Politicked?

I guess you could say I'm politicked! I'm not sure about you, but lately I've been asking some tough questions about politics, religion and what role I should play in the discussion of the two. With issues like the economy, the war and future of our country dominating the landscape, don't we as the Church have a responsibility to point people to the answers they seek and the truth they need to hear?

After all, isn't that what Jesus did, even in the face of blatant partisanship?

Leading involves not only risking, but also revealing some of our own personal struggles and questions. And the current state of the country presents a lot of both. So if you're politicked like me, let's get together and rip through the typical rhetoric. And let's raise our voices to be heard.

Comments

[L]

I too took issue with the way in which the Politicked sermon was delivered. I certainly agreed with many of Ed Young's points. I also agree with the overall message that he is trying to convey. However, when you take up specific political platform issues (i.e Government being too big) I cannot imagine the God that I love and worship would take a stand on those types of issues politically. I can't imagine he would deem someone Non-Christian if they believed the Government is too big or not. Therefore, I was very turned off to the sermon because I felt although it was not saying who to vote for, it took up "Right" side politics with the specific points that it made. Also, I find it interesting that any one person knows the ulitmate "Truth" as so many denominations in the Christian faith have different ways of interpreting scripture. I respect Ed Young for standing up for what he believes in and in this country it's a wonderful thing to be able to speak your mind, especially when it concerns your faith. However, I agree with one of the previous comments that as Christians we should work to lead more people to Christ, not leave them feeling alienated or divided because they may feel differently on political issues.

[Sandra B.]

Dear Ed,
It is my firm belief that this is the most important American election in biblical history. This election is so clearly an election between a candidate of the pre-fig tree generation and one of the fig tree generation. I hope people have thought carefully about whom they vote/voted. I would feel alot more comfortatble having the "old guard" in office just a little longer. Perhaps the "old-guard" can show the "new-guard" how things are done.

[Heather Cooper]

Pastor Ed,
Thank you so much for your incredibly brave sermon "Politicked".
You placed your belief in every word of the bible above your desire for popularity and I know that God was so proud of you.
You have a fear of God more than a fear of man that is rare in churches today and I am standing behind you praying for your ministry and applauding your boldness to not compromise the truth.
Jesus is saying "Well done. Good and faithful servant".

[Deborah Nichols]

I was saddened by the message "politicked". I think it was out of character for Pator Ed Young. His past teachings have been "biblical" not bias. This message was not designed to help win souls to Christ, but to advance political views. Let's not go there...It's just not the right thing to be doing when so many people need to learn about Jesus. People are hurting and they don't need to hear anymore about politics. I, for one, just needed to hear the word and practical ways to live better and do better in this wicked world. Pastor Ed, please stay on message and get out of politics unless you want to be a politician.

[S]

Thank-you Ann (oct 12) for reminding us again, this is not one party we are fighting for but a man who may be able to lead us with Jesus firmly on top. Not a handful of issues on either side that can make the whole platform of a party agreeable or "right".

Another side: How has the "little" government of bush prepared us for the economic challenges ahead? They can ignore the warnings for years and not take action to protect us but we still need small government? How does a small government protect? Why is not criminal to steal from the government? oh-right, it is! But if there is small government then how can they enforce? They can't. Whose stealing do we tolerate?

[Ed]

Kathy,

I would love to see that conversation happen with Jakes and Young too. I think more than not that we tend to only see things from our perspective and tend to form our convictions from how we read the Scriptures and apply them to the issues in our society.

[John M]

I have read many of the blogs from my "fellow"ship church patrons. Those that are concerned that Pastor Ed was promoting the Republican party are probably misguided. I do not know Pastor Ed well enough to suppose his predispositions. I will take him at his words and Vote,"Jesus". I can tell you that I personally do not believe that Christ would be either Republican nor Democrat. I also would be willing to bet that Ed would not claim to know God's political affliation. (Definately Independent, but not Indifferent)

However, we,as voting citizens of America, while we are not God, must make every ATTEMPT to uphold beliefs, values and actions that are Christ-like.

However, we are in a fight against relativism. It is much more dangerous than anyone will acknowledge. The idea that morality is subjective is wrong.

It really saddens me to see our country so divided. The reason it saddens me is that I find so many people willing to subjugate truth to justify their own failings or to avoid feeling judgemental.

I am just old enough to remember the day when Democrats and Republicans fought over the best method to achieve the same objectives.(different methods but they were after the same objective) The best for Americans and the world.

Today they fight over different goals. They want a different world. Homosexuality vs. Sexual Morality, Relativism vs Truth, Wealth redistribution vs. Personal responsibility, etc.

