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Acts 1:3 – The Kingdom of God vs. American Christianity – Sermon
What is the most dangerous aspect of being an American Christian? Warning! This might be a trick question…after all, it is me asking. But I’ll be nice and give you a hint. The trick is discovered by asking what is unique to being an American; not what is unique to being a Christian.
American Materialism?
Possibly. Despite the economy, we are a rich nation. The “American Church” is a rich Church. Although times are economically hard for many, over all, that is still true, when compared to the world. Many find it easier to give money than to give time. Many find it hard to give much money at all because of how much debt they are in. Some probably even observe the weekly “Passover” when the collection basket is passed because they just bought something new and unnecessary.
Because the “American Church” possesses so much wealth, many doctrinal issues have arisen due to the fact that we can afford to do what we want. Do you think many first century churches argued over how many new projects to begin right after praying for their daily bread? I don’t think so! Just think how many “issues” disturb the peace today among God’s people that are directly related to money. Some churches do not practice what others do because of Biblical conviction. Some churches simply don’t practice what others do, not out of conviction, but “If we could afford to, we would!” This materialism lends itself to becoming “soft” where luxuries become necessities. Think…would we find it hard to stand up to persecution if we can’t sit down on hard pews?! There is no doubt that materialism is dangerous…but materialism is not unique to the American experience:
1 Timothy 6:9-10 HCSB But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
First century churches and Christians were not as rich as us, but it only takes a little to be greedy. Poor people can pinch a penny just as hard as a rich man. Just think how many scriptures warn against greed and covetousness, and then remember how poor those people were compared today.
American Moral Decadence?
With each passing generation, more and more degenerative behaviors become acceptable, become normal, so much so that to point them out brings derision. Today American Christians say things, dress ways, and entertain themselves that would make their grandparents blush. According to our Vice Preside (Biden), homosexual marriage is “inevitable” based upon a coming general consensus.
Unfortunately the past had its own moral failures such as racism, and man-made religious regulations like not playing cards especially on Sunday; all of which make our fathers less than worthy to be our perfect judges. Yes, American moral decadence is on the decline…but again, such moral lapses are not uncommon outside the American realm:
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 HCSB (9) Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, (10) thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom. (11) Some of you were like this; but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
You can be immoral and not be an American. But before leaving this point, let me emphasize that in many places in the world, sexual immorality is worse than here. But we are catching up.
The American Mindset?
Could what is best about America be the most dangerous aspect of being an American Christian? Don’t be surprised, because isn’t Satan beguiling enough to use what is best against us? Being an American means freedom, democracy and self-determination (individualism). America is indeed a special and unique place. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Visiting Epcot and touring the numerous “countries,” I noticed a profound difference in the presentation of every nation compared to America – besides their food was much better than the hamburger and fries served in “America.” Most nations emphasized their natural wonders and glorious history. America emphasized its ideal of freedom and equality being worked out imperfectly with struggles of personal and national significance, all the while hoping for a better tomorrow because of our ideals, our uniqueness, our freedom, democracy and self-determination. Frankly, I was impressed and proud to be an American despite and because of our professed imperfections.
Christianity within America is stronger than in any other part of world – if only numbers are considered. I am in no place to judge spiritual strength around the world, nor even among my own nation. Christianity struggles, though, here as in any part of the world, due to the very nature that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. The Christian life is a paradoxical life – in the world but not of the world:
John 17:16-18 HCSB They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. (17) Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. (18) As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
Just as America’s ideal is imperfectly applied, so Christians struggle imperfectly, hoping for a better understanding of what it means to live the Christian life, especially the Christian life in America. Let’s look at what makes America great and see if it makes being an American Christian dangerous.
Interpreting from a Particular Mindset
We all come to the bible with particular biases which I am calling a “mindset.” That is actually a good word because our “mindset” can actually make our mind set and not allow us to see alternative ways which might be correct.
