Civil Government is a gift from God, subject to God's rule and used for his purpose.

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Romans 13:1

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

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1 Peter 2:13-14

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or the governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Why would churches/Christians want to have influence in government?

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Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is safety. - Proverbs 11:14

So do you want those counselors to be: people of faith or not?

A government official is, "God's servant for your good." - Romans 13:4

How can they do that effectively, if no one is allowed to tell them what they believe and God expects from them?

Government officials are sent to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. - 1 Peter 2:14

If Christians are compelled to hold our government leaders morally accountable and base their record of voting on God's moral laws; does that mean Christians should force our government officials to be Christians?

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While the bible does not support excluding religion from government, it also doesn't force Christians to expect all government officials to be Christians.  Jesus refused to compel people to believe in him.

Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?  ...but he turned and rebuked them. - Luke  9:55

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The bible makes it clear that true faith must be voluntary and should not be compelled by fire from heaven or civil governments.  Complete freedom of religion should be the first principle advocated and defended by Christians who seek to influence government.

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Does the bible teach anything about how people should vote?

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Civil governments are set up by God to punish evil and reward good, protect lives, especially preborn children.

The ten commandments are the basis for "common law".

Marriage is between a man and a woman.

Some type of democracy is preferred, because a democracy values individual over government.  

The bible proves that God values each individual.

Governments do make a difference to the work of God's kingdom.  This is why Paul urged that prayers be made ...for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. - 1 Timothy 2:2

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Should pastors preach about political questions?

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Pastors will differ in the degree of detail they are led to teach on such areas as, abortion, euthanasia, care for the poor, military and national defense, care for the environment, and the nature of marriage.  The important thing is that pastors are standing on God's word to deliver their opinions to the congregation.

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Christians have significant influence when voting in an election.  All citizens old enough to vote have a responsibility before God to know what God expects of civil government and what kind of moral and legal standards He wants governments to follow.  Christian citizens can learn what kind of government God is seeking by the churches teaching about government and politics from the bible.

The Great Commission

Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

We should seek good laws to protect:

• Preborn children

• Marriages and families

• Children from corrupt influences in the classroom

In a healthy church, there will be members with different gifts and influences, but still called to be one body.

Many members with a variety of gifts, but still one body. - 1 Cornrithians 12:4

Members of a church that can have an influence in government may work in some of these areas;

• Government

• Business world

• Educational system

• Entertainment/media

• Marriage/family

If the pastor, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and small group leaders are not instructing these government officials, who are making critical decisions about our community in godly matters, who will?

Will we leave it up to CNN, Fox, and other Media networks to lecture us on morality in America?

Without Christian influence, government will have no clear moral compass. 

Consider the areas we now face that need clear moral ideals;

• ​War

• Same sex marriage

• Abortion

• Pornography

• Poverty

• Care of the environment

• Capital Punishment

• Education

• Moral Standards

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If Christians do speak publicly about these moral and ethical issues facing our nation, who will?  Where will people learn about ethics?  Where will our nation learn how to tell right from wrong?

Satan is everywhere and especially has a significant influence on our government.

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We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in power of the evil one. - 1 John 5:19

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Paul said these words to the Ephesian church; Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. - Acts 20:26-27

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BE ABLE TO SAY WITH CONFIDENCE THIS IS WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT.

BE ABLE TO SAY WITH CONFIDENCE THIS IS WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT MORAL STANDARDS FOR HUMAN CONDUCT.

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