Jun 12 2008
Will November change God’s plan?
I was a Public Administration major in college. I was active in politics and seriously thought that I might enter the political realm. I’ve always voted conservatively but not always Republican. I once voted for Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama. He has since changed parties and is now a Republican. I loved Ronald Regan. I was disappointed with Pres. Bush #1 and Pres. Clinton has much different values than me. Pres. Bush # 2 appears to be serious about his faith but I think the war is a mess?
I have become disillusioned by politics. Never once have I seen a Bill or law change someone’s life. When I look at politics all I see is corruption. Even politics in church! So, why do followers of Jesus on both sides of the aisle make such a big deal about an election? Didn’t God accomplish His will when Daniel and the Israelites were in captivity? Didn’t Jesus accomplish His plan without a military takeover or being elected ruler?
I remember being at the Republican headquarters in Tuscaloosa, AL in 1980 watching the election results with some of my classmates. It seemed the Moral Majority had turned the tide of our country? Well, has it? Has abortion been abolished? Have STD’s been eliminated? Do we see less divorces, crime and corruption? Is our country more spiritual than it was back then? We don’t seem more moral to me.
I’m not opposed to involvement in government. I think it is our duty as citizens to be active. There need to be Godly people in government just as we need them in every other area of society. But, should the church be actively involved in politics? I don’t think so. What difference has it made? None. In fact, I think it hurts our witness to non-believers. So why do churches hand out “scorecards” and allow politicians to speak from their pulpits? What a waste of valuable time to tell people about Jesus.
Will our country change because of the election in November? Probably. It could be good or bad. But will who wins change God’s will? No! God knows what is going to happen. It could be that He will use someone who is opposed to Him to further the work of the church. Pharaoh didn’t exactly obey God did he? But think of the ways that God displayed His power?
Will I vote in November? Yes, because it is my duty as a citizen of the USA. But will I preach about who should win? No. Will I think the end of the world is coming because one candidate wins or loses? No, because God is in control even if I don’t see it. The sky is not falling! God’s will doesn’t need our manipulation. I’m thankful that I don’t have to stress about an election to give me assurance about my faith.
What do you think?
45 responses so far
God’s will doesn’t need our manipulation? Now that’s just heresy. (grin)
But Kevin, please tone down the message. Yer interfering with the “distract them at any cost, with any reason” campaign. Thanks. (grin)
jimmy paravane’s last blog post..The Anti-Christ is white!
The great news is that God already knows who will win and who will lose in the next American election. But, that’s not really a big deal–He’s known the results of every election since the beginning of time and will until the end of time. As a matter of fact, He already knows how you and I will vote, or if we will decide not to vote.
Sure puts life in perspective, doesn’t it? Nothing catches God off guard or by surprise. I’m trying to learn that since He is never surprised, that I shouldn’t be so stressed by the daily events of life. I’m not very good at that yet, but I am trying.
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Quick answer. No. Long answer: IT is only June and I am already tired of hearing the junk flying. No make that have been tired. Do I think Christ followers should be involved in politics? Yes, if they can maintain integrity. (sometimes I question that). Will I ever preach on it? How many times can I say No! I have much bigger fish to fry (or is that catch) than to preach about some stupid campaign in which I have little to no influence anyway. (’Course I could get the ADF to defend me if I do). Besides the fact, and I have said this over and over, no bill or measure ever changed a heart. Jesus change hearts. I prefer to let Him do His thing.
Bill(cycleguy)’s last blog post..Why You Do What You Do
Well, those who worship and follow Christ certainly do not have many options this time around. I agree with Kevin…that no matter who wins, God will use that situation to His ultimate advantage in bringing lost souls to know him.
If we had a righteous man in office, that would be great…but…if we have just the opposite, that too may cause many to turn their hearts around.
Throughout history, much misery seemed necessary for some folks to soften their hearts.Trials and tribulations of life will eventually cause people to place their trust in one of two opposing forces. Those aligned with truth, light, and a desire for righteousness…or…those in opposition.
