I know it's going to engender some real hate for me to say it, but if we love this country, is it best at this point to let Biden win?
We know for a fact that if Trump wins, the next four years will STILL be full of the Democrats fighting him tooth and nail every bit of the way. That Covid or whatever follows it will be the way things are, and that we'll have masks and home-schooling and business shutdowns forever. That Antifa will still be protesting in the streets, burning things down, and the left will be excusing it, saying that it's Trump's fault.
So - let Biden win, let the left attempt to pick up the pieces of the mess they've made of this country. Maybe it will bring some sense to their eyes, to their ears, to their hearts.
Trump could do so much good, but not in this world the left has built. Or more to the point, brought to the point of destruction. They've proven they're willing to demolish our entire structure just to get one man.
Are we willing to have them do it for another four years?
I don't know .. please explain it all to me, Erick. It's not making sense.
Reading some of the other comments here, I know I'm wrong. I realize that Trump can still do good thing even while Rome burns. Like appointing judges that will last much longer than his term. But how much of Rome can burn before judges don't matter any more?
I agree 100% with Erick’s comment about loving one neighbor. According to Jesus, “Loving your neighbor as yourself” is the 2nd greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39), coming next to “loving God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.” The question is how does one love one’s neighbor in regard to choosing the political leadership of society. For example, Jesus had very strong words to say about the leadership of the Pharisee’s in Matthew 23, calling them “hypocrites,” “blind-guides,” a “brood of vipers,” and “whitewashed tombs.” Love was most important to Jesus, but “speaking the truth,” even if it causes division (as Jesus did – Luke 12:51) is in fact part of love (Ephesians 4:15).
Erick is right, the US didn’t suddenly collapse with Obama’s 2 terms. But one reason for that is that the group of people fighting desperately against his election also fought desperately to see that his power was held in check to ensure that he didn’t have the complete power to take the country down the road of socialist and anti-Christian policies that he wanted to take it. The Tea Party landslide in 2010 gave the Republicans a huge Congressional majority, limiting Obama’s power to change the country. But there is no doubt that Obama took the country down the road to Obamacare and that the Democrats over the last 5 decades have used the judicial branch to increase abortion rights, legalize same-sex marriage, support LGBTQ demands, and flood the country with illegal immigrants.
In 2016, Trump’s election upended the Democrats plan to seize control of the full power of government and continue down the road to Obama’s vision of “Hope and Change.” I support Trump not because of his sinful history of three wives or alleged sexual affairs with porn stars, but because these personal sins of his past life are irrelevant to these political policies of Trump that are in my opinion in the best interest of loving my neighbor:
1. Trump has made numerous court appointments aimed at stopping the judicial branch’s slide into an anti-Constitutional court system that uses judicial fiat to implement the Democrats agenda of support for abortion, same-sex-marriage, LGBTQ demands and open-borders.
2. Trump has been an undeniable supporter of the pro-life movement, while his Democratic opposition supports abortion up to and arguably shortly after the point of birth.
3. Trump has been an undeniable supporter of worldwide religious freedom, including a strong support for the Nation of Israel’s right to exist in peace. Similarly, Trump supports the rights of free speech, while his Democratic opposition seeks to limit speech that contradicts with their point of view.
4. Trump supports a southern border wall and the enforcement of existing US immigration law. Mexico has long been dominated by vicious cartels that are powerful enough to military defeat the Mexican army, that make huge profits from illegal immigration, that flood the US with dangerous drugs, that kidnap innocent people for ransom, and that give numerous Mexican politicians the choice of corruption or death. Trump has worked together with Mexican’s socialist President Obrador to thwart the power of the cartels and negotiate a mutually beneficial trade deal.
5. Trump opposes the Green New Deal that will cost our country a fortune for green energy programs that Michael Moore’s “Planet Of The Human’s” movie prove have virtually no benefit in producing sustainable non-fossil-fuel energy.
6. Trump supports bringing manufacturing back to the US, as the loss of manufacturing jobs has destroyed the economic health of many American communities and enriched China. There is zero doubt that the Chinese are IP thefts, manipulate their currency, have little respect for human rights, and are intent on building up their military and spreading their totalitarian power to the rest of the world
Erick is right that our country is full of cultural rot. But that doesn’t change the fact that no President has the ability to change the cultural rot because its root cause is the sinful nature of all human beings. What a President does have the power to do is support political policies that are in the best interest of its citizens, which in my opinion are consistent with loving my neighbor.
I forgot to add the recent movement to "defund the police" with Antifa/BLM mobs taking violent control of property that does not belong to them, pulling innocent people out of vehicles and beating them senseless, and committing other acts of destruction that are inconsistent with 'loving anybody's neighbor."
Eric.......please go back and read what you wrote from a salvation perspective.
You said “To be on the winning team requires you to do something you very much do not want to do and that is to love your neighbor. I have read the passage and there are no caveats.”. And you mention loving your neighbor at the end of your post too.
I would suppose that there are some subscribers and others who read this post who are not saved. So to the “not saved eye”, it sure reads like you are explaining a “works based” gospel........”To be on the winning team requires you to do something you very much do not want to do and that is to love your neighbor. I have read the passage and there are no caveats.”
Jesus told us to love our neighbor but he also told us that the ONLY way to heaven for eternity is through His sacrifice for our sins on the cross. And once we accept Jesus’ free gracious gift of salvation, we will want to follow His commands and love our neighbor.
So please present the gospel accurately if that is where you are now going to go.
I have learned to “agree to disagree” with my left friends and family members. We need God’s joy in our lives. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We must rise above the spewing anger and hate of the left. As Christians, we are above satans anger.
I did enjoy listening to you as I drove home Friday from seeing my banker in Buckhead who is flaming gay. We hugged each other out of eyesight, in spite of Covid, and told each other how much we love each other. I agree with everything you said. You put into words what I think and I’ve changed too. I converted to Catholicism in 2012. This is not my home. I’m waiting to go to Heaven. In the meantime I’m just going to eat, pray, love. My boyfriend is Iranian and he berates me every day for being a Trump supporter but I just keep loving him anyway. Thank you Erick.
Eric - Thanks. This is why I decided to subscribe to your sight, even though I no longer live in GA (but in the lovely community of Cottonwood AZ) ... I, like you, am a person without a party and have been for 12 years ... and you are so right - in the long run all that matters is who Jesus is and our relationship with him. So I love my neighbors (and uberliberal family) and pray, pray, pray for this country, this people, and this world. You continue to bless my soul, brother. Thank you
Amen. Blessed are the peacemakers, and yet the Word does not declare it will be easy to love thy neighbor as thyself, or to love thy (donkey-headed) enemy.
We Christians ought to be more concerned with justice that should be rolling down like the waters, and less concerned about our own padded, paneled houses.
History reveals that our Faith grows brighter as days turn darker. Christian faith does not depend on comfort and power.
Erick, You are absolutely right about eternity. I have read the end of the book too and the world isn't going to end no matter who wins in 2020. And Jesus made clear that those who follow him will not be in the majority (Matthew 7:13-14), as Jesus sinless presence in the world did not change this general rule: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Deuteronomy 24;15 explains that we all have a choice, and sad as it is, many people make the wrong choice: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him."
But your view of Trump and his supporters was also skewed by 3 men who showed up on your front porch and threatened and abused your family. Part of you projects their misdeeds on a great many people who have never done anything like that and would never do anything like that. These men are a good example of how people who believe they have good intentions were willing to do something utterly evil, as none of us are truly free from the grip of sin. But it is not a good reason to assume that allowing people with a horrible worldview to control the power of the government will not result in massive amounts of unnecessary suffering for millions of people. It is not loving one’s neighbor to fight against that happening.
For example, Hitler coming to power in Nazi Germany did not end the world, but it certainly led to the brutal deaths of many innocent Jews and a devastating world war that killed many millions of people. Similarly the Socialist reigns of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot did not end the world, but it did result in the brutal deaths and immense economic suffering of many millions of innocent people. One doesn’t have to believe the 2020 election will end the world to recognize that it will have a massive impact on the general welfare of our country and the world. In many ways the Democratic party policies are nearly a polar opposite of conservative political policies and/or a Biblical worldview. Giving the reigns of political power to a party with those views is not a lot different than giving the reigns of one’s church to a Pastor that doesn’t believe in the Bible. Choosing not to fight against either of those things is not in the interest of loving one’s neighbor.
