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1-1 Holy, Holy, HolyHoly, Holy, Holy 47

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C-1 Jesus is Coming SoonJesus is Coming Soon 712

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The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ

1 Corinthians 10:16

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:16

1-1 ‘Tis so Sweet To Trust in Jesus‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus 679

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The Christian and PoliticsThe Christian and Politics

Original Sermon written by Minister Kevin Cauley: Original Sermon written by Minister Kevin Cauley: October 14th, 2006October 14th, 2006

Edited for Presentation to Lakeroad Church of Christ Edited for Presentation to Lakeroad Church of Christ by Robert Beach: March 23rd, 2015by Robert Beach: March 23rd, 2015

OBJECTIVES: That Christians would OBJECTIVES: That Christians would understand the biblical principles understand the biblical principles involved in each individual’s involved in each individual’s involvement in politics.involvement in politics.

AIM: That all Christians would AIM: That all Christians would exercise their civil rights in a way that exercise their civil rights in a way that would promote righteousness in our would promote righteousness in our nation.nation.

1 Peter 2:13-17King James Version (KJV)13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

The Christian’s involvement in politics must be…The Christian’s involvement in politics must be…

I. PEACEFUL, I. PEACEFUL,

e) Involvement with politics in anything less than a peaceful manner would be sinful.

a) Jesus was a man of peace, in the physical sense and He did not believe in using a) Jesus was a man of peace, in the physical sense and He did not believe in using violence for political purposes.violence for political purposes.

b) In Matthew 26:52 Jesus said to Peter, “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again b) In Matthew 26:52 Jesus said to Peter, “Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”sword.”c) When Pilate questioned Jesus about his kingdom, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not c) When Pilate questioned Jesus about his kingdom, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36)(John 18:36)d) Paul also carried this principle forward. He said, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal…” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

LAWFUL,

The Christian’s involvement in politics must be…The Christian’s involvement in politics must be…

a) As our text read, the Christian has an obligation to submit to the laws of the a) As our text read, the Christian has an obligation to submit to the laws of the government.government.b) Romans 13:3 speaks of this matter as well.b) Romans 13:3 speaks of this matter as well. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:c) As Christians participating in politics we set an example by conducting ourselves in c) As Christians participating in politics we set an example by conducting ourselves in a lawful manner.a lawful manner.d) Scriptures repeatedly condemn those who involve themselves in sinful acts no d) Scriptures repeatedly condemn those who involve themselves in sinful acts no matter why they are involved in those acts.matter why they are involved in those acts.e) Politicians involved in sinful activities whatever their political affiliation are a e) Politicians involved in sinful activities whatever their political affiliation are a shame to the country.shame to the country.f) Christians who involve themselves in politics must do so lawfully.f) Christians who involve themselves in politics must do so lawfully.g) The participation in Lawful activities must also be Moral, do not confuse the two; g) The participation in Lawful activities must also be Moral, do not confuse the two; many immoral things have been legalized by immoral people.many immoral things have been legalized by immoral people.

HONORABLEHONORABLE

a) Romans 12:17 says, “Take thought for things honorable in a) Romans 12:17 says, “Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.”the sight of all men.”b) 2 Corinthians 8:21 says, “for we take thought for things b) 2 Corinthians 8:21 says, “for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”sight of men.”c) That which is honorable is that which is above being c) That which is honorable is that which is above being simply legal.simply legal.d) There are many activities in which politicians engage that d) There are many activities in which politicians engage that are legal, but may not be honorable.are legal, but may not be honorable.e) The Christian must make sure that their activities are not e) The Christian must make sure that their activities are not only legal, but honorable.only legal, but honorable.

II. RESPECTFUL OF OTHER PEOPLE’S OPINIONS.1. In politics there are a lot of opinions.1. In politics there are a lot of opinions. a) In matters of doctrine, we cannot be wrong and must be right to bea) In matters of doctrine, we cannot be wrong and must be right to be saved.saved. b) In matters of our personal opinion, we are often wrong.b) In matters of our personal opinion, we are often wrong. c) The Christian must know the difference between doctrinal issuesc) The Christian must know the difference between doctrinal issues and personal opinion.and personal opinion. d) We must be respectful of each other’s opinions, even if wed) We must be respectful of each other’s opinions, even if we disagree.disagree. e) Paul wrote, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make e) Paul wrote, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make forfor peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19).(Romans 14:19).

1. The Christians primary concern in politics ought to be morality in law.1. The Christians primary concern in politics ought to be morality in law.

a) There are many who say that morality should not be legislated.a) There are many who say that morality should not be legislated.

b) If that’s the case, then there would not be laws against murder, theft, orb) If that’s the case, then there would not be laws against murder, theft, or

prostitution.prostitution.

c) Most do recognize the need to legislate some matters of morality.c) Most do recognize the need to legislate some matters of morality.

d) Morality is what keeps a nation from being destroyed.d) Morality is what keeps a nation from being destroyed.

