If you've connected with our ministry for any amount of time, it's likely you've heard me speak about the Lord's disdain for politics in His Church.
It is an idol and it cannot worship the Lord. We will examine that in greater depth later in this message.
The Lord has led me to teach on this subject as we are yet again embroiled in a hot and highly emotional political season. Our country's divide is again becoming apparent. What's disturbing and grievous to the Holy Spirit is the divide in His Church that is being repeatedly exposed and intensified around politics.
Politics has become the center of the Church in America. We pray more fervently and gather more passionately around issues that pertain to politics. Why is this so?
It's because we've taken the bait. We've been deceived to believe democracy and voting are equal with faith in God and patience. This is not so.
We apprehend the promises of God with faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12).
We can't buy God's favor with our vote.
We can't convince God to intervene with our vote or by praying for a political party to suddenly honor and worship the Lord.
His will is done when HIS Kingdom comes.
His will is done when He is on the throne.
On the earth, that time is not yet here.
Politics Will NEVER Satisfy Us
It's Not Supposed To
Politics cannot possibly satisfy us because it is a world system.
It cannot satisfy us because Jesus even said so Himself -- His Kingdom is not of this world:
“Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.'” John 18:36 NKJV (Emphasis Mine)
We cannot legislate His Kingdom to come into the natural. We cannot vote our way into a Kingdom-honoring system, in America or anywhere else on earth.
His Kingdom is a spiritual Kingdom!
NOTE: The Lord says His servants fight for HIS Kingdom, not the kingdoms of this world! We are not called to fight for our political preference. We are called to fight with Jesus for His Kingdom to come.Politics Cannot Worship God
The spirit of politics seeks to please man.
Therefore, politics cannot worship God. It serves God’s purposes, but it does not and cannot worship God.
Let's consider the exchange between Jesus and Pilate, who represents the political spirit, and was influenced by the political spirit.
”Pilate therefore said to Him, 'Are You a king then?' Jesus answered, 'You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.' Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?' And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, 'I find no fault in Him at all.'” John 18:37-38 NKJV
Pilate found "no fault" in Jesus, but he still supported His crucifixion.
Why is this? Pilate and the political spirit are only interested in pleasing men and satisfying mankind's lust for power and self-governance. The political spirit seeks to control people, political parties, and nations by giving them the impression that they are in control. It is a deception of the enemy.
Let's take this example. Pilate knew if he released Jesus that he would have a political problem. Pilate would face an upset group of Jews who were in a fury about Jesus being crucified. Pilate wanted to maintain control.
So despite knowing Jesus was not guilty, despite knowing the truth, Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. As he said, "What is truth?"
Pilate wasn't interested in the Truth (Jesus Christ). He was ONLY interested in whatever decision would further his purposes. This motive is in direct opposition with truth. The political system isn't interested in honoring and worshipping Jesus, because Jesus is THE TRUTH.
Never forget, our carnal nature, our flesh, is always contrary and in direct opposition to the will and the work of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:17).
One main reason why political systems cannot worship God is because politics feeds on and dwells on lies.
Politics is not even remotely interested in the truth. It only is interested in power and dominion. Politics kills, steals, and destroys. That's what it tried to do to Jesus.
This is the work of Satan. John 10:10 teaches us the enemy comes to only "steal, kill, and destroy." But Jesus and His Kingdom cannot be destroyed or killed!
We really need to be sober and circumspect as we live in full view and awareness that Satan is the ruler of this world.
Scripture teaches the devil and his system rule the kingdom of this world.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12 NIV
Satan is the ruler of the political system. He oversees the rulers, authorities, and powers of this world.
Remember, God's is a KINGdom. He is the King.
Our system is NOT designed around His Kingdom rule. Our political system is a manmade system that only gives us the impression that we are able to rule ourselves.
This leaven of political influence will constantly grow and take more and more control in this world.
The Lord commanded us to beware of this "yeast" of Herod (politics) that will only spread in our communities and nations. He warned us the increased influence and power of politics would happen. What we're experiencing was prophesied by the Lord. He called it leaven, bringing light to its impending growth and intensification.
“Then He charged them, saying, 'Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.'” Mark 8:15 NKJV
The agenda of the political spirit and these ruling demonic authorities will not end until Jesus returns. The end of their power has been announced, but it has not come to pass, not yet.
Meanwhile, we are not supposed to rule the kingdom of this world, nor are we called to be.
The kingdom of this world will not be given to the Lord until His return.
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'” Revelation 11:15 NKJV
Until Jesus returns to establish His throne on Earth, the Word of God says this world is set aside for destruction by those who are destroying it.
“The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:18 NKJV
What Do We Do Then? --- Love
What do we do then? If we are not called to rule in a system that is rooted in darkness, what is our role?
We are certainly called to do what Jesus did. We should communicate the Truth.
What our leaders need today is the Truth. Spiritual truth.
They don't need humanism.
We don't need relativism.
The entire world needs Jesus.
We should be encouraged. The Lord hears our prayers and He moves in His PERFECT TIMING. He answers when the time comes.
We should not lose heart.
We should not fear.
We should pray and ask the Lord how He wants us to behave.
How do we reach the culture?
We should be patient and wait in faith.
Some might say this sounds like fear or cowardice. What we have to remember is Jesus never sought to invade the governmental structure. He didn't seek to topple the government. He sought save those who were lost.
Evangelism is the answer to our political trouble.
People simply need an authentic and humble relationship with Jesus.
What does this mean for the Church?
We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, right?
All we need to do is submit to God and love the world as He did. We are called to give our lives to Christ in perfect submission to the Lord. Through unconditional love we will reveal the heart of the Father.
As you know, not nearly everyone followed Jesus.
So not nearly everyone will follow Him today. But we are called to love people.
“The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.“ Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV
It is the kindness of God that moves us to repentance (Romans 2:4). He draws us with His unfailing love.
The Lord wants us to imitate Him. Speak the truth in love to people who are blind and trust the Lord for the transformation, one person at a time.
Do what Jesus did in the face of Pontius Pilate.
Tell the truth.
Don't step out of love and humility.
Speak when there's an open door.
Be patient and wait on the Father for the results.
It might not happen in our lifetime!
Remember, perfect love is God's answer to everything. Everything.
God's Justice Will Prevail
The Revelation of John gives us so much hope.
There is an acknowledgement that Christians will suffer. But within this truth is embedded the hope of Jesus' return and His justice.
"If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints." Revelation 13:10 ESV
We will be "captives" and killed by the "sword." Christians will be oppressed. It's been prophesied. This is part of being a foreigner on the earth.
Politics will not solve that or prevent our discomfort and persecution.
In fact, the spirit of politics will be one of the major powers that set the stage for the Antichrist.
The world's thirst for control, self-governance, and security in manmade government structure will allow the entire globe to bow in obedience to an oppressive, murderous, blood thirsty, and idolatrous government.
But the Saints will have their justice.
When Jesus returns, He will reward us for our faith and patience as we endure the injustice, persecution, and eventually the Great Tribulation.
The only final and true justice will come when Jesus returns to establish His throne.
Until then, we are encouraged to have faith and endurance (also translated "patience").
I pray for you, that you will have faith and patience and divest yourself from feeling personal responsibility for a wicked political system.
Ask the Lord how He wants you to pray and participate.
But don't expect a "ruling party" to usher in the Kingdom of God.
It is impossible and not the will of God.
He reserves the right to be crowned King because He died for it.
You can trust Jesus.
I love you. God bless you. Stay in the faith.
In Him alone,
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