What is the role of the Christian in politics?

Can a disciple of Christ or the church herself be involved in politics?

Some Christians think that the church has no political role to play, and the individual Christian, at most, a minuscule part. This view stems from the concept that Christ's kingdom is not of this world.

Other Christians insist that both individuals and the church have great socio-political responsibilities to improve living conditions.

Some Christians go further and claim that Christianity's main task is to work toward creating a Christian political order that will result in establishing the kingdom of God on earth.

Let us look at the example of Jesus Christ.

Jesus never referred to the type of political society to which His disciples should aspire.

He did not claim to be a socio-political reformer or crusader.

He did not enunciate any political platform. The temptations in the wilderness clearly opened up a political dimension and He resisted them.

Even though He had more than one opportunity to take over society's rule by a sort of coup d'état (e.g., the feeding of the multitude and the triumphant entry into Jerusalem), He did not choose that option.

At the same time, the teachings of Jesus are bound to have significant socio-political fallout when lived by the Christian community.

He offered good news for the poor, liberty for the oppressed, and "life in all its fullness" (John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Therefore, contemporary Christians, following the example of believers throughout the centuries, must acknowledge a social responsibility resting on their shoulders.

Christian socio-political responsibility is based on two biblical foundations.

First, the doctrine of Creation.
God created the universe and established us as the ruling stewards of this world. Stewardship entails both responsibility and accountability for the domain over which one has jurisdiction.

Second, the doctrine of humanity.
Human beings are created in the image of God. The Christian view is that men and women are not an accidental speck on the sea of life, but persons with a responsible role to play and a radiant future. This human potential gives purpose, direction, and optimism to Christians serving others in a communal setting.

Thus Commitment to Jesus Christ means commitment to all God's creation especially to mankind and commitment brings responsibility for the welfare of others.

 Paul Weresch

Your Father Would Like To Hear Your Voice

Ruth Bell Graham was the wife of evangelist Billy Graham and mother of five children. Born to missionary parents in China, Ruth faithfully supported her husband throughout his ministry, raising their children in his absences. Ruth was also a poet and author, and published a number of books. The following was written by Mrs. Graham as a devotional.

To Hear Your Voice

Any mother with a child away from home knows the longing to receive a letter, a call, even a card.

Once when out of the country, I called home to check on Mother and Daddy. After talking with Daddy for a few minutes, he said, "Here—your mother wants to say something." Because Mother's speech had been affected by a stroke, I wondered how she would do. She came on the line, her voice weak, her spirit indomitable. "I just wanted to hear your voice," she said.

I know how it is with me when the children are away. Just the sound of their voices warms and comforts me.

I wonder if God does not long at times just to hear our voices.

In prayer we are coming to almighty God, the Creator of the universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

But He is also our Father. He longs to hear from us—not only when we are asking for things, but also to tell Him we love Him and to talk over the happenings of the day, just to fellowship with our Father, who loves us.

Ruth Bell Graham said it so well. If you are having trouble with your prayer life … do not think of God as some untouchable Being. Think of Him as a Father, waiting patiently to see what His beloved child has to say. He tells you in Psalm 139:1-3 … “You may not know me, but I know everything about you. I know when you sit down and when you rise up. I am familiar with all your ways.”

He further explains … “I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.” 1 John 4:16 “And it is my desire to lavish my love on you simply because you are my child and I am your father.” 1 John 3:1

Now … does that sound like someone you can’t sit down and talk to?

So, talk to Him. After all … He may just want to hear your voice!

Larry Abele – Editorial Team

God Gives Richly

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of watching the stars on the Adriatic coast in Croatia. While watching the magnificent sky above late one night I was thinking of how wonderful this world really is.

What makes me sad is that we have not always appreciated the magnificence and beauty of all of creation around us. As believers we are convinced that everything material and immaterial has its ultimate origin in God and therefore demands our highest respect.

So what is the Christian's attitude towards the works of God to be? We have in the Old Testament and especially in the Psalms, a model for an appropriate attitude towards God's creation. There we see, again and again, expression of wonder, awe, and celebration.

The elemental power of the storms reminds the believer of the far greater power of God. The vastness and beauty of the wilderness, the majesty of towering mountains, and the surging seas turn the eyes of faith to the Lord.

Listen to the words of the psalmist in Psalm 104:24-25 “O Lord, how magnificent are your works! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your possessions - This great and wide sea, in which innumerable teeming things, living things both great and small.”

The sense of wonder generated by the creation helped to form a healthy attitude towards life in this world in the minds of believers. That attitude can be characterized as one of joy and celebration. The psalmist continues to speak to us in Psalm 111:2 “The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in then.”

While at times Christians have adopted a gloomy attitude of life in the world, recognition of God's good hand in shaping our world as a home for mankind has more often opened the way to a positive and joyful view of our present life.

Our days on earth must have significance since God has so carefully designed the stage on which we each play our part. The New Testament confirms this by stating that “GOD GIVES US RICHLY ALL THINGS TO ENJOY…” (1 Timothy 6:17).

My friend, God exists and his attitude toward us is goodness and love. Therefore, let us seek to enter into a loving relationship with God in order that we may be able to enjoy life to its fullest while rejoicing in his works and celebrating the life we have here and now.

Paul Weresch

Jesus IS Coming Again!

Christians and many non-Christians the world over believe or have heard of the Lord’s Imminent Return. We who believe know that Jesus is coming again to this world.

In the Bible book of Revelation, John states in 1:1 that it is "… the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place."

He further says in verse 3, "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."

So, the skeptic says, that was written 2000 years ago … so when is “near“? 

Moses reminded us in Psalm 90 verse 4, “For a thousand years in your (God’s) sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” The Lord sees time much differently than we do. A thousand years could be a day or even a watch (four hours).

We had better be ready because we will not hear the familiar phrase, "Fire In The Hole!" Peter told us in 2 Peter 3:10, “ … the day of the Lord will come like a thief.”

He reminded us in the same chapter, verses 3 and 4, ... in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?

So, why is he waiting so long? We are to watch for the signs and many of those are happening in this evil time on earth. Again Peter reminds us in verse 9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Mercy is being extended … that is why there is a continuation of evil in the world.

My friends, I accepted the Lord in 1993. I am so glad He did not return in 1992!

However, He could return tomorrow, or next week or in a couple years or a couple hours ... we cannot know. But, we can be ready! Believe me … it is worth it. If we accept the Lord’s gift of sacrifice for us, John again reminds us of what it will be like in Revelation 21:4 … “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Don’t wait any longer. Believe in Him. Tell Him, “Lord, I am a sinner. I know that you died to save me from those sins. I believe you did that for me, Lord. I am so sorry that you had to make that sacrifice for me. I repent of those sins and thank you for coming into my heart, Jesus.”

You say that prayer, my friend, and mean it from the bottom of your heart, then you too can look forward to the Lord’s Imminent Return.

Larry Abele, Editorial Team