Friday, August 10, 2012

Embracing Lies but Still Orthodox?

Embracing Lies but Still Orthodox?

A man named David Barton wrote a book that claims that Thomas Jefferson was sympathetic to the Christian faith and the implication being he may have even been a secret believer. The claims in his book were so preposterous that the Thomas Nelson company has refused to publish it anymore. Many will call this "persecution". 

Here is the article.

Men are prone to endorse lies if those lies support their version of anything. The enemy of my enemy becomes my friend regardless. To suggest Jefferson was anything close to a believer is also to suggest Benjamin Franklin was chaste. But when you have a fanciful view of America, and when America has become your idol, then men like Barton can become a millionaire through the support of evangelical ministers. But let us also be very clear. Almost none of the “founding fathers” could be considered evangelical or born again believers as defined by the New Testament or even in the evangelical understanding of today.
That does not mean none were saved, only God knows that. However even men like George Washington wrote about God in stilted and formal language and never with a genuine hint of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And Washington, the human idol in all of this, never once suggested that Franklin was not saved and never requested prayer for the salvation of his soul. Is that the heart of a man who is inhabited by the Spirit which seeks to save that which was lost?
I have written about George Washington here -
HERE

To suggest that Jefferson was sympathetic toward Christ is not only disingenuous, but it is absurd. But watch what is happening. Nationalism is rapidly becoming a major bridge to all sorts of heresies. Mormonism is now embraced because of politics and nationalism. Health and wealth preachers are now invited into mainstream evangelicalism because they love America. Do you think the devil is content to use only the cults and liberals and the emergent movement as vehicles of deception? Nationalism is very subtle and seemingly innocuous and even portrayed as a piece in the divine puzzle, when in reality it just may turn out to be the greatest western deception of all.
The antichrist just may be an evangelical American, and if so, he will have little trouble deceiving the church if he is openly patriotic. I can remember when I also was trapped inside the deception of nationalism and patriotism. Who could ever believe that the word “patriotism”, which is antithetical to Biblical principles, would become a badge of honor among professing believers? But the devil is profoundly clever and not satisfied to just deceive men and women, but he desires complete control until they embrace his deception as divine.
Those who constructed the “high places” in Israel had nothing on the western church. Christian schools by the thousands hang pictures of the founding fathers on their walls including Jefferson and Franklin. And our children are told fairy tales concerning their commitments to Christ as well as concocted nonsense about God orchestrating the Revolutionary War. If God desires His followers to kill people over higher taxes then let us take up arms even now. But first we must burn the New Testament.
This is no minor doctrinal disagreement, and nationalism is widely practiced and promoted even among the most vociferous heresy hunters in other areas. Peruse the internet and you will find self proclaimed “discernment” blogs which have absolutely no discernment on this particular issue. The same people who castigate Rob Bell and Rick Warren and Joel Osteen will place their hands over their hearts and pledge allegiance to a secular nation and in so doing they emulate what Bell, Warren, and Osteen do as well. And they remain blind to it all.
They can exegete Scripture linguistically and in context, but they are blind to some of its teachings. I know what that feels like. When God opens your eyes to such things you feel like a fool because it suddenly becomes so clear. And in the past year the fruits of the deception have deepened. A member of a cult that spreads the spirit of antichrist is supported by all kinds of evangelical ministers. No small matter, indeed. But it does openly reveal how far men will reach to join hands with heretics if those same heretics sing “America the Beautiful”.
I write with a chastening and scolding tone, but my heart grieves as well. I see how the church follows after the heretics that are listed as categories on discernment blogs, but I also see how the church has succumbed to open disobedience to God’s Word and the Person of Christ through the deceit and compromise of nationalism. We now even label some wars as “just” which in and of itself obliterates the teachings of Jesus unless of course you read through American glasses. You should not murderer your neighbor unless he lives somewhere other than America. It is difficult to see just how far this thing will go.
The western church. What used to be a distinct departure from the culture is now a participating patron. What used to be a sanctuary for prayer is now a vehicle for parades. What used to be a place untainted by outside influences is now a patched member of the secular culture. What used to be led by humble men of God is now organized by loud patriots. What used to see believers weep over lost souls now sees believers weep over the flag.
Last year the Southern Baptist church in our area had a Fourth of July extravaganza as did tens of thousands of church across America. During the service many patriotic songs were sung which had nothing to do with following or worshiping Christ (my son attended). When the congregation had been sufficiently whipped up into a patriotic frenzy, several men in military uniforms were dropped down from above the stage. The applause grew. These men were carrying automatic weapons that are carried by some military personnel. The applause grew even louder. Finally these men recreated the famous picture of Iwo Jima with men holding up the American flag. The crowd rose to their feet with unbridled effervescence and with many, many tears.
Perhaps next year we can recreate Hiroshima complete with the smell of burning flesh while the congregation wears T-shirts that say “These Colors Don’t Run” and while they energetically eat Chick-Fil-A sandwiches.
Yes, Jesus will not be there.

