The Election in Light of Romans 8:28
November 3rd, 2008
(By Nathan Williams)
I’m honestly not sure if there has been an event in my lifetime which has garnered as much reaction from the press and from Christians in particular as this election. Of course, the reactions have been all over the map. Some are completely indifferent, some are passionately excited, and some are discouraged and fearful of the prospects the outcome will have on the next four years.
I’ve been particularly discouraged by the amount of panic coming from Christians concerning the results of this race. To listen to some believers talk is to get the impression that events are spiraling out of control. One evangelical leader even wrote a letter predicting a dire set of circumstances by the year 2012 based on his view of unfavorable results of the election.
As I’ve been pondering the election and the implications of the outcome on life, I’ve been consistently challenged and encouraged as I’ve directed my thoughts toward Romans 8:28. It says:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
As we consider this verse there are 3 vital questions we must answer to help encourage our souls in uncertain times.
What is included in all things?
This may seem like a worthless question to ask since it is spelled out so clearly in the verse. But it is precisely because we do not ponder God’s work in “all things” that we slip into anxiety and fear. It’s easy to see God at work in the good times. We know that He is good and we like to direct our thoughts toward the times we have experienced His goodness first hand. The birth of a child, the promotion at work, and a beautiful sunset are all examples of finding God working the good things together for us.
Where we mightily struggle in believing and practicing these words is in the bad times and the bad times are exactly where this phrase “all things” finds its primary emphasis. Even though Romans 8 is a chapter of victory and spiritual life, it is filled with language of struggle and suffering. It is in the midst of this toil to overcome sin and the suffering which results from sin that we are challenged to lift our heads and see that God is working all things behind the scenes for our good.
What is meant by our good?
When God promises to work all things together for our good, He is not promising to do exactly what we would like Him to do in every situation. He is not guaranteeing that He will fulfill our selfish desires by reacting to our every whim. Instead, there are two main areas where God’s sovereign orchestration of the universe brings about our good and they are closely tied together.
First, in Romans 8:29 we find out that God has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His son. Ephesians 2:10 says that we are “…His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” God is moving every event of history toward the goal of progressing you further in your sanctification.
Second, according to Romans 8:30, God has your ultimate glorification in mind. So the good spoken of here is both a current good and a future good. It’s a current good in the sense that everything which happens today is meant to grow you in holiness. It’s a future good because no matter what happens today, you will one day stand before the Lord glorified.
Who is this promise made to?
Not everyone is able to receive this promise which means that all things don’t work together for the good of everyone. Those who receive the promise are those who have been called according to God’s purpose and those who love God. This call speaks of the effectual call of God resulting in salvation, while loving God is delighting in Him and esteeming Him before anything else. We recognize that this love is not possible nor sustainable in sinful men apart from the effectual call of God. God’s call and love produce this love in men so that they may see His sovereign working of all things for their good.
So how do these truths help us as we elect a new President?
First, we must realize that God is completely sovereign over all events. Nothing happens apart from His plans and purposes. Most Christians acknowledge this truth in theory, but many will fail to act on it when the poll results come in late Tuesday night.
Second, the truth that God is working all things for our current good should support us and even bring us joy no matter what happens at the polls. God will choose the next President based on what will be the most beneficial for your sanctification over the next four years. If God allows the economy to get worse or better it is for your growth in holiness. No matter what policies will be instituted, God will use them to transform believers more into His likeness.
Finally, in all the talk about elections and new leadership, we must keep in mind our final destination. One day, according to Romans 8:30 we will stand before the Lord in our new bodies as glorified saints. If you are a believer, nothing that happens on earth can change that fact. Because this promise of God is certain, our joy, trust and confidence must be firmly placed in the Lord who made this promise, not in men who fail us so often.
I haven’t heard much of the panic you discuss but I don’t doubt it’s out there.
The thing I have found most discouraging is the number of professing Christians who support the murder of babies and fail to grasp how inconsistent such a position is with Biblical Christianity.
