NEW WORKOUT DUDS
This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like Him. Ephesians 4:13 (CEV)
I joined the Patterson Fitness Center last August. I was motivated by new workout duds that the kids gave me last Christmas…and the fact that I needed to get healthy again. It was hard at first but with consistency, it began to pay off. In fact, it was while I was working out one day that I tore my right rotator cuff—a potential hazard for aging bodies. And with my recent surgery, with my arm in a sling. I've got a pretty good excuse not to go. But guess what? The kids gave me some new workout duds this Christmas and the arm will recover.
You don’t have to think very hard to find the spiritual implications in this. We always want to do better for the Lord, but we also worry about old habits, excuses, and denials that hold us back. We need to remember that we have received a new outfit. The Spirit has clothed us in righteousness and equipped us with spiritual gifts to do the work of the ministry with greater effectiveness.
When you lay those clothes out on your bed and you look at that equipment, you can’t help but want to put that stuff on and get out there. It doesn’t mean that you’re going to start right off with an hour on the elliptical cycle and another doing strength training; it just means you’re going to start.
Someone’s made a huge investment in you to provide you with this equipment. You don’t want to make light of that sacrifice or waste what it cost to outfit you spiritually.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas 2008
The purpose of Christmas is all about a gift--a heavenly gift. Heaven gave its greatest gift to mankind when God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins and give us new life.
This year, you can receive and enjoy the best Christmas gift you'll ever be given. It is God's Christmas present to you.
This gift has three qualities that make it unique;
First, it is the most expensive gift you'll ever receive. It's priceless--Jesus paid for it with His life.
Second, it's the only gift you'll ever receive that will last forever.
Finally, it is an extremely practical gift--one you'll use every day for the rest of your life.
This Christmas, Mary Ann and I are especially grateful for the gracious salvation we've received, the loving family we enjoy, and the incredible church we serve.
The prayers, love, and support from our church and friends across the country have meant more than you will ever know. During those dark days in July and August when Mary Ann was hospitalized and the subsequent days of recovery, we've always felt God’s loving kindness to us.
Christmas is all about God reaching His hand from Heaven with a Savior whose blood could redeem us. And it's the story we want to keep telling. It's the story we exist to tell.
Merry Christmas.
The purpose of Christmas is all about a gift--a heavenly gift. Heaven gave its greatest gift to mankind when God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins and give us new life.
This year, you can receive and enjoy the best Christmas gift you'll ever be given. It is God's Christmas present to you.
This gift has three qualities that make it unique;
First, it is the most expensive gift you'll ever receive. It's priceless--Jesus paid for it with His life.
Second, it's the only gift you'll ever receive that will last forever.
Finally, it is an extremely practical gift--one you'll use every day for the rest of your life.
This Christmas, Mary Ann and I are especially grateful for the gracious salvation we've received, the loving family we enjoy, and the incredible church we serve.
The prayers, love, and support from our church and friends across the country have meant more than you will ever know. During those dark days in July and August when Mary Ann was hospitalized and the subsequent days of recovery, we've always felt God’s loving kindness to us.
Christmas is all about God reaching His hand from Heaven with a Savior whose blood could redeem us. And it's the story we want to keep telling. It's the story we exist to tell.
Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Character Recession
This past week, we witnessed a governor and the head of a major stock exchange fall from their positions of power. Why? An absence of character. Bill Hybels wrote a book entitled “Character is What You Do When No One is Looking.” It's also been suggested that character is best revealed by what a person would do if he or she knew they would never get caught.
No matter how you slice the subject of character, it all comes back to behavior. A person's character is the sum total of what a person says and does. Every individual is in absolute control of his or her words and actions -- no exceptions. If our nation is to be rescued from the current character crisis, we must understand character is corrupted over time. There have been a myriad of politicians and chief executive officers who have been brought low by corrupt character through the centuries. However, not one of them woke up one day and thought, "Today I will perpetrate a great crime." No, they all arrived at their great downfall one step at a time. J
esus said that a person faithful in little things would also be faithful with much. The converse is also true. A person that does not give attention to little things will also be irresponsible with much. In the final analysis, it is a lot of little moral failures that produce corrupt character.
