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War Within God’s Church

A Word to the Wise Lifeandbibleblog.com

By Cynthia Cummings-Walker

Many Christians have gotten really comfortable in America because there is freedom of religion.  They are secure that no governmental interference can stop them from practicing their faith.  However, this is a false sense of security if one believes that only those on the outside can destroy what is inside the church. Not so.  There is a war raging within the Church, and primarily over politics.

Individuals who agree on secular politics are considered comrades in arms.  Those with a different viewpoint are seen as an enemy in an all-out war.  This seething animosity is having devastating effects in the Church and in many Christian circles.   This war is the antithesis of how Christians are required to live.

When a person is born again, they become a part of God’s family. The old way of living is gone, and a new nature is given (2 Corinthians 5:17). All of this bickering is not reflective of a new life in Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote: “for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?” 1 Corinthians 3:3 (NLT)

This abhorrent behavior is comparable to ‘christian’ cannibalism.  Galatians 5:14–15 says: “ For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.”   

Casualties of War  

Christians are a part of God’s family yet are overlooking the consequences of being at war with each other. When surveying the combat zone, the unity that Christians are commanded to have is in tatters on the battlefield.  It is scattered with broken and destroyed relationships, dry bones, broken people, the spiritually dead, deceived, and deserted. Many have been injured or mortally wounded in a barrage of false doctrines, personal attacks, Christians shooting their wounded, and fraternizing with the enemy.

Scripture Forbids Believers to be Comrades with Unbelievers

There is no problem with Christians having friendly relationships with unbelievers.  Having similar interests is one thing, collaboration is another.

“You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.”  James 4:4 (NLT)

Christians should love people, minister to them in both word and deed. However, beyond that if we partner or join forces with them this is a violation of the Lord’s command.

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?…. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (NLT)

Since a Christian’s overall responsibility is to be salt and light, how can a Christian justify being joined with the god of this world whose agenda is to blind unbelievers and oppose the gospel? 

“If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.”  2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NLT)

Other People Are Not the Enemy

Although some may see the battle as against the person of the opposite political party, this fight is not merely a war of words between people.  Sadly, so many Christians have lost focus on who the real enemy is, and what the conflict is ultimately about.  The enemy is the devil.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith….” 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NLT)

Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).  Causing division, strife and warfare amongst Christians is a part of the devil’s masterplan. Scripture is straightforward about who the enemy is and what type of war Christians are fighting.     

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,  for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NASB)

God, our Commander in Chief, has given Christians His battle plan, and the battle gear to put on in this spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:13–17 (NASB) “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  James 4:7 (NASB) “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Be Reconciled to God and One Another

There are severe consequences for disobeying the Lord’s orders.  When a Christian has a chink in their armor by being devoted to politics,  or no armor at all, it was easy for the devil to incite internal conflict all in the name of government.

The Church is not immune from the consequences of sin or discipline from the Lord. A lot of people think that because God loves us means that He has a “warm fuzzy feeling” like a loving parent has for their child.  Not so.  God is holy and that is the measure by which He judges. Therefore, if we replace God’s righteous standards with human emotion that will override the consequences of sin, we have missed the mark.

It can be confusing.  The Bible uses anthropopathisms (attributing human emotions to God) to help us relate to God in ways mankind can understand.  God’s emotions are pure, based on His righteous standards. Depending on experiences we have had, human emotions can cloud our judgement or distort truth.

Let’s say that a woman has been abused by her father, her husband or other men in her life. God represents Himself as a man. This can negatively affect her emotions regarding God because she believes that a man cannot be trusted. Since we have a sin nature, human emotions can be corrupted. God’s emotions are incorruptible because He is God.

Once Christians know that they have been disobeying the Lord’s commands, a cease fire is warranted, weapons dropped, confession of sin and asking God for forgiveness.    

1 John 1:9–10 (NKJV)  “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  

Rebellion has Consequences

When Christians choose not to cease and desist this ungodly behavior, divine discipline from the Lord is on the way.  God is longsuffering and patient, yet there comes a point when rebellion continues and the Lord has to put a stop to it.

“For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”  As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?  If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all….. God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:6–11 (NLT)

In Conclusion, Unify

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)  “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”

The Apostle Paul writes: “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.  Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace...” Ephesians 4:1–6 (NLT)

Questions for Reflection

“Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.”  1 Kings 18:21 (NLT)

What Do You Say?

