Citizenship in a free country is a blessing from God. Our American system of self-government assures every Christian a voice in the affairs of the nation. God wants us to do His will in government just as in the Church and in the home.

1. Should A Christian Participate In Politics?
1. Whether one realizes it or not, Christians are a part of the political system. Lethargy and inactivity are negative involvements which promote the ascendancy and rule of evil men - (Psalm 125:3)
2. We extend Christian influence by participating. Christians should assert their influence in organizations which are part of their daily lives - (Genesis 41:33, II Samuel 22:3)
3. Only Christians are equipped spiritually and morally to render the kind of political decisions which will be pleasing to God - (Proverbs 14:34, II Chronicles 7:14)

1. How Does A Christian Participate In Politics?
1. Pray
1. ...that the Spirit of God will enable you to live a Godly life and introduce others to Christ -- the first step to good citizenship - (I Timothy 2:1)
2. ...that God will remove from office those who are disobedient to Him, so that righteous rule will be restored and America will turn from her wicked ways. Remember that Godless rulership is contagious - (Proverbs 29:12)
3. ...that men and women of God will be elected to public office at all levels of leadership so that our land will be healed - (Psalm 33:12)
2. Register to vote

Many of God's people throughout America are not even registered to vote. Only when you have registered to vote will you be in a position to help elect Godly officials - (Proverbs 11:11)

1. Become informed

Just as the untrained soldier is at the mercy of his enemy, the uninformed Christian is incapable of prevailing against the forces of evil in the world of politics. Knowledge is essential to effective action (Proverbs 14:18). Seek knowledge from Godly sources, such as Christian periodicals, newspapers, or the counsel of other knowledgable Christians - (Proverbs 15:22)

1. Help elect Godly people

Help elect men and women of God to public office and support them faithfully throughout their terms - (Proverbs 29:2)
The Word of God gives us the basic qualifications of a good candidate - (Exodus 18:21-22)

1. Godliness (spiritual maturity)
2. Integrity
3. Industriousness
4. Biblical guidance
5. Justice
6. Demonstrated capability (competence in managing business or professional affairs)
1. Vote

Vote consistently in every election, after informing yourself concerning the various candidates and issues, and evaluating them on the basis of the Word of God. Only when you cast your vote do you fulfill your Christian responsibility in government where voting is so strategically important. It is commonly said that decisions in America are made by the majority of the people. This is not so. Decisions are made by a majority of the ones who vote - (Proverbs 29:16)

1. How Can A Christian Find God's Will In Voting?
1. Let the Word of God be your guide.

Make a sincere effort to obtain reliable information about all issues and candidates before casting your vote. In making your decision, let the Lord direct you.

1. Remember that principles are more important than party.

Vote your Christian convictions in preference to your party. To place confidence in unworthy candidates, merely because of political party, is a miscarriage of Christian stewardship - (Proverbs 15:19)

1. Seek out the opinions of Christian ministries concerned with righteousness in civil government.

There are a number of organizations founded on the basis of Christian concern over moral issues with publish evaluations of political voting records, etc.

Various contacts in the JFBC Christian and Family Values Ministry

Leaders

• CFV Ministry Staff - cfvministry1@bellsouth.net
  
• Jonesboro First Baptist Church - www.fbcjonesboro.com
  
• Dr. H. Dean Haun - dhaun@fbcjonesboro.com - Senior Pastor
• Dr. Lanny Loe - lannyloe@fbcjonesboro.com - Senior Executive Associate Pastor / Minister of Missions