The Real Story of Santa Claus

The real story of Santa Claus, courtesy of Pastors.com:

Reflections on the Morning After

The results of the election are in.  Despite our fervent prayers, the presidential candidate who is most anti-Biblical values has won.  We now clearly see that the culture has passed the tipping point.  America is no longer a nation with a sufficient echo of real Christianity to stem the tide of evil.  We are losing the war for the culture.  But we have seen that coming.  Though hoping against hope, the impact of the church has been insufficient in the lives of men and women and young people in necessary numbers.

We have long ago diagnosed the disease.  It is a disease of the soul called sin.  America has slipped farther in its Romans 1 slide towards Gomorrah. But we have the civilization transforming power of the Gospel!  This dynamic, destiny-altering message is applied one soul at a time.  The path to saving America is saving souls!

Here are two implications that we take away from the situation on the ground today:

1.   For those who are disappointed and depressed about the battle for America:  shift your passion and your heart’s priority to extending the Kingdom!  While remaining a fervent patriot, your desire for America will be fulfilled when God’s Kingdom is ascendant in our country again.  Take the passion you feel for America and exchange it for a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with this sin-sick, misguided generation.

2.  For those already desperate to see a great move of God:  Grab hold of God and refuse to let Him go until He pours out His Spirit in power like He did in days of old!  The ONLY hope for America is another Great Awakening.  We must beg the Father to send a great revival that will sweep up souls into His kingdom and that will turn His people to living holy lives of salty brightness.

God is still on the throne.  He is sovereign.  Trust Him to work even these election results for our good and His glory.  And join in continual prayer for our country and our leaders.  Kevin DeYoung expresses it best: 

“Our good, gracious, and sovereign God, we pray for the the President of the United States.

Grant him wisdom, courage, and integrity as a man and as a leader.

Keep him faithful, kind, and loving as a husband and father.

Give him a heart for the poor, concern for the powerless, and compassion for the weak.

Put before him the best information and the most intelligent counselors so he can make good decisions about economic policy and judicial appointments.

May he be guided by both courage and restraint as he commands our armed forces.

Make him a defender of the unborn, a protector of marriage, and a champion for religious liberty.

Make him a man of prayer and a daily student of the Scriptures.

Give him humility to admit his faults, forgive his enemies, and change his mind.

Lead him to a firm understanding of the truth of the gospel, a resolute commitment to obey the Word of God, and a passion to promote what accords with your truth.

By your grace, heavenly Father, may our President be a better man than so many expect and a better man than we deserve.

In the name of Jesus our Lord, let it be.”

Pray.  And pick up your trowel and sword.

Pastor Ed

For Whom Should A Christian Vote, Pt. 2

The following is my sermon notes from the last installment in my series, "Politically Incorrect".

For Whom Should A Christian Vote, Pt. 2

Matthew 10:16 (ESV) — 16  “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Review

1A.  Your vote is a stewardship from God.   1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) — 2  Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1B.  We are charged with using our resources and abilities to further the agenda of the Kingdom of God. Note: the parable of the talents.

2B.  We are to use wisdom in dealing with the imperfections of living in a fallen world. Matthew 10:16 (ESV) — 16  “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

3B.   If we fail to vote, we have shirked our responsibility and have sinned.   James 4:17 (NKJV) — 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

4B.  We must choose from the existing candidates and vote for that person.

1C.  When I vote for any man or woman, I am voting for someone who is not entirely good.  Romans 3:10 (NKJV) — 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) — 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

2C.  Voting for a Christian or the person who is “more” Christian is not always an option in a society in which Biblical Christians are the minority.

3C.  Historically, one of the nominees of the two major parties will be elected.

NOTE:  The nature of our system of government is that more choice exists earlier in the process.  The time for influencing the choices or changing the system is early in an election cycle.

4C.  Voting for a minor party candidate, writing in a candidate, or abstaining from voting has the effect of electing the candidate whose views are most different from yours.

5C.  The likelihood that both candidates for an office will be identical in the good and evil they do is infinitesimal.  One will very probably do more good amid the bad, even if only a little.

Intro

• There are many issues that have moral aspects to them and that offer a contrast between the two major parties.  Time does not permit an examination of them all.  Nor do each rise to the level of importance of the four issues I will mention today.

Body

1A.  Sanctity of Life, or abortion.

        1B.  The Bible on abortion.

