Thoughts On The 2024 Election

In anticipation of our first presidential caucus of the 2024 election year, I would like to make a few declarations, which are my own opinions and not representative of where I work, where I shop, my parents, and any other implied authority anyone might imagine. 

I do not believe that any political party in America has a monopoly on what I consider to be truth. God says, for instance, that all lives are valuable and that all of us are made in His image. Yet, both parties support and deny this basic truth in their respective political platforms. 

The Republican party states that because of their support for the unborn child that they are the party that best represents Christian values. At the same time, this same party rewards the greedy and the powerful, and fails to look for ways to take of those who are less fortunate in our society. (See tax breaks, medical insurance policies, education policies for those attending college, are just a few examples). But the Democrats are no better represented, they tend to land in favor of pro-choice, supporting a policy that whatever future the unborn faces is not the greater issue. They tend to believe in more socialist-type policies that reward all equally, no matter the work put forth by the individuals. They tend to be less bullish on respecting authority in our society to the point that liberal cities and states, led by Democrat leadership, are forcing businesses and individuals to flee to states that do represent their beliefs in justice. 

The Most Important Question

What is the most important question anyone can ask? Christianity says that it is the question of how all will die. This is not the question of what way will they die, but it is the question of the state of the soul when they die. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, (1899-1981) explains in his sermon, "Two Ways To Die", how many simply wonder if they will die rich or poor, lonely or surrounded by friends, in war or peace. Yet, while these may be important questions, the most important is whether or not one is right with God. 

Jesus teaches that all who die in their sins and apart from Him will be condemned. While many may believe that they will continue to exist after they die, this is still wrong if it does not include the Bible’s teaching in the final judgment, resurrection of the dead, and necessity of believing the gospel. What, then, is the right way to die? Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that the only way to die in peace is to believe that Jesus is who He says He is, and that He has done what He has said He will. It is to believe that Jesus is the only savior of the world and that He has redeemed all those that believe in Him.

In a blink of an eye, we will exchange realities when we die. (2 Corinthians 5:8 – “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”) We will either be with Jesus, our souls present with Him in Heaven, or we will be apart from Him, our souls permanently residing in Hell. That is what the Bible teaches and I believe it to be true. 

The Power Of The Charlie Brown Christmas Story

 

Peace In A World Go Mad

In 2023, we live in a world devoid of peace. We have two major wars going on at this present moment, with a third conflict with China over Taiwan looming on the horizon. Crime rates are up, economic despair is rampant, and we go through our days besieged by voices, all clamoring for our undivided attention. 

Are you seeking peace in your life? 

When the birth of the Messiah was foretold in Scripture, He was called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and ironically, the peace He promised would only be ushered in by His death: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:5).

The reason that I introduced the narrative of Jesus Christ into our conversation is that it is my belief that peace without Jesus is fleeting at best. 

To put it in a more contemporary term, you need to look outside yourself to find your source for peace. 

Only a perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful God, who proclaims His love for you, can promise the following, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Is. 26:3). Even the night before Jesus died, He promised His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Finally, He also said to them, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In this world you will have trouble. 

But rejoice, Jesus has overcome this world.