Christian Politics

SPEAK UP

The call for Christians to vote their conscience is founded in scripture, (Psalms 33:12) “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

A shift took place in the 1980s, when Regan said he was against abortion, and many Christians decided to vote Republican. The rise of a group popular with Christians, the Moral Majority, was formed to promote conservative Christian values among born-again evangelicals. 

Our ciuntry, America, fought a bloodyvwar to get rid of kings. “They have set up kings, but not by me,” Hosea 8:4. God is sometimes displeased with our choices of leadership. We look on the outside (Saul), but God sees the heart (David). 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

SPEAK OUT

Christians need to examine candidates to see if their policies align with Biblical principles. Obviously, Proverbs 29:2 makes good sense, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Christians ought to use their influence to insist that the best possible candidate wins elections. 

The Holy Spirit plays a primary role in curbing the spread of evil on earth. He does this through inspiring Christians to stand up and speak up. 2 Thessalonians 2:7, highlights this restraining force that is currently holding back evil, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He (the Holy Spirit) who now letteth, will let, until He be taken out of the way.” 

Yet, Romans 12:18 compels Christians “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Believers should actively pursue peaceful relationships with all people, to the extent that it is within their power. But sometimes, it seems impossible.

Nevertheless. Christians should speak up. Hebrews 12:14 guides Christians to “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Psalm 34:14 asks Christians to “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

SPEAK OPENLY

Christians are compelled in Matthew 22:39 to “love thy neighbour as thyself.” If Christians love their fellow citizens, they should act politically in their best interest. Luke 6:31 urges Christians “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” The “GoldenRule” means to care for society by influencing government to do what’s right.

A dictionary defines the term “politics” refers to, “affecting, or acting according to the interests of status or authority within an organization rather than matters of principle.” The word “political” actually originates from the Greek word “polis”, a city-state. Over time, “political” has evolved to encompass the broader concepts of “affairs of the people.” Christians who love the Lord should follow the principles in Joshua 24:15, which says, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

Romans 13:1-7 indicates that governing authorities are established by God. Yet God uses His people on earth, who serve Him, to cause political change. Although believers should submit to them, as rulers are God’s servants for good, believers are called to influence people to vote in godly politicians who become the “minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”

Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourages believers to pray for those in positions of authority. That prayer may be answered by God motivating Christians to stand up and speak out. The Bible is full of believers who “speak truth to power.” 

OT EXAMPLES

In the Old Testament, Hebrew Midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh’s command to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, choosing instead to fear God rather than the oppressive ruler. Jonathan, Son of Saul, refused to obey his father King Saul’s unjust order for a compulsory fast, as it would have unjustly punished those who weren’t aware of the decree.

Queen Vashti of the Hebrews in Babylonian captivity in Persia refused to obey King Ahasuerus’ (Persian king Xerxes’) drunken demand that she publicly display herself, prioritizing her own dignity over his arbitrary decree. Likewise, Queen Esther risked her life by approaching King Ahasuerus without invitation to expose a plot against her people, the Jews, defying a law to intervene against injustice.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused King Nebuchadnezzar’s command to worship a golden statue, demonstrating their unwavering faith in God despite the threat of the fiery furnace. Daniel disobeyed King Darius’ decree that no one should pray to any god or man other than the king, choosing to continue praying to God openly and accepting the consequences.

Elijah confronted King Ahab and his wife Jezebel about their idolatry and unjust actions, including the murder of Naboth to seize his vineyard. The prophet Micah denounced the corrupt practices of leaders who exploited the poor and twisted the law, while also offering hope for future restoration.

Jeremiah, known for his persistent warnings to the kings of Judah about the impending Babylonian exile due to their persistent idolatry and injustice. Isaiah declared that God would judge corrupt rulers who loved bribes and neglected justice for the vulnerable. 

NT EXAMPLES

New Testament examples of faithful believers speaking out to influence politics abound. The Wise Men disobeyed King Herod’s order to reveal Jesus’ whereabouts after worshiping him, choosing to return home by a different route to protect the child.

Peter and John refused to stop preaching the Gospel when commanded by religious authorities, prioritizing their obedience to God over human mandates. Paul: The apostle Paul spoke out and gave witness of the power of God throughout the Book of Acts. He also wrote Romans, where he discusses submission to governing authorities (Romans 13) but also defied civil authorities by preaching the Gospel. He was arrested and imprisoned for it.