There is no quick-fix or bail-out for America's crisis of character. One by one, we must take responsibility for our words and deeds, our actions and reactions. It will take time. However, enough people practicing good character can reach a tipping point. If it does, we will once again see integrity, the fruit of character, flourish in America.
This past week, we witnessed a governor and the head of a major stock exchange fall from their positions of power. Why? An absence of character. Bill Hybels wrote a book entitled “Character is What You Do When No One is Looking.” It's also been suggested that character is best revealed by what a person would do if he or she knew they would never get caught.
No matter how you slice the subject of character, it all comes back to behavior. A person's character is the sum total of what a person says and does. Every individual is in absolute control of his or her words and actions -- no exceptions. If our nation is to be rescued from the current character crisis, we must understand character is corrupted over time. There have been a myriad of politicians and chief executive officers who have been brought low by corrupt character through the centuries. However, not one of them woke up one day and thought, "Today I will perpetrate a great crime." No, they all arrived at their great downfall one step at a time. J
esus said that a person faithful in little things would also be faithful with much. The converse is also true. A person that does not give attention to little things will also be irresponsible with much. In the final analysis, it is a lot of little moral failures that produce corrupt character.
There is no quick-fix or bail-out for America's crisis of character. One by one, we must take responsibility for our words and deeds, our actions and reactions. It will take time. However, enough people practicing good character can reach a tipping point. If it does, we will once again see integrity, the fruit of character, flourish in America.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
A NEW WAVE OF ANXIETY
With the recent senseless and tragic terrorist attack in India, a new wave of anxiety arises in Americans relative to potential attacks on our shores once again. Terrorism is an ever-present danger and kept at bay only by good law enforcement and the protective hand of God.
So if you have become victim of worry, let me offer some words to comfort your heart. Philippians 4 is Paul’s charter on how to avoid anxiety. The teaching is clear, compelling, and direct. Paul says not to worry, but he doesn’t leave you there. He helps you fill the vacuum by directing you toward positive steps: right praying, right thinking, and right action.
Right Praying. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (vv. 6-7).
Right Thinking. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (v. 8).
Right Living. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you (v. 9).
Reflect on God’s truth expressed in those verses, meditate on the Bible—especially the Psalms—and you will find your heart settled by a kind of peace that abides no matter what circumstances or uncertainties come your way.
With the recent senseless and tragic terrorist attack in India, a new wave of anxiety arises in Americans relative to potential attacks on our shores once again. Terrorism is an ever-present danger and kept at bay only by good law enforcement and the protective hand of God.
So if you have become victim of worry, let me offer some words to comfort your heart. Philippians 4 is Paul’s charter on how to avoid anxiety. The teaching is clear, compelling, and direct. Paul says not to worry, but he doesn’t leave you there. He helps you fill the vacuum by directing you toward positive steps: right praying, right thinking, and right action.
Right Praying. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (vv. 6-7).
Right Thinking. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things (v. 8).
Right Living. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you (v. 9).
Reflect on God’s truth expressed in those verses, meditate on the Bible—especially the Psalms—and you will find your heart settled by a kind of peace that abides no matter what circumstances or uncertainties come your way.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Gatetree and Politics
I was recently asked how involved pastors and churches ought to be in the political process. My best answer goes something like this:
I am grateful to be an American. I’m a card-carrying, red-blooded citizen of the United States and proud of it. But first and foremost, I’m a citizen of heaven, and let me tell you what that means.
It means—no matter how great or sincere the efforts, we can’t protect or expand the Kingdom of Christ by our political system. We are involved in a spiritual battle against ungodly ideologies aimed directly at God and His people and the only effective weapon we have is His Word.
It means—God has not called us to wage a cultural war that would seek to transform our country into a Christian nation. Instead, He has called the church to bring sinful people to salvation through Jesus Christ. If we do not evangelize the lost and make disciples of new converts, nothing else we do for people—no matter how beneficial it seems—has any eternal consequence.
When the church takes a stance that emphasizes political activism and social moralizing, it always diverts energy and resources away from evangelization. Invariably, believers find themselves feeling hostile, not only to unsaved government leaders with whom they disagree, but also antagonistic toward the unsaved residents of that culture—neighbors and fellow citizens they ought to love, pray for, and share the gospel with.
