Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Politics and the Gospel

Politics and the Gospel

A War of Two Worlds

We are entering into another election cycle here in the United States. Every day, the news headlines are filled with polls and political stories about this candidate versus that candidate. We have seen all kinds of manipulation, propaganda, and misuse of power, law, and government by individuals across the political spectrum—all for the purpose of gaining more power for themselves and their party. Various outrageous claims are presented with the intention of inflaming powerful emotions in order to recruit people to support one party or candidate over another.

As this political season heats up, should we Christians get involved in politics? Should we write about and speak about issues that are politically divisive? What is the line between politics and the gospel?

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36 NIV84).

When we surrender our hearts to Jesus, we change our citizenship, loyalty, and identity from the kingdoms of this world to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)—we become children of God (John 1:12, 13), citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). We are to experience a change of loyalty, and we are to leave behind the methods, practices, and principles of this world and, instead, apply and live out the methods, practices, and principles of God’s kingdom. 

Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3–5 NIV84).

As citizens of heaven, as members of God’s family, as people who have had the methods of this world replaced with the methods of God in them, we do not live like the world, we do not value what the world values, and we do not advance God’s cause through the means, methods, practices, and principles of this world. We are in the world, but we are not of the world.

 

Behind Enemy Lines

But although we have been reborn with new hearts loyal to God and His kingdom, we still live in this sin-sick world. This means that we face all the sin, injustice, abuse, conflicts, sickness, evil, exploitation, crime, manipulation, propaganda, pain, suffering, and trickery that the evil one can throw at us.

Yet we face all these problems of the world with our minds focused on Jesus, our hearts surrendered in trust to Him, our loyalties devoted to advancing His kingdom. And we do this by actively choosing to live out God’s methods in how we deal with the problems of this world, in how we treat others—and God’s methods are not the methods of this world.

Because this is the reality—our reborn Christian selves living in an unregenerate, sinful world with people warring against God—over the years, I have written and spoken on a variety of real-life topics that challenge Christians. Some of these topics have been issues used by various worldly political parties, such as my blogs:

Writing on these topics has caused some people to believe that I am being political rather than advancing the gospel. But I would suggest such a conclusion occurs only when people confuse the subject matter with the methods, principles, and processes being employed in relation to that subject matter. In other words, if the subject matter is one that is used politically, and I speak about that subject matter for the purpose of exposing ungodly methods being employed to confuse minds and ensnare hearts, then some misunderstand and conclude that I am being political.

 

The Methods of Politics and the Gospel

Let me point out the defining difference between being political and advancing the gospel. Politics is about power—earthly, ungodly, dominating, manipulative, coercive, and controlling power exerted over others. It is the use of any means or method one deems necessary to manipulate and rule over others. According to dictionary.com, politics is the:

“use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc.”

In contrast, the gospel “is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 NIV84). The gospel is about applying the methods of God into the hearts and minds of people in order to free and empower them to be self-governing citizens of heaven. The gospel is about turning selfish people who use politics to empower themselves and exploit others into loving people who live in harmony with God and practice His methods of sacrificing self for the good of others.

Politics and the gospel are diametrically opposed and cannot be harmonized.

  • Politics uses lies and propaganda—the gospel wields the sword of truth.
  • Politics imposes laws to force its way—the gospel invites people into loving friendship while leaving them free.
  • Politics seeks to take from the many to empower the few—the gospel seeks to empower the many through the great sacrifice of the few—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Politics seeks to weaken the minds of people and turn the masses into serfs—the gospel seeks to develop the critical reasoning of people so they become image-bearers of their Creator (Hebrews 5:14).
  • Politics seeks to darken and control minds with opinion—the gospel seeks to enlighten and free minds with objective truth.
  • Politics uses fear to restrict liberty and impair thinking—the gospel uses love to cast out fear and advance liberty and true wisdom.
  • Politics divides society to create power bases—the gospel unites people in love and truth.

If you examine our materials with these distinctions in mind, you will note that in all of our blogs, presentations, books, and lectures, we consistently apply the gospel—the truth to expose lies, love to cast out fear, and liberty to resist coercive control.

We never seek to organize people into groups to pass laws, coerce consciences, or empower the few. We never seek to divide based on anything other than the quality of one’s character. We always advocate for people to be persuaded in their own minds about what action God would have them take in governance of self on any given matter.

Politics is the opposite; it is using any means necessary to manipulate the masses for the benefit of the few, while often leading the masses to cooperate and collude with their own destruction.

Politics is the greatest con in all of human history—the great organizational sleight of hand that manipulates minds into believing that the people are being empowered and uplifted, while in reality, the people are being exploited and diminished.

We at Come and Reason Ministries oppose politics because we actively promote the kingdom of God, which is the advancement of God’s design, methods, purposes, and intentions that, when applied and experienced, result in the restoration of the image of God in people, the development of critical-reasoning skills, true wisdom, discernment, the ability to think clearly and act rightly—in other words, mature Christlike people who have full freedom and governance of themselves.

So, if you are ever tempted to think we at Come and Reason Ministries are being political, look past the subject matter being discussed and consider what we are calling people to do—are we calling people to organize into action groups in order to force their way upon others, to take from the many to empower the few, to incite fear, to divide and conquer? Or are we calling for people to be fully persuaded in their own mind, to advance whatever agenda they have through the application of God’s methods of truth, presented in love, while leaving others free?

 

 

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA