True wisdom begins with the the fear of the lord

An article at "Active Christianity" states that "When we think of Jesus’ coming to earth, we understand that it was to create an upheaval – a transition of power. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” was His message from the very beginning (Matthew 4:17). When Jesus was born, the land was occupied by the Roman empire. The Emmaus pilgrims who spoke to Jesus on the road after His resurrection told Him that they hoped that Jesus would be the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21). They were thinking of an external political upheaval, in which Israel was freed from the yoke of the Romans. It took time for the disciples to realize that it was a completely different kind of transition of power that Jesus brought about. It was the dominion of the throne of the heart that was at stake. For the life of a person proceeds from the heart (Proverbs 4:23)."
I believe this is being played out even today by people who believe, like the Emmaus pilgrims, that their assumed relationship with God is to bring about change through politics. That is not true and, in fact, think it just more likely to make things worse. Their effort will not be Biblically based even though they claim it is. It appears to be of those movements that does whatever it wants to push its own political ends and by peppering it with Bible verses it makes it a "mission from God." God really isnt impressed by how many Bible verses you can quote. True wisdom begins with the the fear of the lord and where knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)

Winning?

Here in America we are now so desensitized to the frequency of mass shootings that we now actually give a sigh of relief and say "Thank God, it was only six people, it could have been so much worse." Before we have even emotionally absorbed one tragedy there will be another in a matter of days. " What is wrong with us?", a letter to the editor in a Louisiana paper writes, "When did holding on to power and "winning" become more important than the sanctity of life? When did we give up on the concept of community and working together to create a better, safer, more equitable community for everyone?"

I Am A Christian

Moving into the age of the internet and social media where disinformation is the rule rather than the exception, the term "evangelical" now take on much more baggage. If I were to say that I accept "American evangelicalism," for most people that would mean I support Trump and far right Maga. If I say I am an evangelical who does not support Trump they would view me as a confused anomaly. For lack of definition, I would have to say that if it means I am a confused anomaly then I would embrace it proudly.....which, I suppose, is the reason I don't embrace or even suggest I am supportive of American evangelicalism. “In Antioch . . . the disciples were first called ‘Christians’” (Acts 11:26). I accept the word "Christian" in it's purest sense. It needs no embellishment.

"Go from me I never knew you" is forever.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. -I Cor 3:1

Paul's statement follows his discussion in the previous chapter, where he explains that true wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human philosophy. In verse 1, he directly addresses the Corinthians' inability to grasp this deeper, spiritual truth. The Corinthians were creating divisions by aligning themselves with different church leaders, saying things like, "I follow Paul" or "I follow Apollos". Paul uses this very behavior as evidence of their immaturity and worldly mindset, demonstrating that they are focused on human leaders rather than Christ. The passage establishes a contrast between the spiritual person (one who is guided by the Holy Spirit) and the carnal or fleshly person (one who is still influenced by the ways of the world). Paul emphasizes that the Corinthians' jealousy and quarreling are clear signs of their carnal nature. Paul's rebuke was not meant to condemn the Corinthians' salvation, but to challenge their behavior. He calls them "brethren" and "in Christ," which confirms their status as believers, but makes it clear that they are living in a way that is inconsistent with their new identity.

We might have a favorite Christian author, pastor, or even church or church group. Maturity, however, depends on your relationship with God first and foremost. Authors, Pastors, Churches and Church groups can point the way, but they are not THE way. Always seek the way that you know that on that day God will say He knows you because "Go from me I never knew you" is forever.

Christianity dies or thrives based on simple knowledge or lack of

According to a report from the American Worldview Inventory 2025, 84 per cent of Americans believe that sin exists, but just over half believe that everyone sins. Only 52% of American adults are willing to concede that they themselves are sinner, a figure that rises to two thirds among self-described Christians. A third of adults say that they do not sin, but everyone else does, according to the report which was compiled by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. Among those who describe themselves as born-again Christians, a quarter will not accept being called a “sinner” and 7o % believe that people are “basically good at heart”. The research also indicated that age may be a slight factor in the belief in universal sinfulness. Around 41 per cent of Generation Z believe that everyone sins, compared to 49 per cent of Millennials, 53 per cent of Gen X and 57 per cent of Baby Boomers.
​ I dont know for sure what all this means in the end, but I suspect defining what a Christian would be just as unremarkable in statistics. The 70% who believe that people are basically good at heart should read Jeremiah Chapter 17 which states very clearly: “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?"
Christianity dies or thrives based on that simple knowledge or lack of. Blaming church leadership and pastors, even though there may be some truth to it, would not fix the problem. In the end when Jesus says he knows you, what your "pastor" said will not be a wise response. You do not want to hear "Go from me, I never knew you" because it is forever. ​

Don’t elevate a politician to messianic status.