But in the end, God will ultimately win.
Oh and by the way…can an illegal citizen even run for President????
http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=695280
Should Christians be involved in politics? This is one of the big questions of my life. Not only am I a Christian, but I am also a Political Science PHD student. I am also a former conservative activist and a former employee at a DC-based think tank. I struggle with this question on a daily basis.
I see some utility to having Christians active in the political realm. But, like you, I also see how being involved in politics hurts our overall mission. I wish I knew the answer to whether or not we should be involved. It would make my life much easier.
I think it is important for us to attempt to shape our society. Unfortunately, doing it through the political realm can make our society shape us.
What to do? What to do?
Michael’s last blog post..Hebrews 4:14 - Hebrews 7: Christ is Greater than the Priesthood
I can understand your disillusionment with politics, especially national politics. Recently, I was involved in a school bond proposal for 172.5 million. I helped campaign. The bond proposal passed. Some of that money will be used to immediately renovate the school district - which is a very poor district. The elementary and middle school kids will finally have a chance to get out of the trailers and be put in classrooms and working air conditioning will be in each and every classroom. Can you being in a stuffy class during the afternoon hours in Central Texas with no air conditioning? The bond will also be used to buy much needed supplies and reemphasize the dying art and music programs.
Down the street next to Bush’s Ranch, the folks voted to keep hard liquor from being sold in their community. So, I think you can see and feel change through involvement in local politics especially.
Big Daddy Weave’s last blog post..VP Candidate Bobby Jindal: Catholic or Baptist??
I left out the word imagine.
Can you imagine being in a stuff classroom during the afternoon hours in Central Texas with no air conditioning.
My elementary school in rural south Georgia had no cold air. It was awful.
Big Daddy Weave’s last blog post..VP Candidate Bobby Jindal: Catholic or Baptist??
Michael, your apparent sincerity in your struggle is refreshing. What I think we need, IMO, is more men and women who struggle like you, to enter the field of politics. Then, once in office, ignore the lobbyists (yeah right) and the calls from the real nuts in society…and just continue to do the right thing!
Not long ago, there was an issue in my state that I felt very strongly about. I contacted my local senator and representative, along with about 10 others in state government. Of the 12 I contacted, only three wrote me back–and one person who wrote me back actually said that emails from citizens like me is what hurt the system! I wrote him back, asking one word: “WHAT?” He blamed me and other citizens like me for the condition of our state govenment and for questioning the elected officials leadership!
I look forward to the time when he comes up for re-election! He will not garner my vote and I will do my part in speaking out against his campaign. The good thing about email is that I will always have the blame he placed on me and other citizens!
Too bad, I guess he was so busy running the government, he didn’t have time to respond to my one word email!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Well, I’m also professionally involved with politics, but I agree with you 100% - the kingdom of God will never come about because of a political movement. That said, I do think that Christians have just as much right to express their views as anyone else, and that, as with any other idea in our society, the group that does the best job of convincing people to be on their side deserves to win political power.
The problem as I see it is two-fold: 1) there’s a temptation to believe that our will is God’s will, and that God has an interest in seeing a specific politician or a specific policy passed. By and large, I just don’t think that’s true. I’m not a Calvinist in any sense of the word, and I firmly believe that God gave us free will and the ability to reason for a good reason; 2) power always corrupts people, even those with the best of intentions. That’s not good for government, and it’s even worse for the church.
Melissa Rogers, who teaches at Wake Forest, writes a great blog on these issues: http://melissarogers.typepad.com
Texas in Africa’s last blog post..habeas corpus wins
Huckabee = For Lobbyists
Against separation of church and state
Romney = Against lobbyists
For separation of church and state
If we truly desire a separation of church and state, I wonder how many voted their denomination (during primaries) over their heart?
Oh well, it’s a moot point now isn’t it…and…look what we’re left with
Bill…I’m glad to know that you voted your heart and not your denomination…and I’m sure Mike Huckabee valued your vote!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Steve,
I DEFINITELY voted my heart.. That’s a solemn promise.