1C.Babies are a gift from God.  Psalm 127:3 (NKJV) — 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

2C.  Human life is made is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 (NKJV) — 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

3C.  God shapes a child from the moment of conception. Psalm 139:13–14 (ESV) — 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

4C.  God endows each human life with purpose.  Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) — 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

NOTE:  Our care for life should extend to individuals at every stage of life.  Proverbs 31:9 (NKJV) — 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

        2B.  The candidates on abortion.

1C.  Barack Obama. The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. We oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor, and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way. We also recognize that health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. We strongly and unequivocally support a woman's decision to have a child by providing affordable health care and ensuring the availability of and access to programs that help women during pregnancy and after the birth of a child, including caring adoption programs.

Source: 2012 Democratic Party Platform Sep 4, 2012

                                 1997: opposed bill preventing partial-birth abortion. 

Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. 

Supports funding abortions with federal funds through international agencies.

2C.  Mitt Romney on abortion.  Faithful to the "self-evident" truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, we assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's protections apply to unborn children. We oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion or fund organizations which perform or advocate it and will not fund or subsidize health care which includes abortion coverage. We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life. We oppose the non-consensual withholding or withdrawal of care or treatment, including food and water, from people with disabilities, including newborns, as well as the elderly and infirm, just as we oppose active and passive euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform Aug 27, 2012

                As church leader, urged at-risk mom against abortion.

Following in Reagan’s footsteps in converting to pro-life. 

Now firmly pro-life, despite 2002 tolerance for abortion. (Dec 2006)

On March 12, 2012, the Obama administration issued a final rule under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that requires many health insurers to charge all enrollees for elective abortions, as well as for providing contraceptives of all kinds, including those which cause abortions.

It’s interesting to me that former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop said that in his 35 years in medicine he has “never seen one case where abortion was necessary to save a woman’s life.”

2A.  Sanctity of Marriage

        1B.  The Bible on marriage.

1C.  God has specifically sanctioned and celebrated sexuality between a man and a woman who are married to each other. 

Matthew 19:4–5 (NKJV) — 4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?

Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV) — 4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

NOTE:  Only God gets to define what marriage is.  Man cannot simple decide to change or amend the definition.  A union between two gay men or two gay women can never be a marriage. Any multiple of people entering into a contract can never be a marriage.

2C.  God has prohibited sex outside the bounds of marriage between a man and a woman.  1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NKJV) — 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.

1 Corinthians 6:18–20 (NKJV) — 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

3C.  God specifically prohibits homosexual activity.  Leviticus 18:22 (NKJV) — 22 You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.

4C.  God designed marriage between a man and a woman to be permanent.

Matthew 19:4–6 (NKJV) — 4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ ? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

1 Corinthians 7:10–12 (NKJV) — 10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. 12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her.

NOTE:  Many Christians feel that because homosexual marriage does not personally harm them, it should be tolerated and accepted legally.  But the issue isn’t perceived personal harm.  God is always concerned about obedience to Him regardless of the sin’s perceived harm to others.  Government should not endorse or call something good that God has said is an abomination.

        2B.  The politicians on marriage.

1C.  Mitt Romney on marriage.  Congressional Republicans took the lead in enacting the Defense of Marriage Act, affirming the right of States and the federal government not to recognize same-sex relationships licensed in other jurisdictions. The current Administration's open defiance of this constitutional principle--in its handling of immigration cases, in federal personnel benefits, in allowing a same-sex marriage at a military base, and in refusing to defend DOMA in the courts--makes a mockery of the President's inaugural oath. We commend the United States House of Representatives and State Attorneys General who have defended these laws when they have been attacked in the courts. We reaffirm our support for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We applaud the citizens of the majority of States which have enshrined in their constitutions the traditional concept of marriage, and we support the campaigns underway in several other States to do so.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform Aug 27, 2012

2003: Battled legislatively against legalizing gay marriage. 

Marriage pre-dates our Constitution & shouldn’t de redefined.

Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman.

Marriage is more than a personally rewarding social custom. It is also critical for the well-being of a civilization. That is why it is so important to preserve traditional marriage – the joining together of one man and one woman. As president, Mitt will not only appoint an Attorney General who will defend the Defense of Marriage Act – a bipartisan law passed by Congress and signed by President Clinton – but he will also champion a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.  Mittromney.com

2C.  Barack Obama on marriage.  We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.

We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.

Source: 2012 Democratic Party Platform Sep 4, 2012

President Obama’s public approval of homosexual marriage in May of 2012

Homosexuality no more immoral than heterosexuality. (Oct 2007)

3A.  Debt

        1B.  The Bible on debt.

