The Religion of Politics Sermon Series

 If you missed last week's message, "The Religion of Politics", the video feed will be at the end of this post.

Some of the highlights from last week's message:

When GOV replaces GOD politics becomes a religion.  This is clearly demonstrated in the history of the human race going all the way back to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-4.  The people came together and wanted to "build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky."  This was none other than rejecting God and using human wisdom and strength to build for themselves a way to the heavens, and making his own way to God--a manmade religion.  Of course, God wasn't going to have it and put it to a stop.  But it didn't stop there.  Eventually, the ancient Egyptians deified their pharaohs.  King Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonians demanded worship of a statue in his likeness.  The three Hebrew young men resisted his demand and were thrown into a blazing furnace.  In the Roman Empire, Ceasar demanded worship and many early Christians were tortured, burned at the stake and fed to the lions for refusing to "Hail Ceasar" and acknowledge him as a god. 

Modern society and governments may be more sophisticated, but the worship of our rulers is still happening in the 21st century. North Korea is a stated atheistic country but demands worship of its political leaders. According to it's party covenant, Article 1, section 1, all North Koreans are required to worship Kim II Sung with all their heart and might, even after his death.

Now you may say that's not America, we don't worship our Presidents. That is largely true since our republic limits the presidential office to no more than two 4-year terms. But what is not limited is the dominant two-party political system of Democrats and Republicans. When citizens of a country reject God they substitute God for money, power, and fame, and if they don't have those three, government steps in to fill the void. And when people look first to the government to be their provider, their protector, their defender, their source of security and comfort, then GOV has replaced GOD.

Here are some warning signs for you to consider if or how much GOV has replaced GOD in your thinking.

GOV may be your GOD if...

1. You are more passionate about your right to bear arms than your right to share the Gospel.

2. You identify more as a Texan or American than you do as a Christian and citizen of Heaven.

3. You support your choice for president to the point he can do no wrong and if he does it doesn't change your mind.

4. You criticize and openly mock the opposing candidate or political party.

5. When others disagree or mock your political party or president you take it personally and become angry.

6. You think those who don't agree with you politically are idiots.

7. You think those who don't agree with you politically are unsaved.

8. You fly an American flag over the 4th of July but for Easter have never put a "Jesus is Risen" sign in your yard.

This Sunday I will continue "The Religion of Politics" sermon series and discuss what God has to tell us about how Christians should think and relate to the government.  

Here is the message from last week: