Faith and Politics –An Unlikely Journey from the Church Steps to the White House

So, what should a Christian do?

What was the Political Environment During Jesus’ Time?

Between the Testaments
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Roman Governor
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Jewish King – Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great)
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Sanhedrin – High Priest Caiaphas
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Sadducees & Pharisees
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Zealots, Essenes, Herodians

Social Issues of Jesus’ Day

Messianic energy was very high
People of that time wanted a political leader like Joshua, David, or Solomon

Instead, they got Jesus

How Jesus Responded

Infinite game – largely ignored the politics

Satan offered Jesus political power, but He refused

Luke 4:5-7

Then the devil took Him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

He loved others, caring for the marginalized

Healing the sick and outcast: Matthew 8:1-3:Luke 17:11-19
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Women: John 4:7-26: John 8:1-11
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Children: Matthew 19:13-14
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The Poor: Luke: 4:18-19: Matthew 25:35-40
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Sinners and Tax Collectors: Luke 19:1-10: Matthew 9:10-13

He changed people’s perspective

The Beatitudes: Matthew 5:3-12
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Love Your Enemies: Matthew: 5:43-44
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The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37
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The Prodigal Son: Luke 15:11-32
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The Women Caught in Adultery: John 8:1-11
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Taxes to Caesar: Matthew 22:15-22
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The New Birth: John 3:3
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The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:36-40

Even in front of the Roman Governor, Pilate, Jesus didn’t engage on political issues

John 18:35-36

“Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

Jesus focused on His Kingdom

Unifying theme of Jesus ministry
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Over 100 times
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Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His Kingdom”

What started as a handful of people turned into millions of people by the end of the third century

The Constantine Effect

Constantine made Christianity “cool”
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“Cool” lead to centuries of church and state entanglement
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History demonstrates that Christians in power often goes bad
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Today Christianity is growing the fastest under oppression

This is not our kingdom

Make sure we are fighting the right battle
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A finite win may be an infinite loss

Don’t feel like we must defend Jesus, we are not asked to do that

If disciples could grow Christianity to millions in a very difficult environment by sharing their story and loving others, we can do the same

Fear Not

Help folks see the way of Jesus is better

Provide the world an alternative
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People won’t change their mind when we say they are wrong; we must change their perspective
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Choose relationships over politics

Benchmark the early Christians – Use the right weapons – Love, grace, service to others

Let the Holy Spirit do His work

Philippians 1:27 (NLT)
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.

We have the answer!!
If we do the right thing as Christians, politics will take care of themselves