PASTORS: Route to entanglement

Ed Torrence, in his letter to the editor, seemed to suggest that I did not know the difference between the Apostle Paul speaking, and Jesus speaking. Well, wonder of wonders Ed, there is no difference. I knew it was the Apostle Paul writing this, but 2nd Tim. 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. In light of this and other Scriptures, Ed, it is never incorrect to say that God, or Jesus, is speaking when quoting any verse or passage of Holy Scripture.

It is my understanding that the pastors were successful in their efforts to elect their candidates of choice, and it is this very success that will lead to greater entanglement. All pastors risk losing their tax exempt status by getting involved in any way in politics, and one has to ask why they would do that. Is it their intent to force the citizens of Idaho to submit to their theology via legislative enactment? Are they attempting to slow the inevitable? Are they afraid of the inevitable? 2nd Cor. 10:3,4 tells us that even though we walk in the flesh (in fleshly bodies) we do not war after the flesh (according to the way natural man conducts his battles). The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (earthly, physical), our weapons are mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strongholds. Mighty through God, Ed, not mighty through the political process, which is carnal if anything ever was.

The Christian battle is spiritual — not physical. Eph. 6:12 tells us real Christians that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wickedness in high places. The phrase “flesh and blood” speaks of people, and our warfare is not against people, it is a spiritual battle to be waged in the Spirit against spiritual entities. Our job is to get truly born-again ourselves so that we are no longer subject to sinful temptations, and then to spread that message to as many people as possible. If people get saved and stop sinning, you will never have to worry about the politics of your community. When you attempt to use politics to get your way, you are admitting that the spiritual battle alone is just not cutting it. This can only be admitted by those who have never really experienced the power of the Spirit of God.

BILL JOHNSON

Rathdrum