A Christians' Mission & Responsibility to Save America?

[Vine Abider]

I've had this kind of notion presented to me twice this week.  The first time was with my unbelieving sister-in-law.  She is quite disturbed by the whole transgenderism in schools debacle, and wants to share a good deal of related things with me and my wife, along with a plethora of right-wing political information she says we should know about in depth and get ourselves involved with so we can stop the far left agenda.  My wife and I are both pretty conservative and don't for a moment condone the in-your-face LGBTQ (am I missing any letters?) agenda and especially as it relates to this sickening transgender promotion in our schools, etc. 

We do hear about how strongly this agenda is being promoted from a church couple, who have been completely ostracized from their grandchildren, just because they do not wholeheartedly approve and support the transgender efforts of one of their granddaughters.  

I told my sister-in-law that I am certainly aware of this and fully against these things.  But she said that if someone is not actively involved in doing something about it, they are basically guilty of letting it happen, and that we should be jumping into the fray (like her) with great zeal and applied effort.  I told her I have elected to put my energies elsewhere, but will certainly vote my conscience and speak against this agenda as the opportunity arises.  This probably puzzled her a bit as she knows my faith in Christ, and probably wondered why I wouldn't be vehemently fighting this evil thing. (I wish I had simply said that my hope is in Christ alone and I didn't feel called or lead by the Lord to expend significant  time and energy in the specific effort she spoke of . . . however, I do intend to have that witnessing conversation with her soon - Lord help me!)

The second exposure to the idea (that it's a Christian's responsibility to save America) came in listening to Christian radio yesterday.  I don't know what the exact program was or who the brother being interviewed was (he has a new book out on the subject), but he was strenuously exhorting all Christians that God would judge them if they didn't get out there and oppose the far-left agenda in any way possible.  He used that phrase, about God judging Christians for not stepping up to save America, several times.

It was then that this question came to me: Is it a Christian's mission and responsibility to save America?  I remember reading and seeing things about the Moral Majority movement back in the 1980s and 90s, and the ramifications about Christians getting into bed with the political world.  One book, by Cal Thomas & Ed Dobson (Moral Majority leaders) was called, "Blinded by Might - Why the religious right can't save America." It delved into how corrupting the religious and political marriage became, and how just trying to change the country's laws and people's moral's won't save anyone (Hint - only Christ can do that).  Cal & Ed talk about how the church got seriously derailed from its true mission, which is living and witnessing the power of the living Lord.  Did Jesus rail against the brutal and pagan Roman Empire and try to change it outwardly?  If so, I haven't found that example in the New Testament.  In fact Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, "For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges."

So as for myself, I don't believe I am called, not is it my mission to "save" America.  (Sure, I love this country, becasue I believe that it was established with God's providence by God fearing men in godly wisdom; I do hope and pray for another Great Awakening.)   I am called to be a member in His body, to pursue Christ and love and build up others in the body.  I am called to be "faithful in a few things" that He has given me.  But this is one of those things I don't sense His leading to do, that is, jump wholeheartedly into the political fray.  In fact, I used to put a lot of hope in the political realm and was once much like my sister-in-law in that respect.  I was a passionate and outspoken critic of the far-left agenda to anyone who would listen (and to some who wouldn't).  How many did that save into the kingdom of the Son of His love?  To my knowledge . . . not one.

"And the government will be on HIS shoulder . . . of the greatness of

HIS government and peace    there will be no end."

Isaiah 9:6-7

[Marilyn C]

30 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

I've had this kind of notion presented to me twice this week.  The first time was with my unbelieving sister-in-law.  She is quite disturbed by the whole transgenderism in schools debacle, and wants to share a good deal of related things with me and my wife, along with a plethora of right-wing political information she says we should know about in depth and get ourselves involved with so we can stop the far left agenda.  My wife and I are both pretty conservative and don't for a moment condone the in-your-face LGBTQ (am I missing any letters?) agenda and especially as it relates to this sickening transgender promotion in our schools, etc. 

We do hear about how strongly this agenda is being promoted from a church couple, who have been completely ostracized from their grandchildren, just because they do not wholeheartedly approve and support the transgender efforts of one of their granddaughters.  

