Faith Over Politics: Navigating Belief and Community

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we delved into the profound intersection of faith, culture, and personal belief. We began by addressing the pervasive cultural emphasis on politics as a solution to societal issues. It's crucial to redirect these conversations to the ultimate answer found in Christ. By persistently asking "why," we can guide discussions back to fundamental truths about human worth and moral obligations, which are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. This approach not only challenges prevailing secular ideologies but also reaffirms the stability and assurance found in God's sovereignty, beyond the transient nature of political systems.

We also explored the concept of politics becoming a form of religion, particularly in secular contexts. This phenomenon is not limited to one side of the political spectrum; it can affect conservatives as well. It's vital for Christians to maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing that while politics is significant, it should never overshadow the eternal kingdom of God.

The conversation then shifted to the importance of church attendance, especially among millennials who may question its relevance. The church is not just a gathering; it's the body of Christ, and participation in a local church is a testament to one's relationship with Christ. The New Testament emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, and neglecting this can call into question the authenticity of one's faith.

We also tackled the sensitive issue of attending same-sex weddings and the implications it has on one's stance regarding same-sex marriage. Attendance at such events is often seen as an endorsement, and Christians must navigate these situations with truth and love, maintaining their convictions while engaging with others.

Finally, we addressed the assurance of salvation, a concern for many believers. Assurance is a gift from the Holy Spirit, rooted in the transformative work of Christ and evidenced by a changed life. Regular engagement with the Word of God and participation in a faith community are essential for nurturing this assurance.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of "Why": By persistently asking "why," we can guide conversations back to fundamental truths about human worth and moral obligations, which are deeply rooted in the Christian faith. This approach challenges secular ideologies and reaffirms the stability found in God's sovereignty. [00:15]

- Politics as Religion: In a secular age, politics can become a form of religion, affecting both the left and the right. Christians must maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing that while politics is significant, it should never overshadow the eternal kingdom of God. [02:54]

- The Importance of Church Attendance: The church is the body of Christ, and participation in a local church is a testament to one's relationship with Christ. Neglecting this communal aspect of faith can call into question the authenticity of one's faith. [06:15]

- Navigating Same-Sex Weddings: Attending a same-sex wedding is often seen as an endorsement of same-sex marriage. Christians must navigate these situations with truth and love, maintaining their convictions while engaging with others. [09:37]

- Assurance of Salvation: Assurance is a gift from the Holy Spirit, rooted in the transformative work of Christ and evidenced by a changed life. Regular engagement with the Word of God and participation in a faith community are essential for nurturing this assurance. [22:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - The Power of "Why"
- [01:14] - Stability Beyond Politics
- [02:54] - Politics as Religion
- [03:26] - Defining Evangelicals
- [06:15] - Importance of Church Attendance
- [09:37] - Same-Sex Weddings and Acceptance
- [11:36] - Christ's Obedience to the Law
- [12:48] - Creation of the Soul
- [16:31] - God's Justice and Goodness
- [22:59] - Assurance of Salvation
- [30:35] - Salvation of Children
- [34:37] - Born Again Experience
- [44:23] - Theological Discussions and Unity
- [47:34] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 10:25 - "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
2. 1 John 5:13 - "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."
3. Romans 8:16 - "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

Observation Questions:
1. What reasons did the sermon give for why politics can become a form of religion in secular contexts? [02:54]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in a believer's life, especially for millennials? [06:15]
3. What is the significance of asking "why" in conversations about societal issues, according to the sermon? [00:15]
4. How does the sermon suggest Christians should navigate attending same-sex weddings? [09:37]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Hebrews 10:25 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of church attendance? What might be the consequences of neglecting this aspect of faith? [06:15]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that politics can overshadow the eternal kingdom of God? How does this relate to the idea of politics as a form of religion? [02:54]
3. How does 1 John 5:13 provide assurance of salvation, and how is this assurance described in the sermon? [22:59]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between personal belief and cultural influences, especially in the context of moral obligations? [00:15]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own conversations about societal issues. How can you incorporate the "power of why" to guide these discussions back to fundamental Christian truths? [00:15]
2. Consider your current involvement in church activities. How can you deepen your participation in your local church to strengthen your relationship with Christ? [06:15]
3. Have you ever felt that politics has overshadowed your focus on God's eternal kingdom? What steps can you take to maintain a balanced perspective? [02:54]
4. If faced with the decision to attend a same-sex wedding, how would you navigate this situation while maintaining your convictions and showing love? [09:37]
5. Reflect on your assurance of salvation. How can regular engagement with the Word of God and participation in a faith community nurture this assurance? [22:59]
6. Identify a cultural belief or practice that challenges your Christian faith. How can you address this challenge in a way that reaffirms your beliefs and engages others in meaningful dialogue? [00:15]
7. Think of a time when you questioned the importance of church attendance. What changed your perspective, and how can you encourage others who may have similar doubts? [06:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of "Why" in Faith Conversations
In a world where political discourse often dominates, it's essential to redirect conversations to the deeper truths of human worth and moral obligations rooted in the Christian faith. By persistently asking "why," believers can guide discussions back to these fundamental truths, challenging secular ideologies and reaffirming the stability found in God's sovereignty. This approach not only provides a counter-narrative to the transient nature of political systems but also emphasizes the eternal assurance found in Christ. [00:15]

"For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'" (1 Corinthians 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where politics dominated. How can you use the question "why" to steer future discussions towards deeper spiritual truths?