1. Don’t equate the biblical kingdom of God with any human political party or nation. We must maintain the distinctiveness between God’s kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. We must never fuse the two (John18:36; Matt.6:33).
2. Don’t elevate a politician to messianic status. People often falsely think a politician can single-handedly produce supernatural social results. We have one Lord, and we must resist any attempt to exalt politicians to unrealistic heights (Matt.7:15; 1Pet.3:15).
3. Don’t just vote, but pray for the leaders of all political parties. Christians can be tempted to bless the politician of their choice, and curse his or her opponent, but remember, we must pray even for our enemies (1Tim.2:1–2; Matt.5:44).
4. Don’t forget that your ultimate security is in the unshakeable kingdom of God. Many Christians often elevate the outcome of presidential elections to an apocalyptic status. If a particular presidential candidate does not win, we begin to think or act as if the world will end. In so doing, however, we express an unbelief in the active sovereignty of God over human affairs (Heb.12:26–29).
5. Don’t bring the polarization of partisan politics into the family of God. Every Christian has freedom of conscience before God, and we must guard against allowing political perspectives to divide the church (Rom.16:17; 1Cor.1:11–12).
6. Don’t demonize anyone. Every person has been created in the image of God, and Christians must not demonize or dehumanize other people, whether we agree with them politically or not (Col.3:8; James4:12).
7. Don’t engage in angry, hostile confrontation. Present your political convictions through civil debate and rational dialogue instead. Confrontational arguments demonstrate an ugly pride that demeans Jesus Christ (James1:19–20; 2Tim.2:14).
8. Don’t become so intertwined with one political party that you forfeit your independence. When you do, you lose your right to be heard and to speak and clarify biblical truth to all politicians and political parties (1Tim.3:15; Rom.3:4).
9. Don’t allow yourself to support attempts to divide races, male and female, rich and poor, or young and old. Partisan politics often divides society into voting blocks, and separates society instead of uniting it. Christians should function as peacemakers and reconcilers in the public square and should resist every temptation to join the game of dividing people for political gain (Matt.5:9; 2Cor.5:18–19).
10. Don’t simply curse the darkness, but constructively engage it. The cultural and missional mandate of kingdom Christians is not to curse the darkness in our world, but to act as illuminating light and preserving salt. We must share the light of God’s truth and work to maintain the common welfare of our nation by overcoming evil through doing good (Matt.5:13–16).
This list appeared in the Viewpoint column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 31, number 04 (2008).

Salvation by Law Just Will Never Work.

If people could be made moral by law, it would be a simple matter … for Congress to pass a law making all Americans moral. This would be salvation by law. Men and nations have often resorted to salvation by law, but the only consequence has been greater problems and social chaos.

Laws grounded on the Bible do not attempt to save man or to usher in a brave new world, a great society, world peace, a poverty-free world, or any other such idea. The purpose of Biblical law, and all law grounded on a Biblical faith, is to punish and restrain evil, and to protect life and property, to provide justice for all people. It is not the purpose of the state and its law to change or reform men: this is a spiritual matter and a task for religion. Man can be changed only by the grace of God through the ministry of the word. Man cannot be changed by statist legislation; he cannot be legislated into a new character…

The fact of law and the strict enforcement of law are restraints upon man’s sinful inclinations. But, while a man can be restrained by strict law and order, he cannot be changed by law; he cannot be saved by law. Man can only be saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

The State of the American Churches

A lot of American Churches have become so self-absorbed that it cares little for those who are outside–unless there’s a possibility of bringing people in and making them just like them. Once outsiders come inside, they need to assimilate—that’s just the rule. (And for many that also means pay your tithe so we can do fun stuff to appease members,....... invite outsiders in to show what a warm and wonderful church they are.... and pay the pastors mortgage and car. (For the record, most of the mega church pastors are also listed as some of the richest people in the country........Tithing required....even though the Malachi requirement was so it could bring "food into your storehouse" by tithing to the storehouse)

Many Churches are continually "reinventing themselves" with the latest plan for church growth. The apostle Paul did not live an extravagant life but he got the message to the world. He died in a horrible way. But if a person is living to just to stay alive they are going to lose. (the only standard should be Romans 12:2 which is a goal any and every church should preach and promote...but no manner of theocracy can dictate it).

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

And then it means they insist that the Church’s standards become and/or remain the law of the land. But, then, which form of Christianity tops the theocracy? United States of Methodist? United States of Baptist? United States of Charismania?...and on and on..

Amos 5:21-24:
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. 22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. 23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. 24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!“

Same verses paraphrased:
I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

Matthew 25:31-40

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’“ Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” --Matthew 25:31-40

I look at the words here and take them first and foremost at face value. Then in deep study or prayer a word like "feed" can mean something much more than just food. the same with sick or stranger, etc etc. I have read the Bible many times and every time a word or a verse might mean something different or deeper as we mature. It's not magic, it's spiritual growth. Always seek, and never disregard the "least" of those who may cross our paths.

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."-Matt 25:13

Fear Based Religion

From the days of the Roman Empire wealthy individuals have sought power over others and have endeavored to twist religious belief into a fear-based false religion with the purpose of maintaining control and power. If you've paid attention to the gospel story you clearly can't help but notice that there were Pharisees and Sadducees and other spokesmen "for God" who were always ready to explain to someone the rules...which were, generally, based on the fact that "we have the money so we have the power". Similarly, white men in America with influence have long been weaponizing conservative theology in protecting their privilege.

​ In todays America, put them all together and you have a recipe for fascism with Christian trappings. One thing all these people do have in common is they maintain God is on their side. There were deadly Inquisitions, subjection of the Indians in America and then there was slavery wrought by people who believed God created the black man inferior so they could dominate and enslave them. Everything has gone in cycles like that throughout history. When I first became a Christian I was somewhat intrigued by stories of the end times...starting with Hal Lindsey's book, and some of the religious movies that I think were just created to scare you into heaven. None of them created a story where it was people who called themselves Christians would be the evil that we would face in the Apocalypse (A Thief in the Night, etc, etc). But Christian Nationalists create that as a possible reality. I was rather shocked as I realized that scenario could be possible. It's still unsettling but I can now see how it could happen that way. Ten years ago I had no clue what a "Christian Nationalist" is. Today it's a core foundation of American evangelicalism.​