'Owning the Libs' isn't advancing the cause of Christ, it is hurting it

1. The Gospel is not championed by those seeking wealth, power, and fame, but by humble, loving, and kind servants.

How much money has your favorite Culture Warrior made from 'defending Christianity'?  There are many such personalities who would not be well known, would not wield influence with politicians, if not for their perpetual state of political war against 'them'.  Where in the New Testament is this model of letting spokespeople for the Church choose themselves practiced?  Where do we read of the Apostle Paul's use of sarcastic lies to 'own the Romans'?  Mansions, fancy cars, expensive clothes, private jets, none of these are compatible with servants of the Gospel, they condemn the purveyors of the Prosperity Gospel whose conspicuous consumerism sits in judgment of them, and they condemn the self-appointed champions of American Christianity as well.  If any of these were truly servants of the Lord God, they would live like God's servants, not like aristocrats.  To look to such as these for guidance regarding what Christians should think, how they should feel, or even how they should vote, is to elevate political views above biblical mandates.  For tens of millions of Americans, it is not the preacher on Sunday morning expounding the Word of God and living a life of service in front of his/her congregation that molds and shapes their worldview, but the political pundits they spend far more time listening to, cheering on, and living vicariously through.

Matthew 7:15-20     New International Version

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

2. Even if (they are not) fellow Americans who happen to be Liberals were EVIL these tactics would still be in direct violation of the Word of God, they would still corrupt God's people who use them, and they would still hinder Gospel witness.

I have often heard/read argumentation to the affect that America is on the verge of a precipice, that we are but one step away from a being taken over by godless socialists.  This 'sky is falling' mentality is then used to justify an 'any means necessary' response that sanctions character assassination, lying, anger, illegal behavior, even violence.  Why?  Because the stakes are too high to trust in the Gospel path of overcoming evil with good.  I do not accept the premise that America's Liberals hate this country and want to destroy it, anymore than I accept the premise about America's Conservatives {making exceptions on both sides for the radicals and pundits, but even then most of them just want to get rich, not destroy the country which would hinder their wealth making ability}.  But, EVEN IF our nation were on the verge of destruction, the path of deliverance would not be, could not be, for the people of God to abandon Christian morality.  This is not the calling that any faithful follower of Jesus Christ has ever received.  There have been many such instances when those claiming to do God's work have done great evil, from the Crusades to the Inquisition, with many a raped, tortured, and murdered person in between.  All of these, every last one of these actions, were an insult to God, an abandonment of the work of the Spirit in our world in favor of the sinful deeds of men.

The Kingdom of God is advanced by the use of the Fruit of the Spirit, period.  That tens of millions of American Christians (self-professed, I don't know how many have a true conversion) have become convinced that God's will must be achieved through immoral means is a glaring sign of the sickness of the Church in our nation today.  

Romans 12:21     New International Version

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 1:13     New International Version

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

Philippians 4:8     New International Version

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Matthew 5:43-44     New International Version

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

3. More dedicated servants of Christ than these tried this method before, and it nearly destroyed them.

I don't consider myself a fan of Jerry Falwell, but I have no doubt of his passion for Christ and can look at his decades of service to the Church when I ponder what the pursuit of power did to him.  Today's 'Christian defenders' are a paler version, with lesser credentials, and much less actual Gospel ministry.  We are but repeating history with less chance of 'success' than the Moral Majority or the Christian Coalition were able to accomplish in the last two generations.

One glaring example of the corrupting influence of this path will show how deep the rot of following false teachers who happen to be rich, famous, and powerful has spread.  In 2019, Paula White Cain, Prosperity Gospel 'preacher' well known for her heretical views published a book that was endorsed by numerous politically active Conservative Christian 'leaders'.  Why?  Because she is on 'our side' in the Culture Wars against 'them', no need to look any further.  Jerry Falwell Sr. whatever you think of him, would not have done this, nor would Billy Graham have, despite his well known embrace of ecumenism, both men drew the line at unorthodox false gospels.  The Culture War has grown more noxious, and its warriors less noble, this will not end well.

Evangelical leaders come under fire for promoting Paula White's new book, By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post

I don't want to 'Own the Libs', I want to work with those liberals who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ, just as I will with those conservatives who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ so that we might advance the Kingdom of God through acts of loving kindness.  As for those liberals and conservatives who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord, my prayer is that you may come to "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ" (Ephesians 3:18).  May God show them his love through us.

