"REPENT of POLITICAL IDOLATRY!" - by Andrew Strom

REPENT of POLITICAL IDOLATRY!
-by Andrew Strom.

Something I find a little distressing in America is that the Christians
are so often relying on POLITICS to accomplish SPIRITUAL results.
Thus they ally themselves fervently with one particular party and
treat it like "God has won" if that party wins - and "God has lost" if
it doesn't. I almost see this as a kind of BLINDNESS.

The fact is - most of America's problems today are SPIRITUAL
problems that can only be solved by a sweeping move of God's Spirit.
Yet we are relying on Politics and Politicians to accomplish many of
these things?? How bizarre!

How bizarre that we strive and strive to get the "right (worldy) guy"
elected. How bizarre that we treat the President like some kind of
mega-preacher or mega-minister. We put our "hope" in him and
his Political party for all kinds of SPIRITUAL things! What is wrong with us?

I don't know of any other country that puts such hope in worldly
political parties for things that ONLY GOD CAN DO. Is this not a kind
of IDOLATRY??

Yes - there are issues of righteousness to be concerned with - and
it is good to vote. But what is with this OBSESSION with Politics
amongst the Christians? Do we not realize it is a kind of "phony war"?
Imagine if we spent all that time PRAYING instead of STRIVING for
Political victory. We might be actually having a Revival right now!

Can Politics make America truly righteous? NO! Only GOD can do that!

I want to issue a call to all true Christians right now: "REPENT of
trusting in MAN instead of God. REPENT of trusting in Politics to do
things that only God can do. REPENT of striving and striving to get
the "right party" in power - and thinking that will solve this country's SPIRITUAL problems. REPENT of making an IDOL out of any party
or any PRESIDENT. The Presidency does NOT equal GOD's MOVE!
REPENT of putting so much energy and effort into things that WILL
NOT SOLVE the PROBLEM!

If only the Christians of this nation would PRAY instead of running to
POLITICAL ACTIVISM - everything would be different.

What if all of this is a false trust - a false hope - a false gospel? What
if our worship of Republicanism is out and out IDOLATRY??

God help us all.

-Andrew Strom.

A thousand amens brother. Thank you so much for speaking out on this. I only wish more American preachers would do the same.

Yes - there are issues of righteousness to be concerned with - and
it is good to vote. But what is with this OBSESSION with Politics
amongst the Christians? Do we not realize it is a kind of "phony war"?
Imagine if we spent all that time PRAYING instead of STRIVING for
Political victory. We might be actually having a Revival right now!

The very thing that kept me from voting was the fact that so many Christians treat the Republican Party like God's party. Exalting men like God has nothing to do with anything.

so many Christians treat the Republican Party like God's party

Apparently we repented today. ;-)

I'm so very relieved this divisive election is over...I thank God that Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance.

Let's strive to know Jesus' love for each other and obedience to the Father more then ever brethren. Let's seek His government...

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the ,government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Good healthy word from you tonight Andrew. You are a true blessing to us here brother.

MC

Political Question: “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6

Answer /Solution/: “…..you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1: 8

Your sis. Mek

America's idol #1- selfish ambition, politics is part of it. We'er (christians) called to seek a city , Heb 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

We are to so closely identify with the Kingdom of God and its principles that the earthly fades by comparison.

Timely observation Bro. Andrew, and right on.

Amen Andrew the battle is in the prayer closet first over our own sin and once the victory is rendered through the blood of Jesus is aptly stated in Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is [b]not[/b] 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....

Hebrew 11:13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

The AV uses the word pilgrim, which I prefer over the word alien but our home is not here.

Can you imagine if we invested the time and energy we devote to politics solely to Jesus?

I want to issue a call to all true Christians right now: "REPENT of
trusting in MAN instead of God. REPENT of trusting in Politics to do
things that only God can do.

I see it also as a form of 'representative' Christianity. Elect folk to go someplace and be Christians [i]for[/i] us. No need to express our faith ourself- we'll have someone else do it. We'll leave the righteousness of the nation up to the law makers and then we won't have to be on fire for God and be lights in the world.

One word has been ringing in my ears for weeks now and it is the word 'laziness'. Spiritual laziness is killing people. Folk want someone to 'do their Christianity' for them. No need to pray or witness or get a word from God for myself- we've got people we pay to do that for us. Like were under some kind of schoolmaster or something.

Is this new? In no wise. This is what Israel had done when they wanted a King. No need to seek God on an individual level- we'll have the King be the face of our nation. And as the King went- so it seemed the people went. Why? They didn't stoke their own fire. They were just like sheep to a slaughter. No backbone. No resolve- just roll with the flow. If the King serves God we'll do that- if not we'll do what he does. Where are the people who are [i]radically saved[/i]? Those who have given their alliegance to Christ and Christ alone?

