Light & Life Magazine

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Free to Be Politically Active

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ello, I’m Jason, and I’m addicted to politics.

Peek into the window of the Archer home on debate or election nights, and you’ll see me watching hours of coverage and analysis. I digest CNN, MSNBC, Fox and, for fun, “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Why do I pay such close attention? As a citizen, I want to make careful and prayerful decisions on leadership at the local, state and federal levels. I avoid shortsighted decisions based on just one issue.

Involvement in politics is part of our DNA as Free Methodists. One of the key issues of our founding was freedom for all people. We took a stand on slavery. Our founders were involved and informed in the political arena.

On Page 8, Howard A. Snyder discusses how

B.T. Roberts grafted political activity into early Free Methodism. Now more than ever, the church needs to be engaged in the political process. It’s important to listen, pray and participate.

All Free Methodists are not on the same side of the political spectrum, but Jesus was neither a Democrat nor a Republican. Regardless of our political affiliations, we’re called as “God’s people [to] live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

How are you participating in politics? Join the conversation at Archer i Jason Executive Director facebook.com/fmcusa and of Free Methodist Communications fmcusa.org. [LLM]

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read more about faith and politics at llcomm.org 1] Do you use QR codes?

Scan this box with your smartphone to read more articles on this issue’s theme.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” — John 1:4

LLM LIGHT & LIFE MAGAZINE

Developing Earnest Christians Since 1868

3] Justice Delayed

Managing Editor Lead Designer Writer/Photographer Copy Editor Art Director Project Manager Web Architect Publisher

Sherri Langton considers Jesus’ parable of

Spanish Translation

a widow’s courtroom drama.

Ezequiel Alvarez Janeth Bustamante Joe Castillo Jennifer Flores Guillermo Flores

2] More Discipleship David Swanson continues the Discipleship series on praying for government.

Have Your Say Vote for future magazine topics at fmcusa.org/llmsurvey.

Jeff Finley Erin Eckberg Michael Metts Dawn McIlvain Stahl Andrea Anibal Julie Innes Peter Shackelford Jason Archer Joel Guzman Carmen Hosea Karen Kabandama Samuel Lopez Rodrigo Lozano, Coordinator

To receive Light & Life in Spanish please contact our office: (800) 342-5531 or jeff.finley@fmcusa.org.

Website: www.llcomm.org Email us: www.llcomm.org/staff News and submissions: jeff.finley@fmcusa.org Advertising: ben.weesies@fmcusa.org Address all correspondence to: Light & Life Magazine, 770 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46214 (317) 244-3660 LLM: Light & Life Magazine (ISSN 0024-3299) was established in 1868 by the Free Methodist Church. Published monthly by Light & Life Communications. © 2011 Free Methodist Church - USA, 770 N. High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46214. Views expressed in articles do not necessarily represent the official position of the Free Methodist Church. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations, no portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version unless otherwise indicated.

Whole No. 5239, Vol. 145, No. 5 Printed in U.S.A. Member: Evangelical Press Association, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster, send address changes to: Light & Life Magazine, 770 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46214

BY MATTHEW HANSEN

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n this election year, how can we “seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) without neglecting to “seek the

peace and prosperity of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7)?

How do we engage government without lusting after power that may

cause us to promote our own will or territory at the expense of others?

How do we pursue positions of leadership without putting our uuu

3 [feature] desire for self-advancement, selfpromotion and self-protection before the leading of the Holy Spirit?

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Church-State History In pondering these questions, let’s consider the church’s complicated relationship with government: l

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3 3–312 A.D. The church experiences marginalization and persecution as an alternative society within the greater Roman Empire.

3 12 A.D. The church gains partnership and power with the government when Roman Emperor Constantine becomes a Christian.

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1 095–1272 The church becomes more of a military empire than the church of the Gospels. Instead of being persecuted, the church persecutes during the Crusades.

1 534 The Church of England is ruled by the king of England.

1 776 The United States of America declares itself an independent nation of 13 states recognizing the Creator but having no government-sponsored church.

