Socialism is becoming more accepted in our society. Proponents of it are more open in advocating for it and it holds less of a stigma than it once did. However, there is still a large percentage of people that reject this political and economic philosophy – many of these are religious people. Those who promote socialism, if they want it to gain popular support, must find a way to convince these individuals of the alleged virtues of the system.
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August 30, 2011
Does the Bible Promote Socialism?
October 12, 2010
Why Christians Should Vote
[An important set of elections is taking place in three weeks. As we still have the opportunity to vote in this country, it is important that we cast our votes primarily as Christians, rather than Republicans, Democrats, or Independents. I encourage you to consider the Biblical teachings addressed in this article by Tim Haile. He also has a PDF version available on his website if you are interested. Read this article, consider the passages, and pray for our leaders — both the current ones and those that may soon be elected. -Andy]
Democratically elected representatives and officials make decisions that have a tremendous impact upon our lives. They have the power to pass laws, impose rules, regulations and taxes and appoint judges. Their decisions can either shape civil government after the divine model that is revealed in Scripture (Romans 13:1-10), or they can shape it after the model of the “sea beast” and the “great whore” of the Apocalypse – an intrusive, abusive and invasive government that was both anti-God and anti-man (Revelation 13, 17, 18). Considering how much power politicians have to affect our lives, either for the better or for the worse, it behooves us to do all that we can to elect honorable ones. In a democracy, the voting booth is where one makes his strongest statement.
September 21, 2010
Government: A Minister of God, or of Satan?
Christians live in the world, but are not of the world (Romans 12:2). We are part of a kingdom that is spiritual and eternal (John 18:36; Daniel 2:44). Yet while here on the earth, we live under the rule of civil authorities. How are we, as Christians, to view these leaders?
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August 15, 2010
Controversy Over Same-Sex “Marriage”
With the recent court rulings in California over same-sex marriage, this debate has once again come to the forefront of our society. Whenever a political or social hot topic overlaps into matters of spiritual consequence, Christians can find great opportunities to talk with others about the Scriptures. With this issue in mind, let us be reminded of a few things and be ready to teach them to others.
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August 9, 2010
Three Branches of Government
The U.S. Constitution specifies three separate branches that make up our government: legislative, executive, and judicial. These branches of government are not unique to the United States. Every government will carry out these functions in one way or another.
When it comes to the rule of God, His government performs the same legislative, executive, and judicial functions. Isaiah wrote, “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22). We live under a different covenant today than the Israelites did at the time of this writing. They were part of God’s kingdom in the nation of Israel. We are part of Christ’s kingdom today in the church. But even today, when we examine the rule of Christ, we see that Jesus completely and sufficiently carries out the role of each branch of government in His kingdom.
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July 3, 2010
God Wants Men to Be Free
July 4, 1776, thirteen American colonies declared their independence from the British Empire. One of the fundamental reasons cited for doing this was the fact that each individual has been given freedom by God. The Declaration of Independence states that all men “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” To this day we celebrate the birth of this nation that was founded on these principles.
As we reflect upon the principles of liberty and freedom, it is important to do so from a Biblical perspective. God wants men to be free. Let us notice what the Bible says about God’s desire for our freedom.
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March 25, 2010
The Perils of a Strong National Government
The President just signed health care reform legislation that will greatly expand the power of the federal government. In this article, I do not intend to praise or condemn this new set of laws and regulations. This is not a political article at all. Instead, I want to use the Bible to address the potential impact of a powerful, centralized government on our lives as Christians.
The word of God contains warnings of the dangers that are presented by a strong national government. It also contains teachings that will help us deal with this. Currently in our country, an expanding government is a reality. Let us turn to God’s word for wisdom and instruction in dealing with this present condition.
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