by Karen Sargent
Dr. Johnnie Blount shared a powerful teaching about the election in light of who we are in Christ. Here are some highlights.
Election time is here. It’s time to vote. Not only that, but we need to ask ourselves why we are voting for particular candidates. Hosea 4:6 says my people perish for lack of knowledge. Before you vote, take a few minutes and do some research. Look at which candidate’s policies in line up with your beliefs.
This is serious
Please don’t compromise your faith and beliefs when you vote. Not even for a candidate who promises a few more dollars in your pocket. Short term gains rarely work out long term. This is serious, and not a time to blindly follow the loudest voices telling you who to vote for.
Why?
Despite various claims about who is for you, history will reveal the truth. It will also show that some politicians are not telling us the whole story. For example, which party fought to free the slaves? Also you would be surprised who was behind equality in voting rights. I believe you will learn some shocking things if you do a little research. We have to find out for ourselves, and not just believe what others tell us.
Make your own choice
Dr. Johnnie said, “I’m not here to tell you who to vote for. But I will ask you to think about the policies and allegiance of the candidates. What do they stand for? Who do they stand behind? Please make your own choices and do not just follow tradition.”
What about the separation of church and state?
Religious people say that we shouldn’t talk about politics in church (or Bible studies). They are referring to the separation of church and state. That phrase is often misunderstood or misused. It was referencing to the first amendment. This separation is designed to keep the government out of the church. It was to ensure religious freedom not keep the church out of the government. God is already in there. Our state constitutions reference God or the divine. Of course the Pledge of Allegiance contains “One nation, under God.” And all of our money contains the phrase “In God we trust.”
What does the Bible say about government?
In the Bible, God uses many people in government or positions of authority. Joseph was second in command to Pharaoh- like a vice president. God used Joseph to save his people. David and Solomon were kings. If they were alive today, that would be equal to a president. Esther was a queen, and Ruth married a judge. Deborah was a judge herself, and also a prophet and a military leader. The three Hebrew boys influenced the King. Daniel was also close to the King. So we can see that God is concerned about government. When the three Hebrew boys came out of the fire unharmed, King Nebuchadnezzar decreed that everyone would worship the God of the Hebrews. Because he was king, he made the decision who the nation would follow. That still happens today.
How does this apply to us?
Proverbs 29:2 says “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice. But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” We have certainly heard more groaning than rejoicing recently.
Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy about Jesus. “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is our Prince of Peace. Followers of Jesus are meant to influence the leaders of today. However, we see that the government affects the church, and not the other way around.
If God is interested or involved in government, why is there such a mess?
Man didn’t lose religion when Adam and Eve fell, we lost authority. God gave man dominion, and it was lost to the god of this world, the devil. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says “The god of this world has blinded those who do not believe.” We see this happening these days. Look at the chaos that follows unbelief in our schools, and society. This is why Jesus preached “repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17.) God established His kingdom again under Jesus. Being in a kingdom means to be under the leadership or rule of a king or queen. As we have seen, many of the Bible greats were in leadership.
The enemy does not want the church or God in our schools.
Fifty years ago they took prayer out of the schools. The consequences of the removal of God in the schools is obvious. Look where our young people are. They are lawless, and don’t know how to peacefully solve conflict. Many are confused about their gender and even their species. This is what happens when God is not involved. Right becomes wrong, and some would say there is an outright attack on our children.
The government also wants God out of our schools. Some politicians and programs want to take away the parent’s right to have a say in what they are teaching our children. Teaching about things that go against the Bible, like homosexuality, have no place in our schools. The parents who speak out against these teachings are accused of attacking the system. The agenda of the government is to let evil rule. When the leaders in office are not protecting our children, it negatively affects the people, family, schools, and laws.
We have seen movies about how college professors speak against God. And this year groups of college students even protested the war in Israel, and shouted death to the Jews. Remember if they persecute the Jewish people, the Christians are next in line.
When we look at the mess we are in, it comes from voting without understanding, or even from not voting. In the Luke 16:15 Jesus says “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Every voter who is not standing up for the truth is helping the enemy.
Are we prospering?
Decide if we are better off now than we were four years ago. Look at the next generation. What are the future leaders learning now?
What can we do?
- Jesus said, Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you use wisdom.
- Saints, look at who you are voting for. Consider their policies. Will they bring us closer to God or farther away? Vote according to the Word of God.
- Finally, vote! If you vote or not, you are sending a message. If you don’t vote for those with biblical values, you are helping the other side. Stand up for the babies that are being slaughtered in the womb. I believe we will be held accountable for what we do and even what we don’t do for others. If you don’t stand up to protect the innocence of our children, you are helping those who are teaching them to question their sexuality or their gender.
As a Christian and an American, it’s imperative that we vote. Voting is a privilege and it’s a freedom many do not have. It’s also so important that we vote because it is our chance to express our support for godly leaders. Also remember voting honors those who died in order to give us the right to vote.
Dr. Johnnie’s prayer for this election and the country:
Thank you Father for this great nation that you have given us. We pray for your will to be done in these elections. We pray for each person who running for an office, and also for those who are elected into an office. We ask for your hedge of protection over them and their families. We ask you to give them the knowledge and wisdom that they need to lead this great nation. Thank you that we will continue to spread the gospel all over the world. We repent as a nation for the sins we have committed against you. For all the innocent blood that we have shed as a nation, and we ask you to forgive us now. We renounce the curse that abortion has brought on us. We repent for the abomination that we have released on our land. We ask for forgiveness, clarity and direction. Without you we cannot change. Help those who are struggling to change. We thank you for your kindness, goodness, mercy and grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.