I've been reading a lot of political stuff recently - some good, some bad and some downright ugly. Frankly, I've been disgusted by people from both sides using God to score political points - or worse still - strong-arm others to their way of thinking (and voting). That's why Eddy's post came as such a breath of fresh air, and why I'm reposting it at both Pleasing Moments and Ava Writes.
God in Politics Introduction
God spoke the truth on many issues before they ever became political issues. The fact that some topics have become political issues is no reason for Bible believers not to share what God’s Word has to say on the issues at hand.
This is an outline and a few thoughts from our pastor’s message today Sunday November 2nd 2008. It is not a message on whom to vote for or specific issues, but Bible principles. I love it when the speaker gets to the root of the issues instead of dealing with the rotten fruit. So here is the message (with some of my thoughts interjected) from pastor Danny Rollins.
Text: Mark 12:17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him. NKJV
Three Truths Today -
Understanding God’s Priority (Singular)
His Kingdom
Matthew 6:10 “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. NKJV
He is speaking of His King and Kingdom People
John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." NKJV
Partial quote from Abraham Lincoln in his Second inaugural address on March 4th 1865 and speaking of how both sides asked God to bless their priorities, “The Almighty has His own priorities”.
Joshua 5:13-14 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?"
So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come."
And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?" NKJV
The point being that God did not come that day to take sides, but to take over. No matter who wins the election, the problems and solutions are deeper than the election. Wrong will continue because it is in the human nature.
Survey God’s Plans
God’s plans and program has gone on through time whether we recognized it or not.
God Worked Through The Nation Israel.
When the kingdom divided there were 38 kings. All but 8 were considered “bad” kings. Of the eight “good” kings most were not good from beginning to end, yet God’s plans moved forward using both the “good” and the “bad”.
God Worked Through The Other Nations.
Just go through both the Old and New Testament and take note of the nations that God worked through. My personal favorite is included in the story of Esther. But as you read the following scripture as examples keep in mind that these kings were not of the Jewish nation and may not have been worshippers of the one true God.
Daniel 6:25-26 -Then King Darius wrote:To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. NKJV
Ezra 1:1-2 -Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. NKJV
Participating in God’s Process
God has chosen to use leaders for his people.
Deliverers like Moses and Joshua
Judges like Samson and Gideon
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah
Kings like David and Solomon
God Uses Us to Elect the Leaders
Let’s Use the Bible as a Guide to Characteristics
Character –“What we are in the dark” – The moral authority to lead others
Proverbs 29:1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy. NKJV
Conviction –“One who draws a line in the sand and says I will not cross over this line”.
Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. NKJV
Anyone can have a conviction, not just Bible believers. A conviction is something one will die for.
The ultimate politician will promise anything. He/she will study the issues; find out what issues will get him/her the most votes and then promise to deliver it.
Courage – to choose the right thing
Joshua 24:15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." NKJV
Company –Who is his/her friends and who is his/her enemies.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." NKJV
Look at your political mail and check the liberal media. Who supports who? You will know a lot about a person by the company they keep.
On a personal note, please notice that nothing is mentioned here about religion, gender or race.
God in Politics Bottom Line
We all need to vote our own convictions come Election Day. Yes, there are issues I would love to discuss in more details, but there are many who are already doing that, so I pass on to you these three truths today.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. NKJV
If you do not believe in God or the authority of His Word, this will not help you. If on the other hand you do believe in God and the authority of His Word and if you are willing to submit to His authority, you may find help here.
In any case, this is not the voting booth. See you at the poles. ~ eddie
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