Who Will You Obey?

“You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”    Ephesians 2:2 (NLT)

Which Side Are You On?

The Lord is God, follow Him!  

Is the Republican Party an Extension of the Church?

Lifeandbibleblog.com

By Cynthia Cummings-Walker

Some may wonder why I am singling out the Republican Party’s connection to Christianity, while not referencing the Democratic party (which certainly has its fallibilities).  The Democratic party does not claim to have God backing them.  The Republican party does. That is the issue herein.

It is well known that conservative evangelical Christian pastors, ministry leaders, and media purport that the Republican party is God’s choice to advance His initiatives in the political realm.

The two reasons being: (1) America was founded as a Christian nation and the Republican party will return her to her roots. (2) God has chosen the Republican party to do His work through enacting legislation that embodies Christian creeds.  

Countless Christian leaders vociferously admonish their congregants and constituents to vote for republicans as though the Republican party is an extension of the Church. What makes matters worse are the fallacious reasons given that are not in line with American history, civil law, nor the Bible. 

Myth: America was founded as a Christian Nation

Fact: The United States of America is not a Christian nation and never was.  She was built on human trafficking, theft of land and genocide of native Americans.  Furthermore, the first ten presidents of the United States lives were racked with scandals, and they owned slaves.

The United States of America was founded as a civil institution, governed by secular laws, as outlined in the Constitution of the United States of America:

“WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare; secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

There is no mention of God, or religion in the VII Articles of the Constitution.

Myth: God has chosen the Republican party to legislate Christian principles.

Fact: There is a separation between Church and State within the first Amendment to the Constitution.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;….”

Amendment I

The government is required to remain neutral when it comes to religion. It is prohibited from favoring one religion over another: or favor religion over non-religion. The government cannot interfere with religions and no religion  can dictate how government should function. There is a separation between Church and State (the Establishment Clause). That is why prayer was taken out of schools.

Bible Support for the Separation of Church and State

When the Jews attempted to lure Jesus into a divisive political discussion, Jesus’ answer was succinct. 

 “Then they asked Him (Jesus), saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth:  Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me?  Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”  And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.””  

Luke 20:21–25

Jesus acknowledged that there is a legitimate duty to government, and a sacred duty to obey God.

Jesus Christ foreknew that under the corrupt Roman government He would be falsely accused, arrested, beaten, unjustly convicted, and sentenced to death. Yet, He did not try to change or disparage the Roman government. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:17 (NIV)  

There is no regenerative or sanctifying power within secular law or a political party which can change sinful human nature. Only salvation does. (John 3:3;16).

The Lord has revealed the way in which Christians can have a powerful impact upon society.  The believer in Christ should share the gospel while living in obedience to God’s Word, the Bible.

Christians are commanded to love God and people. Pray. Obey. Evangelize.  Disciple.  Be salt and light.  Be an ambassador for Christ. Being a political operative for any political party is not part of God’s plan to improve society.

Voting is an integral part of American government, and I appreciate having the privilege to do so.  Although it is an arduous process, I research the qualifications and character of each candidate. I believe it would be irresponsible for me to vote straight party line whether the candidate is qualified or not.  

If I were choosing a surgeon, dentist, electrician, or plumber, the person’s political party would not be a part of the process. Their professionalism, expertise and integrity are what my decisions are predicated on. When choosing a political candidate to vote for, basically the same pragmatic criteria is applied.  

The United States of America is a great nation with all of its ethnicities, cultures, laws, freedoms, and religions, which makes governing her complex and controversial. No political party is perfect or does everything it promises.  We pray, research, and do the best we can with who we have to work with. 

As for me, to the best of my ability I perform my secular duty to country in an honorable, conscientious manner; and my spiritual, sacred duty to God as He requires. 

Lessons From a Bird: Being Content with God’s Provision

By Cynthia Cummings-Walker

For a couple of days, a beautiful bright red cardinal kept flying into my window that faces the patio.  I didn’t know why and was concerned that it would injure itself.  After a couple of days I realized that the bird was trying to fly to the red flowering Canna plant I have just inside that window.

The bird completely ignored the birdfeeders, birdbath, and urns of beautiful flowers blooming all around the patio.  None of that seemed to matter.  The bird was determined to get to the Canna through that window, although it was closed.

