Here are four important words/attitudes to remember on this topic and any topic where there may be differing views.
- Prayerful
- Biblical
- Humble
- Loving
These are notes from the "Let's Talk About Politics" workshop I led at the 2026 Church Ministries Conference.
Was the most recent presidential election the biggest election ever?
Yes and No
It is not surprising that non-Christians view the next election as the most important one ever.
They have no real, future, eternal hope.
Let's look at two passages of scripture, an Old Testament passage and a New Testament passage, to help us think about this topic.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" is often thought of as an instant blessing. In verses 4 through 11, we see the Israelites living in exile for 70 years, building homes, planting gardens, marrying, and having children.
For context, read Jeremiah 29:4 - 11 HERE.
God commanded Israel, while they were in Babylonian Exile, to
- build houses and live in them
- plant gardens and eat their produce
- marry and have children
- seek the welfare of the city where God sent them
- pray to the Lord on the city's behalf
In verse 10, God says this captivity will be for 70 years.The bottom line is to be completely where you are, as long as God has you there, for God's glory.
Romans 13:1—7
Here are two sermon resources on this passage:
- HERE is a link to Trinity's Romans series. LIsten to the sermons on Romans 13:1 - 4 and 5 - 10.
- Six part sermon series from John MacArthur - www.gty.org/sermons/series/127/the-christian-and-government
Remember,
God is holy and sovereign.
Man is sinful and dependent on God.
Government is a divine institution authorized by God.
The purpose of government is to ensure the common good.
Christians are to be good citizens.
The solution to political apathy is not political idolatry.
The solution to political idolatry is not political apathy.
Resources from How Can I Love Church Members with Different Politics by Leeman & Naselli
- Adjust expectations.
- Recognize what unites a church and what belongs to the domain of Christian freedom.
- Understand the difference between straight-line and jagged-line issues.
- Respect those who have a different conscience on jagged line issues.
- Remember what is most important.
Quotes from What Do I Say When…? by Walker & Walker
“Changing your world doesn’t happen by complaining but by slow plodding and persuasion.”
“Apathy and obsession are equally alike in being the wrong approach to political engagement.”
“Political engagement is a forum for loving one’s neighbor by seeking your neighbor’s flourishing. Christians should not engage in politics for the sake of their own interests of what causes all people to have the best chance to prosper.”
God vs. Government by Busenitz & Coates
- Supreme Allegiance: Psalm 118; Daniel; Acts 5:29
- Sovereign Appointment: Daniel 4:32; Romans 13:6; 1 Timothy 1:17
- Secular Animosity: Matthew 10:16—20; Luke 12:8—12; Jesus was falsely accused; Acts 5:40—42
- Submissive Attitude: Romans 13:1—7; 1 Timothy 2:1—8; Titus 3:1—2; 1 Peter 2:13—17
- Spheres of Authority
- Parents in family matters
- Belief in church (ecclesiastical matters), Government in civil matters
- An order to do what is wrong
- An order to stop doing what is right
- An order that contradicts another level of civil authority
- An order to stay silent in the face of evil
- An order to turn yourself in
Conscience: What It Is, How To Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Naselli & Crowley
Contains a great chart Paul’s Solution of Love.
Resources:
- Tough Questions class posts. Adapt as needed for your setting: drodgersjr.blogspot.com/search/label/Tough%20Questions
- Caring for One Another by Ed Welch. This book is not specifically about politics, but it is a great resource for caring for others for God's glory.
- Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew Naselli and J.D Crowley.
- God vs. Government: Taking a Biblical Stand When Christ and Compliance Collide by Nathan Busenitz and James Coates
- How Can I Love the Church Members with Different Politics by Jonathan Leeman & Andy Naselli
- How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman
- Just Thinking About the State by Darrell Harrison and Virgil Walker
- The Story of Abortion in America by Marvin Olasky & Leah Savas
- What Do You Say When...? A Parent's Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children and Teens by Andrew Walker and Christian Walker. Specifically, the chapters about political engagement and abortion.
- What Every Christian Needs to Know About Social Justice by Jeffrey Johnston.
