Christians and Politics

Christian nationalism is the belief that the United States should be identified as a Christian nation, with Christian values, symbols, and principles privileged and promoted by the government and in the public sphere.

Some key characteristics of Christian nationalism include:

1. The worship of power - social, economic, and political power - in the name of Christ, rather than promoting the universal love and liberation that Jesus taught.

2. The co-opting and distortion of Christianity to support a particular political agenda, turning Jesus into a "gun-toting, gay-bashing, science-denying, money-loving, fear-mongering fascist."

3. The belief that Christian values and Christian-aligned leaders should dominate and control the government, culture, education, and other institutions, rather than upholding the separation of church and state.

4. The exclusion and marginalization of non-Christians, treating them as less than full members of society, in contradiction to Jesus' teachings of radical inclusion.

5. The undermining of democratic principles and the promotion of authoritarianism in the name of Christian supremacy.

NOT OF THE WORLD

John 15:19-20

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world,but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

John 17:14-21

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 18:36

36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world:if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Pilgrims and Strangers

Hebrews 11:13-16

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

1 Peter 2:9-21

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

The Kingdom Of God

Mark 4:30-32

30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

Luke 6:20

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said,

Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:23-30

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Questions:

• Are the Sons of God allowed to have a preference of leader?
• Is disappointment a lawful emotion if one’s preference is not elected?
• What is God’s purpose for a President, and how does this purpose impact the Sons of God?
• What is the validity of prophecies about winners of elections?
• Does God instruct His children about who to vote for?
• Does He instruct all His children to vote for the same person?
• Should Christians desire influence in the laws of their nation?
• If a party stands for non-Christian values or policies, is it permitted to vote for that party because of the good policies that they do have?

Questions rephrased

1. Are the sons of God permitted to have a preference for a leader?
2. Is disappointment a lawful emotion if one’s preferred candidate is not elected?
3. What is God’s purpose for a president, and how does this purpose impact the sons of God?
4. How valid are prophecies regarding election outcomes?
5. Does God guide His children on whom to vote for?
6. Does He lead all His children to vote for the same candidate?
7. Should Christians seek to influence the laws of their nation?
8. If a political party upholds non-Christian values or policies, is it acceptable to vote for that party because of the positive policies it also supports?

Luke 17:33 (KJV) 33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

DOMINION

Ephesians 1:17-23

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

1 Peter 4:11

11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1. Jesus made it clear that the disciples' focus should not be on earthly kingdoms and political power, but on the spiritual kingdom of God.

When the disciples asked if Jesus would restore the kingdom to Israel, He told them

"It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me" (Acts 1:6-8).

The focus should be on spreading the gospel, not on political affairs.

2. The Bible instructs Christians to submit to governing authorities, as "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). We are to pray for our leaders, not fight against them, even if we disagree with their policies.

3. Christians are warned against becoming entangled with the "affairs of this life" and the "affairs of this world" (2 Timothy 2:4, John 17:16). Our primary allegiance should be to God's kingdom, not earthly political kingdoms.

4. The context emphasizes that pastors and prophets have become too entangled in politics, to the point of dividing the church. They have closed their Bibles and now preach politics instead of the gospel. This is a work of the "seducing spirit" that wants to divide the body of Christ.

5. The scriptures cited, such as Matthew 10:16, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Luke 17:33, and Matthew 6:25-26, show that the focus should be on being "wise as serpents and harmless as doves", not on self-preservation or political power.

Luke 18:7-8

7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

In summary, the Bible instructs Christians to remain focused on the gospel and God's kingdom, submit to governing authorities, and avoid becoming overly entangled in the affairs of earthly politics, which can divide the church. The primary calling is to be witnesses for Christ, not politicians.

GRACE IS SUFFICIENT

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Matthew 10:6-32

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

10 Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

12 And when ye come into an house, salute it.

13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.