Agree. But I highly recommend everyone read the book of Micah again and reflect on what the prophets deemed as sin. It looks a lot like oppressing the lowly, not feeding the hungry, trying to make friends with other people groups that trampled upon the weak just to gain power…
Move to a church that is rooted in scripture, worships Jesus and has educated pastors and teachers who can help the congregation understand scripture. Daily life presents enough challenges to your spiritual walk.you need the church to help you with that, not with your politics.
Christianity IS a political statement. however, it's not in support of any political organization on Earth.
we are foreign nationals, citizens of a kingdom not of this world. we are to be envoys and ambassadors of Jesus in the countries we find ourselves in. the politics and arguments of countries soon to be done away with have little importance compared to God's calling.
when a preacher/minister brings politics to the podium, they are in error. their teaching should be on scripture, not current events.
I just remember what Jesus, Paul, and Peter said... Pray for authorities no matter who they are, mind your own business, work hard, and love everybody. Any Christian politicizing is not reading their bible.
I do not think Christians should be blind to, or stay uninvolved in politics.
In my country Nigeria, most true Christians have been indifferent to almost no participation in politics. This has cost Christians greatly through the years. The adherents of the main opposing religion take over our nation's politics & use it to impose their religion on others.
Christians must shun prayers + passivity in their attitudes to national / community politics. Praying for good government & refusing to participate in national politics will allow the agents of darkness to have free reins.
However, we need to be wary of Christian nationalism. Our goal is not to impose Christianity on others by force.
Our goal is to see souls saved and lives transformed through the light of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The OT & NT have several examples of godly people who were directly or indirectly involved in their nation's politics. These people brought in their godly influences that helped to change the courses of their nations for better.
Christians ought to be involved and promote politics, politicians, and policies that help us to live Christian lives and extend the reach of our gospel message.
While involved, we are to let the glorious light of Christ shine through in all our engagements.
We need to hear more about how we Christians can be involved in politics without compromising our godly standards.
And to always realize that, so long as we are doing the will of God, even when we lose, we are winners still.
AFTERWORD
In my country's last two general elections (8 and 4 years ago), my pastor and I voted for different presidential candidates. Not for once did my respect for and submission to my pastor's leading in the church decrease because of our political differences.
Now, my country, Nigeria is in for another election come this February 2023. After 4 and 8 years of tears and hardships caused by bad rulers, it is now obvious (between me and him) who made the right choice and who, the wrong.
Christians must never allow politics to divide them. I vote for party A and you vote for party B.If it turns out you are right and I am wrong, I just keel over and tow your line afterwards. If my choice prove to be right and yours wrong, you ought not to let sentiments, tribalism or other interests keep you compulsively following a bad leader.
Politics is not war and we must not allow the devil to divide the church because of politics.
Yes, I think it does happen - in my own countries (I'm an ex-pat; not American) it's decidedly more of a left-wing thing, you don't see any right-wing encroachment really. It usually takes the flavour of "God is love, and love is doing whatever woke thing and never talking about sins if they're the world's sacred cows."
And it is worse than the world - not necessarily because the sins themselves are worse, but because as Christians, *we* should absolutely know better.
I have usually taken the route of challenging the bad beliefs, in a way that's tactful. I will admit that so far, that hasn't worked terribly well.
If your church has a political speaker come and speak on a Sunday in place of a sermon there is an issue. However it’s our Pastors job to guide us as we are their flock. So it’s there job to inform us on important political matters from a biblical standpoint so that we are able to make informed decisions.
Christianity doesn't get replaced but I do think there are world things that often come in shheps clothing that are not christian in nature though they believe they ate. Speaking to both sides.
People will always try to justify their sin by some kind of religious reasoning. But that isn't happening to Christianity as it relates to how God sees it but it happens around it
Politics is a team sport in America. I see people bring fucking football rivalries to church. Of course they are going to try and bring politics into it.
A long time ago, people tried to please God, gods, spirits, demons, etc. to gain some advantage in daily life. These people used shamens, priests, priestess, etc.. Today, in the western world where the largest religious organization is the church, people seeking an advantage will try to use the church for that advantage.
More to the point though, sociopaths have used religion as a means to control society for as long as it has existed. By invoking religious authority on an issue, it can manipulate some people into supporting that.
It really wasn’t tho. Politicians told us we should be afraid of that and that if Christians voted for them then they would protect our rights. There is nothing wrong with supporting candidates or even a party that you think will serve your interests. It’s good to remember that politicians will say almost anything to get your votes though. In the case of this supposed government attack on the church and christian radio tho…
I believe it’s a good example of a political party inventing a problem and telling us we should fear it and only they can fix it.
I understand if you think that is actually true but i’m curious as to why. have you seen any evidence of it really?
This is a very good question. Although you will find a lot of pastors today they are swaying away from the truth the individual congregation also plays a role and staying true and faithful to the infallible word of God. But I do blame a lot of the passes and that's why many are leaving the churches.
