I have struggled with this for a long time. I consider myself a staunch libertarian/conservative and I have a heart leaning towards rebellion. There’s a portion of me that really sympathizes with the Jewish Zealots. A large part of me wanted to rise up and join a militia or something for when they come to take our guns or whatever. But God really spoke to me (I think) and said basically “Your desire to rise up against the government stems from a lack of faith in me. You don’t believe I can save your country so you want to take matters into your own hands.” So I think we as Christians need to just trust God and plead with him to heal our nation. He can save us. Perhaps his will is to destroy us and he’d be perfectly just in doing so. But just pray, put faith in him to heal America, and maybe the lord will be merciful and give us a heart of repentance.
I know what you mean. Then I think would you like to die with a gun in your hand trying to kill someone, or would you rather die with a Bible in your hand in obedience to God. If I have to give my life, the second is way better. The first is a waste. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
@@christianbodyimprovementcl7718 "but just pray"... Christian life is much more than just praying and hoping for the best. Neither the prophets nor the apostles, needless to mention the judges, limited their lives to just pray.
I'm amazed that today is when I listened to this teaching. Incredibly relevant right now and I definitely felt gently rebuked by the Spirit on a few things. Will strive to honor God more in my online interactions.
As much as their behavior disgusts me I know we are all vulnerable to evil and sin and are tempted by it. I just pray that they all can be saved, realize the depth of their sins, and truly repent. That's ultimately the best outcome anyways, isn't it? I'm tired of being resentful and wanting revenge. I just want people to be saved and be better.
I realize your post was three years ago; but that's what I feel that God has been speaking to me lately; especially now that another election is soon coming up. It's so easy to make fun of, call out, and pass along those political _memes_ (you know which ones I'm referring to!) on social media, ack. 😖 It's harder because it doesn't even just concern myself and my own heart attitudes... But my husband has become much more educated and informed about conservative politics recently (i.e., that he's more active on the internet now, instead of just watching the local MSM news). While I'm glad that he has information now to make him more confident about what he believes (and maybe even begin relating his thoughts and political convictions to others?), I also see the sarcastic attitudes and some of the more worldly approaches 'rubbing off' from some of the social media influencers he follows on a regular basis. We always used to talk about things more (when we were younger); but now that we're older, I guess we haven't been communicating the same way and with the same sense of oneness and ... camaraderie? as we used to? It's hard to explain; but I don't want to have to take a 'leadership' role in this area (that God's Word clearly teaches is not mine to usurp) in order to deal with this subject. I don't sense that he'd be that receptive, anyway. I once asked him what he planned to _do_ with all the information he was learning; and he replied that if I kept _pressuring_ him (??) that he was going to stop watching political news altogether... *sigh* .... Sometimes you just can't win. -_-
I used to care a lot about politics on secular level. I've realized that no matter what either side of the isle does, nothing is right without God. Politicians only use Christianity as a means to an end and politics only serves as a distraction from the real issue, which is a sinful human heart issue.
There is one main issue! Does the gospel need the help of politicians or a marriage of the church and the secular to be effective? In my view, a vote on a set of limited values is a partnership with Satan. The voter takes the position that some sins are worse than others. This type of rationalization does nothing but corrupt. Take Peter as an example when he tried to interfere with the arrest of Christ. Did he hurt or help the situation? The reality is, when the church tried to force the faith, there will be blowback.
@@bechet12 well I would say that some sins are worse than others. I think that's actually biblical. Mass genocide of the unborn is worse than theft. I also think Paul made it clear that the government is ordained by God to provide certain levels of restraint. My point is just that true change starts with the individual citizen who needs salvation.
@@Kase5883 I understand your point. However, all sin is regarded by God as wrong and punishable by eternal death, and for the Christian community to prioritize which sins are tolerable is equally abhorrent! We who are believers in Christ must share the gospel but we have no right to constrain the choices of others. GOD has seen every evil act of mankind from the beginning and he as you know has set a date to judge the sinner and the sin!
Ravi Zacharius had a great commentary on this passage saying how the questioners missed the point by now allowing the follow up question “if the coin belongs to Caesar, what belongs to God? To which the anticipated reply is ‘who’s image is on you?’” Something you imply around 33:14. Such a great point.
Something you said reminded me of how Paul spoke to those in Athens. He didn’t verbally attack their way of life…he opened a door to introduce the one true God and what he did through Jesus Christ. I’m really enjoying your tapes. I thank God for raising up men like you to carry on the work as the older ones are decreasing in number. This is an answer to prayer as I witnessed too many false teachers out there. God bless you and the others who have been rased up to carry on the truth.
The issue for me is, at what point to stand up to government, if at all, leading up to the time they ask/mandate me to do something ungodly.Of course, the Nazis didn't put people on trains one day. Many months/years of manipulations led up to that point. I would hope we, as a body, would recognize when the government asks us to do things that are against God. We expect the world/government to be ungodly, but forcing me to do something against God seems clear. Hmmm...great topic to ponder before that time comes!! Thank you, Mike. Kudos to your logo designer, btw!
Thank you, Mike, SO MUCH, for putting forth the TRUTH about our purpose and mission - "Christianity is not interested in overhauling systems as much as it is in creating godly people and then THAT spills into the system". YES!
My favorite quote of yours in this video: “Christianity is not interested in overhauling systems as it is in creating godly people - and then that spills into the systems.” As a college-age woman trying to understand how to approach the political world via my faith, I am very grateful for the fact that your God-given (and God-grown) wisdom and scrutiny can be shared like this! Thank you so much for the sincerity of your truth-seeking on this channel.
Subject matter that I’m sure causes a lot of emotion. This message was very well delivered because I do believe it is important for Christians to be involved in politics. It is important to vote as Mike said with the candidates who most closely align with the biblical worldview. At times this is harder to see than others. Neither side is right on all issues but we do need to respect and love each other and be able to have a dialogue without tearing each other down. America isn’t perfect but I am so thankful to live in a country where I can to go to church and praise the mane of Jesus without fear of being thrown in jail. I do believe in future days we will see more persecution of the church in this country.
Mike, keep on with this. It's very valuable. The time to rebel WILL come, that is clear from scripture and it is very important that we know when that time is, and when it isn't. We need to honour God both by submission and rebellion at the correct moments.
Wow, Mike, that’s convicting! My family is big into debating politics but I never realized the Bible has so much to say about government! You’ve given me a lot to think about! Thank you and God bless!! (Watching on tax day, ironically. (April 15, 2024)
Pastor Mike, You are a blessing from God! I agree with most of what you teach and I appreciate and pray for you! You said to tell you why we might disagree with something. Thank you for that humility. We are to obey every ordinance of man as they are punishing evil doers and rewarding those who do good (functioning the way God purposed). John the Baptist rebuked king Herod by telling him what he was doing with his brother's wife was unlawful. He also confronted the other evil things he did (Luke 3:19). I agree we should be model citizens so others see our good deeds and glorify God and at the same time, there is a time to push back and not just in extreme cases like the Holocaust. If there would have been push back to the subtle moves of the enemy before the torture and murdering of millions, I think evil couldn't have gone as far as it did. We have responsibility. Please help me. I don't want to be rebellious. I just want to go against the plans of our cunning enemy. I was outside Planned Parenthood and a policeman came up to a guy sitting on his truck bed without a mask. He asked the man to put his mask on, the man got out his constitution and began reading. Another policeman came and I started asking God if I should get involved. The other policeman seemed upset and asked for the guys license. The man asked what crime he committed and the policeman said his crime is not wearing a mask. I knew I had to speak up. I asked if I could speak and the first policeman said I could speak to him. I was pleading with them to see that there were babies being murdered in the building, ripped apart/burned yet law enforcement gives this man a punishment for sitting in his truck more than 6 feet apart without a mask. There is something very wrong! I went on to say that they are God's servants to punish evil and reward good. The policeman (Jared - very humble man) said he agreed that not wearing a mask is not evil. Even the other policeman agreed that PP is an evil place (which is positioned right next to the police department). Anyway, there's more to the story and I was glad I could speak truth to them that they seemed to receive. Your thoughts? Love you brother!
Thank you for this Mike. You always have the mind of Jesus in your teachings, and a heart that is set on the King of the Kingdom that is greater than the kingdoms of men.
Thank You Mike! I recently graduated with a Master's in Public Administration and studied politics ALOT lol... I was confused as what to do next since politics is inherently divisive. You gave me some great ideas in engaging or teaching politics but still honoring God.
