The Christian American

The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. A fire goeth before him, And burneth up his enemies round about. His lightnings enlightened the world: The earth saw, and trembled. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare his righteousness, And all the people see his glory.

As I struggle to find the words to begin with tonight one phrase repeats in my mind, The LORD reigns. I fear as a people, as Christian Americans we have lost sight of the fact that the LORD reigns. We've allowed politics to engraft itself to far into the fabric of the church. We say it. We have all logged onto our various social pages the days after elections that didn't go our way and said no matter who is whatever branch of government just lost Jesus is King. But do our actions speak as loudly? As I watch protestors overrun the capitol building of the United States of America I'm left wondering if a poll was taken how many of those would attest to being Christian?

Surely there would be many in a crowd so large that are not only laypeople of a local church but Elders and Pastors also. Pouring gas on this fire already burning out of control are the myriad of righteous influencers who claim to be part of the ecclesia. Who with one post can can send the blood pressure of thousand up almost immediately. With another they can call for their followers to pray? What did Jesus say of this sort? Can bitter and sweet water flow from the same well? But our social media feeds are littered with exactly this sort. All because we must feed the need to but up to the absolute second of any ****breaking**** story? Is it because we feel the need to be enlightened so that we can speak to the needs of this generation or have our finger on the pulse of the community as I have been told. Or could it be the handy work of the most sinister influence of them all? Have Christian Americans fallen prey to the traps laid by that sly ol' fox? I think so.

the death of a thousand qualifications.

Let me first qualify what I'm saying. I believe that it is a duty as a responsible Christian to be engaged in the political structure of our country. We should exercise every right available to make our voices ring clear in the ears of those that will right the laws that will affect our families and churches. Use every available lever at your disposal. From voting to donating time and treasure to campaigns that align with biblical values.

Im for Pastors discussing politics and politicians. The congregation should know what the bible says about our laws and they should know which political leaders support or oppose those laws. This is part of properly equipping the saints.

I'm in favor of christian protest and have stood on the steps of the state capital myself to make my voice heard. These are rights that God has blessed us with and brave men and women have sacrificed both mental and physical health to protect. I love this country and pray for God's favor daly so please don't think me unpatriotic.

It's just that as brother Jude put it we have some spots in our feasts.

While I'm for using all of the above mentioned levers of democracy, it is not at the expense of my witness. There are two things you need to guard as precious in your life and that is your name and your witness. Guard both carefully because if you lose one the other leaves also. I love my country and celebrate it. I Was a proud American Nov 2016 and I'm still a proud American in Jan. 2021. More importantly however I am an ambassador for Christ. And I refuse to allow my love and passion for this country corrupt my witness for another world.

I fear that we have allowed the American way of life to encroach to far into the kingdom way of life. We must remember that as much as we love our country it is destined to one day melt away with a fervent heat. The only thing left standing on that day will be the Lamb and his bride. Though we are natural citizens of what I believe to be the greatest country to ever plant a flag on this world, we cannot lose sight of the kingdom we are seeking. Don't let the American Dream cloud your kingdom mind.

Heb. 11;15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Let that become the testimony of the American Christian. Let us become as Abraham. So overcame with our search for a city whose builder and maker is God that we are no longer mindful of the American way but of the kingdom way. Let our hearts become so enthralled with Heaven that earth loses its grips on our attention. Let us desire that better country, whose flag is not covered with stars and stripes but with the blood of the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world.

A country where no twilight shadows deepen. Unending day where night will never be. A city where no storm clouds ever gather. Oh!'This is just what heaven means to me.

A place where there’s no misunderstandings. And from all enmity and strife we're free. No unkind words to wound the heart are spoken. Oh! This is just what heaven means to me .

And when at last I see the face of Jesus, Before whose image all other loves must flee. Oh' when they crown him Lord of Lord’s I want to be there. Oh! This is just what heaven means to me

What will it be when we get over yonder. And join the throng around the glassy sea. We’ll join our loved ones and crown Christ forever. Oh! This is just what heaven means to me.