Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category
Dr. John MacArthur On the Campaign of Immorality
Dr. John MacArthur recently weighed in on the 2012 Presidential elections. You can find his thoughts here. We need the Church to rise up in this hour and preach the gospel to the lost. This is the only solution to turning the tide of sin in our culture (Mark 16:15-16).
Isaiah 5:18-23 and the DNC
Isaiah 5:18-23 reads:
18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood,
who draw sin as with cart ropes,
19 who say: “Let him be quick,
let him speed his work
that we may see it;
let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near,
and let it come, that we may know it!”
20 Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
and shrewd in their own sight!
22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine,
and valiant men in mixing strong drink,
23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
and deprive the innocent of his right!
Is that not what the DNC did in approving their ungodly platform that supports same-sex marriage, that supports abortion on demand, and wants government to become god over the people? Did not the DNC do just what Isaiah 5:20 says?
Further, how can any true disciple of Jesus justify voting for any Democrat who supports the DNC platform? How can any disciple justify supporting the re-election of President Obama who wanted this platform?
The DNC said this about abortion:
The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. We oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor, and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way. We also recognize that health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions. We strongly and unequivocally support a woman’s decision to have a child by providing affordable health care and ensuring the availability of and access to programs that help women during pregnancy and after the birth of a child, including caring adoption programs.
On the issue of same-sex marriage which is not biblical and goes against Genesis 2:24 and the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6 where He affirmed marriage between one man and one woman. The Church upheld this as we see in 1 Corinthians 7:2 and 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6 where both men and women are to have one husband and elders are to be the husbands of one wife. Homosexuality is a sin as we see in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 that can be forgiven and repented of just like other sins such as lying, greed, or adultery but we certainly are not to turn and declare as Isaiah 5:20 says, that homosexuality is now justified and righteous and good. Yet the DNC has this in their platform:
We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.
We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.
I know that this blog doesn’t deal much in politics and frankly I believe that we should pray for all politicians to repent. I believe the nature of corruption and sin runs Washington DC. We need to pray for our President to repent of his sins. We need to pray for the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, to repent of his sins. Both are politicians and by nature, they compromise. The nature of politics is compromise. Not so with the gospel. It is either God’s way or not (Matthew 7:13-14). We either are disciples of Jesus or we are not (John 5:24-25). We are either children of the light or children of the devil (Ephesians 5:6-12). We either will be the overcomers of Revelation 21:7 or the ones cast away into outer darkness in Revelation 21:8.
Let us pray for the United States to repent! Let us pray according to 1 Timothy 2:1-6 and pray for our leaders to be saved as this glorifies God and is His desire. Politics is not the answer for our nation. The gospel is. The DNC is merely representing the sad reality of a sin-filled world (Romans 1:18-32). Yet how can anyone who claims to follow Jesus support these measures?
The Church and Same-Sex Marriage Issues
President Obama now endorses homosexual marriages. This is no surprise to me or to anyone else. In a political year when Obama needs votes especially from his liberal wing, it comes as no surprise that he would now choose to endorse same-sex marriages. The first same-sex marriages took place in the Netherlands on April 1, 2001. The countries that followed were Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland and Argentina. Obama would love to add the United States to that list. The problem is that the United States is a republic with 50 individual states in the union. Each state has a right to have its on constitution that defines how it feels on certain issues including gambling, marriage, etc. Only on federal issues does the United States government have the power to state what States must do. It will take years for the entire United States to ever endorse same-sex marriage.
That said, the pro-homosexual community will do all that it can to fight. If you have not read Dr. Michael Brown’s book, A Queer Thing Happened to America, then you need to read it. Dr. Brown shows the slow but steady progress that the gay and lesbian leaders have made into American culture. Through media outlets such as Hollywood and television, homosexuality has become so common place in our thinking that we are not even bothered to hear about it anymore.
Even in the Church, many evangelicals want us to embrace homosexual marriage. Emergent leaders Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo endorsed same-sex marriages. Andy Stanley recently waffled on the sin of homosexuality. Joel Osteen has long waffled on the issue. The Church seems to not know what the Bible says about the sin of homosexuality. Many of us, myself included, struggle with how do we preach against the sin of homosexuality while at the same time loving people who are trapped in that sinful lifestyle.
