politics

Christianity and politics make strange bedfellows

You’ve probably heard it before – Religion and politics make strange bedfellows. Today though, we’re going to narrow it down to Christianity, rather than religion as a whole. So we end up with Christianity and politics make strange bedfellows. And when we narrow it down like that, the combination of Christianity and politics is even more strange than religion and politics! Why? Because some religions do intentionally have the government, politics and governmental laws, integrated with their theology and religious laws.

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what can Christians learn from politics?

What can Christians learn from political parties?

A look at ourselves

I was going for a walk the other day and had this thought -what can Christians can learn from political parties? It’s amazing what we think about while walking our furry friends. Like Donnie, the little guy below. I know, it sounds crazy. Especially from someone who keeps pointing out that politics and religion really shouldn’t be mixed. And neither should government and religion. And yet the question, what can Christians learn from political parties, has a simple answer. A lot. There are so many things we can learn.
After all, it doesn’t matter if Christians are taking a “Biblical” approach to an issue. And yes, I put “Biblical” in quotes for a reason. It’s because when our solution is to go to the government, and / or to act in a way that isn’t loving – it’s also not truly Biblical.

We turn people off. They reject our solutions. But even worse, they reject Jesus’ offer of salvation because we failed to act in a manner consistent with what Jesus taught.

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How did Christianity get to be like this?

A look at ourselves

How did Christianity get to be like this? You ask, Like what? Let me answer, initially, with a hint, rather than a direct answer. Some think one of the worst things to happen to Christianity was when Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. As history is showing, that’s more significant that most people probably realize. The parallels to what’s going on in the U.S. today are incredible.

Historians now debate whether “the first Christian emperor” was a Christian at all. Some think him an unprincipled power seeker. What religion he had, many argue, was at best a blend of paganism and Christianity for purely political purposes.

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What happened to Christian transformation – becoming more Christ-like?

A look at ourselves

What happened to Christian transformation? You know – becoming more Christ-like? It used to be important. But now, does it mean anything more than switching to a church that we like better? One that supports our view of God, the way we created Him? That’s as opposed to a church that teaches and helps us to become more like Jesus. The Jesus Christ who’s the namesake of the Christianity.

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Will the beast in Revelation be able to deceive Christians?

A look at ourselves

There’s no reason to think the actual beast in Revelation exists today. There are prerequisites, events that must take place before the antichrist makes his or her appearance.

So why go through all this if the beast doesn’t exist yet? Well, because it matters. If we can be deceived today, what hope do we have when the events in Revelation start to unfold?

Given that we’re so easily deceived today, it’s critically important that we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. In church-speak, to be able to discern the difference between truth and lies. Not on our own, but with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at a few examples of things that deceive Christians, even today
As I said, these examples are important. The things that deceive Christians today are from “ordinary” people. In other words, they aren’t from the antichrist. Not from the beast in Revelation.

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Is the Great Commission for Everybody, Somebody, Anybody or Nobody?

A look at ourselves

Is the Great Commission for Everybody, Somebody, Anybody or Nobody? When I was working, I used to have a sign in my office that told the story of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. Given all the protests and other things happening surrounding the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police, I couldn’t help but think about it. For a number of reasons.

But one thing that brought it to mind is this headline from msn: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: Racism Won’t Stop Until We ‘Accept Jesus Christ’. If you’ve read much oh my stuff, especially over on whichgodsaves.com you know how a feel about mixing government and religion. It’s a bad mix. Really bad. It compromises Christianity, and that’s never a good thing.

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Is Church Essential?

A look at ourselves

Is church essential? Of course it is! Many who say that though are only 50% right. Why? Because the question shouldn’t simply be whether church is essential. First, it should be what is “church? For example, here’s a recent headline: ‘Church Is Essential’ The building they gathered in wasn’t essential.

Surprised? Shocked? Angry? Confused? Let’s take a look at what’s going on.

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Why do you live? The economy or God?

A look at ourselves

Why do you live? The economy or God? Really, that question comes down to who’s your “god”? Do you live for the god of money – the economy? Or for the God of the Bible? It’s a question that starts at the top – sort of. With our president – Trump. And now it’s filtering down through our governmental leaders. Which brings in yet another “god” – the god of government.

In spite of the fact that Trump call himself the greatest president ever for Christians, there has to be a question as to who is his real “god”. And now, enter Dan Patrick, Lt. Governor of Texas. A Republican. Let’s look at a news article on msn.com, titled Dan Patrick says he is willing to risk his own life to allow economy to resume.

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A light on a hill? Or a noisy gong?

A deeper look at familiar Bible passages

Here’s a question for Christians. Are you a light on a hill? Or a noisy gong? Or are you just wondering why I’m asking? It is a legitimate question. We’re supposed to be “making disciples”. But how? Are we supposed to beat people over the head until they finally give in? I know that’s been done. Is still being done. But is it what Jesus asked for?

The same can be asked of any “in your face” approach to making people become Christians. The thing about “making disciples” is that Jesus said a whole lot more than just “go do it!”. He taught us how. He was a living example of how to do it. But do we pay attention to that part?

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Do Christians want power?

American Theology is mixed up

Do Christians want power? What kind of question is that? Look around. Of course Christians want power. Check out the Republican Party. Witness the strange almost worship-like adoration of Donald Trump by so many Evangelical Christians. They want power. So why does Scot McKnight say Christians don’t want power? And why is he right? How, in the face of all we see, can McKnight possibly be correct when he says Christians don’t want power?

Actually, both statements are correct – Christians do want power. But also don’t want power. It’s not really a question of whether or not Christians want power. It’s a question of what do we mean by power.

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