Religion and Politics
November 1, 2020
I’m not sure if you know, but there’s an election coming up this Tuesday! There hasn’t been much talk about it. It’s been pretty hush, hush. So, I thought for my first Sunday back, I should talk about religion and politics.
Some say it’s the most important election in our history, but I think they say that about every election, because there’s always a lot at stake. And with every election, the vitriol, that’s what a sabbatical does for you. You study the dictionary looking for new words.
The vitriol, the ill-will, the animosity, the seeming hatred that not only one party has for the other, but that one person has for another who doesn’t see the political landscape as they do, leads us to this crazy time in the United States. Notwithstanding the issues which came with the corona virus and more.
It’s not a topic we really want to talk about. Religion and politics. Those are 2 of the taboo subjects to talk about, yet, we’re going to combine them today, and probably in two weeks as well.
I think I do a pretty good job talking about the religion side of things, but tend to avoid the political side. And I understand the hazards of talking politics in church. We have people who are more Democrat, some Republican, Independent or Liberterian in their viewpoints.
Actually, I’d like another 2 weeks of a sabbatical, so I can avoid this. Not really!
And because of what’s happening, there’s the potential for division within the church . . . because of politics. People in the United States are more apt to leave a church based on politics than theology. Division can easily happen in the church.
If you can go back to 2016, after Trump defeated Clinton. Most people were in shock. Republicans were rejoicing, Democrats were weeping. We didn’t know how to react. There was a sharp division among people. There was a new type of president . . . who couldn’t care less whether you loved him or hated him. It was shocking. Most people didn’t like him on the Apprentice, most still don’t like him. But he became our president.
Now on Tuesday we have our say. We get to vote for whomever we believe will be the best person to lead the United States. But we’re seriously divided in our country. I believe the good news is that Jesus had something to say about this. Which is why it’s important to talk about.
I’ve done a lot of reading. For today, I read articles by John Piper, Wayne Grudem, Tony Evans, 9 Marks ministries and listened to Andy Stanley and Bill Shiell. I could have taken one of about 100 different approaches. So, let’s tackle what’s happening.
The first thing we need to understand is this - - -
Nothing divides like politics, because nothing divides like fear.
If you watch enough pre-election commercials, you can raise a lot of money by talking about fear. Fear of what the other candidate is going to do. You know what I mean?
How many of you have received mail from Christina Hale stating how bad Victoria Spartz is? And you’ve received the same amount of mail from Spartz, detailing how bad Hale is. What they want you to know is this . . .
If a Democrat wins you’re going to lose this . . . .
If a Republican wins you’re going to lose that . . .
Do you remember the movie, “The American President?” With a young Michael Douglas! There’s a great scene which speaks to our times. Watch this - - -
VIDEO
Isn’t that what’s happening in our world right now? I’ve seen it on both sides. I’ve heard facts totally misrepresented on both sides. The purpose of distorting the facts is to get us to become afraid. Then we really don’t know what we’re voting for, because we tend to vote against someone.
It would be nice if there could be no negative adds. Just say what you believe, what you propose to do and how you will do it. It’s ugly and disgusting. I’ll stop there, before I can in too much trouble for saying what I really think!!!
So, think about this fear . . . what exactly is it we fear?
Ultimately the answer is the same for all of us . . . we fear LOSS
We feel something is going to be taken away. We feel the loss of control, the loss of opportunity, the loss of our culture, the loss of independence, the loss of our progress, the loss of future opportunities for us, our kids and grandkids.
There’s fear of the unknown. And honestly, you can’t get much money without scaring the beejeebees out of people.
And if we . . . the church are not careful, we too, just like so much of America, will be divided.
Here’s the question - can we disagree politically and still love unconditionally?
I’m not talking about just tolerating other people who are different than you. I’m not talking about just giving lip service to others, or rolling your eyes at them. Ultimately, here’s the question we all have to answer - - -
ARE YOU WILLING TO EVALUATE YOUR POLITICS THROUGH THE FILTER OF YOUR FAITH RATHER THAN CREATE A VERSION OF FAITH THAT SUPPORTS YOUR POLITICS?
That’s a really deep question, isn’t it? But it’s one we must live by. That’s the root of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
And honestly, most of us create a version of our faith that supports our politics. We tend to read scripture differently or let some things slide, because we lean one way or another.
So, are we willing to put our political filter, behind, instead of in front of, our faith filter? Are we willing to evaluate our political stance according to Jesus and the actions and words of the Bible?
Are you willing to follow Jesus, to abide by Jesus, when that means following Jesus may cause you to become uneasy between you and your party or your candidate? That’s a tough one. Especially in our current political climate.
What’s really cool, in the midst of all of this, is the fact that Jesus saw this coming. Actually, no part of this election process is a surprise to God. Jesus knew about the divisions we would experience. And He knows who wins!!
We’re going to look at a passage in John which should helps us. Jesus had His final meal with the disciples, the Passover meal is over, and now Jesus is praying. We’re looking at John 17, Jesus is praying for Himself, the disciples and for us.
Jesus is getting ready to be betrayed, arrested, beaten and crucified. Jesus prays -
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be ONE, even as we are one.
Jesus knows the end has arrived. He’s told the disciples they will face persecution, torture, and possibly death . . . all on account of Jesus. That’s what’s coming. He doesn’t pray for their strength, power, wisdom, or resilience. He prays that they would be ONE. In fact, when Jesus said, KEEP them in your name, the deeper meaning from Greek is that God would GUARD them.
Jesus knew if they could remain one, even during the most difficult times, they would continue to have the power to spread the Gospel. But if they’re divided, the new kingdom would fall and fail miserably.
