Christianity and Political Power: When the Church Trades the Cross for the Crown

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.!

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Pastors, Your People Are Perishing: The Crisis of Biblical Illiteracy in the Church

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus. Today I need to talk about something that's been on my heart for a long time.

It's about the state of teaching in many American churches today. I'm going to be honest with you: Jeff and I have left a few churches because of what I'm about to describe. This isn't about being critical or judgmental. It's about being heartbroken over what's happening to God's people when they're not being fed the Word of God.

[The original letter ]

About 15 years ago, a friend of ours named John Rackliffe wrote an open letter to pastors. His words struck a chord with us then, and they're even more relevant today. He began with this passage from Hosea 4:6: "My people perish from a lack of knowledge."

This scripture has always been powerful, but it speaks volumes in our current moment. When John wrote his letter in 2010, he was concerned about what he was seeing in Charleston-area churches. But here's what we need to understand: The problem has only gotten worse in the 15 years since.

[The state of biblical literacy today - updated statistics]

Let me share some sobering statistics with you. According to a 2024 study by the American Bible Society, only 11% of Americans are considered "Scripture engaged"—meaning they read the Bible regularly and allow it to transform their lives. That's down from 14% just five years ago. Among Christians specifically, less than 20% read their Bible daily.

Barna Research reported in 2023 that 37% of practicing Christians—people who attend church at least monthly—cannot name all four Gospels. Nearly half cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus's disciples. And when asked basic questions about core Christian doctrines, the majority of churchgoers gave answers that contradicted biblical teaching.

Friends, how did we get here? How did we reach a point where people who regularly attend church don't know the basic content of Scripture? I believe a significant part of the answer lies in what's happening—or not happening—in our pulpits every Sunday.

[John Rackliffe's challenge - the heart of the message]

Let me read you what John wrote to pastors 15 years ago, because it's still desperately needed today:

"Pastors, if you are reading this, the people want to know what God has to say about our world! Please tell them. If you don't know, read God's word and find out! Your flock is perishing from a lack of knowledge. Popular preachers can't help you. Best-selling books are inadequate. Slick programs are not the answer. The Bible is our only answer book. Please tell your people."

When John wrote that in 2010, he was concerned about topical preaching, guest speakers talking about self-help issues, and teaching from popular authors instead of Scripture. But today? The situation has deteriorated even further.

[The problem today - entertainment over substance]

Now we have churches where the Bible is barely mentioned at all. We have services that are more like TED Talks than worship gatherings. We have pastors who are more concerned with not offending anyone than with declaring the whole counsel of God. We have worship experiences designed to entertain rather than to encounter the living God. We even have so-called churches showcasing drag queens and leaders from Planned Parenthood. 

A 2023 study by Lifeway Research found that only 52% of Protestant pastors strongly agree that the Bible is the sole authority for their faith and practice. Think about that! Nearly half of pastors don't fully embrace biblical authority. Is it any wonder that their congregations are biblically illiterate?

And here's something that really concerns me: According to Pew Research, 63% of young adults who grew up in evangelical churches and left the faith say they never really understood what Christianity taught. They sat in church for years, but no one actually taught them the Bible systematically. They got stories and inspirational talks and feel-good messages, but they never learned the grand narrative of Scripture or the foundational doctrines of the faith.

[Why this matters - the times we live in]

Friends, John wrote back in 2010 that "the times we live in are difficult. Terrorism, frequent natural disasters, the American dream disappearing before our eyes, and reports of wars all over the globe are in our faces daily. People want to know why these things are happening and they want to hear it from God."

Well, if that was true in 2010, how much more is it true today? We're living in times of unprecedented confusion, division, anxiety, and fear. We have entire generations drowning in mental health crises. We have families falling apart. We have a culture that's hostile to biblical Christianity. We have believers who are being tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine because they don't know what Scripture actually says.

And entertainment-driven, topically-focused, feel-good church services are not equipping God's people to stand firm in these times. Second Timothy 4:3-4 warns us: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

[What people need - biblical teaching]

Here's what John asked 15 years ago, and it's still the right question: "Will my next place of worship reveal a deep knowledge of who God really is? How can I tell if the church I attend is revealing to me who God is?"

