Memory Verse:
3 “So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”
Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV
One on One Conversations with Politicians Impact the Public Square
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As we approach this election and navigate the broader topics of Christians in politics, civil affairs, and government, I’d like to ask for some grace as I share my thoughts on what Scripture may have to say about these issues. Now, you may not agree with everything I say, and that’s okay; I hope that by the end, we’ll all have a clearer view of our civil responsibilities as citizens and believers.
I decided to address this topic this morning, not only because of the election this week but I read an article that I found to be unsettling. It reminded me of my obligation as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be all-encompassing regarding the teachings and life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The article made this claim: a “study found that approximately 104 million people under the “people of faith” umbrella are not expected to vote this election, including 41 million born-again Christians and 32 million who regularly go to church. The research also revealed some of the reasons that the Christians are not planning to vote in November, including a lack of interest in politics (68%), a dislike of both major party candidates (57%), and a belief that their vote will not make a difference (52%). A smaller percentage (48%) believe that the election results will be manipulated.” https://justthenews.com/nation/religion/millions-christians-may-choose-not-vote-november-study
Christians Are Ambassadors for Our Heavenly King
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Some might view this subject as a gray area since the Bible doesn’t mention voting or modern political involvement in a specific way. But I believe Scripture speaks to our civic duty in a powerful, if often overlooked, way. As we reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:20, we’re reminded that we are called to be ambassadors for Christ. This is a deeply political term—one that speaks to our responsibility to represent our King in all areas, including our civic responsibilities. I confess I’ve overlooked this role myself at times. Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to offer the opening prayer at an Oklahoma City Council meeting. Mayor Holt introduced me as “Pastor Ryan Giles from Kingsview Free Will Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.” Standing there, in front of leaders from different backgrounds, vocations, and beliefs, I realized that this moment was more than a photo opportunity—it was a chance to represent God and our church before a civil authority.
After the prayer, a young Girl Scout led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance. As we recited the words together, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” I couldn’t help but feel the gravity of this statement. It took me back to my school days when we recited it daily, affirming our nation’s ideals. Today, we’ll explore what it means to stand not just for a country but for God’s Kingdom, living as ambassadors who reflect His glory in a world often divided over power, status, and influence.
This morning, my goal is not to tell anyone what to do, how they should cast their vote, or even choose a political party. “Clergy say they can get criticized from all sides—for being too hard or too soft on political issues, or for discussing politics or avoiding the subject. Religious leaders also don’t want to jeopardize the tax-exempt status of their places of worship by engaging in political campaign activity. Only 20% of pastors said they felt equipped to lead on “politics and civic engagement,” according to a survey last year of more than 450 Protestant pastors by Barna Group, a research firm that studies faith in the U.S. One out of four Protestant pastors feel limited in what they can preach regarding race and gender equality and other issues, according to a separate Barna survey this year. https://www.wsj.com/us-news/religion-politics-election-2024-0a017fcb?st=PbY2Ub&reflink=article_gmail_share
The Bible is Filled with Political Implications & Expectations for Citizens of Heaven
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The Bible is full of examples of God’s people involved in civil matters: Joseph, Moses, Esther, Daniel, and many others were each called to roles in government, wielding influence without compromising their faith. The tension we tend to overlook, in my opinion, is about dominion regarding the Kingdom. Now, I am not going to tackle this issue from the standpoint of political involvement because there are a host of biblical examples of those involved in government. However, let me just name a few. Some of the other major men and women in Scripture who held political positions and continued to serve God include Joseph, Moses, Deborah, Esther, Mordecai, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Nehemiah.
As we can see from a very quick contextual thought from the Bible, it is filled with civil affairs, politics, and how God’s people are involved. Instead, I would like for us to think about the responsibility in a larger context regarding the Kingdom of God. This is the Kingdom that we represent and our actions, words, lifestyle, and voice in civil matters. “Many of us live lives that are comfortable enough to be untouched by politics.”
We should teach and model prayers and intercessions for elected officials and candidates (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
We need to explain the God-ordained role of civic government (Romans 13:1-7).
We need to remind people that their earthly nationality and citizenship isn’t an accident but is part of God’s providence (Acts 17:26-27).
We need to show the connection between submitting to political authority and exhibiting spiritual witness (1 Peter 2:13-17).
We must remind others that persecution is a normal part of Christian commitment, not an exception (2 Timothy 3:12).
So, as we look at Jesus’ conversation with Pilate this morning, let’s ask ourselves: how can we best represent Christ’s Kingdom as ambassadors here and now? Jesus’ mission was to bring God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven—a Kingdom that doesn’t march in with force but approaches on the back of a donkey, subverting every power structure with love, humility, and servanthood.
Swayed by Propaganda
John 18:28-34
Kingdom Truths Will Enter the Public Square
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Devotion to Christ Must Be Stronger Than Public Opinion
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A Kings Response
John 18:35-38
Are We Ready to Stand Before the King of Heaven?
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Jesus “Bears Witness” as a First-Hand Observer of the “Truth” of God
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Citizens of Heaven Have the Truth the World Craves
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Ignoring Truth
John 18:39-19:8
Jesus Christ’s Teaching Pushes Against the Popular Opinion
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The One-on-One Conversation Forced the Politician to Face the Truth
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Where are You From?
John 19:9-11
Authority is Granted from God, Not Taken
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The Pressure of Politics
John 19:12-16
Political Pressure Can Cloud Our Vision, However, the Kingdom Brings Clarity
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As we reflect on Pilate’s encounter with Jesus, we see how truth, authority, and allegiance come face to face with human ambition and political pressure. Pilate wrestled with the implications of releasing Jesus, caught between doing what was right and fearing what was popular. In our own lives, we, too, stand at that crossroad daily—do we surrender to the pressures of the world, or do we align our allegiance with the eternal King? Jesus’ example reveals that His Kingdom is not of this world; it is one of truth, mercy, and sacrificial love. May we leave here challenged to keep our eyes on Him, willing to stand firm in truth, to look beyond the immediate pressures of this life, and to seek guidance from a heavenly perspective? Just as Jesus bore witness to the truth before Pilate, may we, as His followers, bear witness in our own lives—living with Kingdom purpose, aligned with Kingdom truth, and standing with Kingdom courage.
What Do We Apply from this Conversation?
Be an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven
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Have the courage to speak about Kingdom principles rather than popular opinions
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Engage thoughtfully and prayerfully in all areas of civic life
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