The Myth of a Christian Nation - by Gregory Boyd: a summary and response

Turning Point USA ignores the warning of Matthew 6:24

The downward spiral of Bonhoeffer biographer Eric Metaxas

An unhealthy overemphasis on politics

God and Politics: Greater than, less than, or equal to?

Beware of the Political Church: John MacArthur declares, "any real true believer" can only vote one way.

My thirty year journey away from Rush Limbaugh

Plus this six hour seminar I created on the relationship between the Church and Politics (Power)

The Church and Politics

Paula White:The Prosperity Gospel, Celebrity, and Politics - A trifecta of Gospel compromise

In a recent opinion piece in Christianity Today, Leah Payne and Aaron Griffith, highlight the unholy alliance that has led famous evangelical leaders, Franklin Graham, Robert Jeffress, and Jerry Falwell Jr. to endorse the latest book by Paula White-Cain.  The theology espoused by Paula White-Cain has historically been anathema among evangelicals, but the appeal of Paul White's power, in particular her celebrity and close association with the President of the United States, have seemingly overshadowed any concerns about Paula White-Cain's personal history and Prosperity Gospel infused theology {9 Things You Should Know About Prosperity Gospel Preacher Paula White by The Gospel Coalition's Joe Carter}.  Before going on, read the full article, it is well worth it, I will interact with specific passages below: Paula White-Cain’s Evangelical Support Squad Isn’t as Surprising as It Seems

On the surface, White-Cain’s support among these conservative white Protestants is surprising. For one thing, she is a prominent prosperity preacher associated with the New Apostolic Reformation, a loosely connected group of Pentecostals and Charismatics. For decades, tongues-speaking, vision-reporting prosperity preachers like White-Cain have been a theological anathema to more traditional white evangelicals.  {The Prosperity Gospel has been making inroads for decades, inching closer and closer to being thought of as acceptable as its proponents' fame grows through their TV/online presence, book sales, and wealth from donations.  Yet, until the events described in the article, leaders like Franklin Graham would have never publicly associated themselves with those selling this Gospel-for-profit perversion.}

Before fundamentalist-modernist battle lines hardened in the 1920s, it was common to see theological liberals and conservatives sharing stages with one another at tent revivals. Conservative revivalists were willing to work with liberal Protestants if it meant that they could achieve their broader aim of preaching to more potential converts with the support of the local Christian community.
To be sure, the revival tent was big, but it still could be contested. For Billy Graham, his continuation of the evangelical pragmatist tradition in inviting Christians of all stripes—from Johnny Cash to the president of Union Theological Seminary—to support his crusades or sit on his revival platforms drew the ire of fundamentalists like Bob Jones, who saw this impulse as misguided theological capitulation. But Graham helped set the stage for later evangelicals to think creatively about how partnerships could widen their appeal.  {Here is the key fundamental difference between the actions of Billy Graham in previous years and those of Franklin Graham (and those of like mind) today: The purpose.  To what end, for what cause, was Billy Graham willing to work with those he disagreed with about theology?  For the sharing of the Gospel message and the saving of souls.  Not for political gain, not for power, certainly not for money, it was a cause about which the Apostle Paul wrote, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22)  Should we work with anyone, even non-Christians, including Muslims (for example), on disaster relief or humanitarian aid?  Absolutely, for here we are not making common cause theologically, are not claiming to share a Gospel motivation or mission.  To save lives we ought to be willing to work with whomever is willing to offer no-strings-attached aid.  Should we work with other Christians, of other denominations, with whom we disagree on other issue, but agree upon the Gospel in those same areas, while including a Gospel message, praying, and worshiping together?  Absolutely, for here the common bond of the Gospel supersedes our disagreements.  To save souls we ought to be willing to work with anyone who affirms salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  Should we work with non-trinitarians, with those who deny the God/Man nature of Christ or his resurrection, whose Gospel is man-centered, and though it pays lip service to Jesus, is instead focused upon elevating us to earthly riches?  Should we embrace this false-Gospel for the sake of politics, wealth, or fame?  May God forbid it.  Nor can we work with those who embrace a false-gospel in an effort to share the Gospel, for what would we share?(Obviously, in the 3 questions above we would exclude working with those engaging in moral evil; i.e. we wouldn't accept food aid from terrorists, or Gospel preaching aid from pedophiles, that ought to go without saying, but lest anyone say, 'what about..?')