His answer was simple: "Is your pastor regularly teaching from the Bible? If he is not, if he is choosing topics, teaching from popular authors or theologians' writings, or bringing in guests to talk about self-help issues, it may be time to look elsewhere."

Friends, people need to know who God is! Not who Oprah thinks He is. Not what the latest Christian bestseller says about Him. Not what makes us feel good about ourselves. They need to know who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word. They need systematic, verse-by-verse, book-by-book teaching that takes them through all of Scripture—not just the comfortable parts.

[The personal cost - why this matters to us]

Let me tell you friends, leaving a church is hard. It's painful. You have relationships there. You have history there. Your kids have friends there. But you need to ask yourselves: Are your children learning who God is? Are they being grounded in Scripture? Are they being equipped to stand firm in their faith?

Often times the answer is no. You may be getting a lot of entertainment, some great programs and lots of feel-good messages about living your best life. But you aren’t getting consistent, deep, systematic teaching from God's Word. And friends, you shouldn’t stay in a church that isn’t feeding your family the Word of God.

[What to look for - practical guidance]

So what should you look for in a church? Let me give you some practical guidance. First, does the pastor preach through books of the Bible systematically? Not just his favorite verses or topics, but actually working through entire books, verse by verse, chapter by chapter? This ensures that the whole counsel of God is taught, not just the pastor's pet themes.

Second, is the Bible the authority, or is the pastor using it to support points he's already decided to make? There's a big difference between expository preaching—where the text determines what's taught—and topical preaching where Scripture is just sprinkled in for support. Third, does the teaching challenge you, convict you, and call you to obedience? Or does it just make you feel good and send you home unchanged?

Fourth, are doctrinal truths being clearly explained? Do you understand more about God's character, His redemptive plan, His purposes in the world after attending this church? Can you look at what is happening in the world and understand it better through the context of Scripture. And fifth, is there an expectation that you'll read and study Scripture for yourself during the week? Or is Sunday morning the only time God's Word is opened?

[Biblical foundation - God's call to teach His Word]

Nehemiah 8 gives us a beautiful picture of what biblical teaching should look like. Verses 8-9 say: "They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, 'This day is holy to the LORD your God.'"

Notice what happened: They read from God's Word. They made it clear. They gave the meaning. The people understood. And the result? Conviction, repentance, worship, and transformation. That's what happens when God's Word is faithfully taught!

[The call to action - for everyone]

So friends, here's what I want to challenge you with today. If you're in a church where you're not being fed the Word of God, it's time to have a conversation. Make an appointment with your pastor. Ask him, respectfully and humbly, why expository teaching from Scripture isn't happening. Tell him you're hungry for God's Word. Tell him your family needs to be grounded in biblical truth.

And if things don't change? It may be time to find a church that will feed you. I know that's hard to hear. I know it's disruptive. But friends, spiritual malnutrition has eternal consequences. Your children are watching and learning what you prioritize. If you stay in a church that doesn't take Scripture seriously, you're teaching them that God's Word isn't really that important.

[Five characteristics of a Bible-teaching church]

Let me leave you with five characteristics to look for in a Bible-teaching church. First, Scripture is opened every single week, and substantial portions are read and explained. Second, the teaching flows from the text—the passage determines what's taught. Third, the pastor looks at the world and helps you understand what is going on through the lens of Scripture. 

Fourth, the whole Bible is taught over time—Old Testament and New Testament, easy passages and difficult ones. And fifth, there's an expectation and equipping for personal Bible study—the goal is to make you a student of God's Word, not dependent on the pastor to spoon-feed you.

[Closing encouragement and prayer]

Friends, John Rackliffe ended his letter with these words: "Our time is short and God wants to use us for His purposes. Get out of the dark places and move into the light so that God can put you to work."

I couldn't agree more. Life is too short and eternity is too long to spend your Sundays in churches that aren't teaching you who God is. Pray and ask God to lead you to a church, a Bible study, or a home group that is learning about God from the Bible and honoring Him through genuine worship and obedience to His Word.