Very timely message brother.
I have been guilty of this very thing. I think it has to do with wanting the Republican party to espouse our christian interests and return us to a christian nation. That will make being a christian so much easier on us, being in the majority. What foolishness! What folly to put our trust in man!
As I said I have been guilty of this very thing and found your post very helpful in leading me to repent of my stupidity and cowardness in hiding behind a political party.

Wyatt

Thanks Andrew, this is a timely word.

Politics and new laws and amendments concerning morality are really just a way of treating symptoms while ignoring the disease. You can't change a culture from the top down, it doesn't work. The culture is made up of individuals and each individual brings his/her own dimension to the culture. The way to change the culture is by changed lives. The disease is only cured by Jesus Christ living in the hearts of men and women.

We need revival! Let's pray.

In Christ,

Ron

When one realises that the constitution of the USA reads, 'one nation under God', then you understand the passion.

However, it is iconic to suppose that man pleasing politicians are going to 'lead us into the light'. The're in as much darkness as the people they represent.

America is in a shocking godless mess.

God help us all to get right with God, first and foremost. Then seek God for revival.

It will happen, it must.

God bless.

Can anyone deny that - along with materialism and
selfishness - this is one of the most blatant idolatries of the American church?

Do we trust in God - or Politics?

I can't deny it Andrew - it is absolutely true.

Republican and Democrat are just two wings of the same vulture - the vulture of politics. Both wings just as bad and just as evil, both wings are attached to the same hideous bird.

If we would look at countries like India, China, Iraq we would see that in these countries the Christians have little to no rights within their govenrments yet God is moving in such amazing ways!
Yet here in America it seems we sit back and hope we can elect somone who will do the work for us(evangelize). Or we look to Hollywood to produce films that will win people to Christ, and simply because there is a mention of Christ people fawn over the film, and pastors will be quick to say "take your unsaved loved ones to this movie!"
I believe we have forgotten the Scripture that says, "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD." Jeremiah 17:5
Brethren we must realize that persecution is coming to this country. Even now a state friendly religious system is being built that will cast out those who hold to the Truth of the Bible, and use it as the foundation of all that is done.
Could it be that the popular movements within the religious realm in our nation are setting the stage for something like the Three Self Church of China?
Could it also be that this could be the very stream needed to feed the rivers of revival?
This is by no means a call to be alarmed or fearful, but instead to storm the throne of mercy, and to be steadfast in our Lord regardless of cost! To cry out in behalf of the lost, and those who will be caught up in the deception that is creeping in.
Prayer is our only recourse!!!
We've had it too good for too long while others have had nothing at all.

AMEN AMEN AMEN
If only the Christians of this nation would PRAY instead of running to
POLITICAL ACTIVISM - everything would be different.
Your words are true brother.
John The Baptist...to the Religious/Political Establishment of his day.

O generation of vipers.

this is one of the most blatant idolatries of the American church

It is also one of the most divisive...Christians spitting worldy words on each other over conservative and liberal issues.

And then some claim that persecution will solve this...if we can't forgive one another in Christ...what makes us think we can forgive our enemies that really want to destroy us?

The election is over...but the vitriol and poison is perhaps just beginning...2 years of vengeful politicking for the presidential 08 elction. I hold no hope that our new leaders will lead...all are decadent and self absorbed while the nation falls apart and the world descends into war.

But I do hold hope for the body of Christ. Not because we have moral fiber or character...but because we are given the Spirit of God that raised Christ Jesus from the dead.

It will take a letting go of our moral causes though...especially the righteous ones. Feeding the poor or saving unborn children, or even evangelizing the lost are all idols without Christ. Therefore we must not return to traditional values or our godly heritage...these noble causes can actually kill our love for one another.

"..you...labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless....

We must not return to a Godly America...We must return to our first love. And we must grab each other by the lapels and sleeves and bring each other along...love is not didactic...it is raptourous. It does more then instruct...it embraces. This holiness tradition of pointing out flaws in one another is not biblical accountability...caring for each others burdens is biblical accountability. We are all Ted Haggards hiding our sins because we know there is no true accountability in the church...only reputation but no accountability between brothers.

Well, in the case of politics, this is the choice I see before us...On one hand we can get caught up in the next two years of revenge, blaming, and spite... letting the window of revival pass us by forever or...

...we can give America over to God's providence through prayer and turn our passions to his people, His nation of believers throughout the world.

"'Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

'Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent."

See you in the spiritual trenches and on the battlefield brothers...let's find the devil insurgent in our hearts and take back the territory for God's glory.

MC

Mike's:

We must not return to a Godly America...We must return to our first love. And we must grab each other by the lapels and sleeves and bring each other along...love is not didactic...it is raptourous. It does more then instruct...it embraces. This holiness tradition of pointing out flaws in one another is not biblical accountability...caring for each others burdens is biblical accountability. We are all Ted Haggards hiding our sins because we know there is no true accountability in the church...only reputation but no accountability between brothers.