If you find God's word to be more Rebublican than the "current" Democratic party, you shouldn't blame the messenger you should ask yourself what is the truth.
JM

[staci]

Ed,

I want to thank you for your message on politics. It is much needed and overdue, the church has been silent for far too long! I didn't think you were saying vote Republican, you were saying (before you actually said) vote Jesus! So many people don't want to be challenged in their thinking, they want Jesus to stay at church. People get so defensive when the church starts doing what the Bible has called it to do, which is be a light in a dark world, take a stand for God! It is time that we take Biblical principles to the polls with us when vote. You really shook the Christian community up by talking about this issue and bringing conviction to so many. It's the Holy spirit who convicts and if people want to be upset then they can take it up with Him! Preach on Pastor Ed, you are a man of God who isn't afraid to put it all on the line for the Kingdom of God.

[Amber French]

My youth pastor last night talked about the importance of voting in this election. He made the point of saying that even though the majority of those in the room weren't old enough to vote, they all had a voice and need to use it. He said he's not voting democrat or republican - he's voting God and I think that sums it all up quite nicely. Who has a personal relationship with God and will allow Him to guide him as he leads our country for the next 4 years? Who will make decisions based on the Bible and how it says we should live? It's not about parties but about who will maintain the principles this country was founded upon.

[Drew]

Ed,

I've been watching you online for almost 4 years now. I bet I've missed about a dozen of your messages during that time. Your way of preaching the gospel has helped me through some very difficult times in the ministry. Thank you.

I just watched your poliked message online. Oh my. Thank you for taking a stance for responsibility and the gospel. I'm sure you're taking heat for going against culture, taking a stance for the things that break God's heart, and going after the things that bless His heart. Thank you for not getting involved in party politics, but rather getting involved with God's heart for His people. I'm praying for your continued strength and courage. There is no doubt that God has raised your voice to make an impact for today.

Drew

[Jennifer Warheit]

Well said, Megan Powell!!! I couldn't agree more with your post. Thanks for speaking up so eloquently!

The sermon I heard at FC Downtown 10am was somewhat different than the one I watched online Monday. I didn't appreciate the tone used in the 10am sermon but it seemed that the online version was toned down a bit and much more easy to swallow.

I am always uncomfortable with what I see as a judgment on specific celebrities. Don't get me wrong, I have no great affection for any celebrities but I do my best not to judge others. It appears, in my opinion, that naming people and calling them fools is passing judgment. Maybe I'm wrong? No one else seems too concerned about this, but it makes me cringe each time I hear this sort of thing from the church.

[Ed Johnson]

This is an honest question: Does anyone find it interesting that many (not all)churches have not preached sermons about this issue of politics, that is until this year?

Why now? Why not four years ago? Why not eight years ago?

I love Pastor Ed, but listen, it is pretty evident that even though he did not mention a party outright, his comments seem to be (or at least can be) interpreted as being for the republican party. That is the danger of going into specifics and not explaining forthrightly that your comments are not condoning a political party.

[amanda]

Just listened to the message. WOW! All day I have been praying God will begin to give pastors the GUTS to guide the church towards truth! Can't wait to listen to next week!

[CAM]

I don't recall Ed mentioning any political parties, unless the Democrats are for personal irresponsibility, bloated beurocracy, socialism, and Godless relativism. I don't think any Democrat today would admit to that. Listen to it again. This is not an indictment on any party. It's a challenge for Christians to be wise and use principled judgment regarding our civic responsibilities in this country.

[Megan Powell]

The more I think about it, the more it saddens me that I am led to believe that to be a good Christian, I must align myself with the right, and outwardly condone the behaviors that fly in the face of my faith. The wedge issues that are aligned with each party are, a propensity to enter into war and to be in favor of the death penalty on one side, and being pro-choice and in favor of gay rights on the other. So why is one more favored amongst Christians than the other. Is not a sin a sin? How is one set seen as justifiable while the other seen as fulsome? We are supposed to align ourselves with the republican party because they loudly condone numerous behaviors?

We don't think about being examples in our everyday life, we just choose to project the behaviors we think ideal on others. We don't want to convert people through behavior and example, but laws, a certain conflict of religion and government. Imposition of beliefs is not a way to bring about the behavior you wish to see expressed, it is a way to breed discontent and opposition. And why do we impose these beliefs on others? Because we want to live in a society that reflects our beliefs and values. I want to live in a society where by which my behavior makes others want to rise to that level. But how many people live that way, or are just quick to say, I don't approve of that behavior and want a law to eradicate it. Rather than living in a way that would make such a law completely unnecessary.

