October 24th, 2024
by Ray Jones
by Ray Jones
Each presidential election seems to be more significant than the last. The 2024 election is no different, and I genuinely believe it is the most important election in modern history. I am asked each election cycle “How do I decide on who to vote for?” It is a good question. So let me provide you with what I believe are some helpful guidelines to the forthcoming election. Frankly we’ve never had an election quiet like this where the primary candidates seem so personally distasteful to so many. There is enough personality issues on both sides of this race to cause many people angst at how to vote. Hence the dilemma, “How do I pick a President.” Long ago I determined more than voting for a party or a person, I would vote based on values and platforms that align most closely with biblical values. So, let me offer several guidelines as we approach this election:
1. Vote… and vote specifically. At the risk of insulting someone’s intelligence, and with no malice in my heart, I am shocked by those who say that they will not vote at all or they will vote for a third party or they will write-in a candidate. While I can understand some of their frustration at the primary options before us, and while I respect what I presume is the nobility of their hearts, the fact is, there are only two candidates that can win this election and one of them is going to win! Not voting or choosing one of the other options mentioned above is actually a vote. It is a vote by default and it always works in favor of whoever the winner is!
I agree with Franklin Graham who said, "You're just going to have to ask yourself which of the two [presumptive nominees] do you think we as Christians will at least have a voice with?"… "You have to make that choice…Now, you might have to hold your nose." But you must make that choice.
2. Remember… In spite of our godly heritage, America is not a Theocracy, I wish it were, but it isn’t and never has been. We are not voting on a Theologian and Chief but a Commander and Chief. This is a Democratic Republic to be exact and those who are elected almost always reflect more of the culture than the Kingdom of God.
3. Platforms… are the key to making the best choice under the current circumstances. By platform I mean, you must examine where the parties/candidates stand on the important issues like abortion, marriage, religious freedom, border security, the economy, and national defense among others. If you cannot vote for a person as such, then vote for the best platform and the platform that most closely aligns with protecting and affirming biblical values. If you would like to see an analysis on where the Republicans, and Democrats stand on the important issues that concern Christians, we have 2024 platform guides available in the foyer and Welcome Center. These are non-partisan guides that simply lay out each candidate’s position/platform/values on the important issues at stake.
4. Supreme Court… the next president will most likely appoint another couple of Supreme Court justices during his/her term. How important is that? Well, it will be significant in keeping the court conservative or allowing the court to move left. Such judicial appointments will subsequently have an impact on the nation for more than 3 decades into the future. If the highest court in the land goes predominately left, you can be sure that the culture will continue its decay and even pick up speed, and in my view, might just usher in the full judgment of God upon our nation.
5. Pray… this is not a last resort, but a first priority! Seek God while He still may be found, humble yourself, beg for His pardon upon our land and commit yourself to listen and to obey. Speaking of prayer and the election, I hope you will join me here at RBC from 6-7 PM on Monday evening November 4th for an election eve Prayer Summit.
Like Graham and others, I am not telling you who to vote for, but I do believe that this election is the most critical one in our lifetime because so much hangs in the balance.
Remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Bro. Ray
Image credit: Unsplash
1. Vote… and vote specifically. At the risk of insulting someone’s intelligence, and with no malice in my heart, I am shocked by those who say that they will not vote at all or they will vote for a third party or they will write-in a candidate. While I can understand some of their frustration at the primary options before us, and while I respect what I presume is the nobility of their hearts, the fact is, there are only two candidates that can win this election and one of them is going to win! Not voting or choosing one of the other options mentioned above is actually a vote. It is a vote by default and it always works in favor of whoever the winner is!
I agree with Franklin Graham who said, "You're just going to have to ask yourself which of the two [presumptive nominees] do you think we as Christians will at least have a voice with?"… "You have to make that choice…Now, you might have to hold your nose." But you must make that choice.
2. Remember… In spite of our godly heritage, America is not a Theocracy, I wish it were, but it isn’t and never has been. We are not voting on a Theologian and Chief but a Commander and Chief. This is a Democratic Republic to be exact and those who are elected almost always reflect more of the culture than the Kingdom of God.
3. Platforms… are the key to making the best choice under the current circumstances. By platform I mean, you must examine where the parties/candidates stand on the important issues like abortion, marriage, religious freedom, border security, the economy, and national defense among others. If you cannot vote for a person as such, then vote for the best platform and the platform that most closely aligns with protecting and affirming biblical values. If you would like to see an analysis on where the Republicans, and Democrats stand on the important issues that concern Christians, we have 2024 platform guides available in the foyer and Welcome Center. These are non-partisan guides that simply lay out each candidate’s position/platform/values on the important issues at stake.
4. Supreme Court… the next president will most likely appoint another couple of Supreme Court justices during his/her term. How important is that? Well, it will be significant in keeping the court conservative or allowing the court to move left. Such judicial appointments will subsequently have an impact on the nation for more than 3 decades into the future. If the highest court in the land goes predominately left, you can be sure that the culture will continue its decay and even pick up speed, and in my view, might just usher in the full judgment of God upon our nation.
5. Pray… this is not a last resort, but a first priority! Seek God while He still may be found, humble yourself, beg for His pardon upon our land and commit yourself to listen and to obey. Speaking of prayer and the election, I hope you will join me here at RBC from 6-7 PM on Monday evening November 4th for an election eve Prayer Summit.
Like Graham and others, I am not telling you who to vote for, but I do believe that this election is the most critical one in our lifetime because so much hangs in the balance.
Remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Bro. Ray
Image credit: Unsplash
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