God Is Not A Nationalist: Repentance For A Hijacked Gospel Series

GOD Is Not a Nationalist: Repentance for a Hijacked Gospel

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today hungry for truth. Strip away every idol in our hearts—whether it’s nation, culture, or comfort. Show us the difference between Your eternal kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. Let Your Word speak clearly today. May we be faithful to the cross, not the crowd. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,

Amen.

Introduction

We live in a time when many are confusing Christianity with nationalism. People wave Bibles in one hand and political flags in the other. They say, “We’ve got to take the country back for God,” as if God ever lost control.

But here’s the truth: Jesus didn’t come to make nations Christian—He came to make Christians from all nations.

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." — Luke 19:10

Let’s walk through three things today:

1. The history of Christian nationalism and how it’s failed.

2. What the Bible teaches about God's kingdom.

3. Why our loyalty must be to Christ alone, not any nation.

I. The Historical Dangers of Christian Nationalism

Constantine and the Roman Empire

• In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state religion.

• Result: Persecution of non-Christians began. The church became wealthy and political. The gospel became institutionalized.

• "My kingdom is not of this world." — John 18:36

The Crusades

• Popes sent armies to reclaim Jerusalem with the cry, “God wills it!”

• Result: Bloodshed in the name of Jesus. Millions died. Non-Christians saw Christianity as violent.

• "Love your enemies..." — Matthew 5:44

• "Put up again thy sword..." — Matthew 26:52

Reformation and State Churches

• Lutheran Germany. Anglican England. Everyone had to believe the state religion.

• Result: People were executed for believing differently. The gospel became tied to nationalism.

• "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." — 2 Corinthians 3:17

Nazi Germany

• Hitler used 'Positive Christianity' to justify nationalism. Many pastors complied.

• Result: Silence from pulpits during genocide. Some Christians resisted and died.

• "Cry aloud, spare not..." — Isaiah 58:1

Modern-Day America

• Many believe America is God’s chosen nation, confusing revival with political dominance.

• Result: Churches divided. The gospel reduced to a political platform.

• "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." — 1 John 5:21

II. The Bible’s Teaching on the Kingdom of God

Jesus Rejected Earthly Kingship

• "When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again..." — John 6:15

The Gospel Is for All Nations—Not Through One

• "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..." — Matthew 28:19

• "There is neither Jew nor Greek... for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28

Our Citizenship Is in Heaven

• "For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven..." — Philippians 3:20

• "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come." — Hebrews 13:14

Earthly Power Corrupts the Church

• "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." — Zechariah 4:6

III. Why Our Loyalty Must Be to Christ Alone

God Hates Idolatry

• "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." — Exodus 20:3

• "Pride goeth before destruction..." — Proverbs 16:18

Christian Nationalism Hinders the Gospel

• "That the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed." — 1 Timothy 6:1

• "Ye are the salt of the earth... the light of the world." — Matthew 5:13–14

Our Glory Must Be in the Cross

• "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..." — Galatians 6:14

• "I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." — 1 Corinthians 2:2

Conclusion & Invitation

Christian nationalism has failed every time it’s been tried. It doesn’t bring revival—it brings confusion, division, and distraction.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." — Joshua 24:15

Call to Action:

- If you’ve put your nation above your Savior, repent.

- If you’ve been more vocal about politics than about the gospel, turn back to your first love.

- If you’ve been silent while others misuse the name of Jesus, stand for truth in love.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

We repent of every idol. We repent of loving nation more than You. Help us to be Kingdom-minded people—faithful, humble, and bold. Let us proclaim not laws, but love—not culture, but the cross. Empower us by Your Spirit to be ambassadors of Your eternal Kingdom.

In Jesus’ holy name we pray,

Amen.