Let me pray for us: 

Thank you for joining me today. I know this was a challenging episode, but friends, it needed to be said. Your spiritual health and your family's spiritual health depend on being in a place where God's Word is taught faithfully.

Until next time, remember—as you keep your eyes on the nations, remember the warning that God's people perish from lack of knowledge. Don't let that be your story.

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Praying for America: A 30-Week Prayer Journey Through 2026

Hello, friends, and welcome back to Nations 4 Jesus.

As we step into 2026, I want to talk with you about something that's been weighing heavily on my heart—and I believe God wants to stir this same burden in the hearts of believers across America.

This year, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary. Two hundred and fifty years since the Declaration of Independence. A quarter of a millennium as a nation. That's a significant milestone by any measure.

But here's the question: What kind of nation will we be celebrating? And more importantly, what does God want to do through His church in America during this pivotal year?

Today, I'm introducing a resource that I pray will mobilize believers and churches to intercede for our nation like never before. It's called "Praying for America: A 30-Week Prayer Journey Through 2026."

Let me be honest with you. America is in crisis.

We're more divided than we've been since the Civil War. Crime continues to rise. Racial wounds that we thought were healing have been ripped open again. Economic inequality is widening. Our criminal justice system is broken. Families are fragmenting. Mental health is deteriorating. Addiction is epidemic.

And the American church? Friends, we're complicit in much of this mess.

Some have confused cultural Christianity with Kingdom transformation. Some have allowed political ideology to eclipse Gospel identity. We've built entertainment empires and called them churches. We've preached a self-help gospel that asks nothing and costs nothing.

More often than not, the public face of American Christianity pushes people away from Jesus rather than drawing them to Him.

But—and this is crucial—God is not done with America.

Even now, there are signs of hope. Campus revivals are breaking out among Generation Z. Ethnic minority churches are experiencing vibrant, authentic faith. Missionaries from immigrant communities are being raised up to reach the unreached. Pockets of genuine spiritual awakening are appearing across the country.

The question is: Will we recognize what God is doing and partner with Him through prayer and obedience?

Let me take you back to 1630—almost 400 years ago.

A Puritan lawyer named John Winthrop stood aboard a ship called the Arbella, preparing to land in what would become Massachusetts. He delivered a sermon that would echo through American history. He said: "We shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us."

He was quoting Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. Winthrop envisioned a community that would demonstrate God's kingdom principles to a watching world.

Now, I need to be clear here. Winthrop wasn't preaching American exceptionalism or Christian nationalism. He was calling for Kingdom faithfulness. He was saying, "The world is watching how we live. Will they see Jesus in us?"

That calling is just as relevant today—maybe more so.

The eyes of all people are upon us. America's cultural, economic, and military influence touches every corner of the globe. For better or worse, what happens in America shapes the world.

But here's what's absolutely stunning: In His sovereignty, God has brought the world to America.

Think about this. The last words Jesus spoke before ascending to heaven were: "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). For two centuries, American missionaries crossed oceans to obey that command.

But now? The nations have come to us.

Millions of immigrants and refugees from every corner of the earth live in our neighborhoods. Muslims from Pakistan and Syria. Hindus from India and Nepal. Buddhists from Vietnam and Thailand. Secular professionals from China. Refugees from restricted-access nations where missionaries can't go.

The harvest field is at our doorstep.

And friends, this is not a problem. This is not something to fear. This is a God-ordained opportunity to obey the Great Commission without leaving our zip codes.

So here’s my invitation to each of you…

Starting this month, I'm inviting you to join a 30-week prayer journey. This isn't just another prayer list. This is a comprehensive, strategic guide to interceding for America with Kingdom priorities.

We're going to pray through 30 critical topics. Let me give you a taste of what we'll cover:

We'll pray for America's diverse communities:

The African-American community—both healing historical wounds and celebrating their incredible Kingdom impact.

The Hispanic community—the spiritual vitality and missionary potential of America's largest minority.

Native Americans—our First Nations who have suffered so much yet are experiencing spiritual awakening.

