And he said to them,” Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 15-16.
Our primary Christian duty is to carry out the Great Commission. We are to call people to repentance and salvation by preaching Christ to the world. We are to preach Christ, crucified and resurrected.
Jesus did not come into the temporal, fully man and fully God to make the world a better place through peace and unity. You wouldn’t know that based on the shaky doctrine taught in most mainstream denominations , but the Bible backs this up.
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set[a] a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’–Matthew 10:34-36 (NKJV)
Preaching Christ means not only rejection from the world, but also from one’s own family members. The problem is the world is in darkness and hates the light.
And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”– John 3:19-21
Christians reflect the light of Jesus when they seek Him with all heart, mind and strength . We become a beacon in a world of darkness.
Satan has annexed many former houses of worship into his kingdom.. You can tell these places because there is no fear of God and therefore, no wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). These churches ignore the authority of Scripture, picking and choosing verses to fit their agenda. They don’t preach repentance and salvation, but instead, prosperity, or being the best person you can be. The Apostle Paul warned of these times in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
False doctrine are ideas adding to, reducing , perverting or nullifying God’s Word. False teachers deviate from scripture, denying Holy truths about God and leading the deceived from Christ, to hell.
But the lost sinner does not know this. Their rationale for seeking a church is a place with nice people, a positive message, and convenience. They hear, without discernment, the sermon of the liberal male, female or gay pastor telling them sin is merely a state of mind and that Christ welcomes everyone.
Lies like those, are why God-fearing Christians must be vigorous and unyielding in our testimony about the one true Christ. Sinners must hear why God sent Jesus to ransom them from Satan’s bondage.
Telling the truth in a time of widespread deception is the ultimate rebellion; but so be it. As Christians we are in , but not of the world (John 15:18-19), therefore, we must preach Christ whenever the Holy Spirit prompts us.
The God-fearing Christian must always walk a fine line with politics. When pointing out the dangers or consequences of partisan policies, Christians must be careful not to return hate for hate. Jesus, instead calls us to love and pray for our enemies…regardless of party affiliation.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.—Matthew 5:44-45(New King James Version)
While some Democrats identify as Christians, the party as a whole hates, Bible-believing, God-fearing Christianity. They hate it because we reflect Jesus , rather than world, and therefore, stand against their signature anti-life, anti-creation and anti-family policies.
However, they mostly hate us because we test everything against the Word of God. That really drives the pagans crazy.
They call us vile names and accuse us of narrow-mindedness, when the reality is we are the independent thinkers who question their virtue and their version of truth . Their hive mentality forces them to stay in lockstep with the daily narrative.
Don’t believe me? Just listen to the verbatim slogans the propaganda media repeat, ad-nauseam, that their viewers then parrot.
Basically, this tells people how and what to think. The implication is since every talking head and print reporter is repeating the same message, then it must be what the majority believes and therefore, must be truth.
This works because, without discernment, people have a natural deference to what the experts (i.e government, academia and journalists) say because of an inherent trust they have the country’s best interests at heart. That may have been true 40-50 years ago when there was more of a deference to God in America, but certainly not now as Christianity’s influence on the USA has waned.
A spirit of the anti-Christ (secularism, paganism and atheism) dominates in America. This has resulted in destructive policies based on lies, fear and narcissism.
Secular Democrats and Republicans have done these things because of carnal minds . Having a carnal-mind means a focus purely on the desires of the flesh.
For to be [a]carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the [b]carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.–Romans 8:6-8 (NKJV)
These are people who might pay occasional lip-service to God , but place their own desires above God’s precepts.. Their motivations have nothing to do with the greater good, but only lust, greed or power. They have nothing to do with the Holy Spirit which is foolishness to them.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.–1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJV)
As Christians we must keep this in mind when we engage such people. How many times have you had a discussion about culture or politics with a devout Democrat only to walk away exasperated and asking yourself, “What the heck is wrong with these people that makes them ignore facts?”
As Christians , we must remember that only by the grace of God we have open eyes and a discerning heart. Only God’s grace and faith in Jesus Christ ,as Lord and Savior, blesses us with truth and sets us free.
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him(Jesus), “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.—John 8:31-36(NKJV)
This does not mean we no longer sin, however we are no longer in bondage to it. Slaves have no will of their own. A slave obeys their master because he is the master’s property. In the case of sin, it is the master of the enslaved person.
To tell the truth, we are either slaves to the world, the flesh and the devil or to Christ. Jesus ransomed (1 Timothy 2:5-6) His flock from the devil with His death on the cross and resurrection. Therefore, Jesus sets believers free from sin: the world’s beliefs, thoughts and perspectives which only lead to death.