1 828 Andrew Jackson becomes the first “common man” elected to the presidency. The era of Jacksonian

My heart’s desire is that the church would be a set-apart society that lives out love, mercy, grace, justice and truth in the midst of the “empire” and for the sake of it.

democracy leads to the United States becoming the most powerful nation as its leaders weave Christian morals and freedom together with power and greed.

Some church and government leaders begin returning favors for the sake of self-promotion and selfprotection.

History tells us our European predecessors’ mix of government and Christianity didn’t go well for the host countries or the church. Although the United States does not have a marriage of church and state that produces an official church, the U.S. church-state relationship could be compared to a civil union.

Biblical Issues In today’s political environment, Christians face issues that may seem like hot topics. As Christians, it is our responsibility to be like the Bereans, who did not take Paul at face value but did their research to see if what he said was true (Acts 17:11). How much more diligent should we be in using Scripture to question what we know from the media? It’s important to compare your thoughts on an issue

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to the views of Scripture, church history and even the perspective of people who think differently than you.

As we examine these issues, we may discover our value systems are in alignment with the kingdom of God, but consideration of some issues may reveal we have competing allegiances (Matthew 6:24).

Does our voting record show we believe every unborn child is a human being made in the image of God (Psalm 139:14–16; Jeremiah 1:5)?

Does it indicate we are empathetic to those who are poor or seek refuge (Matthew 7:12)? Although many of us are avid pro-lifers for those between conception and birth, do we stay pro-life for those trying to escape cycles of poverty, exploitation, violence and unethical governments? Do we see immigrants as “illegal” before we see them as people (Genesis 12:1, Exodus 22:21 and 23:9)?

Do we vote for candidates promoting stewardship of resources or individualistic interests (Leviticus 19:9–10; Deuteronomy 15:4–5 and 24:19–22; Proverbs 14:31, 22:7

and 28:15; Isaiah 58:7–9; Amos 5:11; Acts 2:44–45 and 4:34–35)?

Do we vote for candidates who favor responsible finances or debt (Psalm 37:21, Romans 13:7–8)?

How does Scripture line up with our views of war and violence (Isaiah 2:4, Matthew 5:39–44 and 26:52, Romans 12:19–21)?

Kingdom values may leave us at odds with all political parties. If a Christian’s goal is allegiance to a particular political party, he or she may have the impossible task of attempting to serve two different masters.

Although I cannot tell you for whom to vote, I can tell you not to reduce your involvement in these issues to a political vote alone.

Rest, Pray, Live As we move closer to Nov. 6, we can rest in God. I wish I could say, “If you simply vote for such-and-such candidate, all will be well with the world.” There are two problems with that: history and sinful nature.

No matter for whom you vote, make sure you have done your home-

work. Even if your preferred candidate is elected, he or she may break promises or make decisions that do not line up with kingdom values. The good news is man cannot thwart the plans of God. At the end of the day, God’s will moves forward. You can rest in the reality that all of history is in God’s hands (Daniel 2:21, Psalm 75:7, Job 42:2).

Pray for our leaders. One of the elements separating Christians from the rest of the world is the way we react to those in authority over us.

Although we absolutely should disobey our authorities if they require us to disobey the Scriptures, we should still do our best to respect them (Hebrews 13:17, I Timothy 2:1–2, 1 Peter 2:13–14).

It’s easy to cast a vote and walk away. It’s much more difficult to deeply live out our votes in our daily lives. If we vote against abortion, for example, we may need to adopt a child or walk with a young mother through her pregnancy and use our resources to take care of her.

5 [feature] Loving Our Nation I love this great nation. Because I love it, I will be honest about its history, prejudice and violence as well as its successes, advancements and opportunities. While trying to expose our nation’s problems, we should not be silent about the good that runs through its history.

I love the kingdom of God even more than I love this country, and my allegiance is to it above all. My heart’s

www.fmfoundation.org

desire is that the church would be a set-apart society that lives out love, mercy, grace, justice and truth in the midst of the “empire” and for the sake of it.

