The False Gospel of Patriotism
READING TIME: 8 MINUTES
As Christians, our loyalty is not to America, or to any country. It is, rather, to a Kingdom and its Ruler, Jesus Christ. He has extended the opportunity of liberty to people in all nations. The first part of Gal. 5:1 says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” As saved individuals we are part of a “…chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…” (1 Pet. 2:9). We are “…ambassadors for Christ…” (2 Cor. 5:20) and according to Phil. 3:20 “…our conversation is in heaven…”
Patriotism, however, expects us to be loyal to both God and country, and that loyalty to country extends to sacrificing our lives in wars. And, I mean no disrespect here, but the fact that someone suffered, or lost a loved one in war, does not make war something Christians should value. There is a quote by an unknown author that we see quite a bit and it goes like this: "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom." But, to even place Jesus and soldiers in the same sentence like this asserts that our souls and our freedom in this life somehow have the same value.
Concerning wars, one of the many problems with ripping 2 Chron. 7:14 out of context, as so many do today, is people think America has had a mandate similar to the ancient Israelites who were told to destroy man, woman, child, and beast in the land of Canaan. But, the only mandate Christians have is to preach the gospel. If this upsets anyone listening, I would ask you to please study about the Jesuits, the Illuminati, the Freemasons, and so forth, and you will be astonished to see how many wars were started by them; how much of history has been engineered by them. People really need to think about the reasons Americans have fought and died. Many would say for liberty; for the freedom of America’s citizens. But, as I noted earlier, in Whom do we find liberty? Only in Jesus Christ!
The patriotic gospel is one that worships America. It worships freedom and “rights.” It’s a gospel based on the idea that Christians should have an easy existence, and this concept should make us ill when we think of our brethren around the world suffering for owning a Bible, or for attending a church service. This false, patriotic gospel suggests that living out and sharing our faith is based on the government giving us the explicit freedom to do so. Whereas we know people in many nations share their faith upon penalty of death. So, knowingly or unknowingly, promoters of this gospel are suggesting that we think we're special and shouldn't ever have to experience persecution.
In this false gospel there are generic references to God along with calls for fervent prayer requesting He restore this nation’s morals, but we need to realize that it is not the job of the Church to save America from her immorality. God does not need an outwardly moral America to accomplish His purposes. Many have equated good behavior with Christianity, but followers of most religions would strive to adhere to a moral standard of some sort.
This gospel leads church attendees to think that Christianity will not survive without the election of certain Supreme Court justices and/or a strong military. This line of thinking demonstrates that those who hold to a patriotic gospel believe, at least to some degree, that Jesus won’t return for quite a while. We heard many say, concerning this last presidential election, that we had to make the right choice for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Well, we don’t set dates for Christ’s return, but it would be better for Christians to teach their children and grandchildren not to get settled in this life. Sadly, a lot more people than will admit believe in the “your best life now” philosophy as evidenced by the fervent call from the church world to save this culture.
This patriotic gospel carries on about the need to put prayer back in schools, but doesn’t emphasize the need for prayer to be modeled at home first. It also warns about a future in which Christians might not be allowed to share their faith. However, we must understand it is Christ alone, through the work of the Holy Spirit, Who makes sure the gospel is presented - even when there is a hostile response to that presentation. Man’s laws do not protect God’s work.
It’s a gospel that said it was all right to put biblical teachings aside in order to “make America great.” This concept was pushed extensively during the last presidential election season as everyone should remember. It said we could excuse vile behavior in a candidate because he was at least better than the other side. But, we know evil is evil. During the election season I wonder if believers ever thought what a bad example was being set to unbelievers as “Christian” leaders continued to support Trump no matter what was revealed about him. “You say disgusting things to women? Oh, well at least you didn’t do such and such” and then they would make some reference to a terrible thing Hillary had done.” “You own casinos?” Well, if they’re successful it shows what good business sense you have! “You will improve things for gays?” At least, you may nominate someone to the Supreme Court who may be able to revoke Roe v. Wade. On and on the stupidity went.
It’s a gospel that elicits virulent attacks when someone “disrespects” the national anthem and the flag. We witnessed the hateful responses to Colin Kaepernick, and other athletes, who sat or kneeled during “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the last football season and it has all started again this season. It is quite ironic that people quickly point out the Bill of Rights, and that Americans should be so grateful for these, but they seem not to understand that according to this nation’s laws, these individuals have the right to respond this way.
For anyone who has bought into this Patriotic Gospel, he or she should ask: How thin is the veneer of my Christianity? Am I standing on the solid Rock or has my house been built on shifting sands? We may need to be reminded that Christians are never guaranteed comfort, happiness, or safety. We’re owed nothing. What have we been guaranteed by the Bible? Trials, tribulations, real persecution, perhaps even death. Anyone in doubt needs to check out Hebrews 11.
