https://www.charismamag.com/spirit/bible-study/38594-men-of-issachar-wake-up-to-these-7-truths
We are watching the wholesale takeover of the American church by heretical forces that worship this country over God. In our zeal for mega-church stardom, we have lost sight of the fact that God has said that narrow is the way that leads to eternal life and few are those who find it. This apostasy has been expected because it is prophesied within the pages of God's Holy Word. Consider that the majority of people who call themselves Christians do not even flinch when rank apostates such as Paula White and Cindy Jacobs publicly accuse attempted rape victims of lying to protect their preferred political choice for the Supreme Court. Jacobs who fancies herself a "general: and White on her third marriage after fleecing the flock of God for her five million dollar fortune.
The apostate church strongly desires to conquer the cultural mountain of government. This is a core teaching of the New Apostolic Reformation. They believe a theocracy should be established and have rewritten American history to pretend that we were once under covenant just like Israel. Except we never were. The church has a role beloved and it is not to infiltrate this carnal government and force Jesus upon the lost. They tried that once during the crusades and it did not go so well. Christianity is not a forced belief. No one will be going to heaven because someone demanded they convert. Let us not lose sight of the key fact that most in the NAR, America-worshipping crowd keep forgetting. It is the eternal life we are to value, not this one. Getting your favorite politician into office, your pet legislation passed or even that conservative judge appointed to the highest court in the land is little more than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The above linked article brilliantly lays out the NAR position on government. I do not know if Shane Idleman is consciously NAR or not just that this teaching was taught to him by someone. The roots are pure NAR and we need to be able to spot it, mark it and avoid it. Every day we spend fighting for our carnal view of this country is another day wasted because the Gospel was not advanced. I understand that for many readers, this nationalistic theology is central to what you have been taught as well. Take that hat off beloved and consider the scriptures. Consider what God has to say.
'"Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chron. 12:32). We don't have to compromise our principles to be involved in politics--what good is salt left in the shaker, or a light that is hidden? "Politics" is not a bad word. In simple terms, politics refers to governing or leading a group of people. Politics won't save America, but in order to implement change, honor God, and help others, we must take action. To suggest that God does not want us to elect godly leaders and promote godly legislation runs contrary to His nature (see Rom. 13). Silence is not an option.' -- Shane Idleman
This is usually the first call for the NAR when it comes to action -- we must get involved! Yet what Scripture does Idleman base this on? The Chronicles verse simply mentions that the tribe of Issachar had an understanding of the times. Some have speculated this means discernment, which would be terribly ironic or even astrology which would be terribly sinful. The reason why there is no definitive answer is that this never occurs anywhere else in the entire bible. Thus it is biblically irresponsible to try and make doctrine out of it as Shane is doing here. The even larger point is the subtle assumed juxtaposition of the church and Israel. This is the same trick that the Rabbi Jonathan Con plays all the time. Just because Israel was under covenant does not mean America was as well. What of these men of Issachar beloved? Does the text even remotely infer that they rose up politically, conquered governmental mountains or even ran for some civic office? No. Then Idleman misuses the salt and light verses. These have absolutely nothing to do with politics. They are in fact the opposite! We are to stand out like a shining city on a hill because we are different than the world. Nowhere does the bible command us to implement change on a societal level. Likewise, Romans 13 does not instruct us to seek public office so we might pass "godly" legislation. If our message is not the Gospel than silence is our only option.
"1. Government is God-ordained. "We the people" are to lead according to God's Word. Many say, "We don't need to get involved. God will take care of everything." Ironically, I've never seen that mindset when it comes to work and income. We work, or we don't eat. God blesses hard work and diligence in financial matters; why wouldn't He when it comes to leading a nation?" -- Shane Idleman
Citing his first point, relying on the Romans 13 verses, Idleman erroneously states that all government is God-ordained, which means God decreed it. This is American myopia at work. Does anyone think that God decreed the government in the Sudan? Nazi Germany? The Stalin-led Russia? Now He allowed them just like He allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to reign. There is a vast difference between allowing and decreeing. As the church we are supposed to lead our lives according to God's Word, not the country. For the record, I am not suggesting we should not be involved. We need to pray for our leaders but remember why?
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. -- 1Timothy 2: 1-4 (ESV)