The question is not whether Trump or anybody will alter the ultimate fate of Matthew 7:13-14. Rather, the question is similar to the decision Lincoln faced in 1861. In other words, is it worth fighting a brutal civil war to unify the country by force. Lincoln was clearly a man of God and his decision to fight this war had nothing to do with not loving his southern state neighbors. Rather, his decision had to do with the Biblical principle that a “house divided against itself cannot stand (based on Matthew 12:26). In order for our country to continue to stand, it can’t go in both the direction of Trump’s political policies and in the direction of Obama’s policies. The desire of the two camps to take the country in opposite directions is the root cause of our current political division. Unless we wish to divide the country in two sections (as with Abraham and Lot heading separate directions to resolve their conflict), one side or the other will determine the direction of our country.
Lincoln chose to fight the civil war and the end result was that millions of people were freed from slavery, and our country stayed unified and defeated the Nazi’s and held the Soviets in check. None of the political leaders that followed Lincoln did anything to change the ultimate fate of Matthew 7:13-14. But they did do quite a bit to prevent a massive amount of suffering for many millions of people, despite the fact that they and we are all sinners. Trump and his followers are choosing to fight a cold civil war to save our country from the direction the Democrats wish to take it. You can choose to stay out of that fight and I have zero objection to your doing that. But I strongly disagree that this fight is not an important one. I don’t believe that choosing not to fight this battle is necessarily in the interest of loving one’s neighbor, any more that choosing not to fight against abortion is in the interest of loving anybody.
Finally brother. It’s good to see you finding His truth. I have enjoyed you for quite some time but have been dismayed at the disconnect between your heart and your mind. Don’t misunderstand this as some judgement from one who considers himself above or beyond in any way. It is purely the joy of a man watching his brother find The Way a little more clearly. It all matters deeply, and also, none of it matters at all. A word of caution, however. I believe you overstepped a bit with, “I don’t think you can go in that direction without losing your soul or confirming you never were saved to begin with.” Within a few weeks of being saved I wondered how anyone could be saved and then veer from the path. Once He has revealed himself nothing can ever be the same again. How could a person possibly ever fall into old habits or stray more than a step from The Way ever again? More than a year later I had found the answer to my question. “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a persistent one.” This world has a way of dragging us down into the muck. Saved or not, Christian or not, it makes no difference. We are all dragged down by the persistence of this reality and the yearning of the flesh. Every one of us shares the misery and the pain of this existence and fall short because of it. And so, when we fall short, when we find ourselves drawn into the misery of the world, this alone is not, “confirming you were never saved to begin with.” It is only confirming that you are human and, therefore, innately flawed. Whether a person is saved or not is purely between them and God. We would like to think that we can determine this about a person based on the fruit they bare and, often, we might do so accurately given enough time but, frankly, we are woefully inadequate at judging what’s in a man’s heart with anything approaching 99% accuracy, much less 100%. I would hope that, instead of making such a determined statement about the relationship between a person’s actions and the status of their eternal soul you might have compassion for their position. Compassion that originates from the understanding of another of God’s children who shares the pain of this existence and knows all too well how this world compromises and corrupts the eternal soul. This may be the greatest tool we possess to find our love for even the lowliest of our brothers and sisters. The moment our ability to empathize fails us is the moment we lose the ability to love. Consequently, that which we do not understand must be written off in some way, maybe as stupidity, ignorance or pure evil. I invite you to love even those whom you vehemently disagree with and love is kind. In any case, thank you for the post.
The world won't end no matter who's elected. However, this does not mean that BOTH parties have become horribly dysfunctional, and all you have to do is look at their respective nominees.
The best we can hope for is that our system of checks and balances works, whether Biden wins or Trump.
