This is how I’m voting: give it all my prayers and none of my emotions. This will be my commentary on a sermon by Matt Chandler titled "Thrones and Thorns,” on navigating political issues and concerns without getting overly anxious or emotional.

[0:00] Intro

[3:30] Are Christians subject to the governing authorities?

[9:00] Can you legislate morality?

[14:00] How should Christians vote?

[22:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Romans 13:1

Colossians 1:15-20

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Rather than getting angsty about political events, Christians should be aligning our votes toward policies and actions that focus on human flourishing as defined in God’s Word. I’ll be the first to admit that this is not easy, but I think focusing on God and what He says, will help us with the political environment.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

When we follow Jesus Christ, we must be able to critique political leaders and policies, regardless of one's political affiliation. We aren’t partisan to a particular political party, but to Christ alone. Yes, we can have our preferences, but those preferences must not supercede our allegiance to Jesus Christ and God’s moral standards.

Let’s be honest when we approach politics. The Republican Party's strategy has been to co-opt Christian voters, while the Democratic Party has promulgated legislative policies that are morally reprehensible and demonic. There are many negative impacts of left-leaning policies on the unborn, elderly, and sick.

No doubt there is tension between being involved in politics and maintaining our Christian values. Regardless of the political party, Christians have every right to bring our morality and worldview to the voting table. But let us remember to trust in God and seek His guidance in all aspects of life.

As you cast your vote, do not put your hope in political parties or leaders, but in God. Pray and seek His guidance. Resist being provoked by political manipulation and run to the Lord with your worries. Be salt and light in the world, helping people see Jesus Christ. Prepare for the return of Jesus and focus on the everlasting kingdom.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:15-20

Thrones & Thorns – Week 1 – Sermon – Matt Chandler

Thrones & Thorns – Week 2 – Sermon – Matt Chandler