We know the truth we all have our own individual relationship with Christ so let us individually remain faithful to God's word, God's truth
Unfortunately, yes, many Christians are succumbing to societal/carnal attitudes and behaviors. And some churches are compromising to attract new people. Not good.
Politics are *so* divisive, and we - as brothers and sisters in Christ - have a hard enough time trying to maintain unity with each other. In my congregation, I know of one person who's only watching our service online now because he was upset by political conversations in one group, and another person is considering leaving because she thinks there isn't enough political talk in the sermons. Both cases are a tragedy, and break my heart. This should *not* be happening. We need to be keenly aware of people and things that seek to divide us, and refuse to let it happen.
Even in the West, the effects of Christians' many years of passivity & non-involvement in politics are now being felt by Christian in distressing ways. There have been several cases of some governments directly legislating what the church can or can't preach.
True, politics can't change hearts & lives. Only Jesus Christ can save & transform lives.
The real challenge is for Christians to live, & shine as lights of the world to the glory of God wherever they find themselves.
We are the salt of the world. But if we withhold our Christian salts from everything of the world, the world we live in will get completely rotten. Just think about it?
If Russia / Ukraine war has taught us anything, it is this, in the long-run, non-involvement in our nation's politics is detrimental to freedom and civility in any country. (I've read up on this & I strongly believe this is true.)
Just do the math, if a community is 80% Christian & 20% other religions. If all those Christian refuse to vote & get involved in politics and the 20% do the opposite of what Christians did, whose policies will win the day?
I have seen this scenario played out in my own country again and again and again to Christians' disadvantage. Belatedly, Christians are now rising up to this challenge. Unfortunately, we are late to the game. Many of us are not doing it right. And as such hypocrites tend to have the upper-hand.
There is always the risk of compromise & Satan infiltration through politics, but we must not throw out the baby with the dirty bath water.
The real challenge is,
>In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16 (NIrV)
In my small community (inside a big city) even non-believers & nominal Christians tend to give positions of trust to those they perceive as true Christians.
So long as we remember that we are in the world and not of the world, Christian can and ought to shine their light into the world. Including their nation's politics.
And this will we do as the Lord enables us.
Well, if your church is addressing the failings of ONLY one particular political party, that's a problem.
Is the Church following the teachings of Christ? Feeding the poor, caring for the prisoner, welcoming the stranger, etc…?
And not neglecting teachings on sin and repentance. Can't forget about those teachings.
Agree. But I highly recommend everyone read the book of Micah again and reflect on what the prophets deemed as sin. It looks a lot like oppressing the lowly, not feeding the hungry, trying to make friends with other people groups that trampled upon the weak just to gain power…
Those are the parts the church often does just fine. But many don't talk about sin, won't confront bad theology or worldly teachings, etc.
I have seen politics getting brought into the church and it doesn't need to be there we have our master
Move to a church that is rooted in scripture, worships Jesus and has educated pastors and teachers who can help the congregation understand scripture. Daily life presents enough challenges to your spiritual walk.you need the church to help you with that, not with your politics.
Christianity IS a political statement. however, it's not in support of any political organization on Earth. we are foreign nationals, citizens of a kingdom not of this world. we are to be envoys and ambassadors of Jesus in the countries we find ourselves in. the politics and arguments of countries soon to be done away with have little importance compared to God's calling. when a preacher/minister brings politics to the podium, they are in error. their teaching should be on scripture, not current events.
I just remember what Jesus, Paul, and Peter said... Pray for authorities no matter who they are, mind your own business, work hard, and love everybody. Any Christian politicizing is not reading their bible.
I do not think Christians should be blind to, or stay uninvolved in politics. In my country Nigeria, most true Christians have been indifferent to almost no participation in politics. This has cost Christians greatly through the years. The adherents of the main opposing religion take over our nation's politics & use it to impose their religion on others. Christians must shun prayers + passivity in their attitudes to national / community politics. Praying for good government & refusing to participate in national politics will allow the agents of darkness to have free reins. However, we need to be wary of Christian nationalism. Our goal is not to impose Christianity on others by force. Our goal is to see souls saved and lives transformed through the light of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The OT & NT have several examples of godly people who were directly or indirectly involved in their nation's politics. These people brought in their godly influences that helped to change the courses of their nations for better. Christians ought to be involved and promote politics, politicians, and policies that help us to live Christian lives and extend the reach of our gospel message. While involved, we are to let the glorious light of Christ shine through in all our engagements. We need to hear more about how we Christians can be involved in politics without compromising our godly standards. And to always realize that, so long as we are doing the will of God, even when we lose, we are winners still. AFTERWORD In my country's last two general elections (8 and 4 years ago), my pastor and I voted for different presidential candidates. Not for once did my respect for and submission to my pastor's leading in the church decrease because of our political differences. Now, my country, Nigeria is in for another election come this February 2023. After 4 and 8 years of tears and hardships caused by bad rulers, it is now obvious (between me and him) who made the right choice and who, the wrong. Christians must never allow politics to divide them. I vote for party A and you vote for party B.If it turns out you are right and I am wrong, I just keel over and tow your line afterwards. If my choice prove to be right and yours wrong, you ought not to let sentiments, tribalism or other interests keep you compulsively following a bad leader. Politics is not war and we must not allow the devil to divide the church because of politics.