Because we love this country so much, we owe it to the United States to live out the values of the kingdom of God distinctly. As you go to the polls this November, I pray grace and peace on you and on this nation. [LLM]

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Matthew Hansen is co-founder of Restore Communities (restorecommunities.org), teaching pastor at Austin New Church (austinnewchurch.com) and director of justice for the River Conference (theriverconference.org).

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Why I Lost My Mind

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ere’s a no-brainer: Religion and politics don’t mix. I’ve heard that my whole life from all sorts of people.

I must have lost my mind, because I reject that maxim. I firmly assert they do mix, at least for the mind made new by the Spirit of Jesus.

First, because Jesus is Lord, who He is, what He does and how He does it relates to every sphere of reality. Jesus’ universal lordship has to do with everything concerning how people govern or are governed.

Second, the lordship of Jesus and His kingdom are central to the gospel. The best news ever is that Jesus rules — in the United States, Iran and everywhere else.

Those who understand who is really in charge have special responsibilities both to the One in charge and to all the others who don’t yet know. This is the subversive element in Paul’s naming Jesus’ followers “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20). They represent their nation just as all ambassadors do, but their nation and King claim the whole world.

Third, the story of God consistently positions God’s people in places of influence and power. Think about Joseph, Esther and Christ-followers through the ages (some of them martyrs). Their witness proved so telling because it engaged the powers who controlled public life.

Fourth, the commands to love and the Great Commission require political witness and action. Love that does not address injustice is not love, and injustice cannot be addressed in a political vacuum. The good news — that the Lord saves us from the worst evil for the best good — challenges profoundly the social systems and power arrangements that govern our lives. Those systems often oppose what the gospel would accomplish. Therefore, gospel telling and living will necessarily result in political action.

Fifth, we have specific commands that also lead to political action. If we are light, we will shine in dark places — not by accident but on purpose. Dispelling darkness doesn’t happen without political consequence.

We are commanded to submit to governing authorities and to engage in other ways with the social and political arenas. Even isolation and intentional nonparticipation are forms of political action, which, on occasion, Christ-followers have used powerfully. [LLM]

Love that does not address injustice is not love, and injustice cannot be addressed in a political vacuum.

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Bishop David Kendall To read more from Bishop Kendall, visit fmcusa.org/ davidkendall.

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S C RI P T U R E : John 17:14–16 Mark 12:13–17 Romans 13:1–7 Matthew 16:18 Matthew 28:18–20 2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Timothy 4:16 Romans 12:1–2 2 Corinthians 10:5 Ephesians 6:12 John 13:34–35 Colossians 4:5–6 Acts 2:36–40 Acts 4:12–13 Acts 5:12–16

Politics Alone Not the Answer

BY JOE WICKMAN

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avigating the Christian’s role in politics can lead us into turbulent waters.

If we lose sight of our first priority, we will careen into frustration and irrelevance. However, the church holds an unrivaled opportunity to chart a course to durable change in a desperate world.

Christians find themselves at odds with the world (John 17:14–16). Aghast at the obvious ills of our current culture, we can be tempted to rectify the shortcomings of society solely through political means.

God uses governments and expects us to respect them (Mark 12:13–17; Romans 13:1–7). If legislation alone were the solution, however, the Mosaic law would be sufficient for us. God’s change agent in the world is and will continue to be the church, which is charged with a singular focus (Matthew 16:18; 28:18–20). The deep transformation Christ offers (2 Corinthians 5:17), multiplied in the hearts of many, will precede and accompany any sweeping cultural change.

Belief paves the way for action, which in turn shapes our world. This is why Paul advises, “Watch your life and doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Our willful submission to God’s Word initiates a process of transformation of our minds (Romans 12:1–2). Scrutinizing every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5), we become useful and productive for God’s purposes in our homes, cities and nation.

As God’s change agents, ambassadors to a broken world, we must never forget: l People are not the enemy (Ephesians 6:12). l We are to be known by our love (John 13:34–35). l We must “make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5–6).