With the great choices we now have, we can wait and see what bearing the infusion of Huckabee as a vote taker from Romney, will have on America.
Even though…if God’s given lemons…he’ll make lemonade.
He’s in control, and if we are seeking His council and guidance…there’s nothing to fear
After seeing how the primaries went, I wouldn’t be too sure that Gov. Romney didn’t take votes from Gov. Huckabee.
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Well, I just know that a lot of pulpit bullying by pastors who DID NOT separate church and state, was the reason that millions never heard one of the greatest speeches of our modern time…regardless of that speakers religious beliefs:
So as the old saying goes…”they’ve crapped in their own nest.”
——————————————————————————–
December 06, 2007
Faith In America
Mitt Romney
Thank you, Mr. President, for your kind introduction.
It is an honor to be here today. This is an inspiring place because of you and the First Lady and because of the film exhibited across the way in the Presidential library. For those who have not seen it, it shows the President as a young pilot, shot down during the Second World War, being rescued from his life-raft by the crew of an American submarine. It is a moving reminder that when America has faced challenge and peril, Americans rise to the occasion, willing to risk their very lives to defend freedom and preserve our nation. We are in your debt. Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, your generation rose to the occasion, first to defeat Fascism and then to vanquish the Soviet Union. You left us, your children, a free and strong America. It is why we call yours the greatest generation. It is now my generation’s turn. How we respond to today’s challenges will define our generation. And it will determine what kind of America we will leave our children, and theirs.
America faces a new generation of challenges. Radical violent Islam seeks to destroy us. An emerging China endeavors to surpass our economic leadership. And we are troubled at home by government overspending, overuse of foreign oil, and the breakdown of the family.
Over the last year, we have embarked on a national debate on how best to preserve American leadership. Today, I wish to address a topic which I believe is fundamental to America’s greatness: our religious liberty. I will also offer perspectives on how my own faith would inform my Presidency, if I were elected.
There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us. If so, they are at odds with the nation’s founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator. And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom. In John Adams’ words: ‘We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion… Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.’
Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.
Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an aspiring candidate’s religion that are appropriate. I believe there are. And I will answer them today.
Almost 50 years ago another candidate from Massachusetts explained that he was an American running for president, not a Catholic running for president. Like him, I am an American running for president. I do not define my candidacy by my religion. A person should not be elected because of his faith nor should he be rejected because of his faith.
Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin.
As governor, I tried to do the right as best I knew it, serving the law and answering to the Constitution. I did not confuse the particular teachings of my church with the obligations of the office and of the Constitution - and of course, I would not do so as President. I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law.
As a young man, Lincoln described what he called America’s ‘political religion’ - the commitment to defend the rule of law and the Constitution. When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God. If I am fortunate to become your president, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. A President must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States.
There are some for whom these commitments are not enough. They would prefer it if I would simply distance myself from my religion, say that it is more a tradition than my personal conviction, or disavow one or another of its precepts. That I will not do. I believe in my Mormon faith and I endeavor to live by it. My faith is the faith of my fathers - I will be true to them and to my beliefs.
Some believe that such a confession of my faith will sink my candidacy. If they are right, so be it. But I think they underestimate the American people. Americans do not respect believers of convenience.
Americans tire of those who would jettison their beliefs, even to gain the world.
There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church’s beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree.
There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church’s distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths.
I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims. As I travel across the country and see our towns and cities, I am always moved by the many houses of worship with their steeples, all pointing to heaven, reminding us of the source of life’s blessings.
It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it’s usually a sound rule to focus on the latter - on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people.
We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America - the religion of secularism. They are wrong.
The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation ‘Under God’ and in God, we do indeed trust.
We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders - in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from ‘the God who gave us liberty.’
Nor would I separate us from our religious heritage. Perhaps the most important question to ask a person of faith who seeks a political office, is this: does he share these American values: the equality of human kind, the obligation to serve one another, and a steadfast commitment to liberty?
