To the Church in America, 2021:
“Grace to you & peace from God our Father & the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God & Father, to whom be the glory forever & ever. Amen” – Gal 1.3-5
A great many of us are disheartened by our present political situation. It’s not just a matter of a particular candidate not winning the election, but that our election system has been greatly compromised. Numerous eyewitnesses with sworn affidavits testified at senate hearings in the contested states & compelling evidence of massive election fraud continues to mount. All legal avenues were pursued to look into these allegations and… nothing. There was push-back at every level, which tells you the corruption is more widespread than anyone imagined. Not even a smidgen of courteous concern from the Democratic party about the possibility of election integrity having been compromised. Instead, only a steady, vindictive mantra of “there’s no proof”. To make matters worse, the mainstream media failed to cover the hearings & social media platforms continue to put “fact check” warnings & other stamps on posts to reassure the populace of complete election integrity, if not censoring posts & cancelling people altogether.
A great many of us are disheartened by our present political situation. It’s not just a matter of a particular candidate not winning the election, but that our election system has been greatly compromised. Numerous eyewitnesses with sworn affidavits testified at senate hearings in the contested states & compelling evidence of massive election fraud continues to mount. All legal avenues were pursued to look into these allegations and… nothing. There was push-back at every level, which tells you the corruption is more widespread than anyone imagined. Not even a smidgen of courteous concern from the Democratic party about the possibility of election integrity having been compromised. Instead, only a steady, vindictive mantra of “there’s no proof”. To make matters worse, the mainstream media failed to cover the hearings & social media platforms continue to put “fact check” warnings & other stamps on posts to reassure the populace of complete election integrity, if not censoring posts & cancelling people altogether.
Consequently, not only did the rightful winner lose, but Americans lost because the election system has been completely compromised. Voting is a vital tool to right the wrongs of government. If fraudulent results stand, election integrity will be very difficult… if not impossible to get back. Those fraudulently elected will only work to grow their power, further compromise voting & establish greater government corruption.
And understand that if those that have no convictions about stealing elections are in power, they will have no problem carrying out other evils against their political opponents, of which we make up a large portion. The election fraud & many peripheral problems facing America are too vast & the forces of evil too prevalent. The situation is very grave. But our God is very great. America’s best hope is for the Church in America to collectively & persistently appeal to God for mercy & grace on behalf of our country (like many before us) & to seek & follow His guidance. Are we expecting someone else to come to our aid or be concerned about righteousness? |
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"Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." – 1 John 4.4b
So given the present political situation, what are Christians to do now? The easy Sunday School answer has usually been to “just pray & vote” – and we should! But in modern culture, this “just pray & vote” mentality is often couched in passivity. This mindset usually plants a white flag in doctrines about submitting to authority & falls back on some idea about the United States not being mentioned in the end times. No doctrine is denied here, but before we throw up our hands in surrender, let’s confront this mentality by evaluating it with the whole counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20.27) & practical application in our society. While the easy-believe-ism enabled in modern America does not often require Christians to do many hard things, the Scriptures usually do.
Concerning the end times, the whole of humanity is for sure on a timeline set forth by God & one day it will end (Acts 17.26-27, Rev 21.1). In the Scriptural teaching about the end times (eschatology), all the nations eventually come together to fight against Israel. The idea is that currently America is Israel’s ally that helps keep its enemies at bay, but no country such as the U.S. is mentioned helping Israel in the end times & some assume the U.S. eventually abandons Israel & then the unbiblical implication is that we should capitulate to a wicked, anti-Israel government. But what is mentioned is that no one knows where we’re at on that grand timeline, except God Himself (Mt 24.36). As Christians, we look forward to the day of the Lord’s return & each day is indeed closer (2 Pt 3.11-12, Rev 22.20). Nonetheless, if the Lord doesn’t return for a thousand or even a couple hundred years, our descendants will have wished we did more than stick our heads in the sand. It begs the question, “When should God’s people not stand against evil?” In a passage leading up to the time of the end, it states:
“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm & take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword & flame, by captivity & plunder.” – Dan 11.32-33
I don’t get the idea that God wants His people to sit on the sidelines even at the end, but rather be steadfast, be engaging & be spreading truth. That seems like a good template to follow: stand firm, take action & make many understand. Also, as that passage & others indicate, it will be an uphill battle.
