Dear Ones, Tomorrow is the CA state primary. See to it that you vote! As your pastor I am concerned that we as Christians seek God's glory in the way that we conduct ourselves as citizens. There are admonitions for us to pray for our leaders, submit to their authority and to live as law-abiding citizens in several places in scripture (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Tim 2:1-8, 1 Pet 2:13-17). I have political opinions and will share them if asked. Further, if a political issue is concurrently a biblical issue, I will speak to it. But my overarching concern is not temporal but eternal. I want people to place their faith in Christ. I want believers to be equipped to minister to others. I want people to know that we are Jesus' disciples by the love that we have for each other. God is not affiliated with any political party. Not now or ever! One faction or the other was always trying to enlist or entrap Jesus. He instead called on people to submit to God. I want us to pray, study issues and vote according to our conscience.
I specifically do not want and will not tolerate speaking abusively or disparagingly about candidates or elected officials.
Discussing their relative merit and discussing issues is one thing. Disrespect and derogatory humor is unacceptable. I may or may not have voted for this one or that, but I need to show respect (Ex 22;28, Acts 23:5). God raises up and removes leaders and I slander His judgement when I slander them (Jas 4:11-12).
The rulers of Judea and Rome were godless and often grossly immoral and squandered the resources of their people on many things that were ungodly. Nothing is really different now yet we are commanded in the word to pay our taxes and show respect to those who rule us.
It is easy to get caught up in the passions of the day. Television, talk radio etc. produce a continuous drumbeat of strident, partisan opinion. How much time do we spend soaking it all up? Trust me, a constant "diet" will warp anyone!
Don't misunderstand - getting information on current issues is good but it is like exercise: "Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Tim 4:8). Keep your focus on Christ and love your neighbor. Tony
I specifically do not want and will not tolerate speaking abusively or disparagingly about candidates or elected officials.
Discussing their relative merit and discussing issues is one thing. Disrespect and derogatory humor is unacceptable. I may or may not have voted for this one or that, but I need to show respect (Ex 22;28, Acts 23:5). God raises up and removes leaders and I slander His judgement when I slander them (Jas 4:11-12).
The rulers of Judea and Rome were godless and often grossly immoral and squandered the resources of their people on many things that were ungodly. Nothing is really different now yet we are commanded in the word to pay our taxes and show respect to those who rule us.
It is easy to get caught up in the passions of the day. Television, talk radio etc. produce a continuous drumbeat of strident, partisan opinion. How much time do we spend soaking it all up? Trust me, a constant "diet" will warp anyone!
Don't misunderstand - getting information on current issues is good but it is like exercise: "Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Tim 4:8). Keep your focus on Christ and love your neighbor. Tony