How has the anti-Christ Leftists perverted the original meaning of Separation of Church and State. Both clauses regarding the Freedom of Religion protects the individual from government overreach. Where did the phrase "Separation of Church and State" come from? Gideon got cocky and backslid, most by trying to be both Church authority and State authority and brought destruction.
Gideon was kind'a trans. He was acting like a king, but he "identified" as a descendant of Aaron to also act as High Priest. The ephod or the crown? Different roles. The concept has been perverted 180 degrees through loud repetition. Gideon perverted the Separation of Church and state in Judges 8?
The temptation of popularity. Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility." Gideon got lazy and pride crept in. The ignored story of Gideon. Many unelected "gatekeepers" influence policy hiding in plain site. Beware of those who want power but don't take responsibilities.
Tolerate those who will fight for God's people, but not those who are cowards. Judges 8 highlights a distinction in how we should regard those around us. There's a place for tolerating even those who might have strong personalities, provided they are committed to standing firm for the values we believe in. Conversely, we should be wary of those who are unwilling to engage in the challenges we face. Gideon's interactions with the Ephraimites offer a valuable lesson. Even though they leveled unfair criticisms against him, Gideon chose to accommodate them because they had demonstrated a willingness to fight alongside him. In contrast, his anger was rightly directed at those who refused to defend their nation. This serves as a reminder to be discerning, to value and stand with those who are willing to fight for what is right and just, and to be cautious of those who shrink from that responsibility.
God's power must be accompanied by God's wisdom. After an amazing victory, Gideon has to use wisdom in diverse circumstances to enforce and maintain the victory. Prov 4:7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Too many Bible versus tell us who God's people are and they are not a natural race of people. 2 Cor 5:16 "Don't regard anyone according to the flesh" is a command ignored by those who claim "Israel First" theology. One people of God, but two "Israels". The Church was the church Moses pastored (Acts 7:38) so the Church has been around ever since God had a covenant people.
"For the Jew first, and also for the Gentile" (Romans 1:16b) is often misunderstood. Supporting Israel politically and standing against antisemitism does not mean you have to be a "Hebrew Supremist". All who are a new creation in Christ Jesus are part of a spiritual race. There is a huge advantage for new converts with a background in Judaism (as opposed to Secularism or Roman mythology).
There are no 2nd class citizens in Christ! Why did Paul write the book of Romans. A big reason Paul wrote Romans was to deal with the antisemitism Acquila and Priscilla told him about (Acts 17). Way too many Christians see Romans 1:16b with a racial lens. With a few passages taken out of context, it might sound like God is a racist, but the entirety of Scripture disproves such. Context matters.
Though David v. Goliath is an amazing underdog story, it is still not as much of an underdog story as Gideon's army of 200. Battle the enemy within relationship with God's people. Be active in your local church. God will help us build our faith. We can stand in faith and cause the enemy's plans.
God wanted the glory for Himself. Fear and lust might disqualify some from the victory. Have a big-picture vision. Understand the importance of a generational focus and an eternity focus! God has a Remnant for His Glory.
Ezekiel 16; The Sex-crazed culture costs freedom just as it did in Gideon's day. Gideon's victory at home in Judges 6. Sex saturated culture leads to degradation of our son's and daughters as well as all our society. Old Testament prostitution.
Gideon's battle began at home? How about you? Gideon had to confront the temptations we face including sexual indulgence. We are an over-sexed society.
Finding our adequacy in God. Judges 6:7-24 Where did Gideon's true strength come from?
What can we do to get our elected representatives to listen to us? What does God expect of His people when the public square seems full of lies? Pastor Brian Noble of Family Policy Institute of Washington. fpiw.org
2 Corinthians 4: 7-18 We can have a positive mental attitude and so much more because we are in Christ. Boast in the Hope we have through Jesus. What separates a joyful believer versus a sour one?
Don't doubt the power of your testimony! Don't concern yourself with doing it "wrong" but concern yourself with doing it. Wining back the Culture 1 testimony at a time!
What Jesus might say to today's hypocritical, external, people pleasing, self-deceived oppressors. There is a little bit of Pharisaicalism in all of us. Secular Pharisees have the same heart issues as religious Pharisees.
How does that affect us today? Pharisees today might not be what you think they are. What a current day Pharisee is not?
What is happening with foster kids in America? Gender dysphoria and the state of Washington's woke agenda against at-risk kids.
Different personality types engage the culture war differently, but the key is to fight. Fighting the Culture War as a "Joshua" or "Caleb". The American Church no longer needs to scout out the land. We already know their is wickedness and corruption everywhere.