Our mindset might be hardwired, men think differently than women. Our mindset might be religious, if we grew up on denominationalism versus “in the church” we might think differently. Our mindset might even ethic or social. But the particular mindset I am interested in, in this study, is the American mindset. Could being an American, or being part of any other nationality, have an impact on how we interpret the Bible?
For example, when the KJV was being translated, the King wanted to retain the translation “bishop” instead of “overseer” because of what his subjects thought of when they used the word bishop – the authority of the church. The British mindset altered the way they understood scripture.
In Central America, and in certain parts of America today, there is much said about “social justice” and “economic justice.” These are part of what is called, “Liberation Theology.” This is a Marxist way of reading the Bible.
Liberation theology is a “Christian” movement in political theology which interprets the teachings of Jesus in terms of being liberated from unjust economic, political, or social conditions. It has been described by its believers as an interpretation of the Christian faith through the poor’s suffering, their struggle and hope, through the eyes of the poor.
Caring for the poor and equality among the socially unequal clearly find a place within Christ’s gospel. The question is how they are achieved. Jesus did not set up an earthly kingdom to impose its will politically. Jesus did not set up a benevolent society to take care of the world. Jesus did not set up any system where people were forced to care for the needy and include the outcast. True spiritual liberation does not force one to do good. “Freely you received, freely give” (Mt.10:8).
What Jesus set up was grace. This grace is offered to the world, but found within Christ. That is why true Christians look upon another as equal. We view each other in Christ. That is why true Christians are not found wondering the streets, hungry and left alone. We take care of our own. You want social justice? Become a Christian and show grace freely, not because the government forces you to. You want economic justice? Become a Christian and show grace freely, not because the government taxes you.
The answer is found in “true Christianity.” It is no wonder why government cannot provide the answer. Being free from sin, prejudices, hatred, and social statuses; being free in Christ is true liberation theology.
We live in a time period where America is becoming more and more secularized. The concept of right and wrong, of absolutes, is considered antiquated, naïve, and quaint. That is why today interdenominationalism is so prevalent. No longer are the majority of people calling themselves Christians, beholding to a particular denomination’s doctrines.
When we look at our Bibles, do we interpret it as an American? Yes, but we do not have to. Interpreting the Bible from any personal, social, national, experience can be damaging to the text.
Freedom
When you think of American freedom, what thoughts come to mind? We have the freedom to vote is one of the most basic. There is also within the American DNA, although it is unfortunately being diluted, an inherit distrust of government, considering it a “necessary evil,” and believing that individual freedom is directly tied to limited government. As an American, I believe in all that. We also have the freedom to worship as we see fit.
When we look at our Bibles, do we interpret its “freedom” as an American? American freedom is freedom from human government. Do we think of Christian freedom as freedom from God’s government? What do we think of when we think of “Christian freedom?”
We are not free to worship how we choose. We are not free from law. “But,” someone might object, “what about Romans 6:14?”
Romans 6:14 HCSB For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under law but under grace.
“Not under law” does not mean we do not have law, because if there was no any law, then there could not be any sin (1 John 3:4). Nor does it mean we do not have to obey God’s laws. Grace is never in scripture contrasted to obedience. What “not under law” means is that we are not under the condemnation of law. We are saved by grace, not by law Grace saves, but law condemns (Romans 6:1-23).
We are free from sin, and free from sin’s claims and condemnation. We are free to choose to become slaves of God. Free to become a slave doesn’t sound very American, does it?
Individualism – Self Determination
Working together, but not contradicting, the concept of majority rule is the equally American mind-set of individual rights, and the emphasis of the individual. Here in America the individual is more important than the society as a whole. We have laws protecting individual rights. In fact, the Bill of Rights was written to protect the individual from the government. Rarely (but becoming more common) will the Government set aside individual rights in order to serve the greater good of the society as a whole. And yet, I think this wonderful emphasis on individual rights had led to some American Christians becoming selfish and self-ruled. “You can’t tell me what to do, I know my rights!” Maybe even immaturity is an unintended consequence of emphasizing the individual. Go on the internet and read some blogs. Apparently many Americans think others are obsessed with knowing about them. And unfortunately, many Americans are – probably wishing others would be just as interested in their personal lives. But Christianity is not about individual rights, is it? It is about serving others, bending our will to theirs, even when not bending our conscience to another (1 Cor.8-9). We are to serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 HCSB For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.