They are not unique to any one denomination. They belong to the great moral inheritance we hold in common. They are the firm ground on which Americans of different faiths meet and stand as a nation, united.
We believe that every single human being is a child of God - we are all part of the human family. The conviction of the inherent and inalienable worth of every life is still the most revolutionary political proposition ever advanced. John Adams put it that we are ‘thrown into the world all equal and alike.’
The consequence of our common humanity is our responsibility to one another, to our fellow Americans foremost, but also to every child of God. It is an obligation which is fulfilled by Americans every day, here and across the globe, without regard to creed or race or nationality.
Americans acknowledge that liberty is a gift of God, not an indulgence of government. No people in the history of the world have sacrificed as much for liberty. The lives of hundreds of thousands of America’s sons and daughters were laid down during the last century to preserve freedom, for us and for freedom loving people throughout the world. America took nothing from that Century’s terrible wars - no land from Germany or Japan or Korea; no treasure; no oath of fealty. America’s resolve in the defense of liberty has been tested time and again. It has not been found wanting, nor must it ever be. America must never falter in holding high the banner of freedom.
These American values, this great moral heritage, is shared and lived in my religion as it is in yours. I was taught in my home to honor God and love my neighbor. I saw my father march with Martin Luther King. I saw my parents provide compassionate care to others, in personal ways to people nearby, and in just as consequential ways in leading national volunteer movements. I am moved by the Lord’s words: ‘For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me…’
My faith is grounded on these truths. You can witness them in Ann and my marriage and in our family. We are a long way from perfect and we have surely stumbled along the way, but our aspirations, our values, are the self-same as those from the other faiths that stand upon this common foundation. And these convictions will indeed inform my presidency.
Today’s generations of Americans have always known religious liberty. Perhaps we forget the long and arduous path our nation’s forbearers took to achieve it. They came here from England to seek freedom of religion. But upon finding it for themselves, they at first denied it to others. Because of their diverse beliefs, Ann Hutchinson was exiled from Massachusetts Bay, a banished Roger Williams founded Rhode Island, and two centuries later, Brigham Young set out for the West. Americans were unable to accommodate their commitment to their own faith with an appreciation for the convictions of others to different faiths. In this, they were very much like those of the European nations they had left.
It was in Philadelphia that our founding fathers defined a revolutionary vision of liberty, grounded on self evident truths about the equality of all, and the inalienable rights with which each is endowed by his Creator.
We cherish these sacred rights, and secure them in our Constitutional order. Foremost do we protect religious liberty, not as a matter of policy but as a matter of right. There will be no established church, and we are guaranteed the free exercise of our religion.
I’m not sure that we fully appreciate the profound implications of our tradition of religious liberty. I have visited many of the magnificent cathedrals in Europe. They are so inspired . so grand . so empty. Raised up over generations, long ago, so many of the cathedrals now stand as the postcard backdrop to societies just too busy or too ‘enlightened’ to venture inside and kneel in prayer. The establishment of state religions in Europe did no favor to Europe’s churches. And though you will find many people of strong faith there, the churches themselves seem to be withering away.
nfinitely worse is the other extreme, the creed of conversion by conquest: violent Jihad, murder as martyrdom… killing Christians, Jews, and Muslims with equal indifference. These radical Islamists do their preaching not by reason or example, but in the coercion of minds and the shedding of blood. We face no greater danger today than theocratic tyranny, and the boundless suffering these states and groups could inflict if given the chance.
The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed.
In such a world, we can be deeply thankful that we live in a land where reason and religion are friends and allies in the cause of liberty, joined against the evils and dangers of the day. And you can be certain of this: Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: we do not insist on a single strain of religion - rather, we welcome our nation’s symphony of faith.
Recall the early days of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, during the fall of 1774. With Boston occupied by British troops, there were rumors of imminent hostilities and fears of an impending war. In this time of peril, someone suggested that they pray. But there were objections. ‘They were too divided in religious sentiments’, what with Episcopalians and Quakers, Anabaptists and Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Catholics.
