Bridge Life

Continuing with Part 4 in the series, Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, and our study of the book of Daniel, today we look at Daniel 2:31-45 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from the text:
(1) We can be confident in that what Jesus tells us is true.
(2) Every world government is or will be undermined by the Kingdom of Jesus.
(3) When Jesus uses us to accomplish His purposes, there can be a crisis of pride.

How do we apply this?
(1) Identify all high things in your life and allow Jesus to crush them.
(2) Be gentle in the presence of brokenness and bold in the presence of power.

Spiritual Warfare and the Church: “Christian” Nationalism- What it looks like and how to counter it with the Gospel

What comes to mind when I say the words "Christian Nationalism”?

Christian Nationalism is not the same as Christian patriotism.

Jeremiah 29:4-7

Ironically, Christian nationalism is neither Christian or patriotic. It is a religious distortion which still wishes for Jesus to be a powerful political messiah.

Mark 12:14-17

Christian nationalism operates in a spirit of power, strength and force when Jesus has called us to humility, meekness and courageous love.

1 Peter 2:11-25 Romans 13:1-7

When should we openly oppose the government?

1. When we are forced to do something that is in direct opposition to the commands of Jesus.

Daniel 1-6

2. When we are forced to not do something that Jesus has called us to do.

Acts 4:18-21 Acts 5:27-29

For the apostles, it was sometimes ok to try to avoid conflict with leadership because of their faith or defend themselves because of their faith.

Acts 16:37

Why is this an important form of warfare?
1 Peter 2:13- Submit to every human authority BECAUSE OF THE LORD. Signs of nationalism:

• Using fear to persuade
• Christian policy apart from Christian character
• Racism
• Christian policy as a cover up for individual security.
• A love for freedom and law as long as they align with my beliefs, preferences
• and opinions.
• An overwhelming and unhealthy consumption of conspiracy narratives.
• Having no desire to step out of the echo chambers.
• Inability to admit any specific wrongdoing of your party preference.
• Countering nationalism:
• Rest in the fact that this world has been conquered by Jesus.
• Confess when “your side” has been wrong.
• Look for ways to benefit all people.
• Be compassionate about how every policy affects every person.
• Have no expectations on the government to have the ability to do what only
• the church has been called to do.
• Care about how freedoms and laws affect others. Because we are free to do
• something doesn’t mean we should.
• Listen to people who are not like you without feeling like you have to answer
• them.
• Pray and prioritize the Gospel and Kingdom of Jesus over absolutely everything
• in this world.
• Understand politics have their place but they are not a place to put your hope.