Concerning the end times, the whole of humanity is for sure on a timeline set forth by God & one day it will end (Acts 17.26-27, Rev 21.1). In the Scriptural teaching about the end times (eschatology), all the nations eventually come together to fight against Israel. The idea is that currently America is Israel’s ally that helps keep its enemies at bay, but no country such as the U.S. is mentioned helping Israel in the end times & some assume the U.S. eventually abandons Israel & then the unbiblical implication is that we should capitulate to a wicked, anti-Israel government. But what is mentioned is that no one knows where we’re at on that grand timeline, except God Himself (Mt 24.36). As Christians, we look forward to the day of the Lord’s return & each day is indeed closer (2 Pt 3.11-12, Rev 22.20). Nonetheless, if the Lord doesn’t return for a thousand or even a couple hundred years, our descendants will have wished we did more than stick our heads in the sand. It begs the question, “When should God’s people not stand against evil?” In a passage leading up to the time of the end, it states:
“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm & take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword & flame, by captivity & plunder.” – Dan 11.32-33
I don’t get the idea that God wants His people to sit on the sidelines even at the end, but rather be steadfast, be engaging & be spreading truth. That seems like a good template to follow: stand firm, take action & make many understand. Also, as that passage & others indicate, it will be an uphill battle.
"If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” – Jesus in John 15.18-19
“We make men without chests & expect from them virtue & enterprise. We laugh at honor & are shocked to find traitors in our midst.” - C. S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16.13
As for submitting to authority, God establishes governing authorities to administer justice (Rom 13.1-5). But the question at hand is: Who is the governing authority? Governments were predominantly top-down monarchies, oligarchies or dictatorships from Bible times right up to America which contrasted by decentralizing power & granting authority to the citizens. This was done because the founders understood the depravity of humans (Jer 17.9) & they were well studied on the failures of other forms of government. So, when the government in America is working correctly, the citizens are to submit to those authorities; When the government is not working correctly, it is subject to the authority of the citizens – the government derives its “just powers from the consent of the governed” (Declaration of Independence). We have a duty to uphold justice & winnow out corruption in the government. Those verses about kingly duties apply to us (Pr 8.12-16, 16.12, 20.26, 29.4, etc). We are the “checks & balances”.
Interestingly, Israel’s King David was in a situation parallel to ours. King Saul, due to his unrighteousness, was rejected as king by God & David was chosen by God to be king (1 Sam 15-16). But Saul held on to the throne & regularly pursued David with all sorts of evil. Many times, David could have taken Saul out, but he spared his life & trusted the Lord to deliver him & establish his kingdom at the right time. Numerous Psalms were born out of that time which remind us of God’s concern for us, our need to trust Him to deliver us & His concern for justice (i.e. Ps 18, 59). No, America is not the same as Israel, but the God of Israel is the same.
Interestingly, Israel’s King David was in a situation parallel to ours. King Saul, due to his unrighteousness, was rejected as king by God & David was chosen by God to be king (1 Sam 15-16). But Saul held on to the throne & regularly pursued David with all sorts of evil. Many times, David could have taken Saul out, but he spared his life & trusted the Lord to deliver him & establish his kingdom at the right time. Numerous Psalms were born out of that time which remind us of God’s concern for us, our need to trust Him to deliver us & His concern for justice (i.e. Ps 18, 59). No, America is not the same as Israel, but the God of Israel is the same.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, & my cry to Him reached His ears. He rescued me from my strong enemy & from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me… With the merciful You show yourself merciful; with the blameless man You show yourself blameless; with the purified You show yourself pure; and with the crooked You make yourself seem tortuous. For You save a humble people, but the haughty eyes You bring down.” – Psalm 18.6, 17-19, 25-27
“You, Lord God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil… Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power & bring them down, O Lord, our shield! For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing & lies that they utter” – Psalm 59.5, 11-12
As for praying, believe me, we should pray!! But how do we pray & what are we praying for?
For starters, it’s important that we each do a heart check & humbly ask God for forgiveness if He brings conviction in any area. Can we expect God’s blessing if we aren’t seeking to please Him? Consider what God said to His people in Judah: “Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder (hate, despise), commit adultery (lust, porn), swear falsely (lie, deceive), make offerings to Baal, & go after other gods that you have not known (idolatry), & then come & stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, & say, ‘We are delivered!’—only to go on doing all these abominations?” (Jer 7.8-10 – modern day contextual application added).