“Then Sam Adams rose, and said he would hear a prayer from anyone of piety and good character, as long as they were a patriot.
And so together they prayed, and together they fought, and together, by the grace of God … they founded this great nation.
In that spirit, let us give thanks to the divine ‘author of liberty.’ And together, let us pray that this land may always be blessed, ‘with freedom’s holy light.’
God bless the United States of America.
Sorry Kevin for commenting to Bill…I forgot that by doing so, I would bring out another cut and paste article.
One question for you Bill. You said, “Well, I just know that a lot of pulpit bullying by pastors who DID NOT separate church and state, was the reason that millions never heard one of the greatest speeches of our modern time…regardless of that speakers religious beliefs:”
Here’s the question, how in the world do you know that? What proof do you have of the bullying of pastors who did not separate church and state? These pastors are to blame for Romney’s speech not being heard?
I challenge you, give me proof of that statement. Not a story, not a cut and paste job. You said “I just know.” Show me how you know that to be true!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Steve,
I’m @ Carowinds w/ our students today so I won’t have time to comment until tonight. Cut & paste all you want!
Steve,
I am not going to go down that road of banteing back and forth. It doesn’t really matter now, and the bottom line still is that we are faced with some pitiful choices for President.
But if you need proof however, you may wish to read an article in the Baptist Press by R. Phillip Roberts of the Midwest Baptist Theological Seminary.
I hope all of those who voted against Romney simply over his faith will be happy with the Fascist Caliphate which is on the way!
Steve,
On second thought, there may be some on this site who want to know the truth. So here is the proof you have asked for…
Dallas minister urges vote for a Christian, not Romney
Mormon candidate is winning over many religious conservatives
12:00 AM CDT on Thursday, October 18, 2007
By GROMER JEFFERS Jr. / The Dallas Morning News
gjeffers@dallasnews.com
A prominent Dallas minister told his congregation that if they wanted to elect a Christian to the White House, Republican Mitt Romney wasn’t qualified.
FILE/Staff photo
Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, encouraged his congregation to elect a Christian. ‘Mitt Romney is a Mormon, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise,’ he said. Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, said that Mormonism is a false religion and that Mr. Romney was not a Christian.
“Mitt Romney is a Mormon, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise,” Dr. Jeffress said in a sermon Sept. 30. “Even though he talks about Jesus as his Lord and savior, he is not a Christian. Mormonism is not Christianity. Mormonism is a cult.”
Some in the large crowd began to applaud as Dr. Jeffress continued with his remarks.
“What really distresses me is some of my ministerial friends and even leaders in our convention are saying, ‘Oh, well, he talks about Jesus, we talk about Jesus. What’s the big deal?’ ” he said. “It is a big deal if anybody names another way to be saved except through Jesus Christ.”
Mr. Romney’s campaign said Wednesday that despite such attitudes by Christian conservatives, the former Massachusetts governor has won the support of many conservatives and that his religion is not a political liability.
“Despite the differences in theology, voters across the country are more concerned with whether or not Governor Romney has the same values that they do,” said Romney campaign spokeswoman Gail Gitcho. “We’ve found as we campaign throughout the country, voters don’t care what kind of church Governor Romney goes to, but they care that he has faith and that his values are as American as anybody’s.”
Christian conservatives across the country are grappling over how they feel about Mr. Romney and his religion. He would be the first Mormon elected president.
Mr. Romney won over some conservatives by taking a stand against abortion and has been endorsed by conservative leader Bob Jones III.
Tuesday night on CNN’s Larry King Live, popular Houston minister Joel Osteen said Mr. Romney’s Mormon faith wouldn’t affect whether he supported him or not.
“I don’t think that that would affect me,” Mr. Osteen said. “I’ve heard him say that he believes Jesus is his savior, just like I do. I’ve studied it deeply, and maybe people don’t agree with me, but I like to look at a person’s value and what they stand for.”
