Election TimeElection Time

Romans 13:1-6Romans 13:1-6

January 30 - AMJanuary 30 - AM

Romans 13:1-6Romans 13:1-6

January 30 - AMJanuary 30 - AM

IntroductionIntroduction

1. In November every 4 years – US elects a person to be president for the next 4 years

2. Every election brings some questions and issues that need some study and examination

3. The church must NOT make politics a matter of fellowship

4. There are biblical principles that apply

1. In November every 4 years – US elects a person to be president for the next 4 years

2. Every election brings some questions and issues that need some study and examination

3. The church must NOT make politics a matter of fellowship

4. There are biblical principles that apply

Must we vote?Must we vote?

1. Voting is your right and privilege as a citizen of this country

2. If you do not vote –1. You forfeit your right to complain for the

next 4 years2. You forfeit your voice in matters that affect

your life3. If you do vote –

1. You expressed your view2. You still need to pray for the winner –3. Even if you did not vote for them

1. Voting is your right and privilege as a citizen of this country

2. If you do not vote –1. You forfeit your right to complain for the

next 4 years2. You forfeit your voice in matters that affect

your life3. If you do vote –

1. You expressed your view2. You still need to pray for the winner –3. Even if you did not vote for them

Separate Moral / PoliticalSeparate Moral / Political

1. How can I separate my moral values from political ones?

2.2. ANSWERANSWER: You can’t – and should not3. Are the following MORAL or POLITICAL?

1. Same sex marriages2. Abortion3. Gambling / Lottery4. Divorce5. Pornography

1. How can I separate my moral values from political ones?

2.2. ANSWERANSWER: You can’t – and should not3. Are the following MORAL or POLITICAL?

1. Same sex marriages2. Abortion3. Gambling / Lottery4. Divorce5. Pornography

Legislate MoralityLegislate Morality

1. Can the government legislate morality?

2. This is said so often – many believe it

3. Truth is – EVERY LAW IS MORALEVERY LAW IS MORAL4. Morality is ALLALL that CANCAN be

legislated5. Real Issue: WHOSEWHOSE morality will

be legislated?

1. Can the government legislate morality?

2. This is said so often – many believe it

3. Truth is – EVERY LAW IS MORALEVERY LAW IS MORAL4. Morality is ALLALL that CANCAN be

legislated5. Real Issue: WHOSEWHOSE morality will

be legislated?

Taxes Used Wrongly?Taxes Used Wrongly?

1. What if my taxes are used for wrong things?2.2. Romans 13:7Romans 13:7 - Render therefore to all their

due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

3.3. Matthew 22:20-21Matthew 22:20-21 - 20And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

1. What if my taxes are used for wrong things?2.2. Romans 13:7Romans 13:7 - Render therefore to all their

due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

3.3. Matthew 22:20-21Matthew 22:20-21 - 20And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Taxes Used Wrongly?Taxes Used Wrongly?

1. If the money is abused – pay your taxes anyway!

2. You have ways to let your views and voice be heard:1. Letter to newspaper2. Letter to lawmakers3. Organize or join

organizations

1. If the money is abused – pay your taxes anyway!

2. You have ways to let your views and voice be heard:1. Letter to newspaper2. Letter to lawmakers3. Organize or join

organizations

Separation of Church / StateSeparation of Church / State

1. Isn’t separation of church and state in the constitution?

2. NO!1. Not in the original constitution2. Not in any amendment3. 1st amendment prohibits the state from

controlling religion3. 1st amendment is one way restriction

1. It restricts the state from controlling religion2. It does not restrict religion from expressing

its views to the state

1. Isn’t separation of church and state in the constitution?

2. NO!1. Not in the original constitution2. Not in any amendment3. 1st amendment prohibits the state from

controlling religion3. 1st amendment is one way restriction

1. It restricts the state from controlling religion2. It does not restrict religion from expressing

its views to the state

Vote for _______?Vote for _______?

1. Some wonder if a Christian can vote for _______ and still be considered a faithful Christian?

2. In the last election, half of you voted for the wrong person

3. But you are still here – still Christians – still have a hope of eternal life

4. Political party is NOTNOT a test of fellowship

1. Some wonder if a Christian can vote for _______ and still be considered a faithful Christian?

2. In the last election, half of you voted for the wrong person

3. But you are still here – still Christians – still have a hope of eternal life

4. Political party is NOTNOT a test of fellowship

Vote for _______?Vote for _______?

1. Every candidate for office (any level) will have some view on some matter with which I disagree

2. We must decide which candidate will best represent my views and uphold my values

1. Every candidate for office (any level) will have some view on some matter with which I disagree

2. We must decide which candidate will best represent my views and uphold my values

Church InvolvementChurch Involvement

1. Can the church (minister, elders) promote one candidate over the other? NO!NO!

2. Should the church print a moral article with political conclusions? NO!NO!

3. Can the church urge people to register and vote? YES!

4. Can we pray for the election? YES!

1. Can the church (minister, elders) promote one candidate over the other? NO!NO!

2. Should the church print a moral article with political conclusions? NO!NO!

3. Can the church urge people to register and vote? YES!

4. Can we pray for the election? YES!

Church InvolvementChurch Involvement

1.1. CAUTIONCAUTION: About praying for the election1. Watch how you word your prayer2. “Help us elect NEW leaders”3. “Help us KEEP our present leaders”

2.2. ConclusionsConclusions:1. Exercise your right as a citizen2. Study the views and decide who will

best represent you3. Pray for your elected officials – even if

they were not your choice

1.1. CAUTIONCAUTION: About praying for the election1. Watch how you word your prayer2. “Help us elect NEW leaders”3. “Help us KEEP our present leaders”

2.2. ConclusionsConclusions:1. Exercise your right as a citizen2. Study the views and decide who will

best represent you3. Pray for your elected officials – even if

they were not your choice

Church InvolvementChurch Involvement

1.1. Election – Election – 1. God elected to save those who believe2. If you are saved – you are part of God’s

elect3. If you are not a Christian – you can be

part of God’s elect today2.2. Break the tieBreak the tie –

1. Satan wants you lost2. God wants you saved3. You have the deciding vote

1.1. Election – Election – 1. God elected to save those who believe2. If you are saved – you are part of God’s

elect3. If you are not a Christian – you can be

part of God’s elect today2.2. Break the tieBreak the tie –

1. Satan wants you lost2. God wants you saved3. You have the deciding vote