Alone in the courtyard while the trial of Jesus progresses, Peter is faced with three increasingly dramatic opportunities to affirm himself as a disciple of Jesus, famously he fails all three times. Some combination of love, loyalty, pride, and stubbornness brought Peter to this moment, plus failing to heed Jesus' warning to him. In the end, Peter falls, and reaps a bitter harvest to his lies. What is the lesson for us? Many (if not most) of the 'heroes of the faith' have a tragic self-inflicted wound, if they can fall so can we. The episode of Peter's denial ought to be a reminder to us to shelve our pride, hold back our judgmentalism at the failings of others, and if we do fall, follow Peter's path of repentance with our own sorrow.
This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Sermon Video: The Sham Trial of Jesus - Mark 14:53-65
Sham/Show Trials are a common feature of autocratic governments, but 'free societies' are not immune to them. The most famous sham trail in history is that of Jesus Christ. After a series of false witnesses failed to lead to conviction, even after men had twisted and warped Jesus' own words to try to use them against him, the High Priest himself was forced to move the trial to the question of whether or not Jesus was the Messiah. In the end, then, Jesus was convicted for telling the Truth by a group of religious leaders who had already decided that Jesus was, "Not my Messiah!"
For the people of God, this trial offers a warning: When we choose underhanded tactics, and false testimony, as our tool against 'them', we sow the seeds of our own judgment. Also, when faced with provocateurs and fools, the best response is often silence, until they asked him about the Truth, Jesus said nothing.
Monday, January 10, 2022
Sermon Video: Swords and clubs to arrest the Prince of Peace - Mark 14:43-52
They came with swords and clubs to arrest Jesus because they expected him to fight back, they couldn't imagine that Jesus would not resist, that he would willingly face their 'justice'. Jesus' non-violent self-sacrifice has inspired many through the years, like the Civil Rights protestors who were brutalized on Bloody Sunday, March 7th, 1965. But his example has been ignored by many others, both Christians and those claiming to be. From the Inquisition to Crusader armies, Christians have often 'fought fire with fire', choosing power (and/or wealth) in this world over service and sacrifice for the next. A recent example illustrates the point: On December 19th 2021, Donald Trump Jr. declared at a conference that turning the other cheek has "gotten us nothing" and thus must be abandoned. Following Jesus doesn't help us 'win' so we can't do it. Christians know better, imitating Jesus isn't designed to help us 'win' in this world, it is the path of righteousness, the method by which we glorify the Gospel's declaration of victory over sin and death through self-sacrifice. The calling of the Church is clear: imitate Jesus.
Friday, January 7, 2022
The irrefutable rejection of Christian Nationalism by the New Testament
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| One of many crosses brought to the political rally that became an insurrection on 1/6/21 |
na·tion·al·ism
noun
- identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations.
Why irrefutable? Because Christians are required to respect the authority of the Word of God. When the Scriptures repeatedly make clear a particular issue of belief or practice it is not optional for those who would claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ, if in fact they are indeed true disciples, to follow that divine guidance. Can Christians improperly interpret or apply Scriptural dictates? Certainly, it happens regularly, even from learned Church leadership which ought to know better. Can Christians reject Scriptural teaching because of pride, self-interest, or a rebellious attitude? Yes, that also happens, such cases are examples of disobedience, certainly not what we as a Church should tolerate let alone celebrate. There is no case FOR nationalism in the New Testament, and the case AGAINST nationalism is both multi-faceted and broadly stated in numerous passages.
Why only the New Testament? The issue of patriotism/nationalism is fairly unique in that the perspective changes when talking about Jews and Israel in the Hebrew Scriptures vs. Christians and Nationalism in the New. The Christian Bible is divided into two sections separated by about 400 years between the prophet Malachi and the earliest Christian writings. These two sections were written and received by two different audiences in two different sets of circumstances. The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) were written about and to the descendants of Abraham, the Jews. That they are to be studied and remain authoritative to Christians is made clear by the abundant quotations of them by Jesus, Paul, and the Early Church Fathers. That being said, the Church is not Israel. America is not Israel. The promises made to Abraham remain for his literal descendants, his spiritual descendants have been given new promises (in the New Testament). The covenant of Abraham that God further developed in the Hebrew Scriptures through Moses and David contain blessings and curses, as well as promises of a Messianic Kingdom, these belong to the Jews. It is inappropriate, and a facet of antisemitism, to seek to appropriate these promises for the Church or any particular nation, America included.