Thank you for the words of scripture that point us back to Christ and our hope in Him. It was when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, that he panicked and sank in the water. Matt 14:27-30
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Thanks for this post…this is the very Biblically level mindedness that we need at this time. I share your same concerns…I have linked your post to my own site and highlighted some of your major thoughts.
There is much more to be said regarding the fear and panic that many Christians express and HOW they are expressing it and the negative implication that can and is having on our testimony.
Praying for a well lit oil lamp daily,
Q
Tues. we will cast the votes.Wensday God will show us who he choose as the leaders of the united states.proverbs16:33 good or bad it is for us to stay faithful to God.
Nate,
Thanks for these helpful reminders. May we be reminded that even as “Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with Him.” (Dan 2:20-22)
Steve, I know of Christians who have voted for McCain and Obama. Of those who have voted for Obama, not one supports the murder of babies. However, I’ll use an illustration to show you a point. There are two chruches, Church A is Arminian in their theology, while the Church B is led by men who affirm that Scripture teaches the doctrines of grace, although they say they will never teach it from the pulpit. Well I ask you, are the people any better off by going to the church that doesn’t believe the doctrines of grace to be biblical or the one that believes them to be biblical but won’t teach them? The point is this: in the past, the Republicans have had control of every form of government (although the dems now have it). With that control nothing changed, Roe v Wade is still the same (sort of like Church B, they believe but get silent after the election). In other words, don’t be duped by someone saying they believe in something if that belief is not going to produce results that are different from those results produced by the one who believes differently. As Christians, we need to acknowledge that neither candidate is even close to Christian in their practices (Ex: gay marriage, abortion, a woman abandoning her role as a mother to chase her political aspirations, both parties intentionally lying on the other, lack of self control (did you see the level of frustration in the debates)? So those same “professing Chrisitans” you mentioned might wonder how you can’t support a candidate who is pulling another “professed Christian” from her God-ordained role as a mother and wife.
I meant they may wonder “how you can support a candidate who is pulling another “professed Christian” from her God-ordained role as a mother and wife.”
Hi Nathan,
Please consider my comments from another blog, regarding the sovereignty of God in elections:
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Using the Sovereignty of God to dismiss an election as some divine “six of one, half-a-dozen of another” is not only foolish in the extreme, it’s unbiblical in itself.
Thank God men like Moses, David and Paul (not to mention the Son of Man) did their duty and left the results to God.
They didn’t say, “Oh well, God’s in control”. They did what they thought was right, and THEN rested in the Sovereignty of God.
Obama’s election, apart from anything else, would surely continue the Holocaust of the Unborn for three reasons:
1. He would reinforce the Party of Death (that’s the Democrats, in case you haven’t compared the Party platfoms), which will have a majority in the House and Senate;
2. He will actively support abortion rights himself, which he has made clear, even to the horrors of partial-birth murder, and out-of-the womb infanticide;
3. He will likely nominate 2 or 3 Supreme Court Justices who will be pro-Holocaust of the Unborn, Liberal radical judicial activists who will undermine the Constitution because they think it is “a living breathing document”.
Obama’s “Court” would likely last at least the next 30 to 40 years! Another generation!
Now, if it was Obama vs. Satan, I’d vote for Obama. But how in God’s name (literally) could anyone who loves Christ vote for Obama, or fail to vote for his opponent?
Our vote is our voice.
“Where was YOUR voice during the Holocaust of the Unborn?”
Exalting in the Sovereignty of God, but fighting for, and voting for Obama’s opponent,
Terry
http://www.DangerousObama.com
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I believe Rom. 8:28 so radically that I think it even applies to our sins. He works even them together for good for us. But that is no reason to sin. Likewise, God will work the results of the election together for good for us. But that is no reason to neglect blocking the most pro-Holocaust-of-the-Unborn candidate for President ever.
“Lord, with love in our hearts for Barack Obama, we pray you spare us from his becoming President. Even in these final hours, may you lead your people to see the importance of this contest, and have the courage to tell others, even at this late hour.”
