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Government Overreach into Religion
The Harris-Waltz campaign has raised new concerns by hiring Jen Butler as their "National Faith Engagement Director." This unprecedented position appears designed to exert government control over Christianity specifically, not religion broadly. Butler, an activist posing as a minister, claims she will "build bridges between liberal and conservative Christians" - likely code for forcing conservative Christians to compromise their values.
This follows a pattern where Harris has shown hostility toward Christianity, including having people removed from rallies for saying "Jesus is Lord" and stating there would be no religious exemptions for Christians regarding issues like abortion. The administration's actions suggest an attempt to regulate and control authentic Christian faith while promoting a watered-down version that bends to their agenda.
Salvaged by God: Living a Changed Life
Looking at Ephesians 4:25-32, we see clear markers of an authentically changed life in Christ. True salvation produces transformation - not through mere behavior modification or willpower, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit changing desires from within.
Key elements of this Spirit-led change include:
- Speaking truth rather than falsehood
- Managing anger without sin
- Ceasing theft and pursuing honest work
- Using words that build up rather than corrupt
- Letting go of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and malice
- Being kind and tenderhearted, forgiving as Christ forgave
This changed life flows naturally from genuine salvation rather than forced external conformity. While the path may seem ordinary, the internal transformation is extraordinary.
Special Guest Interview: Dr. Matthew Richard
Dr. Richard, pastor of St. Paul's Church in Minot, discussed his books examining false versions of both Jesus and churches. His first book "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up" identifies 12 counterfeit Christs, while his new work "Will the Real Church Please Stand Up" examines seven false churches.
Key insights from the discussion:
- The clerical collar serves as both a symbol of his sin (black) and his call to speak Christ's word
- True church unity comes through Christ as the central hub, not mere friendship
- Many churches do good things but at the expense of keeping Christ central
- The final chapter depicts a church doing everything "wrong" by cultural standards but having the real Jesus
Right On or Way Off?
Three statements were examined:
- "Virtually every adult has a theology" RIGHT ON! Everyone has some view of God, even if rejecting Him. Our beliefs shape how we live.
- "The gospel doesn't require obedience" RIGHT ON! While counterintuitive, the gospel produces obedience rather than requiring it. God's work comes first.
- "If a man-eating lion got loose in the US, it would starve for lack of real men" RIGHT ON! While hyperbole, it speaks to how comfort and ease have weakened American culture compared to places where daily survival requires true grit and maturity.
Closing Challenge
With elections approaching, Christians must exercise their civic duty. Recent research suggests 50% of evangelicals may not vote. Believers are called to engage and vote biblical values while maintaining Christ-like character - being kind, tenderhearted and forgiving as we've been forgiven.