Hmmm

Does the debate over “church and state” mean we have to choose between church OR state ?

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The Roman State became The Roman Church.
Both were BAD !

The Roman State became ‘bad’ for Christians, wih severe persecution.

BUT GOD – – –

Result of persecution was so powerful for growth of Christianity that the ‘church’ took over the state—which made the known world of ‘church and state’ even worse.
The church gained power, so much control, then it had to desperately maintain such control, so that THE CHURCH had to restrict freedom of the people to think for themselves, even eliminate* them to read the Bible for themselves.
That canceled the transformation by the Word that is the heart and soul of the power in Christianity.

For centuries ?
Yes.
Until the Reformation, and even beyond for many people.

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Is the answer to have ‘balance’ ? Balance between church and state ?
Does balance mean compromise—that is, mutual compromise ?
NO NO NO
NEVER WORKS

Reminds me of “mutual submissiom” in marriage.

Mutual submission is an oxymoron in any context.

Similar to “agree to disagree”—that means someone doesn’t have strong enough convictions to stand on, stand for, to make a difference, pay the cost.

Church and State—
Organized Church is not Christians called to be salt and light.

Organized Church and State—
Both run by human nature seeking power to control people.

Mission of Christians, surrendered to Jesus, is seeking changed lives from the inside, that will make a difference in society (in other people), no matter what the form of government.

Government set up “of the people, by the people, for the people” is ideal for discipling and missions.
American governmentt blessed this country through “TRUST IN GOD”.
So, “GOD BLESSED AMERICA”.

And then—
Sadly, the profound success of revivals, awakenings, and sending missionaries, eventually led to profound prosperity and comfortable Christianity and loss of faithfulness – – – faithfulness which endures only through hard times.

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History repeats.

Church history repeats.

BUT GOD repeats, calling His faithful remnant back to repentance and relationship and power.

CHURCH ~ STATE

• When Christians are in the persecuted minority, we are in good company, closer to Jesus and each other “in the fellowship of His sufferings.”
• When Christians seem to be in the ‘majority’, be very careful to stay on “the narrow way” that Jesus said, “few will find it.”

In times like these
Be very sure
Your anchor holds
And grips the solid rock.

That rock is Jesus,
Yes He’s the One.
That rock is Jesus,
The Only One.

BE VERY SURE.

*eliminate, often literally