Asian-American churches that are leading the way in missions sending.

We'll pray for those who need the Gospel most desperately:

International students—700,000 future world leaders studying on American campuses, many encountering Jesus for the first time.

Muslim immigrants—who can hear and respond to the Gospel here in ways impossible in their homelands.

South Asian communities—5.5 million Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs largely unreached with Biblical truth.

The incarcerated—1.2 million prisoners who need both justice reform and the transforming power of Christ.

We'll pray for critical national issues:

The deep political and racial divisions tearing our nation apart.

America's global influence—both the good we do and the destruction we can prevent.

The crisis facing our youth—and the signs of Gen Z revival.

The need for authentic revival versus the shallow, entertainment-driven Christianity that's failing us.

Each week, you'll get:

A brief introduction providing context and Biblical perspective.

Four to five Scripture passages to read and meditate on.

Five specific prayer points to guide your intercession.

You can use this personally—set aside time each week to pray through one topic.

You can use this in small groups or prayer meetings—I've designed it for 45-60 minute gatherings, either in person or online. I’ve been doing this with a group of ladies every Friday morning, over Zoom, for two years. It is a powerful time of prayer! 

You can use this church-wide—imagine your entire congregation praying in unity through these critical issues over the course of the year.

Now, before I close, I need to address something really important.

As we pray for America throughout 2026, we must remember the words of Hebrews 13:14: "For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come."

America is not our permanent home. The Kingdom of God is our true citizenship. Our primary identity is not American—it's Christian. We're part of a global body that transcends all national, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

So when we pray for America, we're not praying for American dominance or American exceptionalism. We're praying that God would use this nation as a launchpad for His glory among all peoples.

We're praying that America's 250th anniversary would mark not just a celebration of this country and its history, but a renewal of missionary faithfulness.

We're praying that the American church would embrace the beautiful, diverse, multicultural Body of Christ that increasingly reflects what heaven will look like.

We're praying with Kingdom eyes—seeing America not as an end in itself, but as a tool in God's hands for the sake of the nations.

And friends, that changes everything about how we pray.

So here's what I'm asking you to do.

First, download the prayer guide. It's completely free. You'll find the link in the show notes or you can go to nations4jesus.blogspot.com to get your copy.

Second, commit to this journey. Don't just download it and forget about it. Put it on your calendar. Set aside time each week. Make 2026 the year you intercede for your nation like never before.

Third, invite others to join you. Share this with your small group. Talk to your pastor about using it for church prayer meetings. Post about it on social media. Text it to three friends this week who you know have a heart for prayer.

Fourth—and this is critical—don't just pray. Act.

As you pray for international students, volunteer with campus ministry or invite a student to dinner.

As you pray for immigrants and refugees, connect with a local resettlement agency or ESL ministry.

As you pray for the incarcerated, look into prison ministry opportunities.

As you pray for revival among youth, mentor a teenager or support youth ministry financially.

Prayer without action is incomplete. James tells us that faith without works is dead. The same is true of intercession.

Finally, expect God to work. Don't pray these prayers with cynicism or despair. Pray them with faith—believing that the God who raised Jesus from the dead can raise up this nation from spiritual death. Believing that the same Spirit who empowered the early church can bring revival to the American church.

Let me close with this.

Second Chronicles 7:14 says: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

That's a promise. God will hear. God will forgive. God will heal.

But it starts with His people. It starts with us. It starts with humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and repentance.

As America enters its 250th year, my prayer is that this anniversary would mark not just a milestone of national history, but a turning point of spiritual history. That 2026 would be remembered as the year the American church woke up, fell on its knees, and cried out for God to do what only He can do.

Will you join me in that prayer? 

Download the guide. Commit to the journey. Invite others. Pray with faith. Take action.

And let's see what God will do.

Let me pray…

Thank you for joining me today. I believe God wants to use this year in powerful ways—not for American glory, but for His glory among all nations.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the nations, pray for America with Kingdom priorities, and remember—we have no lasting city here, but we're looking for the city that is to come.

Want a PDF of the prayer guide? Email me at taniad1992@gmail.com.

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