The Goodness of God in My Singleness

It's an odd concept isn't it? Why would I think on the goodness of God in my singleness. That's hardly a good thought concept. Many times I wrestled with the idea of titling this post, The Sovereignty of God in My Singleness; and understand I do see His mighty hand working even on a daily basis. But we cannot stop at His reign over all things.

It would be a great title, a very Reformed title; but it isn't complete. You see it is one thing to be like Job and eventually bow out and say that God is God and I can't force His hand. It is an entirely different animal to say that "He does all that he pleases" (Ps 115:3) and that it is for my absolute and highest joy; that it is good for me, whatever He throws at me. This is where the rubber meets the road, where theology and worship collide. It is not at the point that I can see, defend, exegete, and believe in the total sovereignty of God that makes it good. Rather, it is at the point where that truth pushes me to worshiping the One who is totally sovereign.

And before I go any further I know full well that 2 of the 3 young women that I have dated since I graduated high school will probably read this. And can I say that I'm not writing this in anger or bitterness. I know that they love Christ just as much as I do. I know that they desire to follow Him just as much as I do. I'm not writing this to tear them down or guilt them in anyway. Both of these young women have my full respect. I have just come to full terms with the "why" I'm single, and God has used their decision-based on what I will assume is prayer- to point me to His good pleasure.

Since the end of my engagement in the early winter of 2010, God has been chipping away at the things of my heart that were killing growth into Biblical Manhood. In 2010, I can easily say that I was a little boy pretending to be a man; like the 4 year old who puts on his father's shoes, dress shirt, and tie; it just looked all sorts of sloppy and out of proportion. I was arrogant, bitter, relentless, immature, and selfish. I will own that. My pride has been killed enough to show the black marks on my resume without the fear of what anyone will think. God has used the ending of these three relationship, which meant a lot to me, for my good and holiness.

Here's what I mean. In my circle of close friends I am one of the few who is unmarried and totally single. It's me. Most of my friends have gotten married, and many in the next few years will be starting families of their own. I won't lie, it's very hard to be that guy. The guy who gets tables for one or splits the check awkwardly at a three or five person ticket. It sits on me very clearly that unless there is some sort of act of God on the heart of some semi-Presbyterian young woman, that I will leave CBC without getting married-are they even going to let me graduate like that? It's very difficult to lay in my bed by myself knowing how close I've come to having a wife. It's a struggle to sit in my quiet apartment and read or do homework or watch TV and just be ok. I've had many days where the majority of my text messages are from Twitter.

And I can finally say, I'm content with that.

Not happy, but certainly content.

See the lie that I and many people like me have been told is that "If I just get to the point where I'm ok with my being single, then God will bless me with the woman." It's pointless. I will never be ok with the fact that I'm single. I don't like it. I don't think it's sin for me to not like something. But I have found contentment. I see what God is doing in keeping me single.

I have been blessed with coming to point where I know how to steward my singleness. I'm not going to sit and just maintain it. What God has done by keeping me single is freed me to be able to make short and long term decisions about how and where I spend my time.

For instance, Thursdays are my only day off. After class, I'm done for the day. But that night i have the freedom to go to Recast and support my brothers as they bring the Word. If I wasn't single I wouldn't have that opportunity. I wouldn't get to pray for and over these men who I have come to know and love dearly. I wouldn't have the ability to stay out and talk with these guys, sometimes until three or four in the morning. I wouldn't trade a moment of marriage for missing these times. I wouldn't. I am free to be and bleed with my brothers for the eternal Kingdom; marriage will end soon enough.

I'm free to make long term ministry decisions that I would have only longed for at a distance. Though I can't give out all the details now I can say this: There is a need in many cities other than Conway to have Christ centered, culturally relevant churches that seek to equip their people and engage the lost where they're at, including my own hometown. If we neglect to go back to those places with the Gospel, we do not love them.  Six months ago I was headed to Kentucky to get my MDiv. Now I'm running headlong to a place where I'm unknown and known. I am free to make this decision because I'm not married. God has been good to keep me single and show me where He will eventually take me than for me to cling to safety and a wife at the same time.

