Personal From... Politically Affiliated?

Politically Affiliated?

God’s true Church should not be politically affiliated. It is not “left-wing.” And, it is not “right-wing.” The LORD God’s true ministers should not be using their platform to stand upon a soap box in front of the congregations and spout off any political ideologies.

Last night I watched American conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson. The AmericaFest 2023 Speech. It was a good speech. One that I feel every American needs to watch. The following is what caught my attention – for he is very much aware that there is an evil that is permeating into the very heart of our Western societies, even though he never named this evil by name –

“What is that!? … it’s evil. … And I think people misunderstand evil. They assume that evil is something that you inflict on other people. “I’m doing an evil thing to you because I am evil.” And what they miss, that isn’t exactly how it works. Evil preexisted us. Evil has been around since the beginning of time. Certainly, it’s been here for a quarter of our history – we know that. And it’s not something that people do to one another, it’s something that acts through people.

People become conduits for evil. And in the process of doing that, what happens to them!? Anyone?

They are destroyed. The people doing the evil do not win in the end. They are destroyed by the evil that is flowing through them.”

At the end of the speech was a Questions & Answers segment. A young man stands in the crowd and asks him, “Would you fully support a Theocratical structure based on the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?” And his answer is most intriguing! –

“Of course, I have no idea what that means. So, I don’t know. I would say that … I left the church that I was going to over this question. Christianity has to stand distinct from politics. Because when Christianity mingles with politics, Christianity dies. And I’ve seen it. And watching these churches – many of which I support, because (spoiler alert) I’m a Christian – start pushing the Vax at the demand of the CDC and others, and the propaganda campaigns that individual churches (conservative local churches) inflicted upon the parishioners. Telling them that Jesus would want them to take this Vax. Which is not tested. … I was so offended, that I left. And, I’m not attacking those churches, and I’m sure they are nice people and are sincere believers. But, the point is: When you mingle with people who are corrupt – unless you overwhelm them with the truth – and if you are a little bit impressed by their earthly power (even a little bit impressed) you will be corrupted. And I’ve seen that happen! … And if you constantly think – well, will I offend this or that person in power!? And if you think, even for a second, about what you witness – who will be offended by it – you’re way off track! You’re serving the wrong leader. And so I’m very concerned with any intersection.

And I will say, having traveled a lot, that the death of Christianity in Europe – which is one of the biggest things to ever happen – which is a Christian continent. And that’s only true in Eastern Europe now. In Western Europe it is totally atheist – full pagan. That happened in part because the Church [here he was speaking of the Catholic Church] was an organ of the State. And people really came to hate the Church as a result of that. …

And the last thing I’ll say – I do think that countries, like people, suffer for consequences of immorality. And if your country celebrates it – and if it elevates abortion as a positive good as a means of freedom – it’s just child sacrifice. That’s exactly what that is. And mutilating children, discarding children, promoting prostitution – selling people's bodies – what!? I think you suffer consequences! I think there is a lot of evidence that you do. And again, I’m not a Theologian – don’t ask me about the end times, I have no idea. But, that is a very dangerous thing to do – and we are doing it!

And so, is Theocracy the answer!?

I don’t know what that means, but I don’t want the government anywhere near my church – and I mean it.”

Much of what he said in this speech resonates with me. I guess, in a way, I was thrown out of the Church of God for this very type of question. The Armstrongs taught – as they continue to teach – that God put one man in control, Moses. And, that God has only dealt with one man at a time through the centuries. I certainly questioned their teaching on their doctrine.

True Christianity Stands Above Politics

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, “’ And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!’” – Mark 13:37. Indeed, also to watch world events in light of biblical prophecy!

While God’s living truth does not directly involve itself in the politics of this world, however, we as servants of our Lord Jesus Christ, must address at times the burning, life-and-death issues and decisions of this world’s politicians in this present evil age.

Should a true Christian vote? THERE are a lot of arguments involving this question. Both sides of the argument are good ones. Either may be an acceptable point of view. Yet, candidates or proposals that knowingly violate the Law of God regarding God’s Way of life, family, marriage, or faith should NEVER BE SUPPORTED! – cf. Proverbs 14:34. So, by true Christians voting for the leader who best represents the kingdom of God and the Way of Jesus Christ, it shows the LORD God how we stand in our views. Deuteronomy 1:13, NEB. See also Exodus 18:21-22; Numbers 11:16-17.

Although our views might occasionally coincide with conservatives on a specific issue, our views are not fully derived from that group. True Christians derive their views from the eternal LORD God!

The reason!?

Because God’s word is truth! – John 17:17.

And, we are told by the LORD God – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct your paths” – Proverbs 3:5-6.

True Christians examine the causes and effects bearing issues as the LORD God looks at them, based upon the revealed truths of the living word of God!

Sadly, humanity as a whole has rejected revealed knowledge from the LORD God – “Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit” – 1 Thessalonians 4:8.

True Christians should not only point out and address what is happening globally – with respect to biblical prophecy – but proclaim it from the perspective of God’s living word. We endeavor to show unto the world how Almighty God, as the LORD God looks down upon this present evil age – sees this world’s kingdoms and societies of mankind. We look at the source of this world’s grave troubles and its Solution – the living JESUS CHRIST!

Sadly, there are churches that believe and teach that the Bible is political. God’s living word is not political. Yet, the very heart and core of its message concerns government – the government of the LORD God! The kingdom of God!

