How to Handle Politics And Government

How to Handle Politics and Government

It is apparent that our fair country is nowhere near solving our national problems at either the federal, state or local level. There are so many obvious problems that to attempt to list the top ten would be an exercise in futility. This is deeply disappointing to many people, who hoped that by means of elections last fall problems would begin to be solved and positive productive action would be a reality.

You may recall this famous anecdote: A lady asked Dr. (Benjamin) Franklin after the 1787 Constitutional Convention, “Well, Doctor what have we got a republic or a monarchy?” “A republic,” replied the Doctor, “if you can keep it.”

What does this mean, to “keep” the Republic? Does it mean to adhere to it's founding documents and principles, or does it mean to continually adapt it to meet current “felt needs?” Or is it some of both? Or does it mean we need judges to make our laws from courtrooms?

The problem with politics and government is that it involves people. People tend to be sinners or saints, or by practical estimate somewhere in between the two all the time.

John Adams once told a military audience "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

So are morals important for politicians, judges, government employees, for citizens and those who vote and have opinions on how our city, county, state or nation is governed?

When we have frustrations with the words, actions, or even opinions of others, we might consider the morality of the source. And most importantly of all, we must always consider our own morality. When we are thinking, speaking, acting, or sharing an opinion or viewpoint--- are we reflecting what we believe to be moral, both within and without our own self?

Apparently many only consider others, while they exempt themselves from careful moral examination. Many of these claim to be the most moral people of all.

So what is the solution to the moral crisis in which we live?

As you might imagine, I strongly suggest repentance and faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This requires a humility, a submission, a willing awareness of ones own need for God. It will lead to the dependence upon God for which we are created, and a reliance on the Spirit for peace, love, joy, hope and faith that no circumstance, or problem of politics or government, can take away. This love will lead us to consider other's needs as more important than our own, and will help us to see more clearly the world around us as God sees it.

While we may still be upset, irritated, or incredulous at the world in which we live, and which our children will inherit, we can still even then rely on the Spirit to lead and guide us as to how we respond.

What is God calling you to do to help “keep” the republic? How can you leave your concern and frustration behind, and help others to join you in making the world a better place?

Psalm 33:12 KJV “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

From inside the cover of Lifeway's The Gospel Project Chronological: 

God's Word to You: A Summary of the Bible

In the beginning, the all-powerful, personal God created the universe. This God created human beings in His image to live joyfully in His presence, in humble submission to His gracious authority. But all of us have rebelled against God and, in consequence, must suffer the punishment of our rebellion: physical death and the wrath of God.

Thankfully, God initiated a rescue plan, which began with His choosing the nation of Israel to display His glory in a fallen world. The Bible describes how God acted mightily on Israel's behalf, rescuing His people from slavery and then giving them His holy law. But God's people - like all of us - failed to rightly reflect the glory of God.

Then, in the fullness of time, in the Person of Jesus Christ, God Himself came to renew the world and restore His people. Jesus perfectly obeyed the law given to Israel. Though innocent, He suffered the consequences of human rebellion by His death on a cross. But three days later, God raised Him from the dead.

Now the church of Jesus Christ has been commissioned by God to take the news of Christ's work to the world. Empowered by God's Spirit, the church calls all people everywhere to repent of sin and to trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness. Repentance and faith restores our relationship with God and results in a life of ongoing transformation.

The Bible promises that Jesus Christ will return to this earth as the conquering King. Only those who live in repentant faith in Christ will escape God's judgment and live joyfully in God's presence for all eternity. God's message is the same to all of us: repent and believe, before it is too late. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.

Happy b/c of Jesus,

Pastor James

The Immutable Counsel belongs to God!

"Repenting means revising one's judgment and changing one's plan of action.  God never does this; he never needs to, for his plans are made on the basis of a complete knowledge and control which extend to all things past, present and future, so that there can be no sudden emergencies or unexpected developments to take him by surprise....What God does in time, he planned from eternity.  And all that he planned in eternity he carries out in time.  And all that he has in his Word committed himself to do will infallibly be done.  Thus we read of "the immutability of his counsel" to bring believers into full enjoyment of their promised inheritance, and of the immutable oath by which he confirmed this counsel to Abraham, the archetypal believer, both for Abraham's own assurance and for ours too (Heb 6:17-18). So it is with all God's announced intentions.  They do not change.  No part of his eternal plan changes....
Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8), and his touch has still its ancient power.  It still remains true that "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them: (Heb 7:25). He never changes. This fact is the strong consolation of all God's people."

