Talking Points: Wk 1

In today’s world, politics and religion often collide, creating a perfect storm of challenges and uncomfortableness. As Christians, we find ourselves caught in the middle, trying to balance our deep spiritual convictions with the demands of the political landscape. It’s not easy, but I want to assure you you can handle it. Remember, in John 17, Jesus prayed for you over 2,000 years ago. His prayer aligns with our topic today, as He knew we would face the kind of political battles we see today.

Let’s kick this off with a bang. If there’s one thing that’s become a primary tool in political campaigns, it’s the art of attacking opponents more than promoting platforms. Whether you’re looking at presidential candidates or other political figures, it’s clear that fear-mongering, extremism, and divisiveness are common tactics. Both candidates regardless of party are sinners, saved by grace, just like us. They have likely exaggerated, misled, and promised things they may never deliver on. Their policies may or may not align with the teachings of Jesus, and they are undoubtedly influenced by wealth, fame, and power.

But let’s take a step back and set the stage for the series. If something I say makes you uncomfortable, please attribute it to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If I say something that offends your point of view, don’t get mad instead, share your wisdom with me. I’ve been in situations where Ieave had to re-evaluate my own beliefs, like when a distant friend corrected me on a political situation I was naive about, or when a close church friend offered valuable clarification. These moments of humility and openness are vital for our growth.

So, what do we do as Christians in the midst of this current political culture? How do we vote? What policies align with Christ? How can we be faithful during this time? And how can we prepare spiritually for November and beyond? The answers might not be what you want to hear, but they are necessary for us to grapple with as followers of Christ.

Here’s what you won’t hear from me: I won’t tell you which candidate is anti-Christian or do any injustice to the Kingdom of God by equating politics with the building of God’s Kingdom. I won’t peddle fear as the world does. Instead, I will focus on peddling Jesus’ teachings and concerns. I won’t tell you how to vote Jesus might but I won’t. What I will do is encourage you in this divisive culture, bring you peace by reminding you that God is working, and charge you as individual Christians and as a local church to live out your personal and corporate faith, not through the lens of political leaders, but through discipleship of yourself, your family, and your community.

In this series, you’ll hear the boldness of faith, not fear-mongering. I don’t fear what the nation fears. I don’t fear what other Americans fear. I don’t fear that my children or grandchildren will be stolen away by those people, because I believe in the body of Christ. My hope is in Christ, not in government. I believe in a God who is bigger than political parties, policies, and nations. Political views come and go. Parties rise and disappear. Countries fall, but God will not fall. The gospel of Christ endures. It will never fall, change, or disappear. Our call to love God and one another, to serve others and remain united in the gospel, is what the church cannot afford to let politics, fear, or division disrupt.

The question we’ll wrestle with in this series is this: Are we willing to prioritize our faith over our politics, letting our allegiance to Christ shape our political views rather than the other way around?

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, repeatedly said, ”Do not fear.” The spiritual truth is that fear divides your personal spirit. Politicians know this, so don’t be a victim of fear. We are victorious in Christ. We are not victims of the world’s culture. You’ll never hear me or any pastor at John Wesley Methodist Church tell you to be so scared of your neighbor that you don’t love them. Both sides of the political spectrum are guilty of this, and it is anti-Christian.

Jesus knew what we would face as Christians. In His last moments of life, He went to the olive grove to pray to God, His Father. What did He pray? He prayed for you. He offered wisdom in a political environment much like ours. In John 17:20-24, Jesus prays for the unity of His followers. He knew that the world would change, that the early church would be tempted to splinter, and that human nature tends toward division. He also knew that the church, built on His commandments and the image of a loving Heavenly Father, would endure through grace, hope, and love. He prayed not for unity in political thought but for unity in Him.

So, I ask again: Are we willing to prioritize our faith over our politics, letting our allegiance to Christ shape our political views rather than the other way around? This question evokes a choice. Where will our primary identity lie? As citizens of an earthly nation or as citizens of a heavenly Kingdom? Jesus calls us to unity under His reign, to live a life shaped by His teachings, a radical call to love and justice that should direct our actions and views. His teachings transcend politics, and they may feel uncomfortable and countercultural. But as we grapple with this question, we begin to align our hearts and minds with the priorities of Jesus, allowing His Kingdom to be our true guide, even in the midst of a politically charged world.

Jesus knew the survival of His church depended on unity. Political and cultural divisions can fragment that unity and hinder His work. But committing to unity in loving unconditionally, even in disagreement, shows the world something radical, something different, something life-changing.

In closing, I challenge you to pray what Jesus prayed: “Father, make us one, so that the world may know You have sent me. Pray for unity that transcends political, racial, and cultural divides. There is power in Christ to change the world.

Don’t allow temporary political systems and leaders to divide us. Unify around the foundational bricks, the eternal truths and doctrines of Christ. Don’t let fear shape your relationships or your vote. Remember, Christians unite under the reign of an eternal King who commanded us to love one another as He loved us.

Seek out opportunities to love unconditionally, especially with those who disagree with you politically. This is how we shine the light of Christ in a divided world.