We are so self righteous and morally superior when choosing our leaders, yet how many of us live up to those standards? Society is a reflection of the people in it. In a country that is made up of approximately 77 percent Christian, how well are we doing? That is the real question. Would we rather point the finger, or change the world in which we live? We all fall short, it is inherit in our fallible nature, but how many of us even attempt to hit the mark?

It seems dangerous and hypocritical to say I support Candidate A because, x.y.z. even though that person served in the military and was trained to kill people, but I don't support Candidate B because x.y.z., equally abhorrent. The candidates are a reflection of our society, when we are living up the standards of our Christian walk, we will see candidates that are the same. How much of what we know about the candidates is a result of a biased media outlet, friends or colleagues, or through our own fact finding and honest facts?

The people who's behavior we wish to change or make illegal, they will not be swayed by hatred, or disgust, or judgment. But perhaps they will be drawn to a reflection of love, acceptance, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, understanding, and compassion.

I am a Christ follower, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and that I am saved by grace and through faith. As a result of that gift it is my obligation to live in a way that is in accord with His teachings and to bring others to Him. It is not to judge and to impose. It is my humble belief that Jesus would be neither a republican or a democrat, yet lead by example, not judge and not attempt to solve the problems of the country through laws but through real change that starts with each of us.

[Kathy Hubbard]

Pastor Ed,

Immediately after hearing yesterday's sermon, I was pretty perturbed. I was turned off by what I perceived as strong partisanship. And, as an African American, I admit that I'm sensitive to certain comments, (especially as they relate to social issues). Growing up in African American churches, I'm used to hearing politicians and preachers telling the congregation how to vote. As I grew closer to Christ; I also grew tired, (and even angry), at this kind of manipulation. So needless to say listening to you yesterday, I had flashes of the past.

However, thank God for technology because I just finished viewing the sermon again. This time I heard your sermon differently. It was less about party and more about my personal relationship with Christ and not being conformed to the pattern of this world. I heard your "prophetic voice" speaking to me in a world, (and country), that is changing. Regardless of whose elected the next President, we, (the church), have to remain on point and on message, (the gospel) to the unsaved. Our hope and trust is not in the president, country, or capitalism. It's in Christ. Both candidates are playing politics and trying to win thus saying anything to win. Neither candidate or party has it ALL right so I hope you urge us to vote for prayer, repentance, obedience, and faith in Christ.

As an aside, I'm "POLITICKED" about the divisions that exist in this country - especially in so called "white" and "black" churches. I hope you address this in an upcoming sermon series. I'd love to see a candid conversation with you and T.D.Jakes about "one church" under God. It's ashame that there's been little to no progress towards integrated the Sunday 11 am hour.

[april]

Awesome message on "Politicked".

Especially loved the talk on the law
against extinct species vs abortions..
well said.

Encore!

[a lost voter]

Pastor Ed:

Thank you for the wonderful message this past weekend. It comes at a time when it is needed. I have to be honest, I did not agree with your comments 100% - but that is the beauty of our country, correct? I feel that you are moving towards one party over the next and that we need to follow the party that represents the bible and our believes. I agree with that - but you have to admit - neither canidate or their vice president pick have shown any "Godly" manners - especially on their harsh attacks on each other.

I just can't stand how it is suppose to be charicaterized that if you are a christian, then naturally you should be a Republican - or if you are a "free-spirit" and believes in equal rights for all that you are labled a Democrat. I would rather just be labled a follower of Christ and let it be at that.

I am just lost on this whole election due to my believes. I know the "right" moral/bible way to go - but until one side can show me that they will stand up and do what is RIGHT and put GOD above all else, I am still lost. Neither side has proven to that yet - with all their negative smear and out of context statements, it is hard to believe that either side follows the example of God.

Thank you for your service and for bringing this issue up. I will pray that as I walk into the voting poll this election, that God will lead me to make the correct pick. The person who will lead our nation UNDER GOD and follow in the feet of Jesus by helping others who are in true need and by having those whose means of income are way more than others, be made to give some back. By showing our children that they are safe and are free to worship God anytime they want.

Thank you again!!

[Lisa Howerton]

Ed,
I just tell you how much I needed to hear your message this weekend. THere has been so many misleadings and incorrect media informatoin shared; it was refreshing to hear the truth. I don't think the church gets involved enough in such a sensitive issue as politics. We need to hear the truth.I commend you for "going out there on a limb" for the sake of Biblical truth. My 24 year old son was in church with us today and he said,"Ed was so on today; that was his best ever. He should run for president!" I thank you for your excellent, heart felt, and powerful messages every week.