I told my sister-in-law that I am certainly aware of this and fully against these things.  But she said that if someone is not actively involved in doing something about it, they are basically guilty of letting it happen, and that we should be jumping into the fray (like her) with great zeal and applied effort.  I told her I have elected to put my energies elsewhere, but will certainly vote my conscience and speak against this agenda as the opportunity arises.  This probably puzzled her a bit as she knows my faith in Christ, and probably wondered why I wouldn't be vehemently fighting this evil thing. (I wish I had simply said that my hope is in Christ alone and I didn't feel called or lead by the Lord to expend significant  time and energy in the specific effort she spoke of . . . however, I do intend to have that witnessing conversation with her soon - Lord help me!)

The second exposure to the idea (that it's a Christian's responsibility to save America) came in listening to Christian radio yesterday.  I don't know what the exact program was or who the brother being interviewed was (he has a new book out on the subject), but he was strenuously exhorting all Christians that God would judge them if they didn't get out there and oppose the far-left agenda in any way possible.  He used that phrase, about God judging Christians for not stepping up to save America, several times.

It was then that this question came to me: Is it a Christian's mission and responsibility to save America?  I remember reading and seeing things about the Moral Majority movement back in the 1980s and 90s, and the ramifications about Christians getting into bed with the political world.  One book, by Cal Thomas & Ed Dobson (Moral Majority leaders) was called, "Blinded by Might - Why the religious right can't save America." It delved into how corrupting the religious and political marriage became, and how just trying to change the country's laws and people's moral's won't save anyone (Hint - only Christ can do that).  Cal & Ed talk about how the church got seriously derailed from its true mission, which is living and witnessing the power of the living Lord.  Did Jesus rail against the brutal and pagan Roman Empire and try to change it outwardly?  If so, I haven't found that example in the New Testament.  In fact Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, "For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges."

So as for myself, I don't believe I am called, not is it my mission to "save" America.  (Sure, I love this country, becasue I believe that it was established with God's providence by God fearing men in godly wisdom; I do hope and pray for another Great Awakening.)   I am called to be a member in His body, to pursue Christ and love and build up others in the body.  I am called to be "faithful in a few things" that He has given me.  But this is one of those things I don't sense His leading to do, that is, jump wholeheartedly into the political fray.  In fact, I used to put a lot of hope in the political realm and was once much like my sister-in-law in that respect.  I was a passionate and outspoken critic of the far-left agenda to anyone who would listen (and to some who wouldn't).  How many did that save into the kingdom of the Son of His love?  To my knowledge . . . not one.

"And the government will be on HIS shoulder . . . of the greatness of

HIS government and peace    there will be no end."

Isaiah 9:6-7

Hi VA,

Very well presented and I agree fully. I do feel for your sister-in-law as she has a heart to `fix` America, ` (the world?) but is not realising the futility of that. Your scriptures explain that. Also, those who know prophecy of our times see that God is `bringing the nations` to the Lord`s feet for judgment. (Ps. 110: 1)

The believers in the Body of Christ are to be a `voice,` in whatever area of society we are placed, and then it is up to the individual, (politician, friend etc) to heed. 

Probably a conversation with your sister-in-law would be concerning as you said , - Jesus and the Roman Empire, and what she thinks God is doing - fixing the world, or going to judge it. Sometimes people get all steamed up for they want their `happy, ` life to continue and not have to face such blatant lawlessness. 

praying, Marilyn.

 

[Marathoner]

31 minutes ago, Vine Abider said:

I've had this kind of notion presented to me twice this week.  The first time was with my unbelieving sister-in-law.  She is quite disturbed by the whole transgenderism in schools debacle, and wants to share a good deal of related things with me and my wife, along with a plethora of right-wing political information she says we should know about in depth and get ourselves involved with so we can stop the far left agenda.  My wife and I are both pretty conservative and don't for a moment condone the in-your-face LGBTQ (am I missing any letters?) agenda and especially as it relates to this sickening transgender promotion in our schools, etc. 

