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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.