1C.  Debt enslaves the one in debt.  Proverbs 22:7 (NKJV) — 7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

2C.  God’s ideal is for nations that follow Him to not become indebted.  Deuteronomy 15:5–6 (NKJV) — 5 only if you carefully obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe with care all these commandments which I command you today. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you just as He promised you; you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you.

        2B.  The candidates on debt.

1C.  Barack Obama.  President Obama and Democrats in Congress cut taxes for every working family, putting more money in the pockets of Americans who need it most. A typical family has saved $3,600 during his first term. Now he's fighting to stop middle class families and those aspiring to join the middle class from seeing their taxes go up and to extend key tax relief for working families and those paying for college, while asking the wealthiest and corporations to pay their fair share. That is why we will always vigorously oppose the type of tax reform supported by Mitt Romney, which independent experts have found would require raising taxes on typical families with children by at least $2,000 if it were paid for. At the same time, Mitt Romney's plan would cut taxes for those making over $3 million by an average of $250,000 and would create incentives that will lead to hundreds of thousands of jobs going overseas at the expense of American workers.

Source: 2012 Democratic Party Platform Sep 4, 2012

NOTE:  The DPP did not directly address the debt or balancing the budget.

Freeze annual domestic spending for next five years. (Jan 2011)

We don't need a Constitutional amendment to balance budget. (Jan 2012)

2C.  Mitt Romney.  Republicans have repeatedly tried to reform the budget process, in particular by voting for a Balanced Budget Amendment, following the lead of 33 States which have put that restraint into their own constitutions. We call for a Constitutional amendment requiring a super-majority for any tax increase, with exceptions for national emergencies, and imposing a cap limiting spending to the historical average percentage of GDP so that future Congresses cannot balance the budget by raising taxes.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform Aug 27, 2012

Can't balance budget by cutting waste; must cut spending too. (Sep 2011)

4A.  Religious liberty.  

        1B.  The Bible on religious liberty.

1C.  Faith is a matter between an individual and God. Revelation 22:17 (NKJV) — 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) — 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) — 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

2C.  The government has a different sphere of authority than the church.  Matthew 22:21 (NKJV) — 21 They 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.”

        2B.  The candidates on religious liberty.

1C.  Mitt Romney.  Because of the vital role of religious organizations, charities, and fraternal benevolent societies in fostering benevolence and patriotism, they should not be subject to taxation, and donations to them should continue to be tax deductible.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform Aug 27, 2012

We support the public display of the Ten Commandments as a reflection of our history and of our country's Judeo-Christian heritage, and we affirm the right of students to engage in prayer in public schools and to have equal access to public schools and other public facilities to accommodate religious freedom in the public square. We assert every citizen's right to apply religious values to public policy and the right of faith-based organizations to participate fully in public programs.

Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform Aug 27, 2012

2C.  Barack Obama.  Faith has always been a central part of the American story. We know that our nation, our communities, and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith and the countless acts of justice and mercy it inspires. Faith-based organizations will always be critical allies in meeting the challenges that face our nation and our world--from domestic and global poverty, to climate change and human trafficking. People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country & the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible. We believe in constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to serve those in need and advance our shared interests. There is no conflict between supporting faith-based institutions and respecting our Constitution, and a full commitment to both principles is essential for the continued flourishing of both faith & country.

Source: 2012 Democratic Party Platform Sep 4, 2012

In October of 2011, the Obama Justice Department argued before the Supreme Court in the case of Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC that the ministerial exemption to federal hiring standards should be rescinded.

The U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief filed on February 13, 2012 by lead counsel Bioethics Defense Fund exposes how the individual mandate not only forces individuals into private purchases, it also effectively mandates millions of Americans to violate their consciences by being put into policies that require direct personal payment into a special insurance fund for other people’s elective abortions.

Concl

It is true that over the last four presidencies that the trajectory of government has not changed in terms of debt, budgets, war, foreign policy, education, and any number of other issues.  It is also true that the government as increasingly invaded our privacies and encroached our rights via the Patriot Act under Presidents Bush and Obama.

Psalm 146:3 (NKJV) — 3 Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.

Jeremiah 17:5 (NKJV) — 5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.

Philippians 3:20 (NKJV) — 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Governor Romney is not the ideal candidate. The only question is whether he is a better alternative than the only other man who can possibly win. 

