Should Pastors Endorse Candidates from the Pulpit?

Today is Pulpit Freedom Sunday, a fact you may have missed in the avalanche of news about the Wall Street bailout and the presidential campaign. If you went to church this morning, chances are you didn’t hear anything about Pulpit Freedom Sunday. You probably heard a sermon on a biblical text that related in some way or another to your life. Your pastor may have had something to say about the current economic woes. It’s more likely that the sermon contained no political references at all. Most sermons aren’t overtly political, even in the midst of a hotly-contested political race.

But today, in a handful of churches across America, pastors used their pulpits to offer an endorsement for president. They are challenging a 1954 law that prohibits religious organizations that receive tax-deductible donations from endorsing specific candidates. These pastors have decided to frontally attack the law because they say it impinges upon their freedom of religion. They hope to force a legal challenge that will end up invalidating the law. 

What should we think about this? Is it a good idea for pastors to endorse specific candidates?

I personally wouldn’t attend a church where the pastor spent his valuable time giving political advice from the pulpit. Pastors can and should teach biblical principles, showing how the Word of God applies to every area of life. They ought to teach about the sanctity of life, the biblical definition of marriage, the responsibility of Christians to be good citizens, the limits of human government from God’s point of view, and the sovereignty of God over every election. More than that, churches should encourage their people to pray for our national leaders. This week a pastor from New Jersey sent me the titles for a six-part sermon series that starts today and runs through November 2:

9/28      Judgment – America: Has America Gone too far?
10/5      America - The Way Things Used To Be
10/12    The World is Ready for the Anti-Christ
10/19    The Church is Ready for the Anti-Christ
10/26    How Abortion Corrupts America’s Conscience
11/2      A Positive Outlook and God’s Promised Reward

My friend added this note:

We will end the series with a day of fasting on Monday, Nov 3, and a two hour prayer session Monday night, election eve.  We’ve placed a ¼ page ad promoting the sermon series.  I believe that people will respond because they are concerned over the financial crisis in Washington, and looking for God’s answer in these troubled times.

I think this sort of preaching can help the congregation think through issues from a biblical perspective. And I love the idea of ending with a day of fasting and an evening of prayer. This morning our church in Tupelo announced a time of prayer just before the election. 

There are many legitimate ways churches can address the great moral issues of the day without wading too deeply into partisan politics. We don’t need to endorse candidates or tell people how to vote. The state has its arena, and we have ours. As citizens we can vote, organize, write letters, make phone calls, and if we are so inclined, we can even run for office. I’m all in favor of Christians being politically active. 

But I draw the line at pastors making political endorsements from the pulpit. We have a higher calling than who wins on November 4. Endorsing one candidate or another from the pulpit makes it seem as if we think this world matters more than the eternal world. That’s the greatest danger—to become so embroiled in the affairs of this age that we forget that this age is passing away—and everything involved with it. 

Should Christians be involved? Absolutely.
Should the church be conscience of the community? Absolutely.
Should we pray? Absolutely.
Should we vote? Absolutely.
Should we apply the Bible to current issues? Absolutely.

But if we do all that, we don’t need pastors endorsing candidates from the pulpit. We need our pastors to show us the way to heaven, to point us to Jesus, to show us the glory of God, and to equip us to serve others in Jesus’ name. 

Let the preachers preach the Word.
And leave us to figure out how to vote.

If the preachers do their job, we’ll do ours well enough. 

What do you think? We welcome your comments. 

Visitor Comments:

September 29, 2008, 12:05 AM Daniel Darling says:
	Ray, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been deeply involved in politics before, but as a pastor now, I really see where Christians can put their whole trust in politics, wishing and hoping with every breath that the right guy wins. I want the right guy to win, but I also realize that our hope is in Christ. God has a plan for the end of the world. And Christians should have an unshakeable faith in any environment.
September 29, 2008, 11:33 AM gator74 says:
	Your right there wasn’t much of this at church Sunday other than a passing comment about the financial crisis. Teaching and listening to the Bible is what we need to hear and listen to on Sunday.
September 29, 2008, 11:37 AM wogteacher at yahoo dot com says:
	Total agree with this article! Our trust is in God, not the White House!
September 29, 2008, 11:53 AM Dee Dee says:
	The Lord has placed a burden upon my heart. If we do not stop abortion our economy and everything else wrong with our Nation will continue. We have got to end ABORTION. It does not matter if a Liberal, Democrate or Republican gets in. If we don’t stop abortion we will be done. Fourteen years ago I attended a prayer meeting in Miami Florida where a man named Jim Murphy traveled around the Unites States carrying a cross on his back. He was in Arizona in the desert away from his team that was traveling with him. He was in prayer talking to the Lord and all of a sudden he heard this chanting coming from behind him. He turned around and saw millions of babies with confused looks on their faces. They were chanting and shaking their fist up to heaven. All of a suudden one by one they assesnded into haven. The Lord spoke to Mr. Murphy and said “If we do not stop abortion this Nation will have much to suffer.” If we vote for someone who believes in Abortion then we are just as guilty as a woman who had an abortion. That blood is on our hands. We need Gods people to know truth and we need people to know how they are participating in that serious sin if they vote for someone who believes in Abortion. We don’t want anyone to perish so we need to let people know. Even if it means we have to tell it from the pulpit. I am about saving souls. God has asked us to preach truth to set the people free. We need to be about God’s business not mans.
September 29, 2008, 2:10 PM ministert at bencouraged dot net says:
	You are so on it regarding the pulpit as a platform for electioneering. It is not the place for endorsing candidates but I sometimes wonder if Christians think that this business of separation of church and state means we should avoid getting involved in politics and voting and such. I see a lot of Sunday go- to- meeting and far too little Monday go- to -serving. Whether our campaigning is directly for Jesus or indirectly for causes He would promote we ought to be out and about doing our heavenly father’s business. All in all I am grateful that the Lord fashioned us as a body and that every joint supplieth. May every member who reads this comment be encouraged to seek the Lord about service in the household of faith as well as in the neighborhoods we serve.
September 29, 2008, 2:13 PM szpillman says:
	thanks for the article. I love it. I adore my pastor, however, I don’t want to hear his political views. I do want to hear how I can be a support to the nation and do as God tells me to...pray for those in government. This political season is too contested and could potentially divide the church. Care should be taken when our pulpit leaders venture into politics; besides the fact that it is illegal. We should not bend or break the law, while trying to guide our congregation.. I love Dee Dee’s comment: our trust is in God not the White House. in his service szpillman
September 29, 2008, 3:49 PM mtb says:
	This is what concerns me most about this post: “We need our pastors to show us the way to heaven, to point us to Jesus, to show us the glory of God, and to equip us to serve others in Jesus’ name. Let the preachers preach the Word.” This is the job of every believer, not just one gifted as a pastor/ teacher. The problem is that “the church” has put the responsibility of the above list upon one man. I sense that might be why so many pastors feel like they have to tell us which candidate they support and why so many of us are desirous to hear it. After all, don’t they “show us the way?” Mr. Pastor, you’re just a man...like the rest of us.
September 30, 2008, 7:18 AM Rob from VA says:
	I think Pastors should make sure their congregation knows where the candidates stand in relation to God’s word, I.e. abortion! They will not hear that from the candidate and they will not hear that from the liberal news media. How else will a new Christian learn to discern as to whom to vote for?
September 30, 2008, 10:20 AM bjstick says:
	I do not find it necessary that pastors endorse a candidate from the pulpit; however, they must address the issues. We find ourselves in a crisis situation. Could God be juding the abortion of babies in this society? God says He is in control and we must yield to His will.
September 30, 2008, 11:15 AM AOL Judy says:
	We should apply the BIBLE to current issues. The problem I see is that the average person does’nt take the time to research the canidates record on voting. Our preacher did take part in Pulpit Freedom Sunday and I could’nt have been more proud of the entire congregation for preparing for the battle that may follow. It is taking a stand to say we want our nation to follow the standard set by the LORD evident through scriptures his WORD.
September 30, 2008, 11:47 AM mcleg says:
	Amen! No matter who is in the White House, our God is still on the Throne, and He wants us to look to Him for our needs, not the government. Our God is bigger than the political process, and He is perfectly capable of using either candidate to further His purposes for His kingdom.
September 30, 2008, 11:56 AM Jo-ann Bouclair says:
	Pastor Ray: I think you are exactly right, whether it is in the U.S or Canada ..or wherever God’s people have freedom to cast a vote according to conscience .... I love what you said before the part about the preacher preaching the Word and leaving us figure out how to vote.The part about the church being the conscience of the community.... that we should pray, vote, etc. IF that all happens (I guess that fits into preachers doing their job...) we will be able to vote properly according to good conscience.
September 30, 2008, 12:18 PM Derek says:
KBM Website Administrator	I think that pastors should speak about specific issues (like abortion), just as I think all Christians and pastors should have spoken out against slavery and racial discrimination. Some issues are so black and white that there shouldn’t be a divide along party and/or candidate lines. That said, I’m starting to believe that it might be even more important for Christians to be grounded in a Biblical worldview than to be knowledgeable about specific policies and issues. There are very distinct and competing worldviews in our culture right now. One worldview believes that mankind and enlightened elites are part of an evolutionary process that is leading us to utopia (the rule of man). The other major competing worldview upholds the view that mankind is ultimately subject to God’s unchanging Word and authority in our lives (the rule of law), just as the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights describes. Our founding fathers understood this topic very well. Seculars and non-believers, including Thomas Jefferson, agreed that we are far better off by living by the rule of law (e.g. the Ten Commandments) than by the rule of man, which history demonstrates will always lead to abuse and corruption.
September 30, 2008, 12:20 PM Chris W says:
	I agree with your points! There’s already enough politics within the church, why bring more from the outside? It’s really time to get back to the basics... the fundamental truths of God’s Word applied in our everyday lives, and portrayed in a right way to a fragile world of lost people.
September 30, 2008, 1:04 PM Ray Pritchard says:
	AOL Judy, if you don’t mind, would you tell us a little more about what you pastor said on Sunday. Did he say, “I’m voting for _________. You should vote for him too,” or was it more, “Here are the reasons I’m voting for ______________,” Did he say that the church was endorsing a particular candidate? Just curious because I think the way your pastor said things will be crucial down the road if the IRS chooses to do some sort of investigation.
September 30, 2008, 2:26 PM Preaching the whole Word! says:
	I was one of those pastors that participated in the Pulpit Iniative this past Sunday. I did so, because I believe that part of pastoring and preaching is being a watchmen on the wall. When pastors stood in early America and spoke freely, we formed a nation based on Christian principles. When they quit speaking, because of an unconstitutional law, open prayer was removed from school, the Bible was removed, “In Jesus’ name” prayers were removed from the public arena, abortion was legalized, same-sex marriages have become legalized, etc. I think this clearly shows that the watchmen have been quiet too long and left many “to figure out how to vote!” Not to be rude, but maybe the preacher’s behind me were too fearful to preach the Word.
September 30, 2008, 3:22 PM siempretaino says:
	I would like to know my Pastors affiliation and why he votes the way he does. I being a Reagan conservative would like to know if my pastor is pro choice or pro life. I would like to know if he believes in gay marriage. My Pastor owes me that as his sheep. Why would I let him lead me to the wolves. Saying that, Barack Obama is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, that is important to the me and the rest of the sheep.
October 1, 2008, 10:56 AM snowowl says:
	render unto caesar which are caesar’s
October 1, 2008, 1:21 PM just me says:
	i have been in the ministry for 20+ years and elections have come and gone. i haven’t nor do i intend to endorse anyone. teachings of Christ yes. i agree with your article. the greatest wrong in most churches and lives is we fail to read the phrase that is repeated thru out the bible. “wait upon the Lord"..when i step up then God steps out. you cannot have two captains of the same ship. let us speak (pray) our desires about elections however let God chose the leader.
