People Before Politics

PEOPLE PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS 8/18/2024 The Challenge: Faith before politics For some of you, you don’t see any conflict between your faith and your politics. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32 NIV They all are and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Matthew 15:37 NIV It Can’t Be: Bible First, Politics second Or Jesus First, Political party second Jesus didn’t come to take sides. He came to TAKE over. To get this right we have to do what Jesus did, People first, Politics second We can disagree on what’s best for people, but we can’t disagree that what’s best for people is what’s best. Jesus tell us what’s best? Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:37-38 NIV And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:39-40 NIV Here is what is true, so we need to just accept it: Your behavior makes perfect sense to you. Everybody’s behavior makes perfect sense to him or her. Your political views make sense to you. Everybody’s political views make sense to him or her. When you don’t know how someone could believe what they believe, or support who they support it is because there is something you don’t know. To keep your faith in front of your politics: Be a Student not a Critic. Jesus followers should be the most confident, curious, composed, compassionate people in the room. Four Questions To Avoid Election Infection: 1. What led you to hold that view? 2. Have you always held this view? 3. Have you met him? Her? OH. 4. I get most of my information from the media. How about you? People before politics brings influence and opportunity. Talk About It 1. What biblical principles should guide a Christian's decision when voting in a presidential election? 2. How should a Christian balance their civic duty to vote with their ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom? 3. How can Christians engage in political discourse during presidential elections in a way that reflects Christ's love and humility? 4. What role should prayer play in a Christian's approach to participating in presidential elections?