Blessings,
Terry
Terry,
Was there something in the article above which led you to believe I think Christians shouldn’t vote?
NW
Terry, I just want to make a quick point to your point #3. Based on the ages of the Supreme Court Judges, Obama will more than like NOT be able to appoint 2 or 3 judges. The oldest judge and most likely one to be replaced is a democrat. So it’s not like he will be replacing a conservative with a liberal. He will replace a liberal with another liberal, which will leave the balance 4 to 4 with the ninth guy pretty much in the middle, although he tends to side with the conservatives on most issues.
One additional comment – I truly see this election as choosing between two non-Christians. Therefore, as Christians we need not call someone’s Christianity in question because he or she sees one candidate as being worse (to serve in the position of president) than the other. So cast your vote and rest in the fact that whoever wins does not change the fact that Christ still reigns.
It seems reasonable to me to call into question the profession of any who claim to be Christian and support murdering babies.
Murderers will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Period.
Stan, since Bush is a universalist and Gore was for abortion, do you feel like you did the Christian thing by voting for Bush? By the way, my point was that when dealing with the lesser of two evils, there will be differences between Christians as to who they view as more evil. So if I vote for McCain or Obama and you vote for the other, your basis for doing so is subjective. You seem to be satisfied with a president who gives mental assent to pro life but who makes no actions towards making it illegal. If McCain was pro slavery but pro life, would you feel any differently? BTW, that question is to in no way imply that he is. I’m just trying to see if abortion is the only moral issue that we are to consider.
Nate,
One word response to your article “Amen!”
Thank you for a voice of sanity. I refuse to believe on the grounds of Scripture that the world as we know it will end with the election of either candidate. The fever pitch of political passion in our country belies the lack of interest in the reality of sin and the need for the Savior.
Very, very good article Nate!
To all,
Pragmatism is deciding to do something because it works. Therefore pulling the lever for guy A so that guy B doesn’t get elected because bad things will happen is pragmatism.
None of us know what tomorrow will bring no matter who gets into office.
Are we instructed to act pragmatically from Scripture?
Does the Bible command me to vote for the president of the United States? (Even in principle?)
Just some thoughts.
Jeff
If the charlatan Barack Obama becomes President of the United States of America tomorrow, it is quite possible life as we know it as Christians could change quickly and dramatically. So, the Romans verse is applicable and God’s sovereneignty in choosing the person he has in his eternal counsels and plan is immutable. BUT, here is my concern that some Christians have not used wisdom and discernment (as the men of Issachar) to really consider whom they would vote for or if voting is really important at all since God is sovereign. So, I think some churches and leaders have not dealth with the election that much and yes, even avoided it, not even praying about it when in corporate meetings. So that Nathan if indeed we as Christians are going into a time of judgement and persecution in our beloved country we will not be prepared at all. Things will “change” rapidly and dramatically. The fact the in good solid Bible churches are Obama supporters confounds me! No one addressed biblical principals and guideline that would help us in choosing a “king” for our country. The finances of church, the freedom of speech at church, the hiring of employees and electing deacons and elders without condition, no school choices, people losing jobs and no health care. These will be many trials for Christians, church memebers, and how are we prepared. The world will have it Master, the government to take care of them, give handouts, but what about the Christian? There are going to be so many needs in churches, that cannot be ignored if Obama reigns. What prayer, what fasting, what plans and wisdom have the leaders and elders and pastors done to gather and have a plan B? Not afraid, just thinking about possibilities. Think of China, the underground church, and other persecuted countries, they don[t meet in freedom as we do, and we may be going underground soon too, are we ready to be moles and bats!
“If the charlatan Barack Obama becomes President of the United States of America tomorrow, it is quite possible life as we know it as Christians could change quickly and dramatically.”
While I’m certainly no supporter of Obama, I have to shake my head in disbelief at such statements.
If Obama is elected, yes, things may not go exactly as we want them to, but at the end of the day, so what? Regardless of what he does or doesn’t do if he’s elected, he can’t undo the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and that’s where our hope should be, not in some ridiculous politician.
