Politics and Religion

Welcome

First Timers/Everyone

Connection tab

Series Recap (Come to the Table)

Holy Conversation/World is Divided/People have questions and opinions

Our way is not always right, it’s not always wrong, and it’s not always the only way

Intro

This week we will be talking about 2 things you should never talk about

Religion and Politics

I grew up where politics were discussed at every gathering

Relatives that were die hard Republicans and Democrats

Never ended well

Nothing divides like politics because nothing divides like fear

We live in a world where fear sells

What do we fear?

Loss (loss of control, loss of progress, loss of rights)

Because of this fear, it has created great division to the point where we can’t stand people that have different political ideals than us.

Why should we talk about politics?

It is causing division (inside and outside of the church)

God cares about politics

God cares about anything that deals with the..

Use of power to help or harm

Well-being of creatures

Care of the earth and its resources

Systems of justice

The peace of the nations

Because of these reasons, we should be having Holy Conversations about politics

Bottom Line

“We can disagree politically and love unconditionally.” (Andy Stanley)

Can you do this?

Do you want to do this?

Our faith needs to inform our politics. Our politics should not be the basis for our faith.

6 Forms of Government over God’s People

Slaves in Egypt (Exodus)

No rights/No voice/No vote

Constant oppression

Execution of sons (babies)

We learned to cry out to God

Loose federation of tribes with no central government (Joshua & Judges)

No king but God

The only time there was a central government was when there was some crisis

We learned the importance of good leadership

League of Nations (1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Psalms)

Wanted to be like other nations

Needed a king

There were good kings and bad kings

We learned that no king is sovereign like God

Exile (Isiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.)

Captured and not slaves

Strongly encouraged and forced to assimilate

We learned it is a challenge to remain holy when surrounded by pagans

Majority in own land but under Roman rule (Gospels)

This is how things were in the time of Jesus

We were free with no sense of ownership or security

Divided into parties

Pharisees refused to assimilate

Sadducees made concessions in order to keep the peace

Zealots formed a resistance movement

Jesus did not fall into any of these parties

We learned that we needed a Messiah

Christian minorities where we are citizens but under suspicion (Pauline epistles)

Missionary work

Sometimes welcomed/Sometimes threatened

We learned the importance of sharing the Gospel

Where are we now?

Some would say exile

Some would say a majority under rule of another

I say these to show you that God has seen all of our political systems

Nothing is a surprise to him

The kingdom of this world will not embrace the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Do not let any president’s hand resting on a Bible fool you

Our government is not fully seeking to align itself with the kingdom of God

The Proper Alignment

Matthew 17:24–27 NKJV

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Jesus shows with this one action that His authority is higher than any government

God made taxes

God made Caesar

Jesus is teaching us there is another kingdom and we are to seek that kingdom first

He is showing us that there is a kingdom principle that should guide our political views

The Kingdom Principle

John 13:34–35 NKJV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

It comes back to love

Jesus did not come to take sides

He came to show God’s love (John 3:16)

It did not matter what party (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Republicans, Democrats)

He died for us all and His Kingdom is built on Holy Love

We need to vote with Kingdom Principles in Mind

Good ideas to consider when voting

Under which leader is the world most likely to be at peace?

Under which leader will the people of God have the most freedom to carry out the agenda of the kingdom of God?

Under which leader will human life be protected, valued, and nourished?

Under which leader will justice be carried out in creating a peaceful society of neighborly concern?

Under which leader will I be expected to be a more responsible citizen in my community rather than a dependent consumer of government goods?

Under which leader will honorable work be valued and made available for all to participate in?

Under which leader will fragile persons be given the aid they need to become whole again and then be expected to live as responsible citizens?

When you can answer these questions, then you can truly express your beliefs and have a honest conversation with people that may have differing opinions.

Summary

We are dual citizens

In this world and not of it

Jesus isn’t a republican or democrat (I could write a sermon taking either side)

Our faith should needs to inform our politics…not the other way around.

Voter Guide story (The Bible is our voter guide)

We can disagree politically and love unconditionally

The challenge is “Do you want to do that?”

This is the only way that we can have a Holy Conversation and bring people that disagree politically to the table