The radical middle
Factions are not a part of a Christian’s life. We don’t choose “sides” – we show the more excellent way.
We are not “more divided than we have ever been” – but we are more ignorant and intolerant to the gospel
Mark 8:15 Beware the leaven of Herod – the political spirit, divides into factions –blinders to truth.
Joshua 5 Are you for them or for us? … “No”
- Even in establishing a promised land of His chosen people, God was not on a side – we must be on HIS!
- “I will show you a way of life where you can live free – but you will need God as your sovereign”
- In the Promised land – the land of liberty – where you sow and reap and have no taskmasters
- That is why they were first consecrated – to live in covenant with their God
- This is the genius and delicacy of the American experiment: Can people be self-governed?!?
John Adams Quote
The divine purpose of government:
Romans 13:1-7
- Government’s job is to protect the God-given rights, destinies, dreams of its citizenry
- They do not grant those rights – God does. We hold these truths to be self-evident…
- Government protects our ability to glorify God through our livelihood
2 Spirits we should never vote for:
Spirit of Lawlessness 2 Thessalonians 2:3-7
Anarchy (rebellion against all authority) OR Corrupt Leadership which believes it is “above the Law.”
No one is above the law – not even the King of Israel!
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
- In our nation, as in Israel, we must have leaders who abide by the Law of our land:
James Garfield quote
- Some rulers resist the Lord and His Kingdom: That’s why we pray for those in authority!
1 Tim 2:1-3 – pray for leaders who will make it easy to preach the gospel!
Spirit of Antechrist 1 John 2:18
A replacement for the Christ – when we look to government to provide for all our needs
Like Israel – Give us a king like all the other nations… GOD: They have rejected ME as their King.
Psalm 2
Chains broken off – will not be ruled by God – only by OUR laws, OUR way.
Nations rise and fall based on their willingness to allow Jesus to carry their governments on His shoulders
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Google Podcasts | RSS