'One Nation under God . . .'

(Photo by John Price / Upsplash)

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Parker, Beagle, Fontana United Methodist Church

Scripture (NRSV):  Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 12:5, “So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

I'm intrigued by the notion that the United States is a Christian nation. I find that there's a certain appeal to living in a country that claims Christianity as its religion of choice. Oh, yes, Christian nationalism is very appealing. After all, our Pledge of Allegiance has the phrase, "one nation under God." So, yes, it's nice to think that we are a godly nation and that we are ruled by the words and covenant of a loving and caring God.

The problem with our identity as a godly nation is that many seek to exploit our Christian faith. Frankly, I'm appalled when I read about evangelists or pastors who are multimillionaires. Or worse when I read about churches who are reluctant to share their stuff with the poor and needy. It seems that every week there's a new story or exposé about those who misuse our faith in God for power and control over others. The notion that God is love and that God commands us to love and care for one another sometimes seems lost in our search for wealth and status.

For those that have read my earlier articles, you are probably aware that I'm a firm believer in diversity, equality, and inclusivity (DEI). I am a firm believer in Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 that when we help or care for others, we are caring for Christ. The foundational part of my faith comes from Galatians 3:28, which states that we are all one in Christ Jesus. Also in Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul states that we are members of one body and there is one Lord and one faith. These verses strongly support the notion of inclusivity. So, I have to accept that I have a lot of Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist siblings in my Christian family.

The real question is simple. Are we all brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we adopted into God's family? Are we members of the body of Christ? Are we equal and are we included in God's bounty of love and grace? Or, as some suggest, are some of us more equal than others? Absolutely not! The Bible makes it very clear that all who confess their sins and believe in Jesus Christ are adopted into God’s family. And, as members of God's family, we equally share in God's blessings.

I would like to leave you with this thought. When we choose to follow the authentic and genuine Christ, do we choose to imitate his humility and love of others? Are we reminded that during his ministry Jesus relied on the generosity of others. Most of his nights he slept outdoors. He journeyed on foot with others who joyfully and enthusiastically followed him.

There were no planes, trains, or automobiles. There were no Holiday Inns or Motel 6s. There was simply the hard realities of dealing with unpredictable weather and uncertainty. However, Christ and his followers lived under the protection and guidance of God. And its important to note that when we follow Jesus, we too have the benefit of living under the protection and care of a loving God.

As we continue our journey into 2026, I prayerfully ask that you consider renewing and recommitting your relationship with God and his church. Strengthen your faith. Simply believe. You are an equal and loved member of God's holy family.

_________________________________________

If you are ready to worship and serve a loving God who welcomes everyone to God’s family, please come worship with us. We will give you a warm welcome, a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, and a homemade cookie. And, most important of all, we will give you an ample sample of God’s love.

_______________________

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of January 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle, Kansas, United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of February 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Fontana United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month March 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Parker, United Methodist Church.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate with us.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana

United Methodist Churches