Happy Birthday!!

We like to celebrate certain milestones like turning forty or fifty. America is fixing to hit a milestone. Two hundred and fifty years old. With that big milestone approaching quickly and all the turmoil and divisiveness in our country, how should we as Christians respond? It seems like most fall into two categories: 1. America is the greatest and 2. America is the worst. If your blood pressure went up reading either side, you might just be in one of those categories.

Let’s talk about the idea that America is the worst. Has there been sin and is there sin in our country? Yes. I believe the words of Proverbs 14:34 which says that righteousness exalts and sin is a disgrace. But what country can you go to or for that matter has ever existed that you cannot say the same thing about? Is that excusing America? I hope not. I cannot control everything America does, but I can control myself. Jesus is calling us to live in this world unspotted (James 1:27), but also to live in such a way as to help turn America back to God (Matthew 5:13-16). We are called to honor all our leaders (Romans 13) and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

The other side of this problem shows up in those who cannot see anything wrong in our country and their allegiance is more to the country than to God. The reality is, even though I am to be one of the best citizens this country has, my true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). When my country goes against God, I must side with God (Acts 5:29). People should know more about what God has done for us than what our country has done for us. We do not worship country, we worship the true and living God. I have seen some religious people struggling to separate church and country.

Wear your red, white, and blue or don’t. Just remember this world is not our home, we are just passing through, but as I pass through, I am to honor God

The Strong Man

When I was a kid, our house was broken into. If I remember correctly, we were coming home from Dickson. When we got home, we found the house had been robbed. The screen door on the second floor on our deck had been cut. I do not remember everything they stole, but I remember they got my safe bank. I also remember my dad being upset and wishing he had been at home instead of work. Why? He would have done what he could have to stop them. I think that is what Jesus is referring to in Luke eleven. In verse twenty-one, he talks about the strong man guarding his possessions. The only way the strong man's possessions are taken away is if someone stronger comes to steal his possessions. Why is Jesus talking about strong men guarding their possessions?

The reason is found earlier in the chapter. In verse fourteen, Jesus cast out a demon. People began to accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of demons (Beelzebul). Jesus, in essence, says that does not make any sense. Why? Because a house divided against itself will not stand. Think about a family where the father is doing what is best for him, the mother is doing what is best for her, and the kids and grandparents are doing what is best for them. How long do you think that house (family) will last? Not long. Look at the state of marriage and families in our world today for proof. On a side note, this is a great lesson for the church to be unified in Christ. It would not make sense to cast demons out by the power of demons.

In the middle of this, some are asking for a sign. Here is your sign: you just saw a demon cast out. how did you miss that? I think that is what Jesus is saying. you saw a demon cast out, not by a demon but the strong man. Satan is a strong man you have not been able to defeat, and yet Jesus has. Jesus is the strongest. Jesus is God.

Happy Father's Day