People have been so brainwashed by this idea of patriotic Christianity that they do not realize how much false unity is occurring these days. The truth is we’re a religiously pluralistic society, which means other religions are tolerated, even given credence. One example is the fact that during George W. Bush's administration, the White House hosted an interfaith service each year, for the National Day of Prayer, inviting Protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders for an event at the East Room. And, then, during the Republican National Convention for 2016 we saw a rabbi, a monsignor from a Catholic diocese, a Sikh, and then a Muslim pray or speak. Then, for the inauguration we saw Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, WOF, and NAR speakers. Additionally, the traditional National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral was held on Saturday, the day after the inauguration, and featured representatives from various religions, including Catholicism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. Also, these well-known evangelicals spoke or prayed: Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship and the Harvest Crusades, Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, David Jeremiah of Shadow Mountain Community Church, and Ronnie Floyd, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. It should be noted that the denomination of this cathedral is Episcopalian and they began having same-sex marriage ceremonies there in 2013. Yet, Franklin Graham, who speaks out strongly against same-sex marriage, was in attendance and one of his nieces, Cissie Graham Lynch, spoke at this service.
Yet, the “Christian” population cheered wildly when a president was sworn into office who would allow us to keep our guns, while continuing to preach the social justice/unity/prosperity gospel. It is the nature of many people to become fat and lazy spiritually-speaking when things are easy and only when things get tough do they become truly important. We need to ask - did those in the early church try and change laws or did they just preach the gospel? What happened when the state religion supposedly became Christian? Christianity morphed into the false, pagan system of Catholicism as the religion allowed pagans to continue a lot of their former practices, just giving them Christian-sounding names. Sound familiar? It should.
Does anyone even think about the fact that our freedoms of speech and religion give people the right to blaspheme God, to worship Satan, to preach all kinds of different gospels? So then those trying to preach the true gospel have to come in and help people unlearn all that false teaching.
In closing, we have a biblical command to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and call people to repentance, but not one to save the nation or the culture. We need to get our focus off this temporary and fleeting life and stop trying to fix things up for a bit. Again, scripture tells us our individual liberty is in Christ, and states it very clearly and concisely: Gal. 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” No man and no nation can take this away from us. Praise the Lord.
READING TIME: 8 MINUTES
As Christians, our loyalty is not to America, or to any country. It is, rather, to a Kingdom and its Ruler, Jesus Christ. He has extended the opportunity of liberty to people in all nations. The first part of Gal. 5:1 says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” As saved individuals we are part of a “…chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…” (1 Pet. 2:9). We are “…ambassadors for Christ…” (2 Cor. 5:20) and according to Phil. 3:20 “…our conversation is in heaven…”
Patriotism, however, expects us to be loyal to both God and country, and that loyalty to country extends to sacrificing our lives in wars. And, I mean no disrespect here, but the fact that someone suffered, or lost a loved one in war, does not make war something Christians should value. There is a quote by an unknown author that we see quite a bit and it goes like this: "Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom." But, to even place Jesus and soldiers in the same sentence like this asserts that our souls and our freedom in this life somehow have the same value.
Concerning wars, one of the many problems with ripping 2 Chron. 7:14 out of context, as so many do today, is people think America has had a mandate similar to the ancient Israelites who were told to destroy man, woman, child, and beast in the land of Canaan. But, the only mandate Christians have is to preach the gospel. If this upsets anyone listening, I would ask you to please study about the Jesuits, the Illuminati, the Freemasons, and so forth, and you will be astonished to see how many wars were started by them; how much of history has been engineered by them. People really need to think about the reasons Americans have fought and died. Many would say for liberty; for the freedom of America’s citizens. But, as I noted earlier, in Whom do we find liberty? Only in Jesus Christ!
The patriotic gospel is one that worships America. It worships freedom and “rights.” It’s a gospel based on the idea that Christians should have an easy existence, and this concept should make us ill when we think of our brethren around the world suffering for owning a Bible, or for attending a church service. This false, patriotic gospel suggests that living out and sharing our faith is based on the government giving us the explicit freedom to do so. Whereas we know people in many nations share their faith upon penalty of death. So, knowingly or unknowingly, promoters of this gospel are suggesting that we think we're special and shouldn't ever have to experience persecution.
In this false gospel there are generic references to God along with calls for fervent prayer requesting He restore this nation’s morals, but we need to realize that it is not the job of the Church to save America from her immorality. God does not need an outwardly moral America to accomplish His purposes. Many have equated good behavior with Christianity, but followers of most religions would strive to adhere to a moral standard of some sort.
