Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral …
Tag: politics
Trusting God with the World
This is my sermon from this past Sunday. It reflects recent events surrounding the Truckers' Freedom Convoy in Ottawa, Canada, our government's response, and the ongoing political situation in our country. Rather than present my opinion on the matter directly, I instead try to provide some perspective for Christians. That doesn't mean I do not …
Politics, Society, and Human Nature
It's safe to say, I think, that our culture is polarized. Not only are there are strong disagreements amongst people regarding politics and various societal issues, but we seem to be less and less capable of viewing those with whom we disagree as human beings worthy of respect. Instead of thoughtful dialogue, we have media …
The Deceitful Promise of Politics
In Psalm 120:2, we read these words: Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. When I read these words the other day, my mind immediately leapt to the fact that our country--Canada--is currently in the midst of a federal election campaign. Right now, all of the party leaders are …
One Pastor’s Perspective on Christians and Government
Note: I’m sure there will be Christians who disagree with this post. I would be grateful if this were part of a larger conversation rather than a monologue. If you have a different, and biblical, way of thinking through this issue, I’d be grateful to hear from you. Or if you want clarification on something …
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Some Things to Read on How Christians Approach Culture & Politics
We live in confusing times. Navigating the cultural landscape as people of faith is not always easy. What kind of posture do we adopt? I thought this article on “The Question That Dictates How Christians Approach Culture and Politics” by David French was insightful and worth reading. He asks, “Does the primary threat to the …
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Where are the Dividing Lines?
Let's take a brief inventory: Trinitarian versus Arian. Calvinism versus Arminianism. Infant baptism versus believer's baptism. Cessationism versus continuationism. Young earth creationism versus old earth creationism. Complementarianism versus egalitarianism. Church organs versus guitar and drums. Carpet versus tile. Ok. So those last couple of examples might have been a little facetious. Churches never fight over …
Let Us Pray
There are a number of churches that currently find themselves at odds with governing authorities because they believe COVID restrictions on gathering stand in violation of their conscience and God's command. Currently, there are churches bringing lawsuits, authorities issuing fines, and, in one case, a pastor remains under arrest for violating government guidelines. Whatever your …
Religion and Politics Part 3: Living By a Different Narrative
“But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do what is good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."Luke 6:27--28 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, …
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Religion and Politics Part 2 (Or How to Have Perspective When the Whole World Seems Crazy)
(Note: This is a reflection on American politics from the perspective of one Baptist pastor living in Nova Scotia, Canada. So take my thoughts however you like.) So for several days I've been trying to process what recently happened in the US Capitol last week. In many ways, it seemed both unreal and unsurprising. On …
grace notes 