Focusing on earthly methods to promote change, and resorting to external efforts of lobbying and intimidation to achieve some sort of “Christian morality” in society is not our calling—and has no eternal value. Only the gospel rescues sinners from sin, death, and hell.
I was recently asked how involved pastors and churches ought to be in the political process. My best answer goes something like this:
I am grateful to be an American. I’m a card-carrying, red-blooded citizen of the United States and proud of it. But first and foremost, I’m a citizen of heaven, and let me tell you what that means.
It means—no matter how great or sincere the efforts, we can’t protect or expand the Kingdom of Christ by our political system. We are involved in a spiritual battle against ungodly ideologies aimed directly at God and His people and the only effective weapon we have is His Word.
It means—God has not called us to wage a cultural war that would seek to transform our country into a Christian nation. Instead, He has called the church to bring sinful people to salvation through Jesus Christ. If we do not evangelize the lost and make disciples of new converts, nothing else we do for people—no matter how beneficial it seems—has any eternal consequence.
When the church takes a stance that emphasizes political activism and social moralizing, it always diverts energy and resources away from evangelization. Invariably, believers find themselves feeling hostile, not only to unsaved government leaders with whom they disagree, but also antagonistic toward the unsaved residents of that culture—neighbors and fellow citizens they ought to love, pray for, and share the gospel with.
Focusing on earthly methods to promote change, and resorting to external efforts of lobbying and intimidation to achieve some sort of “Christian morality” in society is not our calling—and has no eternal value. Only the gospel rescues sinners from sin, death, and hell.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
LIFE OR DEATH
In a recent interview, Democratic Vice-Presidential hopeful Senator Joe Biden tried to walk the line between the staunch abortion-rights advocates in his party and his own religious beliefs. While he said he did not often talk about his faith, he said of those who disagree with him: “They believe in their faith and they believe in human life, and they have differing views as to when life — I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that life begins at the moment of conception.”
Sen. Biden may have been attempting to "walk the line" politically, but a closer look at his actual argument is truly horrifying.
Sen. Biden says, and we must take him at his word, that he accepts as a matter of faith that human life begins at conception. But, he argues, he is perfectly willing to support a woman's right to choose to end that human life.
The killing of human life is called homicide. Murder is the willful taking of a human life. The senator has here stated that he believes abortion to be homicide, but he defends a woman's right to kill the unborn human life within her because he would not impose his beliefs about human life (and thus about homicide) on others.
In other words, if we take Sen. Biden seriously, he would defer to others who believe otherwise when it comes to the law.
I believe Sen. Biden to be a serious man, and that is what is most frightening about this. Can a morally serious man really say that he believes that unborn babies are human beings, but that it should be a protected right to kill them? I don’t think so.
In a recent interview, Democratic Vice-Presidential hopeful Senator Joe Biden tried to walk the line between the staunch abortion-rights advocates in his party and his own religious beliefs. While he said he did not often talk about his faith, he said of those who disagree with him: “They believe in their faith and they believe in human life, and they have differing views as to when life — I’m prepared as a matter of faith to accept that life begins at the moment of conception.”
Sen. Biden may have been attempting to "walk the line" politically, but a closer look at his actual argument is truly horrifying.
Sen. Biden says, and we must take him at his word, that he accepts as a matter of faith that human life begins at conception. But, he argues, he is perfectly willing to support a woman's right to choose to end that human life.
The killing of human life is called homicide. Murder is the willful taking of a human life. The senator has here stated that he believes abortion to be homicide, but he defends a woman's right to kill the unborn human life within her because he would not impose his beliefs about human life (and thus about homicide) on others.
In other words, if we take Sen. Biden seriously, he would defer to others who believe otherwise when it comes to the law.
I believe Sen. Biden to be a serious man, and that is what is most frightening about this. Can a morally serious man really say that he believes that unborn babies are human beings, but that it should be a protected right to kill them? I don’t think so.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
LIFE GOES ON…
Hard to think of anything else right now but to feel for the people along our nations coasts. My neighbor was out on his porch earlier this week talking about how he couldn't stop watching CNN coverage of Gustav. He knows friends and relatives in or near some of the affected areas. It's hard to pull yourself away because it is so hard to imagine this happening to anybody, much less someone you know. It's moments like this when we feel so frail and helpless as human beings. We are victims of forces way beyond our control.
