Politics
Jesus For President, 28 October 2012
30 10 12
Big Idea: We need to be good citizens of our nation, yet remember that ultimately we are citizens of heaven.
The Bible should inform our Sunday activity, our Monday lifestyle, our politics, our vote, everything.
As we begin, let me remind you that we are just visiting this planet. Although we are citizens of this planet, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. citizens of heaven. While we are here, we are to glorify God and do whatever we can to reflect God’s Kingdom. Jesus taught us to pray that God’s Kingdom would come and His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Obviously His Kingdom and our planet look very different from one another, but there is much we can do to change that.
God values order and has established governments. In fact, there are four institutions that God has created in order for us to experience abundant life.
It is the government’s job to support, not replace the other three.
Romans 13:1 says
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
This does not mean that we should always obey the authorities when they create laws that violate God’s laws such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
It does mean that ultimately God is in control. God is in charge. Governments are to reflect His rule. Our trust and allegiance should be to Him and not a party or politician. Tragically, many fear the government more than the LORD.
Freedom is actually one of God’s greatest gifts to us. He has given us a free will to make choices. His Kingdom is a kingdom of freedom, releasing people from illegitimate bondage.
Jesus said to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
We are to seek God’s Kingdom.
There are some parts of the Democratic platform that reflect the Kingdom of God, and some that don’t.
There are some parts of the Republican platform that reflect the Kingdom of God, and some that don’t.
The Kingdom of God is His rule, plan, and program. It is His comprehensive rule over all of creation. The Kingdom agenda then is the visible demonstration of the comprehensive rule of God over every area of life.
All of life is spiritual since it is all to be lived under His rule.
We are to seek God’s Kingdom.
As we prepare for November 6, I urge you to pray.
Pray for wisdom in voting.
Pray for our leaders, both current and future.
Pray for our nation.
I also want to urge you to unite.
Politics is all about division. That’s the world’s way. Everyone in the political system is pursuing a winner and loser.
The Kingdom of God is not about division, but it’s about unity. Not uniformity, but unity. As I said last week, one of my favorite images of the Church is a mosaic—a collection of broken, diverse pieces that come together to beautifully display light.
Every human is created with value, dignity and worth in the image of God. Rather than debating, seek dialog with people, whether the conversation concerns politics OR religion. When we establish common ground first, we can further the relationship and earn the right to be heard regarding our differences.
I also urge you to vote. Just do it! We have the privilege of seeking what will best advance God’s Kingdom and contributing to it. It’s not only a privilege, it’s a responsibility. You have been given a voice. Use it! You can argue and debate about many things regarding our founding fathers but two things are clear: they valued freedom and wanted the people to have a voice.
Our church’s mission—for us as individuals and together—is to ultimately glorify God. Glorify God in the voting booth. He is worthy! Study the candidates and issues. Do your homework.
But don’t take the election too seriously. We must trust. Our money says, “In God we trust.” It’s funny how we want God to bless America, but we don’t want to trust in Him. God can be trusted. He is faithful. He is true. And He’s on the throne today and He will be on the throne after all of the votes have been counted.
See, regardless of what happens, we win. God is sovereign and in control. If we elect men and women that guide us toward His Kingdom, we all benefit. If they lead us away from God’s plan, it just means we are that much closer to His return!
I want Jesus for President! I know, He’s not on the ballot, but ultimately He will win. In fact, He will get more than four or eight years!
I’ve read to the end of the Book!
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)
Are you ready?!
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is truly timeless...
You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. (Lamentations 5:19)
It’s important to remember that our God is greater than any politician, political party, ballot proposal, constitution, ideology, or philosophy.
I have one final plea: act. Voting is important, but it’s probably the lowest level of action you can take.
If you’re pro-life, five minutes every four years in a voting booth is insufficient. You need to do more.
If you care about the poor, flipping a lever or filling in a box is just the beginning.
If freedom matters, there’s so much more that can be done after November 6.
I pray that this election season will remind us all to seek God’s Kingdom, pray, unite, and ultimately glorify Him.