Patrick
http://www.TheologyOfoOmaha.com
Disbelief. Why. He can’t undo the atoning work of Christ, of course. Do you not live on this earth at this time, and go to a church, where peoples lives will be affected, are you just going to go around, saying “be warmed, be filled.” People are not ready for sudden, abrupt changes in their lives, your answer proves you’re not. My point is now your a homeschool parent, maybe now that is illegal, you don’t have money for a Christian school, you put your kids in public school. Your church has to hire a homosexual or be sued or shut down, are you going to say some lofty theological truth to them. You Patrick lose your job, you cant keep your house. The early church in Acts did not go around saying, “we have the atoning work of Christ.” They shared and helped each other, have you not read the book of James. Think practically here. I hope Obama does win, I venture to say you probably have always lived the american dream life, with things always pretty much going easily, with some trials sprinkled here and there. My hope is not in any politician, but we must be able to live within their rule, as Paul did, but I think Peter said, we must obey God and not men. Persecution Patrick that is what I am talking about, are you ready for persecution? Are you ready, even Christ said to be ready and sober minded.
Sometimes people talk like they are not even really living here on earth and that whatever happens here does not matter. Are you praying and fasting, lifting up prayers for kings and rulers, that is what the Word says.
Jesus left us in this world, he even appoints unsaved leaders that do his will and work righteousness. When the righteous rule the people rejoice, when the wicked rule the people groan. That’s what the Bible says, meaning whoever rules does affect people. Life could change for you Patrick quickly and abruptly against your will, my question was are we prepared, here in America where Christians do not know persecution, where we pretty much have ignored the politics and government, why, why? Because we have pretty much been able to retain our freedoms as Christians. Neither you nor I Patrick have any idea, (or maybe you do) what it like to be persecuted to live in a country that could arrest you and kill you and your family for being believers, and you don’t think that could ever happen here, wake up and smell the coffee, have you not read the Bible we are on a collision course, The Lord says to be alert and be ready, my question again, ARE WE AS AMERICAN CHRISTIANS READY?
Wow, Marlon! You are really, really grasping! Is your favorite color plaid???
We should vote as the Lord directs each of us and pray for whoever wins, remembering:
“You shall not curse God nor curse a ruler of your people” (Exodus 22:28).
Whoever wins will not be able to overthrow the soverign will of the Lord and keep Him from accomplishing His purpose.
Nathan,
Thanks for the timely reminder. Indeed, God appoints – not allows – whomever he desires (Romans 13:1). Once they are in office, he changes their hearts whenever and however he wants (Prov. 21:1). God is taking care of things perfectly according to plan and we must stay on our task of gospel proclamation and holy living.
We need not fear anything except for God and sin…
Greg
The Democratic party’s plan to push the “fairness doctrine” will certainly impact the likes of John MacArthur and Grace to You. I wonder what these Christians will say when their new king takes away their Christian programming? Of course, as complacent and worldly as the false church is, a little persecution and opression could be great for the true church, the non-Osteenian church. It’s always worked before. Whatever He wills.
Nathan,
Sorry, I’ve been out of pocket all day and night.
Was there something in the article above which led you to believe I think Christians shouldn’t vote?
No, nor did I say so.
I just wish you had given more leadership for your readers on WHO to vote for, rather than chalking any ol’ vote up to God’s sovereignly working it together for good.
Wow, that sounds sarcastic. Believe me, I don’t mean it to be at all.
It’s just that you have such an opportunity to influence for good in the arena, but are confining your comments to a theological point (albeit a wonderful one).
Blessings,
Terry
Marlon,
You wrote, Terry, I just want to make a quick point to your point #3. Based on the ages of the Supreme Court Judges, Obama will more than like NOT be able to appoint 2 or 3 judges. The oldest judge and most likely one to be replaced is a democrat. So it’s not like he will be replacing a conservative with a liberal. He will replace a liberal with another liberal, which will leave the balance 4 to 4 with the ninth guy pretty much in the middle, although he tends to side with the conservatives on most issues.