[Sherri]

I loved the message this weekend. So glad that you have stepped out there. I realize you cannot say any of the candidates name or what party but you can state the charateristics we should be looking for in a candidate from a biblical view. I pray every day that I will be doing God's will when I vote this year for our president.
I was also glad to see you step out about marriage and that it should only be between a man and a woman. Also stating that we love these people who believe in gay marriage but we don't condone the behavior. So many times people think that if a Christian states they don't believe in gay marriage, we must hate gays, which is the furtherest thing from the truth. Keep preaching the truth. It is crucial as Christians that we stand up for what we believe in and to step out there for God.
God Bless You!

Great Message, Pastor Ed. Thank you for having the courage to talk about this/these issue(s). It takes guts as a Pastor to talk about something that can sometimes divide us, but it's important to lay out the truth so we can move on to what unites us, Christ. I hope at least part of this series can make it to our 6th Campus before the election season is over... :)

I think people confuse the role of Government vs. the Role of The Church. It's not the government's job to take care of the "Least of These"... It is the Church's. The idea that voting for one party or another because they quote "take care of the least of these" is in my mind, at least SOMETIMES, "passing the buck."

Jesus told US to love our neighbor. Not create government programs that would do it for us. I think people have good intentions when they go into the ballot booth, but they often indirectly pass the responsibility of loving their neighbor to the Government; & honestly, even if the government could do it "better,"(WHICH THEY CAN"T) it robs us as individuals in demonstrating the love that was poured out for us through CHRIST.

Here's an example to demonstrate my point: Instead of bringing the tithe every month, what if the Church forced us to automatically deduct it from our paycheck? Would we have the opportunity for spiritual growth and edification? Would we have the opportunity to trust in God with our finances?

In addition, increasing the size and scope of Govt creates an environment where people look to politicians & Govt, NOT GOD, to stand with them during crisis. I would ask everybody, who is more reliable?

I'm not saying Capitalism is without flaws. It can egg greed and corruption, but the root of the problem isn't the economic system. It's us. We are corrupt, we are greedy & fallen, we choose to do what is in our best interests, because we are all sinners. Socialism is not the solution. It's just another system that can be exploited.

I also find it ironic that people feel morally superior to vote for increasing taxes to provide relief for the "least of these," when it's not their own taxes they are voting to increase. Often times they are including themselves in the group of the "least of these," which if you live in America, is a whole 'nutha level of irony(another topic for another day)...Going into the ballot box to do good things by taking money from someone ELSE is not virtuous. In fact, it's repugnant. It's like tithing with someone else's money and expecting to receive God's blessing.

Also to the poster above who asserted you were "out of touch." Ed never said if you were socialist, you weren't a Christian. That is a straw man argument and disingenuous. I appreciate your opinion, & I mean no disrespect to you, but you are assailing false statements to my Pastor, and I disagree with your premise.

I pray whoever is elected this November that we as a Church would WAKE UP! and UNITE do what Jesus told US to do. To love our neighbor as ourselves, & not pass the buck... The reality is, the current state of affairs is just as much of an indictment on the Government as it is the Church.

Blessings,

Special K.

[Meredith]

I just wanted to say that I was personally encouraged by this mornings message and rejuvenated whereas I had become apathetic over the last few weeks.
I am a social worker working for a government funded housing program in the DFW area. I am often frustrated by the amount of money our government wastes monthly to allow individuals to be eternal victims, while at the same time telling me that my job is motivate these folks to go to work and be self-sufficient.
However, after hearing your talk today, I am encouraged to keep making my voice heard to my government leaders while loving those I come in contact with daily thru my work.
Thanks!

[julie dillon]

Ed,
GREAT sermon this morning! I have been wishing you'd do something like this...The church should be talking about these issues. They impact our world and communities. It really inspired me, well as my 16 year old who was clapping just as much as me!

Can't wait for next week's sermon!

Blessings
Julie Dillon

[Steve Spence]

We just heard you first message on Politicked and WOW. You have so clearly defined the entities that threaten our way of life in America. We are encouraged to continue the battle to preserve the freedoms that God has blessed us with in our country.
Our only wish is that we could air these messages on prime time tv, so that the rest of the country could here the truth.

[Ann]

Rck Warren asked the candidates what Christianity means to them.

Obama's answer, according to a partial transcript from Warren:

"It means I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and that I am redeemed through Him. That is a source of strength and sustenance on a daily basis. I know that I don't walk alone. But what it also means, I think, is a sense of obligation to embrace not just words, but also through deeds and expectations that God has for us. And that means thinking about the least of these - acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God."

And McCain's response:

"It means I am saved and forgiven."