“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world”
Matt 5, 13, 14
The question always comes, “Should Christians be engaged in the political process of our nation?”
Consider the biblical examples of Joseph (Genesis 41), Daniel, (Daniel 60, and Paul, (Acts 17:22-34; 22:22-26,32).
Our society is based on God given freedoms and responsibilities-
David Brewer - "Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian. This is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour. There is a single voice making this affirmation. We can find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth. These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.”
Christians are to be salt and light in the world, including the government. Matt 5:13-14
John Jay - "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. And it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
Theodore Roosevelt - "In this actual world, a churchless community, a community where men have abandoned and scoffed at, or ignored their religious needs, is a community on the rapid down-grade."
John Adams - “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Our Responsibility to Government
“I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority...” I Tim 2:1,2
Because they are ordained by God, we must honor the authorities. We should pray for them, I Timothy 2:1-4. We should pay what we owe, Mark 12:13-17. We should live in obedience, I Peter 2:13-17.
We owe obedience, but not blind obedience. Paul used his citizenship to object to injustice, Acts16:35-39;22:24-29. The apostles understood Christians sometimes should disobey civil authorities when their mandates contradict the laws of God, Acts 5:29.
We are to participate in, and influence the government.
John E. Scott - “What then, is the biblical basis for social concern, and why should Christians get involved? In the end there are only two possible attitudes which Christians can adopt towards the world,‘escape’and ‘engagement.’
‘Escape’ means turning our backs on the world in rejection, washing our hands of it and steeling our hearts against its agonized cries for help. In contrast ‘engagement’ means turning our faces towards the world in compassion, getting our hands dirty, sore, and worn in its service. And feeling deep within us, the stirring of the love which cannot be contained, if we truly love our neighbors. And because of their worth the desire to serve them. We shall be concerned for their total welfare, the well-being of their soul, their body and their community. And our concern will lead to practical programs.”
So the question is, "Are you engaged in our culture, or are you trying to escape it?" We are the salt and light, God expects us to be involved.
Because they are ordained by God, we must honor the authorities. We should pray for them, I Timothy 2:1-4. We should pay what we owe, Mark 12:13-17. We should live in obedience, I Peter 2:13-17.
We owe obedience, but not blind obedience. Paul used his citizenship to object to injustice, Acts16:35-39;22:24-29. The apostles understood Christians sometimes should disobey civil authorities when their mandates contradict the laws of God, Acts 5:29.
We are to participate in, and influence the government.
John E. Scott - “What then, is the biblical basis for social concern, and why should Christians get involved? In the end there are only two possible attitudes which Christians can adopt towards the world,‘escape’and ‘engagement.’
‘Escape’ means turning our backs on the world in rejection, washing our hands of it and steeling our hearts against its agonized cries for help. In contrast ‘engagement’ means turning our faces towards the world in compassion, getting our hands dirty, sore, and worn in its service. And feeling deep within us, the stirring of the love which cannot be contained, if we truly love our neighbors. And because of their worth the desire to serve them. We shall be concerned for their total welfare, the well-being of their soul, their body and their community. And our concern will lead to practical programs.”
So the question is, "Are you engaged in our culture, or are you trying to escape it?" We are the salt and light, God expects us to be involved.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The Biblical Purpose for Government
“...for there is not authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:11
What is the Biblical purpose for government?
To execute justice.~ Psalms 106:3 How blessed are those who keep justice. Who practice righteousness at all times!
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Reprove the ruthless. Defend the orphan. Plead for the widow
To establish order in society.~
Benjamin Franklin - “I’ve lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it.’ I firmly believe this. And I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building, no better than the builders of Babel.”
To provide for the common good.~
J. I. Packer - “The more profoundly one is concerned about heaven the more deeply one cares about God’s Will being done on earth”
Daniel Webster- “ Moral habits cannot safely be trusted on any other foundation than religious principle. Nor any government be secure which is not supported by moral habits.”
What is the Biblical purpose for government?
To execute justice.~ Psalms 106:3 How blessed are those who keep justice. Who practice righteousness at all times!
