BONUS: Your Spiritual Duty to Vote | Guest: Josh Howerton
Nov 1, 2024
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Josh Howerton, senior pastor of Lakepointe Church and known for his viral sermon on the Christian responsibility to vote, discusses the vital role faith plays in civic duties. He emphasizes how Christians should select candidates aligning with biblical values and critiques the notion of Christian nationalism. Howerton encourages integrating faith into governance while highlighting the importance of moral decision-making in politics. The conversation rounds out with a message of hope for Christians amid political challenges.
Christians possess a spiritual obligation to vote, embodying their biblical values to shape governance in a constitutional republic effectively.
The discussion highlights the importance of discerning candidate policies over charisma, urging voters to make responsible choices despite imperfections.
Deep dives
The Responsibility of Voting for Christians
Christians have a spiritual obligation to vote, as articulated through the framework of a constitutional republic, where voters hold the foundational power. The sermon emphasizes that just as it would be morally wrong for a leader not to guide their respective domains, Christians must also lead their nation through their voting actions. The idea is reinforced by biblical references that illustrate the consequences of failing to lead, highlighting that inaction can allow unprincipled influences to dominate. Ultimately, neglecting this responsibility undermines the divine order established by God over family, church, and state.
The Nature of Good and Evil in Governance
The discourse delves into the moral responsibilities of governing authorities, asserting that it is paramount to distinguish good from evil based on God's definitions. The sermon explains that government should ideally reward good and punish evil; however, contemporary governance often seems to do the opposite. This moral asymmetry emphasizes the urgent need for Christian voters to actively participate in shaping laws, ensuring that they reflect biblical values rather than succumbing to a secular moral framework. If Christians disengage from this process, the result may be a government led by values contrary to their beliefs.
Navigating Political Challenges and Leadership Types
In addressing concerns about flawed candidates, the speaker asserts that voting should not be seen as a romantic endorsement but as a calculated decision to choose the best available option to stop societal decay. The metaphor of a 'vote not being a Valentine' plays into the necessity of evaluating candidates based on their policies, rather than their personal charm or charismatic qualities. By establishing a taxonomy of leadership, which includes flawed leaders who can still fulfill God’s purposes, it's emphasized that Christians must exercise discernment rather than moral absolutism. The discussion encourages a recognition of the diverse spectrum of candidates, thus equipping voters to make informed and responsible decisions despite imperfections.
Encouragement Amidst Cultural Decay
Amid fears of societal decline, the message reminds believers of the possibility of revival during tumultuous times, referencing biblical accounts of national awakenings. It reassures Christians that God always preserves a remnant, even amidst widespread moral decay, suggesting that historical revival often arises in periods of degradation. The analogy of Elijah, who believed he was alone in his faith during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, reinforces the message of hope and perseverance. This narrative invites believers to remain steadfast in their faith and activism, trusting in God's ability to restore and transform society.
In today's episode, we sit down with Josh Howerton, senior pastor of Lakepointe Church, to discuss his recent viral sermon about voting as a Christian. We talk about the responsibilities that Christians have to vote for the candidate who most aligns with biblical values and what the right approach to voting for these candidates should be. We also discuss the role of the government and how "Christian nationalism" might not be as scary as the Left would have you believe. And Josh leaves us with some encouragement to round out the week as we head into the election.
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Timecodes:
(01:32) Josh Howerton introduction
(07:21) Josh’s viral election sermon
(09:09) Why Christians need to vote
(17:44) Roles of government
(25:55) Christian nationalism
(36:40) What a vote is
(45:58) Binary ideas of leaders
(49:08) Encouragement for Christians
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Today's Sponsors:
Samaritan's Purse — Visit SamaritansPurse.org/occ to learn how to pack a shoebox to donate to a child in need during National Collection Week from November 18th through the 25th.
First Liberty — Go to SupremeCoup.com/Stuckey to learn how you can help stop the radical left’s takeover of the Supreme Court.
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Links:
Election 2024: How to Vote Like Jesus Sermon - Josh Howerton