The way to win is not through violence, revolution, or political power. The way to win is through the person of Jesus, and for Christ followers our strategy is laid out all throughout scripture.
This is how you win:
Remember that our leader Jesus has overcome the world, the battle is already won. (John 16:33)
Do not use violence as a method of bringing about God’s kingdom. He who lives by the sword dies by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)
Remember the Kingdom of God was never meant to be brought to bear through violent revolution. The kingdom is “not of this world!”
(John 18:36)
Go and make disciples! Preach the Gospel. Preach the Gospel. Preach the Gospel. Help people learn what it means to follow Jesus. This Is The Way. (Matthew 28:16-20)
Love your enemy. Pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:43-48)
Be willing to lay down your rights and liberties for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 9-11)
EXPECT to be persecuted (John 15:20) and instead of complaining when it happens, count it all joy. (Matthew 5:11 + Colossians 1:24)
Overcome evil not with more evil, but with good. (Romans 12:21)
Be literally willing to go the extra mile for anyone, even your enemies, for the sake of winning them over to Jesus. (Matthew 5:41)
Avoid being consumed with conspiracies and endless arguments. Point people not to theories, but to WHO you know to be absolute truth. (Isaiah 8:12 ) (James 4:1-2) (John 14:6)
Lead a quiet and humble life. Work hard and don’t stir up trouble, work to win the respect of non believers.
(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
Devote yourself to prayer! (Colossians 4:2)
Confess your sins to one another and pray for each other! Repent and help others repent. (James 5:16)
Be willing to speak truth to power even when it inconveniences you. (Mark 6:14-29)
Never. Stop. Forgiving. (Matthew 18:21-22)
Make peace. (Matthew 5:9)
Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)
Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves,
ex: the vulnerable, the poor, and the needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)
Don’t put your trust in earthly rulers, they cannot save you and they WILL fail you. (Psalm 146:3-7)
Make your identity LOVE. Be KNOWN for how you love. (John 13:35)
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We’ve never seen people more divided in our lifetime. For those of us who are disciples of Jesus, we urge you to start asking these questions:
1. How can I personally help heal this divide?
2. How can I reach someone for Jesus who’s views are opposite of mine?
3. How can I let go of bitterness towards those I feel are my enemy?
4. How can I help radicalized people on both sides of the political spectrum find their hope not in earthly leaders but in Christ?
5. How can I be a person of peace?
6. How can I stand up for what is right while also working hard to reach those who I believe are wrong?
These are the questions we must be asking.
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