The New Testament, by contrast, is written to the newly formed Church, an organization not tied to one ethnicity, not connected to one geographic location. Instead, the Church is bound together above and beyond these tribal distinctions by the connection of all of its legitimate members to Jesus Christ through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
* The definition of Nationalism above is the one in use, not the secondary use of the term, "advocacy of or support for the political independence of a particular nation or people" which is a different topic, biblically speaking, and practically as well.
So, how does the New Testament convincingly reject Nationalism on the part of the Church?
The case could be made, and has been, in book length form (see: The Myth of a Christian Nation - by Gregory Boyd: a summary and response), but in brief among the numerous incompatibilities are:
1. The Modern Nation-State is a concept foreign to the New Testament
The world we live in today is one of Nation-States, both those states that are governed democratically and autocratically have developed beyond the previous era of personal kingdoms or multi-ethnic empires, concepts that died in the revolutions and wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. From those ashes arose the modern nation-state, and while many have inherited the territory of the kingdoms from which they sprang with minor variations, the legitimacy of modern governments in the eyes of their people, and the responsibilities of modern governments to their citizens, has changed dramatically from the models familiar to the ancient world.
Along those lines, the term translated in the New Testament as 'nation' is the Greek word: ethnos, which we recognize from the continued use of one aspect of the word transliterated into English as ethnic or ethnicity. The most common usage of the term is actually to refer to the Gentile peoples (in contrast with the Jews), which it does 93 times as compared with nation/nations 67. Thus any argument based upon a reading of what the New Testament says about our 'nation' or the 'nations' that is using the term to refer to a modern nation-state like America or China is already on thin ice before it begins because the geopolitical conceptions of the New Testament authors most certainly did not include the idea of a nation-state, as their entire frame of reference consisted of tribes, kingdoms, and empires. In addition, the actual N.T. references that speak of nations (again, in the ancient not modern sense) have ZERO to do with identification with a nation by its people, support for the interests of that nation by its people, or the placing of those interests above that of other nations. The New Testament is simply not talking about nations in any way connected to modern nationalism.
Examples: Matthew 24:9 "You will be hated by all nations because of me"
Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations"
Mark 11:17 "my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations"
Romans 4:17 "I have made you a father of many nations" (referring to Abraham)
Galatians 3:8 "All nations will be blessed through you" (again, Abraham is the you)
James 1:1 "To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations"
2. The focus of Jesus is entirely upon building up the Kingdom of God NOT any kingdom of this world.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 22:36-40 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Throughout the Gospels Jesus makes it clear that he rejected the role of a political revolutionary and military commander that his people longed for him to be. The purpose of Jesus was higher than their limited hopes in this world, the goal of Jesus was far broader and lasting than establishing a new kingdom of Israel.
3. Christians already have a citizenship to which they owe their primary allegiance: Heaven
Ephesians 2:17-19 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
Philippians 3:30 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
See also: Hebrews 11:8-10 and 1 Peter 2:11, ‘foreigners and exiles'
One of enduring facets of nationalism is its increasing demand for allegiance from the people. What begins as patriotism grows over time and the pressure of rivalries with other nations to become full blown nationalism. Nationalism eventually arrives at the equivalent of, "America, love it or leave it". Christians have are already citizens of heaven, they cannot make such a commitment to their country.
4. The obligations of Christians cannot be minimized or superseded by ethnic rivalries or national boundaries.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
John 17:20-23 (1 John 4:8-9)“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
In America today "America First" is associated with the Republican Party of Donald Trump, but the truth is that both parties have taken turns proclaiming that they will put our nation ahead of others and consider the needs and wants of our people above and beyond those of the rest of the people of this world. Both parties appeal to the nationalism, pride, and greed of Americans, both parties (to varying extent) proclaim by word and deed that the lives of American citizens are worth more to them than the lives of other people in this world. The Church, with its doctrine of Imago Dei {Latin for 'image of God'} which proclaims that every human being is created in God's image, cannot agree (although it has many times in its past and present, to its shame) with treating the lives of one nation's people as more valuable than another.
Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus inquires what those who claim to be his followers did for 'the least of these' is incompatible with nationalistic rivalries which dehumanize ('other') people who happen to come from a different geopolitical entity than our own. 'America First' may be great politics in America, but it is a horrendous ethic for followers of Jesus. {Yes, tens of millions of those claiming to be Christians in America today enthusiastically support either the Red or Blue version of 'America First', this is one example of how unhealthy the modern Church in America has become.}
5. The allegiance of Christians cannot be shared, God demands a total commitment.
Luke 16:13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
The principle that applies to money also applies to fame, power, politics, patriotism, and many others. Whatever obligations and commitments we make in this world must be subservient to our commitment to Christ, even that to our spouse and children.
6. The methods demanded by nationalistic rivalries and 'realpolitik' are anathema to Christianity.
Acts 10:34 (2 Chronicles 19:7) Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Romans 12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Ephesians 5:5-7 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.
The classic example of this from the 20th century is the fire-bombing of the cities of Germany and Japan by the Allies. It was justified, at the time, as a necessity of war, and was not seriously objected to by the Church in Allied countries, but it perspective has shown this to have been both militarily ineffective, and morally repugnant. Had it not been 'unpatriotic' to object to the methods of one's own team/tribe, perhaps the generals and politicians would have sought a method of prosecuting the war that didn't kill hundreds of thousands of civilians. The Church has been guilty of such compromise too many times in its history to count, the Crusades being but one of the better known examples.
7. The goals and purpose of Christians in this world cannot be lowered to those of nationalistic us vs. them rivalries.
Ephesians 1:4-5 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.
Ephesians 6:12 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.
We, as Christians, are here for a purpose. It isn't to make a lot of money, it isn't to maximize our own pleasure, and it isn't to help our country 'win'.
8. The triumph of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will not be limited to one ethnic group, nation, or ideology.
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
Galatians 3:26-29 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
With respect to a hilarious moment in the sitcom Cheers between Woody and Kelly, Heaven will not have chain link fences and barking dogs to keep people apart based upon the categories this world places upon people. There will be one people in Heaven, just as there is one Lord, one faith, one birth. There will be no Americans in Heaven, no Russians, no Italians, Egyptians, or Indonesians, there will only be those people called out of darkness and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
9. 'Victory' in this world's rivalries, economically, geopolitically, or otherwise, are ephemeral to the Christian.
Mark 8:36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
2 Peter 3:7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
Today's economic champion is tomorrow's has-been, and today's superpower is tomorrow's used-to-be. That is the way of this world's geopolitical rivalries. At one point in time, Spain was the world's most powerful kingdom (technically the Hapsburg family whose holdings extended far beyond Spain), but that hasn't been true in a few hundred years. So what was accomplished by those who killed for, and will killed fighting for, the supremacy of that particular nation over its rivals? Power in this world is temporary, domination is a rickety throne, and yet Nationalism calls upon us to being willing to kill our fellow man (created in God's image) or to sacrifice our own lives, to achieve it. How much evil has been sanctioned by the Church in the name of nationalistic pride and rivalries? The Church on all sides supported WWI with pastors thundering against 'them' from the pulpit and Christians cheering on their side. The carnage that followed is directly responsible for empty churches in Europe to this day. That millions of 'Christian' Americans (some genuine, many not) have deeply embraced nationalism will inevitably lead to the same result: empty churches. {Why? Because it testifies to our lack of faith in the Gospel, our lack of true hope in the next world is exposed by our obsession with wealth and power in this one. Christian hypocrites are not effective witnesses to the Gospel.}
10. Submitting to governmental authorities is a far cry from calling upon Christians to champion that authority against other nations.
1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Nationalism is not patriotism. Appreciation for, and love of, one's own country (if and when it deserves it) is both fitting and proper. Nationalism is a different beast, it elevates my country above other countries, it justifies rivalries, it excuses immoral behavior with an ends justify the means mentality, and it treats people made in God's image who happen to live somewhere else (especially if that somewhere is a rival) as an 'other' to be guarded against not a neighbor to be loved.
My further writings on this topic:
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
Sermon Video: Advent Witnesses Part 6 - Magi: Unexpected Guests, Matthew 2:1-12
The final witnesses to the Advent arrive somewhat late, but given how far they had to come, that's understandable. Matthew tells of that the arrival of Jesus included an astronomical sign, one read by the gentile Magi who come to offer the new king homage. Their acceptance of this new king is contrasted strongly with the plotting of the old one, Herod, an offers a reminder that closed hearts do not accept the facts as they are.
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