Christians and Politics

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Monterrey

Don's end stinks?

Who'd a stunk it?

Don, is a bot.

[Nicodemus1968]

Sorry for not keeping up with the post. My granddaddy died, and so its been kind of hectic.

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Amanah

God can and does move on people, even unjust kings, to do His will. God blesses or punishes, even destroys people or nations, as He deems appropriate. Who can determine exactly how He moves to accomplish His will?

As you said about God moving on a king or in our culture a president to do his will. The question that comes up is, “what happens when the president or king does not want to do the will of God?”

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Esaias

What does that mean? What is a "political atmosphere", and what do you mean by not being involved with it?

“Political Atmosphere” Im referring to every 2-4 years as a nation we go through elections, debates, campaigns, delegate meetings etc…

Currently I do not believe a believer should be involved in politics, as far as voting, becoming a delegate, political debate stage, etc… I do not believe a nation is going to change its course because of voting or having a Pickett sign in your front yard, nor do I believe that voting for a democrat and republican is going to make this nation more holy or evil.

I want to say this, I do NOT preach this. This is just personal

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Esaias

"Atmosphere of the government"? What is that?

And what do you mean by "will of an individual or nation fall to the will of God"?

Im asking what happens to an individual or nation that doesn’t have the will of God as their main priority? Does God force his will on an individual or a nation? Or, does God move on an individual for direction, and it’s up to that individual to allow the will of God to be done. The same as a nation,

II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
“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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Prayer not voting.

I believe an individual or nation has the ability to resist God and his will, and by resisting will have their reward. It’s written in the Declaration of Independence “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

Sorry for not keeping up with the post. My granddaddy died, and so its been kind of hectic.

I'm sorry to hear that, my condolences to you and the family.

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

“Political Atmosphere” Im referring to every 2-4 years as a nation we go through elections, debates, campaigns, delegate meetings etc…

Currently I do not believe a believer should be involved in politics, as far as voting, becoming a delegate, political debate stage, etc… I do not believe a nation is going to change its course because of voting or having a Pickett sign in your front yard, nor do I believe that voting for a democrat and republican is going to make this nation more holy or evil.

I want to say this, I do NOT preach this. This is just personal

Ok, I understand what you are saying. The political atmosphere in the USA (and most of the world, for that matter) is an ongoing train wreck. But I also think the Bible addresses that kind of situation, it's causes, and the solution.

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

Im asking what happens to an individual or nation that doesn’t have the will of God as their main priority? Does God force his will on an individual or a nation? Or, does God move on an individual for direction, and it’s up to that individual to allow the will of God to be done.

The will of God will in fact be done. The Bible seems to me to present two options to everybody, or rather, God has two versions of His will for everybody. If we cooperate with God, we get to see blessings. If we do not cooperate with Him, we get the punitive or corrective will of God. Does that make sense? So if a nation does not follow the will of God, they will experience the will of God for correction and punishment, and perhaps even final judgement and destruction.

The same as a nation,

II Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
“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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Prayer not voting.

Oh yes, prayer is absolutely a requirement. But notice, it isn't JUST prayer. It includes "and turn from their wicked ways". In other words, REPENTANCE. The people have to repent, they have to cease their disobedience and begin to obey God. THEN forgiveness and healing (restoration) comes. Is it not the same with individuals? Can a sinner pray for forgiveness and restoration and an escape from judgment, without any sincere repentance? Of course not. Their prayer is an abomination, according to the Scripture. But prayer with repentance does wonders, it is indeed efficacious.

I believe an individual or nation has the ability to resist God and his will, and by resisting will have their reward. It’s written in the Declaration of Independence “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Yes, by resisting they will have their reward. We have as a nation resisted the prescribed will of God. And so we are experiencing the reward of unrighteousness. All the problems we are currently dealing with as a nation are the result of our refusal to just obey God.

So the big question then is, what is the role of the Christian? What is the church's role in all this? Circle the wagons and wait for the rapture? Or boldly herald to a dying world that there is indeed an Answer, and His Name is Jesus, and He is indeed the KING of kings, which is indeed a highly "political" statement? I think the latter is what we should be doing.

Again, sorry for your loss. Will be praying for you and the family.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

As you said about God moving on a king or in our culture a president to do his will. The question that comes up is, “what happens when the president or king does not want to do the will of God?”

What happened when Pharaoh didn't want to "do the will of God"?

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Esaias

So the big question then is, what is the role of the Christian? What is the church's role in all this? Circle the wagons and wait for the rapture? Or boldly herald to a dying world that there is indeed an Answer, and His Name is Jesus, and He is indeed the KING of kings, which is indeed a highly "political" statement? I think the latter is what we should be doing.

What you said is spot on.

The question you asked is what can a Christian do, what is his/her role? And that is one I’ve been on my mind for several years.

I believe is the direction of this country is solely the responsibility of the Christian’s! I believe we play an integral part on the prosperity and direction from which this country heads. And I think your correct in saying some may be waiting for the coming of the Lord, I’ve heard a preacher say one time, “were just biding our time”, while everything is falling apart around us. I do believe it goes deeper than that, the average Christian doesn’t believe in the Bible, and doesn’t believe God can use them as he used the early church believers.

With that said, the scripture in II Chronicles says, “my People”,..it’s not the world or unbelievers responsibility to be seeking God to intervene in situations, it’s the Church, the Bride!

Acts 17:6 (NKJV)
“But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “these who have turned the world upside down have come here too.”

As Christians today, we too can turn the world upside down.

**Side note for those interested, Bro. Bernard preached a great message, entitled “Turning the world right side up.” He preach at BOTT 2025.

[Nicodemus1968]

Originally Posted by Esaias

What happened when Pharaoh didn't want to "do the will of God"?

Excellent point

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Nicodemus1968

Sorry for not keeping up with the post. My granddaddy died, and so its been kind of hectic.

Sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in prayer.