Christians in the Voting Booth

How Shall a Christian Select a Candidate to Vote For in the Coming Election?

WRONG STRATEGIES:
A. The lesser of two evils…Why would/should you vote this way? With this strategy, we are still getting evil no matter who wins. It forces you to vote against someone, not for someone. There are more than two parties. This political system is in urgent need of overhaul, but there are legitimate candidates in other parties who have very valid points that should be listened to, even though the media essentially limits 3rd party candidates. Should the extreme likelihood that a 3rd party candidate can’t compete in the two party system cause you to vote within the two party system? What biblical principle would you use to “have your vote count” by voting for the lesser of two evils? The argument that you “lose your vote” by voting outside the two party system is a half-truth.

B. Party loyalty…Why would/should you vote this way? What are the platforms or foundations of your favorite party? Do you know what the party stands for? Consider this: people, not parties, run for office. Not every candidate is a 100% party person, but they are always 100% for their personal agenda. It behooves each voter to learn about the people who are running for office, and what they personally stand for. What is their belief system vis a vis biblical principles, rather than political conveniences? How would you describe their character?

C. I am for the candidate who is for the “little man”...Just who is the “little man”? Who is the forgotten poor or middle class man? Can you find him? It is doubtful that there is a candidate who is truly and actually for the “little man”! All populist rhetoric is to hype people to their fears or suspicions in order to gain the promise of the vote. Most candidates become very diligent with rhetoric, not substance. Do you perceive this to be the case for the two major candidates? Have you noticed that there is little or NO media coverage of 3rd party candidates?

D. Media bias for/against a candidate. The media is free: free to tell you what they want you to know that matches their biases and opinions and desires. It is extremely difficult or impossible to find any media outlet in America without a bias, no matter how fair and balanced it promises to be. I find this to be true of TV news reports, newspapers, internet releases, and casual mail. Of course, some are much more biased than others. Bias is a typical human trait. Romans 3:23 expresses it adequately.

E. Campaign rhetoric or advertisements or public appearances. Promises made that are not even in the purview of the office for which the candidate is running are frequent. He/she (and what follows using “he”) cannot give you what he promises, and there are many of these. Campaign rhetoric and advertisements are not designed to be totally truthful. Partial truths are generated to sway public opinion in favor of receiving your vote by staff members who deliberately lie for the advantage. It does gain them an advantage! The public is NOT discerning. Let the Christian beware: listen to the interviews and also try to determine what they do not say, or deliberately avoid. Listen to what they do not answer as much as what they do answer. Look carefully at the interviewer, what is he/she saying or doing during the interview? Body language, eye contact, etc., can be important. This reveals a bias for or against the candidate. It has become a prominent feature in biased media interviews of some candidates, particularly the feminine VP nominee. Are the questions really dealing with issues more than personality? These candidates are being “marketed” by their campaigns. Seek information about issues, not just what the campaign wants you to know. This “marketing” is somewhere between very bad and absolutely horrible on the internet news and blogs, etc. Do not allow yourself to get hyped up by an information agency; try to keep a balanced mind and avoid rabbit trails. Do your own research. Mainstream media rarely gives you news and information that is unbiased. This is a shame, but factual. They use avoidance due to conflicts with preestablished agenda on the candidate and especially on social issues. Examples include companies supporting the homosexual agenda, their views of gender and conservatives, associations, etc.

ISSUES THAT MUST BE IMPORTANT TO A CHRISTIAN – BASED ON THE 10 COMMANDMENTS AS REITERATED IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:
A. The candidate’s view of God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth…First Three Commandments:

Candidate’s view on religion and religious freedom
Candidate’s view of Christianity and moral issues
Candidate’s view of other religions in light of Jesus’ words, “…no man comes unto the Father but by me”.

B. The candidate’s view of work and rest … Fourth Commandment:

Who is he willing to put on the unemployable list?
Who is he willing to give the freedom to not work?
How does he plan to promote a healthy environment for productive work to be done, involving trade, immigration, willingness and refusals to work, etc?

C. The candidate’s view of the family …Fifth Commandment (partners in marriage):

Who are the partners in a marriage?
What is the responsibility of the family?
Parental role/s – education: family or state responsibilities?
Children’s role – toward parents; responsibility
Homosexuality = perversion of sex, family, God’s creation

D. Candidate’s view on human life …Sixth Commandment:

Who gives and who can take it away?
View on abortion (when does life begin?)
View on those who are disabled or handicapped or aged
View on war and other kinds of military actions
View on compassion for the less fortunate and his plan(s) to help them (does compassion belong primarily to the church or a welfare state?)

