There is a book written by James Garlow called, “Well Versed.” It gives biblical answers to today’s tough issues. One section in it speaks of the question, “Does the Bible speak to the political and social issues of our day?” He poses another question before answering the question, “Can we agree that our nation is in trouble? Let me share his insights as we prepare to vote in just a few weeks.
“There seems to be a strong consensus that our nation has problems – deep problems. No one thinks the massive debt is good. Our national security has people on edge. Waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption are widespread. Civil discourse in governmental bodies is almost gone. There is a strong sense among many that something has gone wrong. The Bible speaks to every important issue of life. After all, it was God who came up with the idea of government. He established it and has clear principles about every major issue facing our nation or any nation. The Bible even uses the strong metaphor to say of Jesus: ‘The government will be on his shoulders’ (Isaiah 9:6).” He goes on to talk about separation of church and state. Unfortunately, many ignorant people use that to say that the church is supposed to stay out of the state’s business. That is not at all the intent of that phrase. It is not in the constitution or declaration of independence. It came from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson where he used the phrase, “wall of separation.” It was to assure that the federal government would not intrude into church life (not forcing a certain denomination state church on the people). Nowhere did our founding fathers try to distance the federal government from the basic tenets of Christianity. It was the Bible that they founded our constitution. Now they are deceiving people by distancing themselves from Christianity. They want to erase the history books so their schemes are not seen. You often hear the argument, “you can’t legislate morality”. The fact is that all laws legislate morality. Laws against murder, perjury (lying under oath), stealing, violating contracts – along with a host of other laws – are all attempts to legislate morality. That is the very nature of laws. In Galatians 5:1 it says, “It was for freedom that Christ set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Many people interpret that as being bound like a slave, therefore, ridding us of our freedom. We learn in Genesis 3 that we (yes we) disobeyed the one “Thou shall not” God placed before us and are now living in a fallen world. The world is bitter. The world teaches that freedom is gained by throwing off all restraint; Scripture teaches us that the opposite is true. Human beings forfeited a great deal of freedom in an attempt to gain absolute freedom. The more I read and understand the Word of God, the more I realize that freedom is gained and maintained by adherence to God’s laws. We are called to trust our creator God. We need to uphold God’s laws and ways. Our government should do the same and not just choose which ones are pertinent. So the bottom line is – it does matter what you believe, who you trust, and that you vote biblical. If you don’t know what is biblical, go to the Bible and find out what is biblical. Stand on the Word of God to determine the issues. When you do, you will be amazed at how many issues become clearer. Seek God with all your heart today. Take time to find out where He wants you to go and what He wants you to be. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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