Menu
Recent Article Comments
When I was a child, politics and religion were two such hot button issues they were considered taboo, you just didn't discuss them. In today's atmosphere of near oppressive politically correct ideals, it's difficult not to find one's self involved in some sort of political or religious discussion. Unfortunately, some in the Church have not yet realized that the two cannot be separated, our political beliefs should be guided by our religious beliefs. Instead, all too often we find ourselves concerning our hearts with how offended our fellow American's might feel by having our views imposed upon them by the way we vote. But if we say we love God we should concern our hearts with pleasing God.
Some would say, “We don't live in a theocracy!”, and this is true. But consider what would have happened if Jonah hadn't eventually submitted to God's command for him to go warn Nineveh of impending judgment? These people didn't live in a theocracy ruled by our God, yet God felt it was the responsibility of one who does live under His rule to go and warn them. Others might say, “It's not in our power, Jesus is coming back one day and there is nothing we can do to stop it.” True enough, one day sin will be so far out of control that it will be entirely out of our hands. Does that mean we should just hand it over to Satan on a silver platter?
Please don't misunderstand me, I dare not suggest that we should force our faith on others. But, an argument can be made to say that if a ballot comes up to vote against sin, we should by all means take action and vote against it. For if we support sin or simply stand quietly by , how then will God be pleased with us? We know and believe that God judges people, and entire nations for sins, and will one day judge the whole world. If this be so, then don't we, God's children have a moral obligation to usethe power granted us through voting to prevent and protect our nation from suffering judgment any sooner than necessary? I want to challenge you to consider the issues of gay marriage and abortion as a matter of faith. If the people of our nation be blind and we say we see, isn't it our duty, as His children to be a blessing to our nation and protect it from judgment if it is at all in our power to do so? 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” If God hears our prayers and heals our land when we repent of our wicked ways to the exclusion of those who are not called by His Name, will He not also hold us accountable for supporting those things that brought judgment down upon the people of this nation?
In Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus says that we will give an account for our words, how much more so when our actions go against His righteousness? In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus says, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” With our words we pray “Thy will be done.” Then when we are given the opportunity to make God's will happen, we instead vote against His will or we simply don't vote at all. I fear that if we continue to weep and pray about the sins in the nation and yet do nothing, that Jesus will look at us in that Day and say these same things of us. Matthew 15:7 “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
All too often I think we tend to forget that our stewardship is not only in money, family and ministry, but it is also how we live in accordance with our Lord's will. Luke 12: 42-43 & 47 “And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. …..47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” We know the will of our Lord, and if we say we are submitted to Him wholly, then shouldn't we also submit to Him in the voting booths? 1 Peter1:15 “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ” Notice how Peter says to be “holy in all manner of conversation”, that means in everything, whether in our speech or actions. Though we be called by the Name of God, we are instructed to pass our time here in fear because we have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.
What ever happened to a faith that is active and obedient, a faith that is wholly submitted to the will of God? The kind of faith that says, “I know what I stand for offends you, but I must do what is right in God's eyes.” I'm sure these acts by Abraham and Rahab were viewed as offensive, but that didn't stop them. Rather their faith caused them to do these works and God justified them. 21 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers (men who sought to overtake her land), and had sent them out another way?” For as long as we try to please men in our choices we cannot please God. Galatians 1:10 “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
God is calling us to an obedient faith. God is seeking those whose faith is pure toward Him, those whose faith acts in accordance with the prayer “Thy will be done.” The saints of old showed the love of God in the greatest acts of heroism, they risked even death for the sake of truth and righteousness, in total obedience and submission to our Lord. My brothers and sisters, no one is asking you to make such extreme sacrifices, simply, anonymously stand for righteousness. Please, do not consider how your family, friends or neighbors feel about your stand against sin, they are not your judge. God is. So next time you are at the voting booth, put your faith into action and honor God. Church, it's time to stand up and be counted among those great saints of old, it's time to stand up for God without apology. James 2:19 -20 says “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” Do what is right in God's eyes and trust that God will justify you.
Christian WebHosting
vBulletin Message