Democracy
Is there anything more American than apple pie and democracy? Democracy, or more accurately, republicanism, is not how the church is organized. While there are occasions of the entire church getting together to decide a matter (Acts 6); and while there are elders overseeing local churches (Acts 20:28); the church is ultimately a monarchy. Monarchs have absolute authority to where it can be treasonous to even question not only their authority but their exercise of said authority. After all, monarchs ruled by divine right! Or so they claimed. Jesus is our King. And He does rule by Divine Right! Are we willing to let Christ rule, set the rules, and us simply follow the rules without argumentation? Can our American mind even grasp, let alone accept, the real consequences of living in a monarchy? Read the Declaration of Independence. That wonderful document, testifying to self-evident truths, is also a listing of complaints against the king. Can we as American Christians understand the position of a king as we live with our three branches of government with checks and balances? Biblically we are to unquestioningly serve the King of kings and Lord of lords.
1 Timothy 1:17 – Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
I sat in a few business meetings. I know that Christ said, “if two or more are gathered in my name, I will be in their midst.” But I personally think Christ got disgusted and got up and walked out!
I love baseball, but I do not understand cricket. I love football, but I do not understand rugby, Australian football or soccer.
The kingdom of God is an important theme within the book of Acts.
Acts 1:3 HCSB After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:6 HCSB So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, at this time are You restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
Acts 8:12 HCSB But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Acts 14:21-22 HCSB After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, (22) strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, “It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God.”
Acts 19:8 HCSB Then he entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, engaging in discussion and trying to persuade them about the things related to the kingdom of God.
Acts 20:25 HCSB “And now I know that none of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will ever see my face again.
Acts 28:23 HCSB After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He persuaded them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.
Acts 28:30-31 HCSB Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, (31) proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance.
None of us have ever lived in a kingdom. Do we understand what it means to have a king instead of a President we elected and can boot out of office?
When seeing the word “kingdom” we can first think of either rule or realm. Most likely, my guess is most think of “realm.” We think of the people within the kingdom because we so often equate the kingdom with the church. Sometimes it is, but not always. Sometimes when we see “kingdom” our first though should not be “realm” but rule. The kingdom of God, is the “rule” of God.
Kingdom – basileia: Thayer Definition:
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom
1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom
2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king
3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah
Conclusion
Freedom, self-rule, and rugged individualism are precious and essential American values and ideals. They are what make America special and unique, so much so that historians speak of our existence and philosophy as “The American Experiment.” No democracy has lasted as long as America. We are the freest nation not only on earth, but probably in history. These freedoms are gifts I would not want to live without. But can American freedom be dangerous to pure Christianity? In America, freedom means free to do as we please. That concept has wrongly crept into the Bible’s use of freedom, which doesn’t mean freedom to do as we please. In the Bible, freedom is freedom from sin, freedom from having to be perfect in order to enter heaven.
Romans 6:16-23 HCSB Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey–either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? (17) But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to, (18) and having been liberated from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. (19) I am using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to moral impurity, and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification. (20) For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from allegiance to righteousness. (21) And what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. (22) But now, since you have been liberated from sin and become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification–and the end is eternal life! (23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
American freedom is also a freedom from being forced to do something against your will, where eventually such a loss of freedom leads often to a loss of will. In America, “You can’t make me” is true on many levels…and thankfully so. Even in our Bill of Rights, we are guaranteed the right of not being forced to house soldiers in our homes against our will. Freedom to not do can often lead to complacency. Complacency leads to laziness. Laziness leads to death spiritually.
How can we escape such dangers? Be a Christian first, and an American second. It is harder than it sounds.
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