This morning Rev. Franklin Graham went on Morning Joe, a talk show, and did a disservice to the gospel.
HERE IS THAT INTERVIEW
In this new breed of Christianity, nationalism overwhelms redemption and sinners are categorized into subsets rather than seen as sinners for whom Christ died. I was saved while watching Billy Graham, however nationalism has overtaken his son. When you go on international television and express such hatred for Muslims, you obscure the true gospel. When you come as an American, you cannot come completely as a Christian.
And the panel on this television show were quick to sense a double standard even though they are probably lost. All this hand wringing over who is in charge in Egypt or what is in the president’s heart is counter productive to the cause of Christ. And even while openly questioning President Obama’s faith, Rev. Graham suggested support for Santorum, Romney, and Gingrich - two Roman Catholics and a member of a cult. What a picture of gospel compromise.
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7 comments:
Rick,
I understand your point, but I didn't see Franklin's comments as so much reflecting nationalism as that he is concerned about the treatment of fellow believers by countries to which the US sends aid. And yes, there is certainly a crack through which the enemy can yell "hypocrisy" regarding his responses to who is a Christain and who isn't, but I thought that Franklin did a good job of trying to state the truth and simply saying that a true Christian ought to line up with that truth.
Franklin's comments asumes that earthly governments should be a friend to God's kingdom. In fact, sometimes the most friendly are the most insidious. I also disagreed with jis assessment of Santorum's and Gingrich's spiritual condition.
He seemed to indictae that Santorum and Gingrich were probably saved because of their stance on moarl issues, even though they are practicing Roman Catholics whose theology is a salvation of works.
Last year Graham even suggested that Donald Trump would bring "integrity back to the White House". Nationalism has deceived him in these areas.
Ah, I hadn't thought about it in that way. I think I see your point better now. Thanks.
Opportunity lost. This interview reminds me of the Osteen-King mess. Instead of preaching the Gospel to persuade men, Graham timidly lets himself off the hook by shielding himself with nationalism and "only God knows their hearts". And sadly, I am guilty of the very same thing! God forgive me. God forgive me.
Yes, brother, it is very sad. This nationalistic/patriotic spirit is extremely insidious and has ensared many who love the Lord Jesus.
I too was guilty. God forgive me also.
I was born and raised Amish, my parents were killed when I was 4 years old. I then lived with an Amish Bishop for the next 10 years. As everyone knows the Amish don’t go to war, nor do they vote!
When I was 6 years old I heard a couple of the Amish Men talk about some people in another country that had made soap out of other people! That conversation had a profound effect on me and changed my walk in life. By the age of eight years old I knew I had to help keep those bad people out of our country to protect my children and grandchildren, isn’t that amazing I was only 8 years old and at age 18 I joined the United States Air Force. I’m not saying the US military is an example of good Christian organization nor ever was, but it has been a direct arm of God to bring judgment on some nations. I would also say there are many very dedicated Christian followers of Jesus Christ in the Military even though I wasn’t saved until after my service at the age of thirty-two, God opened my eyes to GRACE!.
I’m just going to give some verses in God’s word I feel you are avoiding in making your judgment, of people protecting you right to not vote and not serve in the military.
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
#1 I would ask how would the righteous get to rule in authority if they don’t participate in the process.
#2 If the righteous people are in majority and don’t vote, the wicked will take control, You can not show me where God wants the wicked to have there way with the righteous.
Proverbs 29:4
The (Good) king by judgment establisheth the land: but he (Bad King) that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
May I ask what has America had for the last 20-30 years.
I’m going to inject some politics here Dr. Ron Paul stands alone a man that has always voted for the conservative side of the issues, a Christian that doesn’t wear his religion on his shirt sleeve. Is against these illegal wars, against abortion, lived with the same woman for 54 years and wants to get back to living within the budget. Where are the Christians that should be supporting a leader that has followed the conservative path a Christian, and one that has always ruled righteous? They are clamoring after the other three that you have so aptly described in this post before neglecting to say anything about the only Righteous person out there running! If only the people like you and the Amish, and all the Righteous people in Jesus would get out and vote, we could have a President that will make the people rejoice! If you don’t you will MOURN!
Proverbs 29: 10
The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul. That is the main reason people are against Dr. Ron Paul.
Proverbs 29:27
An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.
Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government. Passing up that opportunity means letting those who would denigrate the name of Christ have their way in our lives. The leaders we elect—or do nothing to remove—have great influence on our freedoms. They can choose to protect our right to worship and spread the gospel, or they can restrict those rights. They can lead our nation toward righteousness or toward moral disaster. As Christians, we should stand up and follow our command to fulfill our civic duties
1 Samuel 12:13 - 14
13Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
14If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:
Another point is the President of America is not to rule over the people he is to serve the people and listen to their wishes. Which this imposter has not began to understand, and if the righteous people refuse to make their voices heard we will have another heathen for, four more years!
Sorry Andy, we are pilgrims and sojourners on earth. Patriotism is idolatry.
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