For the Believer, the Looming Election is Very Important to the Gospel.

Israel alone as a nation must and will return to God.

• They have been called to holiness. Leviticus 19:2
• They have been chosen by God for salvation. Deuteronomy 7:7-8
• Coming soon, the fulfillment of Romans 11:26-28 “And so all Israel shall be saved.... As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes."

America has played at godliness from its founding because the people as a nation enjoyed the peace, the opportunities and the freedom that comes naturally to following, in large part, biblical principles: we have been a very religious nation. Our nation’s religious aptitude has waned drastically over the last 50 years or so, mainly from the Church capitulating its’ responsibility to God’s Word.

Twice in the Gospels, our Lord became very angry: take note of with whom and why.

• The money changers: defiling that which God had sanctified for His people Israel.
• The religious authority: nullifying the Word with the traditions of man.

There is nothing new under the sun; look at the wealth that has been transferred from the lowly church goer into the hands of the profiteering proponents of the new gospel. There is money to be made and there is nothing sanctified about it. For the exchange of riches, those who attend have acquiesced to the modern traditions of man. Think not for a moment that the Pharisees of old did not take their fair share from the money changers.

Patriotism is Not a Christian Virtue.

If it were a virtue, were the believers of Rome or the believers of today in China and the Middle East called to be patriotic? Patriotism for a born-again believer is a civic privilege with which we are blessed in America as doing that which is godly in this country and around the world. We have given more lives in the defense against evil aggression. We have delivered more food, life’s necessities, medical supplies and expertise for most every major disaster that has beset our global neighbors. We have translated the Word into the world’s languages and sent missionaries to every corner of the globe. America has stood as Israel’s ally in a world that hates God’s people. I served in the Marines during the turbulent 60’s; I am proud of my service and of those who serve today which includes two of my sons. I am not blindly patriotic: Christ and His Word must have pre-eminence in all affairs of life; we are to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

What Describes a Virtuous Christian’s Relationship to His Nation?

• Romans 13:1 "...For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." I would be very careful resisting that which He has ordained for His purposes.
• 1 Peter 2:13-15 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors...For so is the will of God...". In other words, we are not to be known as law breakers no matter the form of government we live under.
• 1 Peter 2:17 "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." We are to give respect to the position and the one holding the position no matter our personal take.
• 1 Timothy 2:1-3 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers...giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior".

Our reason to vote:

This last point gives us a perfectly clear definition of our goal this side of heaven in the face of ever-growing wickedness. We know from 2 Timothy 3:13 that in the last days “…evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived”. It is obvious that our Lord’s return is at hand and that we should by prayer and all means at our disposal, seek the life described in 1 Timothy 2. One of those means is to prayerfully vote for both candidates and issues that best reflect our Moral Compass, the Word. No Christian is perfect, let alone any candidate or issue but one or the other is better for our godly pursuits. Peaceful living is becoming more elusive these days and will never come via the way of apathy. We can make a difference and more than likely be hated that much more by the wicked of this world, which is as it should be.

The far right:

The American church in large part has taken the way of the world. We demand our constitutional rights at the slightest of offenses rather than suffering for doing that which is right in God's eyes. We don't rejoice, we sue. Christian attorneys are big business in this country, so very similar to the Pharisees who were more concerned with man's laws and traditions than the power of the Truth. The Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 is filled with the godly who obeyed God rather than men and suffered the consequences at men's hands, not because of rebellion but because of faithfulness. When one comes to Christ, we need to forsake all of our fleshly rights and willingly receive that which our Lord deems best for His bride. Does anyone truly believe that by demanding our Christian rights, that our witness to a lost and dying world will be received favorably? The world hates having Christians shove their principles down their throats and will not only turn a deaf ear but will outwardly oppose the true gospel if offered. This brings me to another point: street preachers.

I understand those who take the Gospel to the street, seeking to show forth the love of God. Ray Comfort’s Way of the Master is one the best ways to approach individuals on the streets or other venues outside of a traditional church setting. It is not an in your face accusing the lost of their sin, of which they already know they are guilty, but to allow the Holy Spirit to convict one of their sin measured against the Law. There is no salvation without repentance first and there are no listening ears when one is accused by a self-righteous, loud mouthed, in your face with a bull-horn self-proclaimed street preacher. As it states in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth…”. I repeat, Jesus was never in anyone’s face about their sinful lives, except the money changers and Pharisees, the religious apostates. These so-called street preachers flaunt themselves all over the social media as superstars for Jesus, some in genuine ignorance but others sowing hatred for the real Gospel.

The far left:

In the other corner we have the God is love and why can’t we all just get along (coexist) crowd. Let’s water down the Word, present a kinder, gentler gospel, invite the world to join our social organization known as a church and all sing Kumbaya together. Turn the work over to the professional holy men or in some cases holy women, sit back and enjoy the program. Please do not forget to tithe and make sure the holy ones receive their just due in both wages and esteem. Remember it is your act of worship to insure they never know any real hardship. Even though this is tongue-in-cheek, it is not too far from the perception of the world. It is disconcerting when you learn of the millionaires of Christendom and you realize the world also knows them all too well. Not only do real Christians have a bad name in this country, but it is the shame to the name of Christ that the American church has wrought.

If we are to make a difference before we are called home, we need to take this time to exercise our God given privilege and let the world know where we stand. This could be the last hurrah before the wicked one has his day. It very well could make the difference to great many people. May God bless and the Church stand up for that which is right.