But Dr. Jeffress said colleagues who support Mr. Romney should not confuse morality with Christianity.
“I have conservative friends who are saying, well, he believes in Jesus, we believe in Jesus, let’s just hold hands and sing kumbaya,” he said. “It doesn’t work that way. If a person is supporting Romney, that’s fine. But don’t confuse him with being a Christian.”
Dr. Jeffress also said Christian conservatives were compromising the values used to back presidential candidates over the past decade.
“It’s a little hypocritical for the last eight years to be talking about how important it is for us to elect a Christian president and then turn around and endorse a non-Christian,” he said. “Christian conservatives are going to have to decide whether having a Christian president is really important or not.”
Mr. Romney and other Republican presidential contenders will make their pitches to Christian conservatives this weekend at the Values Voter Summit in Washington.
Tony Perkins, head of the conservative Family Research Council, acknowledged recently that Mr. Romney was making inroads with evangelicals.
“He stresses his policy positions which, in my opinion, have been the strongest on the core social issues,” he said.
Mr. Perkins said all the GOP candidates had positives.
“If you look across the field of candidates, there’s a lot to like, a little bit with each one of them,” he said. “If we could do a mix and match, it would be great.”
So Bill…there’s not much difference in “urging” and “bullying”?
Also, how is urging his audience to vote for a Christian, endorsement of Huckabee? He wasn’t the only Christian in the field (or at least not the only who claimed to be Christian)…
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Of course, Christians should be in politics! What is the question about that? Christians are not called to stay out of worldly or highly-scrutinized positions. Just because politics is a battlefield where wars are fought and people get hurt doesn’t mean we Christians run into our closet and pray! Come on! Put on your armour! God gave us a brain. He gave us inteligence, purpose, and His presence. He gave some of us a real passion, zeal, enthusiasm, and talent for politics. No matter what you do or where you go, you can go honorably. Just because holiness is difficult in politics doesn’t mean you concede! You don’t leave politics to the pagans! By no means! You get challenged. You stand up and you fight the good fight. You go where you are called no matter where that is, knowing that the God who called you will equip you according to HIS pleasure and purpose whatever that is.
If God has gifted you with magnatism in politics, then go. The challenge is yours. Do what you are good at…keeping your eyes on Him.
Now that that is off my chest…There are 2 main, political parties. Neither one is functionally a perfect biblical example; however, one of these parties, is going off the deep end! One is pulling farther and farther away from what honors God. One of these parties has a platform and a worldview that challenges God at every turn! (Was I delicate enough?) You don’t have any problem telling a non-believer how to discover life, abundant and eternal or where there is error in his thinking. Why wouldn’t you help a Christ follower understand the consequences of an uninformed vote or where there is error in his thinking?
Voting for the man is largely an endorsement of his party’s positions on issues. Do you know what you are endorsing? Well, come here then. I will tell you. I will show you and help you understand who is “better” (not best) suited to lead this country in a direction that honors our Maker.
Kevin,
1. I vote values
2. I encourage my members to vote values.
3. My father taught me that if you don’t vote, don’t complain about the government.
4. If you don’t vote, you get the kind of government you deserve.
5. When it comes to God’s Kingdom, it doesn’t matter who is in the White House or governor’s mansion because Jesus is on the throne.
Quinn Hooks’s last blog post..Johnny Hunt wins
6. And I encourage all Christians to vote and be active in government!
Quinn Hooks’s last blog post..Johnny Hunt wins
Steve,
I hope you will be happy with the new administration.
Steve
As it goes with birds…
“If we mess in your own nest…we must be willing to live with our choices.”
So…if this nation is still a nation at all in 2012, we will see how the sheeple view their pastors at that time :).
After thinking about it . . .
I don’t think we should vote Republican simply because they are less secular than Democrats.
Similarly, when Christians get involved in politics they have to take a Christ-like approach to those they are opposing. We can’t run around yelling, “Don’t vote for him. He favors killing babies!” When people try to win votes with that kind of rhetoric, it makes me sick. And yes, Christians are the ones that do it. I believe that in one of Paul’s letters he tells us to approach the unbelievers with respect. In my opinion, we don’t see a lot of that in the political realm.