October 2, 2008, 4:01 PM Sharon says:
	Some inner city churces invite political candidates from one party to speak from their pulpit now. What’s the difference?
October 2, 2008, 4:22 PM Rottlercharles says:
	I believe that Pastors should teach biblical principles to help their congregations make voting decisions, but not endorse candidates from the pulpit.
October 2, 2008, 5:00 PM MEA says:
	I wholeheartedly agree that Preachers should not be endorsing political candidates. My husband is a Pastor and his messages center around Jesus and the messages of the Gospel. We are voters and work in the campaigns, but the pulpit is strictly for pulling God’s people from the pits. Anything other than the Gospel preached from the pulpits would certainly be an opportunity missed to save someone. May God have mercy on us all!
October 2, 2008, 5:04 PM rofaith says:
	IMHO, they have the freedom to do so, and should be able to do that. They are not telling me how to vote, they are just telling me how they view their vote vis a vis the Word of God. That is helpful to me. The argument that a Pastor is “telling me how to vote” betrays confusion regarding boundaries. In addition, IMHO, the whole Church/State boundary issue is bogus.... there is really no such thing in the constitution... I won’t explain, because that has been vetted enough in these forums. The OT Israel reached a point in time where judges were evil, compromised and able to be bribed... perhaps we have arrived to that place in America....
October 2, 2008, 5:59 PM myrtsh9 at aol dot com says:
	I agree and your right we need to seek God before we make any decision. And its our choice not any other mans decision. Its between you and God. God Bless
October 2, 2008, 6:08 PM uhooitsme says:
	I think all Pastors have a responsibility to inform his congregation of upcoming election issues. I don’t necessarily think they should be telling me how to vote but their role as a pastor is to tend their flock. I am one of those flock. If a moral issue is to be voted on then I expect him to give me facts based on Bibical Principles. I sat under a pastor like this before and his flock loved that he took the time to keep us informed. We are not all as well advanced in verse as others so to have it given to us from a bibilical point of view was always appreciated. I would then take the facts from both the issue and the pastor and make my decision. I was never steered wrong and I certainly never heard any thing like Iheard from Rev Wrights mouth come from any pastor I have ever had. GOD is still in control!!!!!!!!!! Praise Him!
October 2, 2008, 6:49 PM mgailt says:
	I do NOT believe Pastors should endorse candidates from the pulpit. The pulpit is for the Pastor, Minister, Priest, or whatever name he/she goes by in your church, to preach and teach God’s Word, not get involved in politics.
October 2, 2008, 7:19 PM Allen says:
	They do not really need to they can just step down from the puplit and have a caual conversation with members of the congratation and tell them that I think we should not vote for or we should vote for as christians such and such and here is why. But here is the real fact in early American History they always did. Especially the Pilgrims.
October 2, 2008, 7:24 PM bridgetbb says:
	Appreciated your article. I feel like I’m in a quandry. While doing a study in Isiah, I’m blown away about how our world is the same, turning bad into good and good into bad. My concern is that my pastors (a large church) do not have the same beliefs than I. I’ve neer heard them talk about abortion or homosexualty - actually anything that might be controversial. I am sooo not a perfect example of Christianity but I really need my pastors to encourage me in God’s word. I recently sent an email to them with an attachment, a prayer to God about our world. I also made note that with respect, I did not know how they stood on God’s issues - life, etc. What questions can I ask that they want what Jesus wants? They didn’t email me back.
October 2, 2008, 8:05 PM shastalin says:
	i read this article with great interest, as my Pastor and his wife are very involved with this election. I was impressed with the upcoming six-week sermon by your Pastor friend from New Jersey. I would love to hear those sermons. Is there a way to get those sermons online or by email?? I also like the idea about fasting when the series is over, and the prayer on election eve. I believe all churches should have the prayer vigil the night prior to an important election.
October 2, 2008, 8:07 PM lld says:
	you got the right idea!!!! If we would draw close to God and live as Jesus was truly our savior we would have the power the first church had . A call to repentance ,fasting and prayer is the answer to the problem in america. We need to get to the root of the problem not the results
October 2, 2008, 8:09 PM MsCMS says:
	Thank you, so much, for your comment on this subject..our church follows just what you are saying..we are truely blessed to have a Pastor who is teaching the truth from God’s word..with much prayer & fasting about this upcoming event..we are a free country but was build on the word of God which we should follow to the “T"..thank you again..
