The Church and Politics: Part 1

Follow Along with the Message

The main reason that politics is increased above kingdom mission is .

What does Jesus think about politics? What is God calling us to do? What is God calling us to "be" in the middle of turmoil?

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NLT)- Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ.

When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under the law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under law.

When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from the law so I can bring them to Christ.

But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

What is the ?

"In the name of 'love' lusts are gratified, lies are told, murders are committed, and criminals are set free. It seems that the Lord Jesus has left us with a very flexible and nearly worthless standard of conduct! the problem with such reasoning is that it does not quote the new commandment in its entirety. Jesus did not simply say, 'Love one another'; He said, 'Love one another, even as I have loved you.' In other words, our definition of 'love' must come from the very conduct and teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself." - Charles Leiter, Pastor and Theologian.

The Law of Christ as our standard:

1. Following Christ
2. Serving
3. Yielding Your Rights
4. Accepting One Another
5. Forgiving One Another
6. Loving Our Spouses
7. Live a Life of Love
8. Not Striking Back
9. Humility

Christ himself is our "law"- our highest example and standard.

What do you  the most?

Our  don't tell the whole story, but our  most certainly do.

"Christian mission is the only reason for our being on earth." -Andrew Murray

Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT)- Do everything without grumbling or arguing,

so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation."

Then... you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)- Let our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

The Church is  here to win.

To be clear, I'm NOT advocating withdrawal from the political process. On the contrary, we've been called to love, care, and participate.

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT)- Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Posture - Tone - Approach

1 Corinthians 9:19 (NLT)- Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:20 (NLT)- When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.

1 Corinthians 9:21- When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from the law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9:22- Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

"When the church as a whole is no longer seen as speaking to questions that transcend politics, and when it is no longer united by a common faith that transcends politics... then the world sees strong evidence that Nietzsche, Freud, and Marx were right... that religion is really just a cover for people wanting to get their way in the world."- Timothy Keller