Transformed people making godly decisions impact the world daily. Sinful people, made alive in Jesus Christ, have a history of turning the world upside down (Acts 2:36–40; 4:12–13; 5:12–16). [LLM]

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B.T. Roberts: Political, Not Partisan

BY HOWARD A. SNYDER

B.T.

Roberts, one of the founders of the Free Methodist Church, was sometimes political as he tried to seek first God’s kingdom.

Roberts modeled a politics of civic virtue in which Christians are responsible citizens whose main civic concern is what benefits the whole society.

He was especially concerned with how laws and policies affect the poor.

Roberts warned Christians not to get “swallowed up in the partisan” and unwittingly “exaggerate facts that favor [their] position, and suppress those that militate against it” — thus suffering “a serious loss of candor and simplicity.”

Though a busy man — college administrator, editor, publisher, denominational general superintendent and part-time farmer — Roberts kept up-to-date on current events. We see this in his book “First Lessons on Money” and the New York Farmers’ Alliance group he founded to protect farmers’ rights. The National Farmers’ Alliance — a movement that shaped U.S. political developments in the late 1880s — was modeled on Roberts’ advocacy group.

Colleague Joseph Terrill noted that Roberts “was not a party man. He was not a Republican,” though many assumed he was. “He was a Democrat as to the tariff question, but not on some other questions.” Sometimes he split his ticket between Democrats, Republicans and Prohibitionists.

Roberts’ founding of the Farmers’ Alliance reveals that he took strategic initiative when necessary. It shows that he believed that relatively modest efforts can have long-range impact at a strategic time. Roberts saw direct political involvement as a proper expression of Christian discipleship. He had no problem cooperating with nonChristians or political organizations to achieve political ends.

Roberts’ overriding concern was justice. His work for farmers’ rights in the 1870s was consistent with his support for the abolition of slavery earlier and for women’s rights.

Roberts was always concerned with those who were poor and oppressed — socially, politically, economically and spiritually. [LLM]

Roberts saw direct political involvement as a proper expression of Christian discipleship.

To read B.T. Roberts’ “First Lessons on Money,” visit fmcusa.org/ btroberts-writings

roberts

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candidate

BY MICHAEL J. METTS

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hile growing up in Indianapolis, Michael Scott never expected to run for office.

Although his alcoholic father was not a positive spiritual influence, Scott experienced Christ early in life when neighbors invited him to vacation Bible school.

Scott married his wife, Daywyn, at 17. He immediately began working full-time and started developing unhealthy life habits. In 1986, Scott experienced a transformation. uuu

[action] 10 “I was following in the same pattern as my father, where I would get off work and get a 12-pack [of beer], and when it was done, I would go to bed,” Scott said. “That was pretty much a nightly habit.”

One night, after his third or fourth beer, he sat in his living room bottlefeeding his infant son.

“The image came to me that this was what I was going to pass on to my son,” Scott said. “I went in and told my wife that we needed to make some changes.”

Scott and his family began attending West Morris Street FMC. Today, his faith provides inspiration for his Indiana House candidacy.

When he read “Populist Saints: B. T. and Ellen Roberts and the First Free Methodists” by Howard A. Snyder, Scott was impressed by B.T. Roberts’ willingness to stand for the oppressed of his time. He appreciated how Roberts fought for issues like the freedom of slaves and fair wages for farmers.

Photo by Michael J. Metts

Getting Involved Scott, an electrician, decided to take action and seek the Republican nomination for state representative of Indiana’s 91st District.

“I believe that people can sit back and not do anything and complain all they want, but if they really want someone who is going to be working for them, then they need to be the ones getting involved,” he said.

Scott sees parallels between the challenges of B.T. Roberts’ time and our own.

“When I look at studies today, they say that the American worker is the most productive they have ever been in history,” he said. Yet the people Scott talks to “are not making expenses.”

Servant Leadership Scott believes many lawmakers don’t listen to the people they represent.

“I think the world we live in has the wrong view of government,” he said.

“We need people in office who are willing to get to know the people they are serving, and then they need to be real servants of those people.”

Scott hopes his lack of political experience will be an asset.