Overall I appreciate what you wrote (I did not listen to the audio version). I wish that it had been made clear that we are on "Team Jesus", not because we love one another (though all on Jesus "team" do that), but because of God's everlasting love, because Jesus died paying the wages of sin, and because He forgives all who believe in Him, which the Bible also calls salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). All these that have been saved by grace through faith in Him (those on "His team" as you say) have His Holy Spirit and love God first and foremost and also their "neighbors" as themselves (Mark 12:29-31), and they will be with Him in His coming glory, which is your concern and hope mentioned in what you write. No one will love anyone else as he ought unless Jesus is his Lord. And if Jesus is our Lord because of His redeeming us, and calling us (John 10:11, 14-18, 27-28) then all of His commands will guide us. Even such things as realizing the seriousness of pledging "allegiance to...the Republic" for which the flag of the USA stands are embraced in commands to speak the truth, not to let idle words come out of our mouths, etc.
Again, I appreciate the overall perspective and thrust of your words.
You have come to a realization that I came to 15 years ago. I live in a wonderful country and as part of our freedom is the right to vote and do what we can where we can whether secular or political. But ultimately I am a part of the eternal kingdom. And that is the most important thing whether I’m in a socialist country, communist country, or a democratic country. We would have no need for the laws we are screaming to pass if we behaved the way Jesus called us to behave. But because we look like the world we think laws will keep immoral people moral. In reality moral people need to be genuinely moral then the change would be real.In reading about God’s people in exile they were still wonderful examples of faithfulness to God among the pagan nation. And that made me realize, it is God who is in control and our job to remain faithful.
Thank you Erick. In many ways you are speaking for me. So much of the Evangelical right fiddles while our nation burns. It’s the Kingdom that changes any nation. Anything less is a selfish mythology. Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done in the United States as it is in heaven. God will honor your courage. Blessing.
I really like Team Jesus. Republicans can be on that team. So can Democrats. We can remember that we're on that team together when we talk, when I feed my far-left friends your cinnamon rolls or far-right friends my lime pickles and chocolate cookies (although not at the same time).
Out here in northeast PA/rural NY, I'm seeing fewer Trump signs than in 2016, and those i do see have a muted message. Boycott China, find jobs for the unemployed. The President's name is there, but it's not always the focus.
You're right, Erick. Nothing is permanent. The world will still be here when we wake up after Election Day. So will cinnamon rolls.
So Eric if you no longer care about politics and the outcome why in the world are you still doing this? You are still using this as a money-making proposition so now it has become just a job to you? You are privileged enough to be on the radio and influence millions through your words with your podcasts and writings etc. But hey it really means not much to you. I appreciate your spiritual bent on the topic but my beef is the fact you have given up the fight. They won, they took it out of you and that is their intent. While right now the decay is still not enough the teeth to come out of the mouth of this country. But at some point, it will and will because people gave up fighting. I have paid to subscribe to you and I have paid to attend your Resurgent meetings. As someone who has invested my time and money in you color me extremely disappointed. I have to think if my money, time and allegiance is well placed now.
Dude really, that is how you feel about talking to a subscriber and a reader? What did I miss that so hit a nerve? I would seriously love to understand your ire?
I’m trying to understand yours. I’m not surrendering or caving. I’m just trying not to be a raging jackass claiming the nation will end in one election and you’re mad at me.
Well, I concur and admire that statement and really think highly of your work. I run one of the largest Conservative Republican Clubs in the State of Texas with over 2000 members. I use your writings and opinions in many discussions. The feeling that I took away from the article was that it is what it is and it was meant as a give up. Which obviously was not what you intended. For somebody like me who is trying to keep Texas Red and preserve our values, it took the wind out of my sail. As I like to say two things can be equally true. Keep up the good work. Thanks for clarity...
Look, I don’t mean to be a jackass in return, but no I’m not surrendering. I just don’t want to be a part of the current hysteria that if we lose this election the country is over. I used to really believe that. But I think ideas matter and how we fight matters and I just can’t bring myself to behave like the left or tell people we’re all gonna die if Biden gets elected. And I’ve got people mad at me for refusing to believe the nation ends with Biden’s election. It won’t. We should beat him if we can. But not descend into despair over it.
All is forgiven and if you want me to take down my thread I will. Can you do me one favor? I am having a hard time finding that really good writing you did on Qanon recently do you have the link to it? I want to share it with people because it was the best explanation of what it is and isn't that I have read. Thank you
Is there any way out but to let Biden win?
I know it's going to engender some real hate for me to say it, but if we love this country, is it best at this point to let Biden win?
