Unity in Faith Amidst Political Division

 

Summary

In this message, I address the pressing issue of division within our families, churches, and nation, particularly during election times. The political climate has become increasingly polarized, leading to deep-seated divisions that echo historical periods of unrest. This division is not only unfortunate but also dangerous, as a house divided cannot stand. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be mindful of the cultural issues affecting our society, such as child abuse, parental rights, free speech, and religious freedoms. These are not merely political issues but moral and spiritual concerns that require our attention and action.

The statistics are alarming: 45 million evangelical Christians in the United States are either not registered to vote or have chosen not to participate in the electoral process. This is concerning because our vote is a powerful tool to protect people, honor God, advance freedom, and turn back wickedness. The Bible provides guidance on these issues, and as Christians, we are to be guided by Scripture in all aspects of life, including our civic duties.

Throughout history, biblical figures like David, Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah have taken active roles in government and leadership, demonstrating that involvement in civic affairs is not contrary to our faith. Jesus himself taught us to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, indicating that we have responsibilities in both the spiritual and civic realms.

Moreover, we must learn to love unconditionally despite political differences. Our love for one another should be based on our shared faith in Jesus, not our political affiliations. Fear of losing freedoms or privileges can lead to division, but we are called to pray for unity, wisdom, and God's protection.

Encouraging participation in the electoral process is crucial. Voting is a right and privilege that many have fought and died for, and it is a means to let our voices be heard. By voting, we can influence the direction of our nation in a way that aligns with biblical values and principles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Division and Unity: The current political climate has led to deep divisions within families and communities. As followers of Jesus, we must strive for unity, remembering that a house divided cannot stand. Our love for one another should transcend political differences, rooted in our shared faith in Christ. [04:36]

2. Civic Responsibility: With 45 million evangelical Christians not participating in elections, there is a significant opportunity to influence societal change. Voting is a powerful tool to protect people, honor God, advance freedom, and turn back wickedness. Our civic duties are an extension of our faith. [06:05]

3. Biblical Guidance: Scripture provides clear guidance on cultural and moral issues. As Christians, we are to be guided by the Word of God in all aspects of life, including our civic responsibilities. The Bible speaks to issues like child protection, marriage, and religious freedom, offering a framework for our decisions. [09:34]

4. Historical Examples: Biblical figures like David, Joseph, and Daniel demonstrate that involvement in government and leadership is not contrary to our faith. Their examples show that we can influence society positively while remaining true to our spiritual convictions. [14:23]

5. Unconditional Love: Political differences should not dictate our relationships. We must learn to love unconditionally, focusing on our shared belief in Jesus rather than our political affiliations. This approach fosters unity and reflects the love of Christ in our interactions. [20:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Election Week Concerns
- [04:36] - Division in Families and Nation
- [06:05] - Evangelical Voting Statistics
- [07:37] - Cultural and Moral Issues
- [08:35] - Biblical Perspective on Issues
- [09:34] - Scriptural Guidance
- [11:20] - Christian Civic Responsibility
- [14:23] - Biblical Figures in Leadership
- [16:13] - Civic Duty and Faith
- [19:05] - Reasons for Not Voting
- [20:12] - Love Beyond Politics
- [21:10] - Fear and Division
- [22:16] - Encouraging Voting
- [25:16] - Addressing Childhood Depression
- [28:53] - Importance of Boundaries

