How do we approach politics with a biblical worldview? As a church, we want to equip you with resources to faithfully follow Jesus in an ever-changing and polarized culture.
CHAPEL POINTE
Navigating Politics
CHAPEL POINTE
Articles
SPEAK SERIES
Previous Sermons
In 2020, we walked through a sermon series titled “Speak” where we explored polarized and divisive topics. Watch this message from October 2020 as Pastor Joel outlines a biblical approach to politics.
NAVIGATING POLITICS
Kingdom Prayers for Our Nation
In this season, we want to keep our eyes on the Kingdom of God above all else! We invite you to join us at one of our prayer gatherings, where we have the opportunity to pray the right way for our nation according to scripture.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Equipping FAQ
Many questions surround politics and the Bible. Here are a few common ones with answers from Chapel Pointe leadership.
As followers of Christ, what should be our attitude and our involvement with politics?
In every area of our lives we need to live under the lordship of Christ as citizens of His heavenly kingdom. We should seek the wisdom and guidance of biblical truth in determining the values and positions we should support. We should be informed on the issues of the day and engage by our vote and in ways that represent Christ in truth and grace. Our political engagement should reflect our influence as salt (deterrent to wickedness) and light (dispelling darkness).
Key Verses
Romans 14:11-12; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 5:13-16
What Biblical values inform our political views as transformed followers of Christ?
FAMILY/MARRIAGE
Genesis 2:18-25, Leviticus 18, Romans 1:24-27, 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 13:4
In Genesis 2, God created marriage as the primary human relationship and a reflection of His covenant love for His people. The family, ordained by God, is the foundational structure of society. Marriage is designed for the exclusive union of one man and one woman, with sexual activity reserved for that relationship.
PARENTAL AUTHORITY
Genesis 18:17-21; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 127:3-5, 128:1-6; Proverbs 1:8-9
In Deuteronomy 6, God assigns parents the responsibility to teach and train their children. Parents are to impart Biblical wisdom and guide their kids in truth. We should vote to protect the freedom to raise our children according to our Biblical values. Children are a gift from the Lord, and it is the parent’s duty, not the government’s, to raise them.
SANCTITY OF LIFE
Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6; Psalm 8:4-6, 139:13-16; Proverbs 6:17
All human life is sacred, created by God in His image, and holds immense value. This includes pre-born babies, the elderly, the physically or mentally challenged, and every stage of life from conception to natural death. We are called to love every human life because God loves every human life. As followers of Jesus, we must uphold this same standard, valuing all life as He does.
ISRAEL
Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:7; Exodus 20:2
Our partnership with Israel is essential, as the nation has a right to exist and defend itself against terrorism and attacks (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 122:7). Israel holds a special place in God’s heart, chosen as His treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 reminds us that God chose Israel not because of their size, but because of His love and His promise to their ancestors. He redeemed them from slavery, demonstrating His faithfulness and power.
SEXUALITY
Genesis 1:26-27, 2:18-24; Leviticus 18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:2; Hebrews 13:4
God designed marriage to be the union of one man and one woman, with sexual activity meant only for that relationship. All sexual and gender-related behavior should align with God’s unchanging design. While we are called to love and care for everyone, we must not affirm lifestyles that go against Biblical Truth, trusting God to transform us all through the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2). In our culture, sexual sin can be emphasized more than other sins, but the Bible teaches that we have all sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).
FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND SPEECH
Matthew 22:15-22; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 5:29
Jesus made a clear distinction between the role of government and the role of the Church, teaching us to give to Caesar what bears his image, meaning we should pay our taxes. We are to give to God what is His—our lives, as created in His image and called to be His followers. Our government, through the First Amendment and Bill of Rights, guarantees freedom of religion and speech. The Bible instructs us to always be prepared to make a defense for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). These principles protect our right to live out our faith freely.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Genesis 28:11-14; Deuteronomy 25:13-15; Proverbs 11:11, 22:7; Luke 14:28-30, Matthew 6:21
Scripture emphasizes that our relationship with finances are a reflection of our heart condition (Matthew 6:21), and teaches us to manage our resources wisely. In Genesis 28:11-14, God promises blessings, but we are called to be good stewards of those blessings. Deuteronomy 25:13-15 and Proverbs 11:1 stress honesty in financial dealings, warning against deceit, and advocating for fairness. Luke 14:28-30 reminds us to plan and budget carefully, ensuring that we have the means to complete what we begin, avoiding debt and mismanagement. These principles apply to government as well as individuals and family.
IMMIGRATION
Romans 13:1-7; Leviticus 19:33-34; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Zechariah 7:10
Scripture teaches that God expects us to obey the laws of the government, including immigration laws, unless those laws force us to disobey God (Acts 5:29). While entering a country unlawfully is wrong, illegal immigrants are still individuals made in God’s image, deserving of compassion and dignity. As Christians, we are called to separate our view of the illegal act from our treatment of illegal immigrants, showing love and rejecting hatred or violence.
What does the Bible say about politics?
God created man to live under His authority and to have dominion over creation. God established human government after the flood of Noah to curb the violence and evil of unrestrained sin. Human government is appointed by God as an authority to punish crime and approve of what is good. It is also to protect citizens from domestic and international threats. Citizens are to be under authority except when commanded otherwise by God. We are to pay taxes and pray for those in government. Those who govern will be held ultimately accountable to God for ruling with justice and righteousness.
Key Verses
Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6; Psalm 8:4-6; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 5:29; Daniel 3:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Should Christians vote for a particular party or candidate?
We need to pray for God’s wisdom, be informed about the issues of the day, and seek biblical truth to make the best decision. Voting is a stewardship of our freedom and a way to have our voice heard in the public arena. Focusing not on the personality of the candidate but on their policies and qualifications should determine our vote. Most of the time you will not find a candidate that represents all of our values and contours of our biblical worldview. Because politics are downstream of culture, the stream can be muddy with swirling and competing perspectives. We vote for the candidate that represents the best option and comes closest to our values.
Key Verses
James 1:5-8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 55:8-11; Romans 12:1-2
Why is there so much division in our country today?
Politics has often been a source of conflict in our culture from the beginning of our national history. Conflicting world views result in difficulty in finding shared values or agreements on public policy. The lack of honesty and truth by politicians, spins by news outlets, and distortions on social media create more division than unity. The anger, fear, pride, and sin of mankind cause people to villainize others and weaponize positions. The public debate becomes more about attacking a person or another point of view than respectfully disagreeing while presenting a constructive alternative. As believers in Christ, we need to represent Christ in His grace and truth, wisdom, and respect for others.
Key Verses
John 1:14; Ephesians 4:25-32; Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19-20; Galatians 5:22-23; Micah 6:8
How can I engage in politics without compromising my faith?
Christ demonstrated that both government and the church were ordained by God, each serving in a specific realm. The example of Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah show that it is possible to serve in government without compromise. We can also do so through our vote, influence, and involvement. Because mankind is sinful, the need for a government with a balance of powers and accountability is essential. This was the reason the framers of our Constitution established the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The ideal government will not arrive until Jesus returns and sets up His righteous kingdom. Until then, we will vote for the candidate who will do the most good and the least harm.
Key Verses
Genesis 41; Nehemiah 1-3; Daniel 1-3, 6; Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-16; Matthew 6:10, 33; Psalm1 46:3
Further questions? Connect with us.
Do you have further questions about the Bible and politics? We would love to connect with you. Please give us a call at 616-662-8801 or email us at [email protected].
QUESTIONS?
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