White-Cain frames her self-help efforts in the contractual language of the “hard” prosperity gospel, a term coined by historian Kate Bowler to denote certain ministers’ emphasis on the direct and specific returns that result from faith. In the words of an offer on White-Cain’s website, sow a $130 “Favor Seed” and reap a “Triple Favor” as money flows back to you. But it is not that different from the “soft” prosperity exhortations of other evangelicals, including many in the SBC, who claim that following biblical principles improves marriages, lowers anxiety, and creates extraordinary lives of success and significance.
Though there are innumerable evangelicals who would eschew prosperity language of any sort, a focus on the personal benefits of the faith is everywhere. Focus on the Family’s aesthetic is certainly different than White-Cain’s, but the organization clearly states that familial and marital thriving is available through adherence to biblical teaching. Likewise, Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University claims that “biblically based, common-sense education and empowerment” will “give HOPE to everyone in every walk of life.” Less overly contractual language perhaps, but health and wealth all the same. {Here is where this analysis ought to be especially sobering.  While James Dobson and Dave Ramsey have some critics, and none of our techniques/methods are beyond criticsm, this is a more fundamental question than that.  Has our comfort as an American Church with health and wealth grown so deep and so widespread that we don't even notice it anymore?  Has it seeped into the fabric of who we are as a Church in America so much that we expect health and wealth to be part of Christian discipleship?  The Church certainly has plenty of issues to be worried about, and many things that need to be corrected so that the work of the Kingdom of God can flourish, this question needs to be on that list.}

Evangelicals also are avid participants in celebrity-driven media culture. Like other Americans, evangelicals buy books, check Instagram, and attend conferences. And the drivers of all these media tend to be big names, authority figures who know how to communicate their signature messages effectively.
As a form of American stardom, evangelical celebrity culture is ruthlessly capitalist. One’s star rises and falls based on how many books are sold or where they are slotted in a conference lineup. Part of building a celebrity brand means creating cross promotions on media platforms and exploring unexpected partnerships to open up new markets. Each can open doors for the other. As writer Katelyn Beaty noted, “so much of the endorsement machine is about maintaining relationships, not giving an honest assessment of a written work.”...
And Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University and another of White-Cain’s promoters, describes himself in precisely these market-driven terms, as a businessman who is to be evaluated by the financial health, growth, and notoriety his educational empire, not his theology. His promotion of White-Cain’s book can be interpreted as a logical follow-up to White-Cain’s presence (in support of her husband, Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain) at Liberty’s convocation in 2017. With her massive media presence (nearly 700,000 Twitter followers and counting), it is understandable that other evangelicals like Falwell (with around 75,500 Twitter followers) would see promotion of White-Cain’s work as a way to link their name with hers, benefitting both in the long run.
 {As damning as the thought that leaders like Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell Jr, and Robert Jeffress might be duped into not recognizing the Prosperity Gospel danger that Paul White represents, it is far more disconcerting to consider the alternative: they know it but don't care.  The allure of popularity, sales, and access to powerful people is too strong.  I would disagree strongly with someone who made such an alliance for the sake of political gain, such marriages always corrupt those who embrace them, but if any portion of that compromise is being driven by the greed for fame and money, the moral failure is far greater than simply one of being in error.}

For those who do not share her theological disposition, it is wishful thinking to pretend that she is not a major force within American evangelicalism. It is now Paula White-Cain’s world. The question is how we should live in it. {The conclusion of the Payne/Griffith article, one that reminds us that this issue isn't going away anytime soon.}

Conclusions:

1.  The Prosperity Gospel is anathema: The Gospel is about service for God, about selfless sacrifice in this life for the sake of the next, NOT about health, wealth, and fame here and now.
That the Church in America, even where the preaching and teaching remains orthodox, is infected with exceptionalism (i.e. God is for us more than other people, we're the special, chosen nation} and weakened by materialism, where the spiritual takes a back seat to the material, is now beyond doubt.  That we've grown comfortable with a lite-version of Prosperity doesn't make it any less dangerous.

2.  Any preacher who promises blessings from God in exchange for money is a charlatan who should be shunned no matter whether the theology that he/she is promoting is orthodox or not.
In this case, of course, the money seeking behavior is also coupled with deeply troubling theology.  I am well aware that Paula White-Cain's website contains an orthodox statement of beliefs under the heading, her beliefs, but video also exists of her denying the trinity and claiming that we are all little gods (reminiscent of the 'we will all be gods someday' heresy of Mormonism).  The theology is bad enough, couple together with a money-making scheme and Christian leaders ought to be putting up "DANGER" signs, not endorsing the latest book.

