04 Nov – Biblical Reasons to Vote (Re-blog Gateway Church)

Biblical Reasons to Vote – click here to view original

What can I do?

Vote! Voters shape the future of our nation. Casting your vote is a powerful way to make your voice heard and take a stand for righteousness. It’s not only one of our great American rights, it’s also our responsibility as Christians.

Biblical Reasons to Vote

The leaders we elect in this election cycle will determine our future on important issues such as:

  • The definition of marriage.
  • The right to life.
  • Government vs. private health care.
  • The national debt.
  • Our religious freedoms.

The policies and laws our leaders enact will affect our state and nation for decades to come. As Christians, we want to see public policies established that reflect biblical values. However, in order to see these policies enacted, we have to elect principled leaders. In order to see principled leaders elected, Christians must make their voice heard by voting.

But can voting really make a difference?

Absolutely! You see, it’s estimated over 60 million committed Christians live in the U.S., and only about 30 million of them vote in any given election. At the same time, every presidential election in the past 25 years has been won by less than 10 million votes. So what would happen if 30 million newly registered Christians voted in the next election? Not only would it impact the election, it could change our nation!

What can I do?

Vote! Voters shape the future of our nation. Casting your vote is a powerful way to make your voice heard and take a stand for righteousness. It’s not only one of our great American rights, it’s also our responsibility as Christians.

Together, we can elect principled leaders who will return America to its great and godly heritage as “one nation under God.”

Our Founding Fathers and Patriots on Voting

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote … he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”
Samuel Adams, 1722–1803 (The “Father of the American Revolution”)

“Should things go wrong at any time, the people will set them to rights by the peaceable exercise of their elective rights.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1743–1826 (Third President of the United States)

“The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in politics, or the Lord will curse them … God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the church will take right ground.”
Charles Finney, 1792–1875 (Evangelist and Author)

“Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
John Jay, 1745–1829 (First Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court)

“Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature.”
James Garfield, 1831–1881 (20th President of the United States)

“Voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject.”
Alexander Hamilton, 1757–1804 (Secretary of the Treasury and Author of The Federalist Papers)

Scriptures

“Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.”
Deuteronomy 1:13

“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.”
Exodus 18:21

“He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
2 Samuel 23:3

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Psalm 11:3

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
1 Timothy 2:1–2

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 33:12

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13–14, 16

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
James 2:17–18

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1

“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants.”
Leviticus 25:10 (Inscribed on the Liberty Bell)

“Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Luke 20:22–25

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Romans 13:1

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
1 Peter 2:13–14

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17

All Scripture is from the New King James Version (NKJV) © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.
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See website: Gateway Church – click here.

Morning Prayer: 04 Nov – Revelation 16:17-21 ~ plague 7 / utter destruction

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 16:17-21 (ESV) – to be read aloud

The destruction of Babylon The Nuremberg Chronicle, written in Latin by Hartmann Schedel and one of the best documented early printed books appearing in 1493.
The destruction of Babylon
The Nuremberg Chronicle, written in Latin by Hartmann Schedel and one of the best documented early printed books appearing in 1493.

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION (4:1-16:21)

The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21)

Plagues poured out (16:1-21)

Plague 7 (16:17-21)

The climax [of God’s wrath] comes with the seventh bowl. This speaks of utter destruction. It does not say that all people will be killed; they must still face Almighty God for judgement. But this bowl does mean the complete fragmentation of earthly life. (Morris, p. 194)

The seventh bowl brings the judgement of God upon Babylon, the seat of the beast’s power. The detailed statement of the judgement and fall of Babylon follows in the next two chapters (17-18). (Ladd, p. 217)

It is done (16:17-19)

The seven plagues (15:1) have run their course and the human race stands on the threshold of eternity. The loud voice is the voice of God. (Mounce, p. 303)

While the present vision sees the utter ruin of the city by an earthquake [and the nations which have given their support to the beast], all that this destruction means is described in different terms in the two chapters that follow. (Ladd, p. 218)

The cup of God’s wrath (16:19)

“God remembered great Babylon.” These are poignant words. During the short period of the reign of the Antichrist it will seem as though God has forgotten his people. Evil will seem to be the victor; no deliverance is in sight. But God does not forget. God remembers, and he will remember to give the mighty enemy of his people her just due. (Ladd, p. 218)

No longer does the kindness and patience of God (intended to lead people to repentance, Rom 2:4) restrain his righteous indignation against all who have by their own free will decided irrevocably for evil. If God were not to punish unrighteousness, the concept of a moral universe would have to be discarded. (Mounce, p. 304)
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Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

Morning Prayer: 03 Nov – Revelation 16:12-16 ~ plague 6 / stay alert

Morning Prayer

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening sentences

Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me:
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to secure me: against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices, against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

Revelation 16:12-16 (ESV) – to be read aloud

image
(a view of the Valley of Jezreel, also known as the Valley of Megiddo, or Armageddon)

The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.

