Talking Points – Election 2024 Discussion
Charles Domingue November 3, 2024

November 3, 2024

Election Sunday


This week, we conclude our “Dark Horses” series by praying and preparing for our national election.

This morning, we won’t be endorsing any specific candidate. Instead, we’ll discuss how believers should engage in the political sphere. Our message will take the form of a conversation between three Christ-followers from diverse generations and backgrounds.

Our prayer is that this time together will:

  • Remind us of our hope, which is anchored in Christ.
  • Inspire us to navigate a hostile political climate with grace and love.

 

Notes & Scripture References from Sunday’s Panel Discussion

1. What would be the most important piece of advice you would offer a believer during election season?

  • As believers we vote to glorify God and advance His agenda in all the earth, not our own agenda. We do not vote to advance a political party, its policies, or a politician.  We vote, as best we can, to advance the heart of God, perspectives of God, and practices of God on the earth. (Matthew 6:10 – Thy will be done…; 1Corinthians 10:31-32 – Do all for the glory of God; Gal 2:20 – crucified with Christ)

2. How can I avoid becoming overly partisan or tribal in my political views?

  • Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
  • Today’s weightier matters:
    • Redefining Family
    • Transitioning Children
    • Religious Freedom (restricted or not)
    • Abortion
    • Judges (Liberal or conservative)
    • Moral Issues (LGBTQ Initiative)
    • Immigration
    • The Economy
    • Justice and Equality
    • Housing Costs
    • Healthcare
    • Environmental Stewardship
  • God is neither Democrat or Republican …. Joshua 5:13-14 – Near Jericho, Joshua looks up and sees a man holding a sword. He asks, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?”  The man answered, “No… but as commander of the army of the Lord, I have come.”  God is not going to take sides…. God is coming  to take over…….. That’s where our hope lies.
  • As Christians, our responsibility is to understand the principles of God’s Kingdom and His values, then compare them with the character and content of the person, policies, practices or platforms that I am voting for, then vote accordingly.
  • Proverbs 21:1

3. How should I handle Wednesday if “my candidate” wins? If he/she loses?

  • I cast my vote for the advancement of God’s Kingdom and for the betterment of the country.
  • I am trusting God with my vote….. Even though ungodly leadership can bring judgement on a nation, even an ungodly leader can be used by God to accomplish His divine plan.
  • We just looked at RAHAB and CORNELIEUS …. Two least likely people… two dark horses…a prostitute and a Roman Centurian…. And God used them to further His agenda. I AM TRUSTING GOD FOR A DARK HORSE to be raised up to fill the gaps that exist in the winning administration.
  • Romans 13:1-2 “let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, no authority given but by God. Anyone who resists the authority is resisting the ordinance of God and will bring judgement on himself.”
  • Psalms 22:28 – The kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.
  • Pray for the new leadership 1 Timothy 2:1-3 – Intercede for all men, for Kings and all who are in authority.”
  • 1 Peter 2:11-17
  • James 1:19

4. Why should I bother to vote if God is in control of the outcome anyway?

  • Answering that question with another question, “Why bother to pray if you know that God is going to do what He wants to do anyway?”
  • It is true that there are things that God has decided He will do. And it is true that there are certain things that God has decided He will not do.  But in between those, there is a whole host of things that God might do, but He has decided that he will only do them in response to the prayers of His people.  So if you don’t pray, you don’t get them.  James 5…. The effective fervent prayer…….
  • James 4:3, James 5:16b, 2 Chron 7:14