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 12:25 - "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."
2. Genesis 12:3 - "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
3. Romans 1:26-27 - "Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are some of the cultural issues mentioned in the sermon that are affecting our society today? [07:37]
2. According to the sermon, how many evangelical Christians in the United States are not participating in the electoral process, and why is this significant? [06:05]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of biblical figures like David, Joseph, and Daniel in government and leadership? [14:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between political differences and our love for one another as followers of Jesus? [20:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of a "house divided" relate to the current political climate and its impact on families and communities? [04:36]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that voting is an extension of one's faith and civic responsibility?
3. How do the biblical examples of David, Joseph, and Daniel challenge the notion that faith and civic involvement are separate?
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of unconditional love in overcoming political divisions? [20:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when political differences caused tension in your family or community. How did you handle it, and what might you do differently now? [04:36]
2. Considering the sermon’s emphasis on civic responsibility, what steps can you take to ensure your voice is heard in the electoral process?
3. How can you use biblical guidance to navigate cultural and moral issues in your daily life? [09:34]
4. Identify a biblical figure mentioned in the sermon whose involvement in leadership inspires you. How can their example influence your approach to civic duties?
5. Think of someone with whom you have political disagreements. How can you demonstrate unconditional love towards them this week? [20:12]
6. What practical steps can you take to encourage others in your church or community to participate in voting? [22:16]
7. How can you pray for unity, wisdom, and God's protection in your family and community during divisive times? [21:10]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Unity Beyond Politics
In today's polarized political climate, divisions within families and communities are deepening. As followers of Jesus, we are called to transcend these divisions and strive for unity, recognizing that a house divided cannot stand. Our love for one another should be rooted in our shared faith in Christ, not in our political affiliations. This unity is not just a social ideal but a spiritual mandate that reflects the heart of God. By focusing on our common faith, we can bridge the gaps that politics often create and foster a community that mirrors the love and unity of Christ. [04:36]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a person with whom you have political disagreements. How can you show them love and unity in Christ today, despite your differences?


Day 2: The Power of Civic Engagement
With 45 million evangelical Christians not participating in elections, there is a significant opportunity to influence societal change. Voting is not just a civic duty but a powerful tool to protect people, honor God, advance freedom, and turn back wickedness. Our civic responsibilities are an extension of our faith, and by engaging in the electoral process, we can help shape a society that aligns with biblical values. This involvement is not about political power but about being faithful stewards of the influence God has given us. [06:05]

"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 find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your role in civic engagement. What steps can you take today to ensure your voice is heard in the next election?


Day 3: Scriptural Guidance in Cultural Issues
Scripture provides clear guidance on cultural and moral issues, offering a framework for our decisions. As Christians, we are to be guided by the Word of God in all aspects of life, including our civic responsibilities. The Bible speaks to issues like child protection, marriage, and religious freedom, reminding us that these are not merely political issues but moral and spiritual concerns. By grounding our actions in Scripture, we can navigate the complexities of modern society with wisdom and integrity. [09:34]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a cultural issue you are passionate about. How can you seek guidance from Scripture to inform your perspective and actions on this issue?


Day 4: Biblical Examples of Civic Leadership
Throughout history, biblical figures like David, Joseph, and Daniel have taken active roles in government and leadership, demonstrating that involvement in civic affairs is not contrary to our faith. Their examples show that we can influence society positively while remaining true to our spiritual convictions. By following their lead, we can engage in civic responsibilities with a heart aligned to God's purposes, using our positions to bring about justice and righteousness. [14:23]

"And the king said to me, 'What are you requesting?' So I prayed to the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a leadership role you hold, whether in your community, workplace, or family. How can you use this position to reflect God's justice and righteousness?


Day 5: Love Beyond Political Differences
Political differences should not dictate our relationships. We must learn to love unconditionally, focusing on our shared belief in Jesus rather than our political affiliations. This approach fosters unity and reflects the love of Christ in our interactions. By prioritizing love over politics, we can build bridges and create a community that embodies the grace and compassion of Jesus. [20:12]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a relationship strained by political differences. What practical steps can you take today to demonstrate Christ-like love and reconciliation in that relationship?

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Quotes



And so there's all kind of predictions out there that are starting to make their way into, you know, into our homes, into our living rooms. But I think the first thing to be aware of is that we are seeing great division in our families, in our churches, in our nations, especially political differences and political division. And that's unfortunate. I mean, there's always been some sort of division. I mean, there's always, you know, you know, grandma was this way and grandpa voted that way. And you had that and you talked about that years ago. But today the division seems to be deeper, greater, wider, more vitriol, more just more heart wrenching, if you will, among the families. And not only that, but it's affecting and impacting our nation. [00:03:02] (46 seconds)


So with that being said, it goes back to what Jesus declared, a house divided cannot stand. And that's the concern, I think, on the heart of our families, our churches, our pastors, that a house divided cannot stand, even among some of our politicians and some of our leaders. So here's what we're discovering about voting concerns. Some of the things that we're discovering is this. Number one, there are 90 million evangelical Christians in our country. That's a lot. That's a lot, 90 million evangelical Christians. That's not counting other faiths and other traditions, but 90 million evangelical Christians. [00:04:51] (35 seconds)