E. Candidate’s view on the sanctity of marriage… Seventh Commandment

F. Candidate’s view of private property and personal rights …Eighth Commandment:

Private ownership or government property? Issue of Eminent Domain
Candidate’s view of taxation. For what reason does he plan to take your produce?
Is he merely for redistribution of wealth, a la communism or Marxism?
Candidate’s view on your personal rights? What is he willing to steal to give you “safety” in return?
How does he plan on spending your money and resources?
How seriously is he planning to put your children into slavery by stealing the resources of the future?

G. Candidate’s view of TRUTH …Ninth Commandment

In representing his opponent’s views
In representing his own programs
In representing the true conditions of the country
It is appropriate to place here questions concerning the character of the candidate

H. Candidate’s view of coveting …Tenth Commandment

What are his “imperial” wishes and desires?
Views on “picking the ripe plums” of big business
His desire to raid the profits of another’s labor…nothing more than theft
After he pirates their booty, what does he plan to do with it?
By extension, what is his view on foreign trade and associated capital enterprise?

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS IN AMERICAN VOTING BOOTH:
A. How does the candidate view the constitution of the USA that he will be sworn to uphold with his life. Is it a fixed, or a “living” document?
B. What is the candidate’s view of the constitution from a judicial appointment stance? Again, is it a “living” document?
C. What does he think of the “founding fathers” and the principles by which this country was founded?
D. What is his view on parental rights in education, raising children and protection of family?
E. What is his political background? Has he changed positions? How do you know that the change in positions is genuine? How often does he do this?

HOW WILL/SHOULD YOU COMMIT TO PRAY FOR AND SUPPORT THE CANDIDATE OF YOUR CHOICE OR THE ONE NOT OF YOUR CHOICE SHOULD HE WIN INSTEAD?

Will America Get the Elected Official(s) that She "Deserves"? Consider 1 Timothy 3:1-3 and evaluate all that is going on about you based on the above guidelines.

Politics and Religion

I found this note in my newspaper today under the banner of Campaign 2008. From West Bend, Wisconsin:

Protesting pastors back candidates from pulpit

Thirty-three pastors in 22 states were to make pointed recommendations Sunday about political candidates, in an effort orchestrated by the Arizona-based Alliance Defense Fund.

The conservative legal group plans to send copies of the pastors' sermons to the IRS with hope of setting off a legal fight and abolishing restrictions on church involvement in politics.

More Political Messages

Should Christians Support a Woman for a Public Office?

Should Christians Support a Woman For a Public Office? Part 2
I. Male and Female Created He them – The Role of Women and Men in Authority
   A. Men and women are created equal in standing before God and in value
   B. Men and women were given distinct roles to function as a team together
   C. The male was given the leadership responsibility for them both and was consequently made to be the one who would answer for both
   D. Man was to lead and his teammate was to help him conduct the activities of their team so that they may be done within the parameters which God had set, and be fruitful (in many ways)
   E. Male leadership was not about qualification or superiority, but about God-required responsibility
   F. Sin in the life of the man and woman made this aspect of teamwork more difficult and a point of contention, with the woman always contending to rule and the man contending to be passive or to rule forcefully and domineeringly.
   G. Consequently when God established rules for the new kingdom of Israel in the promised land God required that qualified men were to be the judges that Moses would appoint in the kingdom. No specific rule was given that women could not rule, but the implication or inference made from the rule that “men” were to be sought and appointed led to the conclusion that women were not to assume these offices in Israel.
   H. After Israel’s unbelieving failure, the church was given extensive guidelines regarding male and female roles in the church and home. No mention was made of women in the public servant role of the state, but then neither are there guidelines for men given in such a role! The New Testament places great and primary emphasis on the family and the church which are the foundations of any community, society and state. Better families produce better people; better people means better churches; better churches mean better communities, etc. Among these NT guidelines given to the church are:
      1. Wives are to be in submission to their husbands
      2. Women are not to “speak” or ask questions in the church (service). If questions exist, the inquiry is to be made of the husband at home.
      3. Women are not permitted to teach men
      4. Women are not to usurp the authority or leadership role of the man
      5. Women could not assume the role of elder or pastor by implication of the qualifications of an elder laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
      6. Men are to lead both the home and the church…different from “equality”
      7. No guidelines are laid down for public office (of the state) - for either gender as no nation-building plans for the church were laid down for a kingdom on earth
      8. However, in regards to the home, management was almost solely in the field/role of the wife. In fact, the biblical word describing her role and responsibility is the word for “despot”.
         a. The man’s “leadership” was to make sure she had all she needed to manage a prosperous home
         b. The wife’s “submission” was to make sure he was able to conduct his roles for the family without obstacles. This would also clear the way for his “leadership” in the church and by extension, the community

