- Religion or Politics
- “Can this be over already?” - Ella
- 51% of evangelical christians aren’t planning to vote. - Barna Research
- 31M Christians didn’t vote last election
- “While it’s true that we can’t save the country with a single election, the reality is we could very well lose it.” - Tony Perkins
- What is the role of the church in politics?
- We are Citizens of Heaven
- We are Responsible
- We are Salt and Light
- We are Citizens of Heaven
Philippians 3:17-21 (NLT) // Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
- As citizens of Heaven, our primary assignment is eternal, not temporary.
John 18:36 (NLT) // Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
- We are Christians first and American citizens second.
2 Corinthians 5:20 // We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
- We are Responsible
- Family
- Church
- State
Romans 13:1-2 (NIV) // Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Proverbs 29:2 (NLT) // When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
Matthew 5:13-16 // “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Salt: Preserves
- Light: Reveals
- “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” — Edmund Burke
- Christianity can survive without America, but America cannot survive without Christianity.
- How should we be involved?
Romans 13:5 // Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 // I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
- Sin problems require Savior solutions.
- God, we pray for our country and for those running for office. Our nation needs you, Jesus. We humbly ask you to lead our country back to You. Would you forgive our sins and heal our land. Raise up leaders who will help us live peaceful, godly lives. We pray for policies that will protect Your church and the most vulnerable in our society. Help us represent You in our words and actions. May our lives be salt and light to those around us. Lord, send revival to America!