The Cardinal did not realize that in being outside, it had the freedom to fly anywhere it wanted to go.  It could travel to places where it could enjoy a variety of flowers and food.  Being around other birds the Cardinal could find a mate.  

Many people are like the Cardinal. The Lord has provided us with everything we need, and much of what we desire. When lust for something that looks more appealing sets in, we may become dissatisfied, ignoring what we have and go after that which is unreachable.  Sometimes to our own detriment. 

In Genesis chapters 2 and 3 is the biblical account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  God had provided the most beautiful garden that anyone could possibly imagine. Adam and Eve did not have to plant anything nor toil to maintain its beauty.  There were no weeds.  A mist came up from the ground to water it.  There was little to do except enjoy it.

The trees there were exceptionally lush and stunning to look at and countless fruit trees to eat from.  There was only one restriction. God told Adam and Eve they could eat fruit from any tree in the garden, except one.  It was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil located in the middle of the garden.

Adam and Eve had a close and personal relationship with God.  They lived in a beautiful, perfect environment. What more could they want?

One day Satan approached Eve and asked her why she was not eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Eve said that God told them they could not eat from that tree.  If they ate from it they would surely die.

Satan told Eve that what God said was not true and if they ate from the tree they would not surely die. He said God was restricting them from that tree because if they ate from it their eyes would be opened and they would be like God, knowing good and evil.  

Eve was tempted to disobey God, blinded by the lust for something that was forbidden. She erroneously felt that God was withholding something better than she already had.  Eve ignored the lush and beautiful garden she lived in and focused on what she was closed out from having.

It was like the Cardinal wanting to get to the Canna. Eve succumbed to the temptation and ate a piece of fruit from the forbidden tree and gave some to Adam. This was a disastrous decision. It probably took less than a minute to make, yet one that brought irreparable damage to Adam and Eve and their relationship with God. 

The result of their disobedience destroyed their entire way of life. The penalty for Adam and Eve’s disobedience caused God to remove them from the garden and banned them from ever returning. 

The far-reaching consequences were that Adam would have to work by the sweat of his brow for the rest of his life. Eve would have to suffer labor pains in childbirth. Their son Cain would kill their other son Abel.  Of course, they had no idea of the price they would have to pay for being ungrateful and disobedient. Do we?

Things may look tempting and good from the outside looking in. The Master Gardener has a reason for closing a door or window. Even though the Cardinal was intent on entering my home for the flowering plant through the window, I restricted its entry and the window remained closed. 

Unbeknownst to the bird, if it had managed to get inside, it would be paying a high price.  It’s freedom to enjoy all of nature would be gone, and it would be restricted to one flower in an atmosphere which is not conducive to the bird’s intended purpose, nor its survival.

2 LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THE CARDINAL

  1. In life, learn to be content with God’s provisions and enjoy what you currently have. The door or window may be closed for a reason. When the Lord has something for you, you will have access to it in God’s time.  Pray and wait.  
  2. Trust God. He is good.  Everything the Lord does is right and done for our good.  God has reasons for restrictions. Some things may be detrimental to us, or it is just not the right time. If we try to force our way in, that can cause self-induced misery, or worse.

As for the Cardinal, it kept flying into the window until I realized why the bird was doing it and moved the Canna to another spot where the bird could not see it. The Cardinal then refocused and enjoyed the provisions outside where it was. Once it is consistently warm outside at night, I will put the Cannas outside and the Cardinal can enjoy them then. 

Disaster can be borne out of haste. Good things come to those who wait.

Have you ever made a decision in haste and regretted it?

Do you, when God does not answer a prayer the way you want Him to, patiently wait, trusting that He knows what is best?

Moving from ‘Why’ to ‘What’: Transforming Tragedy Into Purpose

Lifeandbibleblog.com

by Cynthia Cummings-Walker

When I was given the bad news, at first I was in shock. All kinds of thoughts swirled around in my head.  I took a few deep breaths to calm the torrent of tears and confusion. I needed to be able to think clearly.  Decisions had to be made, but first I wanted to know “Why?” Why did my child die when so many others in the same situation lived?

Of course, I wouldn’t want anyone else’s loved one to die, I just wanted to know why mine didn’t live. I couldn’t help but compare myself to others who received miracles in hopeless situations.  Against all odds, some people survived when death was imminent, or an illness deemed incurable was cured. Why didn’t this happen in my case?  Not getting a miracle just like so many others wasn’t fair.  

