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Christian Engagement in Politics 2024
Sep 22, 2024
Lecture Notes: Election Sermon 2024 at Cornerstone Chapel
Opening Remarks
Central Argument:
Government is not the answer for the soul of the nation; Jesus is.
Encourages political engagement to advance God's kingdom and resist evil.
Introduction to Election Sermons
Background:
Inspired by David Barton's concept of election sermons.
Historical practice among pastors to discuss political issues through a Biblical lens.
Importance of Pastoral Voice:
Pastors historically influenced political and social issues.
Challenge to the idea of "separation of church and state," which is often misinterpreted.
Separation of Church and State
Origin:
Phrase used by Thomas Jefferson to ensure government stayed out of church affairs.
First Amendment intended to protect religious liberties.
Impact:
Misinterpretation led to silencing religious voices in politics.
1954 Johnson Amendment limited political activities of churches under threat of losing tax-exempt status.
Current Challenges:
Legal challenge against the Johnson Amendment for restricting free speech.
Encouragement to Engage Politically
Voting as a Duty:
Encouragement to vote based on Biblical values.
Importance of being informed and involved in political processes.
Rejecting Christian Nationalism:
Clarification that the goal is not a theocracy but to influence society positively.
Psalm 33:12:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Biblical Foundation and Call to Action
Role of Christians:
Be ambassadors for Christ, acting as salt and light in society.
Historical Examples:
Old Testament prophets and New Testament figures like Jesus and John the Baptist engaged politically.
Key Points for Political Engagement
God Uses Flawed People:
Biblical examples show God using both righteous and unrighteous leaders to achieve His purposes.
Importance of focusing on policies rather than personal flaws.
Policies Over Personalities:
Importance of evaluating candidates based on policy stances.
Seven Key Policy Areas:
Judges:
Importance of appointing judges who rule righteously.
Border Security:
Recognizing the biblical support for national boundaries.
Support for Israel:
Aligning with biblical mandate to bless Israel.
Religious Liberty:
Protecting freedom of conscience and religious practices.
Biological Sex:
Defending God’s design of male and female.
Family:
Upholding parental rights and family structures.
Life:
Protecting unborn life; critique of current candidates' positions on abortion.
Voting as a Duty:
Not just a right but a moral obligation.
Referenced parable from Luke 12: importance of being good stewards of the freedoms entrusted to us.
Highlighted the potential impact of evangelical voters who do not participate in elections.
Conclusion
Personal Reflection:
Acknowledgement of the flawed nature of candidates but the importance of selecting the better option.
Historical Example:
Reference to Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a model of speaking truth to power.
Final Charge:
Call to action for Christians to vote, be active ambassadors, and let God’s glory be evident in the nation.
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Full transcript