Much of the furor and anger and passion that I’m seeing in the church, in America specifically, seems to be connected to things that are constitutional.
For example, the right to bear arms. The debate over gun rights is deep seated in the church for many people.
While there are many people in the church, who are strong proponents of gun control, there are very, very many who are strong, proponents of zero gun restrictions.
And there is an infusion of faith in this debate.
But where in the Bible does the Lord tell us to die or fight for gun rights?
I believe the spirit of religion has convinced many of us to fight for things that are in the constitution, more passionately, and with more sacrifice than we are willing to die for Jesus Christ.
Jesus did not come for us to have rights.
He came to die so that we might have life eternal.
Just as the Jews in Jesus’ day, we are looking for a Messiah who is more concerned with our creature comforts and delivering us from the oppression of man and government.
But we are supposed to live in Babylon, remain clean from it, while also praying for the prosperity of the people. Even though we are oppressed and oppression will only continue.
John the Baptist even struggled with this and he was the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus!
[Matthew 11:1-6]
1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.
2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
5 “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
6 “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
John baptized Jesus and saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus like a dove.
He heard the voice of the Father say “This is my Son in whom I am well pleased.”
And yet, because John experienced personal persecution for simply saying the truth and prophesying to the government leader, he questioned if Jesus was the Son of God.
In other words, he questioned Jesus was really God because he didn’t deliver him from his suffering.
What John didn’t know is that as a prophet he was called to the fellowship of Jesus’ suffering.
And that’s why we have to be careful when we listen to prophets who only speak about overthrowing or overcoming the government.
Let me make one thing clear:
To live is Christ. To die is gain.
That means to live for Christ means to bear His cross.
There is no escaping the suffering of Christ if you are to follow Him.
Just ask Peter.
The Bible is clear, if we are laying up for ourselves treasures on earth, we are not laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven, and our heart is here on earth, and not in heaven.
Could it be that the Lord is calling us to lose our rights? Could it be that if we lose our rights that we will become more passionate about Him?
I encourage everyone to begin to search your heart.
Are you afraid of something?
Is it Jesus?
Is it God?
Is it the fear of the Lord?
Or have you been taught wrong?
Should you fear not having protection, or not having the ability to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
Should you fear the government?
There only one government that obeys the Lord and that is the Kingdom of God.
That is the government that is only growing and expanding, even if we don’t see it.
Even if we don’t believe it.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Jesus is most concerned with the health of your soul. And if you have anything in your heart that competes with him, He will test it.
The collective church in America is being tested by our love for “freedom.“ The freedom that man gives.
But Jesus wants you to fight for the freedom that He gives.
Don’t forget, God is a Spirit.
And he is looking for those who worship him in spirit, and in truth.
God is not most concerned with your gun rights. He’s most concerned with your eternity.
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.””
[Matthew 20:28 NKJV]
Gun rights are not the Lord’s priority
“But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”
[Matthew 26:52 NKJV]
We can’t forget.
Jesus came to fulfill the scriptures.
And the government killed Him.
May God bless you,
