Let the Main Thing Be the Main Thing

    As a pastor, I’ve been grieved by what I see happening, not only in our nation, but also in the Church. We are in the middle of a spiritual battle that has infiltrated the global body of Christ. And sadly, much of the battle isn’t just against the enemy ... it’s against one another.

Pastors are calling out pastors. Believers are insulting each other. And all too often, the conversation sounds less like the Kingdom of God and more like the kingdoms of this world. I’ve seen arguments like: “If you don’t say Charlie Kirk’s name, you’re a coward.” Or on the other side: “If you do, then you’re a racist.”

But this is exactly the poison of politics. It divides, it distracts, and it destroys. And when we let it creep into the Church, it hurts more than it builds.

That’s why I preached this past Sunday a message titled: “Let the Main Thing Be the Main Thing.”

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The Gospel Is the Main Thing

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

The gospel is not one option among many. It is the power of God. Politics cannot save. Culture cannot save. Money cannot save. Only the gospel has the power to save and transform lives.

And what’s more, the gospel unites what the world divides. At the foot of the cross, there is no Republican or Democrat, no black or white, no rich or poor ... there are only sinners in need of a Savior.

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Conversations with Grace

This past week, I’ve had a few conversations with people who don’t agree with either side of the cultural and political divide. What I found is that when we approach each other with grace and listen with empathy, something powerful happens ... we actually understand one another.

When Scripture is brought into the conversation, not as a weapon to win an argument, but as a guide to shine love, light, and truth, conviction starts to stir. Hearts begin to soften. And instead of shutting down, people lean in.

These moments remind me that the goal isn’t to win debates, but to keep the conversation alive long enough to point people to the cross. Because that’s where transformation really happens.

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How We Respond

So how do we live out the gospel in a divided world? Jesus already showed us:

• With Love. He said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Love doesn’t clap when tragedy strikes. Love doesn’t pick sides based on prejudice or preference. Love looks like the Good Samaritan, crossing the line to show mercy.

• With Light. Jesus declared, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). Darkness cannot overcome light, unless the light is hidden. Paul and Silas sang at midnight in prison and their light led a jailer to salvation. Daniel prayed faithfully in Babylon and his light caused even a pagan king to honor God. Light doesn’t argue with darkness; it just shines.

• With Truth. Ephesians 4:15 calls us to speak the truth in love. Truth without love is harsh. Love without truth is hollow. But when Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more,” He modeled both. Truth in love sets people free.

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Guarding Our Hearts

If we’re not careful, the same spirit of division that tears the world apart can creep into the Church. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

The enemy knows that if he can divide us, he can distract us, and if he can distract us, he can disarm us. But when we stay united under Christ, we produce harmony that the world cannot ignore.

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A Message for the Next Generation

This is urgent because the next generation is watching us. Our children and students see the chaos and wonder, “Can I live boldly for Christ and not be crushed by this world?”

The answer is yes. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). David faced Goliath with courage. Daniel stood in Babylon with faithfulness. Young people don’t need perfection, they need courage anchored in Christ.

But they will only be as bold as the example we set. If they see us divided, they’ll be divided. If they see us silent, they’ll stay silent. But if they see us loving, shining, and speaking truth with grace, they’ll know what it looks like to live unashamed of the gospel.

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The Call

Church, our mission has not changed. Jesus didn’t call us to win arguments; He called us to win souls. He didn’t call us to build sides; He called us to build His Kingdom.

So let’s keep the main thing the main thing. Let’s not be distracted by the noise. Let’s not be divided by the world. Let’s not be silenced by fear. Let’s be bold in love, bright in light, and firm in truth.

Because when the Church stays on mission, lives are changed, families are restored, communities are healed, and nations are transformed, not by our opinions, but by the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

With Love - PA