Ron Auch Jr
Prayer House Assembly of God
Kenosha Wi
Sep 22, 2024
"My Faith Matters" Why Christians voting is so important in the upcoming election, both local and national.
This morning I would like to deliver to you a talk why it is important for Christians to vote in this upcoming election. I aim to persuade you to understand that as believers, we have a holy obligation to uphold the things of God in our land.
This past Tuesday (11/10/2024) we had, NFAB with us here at Prayer House in Kenosha, wi.
((((SLIDE)))) The NFAB is a national collaboration of faith-based leaders and organizations creating generational change with a strong, unified, uncompromising voice on the issues and policies that matter most to the faith community.
NFAB was here for the “My Faith Matters” tour, promoting Pastors Impacting Policy.
We had with us, Pastor Paula White-Cain, Dr Tim Clinton, Senior Advisor Jenny Korn, Pastor Jensen Franklin, Dr. Malachi O’ Brien, Bishop Kelvin Cobris and Pastor Todd Lamphere with us.
((((SLIDE)))) Senior Advisor, Jenny Korn who was Deputy Assistant to President Trump said, “Politics matter because policies matter because people matter.”
((((SLIDE)))) Exodus 23:1–3, “You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. 2 “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; 3 nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute.”
(((((SLIDE)))) Proverbs 31:9, “Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.”
((((SLIDE)))) Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.”
((((SLIDE)))) Psalm 82:3–4, “Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.”
((((SLIDE)))) Proverbs 28:6, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than he who is crooked though he be rich.”
((((SLIDE)))) Proverbs 28:28, “When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.”
5 points citing the United States Constitution, the Federalist Papers, and the Holy Scriptures. Today we are going to draw connections between Christian responsibilities and the principles of civic duty and governance outlined in the founding documents of the U.S.
((((SLIDE)))) 1. Civic Responsibility and Obeying Authorities
((((SLIDE)))) • Constitutional Defense:
The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution sets the purpose of government: ((((SLIDE)))) “to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.” Voting enables citizens to influence how the government fulfills these purposes.
((((SLIDE)))) • Federalist Papers Defense:
((((SLIDE)))) In Federalist No. 51, James Madison emphasizes that a government derives its power from the people, stating, ((((SLIDE)))) “the dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government.” Voting is a civic responsibility where citizens exercise control over the direction of government, aligning with the biblical principle of being subject to governing authorities ((((SLIDE)))) Romans 13:1-2 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.
((((SLIDE)))) 2. Seeking the Welfare of the Community
• ((((SLIDE)))) Constitutional Defense:
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to the states and the people, underscoring the importance of civic engagement in shaping local and national welfare. Voting for leaders who seek the welfare of communities is a constitutional right that reflects a Christian’s duty to seek the peace and prosperity of the city, ((((SLIDE)))) Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’
• ((((SLIDE)))) Federalist Papers Defense:
In Federalist No. 10, Madison argues that a large republic can guard against factions and promote the public good. Christians voting for leaders who will advance peace and welfare align with this vision of a government that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens.
3. ((((SLIDE)))) Promoting Justice and Righteousness
• Constitutional Defense:
The Fourteenth Amendment enshrines the principles of equal protection and justice under the law. Voting is an essential mechanism through which citizens hold leaders accountable to uphold these constitutional values of justice and righteousness, reflecting the biblical principle of promoting justice. ((((SLIDE)))) Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan.
• Federalist Papers Defense:
In ((((SLIDE)))) Federalist No. 51, Madison stresses the need for a government capable of controlling itself and protecting citizens’ rights, emphasizing justice as the end of government. Christians can use their vote to promote righteous leaders who will ensure justice for all. Right now, we are actively sitting under a government that ensures justice for some…
4. ((((SLIDE)))) Being Salt and Light in Society
• Constitutional Defense:
The ((((SLIDE)))) First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, enabling Christians to express their faith-based values and participate in shaping society. Voting is an extension of these freedoms, where Christians act as “salt and light” Matthew 5:13-16 in the political process. ((((SLIDE)))) Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;
15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
• Federalist Papers Defense:
In ((((SLIDE)))) Federalist No. 10, Madison warns against the dangers of factions but also celebrates diversity in opinion and belief. By voting, Christians contribute to this marketplace of ideas and uphold their constitutional role in shaping the moral direction of the nation.
5. ((((SLIDE)))) Loving Your Neighbor Through Policy
• Constitutional Defense:
The Constitution aims to promote the general welfare, ensuring policies that protect the vulnerable and provide for the common good. Christians are called to love their neighbors, Mark 12:31, and voting for policies that reflect this principle is both a constitutional right and a moral duty.
((((SLIDE)))) Mark 12:31 “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
• Federalist Papers Defense:
In ((((SLIDE)))) Federalist No. 57, Madison states that elected officials should be “bound by the laws which they impose on others,” this meaning that representatives should legislate with the welfare of all in mind. I would add here, that they should legislate with the welfare of the unborn in mind also. This is why Christians should be voting for leaders who prioritize the needs of the vulnerable, fulfilling the vision of a just and compassionate government.
Conclusion:
The Bible, U.S. Constitution and the Federalist Papers support active citizen participation in governance, promoting righteousness, Godly morality, justice, public welfare, and accountability in leadership.
Christians, voting is not just a constitutional right but a moral imperative aligned with biblical teachings on stewardship, justice, and love for neighbor. Through voting, Christians can influence the government to reflect values of justice, compassion, and righteousness that benefit society as a whole.