Also, I would like to point out that the Bible tells us that God did a lot of good things through unbelievers. So just because the person in office isn’t a follower of Christ, that doesn’t mean that God’s will is not being done. Think of all of the things Daniel did as he served a man who didn’t serve God. Think of Pharaoh letting the Israelites go.
Basically, I have come to the conclusion that the best way to deal with the issue is to pray and pray a lot.
Michael’s last blog post..Hebrews 8 - 10 : 18: The Superiority of the New Covenant
P.S. And I don’t mean just pray. But pray for God to reveal His will to you, then ACT in faith!
P.P.S. Thanks for the encouragement guys.
Michael’s last blog post..Hebrews 8 - 10 : 18: The Superiority of the New Covenant
Bill…question for you, have you ever answered a direct question on this blog? You sure seem to be the master of deflection!!!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Why yes Steve. Just today I answered your question.
You asked me to show you one example where a pastor used his bully pulpit (meaning his powerful influence over his sheeple) to convince them to follow him rather than their constitutional freedoms and their (inspired by the Holy Ghost) hearts, in voting for a Presidential candidate…and…I actually showed you 2 of hundreds.
And the word “bully” is the same as “urging”?
Maybe I can cut and paste a definition from wiki…
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Steve,
Dictionary: bully pulpit
Sponsored LinksGolf Rules You Can Use
n.
An advantageous position, as for making one’s views known or rallying support: “The presidency had been transformed from a bully pulpit on Pennsylvania Avenue to a stage the size of the world” (Hugh Sidey).
Steve,
HOT OFF THE PRESS…FROM http://www.trunews.com
Southern Baptists target political arena
Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:35pm EDT
Baptists reluctantly embrace liberal McCain
10 Jun 2008
powered by SphereBy Ed Stoddard
INDIANAPOLIS (Reuters) - America’s largest evangelical denomination adopted a resolution on political engagement on Wednesday signaling its intention to flex its muscles in the November presidential election.
“Christians should seek to apply their spiritual and moral values to the political process,” read the resolution, adopted on the second and final day of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting.
The 16 million-strong SBC is a bedrock of political and cultural conservatism and a key plank in the Republican Party’s evangelical base which is credited with helping secure two White House terms for President George W. Bush.
Religion and politics often mix in America where levels of belief are much higher than those found in most affluent countries and one in four U.S. adults count themselves as evangelical Christians, giving them serious electoral clout.
U.S. religious organizations shy away from explicit partisan endorsements which could threaten their tax exempt status and the resolution adopted by the SBC on Wednesday was no exception.
But several Southern Baptists interviewed over the course of the conference left no doubt that they were in the Republican fold even if they viewed the party’s presumptive nominee John McCain as the lesser of two liberals in the White House match-up with Democratic rival Barack Obama.
“We plead with all Christians to exercise vigorously their responsibilities to participate in the political process by registering to vote, educating themselves about the issues, and voting according to their biblical beliefs, convictions and values,” read the resolution.
Voting by “biblical beliefs” is often code in such circles for supporting candidates who oppose abortion and gay rights and support moves to bring back school prayer. Continued…
powered by SphereMany conservative evangelicals are mistrustful of McCain on a host of issues but he has been consistently opposed to abortion rights and they view Obama as “ultra-liberal.”
“We encourage our churches regularly to teach and preach biblical truth on moral issues and to urge their members to vote according to their beliefs,” the resolution says.
The SBC was also scheduled on Wednesday evening to discuss a resolution, which it is expected to adopt, on the same-sex marriage battle brewing in California.
California is set for a pitched fight after it was announced last week that the November ballot would include a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to unions between men and women.
If a majority of California voters approve the measure, it would neutralize last month’s state Supreme Court ruling that said preventing same-sex couples from marrying was unconstitutional and discriminatory.
