Connect with us

President's Perspective

All Quiet on the Western Front

Published

4 years ago

on

By President Randall A. Bach 

A German veteran of World War I wrote a novel called All Quiet on the Western Front that described German soldiers’ extreme physical and mental stress during that war and their sense of disconnect with the civilian lives to which they returned. The soldiers had consumed and exhausted themselves on the front lines of combat. It is one thing to be exhausted from combat, but coming to terms with the humiliation of defeat reaches to the depths of the soul. The realities of knowing nothing but war, and that for a losing cause, made it difficult for soldiers to return to and resume life other than war. How could life go on after the inspiring promises of victory were shattered? What would that look and feel like? How would they be treated by the victors?

The burden of defeat was crushing, so great that the Nazis later banned and burned the novel because the forlorn theme was viewed as counterproductive to Nazi World War II ambitions to conquer Europe and avenge the WWI terms of surrender. However, after WWII the novel became a smash hit, sold millions of copies, was adapted as an Academy-Award-winning film, and was adapted again for a television film.  

Ironically, the cause of avenging its WWI defeat led Germans to entrust leadership to a man possessed with a maniacal drive whose rousing speeches on behalf of the glory of the Motherland, the conquest of Europe, and annihilation of Jews culminated in still another German defeat in World War II.  

2020 was an embattled, war-like year for many American Christians. The presidential election became embroiled in conflict over personal character of leaders vs. policies, traditional American values vs. nontraditional American values, Christian standards vs. secular standards, electoral outcomes vs. claimed prophetic predictions about victory, and trust in election tallies vs. cries of fraud. Added to these conflicts was trench warfare over virtually anything having to do with a pandemic, and American Christians were left exhausted from a continuous drain on their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy. Finally, for many American Christians, the presidential election outcome was a shattering defeat which confirmed their worst fears about the direction and future course of our nation. The January 6 invasion of the Capitol was seen by a major segment of American Christians as virtually a predictable reaction to a profound sense of disenfranchisement although most of those Christians would not support and did not participate in that violent defilement of our legislative center of government. 

Since the outcome of the presidential election followed by the invasion of the Capitol, I have been increasingly aware of what I view as our own “All Quiet on the Western Front” dynamic in American Christianity. Where there was formerly a hot, lava-like flow of often combative and contentious language, there is now relative quiet. The temperature of debate has been lowered. It appears that the finality of the presidential election has sunk in. Many voices that boldly claimed victory have gone silent. The 2020 war was lost, which means many Christians who were so heavily invested in a different outcome feel the discouraging weight of defeat. They had been adamant that God would not allow any other outcome than what they were convinced was mandated by Him. They clung to prophecies that supported their hearts’ desires. However, cries of fraud and of a stolen election were not embraced or supported in legal circles where investigations could have been launched. The war was over and lost. The defeated “soldiers” are contemplating how to return home from the trenches. Now what? Quiet. 

In our “quietness” I hope we are prayerfully reassessing what our most important mission is as Christians in America. We long for America to be Christian in values, conduct, and relationships. However, should pursuit of those goals by political means be our primary passion and commitment? Have we allowed a political war to distract and direct us away from our first mission? If you have not already read “Keeping Your First Love First” by Pastor Spencer Keroff, I encourage you to do so. He writes about our wandering missional eye. My undergraduate major was in American History and Political Science. I still keep current and devour history-making and politically pivotal news. I absolutely do not advocate that Christians should be ignorant about and uninvolved in political events of our day. We should not hide from difficult issues. But in what ways should we do that? While during this interregnum of relatively contemplative quiet, I suggest we need to revisit our priorities:  

  1. We must never lose sight that Jesus, no other man, is our Savior and hope.  

Do our actions and communication indicate we believe that? The late Chuck Colson stated it so clearly, “The Kingdom of God will not arrive on Air Force One.” 

  1. We must remember that what we view as extremely important and pivotal political events today are but small blips (1 to a 1,000 days) on God’s eternal radar screen and plan. What we view as horrendous and culturally-threatening events, and they may well be, are part of a much bigger picture than we can see.  

Which consumes our major energy, the political or eternal? Do people in our spheres of influence see us first as political soldiers or Christian ambassadors? 

  1. In His parting words Jesus gave us our purpose and mission: “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, NLT). 