Now let’s jump down a little further - - Jesus now prays - - -
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
21 that they may all be ONE, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us,
Now, Jesus is praying for you and I. He’s praying for those who would believe in Him, because of the work of the disciples. That 2000 years ago, these guys who were being persecuted, but persisted, would pass on a message, and we’ve heard it and embraced it. This part of Jesus’ prayer is for you and I.
This prayer is for all of those people who would believe in Jesus. It’s for the Independents, the Libertarians, Republicans, Democrats, the rich, the poor, people of all colors, cultures and languages. For all the people who call me Lord, wherever you live, whatever you do . . . I ask one thing of you Father . . . that they may be one.
Isn’t that an amazing prayer? Think about it, Jesus is coming to the end of His life and this is His prayer. It’s for us! It sounds like He’s dreaming the impossible dream. Really? We would be one?
Jesus knew and believed this was 100% vital. For the church to thrive and demonstrate the power of God’s love and grace to the world - we have to be ONE!
This isn’t easy is it? We have to be intentional in cultivating this oneness. It doesn’t come naturally, does it? Jesus knew what the church would look like . . . it would be international, filled with people of different colors, languages, cultures, different socio-economic status. God knew that . . . yet the prayer is remarkable . . . for us to be ONE.
So, here’s where the rubber meets the road with the words of Jesus. Folks, this is so amazing, really it’s so intentional on Jesus’ part. Now look at how Jesus ended that statement in verse 21 --
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME.
This is what Jesus wanted from us. That the world would see that despite our diversity, there would be unity. When people who are not part of the church, would see how we love and care for one another, even when we don’t agree with one another.
How we don’t rip one another to those outside of the church, how we don’t speak badly about one another in the church . . . how we lift up and talk in a positive tone to those outside the church about the church. Not making this some pollyanna, sappy love story, but a real love story. Even when I disagree with you, I do it in a way which still shows my love for you . . .
PEOPLE . . . THE WORLD WILL TAKE NOTICE! THEY WILL WANT THIS!
The people in the world will believe that the Father sent the Son, Jesus, into the world to love the world, to redeem the world, to save the world, not to condemn us, or throw stones, but that we would be filled with the power and grace of the love of Jesus. That’s the prayer – it’s an amazingly powerful prayer!
Jesus believed that even though we’re all different, the world will take notice of the church. There’s never been anything like it. WE can’t sacrifice our unity for anything.
Now, go back to the Passover supper with the disciples, in John 13, Jesus gave the disciples an old commandment and told them it was a new one. It was new because of the way we’re to understand it. Look at what Jesus said --
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35
These were our marching orders. When you show this unique type of love the world will know you are my disciples. The world will see something different in the way you love one another. As I have loved you - - love one another . . . WOE!
That’s a huge, deep love, one that Jesus was willing to die for to show His love for us. . . by His love -- love one another. And that love will change the world. Love the democrat, love the republican, love the liberterian, love the socialist, love the communist.
I mean, let’s be honest . . . Is that something we really want to do? Because that’s exactly what Jesus wants us to do. Now, understand Jesus is talking about the church. This isn’t for those outside the church, this is for the church. We will all have different views of scripture and life. The world will take notice on how we love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Jesus knew this was not going to be easy, which is why He’s praying this at the end of His life. Jump back to John 17 as Jesus continued His prayer - - -
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be ONE even as we are one,
23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly ONE, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. - John 17:22-23
Now depending upon which translation you use, some say it this way - -
I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity (NASB)
I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united (Berean)
I in them and you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity (NIV)
That you would see each other as I see you. That you would see each other as the Father sees you. The point is we are to be made perfectly / completely united . . . unity . . . oneness. That’s what Jesus is praying for.
So, what’s the end result? Jesus continued, praying - -
23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly ONE, SO THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU LOVED ME. - John 17:23
Remember, this is Jesus’ prayer. It’s as if He’s saying, “Heavenly Father, this whole thing is predicated on their unity. It has nothing to do with their politics or culture or race or economics or musical taste or what type of worship they have.
Father, daddy, I want the church to be ONE, just as you and I are one . . . and then the world will not only recognize, they will believe in you, they will believe in me, that you sent me into the world to love the world. That’s what Jesus is saying.
And after the resurrection they started out by doing this. Look at passages in Acts 2 and 4 where the believers have come together and Luke tells us -
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
Would you not like to be part of that community? I would! I’m not saying we’re bad, but they got it. They were hanging out together daily and they were making a difference in the world. They were worshiping and eating and praying and sharing and . . . they were growing. The church was on fire!!
You see on Tuesday, or whenever the final results are tabulated . . . someone is going to win. Either Biden or Trump. Someone will walk away a winner. The difference will come in how the church responds. Will we fall apart and sob if our candidate doesn’t win? Will we say this was a conspiracy? Will we argue and kick and scream?
Or will we come together next week and the next week and the following week . . . and will we worship God together! Will we cry out to God and seek His presence and wisdom and power and love and grace? Will we still love one another, even those pesky folks who don’t see politics your way?
Some of you are devoted followers of the donkey party. Some of you are devoted followers of the elephant party. Please don’t let the elephants and donkeys make you believe you belong to them. Your allegiance will never belong to them.
Your allegiance begins and ends with the Lamb.
With that in mind, we must not allow anything to divide our unity. And we cannot allow any one person to divide us. Whether people want to admit it or not, the church has shaped our society. Our country is who we are because of Christian values and ethics.
The hope is not the perfect political party, it’s not in the perfect person in office ... our hope rests in Jesus Christ, and Him alone. He is my solid rock, all other ground is sinking sand. Friends that has to be our anthem. Win or lose. God has this. God knows who the winner will be.
