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Navigating politics as a Christian can be challenging, but by keeping Jesus at the center and focusing on biblical truths, we can make informed, faith-driven decisions. We have to remember during this election season to give our vote to our candidate, but give our lives to Jesus.
Galatians 1:6-9 warns against perverting the gospel. The true gospel is simple: Jesus, the Son of God left Heaven and came to save us; He became our sins and paid our sin debt. He died our death on the cross but rose again on the 3rd day allowing us to walk in victory and transformed lives. Any deviation from this is a perversion. We have to see the importance of staying focused on this true gospel, especially during politically charged times. As we approach the upcoming election, let's focus on these key takeaways: - **Vote with a Biblical Worldview**: Ensure your political decisions align with biblical principles. - **Stay Focused on the True Gospel**: Avoid getting tangled in political noise that distracts from the gospel. - **Support Closed-Fist Issues**: Stand firm on non-negotiable biblical truths. What are some closed fist issues for the 2024 election: 1. **Support for Israel**: Genesis 12:2-3 emphasizes the importance of blessing Israel. 2. **Sanctity of Life**: Genesis 1:27 underscores the value of human life, making abortion a critical issue. 3. **Gender**: Genesis 1:27 also defines gender as male and female. 4. **Marriage**: Matthew 19:4-6 defines marriage as between a man and a woman. I am praying for you this week. ~ Pastor Eric
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Introduction
In a world filled with political turmoil and uncertainty, finding hope can often feel like an uphill battle. How do you maintain hope and faith? Mario's Story: Trusting the Driver Mario, my driver on a trip to Tegucigalpa Honduras, grew up in extreme poverty but now makes a living driving people around the city. His unwavering faith in Jesus, despite his challenging circumstances, serves as a powerful lesson. Mario's story teaches us that knowing who is driving our life—Jesus—can fill us with hope, even in the most difficult situations. Pastor Maria's Mission: More Souls Pastor Maria, who leads a church in a gang-ridden area in Tegucigalpa, has dedicated her life to serving her community. Despite facing numerous hardships, her focus remains on winning more souls for Christ. Her story challenges us to prioritize a God dream over the American dream, emphasizing the eternal significance of our mission. The Eternal Perspective Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 remind us that we are pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair. The hardships we face should drive us to rely on God, who raises the dead. This eternal perspective helps us navigate the challenges of life with hope and faith. Trusting God in Uncertainty So what do we do if America ceases to exist? We have to learn to trust that the same God who is on the throne was on the throne before America was on the map. Questions for Reflection 1. Do you know who is driving your life? 2. How can you shift your focus from a political worldview to a biblical one? 3. Are you prioritizing a God dream over the American dream? Conclusion Our hope should not be tied to our material circumstances or political stability. Instead, our hope should be rooted in our relationship with Jesus and our engagement with Scripture. By trusting in God and prioritizing our mission to win more souls, we can find hope and purpose, even in the most uncertain times. Navigating the intersection of faith and politics can be challenging, especially in today's polarized climate. This week's message was all about Romans 13, a passage often cited in discussions about the Christian's relationship to government. By examining this scripture, we can better understand how to approach political issues from a biblical worldview rather than a political one.
**What Does Romans 13 Really Say?** Romans 13 is frequently referenced to argue that Christians should submit to governing authorities at all cost. However, this passage has been misinterpreted and misapplied throughout history, sometimes with dire consequences. For instance in 1930s Nazi Germany it was used to justify submission to Hitler, leading many Christians to either support or passively accept the regime's atrocities. **A Biblical Worldview vs. A Political Worldview** The key to understanding Romans 13 lies in distinguishing between a political worldview and a biblical worldview. A political worldview might suggest that Christians should submit to the government unconditionally. However, a biblical worldview recognizes that all authority comes from God, and our ultimate allegiance is to Him. **The Role of Government According to the Bible** Romans 13:1-5 outlines that the government's role is to protect the innocent and punish evil. When a government fulfills this role, it is not hard for Christians to submit to it. However, the issue arises when a government protects evil and punishes the innocent. Are we still supposed to submit to the government at all cost then? From a political worldview the answer would be yes. From a Biblical worldview our response should be different. Our goal is to please God above all other human authority. Is it biblical to disobey the government if they are punishing innocence and protecting evil? Well ask Daniel when he refused to pray to the Kind and continued praying to God and got thrown in the lions' den; ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who chose to obey God rather than unjust governmental decrees saying they had to worship idols. Ask Peter and the apostles when they were told by the government that they couldn’t preach Jesus anymore. What was their response? “We must obey God rather than human beings!” **How Should Christians Vote?** As we approach the 2024 elections, our voting decisions should be guided by a biblical worldview. This means voting for candidates who will protect the first form of government instituted by God: the family. **The Importance of Family** The family is the first form of government established by God. In today's culture, various forces seek to undermine the family structure. From emasculating men trying to get them out of the picture, to promoting abortion inside the womb and “gender-affirming care” for those that make it outside the womb, these issues directly impact the family unit. Therefore, protecting the family should be a priority for Christians, both in their personal lives and in their voting decisions. **Life Application** The most immediate and impactful way to live out a biblical worldview is to fight for your family. This means being present, leading with integrity, and providing both materially and spiritually. Fathers, in particular, are called to step up and fulfill their God-given roles as leaders and protectors of their households. **Questions to Reflect On:** 1. Are you leading your family in a way that honors God? 2. How can you be more present and engaged with your family this week? 3. Are your voting decisions guided by a biblical worldview or a political one? **Conclusion** Understanding Romans 13 in its proper context helps us navigate the complex relationship between faith and politics. By prioritizing a biblical worldview, we can make informed decisions that honor God and protect the family. This week, let's commit to fighting for our families and living out our faith in every area of our lives. For my whole thought click here www.churchwithu.com/messages.html to watch this past Sunday's message. ~ Pastor Eric |
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