Christians & Politicians - What is the Christian's mission?

Pretty much what my pastor said around the July 4th sermon he had. We can elect who we want, pray they do a good job, claim "God bless America" but in the end His plan is in play. Not much we can do really in life, I mean we can do things but in the bigger picture we don't change the final plans.

Of course one then runs into the conundrum of if that is the case, does that mean we are not in control of what we do since things are already going to happen a certain way? Like if I decided right now for no reason to stick my fork in the electric outlet and kill myself, does that mean He knew I would do that even before I was born? And if I don't do it did He know I wouldn't do it? Did He know I would be typing out this conundrum?

Its stuff that can drive many people nuts because you are never sure the answer. He is in control and has a plan and yet we still have free will. We are just individual clocks that are doing our own things. Meanwhile the main clock, the grandfather clock has gears all around us that will keep going as planned until the end.

Korean-American Christian said:

God’s plans and purposes are fixed, and His will is inviolable. What He has purposed, He will bring to pass, and no government can thwart His will (Daniel 4:34-35).

We must grasp the fact that our government cannot save us! Only God can.

One of Satan’s grandest deceptions is that we can rest our hope for cultural morality and godly living in politicians and governmental officials.

A nation’s hope for change is not to be found in any country’s ruling class.

The church is in error if it thinks that it is the job of politicians to defend and guard Biblical truths and Christian values.

The church’s unique, God-given purpose does NOT lie in political activism.

Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time.

Any thoughts or opinions?

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Christ and governments have conflicting purposes.

Christ said, give away everything you own to the poor. Governments want money.

Christ said, all people are equal, Samaritans and Jews and everybody else. Governments divide and conquer.

Korean-American Christian said:

The church’s unique, God-given purpose does NOT lie in political activism.

Our Christian mandate is to spread the gospel of Christ and to preach against the sins of our time.

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So all those Christians who struggled to make slavery illegal, worked for legal workers rights, votes for all and who are seeking to change abortion laws, prevent euthanasia and intfancide from being legal etc etc etc are all wrong and are wasting their time?

Looking back into ancient history, it was Christians who stop the practice of abandoning unwanted babies on a hiiside, stop the roman games where men fought each other to the death and cared for the sick and dying.

If Christianity is only about saving souls why have Christians Aleays lead the way in seking to change society for the better?

Can you also explain how we are to practically show love for the homeless or hungry if we don't do something practical for them?

Tolworth John said:

So all those Christians who struggled to make slavery illegal, worked for legal workers rights, votes for all and who are seeking to change abortion laws, prevent euthanasia and intfancide from being legal etc etc etc are all wrong and are wasting their time?

Looking back into ancient history, it was Christians who stop the practice of abandoning unwanted babies on a hiiside, stop the roman games where men fought each other to the death and cared for the sick and dying.

If Christianity is only about saving souls why have Christians Aleays lead the way in seking to change society for the better?

Can you also explain how we are to practically show love for the homeless or hungry if we don't do something practical for them?

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Well no one said you can't or shouldn't do that stuff. Its great do it and it helps people. Its our job, so to speak, as christians. What I am saying though is people still need a realistic perspective on this. For example I know so many christians praying for world peace or that the US becomes a christian nation with christian views being accepted. And thats great, pray away, however realize Gods plan is in motion and in the bible He already says thing are going to get worse.

So don't expect world peace to happen and don't expect american to become a christian nation again. Those days are gone. You can still pray thought and have hope, even if it is written that things won't get better. I know my wife and I disagree on this, I tend to not bother praying for the nation and have accepted its fate, but she says I should still pray for it. I see it pointless. Its like standing in front of a train and praying it stops before hitting you, not going to happen. Your future is written at that point.

Maybe I'm just a bit pessimistic. Or maybe I'm just a realist about knowing prayer isn't going to help something that God already said would happen. In other case of course like praying to reach more people to bring to salvation, that I can do because its possible. That and the bible says to spread the Word to every corner of the earth.