II. Regardless of Touts Purporting Moral/Biblical Superiority Regarding a Position on Public Office, We are Still Left with Logic and Reason Based on Scriptural Implications When it Comes to the Matter of Public Officials!
   A. Israel is still the only theocratic state God ever created. In it there is no governmental system equivocal to a republic such as we have in the USA. In a theocratic system, there is no “civil” office since all of life is judged from the “religious” or “ecclesiastical” realm. Therefore, there can be no “secular” priests or judges or “civil servants”. To equivocate leadership requirements for “civil servants” in this country with guidelines for priests and judges is NOT Scriptural; it can only be "logical and reasonable".
      1. Guidelines set down for the gender of priests and judges in Israel give us great insight into God’s expectation for societal governance: He holds males responsible for the society’s well-being in righteousness and justice.
      2. When God described the despicable state of Judah prior to His judgment upon them regarding its leadership, He did so thusly: Isa 3:12…As for My people, children are their oppressors, And women rule over them, O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, And destroy the way of your paths. (NKJV). This condition is one which followed his removal of the men, adequate food and living supplies, leaving them with a dearth of both…Isa. 3:1-9
      3. In Israel’s economy the masculine gender was not the sole qualifier for leadership. Consider Ex. 18:21…Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness: and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
      4. Deut 1:13 Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you. 2 Sam 23:3. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. See also Deut 17:14-20
      5. Given these guidelines for male leadership we must say from what we know of our public candidates, none of them qualify for leadership if indeed we are the “Christian nation” some of our covenantal brothers believe in!
      6. The principle of male leadership and responsibility can be established from creation and is only reiterated by the implications or inferences from qualifications of judges and priests to Israel. The law does not address the conditions or requirements found in the world of the Gentile outside of Israel. For instance, the queen of Sheba is not addressed as having been a moral failure due to her gender. No statement regarding her position and/or lack of lawful requisite is made. Even Queen Jezebel is not castigated for her gender but for her wickedness, misleading Israel and for idolatry.
   B. The New Testament does not address public office holding, how to cast a good vote, qualifications for a good office holder as the church is not about building an earthly nation, Christian or otherwise! Conclusions we reach about gender on this issue will come from reason and logic derived from Scripture, not directly from specific Scriptural admonition.
      1. The New Testament does address the Christian’s attitude and responsibility toward those who are in authority over them regardless of how they came to office. Here it does not address gender but office regardless of gender.
         a. The Christian is to understand that all authority is from God. Once again the gender question is not approached
         b. The Christian is to honor authority (Rom 13) or the “king” and submit to him. Obviously since it is the “king” and not the “queen” who is addressed one may only assume that male leadership is what is addressed. But can one reason from this that if it is a female (queen) who is the authority that the Christian does not have to submit because she is the wrong gender? Of course not!
         c. The Christian is called upon to pray for all men. Does this mean not “all women”? The Christian is especially to pray for kings and all who are in authority. “Kings” obviously addresses male leadership and the “all who” can be masculine or neuter but not feminine. Once again this leads to an assumption of expected male leadership.

III. Conclusions
   A. The Bible speaks of male leadership from Creation, not culture, and not LAW.
   B. The Bible has very specific terms for what makes a good leader for nations: godly, wise, God-fearing, faithful, etc.
   C. The New Testament does not address “civil leadership” directly, and neither the OT or NT address civil leadership specifically in terms of gender for gentile nations.
   D. The believer will have to make a God-fearing decision before he supports a woman in a public office. But more may be at stake! If it is okay for civil rule, is it okay for some kinds of church rule too?


One prominent evangelical has publicly said before the Palin nomination that he would not go to the polling booth. Now he has changed his mind. There has been and will be an impact for Christians to consider. The Bible is the Christian's lifeline for decision-making, and must be foremost in their evaluation. Yet, it is not a platform for political advantage, as some would use it. That is why good rules of interpretation are essential. The “Manifest Destiny” of some founding fathers affected the native Americans tremendously, and without biblical justification. Applying such reasoning to the current political scene may well cause greater division within Christendom, to the advantage of those who would hasten the day of Marxist socialism and its attendant evils. You cannot have equality without true freedom. And you cannot have a consolidated church/state operation under the guise of OT law without violating the guidelines of differentiation between Israel and gentile nations. The NT deals with individuals/homes and the body of Christ in terms of the local church. Be discerning when a legalist emphatically claims that a “woman should stay in the home”. Be equally discerning when an activist claims intolerance for your view in the name of tolerance. The Bible contains godly principles for all decisions to be made...in the home,...in the church,...in society,...and in the voting booth. Be discerning.

