Houston Congregational Christian Church

Pastor James Manuel
4883 Russia-Houston Road
Houston, OH  45333
Phone:  937-295-3591
Email:  click here

Message Title:     The Right & Responsibility to Vote

Call to Worship:     Psalm 33:12

Scripture Reading:                   Romans 13:1-7

Prayer:  May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable unto You O Lord on this Your day.

The Right & Responsibility to Vote.   May I say Tuesday is an important day in our lives.     Tuesday is Election Day.    Now I’m not going to tell anyone how to vote,   but I believe that it is a right and a responsibility for each of us to voice our opinion through voting.         When it comes to our country,   our government  and the elections,   my friends we need to understand something.       Regardless whether we are Republicans,  Democrats or Independents-----legislators offer little change as it relates to the vast number of issues that face our nation. 

Real and Genuine change comes from the heart   and its God alone who can change a heart     for He holds the hearts of men in His hand.       As _______ read from  Romans 13:1    ‘Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities   for there is no authority except that which God has established.   The authorities that exist have been established by God.’        I believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better.       We can do this politically,   by electing Christian    or other high-principled leaders.      We can also do this morally by serving as an influence for good in society.  

Psalm 47:8 tells us that,  ‘God reigns over the nations.  God is seated on His throne.’     An elderly man was sitting on a park bench when another elderly fellow sat down.   They looked at each other for a moment but didn’t speak.   Both sat there staring straight ahead.   After a while one of them heaved a big sigh.    The other jumped up and said,   If you’re going to talk politics   I’m leaving.        Oh,   I’m not going to talk politics so don’t leave.      But what I’m gonna do is remind you that Christians had better be informed and involved in the political process for it effect you,   your family,   the nation,  everyone.      Proverbs 29:2 tells us that,  ‘When the Godly are in authority   the people rejoice.  But when the wicked are in power   the people groan.’ 

Scripture has much to say about our involvement in Politics,  the affairs of government.     Christians are to be peaceful and law abiding citizens.  We are to pray for and honor our government leaders as 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says,  ‘I urge then first of all  that request,  prayers,  intercession  and thanksgiving be made for everyone,   for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.   This is good and pleases God our Savior.’

When our lives are going along peacefully and quietly it is difficult to remember to pray for those in authority   because we often take good government for granted.       It’s easier to remember to pray when we experience problems.  But we should pray for those in authority around the world     so that their societies will be able to spread the Good News of the Gospel.    We are to work for the highest good of all people.

In Matthew 5:13-14,   ‘Jesus calls for His people to be salt  and light to a dying world.’   And may I say that includes those who govern us and the decisions they make that involve us.        My friends the people of God need to be informed and involved in our government    and in the process of electing those who govern us.         Today I would like for us to think about some things to consider    as you get informed and involved in the election that is only a few days away.  

Psalm 33:12 tells us that,  ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord   the people He chose for His inheritance.’     You have been given the right to vote.   This is a democracy.   You have a voice.   You have a vote.  Use it.     You’re an American.   Born in the land of the brave and home of the free.     Thousands before us have bled and died for the rights and freedoms we enjoy.    As I speak young men and women are in harms way around the world.  

I believe we are blessed by God to live in this nation.     We’re not struggling in Iraq  or Afghanistan due to war and civil unrest.   Nor starving in Sudan for lack of food.     Nor are we searching for hope in a refugee camp.      You live in the land of baseball,   hotdogs,  apple pie and Chevrolets’    You have the right to vote.   Take it and make it count for good.    You have the opportunity to be heard through your vote,  to elect those who embrace the things of God.    As Romans 13:1,  ‘For there is no authority except from God   and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.’        As a citizen of this great nation   and as a child of God you have the right   and the responsibility to get involved. 

Therefore we should seek to elect those whose beliefs,   morals  and values best line up with the Word of God.       It’s not about party,  personalities  or promises.   It’s about character,  integrity   truthfulness   The reason we vote is to bring about an atmosphere and environment in this nation that honors God    and draws us closer to Him.  

As we approach election day 2008,   the name-calling and back-biting will get worse,    the accusations and lies will only intensify     and the promise will only get bigger.    So how does one navigate through it.       It is simple---remember who you are   and remember  WHO’S  you are.

You are a child of God who has been given a Right and Responsibility and a Reason to vote in such a way that will honor God    and enlarge His Kingdom.      Psalm 33:12,   ‘Blessed in the nation whose God is Lord.h