Sermon Central
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Jesus Came To Save, Not To Campaign Series
Contributed by Wayne Golliday on Apr 1, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Brothers and sisters, we are living in an age where the name of Jesus is being hijacked. It's being used not just in churches but in courtrooms, campaigns, and Capitol buildings
Title: Jesus Came to Save, Not to Campaign
Text: Luke 19:10 – "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
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Introduction
Brothers and sisters, we are living in an age where the name of Jesus is being hijacked. It's being used not just in churches but in courtrooms, campaigns, and Capitol buildings—to push political agendas, to stir up national pride, and to build what some call a “Christian Nation.” But I want to be bold today and remind the people of God of this simple truth:
Jesus didn’t come to endorse a flag. He came to carry a cross.
He didn’t die to take sides. He died to take over.
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I. The Mission of Jesus Was Salvation
A. Jesus' Purpose Was Spiritual, Not Political
• John 18:36 – “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight…”
o Jesus refused to let His movement become a militant one.
• Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
o That’s the mission. Plain and simple.
B. Jesus Avoided Political Entanglements
• Matthew 22:21 – “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.”
o He didn’t start a revolution against Rome. He started a revolution in the heart.
• John 6:15 – “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again…”
o He left when they tried to politicize Him!
C. Jesus Came for All Nations, Not Just One
• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”
• Revelation 7:9 – “...of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues…”
o Jesus is not the mascot of any one nation—He’s the Savior of every nation.
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II. What Christian Nationalism Gets Wrong
A. What Is Christian Nationalism?
• It’s the idea that America (or any nation) has a special covenant with God like Israel did.
• That its laws and government should reflect a certain version of Christianity.
• That patriotism is part of discipleship.
B. It's a False Gospel
• Galatians 1:6-8 – “...though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel...let him be accursed.”
o The Gospel is Christ crucified, not America glorified.
• 1 Corinthians 1:23 – “But we preach Christ crucified…”
C. It Substitutes Idols for God
• Exodus 20:3 – “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
o Nationalism becomes a golden calf draped in red, white, and blue.
• Isaiah 42:8 – “...my glory will I not give to another…”
D. It Divides the Body of Christ
• 1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”
o Christian nationalism alienates those who aren’t of the same political party or ethnicity.
o The Cross unites; nationalism divides.
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III. Jesus' Example Confronts Nationalist Thinking
A. Jesus Loved Romans, Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles Alike
• John 4:9-10 – Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman.
• Luke 7:9 – Jesus marveled at the Roman centurion’s faith.
B. The Early Church Rejected Nationalism
• Acts 10:34-35 – “God is no respecter of persons.”
• Philippians 3:20 – “For our conversation is in heaven…”
o Our true citizenship is not on earth—it’s in glory.
C. The Gospel Is Bigger Than Any Nation
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…”
• Revelation 11:15 – “...the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord…”
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IV. Call to the Church
A. Refuse to Preach Another Jesus
• 2 Corinthians 11:4 – “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus…”
• Don’t let your pulpit become a political rally.
• Don’t confuse political freedom with spiritual liberty.
B. Be Kingdom-Minded, Not Nation-Minded
• Colossians 3:2 – “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
• Preach Christ. Live holy. Love your neighbor.
C. Don’t Get Caught Up in the Hype
• 2 Timothy 2:4 – “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…”
• Keep your eyes on the mission—souls.
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Conclusion: Jesus Is Not Running for Office
• Jesus is King of Kings, not “President of the Saved.”
• He reigns from a throne, not a capital.
• He gave us a Gospel, not a government.
Hebrews 12:2 – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
Let us not be seduced by a movement that trades the power of the Gospel for the politics of men. The cross is not a campaign sign. It’s a blood-stained banner of salvation.
