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.”

To find your polling place in Texas, visit vote.gatewaypeople.com.
To find your voting place in South Carolina, visit scvotes.org.

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.
_____

See website: Gateway Church – click here.

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.

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.

3 Reasons You Should Care About Election Day (Reblog TGC)

Anne Chamberlin lives in Allen, Texas, and blogs at Tales from Shangri-La.

thegospelcoalition.org / October 28

It’s the last Tuesday in October, just one week away from Election Day. I’ve noticed in some (not all) American Christian corners a silence about issues in the political realm. This may have to do with a few possibilities: the rejection of old-school Moral Majority hypocrisy and overreach, the rejection of Obama-as-Messiah liberalism, a distaste for corrupt government and flawed candidates, some kind of notion that secular nations like ours aren’t our Christian business, or ignorance about self-rule in our country. As believers, we know that the purpose of government is not to save souls, but to “punish those who do evil and praise those who do good” (1 Pet. 2:14).

Whatever the cause of the silence, here are three reasons American Christians should be politically principled, informed, opinionated, and involved.

1. You are a ruler, and God calls kings to rule well.

There is no one king in America. You and I are kings, for we hire and fire our elected representatives. While you may not have asked for this burden, when you are an American citizen you live in country that has given its people self-rule. It follows that, as kings, Christians would seek the advice given to rulers in Scripture.

Some guidance in Scripture for rulers is direct. God has direct guidance for King Lemuel in Proverbs (Prov. 31:1–9). Lemuel is to rule soberly, justly, and fairly, looking out for those who are oppressed and those whose rights are being stolen. The proverbs have many statements about kings: they take pleasure in honesty, they appreciate skilled labor, they mete out justice.

Some guidance in Scripture is by example. The king of Ninevah (a non-Jewish king of a non-Jewish people) was a king who did well. He repents of his moral sins, and he legislates that his people repent as well, thereby saving them from destruction. Again, these were not Israelites (Jonah 3:7–10). For another example, in the New Testament Paul calls on believers to pray for rulers, that they would help us live peaceful and quiet lives, that we might be “godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1–4). It would follow that Christians would wish to rule in such a way that those prayers are answered.

2. You are a Christian, and God calls you to love well.

Christ calls us to love our neighbor. It is the second half of his summation of all the law and the prophets (Matt. 22:34–40). Christian, do you love your neighbor? If you do, you will care about the types of laws he lives under. You will care about the just, merciful, and sensible implementation of such laws, too, for these things affect your neighbor. You will keenly study and deduce the things your elected officials wish to reward and encourage, and that which they wish to punish or discourage, and you will vote accordingly. These things affect your neighbor.

You will keenly study and deduce which policies work, and which are well-intentioned yet bound to fail. They affect your neighbor, and you love her. You will weigh a flawed candidate with sensible policies that achieve good things for your country and culture—against another flawed candidate with well-intentioned but foolish or destructive policies.

You will need to think philosophically about the human condition, and weigh the two parties and their approach to legislation, and you will decide which party has more sensible and upright policies. You will need to be shrewd about propaganda, false narratives, cover-ups, and the like, and you will need to learn from history. Because you love your neighbor.

You will do this because in your city, county, state, and country the crime rate, education, educational freedom, corruption, defense, and how the international community treats your countrymen—to name a few issues—matter to your neighbors. And you love them.

Christian, you love your neighbor, even—especially—the tiniest ones. I am speaking of our neighbors in utero who deserve the right to live. May I submit that you consider these—your smallest, weakest neighbors—when you weigh candidates and legislation?

3. You have the Word, and you already know ‘it’s complicated.’

As a child of God, you hold in your hands the book that thoroughly explains the human condition. Again, whether you like it or not, to whom much is given much shall be required. By describing life, humanity, family, community, and kingdoms, the Bible is relevant to people living in every possible “-archy” and “-ism.” Its message is eminently applicable to image-bearers living in monarchies, oligarchies, aristocracies, kleptocracies, and democracies, and under fascism, communism, and socialism. It’s relevant because government is about people, and the Bible is the definitive, inerrant story of God and humanity.

And it’s yours. It’s in your hands.

The Bible teaches us about human nature and experience, how we thrive, and what brings out the best and the worst in us. It describes how true oppression looks and what true human rights and duties we ought to pursue. Of course human candidates, parties, and platforms are not perfect. Far be it from any believer to be surprised by sin, corruption, or imperfection. But somehow we still scorn and turn away from a system made up of flawed people. What did we expect? As Americans, we can turn away from brokenness in our culture, government, and systems. We can reject “those people and their government” and God’s call on us as rulers and Christians, because we cannot find the flawless candidate or party or legislation. We can hunker down in our “Christian ghetto.”

