September 14th, 2025
by Skott Jensen
by Skott Jensen
Hope in a Fractured Nation
In a time of increasing division and turmoil, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos of the world around us. With the Charlie Kirk’s assignation, COVID 19, and the passing of 24 years after 9/11 events, it is clear our nation has been challenged and is divided. But amidst it all, there's a timeless truth we must cling to: God is still in control.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it's crucial to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Our response to the challenges we face should not be rooted in fear or anger, but in love – the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to show to one another.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
This love isn't just a feeling; it's an action. It's a love that provides hope and restoration. In a fractured nation, people should know us by our love, not by our arguments, posts, or opinions. We're called to remove ourselves from the equation and let God have His way in our nation, our communities, and our homes.
Charlie Kirk said, “The entire arc of the Bible is a story of love and humanity's need for redemption”. God loves us so much that He doesn't want us to be separated from Him. He sent Jesus to die so that we wouldn't have to face eternal separation. Through Jesus Christ, all is made whole.
But how we deliver this message of love and redemption is just as important as the message itself. We must speak the truth in love, not with condemnation. Jesus didn't approach people with judgment, but with compassion and understanding. When He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, He didn't condemn her – He offered her living water and a new life.
We must remember that our battle is spiritual, not political. No political party or legislative action can heal the deep wounds in our society – only Jesus can. Instead of looking to the left or right for solutions, we need to look up. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said during the Civil Rights Movement, "I have decided to stick with love... Hate is too great a burden to bear." Love is the answer to the darkness and division we see around us. Without it, we're empty and miserable.
Jesus didn't come to overthrow Rome; He came to overthrow sin. Our role as His followers is to be ministers of reconciliation. We're called to be ambassadors for Christ, speaking on His behalf and following His agenda, not our own.
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
This ministry of reconciliation isn't just about reconciling people to God – it's also about reconciling people to each other. When we share the love of Christ, we bring unity to the world around us. We become instruments of peace in a world of conflict.
As we engage with the world, we must be bold in our faith, but not overbearing. We're called to invite others into a relationship with Jesus, not to beat them over the head with judgment. It's about making a genuine connection, showing real concern for others, and sharing the hope we have in Christ.
Consider the power of a simple invitation: "Hey, I'm going to church this Sunday. Would you like to come with me?" It's not about filling seats; it's about serving God and sharing His love with others. We must have the boldness that comes through the love of Christ to reach out to those around us.
In these challenging times, it's crucial that we don't hide our faith. We must be bold, but we must also remember the words of Romans 12:21: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Let people know us not for our outrage, but for our outrageous love for Jesus.
Time is short, and the signs of the times are all around us. For those who know Jesus, this is an exciting time – we're seeing prophecies fulfilled before our very eyes. But for those who don't know Him, it's a crucial moment to make a decision.
If you've never asked Jesus into your heart, or if you've strayed from your faith, now is the time to turn to Him. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Him to take control of your life. He promises to bring peace and joy that surpass all understanding.
As we move forward, let's commit to being the light in this dark world. Let's speak truth, but always in love. Let's be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him faithfully in all we do and say. And above all, let's keep our focus on Jesus, not getting caught up in the things of this world.
In a world that seems to be falling apart, we have the answer – Jesus Christ. He can fix broken hearts, free us from the reign of sin, and secure our eternity with Him. Let's share this good news with boldness and love, being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him.
Let me encourage you to be ready and help those around you get ready for the Lords return.
As we navigate these turbulent times, it's crucial to remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Our response to the challenges we face should not be rooted in fear or anger, but in love – the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to show to one another.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35)
This love isn't just a feeling; it's an action. It's a love that provides hope and restoration. In a fractured nation, people should know us by our love, not by our arguments, posts, or opinions. We're called to remove ourselves from the equation and let God have His way in our nation, our communities, and our homes.