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Reprove the ruthless. Defend the orphan. Plead for the widow
To establish order in society.~
Benjamin Franklin - “I’ve lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain who build it.’ I firmly believe this. And I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building, no better than the builders of Babel.”
To provide for the common good.~
J. I. Packer - “The more profoundly one is concerned about heaven the more deeply one cares about God’s Will being done on earth”
Daniel Webster- “ Moral habits cannot safely be trusted on any other foundation than religious principle. Nor any government be secure which is not supported by moral habits.”
Monday, February 4, 2008
Righteous Responsibility
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34
Someone has said, “That all that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for the righteous to do nothing.” We have the ability and the responsibility to do what is right, to change the direction our state and nation is heading, but it seems like most people don’t have the will to do it."
Many Christian people want nothing to do with public life because it seems corrupt and dirty. Yet, is it possible that political life has degenerated because people with strong moral standards have shunned it?
The Bible has some surprising messages for us about our duty to our government--
Romans 13:1-7 God has established the civil authorities.
Thomas Jefferson “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever."
Now think about what Jefferson said. This quote contradicts those historical revisionists who contend that Jefferson wanted a “wall of separation” to protect the government from people.
George Washington " Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou hast this day prescribed in Thy holy word, direct me to the true object - Jesus Christ, The Way, The Truth and The Life. Bless, O Lord, all the people of this land.”
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas “We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.”
Separation of church and state, was never intended to keep God out of our government, but to keep the government out of the church !
Proverbs 14:34
Someone has said, “That all that is necessary for evil to triumph, is for the righteous to do nothing.” We have the ability and the responsibility to do what is right, to change the direction our state and nation is heading, but it seems like most people don’t have the will to do it."
Many Christian people want nothing to do with public life because it seems corrupt and dirty. Yet, is it possible that political life has degenerated because people with strong moral standards have shunned it?
The Bible has some surprising messages for us about our duty to our government--
Romans 13:1-7 God has established the civil authorities.
Thomas Jefferson “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever."
Now think about what Jefferson said. This quote contradicts those historical revisionists who contend that Jefferson wanted a “wall of separation” to protect the government from people.
George Washington " Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou hast this day prescribed in Thy holy word, direct me to the true object - Jesus Christ, The Way, The Truth and The Life. Bless, O Lord, all the people of this land.”
Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas “We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being.”
Separation of church and state, was never intended to keep God out of our government, but to keep the government out of the church !
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Christian Citizenship
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution...For such is the will of God...” I Pet 2:13, 15
The late Stephen Olford reminds us that there are solemn responsibilities that are entrusted to citizens of every nation. The Apostle Peter, in speaking here of the role of a Christian citizen, enunciates principles that include and transcend all forms of human government.
The biblical conception of a Christian citizen. “...as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles...” v 11-12
Every child of God has dual citizenship. His name is recorded in heaven, yet he is a recognized citizen of the country in which he chooses to reside. Therefore, his responsibility is to translate the will of God on earth, even as it is in heaven. His duty is to deprecate all known wrong and to advocate all that is good.
The personal submission of a christian citizen. Christian citizens should live lives of discipline and submission. Verse 17 tells us that we are to “honor all people”, to regard them as intrinsically sacred and precious to God. We are to “honor the king” by submitting to the leadership of any country. We are to “love the brotherhood” - the community of saints - and to “fear God.” Only as God is reverenced and feared can true submission to other ordinances become possible.
The spiritual relation of a Christian citizen “Christ...left us an example, that we should follow His steps.” The standards of Christian citizenship are high, but the enablement for meeting these lofty demands can be realized only through a vital relationship to Jesus Christ as Sinbearer, Savior, and Shepherd. Let us rise to serve our generation by the will of God, remembering that “...every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:1
Thrust Render unto Caesar the things that are man’s, and offer unto God the things He demands. So the Savior taught us, when He spoke on earth, only by obeying do we learn life’s worth.
