Tonight s Topic Christianity and Politics. Answering Tough Questions

Transcription

1 Answering The Tough Questions Tonight s Topic Christianity and Politics! Recap from last week! We looked into 3 questions that class members wrote down: " Are people born gay? " Why multiple marriages in The Bible? " Does God hear non-christian s prayers? " Resources Sent Out 1

2 Answering The Tough Questions! Question 1: 4-5 minutes in small group discussion! Who are you going to vote for and why?! Question 1: 4-5 minutes in small group discussion! Who are you going to vote for and why? 2

3 ! Real Question 1: 3-4 minutes in small group discussion! What is your biggest struggle when it comes to being more outspoken about your faith in Christ?! Tonight s Topic: Christianity and Politics! Why does this question matter? " Have you watched the news lately? " The need to gain clarity about what role politics play in our nation and in the life of a Christian. 3

4 ! Let s begin with a broad look at the Christian and his/her relationship with government.! Key Question: What is the SOURCE for your view on politics?! As a Christian, it should be the Bible, not Fox News or CNN! Let s begin with a broad look at the Christian and his/her relationship with government.! Consider this passage first: Mark 12:28-31 This is always our foundation 4

5 ! Let s begin with a broad look at the Christian and his/her relationship with government.! Next, let s consider this passage : 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13! Let s begin with a broad look at the Christian and his/her relationship with government.! Now let s look at Matthew 28:

6 ! So your political hopes for our nation should be first and foremost - rooted in the expansion of the Gospel, not living out the American Dream.! Let s begin with a broad look at the Christian and his/her relationship with government.! Lastly, let s look at 1 Peter 1:1 6

7 ! So our relationship to politics, government, and ALL THINGS is rooted in love of God, love of others, knowing our true home, and the Great Commission (the call to be Disciples Making Disciples). Love God Make Disciples Love Others Know Where Home Is 7

8 ! With this as the umbrella under which everything in life falls, let s examine God s view of the Christian s relationship to government and politics.! 1. Prayer 1 Timothy 2 Question: Do you pray this way?! 2.Submission Romans 13, 1 Peter 2. Question: Do you have the confidence to submit? 8

9 ! Consider the Pharaoh and how God used his insolence and Egypt to accomplish much.! Consider how God allowed the rule of the Assyrians, Nebuchadnezzar, and Nero. 9

10 ! And yet consider this verse from Proverbs! No one wants to be a pre-exodus Israelite or a Jeremiah, but! Let s also look at Mark 12:

11 ! Let s also look at Matthew 26! WORTH NOTING ABOUT OUR CULTURE:! Culture often deals with a lack of identity by becoming rooted in identity politics.! This cannot be the case for the follower of Christ! We also have a this is a tragedy news approach " A historical analysis shows this is not the worst election ever 11

12 ! When can we reject the law of the land? Love God Make Disciples Love Others Know Where Home Is Prayer Identity in Christ Trust The Sovereignty of God Submission 12

13 ! So who do I vote for?! A few core principles to consider: 1. There is no clear, biblical command it is a discernment process 2. There are deeply committed Christians who are divided on this issue. 13

14 ! A few core principles to consider: 3. What does it mean to be a single-issue voter? What are your core issues, and are they biblical? Is your perspective biblical? 4. Researching the issues to find the truth, not the spin. Please note: Watching only The View or Sean Hannity is not research. 5. The question of character or competence.! A few core principles to consider: 6. Remember that it is not just WHO you vote for, but HOW you carry out that process. 14

15 Let s close in prayer, and please pray WITH me. 15