We know for a fact that if Trump wins, the next four years will STILL be full of the Democrats fighting him tooth and nail every bit of the way. That Covid or whatever follows it will be the way things are, and that we'll have masks and home-schooling and business shutdowns forever. That Antifa will still be protesting in the streets, burning things down, and the left will be excusing it, saying that it's Trump's fault.
So - let Biden win, let the left attempt to pick up the pieces of the mess they've made of this country. Maybe it will bring some sense to their eyes, to their ears, to their hearts.
Trump could do so much good, but not in this world the left has built. Or more to the point, brought to the point of destruction. They've proven they're willing to demolish our entire structure just to get one man.
Are we willing to have them do it for another four years?
I don't know .. please explain it all to me, Erick. It's not making sense.
Reading some of the other comments here, I know I'm wrong. I realize that Trump can still do good thing even while Rome burns. Like appointing judges that will last much longer than his term. But how much of Rome can burn before judges don't matter any more?
I agree 100% with Erick’s comment about loving one neighbor. According to Jesus, “Loving your neighbor as yourself” is the 2nd greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39), coming next to “loving God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.” The question is how does one love one’s neighbor in regard to choosing the political leadership of society. For example, Jesus had very strong words to say about the leadership of the Pharisee’s in Matthew 23, calling them “hypocrites,” “blind-guides,” a “brood of vipers,” and “whitewashed tombs.” Love was most important to Jesus, but “speaking the truth,” even if it causes division (as Jesus did – Luke 12:51) is in fact part of love (Ephesians 4:15).
Erick is right, the US didn’t suddenly collapse with Obama’s 2 terms. But one reason for that is that the group of people fighting desperately against his election also fought desperately to see that his power was held in check to ensure that he didn’t have the complete power to take the country down the road of socialist and anti-Christian policies that he wanted to take it. The Tea Party landslide in 2010 gave the Republicans a huge Congressional majority, limiting Obama’s power to change the country. But there is no doubt that Obama took the country down the road to Obamacare and that the Democrats over the last 5 decades have used the judicial branch to increase abortion rights, legalize same-sex marriage, support LGBTQ demands, and flood the country with illegal immigrants.
In 2016, Trump’s election upended the Democrats plan to seize control of the full power of government and continue down the road to Obama’s vision of “Hope and Change.” I support Trump not because of his sinful history of three wives or alleged sexual affairs with porn stars, but because these personal sins of his past life are irrelevant to these political policies of Trump that are in my opinion in the best interest of loving my neighbor:
1. Trump has made numerous court appointments aimed at stopping the judicial branch’s slide into an anti-Constitutional court system that uses judicial fiat to implement the Democrats agenda of support for abortion, same-sex-marriage, LGBTQ demands and open-borders.
2. Trump has been an undeniable supporter of the pro-life movement, while his Democratic opposition supports abortion up to and arguably shortly after the point of birth.
3. Trump has been an undeniable supporter of worldwide religious freedom, including a strong support for the Nation of Israel’s right to exist in peace. Similarly, Trump supports the rights of free speech, while his Democratic opposition seeks to limit speech that contradicts with their point of view.
4. Trump supports a southern border wall and the enforcement of existing US immigration law. Mexico has long been dominated by vicious cartels that are powerful enough to military defeat the Mexican army, that make huge profits from illegal immigration, that flood the US with dangerous drugs, that kidnap innocent people for ransom, and that give numerous Mexican politicians the choice of corruption or death. Trump has worked together with Mexican’s socialist President Obrador to thwart the power of the cartels and negotiate a mutually beneficial trade deal.
5. Trump opposes the Green New Deal that will cost our country a fortune for green energy programs that Michael Moore’s “Planet Of The Human’s” movie prove have virtually no benefit in producing sustainable non-fossil-fuel energy.
6. Trump supports bringing manufacturing back to the US, as the loss of manufacturing jobs has destroyed the economic health of many American communities and enriched China. There is zero doubt that the Chinese are IP thefts, manipulate their currency, have little respect for human rights, and are intent on building up their military and spreading their totalitarian power to the rest of the world
Erick is right that our country is full of cultural rot. But that doesn’t change the fact that no President has the ability to change the cultural rot because its root cause is the sinful nature of all human beings. What a President does have the power to do is support political policies that are in the best interest of its citizens, which in my opinion are consistent with loving my neighbor.
