So, I've been asked to write a paper (or handout of sorts) and i could use some help from my frens, as it affects all of us.
Long story short, some people very close to me are getting involved in state politics and have some very strong allies backing them (current governor, former governor, etc.
However, they are very discouraged at the tradition of christians not getting involved in politics, and for their state they see a critical voter group being Christians.
This isnt a bash-fest request on Christian politics. Many churches and denominations had good reason at the time to insulate the congregation and themselves from politics. Others saw it simply as the tax break.
Most never saw it as isolating Christians from politics (our church supports political participation, said so just this Sunday). However, due to the creeping evil, it has Become for many, an excuse just to not get involved, and to propagate the don't talk about religion or politics crap that permeates society today.
I'm wondering if anyone has constructive, productive arguments to getting more christians involved in politics. I'm not looking for arguments to get pastorsat the pulpit going on about the deep state.. Just getting them out involved in their community, and voting (baby steps).
So many just don't want to even vote because of the corruption. Scriptural references are a bonus.
What i have now:
Micah 6:8
Mark 12:17
2 Samuel 23:3-4
Romans 13:1-7
Proverbs 28:28, 29:2
I believe christians have a responsibility in this war, and it's not to just ignore it and have faith in God. We are called to actively participate in the world that he created for us.
I would rather label myself as a "believer" instead of "Christian." I'm not even sure what Christianity represents anymore.
Politics; I have but one King. Nothing corrupts man more than power. You couldn't name one of them that has ever given you more than Jesus Christ, go ahead and try it, I'll wait. You follow them, instead of the Lord of Lords, you believe them instead of the Gospel of his Truth, you follow the world/flesh instead of the Spirit, you'll wind up just like all of the rest of these grand societies, mouldering away upon the ash heap. Hopefully, they won't start killing those who disagree, like they always do.
Back to your question
Romans 2:29 KJV But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
You can't. Once you believe and are baptized by the Holy Spirit, you are sealed in Christ unto the day of redemption. Literally. The Holy Spirit circumcises your flesh off of your heart/soul, so that it is no longer defiled by the flesh and God can dwell within. There is no going back, so rejoice, and circumcise your mind from the world. Trust in Him always. Amen
You aren't sure what Christianity represents anymore? It represents what it always has, a belief that Jesus saved you from sin through his death and resurrection and to live a life of faithful obedience to God.
and to live a life of faithful obedience to God.
Which is not true. Christ paid a substitute penalty for ALL sin, if you accept that payment, on your behalf, by believing, you are saved, period. From that point on, you will gladly allow Him to do His work through you. You are no longer a person, you are of the Body of Christ. If you see your works as what saves you, by keeping the law, you will be judged by the law.
May I ask which denomination you are?
It has been argued by folks much more learned on this subject than myself that the opportunity to sin is ever present. Otherwise, why confess? Why take part in the Eucharist? Why pray? Why participate in the Church with any regularity, anyway?
This could be a difference in our faiths (if you are a denomination of Christianity, it's likely we'll disagree on this interpretation), but -- framed simply and as I understand it -- Christ opened the doorway for those who have sinned to be forgiven; breaking open the doors of Hell so that we, too, may not be sentenced to immortal damnation for our sins but rather the immortal life in Heaven. Through theosis we strive to become more Godlike, but we are burdened while on Earth by the first sin and all other sins since. We can only do our utmost, until that day when we stand before the seat of judgement, to live without sin and be as Godlike as possible.
In other words, I think it unfair to say "not true" to someone who is living their life in "faithful obedience to God". We all are, albeit we describe it differently. I could certainly be misinterpreting your words, but... Christianity is not simply an acceptance or a belief that you are saved, it is an active practice of participation. There is nothing passive about Christianity.