Church politics – A Word to the Wise

The New Gospel of Republicanism

Lifeandbibleblog.com

By Cynthia Cummings-Walker

Let me begin by making it emphatically clear that I am not a democrat seeking to demean or demonize republicans. I am A-political in terms of voting. I research candidates in terms of knowledge, skill and morality regardless of their political party. As a Christian my actions are predicated upon biblical truth, not religious dogma or heresy no matter where it comes from, including the pulpit.

My heart aches at the direction many conservative, evangelical “Christian” republicans have moved in in terms of exchanging the power of the biblical Gospel into the new gospel, republicanism. Have you ever noticed how many bible covers are American flags, or how patriotic bibles are prevalent where there used to be “Holy Bible” or a cross on the cover? It is not what is on the outside that matters, it’s what this new emphasis symbolizes in so many ways.

Has the old rugged cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified been exchanged for a shiny gold elephant with an American flag backdrop and a little bit of Christianity sprinkled on top?

CP POLITICS | MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Evangelical group to spend about $40M mobilizing Christian vote ahead of midterms Timothy Head, executive director of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, a social conservative national grassroots organization headed by longtime Christian activist Ralph Reed, estimates that his organization will spend between $36 million and $42 million on a nationwide effort to target Christian voters.

“Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:5

Millions of dollars spent to elect Republicans

NOT To Support missionaries to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world, discipling, and ministering to people both home and abroad.

NOT To Provide for the needs of those who should be shown the love of God through meeting their needs both physically and spiritually.

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ … “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:35–40 (NLT)

Republicans call what Jesus said to do, Socialism.

NOT To Glorify God through how we live and treat others. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NASB)

Glorifying God is a Christian’s ultimate responsibility.

Baptist News Global NEWS MARK WINGFIELD | SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Voting the wrong way makes Christians ‘unfaithful’ to God, Mohler says

Albert Mohler is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, impacting 50,000 churches.

Being able to vote is a privilege American citizens can enjoy. There is no mandate from the Lord in scripture compelling people to vote. However, there is scripture that refutes this heresy that by voting republican is accomplishing God’s purpose and plan for the United States of America.

Unfaithfulness to God according to Scripture is:

NOT Following God’s plan for the world according to Scriptures.

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (NASB)

NOT the most important thing a Christian should do:

“and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30–31 (NASB)

NOT Representing Jesus Christ in society and the world.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (NASB)

NOT warning Christians against having religion, devoid of a relationship with God.

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT)

The New Gospel is Sacrilege

“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.” 1 Timothy 4:1–2 (NLT)

This ‘new gospel’ declares that Christians must be devoted to the Republican party or are unfaithful to God.

This ‘new gospel’ says that salvation no longer gives the power to resist sin. Only civil law can do that.

This ‘new gospel’ blames the condition of society on democrats, instead of the devil, the prince and power of this world.

This ‘new gospel’ ignores Romans 13:1-2 “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” Republican Christians don’t have to submit to the governing authorities when Democrats are in office.

This ‘new gospel’ declares that abortion and homosexuality are the worst sins and nothing else matters. The Republican candidate can be incompetent, degenerate, dishonest, or a scoundrel; Christians should just close their eyes and vote straight republican because God wants them to.

This ‘new gospel’ rails against abortion, LGBQ issues, and human trafficking as though stamping out these things will make America great, taking her back to her Christian roots. “If you want that, you’ve got to vote republican, or else…”

The Word of God vehemently disputes this doctrine of demons which primarily flows from church pulpits and behind podiums across this nation. Christians might as well name their Gold Elephant religion ‘Republicanity’ because it has certainly replaced biblical Christianity.

God’s Plan for the World

God created government to regulate society and keep its citizens safe, not stamp out sin. He is not requiring a nation to force spiritual principles on a populace. God’s desire is that everyone comes to know Him and have a close and personal relationship with Him. This comes through salvation, a spiritual law.

Romans 3:23 (NASB) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 (NASB) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 5:8 (NASB) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16 (NASB) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

Mark 12:30–31 (NASB) “and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Matthew 28:18–20 (NASB) “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Questions for Reflection:

Have you succumbed to the new gospel that the only way to change society is through voting republican, instead of God’s divine plan?

Are you devoted to the Lord through scripture reading, prayer and obedience to His word so that you are able to distinguish biblical truth from error?

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.