“I feel like I’m not a gifted speaker,” he said. “But maybe that’s what we need to get rid of and get more of the people that feel like this is the position they’re being led in instead of being somesomething they can make a liv-

ing at.”

If [people] really want someone who is going to be working for them, then they need to be the ones getting involved.

As the May 8 primary approaches, Scott focuses on having conversations with district residents.

“As Christians, we need to get to know our neighbors,” Scott said. “If I don’t know my neighbor, then how can I know what their need is?” [LLM]

To watch Michael Scott discuss his path to political involvement, visit llcomm. org/?p=8521

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Teen Interns Contribute to Urban Ministries

BY KATHY CALLAHAN-HOWELL

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he Free Methodist Urban Fellowship (FMUF) offers scholarships for summer internships that connect Free Methodist churches serving U.S. cities with students who desire to serve and develop as urban leaders.

The internships are made possible by institutional and church memberships in the FMUF. Three young people helped their Free Methodist churches minister with the assistance of funding from the fellowship last year.

Crossroads FMC of Clifton, N.J., hired Danny DeLaCruz as its summer intern. He was tasked with starting a youth ministry. He established Friday meetings called The CITYouth, which average 20 teenagers. Several of the teens have started attending church services regularly for the first time.

“Thank you a great deal for your investment in Danny and in the ministry of Crossroads FMC,” Pastor Willie Kirchhofer said to the FMUF. “Your investment and prayers have returned great dividends.”

Kelsey Lehman served the Lansing

(Mich.) Central FMC and Eve’s Angels, a ministry to women in the sex industry.

Lehman also worked alongside the church to assist Nepali refugees and helped revamp the church’s benevolence program.

“Many may assess a church Jordan Payne served as a volunteer at Winton Community Church in by what they Cincinnati, Ohio. believe it will do serve this church on a weekly basis, for them, but many times, the better assisting with a children’s group, assessment to make is how many helping with Sunday evening programopportunities a church offers them ming and serving the children during to serve those within and around it,” morning worship.

Lehman said.

FMUF members hope to sponWinton Community FMC in Cincinsor additional interns this summer. nati, Ohio, used its funding to support Churches and institutions can join Jordan Payne, who worked with the the fellowship for an annual memberchurch’s summer children’s program. ship fee of $100, which supports the The day camp provided alternative activities including tutoring and sports. intern stipends. For information, visit bit.ly/fmurban. [LLM] Payne, like DeLaCruz, continues to

[news] 12 BOYER TO LEAD FM YOUTH MINISTRY Chelsea, Mich.

Bishop Matthew Thomas recently announced the appointment of Jason Boyer as the new FM:InFuse core leader. Boyer, a member of the FM:InFuse leadership team and the youth pastor of Chelsea (Mich.) FMC, replaces Mike Wilson as the leader of the denominational effort to equip youth pastors and volunteer leaders.

Wilson is focusing on graduate education.

BOA MEMBER AGEL RECEIVES FBI AWARD Washington, D.C.

FBI Director Robert Mueller honored Susan Agel, a member of the Free Methodist Church – USA Board of Administration, during a March ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Agel was selected for the Director’s Community Leadership Award by her area FBI field office because of her work as president of Positive Tomorrows in Oklahoma City.

ELLIS HONORED FOR SERVICE St. Petersburg, Fla.

Free Methodist leaders honored Ray Ellis (right), the director of the Church Consulting Network, for Ellis’ more than 50 years of service to the denomination. The recognition came on March 7 as Ellis led a two-day training event at Cornerstone Community FMC in St. Petersburg, Fla., on “Best Practices to Turn Around Plateaued or Declining Churches.”

TIM TEBOW’S MOM TO SPEAK FOR DEACONESS Oklahoma City

Pam Tebow, the mother of superstar NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, will bring her pro-life message to the Angels of Destiny luncheon Sept. 20 at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services. To reserve your ticket or to sponsor the luncheon, visit deaconessadoption.org/aod.

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The Rest of the Story Want to find indepth stories of remarkable Free Methodists?

Visit fmcusa.org.