We do hear about how strongly this agenda is being promoted from a church couple, who have been completely ostracized from their grandchildren, just because they do not wholeheartedly approve and support the transgender efforts of one of their granddaughters.  

I told my sister-in-law that I am certainly aware of this and fully against these things.  But she said that if someone is not actively involved in doing something about it, they are basically guilty of letting it happen, and that we should be jumping into the fray (like her) with great zeal and applied effort.  I told her I have elected to put my energies elsewhere, but will certainly vote my conscience and speak against this agenda as the opportunity arises.  This probably puzzled her a bit as she knows my faith in Christ, and probably wondered why I wouldn't be vehemently fighting this evil thing. (I wish I had simply said that my hope is in Christ alone and I didn't feel called or lead by the Lord to expend significant  time and energy in the specific effort she spoke of . . . however, I do intend to have that witnessing conversation with her soon - Lord help me!)

The second exposure to the idea (that it's a Christian's responsibility to save America) came in listening to Christian radio yesterday.  I don't know what the exact program was or who the brother being interviewed was (he has a new book out on the subject), but he was strenuously exhorting all Christians that God would judge them if they didn't get out there and oppose the far-left agenda in any way possible.  He used that phrase, about God judging Christians for not stepping up to save America, several times.

It was then that this question came to me: Is it a Christian's mission and responsibility to save America?  I remember reading and seeing things about the Moral Majority movement back in the 1980s and 90s, and the ramifications about Christians getting into bed with the political world.  One book, by Cal Thomas & Ed Dobson (Moral Majority leaders) was called, "Blinded by Might - Why the religious right can't save America." It delved into how corrupting the religious and political marriage became, and how just trying to change the country's laws and people's moral's won't save anyone (Hint - only Christ can do that).  Cal & Ed talk about how the church got seriously derailed from its true mission, which is living and witnessing the power of the living Lord.  Did Jesus rail against the brutal and pagan Roman Empire and try to change it outwardly?  If so, I haven't found that example in the New Testament.  In fact Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, "For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges."

So as for myself, I don't believe I am called, not is it my mission to "save" America.  (Sure, I love this country, becasue I believe that it was established with God's providence by God fearing men in godly wisdom; I do hope and pray for another Great Awakening.)   I am called to be a member in His body, to pursue Christ and love and build up others in the body.  I am called to be "faithful in a few things" that He has given me.  But this is one of those things I don't sense His leading to do, that is, jump wholeheartedly into the political fray.  In fact, I used to put a lot of hope in the political realm and was once much like my sister-in-law in that respect.  I was a passionate and outspoken critic of the far-left agenda to anyone who would listen (and to some who wouldn't).  How many did that save into the kingdom of the Son of His love?  To my knowledge . . . not one.

"And the government will be on HIS shoulder . . . of the greatness of

HIS government and peace    there will be no end."

Isaiah 9:6-7

It's my mission to walk in those works ordained by God, which our Lord Jesus Christ raised me up and prepared me for.

Simple, yes? It is indeed, though it's no simple matter to press on when days are dark and the times are grim. My old friend delivered the words of the Lord when he said to me, "You are called to encourage others just as the Lord encourages you."

That is the truth, brother. 

My burden isn't to work toward the hegemony of political interests of any variety for in truth, my experience has been far removed from the churches in this country. I don't concern myself with pursuing worldly power nor influence for I'm assured that the Lord is Almighty, and everything proceeds according to His will. When others do their best to draw me into their fold of discontent and strife --- that's what it is, my friend --- I pay it no mind.

I look upon those they lionize and all I see is more of the same: corrupt men and women who believe that their ends justifies the means. When one is defined by what they oppose they become that which they despise. It's the stain of the world.

My mission is to focus upon what the Lord has me doing here and now and then, when the Lord sends me elsewhere, to walk in a manner pleasing to Him. That's all!

[Marathoner]

Here's a practical example of my mission.

There is a man whose life and livelihood were destroyed by alcohol. When I first met this fellow, I was struck by his behavior and demeanor; it was alcohol-related dementia. He would lie indiscriminately and I understood why he did this: it was a desperate bid to curry the favor of others so they wouldn't reject him nor spit upon him. If he could make himself appear as someone he was not, perhaps the day wouldn't be so evil for him.

