Jesus is not your ordinary prophet. He descended from outside earth and operated outside the conventional world system. The message Jesus brought cuts like a sword. Join us as we look at some controversial topics through the lens of the life and ministry of Jesus.
Jesus & Politics
Speakers
Josh Blount
Lead Pastor
Worship
Notes
First Time Guest? Let us know!
Christians cannot pretend they can transcend politics and simply “preach the Gospel.” Those who avoid all political discussions and engagement are essentially casting a vote for the social status quo. American churches in the early 19th century that did not speak out against slavery because that was what we would now call “getting political” were actually supporting slavery by doing so. To not be political is to be political. — Tim Keller
Romans 12:11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Apathy isn’t an option for a follower of Jesus.
We belong to a different Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is not of this world, but it is for this world.
It’s a “Now” and “Not Yet” kingdom.
We partner with God in the “Now” until the “not yet” arrives and is fully and perfectly realized!
Though we are not of this world, we are still in it, and we must not forget that our calling is to labor for the kingdom here and now. To neglect the present world in anticipation of the next is to forfeit our mission and betray our King. — Charles Spurgeon
Jesus didn’t announce the Kingdom so we through Him could escape the world, He announced it so we through Him could redeem the world.
Politics is not the savior!
Mark 12:13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. 14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? 15 Should we pay or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.
Image equals ownership
The image you bear determines where your ultimate allegiance should lie.
The consistent message of scripture is that God is the ultimate King and deliverer who steps into history, and partners with His people and bring about rescue.
In order for God to step in, He needs people to step up.
Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the welfare of the city to which I have sent you, and pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Political doesn't have to mean partisan
The life of Jesus shows us that He was led by the Spirit, not by the ideologies of men. He was too radical for the religious leaders who clung to tradition, and too righteous for those who sought only earthly reform. Jesus walked in the power of the Holy Spirit, and that led Him to a path that neither the conservatives nor the progressives could understand or accept. — Smith Wigglesworth
Jesus didn’t come to take sides; He came to take over.
1 Peter 2 we are foreigners and exiles
Philippians 3 our citizenship is in heaven.
John 17 "They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Use Our Voice
#1 Vote
Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16 making the most of every opportunity, look at this: because the days are evil.
Isaiah 5:20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
As Christians, our ultimate allegiance is to the King of kings and His kingdom values
We need to be led by the Holy Spirit and grounded in Biblical principles when you vote.
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
Luke 1:41 the baby leaped in her womb
#2 Speak Up
In politics, I claim that progressives, conservatives, and libertarians are like tribes speaking different languages. The language that resonates with one tribe does not connect with the others. As a result, political discussions do not lead to agreement. Instead, most political commentary serves to increase polarization. The points that people make do not open the minds of people on the other side. They serve to close the minds of the people on one’s own side. ― Arnold Kling, The Three Languages of Politics
Our lens determines our language
Philippians 2:4-5 Each of you should look not only for your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Seek to understand before you seek to be understood. — Stephen Covey
Hosea 4:6 People are destroyed for a lack of knowledge.
Proverbs 28:16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor
John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.)
When our political engagement is marked by anger and aggression, all we end up doing is cutting off the ears of the people we’re trying to talk to.
#3 Pray
2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Remember, Jesus is King!
Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.