I forgot to add the recent movement to "defund the police" with Antifa/BLM mobs taking violent control of property that does not belong to them, pulling innocent people out of vehicles and beating them senseless, and committing other acts of destruction that are inconsistent with 'loving anybody's neighbor."
Eric.......please go back and read what you wrote from a salvation perspective.
You said “To be on the winning team requires you to do something you very much do not want to do and that is to love your neighbor. I have read the passage and there are no caveats.”. And you mention loving your neighbor at the end of your post too.
I would suppose that there are some subscribers and others who read this post who are not saved. So to the “not saved eye”, it sure reads like you are explaining a “works based” gospel........”To be on the winning team requires you to do something you very much do not want to do and that is to love your neighbor. I have read the passage and there are no caveats.”
Jesus told us to love our neighbor but he also told us that the ONLY way to heaven for eternity is through His sacrifice for our sins on the cross. And once we accept Jesus’ free gracious gift of salvation, we will want to follow His commands and love our neighbor.
So please present the gospel accurately if that is where you are now going to go.
Thank you.
Excellent! I wish everyone could hear your talk from your porch.
I have learned to “agree to disagree” with my left friends and family members. We need God’s joy in our lives. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We must rise above the spewing anger and hate of the left. As Christians, we are above satans anger.
I did enjoy listening to you as I drove home Friday from seeing my banker in Buckhead who is flaming gay. We hugged each other out of eyesight, in spite of Covid, and told each other how much we love each other. I agree with everything you said. You put into words what I think and I’ve changed too. I converted to Catholicism in 2012. This is not my home. I’m waiting to go to Heaven. In the meantime I’m just going to eat, pray, love. My boyfriend is Iranian and he berates me every day for being a Trump supporter but I just keep loving him anyway. Thank you Erick.
Eric - Thanks. This is why I decided to subscribe to your sight, even though I no longer live in GA (but in the lovely community of Cottonwood AZ) ... I, like you, am a person without a party and have been for 12 years ... and you are so right - in the long run all that matters is who Jesus is and our relationship with him. So I love my neighbors (and uberliberal family) and pray, pray, pray for this country, this people, and this world. You continue to bless my soul, brother. Thank you
Amen. Blessed are the peacemakers, and yet the Word does not declare it will be easy to love thy neighbor as thyself, or to love thy (donkey-headed) enemy.
We Christians ought to be more concerned with justice that should be rolling down like the waters, and less concerned about our own padded, paneled houses.
History reveals that our Faith grows brighter as days turn darker. Christian faith does not depend on comfort and power.
Erick, You are absolutely right about eternity. I have read the end of the book too and the world isn't going to end no matter who wins in 2020. And Jesus made clear that those who follow him will not be in the majority (Matthew 7:13-14), as Jesus sinless presence in the world did not change this general rule: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Deuteronomy 24;15 explains that we all have a choice, and sad as it is, many people make the wrong choice: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him."
But your view of Trump and his supporters was also skewed by 3 men who showed up on your front porch and threatened and abused your family. Part of you projects their misdeeds on a great many people who have never done anything like that and would never do anything like that. These men are a good example of how people who believe they have good intentions were willing to do something utterly evil, as none of us are truly free from the grip of sin. But it is not a good reason to assume that allowing people with a horrible worldview to control the power of the government will not result in massive amounts of unnecessary suffering for millions of people. It is not loving one’s neighbor to fight against that happening.
For example, Hitler coming to power in Nazi Germany did not end the world, but it certainly led to the brutal deaths of many innocent Jews and a devastating world war that killed many millions of people. Similarly the Socialist reigns of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot did not end the world, but it did result in the brutal deaths and immense economic suffering of many millions of innocent people. One doesn’t have to believe the 2020 election will end the world to recognize that it will have a massive impact on the general welfare of our country and the world. In many ways the Democratic party policies are nearly a polar opposite of conservative political policies and/or a Biblical worldview. Giving the reigns of political power to a party with those views is not a lot different than giving the reigns of one’s church to a Pastor that doesn’t believe in the Bible. Choosing not to fight against either of those things is not in the interest of loving one’s neighbor.