October 2, 2008, 8:14 PM Patch says:
	I totally agree with this post.I would be looking for another church if it happened.
October 2, 2008, 8:33 PM bridgetbb says:
	My question wasn’t clear. What would Jesus ask our pastors about their beliefs, as they relate to the “spiritual” political persepective?
October 2, 2008, 8:37 PM bridgetbb says:
	My question wasn’t clear. What would Jesus ask our pastors about their beliefs, as they relate to the “spiritual” political persepective?
October 2, 2008, 8:37 PM nemcgibbony at sbcglobal dot net says:
I VOTE GOD !	COMMENT- NO, I do not think pastors should endorse a candidate, if he were to do so, then GOD"S name should be on the ballot...........
October 2, 2008, 11:23 PM bendsley56 says:
	I don’t think a pastor should endorse a candidate from the pulpit. My pastor did bring up the fact of how many Christians there are in America that didn’t vote last time and urged us to register and vote our conscience
October 2, 2008, 11:32 PM prchrs2 says:
	Pastor, I have received your wonderful messages, newsletters, & I suppose about everything you have available. But, this time pastor, I will have to disagree with you wholeheartedly without apology. First, let me say that I have been in ministry myself for over 33 years, married over 44 years, and been around long enough to see the “change” over the course of the years. Yes, there certainly was a time when I myself would have agreed with you and this view would have had such validity there would have been no question. But, times have certainly changed. Parties have changed. Our government has changed. It’s time to stand up, unafraid, and yes from the pulpit let the people know the correct Christian endorsement. So many today still just do not get it. I believe any pastor under Gods anointing woud be amiss to not lead his people in the Christian way to vote. We will give an account. May I use the illustration of “leading a horse to water, but NOT allowing him to drink"? Oh, we can all piously take the back seat that USE to be the front seat, but where would that leave our people? Times HAVE changed, and they call for action not “old convictions” so-to-speak. God help us to open our eyes, please. Thank you for the opportunity to answer. God bless your continued ministry. prchrs2@gmail.com
October 3, 2008, 5:02 AM elvira2756 says:
	This has to be a rather delicate situation for Pastors, but one of the women I work with told me how her Pastor handles it. On the last Wednesday and Sunday before each election (presidential), he pretty much lays it out as this article states, then goes on to give each candidate’s position on various issues. Recently, I heard another Pastor say we should simply vote the Bible, which isn’t easy with today’s candidates, but I assumed he meant, more or less, that we should select the better of two evils. Sadly, because an increasingly biased media twists, slants, and even lies to help elect a certain candidate, many people vote without understanding what the candidates really stand for. Therefore, I think a little clarifying by pastors (within the law) is a good thing. In any case, the future of the world has already been decided. We win!!! Sometimes it isn’t easy to live with things as they are today, but we need to always bear in mind that while God’s thoughts aren’t our thoughts, and indeed, His timing isn’t our timing, He has a plan. One that will be carried out to the letter at the exact time and in the exact manner He intends.
October 3, 2008, 8:19 AM Christian warrior says:
	I agree with the article Church is not a political arena and I dont agree with a pastor using his time on the pulpit to influence a vote. This world continues to show Biblical signs of Christ second coming come election day the winner will be whom God allows. We as faithful Christians should use our greatest weapon PRAYER
October 3, 2008, 9:11 AM Lillie says:
	I have issues with a Paster or Church that pushes a political agenda from the pulpit. I do not want my government telling me how to worship and I do not want my Church telling me how to vote. Thanks for the article!!
October 3, 2008, 11:53 AM woozle says:
	I totally agree with Dr. Pritchard, Pastors, Priests, and Rabi’s should NOT endorse candidates from the pulpit. Pastors, Priests, and Rabi’s are to teach us how God wants us to learn, pray, and live our lives as Christians, not tell us how to vote. As Dr. Prichard states,” If the Preachers do their job, we’ll do ours.” God Bless - Woozle
October 3, 2008, 12:06 PM Evelyn says:
	I would not attend church to listen to politics. Sorry to say there’s enough of that on tv. I think a pastor should teach the congregation on what the bible tells us what is right or wrong.(abortion, murder,, stealing etc) I we would God’s teaching there would.nt be so much turmoil or suffering in the world today.. We americans had better and wake up and put God back in our country or our country will suffer many more trouble. May God bless us all
October 3, 2008, 12:20 PM His Child says:
	I read this article and it was refreshing to hear that other people besides my Pastor felt strong about what the pulpit’s purpose. Inspite of what’s going on in the world God should always be the focus He is the one who can make a difference. Thanks for the article.
October 3, 2008, 3:27 PM going34miles at yahoo dot com says:
	My thought is that Pastors need to teach, lead, and instruct us in the Word. If they do that we will know who to vote for, study and know the candidates that will diredt us how to vote. Also one factor that is very important and that is Prayer. I believe in the Word of Truth,but I have a resposibility to do my homework, and dthe Holy Spirit will guied my vote.
October 3, 2008, 5:13 PM leehedstrom says:
	Until 1954 the question of Churches losing tax exempt status did not exist. Most Churches, especially Southern Churches endorsed candidates. Lyndon Johnson changed that due to the fact that the Churches were speaking out against him because of his penchant for voter fraud. He slipped the now infamous I.R.S. rule into a budget appropriations bill in 1954 which passed. All through the formative years of these United States, It was expected that the Church would have an important role in supporting good, Christian, moral, men to run for office. We could use some of that support for good, Christian, moral, men, and women right now.
October 4, 2008, 1:33 AM mbrendible says:
If God before us, who can be against us.	I think if we involve God in everything in our daily lives it shouldn’t be hard to vote and come and ask God for help. This I mean if we have a relationship with the Lord it’ll no problem for us to ask God what he wants, or who He wants in office, whether in State or Presidental office. Atleast thats what I do anyway. Because he knows us better than we know ourselves. Amen!!
October 4, 2008, 1:44 PM JTH says:
	I do not feel people should be told who to vote for. I believe it is a private matter and agree that praying and fasting is called, in order to get the right person for the job. We all have a choice, it is our God given right to choose. God is the only one that can help those that are undecided; through the Holy Spirit, undecided people can get clarity as of who is the best person for the job. Those that are decided should continue to pray to God that those that are undecided get precision for one candidate, that will represent not only the people, but be the best representative for God. At the start and the end of the day it is about what we did to serve God, not to endorse man.
October 4, 2008, 5:57 PM bridgetbb says:
	I also, do not want to hear what poitical candidate they choose - truthfully, I think they are not mine. They ever so often let slip a word that leans differently than mine. Is it OK to ask if they believe in the sanctity of life and do they believe in homosexuality - what other questions would be appropriate in the spiritual realm?
October 4, 2008, 7:24 PM Kakoulaokamohaalii says:
	Ray, I couldn’t disagree with you more. What is leadership? Spiritual leadership... is it less or more than political leadership.. does political leadership not fall under the mantle of what we as Christian men of this nation take responsibility for. We have done so little from the pulpit as Christian pastors... Why is our nation not represented by Christian men? Why is our only hope for Christian leadership at this point comming from a woman? Where are the Christian men in politics? Why are they so very few? Doesn’t that make us powerless in a democratic government? Why have we not supported a majority of Christians to office... Was not our nation was born from Christianity??? Now our nation is flooded with legalized homosexuality, abortion, pornography, blasphemies,...prayer has been removed from our schools, praying in Jesus name is being removed from our military, our nations leaders are liars, theves, homosexuals, and they openly say that they are Christians.... all this in the face of our God who gave us this nation... and established us as a Christian nation.. We our churches & pastors have bowed down to the god of money... tax exemption... we don’t instruct Gods ways from the pulpet concerning leadership in our nation because we are afraid of loosing our tax free status. We don’t expose the liars from Capitol Hill because we are afraid! What does Gods word say about fear? It says FEAR NOT! We have not been given a spirit of fear.... Yet we also do not trust in God to provide for us (the Church). We have given away our political as well as our Spiritual leadership of this nation because of fear and money (greed..) and lack of faith. We can’t even as a Christian nation identify a man running for President who says he is a “Christian” yet supports homosexuality, infanicide (the killing of babies out of the womb) as well as abortion. How many Christian presidents have we had? Let me think... I know the answer.... All of them, everyone one has been a “Christian”. We can’t see that! We have Christians by the millions voting for Barak Obama and our pulpits are silent... SILENT!!! God gave us our Church forum for establishing Jesus Christ in our homes, businesses, communities, and