Do we prioritize making disciples over winning political arguments and contests? 

A segment of American Christianity has temporarily lost its voice because that voice, which had become primarily political, was defeated. Such is the price of allowing politics to co-opt mission, of allowing a higher end to be defeated by mismatched and misguided means of reaching it, and of trading a prophetic voice for a political voice. Let’s not waste this space of quiet. Let’s redeem it by recommitting to be missionaries to American culture. 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Featured Articles

Unshakable Kingdom 

Published

4 weeks ago

on

October 25, 2024

By

As we approach another election season, we find ourselves once again in an environment bringing tension, division, and uncertainty to people, including those within the Church. It is during times like this, however, that we as the Church can shine brightly. In the face of debates, advertisements, and news that may stir anxiety, we have a divine opportunity to anchor people to the unchanging hope of Christ.

The apostle Paul instructs us that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20 NIV), and as followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to God and His kingdom. While politics does have its importance and influence, it is reassuring to know our hope is not based upon human leaders or systems but in the Lord who reigns over all.

In the face of debates, advertisements, and news that may stir anxiety, we have a divine opportunity to anchor people to the unchanging hope of Christ.

There is no question that, as followers of Christ, we should engage in our civic duties with a kingdom-minded perspective and a biblical worldview. We vote, we pray for our leaders, we seek the welfare of our communities (Jer. 29:7), and we engage others with love. And as we do all of this, we hold to the truth that God’s sovereignty transcends the outcomes of elections.

In times that seem unstable or fragile, God’s Word tells us “we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb.12:28). We serve an “unshakable kingdom.” Governments change, leaders come and go, and through it all, God’s kingdom remains. It is unshakable, eternal, and built upon His righteousness and justice. No election can alter the reality of God’s sovereignty nor shake the foundation of His authority. It is His church that holds the keys to unlock heaven on earth and bring light to the darkness.

Here is the reality we stand upon: It is God who “controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings” (Dan. 2:21 NLT), and “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Prov. 21:1 KJV).

Because of this truth, we can embrace Paul’s word to the Philippians: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7 NLT). Based on this passage, if we are a people of prayer who walk in faith, seek God’s wisdom, and are grateful, THEN we know we will experience a peace that goes beyond natural understanding. I am reminded, comforted, and convinced of this truth, and it is an anchor to my soul.

No election can alter the reality of God’s sovereignty nor shake the foundation of His authority.

This November’s election will be followed in December by the celebration of Christ’s birth. What a perfect time to remember that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us. This name, given to Jesus, is more than just a title; it is a promise that no matter what happens around us, God’s presence is constant and unchanging.

Whether the outcome of the election brings joy or disappointment, whether policies align with your hopes or create concerns, remember Emmanuel – God is with us. He is present in our churches, in our communities, in our families, and in our lives. He is not distant or disconnected; He is personally and actively involved in the lives of His people. Whoever is elected and however people respond – God still sits on the throne, His Kingdom is unshakable, and His plans are unstoppable. GOD IS WITH US.

Some practical steps for consideration:

  1. Pray for our leaders, regardless of who they are: Pray for their wisdom, discernment, and a spirit of humility.
  2. Stay united as the body of Christ: Let a heart of unity, love, and the bond of peace be what others see.
  3. Keep an eternal perspective: Engage in the political process, but keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
  4. Live out the things that will remain: faith, hope and love.

About the Author

Michael Nortune

Michael Nortune serves as president of Open Bible Churches. He has ministered in the local church faithfully for 35 years. From his start as a janitor and groundskeeper to lead pastor of Life Church in Concord, California, Michael has had the opportunity to gain experience in every capacity within the church throughout his ministry. Not only does he have hands-on experience on the local level, but Michael has also led at the district, regional, and national levels within Open Bible Churches. Michael and his wife Julie currently reside in Colorado and love living near five of their six children and their spouses. They also treasure the time they spend with their other daughter who lives in Alabama with their first (but not the last) grandson!

Continue Reading

President's Perspective

Un Reino Inconmovible 

Published

4 weeks ago

on

October 25, 2024

By

A medida que nos acercarnos a otra temporada de elecciones, nos encontramos una vez más en un ambiente de tensión, división e incertidumbre entre la gente, incluyendo a los que están dentro de la Iglesia. Sin embargo, es en tiempos como éste cuando nosotros, como Iglesia, debemos brillar con intensidad. Frente a los debates, los anuncios y las noticias que pueden provocar ansiedad, tenemos la oportunidad divina de afianzar a la gente en la esperanza inmutable de Cristo. 

