Hello, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I want to talk about something that's very much on people's minds right now—the relationship between Christianity and political power. With Donald Trump back in the White House in 2025, with many professing Christians in his cabinet, and with a conservative majority in Congress, many American Christians are feeling hopeful, even triumphant. Finally, we think, we have Christians in power who can turn this nation around!
But I want us to pause and ask a crucial question: Was Christianity meant to be used as a political force? And does Christianity actually flourish when it has political power, or does it flourish through a different means entirely?
[The parallel - then and now]
Let me draw a parallel. The year is 30 AD, the place is Jerusalem and Judea. The problem—the nation was faltering, backsliding, failing under Roman occupation. The solution, in many minds—Jesus, a conquering Messiah who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel to its glory days under King David.
But Jesus didn't do that. He didn't seek political power. He didn't overthrow Rome. He didn't establish an earthly kingdom. Instead, He came as a servant, speaking truth, loving others, and placing power struggles in God's hands. And many Jews rejected Him because He wouldn't give them the political salvation they wanted.
Now fast forward to 2026. The place is America. The problem—many Christians feel our nation has been faltering morally and spiritually. The solution, in many minds—Christian political power. Get the right people in the White House, in Congress, on the Supreme Court, and everything will change.
But is that really God's plan?
[The question we must ask]
Here's the question we need to wrestle with: Does Christianity flourish when it is the law of the land, backed by political power? Or does it flourish when it is spread one humble servant to the next, in love, humility, and sacrifice?
History gives us a sobering answer.
[The Roman Empire - a cautionary tale]
Consider the Roman Empire. Christianity was once a persecuted religion under emperors like Nero, who burned Christians alive as torches to light his gardens. But in 313 AD, Constantine legalized Christianity, and by 380 AD, it became the official religion of Rome.
Victory, right? Finally, Christians had political power! But here's what happened: When Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, the faith was altered. As missiologist Ralph Winter writes: "The political triumph of what eventually came to be known as Christianity was in fact a mixed blessing...because when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire it became ill-equipped by its very form to complete the Great Commission among any populace that was anti-Roman."
Think about that! The people of other nations saw Christianity as strictly a Roman religion. So whatever wrong things the Roman government did, in the minds of other nations, it was Christianity doing the wrong. Christianity became associated with Roman imperialism, Roman oppression, Roman corruption.
[Historical patterns - the same mistake repeated]
We see this same pattern throughout history. Muslims view Christianity negatively because of the Crusades—military campaigns launched in Christ's name. Indians are skeptical of Christianity because of England's colonization of India under the banner of "Christian civilization." Eastern Europeans associate Christianity with Russian Orthodox political power. Jews associate Christianity with the Holocaust…perpetrated by Germany, a “Christian” nation. In each case, when Christianity aligned itself with political and military might, it damaged the witness of the Gospel.
When Christianity takes on political power, it often becomes corrupt and power-hungry, as we saw in the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. Our human nature wants to make our religion supreme and in charge. We want power and authority—but of a worldly kind. This is exactly what the Jews were looking for when Jesus arrived. When He didn't provide it, many rejected Him.
[The danger of political Christianity]
Here's the sad truth: When Christianity becomes the main religion of the masses, officially recognized and promoted by the government, and persecution stops, often the fervor for outreach stops too. When it becomes easy to be a Christian, it becomes easy to be content in this world. When we're content in this world, we stop seeking after the Lord with urgency. We stop anticipating His return. And the fervor for the Great Commission dwindles.
Difficulty draws us closer to the Lord and thus closer to His heart for the nations. Ease in life makes us complacent and content with the status quo.
[Why Jesus avoided political power]
It may be for this very reason that Jesus never sought political power for Himself on earth. He didn't want faith in Him to be linked to Jewish or Roman political authorities. God is not tied to any one government or people group. He is King. He is Lord. He doesn't need the help of any government to spread His love and truth throughout the world.
Think about Jesus's words in John 18:36, when He stood before Pilate: "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Jesus explicitly rejected the path of earthly political power. His kingdom operates differently—through love, sacrifice, service, and the foolishness of the cross.
[America's blessings and responsibilities]
Now, let me be clear: America has been greatly blessed by God with freedom and prosperity for many years. We as a nation have done much good, bringing the Gospel and freedom to many other nations. I'm grateful for that heritage! And yes, having Christians in government who will protect religious freedom, defend the unborn, and uphold biblical values is a good thing.
But we've also failed God in many ways. The moral decline in our culture, the embrace of materialism and decadence, the self-absorption of much of American Christianity—these don't speak well of us. And here's the critical question: Has our prosperity made us better missionaries, or has it made us complacent?
[The shift happening now]
Ralph Winter writes: "If we in the West insist on keeping our blessing instead of sharing it, then we will, like other nations before us (Israel, Rome, etc.) perhaps have to 'lose' our blessing in order for the remaining nations to receive it."
And here's what we need to understand: God is already shifting His blessings! The center of Christianity has moved from the West to the Global South. As we've discussed in previous episodes, 67% of Christians now live in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. The Chinese church is sending missionaries. The Korean church is sending over 27,000 missionaries. The Nigerian church is sending missionaries. The Brazilian church is sending missionaries.
God doesn't need America to accomplish His purposes! If we're not faithful, He'll use others.
[What should our response be?]
So what should be the American church's response to having Christians in political power in 2026? First, we should be grateful for religious freedom and use it while we have it. We should pray for our leaders, support policies that align with biblical values, and engage politically as responsible citizens.
But—and this is crucial—we must not put our hope in political power. We must not think that Christian politicians will solve our spiritual problems. We must not become so focused on maintaining power that we forget the Great Commission.
Second, we should be humble. We don't "deserve" any of the blessings we've been given. As Winter writes, each American Christian could just as likely have been born a Dalit girl in India or a persecuted believer in North Korea. God chose to place us in a prosperous country so we might share His blessings with those who have never heard His name. If we're not doing this, He has every right to give those blessings to others who will be faithful.
Third, we should celebrate what God is doing globally! We shouldn't feel threatened or sad that the Western church is declining while the non-Western church is exploding. We need to look at the big picture. We're first and foremost part of the body of Christ worldwide. In heaven, our nationality won't matter. So on earth, we should be overjoyed at the growth of the church in non-Western lands!
[The real mission - not political victory]
Here's what I want us to understand: The mission of the church has never been to gain political power. It's to make disciples of all nations. It's to go into all the world preaching the Gospel. It's to storm the gates of hell, not the halls of Congress.
When we have political influence, let's use it to protect religious freedom so the Gospel can advance. But let's not confuse political victory with spiritual victory. Let's not trade the cross for the crown. Let's not repeat the mistake of Constantine's Rome, believing that Christianity is best advanced through government power rather than through sacrificial love and humble service.
[The question for 2026]
So as we navigate 2026 with Christians in the White House and throughout the government, let me ask you: Are you more excited about political developments than about the lost coming to Christ? Are you spending more time arguing about politics than sharing the Gospel? Are you putting more hope in elected officials than in the Holy Spirit?
If so, you've fallen into the same trap the Jews fell into when they rejected Jesus because He wouldn't be their political Messiah.
[Closing challenge and prayer]
Let me challenge you: Be grateful for Christian political leaders, but don't idolize political power. Engage politically as a responsible citizen, but don't mistake political activism for the Great Commission. Pray for your leaders, but spend more time praying for the unreached. Support policies that align with Scripture, but don't think that laws will transform hearts—only the Gospel does that.
And most importantly, join what God is doing globally! Support missionaries. Give to missions. Go on short-term trips. Consider going long-term yourself. Celebrate the explosive growth of Christianity in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Partner with believers in other nations who are reaching the unreached with far less resources than we have.
Let me pray:
Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, remember—keep your eyes on the nations, not on Washington D.C.!