Not sure where you’re getting your information.
1.John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David Souter are all very likely to retire, especially to take advantage of an Obama presidency so that they can be replaced by other Liberals.
2. The so-called “middle” guy is like a so-called “moderate”. This is code language for NOT strict contructionist, and definitely NOT likely to reverse Roe v. Wade.
3. Even if Obama merely replaced Liberals with Liberals, we could be assured they would be younger Liberals, and therefore likely to extend the Liberal court for MANY years.
4. It’s not just a matter of keeping Obama from perpetuating a Liberal Court, it’s also giving John McCain the potential opportunity to REPLACE one or more of those Liberal judges with strict constructionists who will uphold the Constitution, and perhaps reverse Roe v. Wade.
5. Finally, it’s not just the Supreme Court, it’s the Federal courts as well. Many cases are judged in lesser Federal courts, and never make it to the Supremes, for a number of reasons. These courts are often irresponsibly “legislating” Liberal policy just like the Supreme Court.
Marion, you seem either gleefully deceived or amazingly unresearched.
Obama is not only the most radical pro-abortion politician ever to hold a major office(he said the first thing he will do as president is sign the FOCA act, forcing every tax payer to fund abortions and stripping states of the right to restrict abortion), he also supports infanticide, homosexual marriage(opposed DOMA and supports gay marriage in California), but there’s also another thing. He supports the current hate crimes proposals which will bring grave persecution upon American pastors who preach against homosexuality. How do we know this? Because these laws mirror the ones used in other countries that have been used in the same way.
Everyone has a single issue. The question is whether or not your’s is a biblical one to base a decision on. You may want to put down the Obama kool-aide that seems to help people make things as abstract and ambiguous as possible in order to strip or nullify the moral component.
The thing to remember is, it’s not ambiguous or abstract for planned parenthood, NARAL, etc who give him 100% ratings. But more importantly, its not ambiguous or abstract for the children who suffer because of his policies.
Your friends who claim to be Christian yet support Obama, citing the fact that other issues should be considered, such as the economy… this is as clear as an example as can be of what Jesus spoke against regarding the love of money being the root of all evil.
All in all, it may be God’s will that Obama win, and He may allow those such as yourself to support his wickedness so that God bring judgement to America. We certainly deserve it.
Terry, if you trace all of my comments, you will see that my point has been and still is that I have a problem with the underlying assumption that to vote for a “conservative” who is not a Christian is the Christian thing to do. Now don’t take that to mean that a Christian should not vote for McCain. I’m just saying that we should not see it as the same as if Huckabee was against Obama. So since we are faced with the choice of selecting the lesser of two evils, I’m saying I can understand (though I might not agree with the reasoning) how a Christian can vote for either candidate. I also see how someone can vote for Obama and yet not support his stance on abortion or gay marriage. For instance, a person might think that he is more qualified in every other area, and therefore vote for republican senators and house representatives to ensure that he has resistance in what he wants to do in those areas, since no bill can become law without the approval by the house and the senate. So hopefully you will see that my arguments are not a support for Obama. Rather, they are against all of those comments that say if you vote for Obama then you’re not a Christian, as if McCain is.
Nancy, you might think that I’m grasping, but you didn’t answer the question that I posed. It is legitimate, because many say the only thing that matters is one’s stance on abortion. So I truly want to know if any candidate comes out and says he’s pro slavery then should we ignore it as long as he’s pro life? Maybe you will answer it this way: If Obama were pro life but stated that he hates whites, would you then support him? I would hope not. Let’s remember that while we all have embraced Christ, the presidential candidates have not. So Nathan’s post should help us to keep a proper perspective when we vote: hope our candidate wins but rejoice in Christ even if our candidate doesn’t win.
