Well, it's finally here! .. What has arguably been the most contentious & divisive election campaign of all time is coming to a close, thank God! .. In what was already considered an increasingly divided nation, this current political 'process' has only exacerbated the situation. .. In my many years of observing this nation's politics, NEVER have I seen such spiteful & hateful rhetoric that we are currently witnessing .. and the lies from all levels is simply astounding! .. Quite frankly, as an American, I'm embarrassed. ... But of course, from my perspective, I'm more focused on how it has impacted the Christian community as a whole. .. And again, like the political process, it has been quite disappointing. .. Simply put, what I am observing is a growing majority of the leaders 'selling out' to this nothing short of evil fiasco. .. What I'm trying to say is this - if a person considers his or herself to be a true follower of Jesus Christ, how could any of us check the box for either presidential choice! .. Either way, it is a complete compromise! .. To be blunt, the Bible is not in favor of any kind of compromise. .. As I've mentioned many times, there is no such thing as 'the lesser of two evils. .. Evil is evil! What it all comes down to is the American Church's continually increasing shift to a 'nationalist' position. .. In my 'Church visiting' travels & discussions with various Church leaders over these past several decades, it is amazing as to what I've encountered when it comes to this subject. .. Many have evolved to the point of putting America on a near equal footing with our Lord & Savior!  .. They've come to believe  that it is America's role, with the Church's assistance, to save the world from itself. .. In fact, there are many Churches who are now saying that Christ's kingdom can be established here & now on Earth during His absence! .. These movements take on various names such as 'Kingdom,' Dominion,' or 'Reconstruction.' .. Their basic premise is that mortal man can accomplish what only the immortal Lord can, & soon will.  .. They believe that society can & must be reconstructed by Christians in order to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth before the personal return of Jesus Christ. .. Although this is a very brief overview of this Reconstruction - Dominion Theology, it is a fast-growing movement in our land. .. Simply, it is a purely false & deceptive doctrine. .. It is quite apparent that those who subscribe to this nonsense has a desperate lack of the Bible's prophetic eschatological  (end-time) teachings. .. Quite simply, there are many Christian pastors & Church leaders out there who believe that they can change society through government programs, lobbying activities, civil disobedience, and political pressure groups. .. But as hard as I've looked, I DO NOT find any place in scripture where it says this is the mission of the Church. .., In fact, the 'true' mission, which is bringing people to know Jesus Christ, is being replaced by those who believe that the Kingdom of God can be established here & now by our human efforts & activities. .. How tragic, and misinformed! ... Jesus Himself warned that in the last days just before His triumphant return, there would be a Church which would boast about its growing power & strength & self-importance. .. Today there are many mislead and undiscerning Christians who are looking for the Kingdom of God here on Earth, a place where justice will reign and nations will exist in peaceful co-existence. .. Simply, this arrogant Church covets political power, NOT the power of God. .. The revival that seems slow in coming has brought many to think they should take over the reins of government and legislate righteousness. .. Pastor David Jeremiah once asked these questions:  "Would the history of nearly 2000 years of the Church of Jesus Christ have been changed if the martyrs during the era of the Roman Caesars had overturned the despotic rulers? .. What would have happened in Babylon if Daniel had wrested the reins of government from Nebuchadnezzar? .. Would John have received and written The Revelation of Jesus Christ in a plush office in Laodicea, rather than the rocky desolation of Patmos? .. Are today's Christians convinced that placard-carrying, slogan-bearing demonstrators can replace soul-winners?" As an American (and one who has traveled to many other lands), I know that I am blessed to have been born here. .. However, I am deeply troubled to see what has happened in our generation to draw the Church so far away from its central mission. .. Richard Halverson, a former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, said this:  "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 USA a Christian nation, a prosperous nation ... sometimes I think if Christ would come back, it would constitute a terrible interruption of their plans." ... To sum it up, in an article about the U.S. in prophecy, Herman A Hoyt said this:  "Since the promise of Christ's coming for the Church has always been held out to His people as an event that could take place at any moment, surely the events of the present hour in relation to the U.S. ought to give new stimulus to watch momentarily for His coming. .. In these days of crisis, our trust should not rest in a nation that may shortly disappear, but to Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will." Dr. Hoyt is right - What do we have to worry about?! .. Our trust & hope should NEVER be in governments, civilizations or cultures. .. By the standard measurement of eternity, these institutions last but a moment, crumbling into dust to be swept away by the winds of history. .. Certainly they all have a specific purpose in God's ultimate plan, but none has ever been worthy of our complete trust. .. Simply, we need to ALWAYS put our trust in the One who stands above institutions, above history, and even above time itself - the One by whose power and permission these things exist, and who knows their times and the end of their days. .. Only our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ is worthy of our ultimate allegiance. ... In closing, I want to share several scriptures which shows us clearly where we belong in the worldly 'scheme of things' ....... *Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." *John 15:18-19 - "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.  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." *John 17:14-16 - "I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. .. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." *John 18:36 - "Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of the world.  If it were, My servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews.  But now My kingdom is from another place." *1 Corinthians 3:19 - "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight.  As it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.' " *2 Corinthians 10:3-4 - "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." And finally, John 14:1 sums it all up perfectly ... "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, trust also in me." .... What else do we Need! ...... Finally, please remember this ... no matter what happens on Tuesday, or whomever is elected, our trust should ALWAYS be in our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. .. All else is but a moment in the eternal realm. Until next time, Red