We want to hear from you!

Tell us what your church is doing to impact lives in the United States and around the world.

Submit your story at fmcusa.org/ yourstory.

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Meet Japan’s New Bishop

BY JEFF FINLEY

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ishop Jun-ichi Hatano is new to the role of bishop of the Free Methodist Church – Japan, but he’s already a well-known leader among the nation’s more than 2,300 Free Methodists.

Hatano, 58, has served in various leadership posts, including vice bishop and superintendent. His service has included the presidency of Kishinosato FMC’s nursery school, which serves 225 children from 180 homes.

His father, Motoi Hatano, served as bishop from 1984 to 1992.

The Japanese General Conference elected Hatano in February to fill the bishop position previously held by Bishop Emeritus Hiromichi Oshima, whose term expired.

In an email interview with LLM, Hatano noted Free Methodism is not new to Japan.

“In 1896, one Japanese youth from Greenville College (Masazi Kakihara) came back and planted the seeds of the gospel. Those seeds grew,” Hatano wrote.

Although the number of Japanese Free Methodists is small compared to the nation’s population of 128 million, denomination members are influential among the nation’s evangelical Christians. The new bishop would like the church to extend its influence among people who do not yet know Christ.

“Especially pray for church growth and raising the people who devote themselves for the church ministries,” he wrote.

Hatano hopes young Free Methodists will expand the church’s reach.

“As the Christians in Japan occupy less than 1 percent

Bishop Jun-ichi Hatano

of its population, please pray especially for youth ministry,” wrote Hatano, who hopes God will “raise those youths who dedicate themselves to Christ.”

Hatano is focusing on the rest of the world too.

“FMC – Japan continues to think how we could contribute to the world FM ministries,” he wrote.

Japan is still recovering from the aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Hatano said the damage caused “by the crash of the nuclear power plant is still vast and severe to many people in that area.”

The majority of Free Methodists do not reside where the most severe damage occurred, Hatano said, but the church continues to send work teams to the disaster area and to assist seven affected families. [LLM]

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Pray for Our Government

BY DAVID SWANSON

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have heard it said that if you choose not to vote, then you give up your right to complain about government.

The same could be said for Christians who choose not to pray for our government. We have an audience with an all-powerful God. Yet, many of us spend more hours discussing, petitioning and complaining about government than we do praying for it.

In 1 Timothy 2:1–4, Paul urges that “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” He continues to specify that we should pray “for kings and all those in authority.” Why should we Paul gives us an do this? Paul answers: “that example of how we are we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and to respect and pray for holiness.” He continues to those in authority even encourage prayer for leaders when we do not agree by saying, “This is good, and with them. pleases God our Savior.”

In Romans 13:1, Paul notes “there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Paul wrote that scripture to people in Rome, where he was imprisoned and, according to tradition, killed during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Nero. Paul gives us an example of how we are to respect and pray for those in authority even when we do not agree with them.

When you become distraught or grieved over a political leader, policy or issue, take time to pray. We serve a God who listens and promises to answer us (John 16:23). [LLM]

David Swanson is the president of If My People 2012 (ifmypeople2012.org), a nonpartisan call to prayer for the United States.

GROUP DISCUSSION: [1] Why should we pray for our government?

[2] For which areas should we pray?

[3] How can we incorporate more prayer into our lives?

Did you know there are three more discipleship articles on our website?

They’re perfect for use in your small group or as a weekly supplement to individual study.

LLM

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[resources] “LEFT, RIGHT & CHRIST” Two evangelicals share their views from opposite sides of the political divide: bit.ly/leftrightchrist.

“THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE” White House aide Timothy Goeglein resigns in disgrace and finds restoration: bit.ly/goeglein.

Christian authors provide multiple perspectives about how to live out faith in the political arena. Here are several.

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“HIJACKED” Asbury Theological Seminary’s Charles Gutenson and others warn against partisanship: bit.ly/gutenson.

ELECTION MADNESS In Christianity Today, Amy E. Black tells how to be political without losing your soul: bit.ly/ctelection.

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