“Have you considered you might have made an idol of politics?” Here we go again, I thought. I wasn’t surprised by the question. Idol-hunting, after all, is a favorite pastime of my fellow evangelicals. But I was caught off guard by the candidate for the potential idol. It’s certainly possible I’ve made an idol of money. And I’d reluctantly confess that I’ve often made an idol of comfort or security. My wife might say I’ve made an idol of my smartphone, since I always seem to be staring at it in adoration and obeisance. But an idol of politics? How is that even a question? I hate politics. I consider politics to be, at best, a necessary evil, not something I would put ahead of God. Yet the question was hard to shake, and made more difficult to dismiss since it had come from within my own head and heart. Still, I assumed I could answer in the negative, so I created a set of questions to test this idolatry theory. Before we get to the questions, though, let me clarify a concern you might have. At this point many readers are thinking this article is not really about me at all, but rather a passive-aggressive means for me to get others to admit (at least to themselves) that they are the ones who have made an idol of politics. Let me assure that is not the case. It’s not that I’m above such finger-wagging, whether passive-aggressive or just aggressive-aggressive. I wouldn’t be against writing such an article if I thought it would work. But as I’ve learned over the past several years, it would not work. Almost no one is willing to admit they have made an idol of politics-including me. That’s why I started creating a list of idol-identifying questions that I thought would vindicate me. 21 Questions to Consider 1. Have you heard the name of a political figure more today than you have the name of Jesus? 2. Have you spent more time today thinking about the president (or another politician) than you have thinking about the creator of the universe? 3. Have you spent more time listening to talk of politics-on social media, talk radio, cable news, and so on-than you spent in the Word of God or with gospel-oriented media? 4. When I discover that a fellow believer disagrees with my political preferences, do I make assumptions about their level of sanctification and commitment to Jesus based on their political affiliation? 5. Do I continually make excuses for why I support certain policies or politicians, even though I know they undermine my gospel witness? 6. Do I judge myself as having noble motives when it comes to politics, yet assume the worst about people on the other side of the political divide? 7. Do I look for excuses to judge my ungodly behavior when it comes to politics rather than asking forgiveness from God? 8. Have I become more obsessed with achieving a specific political outcome than I am about leading people to Christ? 9. Am I more willing to allow injustice to occur than to suffer injustice myself? 10. Can I truly say that my political choices and preferences are informed by and consistent with a biblical standard of ethics? 11. Do I attempt to justify my politics based on the “realism” of general revelation (e.g., that sometimes we must make compromises) rather than on reality as revealed in special revelation (e.g., “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” - James 4:17)?
12. When I (reluctantly) pray for politicians with whom I disagree, do I primarily pray that they will lose the next election or otherwise fail to gain political power and influence? 13 Am I more likely to be shaped by the political views of an acquaintance on Facebook than I am by the inspired words of Scripture? 14. Would I find it easier to recite the names of 12 presidential candidates than I would the 12 disciples or the 12 tribes of Israel? 15. Have more of my conversations today been about politics than about the gospel? 16. Do my words and actions reveal that I am more concerned about the way Christians will vote than I am with whether they are enjoying God? 17. Based on my thoughts and actions today, does it seem as if I’m more concerned about the next four years than I am with eternity? 18. Have I been willing to overlook when politicians on my side say they are Christian and yet act in ways that bring dishonor to Christ? 19. Am I more concerned with political pragmatism than I am with obeying every command of Christ? 20. Do my concerns about possible political outcomes show that I may not truly trust that God is sovereign over the nations? 21. Am I more offended by these questions (and my honest answers) than I am in how they reveal my idolatry?
Love these questions and I answered yes to quite a few 😬 I'm not ready to say I've made politics a idol... but I have spent too much time on it rather then focusing on Jesus.
Typically politics are the last thing on my mind but, with the nearness of this election, I have definitely been slipping into idol territory. This was a good reminder, thank you! Time to set down the phone and look away from the news for a little bit! ;)
I've been pondering about this issue (not necessarily about taxes but about the persecutions on Christians happening in India) and came to a same sort of conclusion you've come up with. Yes, we need to obey the government no matter how hard they are and how much they persecute us. For we can't expect or fight for justice in the world. Coz, it's not ours. If the world is ours, I bet, the angels would fight against the people that persecute Christians. That's why we wait for a new world. Expecting a good judgement from this world is like two people going to a thief and expecting him to give a right verdict for a theft case. The right judgement is gonna happen on the judgement day.
thank you for this teaching , Mike Here in Australia we have a Prime Minister who claims Christianity also. His actions do not always mirror his claims. I do so agree it ts the POSITION that should be honoured, no matter your disagreement with the person... RE: Jury duty - it is a blessing to live in a country which uses juries to judge an issue. So many countries use the 'guilty til proved innocent' stance legally, Juries give everyone the right to be heard and judged accordingly.
Thank you, I needed this today, as I seek to walk out this post-election week. It has helped me keep my focus on our Sovereign LORD, the King of kings, not man's government, so I can continue to be a light in this dark world.
“Give the principle, not just your conclusion“. Thank you, Mike! That’s brilliant! You have no idea how much that will help me! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🙏🏼
I love you Mike. You have an absolute gift for being able to deliver truth bombs without judgment and it’s so fun to see! I needed to hear this. I have had a passion for politics since I was 4 years old and for the past 2 years I have felt a shift in my spirit that has been hard to articulate and this hits the nail on the head. My soul has been longing for Jesus Politics and nothing else will do. I pray the Lord continues to bless you and your ministry and continues to give the strength and wisdom to keep making these eloquent videos.
Your timing is perfect. I'm voting tomorrow afternoon (we have early voting here in FL). Your views and biblical insight just strengthened my commitment to vote as I feel the Lord would have a Christian vote. This was a fairly easy decision for me once I removed the individual running from the equation and based my view solely on the plantforms of the two parties.
Thanks Mike for this, it was very insightful. I'm a chilean/british and politics is something that is part of your day-by-day common conversational topics when you're a South-american. I was born in Santiago de Chile in the last years of the Pinochet dictatorship gov and grew up having to watch him on telly every week on a "national alert" type system that was mandatory for all TV channels. My family was baptist and used to really hate on the guy,... we all did and for good reasons. For whoever doesn't know (and cares), Pinochet was one of the puppets used by Nixon, Ford, Carter, etc to take power back by force from the sudden socialist electoral emergence in South America in the early 70s through what's historically called "Operacion Condor", a little military scheme that left tens of thousands tortured, raped and finally killed... kids, pregnant women, men, many of them thrown into the sea or put in common graves so their families' grief could extend well beyond their deaths by not being able to have a corpse to bury. In SA being "right-wing" means basically supporting the genocide, which should give you a good overview of how quickly polarising and emotional politics talk can be in our land. All of this gave birth to what's called "Liberation Theology" by the catholic church and followed by the reformed church as well, a theology view that merged with the social crisis needs of the times and that "put Jesus, in the poor people's side", as all the south american elite are right-winged and nominal roman catholics... including the "pious" junta militar. A while ago (and this is a very personal decision) I decided to remain away from politics, american... british... even chilean, I consume lots of theological content online, mainly because it passionates me and I try to make the best of my work time by listening God's Word content all they long, but it just grieves my heart and gives me lots of anxiety to read/hear people I admire and love advocating for Trump so strongly, basically giving the blind eye to the core of an ideology that in my cultural context enabled genocide, pain and destruction from which we still haven't recovered as a country, but at the same time I understand the risk of having nowadays progressive candidates in office which will mean enabling abortion and other agendas completely opposed to God. I personally see that the outcome of whatever I vote (anywhere) is still death, destruction and a system built to hate God and His people, and in the midst of this madness all my consolation comes from the Scriptures. Today more than ever Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, Colossians 3:2 and 1 John 2:15 they all makes sense in the light of these crazy times we live in. I personally won't grief my soul on this when I know that God has adopted me already and affirmed that, like John 17:16 says... I'm not of this world. I might be wrong, but it works for me.
I am from Eastern Europe, and we have known similar suffering from a psychopathic, pedophile communist dictator, who ruled us with great cruelty and isolated us as a nation for 50 years. I appreciate you sharing your experiences and your dilemma with choosing any side of the political spectrum. I struggle with the same thing. I absolutely oppose abortion, but I also oppose policies that slice the throats of the poor, despise foreigners, exalt the rich, protect the corrupt, and honor the wicked and boastful. It’s difficult for me to listen to politicians and not recognize all of these issues. I cannot focus on just one.
Mike, this sermon was beautiful, gracious, and so wonderfully biblically sound. Thank you, thank you. I moved to a more liberal state a few years ago, and the guilt of what’s being done with my taxes was really eating me up, so I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have found this sermon today. Our God is mighty and all-wise, there is no one like Him!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️
Mike thanks for handling this with care. I realized I am wrong in a lot of these areas and have inserted my feelings into how I should respond to the issues, instead of letting God’s word dictate my response.
I have been convinced of these biblical truths for many years. I have been feeling sorrowful over the infiltration going on in my church and with Christians in general, it is a hate mentality not only toward political parties but individuals! My cousin will hardly speak with me about political issues, because I advocate for respect for the office. If we as Christians don’t pray for wisdom for our government and salvation for our politicians, what kind of light are we showing? Absolute hate for someone in power is useless, in America we can work towards change, but if not willing to do so we are as “sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal” just noise! Blessed and safe days!
Man. Challenged me today. Thanks for this teaching and I appreciate the emphasis on Christian submission. I need to submit anyways. Already definitely feeling the Spirit working me over on not talking evil of those in power. I stopped badmouthing because of this. Not perfect but im trying.
My second time through this teaching. Respect for individuals is still important even if we disagree with the policies or see the sinfulness of their actions. I learned a principle a long time ago: "Worship God; Love (= respect) People; Use Things; and don't mix them up!"
These verses really revealed to me Jesus’ incredible character. I’ve been in situations where people flatter me to make me agree with them like “you are so smart, so intelligent, wouldn’t you think the same?” And the only thing going on there was that my pride was so high up and the other persons pride was even higher, which is manipulating others to prove a point.
Mike...so good. Finally the Word of God shared with clarity. Thank you For your honest, thorough teaching on verses that are ignored or made subservient to political opinions.
Only just started watching and this is exactly what I was wanting. I clicked because I wanted Biblical teaching that will guide me on how I should approach today's voting and knew that's what I'd get from you!
Neither of the main parties represents biblical principals well. The two-party system sucks. I'm not drawn to either of them as a Christian, and I don't feel I can vote for most anyone running in one of those parties. I oppose both. I've wrestled with this for so many hours over the years. Voting is the most difficult part of my walk.
I’ve voted independent every election since I was 18 lol I do it knowing full well that only 1% or less of the population will vote for them, but I’m with you when it comes to the two-party system we have going on, so neither of them get my vote
Sometimes it isn't what you are voting for, but what you're voting against. Some policies are so clearly against the word of God that not taking a stand against it is sinful. Not candidates' personal lives and morality but policies themselves.
@@jamesbarresse8272 The first one is on Netflix I believe (however this is not the one Mike is in). The second one is available on Amazon Prime video and vimeo I believe. I think you can also buy a DVD version
Excellent teaching and advise to cool the tempers and bring believers back to the focus of our true faith and biblical teaching. If we are truly believers, we should be able to agree on solid teaching. Great job, as usual!! Btw... love the new logo!
I almost didn't watch this video just because of the tensions running high. I am so happy I watched it, I got so much from this teaching, thank you Mike Winger, you are so wise for your age.
I don't live in the USA, but I feel like the current government in my country is ungodly in many ways. I really needed the reminder about honouring the rulers if not for their character, but for their rank. I gained so much from this Bible study.
The SQ3R method of studying is survey (scan the text), query (ask questions, like you said, Mike!), read, recall, and review. This is a great technique for online students who are especially reliant on the textbook, and students can skip reading in depth if they do the other steps, using the text as a reference. Of course, if I taught a text-heavy subject like English, history, or the Bible, I would recommend they emphasize the read part heavily in addition to all other parts.
Let’s not forget that in the United States, we are a government of, by, and for the people. We are all Caesar. we have no rulers or kings (except for God). It is our duty to make sure our representatives use our tax dollars wisely. And to hold them accountable. This is why as Christians, it is imperative we are involved in politics.
Watching this about a year later, and as someone who definitely leans more in the libertarian direction, some of this was like a biblical slap in the face 😂😂😂 I suppose I have some repenting to do. Thanks for the fantastic study as usual! Even though I technically knew all this already, my heart didn’t want to accept it that easily lol
Mike, this is strong medicine, but we have recently witnessed the world's answer. We heard people rationalize rioting, destroying, killing and stealing because "the system" does not conform to their view of justice. As Christians we are to remain responsible to God, country and man, despite that two of those will never conform to our view of justice. To the extent that we choose the way of the world over Christ, we will disintegrate as Christians and as humans. Over the last few years, I have fallen in love with the Book of Daniel. His life extended into two major world empires, neither of which honored Yahweh. Because of his devotion to God, he was esteemed by two world leaders. And these terrible times bring out leaders like you, Mike. I also thank God for you, brother.
Thanks for this. What you said here I thought bore repeating (51:33): "Christianity is not interested in overhauling systems as much as it is in creating godly people and that spills into the system...No matter what system you put Christianity into, it will overhaul the people so they are godly, and loving, and kind, and pure, and submissive." I believe the principle Paul is referring to when writing Romans 13 comes from the previous chapter (12:18) when he writes: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." In the United States and elsewhere, only in recent times have Christians had the opportunity to vote and lobby for representative governments that can make this peace more achievable. While issues such as abortion are important, the first consideration for a Christian voting in a democratic country should be that the politician/party be most likely to support the peaceful existence of the church. It is for the benefit of the church, and not our own personal concerns (like taxes or guns or whatever), that the Christian should be most political about. To apply the principle to 2020, a Christian should not be voting for a party which uses the Coronavirus pandemic shutdowns as an excuse to keep churches indefinitely closed while allowing secular, violent social movements to congregate on the streets without penalty. Persecution isn't just academic anymore.
I believe we have to be intentional about who we vote for in our local and state governments because this greatly affects people , we talk a lot about presidential candidates but not enough about our governors and mayors and etc...
Hi. I am an Aboriginal from Manitoba in Canada. I will be running for office in our upcoming election. I will be running for the office as Councillor. Thank you for your videos
MOXIE!!!!!!!!!!!! ADORBS!!!!!!!! (pets & scritches). Mike, what better way to start a video than with an adorable piece of clickbait that puts so many of your watchers in a better mood and makes them smile? I NEEDED to see something cute today! I just didn't know it!
Mike- I appreciate your honesty and depth of scripture regarding this hot topic. I have to say I agree with everything you spoke about. Thanks for “going there”. God bless.
What a great study! This resonated so strongly with some of my own concerns I've had with attitudes I've seen from the Church in this (and past) elections.
Very good stuff, Mike. Sure makes me think about my heart attitude. But I would like to hear as well about when we don't obey government. Such as several of the churches are doing in CA now. BTW, love your new logo - it's very much more personalized. I like it. Suits you and your program very well. God bless.
You shouldn't apologize for speaking bible truth never! Thanks again for the study. Great teachings thanks for clarifying the bit about honoring the office not person. Had issues with it until I learned what it truly means. Thanks again for all your hard work. I see this topic has opened a can of worms good luck my brother lol
This was so well done. I couldn't help but think about the mask issue and how Christians have responded. There hasn't been much humility, loving your neighbor, or submission coming from most Christians. As someone with a compromised immune system, it hurts to see such disregard for other people.
V. 13 “...for the Lord’s sake...” I find that many Christians get so stressed out because their identity becomes their political party and they abandon their identity in Christ. I have been trying to encourage people I share conversation with that there is no perfect ballot but our obedience is participating with biblical concepts in mind. However, most responses come down to I’m right and your wrong. I have been working on my response but I want to scream JESUS REIGNS but I don’t think that is best. Waiting for the Holy Spirit to give me words and seeking answers daily in scripture.
Firstly, thank you for unpacking this teaching. I love the way Jesus answered His critics and exposed their hearts but at the same time used their test/trap to provide us with endearing life lessons. I have observed a great deal of politics in churches over many years, with some pastors and ministry leaders using their positions and gift of the gab to influence people in the church to follow their ways of doing things. It has become obvious that many people easily fall into the trap of allowing "the end justify the means." This can include starting with a little bit of "kind" flattery or twisting biblical truths slightly in order to manipulate others. This is particularly prevalent when church finances become strained or they need to get people in the church to side with them on a particular view about things like water baptism or eternal security. Unfortunately, we can fall into the same vain as these Pharisees and Herodians at times where we try to trap others into a corner. In this reading, I believe Jesus is confirming that money ultimately has no material value to God (in fact the love of money leads to evil consequences), whereas God wants us to give/share with Him; the most precious things; that worldly minded people do not truly appreciate. He was able to communicate this in an Hebrew way that would not put Him offside with the Romans, hence the Pharisee's amazement once again. It must have grieved Jesus to have to deal with the politics and hypocrasy of the Pharisees, yet he still did this so graciously and turned a trap once again into a valuable lesson.