Before I tackle some of the issues involved, let me first state that the Bible is very clear on the sin of homosexuality. No one reading the Bible can miss that point. Genesis 19 alone shows God’s hatred for the sin. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 shows that God saves people who were once homosexuals. Romans 1:18-32 shows that when God gives people over to their sinfulness, the ultimate expression of that sinfulness is homosexuality. 1 Timothy 1:8-11 shows that the Law of God is used to show sinners (including homosexuals) their sins.
Before I leave that, let me state a couple of things. First, some say that since Jesus never mentions homosexuality then He must endorse it. The problem with this is many. For one, Jesus was a Jewish rabbi and He would have clearly known Leviticus 18:22. If someone would have asked Jesus, He would have pointed to the law of God forbidding such practices. Next, Jesus didn’t talk about a lot of issues. He didn’t mention gang rapes or child sacrifice or abortion or bank robberies but we know all these are sinful because of the entirety of the Word of God. Lastly, while Jesus never says anything about homosexuality, the New Testament does and the sayings of Jesus are equal with all the other Scriptures as well. The words of Jesus are not greater than any other words in the Bible. They are all inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). I have shown above that the New Testament forbids the sin of homosexuality so Jesus does condemn the sin.
Another issue about this sin is that I hear some well-meaning believers say that the sin of homosexuality is a sin but just as sinful as adultery or lying or theft. In a way, I agree. Sin is sin. But we cannot ignore that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 because of homosexuality. He didn’t destroy the cities because of the sin of lying or greed or idolatry. He destroyed the cities because of the sin of homosexuality. No one can miss that point when you read the chapter. I agree that sin is sin in the eyes of a holy and pure God but there is something about homosexuality that makes it vile and wicked before God so much so that He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and Romans 1:18-32 establishes that He turns people over to their wickedness and this often is displayed in the sin of homosexuality.
Now what do I believe the Church should do about Obama’s statement and should our nation more and more drift toward allowing same-sex unions. First, the Church should not become political. Be active in doing what God has called us to do and that is to preach the gospel first and foremost (Matthew 2819-20). The mandate for the disciple is to see the world change by preaching the gospel of redemption through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). We cannot legislate morality. We can only truly transform a nation through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 promises that God will save even homosexuals through His gospel if the Church is faithful to preach the gospel.
Secondly, the Church should stand firm on what the Bible says about marriage. Leaders may waffle and politicians may waffle but we should remain steadfast in standing firm for the truth of the Word of God even in everyone else around us denounces us or says that we are full of bigotry and hatred. The truth of the Word of God is more important than the favor of men (Acts 4:19-20). What we will see in the evangelical church is more and more leaders (especially young leaders) especially from the seeker/mega churches embracing homosexual marriages and will start denouncing those who preach against the sin. They will do so because they value money above God, people above Christ, and do not preach the true gospel of repentance. Traditional churches will lose favor with more and more people as we stand firm for Christ. Who cares so long as God is exalted and the gospel is proclaimed! God will still be saving sinners including homosexuals.
Third, the Church needs to obey Romans 12:14-21 when it comes to homosexuals or anyone else who is not a disciple. The passage says,
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This should be our approach to all who are enemies of the cross. We should reach out to them in love even if they hate us. Many will not want to hear our message of salvation through Christ or that God will save homosexuals or adulterers or liars from their sins. 2 Timothy 4:3 says that sinful people desire only to surround themselves with teachers who teach them what they want to hear which would include living in sin (Jude 4). We must stand firm and preach the gospel of repentance and call people to forsake their sins (John 8:11; Acts 2:38-39, 41; 26:20).
Lastly, we should encourage former homosexuals to preach the gospel to homosexuals. The fact that there are former homosexuals proves that people are not born that way. Homosexuality, like all sins, is a choice. A person chooses to be a homosexual just as a person chooses to lie or to cheat or to steal. No one makes us sin. We sin because we want to sin (1 John 3:4). Former homosexuals should preach the gospel of God’s salvation to lost homosexuals. God can save homosexuals just as He can and does save other wicked people including religious pharisees or hypocrites.
Prayer can transform our nation. We should pray first and foremost for Obama to be saved (1 Timothy 2:1-7) and for his eyes to be opened to the truth of the Word of God. We should pray that God would send a revival of His grace and mercy upon our nation that would turn lost souls toward the cross (2 Peter 3:9). We should pray for all sinners to see that salvation comes not by being good people or moral people but by being born again in Jesus (John 3:3-7; Ephesians 2:1-10). Salvation is what will turn the tide of sin in our nation and our world. Only the gospel can bring that salvation.