In legal terms disasters like this fall under the category: “Acts of God.” Doesn't bode too well for God's reputation, does it? Is it that God doesn't have anything better to do than devastate the lives of thousands of people? To some it may seem like that. We call natural disasters “Acts of God” because there is no other way to explain them. I would prefer to believe God is in charge of even things like this, and accept the inconsistencies that come with that belief, rather than live in a world even God can't control, or worse, where there is no reason for our existence and no one there to hear our silent screams.
One thing we need to remember is that this is the same God who let the world and His human creation go bad, then turned around and sacrificed His own Son in a brutal death in order to save it. God is neither distant nor untouched by our human predicament.
Believe me, He's got His arms around these flood zones right now eager to help and comfort. And just as God suffered over Jesus, His heart is breaking over these losses. Whatever you feel, you can be sure God feels also, and then some. The acts of God include the tears of God. And just as He will ultimately redeem the human race, He will also turn our lives and devastations into good somehow. Life will go on and God will still be God.
Hard to think of anything else right now but to feel for the people along our nations coasts. My neighbor was out on his porch earlier this week talking about how he couldn't stop watching CNN coverage of Gustav. He knows friends and relatives in or near some of the affected areas. It's hard to pull yourself away because it is so hard to imagine this happening to anybody, much less someone you know. It's moments like this when we feel so frail and helpless as human beings. We are victims of forces way beyond our control.
In legal terms disasters like this fall under the category: “Acts of God.” Doesn't bode too well for God's reputation, does it? Is it that God doesn't have anything better to do than devastate the lives of thousands of people? To some it may seem like that. We call natural disasters “Acts of God” because there is no other way to explain them. I would prefer to believe God is in charge of even things like this, and accept the inconsistencies that come with that belief, rather than live in a world even God can't control, or worse, where there is no reason for our existence and no one there to hear our silent screams.
One thing we need to remember is that this is the same God who let the world and His human creation go bad, then turned around and sacrificed His own Son in a brutal death in order to save it. God is neither distant nor untouched by our human predicament.
Believe me, He's got His arms around these flood zones right now eager to help and comfort. And just as God suffered over Jesus, His heart is breaking over these losses. Whatever you feel, you can be sure God feels also, and then some. The acts of God include the tears of God. And just as He will ultimately redeem the human race, He will also turn our lives and devastations into good somehow. Life will go on and God will still be God.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Why Worry?
Bob Dylan sang it many years ago, and it's still true today: "The times, they are a-changin." In barely two years, gas prices have more than doubled. Costs for diesel fuel have surpassed gasoline, and the result is a snowball effect that is sending our incomes into a downward spiral of lower and lower spending power. What's a believer to do? Trust God. Or as He Himself told us, "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear.... Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? If then you're not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?" (Luke 12:22b, 25-26).
Really, why do we worry? We can't control the weather; God does. We can't control the seasons; God does. When it comes right down to it, there are a very limited number of things over which we have any control whatsoever, and even in those areas, our first and foremost priority as believers in Christ Jesus is still the same mandate: Trust God.
Folks—tough times are no reason to worry. They're a time to get excited about the new and miraculous ways we’re going to see the Lord take care of us. Do your part to be a responsible manager of His blessings: Continue to tithe, cut back unnecessary spending, and make whatever other changes may be needed to reduce your regular expenses. But most of all, trust Him, and joyfully expect your Heavenly Father to take good care of you.
Bob Dylan sang it many years ago, and it's still true today: "The times, they are a-changin." In barely two years, gas prices have more than doubled. Costs for diesel fuel have surpassed gasoline, and the result is a snowball effect that is sending our incomes into a downward spiral of lower and lower spending power. What's a believer to do? Trust God. Or as He Himself told us, "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear.... Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying? If then you're not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?" (Luke 12:22b, 25-26).
Really, why do we worry? We can't control the weather; God does. We can't control the seasons; God does. When it comes right down to it, there are a very limited number of things over which we have any control whatsoever, and even in those areas, our first and foremost priority as believers in Christ Jesus is still the same mandate: Trust God.