Hi Mike, I adore Jesus and God for the way they take Satan's worst efforts to do evil, and turn them to serve Good ends. The devil just can't win! On another point, I have a question for you on the point about submission to ungodly authorities. The Jews of Jesus' time were powerless against Roman authority, but through the vote, American democracy gives citizens partial power to choose what authorities do. I would want others to defend me from leadership that would treat me unjustly. So am I not commanded to use my vote to empower just leaders? Second, I have admired Rev Martin Luther King and his followers for having a truly Christian approach to demonstrating for civil rights. From what I've heard, they based all behavior, including toward their enemies, on agape love. They refused to submit to unjust laws (segregated lunch counters, riding in the back rows of a bus...) but they peacefully bore the consequences of breaking the laws, and cooperated with police who arrested them. They didn't retaliate when abused. What do you think of such an approach to civil disobedience? I'm grateful that your channel gives me the opportunity to hear so much scripture, explained in ways that reveal principles and the character of our creator. It helps me mature in my faith. May He continue to bless you with discernment! Thanks for your labors, Linda M
@@lindamoorhead3007 I would think that the civil disobedience practiced by groups such as Operation Rescue would provide more of a godly example; as that was focused on protecting the actual _lives_ of others from legalized, govt.-subsidized murder--not mere social oppression or racial discrimination (as important as those causes may be). Now that Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, it is not the time for Christians to slack off in their efforts to protect those who are most innocent and helpless against premeditated, systemic slaughter.
Fantastic teaching and I found it super convicting, thank you pastor. What’s on my mind now is how to determine what “giving authorities the honor they are due” looks like. For instance, I’ve always tried to respect the legal authority given to someone, yet because I’m an American and our authorities are not granted protection from harsh criticisms by law, I don’t consider my harsh critiques to be a breech of this principle, since by law I do not owe them critique spoken in a respectful manner.
So I’m watching this video today after our bible study this morning on this passage of scripture. And now Biden has been president fir a while. It is important that we adhere to these biblical principles no matter who is in office.
Please remember that in America, we the people are above our elected leaders. They work for us. We respect our elected leaders because our government is run by american citizens who voted for them. America was founded on the idea that we citizens are the leaders of our country. Rebellion (peaceful protest and voting them out) is okay if our elected officials do not carry out the laws that the people elected them to do. We should pay taxes because "we the people" who are the leaders of our country collectively voted for people to carry out our collective will. This is why America and democratic nations have a chance to be Godly. It depends on us, not some ruler over us. Our elected leaders should respect us...We are in charge, not them. If our elected leaders are corrupt we as their leaders should hold them accountable to our laws and put them in jail! I believe that the beauty of America is if we collectively decide to follow Jesus in our heart we would become a truly Godly nation. Because we are not under the rule of a corrupt leader, we have been electing corrupt leaders. God gave us the awesome tool called democracy...if we vote according to what the bible teaches we would have a nation that is much like heaven on earth. We have to start electing our leaders based on their character and faith in God, not their policies and not their credentials. If we elect truly Godly people, we rid our selves of corrupt government. We should ask for discernment on Godly character. Know them by their fruits. If a candidate creates confusion, division, inspires hate, and fear and refuses to repent, or is brash, arrogant or cruel-- he or she should not get our vote because they bear bad fruit. If the candidate speaks with peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, truth, compassion, etc. they should get our vote -- because the fruit of the Spirit is there. That is what I think Christians need to do and need to preach that message because that is biblical and aligned with Jesus teachings.
Hello Mike, Thanks for the great video, Clear biblical teaching, and no ambiguity!! Im gonna repeat this video 2-3 times to make sure that i understand this topic well, because we will have an election in December.
Great teaching, much needed. I find myself in total agreement with your principles, and I learned something about responses using principle which I can see would have helped me in the past, lol. The one thing I think we differ on, is the placement of the "line" in US politics. You touched on the fact that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not the people, but it sounds like you place the "line" (boundary of authority of representatives) a little closer to the person compared to me. It's an extremely difficult thing to discern, and I could be wrong. The same way the Supreme Court is there to interpret laws on their constitutionality, I do also for myself. Where I see the plain reading being violated I take a position of peaceful noncompliance, and take the time to write/email my congressmen, senators, and the President in order to tell them how I feel about it. I think if more Christians took this approach we might actually affect the laws we see passed or rejected. As the old saying goes, "we get the government we deserve." My hope is that, along with daily devotional prayer for our leaders, every Christian would be more active in communicating with their representatives. Quite frankly if we never speak up, in this type of government, we have no right to stand on any opinions. Kinda long winded, but I hope you read it and God bless you and your ministry. Keep up the great work!!
thank you, mike, for stepping up and tackling this subject matter today. i think you did a great job of addressing this important issue that has so polarized our nation more for this time period than any other i have lived through...let's just say i DO remember where i was when the news of jfk's assassination was announced! it breaks my heart to see the things Christians friends are posting these days. i truly pray that folks would examine their hearts and allow the Lord to refocus them on Him and not society and culture. God is sovereign and it will be He whose will answers these elections to carry out His purposes in His way. we must not forget that our thoughts are not His and cannot be compared to His wisdom and reasons. goes back to...where were we when He spoke His creation into existence and still controls it all? blessings...
@Mike Winger I have a hard time agreeing with some of the government submission you present. If I take you out of context forgive me and hopefully you can clarify. Rosa Parks defied government law. The boston tea party rebelled against tax. In these examples, I believe they went against what you're discussing and it turned out to be necessary acts for the betterment of the country. Do you believe these examples defied what you're teaching. Btw, thanks for what you do. I watch regularly with my wife and have had some questions answered by you in the past. Thanks.
"Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Cor. 6:7. -I realize that in this scripture, the Apostle Paul is referring to the church. But Rosa was being inconvenienced by being denied a seat (in a specific location) on a public transport. Yes, it was unfair, and wrong; and it _was_ undoubtedly better for the country once the Jim Crow laws of the American south were repealed. There is no doubt or argument about that. But was it worse than people being outright murdered with government sanction, for almost fifty years? 🤷♀ This is what I don't understand about the examples you have chosen for your illustration.
My pastor has been teaching on this subject Lately, you did a wonderful job and kept it very scripturally based as always. My prayer for you is that the Lord keeps you healthy and wise.
Great to see solid biblical teaching like this! Continue what you are doing brother!
I wish more Christians thought of Proverbs 15:28 before defending their political view on social media. Thanks Mike!!
I have struggled with this for a long time. I consider myself a staunch libertarian/conservative and I have a heart leaning towards rebellion. There’s a portion of me that really sympathizes with the Jewish Zealots. A large part of me wanted to rise up and join a militia or something for when they come to take our guns or whatever. But God really spoke to me (I think) and said basically “Your desire to rise up against the government stems from a lack of faith in me. You don’t believe I can save your country so you want to take matters into your own hands.” So I think we as Christians need to just trust God and plead with him to heal our nation. He can save us. Perhaps his will is to destroy us and he’d be perfectly just in doing so. But just pray, put faith in him to heal America, and maybe the lord will be merciful and give us a heart of repentance.
I know what you mean. Then I think would you like to die with a gun in your hand trying to kill someone, or would you rather die with a Bible in your hand in obedience to God. If I have to give my life, the second is way better. The first is a waste. Live by the sword, die by the sword.
@@briangeiger9307 amen
Nice thought. Now, where is your biblical basis?
@@livingasecondchance I don’t think you could point to a place where I was unbiblical.
@@christianbodyimprovementcl7718 "but just pray"... Christian life is much more than just praying and hoping for the best. Neither the prophets nor the apostles, needless to mention the judges, limited their lives to just pray.
I'm amazed that today is when I listened to this teaching. Incredibly relevant right now and I definitely felt gently rebuked by the Spirit on a few things. Will strive to honor God more in my online interactions.
Really important to PRAY for those in leadership, whether we personally like them or not. Great job on a hard topic.
As much as their behavior disgusts me I know we are all vulnerable to evil and sin and are tempted by it. I just pray that they all can be saved, realize the depth of their sins, and truly repent. That's ultimately the best outcome anyways, isn't it? I'm tired of being resentful and wanting revenge. I just want people to be saved and be better.
@@raining_trees yes, everyone of us needs Christ and the mercy and grace of God. We are all hopeless without Him.
I realize your post was three years ago; but that's what I feel that God has been speaking to me lately; especially now that another election is soon coming up. It's so easy to make fun of, call out, and pass along those political _memes_ (you know which ones I'm referring to!) on social media, ack. 😖
It's harder because it doesn't even just concern myself and my own heart attitudes... But my husband has become much more educated and informed about conservative politics recently (i.e., that he's more active on the internet now, instead of just watching the local MSM news).
While I'm glad that he has information now to make him more confident about what he believes (and maybe even begin relating his thoughts and political convictions to others?), I also see the sarcastic attitudes and some of the more worldly approaches 'rubbing off' from some of the social media influencers he follows on a regular basis.
We always used to talk about things more (when we were younger); but now that we're older, I guess we haven't been communicating the same way and with the same sense of oneness and ... camaraderie? as we used to? It's hard to explain; but I don't want to have to take a 'leadership' role in this area (that God's Word clearly teaches is not mine to usurp) in order to deal with this subject.
