that America uses violence to advance and protect American wealth, not because God blessed us. I have to agree with him, at least to some extent. It's yet to be seen whether this was truly because God was "blessing" America or just allowing human nature of covetousness, greed, and power to amass wealth to test us to see how we have used our freedom. It may be a bit of both. I certainly don't believe God smiles upon the exploitation of others to make ourselves rich. But the Word teaches that God blesses those who trust Him, work honestly and live generously. I do not personally entertain the accusations against America from her adversaries, or even her own self-condemnation and self-hatred to some extent. I don't believe this is how God sees it. In any case, it is our obligation (as kingdom priests) to ask for forgiveness for the sins of our country, like Daniel did (Daniel 9:5), not to misuse our priestly position to condemn or accuse. I tend to ask God for vision to view individuals, groups, cities, and nations through the eyes of what God's original intent and destiny is for them, instead of merely through the lens of accusation [God forgive us]. He alone is the ultimately the omniscient and just judge of America, its leaders, and all nations, and how it all will end has yet to be seen. If we seek the blessing of the place where we live, we ourselves will be blessed. (Jer. 29:7)
As for partnering with rulers of this world. I would begin by using the Fed-Ex analogy. If someone were an employee and indicated they were a Christian and could not conscientiously “partner with” their superior, they probably wouldn't last one day at work. They might not even get hired. As far as national or regional governments, while it might not seem ideal to work-for or "partner-with" managers or leaders we disagree with, who might not hold the same values we do, and sometimes do things that we misunderstand or adamantly oppose in our hearts, sometimes we are left with no choice (as much as the American independent, individualist spirit doesn't like to hear that). We can either be a Joseph, an Esther, or a Daniel -- learning how to honor those in authority and speaking His love, wisdom and counsel to protect and bless a larger group of people, or we will be set aside because we stubbornly refuse to recognize how and where God is at work, even through imperfect leaders. When it comes right down to it, we can take a stand when it really counts (not for nit-picky fault-finding), but at least by then we've earned the respect and credibility of those in authority. Joseph, Daniel, and Esther didn't have a choice in their captivity, but it was all God's design -- God was setting them up. Thankfully, we still do have a choice. Maybe to some extent we don't. They certainly didn't have the liberty to express their spiritual ideals as we do. It would be irresponsible of us to not utilize what opportunities are given to us. But we can only do this when we cultivate a culture of honor, especially toward leaders. I have seen how well some modeled this with the Obama administration, which I'm sure they didn't agree with 100% on everything. It is now time to do the same for this administration. If anyone has some tangible, confirmed issues that you have with President Donald J. Trump, I encourage you to write him – give him your best case for correcting the personal issues you have with him, but do it in a way that you would want to be addressed in such circumstances.
Attn: Donald Trump, C/O The Trump Organization 725 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10022. Phone: 202-456-1111 Email: president@whitehouse.gov
The President, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
But it really does no good to slander and accuse him openly to others, without trying to address him personally.
I'm not certain everything many believe regarding the American church is quite how God sees her as we stand at this crossroads. The cultural war against true love, virtue and purity has been so damaging, that true followers of Jesus have to some extent become the outsider and the poor that he speaks about. Thankfully He has never left us alone (and never will). There is a real anti-Christian narrative being theatricated right now, and the sooner we realize this and where it is coming from, the better positioned we will be to love and serve His purposes with wisdom. As he says, "all that can be shaken" will be (Heb. 12:27), but His promise is that all that cannot be shaken will remain. Christians: learn to lean into His voice, abide in His love, and hear the precious thoughts that He thinks about you and the world around you. The sum of them is vast -- outnumbering the grains of sand. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. He knows those who trust in Him, and He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a future and a hope.
- Brian Martin
He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen
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