I have been praying for clarity and comfort in this crazy election season. John Piper, author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis has this to say about the election. See also this outline...
Outline:
- Womanhood
- Race
- Abortion
- Prophetic perspective
- Sovereignty of God
- Gospel
4 comments:
That was very good.
I disagree with his comments about Sarah Palin...for sure. And I would be thrilled to have a black president if he had a shred of integrity and a history of positive affiliations and upstanding decisions in his political past. Of course, I know God is in control...He could've chosen whomever he wanted to win...but it all comes back to free will, and I believe the American people are to blame for this. We have been given so many red flags (Khalidi, Ayers, Wright, Farrakhan, ACORN, voting records, him being named THE MOST LIBERAL senator EVER in America...just to name a few) and people have brushed them to the side without true contemplation. He has misled people by his so-called charisma, and I truly believe the people who voted for him...especially Christians, are naive and are blinded by his talk of "change", and didn't study the real issues at hand. I am fully aware that this life is fleeting, and I'm thankful that I will be in Heaven to live eternally in a non-political, peaceful world...but for now, this IS where I live, this IS important to me, and it DOES make a difference as to how my life will be played out. I have three people in my immediate family who are in the military...I can't even believe that Obama is their commander-in-chief...and I fear for their safety, as well as the rest of the troops. While I get John Piper's point in saying "Press on towards the cause of Christ, and let the political chips fall where they may", I cannot say that I am not affected at all by this new development. As Christians, we are allowed to be angry at certain things in our lives. Ephesians 4:26 says "Be angry and do not sin.", and I'm angry.
Christina,
I can understand why you might initially be turned off by John Piper's view on womanhood, but he really does bring up an interesting issue. It's not to say that Sarah isn't capable of being in that office- but is it really the BEST for her and her family? Tough one. JP has written a great deal about this topic.
In fact, he has 2 books- One called "Biblical Manhood" and one called "Biblical Womanhood". In it, JP highlights some interesting points in history- his claim would be that in the bible, women were only in national leadership roles when the country was so corrupt that no God-fearing man was suitable to lead. I don't think he would go so far as to say that women should not WORK outside of the home, but being VP is quite different than most jobs. I think they are worth a look even if you disagree with some points.
I also understand why you would be upset about the election results, but I think that JP's main message is to help us refocus our identity in Christ. As American citizens, it is our right and duty to be aware, educated and some of us, even involved in the political system. BUT, to live in a state of fear for the future is wrong. It's natural to fear it and be worried about "what's going to happen now"...I remember the night Bill Clinton was elected. I kid you not- I thought we were going to be raptured THAT NIGHT thanks to my mom. As we all know, that presidency has only been a part of the pie. Your fears for the military are completely understandable, but I would encourage you to hold past and pray for their protection...A republican presidency does not equal safety...even if we side with them on more issues...(which is hard because the abortion one IS a big deal...)
I know that Randy would argue that Bush himself has had a huge hand in setting things up for the awaited "end times", and I think he's right. It's hard not to look at people as "good" or "bad", but when we get bogged down by our anger or fears, we need to Trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding- acknowledge Him and He will make our paths straight. We can't look to America or a president to do this for us, which is unfortunately, the view that many of us have taken as American Christians.
If we are upset or angry- let's be angry at SIN which is the root of our problem to begin with. I'm not saying I love Obama, I'm not saying I won't be watching how this unfolds with quiet fears...but I confess that I need that healthy dose of God's sovereignty as JP reminds us. Not to use His sovereignty as a "Get out of jail Free" card and not think/care about our country, but to remember that God's will is done in all things. It's difficult to grasp that, but what an amazing comfort as well...
As far as frustration about other Christians and their voting philosophies...this is tough. Frankly, it's a bit embarrassing to me when you see and hear people in the media making statements about why or why not they are voting for someone, and it's so obvious they aren't informed and have their own personal biases.
All we can do is humbly pursue these hard conversations and exercise the right we do have as Americans- the right to VOTE. Hopefully our fears and questions about how this unfolds will lead us to a closer walk and dependence on God....
I AM angry at the sin in our country. I'm disappointed in poor choices, but I know God allowed it. I know that he is sovereign, but like I said before...he gives us free will. He is not going to force anyone to make a certain decision, but rather, he places information and people in our lives so we can gain wisdom and knowledge, and then we are responsible for making educated decisions based on what we learn through our diligent studying. I am frustrated with how many people I've talked to PERSONALLY who want "change", so they voted for Obama...and they don't even know his stance on so many vital issues. My sister-in-law's mom said she doesn't believe that Obama is really for abortion because he made a profession of being a born-again Christian. That is just one example of many, where people didn't do the proper research, and that makes me disappointed. We are extremely privileged to be able to have the freedom to vote...it's truly amazing that as Americans we have a voice. But it makes me crazy that people are so naive in listening to hearsay and they don't actually do their own research. I think that to take such a huge privilege such as voting, so lightly, is wrong. That is where my frustration lies. Naivety. And I think it's OK for me to feel upset about that. II Timothy 2 talks about "contending without being contentious". As Christians, we are to defend our faith and challenge the world's thinking. I hope I didn't come across as being hateful...that is not my intention at all. I don't hate anyone who voted for Barack Obama, nor do I hate him. He has my prayer support, and I truly hope that God leads him in his presidency, for the sake of our great country. It's not like my world suddenly stopped today and I'm giving up hope on life. I am not living in a state of fear...but I am fearful of certain things, such as how the legalization of partial birth abortion is going to take away so many more lives. How cutting back the military is going to affect all of our safety, and the safety of those who will still be defending our great country. How the future appointment of Supreme Court Justices is going to affect us and the generation of our children.
President Bush is by no means perfect...he has made his share of mistakes, but what president hasn't? I don't care how much people complain about billions of "wasted" dollars being spent on national security...have we had another attack on American soil since 9/11? Bush has been made a scapegoat for some of Clinton's mistakes while he was president. Because of Clinton's leniency with leaders of other countries, and some very dangerous groups, we were set up for an attack before Bush was ever in office. I get so sick of all this Bush bashing...even though, like I said...he is not perfect.
I do not depend on any president to save our country...I know that God alone can do that if he chooses to do so. But I do believe that McCain and Palin were more God-fearing than Obama, and while I respect him due to his office, I cannot respect what he stands for. That is what makes me angry. The sinful choices he has made repeatedly, and the fact that so many people could actually vote for him with a totally clear conscience.
Looking back through history, Christians have had to cling to their beliefs and take a stand for what is right during times of persecution, and I feel that maybe God allowed this to happen to give people what they want, and ultimately, to bring them to Him. Goodness knows we will be needing our faith now more than ever. I know God already knew the results before we did...and it is His will.
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