Should Christians Vote?

[PBob]

Should Christians Vote?

There seem to be a lot of Christophobics (people who fear Christians) out there. They believe Christians should go to the church, sit in their pews, listen to the preacher preach (nice things of course) and go home, making no attempt to do what Christians are called to do

[quieth3art]

I said this in another thread before I saw this one:

"Good Christians need to educate themselves and register as voters. Quit leaving the leadership of this land up to the non-christians, unbelievers and atheists by abdicating your privilege of voting."

Not voting is still a vote, in a sense. By not voting you are saying it is okay for everyone else to choose for you and if they choose candidates who are against Christian values, you are just as responsible as if you had voted for those candidates yourself.

[PBob]

I said this in another thread before I saw this one:

"Good Christians need to educate themselves and register as voters. Quit leaving the leadership of this land up to the non-christians, unbelievers and atheists by abdicating your privilege of voting."

Not voting is still a vote, in a sense. By not voting you are saying it is okay for everyone else to choose for you and if they choose candidates who are against Christian values, you are just as responsible as if you had voted for those candidates yourself.

AMEN I even refused to get a 501c3 tax exemption cause I might even get on my soap box while street preaching and advocate that Christians vote for a specific "Christian" candidate..

I now say,"Note: Donations to this ministry are NOT tax deductible. We WILL make political statements!

Nuf Sed

I sure hope the IRS dosen't find out that I am using my Social Security to preach God's word in the streets.......

[Guest lnj]

God has the final say...He raises those to power and brings down those He will.

Christians DO need to vote with their knowledge of what is righteous and noble. We are not to take a passive outlook on politics but always remembering God has the ultimate say.

[JesusisGod2]

I really like what Mike Banta of Rocky mountain Ministries has to say on the subject:

Jesus and Politics - by Mike Banta

One of the most striking facts about Jesus and his ministry is how little attention he gave to politics. No matter how hard people tried to make Him take a stand on the issues of their day, He always returned to teaching about the Kingdom of God, and how it is demonstrated in the world through love, healing and mercy.

During Jesus' ministry, some people in Israel believed that the Roman government should be overthrown. Known as Zealots, they were in some ways like many of today's liberals. They believed passionately in social justice, that people deserved a chance to live their lives without oppression. They expected Jesus to be a leader who would throw off a government that dealt cruelly and harshly with a conquered people. They expected Him to abolish poverty and suffering through the rule of an earthly kingdom. But Jesus didn't meet their expectations. We know from the Bible that He paid taxes to Rome, and lived within the laws of the ruling government. He refused to lead an insurrection against the Romans. He actually submitted to government authority in His own death. When confronted with a choice to give money to the poor rather than allow a woman to minister to Him, He chose the woman's ministry, thereby building relationship with her and His disciples.

Like many conservatives in contemporary politics, religious groups in Israel were passionate about morality. They battled issues such as prostitution, adultery, and deviance from the laws of God. They expected Jesus to join them in denouncing such behavior. But Jesus didn't meet their expectations, either. Instead of contending with people in different moral lifestyles, He actually partied with sinners. He allowed Himself to be in contact with prostitutes, drinkers, religious lawbreakers, and thieves. He developed long-lasting relationships with them. In fact, His harshest words were for those who would judge people for their sin.

So what resulted from the actions of Jesus? Changed lives. Matthew left his job as an oppressive tax collector, and followed Jesus. Mary Magdalene was set free from demonic oppression and became one of Jesus' closest followers. Zacchaeus gave back all he stole and more. A woman caught in adultery escaped death, and received freedom and forgiveness.

No political slogan or hand-held sign has ever changed someone's convictions. Protests, shouting, and political battle will only polarize people on an issue. Regardless of which side wins or loses a political struggle, people will continue to believe what they did before. If you want to change your community, your nation and your world, the most effective action you can take is to introduce people to Jesus, and to demonstrate His love and compassion to them. Through His death and resurrection, all of us can be free from the effects of sin, and enjoy unlimited and joyful relationship with God. This is where changed lives come from.

It is a good thing to participate in politics as God leads. Vote your conscience. Respectfully voice your convictions in the political arena. But don't expect the election of a politician or passage of a law to change people's minds and hearts, much less their lives. Political power and law rule only through fear of consequence, not love. Let's make our focus the same as Jesus'. People are transformed when they experience love in relationship with Him.

