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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?

 

 

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Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

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 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 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 14

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

Anonymous

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

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.