Terry,
The “good” which I hoped to accomplish by my article was to direct the hearts and minds of Christians to trust more deeply in the sovereign God we serve. The purpose of this article was to make a theological point which is far more significant to Christians than more facts about one of the candidates. It’s not required nor do I believe it’s wise to always mention the negative positions of the candidates when one talks about the campaign. Sometimes it is helpful to understand that even when things don’t go the way I feel they should, God is still in complete control. Of course I will vote and of course I will pray for my leadership, but in the end trusting God’s sovereignty and even rejoicing in it is far more than simply “chalking any ol’ vote up to God’s sovereignly working it together for good.”
In response to David M’s comment about the fairness doctrine and “Grace to You” — interestingly enough, Grace to You began airing in the U.S. by the early 1980s, several years before the Fairness Doctrine was repealed. And even now, in spite of Canada’s anti-Christian hostility and radio regulations, Grace to You is aired on many stations throughout Canada — not to mention the many other countries they also broadcast in.
Nathan no one is disputing the sovereneignty of God in this. Discussions like this Nathan have been such a learning and growing tool for me. It causes me to go and search the Word for wisdom and principals and precepts. Because I have been studying and researching the candidates and looking into historical facts I have equipped myself with some knowledge to be able to have real solid answers and am able to have an intelligent, informed conversation with others about the times we live in. Yesterday, I had a conversation with a black man outside a dollar store, he is the only one that has ever asked me who I am voting for. I live in a SF Bay city, many many of ethnicity live in my city, so I hestitated at first to answer him, “I don’t have time to get into this” was my firs thought. But I have information and knowledge and a reason I am NOT voting for BO. So I had the conversation with him, which including sharing with him how I have the law of God in my heart that causes me to be generous, I have the Word of God the commands me to share with others and be kind, and that I can’t be forced to “spread my money” to others. I used illustrations and shared I was a Christian, it was great! I did not know about FDR until yesterday, (I did not care about politics before.) I call my 87 year old dad who told me some remarkable things that happened during that time, this has given me a chance to bond and talk to my unsaved Dad.
I have communication with my unsaved brother now, he listens to me now (I am the baby of 5 and a Christian.)
My 4 kids 18-25 and my daughter in law are not voting for B0, They have listened to what I have learned and found out and they go and research for themselves and have been enlightened to many truths and facts, that is with the exception of my 26 year old son, he is an history/government teacher and he already knows the historical facts and can help me. I just kind of feel Nathan that you don’t understand how to make theological truths play out practically. We see in the whole book of James how this is done. James is speaking to those dispersed and persecuted believers, he is telling them how to live under this conditions. Yeah he starts out with you need to have the attitude of joy, but goes on to illustrated responses and reactions to persecution and trials. That is what I am asking here Nathan, what are some of the things that need to be talked about and discussed should things change and for instance Grace to You has to go off the air, Pulpit Mag. is shut down.
Churches has government imposed on them. The Chinese have the underground church, should we really start preparing leaders in our churches to begin or increase the number of cell groups, home fellowships, James addresses this too by the way. It looks like they were just desperate to have leaders and laid hands on anyone.
So, why not start now developing shepherds for small flocks of people. This is what I am talking about. If homeschool parents at your church cannot teach their kids at home, how will that be addressed? Take the story of Joseph, God made him governor over Egypt, his plans for the famine benefited not only Egypt but others and more importantly forced his family, his people to have to come to him. God made Esther Queen and gave her favor and boldness with that unpredictable King. God uses His people to become leaders, yes, in His sovereing purpose, they took action they did something righteous and good thinking of the lives of people. Nathan, the Lord cares about our everyday lives, and government leaders are part of that plan and they do affect our lives. We are told to pray for them, obey them, if we are praying for them that has to mean that the Lord can change their hearts Proverbs 21:1, and that is not a wrong thing for believers to do. To desire righteousness and justice in our towns and country is pleasing to the Lord. He may want to judge America at this time, and as Christians we may have to suffer and be persecuted, so be it. That is not what I am afraid of. But, we must be alert, and sober and be taught and prepared by our leaders from the Word of God HOW we are going to live and function under new conditions. There were 10 wise virgins that had enough oil Nathan, why, because they were told to be prepared. The whole word of God, tells us how they lived during times of tyrants and evil rulers and Jesus tells us to be alert to look at the example of the wise virgins.
