The Bible and Our Culture

True Meaning of Separation of Church & State; Part 2 of 2

Both clauses regarding the Freedom of Religion protects the individual from government overreach. 
Where did the phrase "Separation of Church and State" come from?  What was it's context and how has it been perverted? 
Gideon got cocky and backslide, most by trying to be both Church authority and State authority and brought destruction.

True Meaning of Separation of Church & State; Part 1 of 2

Gideon was kind'a trans.  He was acting like a king, but he "identified" as a descendant of Aaron to also act as High Priest.
What does the first amendment say regarding "Separation of Church and State"?  
The concept has been perverted 180 degrees through loud repetition.  
 

The Ignored Story of Gideon

The temptation of popularity.
Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility."
Gideon got lazy and pride crept in.
Pride brings destruction to Gideon and the people around him.
Beware of those who want power but don't take responsibilities.  
Many unelected "gatekeepers" influence policy hiding in plain site.
 

Beware of those who won't fight for liberty! Judges 8

Priorities: Tolerate those who will fight for God's people, but not those who are cowards.  
Gideon wisely accommodated the Ephraimites even though they were making false accusations against him because they were willing to fight.
Gideon was rightfully angry at those who wouldn't fight for the nation. 

Wisdom to Continue the Victory

Judges 7:23 - 8:17
After an amazing victory, Gideon has to use wisdom in diverse circumstances to enforce and maintain the victory.
Gideon responded wisely and refused to react foolishly.
Gideon didn't have tolerance for those who undermined the battle.
 

God causes the enemy's plans to backfire

Battle the enemy within relationship with God's people.  Be active in your local church.  God will help us build our faith.  We can stand in faith and cause the enemy's plans.  

God's Glory in His Remnant

Gideon's Army had to be whittled down from 32,000 to 300.  God wanted the glory for Himself.  Fear and lust might disqualify some from the victory.  Have a big-picture vision.  Understand the importance of a generational focus and an eternity focus!

The sex-crazed culture costs freedom just as it did in Gideon's Day!

Ezekiel 16; Old Testament prostitution.
Gideon's victory at home in Judges 6.
The over-sexed culture requires child sacrifice.
Sex saturated culture leads to degradation of our son's and daughters as well as all our society.
 

Gideon's battle at home

Gideon had to confront the temptations we face.
What did the false gods, Baal and Asherah, promise to tempt people into worshipping them.
We are an over-sexed society.

True Strength

Where did Gideon's true strength come from? 
What are characteristics of the people God uses?
Finding our adequacy in God.
Judges 6:7-24