Folks—tough times are no reason to worry. They're a time to get excited about the new and miraculous ways we’re going to see the Lord take care of us. Do your part to be a responsible manager of His blessings: Continue to tithe, cut back unnecessary spending, and make whatever other changes may be needed to reduce your regular expenses. But most of all, trust Him, and joyfully expect your Heavenly Father to take good care of you.
Monday, June 30, 2008
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Recently, the very liberal 9th Circuit Court ruled that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. Those promoting homosexual marriage see this as a major step forward.
If you’ve been watching the headlines over the last couple years, you may have noticed the incredible surge of interest in affirming homosexuality. Whether it’s at the heart of a religious scandal, political corruption, or the redefinition of marriage, homosexual interests have come to characterize America. That’s an indication of the success of the homosexual agenda. And some national Christian leaders have wavered on the issue. One mainline denomination immediately called for a revision in their theological position in response to the current trend of thinking.
Sadly, when Christians refuse to acknowledge the sinfulness of homosexuality—calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20)—they do so at the expense of many souls.
What should be our response to the homosexual agenda? Make it a biblical response—confront it with the truth of Scripture that condemns homosexuality and promises eternal damnation for all who habitiually practice it.
What should be your response to the homosexual? Make it a gospel response—confront with the truth of Scripture and point to the hope of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Stay faithful to the Lord as you respond to homosexuality by honoring God's Word, and leave the results to Him
Recently, the very liberal 9th Circuit Court ruled that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. Those promoting homosexual marriage see this as a major step forward.
If you’ve been watching the headlines over the last couple years, you may have noticed the incredible surge of interest in affirming homosexuality. Whether it’s at the heart of a religious scandal, political corruption, or the redefinition of marriage, homosexual interests have come to characterize America. That’s an indication of the success of the homosexual agenda. And some national Christian leaders have wavered on the issue. One mainline denomination immediately called for a revision in their theological position in response to the current trend of thinking.
Sadly, when Christians refuse to acknowledge the sinfulness of homosexuality—calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20)—they do so at the expense of many souls.
What should be our response to the homosexual agenda? Make it a biblical response—confront it with the truth of Scripture that condemns homosexuality and promises eternal damnation for all who habitiually practice it.
What should be your response to the homosexual? Make it a gospel response—confront with the truth of Scripture and point to the hope of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Stay faithful to the Lord as you respond to homosexuality by honoring God's Word, and leave the results to Him
Thursday, March 20, 2008
I do think we have a responsibility to care for the environment — we ought to care for every resource God has provided for us. But that, in fact, has very little to do with the environmental movement. The environmental movement is consumed with trying to preserve the planet forever. But we know that isn’t in God’s plan.
The earth we inhabit is not a permanent planet. It is, frankly, a disposable planet—it is going to have a very short life. It’s been around six thousand years or so—that’s all—and it may last a few thousand more. And then the Lord is going to destroy it.
I’ve have often preached that if environmentalists think humanity is wrecking the planet, wait until they see what Jesus does to it. Peter says God is going to literally turn it in on itself in an atomic implosion so that the whole universe goes out of existence (2 Peter 3:7-13).
This earth was never ever intended to be a permanent planet—it is not eternal. We do not have to worry about it being around tens of thousands, or millions, of years from now because God is going to create a new heaven and a new earth. Understanding those things is important to holding in balance our freedom to use, and responsibility to maintain, the earth.
Just a footnote. Though this earth is our temporary home, we should take time to enjoy God’s beauty. Take care of your yard. Stop to smell the flowers. Enjoy the forests. God placed those rich resources on this planet for our comfort and His enjoyment. Let us be thankful to Him for that.
The earth we inhabit is not a permanent planet. It is, frankly, a disposable planet—it is going to have a very short life. It’s been around six thousand years or so—that’s all—and it may last a few thousand more. And then the Lord is going to destroy it.
I’ve have often preached that if environmentalists think humanity is wrecking the planet, wait until they see what Jesus does to it. Peter says God is going to literally turn it in on itself in an atomic implosion so that the whole universe goes out of existence (2 Peter 3:7-13).
This earth was never ever intended to be a permanent planet—it is not eternal. We do not have to worry about it being around tens of thousands, or millions, of years from now because God is going to create a new heaven and a new earth. Understanding those things is important to holding in balance our freedom to use, and responsibility to maintain, the earth.
