How Do We Save Our Nation?
The question of how to save our nation is one that has echoed throughout history. It’s a question that stirs deep emotions and opinions from all sides, and the answer often depends on where you’re sitting. Whether you see the nation as broken or in need of a specific type of fixing, one thing is clear: we’re not united on what the solution should be. There’s no shortage of opinions or political agendas claiming to have the answer, but in reality, the question itself is multi-faceted and complex.
When we look at the current political landscape, it’s easy to point fingers. Some might say the Democrats are corrupt, delusional, or extreme. Others might claim the Republicans are uncaring, elitist, or out of touch. Both sides often exaggerate, attacking one another in a never-ending cycle that leaves many feeling disillusioned. Even the media, which is supposed to be a source of unbiased information, has been accused of fear-mongering and bias.
So, how do we even begin to save our nation?
This is not just a political question; it’s a spiritual one, too. The church cannot avoid engaging in the conversation about the state of our nation. As followers of Christ, we are called to do more than just observe from the sidelines; we are called to act. But the way we act must align with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who lived out a radically different kind of kingdom—the Kingdom of God.
The Christian Response
So how do we save our nation? The Bible offers guidance. In Galatians 6:2-3, we are called to “share each other’s burdens” and, in doing so, obey the law of Christ. Verse 3 reminds us not to think of ourselves as too important to help others: “You are not that important.” This is a powerful call to humility and service. It’s not about elevating ourselves, our parties, or our political platforms. It’s about carrying the burdens of others, even those who don’t see the world the way we do.
Andy Stanley once said, “When we choose to carry somebody’s burden, what divides us diminishes and what unites us surfaces.” This perspective can radically transform how we engage with the world. Instead of being caught up in the endless bickering and divisiveness of the political arena, what if we focused on carrying each other’s burdens? What if we concerned ourselves more with what others are struggling with, rather than trying to impose our solutions on them?
Loving others in this way is how we fulfill the law of Christ. Jesus gave us a new commandment: to love others as He loved us—selflessly and sacrificially. This love transcends all political platforms, social issues, and personal agendas. It is the foundation of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that is not built on power, control, or human wisdom, but on grace, forgiveness, and radical love.
Faith and Politics: A Kingdom Platform
Our faith should inform how we engage politically, but it should not be reduced to a mere political platform. The Christian’s “platform” is not found in a political party but in the Kingdom of God. And that kingdom looks very different from the kingdoms of this world. Jesus, the King of Kings, did not come to establish a political regime. He came to introduce God’s kingdom—a kingdom that operates with upside-down values: where the last shall be first, where power is used to serve others, and where love overcomes hate.
This is not to say that the kingdoms of this world, including our nation, will adopt the values of God’s kingdom in full. History shows us that the world often rejects the values of the Kingdom of God, much like the Roman Empire rejected the early Christian movement. The early Christians were seen as a threat to the social order because they lived out radical love and equality. The Roman Empire could not comprehend how slaves and masters, Jews and Gentiles, men and women could worship together as equals. That kind of unity was dangerous.
Similarly, when Christians today embody the platform of God’s kingdom, we should not be surprised if we face resistance or persecution. The values of the Kingdom of God often clash with the values of the world. But as Christians, our allegiance is not to any earthly kingdom or political power. Our loyalty is to the Kingdom of God and to Jesus Christ, whose kingdom transcends all other kingdoms.
The Power of the Gospel
Romans 1:16 reminds us that the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Our hope is not in perfect politicians or political policies. It is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The mission of the church is to introduce the world to the good news of grace, love, equality, tolerance, and forgiveness. That’s the kingdom platform we are called to represent.
Even when we are faced with imperfect systems, corrupt leaders, and a broken political landscape, we must remember that Jesus didn’t come to take sides—He came to take over. His gospel message transformed the world, not through political power, but through the power of love, sacrifice, and truth.
As we engage in the political and cultural conversations of our day, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are citizens of heaven first. Empires rise and fall. Political issues and policies will come and go. But the kingdom of God endures forever. Our ultimate responsibility is to steward that kingdom well and to cast our vote for Jesus in all that we do.
The question of how to save our nation is one that has echoed throughout history. It’s a question that stirs deep emotions and opinions from all sides, and the answer often depends on where you’re sitting. Whether you see the nation as broken or in need of a specific type of fixing, one thing is clear: we’re not united on what the solution should be. There’s no shortage of opinions or political agendas claiming to have the answer, but in reality, the question itself is multi-faceted and complex.
