Christian Nationalism

Introduction

Answer this.

America would be better if _________ were in charge.

Tension

Big Question

Who are God’s chosen people? Who does God work through (today) to accomplish his will? Underlying belief is that America is God’s chosen people

Real pastors have said this Might not think about it but it is true. There is a heretical belief plaguing churches in America Talking about Christian nationalism. Definition

Believing that God has ordained [America] as a “blessed” nation that He chooses as the country to work through. There are a few ways this is played out

One serious way Rest are fractions of what this is. Functional Definition

Fusing Christianity with conservative Americanism Bible actually has something to say about this… Turn with me to

Jonah 3:10-4:4 Recap up to 3:10

10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3 Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 And the LORD said, “Do you do well to be angry?”

What is going on in this story?

Jonah told to go to another country to share the gospel. Doesn’t want to do it He knows God will save them. Why in the world would he not want God to save these people?

Jonah believed that God should only work through Israel - chosen people Jonah didn’t want Nineveh to repent He wanted them to be destroyed.

Kill the bad people - keep the good people close. Danger - lenses / worldview / framework

Interactive

Glasses What would happen if you wore the wrong lenses?

Anything else - primary Text and frameworks Jonah had the wrong lens. Christianity and conservative beliefs overlap in some areas.

Easy That doesn’t make it the only right view for Christians. We should be able to hear criticisms of America, a political party, and even political figures w/o being offended.

Why

We are followers of Christ 1st. Secondary MSU vs Michigan Underlying belief is that America is God’s chosen people

Real pastors have said this Might not think about it but it is true.

God’s chosen people are the church

Christians should have a greater love for a fellow Christian who isn’t American, than for a non christian who is an American.

Or political party. THe problem is bigger than Cardi B

Nations don’t change by sweeping laws and policies Changed by individual conversations with people The solution to the problem is the local church.

Bride of christ What did Jesus do on earth?

Invested in the church

God’s chosen people are the church

Fight for the things the Bible calls good - reject what it calls evil

Every thing else drop!!!

Heart in this is …

Spent half our time fighting for evangelism … One day america will no longer be a country Matthew 16:18

16 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Landing

America would be better if _________ were in charge.

Christ! Be patriotic

Let’s love our country - even see it as a better way to do things than others. Let’s love the Lord and our neighbor even more.

God’s Chosen people are the Church.

Put all our hope in changing society in the Bride of Christ.

Prayer