Let me finish with this. I am content with my singleness and am dedicated to stewarding it as well as I can. But that does not mean that I am called to never get married. I want to, and I don't think it's sin for me to want to trade my single life for that of marriage. I feel as if God has kept me where I'm at for something so much better than what I can fathom. But what I know is that if that's in a life of singleness or bound to someone in marriage, God is good to bring me and sustain to this point, and I will trust Him to continue. Because the sovereignty and goodness of God are the most loving things for me, I will find my delight in Him above and beyond anything a wife or ministry can bring.

SDG

"If Anyone Loves Me, He Will Eat at Chic-fil-a" and other things Jesus never said

So right now, millions of Evangelicals are sitting down to a delicious meal of Chic-fil-a all in support of the owner's stance on the definition of marriage. This is something I think we need to really see for what it is so I'm going to simply call a spade a spade.

Millions upon millions of Evangelical Christians are, at this very eating their support of THE Christian fast food resturant. Simply because the owner openly announed his stance on gay marriage.

Am I the only one that sees how rediculous this is? Like we as the Church have to have our own thing in the culture that we can claim as "ours". We have Tebow, "our" NFL player. We have Lin "our" NBA from-out-of-nowhere star. We have our own fastfood joint, our own coffee shops, our own tv and radio stations; all because they agree with some of the same stuff we do. I could probably make an absolute fortune selling cola that tastes terrible but has John 7:37-38 on  the label.

At the same time, those millions of people are also closing down their Amazon accounts and vowing to never order from the site again because Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos gave a substantial sum of money to a Washington state gay marriage law. Can I add here that Microsoft, Starbucks, and Nike all did the same thing? Are we now going to stop going to Starbucks?

My point is this, why, as Christians do we feel as if we have to have "our sub culture" and then everyone elses. Like if Tebow tears his ACL today and never plays another down, was that Satan thwarting evangelism in the NFL? Most people would be completely devestated.

Having our own subculture is about as detrimental to the Gospel as anything else. For us to say that we will eat Chic-fil-a or stop eating Oreos segregates us from the culture. It casues this wedge of seperation to form between us and the lost person-yes I know I'm throwing just homosexuality out. I'll get right back to that in one second.

Most of the people gorging themselves on a chicken sandwhich today probably think they're being good Christians, as if God is pleased that we're eating at His favorite resturant.

Jesus never said, "If you love me you'll eat at Chic-fil-a" and John never wrote, "They went out from us because they bought things at Amazon." We're are treating these things like they're absolute Scriptural. And when those who aren't believers see this they aren't thinking, "Man they're brave." or "How great is this Jesus that they worship."

What is God more pleased with: A sandwhich in the tummy or the Gospel being proclaimed to those who need it? You see there lies the problem with us all-myself included- is that we want to believe that supporting those in our Christian subculture pleases God. That God smiles on us and pours out blessings of Chic-fil-a sauce for us to enjoy. But sadly, we've focused more on where we will or will not spen our money than on Christ and His Kingdom this week. How ironic! In an effort to support a man who has Christian values we've made an idol out of his company.

And many of you all dismiss this idea and say, "But we're standing up for the sanctity of marriage. Cathy is profamily and promarriage." Fair enough. But to be pro something you must be anti something else. I'm not saying all Christians want to beat up homosexuals, I just think we've elevated it far and above every other sin.

There is no difference between the homosexual and the 17 year old Galilean with porn on his laptop. There is no difference than a homosexual and the girl who seeks her identity in a boyfriend. Yet no businesses are coming out in support or against these things. Why is that? Was Cathy really trying to speak his mind or could this be publicity?

But the more passionate we are the less we're reaching out to evagelise the homosexuals. We would rather argue all the way from the pulpit to the voting booth than spend thirty minutes eating Oreos with an athiest and her girlfriend.

What if, and follow closely here, we made our businesses and then sold to atheists at a lower price than normal. What if we followed fair business practices and treated the homosexual like they were valuable to our society and without the target on their backs. I'm not saying we don't call sin sin.

