Faithful Engagement: Navigating Elections with God's Guidance
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the intersection of faith and civic responsibility, particularly in the context of elections. We began by acknowledging the distractions and challenges that can pull our attention away from God, but we chose to center our thoughts on His goodness and presence. This set the stage for a discussion on a topic often avoided in polite company: politics and elections. The question posed was whether God cares about our elections and leaders. The answer is a resounding yes. God cares deeply about everything that affects our lives, including who leads our nations. Scripture supports this, urging us to pray for those in authority, highlighting the importance of good governance.
We explored the biblical perspective on leadership, referencing passages like 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and Deuteronomy 1:13, which emphasize the need for wise and understanding leaders. The sermon also addressed the misconception that religion and politics should never mix. While it's true that religion should not be used for political gain, our faith should inform our actions in the public square. The separation of church and state is often misunderstood; it was never intended to keep faith out of public life but to ensure freedom of worship.
As Christians, we hold dual citizenship: one in heaven and one on earth. This dual identity calls us to engage in the world while maintaining our allegiance to God's kingdom. We are encouraged to vote, not as a mere civic duty but as an expression of our values and principles. The process of choosing leaders should be guided by biblical principles, examining candidates' past actions rather than their promises.
Prayer is essential as we approach elections. We must pray for moral and honest leaders and for a spiritual revival in our nation. Revival begins with individuals, igniting a fire that spreads to others. Our ultimate goal is not to make America great again but to make it godly again, bringing God's love and truth into the world.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Concern for Leadership: God cares about who leads our nations because leadership affects our lives and society. Scripture encourages us to pray for those in authority, highlighting the importance of good governance. Our faith should guide our engagement in the public square, ensuring that our actions align with God's principles. [35:17]
- Dual Citizenship: As Christians, we have dual citizenship: one in heaven and one on earth. This dual identity calls us to engage in the world while maintaining our allegiance to God's kingdom. We are ambassadors of Christ, tasked with bringing His love and truth into the world. [40:09]
- The Role of Prayer: Prayer is crucial as we approach elections. We must pray for moral and honest leaders and for a spiritual revival in our nation. Revival begins with individuals, igniting a fire that spreads to others, ultimately transforming society. [49:45]
- Informed Voting: Voting is a privilege and responsibility. We should approach it by examining candidates' past actions rather than their promises, ensuring that our choices align with biblical principles. This process helps us discern which candidates best reflect our Christian worldview. [48:01]
- Making America Godly Again: Our ultimate goal is not to make America great again but to make it godly again. By living out our faith and sharing God's love, we can influence society positively, bringing about true transformation. [52:03]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:25] - Focusing on God's Goodness
[31:07] - Joy in Everyday Moments
[32:37] - Breaking Tradition
[34:09] - Addressing Election Concerns
[35:17] - Does God Care About Elections?
[37:03] - Importance of Good Governance
[38:35] - Dual Citizenship Explained
[40:09] - Living as God's Ambassadors
[41:44] - The Role of Politics
[43:20] - Separation of Church and State
[44:58] - Tax-Exempt Status and Preaching
[46:25] - The Privilege of Voting
[48:01] - Informed Voting Process
[49:45] - Praying for Revival
[52:03] - Making America Godly Again
[54:48] - Dual Identity in Christ
[57:21] - The Importance of Personal Leadership
[01:00:11] - Surrendering to God's Will
[01:01:18] - Invitation to Faith
[01:02:41] - Encouragement to Vote
[01:05:05] - Celebrating Birthdays and Fellowship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
2. Deuteronomy 1:13 - "Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads."
3. 1 Peter 2:9-17 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 suggest about the role of prayer in relation to those in authority? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on praying for leaders? [35:17]
2. According to Deuteronomy 1:13, what qualities should we look for in leaders? How was this reflected in the sermon’s discussion on informed voting? [48:01]
3. How does 1 Peter 2:9-17 describe the identity of Christians, and how does this relate to the concept of dual citizenship mentioned in the sermon? [40:09]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the challenges of engaging in politics as a Christian? [41:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the idea of dual citizenship for Christians, and what implications does this have for their involvement in civic duties? [40:09]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that prayer can influence elections and leadership? How does this align with the biblical passages discussed? [49:45]
3. How does the sermon address the misconception of the separation of church and state, and what biblical basis is provided for this perspective? [43:20]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of examining candidates' past actions rather than their promises? How does this approach align with biblical principles? [48:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own voting process. How can you incorporate prayer and biblical principles more intentionally when deciding on candidates? [49:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for a spiritual revival. What steps can you take to ignite a personal revival that could influence those around you? [52:03]
3. How do you balance your dual citizenship as a Christian with your responsibilities as a citizen of your country? What practical steps can you take to ensure your faith informs your civic actions? [40:09]
4. Consider the sermon’s discussion on informed voting. How can you better research candidates' past actions to ensure your vote aligns with your Christian values? [48:01]
5. The sermon challenges the idea of keeping faith out of public life. How can you actively bring your faith into your community and public interactions without using it for political gain? [43:20]
6. Reflect on the role of prayer in your life. How can you make prayer a more central part of your daily routine, especially in the context of praying for leaders and elections? [49:45]
7. The sermon mentions the goal of making America godly again. What specific actions can you take in your community to promote godliness and share God’s love? [52:03]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Deep Concern for Leadership
God cares about who leads our nations because leadership affects our lives and society. Scripture encourages us to pray for those in authority, highlighting the importance of good governance. Our faith should guide our engagement in the public square, ensuring that our actions align with God's principles. [35:17]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the leaders in your community and nation. How can you actively pray for them today, asking God to guide them in wisdom and integrity?