I don't sense that he'd be that receptive, anyway. I once asked him what he planned to _do_ with all the information he was learning; and he replied that if I kept _pressuring_ him (??) that he was going to stop watching political news altogether... *sigh* .... Sometimes you just can't win. -_-
I used to care a lot about politics on secular level. I've realized that no matter what either side of the isle does, nothing is right without God. Politicians only use Christianity as a means to an end and politics only serves as a distraction from the real issue, which is a sinful human heart issue.
Yes agree with you. I vote for the politician who stands on my values and beliefs in their party, whether they actually follow them or not...
@@ellebeth350 What values are those that pertain to Christianity or the bible specifically though?
There is one main issue! Does the gospel need the help of politicians or a marriage of the church and the secular to be effective? In my view, a vote on a set of limited values is a partnership with Satan. The voter takes the position that some sins are worse than others. This type of rationalization does nothing but corrupt. Take Peter as an example when he tried to interfere with the arrest of Christ. Did he hurt or help the situation? The reality is, when the church tried to force the faith, there will be blowback.
@@bechet12 well I would say that some sins are worse than others. I think that's actually biblical. Mass genocide of the unborn is worse than theft. I also think Paul made it clear that the government is ordained by God to provide certain levels of restraint. My point is just that true change starts with the individual citizen who needs salvation.
@@Kase5883 I understand your point. However, all sin is regarded by God as wrong and punishable by eternal death, and for the Christian community to prioritize which sins are tolerable is equally abhorrent! We who are believers in Christ must share the gospel but we have no right to constrain the choices of others. GOD has seen every evil act of mankind from the beginning and he as you know has set a date to judge the sinner and the sin!
Ravi Zacharius had a great commentary on this passage saying how the questioners missed the point by now allowing the follow up question “if the coin belongs to Caesar, what belongs to God? To which the anticipated reply is ‘who’s image is on you?’” Something you imply around 33:14. Such a great point.
Something you said reminded me of how Paul spoke to those in Athens. He didn’t verbally attack their way of life…he opened a door to introduce the one true God and what he did through Jesus Christ. I’m really enjoying your tapes. I thank God for raising up men like you to carry on the work as the older ones are decreasing in number. This is an answer to prayer as I witnessed too many false teachers out there. God bless you and the others who have been rased up to carry on the truth.
This is gold, pastor Mike. These “pay your taxes” verses are like nails on a chalkboard to me sometimes but it’s exactly what we need.
The issue for me is, at what point to stand up to government, if at all, leading up to the time they ask/mandate me to do something ungodly.Of course, the Nazis didn't put people on trains one day. Many months/years of manipulations led up to that point. I would hope we, as a body, would recognize when the government asks us to do things that are against God. We expect the world/government to be ungodly, but forcing me to do something against God seems clear. Hmmm...great topic to ponder before that time comes!! Thank you, Mike. Kudos to your logo designer, btw!
Biblical integrity first.
Party affiliation second.
Great point
Thank you, Mike, SO MUCH, for putting forth the TRUTH about our purpose and mission - "Christianity is not interested in overhauling systems as much as it is in creating godly people and then THAT spills into the system". YES!
My favorite quote of yours in this video: “Christianity is not interested in overhauling systems as it is in creating godly people - and then that spills into the systems.” As a college-age woman trying to understand how to approach the political world via my faith, I am very grateful for the fact that your God-given (and God-grown) wisdom and scrutiny can be shared like this! Thank you so much for the sincerity of your truth-seeking on this channel.
Thanks Mike, that was convicting, especially about rendering honor, for the Lord’s sake. The Lord is sovereign.
Jesus was not rich... but he was not poor. There is a middle. Great great message.
Subject matter that I’m sure causes a lot of emotion. This message was very well delivered because I do believe it is important for Christians to be involved in politics. It is important to vote as Mike said with the candidates who most closely align with the biblical worldview. At times this is harder to see than others. Neither side is right on all issues but we do need to respect and love each other and be able to have a dialogue without tearing each other down. America isn’t perfect but I am so thankful to live in a country where I can to go to church and praise the mane of Jesus without fear of being thrown in jail. I do believe in future days we will see more persecution of the church in this country.
Mike, keep on with this. It's very valuable. The time to rebel WILL come, that is clear from scripture and it is very important that we know when that time is, and when it isn't. We need to honour God both by submission and rebellion at the correct moments.
“Dogs have owners, cats have staff.”
Wow, Mike, that’s convicting! My family is big into debating politics but I never realized the Bible has so much to say about government! You’ve given me a lot to think about! Thank you and God bless!! (Watching on tax day, ironically. (April 15, 2024)
I love the idea of writing questions down while studying. *Reasoning* will allow someone to understand the context a lot better!
Pastor Mike, You are a blessing from God! I agree with most of what you teach and I appreciate and pray for you! You said to tell you why we might disagree with something. Thank you for that humility. We are to obey every ordinance of man as they are punishing evil doers and rewarding those who do good (functioning the way God purposed). John the Baptist rebuked king Herod by telling him what he was doing with his brother's wife was unlawful. He also confronted the other evil things he did (Luke 3:19). I agree we should be model citizens so others see our good deeds and glorify God and at the same time, there is a time to push back and not just in extreme cases like the Holocaust. If there would have been push back to the subtle moves of the enemy before the torture and murdering of millions, I think evil couldn't have gone as far as it did. We have responsibility. Please help me. I don't want to be rebellious. I just want to go against the plans of our cunning enemy. I was outside Planned Parenthood and a policeman came up to a guy sitting on his truck bed without a mask. He asked the man to put his mask on, the man got out his constitution and began reading. Another policeman came and I started asking God if I should get involved. The other policeman seemed upset and asked for the guys license. The man asked what crime he committed and the policeman said his crime is not wearing a mask. I knew I had to speak up. I asked if I could speak and the first policeman said I could speak to him. I was pleading with them to see that there were babies being murdered in the building, ripped apart/burned yet law enforcement gives this man a punishment for sitting in his truck more than 6 feet apart without a mask. There is something very wrong! I went on to say that they are God's servants to punish evil and reward good. The policeman (Jared - very humble man) said he agreed that not wearing a mask is not evil. Even the other policeman agreed that PP is an evil place (which is positioned right next to the police department). Anyway, there's more to the story and I was glad I could speak truth to them that they seemed to receive. Your thoughts? Love you brother!
Kelly Lauren That is an inspiring and beautiful story.
😍 What an amazing story!! You were a beautiful ambassador for Christ in that situation.
Thank you for this Mike.
You always have the mind of Jesus in your teachings, and a heart that is set on the King of the Kingdom that is greater than the kingdoms of men.
Thank You Mike! I recently graduated with a Master's in Public Administration and studied politics ALOT lol... I was confused as what to do next since politics is inherently divisive. You gave me some great ideas in engaging or teaching politics but still honoring God.
“Have you considered you might have made an idol of politics?”
Here we go again, I thought. I wasn’t surprised by the question. Idol-hunting, after all, is a favorite pastime of my fellow evangelicals. But I was caught off guard by the candidate for the potential idol.
It’s certainly possible I’ve made an idol of money. And I’d reluctantly confess that I’ve often made an idol of comfort or security. My wife might say I’ve made an idol of my smartphone, since I always seem to be staring at it in adoration and obeisance. But an idol of politics? How is that even a question? I hate politics. I consider politics to be, at best, a necessary evil, not something I would put ahead of God.
Yet the question was hard to shake, and made more difficult to dismiss since it had come from within my own head and heart.
Still, I assumed I could answer in the negative, so I created a set of questions to test this idolatry theory.
Before we get to the questions, though, let me clarify a concern you might have. At this point many readers are thinking this article is not really about me at all, but rather a passive-aggressive means for me to get others to admit (at least to themselves) that they are the ones who have made an idol of politics. Let me assure that is not the case. It’s not that I’m above such finger-wagging, whether passive-aggressive or just aggressive-aggressive. I wouldn’t be against writing such an article if I thought it would work. But as I’ve learned over the past several years, it would not work. Almost no one is willing to admit they have made an idol of politics-including me.
That’s why I started creating a list of idol-identifying questions that I thought would vindicate me.
21 Questions to Consider
1. Have you heard the name of a political figure more today than you have the name of Jesus?
2. Have you spent more time today thinking about the president (or another politician) than you have thinking about the creator of the universe?
3. Have you spent more time listening to talk of politics-on social media, talk radio, cable news, and so on-than you spent in the Word of God or with gospel-oriented media?
4. When I discover that a fellow believer disagrees with my political preferences, do I make assumptions about their level of sanctification and commitment to Jesus based on their political affiliation?