There are things we can do, so that we can meet together and protect our kids, like how many parents know how to disciple their own kids. We are going to pay the price for sharing the truth, the gospel with others. You need to think this through, you could be arrested have law suits against you, will there be people huddled together praying for you, as those did for Peter and the Lord answered them. Where is the biblical call from the pulpits for prayer and fasting, special times of prayer for preparedness for persecution. I hope you understand beloved brother my point. Just skim through James and the story of Joseph and Esther and Jesus parables of preparation. God’s will be done today, so be it!
In a nutshell, why I will NEVER support the likes of Obama
Matt 18:7 “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
If an advocate of every wicked thing rules this land, I won’t be a party to it.
but neither will I fret in the slightest over who wins.
But wait, new age priestess Oprah says he’s “the ONE”! That has to count for something!
Nathan,
Sometimes it is helpful to understand that even when things don’t go the way I feel they should, God is still in complete control.
Amen, brother.
Nathan,
Thanks for the great encouragement. I’m one of those who have become overburdened and anxious about this election due to all and more along the lines of above comments. However, you have share a true word and exhortation.
If we really believe the Word, we must know that All means all, so the Lord is Sovereign even in areas in which we might take issue. I beleive we all need to trust and rely on the Lord more, especially as we face an unknown future. He is the Lord, and He changes not! What a relief! In Him, Linda
Wow Karie,
You talk about the wise virgins being ready. Jesus was talking about being ready for His return (not about being ready for a nation that might be led by an unbeliever). Why would someone think if they can vote for the right person, they can stop any persecution. The bible tells us that persecution will come.
Terry you are right. But as I sit here watching the approximately one million entranced, mesmerized, DECEIVED people worshipping the man Barach Obama and the more depressing scenes of Oprah Winfrey with her head on Michael Moore’s shoulder. I wish so badly that I could be happy for our dear and precious black brothers and sisters, but I can’t. It’s not that I would not want a black man as president, just not that black man Barack Obama. Yes Terry God is in control, He has allowed this man to become our president, for His plans and purposes, of which I believe to be judgement. I just look on that spectacle of all those people celebrating and feel a deep sadness in my heart. May the Lord help us in the days ahead as reality for these folks sets in and promises are broken, to be used as a witness for the true King, the real HOPE, and the transforming CHANGE only The Lord of Lords and King of Kings can bring. Psalm 2
A hearty “Amen” to your post!
One of the first things people in a democracy should realize is that their government is not a problem inflicted upon the people…the government is a symptom of the people’s problems! If we were truly one nation “under God,” we wouldn’t have the same candidates running, or the same issues to deal with. Our country is what its people have made of it.
We speak of praying for our leaders, and of course we should do so. But our leaders rose up out of our neighborhoods. Are we reaching our neighbors? (I ask this to my shame, since I’m not doing very well there…)
Well, regardless, God is sovereign, and this is the source of the hope that we ought to be showing to the world; a hope so remarkable that it makes people come up and ask us the reason for it! May we shine that brightly for Him!
(P.S. I’m not a pastor or a church leader, just a God-centered blogger. I hope it’s still ok to post a comment here!)
Betsy Markman
http://justanotherclaypot.blogspot.com/2008/11/grief-and-disillusionment-bring-new.html
As to the Sovereignty of God in elections and politics, I’ve been preaching through Isaiah this last month (chapters 36-39). It’s interesting that in between two of Judah’s worst kings (Ahaz, Manasseh) is Judah’s best king (Hezekiah). In the midst of political and religious chaos, God raised up one of the greatest revivals in Biblical history through Hezekiah and Isaiah. Think of this time in America as an opportunity for the hope of the gospel and revival in the church.
