For the past few weeks I've been talking about first, how the 'True Church' is under attack .... and then, how and why this was allowed to happen ... how the majority of the Church walked away from it's true purpose for which it was intended, and fell into the condition spoken of by our Lord concerning the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3:14-22 .... the state of lukewarmness. ...... This week, I want to add one more layer to this conversation.
Certainly there are a myriad of reasons why the Church has fallen so far, but the one I want to address tonight is the subject of 'Nationalism' .... how we in America have allowed this misguided 'patriotism' to creep into our sanctuaries and then shape and dominate the overall purpose of our 'spiritual' way of life. .... Hence, the title of this commentary .......
Let me start with a story I read several years back concerning Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, pastored by Reverend Gregory Boyd. Like most pastors in today's thriving evangelical mega-churches, he was asked frequently to give his blessing --- and the church's --- to conservative political candidates and causes. ..... These requests came from church members and visitors alike --- Would he please announce a rally against gay marriage during the services? .. Would he introduce a politician from the pulpit? ... Could members set up a table in the lobby promoting their anti-abortion work? ... Would the church distribute 'voter's guides' that all but endorsed Republican candidates? ... And with the country at war, please couldn't the church hang an American flag in the sanctuary?
...After refusing each time, Mr. Boyd finally became fed up, and decided to preach a series called "The Cross and the Sword" in which he said the church should steer clear of politics, give up moralizing on sexual issues, stop claiming the United States as a "Christian nation" and stop glorifying American military campaigns. ... "When the church wins the cultural wars, it inevitably loses," Mr. Boyd preached. ... "When it conquers the world, it becomes the world. ... When you put your trust in the sword, you lose the Cross."
Pastor Boyd goes on to say in his article that he had been bothered for quite some time concerning the worldliness creeping into the church, but what finally put him 'over the top' was when he visited another mega-church's worship service on a fourth of July. ... The service finished with the singing of "God Bless America" and a video of fighter jets flying over a hill silhouetted with the Cross. ...."I thought to myself, 'what just happened? ... Fighter jets mixed up with the Cross?' " .... The rest is obvious ... Oh, and by the way, Pastor Boyd, upon taking his stand against politics in the church, lost over 1000 members by the end of his series .... but since then, his church has regained all those initial losses and added many more ......
.... Sadly, this mentality isn't just happening in mega-churches, but also in most all evangelical churches, regardless of size. ... In fact, many have taken on the same governing structures as has our country. ... We have constitutions and full congregational voting... all participating in most all decisions concerning the church's business. ...."It's how we run the country so why not run the churches the same way?" .. Even though it seems 'normal', it's not scriptural! .....
Let me now add comments from a very well-respected pastor ... David Jeremiah. ... "Today there are many Christians who are bent on changing society through government programs, lobbying activities, civil disobedience, and pressure groups. I do not find any place in the Bible that says this is the mission of the church of jesus Christ. The mission of the church is witnessing to lost souls about the redemption provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. This mission is being replaced by those who believe the Kingdom of God can be established here and now by our human activities.
"Jesus warned that in the last days before His return there would be a church which would brag about its growing strength and self-importance. Today there are many undiscerning Christians who are looking for the Kingdom of God on earth, a kingdom where justice will reign and nations will exist in peaceful coexistence. This arrogant church covets political power, not the power of God. The revival we have sought seems so slow in coming,that many believe Christians should take the reins of government and legislate righteousness. ... Yes, there is a better world coming, but not until those left on the earth experience a time of evil fiercer than this planet has ever seen."
Pastor Jeremiah finishes up his discussion with a comment from Richard Halverson, the former esteemed chaplain of the U.S. Senate ... "The more I listen to evangelicals talk, the less I hear about the hope of Christ's coming again and the more I hear about making the U.S.A. a Christian nation, a prosperous nation .... sometimes I think if Christ would come back, it would constitute a terrible interruption of their plans."
From all I've witnessed and experienced over these past number of years, both of these pastors have hit the 'nail on the head' ... simply, they 'get it'! ....
Yes, we may be 'out-numbered' in the short run ... unpopular ... considered out-of-step with today's world ... but didn't Jesus say this is the way it would be? ... Once again, look at John 15:18-19 which says, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19) If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." .... Even Peter, in his 1st book (2:11) said we would be as "aliens and strangers in the world."
With what time we have left, we need our 'Houses of God' to represent its Biblical purpose for existence. ... It is NOT to be a house of politics or a promotion center for the United States, but a house of prayer .... not a house of business but a place of worship. ... Jesus is our Savior whom we worship, not a brand to market. The body of Christ is a sanctuary of protection for the vulnerable ... for children, single women, the abused ... the bruised and broken in life. ... The House of God is a refuge for those who have special needs and can't keep up ... a harbor of hope for those who are addicted and struggling ..........
The amazing opportunity of ministry that lies before the church awaits only one thing ... its awakening!
Stated simply, the people of God must return to a hunger and thirst for righteousness .... the ministers of God must repent of their failure to fulfill their calling ... and the House of God needs to represent its Biblical purpose for existence. ... In spite of all the spiritual devastation and famine in our land, it is NEVER too late to reach as many as we can before the final trumpet blows ...... Hallelujah!
Until next time,
Red