Very few of our peoples understand that the gospel message (the “good news”) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was (and is) a glorious message about government! The LORD God is deeply interested in government. Our Lord Jesus Christ has announced the establishment of the LORD God’s government upon this Earth! His glorious message from God the Father was (and is) the wonderful, good news Message of God’s Master Plan of salvation for all mankind through the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ – “the Christ, the Son of the living God” – cf. Matt. 16:16; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20.

The New Testament calls this Message the Gospel of grace. The Gospel of grace is the good news that Jesus Christ is the Savior – the Messiah – of the world and that through His blood all who repent and believe on Him may have their sins forgiven and may enter into the family of God. The Gospel is also a Message about the soon-coming kingdom of God on E A R T H.

It is the glorious, good news that when Jesus Christ returns to the earth, He will set up His kingdom – His government. He will rule all nations as King of kings and Lord of lords. The saints who are given eternal life at the first resurrection – who are changed from mortal to immortal – will be co-heirs with Christ and will be given authority to rule His kingdom as kings and priests alongside Jesus Christ – Revelation 1:6; 5:10. Through preaching the Gospel, God is preparing saints for His kingdom by calling those whom He chooses to repentance and conversion. And yes, this government will be a type of theocracy – with our Lord Jesus Christ as ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’!

Understand: Voting was not even an option within the Roman Empire for non-Roman citizens. However, God’s living word does address other aspects related to supporting this world’s government – such as paying taxes to Julius Caesar Augustus (23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14). Our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed we must pay our taxes, but also that our focus extends far beyond any of this world’s governments – Matthew 6:33.

In this present evil age, cut off from the LORD God, mankind does not know the Way to lasting peace. This world and its politicians are doing what is right in their own eyes, and in doing so they have brought this world and its kingdoms all the evils that are besetting all mankind. For all of nearly 6,000 years of human history, mankind has demonstrated that “the Way of peace they have not known, And there is no justice [judgment] in their ways; They have made themselves crooked paths; Whoever takes that way SHALL NOT KNOW PEACE” – Isaiah 59:8.

Why!?

Because this is not the LORD God’s world! Our Lord Jesus says, “’ My kingdom is not of this world. …’” – John 18:36. This is Satan the Devil’s world! “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, …” – 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4. Satan has his own kingdom upon this earth! – cf. Matthew 12:26. He has deceived the whole world! – Revelation 12:9. Satan the Devil is the true author of this world’s philosophies and its imperfect systems of government – all based upon improper competition, strife, greed, lust, vanity, jealousy, envy, selfish ambitions, heresies, rivalries, exploitations, aggression, and the like!

Our Lord Jesus distinctly says that we are NOT TO BE OF THE WORLD! “’ If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.’” – John 15:19. Our LORD God says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness. And what accord has Christ with Belial? …” – 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15. For we are told, “’ He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.’” – Revelation 22:11. It is only God the Father that calls someone OUT OF THIS WORLD! – John 6:44.

True Christians are called to COME OUT FROM AND SEPERATE OURSELVES FROM “her.”– THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH AND HER DAUGHTER CHURCHES! – “’ MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her [spiritual] fornication, the kings of the earth have committed [spiritual] fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” – Revelation 17:5; 18:3, 4.

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:17.

Now, this does not mean to make fun of, or bash over the head this world’s political leaders! – We are told as Christians –

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist ARE APPOINTED BY GOD. 2) Therefore whoever resists [or mocks] the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist [or even mocks] will bring judgment on themselves. … 7) Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” – Romans 13:1-2, 7.

Our Lord Jesus says concerning our parents (which certainly can be attributed to the honor and respect of authority – as in governmental leaders), “’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God’ ─ 6) then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.’” – Matthew 15:5-6.

The Apostle Paul writes – under divine inspiration – “Therefore I exhort FIRST OF ALL that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and GIVING OF THANKS be made for all men, 2) for kings [presidents, prime ministers, heads of state, etc.] and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

But, posting on your social media short videos mocking your president, prime minister, or heads of state is certainly against what is acceptable in the sight of our God – Jesus Christ!

However, we are also told that when push comes to shove, we are to “obey God rather than men” – Acts 5:29.

We are To Be Ambassadors For Christ Jesus!

Everything we post or say on our social media sites reflects the fruits of our spirit. You are what you post! Our Lord Jesus tells us that we will know our true brethren by the fruits of their spirit. Their spirit reflects love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

And, we will also know who does not truly belong to our living Savior – by the fruits of their spirit, their character, their personality – “’ Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but INWARDLY they are ravenous wolves. 16) You will know them by their fruits. …’” – Matthew 7:15-20.

Yes, true Christians live physically in this present evil age, but we are not of it! – John 17:15. For God’s living word teaches us that true Christians are actually now residents of another kingdom, which comes from heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1) The LORD God’s begotten children are foreigners on this earth for a brief time.

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the life.” – 1 Peter 2:11. True Christians are now citizens of the kingdom of God which is reserved in the third heaven until God’s holy kingdom is established upon this earth!

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20.

This does not, however, mean that we are “sovereign citizens.” 

A true Christian is an ambassador for Christ and His soon-coming kingdom! – “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading THROUGH us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” – 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Our God – the living Jesus Christ – lives on this earth through and in His followers as representatives of Jesus Christ, yet obeying human governmental authorities. And, where there is conflict against the commandments, statutes, ordinances, and judgments of the LORD God, we must obey the LORD God, and submit to the penalties of man’s law – again, cf. Acts 5:29. □