I am pleased to say that I did not waste my precious time voting for either of the candidates. I mean, how could I possibly support, much less be loyal to any political candidate who is already corrupted himself with homosexuality and greed (John MaCain appeared on the Ellen Degeneous show). Not to mention both candidates, regardless of their political affliation, and many members of congress who were up for grabs on Nov. 4th voted yes to the $700 billion bailout that we be using our tax dollars to feed the mouths of those greedy investment bankers without much of a care to what their constituents wanted, thereby giving even more control to the FED Reserve (which in reality is a private corporation of a few elitists who are fabulously wealthy).
To me, any vote on my behalf is tantamount to an endorsement of their Satantic schemes, or Satan and his agenda. Most of these politicians are easily seduced by lucrative “carrots” and are really dissimulating as good guys who actually care about you! (see Galatians 2 beginning verse 11).
Amen, Dan!
Thank you Nathan, for the very helpful article, and to all commenters for their thoughts. And, of course, thanks to God for giving me strength through His people when I needed it.
http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php?&ArticleID=4154
Right now, at this very time, gay rights activists and supporters are gathering all over CA to protest. According to fox news, right now at this moment, they are saying they are going to target Christians and churches.
This is exactly what I have been saying in all the posts I have written here. Now that it is personally going to effect individual christians and targeting churches, what are we going to do? As I look on this personally, my daughter works in SF, she is 18. Last week she called and said she was surrounded by these volitile protesters all around on Market street, people yelling out in intimidation, Vote for Obama, No on prop. 8. Here we go church. Again, my question on all those lengthly “rambling” posts above, Are we ready for persecution. Jesus warned us, the apostles warned us, they told us what would happen and our response, and it was not just great theological truths spouted off. Are we all going to scatter or come together? We once heard a Romanian pastor speak and you know what he called us, in love of course, “God’s spoiled children.”
http://www.lifenews.com/nat4559.html
OK, here is another example of how we as Christians are going to be effected and involved in government and politics. Again, what are we going to do?
Our taxpayer dollars will be funding murder. Taxpayer funded abortion and stem cell research.
Giving people permission to murder innocent lives is one things, but asking others who are opposed to fund the holocaust of children is another.
What are we to do? Really, that is a question I pose here.
Sit by in silence.
Speak up on behalf of the innocent as they are being taken to the slaughter.
Fast and Pray
Say God is sovereign, He is allowing this.
What about our young men and women? Do they really know that this is a life and death issue?
Have they ever been taught in youth group or college and career ministries or from the pulpit why abortion is murder, directly sharing exactly what it is how it is done.
I used to volunteer in an abortion alternative clinic years ago. I was shocked at the ignorance of not only the young teenage girls, but the moms and older pregnant women who came in, when I would share fetal development with them, they did not know that it was a baby, but thought is a “blob” of tissue. That is something I was deceived about too at one time. These kids don’t know why homosexuality is wrong either. So, something is wrong. Our kids are raised in church and believe the lies of the world. I wonder if we took a count in church how many under the age of 30 in our churches voted for Obama, I think we would be surprised.
Christians who want to participate in democracy, and then decide everything on one issue like abortion? Idiots. Obama is closer to being Christ’s disciple than you all are. At least his world isn’t one-dimensional. Didn’t Christ help a centurion? Didn’t he ignore Jewish revolutionaries to help the poor and preach to the clueless? Would you condemn Christ for aiding the evil Roman party? For failing to support the new, Jewish pure party?
This is how the Pharisees thought, and accused Christs’ disciples of working on the Sabbath, and it bothered Jesus not at all. Because Jesus didn’t come to give us new rules to get us into Heaven, he showed us a better way to live. He certainly wouldn’t vote on the basis of one religious rule.
Spending your time denouncing and guilting and accusing will get you nowhere. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and “What measure you measure against others will be measured against you”. Jesus didn’t spend his time in judgment against others, but only those who misused God’s word to enter into judgment against others.
You want to vote for the Republicans and pretend they do no wrong. All of us have blood on our hands, none of us are innocent. Who is to say that allowing abortions is worse than making war? That allowing homosexuality is worse than ignoring the poor? Welcome to democracy. This is why the really legalistic don’t participate (I’m thinking Mennonites and Amish). And why Jesus wasn’t legalistic.