Jesus and Occupy Wall Street
You’ll notice on this blog that I avoid politics. I know some believers enjoy debating politics and many feel that it is even a sin to avoid politics. I receive almost daily e-mails from various groups all wanting to take back America for God through political means. I log onto Facebook and see Christian friends posting about their favorite political candidate and how we need to rid the nation of President Obama and his liberal policies. I am told that the change for our nation is found in Jesus and Christian politicians leading the way.
And frankly I don’t care. I know some will chide me for not caring. I do vote. I do pray for our nation. I do pray for our leaders. I pray for Obama. I pray for other nations as well. I know this fact: I am a disciple of Jesus who happens to live in the United States of America but my first priority is not to America but to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15-16). His kingdom will never cease to reign (Isaiah 9:6-7). And I know this, Jesus’ kingdom is not composed of political means through the flesh but through the gospel preached by the Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) and sadly too many believe that the Republican party or the Labour Party or whatever party represents the kingdom of Christ when it doesn’t.
What we don’t find in the Book of Acts is the Apostles of our Lord using His name or His gospel to advance a political movement. It didn’t matter to the Apostles if they were in Israel or Galatia or in Africa, the gospel was the only hope for the nations (Acts 4:29-31). Jesus never called His disciples to overthrow nations through politics but through the gospel (Acts 1:8). The Apostles rightly knew that unless people are born again, they will not enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-7). This has nothing to do with politics. The Church had nothing to do with the kingdoms of this world for they knew that Jesus was Lord over the nations (Psalm 2:8-9). In time, His kingdom would overthrow the other kingdoms not by power from men but from the gospel (Daniel 2:44 and notice that God sets up this kingdom!).
So I come to my point here. The “Reverend” Jesse Jackson was quoted as saying that Jesus was an occupier. I don’t know much about this occupy movement but they appear to be nothing more than typical liberals trying to avoid work and be supported by the government. I saw a list of demands from the OWS group and it was ridiculous with calls for minimum wage of $90 an hour, 6 weeks paid vacation for all, no home schooling but mandatory government schooling only, etc.
I don’t mind if these people want to waste their time by sitting around holding signs but I do ask them to avoid bringing Jesus into this. I don’t believe that the Church should allow the glorious Son of God to be hijacked by any political movement whether liberal or conservative. If Jackson were a true disciple of Jesus, he would know that Jesus didn’t not seek to overthrow the Romans, avoid paying taxes, sit around waiting on government to feed and support Him, etc. Jesus came on a mission from God to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). He didn’t come to establish a political movement. He came so that we might be born again (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).
And this goes for all who would seek to make Jesus on “their side”. As Joshua found out in Joshua 5:13-14, the question is not whether Jesus is for us or our enemies but are we on His side. His kingdom is not about changing social ills through legislation but through regeneration (Titus 3:5-7). How can we call people to morality apart from the supernatural aid of the Spirit. I do believe in just laws, paying taxes, etc. but in the end, until people are born again of the Holy Spirit, they are dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). They will never enter into the kingdom of God no matter how moral they may be (Galatians 5:16-21). Only by being set free from sin through the blood of Jesus are we saved and do we make peace with God (Romans 5:1).
I believe we should pray that true disciples of Jesus go down to where these protestors are and preach the truth to them of the gospel of God. Perhaps they will see the truth of 2 Thessalonians 3:10 once they have truly repented of their sins (Acts 2:38).
Interesting Post on Liberal Jim Wallis
I am no fan of Jim Wallis and his “ministry” Sojourners. Wallis has a long history of being a socialist and always on the left side of political issues. He is currently the “spiritual mentor” to President Obama. Wallis detests anything evangelical and yet he calls himself a “progressive evangelical.” Of course, by progressive Wallis means that he is a liberal. He wants to use the tag “evangelical” for his own means and ends. During the Bush years, Wallis preached against evangelicals being too involved in politics and that we needed to have a separation of Church and State but when Obama ran against McCain, Wallis turned and embraced what he had been preaching against.
Government is not the Answer, It’s The Problem!
Here is a famous clip from President Ronald Reagan from his 1981 address following his election as President of the United States. Following the passage of Obamacare this past weekend, how we need to hear once again that Government is not the solution (sorry to all emergents and liberals) but is the problem. I can’t think of one thing that the Federal Government has their hand in that runs properly and now they want to control medicine? Why do we think that the control of medicine by the Federal Government will mean better medicine? Who are we kidding?