When we look at the current political landscape, it’s easy to point fingers. Some might say the Democrats are corrupt, delusional, or extreme. Others might claim the Republicans are uncaring, elitist, or out of touch. Both sides often exaggerate, attacking one another in a never-ending cycle that leaves many feeling disillusioned. Even the media, which is supposed to be a source of unbiased information, has been accused of fear-mongering and bias.
So, how do we even begin to save our nation?
This is not just a political question; it’s a spiritual one, too. The church cannot avoid engaging in the conversation about the state of our nation. As followers of Christ, we are called to do more than just observe from the sidelines; we are called to act. But the way we act must align with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who lived out a radically different kind of kingdom—the Kingdom of God.
The Christian Response
So how do we save our nation? The Bible offers guidance. In Galatians 6:2-3, we are called to “share each other’s burdens” and, in doing so, obey the law of Christ. Verse 3 reminds us not to think of ourselves as too important to help others: “You are not that important.” This is a powerful call to humility and service. It’s not about elevating ourselves, our parties, or our political platforms. It’s about carrying the burdens of others, even those who don’t see the world the way we do.
Andy Stanley once said, “When we choose to carry somebody’s burden, what divides us diminishes and what unites us surfaces.” This perspective can radically transform how we engage with the world. Instead of being caught up in the endless bickering and divisiveness of the political arena, what if we focused on carrying each other’s burdens? What if we concerned ourselves more with what others are struggling with, rather than trying to impose our solutions on them?
Loving others in this way is how we fulfill the law of Christ. Jesus gave us a new commandment: to love others as He loved us—selflessly and sacrificially. This love transcends all political platforms, social issues, and personal agendas. It is the foundation of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that is not built on power, control, or human wisdom, but on grace, forgiveness, and radical love.
Faith and Politics: A Kingdom Platform
Our faith should inform how we engage politically, but it should not be reduced to a mere political platform. The Christian’s “platform” is not found in a political party but in the Kingdom of God. And that kingdom looks very different from the kingdoms of this world. Jesus, the King of Kings, did not come to establish a political regime. He came to introduce God’s kingdom—a kingdom that operates with upside-down values: where the last shall be first, where power is used to serve others, and where love overcomes hate.
This is not to say that the kingdoms of this world, including our nation, will adopt the values of God’s kingdom in full. History shows us that the world often rejects the values of the Kingdom of God, much like the Roman Empire rejected the early Christian movement. The early Christians were seen as a threat to the social order because they lived out radical love and equality. The Roman Empire could not comprehend how slaves and masters, Jews and Gentiles, men and women could worship together as equals. That kind of unity was dangerous.
Similarly, when Christians today embody the platform of God’s kingdom, we should not be surprised if we face resistance or persecution. The values of the Kingdom of God often clash with the values of the world. But as Christians, our allegiance is not to any earthly kingdom or political power. Our loyalty is to the Kingdom of God and to Jesus Christ, whose kingdom transcends all other kingdoms.
The Power of the Gospel
Romans 1:16 reminds us that the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Our hope is not in perfect politicians or political policies. It is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The mission of the church is to introduce the world to the good news of grace, love, equality, tolerance, and forgiveness. That’s the kingdom platform we are called to represent.
Even when we are faced with imperfect systems, corrupt leaders, and a broken political landscape, we must remember that Jesus didn’t come to take sides—He came to take over. His gospel message transformed the world, not through political power, but through the power of love, sacrifice, and truth.
As we engage in the political and cultural conversations of our day, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are citizens of heaven first. Empires rise and fall. Political issues and policies will come and go. But the kingdom of God endures forever. Our ultimate responsibility is to steward that kingdom well and to cast our vote for Jesus in all that we do.
CONNECT GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. What does it mean to you personally to “share each other’s burdens,” and how can this principle apply to the current political landscape?
2. In what ways does the Kingdom of God challenge the values and systems of the world, and how can we embody those kingdom values in our communities?
3. How do you reconcile your political beliefs with the command to love others as Christ loved us, especially when those others hold opposing views?
4. How does the early church’s experience of persecution and cultural rejection mirror the challenges Christians face today? What can we learn from their response?
5. What practical steps can we take to focus more on the Kingdom of God in our daily lives and less on the divisive nature of politics?
2. In what ways does the Kingdom of God challenge the values and systems of the world, and how can we embody those kingdom values in our communities?
3. How do you reconcile your political beliefs with the command to love others as Christ loved us, especially when those others hold opposing views?
4. How does the early church’s experience of persecution and cultural rejection mirror the challenges Christians face today? What can we learn from their response?
5. What practical steps can we take to focus more on the Kingdom of God in our daily lives and less on the divisive nature of politics?
Posted in Sermon Outline
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