With all the political divisiveness & rancor, it’s particularly important that Christians don’t harbor hatred which the Word identifies as the same heart attitude as murder (1 Jn 3.15) & can be recognized by bitterness & evil speech (Eph 4.29-31).
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths (or typing), but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (or read). And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness & wrath & anger & clamor & slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Eph 4.29-31, modern day contextual application added.
This does not mean that we never comment or discuss evils confronting our society – we must, but we should do it in a proper manner without hatred & malice.
Another sin that’s easy to get sucked into is making America or leaders into idols, making them as important as God or trusting them to deliver us. So, if we suspect this of ourselves, we need to surrender & entrust our country, rights & freedom to Him. Repent with godly sorrow & confess this & any other sin as often as is necessary; we have a God who is faithful & just to forgive (1 Jn 1.9). But note that it’s not a sin to have national pride or patriotism or even to be passionate about it.
It’s not that you’re either a patriot or a Christian. It’s not that you’re either politically active or spreading the Gospel. Reject any such false dichotomy that reinforces our passivity & don’t be quick to judge others accordingly. In fact, we’re entreated to do everything in the name of the Lord (Col 3.17). What does it look like today for a Christian to be a patriotic citizen heartily to the Lord? Can’t carrying out our responsibilities as American citizens be honoring to God? We sure like that America’s founders did both by letting their faith motivate their political action.
In addition to seeking personal forgiveness, it’s also critical that we seek & pray for unity in the Church in America & beyond. We need one another, we need encouragement, we need accountability, we need reminded of God’s truth & we need to pray & work together (1 Pt 3.8, Rom 12.10-13, 15.4-7, Eph 6.18). For we are indeed in a spiritual battle.
For starters, it’s important that we each do a heart check & humbly ask God for forgiveness if He brings conviction in any area. Can we expect God’s blessing if we aren’t seeking to please Him? Consider what God said to His people in Judah: “Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder (hate, despise), commit adultery (lust, porn), swear falsely (lie, deceive), make offerings to Baal, & go after other gods that you have not known (idolatry), & then come & stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, & say, ‘We are delivered!’—only to go on doing all these abominations?” (Jer 7.8-10 – modern day contextual application added).
With all the political divisiveness & rancor, it’s particularly important that Christians don’t harbor hatred which the Word identifies as the same heart attitude as murder (1 Jn 3.15) & can be recognized by bitterness & evil speech (Eph 4.29-31).
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths (or typing), but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (or read). And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness & wrath & anger & clamor & slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Eph 4.29-31, modern day contextual application added.
This does not mean that we never comment or discuss evils confronting our society – we must, but we should do it in a proper manner without hatred & malice.
Another sin that’s easy to get sucked into is making America or leaders into idols, making them as important as God or trusting them to deliver us. So, if we suspect this of ourselves, we need to surrender & entrust our country, rights & freedom to Him. Repent with godly sorrow & confess this & any other sin as often as is necessary; we have a God who is faithful & just to forgive (1 Jn 1.9). But note that it’s not a sin to have national pride or patriotism or even to be passionate about it.
It’s not that you’re either a patriot or a Christian. It’s not that you’re either politically active or spreading the Gospel. Reject any such false dichotomy that reinforces our passivity & don’t be quick to judge others accordingly. In fact, we’re entreated to do everything in the name of the Lord (Col 3.17). What does it look like today for a Christian to be a patriotic citizen heartily to the Lord? Can’t carrying out our responsibilities as American citizens be honoring to God? We sure like that America’s founders did both by letting their faith motivate their political action.
In addition to seeking personal forgiveness, it’s also critical that we seek & pray for unity in the Church in America & beyond. We need one another, we need encouragement, we need accountability, we need reminded of God’s truth & we need to pray & work together (1 Pt 3.8, Rom 12.10-13, 15.4-7, Eph 6.18). For we are indeed in a spiritual battle.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord & in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day & having done all, to stand firm.” – Ephesians 6.10-13
And since the Scriptures call us out of passivity into action, how about we ask God what He wants us to do? Let us not be so presumptive to think we have nothing to offer. Has the Holy Spirit stopped leading God’s people to do brave & extraordinary things that can only be done by His wisdom & might? Let us pray for His direction, let us seek His wisdom & let us act in His strength. Fortunately, we Christians make up many parts of the Body of Christ & we each don’t have to do everything or the same thing, but we each should do something. <See Prayer Points & Action Items Below>
In addition to praying for God’s direction for ourselves, we should also pray for those in government.