This gospel leads church attendees to think that Christianity will not survive without the election of certain Supreme Court justices and/or a strong military. This line of thinking demonstrates that those who hold to a patriotic gospel believe, at least to some degree, that Jesus won’t return for quite a while. We heard many say, concerning this last presidential election, that we had to make the right choice for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Well, we don’t set dates for Christ’s return, but it would be better for Christians to teach their children and grandchildren not to get settled in this life. Sadly, a lot more people than will admit believe in the “your best life now” philosophy as evidenced by the fervent call from the church world to save this culture.
This patriotic gospel carries on about the need to put prayer back in schools, but doesn’t emphasize the need for prayer to be modeled at home first. It also warns about a future in which Christians might not be allowed to share their faith. However, we must understand it is Christ alone, through the work of the Holy Spirit, Who makes sure the gospel is presented - even when there is a hostile response to that presentation. Man’s laws do not protect God’s work.
It’s a gospel that said it was all right to put biblical teachings aside in order to “make America great.” This concept was pushed extensively during the last presidential election season as everyone should remember. It said we could excuse vile behavior in a candidate because he was at least better than the other side. But, we know evil is evil. During the election season I wonder if believers ever thought what a bad example was being set to unbelievers as “Christian” leaders continued to support Trump no matter what was revealed about him. “You say disgusting things to women? Oh, well at least you didn’t do such and such” and then they would make some reference to a terrible thing Hillary had done.” “You own casinos?” Well, if they’re successful it shows what good business sense you have! “You will improve things for gays?” At least, you may nominate someone to the Supreme Court who may be able to revoke Roe v. Wade. On and on the stupidity went.
It’s a gospel that elicits virulent attacks when someone “disrespects” the national anthem and the flag. We witnessed the hateful responses to Colin Kaepernick, and other athletes, who sat or kneeled during “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the last football season and it has all started again this season. It is quite ironic that people quickly point out the Bill of Rights, and that Americans should be so grateful for these, but they seem not to understand that according to this nation’s laws, these individuals have the right to respond this way.
For anyone who has bought into this Patriotic Gospel, he or she should ask: How thin is the veneer of my Christianity? Am I standing on the solid Rock or has my house been built on shifting sands? We may need to be reminded that Christians are never guaranteed comfort, happiness, or safety. We’re owed nothing. What have we been guaranteed by the Bible? Trials, tribulations, real persecution, perhaps even death. Anyone in doubt needs to check out Hebrews 11.
People have been so brainwashed by this idea of patriotic Christianity that they do not realize how much false unity is occurring these days. The truth is we’re a religiously pluralistic society, which means other religions are tolerated, even given credence. One example is the fact that during George W. Bush's administration, the White House hosted an interfaith service each year, for the National Day of Prayer, inviting Protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders for an event at the East Room. And, then, during the Republican National Convention for 2016 we saw a rabbi, a monsignor from a Catholic diocese, a Sikh, and then a Muslim pray or speak. Then, for the inauguration we saw Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, WOF, and NAR speakers. Additionally, the traditional National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral was held on Saturday, the day after the inauguration, and featured representatives from various religions, including Catholicism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. Also, these well-known evangelicals spoke or prayed: Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship and the Harvest Crusades, Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, David Jeremiah of Shadow Mountain Community Church, and Ronnie Floyd, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. It should be noted that the denomination of this cathedral is Episcopalian and they began having same-sex marriage ceremonies there in 2013. Yet, Franklin Graham, who speaks out strongly against same-sex marriage, was in attendance and one of his nieces, Cissie Graham Lynch, spoke at this service.
Yet, the “Christian” population cheered wildly when a president was sworn into office who would allow us to keep our guns, while continuing to preach the social justice/unity/prosperity gospel. It is the nature of many people to become fat and lazy spiritually-speaking when things are easy and only when things get tough do they become truly important. We need to ask - did those in the early church try and change laws or did they just preach the gospel? What happened when the state religion supposedly became Christian? Christianity morphed into the false, pagan system of Catholicism as the religion allowed pagans to continue a lot of their former practices, just giving them Christian-sounding names. Sound familiar? It should.
Does anyone even think about the fact that our freedoms of speech and religion give people the right to blaspheme God, to worship Satan, to preach all kinds of different gospels? So then those trying to preach the true gospel have to come in and help people unlearn all that false teaching.
In closing, we have a biblical command to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and call people to repentance, but not one to save the nation or the culture. We need to get our focus off this temporary and fleeting life and stop trying to fix things up for a bit. Again, scripture tells us our individual liberty is in Christ, and states it very clearly and concisely: Gal. 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” No man and no nation can take this away from us. Praise the Lord.