More Thoughts on Christians and Politics

I must admit that the last post was somewhat of a re-action to some of the "political talk" that I heard coming from the mouths of some of my family...(you guys). My concern is not that you change your political views, but more importantly that you change the way you THINK and TALK about them. As belieivers, we are called to think and to talk differently concerning politics and human government. (Now, if your political views cause you to place American government and politics on a higher plane than that of the Kingdom of God, than I am concerned about your veiws and not simply your talk, and IN A SERIOUS WAY!)

If you have not read the last post, I encourage you to go back and read it and comment on it. There were some comments added recently, so do go back and check those out too.

Today, however, I wanted to spur on some more thoughts about how we as Christians are called to view politics through a different lens than the rest of our culture...

Please click this link and read an article by Randy Alcorn (author of The Treasure Principle and other good books).

I'm not Voting for a Man, I'm Voting for Generations of Children and their Right to Live

Let me know your thoughts...because you should be thinking about it. If you aren't thinking...START (Ezra 7:10, Eccl. 12:9)!

Do you really want "More of the Same?"

Our pastor just finished a 2-week series on the Church and Politics. It should be noted that we have been going passage by passage through the book of Romans for almost a year now and providentially we came to Romans 13 two weeks ago. Amazing how God works that! I love the fact that our pastors do not seek to preach thier own opinions but simply study the Word and preach what it says...they don't skip over difficult passages nor do they assume that we already know what a verse means. I thought I would share this outline with you from last week. If you listen as you talk and as others talk, you will notice that often we take on the same way of thinking and discussing politics as does the rest of our culture. As believers in a soveriegn and omniscient God we must not be the sources of "more of the same." PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!



The outline from Andrew Jackson’s article, “How to Engage in Politics Without Losing Your Soul,” printed in the Christian Research Journal has been adapted for this sermon.

DO SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

DON’T EQUATE THE BIBLICAL KINGDOM OF GOD WITH ANY A) HUMAN POLITICAL PARTY B) NATION.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (MATTHEW 6:33).

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” (JOHN 18:36).


DO LOOK TO CHRIST ALONE AS SAVIOR
DON’T ELEVATE ANY POLITICIAN TO SAVIOR-LIKE STATUS.


But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (I PETER 3:15, CF. PSALM 146:3; JEREMIAH 17:5;ROMANS 14:9)


DO PRAY
DON’T PRAY SELECTIVELY

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (I TIMOTHY 2:1-2).


DO STAY UNITED IN CHRIST
DON’T DIVIDE THE FAMILY OF GOD INTO POLITICAL TRIBES.

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them (ROMANS 16:17; CF. COLOSSIANS 3:1-8).


DO LIVE A LIFESTYLE OF REPENTANCE, FORGIVENESS AND LOVE.
DON’T FORFEIT YOUR FAITH IN YOUR POLITICAL WALK AND TALK.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner’’’ (LUKE 18:10-13; CF. ROMANS 13:13-14).