12 comments:

Paul said...

Rick,

What great post. I have had my eyes opened up to this by the Lord too. It's sounds so right 'till you compare it to what the bible says about earthly citizenship. Our Constitution is so unbiblical!! Didn't rabid Nationalism propel Hitler into power?

Anonymous said...

Rick-your article is right on the money and Paul I totally agree with your comment. The Nazis started out w/nationalistic propaganda. The lines are being drawn-tight!

Noel

Jim said...

Although born again believers learn to walk away from the ways of the world, there is one slave master much more cunning and foreboding than all others. The name of this slave master is “Fear,” a disturbing emotion aroused by real or imagined peril. Fear is a nasty fact that sticks to the soul like glue. Although your article instills fear, we need not fear. “1Many are fearful today (from what they see and read) and praying for revival in America according to the promises of 2 Chronicles 7:14. They are hoping God will honor their prayers and heal their land. Surly, they believe, God will bring revival and a great harvest, the greatest the world has ever known. However, based on the parallel of Jeremiah's warning to Israel and God's answer to the prophet, the part about "healing the land" (as it relates to the secular culture) will not be answered until the Second Coming. As with Israel in Jeremiah's day, I believe judgment on America has already been decreed. Although God's moth-like judgment on the United States is in progress, eating away at us slowly, His lion-like judgment will soon pounce on this nation, devouring it suddenly and completely (Hosea 5:12, 14).”
1 Paraphrased - God’s Judgment on America – Jim Bramlett

Mr. Bramlett’s view on the world’s disorder and America’s plight portrays a grim future that comes into alignment with the Book of Revelation. Although we are free in Christ, our bodies are captive to the reality of this godless world. A foreseeable end to “one nation under God” coupled with the reality of our demise is the perfect storm for fearful expectation. It need not be so. The good news is believers need not fear...God’s plan for us is peace, protection, and a future with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). The apostle John said, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love castes out fear: because fear hath torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

Although your article speaks truth and judgment, we need not fear.

Rick Frueh said...

God doers not judge nations wholesale as in the Old Testament. In fact, judgment will begin with the church. Each individual already stands condemned so judging nations is redundant.This nation has never been "under God".

Full Gospel Now said...

You are right about the hold the spirit of nationalism has on the church. When my daughter was in a Christian homeschool co-op, they had a volleyball game I attended. When the national anthem was played and all stood with hand over hearts and I didn't, by the stares I had received, I thought I could have been tried and executed for treason. :(

As the wife of a veteran I had much repenting to do a several years back when I had to renounce my allegiance to any kingdom but Christ's. My husband even saw the idolatry and told me to get rid of his dress blue military uniform, a uniform he once wore proudly. Praise the Lord for opening our eyes.

Diane said...

"Although your article instills fear, we need not fear."

You think this article instills fear? You should read the stuff my well-meaning, very patriotic friend sends me. Most of it is from Christian websites that attempt to whip people up into a frenzy over Muslims, gays, Obama, you name it. I'm not sure why, but many of them seem much more focused on the Old Testament than on the gospel.

Some of the most fearful people I know are Christians. I used to be fearful, too, until my preconceived notions were challenged by blogs like this.

What really opened my eyes was when Pastor Rick shared how his friend challenged him to find support in the New Testament for the American Revolutionary war. I'm still looking...

Steve said...

Right on the mark again, brother.