The late Stephen Olford reminds us that there are solemn responsibilities that are entrusted to citizens of every nation. The Apostle Peter, in speaking here of the role of a Christian citizen, enunciates principles that include and transcend all forms of human government.
The biblical conception of a Christian citizen. “...as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles...” v 11-12
Every child of God has dual citizenship. His name is recorded in heaven, yet he is a recognized citizen of the country in which he chooses to reside. Therefore, his responsibility is to translate the will of God on earth, even as it is in heaven. His duty is to deprecate all known wrong and to advocate all that is good.
The personal submission of a christian citizen. Christian citizens should live lives of discipline and submission. Verse 17 tells us that we are to “honor all people”, to regard them as intrinsically sacred and precious to God. We are to “honor the king” by submitting to the leadership of any country. We are to “love the brotherhood” - the community of saints - and to “fear God.” Only as God is reverenced and feared can true submission to other ordinances become possible.
The spiritual relation of a Christian citizen “Christ...left us an example, that we should follow His steps.” The standards of Christian citizenship are high, but the enablement for meeting these lofty demands can be realized only through a vital relationship to Jesus Christ as Sinbearer, Savior, and Shepherd. Let us rise to serve our generation by the will of God, remembering that “...every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:1
Thrust Render unto Caesar the things that are man’s, and offer unto God the things He demands. So the Savior taught us, when He spoke on earth, only by obeying do we learn life’s worth.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
On Being Thankful
"... in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thess. 5:18
A story is told about the old man on the pier that couldn't go a week without saying "Thank You!" His name was Eddie Rickenbacker.
If you were alive in October 1942, you probably remember the day that he was reported as missing at sea. He had been sent on a mission to deliver a message to General Douglas MacArthur. With a handpicked crew in a B-17 known as the "Flying Fortress," he set off across the South Pacific. Somewhere the crew became lost, the fuel ran out, and the plane went down.
All eight crew members escaped into the life rafts. They battled the weather, the water, the sharks, and the sun. But most of all, they battled the hunger. After eight days, their rations were gone. They ran out of options. It would take a miracle for them to survive. And a miracle occurred!
After an afternoon devotional service, the men said a prayer and tried to rest. As Rickenbacker was dozing with his hat over his eyes, something landed on his head. He would later say that he knew it was a sea gull. He didn't know he knew, he just knew. That gull meant food - if he could catch it. And he did.
The flesh was eaten. The intestines were used as fish bait. And the crew survived!
Now, here's the 64 million dollar question - "What was a sea gull doing hundreds of miles away from land?" Only God knows! But whatever the reason, Rickenbacker was THANKFUL! As a result, every Friday evening this old captain walked to the pier, his bucket full of shrimp and his heart full of thanks.
How has your week been? Remember, God loves you and you're in the plan. Rejoice and give thanks.
A story is told about the old man on the pier that couldn't go a week without saying "Thank You!" His name was Eddie Rickenbacker.
If you were alive in October 1942, you probably remember the day that he was reported as missing at sea. He had been sent on a mission to deliver a message to General Douglas MacArthur. With a handpicked crew in a B-17 known as the "Flying Fortress," he set off across the South Pacific. Somewhere the crew became lost, the fuel ran out, and the plane went down.
All eight crew members escaped into the life rafts. They battled the weather, the water, the sharks, and the sun. But most of all, they battled the hunger. After eight days, their rations were gone. They ran out of options. It would take a miracle for them to survive. And a miracle occurred!
After an afternoon devotional service, the men said a prayer and tried to rest. As Rickenbacker was dozing with his hat over his eyes, something landed on his head. He would later say that he knew it was a sea gull. He didn't know he knew, he just knew. That gull meant food - if he could catch it. And he did.
The flesh was eaten. The intestines were used as fish bait. And the crew survived!
Now, here's the 64 million dollar question - "What was a sea gull doing hundreds of miles away from land?" Only God knows! But whatever the reason, Rickenbacker was THANKFUL! As a result, every Friday evening this old captain walked to the pier, his bucket full of shrimp and his heart full of thanks.
How has your week been? Remember, God loves you and you're in the plan. Rejoice and give thanks.
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