And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)

And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Reflection

THE SECOND VISION (4:1-16:21)

The Seven Last Plagues (15:1-16:21)

Plagues poured out (16:1-21)

Plague 6 (16:12-16)

This bowl is different from the others in that it does not inflict a plague upon men but serves as a preparation for the final eschatological battle. (Ladd, p.212)

The Euphrates dried up (16:12)

The river Euphrates in the Old Testament is the boundary of the promised land, beyond which were hordes of heathen peoples waiting for the opportunity to invade the people of God…. The drying up of the river symbolically represents the removal of the barrier which holds back the pagan hordes.

The undefined “kings from the east” indicates John’s expectation of a confederation of kings in support of the beast to do battle with the Lamb. (Ladd, p.212-3)

Demonic spirits (16:13-14)

John sees three evil spirits coming out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet…. suggesting the persuasive and deceptive propaganda that in the last days will lead people to an unconditional commitment to the cause of evil.

John envisions that the entire structure of human opposition to the kingdom of God will come crashing down in defeat… not by the gradual turning of people to the truth but by the dramatic and sudden return of the warrior Christ. People duped by the subtle [demonically inspired] propaganda of secularism have cut themselves off from the source of truth and must bear the inevitable consequences. (Mounce, p.299)

Stay alert (16:15)

When all the forces of the beast are gathered for the last battle, the believer will enter a period of supreme crisis…. The faithful are admonished to be on the alert for this great event…. The kind of spiritual preparedness that Christ requires is the discernment that cuts through the propaganda of Satan and his henchmen (cf. 13:13-15). (Mounce, p.300-1)

For those who are awake to his coming, the return of the Lord will be no surprising, unexpected event but a glad deliverance from the tragic situation in the world in which they have found themselves. (Ladd, p.215)

Armageddon (16:16)

The cryptic nature of the reference has… defeated all attempts at a final [geographical] answer…. Wherever it takes place, Armageddon is symbolic of the final overthrow of all the forces of evil by the mighty power of God. The great conflict between God and Satan, Christ and Antichrist, good and evil, that lies behind the perplexing course of history will in the end issue in a final struggle in which God will emerge victorious and take with him all who have put their faith in him. (Mounce, p.302)
__________


__________

Canticle

Christ, as a light – illumine and guide me.
Christ, as a shield – overshadow me.
Christ under me; Christ over me; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Be in the heart of each to whom I speak; in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.
This day be within and without me, lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.
Christ as a light; Christ as a shield; Christ beside me – on my left and my right.

Blessing

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.
May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you.
May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
_____________________________________

Peanut Gallery: In September, we will begin reading through the Book of Revelation (ESV). Our purpose will be devotional, i.e. to discover the word of blessing that God has for us in these troubled times… to find hope and help for our daily lives.

This will not be a Bible Study per se: we will not attempt to unravel the “mysteries” of Revelation… that is far beyond our abilities and is not our interest here. However, so as not to get too far afield, we will rely on three study resources: primary – A Commentary on the Revelation of John (George Elton Ladd); supplemental Revelation (Leon Morris) and  The Book of Revelation (Robert H. Mounce).

The general format for Morning Prayer is adapted from the Northumbrian Community‘s Daily Office, as found in Celtic Daily Prayer (see online resources here.) On Sundays, we’ll return to the USCCB readings (see online resources here) and various liturgical resources in order to reflect the Church’s worship and concerns throughout the world. Photo illustrations and music videos, available online, are included as they illustrate or illuminate the readings. I will try to give credit and link to sources as best I can.

02 Nov, International Day of Prayer: The Persecuted Church (Voice of the Martyrs)

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church / 2014

Please visit Voice of the Martyrs / International Day of Prayer website for more resources – click here.

idop_banner

PLEASE PRAY: The most common request of persecuted Christians is “PRAY FOR US.” One of the ways we answer their request is through participation in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), which we observe on the first Sunday of each November. Our goal is simple: We want EVERY CHURCH to “Remember them that are in bonds …” on IDOP Sunday (Heb. 13:3).