Day 2: Politics as a Modern Religion
In today's secular age, politics can become a form of religion, affecting individuals across the political spectrum. It's crucial for Christians to maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing that while politics is significant, it should never overshadow the eternal kingdom of God. This balance helps believers to engage in political discourse without losing sight of their ultimate allegiance to Christ and His eternal kingdom. [02:54]

"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish." (Psalm 146:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current political engagements. Are there areas where your political views might be overshadowing your commitment to God's kingdom?


Day 3: The Communal Aspect of Faith
The church is not merely a gathering but the body of Christ, and participation in a local church is a testament to one's relationship with Christ. The New Testament emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, and neglecting this can call into question the authenticity of one's faith. Regular church attendance is vital for spiritual growth and accountability within the faith community. [06:15]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prioritize regular church attendance and actively participate in your faith community this week?


Day 4: Navigating Same-Sex Weddings with Grace
Attending a same-sex wedding is often seen as an endorsement of same-sex marriage. Christians must navigate these situations with truth and love, maintaining their convictions while engaging with others. This requires a delicate balance of upholding one's beliefs while showing compassion and understanding towards others. [09:37]

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a situation where you might be invited to an event that challenges your beliefs. How can you prepare to respond with both truth and love?


Day 5: Assurance of Salvation
Assurance of salvation is a gift from the Holy Spirit, rooted in the transformative work of Christ and evidenced by a changed life. Regular engagement with the Word of God and participation in a faith community are essential for nurturing this assurance. Believers can find comfort in the evidence of a changed life and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within them. [22:59]

"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the changes in your life since coming to faith. How do these changes provide assurance of your salvation?

Quotes


I think we've always got to press behind whatever people think the question is to the question that's behind the question. And so, ultimately if someone's against human trafficking, why? If that's the issue, why? Why would that be wrong? Why are human beings of any worth? Why do we have a moral obligation to one another? [00:12:04]

And you can always get the conversation back to someone looking at you with a look on his or her face in sheer annoyance that you're making them answer these questions or even think about them. But the reality is, that's what we do. We just keep pressing the things back, why? We're two-year-olds why, why, why? [00:31:51]

Because the further we press back with why, the closer we get to the fundamental questions. And so when I meet people, regardless of what they tell me their position is on an issue, I just always ask the question, "Why?" And then I keep pressing, and I think that's -- well, you might say that's presuppositionalism. [00:52:63]

And one thing we can say to people who are really worried about politics or avid about politics is, "Have you ever thought that there is some stability beyond politics? That there is some resting place, some certainty, some assurance. And if you're worried," I think a lot of people are worried what's happening to the republic. [01:16:38]

And what we can assure them of is there's someone in charge, there's someone who knows what He's doing and that the we can look beyond all of the ebb and flow of the moment to, if I were a Calvinist, I'd say a greater election that is stable. [01:33:13]

I talked just this week about the fact that for many on the left, politics has become religion. And in a secular age, you see the secular left increasingly unsecular. They're just politicizing…they're making a religion out of their politics. My warning is that can happen to conservatives, too, if we're not careful. [01:53:51]

We can treat politics as far more important than a Christian ought to think. You can make it far less important than a Christian ought to think. But if we despair or think that the kingdom has arrived based upon an election, then we're making politics religion, we ought to be warned of that. [02:19:78]

Christ died for the church, Acts 20, and Christ is the head of the church. And every believer has been placed by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. It's totally unimaginable that someone for whom Christ has died, and someone who has been placed into the universal church would not be a participant in the local church. [06:15:19]

There's just really not even a theological category for that. So, as one who pastored a church for 34 years, I think that that would call into account serious question about that person's personal relationship with Christ, meaning, do they even know the Lord? Because 1 John says one of the tests that you have been truly born of God is that you love the brethren. [06:41:84]

Yes, because you need to recognize that attendance at a wedding, those who are in attendance are considered to be the celebrating party. So I mean, that…and made very clear, for instance, in The Book of Common Prayer, which is the order of weddings that's most familiar in church weddings in the United States. [09:46:19]

It is God's gift to true believers that they have the assurance of their salvation. The Holy Spirit who convicts of sin and who calls us into relationship with Christ, who regenerates us, is the very same Holy Spirit who gives the assurance of salvation. Assurance is an inside job by the Holy Spirit, and it really does not come from a pastor or a parent or an evangelist. [23:00:84]

There are external evidences of assurance of salvation, which is a changed life, but there is the inward witness of the Holy Spirit from Romans 8. I think those who would doubt their salvation and doubt the love of God usually comes from someone who's not sitting under the regular, systematic preaching of the Word of God, the truth that they so desperately need to hear that God uses to bring the assurance of their salvation. [23:37:82]

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Transcript
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