Just a footnote. Though this earth is our temporary home, we should take time to enjoy God’s beauty. Take care of your yard. Stop to smell the flowers. Enjoy the forests. God placed those rich resources on this planet for our comfort and His enjoyment. Let us be thankful to Him for that.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
I’ve been reading a number of blogs discussing how involved pastors and churches ought to be during in the political process. Several years ago (four to be exact) I preached a message on this very subject. I've jotted down a few thoughts from the text.
"I’m grateful to be an American. I demonstrate my gratitude to God for this blessing by obeying the laws of the land, paying my taxes, praying for my leaders, and participating in the voting process of the land. I encourage our people to vote and our church provides voter registration opportunities. Further, I admonish them to vote according to biblical principles. I pray for our military men and women (especially those in dangerous places.) Furthermore, I have a deep and abiding love for Mom, baseball and apple pie (sugar-free, of course.) Get the picture? I’m a card-carrying, red-blooded citizen of the United States and proud of it. But first and foremost, I’m a citizen of heaven, and let me tell you what that means.
It means—no matter how great or sincere the efforts, we can’t protect or expand the Kingdom of Christ by our political system. We are involved in a spiritual battle against ungodly ideologies aimed directly at God and His people and the only effective weapon we have is His Word.
It means—God has not calling us to wage a cultural war that would seek to transform our country into a Christian nation. Instead, He has called the church to bring sinful people to salvation through Jesus Christ. If we do not evangelize the lost and make disciples of new converts, nothing else we do for people—no matter how beneficial it seems—has any eternal consequence. It makes no difference if an unsaved person is for or against abortion, a political liberal or a conservative, a prostitute or a police officer, gay or straight, he will spend eternity apart from God unless he repents and believes the gospel.
When the church takes a stance that emphasizes political activism and social moralizing, it always diverts energy and resources away from evangelization. Invariably, believers find themselves feeling hostile, not only to unsaved government leaders with whom they disagree, but also antagonistic toward the unsaved residents of that culture—neighbors and fellow citizens they ought to love, pray for, and share the gospel with. To me it is unthinkable that we become enemies of the very people we seek to win to Christ, our potential brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Focusing on earthly methods to promote change, and resorting to external efforts of lobbying and intimidation to achieve some sort of “Christian morality” in society is not our calling—and has no eternal value. Only the gospel rescues sinners from sin, death, and hell."
"I’m grateful to be an American. I demonstrate my gratitude to God for this blessing by obeying the laws of the land, paying my taxes, praying for my leaders, and participating in the voting process of the land. I encourage our people to vote and our church provides voter registration opportunities. Further, I admonish them to vote according to biblical principles. I pray for our military men and women (especially those in dangerous places.) Furthermore, I have a deep and abiding love for Mom, baseball and apple pie (sugar-free, of course.) Get the picture? I’m a card-carrying, red-blooded citizen of the United States and proud of it. But first and foremost, I’m a citizen of heaven, and let me tell you what that means.
It means—no matter how great or sincere the efforts, we can’t protect or expand the Kingdom of Christ by our political system. We are involved in a spiritual battle against ungodly ideologies aimed directly at God and His people and the only effective weapon we have is His Word.
It means—God has not calling us to wage a cultural war that would seek to transform our country into a Christian nation. Instead, He has called the church to bring sinful people to salvation through Jesus Christ. If we do not evangelize the lost and make disciples of new converts, nothing else we do for people—no matter how beneficial it seems—has any eternal consequence. It makes no difference if an unsaved person is for or against abortion, a political liberal or a conservative, a prostitute or a police officer, gay or straight, he will spend eternity apart from God unless he repents and believes the gospel.
When the church takes a stance that emphasizes political activism and social moralizing, it always diverts energy and resources away from evangelization. Invariably, believers find themselves feeling hostile, not only to unsaved government leaders with whom they disagree, but also antagonistic toward the unsaved residents of that culture—neighbors and fellow citizens they ought to love, pray for, and share the gospel with. To me it is unthinkable that we become enemies of the very people we seek to win to Christ, our potential brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Focusing on earthly methods to promote change, and resorting to external efforts of lobbying and intimidation to achieve some sort of “Christian morality” in society is not our calling—and has no eternal value. Only the gospel rescues sinners from sin, death, and hell."
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