John the Baptist publicly confronted Herod Antipas about his unlawful marriage, ultimately costing him his life. Even Jesus Himself, while not directly criticizing the Roman governor or Caesar, often publicly challenged the religious leaders of Israel for their hypocrisy and legalism that went against the spirit of God’s law.

PAUL SPEAKS

But let’s laser focus on Paul who was used by God to bring the entire Roman government to faith in God, changing an entire political system. Paul confronted the High Priest of Israel, Ananias, directly for his hypocrisy. In Acts 23, Paul is brought before the Jewish council of the Sanhedrin. The high priest, Ananias, ordered Paul to be struck on the mouth, which Paul perceives as an unlawful act. 

Paul responded by calling Ananias a “whited wall” and questioning his authority to judge him contrary to the law. This refers to someone who appears righteous or virtuous on the outside, but covering up the stench of inward corruption resulting in an appeal to Caesar.

In order to avoid the possibility of an unfair trial, Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar. This allowed him to have his case heard in Rome before the highest Roman authority. Speaking before King Agrippa: Paul was also brought before King Agrippa and other Roman officials. He took this opportunity to share his testimony and preach the Gospel, even directly addressing King Agrippa about his beliefs.

While under house arrest in Rome, Paul was guarded by the Praetorian Guard, the elite Roman imperial bodyguard, consisting of highly privileged and well-paid, with a vital role in Roman society and the imperial structure. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul mentions that his imprisonment became known “throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else,” indicating the Gospel was reaching this influential group. He also specifically mentions greetings from those “of Caesar’s household,” which included palace officials and civil servants who likely interacted with the Guard.

In Acts 17, Paul debated with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens, challenging their worldview. He was then brought before the Areopagus, a prominent council, where he addressed their beliefs about the “Unknown God” and presented the Gospel. In verse 16 “while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” Is your spirit stirred when you see what is happening in our great nation? Paul (verse 17) “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and inǰ the market daily with them that met with him.”

I SPEAK

During July 4th weekend this year, directly after President Trump signed the Big Beautiful Bill, we had a picnic in a park near my house. A passing neighbor recognized me, saw the decorations, and confronted me. He said, “I see that you are not afraid to tell the truth about what you believe and you are a fascist! I replied, “I’m not a fascist,” to which he responded, “but you support one.” 

He held up a camera and took a picture of the decorations which included one item about Donald Trump. “Bob,” I reasoned, “come and join us for a barbecued hot dog.” “I don’t eat with fanciests!”

You have to realize that I’m living in “Sodom and Gomorrah,” the San Francisco Bay Area. Lot, “also tried to reason with the men, …but they refuse to listen.” Lot said, “I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly,” Genesis 19:7. We all know how that turned out.

In another instance, I was driving down Main Street in my town and within 5 minutes, someone threw a water bottle at my car because I had a trump flag in the back. This is what Paul meant by going into the markets and disputing with those who have a wicked world view. This is evangelism. This is standing up in a dark place and shining the light of the righteousness of Jesus. I did not retaliate but I continued to be a witness for Christ.

AMERICA SPEAKS

When corrupt Biden was in office, I supported Romans 13:1-2 principles and trusted the Lord. The result was a complete upheaval of Democratic Party power. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” Looks like that happened.

The pendulum swung the other way. But do those who suffer from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” trust God ? The Bible offers guidance on how to engage with authority and opposition in a Christ-like manner. Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

Matthew 28:19-20 orders Christians to influence society. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” Meekness is not weakness, it’s God’s mighty power under control, tempered with gentleness.

PRAYERFULLY SPEAK

We need to prayerfully strategize. We need to prepare our minds for spiritual battle. Romans 12:2, “be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Prepare by praying through the armor of God in Ephesians 6.regularly to get on the offensive side of the battle with Christ. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered,” Romans 8:26.

Is there anything wrong with bravely (not foolishly) influencing politics and society based on Christian moral principles? Will you speak up for Christ when the time comes? Pray for open doors to engage in public discourse, advocacy, and peaceful political action to promote Christian values and teachings in the public sphere. 

This is our turn to influence society for Christ. This is our generation. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light,” 1 Peter 2:9.

SPEAK FREELY

America’s First Amendment, “free speech” is a perfectly legal right for freedom of expression, conscience, and speaking truth relevant to Biblical principles. Proverbs 31:9, “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” This passage encourages advocacy and using speech to champion the rights of the oppressed.

Be a living testimony of your conversion experience. Tell others how they too can repent and turn to Jesus for salvation. Acts 4:20: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” In America, we still have the right to speak up and tell the truth about how God’s Word can influence society. Get involved. Speak up.