As Christians, however, we are called to turn toward our neighbors. We are called to live in this world and engage our communities and love those around us. We can do this by exercising the gift of self-rule wisely, shrewdly. As Christ’s regents, we can support sensible candidates and policies to help bring about freedom and quiet living rather than oppression, here in our little 21st-century kingdom called America.

20th Ordinary Sunday: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28 ~ “May all the nations praise you, O God.”

20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Everyone who calls on God’s name is welcome in God’s house.

God of the nations, all are invited to Your table and in Your family no one is a stranger. Satisfy the hunger of those who gather today in prayer, and mercifully extend to all the peoples on earth the joy of salvation and faith.

Grant 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.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Old testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says:

Church of All Nations Jerusalem — Church of All Nations
Jerusalem

“Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you.
_____

“I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant. I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 7 (NLT)

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.
_____

May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you.
_____

Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us.
_____

Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Letters: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 (NLT)

I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead!
_____

For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against him, God was merciful to you instead. Now they are the rebels, and God’s mercy has come to you so that they, too, will share in God’s mercy. For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 15:21-28 (NLT)

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”

But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. “Tell her to go away,” they said. “She is bothering us with all her begging.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep — the people of Israel.”

But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!”

Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

“Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was instantly healed.
__________

__________

Intercessions:

God shed Your light on us and hear our prayers:

+ That people of every nation, race, colour and religion may be united in working for justice and peace….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who follow Christ may never forget that all are welcome on God’s holy mountain….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who suffer, in mind, body or spirit, may experience Christ’s healing power….
Lord, hear us.

+ That refugees from the chaos of war and the mayhem of evil may find protection, solace and rest for body and soul….
Lord, hear us.

+ That in our daily lives, we may show love to the people from other countries who live in our midst….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who are preparing to return to school , both teachers and students, may find happiness in their endeavors and a deep faith to guide them….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those whose faith is known to God alone may come at the end of their lives to God’s holy mountain….
Lord, hear us.

+ For our brothers and sisters who have died and for those who grieve their loss – that all may be united in their heavenly home….
Lord, hear us.

Gracious God, all the nations find their help in You: teach us to trust in Your love as You grant our petitions, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

__________

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

19th Ordinary Sunday: 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33 ~ “Take courage. I am here!”

19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

Opening prayer:

Beautiful God, You revealed Yourself to Elijah as a gentle breeze and You calmed the storm on the lake. Take away our fears and give rest to our souls.

God of all power, Your sovereign word comes to us in Christ. When Your Church is in danger, make firm our trust; when Your people falter, steady our faith. Show us in Jesus Your power to save, that we may always acclaim Him as Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
__________

__________

A Reading from the Old testament: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a (NLT)

There [Elijah] came to a cave, where he spent the night.
_____

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
__________

A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13 (NLT)

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory.
_____

Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!
_____

Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
_____

Righteousness goes as a herald before him, preparing the way for his steps.
__________

There is a place of quiet rest, Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, Near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.
O Jesus, blest Redeemer, Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee, Near to the heart of God.
__________

A Reading from the Letters: Romans 9:1-5 (NLT)

With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed — cut off from Christ! — if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
__________

A Reading from the Gospels: Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

“Yes, come,” Jesus said.

Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
__________

Intercessions:

God is our helper, ever-present in our time of need: Lord hear our prayers –

+ That all who are part of the Christian family may find help and hope in praying to our gentle God….
Lord, hear us.

Iraqi Christians congratulate each other after Easter mass at Mar Youssif Chaldean Church in Baghdad on Sunday. (photo credit: AP Photo/ Karim Kadim)

+ That nations who live in mistrust of each other, especially in the Middle Easy, may learn to resolve their differences peacefully….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all who go to sea, for work or leisure, may be spared from violent storms….
Lord, hear us.

+ That those who staff lifeboats, and take part in search and rescue missions, may themselves enjoy God’s protection….
Lord, hear us.

+ That all the people of God may know Christ’s calming presence in the troubles of life, especially those who are refugees of wars and violence…. Lord, hear us.

+ That the dead, particularly those who have been lost at sea, may know the calm peace of the Father’s House….
Lord, hear us.

+ We also remember those who died recently and especially those whose anniversaries occur….
Lord, hear us.

O God, our help and our refuge, You guide Your people according to Your wisdom: accept our prayers and come to our aid, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
__________

Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Eternal Father, grant, we pray To all Marines, both night and day
The courage, honor, strength, and skill Their land to serve, Thy law fulfill
Be Thou the shield forevermore From every peril to the Corps.
__________

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

Biblical Reasons to Vote – click here to view original

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