Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Harald Arlander on Unsplash

Thoughts

This book, although much shorter, is a bit like the book of Isaiah, and was written around the same time (735 and 700 B.C.). Isaiah spoke about “Judah and Jerusalem” and Micah’s prophecy was about “Samaria and Jerusalem”. Micah brings God’s warning about the coming judgment of Israel, and he mourns it. 

The sins of Jerusalem are laid out: idolatry, covetousness, oppression, rejection of God’s Word, corrupt leaders, both spiritual leaders and political leaders. Boy, I’m sure glad we don’t live back then. We’ve come so far, haven’t we?

It’s important to remember that God’s judgments are not vengeful towards His people. They are motivated by love, because, as the people said in Micah 7:18-19, 

18Our God, no one is like you.We are all that is leftof your chosen people,and you freely forgiveour sin and guilt.You don't stay angry forever;you're glad to have pity19and pleased to be merciful.You will trample on our sinsand throw them in the sea.Micah 7:18-19 CEV

As we have seen time and time and time again, God does indeed forgive the repentant, and is extremely patient. I'm so glad that He is not quick to anger, but makes every effort not to judge quickly. And above all, He paid the price that we could not, so that any who will accept His gift can have all their sins forgiven. He truly is a God of love.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-3 NLV. Ch 4-7 CEV

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