Question #1: If Obama does become president, how does that fare with your opinion that rulers of a country are God ordained. Will your conscience allow you to follow, respect him and agree that he is the right man?
Although God ordains all that comes to pass, He often times gives people over to their sin and desires (Romans 1). Since many in this country are increasingly buying into the lie that government has the ability to provide prosperity for all, it is possible that Obama may be elected. This in no way means that he or his policies are best for America and that everyone should roll over and support everything he proposes. The Bible in no way teaches such folly. For example: God also ordained that Hitler would come to power in Germany for His (God’s) own purposes. This does not mean he caused Hitler to come to power, but that he allowed it to happen. We know the rest of the story. One day God will restore planet earth with his redeemed people in the eternal state (Romans 8 & Revelation). Until that happens the earth will never be without troubles, strife, and political upheaval. The following Scripture passages give an indication of this truth:
The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet
their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away
(Psalm 90:10).
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what
is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please
(Isaiah 46:10).
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of
the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not
willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the
creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the
freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole
creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
(Romans 8:19-22)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33).
Question #2: Will your conscience allow you to follow, respect him and agree that he is the right man?
Unless Obama changes his political philosophy by about 180 degrees, I will not follow, respect or agree that he is the right man. I will continue to proclaim and promote capitalism and conservatism as the best system for America. This will probably put me in opposition to Obama on nearly everything. We are called to pray for our leaders and if he is elected, I will pray that God will change his views on many things such as his support for the murder of innocents through abortion in general and partial birth abortion in particular.
While no system is perfect, I am convinced that the free enterprise system provides the most freedom, opportunity, and prosperity than any kind of socialistic government system. All government systems have a tendency to become corrupt and that is why the Christians that founded the United States implemented a constitution that has three equal branches of government to provide checks and balances against corruption. Unfortunately, we have seen the judicial branch overstep it's role and much unauthorized (by the constitution) policy is being implemented against the will of the people as a result.
It is a perversion of the teachings of Jesus to assert that he taught left wing socialist political principles. For a government to confiscate wealth from achievers to redistribute it to non-achievers is not a teaching of Jesus or the Bible. As a matter of fact it violates the commandment that says “thou shalt not steal.” Jesus taught that Christian disciples have a personal responsibility to help the poor, downtrodden, etc. through voluntary giving and action, not by a coercive government. This does not mean government should not provide a safety net, but as Ronald Regan said, “government should not provide a hammock.”
I am working on and will do a post on that subject very soon.
Sweet Jazzy Cat
2 comments:
Thanks Jazzycat for doing this post. I find it extremely interesting.
Please do not think I am being rude now. I am genuinely confused. It seems that if you like the president, then he is ordained by God and if you don't, then God must change his mind to fit in with yours? Is this right?
Jesus the left-wing activist: well, he was very active, he did flout the rules and he did suggest rich people gave their money to the poor and follow him. Also he did say 'Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar and to God that which is God's'.
That statement sounds as though we felt that God and the State were apart.
I do find all this very difficult. I see Jesus as a bit of a radical who got up the noses of those in authority. Well, obviously he did, or they wouldn't have crucified Him.
Pontious Pilate gave the order because he was frightened that there would be an uprising against Rome and the Jews wanted him out of the way because they said he claimed to be the Messiah, which in their eyes was blasphemous. Thus he alienated himself from the Jewish authorities, and turning over the Temple tables didn't do much in his favour either. This all sounds a little left wing to me.
I am not just arguing for the sake of it. We believe the same basics. It's just a question of how each individual interprets scripture. A good discussion can so help a confused mind see things in perspective, and I feel by writing down my feelings and thoughts, I get to understand more how I feel and think.
Loren,
You said....It seems that if you like the president, then he is ordained by God and if you don't, then God must change his mind to fit in with yours? Is this right?
I am disappointed in this question. Please re-read as I answered this rather thoroughly and with Biblical proof.
I will go ahead and post my next post on your comment about Bishop Tutu's statement. This will further clarify the person and work of Christ.....
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