El apóstol Pablo nos dice que «nuestra ciudadanía está en los cielos» (Fil. 3:20, RVR1960), y como seguidores de Cristo, nuestra lealtad suprema es a Dios y a Su reino. Aunque la política tiene su importancia e influencia, es alentador saber que nuestra esperanza no se basa en líderes o sistemas humanos, sino en el Señor que reina, sobre todo. 

Frente a los debates, los anuncios y las noticias que pueden provocar ansiedad, tenemos la oportunidad divina de afianzar a la gente en la esperanza inmutable de Cristo.

No hay duda de que, como seguidores de Cristo, debemos cumplir con nuestro deber cívico desde la perspectiva del Reino y con una cosmovisión bíblica. Votamos, oramos por nuestros líderes, procuramos el bienestar de nuestras comunidades (Jeremías 29:7) y nos relacionamos con los demás en amor. Y al hacer todo esto, nos aferramos a esta verdad: que la soberanía de Dios trasciende los resultados de las elecciones. 

En tiempos que parecen inestables o frágiles, la Palabra de Dios nos dice que «recibimos un reino inconmovible» (Heb.12:28). Servimos a un «Reino Inconmovible». Los gobiernos cambian, los líderes van y vienen, y a pesar de todo, el reino de Dios permanece. Es inconmovible, eterno y está edificado sobre Su justicia y equidad. Ninguna elección puede alterar la realidad de la soberanía de Dios ni sacudir el fundamento de su autoridad. Es Su Iglesia la que tiene las llaves para abrir el cielo en la tierra y para llevar la luz a las tinieblas. 

La realidad sobre la que nos apoyamos es la siguiente: Es Dios quien «controla el curso de los sucesos del mundo; él quita reyes y pone otros reyes» (Dan. 2:21, NTV), y «está el corazón del rey en la mano de Jehová» (Prov. 21:1, RVR1960). 

A raíz de esta verdad, podemos hacer nuestras las palabras del Apóstol Pablo a los filipenses: «Por nada estéis afanosos, sino sean conocidas vuestras peticiones delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias. Y la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestros pensamientos en Cristo Jesús» (Fil. 4:6-7). Según este pasaje, «si somos un pueblo de oración que camina en la fe, busca la sabiduría de Dios y es agradecido, ENTONCES tenemos la certeza de que experimentaremos una paz que va más allá de la comprensión natural». Este pasaje me recuerda, me consuela y me convence de esta verdad, y es un ancla para mi alma.  

Ninguna elección puede alterar la realidad de la soberanía de Dios ni sacudir el fundamento de su autoridad.

En diciembre, tras las elecciones de noviembre, celebraremos el nacimiento de Jesús. Qué momento tan perfecto para recordar que Jesús es Emmanuel: Dios con nosotros. Este nombre, dado a Jesús, es más que un título; es una promesa de que, pase lo que pase a nuestro alrededor, la presencia de Dios es constante e inmutable.  

No importa si el resultado de las elecciones nos traiga alegría o decepción, sea que las medidas políticas se alineen o no con nuestras expectativas, o nos generen más preocupación, recuerde Emmanuel: Dios está con nosotros. Está presente en nuestras iglesias, en nuestras comunidades, en nuestras familias y en nuestras vidas. No está distante ni desconectado; Él está involucrado de forma personal y activa en la vida de su pueblo. Cualquiera que sea elegido y comoquiera que la gente responda: Dios sigue sentado en el trono, Su Reino es inconmovible y Sus planes son imparables. DIOS ESTÁ CON NOSOTROS. 

Algunas medidas prácticas para tener en cuenta: 

  • Oremos por nuestros líderes, sin importar quiénes sean: Pidamos para ellos sabiduría, discernimiento y un espíritu de humildad  
  • Permanezcamos unidos al cuerpo de Cristo: Que un corazón de unidad, amor y el vínculo de la paz sea lo que los demás vean en nosotros. 
  • Mantengamos una perspectiva eterna: Participemos en el proceso político, pero mantengamos los ojos fijos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de nuestra fe. 
  • Vivamos conforme a lo que permanecerá: la fe, la esperanza y el amor.

