There were two elements in Bonhoeffer given attention this week. The first:
“The advent of the Nazi victory and the Nazis’ attempt to co-opt the church resulted in chaos within the church itself, and in fighting and politicking among the many factions of the church.”
Bonhoeffer p. 155
Scripture tells us:
“And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”
Mark 3:25
The second element is only mentioned a couple times in Bonhoeffer, but is important to us as Christians today. That element is the existence and, in some cases, thriving efforts of the occult. Satanic worship does exist internationally and right here in the United States. The Constitution and Declaration of Independence are founded on Christian principles, God’s way as documented in the Bible. Muslim laws are based on the Koran and writings of Mohamad. And Communism is aligned to Atheism. Laws in every culture are inherently based on the religious beliefs of the people.
The reason these elements together are so powerful is they are an indication of the Spiritual Warfare that is actually in play. We do not want to imagine the horrors of concentration camps and yet those behaviors are directly reflective of a godless society that does not value life.
“For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12
Religious beliefs are the foundation for behavior and we need to recognize we are in a war.
“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11
God’s battle is playing out on earth today and each of us must decide if we are going to stand strong with God and his army or run, weak, with our tail between our legs.
“Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
God will win! And our spirits will live on, but nothing of the flesh will survive. So, the sooner we stop putting trust in this world and its workings, the more aligned we will be with God and His plan.
“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.”
Galatians 6:7-10
This is a spiritual battle and we need to begin thinking of every small conversation and individual step forward as it fits into God’s greater corporate plan to further His kingdom on earth.
During your prayer time this week, be encouraged to pray regarding these seven pillars of society: religion/the church, government, education, media and entertainment, business, arts and culture, and sports. Especially seek wisdom and discernment regarding the upcoming election on November 8th.
“You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”
Exodus 18:21
Take some time this week to learn what will be on the election ballot for you. Pray for wisdom and spend some time learning the views of each candidate. Pray for those who fear God and make plans to take action as our faith calls us to do by casting our votes on November 8th.
As a nation, we need to repent of corporate sin committed in the past and sin that is still going on today. By admitting and repenting for past transgressions, we prepare ourselves to be in front of the Lord seeking righteous leaders.
Trust in God’s strength this week to again place righteous leaders in government positions in our nation. He has the power and desire for America to once again be united as One Nation under GOD!
God bless you this week. And to God Be All the Glory!
Amen.
Originally Published: 10/28/22