This is one of the most sobering statements I have read in a long time. Funny how there is so much emphasis on 'values', 'family', etc. etc. and so little on genuine relationship with Christ and genuine fellowship between believers. Christianity is not a political party, it is the expression of the Body of Christ with Him rightly at the head.

I think Andrew is right. And if I might add, there is no way we will vote our way into revival.

I even wonder sometimes if we have gone overboard
in the worship of "family values" - as though this is a replacement for Christianity.

I mean, our biggest program is "Focus on the FAMILY".

I personally LOVE my family and have 6 children!!
But could there not be a bizarre "IDOLATRY" in all this? Is it not excessive - our EMPHASIS on it?

-Andrew.

Bro Strom you wrote;
"I almost see this as a kind of BLINDNESS."

i note this only because it struck me funny to read "I almost see" in reference to "blindness" in the same sentence ... But it also reminded me of Paul's words that we all on this side of glory "see thru a glass darkly" ... But bless God it doesn't stop some of us from still groping in this shadow to get even closer to His marvelous light.

Bro Strom you wrote;
"How bizarre that we strive and strive to get the "right (worldy) guy" elected. How bizarre that we treat the President like some kind of mega-preacher or mega-minister. We put our "hope" in him and his Political party for all kinds of SPIRITUAL things! What is wrong with us?

Yes - there are issues of righteousness to be concerned with - and it is good to vote. But what is with this OBSESSION with Politics amongst the Christians?"

i'm 56, and a baby-boomer, a really huge part of the American voting population now, many of us Christian's who now realize the folly of our youth, as well as the folly of our Christian parent's youth ... i may be wrong but i do believe it was Holy Spirit who once impressed upon my mind the question of "where were our parents generation when back in the 60's God was being legislated out of everything"?

In my study of the history of REVIVAL in America, i believe it was bro Orr who pointed out that the REVIVAL of the early 50's began but sputtered badly due to the financial booming of the heady times after WWII ... In fact it was because of this that
the baby-boom even happened, to say nothing of the housing boom, etc ... i find it ironic that seemingly many a saint at that time must have concidered being involved in the political process as something a saint should'nt do, thus all the unGodly Supreme Court decisions we have as laws now, but it sure didn't stop most of our parents from becoming completely immersed in the materialism (the Baal of American idolotry) of that time ... Funny how we saints pick our poisons ... It amazes me how scripture tells us that God allows leaders and governments to our benefit, and that we should subject ourselves under them as long as it does not compromise our subjection under Him, and He has placed us in America with a democratic system to which we can hold our canditates feet to the fire and elect them via something as simple as a vote, AND even if we got issues with parties we can even do so as an Independent ...

Where were our Christain parents then? ... I believe the greater part of white saints were to busy making money, and the greater part of black saints all wraped up in the Civil Rights movement for anyone to be in tune to what the devil was up to via the likes of Madelaine Murray O'Hare, Roe vs Wade, etc ... I know many don't agree, but by the simple power of a vote I believe saints back then could have retarded evil and preserved America a lot better than where it is now ... i think this realization is what prompted Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority (which i was a part of) back in the 80's right on up to Dobson's Focus On The Family, etc ... But in spite of this 4th quarter rally now we're dealing with a rancid side of beef, and attempting to politically turn back the spoilage ... As misguided as it may be, and as manipulated by Karl Rove as some saints may be, i think the Christian activity in politics these days is partly due to an awakening that to just sit back and let things go by the way is why we're in a lot of the deep doo-doo we're in, and now the pendulum has swung way over to the other side from no political activity to hyper activity ... As an aside i find it so funny that when the Godly wasn't involved in the political/electoral process the unGodly were cool, but man that ain't the case now ... Now we're being accused of attempting to hijack the country, because they've enjoyed such unchallenged past ease in doing so ...

Bro Strom you wrote;
"If only the Christians of this nation would PRAY instead of running to POLITICAL ACTIVISM - everything would be different."

See my question is why can't we do both? ... Scripture says "faith without works is dead", as it also says, "Acknowledge the Lord in all thy ways" ... How come we can't pray for guidance in our vote, to vote as unto the Lord in doing what's best for the nation even tho others don't know it's best? ... But instead it seems to be the plight of human nature (which should'nt be the case with Christians) to have to opt for one or the other, and we live in a time and generations where we're so unreliant on God anymore that we think if we don't do it God won't (or worse yet can't) ...

As you said, "God help us all", and i know He is, right now, even tho it doesn't appear to be so, because we're His, He loves us, we're called according to His purpose, thereby ALL THINGS work together to our good, even our major faux-pas!

THANK YOU JESUS!!!