CPC THIS WEEK
January 26, 2012
THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“God isn’t a Republican – or a Democrat”
(They both made it on the ark!)
With all the factors that contribute to your decision in choosing a candidate – for now a Republican – some want to reduced it to a new LOWest common denominator – more and more with religious overtones. Here’s some of the latest:
Will you vote for a Mormon?
Will you vote for man that has been married three times?
The list goes on, as does the campaign rhetoric. And, it’s getting worse by the day.
Here’s the first question any of us has to answer? Should we vote at all? The majority of evangelicals would say “yes,” though there are some groups who stay away from the ballot box like the plague. The Bible doesn’t have much to say about voting in elections. Let’s remember, the geo-political world for the New Testament church was Rome. Long gone where the days of the Jewish Theocracy. There wasn’t a vote of the people to elect the next “Caesar.” If you didn’t like the ruler you arranged a tidy little assassination. In fact the only clear instruction coming out of the New Testament could be summed up in this way - submit to, and pray for governing officials.
I happen to believe that we should vote as citizens in this country and hope that you will take full advantage of that opportunity. I’ll allow my defense of that position to appear in a later edition of the CPC news – hopefully, a much later edition!!!
But regardless of who you or could, or should vote for, there is one thing we know for certain about each candidate – be they Democratic, Republican, or Independent. They’re all SINNERS! After that premise is accepted, is there really any past, present, or future behavior that comes as a surprise? But we should hold our leaders to a higher standard – shouldn’t we?
Here’s the bottom line. We elect imperfect officials to an imperfect system to govern an imperfect society that co-exists with other imperfect countries in an imperfect world. WOW – I’m feeling better already! How about you?
Here’s where we place our trust in a time like this:
From Paul:
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1,2)
From Peter:
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17)
From Proverbs:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.
Now, one could conclude, then, that it really doesn’t matter for whom I vote - wrong. Again, that will take a longer defense than allotted here. Actually, it does matter. And we should take a number of factors into consideration before placing our check in the box.
As Christians living with a temporary “dual citizenship” the Lord has given us both rights and responsibilities as we live to fulfill the two greatest commandments in our world: to love God and others. Although historians may be somewhat varied in their opinions of religious influence in our nation’s story – it presence, regardless of size, in undeniable. Throughout our history and until the Lord returns, the role of those who follow Christ will continue to play a significant role – including the Presidential election of 2012. It’s going to be an exciting year as God unfolds His plans for our world as we approach November!
Yes, it is an imperfect system. But a perfect God, the creator of all mankind, rules it. That’s where we place our hope and our trust!
Here’s my three-point plan regarding the upcoming elections in our country:
Get informed
Get in prayer
Get in the booth
Regardless of our current party affiliation, Republican, Democrat, or Independent, we will gladly lay down every badge or bumper sticker to enter the land where He who rules is King of kings, and Lord of lords. Let us pray for that Kingdom to come, and that it would come soon!
Grace,
Bob
**SUNDAY'S SERMON**
“And You Thought The Common Cold was Bad”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Bob Clark
CPC Adult Sunday School
Last week – Thanks to Diane Angilella, Director of the Richmond Birthright, for leading our Adult Sunday School class with a focus on Human Life Sunday.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING CPC MEETINGS:
Sunday, January 29th – Congregational meeting during Sunday School to elect church officers. Again, only church members may vote. Candidates have been through officer training and have been interviewed by the Session.
For Elder: Mike Allen, and Jesse Owens
For Deacon: Robert Foust
PRAY FOR OUR SHORT-TERM MISSIONARIES!!!: Jim Roszell and Jane Bumbalough while they serve the Lord in Makorie, Sierra Leone. Pray particularly for their health and safety as they return. Remember the third person of their team as well, Michael Gething.
PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH:
EGYPT: ELECTIONS INCREASE FEARS
After the conclusion of Egypt’s parliamentary elections last week, many Christians fear that government control by Islamists will lock them into second-class status and increase persecution against Christians. However, some believers rejoice that the recent wave of persecution has prompted many nominal Christians to turn to Christ for solace.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party and the Al Nour Party, made up of members from the extremist Salafi group, now hold almost two-thirds of Egypt’s parliamentary seats. According to the AP, the newly elected parliament’s primary function is to select a 100-person commission to draft a new constitution for Egypt.
A local Christian casting her ballot, 22-year-old Marcelle Mageh, told Compass Direct News that Christian persecution increased dramatically after former president Hosni Mubarak fell from power and conservative Muslims took control. “You see all the problems that have happened before they got into power,” Mageh said. “Imagine what will happen when they get into power.”
After Mubarak stepped down, Christians’ joy quickly turned to fear as they experienced a string of attacks from members of the Salafi movement and other Muslims. The extremists attacked Christian-owned businesses, burned churches and prevented congregations from opening churches. Christians were also attacked in the streets throughout Egypt.
“It seems that Egyptian Christians are going through a spiritual revolution since the recent persecution began,” said a VOM worker in the region. “More and more are becoming true believers.” This past Christmas, Coptic Christians, evangelicals and Catholics joined in a prayer vigil for Christians injured during the various protests that attracted 65,000. “Many are witnessing more and sharing the gospel,” the VOM worker added.
Lilian Sobhy, a surgeon who worked at a medical center during the October riots, told Compass Direct News that more persecution is inevitable but that Christians who focus on the expectation of persecution are missing the point. Sobhy thinks Christians need to focus more on how to deal with persecution when it does come.
“We believe that if the church is standing in the right place it is going to be glorious, so we don’t really care who is going to win,” Sobhy said. “Wherever it is going to happen, we believe that the Lord is sovereign.”
Sources: VOM contacts, Compass Direct News, The Associated Press, United Press International, Moscow Times
Posted: January 19, 2012
THIS WEEK’S FRIENDLY REMINDER
If you are making a financial contribution to the church during a time other than the Sunday morning worship service, please send your contribution to Christ Presbyterian Church, 350 Henley Rd., Richmond, IN 47374.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
January
27 Mike Cougill
28 David Byrd
28 Taylor Stein
29 Ed Soots
31 Melanie Munn
31 Violet Nottingham
February
3 Kris Hubbell