“Values Voting”
Introduction
Two subjects illicit more heated discussions than any other; religion / politics. Today religions get a pass in our culture, Christianity does not. It seems there is an all-out war on Christianity; especially evangelical beliefs. There is even an organization dedicated to eradicating God out of government. I am going to talk about both Christianity and politics because the Bible addresses both. The bible has a great deal to say about politics and government.
In our present culture of eradicating God from government Christians have been discouraged from participation in politics. The removal of morals and principles in government lead to the current attitudes toward politicians now prevalent in our culture. Unchecked power corrupts.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Our early founders recognized no separation between God and government. Just a cursory glance at some of the original documents quickly reveals that Christianity was very much part of the lives of the founders as well as their governing.
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." John Adams
"The highest glory of the American Revolution was that it connected the principles of Christianity with the principles of government."
John Quincy Adams
"Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence
"If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instruction and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."
Daniel Webster
"It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains." Patrick Henry
"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." William Penn
"We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us." Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation
"Finally, let us not forget the religious character of our origin. Our fathers were brought hither by their high veneration for the Christian religion. They journeyed by its light, and labored in its hope. They sought to incorporate its principles with the elements of their society, and to diffuse its influence through all their institutions, civil, political, or literary." Daniel Webster
"In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed....No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people." Noah Webster
Some even advocated electing only Christians. In spite of the current claims, this nation was firmly founded on Christian principles. The founding fathers established freedom of religion not freedom from religion right alongside of freedom of speech. They did not advocate any such thing as separation of church and state. That misinterpreted and misapplied statement has been passed on as part of the constitution. It can be found nowhere in the constitution or the bill of rights. The framers clearly prohibited the government from establishing a state religion to which all must subscribe. The “separation” phrase was picked out of context from a letter by Thomas Jefferson to a Baptist church assuring them that the government was prohibited by the constitution from establishing a state church. In the very document used to remove the church’s influence on Government it is clear that the amendment was added to protect the church from government influence NOT to prohibit the church from influencing the government.
Such belief can be clearly demonstrated as indicated by the many quotes from the ones who actually drafted and signed it. The Government was the first to print and distribute Bibles in the United States. The founding fathers copiously quoted the Scriptures in their writings and speeches. They quoted the Bible or those quoting the Bible more than any other source.
My intent today is to encourage Christian influence in government and the political debate.
The Bible’s influence on our development as a nation and those who founded it is indisputable. First we must be clear that we serve a sovereign God. That means, our God rules over and superintends ALL the affairs of men. God will hold both individuals and nations accountable for their actions.
Wicked people, all the nations who forget God, will return to the grave. Needy people will not always be forgotten. Nor will the hope of oppressed people be lost forever. Arise, O LORD. Do not let mortals gain any power. Let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, O LORD. Let the nations know that they are {only} mortal. Selah Psalm 9:17-20
The nations are like a drop in a bucket and are considered to be like dust on a scale. The weight of the islands is like fine dust. All the trees in Lebanon are not enough to burn an offering. Its wild animals are not enough for a single burnt offering. All the nations amount to nothing in his presence. He considers them less than nothing and worthless. To whom, then, can you compare God? To what statue can you compare him? Isaiah 40:15-18
God is enthroned above the earth, and those who live on it are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the sky like a canopy and spreads it out like a tent to live in. He makes rulers unimportant and makes earthly judges worth nothing. They have hardly been planted. They have hardly been sown. They have hardly taken root in the ground. Then he blows on them and they wither, and a windstorm sweeps them away like straw. “To whom, then, can you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Isaiah 40:22-25
Let’s be clear. No matter what happens around the world, God rules individuals and nations.
One day…
every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
And an innumerable throng will sing a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10
Daniel lived under the rule of an ungodly ruler but recognized God as the ultimate ruler.
Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” Daniel 2:20-23
The Role of government
Paul (Rom 13) instructed new believers under Roman rule concerning Government.
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:1-4
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14
Governments are ministers of God. God ordained Governments to serve His purposes.