Charlie Kirk said, “The entire arc of the Bible is a story of love and humanity's need for redemption”. God loves us so much that He doesn't want us to be separated from Him. He sent Jesus to die so that we wouldn't have to face eternal separation. Through Jesus Christ, all is made whole.
But how we deliver this message of love and redemption is just as important as the message itself. We must speak the truth in love, not with condemnation. Jesus didn't approach people with judgment, but with compassion and understanding. When He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, He didn't condemn her – He offered her living water and a new life.
We must remember that our battle is spiritual, not political. No political party or legislative action can heal the deep wounds in our society – only Jesus can. Instead of looking to the left or right for solutions, we need to look up. Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said during the Civil Rights Movement, "I have decided to stick with love... Hate is too great a burden to bear." Love is the answer to the darkness and division we see around us. Without it, we're empty and miserable.
Jesus didn't come to overthrow Rome; He came to overthrow sin. Our role as His followers is to be ministers of reconciliation. We're called to be ambassadors for Christ, speaking on His behalf and following His agenda, not our own.
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
This ministry of reconciliation isn't just about reconciling people to God – it's also about reconciling people to each other. When we share the love of Christ, we bring unity to the world around us. We become instruments of peace in a world of conflict.
As we engage with the world, we must be bold in our faith, but not overbearing. We're called to invite others into a relationship with Jesus, not to beat them over the head with judgment. It's about making a genuine connection, showing real concern for others, and sharing the hope we have in Christ.
Consider the power of a simple invitation: "Hey, I'm going to church this Sunday. Would you like to come with me?" It's not about filling seats; it's about serving God and sharing His love with others. We must have the boldness that comes through the love of Christ to reach out to those around us.
In these challenging times, it's crucial that we don't hide our faith. We must be bold, but we must also remember the words of Romans 12:21: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Let people know us not for our outrage, but for our outrageous love for Jesus.
Time is short, and the signs of the times are all around us. For those who know Jesus, this is an exciting time – we're seeing prophecies fulfilled before our very eyes. But for those who don't know Him, it's a crucial moment to make a decision.
If you've never asked Jesus into your heart, or if you've strayed from your faith, now is the time to turn to Him. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Him to take control of your life. He promises to bring peace and joy that surpass all understanding.
As we move forward, let's commit to being the light in this dark world. Let's speak truth, but always in love. Let's be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him faithfully in all we do and say. And above all, let's keep our focus on Jesus, not getting caught up in the things of this world.
In a world that seems to be falling apart, we have the answer – Jesus Christ. He can fix broken hearts, free us from the reign of sin, and secure our eternity with Him. Let's share this good news with boldness and love, being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs Him.
Let me encourage you to be ready and help those around you get ready for the Lords return.
Practical Applications:
* Invite Challenge: Take one of the church invite cards and commit to inviting someone to church this week. National Back to Church Sunday is September 21, 2025.
* Social Media Audit: Review your recent social media posts. Do they reflect Christ's love? If not, how can you adjust your online presence to better represent your faith?
* Identify one relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. Make a plan to reach out and take a step towards healing this week.
* Love in Action: Choose one way this week to show "outrageous love for Jesus" through your actions towards someone.
* Invite Challenge: Take one of the church invite cards and commit to inviting someone to church this week. National Back to Church Sunday is September 21, 2025.
* Social Media Audit: Review your recent social media posts. Do they reflect Christ's love? If not, how can you adjust your online presence to better represent your faith?
* Identify one relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. Make a plan to reach out and take a step towards healing this week.
* Love in Action: Choose one way this week to show "outrageous love for Jesus" through your actions towards someone.
Further Scripture
Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ"
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
Spiritual battle:
2 Corinthians 10:4 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds"
Ministry of reconciliation:
Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Bold witness:
Acts 4:29 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word"
Love for others:
1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
End times awareness:
Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."
Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ"
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
Spiritual battle:
2 Corinthians 10:4 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds"
Ministry of reconciliation:
Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Bold witness:
Acts 4:29 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word"
Love for others:
1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
End times awareness:
Matthew 24:42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."
No Comments