Sobre el Autor

Michael Nortune

Michael Nortune es presidente de las Iglesias de la Biblia Abierta. Ha servido fielmente en la iglesia local durante treinta y cinco años. Desde sus comienzos como conserje y jardinero hasta ser pastor principal de Life Church en Concord, California. Michael ha tenido la oportunidad de adquirir experiencia en todas las funciones dentro de la iglesia a lo largo de su ministerio. No sólo tiene experiencia práctica a nivel local, sino que también ha liderado a nivel distrital, regional y nacional dentro de las Iglesias de la Biblia Abierta. 

Continue Reading

Featured Articles

Mission To Multiply 

Published

9 months ago

on

March 1, 2024

By

When Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “. . . I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it,” He was making a declaration that His Church was going to be an unstoppable force for the kingdom of God. His Church would expand and multiply, and nothing (not death, hell, or the grave) could keep it from its destiny.

We now are the people He uses, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to accomplish His mission for such a time as this.  A few months ago, I heard a quote by author Grant Skeldon that stuck with me. The quote went something like this: “The enemy wants to divide the Church. The Church is busy trying to add. But Jesus wants the Church to multiply.” God had already been speaking and stirring this passion for multiplying within me, and the quote resonated in my spirit.

It’s true, Satan does not want a united Church because he knows when we are united, we become the unstoppable force Jesus spoke of. Therefore, his plan is to try to divide people. He attempts to create jealousy, animosity, backbiting, and gossip in our pastors, churches, and cities, rendering God’s people powerless.

“The enemy wants to divide the Church. The Church is busy trying to add. But Jesus wants the Church to multiply.”

Here is what I would add to Skeldon’s mathematical quote: the world wants to subtract the Church. In culture today, we see many attempts to silence the voice and values of the Church. We see the world trying to erase our God-given assignment and impact, trying to remove our influence by portraying the Church as irrelevant and intolerant.

Too often, churches become distracted, focused on trying to add just a few more people, add a few more programs, add a few more outreaches, add a few more dollars, add a few more baptisms. We become trapped at times in a survival mentality, thinking, “Let’s just get through another Sunday.”

Jesus declared that His Church would not just survive but would thrive and multiply. You see this truth in both the Old and New Testaments, that God’s kingdom and His Church are intended, equipped, and empowered to multiply. From the beginning there is a command that carries a promise: God blesses humanity, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Those words are repeated and ripple throughout the pages of Scripture.

The mandate I sensed God speak to my spirit at National Convention in Dallas as Open Bible transitioned into a new season was a clarion call. Open Bible was to embrace and pursue what God has intended for us, to apprehend what we are apprehended for, to live what is in the DNA of our movement. We, as a fellowship and network of churches, could believe together that God wants to multiply His kingdom through every local church, every minister, all our districts and regions, nationally and globally. The leadership in Open Bible is resolute and passionate about serving our local churches and seeing your ministries multiply, understanding that as they do, we experience God’s promise of multiplication together.

We become trapped at times in a survival mentality, thinking, “Let’s just get through another Sunday.”

You will hear more in the coming weeks and months about how this word from God can be lived out in practical ways. Together in agreement and alignment, we are on a “Mission to Multiply.” We are believing that over the next few years we will see God multiply His kingdom in your churches and ministries. In addition, we will see Him multiply the number of leaders and ministers in Open Bible, the souls being saved, disciples being trained, churches being planted and adopted, and the next generation being raised up and stepping into their destiny. Will you blend your faith and prayers with ours, believing God’s call is for Open Bible to be “fruitful and multiply”? 

“Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then you will LIVE and MULTIPLY, and you will ENTER and OCCUPY the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors” (Deut. 8:1 NLT, emphasis added). 

Michael Nortune

Michael Nortune serves as president of Open Bible Churches. He has ministered in the local church faithfully for 35 years. From his start as a janitor and groundskeeper to lead pastor of Life Church in Concord, California, Michael has had the opportunity to gain experience in every capacity within the church throughout his ministry. Not only does he have hands-on experience on the local level, but Michael has also led at the district, regional, and national levels within Open Bible Churches. 

Continue Reading

Follow Us

Subscribe to the Message