My vote is not proclaiming my ideals.  My vote is a tool to do the most good I can where I am and with that which I have to work.

In an America that is post-Christian and increasingly antagonistic to godly values, I must be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

Always look beyond our circumstances and trust that God is sovereign, and that He is working all things together for the good of his children.  Romans 8.28-29.  If this election turns out different than we hope, so be it. God will still be on the throne. 

If this country is like a car driving 70 MPH toward a cliff that is 100 miles away, of course you want to stop it and preferably turn around. But what if, on the day you have to vote, your two options are to keep driving 70 MPH or slow it down to 30 MPH? At least if you slow it down, you buy some time to make an adjustment.

Though the election is about more issues than the ones I’ve listed, all of these are gateway issues for a Christian.  They determine whether I can consider voting for a candidate based on other issues.

Based upon this comparison, it is my judgment that a Christian cannot in good conscience vote for Barack Obama.

Sources:  Published writings by Randy Alcorn, Wayne Grudem, and Tony Evans were used as sources and references for this message.  Additionally, the published platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties, the candidates' websites, and media websites were referenced for quotations.

  

For Whom Should A Christian Vote? Pt. 1

The following is my sermon notes from part three of my series, "Politically Incorrect".

For Whom Should A Christian Vote? Pt. 1

Matthew 10:16 (ESV) — 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Intro

1. Some people wonder why a pastor would pointedly preach on subjects concerning politics, government, and voting.

Matthew 5:13–16 (NKJV) — 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Ezekiel 33:1–9 (NKJV) — 1 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, 3 when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, 4 then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ 7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

2.  Some wonder why we would ever preach a sermon that did not have an explicit evangelistic appeal.

Acts 20:26–27 (NKJV) — 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Matthew 28:19 (NKJV) — 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

We exist to produce fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ for impact in Robinson and America, and around the world.

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) — 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Review

1A.  The Lord God is the supreme authority in the universe.

2A.  God established government to promote good and deter evil.

3A.  God decentralizes government and distributes its power.

1B.  This means that more power ceded to governments or institutions farther removed from the people governed are against God’s plan.

2B.  Central control of public life and economic activity are characteristic of the Antichrist. 

1C.  All government control.  Revelation 13:1 (ESV) — 1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

Revelation 13:5–9 (ESV) — 5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, 8 and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear:

2C.  All religious control.  Revelation 13:11–15 (ESV) — 11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.

3C.  All economic control.  Revelation 13:16–17 (ESV) — 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.

4A.  God demands that government exercise justice in judgment.

1B.  Justice regardless of economic condition.

2B.  Justice regardless of race or ethnicity.

3B.  Justice regardless of place of origin.

4B.  Justice regardless of social standing, popularity, or influence.

5A.  God charges government with protecting its people.

Body

 1A.  Your vote is a stewardship from God.  1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) — 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

1B.  We are charged with using our resources and abilities to further the agenda of the Kingdom of God. Note: the parable of the talents.

2B.  We are to use wisdom in dealing with the imperfections of living in a fallen world. Matthew 10:16 (ESV) — 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

3B.   If we fail to vote, we have shirked our responsibility and have sinned.  James 4:17 (NKJV) — 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

4B.  We must choose from the existing candidates and vote for that person.

1C.  When I vote for any man or woman, I am voting for someone who is not entirely good.  Romans 3:10 (NKJV) — 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) — 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

2C.  Voting for a Christian or the person who is “more” Christian is not always an option in a society in which Biblical Christians are the minority.

1D.  Governor Romney is a Mormon.  The Mormon religion diverges from Biblical Christianity theologically, but shares many of its ethics and values.

2D.  President Obama is a nominal Christian.  The church he was affiliated with for many years teaches Black Liberation theology.  His belief system indicates he is a liberal Protestant.

NOTE:  We cannot see into either man’s heart.  But we are called to discern their fruit, ie, their words and behaviors.

3C.  Historically, one of the nominees of the two major parties will be elected.

NOTE:  The nature of our system of government is that more choice exists earlier in the process.  The time for influencing the choices or changing the system is early in an election cycle.

4C.  Voting for a minor party candidate, writing in a candidate, or abstaining from voting has the effect of electing the candidate whose views are most different from yours.

NOTE:  Personal experience in voting third party.

5C.  The likelihood that both candidates for an office will be identical in the good and evil they do is infinitesimal.  One will very probably do more good amid the bad, even if only a little.¹

NOTE:  It is therefore the Christian’s job to be prayed up and to research the candidates, their positions, and the parties they represent.