Credit: Some ideas from How Should Christians Vote? by Tony Evans
You can listen to the podcast here.
The Bible should inform our Sunday activity, our Monday lifestyle, our politics, our vote, everything.
As we begin, let me remind you that we are just visiting this planet. Although we are citizens of this planet, we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. citizens of heaven. While we are here, we are to glorify God and do whatever we can to reflect God’s Kingdom. Jesus taught us to pray that God’s Kingdom would come and His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Obviously His Kingdom and our planet look very different from one another, but there is much we can do to change that.
God values order and has established governments. In fact, there are four institutions that God has created in order for us to experience abundant life.
- * individual
- * family
- * Church
- * civil government
It is the government’s job to support, not replace the other three.
Romans 13:1 says
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
This does not mean that we should always obey the authorities when they create laws that violate God’s laws such as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
It does mean that ultimately God is in control. God is in charge. Governments are to reflect His rule. Our trust and allegiance should be to Him and not a party or politician. Tragically, many fear the government more than the LORD.
Freedom is actually one of God’s greatest gifts to us. He has given us a free will to make choices. His Kingdom is a kingdom of freedom, releasing people from illegitimate bondage.
Jesus said to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
We are to seek God’s Kingdom.
There are some parts of the Democratic platform that reflect the Kingdom of God, and some that don’t.
There are some parts of the Republican platform that reflect the Kingdom of God, and some that don’t.
The Kingdom of God is His rule, plan, and program. It is His comprehensive rule over all of creation. The Kingdom agenda then is the visible demonstration of the comprehensive rule of God over every area of life.
All of life is spiritual since it is all to be lived under His rule.
We are to seek God’s Kingdom.
As we prepare for November 6, I urge you to pray.
Pray for wisdom in voting.
Pray for our leaders, both current and future.
Pray for our nation.
I also want to urge you to unite.
Politics is all about division. That’s the world’s way. Everyone in the political system is pursuing a winner and loser.
The Kingdom of God is not about division, but it’s about unity. Not uniformity, but unity. As I said last week, one of my favorite images of the Church is a mosaic—a collection of broken, diverse pieces that come together to beautifully display light.
Every human is created with value, dignity and worth in the image of God. Rather than debating, seek dialog with people, whether the conversation concerns politics OR religion. When we establish common ground first, we can further the relationship and earn the right to be heard regarding our differences.
I also urge you to vote. Just do it! We have the privilege of seeking what will best advance God’s Kingdom and contributing to it. It’s not only a privilege, it’s a responsibility. You have been given a voice. Use it! You can argue and debate about many things regarding our founding fathers but two things are clear: they valued freedom and wanted the people to have a voice.
Our church’s mission—for us as individuals and together—is to ultimately glorify God. Glorify God in the voting booth. He is worthy! Study the candidates and issues. Do your homework.
But don’t take the election too seriously. We must trust. Our money says, “In God we trust.” It’s funny how we want God to bless America, but we don’t want to trust in Him. God can be trusted. He is faithful. He is true. And He’s on the throne today and He will be on the throne after all of the votes have been counted.
See, regardless of what happens, we win. God is sovereign and in control. If we elect men and women that guide us toward His Kingdom, we all benefit. If they lead us away from God’s plan, it just means we are that much closer to His return!
I want Jesus for President! I know, He’s not on the ballot, but ultimately He will win. In fact, He will get more than four or eight years!
I’ve read to the end of the Book!
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)
Are you ready?!
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is truly timeless...
You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. (Lamentations 5:19)
It’s important to remember that our God is greater than any politician, political party, ballot proposal, constitution, ideology, or philosophy.
I have one final plea: act. Voting is important, but it’s probably the lowest level of action you can take.
If you’re pro-life, five minutes every four years in a voting booth is insufficient. You need to do more.
If you care about the poor, flipping a lever or filling in a box is just the beginning.
If freedom matters, there’s so much more that can be done after November 6.
I pray that this election season will remind us all to seek God’s Kingdom, pray, unite, and ultimately glorify Him.
Credit: Some ideas from How Should Christians Vote? by Tony Evans
You can listen to the podcast here.