3.  Book sales, twitter followers, and appearances on TV are NOT an accurate measuring stick for who ought to be leading the Church.
You may perhaps already be aware of this, but the Apostle Paul wrote extensively to Timothy about the moral character, and lack of immoral behavior, required of those who would be called to lead the people of God.  Popularity is not on the list.

Additional material:

Jeffress Defends Endorsement of Paula White’s Book, But Admits He Hasn’t Read it “Word for Word” or Researched Her Theology by Julie Roys

Televangelist Paula White Hawks 'Resurrection Life' for $1,144 'Seed' by Leonardo Blair, Christian Post {An example of the absolute heresy of promising blessings to those who send you money, no better than the Papal Indulgences that infuriated Martin Luther}

Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore tweeted, “Paula White is a charlatan and recognized as a heretic by every orthodox Christian, of whatever tribe.”

Why "winning" as the goal ought to be anathema to Christians

To 'win', at all cost, and by all means, whether in business, politics, or personal relationships, is an idea embedded in the human heart.  Unfortunately, the disregard for morality, and the value of other people, in the pursuit of 'victory', is a symptom of the darkened heart of mankind apart from God.  As such, the people of God, those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and are therefore no longer under the power of what the Apostle Paul terms, the "flesh" (our sinful nature), must forcefully and consistently reject the false claim that "the end justifies the means".

The modern era is not the first time that attempts have been made to remove morality as a check on human behavior, the Italian Renaissance political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli advocated the divorce of morality from politics in his seminal work, The Prince.  In it he wrote, "He who neglects what is done for what ought to be done, sooner effects his ruin than his preservation."  Thus, immorality is to be excused when it is deemed necessary, hence the association with the immoral claim that "the end justifies the means."  Machiavelli, while influential, was certainly not the first to treat morality as a hindrance to be disregarded when necessary.  The first king of Israel, Saul, convinced himself that he needed to offer a sacrifice to God prior to an upcoming battle, despite knowing that he was not to usurp the role of the prophet Samuel, because necessity demanded it.  Saul's disregard for the expressed will of God was instrumental in his downfall and the choice of David to replace him.  By contrast, in Scripture there are examples of the rejection of this abdication of morality: Joseph remained true to the moral code of the God of Abraham despite the opportunities he had to abandon it when faced with the advances of Potiphar's wife.  Even as a wrongly enslaved man, Joseph refused to set aside his devotion to doing what was right.  In addition, the Apostle Paul and Silas refused to run from jail in Philippi, despite being unlawfully imprisoned, when an earthquake damaged the facility.

Throughout the Scriptures, those who abandon morality when convenient come to bad ends and those who hold true to the Law of God (whether specifically or in principle) are commended.  That is not to say that those who choose to do what is right are always vindicated in this life, nor are they promised such by God, neither do all those who choose to set aside right/wrong receive punishment for their immorality in this life.  Therein lies the rub.  When righteousness is not immediately rewarded, and wickedness is not immediately punished, the selfish and rebellious heart of man begins to seek ways to avoid the absolute demand of God that we live holy and righteous lives, it seeks loopholes, shortcuts, compromises, and makes Faustian bargains.  Such is the darkness of the heart of man in rebellion against God.  For the people of God, however, this cannot be tolerated or excused.  When we go along with immoral means with the hopes of achieving an end we deem to be worthy, we sully the name of Christ and grieve the Holy Spirit.  When we choose power, wealth, fame, or any other moniker of 'success', pursued by immoral actions, we abdicate our responsibility to be salt and light in this world, endanger our witness to the Lost, and call into question the genuineness of our conversion and discipleship.  

For all those who prioritize 'winning' or 'victory' above the call of God to live always, and in all things, according to his Holy Word, a series of warnings from God are a reminder of the futility of that path.

Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

    or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!

    They are like chaff

    that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Ephesians 5:5-7 New International Version (NIV)

5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

Romans 3:8 New International Version (NIV)

8 Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!

It may seem possible to play in the mud without getting dirty, it may seem possible to make bargains with or support others who act immorally without ourselves becoming tainted, but these are lies, lies from the Father of Lies, and lies of a mind not in submission to the will of God.  The choice is clear: Either we, as God's people called from darkness into light, walk in the light, win or lose, success or failure, or we don't.  