You rightly single out David Barton. He falsifies American history by falsifying Christianity. If the "founding fathers" were Christian on the basis of their generic "God-talk," as Barton teaches, the Bible's wrong: it's not really necessary that our hearts be gripped by the fierce TRUTH that Jesus is the Christ, Son of God.

What Barton doesn't mention on his "Wallbuilders" website or in his "Who's Who" biography is that he was the Bush 2004 campaign's "liaison to social conservatives" (i.e., Christians), and has headed the Texas Republican Party 8 times.

Barton likes to be considered a historian, restoring "America's Christian heritage." In truth, he's a professional political propagandist. He may be the major false teacher today leading Christians astray into "patriotic" lies.

May the One Who IS "the Truth" rebuke all those who lie and mislead in His Name !!

In Jesus, Steve

Anonymous said...

Disciples of the David Barton style patriotism, and the Tea Party christians, major in fear-mongering. I know first hand from attending church services at one for two years and seeing the stuff they put on the bulletin board. Many disturbing statements made from the pulit, much fear-powered manipulation, much idolatry of a fantasy-concept of "christian America", and love of military and fighting. The last straw was the opening statement on 4th of July, that U.S. soldiers win our freedom with their blood sacrifice just like Jesus won our freedom with His blood. (So much for the sovereignty of God.) Sorry--bordering too close on blasphemy for us; at the least a serious diminishing of the unique ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Without doubt, the statement reveals a terrible blurring of the distinctions between earthly and heavenly kingdoms. It is a grievous condition of some of these "churches." This deception is characterized by a lot of fear, anger, belligerence; and people in it will try to destroy those who challenge their faulty exegesis, theology, and statements.

This is an excellent sermon. I am praying more often for many people to be drawn out of this nationalism and sacralism to the bosom of Christ, the Lamb, the Friend of Sinners, who sends us like sheep to the slaughter into a dark world as witnesses to Him, with a ministry of reconciliation, that many might be saved.

Victoria

Outsider said...

I have felt parts of this over the last few years. You make it sound as if we need to run away and hide before we are corrupted by this country. Isn't that the same thinking that brought about the Desert Fathers and the monks. Are you saying that Christians should not vote or be involved in any way with the society around us? If our families are under physical attacks we are not to defend them?

Questioning,
Jim

Rick Frueh said...

"You make it sound as if we need to run away and hide before we are corrupted by this country."

Too late, we have been corrupted beyond belief already. Rejecting the systems of this workd is not running away, it is in obedience to Christ. The only thing politics does is dilute our message and sap our spiritual strength.

As far as violence in any form is concerned, I am a pacifist. Ghandi, an unbeliever, changed an entire nation through pacifism. he borrowed the idea from the New Testament.

Mark said...

Amen Rick, encouraging to see the Lord's opened your eyes to this truth."God bless America", come on, people don't understand how absurd that sounds. God' not in the nation building business.Truth be know, this nation was founded on free-masonic occultism, not Christian values.Most of the dopamine releasing, feel good 'history'stories are lies.Good post man and I don't see you promoting any fear it there. Straight forward stuff. This my first time here, I like what I see, I'll probably be back.*George Bernard Shaw;
"Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.” Kinda like inheriting your religion ain't it? The peace of Christ be with you, m.

Steve said...

Hi, Rick:

Re: your article on George Washington.

As to the lies about the "founding fathers' " Christian faith, the best test may simply be historical truth. After all, Jesus said He IS "the Truth," and He is sovereign over all the works of men. There's a Christological basis for the fact that honest historians operate by the standard of TRUTH in evaluating what men of other times did and said.

The most trustworthy source on any "founding father's" belief is his own words. Because of our society's near-deification of George Washington, virtually every word he ever wrote or publically spoke has been preserved: and they are available online, in searchable format.

The two main archives are the Library of Congress:

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/mgwquery.html

and the University of Virginia, publisher of Washington's papers:

http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/default.xqy?keys=GEWN-info-search

Searching "Jesus" or "Christ" in those 60+ years of Washington's papers and speeches is the best way to know his beliefs about the Savior. It's also the best way to test Barton's claims about Washington's beliefs.

Many of the other "founding fathers' " papers and speeches are similarly available online, and similarly searchable. Needless to say, even the slightest honest research shows Barton's "history" is a tissue of lies.

In Jesus, Steve