Day 2: Embracing Dual Citizenship
As Christians, we have dual citizenship: one in heaven and one on earth. This dual identity calls us to engage in the world while maintaining our allegiance to God's kingdom. We are ambassadors of Christ, tasked with bringing His love and truth into the world. [40:09]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your heavenly citizenship in your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is crucial as we approach elections. We must pray for moral and honest leaders and for a spiritual revival in our nation. Revival begins with individuals, igniting a fire that spreads to others, ultimately transforming society. [49:45]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life or community where you desire transformation. How can you commit to praying for change in that area today?
Day 4: The Importance of Informed Voting
Voting is a privilege and responsibility. We should approach it by examining candidates' past actions rather than their promises, ensuring that our choices align with biblical principles. This process helps us discern which candidates best reflect our Christian worldview. [48:01]
"Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads." (Deuteronomy 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: As you consider upcoming elections, what steps can you take to research candidates' past actions and align your vote with your faith values?
Day 5: Striving to Make America Godly Again
Our ultimate goal is not to make America great again but to make it godly again. By living out our faith and sharing God's love, we can influence society positively, bringing about true transformation. [52:03]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be a light in your community today, actively sharing God's love and truth with those around you?
Quotes
1. "Does God care about our elections? Does God care about who we vote for? Does God care who the leaders of this country and other countries are? Or does he really care about who gets the big seat in the big office in Washington, D.C.? That's the first question that we need to answer. And I want you to know, most of you already do, that God cares about everything that affects your life. Everything that affects your life, including who our leaders are going to be, who the leaders of this country are, and how they guide and lead our culture and our society." [35:17] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "My challenge, my encouragement to you is to not let all of that stuff blind you to the importance of our elections. Do not check out. Don't let it cause you to shut your mind. To our country's need for honest and capable, able leaders. Our system may not be perfect, but it's far better if you traveled outside of the borders of the United States. It's far better than many of the other options that are out there. You want proof of that? Just look a little bit to our south and see what's happening. They're coming here for a reason. There's something about how we do things that attract people." [37:03] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A holy nation. God is not saying an earthly nation. He's saying a holy nation. What is a holy nation? A holy nation. God is not saying an earthly nation. He's saying a holy that? That's Christianity. Christianity is a holy nation. The church, the full body of Christ, is a nation in God's eyes. That's why we talk about dual citizenship. As Christians, you have dual citizenship. Citizenship in heaven, a holy nation, and citizenship here on earth." [38:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Voting is a privilege. It's also a responsibility, a duty, and it's a duty and a responsibility, a privilege of every Christian. Here's what I've adopted over the years as far as, and it came from a very smart person, I didn't make it up, in regards to voting. When there are two, you know, less than desirable candidates running for a position, then I simply make a form, and I think I have a good idea of what I'm going to do." [46:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are here to make America godly again. We are here to take God from these safe places, these sanctified rooms, out into the world and influence people that way by showing them the good news that he gives to us. Doing good things, doing good things, doing good things, doing good deeds, communicating his love. Make America godly again. And pray for revival. Revival doesn't start in churches. It doesn't start in big conferences. It starts in individuals." [49:45] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We have dual citizenship. Amen. Dual citizenship. We have, first of all, we are sojourners, the Bible says. We are in exile. This is not our home. The other identity is that of being subject in this world to the God-appointed authorities, because we just read that God puts those leaders in place. He tells us to pray for those leaders, governors and kings. So one identity is slaves, the slaves of God. And yes, that's the word that he uses." [54:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "It's going to be a difficult time for us as believers, not just at the election, but even after, regardless of who gets in to the presidency and to our state offices, and even here locally in our city, in our school district. Because what happens in the White House, what is it, Abraham Hamilton III says, what happens in the White House is nowhere near as important as what happens in your house. And it starts here. And it filters its way up." [57:21] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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