HoHum:
During an election campaign the air is full of speeches and vice versa- Henry Adams
WBTU:
Today, many preachers across this country are being encouraged to speak out about current policy issues that the Bible talks about for Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Preachers are being told that certain issues they cannot speak about because if they do they are getting involved in politics. Cannot get involved in politics because IRS tax exemption will be taken away.
Now I am not going to endorse a political candidate or a political party. I am not going to speak about political issues where the Bible is silent. However, I have and will continue to speak about political issues where the Bible has something to say. As Christians we must proclaim the Word of God. We must stand with God and with the Bible.
What should we do about the government? Should Christians try to influence laws and politics? Across history, Christians have disagreed on all of this.
“Why Christians Should Seek to Influence Government for Good” by Wayne Grudem
Thesis: Start by discussing 5 views of Christian involvement that are unbiblical, incomplete or false. After this, talk about a more balanced and biblical idea of political involvement
For instances:
5 views of Christian involvement that are unbiblical, incomplete or false
1. Government should force religion
The government forces its citizens to participate in a particular brand of religion. Until the founding of the United States this was a common view of government. Today there are very few Christians groups that hold to the idea that the government should try to force people to follow the Christian faith.
Now other religions still battle over this. For instance when ISIS or ISIL takes over an area the people have 3 options: Flee, die or convert to this particular Muslim faith and ideology. Many Christians have died because they could not flee and they refused to convert to ISIS so they were martyred. But consider that more Muslims have died because they also have refused to convert to this particular Muslim faith and ideology.
Now our country was founded upon the freedom of religion, many immigrants came here to escape religious persecution, and we still hold to this so not going to spend more time on this.
2. Government should exclude religion
In our country this is becoming increasingly popular. This is the view that we should completely exclude religion from government and politics. According to this view, religious beliefs should never be mentioned in governmental functions or on government property and should never play a role in decision-making processes in politics or government.
Many believe that it is fine whatever we say and do in the 4 walls of a religious building but we dare not bring any of that religious stuff into business, education, media, the military and especially not into the government.
Problems with this view:
It changes freedom of religion into freedom from religion. The 1st Amendment to the US Constitution says this: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. What is meant here by “an establishment of religion” is a government sponsored and endorsed state church. Now this amendment did not intend to exclude all religious speech and activity from government buildings and activities, for our nation’s early leaders continued praying publicly to God at government events, even having church services in the Capitol for many years.
It wrongly restricts freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Next part of 1st Amendment that we just read: Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion or abridging the freedom of speech. This is directly opposed to the “exclude religion from government” view. This idea of excluding religion from government prohibits Christians and others from exercising their religious freedom when speaking or giving a prayer at a public event. Their free exercise of religion is taken away from them. This view also wrongly restricts individual freedom of speech. Speaking of religion in public is not forcing people to accept that viewpoint.
It removes from government God’s teaching about good and evil. The Bible says that government officials are sent “to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” 1 Peter 2:14, NIV. But if the idea of absolute moral standards that come from God is rejected, how does the government determine what is right and what is wrong? Where do we get the idea that murder is wrong, adultery is wrong, stealing is wrong, lying is wrong? If we do not believe in the Bible then in some situations those things are right. Dangerous!
3. All Government is Evil and Demonic
“And he (Satan) said to him (Jesus), “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.” Luke 4:6, NIV.
Cannot deny that Satan has much sway over governments but to say that all their authority and splendor has been given to Satan is a lie. Satan wanted Jesus to believe this lie, just as Satan was successful with Eve to believe a lie in Genesis 3. He wants us to believe this lie as well, that he is the ultimate ruler of earthly governments. Look at these verses:
“the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.” Daniel 4:17, NIV.
“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... For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good... for the authorities are God’s servants...” Romans 13:1-6,
If all Christian influences are removed from the government, then it will be ruled by Satan. Satan wants us to believe that all government is under his control so that we do not get involved. Just give up because it is all corrupt anyway, bad idea. Satan wins by default
4. Do Evangelism, Not Politics
The church should only preach the gospel and not get involved in politics.
Think of the difference between North Korea and South Korea. These two countries share many things in common. The only difference between them is that South Korea is a democracy with politically free people and North Korea is a Communist country with the most repressive government in the world. Do the different governments make a difference? There are just a handful of Christians in North Korea, and these Christians must exercise their faith in secret. Persistent persecution has hindered the church so greatly that there is no missionary activity; not public worship, and no publication of Christian literature. Millions in North Koreans never see or hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. By contrast, the church in South Korea, where the government has freedom of religion, is growing, thriving, and sending missionaries around the world. South Korea has one of the highest percentages of Bible believing Christians of any nation (near 25%). The only difference is the kind of governments they have and what a difference it makes.
“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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV. Cannot evangelize if have a bad or ungodly government. Governments make a significant difference on the gospel
5. Do Politics, Not evangelism
No Christian would say this, but some say this. “If we just have a Christian government all of our problems will be solved.” Yes, good government and good laws can prevent much evil behavior, and they can teach people and show what society approves, but a Christian government cannot produce good and godly people. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can do that.
So what?
What should be our involvement with the government? Our influence should not be to force people (1), or to be silent (2), or to drop out of the process (3, 4), nor should we think that the government can save this nation or the citizens of this nation (5). So what should we do?
Every Christian citizen of the US has at the very least a minimal obligation to be well informed and to vote for candidates and policies that are most consistent with the Bible. Tomorrow October 6 is Last day to register to vote in November 4th Election. Now is the time to research and e-mail and call, etc.
We have a higher obligation than merely voting. John F. Kennedy- “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” Christians should be the best citizens of any country in which they live. Get involved by voting, informing ourselves about current issues, and maybe running for office