I'm just saying that our Christian subculture is killing our chances to evangelize and it's time which we care about more. The lost or the sandwhich.

SDG

My Response to Kelso: the Sovereignty of God and Abortion

 I know that many people clicked on this blog post mainly because it involves Kelso and me. I don't blame any of you for any remarks like: "Oh God, not again." or "Who's mad at who now?" These are all quite valid. So before I tell the story of where this post is coming from I do want to make a comment on mine and Preston's interesting relationship.

Preston and I have a very love-hate relationship; it may just depened on the time of the year. We're much like Wesley and Whitefield: two men who disagree on just about everything up for discussion in Christianity, but men who recognize each other as believers. We probably disagree on the very things Whitefield and Wesley disagreed on. And while we have both taken many chances to dig the other, I may at least say that I have learned a great deal of humility and respect for those who disagree with me because of my Free Will brother. There is not a person I would rather have a night of debate or discussion with than Preston; no one else would be able to lock horns with me as well as he can.

I believe that God has brought Preston into my life as a means of sanctification on two accounts: 1. To always force me to go back to the Scriptures when I am questioned with something. 2. To strip away the notion that I need all the answers and have them, that I must speak at every turn. So while we disagree on everything, God uses these discussions to drive me back to the question that changed my life in the Winter of 2010: What do you really believe about God, Jay? That was the question that changed everything for me. What do I really believe? Not because my parents believe it. Not because I was raised around such and such doctrine. But, with all these resources at my disposal, I am now free to think and believe on my own.

Now, let me come with the current. I was laid up sick yesterday with some kind of strep-throat but technically not strep-throat bull. So as Im suffering through my fever and thirst and inability to swallow painlessly, I woke up to a question with some qualifiers from Preston. They read as follows:

How does Reformed Theology address abortion?

What happens to the soul of a fetus?

Can a regenerate person have an abortion?

Why would God predestine something so tragic?

I asked if I could spend some time studying and praying and getting over my sickness before I answered him. I responded to him privately, but with his permission was able to post my response here as well for your benefit.

Preston,

From what I can tell you asked a question and then gave me three deeper questions to answer. So I'd like to start with question 2 then use my responses to answer question 1.

What happens to the soul of a fetus? Simply put, I'm not sure. What happens to the soul of anyone when they die?-because we would both say that a fetus is a person from conception- They go on to an eternal state be that Heaven if they are a believer or Hell if they are not. But the unborn are quite unique. They have had no time to hear the Gospel, no one can preach to them.

So what happens to them? I think the most common and perhaps absurd way we can answer that is to say anything like this: "Well, they haven't reached the age of accountability yet, so they just go to Heaven." Away with such a heresy. And yes this I will call heresy, because this denies that we are sinful from conception.

 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
  and in sin did my mother conceive me.
(Psalm 51:5 ESV)

I think this is the most clear verse in Scripture that throws out an age of accountability. It's like adding to the Gospel, Jesus or die and a really young age, both are ways to Heaven. I don't think this rides well with the Gospel.

What I do think there is room for is this: That the Spirit could breathe spiritual life in to (some or all I cannot say for certain) those infants who die prematurely if it's by abortion or by miscarriage or whatever. I pull that from this:

 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
(Luke 1:39-44 ESV)

Obviously neither infants were normal people, Jesus being the most unique; but surely John was like any normal person in that he too was sinful. But when Jesus arrives John leaps for joy. Was John regenerated in the womb? I think the text gives some weight for that and I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility. So to answer that out: I'm unsure, there's potential for some or all to be saved, but that's only that they come to faith in Jesus Christ by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, not just because they are young. I think to say that there is an age of accountability is merely a way to make those who have lost children at a young age feel better, rather than to push them to trust in what God has decreed is for their good (Romans 8:28)

3. "Can a regenerate person have an abortion?"

This one confused me a bit which means I have to handle both potential questions. I'm not sure if you're asking "Is a Christian allowed to get an abortion" or "Is it possible for a Christian to get an abortion."

