A Look Beyond the Election

I've posted the following thoughts before, but given that the election is rapidly approaching, I felt like I wanted to re-state these truths (with a few very minor adaptations to fit our current context).

Election day is tomorrow in the United States of America. Not only will the presidential election be held, but votes will be cast for and against many other candidates and issues.  As an American, you have a right to express your opinions and vote for the candidates that you feel best represent them. Some would argue that these are not just your rights, but your responsibility.  So go ahead and vote.

As you vote though--especially if you're a Christian--I want to remind you of these important facts: Regardless of who is ultimately elected, 

• They will serve not just because they got the most votes, but because it is the will of God that they do so (Romans 13:1), even if it's not "your candidate."
• As such, and in light of their position, they are entitled to our respect (1 Peter 2:17), even if it's not "your candidate."
• We are to pray, intercede and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2), even if it's not "your candidate."

Ultimately, we need to remember that whoever wins this (or any election), we must not fall into the trap of believing that their election will fix (or ruin) everything. Things are already pretty messed up, and that goes back not to any decision made by a politician, but to Adam’s decision in the Garden of Eden to forsake the will of God (Genesis 3:17-19).

There is One coming though who will set all things right. But he will not come to power on the basis of the electoral college in accordance with the laws of the land. Rather he will come with power that is already his in accordance with the promises of God (Revelation 21:1-5).

Regardless of political trends and election results, may our ultimate prayer on election day (and every day) be this: Come, Lord Jesus!

Don't Vote Your Fears; Vote Your Faith

This is an excerpt from a sermon delivered at Calvary Presbyterian Church on October 16, 2016 entitled, "The Power of Christ."

Think about the Apostle Paul and some of the hardships he faced. He speaks about these in 2 Corinthians 11:

• Hardship in labors
• Many imprisonments
• Countless beatings, often up to the very doorstep of death
• 5x received 39 lashes
• 3x beaten with rods
• Once stoned
• 3x shipwrecked, including one night & day adrift at sea
• Danger from all directions and all sorts of enemies
• Sleepless nights,
• Hunger and thirst
• Cold & exposure

And in the face of ALL OF THIS, he says in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” He trusts in the power of God.

Then you look at us, coming into next month’s election, and we are filled with fear. There are those among us who can’t fathom voting for Hillary Clinton, and you're scared of what our country will become. Others among us can’t imagine voting for Donald Trump and you're terrified at the prospects of him being President. Yet others of us have consciences which won’t allow us to vote for either of them, and we fear what is going to become of our nation either way.

I plead with you, on November 8, step into a voting booth and cast your vote. Do so prayerfully; do so thoughtfully; but do so in faith, trusting in God and not making a decision based on fear. The same Jesus that enabled Paul to be content in all situations is sovereignly in control of this election.

As my friend Chuck Jacob wisely once said: "The Kingdom of God will not arrive on the wings of Air Force One."

Often we say that the President is the most powerful person in the world. That is a lie. The most powerful person in our world was, is, and always will be JESUS CHRIST. It was true when he created the world, it is true today, and it will be that way for all of eternity.