The question is not whether Trump or anybody will alter the ultimate fate of Matthew 7:13-14. Rather, the question is similar to the decision Lincoln faced in 1861. In other words, is it worth fighting a brutal civil war to unify the country by force. Lincoln was clearly a man of God and his decision to fight this war had nothing to do with not loving his southern state neighbors. Rather, his decision had to do with the Biblical principle that a “house divided against itself cannot stand (based on Matthew 12:26). In order for our country to continue to stand, it can’t go in both the direction of Trump’s political policies and in the direction of Obama’s policies. The desire of the two camps to take the country in opposite directions is the root cause of our current political division. Unless we wish to divide the country in two sections (as with Abraham and Lot heading separate directions to resolve their conflict), one side or the other will determine the direction of our country.
Lincoln chose to fight the civil war and the end result was that millions of people were freed from slavery, and our country stayed unified and defeated the Nazi’s and held the Soviets in check. None of the political leaders that followed Lincoln did anything to change the ultimate fate of Matthew 7:13-14. But they did do quite a bit to prevent a massive amount of suffering for many millions of people, despite the fact that they and we are all sinners. Trump and his followers are choosing to fight a cold civil war to save our country from the direction the Democrats wish to take it. You can choose to stay out of that fight and I have zero objection to your doing that. But I strongly disagree that this fight is not an important one. I don’t believe that choosing not to fight this battle is necessarily in the interest of loving one’s neighbor, any more that choosing not to fight against abortion is in the interest of loving anybody.
Finally brother. It’s good to see you finding His truth. I have enjoyed you for quite some time but have been dismayed at the disconnect between your heart and your mind. Don’t misunderstand this as some judgement from one who considers himself above or beyond in any way. It is purely the joy of a man watching his brother find The Way a little more clearly. It all matters deeply, and also, none of it matters at all. A word of caution, however. I believe you overstepped a bit with, “I don’t think you can go in that direction without losing your soul or confirming you never were saved to begin with.” Within a few weeks of being saved I wondered how anyone could be saved and then veer from the path. Once He has revealed himself nothing can ever be the same again. How could a person possibly ever fall into old habits or stray more than a step from The Way ever again? More than a year later I had found the answer to my question. “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a persistent one.” This world has a way of dragging us down into the muck. Saved or not, Christian or not, it makes no difference. We are all dragged down by the persistence of this reality and the yearning of the flesh. Every one of us shares the misery and the pain of this existence and fall short because of it. And so, when we fall short, when we find ourselves drawn into the misery of the world, this alone is not, “confirming you were never saved to begin with.” It is only confirming that you are human and, therefore, innately flawed. Whether a person is saved or not is purely between them and God. We would like to think that we can determine this about a person based on the fruit they bare and, often, we might do so accurately given enough time but, frankly, we are woefully inadequate at judging what’s in a man’s heart with anything approaching 99% accuracy, much less 100%. I would hope that, instead of making such a determined statement about the relationship between a person’s actions and the status of their eternal soul you might have compassion for their position. Compassion that originates from the understanding of another of God’s children who shares the pain of this existence and knows all too well how this world compromises and corrupts the eternal soul. This may be the greatest tool we possess to find our love for even the lowliest of our brothers and sisters. The moment our ability to empathize fails us is the moment we lose the ability to love. Consequently, that which we do not understand must be written off in some way, maybe as stupidity, ignorance or pure evil. I invite you to love even those whom you vehemently disagree with and love is kind. In any case, thank you for the post.
Well said, Erick.
The world won't end no matter who's elected. However, this does not mean that BOTH parties have become horribly dysfunctional, and all you have to do is look at their respective nominees.
The best we can hope for is that our system of checks and balances works, whether Biden wins or Trump.
Overall I appreciate what you wrote (I did not listen to the audio version). I wish that it had been made clear that we are on "Team Jesus", not because we love one another (though all on Jesus "team" do that), but because of God's everlasting love, because Jesus died paying the wages of sin, and because He forgives all who believe in Him, which the Bible also calls salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). All these that have been saved by grace through faith in Him (those on "His team" as you say) have His Holy Spirit and love God first and foremost and also their "neighbors" as themselves (Mark 12:29-31), and they will be with Him in His coming glory, which is your concern and hope mentioned in what you write. No one will love anyone else as he ought unless Jesus is his Lord. And if Jesus is our Lord because of His redeeming us, and calling us (John 10:11, 14-18, 27-28) then all of His commands will guide us. Even such things as realizing the seriousness of pledging "allegiance to...the Republic" for which the flag of the USA stands are embraced in commands to speak the truth, not to let idle words come out of our mouths, etc.
