"...In order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom he wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.” - Daniel 4:17

I write this Jym-shorts article exactly one week following what will surely be considered one of the most contentious and unprecedented elections in the history of the United States. Today many are rejoicing while others weep. No one really knows yet what happened, and to an even greater extent, no one really knows what to expect. But should we really be surprised? Has not God demonstrated time and time again that it is he, not us, who determines times and seasons—physically, politically, and spiritually? Many good kings, queens, rulers, potentates, presidents and even dictators have come and gone in this world, and many really bad ones have had their day as well. God is sovereign over all these great movements in history, and none of them change him in even the slightest way. Whether you woke up cheering last Wednesday or cried in your cereal, this too shall pass. The comings and goings of U.S. election cycles do not change God in the least, nor do they impact the kingdom of heaven, we trust, in significant ways. The kingdom of God and his Christ will never be tied inextricably to this world (John 18:36).

A few weeks ago, I preached a sermon from Daniel 3 that stirred up quite a few questions. Many appreciated it, others were left perplexed. The point of that message was not to make politics a leading issue from that day forward in the life of our church. It was an occasion for me to speak out against a false gospel parading as political wisdom. Much that passes as wisdom today in our nation is the equivalent of the ramblings of Lewis Carroll’s “Hatter,” a character we now call “The Mad Hatter.” As Alice in Wonderland is an excellent example of the literary nonsense genre, so is much of our politics in America today. Some of it is very dangerous, some of it is sheer nonsense.

How do we differentiate between truth and error? Via the Scriptures God has given us. The reading and application of these truths help us keep our path straight, in both our spiritual and “political” lives. There are other resources as well. Below are some resources for those of you who would like to know where I occasionally turn to find information on teachings, books and ideas, etc. new and old.  Please note that I do not endorse everything at these websites. I do, however, find that they are a helpful starting point:

*Mike Winger: Biblethinker.org

*Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry:  www.carm.org

*Theopedia: www.theopedia.com

*Tim Challies – Informing the Reformed: www.challies.com

*Got Questions?:  www.gotquestions.org

Of course, the Scriptures give us the final and definitive word on what makes up true and false teaching, whether it is coming from a preacher, teacher, or politician (2 Chron. 18:18-21; Jer. 14:14; Matt. 7:15-20; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-6; Jude 3-23). These passages warn us to be wary of false teachers, give us examples of false teaching, and tell us some of the things false teachers say and do.

In my opinion, the word “heretic” gets thrown around far too easily in churches today. Many use it to denounce anyone with whom they disagree on any number of matters. Being wrong, even grossly wrong, does not make a person a heretic. Continuing to teach what is false after being shown the truth from Scripture, and doing so in such a pervasive manner that it leads the unsuspecting or uninformed astray, with no intention to stop, and in a manner that touches upon essential matters of the faith, the Christian walk, or human flourishing, constitutes heretical teaching. It is a word we must be extremely cautious to use, but ready to defend biblically when challenged.

One final thought about the election. Is it not a tremendous blessing to wake up the day following a very contentious election and go to school, work, play, etc. without any fear of seeing tanks and soldiers mobilizing in the streets, or radio broadcasts declaring a state of emergency? We are blessed beyond measure to live in these United States, even in contentious times like these. Veteran’s Day follows our election days, and rightfully so. It is a good reminder of how these freedoms remain with us.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Jym

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