There’s been a lot of recent news about elections all over Facebook, which is my primary source of information.  This may explain why I’m pathetically unaware of what’s going on in the world but am an expert on what Instagram filter is best for pictures of fancy dinners.  (Always go with Nashville.  You can’t go wrong.)
Politics is a touchy subject for many of us.  It arouses our passions and emotions, and draws sharp dividing lines between people with differing opinions.  I remember one argument I got into with one of my best friends because he was a single-issue voter which I found to be silly.  (Note that this argument happened many years ago and do not reflect my current views.  If you’re curious, my views now largely revolve around indifference.)
I don’t believe in using the pulpit to encourage one’s political leanings.  Trying to persuade a certain voting outcome under the subtext of faith seems irresponsible to me.  That doesn’t mean that the church should avoid issues that involve politics – we should be a standard bearer and truth proclaimer when it comes to issues of morality, compassion, charity, social goodwill, etc.  Granted, not everyone may agree with what the Bible says, which is our rights as free Americans and free-thinking human beings designed in the image of God.  However, this does not mean that God does not have a specific desire and agenda for the way our lives should be, and to ignore His word and truth is a very dangerous game.
That said, while I am encouraged by the desire, especially in our younger generation, of our society to vote and try to shape the landscape of our country with the power of voting, as Christians, ultimately, our power does not lie in our ability to mobilize a strong voting turnout or politic for certain government representatives.  Rather, the power to change our country, our society, and our world comes from getting on our knees in prayer.
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  Paul’s desire is first and foremost for all of us to pray.  And the purpose of these prayers – of praying for our leaders to make godly decisions, of praying for policy changes that are in favor of God’s commands, of praying for God-fearing men and women to be placed in positions of leadership – is ultimately to save people.  It’s not to live in a land where I can pay less taxes so I can have a more comfortable life for my family.  It’s not to live in a land where I have the freedom to do whatever I want because TEAM AMERICA!  It’s to save people to Christ.
The truth is, there is a lot that I would like changed in America (and the world).  There is a great need to vote and try to protect our society from… really ourselves.  But rather than proudly wearing, “I voted!” stickers once every couple of years, I would rather our church simply pray every day for the leaders of our municipalities, counties, states, and country.  I’d like to see what a bloc of praying Christians can do to change a nation rather than a huge voting turnout.  This is the way our God works.  And frankly, at the end of the day, I’m pretty sure God’s party, which isn’t Blue or Red, is going to win. 

From Pastor David’s Heart
November 9, 2014

When we engage others with our Christian faith, speaking from the heart says more than the words we use. By that I mean when we share our personal experience with God there is a sincerity present within the content of our words that speaks of an unconditional love and grace that can only come from God. I’m convinced no theological debate or head knowledge of God will ever witness more effectively than that. Two recent occasions I’ve had illustrate my point.
I was recently sitting in court waiting for my case to be called and so I happened to be reading a bible passage. Another attorney sitting beside me, whom I am not necessarily personal friends with but have known over the years, noticed and asked me what I was reading. So I told him I was reading the bible (NIV translation).
So this guy then asks me what translation of the bible I was reading so I told him. And even though we were having what I thought was a polite conversation he proceeds to make a sarcastic dismissive remark about that particular bible translation. Now, I’m aware of the debate over whether the new 2011 NIV translation has taken too many liberties in order to make the Bible more inclusive. (I happened to be reading the 1984 NIV version but that’s beside the point). But this fellow Christian chose to not only dismiss that new NIV translation outright, but also any of those who choose to read that particular translation. He also proceeded to espouse at length his conservative political/religious views and how society was basically going to hell in a hand basket but for his efforts to protect God and the USA. Regardless of his religious and political ideology I couldn’t really perceive any love for the Lord that Scripture speaks of that I would’ve hoped he might have gained from his efforts. He was more inclined to draw lines in the sand over bible translations to further his own agenda rather than use actual Scripture to draw himself and others closer to the Lord.
I know we have congregation members who are attempting to reach out to their non-Christian family members or friends. Non-Christians often times want to debate God on an intellectual level where God must appeal to their sense of human logic before they believe or have faith in Christ. Sometimes a person is trying to reach out to his or her respective non-Christian spouse or family member and the conversation gets bogged down in argumentative debate about the Bible or the hypocrisy of other Christians behaving badly. My suggestion to them has been that they should simply speak from their heart when it comes to sharing their faith. Yes, Scripture is important for us to know and understand. We should strive to understand through Scripture how God wants to have communion with us through prayer and worship, for example, and to know what God did for us and now through us because of Christ. However, our interaction must begin first with how Christ Jesus has transformed our lives from a life of sin and darkness to a new life in light and hope. This is the Gospel message others will see in us. That we are sinful but forgiven. That we can love others unconditionally just as we are unconditionally loved by God. This is the undeniable Gospel message that disarms all hostilities and renders all intellectual debate as pointless rambling.
I’m a professional arguer by trade and I may know a thing or two about the Bible at this point. But I can honestly say when it comes to sharing my Faith with others, no amount of theological debate or self-righteous superiority ever instilled a love for the Lord in anyone. When we live a life in Christ filled with grace and mercy, as challenging as that might be at times, others will see and take notice. Amen to that God willing.

From Pastor Mark’s Heart
November 2, 2014