Wednesday, April 2, 2003
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Wednesday, April 2, 2003 |
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The Christian churchis for all nations By JOHN HATCHER More than ever before, the church must present herself as for all nations. After all, the church of Jesus Christ hoists no nationalistic banner; the banner over the church is the banner of God's love. I challenge anyone to question my love of the United States of America. I answered the call of my country during the Vietnam era. I served with pride and distinction. I am a patriot. I vote. I salute and honor the flag. And, I pray for and honor our President. But there is one whom I honor more. He is the Jew, Jesus Christ, born and raised in Palestine, except for a short time in his life while he and his family were in Africa. I honor my Savior and Lord more than I honor flag, country, President. After all, he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So, as I understand it, the Christian church is the territory of Christ, not the domain of any country. When I visit Uganda and worship with Christian brothers and sisters, I sense I am in the same "company of the redeemed" just as if I were worshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ here in the United States. Christian and American are not always synonymous. In fact, more Christians are located outside the United States than in our country. I have long held that separation of church and state also meant that the church does not adopt one political ideology over another, except in those cases where political ideologies are consistent with those of Christ. For instance, freedom is consistent with Christianity and with the Constitution of the United States. Pastor Dietrich Bonhoffer of Nazi Germany chronicled life when freedom was no longer consistent with the government's policy in his book, "The Cost of Discipleship." When government is no longer righteous, it is the compelling duty of the church to take its stand even if it means ridicule and even persecution. But back to the role of the church. One reason we have included the word "international" in the name of our church is that we believe the church truly should be international in scope, purpose, and composition. We are not the American church. We are the Christian church for all people. The church of Christ should be sanctuary for all people regardless of class, race, economic level, political choice, or national leanings. Sanctuary implies a place of refuge and rest from the world and the conflicts of the world. For that very reason, it is highly suspect if the church can vouchsafe any brand of patriotism. In the town square, yes. At the mall, yes. In the halls of our government, yes. On television, yes. On talk shows, yes. The church is a place where a "balm" of peace is to be found, where we offer prayers for our soldiers, the President, for the peace of Jerusalem, and for world peace. The church's banner is not red, white, and blue. It's the love of God shown in the hearts of all Christ's believers whether they are Palestinians, Iraqis, or Americans. And with everything within me, I pray, "God bless America and Israel and Iraq and France and Germany and ..." that one-day, all the great peoples of the earth will come to the great truth in Jesus Christ.
John Hatcher is pastor of Outreach International Center 1091 South Jeff Davis Drive Fayetteville, Georgia 30215 770-719-0303 |
