For some time there has been a discussion concerning Christian Nationalists and their attempt to literally take over American government. Some seem to fear their success, but someone has said: “The only thing to fear is fear itself.” But what the Word of God says is far more important, “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a slave greater than his master. It is enough for the disciple to become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house ‘Beelzebul,’ how much worse will they call the members of his household! Do not be afraid of them, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing is secret that will not be made known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light, and what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10, NET2.

Many Americans continue to be caught up in an argument concerning ‘Church and State,’ but mostly quote President Jefferson’s statement about the construction of a wall between Church and State, myself included.

Therefore, I went to the Bill of Rights Institute website and found a letter first written by the Danbury Baptist Association to the President on October 7, 1801, and copied this quote, “Sir, when we reflect on your past services, and see a glow of philanthropy and good will shining forth in a course of more than thirty years we have reason to believe that Americaʹs God has raised you up to fill the chair of state out of that goodwill which he bears to the millions which you preside over. May God strengthen you for your arduous task which providence and the voice of the people have called you to sustain and support you enjoy administration against all the predetermined opposition of those who wish to raise to wealth and importance on the poverty and subjection of the people.

And may the Lord preserve you safe from every evil and bring you at last to his heavenly kingdom through Jesus Christ our Glorious Mediator.”

Jefferson then followed with his letter on January 1, 1802, from which comes this quote, “Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ʺmake no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,ʺ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.”

https://billofrightsinstitute.org/primary…/danburybaptists

There are two very important statements we should take; one from the Association and the other from the President.

1. “…we have reason to believe that Americaʹs God has raised you up to fill the chair of state out of that goodwill which he bears to the millions which you preside over.” – – from Danbury Association to the President.

2. “…I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should ʺmake no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,ʺ thus building a wall of separation between Church & State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience…” — President Thomas Jefferson.

My suggestion is to be very careful to NOT cover these quotes with what is going on in our country now but to read these letters within the context of their content. Do some exegesis here and not eisegesis.

What we must remember is simple, Jesus is Lord.