Christians. Rom. 13:1-7

Transcription

1 Christians Rom. 13:1-7

2 Christians Politics What a person believes really shouldn t matter because religion and politics don t mix. Do Christianity (Religion) and Politics intersect? If so, How? Where?

3 The Series: Christians and Politics Should Christians be Involved in Politics? Person, Party, or Principles? Why Should I Vote?

4 Churches Restrictions As a 501(c)(3) we may not participate in, or intervene directly or indirectly (including the publishing or distributing of campaign materials), in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. Or take positions on public policy issues, including issues that divide candidates in an election for public office. VOTE FOR FRED

5 Churches Restrictions 501(c)(3) organizations must avoid any issue advocacy that functions as political campaign intervention. Even if a statement does not expressly tell an audience to vote for or against a specific candidate, an organization delivering the statement is at risk of violating the political campaign intervention prohibition if there is any message favoring or opposing a candidate. VOTE YES ON NO

6 Churches Restrictions 501(c)(3) organizations are permitted to conduct certain voter education activities (including the presentation of public forums and the publication of voter education guides) if they are carried out in a non-partisan manner. OK

7 Churches Restrictions The political campaign intervention prohibition is not intended to restrict free expression on political matters by leaders of organizations speaking for themselves, as individuals. Nor are leaders prohibited from speaking about important issues of public policy. However, for their organizations to remain tax exempt under section 501(c)(3), leaders cannot make partisan comments in official organization publications or at official functions of the organization.

8 Religion Politics Some listening here will say, No. They will say, We serve God and not man. (Acts 5:29) They will take the position that our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil 3:20-21) and that supersedes our obligations to Washington or Sacramento. Christ s Kingdom is NOT of this world. Jesus said - If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." (Jn. 18:36)

9 Religion Politics But do you receive: The Protection of the Military? Clean drinking water in your home? Is your food FDA inspected? Did you attend public school? Are you provided roads and bridges to travel? Is your home protected by Police and Firemen? Etc. etc. Then you are a recipient of the products of the taxes paid to your Federal and State Governments and you should then be faithful in your response to these entities

10 Rom. 13:1-7 (abbreviated) (As Christians) be in subjection to the governing authorities those which exist are established by God for it is a minister of God to you for good Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for {rulers} are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax {is due;} custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

11 Government's Role Some people today contest any Government. Without Government we would have chaos. God established Governments for a reason(s). A few of those reasons: To promote good behavior (legislate just laws) To serve as a minister of God for our good (maintain civil freedoms), To bear the sword (exercise / promote justice). etc.

12 1 Tim. 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties {and} prayers, petitions {and} thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Even if we agree of disagree with someone s political agenda we are commanded to pray for them.

13 RE. Governmental Authority The first century folks were subject to Kings and Caesars. They had NO VOTE in the matter. We in America today have a choice as to what form of government we support It makes sense to utilize our freedom in American to positively contribute to the founding and forming of that government which best affords all men the right to free speech and free exercise of religion. Don t you agree?

14 I Believe I believe that it is very important that Christians be involved in the processes of Government. We should be very concerned about which Laws are passed. We should be very concerned about who is leading us. They are being granted the extra-ordinary power to decide which freedoms we will have and which we won t have. I think Christians have a very real interest in the outcomes of those debates

15 Why Am I Preaching This? I am NOT here to promote a particular candidate for election. I am here to ask ALL of us to take seriously our opportunity to affect the environment in which we in America must live. Will it be hostile toward God? Will it maintain the free exercise of our faith?

16 The Overriding Principles of FAITH # 1: MY FAITH informs, [or should inform] my voting (and any other decisions for that matter). God, His Word and His Son Jesus Christ are always first in our lives.

17 FAITHFUL Reasons Endowed & Inalienable Rights derived not from government but from our Divine Creator. In God We Trust on our currency. Our Pledge of Allegiance still contains the phrase One Nation Under God. These foundational Truths were deliberately engraved into our governmental plans specifically because that DO affect our national psyche and remind us of the HIGHER reasons for civil living.

18 FAITHFUL Reasons There is a Faithful Reason that our Declaration of Independence speaks of the Laws of Nature and of Nature s God, as God s Law is the Genesis of all law.

19 Church State? You cannot truly separate the Christian from his FAITHFUL participation in civil government. 1 Pet 2:17 - Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

20 The Role of the Church Christians affect their countries not by violent protests, or lobbying for our opinions, but by changing individual hearts through the message of the Gospel. As we affect individuals one by one any unfaithful laws will change one by one. We are to be the Salt of the earth and the Lights of the world; Cities set on a hill. OUR primary responsibility to our God and to our nation is to reflect Christ and through that reflection affect our Country for the better.

21 In A Few Days it s Over We need to understand our role as Christian s in a free society We need to take time to study the Scriptures and see: How does the Bible define the purpose of government? What does the Bible say about our personal responsibility as Christians in a free society? How may the church (Biblically) intersect with government? These are important issues if we are to be the SALT and LIGHT Jesus requires

22 In This Series (and in everything) Let us choose God s Word as our guide in all that we do Remembering we are Christians First and Americans second.