III. CONCERNED WITH PROMOTING RIGHTEOUSNESS.

2) Such righteous concerns may involve the following:2) Such righteous concerns may involve the following:

a) Sexual matters.a) Sexual matters.

b) Matters regarding the correct handling of money.b) Matters regarding the correct handling of money.

c)Concern for the poor.c)Concern for the poor.

d) Interest in making sure that justice is dispensed in society appropriately.d) Interest in making sure that justice is dispensed in society appropriately.

e) Protecting those who are weak and can’t protect themselves.e) Protecting those who are weak and can’t protect themselves.

f) Ensuring that the law is applied without partiality.f) Ensuring that the law is applied without partiality.

III. CONCERNED WITH PROMOTING RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Christians have repeatedly turned a blind eye such things, which has resulted in an Christians have repeatedly turned a blind eye such things, which has resulted in an explosion of immoral legislation and regulation.explosion of immoral legislation and regulation.

Today, immoral groups are seeking to pass laws that make immoral behavior legal. Today, immoral groups are seeking to pass laws that make immoral behavior legal.

Morality must be the #1 issue of any government and its people or it will Morality must be the #1 issue of any government and its people or it will ultimately perish.ultimately perish.

3. How can the Christian be involved in making sure our laws reflect appropriate 3. How can the Christian be involved in making sure our laws reflect appropriate moral standards?moral standards?

A)A) The Christian may use peaceful means to petition the government.The Christian may use peaceful means to petition the government.

B)B) The Christian may become involved as a politician in the government.The Christian may become involved as a politician in the government.

C)C) The Christian may talk to his governmental representatives.The Christian may talk to his governmental representatives.

D)D) The Christian may use whatever legal means are available to protest bad The Christian may use whatever legal means are available to protest bad decisions.decisions.

4. What are some of the pressing moral issues facing Christians 4. What are some of the pressing moral issues facing Christians in politics today?in politics today?a)a)Abortion – Proverbs 6:17 condemns hands that shed innocent blood.Abortion – Proverbs 6:17 condemns hands that shed innocent blood.

1.1. 56 million murders since 197756 million murders since 1977

2.2. 1.25 million murders per year1.25 million murders per year

3.3. 750 million tax dollars will be paid to Planned Parenthood this year.750 million tax dollars will be paid to Planned Parenthood this year.

b)b)Homosexual activity – condemned in Romans 1:26-32.Homosexual activity – condemned in Romans 1:26-32. Yet Christians are being Yet Christians are being forced to condone Gay Marriage or lose their businesses.forced to condone Gay Marriage or lose their businesses.

c)c)The teaching of a Godless system of origins in schools. Denies the facts of the The teaching of a Godless system of origins in schools. Denies the facts of the book of Genesis. book of Genesis.

d)d)Righteous standards of judgment in the justice system. 1 Peter 2:13-17Righteous standards of judgment in the justice system. 1 Peter 2:13-17

e)e)Decency standards for the broadcast networks. Ephesians 4:29 “no corrupt Decency standards for the broadcast networks. Ephesians 4:29 “no corrupt speech.”speech.”

In such matters, the Christian has an obligation to stand up for what is In such matters, the Christian has an obligation to stand up for what is right. Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than men.”right. Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than men.”

5. The Christian and his vote.5. The Christian and his vote.a)a)In this regard, the Christian must vote for that candidate that is going to best In this regard, the Christian must vote for that candidate that is going to best uphold righteousness.uphold righteousness.

b)b)That does not mean one party or another in that regard.That does not mean one party or another in that regard.

c)c)Each individual Christian must evaluate the moral validity of each candidate Each individual Christian must evaluate the moral validity of each candidate and vote accordingly.and vote accordingly.

d)d)One need only to see which party or politician supports morality and which One need only to see which party or politician supports morality and which doesn’t then make one’s decision based on what they believe God would have doesn’t then make one’s decision based on what they believe God would have them do.them do.

e)e)Christians ought not, however, to allow political issues to prevent them from Christians ought not, however, to allow political issues to prevent them from speaking out in matters of morality whether privately or publicly.speaking out in matters of morality whether privately or publicly.

f)f)If you are voting to support your own personal gains and not for the pursuit of If you are voting to support your own personal gains and not for the pursuit of righteousness, you are guilty of aiding and abetting the Moral Turpitude that is righteousness, you are guilty of aiding and abetting the Moral Turpitude that is infecting and destroying our government.infecting and destroying our government.

IV. CONCLUSION:1. The Christians involvement in politics must be…1. The Christians involvement in politics must be…

a)a)Peaceful, Legal, and HonorablePeaceful, Legal, and Honorable

b)b)Respectful of other’s OpinionsRespectful of other’s Opinions

c)c)Concerned with Promoting RighteousnessConcerned with Promoting Righteousness

2. The power of prayer.2. The power of prayer.•Let us also not underestimate the power of prayer in politics.Let us also not underestimate the power of prayer in politics.•Christians need to pray for their government.Christians need to pray for their government.•1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

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