Korean-American Christian said:

My dear sir, please allow me to provide some clarification....I strongly believe that the Christian right must not bash Christians who are members of the Democratic Party.

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This is why I choose neiteher side, both are part of parties that believe in things against the bible. I mean the christian on either side may not believe certain parts of their party, but just being part of it means to the outside world they support that parties views. I have no party anymore.

At least not until my next birthday!

Korean-American Christian said:

I have no party anymore....I will have a party in 10 days, though

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Can I come? I'd have to bike there. 10 days should be enough time!

Awesome! I'll look it up on google maps and be there!

Hmm looked it up and apparently its taking me to this address "400, 400 Street 400, Qism El-Salam, Cairo Governorate, Egypt". Says 13 hours by jet. So not sure how long biking across the ocean will take.

Korean-American Christian said:

The church’s unique, God-given purpose does NOT lie in political activism.

Any thoughts or opinions?

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Scripture shows the victory and liberty that awaits us whenever our people lead as magistrates (Gen 41:39-44; Daniel 2:46-49) and elect godly leaders (Ex 18:21-25/Deut 1:13-17/Deut 16:18-20). Civil Government is ordained of God (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-17). It is not evil.

The sovereign work of Almighty God includes civil government (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-17), and the virtue of God's people being the leaders and influencers is taught plainly in scripture (Gen 41:39-44; Daniel 2:46-49). Electing good people is part of the work of the people of God (Ex 18:21-25/Deut 1:13-17/Deut 16:18-20).

Korean-American Christian said:

Please tell me whether there is at least one TRULY Christian politician in the United States

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Depends on your criteria for what constitutes Truly Christian.

Who can know the heart of another?

For all I know you may not be truly Christian yourself...
I assume you are but I have no proof...

What proof would suffice?

NothingIsImpossible said:

Well no one said you can't or shouldn't do that stuff. Its great do it and it helps people. Its our job, so to speak, as christians. What I am saying though is people still need a realistic perspective on this. For example I know so many christians praying for world peace or that the US becomes a christian nation with christian views being accepted. And thats great, pray away, however realize Gods plan is in motion and in the bible He already says thing are going to get worse.

So don't expect world peace to happen and don't expect american to become a christian nation again. Those days are gone. You can still pray thought and have hope, even if it is written that things won't get better. I know my wife and I disagree on this, I tend to not bother praying for the nation and have accepted its fate, but she says I should still pray for it. I see it pointless. Its like standing in front of a train and praying it stops before hitting you, not going to happen. Your future is written at that point.

Maybe I'm just a bit pessimistic. Or maybe I'm just a realist about knowing prayer isn't going to help something that God already said would happen. In other case of course like praying to reach more people to bring to salvation, that I can do because its possible. That and the bible says to spread the Word to every corner of the earth.

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I was repling to "The church’s unique, God-given purpose does NOT lie in political activism. " and showing that a lot of the Christian concern for others does mean that Christians have to be politicaly active.
We are told to pray about what concerns us and to pray for our needs.
As to how prayer works, I don't know, but are you going to be obedient and pray or disobedient and not pray?

Korean-American Christian said:

My dear sir, please allow me to provide some clarification....I strongly believe that the Christian right must not bash Christians who are members of the Democratic Party.

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That has nothing todo with Christians being active in politics inorder to make life better.
Yes Christians in politics should work together, but to work together they also have to agree on the means and the methods, which isn't always possible.

Tolworth John said:

I was repling to "The church’s unique, God-given purpose does NOT lie in political activism. " and showing that a lot of the Christian concern for others does mean that Christians have to be politicaly active.
We are told to pray about what concerns us and to pray for our needs.
As to how prayer works, I don't know, but are you going to be obedient and pray or disobedient and not pray?

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Well I can agree about our position does not lie in politics, however it does still play a role to some degree. As for praying, no point in praying for somethings that cannot be changed. I mean I do pray for the country, but I also accept its not going get better from here.