In addition to praying for God’s direction for ourselves, we should also pray for those in government.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Tim 2.1-4
When an election has been stolen, it’s difficult to come to terms with who is really in office. But the truth of the matter is it doesn’t matter, because we’re supposed to pray for “all people” (1 Tim 2.1), even those that persecute us (Mt 5.44). Also note that an objective of praying for those in authority is so that God’s people would be able to live out lives that honor the Lord – peaceful, quiet, godly, dignified & proclaiming the good news of Jesus. So, pray those in government would act on wisdom which would allow such things & not be obstructive.
In the spirit of Daniel 11.32-33, perhaps we should work to help “make many understand” by spreading the truth in a culture fraught with deception & misinformation. At the top of the list of truth to share is the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Given these troublesome times characterized by hopelessness, confusion & frustration, people need the hope & peace of Christ, the stability of God’s Word & the community of God’s people.
Additionally, the numerous problems in our culture are exacerbated by an irresponsible media propagating false narratives & rampant censorship, so it’s critical that we practice discernment for both what we accept to be true & what we share with others. Nonetheless, there seems to be important information that’s being suppressed about many topics, so we must be diligent in seeking out truth & willing to identify what is speculation.
Perhaps some are called to contact or visit those in government to help them understand the situation or feel some accountability. Perhaps it’s a matter of increasing your own understanding of our Constitution, our rights & our history, then share it with your friends & family to broaden their understanding. Or perhaps there’s something else the Lord would have you do.
But one thing we shouldn’t do is be fearful. Nor should we panic. This is not a call to arms, but a call to persistent prayer (Jas 4.2-3) & political action. And if there is anything those perpetrating evil should be afraid of, it’s Almighty God (Luke 12.5, Heb 10.30-31). He is not thwarted by the schemes of man. He is not limited by time, terms or election cycles. Is His arm too short to save?
In the spirit of Daniel 11.32-33, perhaps we should work to help “make many understand” by spreading the truth in a culture fraught with deception & misinformation. At the top of the list of truth to share is the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Given these troublesome times characterized by hopelessness, confusion & frustration, people need the hope & peace of Christ, the stability of God’s Word & the community of God’s people.
Additionally, the numerous problems in our culture are exacerbated by an irresponsible media propagating false narratives & rampant censorship, so it’s critical that we practice discernment for both what we accept to be true & what we share with others. Nonetheless, there seems to be important information that’s being suppressed about many topics, so we must be diligent in seeking out truth & willing to identify what is speculation.
Perhaps some are called to contact or visit those in government to help them understand the situation or feel some accountability. Perhaps it’s a matter of increasing your own understanding of our Constitution, our rights & our history, then share it with your friends & family to broaden their understanding. Or perhaps there’s something else the Lord would have you do.
But one thing we shouldn’t do is be fearful. Nor should we panic. This is not a call to arms, but a call to persistent prayer (Jas 4.2-3) & political action. And if there is anything those perpetrating evil should be afraid of, it’s Almighty God (Luke 12.5, Heb 10.30-31). He is not thwarted by the schemes of man. He is not limited by time, terms or election cycles. Is His arm too short to save?
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust & not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength & my defense; He has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12.2
I don’t know what God will do, but I know He uses tough times to draw His people near & refine them. Instead of trusting in men or government to save us (Ps 20.7, Isa 31.1), or instead of just rolling over in passivity or trudging on in complacency, how about we look to the Lord to redeem this situation? How about we submit our desires for America to His will (Lk 22.42) & yet trust Him to lead us to appropriate action (Mt 7.7-11). How about we look to God Almighty who longs to be in relation to us individually AND corporately, & who desires to come to the aid of his people. If we aren’t praying for God’s assistance in a situation, we won’t recognize when He’s working in it. And if we don’t recognize Him working, we won’t praise Him for His work.
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Proverbs 29.25
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121.1-2
There is a lot at stake: election integrity, free speech, religious liberty & pretty much freedom in general, not only for ourselves, but for our children & our children’s children. From the Revolutionary War & every war since, too much blood has been spilled for this Republic as we know it to not even last 250 years.
Now, let’s get to work…
Now, let’s get to work…