And I will argue that could make some difference and some change if these 45 million or even half of that number got out and voted. And so bottom line, 50 % of the evangelicals in our country will not be voting this election year. And that for some is extremely concerning. Why is that? Why are some concerned about that? Because as followers of Jesus, here's some issues that we must be aware of that's happening in our culture. No matter how you want to slice it, no matter how you want to frame it, here are some of the issues that are affecting our culture. Right. And these are not political. [00:06:09] (41 seconds)


The Word of God says a lot about Israel. That Israel is the apple of God's eye. Of course, in Genesis 12, we know that the Word of God says, God says to Abraham, I will bless those who bless you. I will curse those who curse you. So a nation that turns their back on Israel may be putting themselves in jeopardy, I will argue. The Word of God talks about the economy. Those who don't work don't eat. The borrower is a slave to the lender. I mean, these are some very basic economic principles. And of course, the Word of God says a lot about orientation. Romans chapter 1 gives a great definition and visualization of where God stands on certain orientations. So again, we need to be mindful of these things. So the Word of God is very clear about the very cultural concerns that are coming into our nation. So as a follower of Jesus, I will argue we're to be guided by Scripture. [00:09:34] (56 seconds)


As followers of Jesus, we are to be guided by the Scripture. And so the Word of God says, The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. It's a lamp to our feet, a light into our path. It guides the way. It shows us where we're to go. It tells us and gives us direction. It takes out the darkness and gives us that marvelous light. And so when you look through the lens of the Bible and you ask the question, which candidate aligns most of the word of God? That's the very question to ask. And we need to ask that question because the main point is this, and this is the main point. So if you're tuning out and if you're just tuned in early, we're talking about dealing with an election year, an election week, and then how it divides our families and what we need to do. And should we vote? Should we not vote? [00:10:29] (51 seconds)


How involved should we be? Here's what I'll argue. As a Christian, I must take advantage of every opportunity to protect people, honor God, advance freedom, and turn back wickedness. So we should take those opportunities that we have. I won't. I won't argue. As a Christian, I must take advantage of every opportunity to protect people, to honor God, to advance freedom, and to turn back wickedness. [00:11:20] (31 seconds)


At the same time, yes, we're to remain passionate about the gospel. Yes, we're to remain passionate about eternity. And yes, as Christians and as the church, as those in the kingdom of God, we're to be passionate about those things. But that doesn't negate the need, if you will, to protect people, honor God, advance freedom, and turn back wickedness as we can do that through the vote. Yeah. So we need to ask, you know, this question, because a lot of people say, well, we shouldn't get involved in government affairs, civic duties, we shouldn't get involved in that sort of thing. So I need to ask the question for those who believe that, and that's fine if you do, but did great people in the Bible ever get involved in government and leadership? [00:13:42] (42 seconds)


I think when you look at the prayer of Jesus, he prayed for unity. He prayed for God's protection. He prayed for wisdom. prayed that ultimately God would glorify it. I think as families, that's what we're called to do. Not just during the election cycle, but every day of our life, pray for unity. Pray that God's protection will be upon us. Pray for wisdom that we will do and say and declare the right thing. [00:21:10] (26 seconds)


Pray that God would glorify it. Pray that God will use us for such a time as this. If that's our prayer, then I believe that we can definitely say things and share things and do things in our families that will be a blessing to those around us. Again, to answer this question, the first part of this question is, should we help and encourage people in our church to vote? I would say yes. To vote. Vote is a right and a privilege that many have fought and died for. It's a right and privilege that millions, maybe billions around the world, which they had that we take for granted. And so again, I think to encourage people to vote is a very important thing, both inside the church and outside the church to, to simply say, look, you know, men and women fought and died for this. Your vote is a voice and your voice may be the difference between life and death of children. [00:22:16] (52 seconds)


So yeah, boundaries are powerful. They're important and they're so needed and necessary. But I do hope those who are listening will go out and vote. Again, I think it's a wonderful freedom that we have here in this country and let our voice be heard and our voice be known. [00:29:31] (14 seconds)


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Transcript
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