Wrestling with Politics

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Wrestling with Politics

October 13, 2024 • Charley Carpenter • Romans 13:1, Matthew 28:18, Romans 13:2–7, Proverbs 29:2, Matthew 22:15–21

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No political party will ever fully reflect the mission of the church and heart of our Heavenly Father.

How do I, as a follower of Jesus, engage in politics?

What’s the point?

What’s wrong with people, why are they not engaging?

Apathy and Idolatry

Biblical issues have become political issues.

Original Purpose of Government:

Provide national defense and navigate foreign relations.

Coordinate national diplomacy and commercial policy.

Prevent infringements of individual rights.

Biblical issues have become political issues.

1802-Letter written to President Thomas Jefferson

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between church and State.

1954-Johnson Amendment

Submitted by Lyndon B. Johnson

Salt/Light

Research Tools:

Freespoke-Web Browser and app.

Montanafreepress.org

Ivoterguide.com

Which decision more accurately aligns with God’s Word and His redemptive heart?

Do you tend to be too passive about or too engaged in politics? Why?

How is God calling you to be His ambassador in this election season?

Navigating Biblical Issues in Politics

October 20, 2024 • Charley Carpenter • 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Acts 17:26, Matthew 6:33, Romans 10:2–3, Galatians 2:20

No political party or candidate will ever fully reflect the mission of the church and heart of our Heavenly Father. How do I, as a follower of Jesus, engage in politics? Navigating Biblical Issues in Politics There is no perfect candidate. Vote for policy over personality. Vote for principle over passion. How do we make the best decisions we can based on what we are given that most accurately aligns with God’s Word and His redemptive heart? Filter: Earthly agendas are driven by fear. Heavenly agendas are driven by love. What does God say about borders? What does He say in regard to people who cross them? What is our response to people who cross the border/foreigners? The role of secure borders should be to protect the nation and not to keep out those fleeing persecution. Filter: Earthly agendas are driven by fear. Heavenly agendas are driven by love. Which border policy more closely aligns with God’s design? CI-128 would amend the Montana Constitution to expressly provide a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. It would prohibit the government from denying or burdening the right to abortion before fetal viability. It would also prohibit the government from denying or burdening access to an abortion when a treating healthcare professional determines it is medically indicated to protect the pregnant patient’s life or health. CI-128 prevents the government from penalizing patients, healthcare providers, or anyone who assists someone in exercising their right to make and carry out voluntary decisions about their pregnancy. 1 Timothy 6:13-I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, Which decision more accurately aligns with God’s Word and His redemptive heart? How are you loving the people in your life you don’t agree with? How can you commit to voting for policy over personality and principle over passion? Research Tools: Freespoke-Web Browser and app. http://montanafreepress.org http://ivoterguide.com

In Harmony with God

October 6, 2024 • Charley Carpenter • 2 Kings 22:11–13, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Proverbs 29:2, 1 Samuel 8:1–5, Deuteronomy 17:14–20

How do I, as a follower of Jesus, engage in politics? “In our clearest and most honest moments, we all too often seek security by conforming to the spirit of the times, rather than serving in the world as God's counterculture as we were created to do. Like Israel, we tend to forfeit the lordship of God in order to become like all nations. We become like all the other sheep and we follow our culture off a cliff.” Bill Arnold How is your life singing harmony with society’s voice, rather than God’s? How have your political views influenced your Biblical values?