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.– Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)
Therefore, may we go beyond mere political differences when dealing with individuals with whom we profoundly disagree with. May we understand a person’s political ideology may reflect their love of, and bondage to, sin.
Of course we must vote our consciences as submitted to God, but let us not idolize a political party or political figure. In the same way , we should not automatically demonize a political figure or party as unworthy of prayer and God’s redemption.
Believe it or not, there was once upon a time where political differences stopped at the water’s edge. People united as Americans, despite any party disagreements.
That changed when Marxists and socialists took over the Democrat Party, journalism, the universities and Hollywood. That began a gradual march to criminalize their political opposition.
From this, came cancel culture, censorship and lawfare (using the legal system to crush their enemies). This has gone beyond politics and into the spiritual: what truly lies in their hearts.
Only people with ungodly hearts steeped in lies , hatred and fear embrace such strategies. Therefore, logic , reason and even facts will have little to no effect to changing the minds of idealogues presently blinded to God’s truth. Only God can change the hearts of lost people.
We must boldly stand in God’s truth when confronting these individuals and when I say boldly, I do not mean condemnation. For if you condemn them aren’t you merely returning evil for evil?
Repay no one evil for evil. Have[a] regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.— Romans 12:17-21(NKJV)
May our adversaries define us based on who we are in Jesus Christ and not solely by our political affiliation. Yes, we vote for the party that bests protects our faith and represents our Christian beliefs, but that does not restrict us from showing love f0r our enemies by not compromising God’s Word and our prayers for them.
Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus , on the cross. Amen!
I encourage you to read each Gospel account of Jesus’ sacrifice in preparation for Resurrection Sunday/ Easter.
THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST
John 17 -37 (Matt. 27:32-38; 48, 50;Mark 15:21-26, 36 ,37; Luke 23:26-33, 38, 46)
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”
Therefore the soldiers did these things.
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.
28 After this, Jesus, [a]knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
THE BURIAL OF CHRIST
John 19:38-42 (Matt.27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-54)
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby. _____________________________________________________________
Some people ask what is so good about Good Friday , a day full of brutality? What makes this day so historic was Jesus sacrificing His life for us while we were still sinners. In other words, while we were God’s enemies.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.–John 3:16-17
American Christian: A Treatise of Spiritual, Cultural and Political Discernment, my newest book, is now on sale at Amazon. I hope you will add it to your library as an indispensable tool for discernment.
Why the title, American Christian ?
I came up with the title because American Christians are unique in the world. What is this uniqueness? They must not only know their Bible to serve the Lord effectively, but should also understand the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to defend freedom and liberty in America.
God blessed America with a spirit of courage and abundance. Because America’s has turned its back on God, fear and corruption dominate. I believe our nation is in the shadow of God’s righteous anger as most of her citizens and leaders reject Jesus.
God-fearing, Bible-believing Christians must rebuke the notion that we will politic our way out of this situtation with a new president or congress. What the USA needs is repentance and a return to Christ.
From the introduction:
America is amid a vast spiritual war. In war, one must be battle-ready to fight effectively. In this spiritual war, the Christian must always be vigilant in order to stand against the schemes of the devil carried out by human pawns. —American Christian pp. 3
It’s not only compromised politicians, educators, journalists, judges, and Hollywood who are the devil’s human pawns. We can also include friends and loved ones walking in darkness. Keep in mind anyone who rejects Jesus is, by default, a pawn of the devil.
When Jesus first sent out the disciples, what did He tell them?
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”–Matthew 10:16 (New King James Version)
Wolves are ravenous, hunt in packs and are natural predators to sheep. This is the world to the Christian. We can only prevail in our call through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is why Christians must be in daily, fervent prayer to the Heavenly Father.
Amid this, Jesus tells us to be shrewd in using worldly institutions such as radio, television, the internet, and social media to accomplish our mission. In Christ , we are able to take what was meant for subversion and use it for the kingdom of heaven. We are to do so with gentleness and the the utmost integrity, hence the term “harmless as doves”.
American Christian is one reference to aid this shrewdness by understanding the lies and falsehoods fed to us as truth by the world. I provide the reader with pithy , straightforward chapters that are easy to digest. My goal is to engage the reader to consider aspects of Christianity, culture and politics they may not have given much thought about.
Discernment is a spiritual gift from God that enables us, in His power, to tell truth from lies, right from wrong and light and darkness. If you do not have this spiritual gift, all you need to do pray and ask.
If you like my newest book, American Christian, please leave a review on Amazon and share with your friends. American Christian will also make a nice Christmas gift.
My first book, No Christian Man is an Island: Leading the Spiritual Quest in America’s Culture Wars , is also available at Amazon for your reading pleasure.