Should Christians Support a Woman for Public Office

Should Christians Support a Woman for a Public Office? Part 1

THE ISSUE: Sarah Palin has just become the vice presidential candidate for the Republican Party; She has energized this otherwise confused, lifeless, party of corrupted, scandalized politicians and an unappealing presidential candidate. The party has had a disappointing and unpopular 8 years of executive confused management and legislative inactivity. She is the only candidate who shares values that many conservative Christians can support. She is enthusiastic, socially conservative, Christian, pro-family, pro-life, pro-gun, card-carrying NRA member, fiscally responsible and conservative, small government, tax reducing and for ethical government. Is it biblically acceptable for a woman to be in a position of public authority? Can a Christian support a woman outside the biblical admonitions to be a “keeper at home”?

AT STAKE: The Democratic Party ticket is comprised of a very bright, articulate and charismatic presidential candidate who is lacking in any real experience other than running for office and his campaign promises are socialistic, giving the government even more power to interfere with the lives of its citizens. The vice presidential candidate is a Washington insider who has been there for years; this means there will be no change in (basic) Washington or he would have already done it; he is part of the problem, not it's solution! The Republican presidential candidate is not known for his conservative policies. Both sides of this issue have had many Christians to the point of hopelessly apathetic doldrums. (But) a Democratic (Party) win, for many conservative Christians, means at least 4 years of a socialist, pro-homosexual, pro-choice, anti-Christian, anti-traditional family, increased taxes, big spending loss! It seems the only way to avoid this is to vote for the Republican ticket! Yet, the lack of enthusiasm for the presidential candidate causes hesitation. The vice-presidential candidate has energized many in the 'evangelical base', sensing with her they have someone with whom they can identify. But does the end justify the means?

I. The Problem/Solution Begins with Hermeneutics
   A. One must first of all be a born-again believer
   B. As a born-again believer, one is called upon to obey and follow Jesus, for He is both our Lord and the One who gave us eternal life
   C. In order to be obedient to what He said and taught one must know what He said and taught!
   D. Hermeneutics is the art and science of interpreting Scripture
      1. Context – Who? What? Where? When? How? Why?
      2. Historical setting
      3. Compare Scripture to Scripture
      4. Grammar/word meanings/part of speech
      5. Syntax – the relationship of the words in a phrase or clause to one another
   E. At least two valid systems of interpretation address our issue at hand. Both are (profess to be) “literal” systems of interpretation and maintain the highest view of Scripture as the inspired Word of God
      1. Covenantal
*Views God’s elect as the same in both Old and New Testaments
*Therefore this view sees Israel in the Old Testament and the Church in the New Testament as one and the same
*Israel’s failure to believe and follow the Messiah has led to her disqualification as God’s chosen people. Israel has now been replaced by the church
*In this view, the three main “institutions” in the world, the family, the church, and the state, are all held to be in a covenantal relationship to God. Consequently it sees no need for the separation of church and state since all three institutions operate under the same convenantal guidelines found in the Word of God, i.e., the Law and grace
*For many who espouse this view, all state institutions are governed by the law that God gave to Israel as they are universal from creation and not particular as to one people.
*The United States of America in particular is seen as a replacement for Israel through the covenants made such as the May flower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and other founding documents and believing persons of authority. This view sees the United States as a “Christian nation” operating now under the guidelines of the laws which God gave to Israel.

      2. Dispensational
*Views God as working in time and people giving certain guidelines that are universal in nature for the time given to reveal man’s inability to keep them in order that he might turn to God
*Views God’s elect as Israel in the Old Testament and the church in the New Testament, separate and distinct. Israel is the bride of the Father and the church is the bride of the Son. (The covenants made with Abraham, David and Israel are “literal” promises.)
*Therefore, this view sees Israel as separate and distinct from the Church with each having its stewardship responsibilities to live but with exactly the same method with which to fulfill them: By grace through faith!…always the same.
*Israel’s failure to believe and follow the Messiah has led to her being set aside as God’s chosen people but with a promised restoration by grace sometime in the “near” future. Israel has promises made to her by God which must be fulfilled.
*In this view, Israel is a covenantal theocratic state and the only one God has ever created. His work, law, precepts, judgments, and all things related to this are seen as binding to Israel but as exemplary to the rest of the world not in this covenant with God.
*For many who espouse this view, the goal of the church is not to create a theocratic kingdom on earth but to recruit those who will be in the coming Messianic Kingdom and prepare them for life in it. This coming earthly kingdom of Christ, the millennial reign, will bind together both Israel and the church, fulfilling promises given to both and consummating all things in the Lord Jesus Christ. The church’s role is to influence kingdoms for Christ, not create the millennial reign.