Watch VOM’s IDOP videos – click here … share with your friends … and pray for the persecuted.

Liena and her family turned down offers of asylum in Western countries after civil war broke out in Syria. They knew the cost that might be required, but they chose to remain as witnesses to their Muslim neighbors and as an encouragement to other Christians.
Liena was a dedicated Christian, faithful wife and mother of two. In her prayers, she asked God to use her to reach more people. And then God asked her to make one more commitment.

Watch the dramatic testimony of Liena’s Prayer, as she struggles with the difficult decision of how much she can offer God.
You may never pray the same again.

IRAQ: PRAYER FOR IRAQ

VOM received these prayer points from a church in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, with whom VOM is partnering to help Christians in Iraq. Please join with your brothers and sisters in the Middle East to pray for the region. For security reasons, we have removed the name of the church.

  • That we would reach the community and meet its spiritual as well as physical needs.
  • That the Church would experience an unprecedented presence of the Holy Spirit throughout this crisis to change the region, country and Middle East.
  • That individuals and the Church would experience our Almighty God’s unity and power, open heavens, and rivers flowing from the Holy Spirit to give us one shared Vision.
  • That God would grant us favor in the government’s eyes, to acquire permission for establishing a school.
  • That God would send workers for his Kingdom, as many of our services and relief deliveries have been delayed due to a shortage of workers.
  • That God would grant us wisdom in handling the Internally Displaced People (IDP) projects, and strength to those who work with them directly.
  • That God would send confusion and disagreement to those in the IS group, to stop them from inflicting more violence to the region, and that their hidden cells would be uncovered by local authorities.
  • That God would save misled young people from IS and judge the leaders who are aware and yet still misleading youth with their evil desires and ideologies.
  • That all ISIS’ financial resources would be cut off.
  • That God would comfort and encourage the Yezidi people amidst their heartbreaking genocide; that the Lord would reveal Himself to them with dreams and visions; that he would burden missionaries to serve among the remaining Yezidis.
  • That God would encourage the believers who fled from Mosul, that they’d be strong in Him, be bold to witness and never lose hope in Him.
  • That God would raise up faithful leaders in the Central Government who fear God rather than men of power and use their authority for justice.
  • That God would give wisdom to the Kurdistan Regional Government, to manage the crisis, to defend the region faithfully, and that they would realize that God raised them up to serve Him at this time – that He would reveal Himself to them.
  • That the church would pray with one heart: “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, in Heaven as well as in Kurdistan.”
  • That God would send visitations to the Shi’a in central and south Iraq, to heal their hearts and release them from idolatry.

Thank you for reading this far… and for praying for persecuted Christians around the world. May God bless you.

All Souls Sunday: Isa 25: 6-9; Ps 23; Rom 6:3-9; Jn 6:37-40 ~ raised to life

+ In the name the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening prayer:

On All Saints Day and today, we remember all those who have died in Christ and have been raised with Him to eternal life.

Kind and Loving God: look upon us with tender mercy and hear our prayer. Strengthen our confidence in the resurrection of Your Son and make our hope certain that Your departed servants will also rise again with Him to their eternal home. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 25: 6-9 (NLT)

In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!

In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 23 (NLT)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
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A Reading from the Letters: Romans 6:3-9 (NLT)

All Saints Day Lodz, Poland
All Saints Day
Lodz, Poland

Have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him.
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A Reading from the Gospels: John 6:37-40 (NLT)

“Those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.”
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Intercessions:

Brothers and sisters: the Lord is our light, our ever present help. Let us come with confidence before His throne of grace –

+ For all who follow Christ – that their confidence in life after death may be strong…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our friends and family members who have died – that they may rest in the peace of Christ forever…. Lord hear us.
+ For those lost through war or violence – that the tragedy of their deaths may increase our resolve to become peacemakers…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died before their time, through accidents or suicide – that their loss may remind us of the sacredness of life…. Lord, hear us.
+ For people overcome by grief – that the power of Christ’s love may lift them up and renew their hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all our relatives and friends who have gone before us in faith, whom we remember now… and for the saints and martyrs and humble folk who have worshipped You through the ages – that they all may behold the Lord’s temple in the new and eternal Jerusalem…. Lord, hear us.

God of light, to live forever with You is our heart’s desire: hear our prayers and help us in all our needs, through Christ our Lord.
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Benediction:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen