You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. (1 John 4:4-6)NIV

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2004

Answers

If I comprehend your post, you're pointing out that those who speak from God's viewpoint will understand politics correctly. Others won't listen because they've been deceived.

Right?

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2004

Dearest RP,

I'm thinking more of why do we Christians trouble ourselves with the cares and ragings of the governments and politics of this world? What have we to do with them or them with us? Isn't the government the seat of all that is worldly? Doesn't Mammon rules there? Isn't the politics of this nation and of the world at cross purposes with those of God? Are we not separate?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.(Eph 6:12)NIV

Sincerely, In Love, In Christ, Yours Truly,

-- Anonymous, February 20, 2004

Truth! Politics absolutely takes a distant second to the Gospel. I can serve the Lord regardless of who sits on earth's thrones.

At the same time our faith instills a set of values, and we vote according to them. We watch the news with Spirit eyes, and live Holy Spirit driven lives. Part of that involves voting our values.

So I agree that we shouldn't become too wrapped up in politics. They certainly aren't the answer to earth's problems - Jesus is! But as we vote our values the political landscape will naturally change, as will the business landscape, the educational landscape, the cultural landscape...

We are salt and light in a dark world. Wherever we are an impact wil be felt.

Blessings!

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2004

Brother Harris,

You have raised an interesting question. Christian people should get involved in politics. I am amazed by some Christian folk like the Jehovah's Witness denomination and others who say that don't vote in elections or serve in the military.

Well, it is because of those Christians and non-Christians who have fought and died in the military that you have that choice. We would be speaking German if the alllies hadn't won World War II.

On another note, the spiritual battle between God and satan is playing itself out in the physical realm. Look at what's happening in San Francisco. You have a state law which states that marriage is between a man and a woman. You have a mayor of the city supporting the granting of marriage licenses to same sex individuals. You have a judge in that city which rejected restraining orders to stop the granting of marriage licenses to those same sex individuals. I am certain that some of the lawyers on this board could explain how the "rule of law" allows the granting of licenses to these individuals. However, to me, this seems like open defiance of the law of the state. Clearly, San Francisco does not have a majority of Christians in their city or maybe they decided to remain silent. I also heard that there are 80 million evangelical Christians in this nation. They are clearly not voting consistently as a bloc also.

Surely, these events that are happening in this country are clearly signs of a spirtual war playing itself out in a physical realm. Absolutely, Christians need to get involved in politics.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2004

I too agree that we need to keep our fingers on the political pulse. Two reasons: One, this country and its legal system was based Scripture and Biblical concepts. We are entwined with the politics whether we like it or not.

The 2nd reason is so we recognize Satan when he comes in the guise of an angel. For this, I offer a link to an article published out here in Los Angeles. The subject of the article is a well-known figure to the A.M.E. Church. The subject was quoted as saying "Any black person what doesn't vote for me is an Uncle Tom". When you see the article, you will see just who the Uncle Tom really is...

http://www.laweekly.com/ink/04/13/news-ireland.php

Now I personally like the man's sermons, but I don't like and won't stand for his politics.

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2004

Thank you Rev. Harper for this information. One hour ago, I was just wondering where this man got his money to run for President. I just knew it wasn't from Black folk.

Jazzman

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2004

Good article. Makes sense to me!

-- Anonymous, February 23, 2004

I tend to agree with Ron though. As Jesus did, we (the church) ought to be very aware of what is going on in the political world, but I think we have to remain apart from it, otherwise we lose our objectivity. If I become so entrenched and enamored with a political party, I tend to overlook that which needs to be changed and begin to rationalize wrong doing. Remaining apart from the political fray allows one to stand back and assess a situation and offer constructive criticism to Democarts, Green Party Independents, Republicans, etc. On all sides of the political spectrum people are so twisted and warped they confuse a party and its leadership with God, never realizing that God is much bigger and not at the behest of a leader, party or country. Nationalism is becoming a religion.

Thank you Rev. Harper for the link. As for Al Sharpton, I am not suprised he sold out. Which one of the presidential candidates, as well as the current president and vice-president have not sold out? All are owing to business. Kerry criticised Bush when he himself accepts money from business as well. The problem is the American public has given in to political rhetoric and has never addressed the real issues affecting this country or the solutions. Politicians offer quick fixes never trying to eliminate the base of the problem.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2004

Brothers and Sisters,

Who would regard it a stretch to suggest that the body politic is the very face of evil in this world? That by its law, its wealth, its lust for worldly power, its lies, its deceit, its practice and its policies, that it isn't the engine that powers the folly of men? How can those who would be holy bare even to look upon it? We must needs be mindful of our interaction with this beast. Surely it would be our folly to expect the beast to accede to a Christian agenda? If anything, we should with eager anticipation, look to the day of its undoing.

For the LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled), for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan, for all the towering mountains and all the high hills, for every lofty tower and every fortified wall, for every trading ship and every stately vessel. The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled;the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear. Men will flee to caves in the rocks and to holes in the ground from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty,when he rises to shake the earth. In that day men will throw away to the rodents and bats their idols of silver and idols of gold,which they made to worship. They will flee to caverns in the rocks and to the overhanging crags from dread of the LORD and the splendor of his majesty, when he rises to shake the earth. Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he? (Isa 2:12-22)NIV

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2004

The Book of Revelation speaks of the Beast coming out of the water (hudor), which means, people and politics.......It is not a stretch at all.....

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2004