I have intentionally remained silent online regarding the election. My position as a minister of the gospel, I believe, requires careful use of words and influence. And I don't want anyone to mistake a facebook post or comment or tweet for the official position of the church or as authoritative as the preached word. (Other preachers do not take this approach, and that is fine!) I also don't want my opinions to be the cause of division or rancor where good and godly brothers and sisters may disagree. It is my duty as a preacher to proclaim the word of God. Now outside of preaching and the worship service I can certainly address and offer opinions other areas that are not explicitly addressed in Scripture.
My reason for this post is my desire for our church family (and anyone else who happens to read this) to have some scriptural framework within which to think about the election coming up (or any election for that matter). God calls us to live in this world (John 17), to be salt and light (Matthew 5), to pray for people in high positions that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2), to be subject to the governing authorities (which are from God!, Romans 13, Titus 3, 1 Peter 2), and to honor the king (1 Peter 2). The picture that emerges is that God's people are to be active in combating evil, promoting good, obeying and praying for their leaders within their societies. Surely election time should be an active time at least in the prayer closet of Christians! Surely we desire to see those elected who will honor God in the way they lead. We desire governing authorities who will not promote evil, call evil good, or facilitate those who carry out evil deeds. So during an election, learn about the local, state, and national candidates and vote accordingly. From what we can tell, who will provide Christians with the most conducive society to lead peaceful and quiet lives, godly and dignified in every way? Who will promote and not restrict our ability to practice our Christianity?
The other Biblical perspective we must bring is that of the Sovereign King of the universe sitting on his throne. Whoever is elected, they are placed into that position by God. Part of Romans 13:1 says "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." With the faithful God who makes no mistakes on the throne, his people need not fear. Don't forget everything I said in the previous paragraph. We are responsible for our actions in this world. And whoever takes office will be responsible for their actions, whether good or evil. But over all, God is directing and ordering the affairs of the world, the nations that make it up, and the individuals who populate those nations. This should give great peace to all who claim the name of Christ. God has given him as head over all things to the church. So while the church has a significant interest in the outcome of elections, she also needs not wring her hands in worry. Because for the Christian our hope is not in a president or some other politician, but in Christ who is surely coming again and WILL deliver his people safely into that new heavens and new earth where we will dwell for all eternity. Jesus is our hope and trust; that cannot change regardless of which candidates are victorious on election day.
My reason for this post is my desire for our church family (and anyone else who happens to read this) to have some scriptural framework within which to think about the election coming up (or any election for that matter). God calls us to live in this world (John 17), to be salt and light (Matthew 5), to pray for people in high positions that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2), to be subject to the governing authorities (which are from God!, Romans 13, Titus 3, 1 Peter 2), and to honor the king (1 Peter 2). The picture that emerges is that God's people are to be active in combating evil, promoting good, obeying and praying for their leaders within their societies. Surely election time should be an active time at least in the prayer closet of Christians! Surely we desire to see those elected who will honor God in the way they lead. We desire governing authorities who will not promote evil, call evil good, or facilitate those who carry out evil deeds. So during an election, learn about the local, state, and national candidates and vote accordingly. From what we can tell, who will provide Christians with the most conducive society to lead peaceful and quiet lives, godly and dignified in every way? Who will promote and not restrict our ability to practice our Christianity?
The other Biblical perspective we must bring is that of the Sovereign King of the universe sitting on his throne. Whoever is elected, they are placed into that position by God. Part of Romans 13:1 says "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." With the faithful God who makes no mistakes on the throne, his people need not fear. Don't forget everything I said in the previous paragraph. We are responsible for our actions in this world. And whoever takes office will be responsible for their actions, whether good or evil. But over all, God is directing and ordering the affairs of the world, the nations that make it up, and the individuals who populate those nations. This should give great peace to all who claim the name of Christ. God has given him as head over all things to the church. So while the church has a significant interest in the outcome of elections, she also needs not wring her hands in worry. Because for the Christian our hope is not in a president or some other politician, but in Christ who is surely coming again and WILL deliver his people safely into that new heavens and new earth where we will dwell for all eternity. Jesus is our hope and trust; that cannot change regardless of which candidates are victorious on election day.
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