Two main purposes
RESTRAIN EVIL WORDS THROUGH PUNISHMENT
It has been said that you can’t legislate morality. You can’t make people be moral. That is true, morality is a heart issue. However, you can legislate against immorality. You can’t make a law requiring you to love someone. You can make a law preventing you from killing someone.
When governments fall, the first thing that happens is rampant lawlessness. It is a restrainer of the evil heart.
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpation." President James Madison (1751-1836) speech, Virginia Convention, 1788
The problem is when the definition of what is evil deviates from what God has declared. The reason nations have fallen is because they have abandoned justice and ruling the people with equity. God steps in and executes His judgments.
REINFORCE GOOD WORK THROUGH REWARD AND PRAISE
Governments are to encourage good behavior. Governments are to highlight and reward moral acts and godly behavior.
Responsibility of the governed
Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:5-7
1. Pay for it
Taxes are mandated by God. Taxes support a ministry of God. This command was to a government that was responsible for killing Jesus and Paul. They did not always spend the taxes on the things we would approve of.
2. Pray for it
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Technically we are to pray for those in authority not necessarily the government. The early church incorporated prayer into the daily life of the government. There are numerous documented prayers that are full of great prayers for God’s blessing. You can read George Washington’s prayer journal that he kept from the time he was 20. He prayed everyday morning and evening.
Bless O Lord, all the people of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. Continue thy goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee to hear accept and answer for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. (Partial excerpt from Sunday night prayer).
The purpose of prayer is that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
It is the means to keep our heart right, bring about salvation in our land and please God.
3. Praise it
Give honor to whom honor is due. Give thanks to those who serve the public. Honor those in the military who serve the people at the government’s command.
4. Participate in it
We have a responsibility to do our part in electing those who lead us. Voting is a privilege.
Not all nations allowed such participation. As long as we have it, we need to exercise it.
Power of One Vote:
1645-One vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England
1776-One vote made English our official language instead of German
1845-One vote kept Andrew Jackson from impeachment
1876-One vote Made Rutherford B. Hayes president.
1923-One vote Gave Hitler leadership of Nazi party.
Evangelical Christians are a significant voting block in the United States.
First the definition: In our political analyses we define “evangelicals” as evangelical white Protestants. We leave out evangelical African-Americans and white Catholics because their political identity is far less apt to be informed by religious belief. Evangelical white Protestants, to an almost unique degree in this country, mix the two.
It is estimated that 20% of Americans fall into this group. If we don’t do what we can, we should not complain about the moral state of our country.
4. Persuade it
Only hope for any people is truth. We are to do all we can to spread God’s principles. We are salt and light. That includes government. If no one interfaces with our culture there can be no change.
Nathan (Prophet) came to David (king)
Elijah (prophet) stood up to Ahab (king)
Daniel (prophet) stood before Nebuchadnezzar (Babylonian rule)
John the Baptist called down Herod.
The government that herded Christians into the coliseum to be slaughtered for the enjoyment of 50,000 fans was eventually changed by the prayers and preaching of those Christians. Although Jesus never participated in actual earthly legislation or government, He forever changed culture and governments by His truth. One day He will return and BE the government.
If this country does not hear the truth from the Body of Christ, the church, there is no other place it will be found. If good people do not get involved in government and politics, we will continue to have corruption.
Toynbee, the great historian, wrote, "Of the 22 civilizations I have studied, 19 of them fell, not because of external forces, but because of internal moral decay." They died from within.
We can petition, protest, blog, write our representatives, debate, vote…The current ballot measure was the result of Christians rallying together. Here are some issues we should take into consideration when voting whether it relates to the candidate or particular legislation up for a vote. I am not endorsing and candidates or parties. I am only providing a framework for evaluating the practice and politics from a Biblical viewpoint. Views of candidates can be found all over the internet.
Biblical Factors
Marriage between one man and one woman
There is a huge move by the homosexual groups to redefine the concept of marriage. It continues to gain traction due to fervor and money from a group estimated to make up only 2% of the population. The issue regards the redefinition of what constitutes marriage. The current and traditional view is that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. That is also the Biblical view although it was violated throughout Biblical history.
A man shall leave his father and mother, cleave to his wife and the two shall become one flesh.
There are numerous terms that can be used to define same sex unions. It is not necessary to redefine an ancient and clear term to mean something other than what it has means for centuries. This issue is clearly delineated in party platforms. We in Washington have a chance to make a statement for traditional marriage in November.
Webster’s Historic definition of marriage
"Marriage is a contract, both civil & religious, by which parties engage to live together in mutual affection & fidelity until death shall separate them. Marriage was instituted by God, Himself, for the purpose of preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, for promoting domestic fidelity, & for securing the maintenance & education of children." And then Hebrews 13 is quoted: "Marriage is honorable among all."
Today’s definition of marriage from Webster’s Dictionary:
"A mutual relation of husband & wife by which men & women are joined in a special kind of social & legal dependence for the purpose of building & maintaining a family."
The current trend is to change it once again and make the new definition LAW, not just a dictionary definition. That means it will be against the law to define it any other way but the “legal” way.
The sanctity of life
The Bible is clear that unborn babies are more than tissue. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit while in the womb and jumped for joy at the mother Jesus’ voice. Since life begins at conception, any intentional termination of that life is murder. I am actually pro-choice. Everyone has a choice up until conception. After that there is only one option. This is the same as my choice to rob a bank or not. I have every right to choose to rob a bank. Once I rob a bank however, I severely limit my choices.
Fiscal responsibility
The Bible is clear about stewardship of resources and acquiring debt. WE are instructed to owe nothing to anyone except love. (Rom 13:8)
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7
We need to put in office those who are committed to fiscal responsibility and reducing debt.
Personal responsibility
The Bible is clear as to each individual’s responsibility to support themselves.
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13
The first line of support is one’s self, then one’s family, then the church, then the community.
The federal government is not equipped to effectively meet these needs. The further removed from the source the greater the chance for abuse and fraud.
Case in point.
The producers of Sesame Street who receive government subsidy cleared 138 million dollars in profit in 2011. Their CEO was paid $900,000 in 2008. They got a $1,000,000 (million) grant from the JOB stimulus package and added 1.7 jobs.
I think they are just fine without government subsidy.
Medicare fraud accounts for 60 BILLION per year.
Billions of dollars are paid out to government subsidized programs with little accountability or say in who receives it. When the government assumes a role not intended by God, others disengage from a personal sense of responsibility and compassion in their own local circle of influence. If you expect government to meet all your needs, don’t be surprised when they seize all your resources. God is not for forced redistributing wealth but for the voluntary sharing of wealth to those truly in need.
The government confiscation of money to care for others leaves the individual with fewer resources for personal involvement and compassion.
"Every step we take towards making the State our Caretaker of our lives, by that much we move toward making the State our Master."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." Thomas Paine
Environmental Rule and Stewardship
God created the earth as a home for His ultimate creation; mankind. It was a perfect environment able to support a vast population.
God blessed them (Adam and eve); and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Then God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food"; and it was so. God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Genesis 1:28-31
Freedom of worship
Our founders came here to get out from under religious controls. We need to put in office those recognize those freedoms. Today, there seems to be and antichristian bent to government. Everything is allowed except for Christians. Negative talk against all faiths is discouraged except Christianity. We need leaders who will be even handed in their responses.
Our government came out with a national denouncing of this little YouTube video making fun of Mohammed but never speaks against the blasphemous treatment of Christ or Christianity.
We want leaders who will stand against evil and stand up for what is right.
Governmental Accountability before God and men
God is the ultimate judge of nations and governments but our own constitution was designed to put controls in place. The founders realized how easily power and money corrupts the best of intentions and did their best to include checks and balances.
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry
"The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them."
Patrick Henry, American colonial revolutionary
"We the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the Courts--not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
Remember in our form of government, those in authority are put in place to represent and serve the people. They work for us. If you separate God from politics/government you end up with a godless government. Who better to influence our leaders and the government they serve than those who serve the ultimate King.
God punishes individuals and nations for failure to follow His ways.
The Christian must stand up and cast light into the political arena.
We must be faithful to pay for, pray for, participate in, praise and persuade government.
How blessed are the people who are so situated; How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD! Psalm 144:15
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. Psalm 33:12
