To Vote or Not to Vote

1 Timothy 2: 1 to 4

To vote, or not to vote; that is the question? Whether tis nobler to endure the slings and arrows; mostly from friends in the primaries. Or whether we should retaliate. Some candidates take the high road, while others take the low one. Elections tend to bring out the best, and the worst in people. Politics is not for the faint-hearted; but for those with thick skin. Many challenges arise, testing people’s integrity. Where are the Christians?

And as to who is a Christian; many will be disappointed.

Matthew 7: 21 to 23 – Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

If there were trials to-day, for being a believer; would there be enough evidence to convict you? There is currently a Christian pastor on death row in Tehran. His crime: his refusal to renounce Our Lord Jesus Christ. A few years ago, a Christian man, for the same reason, was publicly beheaded, on national TV, in Kabul; in spite of the protests of more civilised countries. They were confident in 1 John 1: 7 –

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

But when it comes to elections; this group is eagerly sought after by all sides. The promises come fast and furious. And at some point, one side pitches the winning ball that captures the block of millions of votes. JP Barnum would have been proud. And when the ballots are counted; what is the attitude towards the religious crowd. Well, if they supported the loser; they are treated with contempt, and their cause is worse off than before. But, if they supported the winner; they are thrown a bone, and then told to buzz off, until the next election.

What’s wrong with this picture? Has playing the political poker game actually helped the Church and believers? No! What does Our Lord Jesus call us to do?

Matthew 10: 16 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

So why are there so many gullible gooses? And what’s the purpose of a having a secret ballot; if you let someone tell you how to vote?

God did not create us to be mindless robots. He created us as individuals, and expects us to use our brains. And when we do it His Way; things go a lot better.

Romans 12: 1 to 3 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

So when someone tells you not to think, and to do what they tell you; don’t fall for them. The Germans did that 80 years ago, and still regret it.

Participating in a democracy is a great blessing. Many around the world don’t have that. How about Zimbabwe. How many people have been killed because they tried to exercise their freedoms. What is our first requirement in citizenship.

1 Timothy 2: 1 to 4 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Yes, we pray for our leaders; especially that they get saved. How many candidates are Biblical Christians?

It is important to remember that there are other elements involved, than on the physical level.

Ephesians 6: 10 to 18 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places . Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Are you saying that demons are in politicians? I haven’t seen one who doesn’t have lots of them. And for those who are born-again believers; there is something that we can do. Matthew 16: 19 – And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Even though the pope claims this for his own; the Word of God says otherwise.

Luke 10: 19 & 20 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. And we use our authority in the Name of Jesus Christ to bind the demons.

Matthew 12: 29 & 30 – Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

We, then use our spiritual authority to bind the demons that are controlling the people; even politicians. We can loose the good spirits of God into them, in Jesus’ Name. HBC has their “Warfare Prayers” available on their web-site. Our site also has a prayer for elections. Binding and loosing does work. Years ago, when I was talking to a salesman, I was binding and loosing over him. At one point he stopped talking. I asked him what was wrong. He replied that he couldn’t believe that he had told the truth. Binding and loosing does work. Praise the Lord! I firmly believe that there would be some candidates still in the Primaries if they had been binding and loosing. It’s not too late.

And let everyone exercise their democratic privileges; by binding and loosing, and asking Our Lord to guide you in voting.

 

May the Grace, Mercy, and Peace of God Our Father, and Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Pastor T John Franklin

Church of Salvation, Healing and Deliverance

Tags: Candidate, COSHAD, Democracy, Election, John Franklin, Prayer, President, Voting

By Pastor John Franklin in Current Events on March 13, 2012