 First off, I think that just about anything is within the realm of potential, especially when dealing with people and sin. So is it possible for a Christian to get an abortion? Yes it is. In the same way it's possible for a believer to have sex outside of marriage. Sad as it is, I think it happens. We being weak sinful creatures are prone to fault. In the same way I believe David was a regenerated man, but yet he was responsible for the death of Bathsheba 's husband.

On the other hand if you are asking should a Christian have an abortion as birth control, then I would say absolutely not. It goes completely against what Scripture says about the Human life and how precious it really is.

This is something that I'm not sure how I would respond to this as a Pastor, hopefully that the Covenant Community would surround that person, and be preventive of it actually happening but then love them back into restoration if something were to occur. I could not ostracize them from the church community. That person needs tremendous amounts of grace not rejection.

Now after reading a couple of your recent posts I understand what you could also be asking is "Can a Christian support those who favor abortions in the political realm.?" I would say no, there is a strong disconnect there. But at the same time, I'm not easy to draw party lines at all. I don't think all Democrats smoke pot, kill babies, burn the Constitution, and enjoy gay marriage. That doesn't seem like a fair picture. It's the equivalent of saying all Republicans are rich, snooty, scotch sipping, oil drilling, gun shooting, gay bashing rednecks. It's the same stereotype. Im against stereotyping in the realm of politics.

4. "Why would God predestine something so tragic?"

 This is something I have wrestled with for a couple of years now. It was just recently that God gave me something that can satisfy my craving.

I don't know. I really don't have to know.

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.
(Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV)

God has not revealed to us why he has allowed abortion to continue. Sinful people follow their sinful desires, and they reap upon themselves destruction. But as for why a holy God has allowed for the destruction of unborn human life, I dare not speak what His unknown motives are.

But this I can say for sure

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

(Colossians 1:15-16 ESV)

All things are created for the glorification of Christ. No matter what they are. I cannot say how abortion, as vile and tragic as it is brings glory to Jesus. But the Father has purposed that all things, through the cross or by Hell, bring glory to Jesus. I know this may seem like a cop-out, but I feel safer trusting God who is righteous than to come up with an answer on my own.

 So then, what is the Reformed position on abortion? Of course I am not the global spokesman for all the Reformers, but I can at least give you my position. Abortion is a vile and tragic sin. There is nothing good or pleasing to God in the act of killing an unborn child. But I believe that soon it will be eradicated, that is my prayer. And we will see, either later in life or in glory the purpose God had for allowing it to be.

Two quotes to sum that up

"...for the fetus, though enclosed in the womb of its mother, is already a human being, and it is almost a monstrous crime to rob it of the life which it has not yet begun to enjoy. If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, because a man's house is his place of most secure refuge, it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a fetus in the womb before it has come to light." Calvin

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
(Romans 11:33-36 ESV)

In Defense of Myself or Why I'm Reformed

I know what you're thinking. "Ah, there it is! Here is the Calvinism! I knew it was coming; the name of the blog totally gave it away. Here's the Calvinism coming out!" And I'm going to be honest with you....kinda. I'm not going to really be defending any part of Reformed theology; at least not here. (more on that in a minute) Rather, I'm going to defend why my doctrine is what it is.

I believe Scripture. All of it. Period. I love it. It is my highest authority that I can touch and see right now. So when I'm labeled as "Reformed" or "Calvinist", I don't neccessarily take offense to that; but understand I follow Scripture; and what it says is what I beleive. When I'm having any discussion, my position is from Scripture. All of it. Period. I'll be really honest, it doesn't matter what Piper says, or what Washer says, or what Adrian Rogers said, or what Calvin said, or what Luther said. I'm not interested in the "What saith Calvin?" Rather, my convictions come from "Thus saith the Lord"

So may it never be said that I'm a Calvinist because I follow Calvin. Who is Calvin? Calvin did not purchase my justification. That is Christ. Calvin did not free me from sin and guilt. That was Christ. Luther and Piper are not my highest joy. That is Christ.

I believe in Scripture, Reformed Theology just so happens to be so clearly laid out in Scripture for me that I cannot disagree with it. I have prayed, wept, studied, and resisted, only to end up where I'm at now. I have no desire to be wrong. I fully understand that if I'm wrong, I have the strong likelihood of leading many people down a road of falsehood. God help me if I do that. I fully understand that if I'm wrong, I will have to give an account for what I say. And may God have mercy on me if that's the case. If I were to be wrong, whatever the Lord would say to me is fair and right. But I do not believe this is the case.

And please, understand, I'm not against people disagreeing with me. There are men who have had at least some impact, if not a great impact on my life,  do not agree with me-my father one of them. And it's ok. They are not heretics for disagreeing with me. I love them, I pray for them daily. Though we disagree, though I think they are wrong, they love Christ, and that is what is important to me. I would actually rather talk to a million Free Wills who love Christ than a single Calvinist who has no grace in his or her life.

"I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility that they are willing in words to debase the creature, and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of. Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit. Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines, as well as upon good works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace." - John Newton

And I've not always been the most gracious. I've not always been the most calm. I've not always been the most open minded, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry for those who may have thought I was cold and uncompassionate. I promise, that's not who I am; that's not the person Christ has called me to be, and i must walk in humility every day. And it's a struggle for me, I have no problem being open and admitting my past faults, and even my present faults. Approach me with grace or with a question and I'll gladly help with grace and love. I can promise you that.

But there are some that approach me for alternative reasons. There are some who do not seek to learn, or hear alternative views, or to sharpen one another. There are some who, as a said tonight, just need their ego stroked. There are some who merely want to make arguments, start theologiacal "discussions", aren't willing to listen and learn.

They have been spoon fed everything. They can preach well, teach well, believe the Scriptures, but have no compassion. Humility is not their strong suit, but they call us arrogant. Grace is never exteneded, but they call us graceless. They have been silenced time and time again, and their arrogance screams and fits, "Feed me!" and so they come back again, ready to discuss. Ready to attack. And yet we're the ones who pick fights? Sadly, no.

Some of them have been invited to participate in friendly conversations, public conversations; so that those who are willing to also develop their own doctrine may do so without prejudice. And they refused, which is their right. But in the same week, are back on the attack. But never organized, never calmly, never face to face. Only in passing.

I can- very easily- defend my doctrine. And will to any person who comes to be seeking to talk. And I would love to pull away the blinders and misconceptions with truth not just seasoned, but covered in grace and desire to see people grow in Christ. But I will not be attacked for my beliefs. I will not be constantly bashed for simply seeing the Doctrines of Grace in Scripture, believing them, or preaching them. Remember the article? Remember how we were all pissed that we had not attacked anyone on anything, and we were crtiqued. Here it is! Here is exactly the fuel to the fodder! Here is what they are complaining about! Here lies the problem! But who is responsible? Who is attacking? Who is making the statuses, and the snide comments, and the bogus remarks? The angry, arrogant, non-loving Calvinists? No! Not them! But the few. The minority who give the fighting reputation.

 It must stop. These men should realize that their arrogance is hurting only themselves. If it is a discussion, they should calmly engage. They should not call for truces then continue on. This constant attacking- from either side- is not gaining anything. The discussions are good. if they are in grace, if they are benefitting Christ, if they are of a friendly nature-even when heated- are good and beneficial. But ducking and dodging except when one has numbers. Either come and discuss or shy away

Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason in those Scriptures that I have presented, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God, I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen. 

SDG

Little Boy Puppies and My (Difficult) Pursuit of Manhood

So this should have been said a long time ago; I guess I just want to let it go and keep it all bottled up inside. But the Theses was intended to be a place where I could unbottle everything, so I'll gladly let this all out.

And, this is NOT directed to married couples at all. This is strictly dating only. Just covering all my bases.

At the time of me writing this it's 8:30, February 13th. That means that in about three and a half hours it will be Valentine's Day. The one day a year where not only do I realize I'm getting older, but that couples are celebrating their love or their "love"-yes there is a difference and I'm going to explain it.

Because Tuesday is Valentine's Day there are going to be a lot of guys drooling all over themselves to make this one day absolutely perfect for a girl they've known for less than six months. And they're laying down everything possible just in the name of "love". Just because they're in a relationship , a guy is throwing this word love around and it makes me sick.

And I know, some of you are thinking one of two things.

Either

1. Jay is saying this because he wants to rain on the relationship couples parade, because he is single. And I'll dispell the idea. I would love to be in a relationship. I desire that, I want that. I don't have that right now. But even if I was (ask the people who know me quite well) I would still say all of this.

or you could be thinking

2. Jay is anti-romance. This is also not true. I think that relationships, provided they are healthy and God-centered are legit things. I'm not antidating at all. I've been in relationships, and have enjoyed several good relationships. So i'm not anti-dating, but I am anti-idolatry.

And I think that there are plenty of couples who have made their boyfriend/girlfriend thier functional Savior. Or just as bad, there are people who have made one person their sole identity. That they must be around that person. They must be with that person. And that's completely unhealthy. Or, just as bad, there are people who go through this destructive cycle of in and out of relationships and throwing all of their eggs into these relationship baskets. When they're in a relationship, they're two days from a wedding and when they're not in a relationship their world's caving in or their saying the same things to all different types of people as if to say, "Notice me! You define me! You give me worth!" and that happens over and over and over.

And the problem, and I've been saying this for over a year now, is that as guys, we are content with remaining Little Boys. We've placed a value on relationships, regardless of who the person is, and we've said anything in the name of "love", not because we actually care for that person but becasue we want our god. We "love" someone so that we can find our identity in them.

And don't think, Little Boy, that just because you're not a complete douche who never cheats that your doing these girls a favor; throwing around the word love like you can get it two for ten and at a dollar store. You don't know romance, you don't know Biblical pursuit. You're a coward, not a man.

And, what's worse is that many of us- I say that knowing that I'm just as guilty sometimes- call ourselves believers, but throw ourselves to the next possible relationship that comes along. You throw the word love around because you get all sorts of emotional when we're with someone, but have no idea what that word means, how to  walk in that, and how to live that out.

And I don't know who the hell you think you are, spiritually and emotionally scarring a beautiful young woman. I don't know who you think you're impressing not even considering the eternal weight of what you're saying and doing; but I wish you would stop. Because regardless if you're a 16 year old in high school, a college freshman, a young man, a middle aged man, if you're not focused on Christ, if you're identity isn't found in Christ, you're killing young women.

And I say all of this knowing I fail everyday. I'm not perfect. I am prone to fall into the same traps I just railed against. But we were made for so much more than this. The women that we come into contact with deserve more than a cowardly little boy; and I fail at that. I have a long way to go too. But we cannot just throw ourselves to our idols of relationships and romance.

We cannot

Religion, Politics, and Why I Stopped Voting Out of Force

There's been a lot of talk the past few days over people's political views. And for the past few years everyone's been up in arms about political stances, so I figured I'd try to either find common ground or take out all of the trash. So let me start out with a few disclosures

1. Our politics and doctrine should mix. I don't think these are two separate entities. However, I think our doctrine should impact our politics, not vice versa.

2. I'm going to use Scripture. A lot of people want to throw Scripture out and never use it when they have a political discussion. And since I believe that Scripture isn't just our highest authority, but is our final authority, I will appeal to it quite a bit.

3. I'm going to be very Lutheresque this time so if you think this will be too much, just stop reading now.

We often want to get hung up on the issues or positions of politics and never want to let the Gospel affect them. If you were like me, your parents probably raised you to be good, sweet, wholesome, Conservative kids. And if you are like me, you eventually went and sought to form your own views and opinions. I pray that when it comes to your political convictions, you seek out the counsel of Scripture and the influence of the Holy Spirit.

And let me be very clear: I don't consider myself a Republican or a Democrat. I'm consistently independent, though I lean right. I think it's important every election cycle to prayerfully consider the options and vote for whom you think God will place in office.

But there are some who would say otherwise.

To some people, to vote a certain way is the unpardonable sin. To some people, a vote for Barrack Obama would be a vote for the ruin of our society. A vote for ANY Democrat is to want and desire the kill infants across America. That Christ would look at our voting record at the Great White Throne and say, "Well you had faith in me, served me, loved me, delighted in me. But darn it, you didn't vote GOP back in 2012. I just can't have you enter the Kingdom."

Now let's be really smart here. There is not one shred of evidence for that line of thinking in Scripture. No not one. I don't think that just because most Democrats support gay marriage and abortion rights that the whole lot of them are hell bound sinners, nor are those who vote for them.

Do I disagree? Yes. Should we fight for the rights of a child to be born? With everything within us! But to vote for them is not a sin that will cost you eternity. We've bought into a bunch of papal bull that says "Christians are Conservatives, Liberals are Heathens." What kind of Pharisaical crap is that? "Jesus wants you to come to him, only if you're going to change how you vote." Scripture to back that thought up? I posted it under this paragraph



The funny thing that I've found is that many on the Christian right have a pre-mill theology but want a post-mil society....by force. Think about that for just a second. Who has the greater imperative to place Christians in office: the guy who thinks society will eventually get worse and worse or the guy seeking to press the Gospel to the ends of the Earth? But most Christian Right thinkers want to go to war with anyone who even looks at us (or Israel) in anything other than the most possible amount of respect. I just want to watch the Gospel take root and grow.

But here's the thing we really need to grasp: No one, Republican, Democrat, or Ron Paul will save this country. Our government is run by fallen humans, and will continue to remain broken until Christ returns. We can fix the country and our government about as much as a dead man can get out of his grave.

But how should we as Christians react to the government? I think there a several things for us to see that dictate our view on government.

1. Government and the governors are dictated by God for God. 

Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
(Daniel 2:20-21 ESV)

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
(Romans 13:1-2 ESV)

This is pretty clear cut but I'll explain it for the sake of those who don't like the idea.

God has ordained government for His own sake. He places people in authority as He sees fit. I don't just believe in a God who sees what will come to pass. I believe He dictates it.

remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
calling a bird of prey from the east,
the man of my counsel from a far country.
I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;
I have purposed, and I will do it.
(Isaiah 46:9; Isaiah 46:10-11 ESV)

 "But Jay, that means that I'm just a big ole puppet. I don't have any say in the matter. I don't want to worship a God who won't let me have any say in the matter."

 A God who bows to human desires is not worthy to be called "God" at all. So let me be really clear. Whoever is placed into a position of office has been placed there by God. Is there anything that happens that God has not wanted to? Anything? Can YHWH be thwarted by His creation? Why then do we think that our vote thwarts the plan of God? That when we go to the ballot boxes God is not sovereign over them? How small a God that is; who does not decide how things operate.

That impacts the second point

 2. Because those in power have been placed by God for God, we should respect and submit to them.

This does not mean we have to agree and support them. I do not agree with Obama on much of anything. I do not support his campaign for reelection. But, I do respect him. I gladly and humbly submit to the authority God has placed me under. And I think that we should all do this.

 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
(1 Peter 2:13-17 ESV)

 Notice that twice Peter spoke about submitting to and honoring the national authority. Those whom God has placed into such a position are due our respect and humility, not our scorn.

 Remember when we were all up in arms when people slammed Bush, called him a moron and a selfish greedy jerk? Someone who just wanted to step on the rich? Remember how frustrated we got when people wanted to just spit on him, curse him, and pleaded that we get rid of him? How are we any different in this administration? The roles have just reversed, and we think that we are doing the Lord's work. But if we are to "render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s" does that just stop with money, or does that have to bleed down into respect and submission?

 At the end of the day, we must remember that we are not American's, we are citizens of an eternal city. Our King will return to make all things right. But until then; we must respect the secular authorities.

I'll leave you with what one friend said in a discussion:

 "Thankful that nothing slips through God's great sovereign plan for His people. He truly knows what's best for the day He soon makes all things new and perfect. Whether it is someone that's easy to "accept" or "support" or someone who is not and thus calls us to continue in His obedience to submit in an even greater way. Get over the religious jargon and the fact we think Jesus might be a southern republican and chase after Christ and obey. Love each other and point them to Jesus and the Gospel.. Not to yourself and not to or away from others. "

 SDG