YES our government. God did it with the children of Israel!!!! Why do we continue to let Satan establish his evil in our nation... We have the power to rid ourselves of evil not ouly Spiritually, through prayer, preaching, sharing, but also though the media, radio, TV, magazines, billboards, music, movies, etc... but NOT... We have NOT... we have given away so much because we have not TAKEN THE LAND!!! We preach a sermon on Sunday sing a few songs...then we go to lunch... and leave the rest of the week to... what? Whatever! My hope is in Christ!!! ABSOLUTELY!!! But Christ has given me a brain, hands, feet, eyes, ears and a mouth... he has given me children... and brothers and sister to educate and protect them, TAKE THE LAND GIVEN YOU... or it will be taken from you... You tell me what is happening. When you see a lion... about to kill humans what do you do? When the bible says Satan is like a lion... What do you think that means? Who are the lions of today? What have we done to identify the lions? We talk spiritually but we are being eaten alive. TAKE THE LAND. What did God instruct the Israelites to do when they were to take land? God has made it so much easier for us.. yet we have fallen asleep... and we have church... sometimes we fall asleep in church. We have been given the right... Legally to TAKE THE LAND... Wake up... we are fighting lions. We need to apply the Full Spectrum of what God has given us. TAKE THE LAND or it will be taken from us... and be ruled buy godless politicians and we become godless also? God why have you left us? Why don’t you hear our prayers? Where are You? Isn’t this story in the Bible a bunch of times about the Israelites. TAKE THE LAND and serve GOD!!!!!
October 6, 2008, 5:04 AM gimmehelp52 says:
	DeeDee brought up a powerful sermon for any Sunday!, God Said “I knew you BEFORE you were conceived"— this also is a Commandment, “Thou shall not kill"! All children of the Father have a purpose. The only trouble with voting is, Who do you trust?, believe?, What is the old saying-a politican will tell you what you want to hear- to get elected. Trust in the Lord of course, pray for His guidance before the Booth- while in Booth- and after Booth! And if that politican should waver while in office— well, as Christians I Believe we know what to do! Be a disciple and fight the GOOD fight— Satan has a strong hold on our Nation & Goverment, the “freedoms” have gone far away from the word of God— One of these politicans has made his stand on this issue clear, the other has done double talk— Be prepared! PRAY!
October 6, 2008, 9:57 AM davemail3 says:
	Proverbs3,5&6 spells it out.... Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowlege him and he shall direct your paths. So if our pastors make sure the spiritual issues are taught and preached....People are taught how to ingrain and meditate on the Word....Commit to praying for our leaders..for our country....as well as individuals seeking God’s direction and then encouraging people to seek out what all the candidates stand on and encouraging people on their own to compare to the Word of God. They can make their own decision without a Pastor naming candidate from the pulpit.....Just Preach the word.....
October 6, 2008, 12:42 PM Dr. C. says:
	I believe that a signficant problem for pastors who think they must promote a particular candidate, over teaching biblical values, is that they truly believe the United States is a theocracy. This makes elections more than just a political event, the kingdom of God is assumed to be at risk. Pastors & chuches need to understand that if Christ’s kingdom was of this world then his servants would fight for it, but there is no earthly government or kingdom that truly reflects Christ’s values so make a choice to serve God or Caesar, but you can’t do both. Sincerely,
October 6, 2008, 6:13 PM amenkid says:
	I think that it is important for there to be free talk in the church about political issues and candidates. What they stand for will influence our country for better or worse. Especially, think about this law that was made in which pastors cannot say what they want to. It is along the line of taking prayer out of schools, and the legalization of abortion. These pastors saying what they think about who should be president is in a way like how in foriegn countries people suffer and are tortured and martyred for Christ, only they do not back down and have a much more difficult call. We have let other people make laws and we sit back and obey them instead of challenging what they’ve done. What do you think those people in foriegn countries do? Are they sissies and deny Christ, even when getting tortured? No. Neither should we.
October 10, 2008, 12:16 AM Rod says:
	We visited a big Grace church in MSP last Sunday and no mention was given about the importance of the Sanctity of Life, or God’s plan for marriage ie one woman one man and the theme of the Sunday was parenting and family. I wonder why so many pastors shy away from those basics at election time or any time for that matter. You can mention those things without saying which party or candidate to vote for, but they could certainly figure it out.