This is a site that is ran by Don Francisco (remember him?) that you might want to check out it can be found Here. This site has some free Mp3's of some of Dons classic songs as well as some o0ther neat stuff.

Anyway, I really agree with what Mike says here. I really dont give myself too much to politics, however I do vote although am not loyal to any particular party as I feel both will say anything to get the vote and follow through on very little. Politics can be very disappointing.

In Jesus

kevin

[Guest lnj]

Do you think God wanted Hitler in power?

I'm not arguing, but that always comes to mind when I hear a statement like yours.

I remember in the OT that God did not want Israel to have a King, he wanted them to have Judges. But, since the Israeli's wanted a King so much God allowed it. In that case God's will was not done, he allowed Israel to do their will (and they paid dearly for it).

Do you think that God might not do the same for us....or does God change?

God DOES change His mind as we know when we read about King Saul and King David. He REGRETTED Saul as King! As for God wanting Hitler as leader, He allowed it to happen. He gave man freewill but He allows leaders to be elected for the greater purposes of the fullfilment of Prophecy. We all know things are going to get Worse not better politically and it is meant to happen as we read it in Revelation and Daniel. Like I said we are not to be passive politically, but God WILL raise up and bring down whom HE wills.

[ted]

I said this in another thread before I saw this one:

"Good Christians need to educate themselves and register as voters. Quit leaving the leadership of this land up to the non-christians, unbelievers and atheists by abdicating your privilege of voting."

Not voting is still a vote, in a sense. By not voting you are saying it is okay for everyone else to choose for you and if they choose candidates who are against Christian values, you are just as responsible as if you had voted for those candidates yourself.

AMEN I even refused to get a 501c3 tax exemption cause I might even get on my soap box while street preaching and advocate that Christians vote for a specific "Christian" candidate..

I now say,"Note: Donations to this ministry are NOT tax deductible. We WILL make political statements!

Nuf Sed

I sure hope the IRS dosen't find out that I am using my Social Security to preach God's word in the streets.......

No one should feel that they have to be silenced simply because they accept Jesus into their hearts as their Savior. I don't see many people of other religions being told to shut up when it comes to politics, and I don't feel like we should have to, either. The same freedom given to a muslim politician to be sworn in using the koran should be extended to Christians.

I say, shout it on the rooftops! State our opinions loud and clear, and never give in to threats of political reprisal when it comes to preaching God's Word!

One of my old bosses, and a great friend of mine, has a favorite saying: "You can say anything you want to, as long as it's true".

Amen.

t.

[Guest lnj]

One of my old bosses, and a great friend of mine, has a favorite saying: "You can say anything you want to, as long as it's true".

Amen.

t.

[Guest lnj]

Do you think God wanted Hitler in power?

I'm not arguing, but that always comes to mind when I hear a statement like yours.

I remember in the OT that God did not want Israel to have a King, he wanted them to have Judges. But, since the Israeli's wanted a King so much God allowed it. In that case God's will was not done, he allowed Israel to do their will (and they paid dearly for it).

Do you think that God might not do the same for us....or does God change?

God DOES change His mind as we know when we read about King Saul and King David. He REGRETTED Saul as King! As for God wanting Hitler as leader, He allowed it to happen. He gave man freewill but He allows leaders to be elected for the greater purposes of the fullfilment of Prophecy. We all know things are going to get Worse not better politically and it is meant to happen as we read it in Revelation and Daniel. Like I said we are not to be passive politically, but God WILL raise up and bring down whom HE wills.

Do you equate "allowed" with "raised" (which is the word you used a few posts back)?

To me, there is a difference in the definitions of the 2 words.

God raised up Pharaoh to that position in Exodus, for the very purposes of showing His Mighty Wonders and Divinity to the superpower of the world then..Egypt... and for the purposes of then Pharaoh releasing the Hebrews thus fullfilling Prophecy.

[Guest lnj]

He gave man freewill and the ability to use the brain he was given. We do not control events (that is for God to oversee) but He leaves room for the capacity of our input. As Christians, we need to unite and VOTE.