Comments on: Memorial Day Tension

By: Ardell

Ardell — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:17:53 +0000

Bravo, bravo!! I’m glad you preached that sermon as it is one that more of the church needs to hear.

Especially since Thomas Nelson just came out with “The American Patriot’s Bible” which equates America with the “Kingdom of God”! Talk about a heresy!

By: L.M., New Mexico

L.M., New Mexico — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:54:32 +0000

Okay, I actually have a thought on your comment. Yeah, I know, they are rare! But, what we actually pledge allegiance to is “One nation under God”, so if the country isn’t following His leading, do we have to follow their lead??? Personally I would think not.

Not that I don’t love and appreciate my country, I’m just saying that if people are doing ungodly things, I don’t have to do them – or condone them – just because of my citizenship. Just sayin’.

By: rachelle

rachelle — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:38:15 +0000

Please ignore the grammar of the above last sentence. Cats and dogs were battling in my house. It should read something like
Instead of choosing an allegiance to Christ’s call to serve the “least of these, I see Christians and non-Christians choosing an allegiance to America. America’s allegiance is not always to the poor. you know, in my experience.

By: rachelle

rachelle — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:34:26 +0000

Hi Guys,

I like this. I have been concerned specifically about Christ’s call to serve the least of these and what I see as the failing of the American church to do this. I believe that arena is where an allegiance to Christ over the allegiance to the U.S. is where I see many people forget what to follow.

By: Evonne

Evonne — Sun, 24 May 2009 05:40:51 +0000

I taught my adult children about the blessings of living in a country like no other–one that was founded on ideas. I still believe that we are blessed and I do not take my freedoms for granted or the sacrifices that have been made and the lives lost in the securing of these freedoms. But, I too, am reevaluating how I perceive my place in this world as a believer. Jesus has come. After 9/11 a family left FH’s because Rob would not fly the flag over the church. I was sad to see them go, but the Church must transcend national loyalties. We are the church of Jesus Christ. We serve a king-The King of kings. As I read my Bible with searching eyes and a heart that desires to read anew the words of my King, I am realizing that I have often read through a grid that may have blinded me to that which Jesus is calling us. America is unique among nations. I am grateful to be an American. But my gratitude must not obscure my allegiance as a Christian. The Father has sovereignly placed us in this place, for such as time as this, to proclaim His gospel as He has ordained. We must ask ourselves how we are to serve Him from our privileged position. We have been given much and He requires much of us. Are we willing to lose our liberties for His sake? We must ask ourselves if our lives conform to the reality of Jesus being present in our midst. Are we loving our enemies? Are we bearing witness to our King? Are we Christians above every other identity? Have we pledged allegiance to the King? We praise the New Testament church for refusing to bow down before Caesar, yet we equate our citizenship as Americans as holy. We get all riled up when our politics are challenged. We even see legislation as the Way to secure our position as Christians in this nation. I am grateful for America. But I belong to the King.

By: Leon

Leon — Sat, 23 May 2009 20:27:00 +0000

I too benefit from the many who have defended our country. We remember them and pray for those and their families who defend us even now. Yet…

If patriotism is expected in the USA churches, how would / do we feel about patriotism preached in Christian churches of other countries?

Let us remember also THE ONE who died to secure our citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Leon