-J. I. Packer, Knowing God, p. 80

What is Scientism?

I accidentally found this article on the Social Justice Wiki, and thought it was very clear and concise.  Hope you like it.

Scientism entry on SJ Wiki

How We Vote for the Lesser of Two Evils

I won't vote for “the lesser of two evils.” Really? Why not?

Perhaps the desire could be framed, “I will vote for the better politician.” That's an ironic term to be sure, but it lets us make a good choice in light of the true situation.

The hope for an ideal candidate in any election is surely a fond one. “Hope springs eternal” the marketers know. Politicians always strategize to maximize their benefits and minimize their liabilities. It is up to their opponents to maximize liabilities, right? This should be no surprise to anyone.

For some reason, people are “shocked” and “surprised” when American political campaigns swerve into the gutter. Or when they are swerved intentionally in the gutter.

Proverbs 18:7 says, “A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.” A few verses later we read, “The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.”

We don't like to be disappointed with politicians. Like optimism and hope, disappointment is ever-present and looms around every new sunrise in politics and government. Many of us would like to cast a vote and solve some problems. There are so many problems that it is hard to keep track of any progress if you are actually trying to hold down a job.

So why the insistence on idealism? On Godly, righteous people in government, especially if they are not running? At the end of the day we have to “give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's.” The Kingdom of God is not equal to any human government, no matter what Evangelicals fondly wish.

And just because a particular politician is sub-optimal is many ways this does not mean voting for that person is a dramatic and revolting act of evil. It is actually a rather mundane act, like raking leaves. It may not be fun or “holy,” but it needs to be done.

Character counts, but only if character is a selection on the ballot. Character is measured against promises of action and policy. Politicians influence public policy, laws and their enforcement, regulation and initiatives of public investment, and hopefully moral leadership. Only with time will the true nature of politicians be revealed, so you have to look at the record, not the mud that is slung.

So, when one candidate is to you better or worse than another (after you've formed evidence based opinions) then you have to “pay your money and take your choice.”

It may not do any real good to see candidates as “evil” just because they are less (or even very far less) than ideal. This is silencing your own vote.

If you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

Compassion v. Power

With the coming disclosure of Hillary Rodham Clinton's Parkinson's Disease, the true sick nature of modern global politics will be revealed. We will see just how low they will go to get their person in position. How far they will push our collective conscience in their never ending quest for more power. Is it fair to subject us to all this craven display of dishonesty and pride called the 2016 Clinton Campaign? Realize how many people know the true nature of her health struggle, and consider that this may explain Benghazi, the slack handling of classified information (even when it was important to cover up her crimes!), why Uncle Joe “didn't” run but will likely be the next President, and the “non-indictment indictment” by the FBI. This is an outrageous insanity we have been witnessing. Power has trumped compassion.

I believe she could have already shown great compassion by being honest with us all. But this is not her character. Can any sane person deny the character flaws that we have seen to date? Even reducing by ¾ the reports we have heard? Her moral code, like many politicians and other sociopaths, is very likely “seared.” For example, the Bible says, “...in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron...” I Timothy 4:1-2. I hope not.

Even now I believe she can still show compassion, and join openly the struggle against Parkinson's that families wage around the world on a daily basis. I sure hope this is what she does, and soon. Maybe her later years will be spend doing something positive and productive, like donating millions of “Clinton Cash” to Parkinson's research and treatment. I mean, for crying out loud, y'all.

Compare her actions with Michael J. Fox or Billy Graham. We may be about to see many hurtful things said, things which may end up wounding many thousands who are living with Parkinson's. Hillary Rodham Clinton will go down with this great opportunity lost, sacrificed on the altar of power.

We must brace ourselves for what may come in the public discourse. Christians must commit to seeking truth, speaking truth, and showing compassion. Sympathy, understanding, and watching one's manners about a devastating disease are what is called for. As we go through this together, please consider how this affects those suffering with Parkinson's, and other debilitating illnesses. Realize that they will deserve our thoughts and prayers as they see this unfold in the coming days. 

HRC in Blue Glasses