Who Should a Christian Vote For?

The upcoming national elections pose significant and varying degrees of problems for Christians. Who should a Christian vote for? The biblical answer is straightforward and simple:

Seek a righteous man (or woman)

Then what? What if your (or mine) definition of a righteous candidate cannot be found? Stay home? Vote for the most righteous candidate? Choose the least wicked heart? The waters in the voting booth become incredibly murky. What will you do?

Political Messages

The Efficacy of Prayer - Part 7

PRAYING FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE WORD

I. PRAYING YOUR POSITION IN CHRIST

II. PRAYING THE PROMISES OF GOD

III. PRAYING WITH “ONE ACCORD” OR ONE MIND IN THE BODY OF CHRIST AND THE LOCAL CHURCH

IV. PRAYER AND GOD’S WORD

A. God’s Word

Is breathed and preserved forever by God
Is true and righteous altogether
Endures forever
Is eternal
Is magnified above the name of the Lord
Is of greater value than gold
Is living and powerful, sharper than a
two-edged sword
Is a weapon of offense in the Christian’s armor

B. Promises regarding God’s Word

Converts, makes wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens
Accomplishes whatever God sends It for
Discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart
Is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness
Guides and makes clear the way to walk
Works effectively in all who believe
Like a fire or hammer which breaks in pieces
Produces faith in those that hear it
Effective weapon against whatever opposes God

C. Praying the Word of God

Request God to show us the Way
Be obedient to what we know from the Word: Abiding in Him and His Words abiding in us
Ask God where His Word is needed, what needs to be accomplished
Praying the promises and truth about the Word of God: example: “…that the Word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…”
Pray God to send His Word
Pray that those who preach or teach it may be successful
Pray it will be handled accurately and not deceitfully
Pray and use it skillfully!

Applicable scriptures: Isa. 55:8-11; Psa. 19:7-11; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12; 1 Thess. 2:13; Jer. 23:29; Psa. 119:89,105; Psa. 138:2; Jer. 15:16.

The Efficacy of Prayer - Part 6

Battle Praying

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

I. BEGIN WITH A BATTLE MINDSET
     A. There is a battle going on
     B. A different format and methodology being used 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:12
     C. Stakes are very high; you are either winning or losing-no neutral!
     D. You are in this battle whether you want it or not.
     E. Stay aware of the enemy’s methods and strategies; counter them with Truth

II. KEEP A SOVEREIGN GOD VIEWPOINT
     A. God’s kingdom rules over all.
     B. Enemies can do nothing except as the Sovereign allows.
     C. God is victorious overall and commands us to pray to Him for help
     D. Keep your identity as a child of God and a warrior for the kingdom; you are not just another struggling, surviving human being, but a child of the King!

III. AVOID ABERRATIONS AND OBSESSIONS
     A. Spiritual warfare and demons can become all consuming, to the exclusion of the other enemies of your soul.
     B. The idea of commanding spirits becomes a power trip
     C. Stay with what Scripture speaks and allows; follow the example found in the Scripture; examine what the apostles did and did not do or pray.

IV. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES AND COMMANDS…SEE Eph. 6:18 and Acts 4:24-30
     A. Note the frequency of praying – “always”…”all prayer”
     B. Note the attitude of prayer – “in the Spirit”
     C. Note the vigilance in prayer – “being watchful”
     D. Note the diligence and perseverance in prayer – “all perseverance”
     E. Note the objects of the prayer – “all saints”…”for me”
     F. Note the armament of prayer – “the armor of God”…Eph. 6:13-17, including Truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, Word of God
     G. Note the manner of addressing God – “…You are God, who made…”
     H. Note what God had already said would happen – “by the mouth…”
     I. Set the battle where it truly is – “…against your…”
     J. Address your position and why the enemy is opposing you or identify yourself with the Lord’s battle – “…look on their threats…”
     K. Request His aid since you are in the same battle and the offense is actually against Him and His will, not against you alone.
     L. Seek kingdom authority and aid to do what you know is His will!