5. Do I continually make excuses for why I support certain policies or politicians, even though I know they undermine my gospel witness?
6. Do I judge myself as having noble motives when it comes to politics, yet assume the worst about people on the other side of the political divide?
7. Do I look for excuses to judge my ungodly behavior when it comes to politics rather than asking forgiveness from God?
8. Have I become more obsessed with achieving a specific political outcome than I am about leading people to Christ?
9. Am I more willing to allow injustice to occur than to suffer injustice myself?
10. Can I truly say that my political choices and preferences are informed by and consistent with a biblical standard of ethics?
11. Do I attempt to justify my politics based on the “realism” of general revelation (e.g., that sometimes we must make compromises) rather than on reality as revealed in special revelation (e.g., “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” - James 4:17)?
12. When I (reluctantly) pray for politicians with whom I disagree, do I primarily pray that they will lose the next election or otherwise fail to gain political power and influence?
13 Am I more likely to be shaped by the political views of an acquaintance on Facebook than I am by the inspired words of Scripture?
14. Would I find it easier to recite the names of 12 presidential candidates than I would the 12 disciples or the 12 tribes of Israel?
15. Have more of my conversations today been about politics than about the gospel?
16. Do my words and actions reveal that I am more concerned about the way Christians will vote than I am with whether they are enjoying God?
17. Based on my thoughts and actions today, does it seem as if I’m more concerned about the next four years than I am with eternity?
18. Have I been willing to overlook when politicians on my side say they are Christian and yet act in ways that bring dishonor to Christ?
19. Am I more concerned with political pragmatism than I am with obeying every command of Christ?
20. Do my concerns about possible political outcomes show that I may not truly trust that God is sovereign over the nations?
21. Am I more offended by these questions (and my honest answers) than I am in how they reveal my idolatry?
Love these questions and I answered yes to quite a few 😬 I'm not ready to say I've made politics a idol... but I have spent too much time on it rather then focusing on Jesus.
@@IsraelNewTestament Ouch. I'm definitely guilty of at least a few of those. Thanks for the opportunity for a bit of introspection.
Typically politics are the last thing on my mind but, with the nearness of this election, I have definitely been slipping into idol territory. This was a good reminder, thank you! Time to set down the phone and look away from the news for a little bit! ;)
Everyone who is not God is in the same group, sinners. All politicians are sinners. God uses anyone He wants to His purposes. Any questions?🧐
I've been pondering about this issue (not necessarily about taxes but about the persecutions on Christians happening in India) and came to a same sort of conclusion you've come up with. Yes, we need to obey the government no matter how hard they are and how much they persecute us. For we can't expect or fight for justice in the world. Coz, it's not ours. If the world is ours, I bet, the angels would fight against the people that persecute Christians. That's why we wait for a new world. Expecting a good judgement from this world is like two people going to a thief and expecting him to give a right verdict for a theft case. The right judgement is gonna happen on the judgement day.
Amen
thank you for this teaching , Mike
Here in Australia we have a Prime Minister who claims Christianity also. His actions do not always mirror his claims.
I do so agree it ts the POSITION that should be honoured, no matter your disagreement with the person...
RE: Jury duty - it is a blessing to live in a country which uses juries to judge an issue. So many countries use the 'guilty til proved innocent' stance legally, Juries give everyone the right to be heard and judged accordingly.
I’ve realized that Jesus came to Earth on the perfect time, during the Roman Empire.
Thank you, I needed this today, as I seek to walk out this post-election week. It has helped me keep my focus on our Sovereign LORD, the King of kings, not man's government, so I can continue to be a light in this dark world.
“Give the principle, not just your conclusion“. Thank you, Mike! That’s brilliant! You have no idea how much that will help me! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🙏🏼
I love you Mike. You have an absolute gift for being able to deliver truth bombs without judgment and it’s so fun to see! I needed to hear this. I have had a passion for politics since I was 4 years old and for the past 2 years I have felt a shift in my spirit that has been hard to articulate and this hits the nail on the head. My soul has been longing for Jesus Politics and nothing else will do. I pray the Lord continues to bless you and your ministry and continues to give the strength and wisdom to keep making these eloquent videos.
I just heard this. The best most biblical explanation of biblical perspective on politics I've heard. Thank you!
This channel is a real Godsend. My thanks to Mike and his team- they really help me clear my head of carnal mess and focus on what actually matters.
Your timing is perfect. I'm voting tomorrow afternoon (we have early voting here in FL). Your views and biblical insight just strengthened my commitment to vote as I feel the Lord would have a Christian vote. This was a fairly easy decision for me once I removed the individual running from the equation and based my view solely on the plantforms of the two parties.
Exactly, the policies are what matter and give lasting effect not the personality
So basically feed the hungry, heal the sick, turn the other cheek, pay your taxes?
@@ApanblodChristian worldview
Thanks Mike for this, it was very insightful.
I'm a chilean/british and politics is something that is part of your day-by-day common conversational topics when you're a South-american. I was born in Santiago de Chile in the last years of the Pinochet dictatorship gov and grew up having to watch him on telly every week on a "national alert" type system that was mandatory for all TV channels. My family was baptist and used to really hate on the guy,... we all did and for good reasons.
For whoever doesn't know (and cares), Pinochet was one of the puppets used by Nixon, Ford, Carter, etc to take power back by force from the sudden socialist electoral emergence in South America in the early 70s through what's historically called "Operacion Condor", a little military scheme that left tens of thousands tortured, raped and finally killed... kids, pregnant women, men, many of them thrown into the sea or put in common graves so their families' grief could extend well beyond their deaths by not being able to have a corpse to bury. In SA being "right-wing" means basically supporting the genocide, which should give you a good overview of how quickly polarising and emotional politics talk can be in our land.
All of this gave birth to what's called "Liberation Theology" by the catholic church and followed by the reformed church as well, a theology view that merged with the social crisis needs of the times and that "put Jesus, in the poor people's side", as all the south american elite are right-winged and nominal roman catholics... including the "pious" junta militar.
A while ago (and this is a very personal decision) I decided to remain away from politics, american... british... even chilean, I consume lots of theological content online, mainly because it passionates me and I try to make the best of my work time by listening God's Word content all they long, but it just grieves my heart and gives me lots of anxiety to read/hear people I admire and love advocating for Trump so strongly, basically giving the blind eye to the core of an ideology that in my cultural context enabled genocide, pain and destruction from which we still haven't recovered as a country, but at the same time I understand the risk of having nowadays progressive candidates in office which will mean enabling abortion and other agendas completely opposed to God. I personally see that the outcome of whatever I vote (anywhere) is still death, destruction and a system built to hate God and His people, and in the midst of this madness all my consolation comes from the Scriptures. Today more than ever Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, Colossians 3:2 and 1 John 2:15 they all makes sense in the light of these crazy times we live in.
I personally won't grief my soul on this when I know that God has adopted me already and affirmed that, like John 17:16 says... I'm not of this world.
I might be wrong, but it works for me.
I am from Eastern Europe, and we have known similar suffering from a psychopathic, pedophile communist dictator, who ruled us with great cruelty and isolated us as a nation for 50 years. I appreciate you sharing your experiences and your dilemma with choosing any side of the political spectrum. I struggle with the same thing. I absolutely oppose abortion, but I also oppose policies that slice the throats of the poor, despise foreigners, exalt the rich, protect the corrupt, and honor the wicked and boastful. It’s difficult for me to listen to politicians and not recognize all of these issues. I cannot focus on just one.
@@DepDawg God bless you brother, no matter politics or place in the world, we're family in Christ.
@@ClauGutierrezY amen, my brother 🙏🏼
Mike, this sermon was beautiful, gracious, and so wonderfully biblically sound. Thank you, thank you. I moved to a more liberal state a few years ago, and the guilt of what’s being done with my taxes was really eating me up, so I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have found this sermon today. Our God is mighty and all-wise, there is no one like Him!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️
Awww, sweet, kitty cam! And thank you for this teaching, as always Pastor Mike. 😌🌹
Mike thanks for handling this with care. I realized I am wrong in a lot of these areas and have inserted my feelings into how I should respond to the issues, instead of letting God’s word dictate my response.
You always open my eyes to a better way to serve God. Thank you and God Bless.
I have been convinced of these biblical truths for many years. I have been feeling sorrowful over the infiltration going on in my church and with Christians in general, it is a hate mentality not only toward political parties but individuals! My cousin will hardly speak with me about political issues, because I advocate for respect for the office. If we as Christians don’t pray for wisdom for our government and salvation for our politicians, what kind of light are we showing? Absolute hate for someone in power is useless, in America we can work towards change, but if not willing to do so we are as “sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal” just noise! Blessed and safe days!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Man. Challenged me today. Thanks for this teaching and I appreciate the emphasis on Christian submission. I need to submit anyways. Already definitely feeling the Spirit working me over on not talking evil of those in power.