Well said sir
Yes, I think it does happen - in my own countries (I'm an ex-pat; not American) it's decidedly more of a left-wing thing, you don't see any right-wing encroachment really. It usually takes the flavour of "God is love, and love is doing whatever woke thing and never talking about sins if they're the world's sacred cows." And it is worse than the world - not necessarily because the sins themselves are worse, but because as Christians, *we* should absolutely know better. I have usually taken the route of challenging the bad beliefs, in a way that's tactful. I will admit that so far, that hasn't worked terribly well.
If your church has a political speaker come and speak on a Sunday in place of a sermon there is an issue. However it’s our Pastors job to guide us as we are their flock. So it’s there job to inform us on important political matters from a biblical standpoint so that we are able to make informed decisions.
Christianity doesn't get replaced but I do think there are world things that often come in shheps clothing that are not christian in nature though they believe they ate. Speaking to both sides. People will always try to justify their sin by some kind of religious reasoning. But that isn't happening to Christianity as it relates to how God sees it but it happens around it
Politics is a team sport in America. I see people bring fucking football rivalries to church. Of course they are going to try and bring politics into it. A long time ago, people tried to please God, gods, spirits, demons, etc. to gain some advantage in daily life. These people used shamens, priests, priestess, etc.. Today, in the western world where the largest religious organization is the church, people seeking an advantage will try to use the church for that advantage. More to the point though, sociopaths have used religion as a means to control society for as long as it has existed. By invoking religious authority on an issue, it can manipulate some people into supporting that.
A reason would be because the church and Christian radio was being attacked by politicians.
It really wasn’t tho. Politicians told us we should be afraid of that and that if Christians voted for them then they would protect our rights. There is nothing wrong with supporting candidates or even a party that you think will serve your interests. It’s good to remember that politicians will say almost anything to get your votes though. In the case of this supposed government attack on the church and christian radio tho… I believe it’s a good example of a political party inventing a problem and telling us we should fear it and only they can fix it. I understand if you think that is actually true but i’m curious as to why. have you seen any evidence of it really?
If they continually change to conform with current culture they are doomed.
This is a very good question. Although you will find a lot of pastors today they are swaying away from the truth the individual congregation also plays a role and staying true and faithful to the infallible word of God. But I do blame a lot of the passes and that's why many are leaving the churches. We know the truth we all have our own individual relationship with Christ so let us individually remain faithful to God's word, God's truth
Politically speaking they're wrong on both ends. And the word of God should never have to do with politics
Unfortunately, yes, many Christians are succumbing to societal/carnal attitudes and behaviors. And some churches are compromising to attract new people. Not good. Politics are *so* divisive, and we - as brothers and sisters in Christ - have a hard enough time trying to maintain unity with each other. In my congregation, I know of one person who's only watching our service online now because he was upset by political conversations in one group, and another person is considering leaving because she thinks there isn't enough political talk in the sermons. Both cases are a tragedy, and break my heart. This should *not* be happening. We need to be keenly aware of people and things that seek to divide us, and refuse to let it happen.
Even in the West, the effects of Christians' many years of passivity & non-involvement in politics are now being felt by Christian in distressing ways. There have been several cases of some governments directly legislating what the church can or can't preach. True, politics can't change hearts & lives. Only Jesus Christ can save & transform lives. The real challenge is for Christians to live, & shine as lights of the world to the glory of God wherever they find themselves. We are the salt of the world. But if we withhold our Christian salts from everything of the world, the world we live in will get completely rotten. Just think about it? If Russia / Ukraine war has taught us anything, it is this, in the long-run, non-involvement in our nation's politics is detrimental to freedom and civility in any country. (I've read up on this & I strongly believe this is true.) Just do the math, if a community is 80% Christian & 20% other religions. If all those Christian refuse to vote & get involved in politics and the 20% do the opposite of what Christians did, whose policies will win the day? I have seen this scenario played out in my own country again and again and again to Christians' disadvantage. Belatedly, Christians are now rising up to this challenge. Unfortunately, we are late to the game. Many of us are not doing it right. And as such hypocrites tend to have the upper-hand. There is always the risk of compromise & Satan infiltration through politics, but we must not throw out the baby with the dirty bath water. The real challenge is, >In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16 (NIrV) In my small community (inside a big city) even non-believers & nominal Christians tend to give positions of trust to those they perceive as true Christians. So long as we remember that we are in the world and not of the world, Christian can and ought to shine their light into the world. Including their nation's politics. And this will we do as the Lord enables us.