This episode tackles the issue of politics in evangelism. Since politics is mostly a secondary issue, Christians themselves disagreeing, it should be avoided, for it detracts from core issues of salvation. The U.S. is presently very polarized, and the likelihood that unbelievers associate evangelicals with the Republican party and/or Christian nationalism is high, often contributing to a hostile and defensive posture among unbelievers with respect to evangelists. The evangelist therefore needs to engage, if possible, on essential Biblical truths instead of wading into secondary points upon which the Bible is either silent or unclear. The maxim popularized by John Wesley (Rupertus Meldenius is the original source) is an excellent guide putting politics in perspective: "in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty; in all things, charity." Politics falls under "non-essentials," therefore "liberty" (of conscience) and mutual respect should prevail. The character of the evangelist is often placed on trial as unbelievers keenly observe HOW we handle disagreement. Are we dogmatic and argumentative over minor issues or do we invite honest disagreement where all are free to disagree without souring the relationship because we prioritize unconditional love for ALL? Unfortunately many evangelicals have failed the test, making non-essentials essentials and love dependent on partisan affiliation. The evangelist, Christ's ambassador to unbelievers, must pass the test. "By this everyone will know that your are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)
The New Apostolic Reformation and Dominionism
This episode spells out the aspirations of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), particularly that of conquering the mountain of government. Che Ahn, a prominent leader in the NAR, declared on January 5, 2021 that "we are going to rule and reign through Donald Trump and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ." This form of dominionism seeks to mix church and state to the point of enabling Christians to rule and reign through secular princes. Much of the episode addresses the post-millennial expectations of the NAR, maintaining that Christians will establish the Kingdom of God on earth and usher in the millennium--Christ returning AFTER the millennium. Both the book of Revelation and Christ's Olivet discourse contradict this optimistic outlook.
Christian Nationalism: Subjugating Hostages Instead of Freeing Them
This episode mostly addresses the posture of believers towards the world. Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and therefore wars against people and the unbelieving culture at large are completely misplaced. Believers should war against the real enemy, "spiritual hosts of wickedness," instead of foolishly wrestling with flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:12). The unbelieving culture around us is composed of hostages of the devil who are "held captive to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:26). Christians are called to liberate these hostages, not subjugate them to a so-called "Christian state," that essentially governs according to the power dynamics of this world. That many evangelicals are open to Christian nationalism underscores the misplaced identity of believers who haven't yet grasped their "alien" status, with respect to this world (1 Peter 2:11). And critically, the mission of Christ's kingdom alien ambassadors is neglected and undermined when worldly believers wrestle with flesh and blood and slaughter POW's in a misplaced culture war.
The Roaring Lion Is a Paper Tiger
This episode addresses the final weapon of the enemy to derail the work of God through Nehemiah by way of a false prophet. The "prophet" uttered words designed to so frighten Nehemiah that he would take matters into his own hands and "sin accordingly." When the enemy fails to frustrate ministry using diversions and slander, he sometimes employs carnal believers to provoke us to "protect" the work of God with our own efforts, based on fear. Believers, like Nehemiah, should reject the enemy's devices that inspire fear, even when coming through trusted believers. The recipe is again the same for all the schemes of the devil: regular intimate time with the Father who alone delivers us out of all our fears.