Through a veil of excruciating pain and bitter tears I asked the “Why?” question over and over.  I prayed and pleaded for God to let me know why.  I believed that if the “Why” questions were answered, I would understand. Yet, to my chagrin, God remained silent. 

I was livid!  I was angry with people because of their actions or inaction.  I was angry with myself.  Perhaps if I had done something different this wouldn’t have happened. I was mad at everyone.  I was behaving as though mere mortals have the power of life and death in their hands.  Only God has that power. I was angry with Him too. Why didn’t He stop this from happening?

Would Knowing “Why” Change What Happened?

Eventually something dawned on me…if the “Why” questions were answered, and the results remained the same, knowing “Why” wouldn’t change a thing. My child would still be dead.  Knowing “Why” was useless. It had no pain relief attached to it.

This tragedy had left me feeling like I had fallen into a deep, dark pit. “Why” would not be the rope or ladder lifting me out.  My thought process had to change if I wanted to have peace. Demanding answers had gotten me nowhere.  I decided to ask the Lord for direction. Kind of “Not My will but Thine be done.”

This opened-minded approach to dealing with tragedy would allow me to know what God wanted to do, verses what I wanted Him to do. Because the Bible is God’s primary communication to us, I turned there for clarity.

One day while reading I came across a story that made me look at my condition in a completely different light.   In John 5:5-9 there is a story of a man who had been ill for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him lying on a mat,.. Jesus “said to him, Do you want to be made well?” What a strange question to ask someone who is incapacitated?  Even odder was the fact that the man didn’t say yes. Instead he said ““Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” (NKJV)  

I don’t know whether the man asked for help and was rejected, or whether he  didn’t ask anyone for help,  assuming that no one would want to help him. Whatever his reasoning, blaming others was getting him nowhere. The question Jesus asked, and the response from the infirmed man was not much different than mine back then.  

Was I remaining in this emotional pit because I was failing to do what it took to get out?  Was it easier for me to blame others, rather than taking responsibility for what I needed to do for myself to be healed? 

This self-examination prompted me to look deeper into my attitude and actions. Did I really want my broken heart healed?  Did I feel that if I tried to move forward enjoying life again, others might think that I didn’t really love my daughter? 

My identity had become the grieving mother. I had gotten comfortable being paralyzed by pain and making excuses for why I wasn’t moving forward. Even though the man on the mat did not say he wanted to be healed, Jesus healed him anyway.  The same for me.

Exchange the “Why” for “What Can I Do Now?”

“Why” would have to go and take its bitterness and despair with it.  “What” would take its place. I wondered what specific things I could do to move forward in life. I read books about people who used their pain and misfortunes to help others.  Some started organizations or support groups; dedicated playgrounds or planted trees in honor of their loved one. Others impacted lives by being a friend or mentor to someone who is struggling.  There are myriads of positive things that can be done.     

Getting out of that dark pit of despair into the world of possibilities changed my life exponentially.  As I heard the uplifting stories from others, and shared mine, my outlook on life brightened. My depression lifted. I didn’t have to feel guilty about enjoying life.  I was doing something worthwhile; something that in the long run honored my child.

“What” pulled me out of the pit of despair onto a seat of power.  Not power in the sense that I was anyone special.  The power was the ability to be a part of a process that would affect people’s lives for the better.

“What” took the focus off of me and placed it on to others. I had renewed strength and vitality. I felt an energy I hadn’t experienced in years.  I could genuinely laugh and smile again. It was amazing.  Whenever I felt sad, I would rebound quicker.

Are you stuck on the “Why” merry-go-round, always moving but going nowhere?  Do you really want to be well?  If so, there is hope. When you are ready to reach out to others, the small piece of rope you are barely holding on to can be transformed into a lifeline for someone who is sinking. None of this happens overnight, yet it can happen.

If you decide to exchange the “Why” for the “What” it can be transformative, taking you from debilitating pain to a renewed sense of hope and purpose.  Take the risk.  You may surprise yourself with the positive impact you can have on others. You just have to take it one step at a time.

Questions for Reflection

Are there positive things you can see that have come out of your tragedy?

Do you want to get well? If not, why do you think you should live in a perpetual state of grief and loss?