Again, I appreciate the overall perspective and thrust of your words.
You have come to a realization that I came to 15 years ago. I live in a wonderful country and as part of our freedom is the right to vote and do what we can where we can whether secular or political. But ultimately I am a part of the eternal kingdom. And that is the most important thing whether I’m in a socialist country, communist country, or a democratic country. We would have no need for the laws we are screaming to pass if we behaved the way Jesus called us to behave. But because we look like the world we think laws will keep immoral people moral. In reality moral people need to be genuinely moral then the change would be real.In reading about God’s people in exile they were still wonderful examples of faithfulness to God among the pagan nation. And that made me realize, it is God who is in control and our job to remain faithful.
Thank you Erick. In many ways you are speaking for me. So much of the Evangelical right fiddles while our nation burns. It’s the Kingdom that changes any nation. Anything less is a selfish mythology. Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done in the United States as it is in heaven. God will honor your courage. Blessing.
I really like Team Jesus. Republicans can be on that team. So can Democrats. We can remember that we're on that team together when we talk, when I feed my far-left friends your cinnamon rolls or far-right friends my lime pickles and chocolate cookies (although not at the same time).
Out here in northeast PA/rural NY, I'm seeing fewer Trump signs than in 2016, and those i do see have a muted message. Boycott China, find jobs for the unemployed. The President's name is there, but it's not always the focus.
You're right, Erick. Nothing is permanent. The world will still be here when we wake up after Election Day. So will cinnamon rolls.
But it is not loving your neighbor that gets you on Team Jesus.
True. But it's easier after we've found Jesus, and faith, right? Or more accessible? I know what I want to say but it's not coming out right, sorry!
Amen brother. You expressed a lot of the same feelings I have.
So Eric if you no longer care about politics and the outcome why in the world are you still doing this? You are still using this as a money-making proposition so now it has become just a job to you? You are privileged enough to be on the radio and influence millions through your words with your podcasts and writings etc. But hey it really means not much to you. I appreciate your spiritual bent on the topic but my beef is the fact you have given up the fight. They won, they took it out of you and that is their intent. While right now the decay is still not enough the teeth to come out of the mouth of this country. But at some point, it will and will because people gave up fighting. I have paid to subscribe to you and I have paid to attend your Resurgent meetings. As someone who has invested my time and money in you color me extremely disappointed. I have to think if my money, time and allegiance is well placed now.
Wow you have the comprehension of a floor rug. Well done.
Dude really, that is how you feel about talking to a subscriber and a reader? What did I miss that so hit a nerve? I would seriously love to understand your ire?
I’m trying to understand yours. I’m not surrendering or caving. I’m just trying not to be a raging jackass claiming the nation will end in one election and you’re mad at me.
Well, I concur and admire that statement and really think highly of your work. I run one of the largest Conservative Republican Clubs in the State of Texas with over 2000 members. I use your writings and opinions in many discussions. The feeling that I took away from the article was that it is what it is and it was meant as a give up. Which obviously was not what you intended. For somebody like me who is trying to keep Texas Red and preserve our values, it took the wind out of my sail. As I like to say two things can be equally true. Keep up the good work. Thanks for clarity...
Look, I don’t mean to be a jackass in return, but no I’m not surrendering. I just don’t want to be a part of the current hysteria that if we lose this election the country is over. I used to really believe that. But I think ideas matter and how we fight matters and I just can’t bring myself to behave like the left or tell people we’re all gonna die if Biden gets elected. And I’ve got people mad at me for refusing to believe the nation ends with Biden’s election. It won’t. We should beat him if we can. But not descend into despair over it.
All is forgiven and if you want me to take down my thread I will. Can you do me one favor? I am having a hard time finding that really good writing you did on Qanon recently do you have the link to it? I want to share it with people because it was the best explanation of what it is and isn't that I have read. Thank you