John the Baptist: Go ask Jesus, “I have been unjustly thrown into prison. Are you the political champion we wanted, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus: Go back and tell John what you hear and see: Jesus is healing the sick, healing the sick, healing the sick, healing the sick, healing the sick — yes, I want to say this five times in different ways — and preaching the gospel. This is the spiritual ministry I am supposed to be doing. You better not be upset about that.
See: Matthew 11:2-6
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Jesus: Don’t begin your ministry — don’t even leave town — until you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Disicples: OK…but when will God restore our political power?
Jesus: Don’t think about that. It is none of your business. You will receive spiritual power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. This is the power to preach the gospel, power to heal, power to see, hear, and know prophetically, and power to receive and perform all kinds of signs and wonders. Then you are ready to be my witnesses to the whole world by continuing my spiritual ministry.
See: Acts 1:4-8
* * *
Authorities: Don’t speak about this Jesus anymore!
Apostles: Really? Should we obey you rather than God?
Back at the church…
Apostles: Guess what? They don’t want us to talk about Jesus anymore.
Christians: Lord, look at their political threats. But we finally understand. Infuse us with spiritual power to preach, to heal, and to work miracles in the name of Jesus.
See: Acts 4:18-31
* * *
After two thousand years…
Christians: Lord, look at their political threats. Now grant us with even more political power to organize, campaign, educate, and influence policy in the name of our denomination.
And kill the charismatics. They remind us of somebody we really hate, but we can’t remember his name. They’re always talking about healing the sick, healing the sick, healing the sick, and preaching the gospel. That’s just sooo unbiblical, right?
In the name of our bestselling theologian, Th.D., Ph.D, STD, copyright, patent pending, etc.
Amen.
See: Your mirror