Mark 8:36-37 New International Version (NIV)

36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Serving Two Masters: the Southern Baptist Convention and V.P. Mike Pence

In case we needed another reminder of the danger of trying to serve two masters (in this case, God and power/politics), the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting once again reinforced the applicability of the warning of Jesus in Matthew 6:24 against split loyalties.  The delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting were presented with a speech from the current Vice-President of the United States, Mike Pence.  Had the speech focused exclusively upon Gospel-centered issues, it would still raise the question: Why was a politician given this opportunity, here at a gathering of the leaders of the church, above a minister of the church?  A powerful politician is not being asked to address a gathering of the church because of his/her theological expertise or relevant experience as a church leader, but because of his/her possession of political power.  In the case of the speech by Vice-President Pence, the primary topic was not Gospel-centered, nor even centered upon moral issues of relevance to the Church, but rather a touting of the political accomplishments of the administration to which he belongs.  It was, in essence, a campaign speech.  Choosing to allow a campaign speech at a gathering of the leaders of a church, who have been designated to conduct the business of the church, whether from a Republican or a Democrat, or any other party, raises a host of issues all of which are potentially damaging to the Church's given mission to make disciples and share the Gospel: (1) It identifies the Church with a particular political party, thus discouraging anyone who does not support that party from attending/visiting churches affiliated with the denomination (and frankly other churches too, those on the outside looking in don't typically grasp our denominational divisions). (2) It creates an atmosphere within the church/denomination where dissent/disagreement regarding political issues and how to solve them (which is normal and to be expected) is treated as a spiritual matter.  In other words, if two people disagree on immigration policy or tax policy, one is viewed as more spiritual than the other because that person agrees with the church/party/politician and the other does not.  The line between politics and theology becomes hopelessly blurred, to the detriment of theology. (3) It opens up the church to legitimate questions of hypocrisy when the inevitable moral failings of political leaders are ignored in the pursuit of an ongoing relationship to those in power, failings that would be absolutely disqualifying for any leader within the church. (4) It opens up church leaders to temptation regarding the pursuit of wealth, fame, and power, an unholy trio of temptations that the Church has fallen victim too far too often throughout its history. (5) It treats the teachings of the Word of God, and by extension the ministers of the Gospel, as secondary to those of politicians, thus elevating earthly power and its pursuit above spiritual power and discipleship.  Within the Church, the Word of God ought to be the ultimate authority, and those called and ordained as ministers ought to be the guardians of God's Word.  Of what value to the Church is the opinion, influenced by political realities, of a politician?  The Church's role is to share the Word of God with the world, not receive the word of man from those who wield earthly power.

Below are links to one news article, and one opinion piece regarding this topic.

ABC News: Pence Gives Campaign-Style Speech to Southern Baptists

The Gospel Coalition: Truth, Power, and Pence at the SBC

I've written extensively about the danger of mixing religion and politics, from the perspective of history and current events.  Over the past two generations, the Church in the United States has moved closer to power and wealth, not further away.  It has been more willing to make moral compromises, and less willing to confront the influence of affluence.  This trend is not universal, some Christians, churches, and denominations, have rejected it, but overall the trend is clear.  The Church has become less spiritual, more material, less interested in service, more interested in power.  This flirtation with power/wealth/fame is dangerous, it is foolish, and it has already harmed, and will continue to harm,  both the Church and its mission.

As I have stated previously, this is not a political statement or endorsement on my part, that would obviously defeat the purpose.  The same warning applies two both liberals and conservatives, Republicans and Democrats, to Baptist, Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and all the rest; the siren's call of power is threatening to shipwreck us all; "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)

Sermon Video: The Steadfastness of Jotham - 2 Chronicles 27

In an era when fame, for any reason, at any price, is valued highly by so many, it is certainly worth our time to consider those mentioned in the Bible who aren't household names, never having achieved either fame or infamy.  Jotham, as a king of Judah, fits into that category.  Because Jotham died at only 41, his 16 years on the throne were not memorable enough to make us remember him as we have other kings of Israel and Judah, whether that be for their righteousness or their wickedness.
Jotham, unlike his father who died of leprosy as God's judgment, lived a life of steadfast devotion to God, consistently doing his best with what he had to work with during the time that was allotted to him.  It wasn't flashy, but it was a life pleasing to God, and just as importantly, devoid of the regrets that had plagued his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jotham also showed wisdom in that he retained that which he learned from his father's capable administration of the kingdom, and at the same time entirely rejected the mistake that his father made in pride of presuming to usurp priestly duties.  For anyone to emulate what was good about our upbringing, and reject that which was bad, and then go on to live a life of walking before the LORD steadfastly, surely this is a worthy life.  You may not remember Jotham, but any of us should be glad to have a life lived as honorably.

To watch the video, click on the link below: