Hello Friend,
We will soon be coming out of the most unusual spring and summer I have ever experienced. However, this fall comes with its own turbulence and division that tends to surround an election season. Deception and division have marked the season we are living through. However, we are called to maintain the unity that the cross of Christ has purchased for us. Let’s make every effort to do what leads to peace (Eph. 4:3).
Beloved, remember what is normal for this world is not typical in the Kingdom. Paul spoke to the deception and division of his day with words that are equally powerful today. He said, “If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?” (Gal. 5:15 MSG).
Throughout this season, I have endeavored to keep us focused on the great mission God has given us: to make disciples of the nations (Matt. 28:19). Under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, Peter said that we live out our God-given mission by praying, loving, and serving (1 Pet. 4:7-10). We must stay focused on what God has called us to do.
Politics is not part of our biblical strategy to make disciples. We are citizens of another world, and our loyalty is to the Kingdom of God. Yes, we are called to be salt and light. We are to have a preserving influence on this world. As light changes the atmosphere, so we are called to shine brightly. I’m thankful for leaders like Joseph, Daniel, Cyrus, and Esther, whom the Lord put in government positions. They inspire us to play our part in God’s great redemptive plan, all while keeping our loyalty to the King of Kings. As ambassadors for Christ, we are the embassy of Heaven on the earth, and we serve His interests in all we do.
LET’S KEEP A CLEAR FOCUS ON OUR CALLING AS WE:
Pray. The essence of prayer is knowing God. I pray that you will grow as you get to know God better and better. I pray you press into His presence and live your whole life there. I ask that you join me in prayer for our nation. If anybody should know that our answers are not in politicians but in the power of God, it is the church. The solution to the troubles that plague our nation is found in these words, “If my people…”
Love. Let’s throw ourselves into loving the lost, and each other, like Christ. While others may be focused on endless debates on the things that divide society, let’s saturate our communities with the hope that is in Christ. It is the power of the gospel that brings about a change of heart, not the laws that are passed in this world.
Serve. You are called and gifted by God. Let’s use the gifts God has given us to serve others while we still can. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve; let’s do the same. I want to serve you as we approach the voting booths soon. As Christians, we make our decisions in the light of the scriptures, as ambassadors of Christ on the earth.
THE SCRIPTURES ARE CLEAR ON THE FOLLOWING MATTERS AND ABOUT THE ISSUES WE FACE TODAY:
Justice. The Lord cares deeply for the poor, the marginalized in society. Read through the Word of God, and you’ll quickly discover the Lord’s passion for defending the poor, the widow, and the orphan. The Lord listens to the cry of the oppressed, and we must do the same (Ps. 10:18, 72:12).
Life. It’s astonishing to me that we shut down the nation because a virus was taking lives; yet we continue to take the lives of innocent babies under the guise of reproductive healthcare. All life is sacred and a gift from God— black lives, brown lives, white lives, and unborn lives. From conception through death, all life is to be valued, nurtured, and protected. We must fully engage in foster care and adoption. (Job 10:10; Ps. 139:15).
Marriage and Family. The family was God’s idea, and the enemy has been trying to destroy the family since the beginning. When it comes to marriage, the Bible’s stance is clear and not up for negotiation. God made man to be the husband and a woman to be the wife. This is not a political thing; it is a biblical thing (Gen. 1:27, 2:21-25; Eph. 5:25).
Court Appointments. Judicial interpretations have had a profound impact on the morality of our day. Pray that our leaders will appoint federal and Supreme Court judges who will uphold the Constitution while supporting our society’s moral foundation (Deut. 1:15; Ezra 7:25). The threats to religious freedom are real and upon us. Last month, Justice Gorsuch keenly observed in Calvary Chapel v. Sisolak, “In Nevada, it seems, it is better to be in entertainment than religion.” The troubling case demonstrated that entertainment venues, including casinos, could be exempt from severe restrictions placed on worshippers at religious services.
Let’s live out our dual citizenship at this moment. As citizens of the Kingdom, let’s pray. Prayer really does change things! As citizens of this earth, let’s represent the interest of the King we serve as we take the privilege and responsibility of voting seriously. During political battles, let’s remember to keep our conversations filled with grace as we overcome evil with goodness (Rom. 12:21).
Renee and I love you and are praying for you in this season.
Your Friend and Pastor,
Kevin Berry