He was haggard in appearance and spent his days in and out of homeless shelters across this city. His dependence upon alcohol was such that he always appeared inebriated even when he was sober. I knew this because I administered many breathalyzer tests during the early days when this man was placed into my care.

Yes... placed into my care. The Lord charged me with embracing this man even when others would not, and to patiently endure by his side no matter how grim things might seem. This was how the Lord prepared me for this work after all, for when it seemed like there was no hope, it was only due to my blindness and inability to see.

He disappeared for a little while and returned to drinking, finding himself on the streets again. When the man returned and came to see me, these are the words which the Spirit gave me to say:

I embraced the fellow and said, "Never give up. If you stumble or fall, rise to your feet again. Whatever you do and wherever you are, don't give up."

The man wept at hearing this and now, many months later, he is sober and a different man. His life is returning and the alcoholic dementia has faded away... he is rebuilding a relationship with his adopted son... and a few days ago he said to me,

"Thank you for believing in me. Thank you!"

The light of day shines even in a place such as this where the Lord sent me to work. God is so merciful and kind to us all. 

That's my mission. 

Edited January 6, 2023 by Marathoner
Typo

[walla299]

I'm all for seeing the USA change course. We need a national revival. That would be a good start.

This isn't something I thought up. It's from a message I heard a very long time ago during a revival meeting. The message was from Acts 19 where Paul is in Ephesus.

Toward the latter part of the chapter there's a riot. Why? Because so many were saved due to Paul's ministry - and the church founded there. The metal smiths were upset and stirred things up because they were loosing income - because people weren't buying their idols any more.

In other words: so many were saved and set free from idols it was impacting the local economy.

So, of course, Paul and his friends were seen as the real problem (by the world.)

The crux of the message was: Only Jesus can change a heart. A person's behavior changes after Jesus changes their heart. The culture will begin to change as Christ is preached, more people believe, and more hearts are changed, thus beliefs and behavior change. "Saving" America or any other nation will only happen one person at a time, and even then its really just a side effect of Jesus doing what He does best: change hearts.

[Vine Abider]

3 minutes ago, walla299 said:

The crux of the message was: Only Jesus can change a heart. A person's behavior changes after Jesus changes their heart. The culture will begin to change as Christ is preached, more people believe, and more hearts are changed, thus beliefs and behavior change. "Saving" America or any other nation will only happen one person at a time, and even then its really just a side effect of Jesus doing what He does best: change hearts.

Amen!

[Starise]

I mentioned not long ago a similar experience here where a man in my men's group made the same insistent demands on believers, and like you I didn't feel that same pull to go that direction. Yes I have a strong desire to see our country and others return to God once again, but I have a feeling we are on the last leg of the trip and what will be coming will be judgement.

I believe we are to be salt and light wherever we are. The Lord says He sends us as sheep among wolves, so we are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. This is what the bible says.

 

[Marathoner]

1 hour ago, walla299 said:

The crux of the message was: Only Jesus can change a heart. A person's behavior changes after Jesus changes their heart. The culture will begin to change as Christ is preached, more people believe, and more hearts are changed, thus beliefs and behavior change. "Saving" America or any other nation will only happen one person at a time, and even then its really just a side effect of Jesus doing what He does best: change hearts.

Indeed. I wrote about these works which God ordained for me to walk in, but we know that God ordained works for each one of us to walk in while we're here on this earth. Those works may seem simple, small or even insignificant, but that's only our view from these eyes of flesh. 

I have witnessed this many times in different places: when a brother or sister empties themselves and walks in those works which Jesus Christ raised them up to do, the Spirit of the Lord is well-pleased to bless whatever it is they are doing. We empty ourselves of high-minded expectations and vain imaginations, grasping that the work we do is not our own but His alone.

We are vessels of Jesus Christ and the living temple of the Holy Spirit, so we do all things unto the One who gives us life. It doesn't matter what it is!

[Vine Abider]

I visited a Calvary Chapel today and a brother had this t-shirt on: "Only Jesus can make America Great Again!"

Amen

[Ghostdog]

america was great? when? lol jk