2A.   You should consider these issues when casting your vote.

          1B.  Abortion.

          2B.  Marriage.

          3B.  Debt. 

          4B.  Religious Liberty.

Conclusion

-------------------------

¹ John Piper, http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/i-am-going-to-vote.

What Is Government For? Pt. 2

The following is my sermon notes for part two of my series, "Politically Incorrect".

What Is Government For? Pt. 2Psalm 103:19 (NKJV) — 19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.

Matthew 6:9–10 (NKJV) — 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

Intro

What is government for?
Why is liberty vital?
The Bible and issues, pt. 1 & 2

During election season we are bombarded by various opinions and not a little misinformation.

No doubt, many have reservations about a pastor speaking to this subject .

God's herald stands between heaven and earth, declaring and applying truth!  He represents the sovereign of the kingdom to the kingdom of men.

Review

1. The Lord God is the supreme authority in the universe.

  

2. God established government to promote good and deter evil.

1.  Daniel exercised influence on Nebuchanezzar’s government.  Daniel 4:27 (NKJV) — 27 Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.” Daniel 2:48–49 (ESV) — 48 Then the king gave Daniel high honors and many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.
2. The counsel that Jeremiah proclaimed to the Jewish exiles in Babylon also supports the idea of believers having influence on laws and government. Jeremiah told these exiles, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer. 29: 7).

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Locations 1082-1084). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

3. Joseph was the highest official after Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and had great influence in the decisions of Pharaoh (see Gen. 41: 37– 45; 42: 6; 45: 8– 9, 26).

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Locations 1088-1089). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

4. Later, Moses boldly stood before the Pharaoh and demanded freedom for the people of Israel, saying, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Let my people go’” (Exod. 8: 1).

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Locations 1089-1090). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

5. Nehemiah was “cupbearer to the king” (Neh. 1: 11), a position of high responsibility before King Artaxerxes of Persia.

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Locations 1090-1091). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

6. Mordecai “was second in rank to King Ahasuerus” of Persia (Esth. 10: 3; see also 9: 4).

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Location 1092). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

7. the Old Testament prophets that address the sins of foreign nations around Israel:

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Locations 1094-1095). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

NOTE:  Therefore the moral standards of God as revealed in the Bible are the moral standards to which God will hold all people accountable. This includes more than the way people conduct themselves in their marriages and families, in their neighborhoods and schools, and in their jobs and businesses. It also concerns the way people conduct themselves in government offices. Believers have a responsibility to bear witness to the moral standards of the Bible by which God will hold all people accountable, including those people in public office.

Grudem, Wayne (2012-04-03). How Christians Should Relate to Government: A Zondervan Digital Short (Kindle Locations 1098-1101). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

  

8. John the Baptist rebuked Herod for all his evil.  Luke 3:18–20 (ESV) — 18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
9. Paul dialoged with Felix the governor about righteousness and judgment.  Acts 24:24–25 (NKJV) — 24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.”

  

3. God decentralizes government and distributes its power

Body

1A. God decentralizes government and distributes its power.

1B. Highly centralized government power is inherently evil. Genesis 11:4 (NKJV) — 4 And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves  a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”
2B. Power should be distributed close to the people being governed. Ex. 18:17-23

2A.  God demands that government exercise justice in judgment.

1B.  Judgment should be without partiality.  Deuteronomy 1:17 (NKJV) — 17 You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man’s presence, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.’ Leviticus 19:15 (NKJV) — 15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. Numbers 15:16 (NKJV) — 16 One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you.’ ”

2B.  It is the government’s role, then, to be God’s instrument of divine justice by impartially establishing, reflecting, and applying His divine standards of justice in society.  Evans, Tony (2012-04-20). How Should Christians Vote? (p. 23). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Psalm 72:1–2 (NKJV) — 1 Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king’s Son. 2 He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice.

Psalm 72:4 (NKJV) — 4 He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor.

3A.  God charges government with protecting its people.

1B.  Abraham rescued Lot.  Genesis 14:13–16 (ESV) — 13 Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.

2B.  David defended Israel against the aggressions of the Philistines and others.  1 Samuel 17:32 (ESV) — 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.”

3B.  Nehemiah called on Israel to defend Jerusalem.  Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV) — 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

4B.  Jesus did not condemn the military or soldiers.  Luke 3:14 (NKJV) — 14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

Concl