“We strongly urge all Southern Baptists in the state of California to be informed about this issue and to exercise their civic and moral duty by working diligently to support and voting to pass this referendum,” it says.
Initiatives to ban gay marriage played a role in Bush’s 2004 re-election as they brought Republican conservative religious voters to the polls.
(Editing by David Wiessler)
(To read more about the U.S. political campaign, visit Reuters
You know Bill…for a former Southern Baptist, you sure do track our convention very closely…wouldn’t it be safe to assume that if the liberal media silenced Gov. Romney and “the best speech ever,” that they might do the same thing with anything they report about Southern Baptist.
The media tend to be equal opportunity offenders!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Thanks for all of your responses. I said plainly that we need Christians in every field including politics. But I believe it is not the place of the church to be involved in politics. Our job should be about worship, ministry and evangelism.
Bill I disagree with the SBC’s take on it.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Book Review–Starting From Scratch
Hey, Bill and Steve.
Relax and breathe…………..’er you go. Feel better now, don’t you?
Steve & Kevin,
We DO all need to pull together to overcome this huge problem we face ahead.
Government needs to stay out of our business,…and with the exception of encouraging it’s members to vote for those of high morals and character (regardless of denomination), the church should stay out of politics.
Sooo…I guess I am agreeing with both of you.
And yes Steve, the liberal media is a blight on the nation.
And…amazing…I agree with you Bill…:)
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Hold the Applause! Or Else!
Mormons are not Creedal Christians. However, they do believe in the Jesus Christ of the New Testament:
The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is often accused by Evangelical pastors of not believing in Christ and, therefore, not being a Christian religion. This article http://mormonsarechristian.blogspot.com/ helps to clarify such misconceptions by examining early Christianity’s comprehension of baptism, the Godhead, the deity of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) adheres more closely to First Century Christianity and the New Testament than any other denomination. For example, Harper’s Bible Dictionary entry on the Trinity says “the formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the New Testament.”
One Baptist blogger stated “99 percent of the members of his Baptist church believe in the Mormon (and Early Christian) view of the Trinity. It is the preachers who insist on the Nicene Creed definition.” It seems to me the reason the pastors denigrate the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is to protect their flock (and their livelihood).
Further reading; http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/
Mormons Are Christian’s last blog post..To: BigOnDrums
Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: You have been more unruly than the nations around you and have not followed my decrees or kept my laws. You have not even conformed to the standards of the nations around you. Eze 5:7.
God is Sovereign be it thru a democrat sinner or a republican sinner. We are all broken vessels fit for the Masters use.
It will be interesting to see how He brings Himself Glory through all of it.
Thanks for letting me drop my two cents in….
Romans 1:12,
Jason
Jason’s last blog post..SHARE your thoughts?
Jason,
Thanks for dropping by. Are you in Birmingham? Love that city–went to Samford!
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..If a dead Christian is baptized by a Mormon in a forest and no one is there-did they get wet?
When will your book be out? Can you send a copy to us?
I would be interested in reading. Either way, I will pray that God sends you the publisher that will increase your influence for the Kingdom.
Have a great week,
Jason
Jason’s last blog post..SHARE your thoughts?
Jason,
I have someone editing it right now. I hope to have it out soon.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..If a dead Christian is baptized by a Mormon in a forest and no one is there-did they get wet?
Good deal! Look forward to purchasing it down the road soon…
Great site btw,
Jason
Jason’s last blog post..SHARE your thoughts?
I live in Birmingham, and attend Church of The Highlands.
Jason’s last blog post..SHARE your thoughts?
Jason,
Cool. I have friends at Brook Hills, Hunter Street, Shades Mt. and Briarwood.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..If a dead Christian is baptized by a Mormon in a forest and no one is there-did they get wet?
Small world. I went to Briarwood Highschool, used to attend church there, and my aunt works at Hunter Street.
Let’s keep in touch.
Blessings,
Jason
Jason’s last blog post..SHARE your thoughts?