I stopped badmouthing because of this. Not perfect but im trying.
My second time through this teaching. Respect for individuals is still important even if we disagree with the policies or see the sinfulness of their actions. I learned a principle a long time ago: "Worship God; Love (= respect) People; Use Things; and don't mix them up!"
These verses really revealed to me Jesus’ incredible character. I’ve been in situations where people flatter me to make me agree with them like “you are so smart, so intelligent, wouldn’t you think the same?” And the only thing going on there was that my pride was so high up and the other persons pride was even higher, which is manipulating others to prove a point.
Spiritually nourishing, refreshing and enlightening. Thank you Pastor Mike! God bless you 🙏🏽
Mike...so good. Finally the Word of God shared with clarity. Thank you
For your honest, thorough teaching on verses that are ignored or made subservient to political opinions.
"Corruption. That's just how government works."
-- Mike Winger
Only just started watching and this is exactly what I was wanting. I clicked because I wanted Biblical teaching that will guide me on how I should approach today's voting and knew that's what I'd get from you!
Amen. I get to know more each day I listen. I like messages that relate to our world today and the biblical counsel we need to live. God bless you.
What a blessing and so much wisdom in just one hour of teaching
Thank you for all the hard work you do
Neither of the main parties represents biblical principals well. The two-party system sucks. I'm not drawn to either of them as a Christian, and I don't feel I can vote for most anyone running in one of those parties. I oppose both. I've wrestled with this for so many hours over the years. Voting is the most difficult part of my walk.
I agree. There are so many Republican views that I can’t see any alignment for biblically. I am divided.
Amen. Multiparty systems aren’t that much better either, as here in Canada we have about five parties and I still have the same problem...
I’ve voted independent every election since I was 18 lol I do it knowing full well that only 1% or less of the population will vote for them, but I’m with you when it comes to the two-party system we have going on, so neither of them get my vote
@@gabrieldietz1866 Do you have ranked-choice voting where you are?
Sometimes it isn't what you are voting for, but what you're voting against. Some policies are so clearly against the word of God that not taking a stand against it is sinful. Not candidates' personal lives and morality but policies themselves.
Saw you on the new American gospel last night! Good job!
Where was this?
It’s a series of documentary type movies that were created to show the true Gospel compared to American false gospels.
@@ntrom828 Thank you! Is it on RUclips? If yes, could you post a link?
@@jamesbarresse8272 The first one is on Netflix I believe (however this is not the one Mike is in). The second one is available on Amazon Prime video and vimeo I believe. I think you can also buy a DVD version
@@nickhay9668 I've got Amazon, thank you. That's awesome Mike is on there. Thank you!
Excellent teaching and advise to cool the tempers and bring believers back to the focus of our true faith and biblical teaching. If we are truly believers, we should be able to agree on solid teaching. Great job, as usual!! Btw... love the new logo!
I almost didn't watch this video just because of the tensions running high. I am so happy I watched it, I got so much from this teaching, thank you Mike Winger, you are so wise for your age.
I don't live in the USA, but I feel like the current government in my country is ungodly in many ways. I really needed the reminder about honouring the rulers if not for their character, but for their rank. I gained so much from this Bible study.
The SQ3R method of studying is survey (scan the text), query (ask questions, like you said, Mike!), read, recall, and review. This is a great technique for online students who are especially reliant on the textbook, and students can skip reading in depth if they do the other steps, using the text as a reference. Of course, if I taught a text-heavy subject like English, history, or the Bible, I would recommend they emphasize the read part heavily in addition to all other parts.
Thank you for this! I pray for wisdom and strength for the body to live out biblical principles ...For the Lord’s Sake”🙏🏻🕊
Fantastic video brother, you are SO RIGHT ON! The whole "gotcha" questions behind the hearts of people. Soo true.
Let’s not forget that in the United States, we are a government of, by, and for the people. We are all Caesar. we have no rulers or kings (except for God). It is our duty to make sure our representatives use our tax dollars wisely. And to hold them accountable. This is why as Christians, it is imperative we are involved in politics.
Watching this about a year later, and as someone who definitely leans more in the libertarian direction, some of this was like a biblical slap in the face 😂😂😂 I suppose I have some repenting to do. Thanks for the fantastic study as usual! Even though I technically knew all this already, my heart didn’t want to accept it that easily lol
Loved this teaching Pastor Winger, great practical biblical lessons! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Definitely will ponder how I answer questions in the future
Mike, this is strong medicine, but we have recently witnessed the world's answer. We heard people rationalize rioting, destroying, killing and stealing because "the system" does not conform to their view of justice. As Christians we are to remain responsible to God, country and man, despite that two of those will never conform to our view of justice. To the extent that we choose the way of the world over Christ, we will disintegrate as Christians and as humans. Over the last few years, I have fallen in love with the Book of Daniel. His life extended into two major world empires, neither of which honored Yahweh. Because of his devotion to God, he was esteemed by two world leaders.
And these terrible times bring out leaders like you, Mike. I also thank God for you, brother.
Need to cover the revolutionary war and the lead up to it for an honest application.
Great video! This is very comforting and liberating (from worry) when we are reminded that God IS in control - ALWAYS. Thanks Mike.
Thanks for this. What you said here I thought bore repeating (51:33):
"Christianity is not interested in overhauling systems as much as it is in creating godly people and that spills into the system...No matter what system you put Christianity into, it will overhaul the people so they are godly, and loving, and kind, and pure, and submissive."
I believe the principle Paul is referring to when writing Romans 13 comes from the previous chapter (12:18) when he writes:
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
In the United States and elsewhere, only in recent times have Christians had the opportunity to vote and lobby for representative governments that can make this peace more achievable. While issues such as abortion are important, the first consideration for a Christian voting in a democratic country should be that the politician/party be most likely to support the peaceful existence of the church. It is for the benefit of the church, and not our own personal concerns (like taxes or guns or whatever), that the Christian should be most political about.
To apply the principle to 2020, a Christian should not be voting for a party which uses the Coronavirus pandemic shutdowns as an excuse to keep churches indefinitely closed while allowing secular, violent social movements to congregate on the streets without penalty. Persecution isn't just academic anymore.
I believe we have to be intentional about who we vote for in our local and state governments because this greatly affects people , we talk a lot about presidential candidates but not enough about our governors and mayors and etc...
Just one point in addition. Our Caesar is "We the People."
Right. The actual government system involves me and gives me responsibility for doing what I can to point the system towards righteousness.
Hi. I am an Aboriginal from Manitoba in Canada. I will be running for office in our upcoming election. I will be running for the office as Councillor.
Thank you for your videos
God bless. All the best as you run for that position.
Noah Fletcher Thank u so much brother!
Oh thank you so much for this video! Couldn’t have come at a better time!
MOXIE!!!!!!!!!!!! ADORBS!!!!!!!! (pets & scritches). Mike, what better way to start a video than with an adorable piece of clickbait that puts so many of your watchers in a better mood and makes them smile? I NEEDED to see something cute today! I just didn't know it!
Mike- I appreciate your honesty and depth of scripture regarding this hot topic. I have to say I agree with everything you spoke about. Thanks for “going there”. God bless.
What a great study! This resonated so strongly with some of my own concerns I've had with attitudes I've seen from the Church in this (and past) elections.
Hi Pastor Mark! I love your Mike series! 😏 seriously though, it’s been so beneficial and a huge blessing, brother!
This is one of your best videos. I love how you disect the lines. You garner a lot of messages from the smallest things. Well done. 👏👏👏👏
This was great! Needed to hear this, especially here in 2021.
Very good stuff, Mike. Sure makes me think about my heart attitude.
But I would like to hear as well about when we don't obey government. Such as several of the churches are doing in CA now.
BTW, love your new logo - it's very much more personalized. I like it. Suits you and your program very well. God bless.
You shouldn't apologize for speaking bible truth never! Thanks again for the study. Great teachings thanks for clarifying the bit about honoring the office not person. Had issues with it until I learned what it truly means. Thanks again for all your hard work. I see this topic has opened a can of worms good luck my brother lol
This was so well done. I couldn't help but think about the mask issue and how Christians have responded. There hasn't been much humility, loving your neighbor, or submission coming from most Christians. As someone with a compromised immune system, it hurts to see such disregard for other people.
@Margaret Kpeh Um...how is living comfortably bad? And what does that have to do with wearing a piece of fabric?
@@gabetalks9275 Especially when the premise for masks is false
V. 13 “...for the Lord’s sake...” I find that many Christians get so stressed out because their identity becomes their political party and they abandon their identity in Christ. I have been trying to encourage people I share conversation with that there is no perfect ballot but our obedience is participating with biblical concepts in mind. However, most responses come down to I’m right and your wrong. I have been working on my response but I want to scream JESUS REIGNS but I don’t think that is best. Waiting for the Holy Spirit to give me words and seeking answers daily in scripture.
This is a very good teaching, pulling together the NT scriptures on government and authority. Unpalatable but needing to be said at this time.
Such a good study! Thank you Mike for helping ME to think biblically about politics!
Firstly, thank you for unpacking this teaching. I love the way Jesus answered His critics and exposed their hearts but at the same time used their test/trap to provide us with endearing life lessons. I have observed a great deal of politics in churches over many years, with some pastors and ministry leaders using their positions and gift of the gab to influence people in the church to follow their ways of doing things. It has become obvious that many people easily fall into the trap of allowing "the end justify the means." This can include starting with a little bit of "kind" flattery or twisting biblical truths slightly in order to manipulate others. This is particularly prevalent when church finances become strained or they need to get people in the church to side with them on a particular view about things like water baptism or eternal security. Unfortunately, we can fall into the same vain as these Pharisees and Herodians at times where we try to trap others into a corner. In this reading, I believe Jesus is confirming that money ultimately has no material value to God (in fact the love of money leads to evil consequences), whereas God wants us to give/share with Him; the most precious things; that worldly minded people do not truly appreciate. He was able to communicate this in an Hebrew way that would not put Him offside with the Romans, hence the Pharisee's amazement once again. It must have grieved Jesus to have to deal with the politics and hypocrasy of the Pharisees, yet he still did this so graciously and turned a trap once again into a valuable lesson.
Hi Mike, I adore Jesus and God for the way they take Satan's worst efforts to do evil, and turn them to serve Good ends. The devil just can't win!
On another point, I have a question for you on the point about submission to ungodly authorities. The Jews of Jesus' time were powerless against Roman authority, but through the vote, American democracy gives citizens partial power to choose what authorities do. I would want others to defend me from leadership that would treat me unjustly.
So am I not commanded to use my vote to empower just leaders?
Second, I have admired Rev Martin Luther King and his followers for having a truly Christian approach to
demonstrating for civil rights.
From what I've heard, they based all behavior, including toward their enemies, on agape love. They refused to submit to unjust laws (segregated lunch counters, riding in the back rows of a bus...) but they peacefully bore the consequences of breaking the laws, and cooperated with police who arrested them.
They didn't retaliate when abused.
What do you think of such an approach to civil disobedience?
I'm grateful that your channel gives me the opportunity to hear so much scripture, explained in ways that reveal principles and the character of our creator. It helps me mature in my faith. May He continue to bless you with discernment! Thanks for your labors, Linda M
@@lindamoorhead3007 I would think that the civil disobedience practiced by groups such as Operation Rescue would provide more of a godly example; as that was focused on protecting the actual _lives_ of others from legalized, govt.-subsidized murder--not mere social oppression or racial discrimination (as important as those causes may be). Now that Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, it is not the time for Christians to slack off in their efforts to protect those who are most innocent and helpless against premeditated, systemic slaughter.
Fantastic teaching and I found it super convicting, thank you pastor. What’s on my mind now is how to determine what “giving authorities the honor they are due” looks like. For instance, I’ve always tried to respect the legal authority given to someone, yet because I’m an American and our authorities are not granted protection from harsh criticisms by law, I don’t consider my harsh critiques to be a breech of this principle, since by law I do not owe them critique spoken in a respectful manner.
So I’m watching this video today after our bible study this morning on this passage of scripture. And now Biden has been president fir a while. It is important that we adhere to these biblical principles no matter who is in office.
Thanks for the study. I always learn so much
This was really good and convicting. Thank you sir.
Thank you. I enjoy your teachings & how you approach biblical teaching without incorporating your opinions.
Please remember that in America, we the people are above our elected leaders. They work for us. We respect our elected leaders because our government is run by american citizens who voted for them. America was founded on the idea that we citizens are the leaders of our country. Rebellion (peaceful protest and voting them out) is okay if our elected officials do not carry out the laws that the people elected them to do. We should pay taxes because "we the people" who are the leaders of our country collectively voted for people to carry out our collective will. This is why America and democratic nations have a chance to be Godly. It depends on us, not some ruler over us. Our elected leaders should respect us...We are in charge, not them. If our elected leaders are corrupt we as their leaders should hold them accountable to our laws and put them in jail! I believe that the beauty of America is if we collectively decide to follow Jesus in our heart we would become a truly Godly nation. Because we are not under the rule of a corrupt leader, we have been electing corrupt leaders. God gave us the awesome tool called democracy...if we vote according to what the bible teaches we would have a nation that is much like heaven on earth. We have to start electing our leaders based on their character and faith in God, not their policies and not their credentials. If we elect truly Godly people, we rid our selves of corrupt government. We should ask for discernment on Godly character. Know them by their fruits. If a candidate creates confusion, division, inspires hate, and fear and refuses to repent, or is brash, arrogant or cruel-- he or she should not get our vote because they bear bad fruit. If the candidate speaks with peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, truth, compassion, etc. they should get our vote -- because the fruit of the Spirit is there. That is what I think Christians need to do and need to preach that message because that is biblical and aligned with Jesus teachings.
Hello Mike,
Thanks for the great video, Clear biblical teaching, and no ambiguity!!
Im gonna repeat this video 2-3 times to make sure that i understand this topic well, because we will have an election in December.
Jesus Politics by Phil Robertson is a great book on biblical politics too
Pastor Mike, thank you for this teaching! Packed with insight and analysis that I had not heard before.
Great teaching, much needed. I find myself in total agreement with your principles, and I learned something about responses using principle which I can see would have helped me in the past, lol. The one thing I think we differ on, is the placement of the "line" in US politics. You touched on the fact that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not the people, but it sounds like you place the "line" (boundary of authority of representatives) a little closer to the person compared to me. It's an extremely difficult thing to discern, and I could be wrong. The same way the Supreme Court is there to interpret laws on their constitutionality, I do also for myself. Where I see the plain reading being violated I take a position of peaceful noncompliance, and take the time to write/email my congressmen, senators, and the President in order to tell them how I feel about it. I think if more Christians took this approach we might actually affect the laws we see passed or rejected. As the old saying goes, "we get the government we deserve." My hope is that, along with daily devotional prayer for our leaders, every Christian would be more active in communicating with their representatives. Quite frankly if we never speak up, in this type of government, we have no right to stand on any opinions.
Kinda long winded, but I hope you read it and God bless you and your ministry. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks Mike, great video!
That cat at the beginning looked stuffed lol
Stuffed with cat food.
She's a snoozy kitty
I know -- I had to double-check to make sure she was breathing! 😆😻
thank you, mike, for stepping up and tackling this subject matter today. i think you did a great job of addressing this important issue that has so polarized our nation more for this time period than any other i have lived through...let's just say i DO remember where i was when the news of jfk's assassination was announced! it breaks my heart to see the things Christians friends are posting these days. i truly pray that folks would examine their hearts and allow the Lord to refocus them on Him and not society and culture. God is sovereign and it will be He whose will answers these elections to carry out His purposes in His way. we must not forget that our thoughts are not His and cannot be compared to His wisdom and reasons. goes back to...where were we when He spoke His creation into existence and still controls it all? blessings...
I absolutely love this one . Thank you.
Thank you, Mike. New thoughts, clear biblical speech. Especially now before Nov.3.
Frank Turek rocks! :)
Dang you! You pegged me on jury duty Mike. I will not do that ever again. Thank you for you rebuke my brother!
@Mike Winger I have a hard time agreeing with some of the government submission you present. If I take you out of context forgive me and hopefully you can clarify.
Rosa Parks defied government law.
The boston tea party rebelled against tax.
In these examples, I believe they went against what you're discussing and it turned out to be necessary acts for the betterment of the country. Do you believe these examples defied what you're teaching.
Btw, thanks for what you do. I watch regularly with my wife and have had some questions answered by you in the past. Thanks.
I’d love to hear his answer on this!
I would appreciate a reply to this also. Were our founder's in the wrong? I can't see it.
"Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" 1 Cor. 6:7.
-I realize that in this scripture, the Apostle Paul is referring to the church. But Rosa was being inconvenienced by being denied a seat (in a specific location) on a public transport. Yes, it was unfair, and wrong; and it _was_ undoubtedly better for the country once the Jim Crow laws of the American south were repealed. There is no doubt or argument about that.
But was it worse than people being outright murdered with government sanction, for almost fifty years? 🤷♀ This is what I don't understand about the examples you have chosen for your illustration.
My pastor has been teaching on this subject Lately, you did a wonderful job and kept it very scripturally based as always. My prayer for you is that the Lord keeps you healthy and wise.
Thank you ☺
I love your cat.
Thank you brother.