From the desk of Steve Shultz:
Dr. Alveda King, niece to Dr. Martin Luther King, writes a good and compelling case for each of us, regardless of our political affiliation – to exercise our right to vote.
There is a great need to vote in Righteous candidates. Please be sure you each vote your conscience this election day in November.
Blessings,
Steve Shultz
Note from Steve: By the way, to have daily, encouraging prophetic emails from The Elijah List sent to your inbox, just CLICK HERE.
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"Should Christians Vote?"
Dr. Alveda C. King, Atlanta, GA
Just before I was born-again in 1983, I served two terms as a State Legislator for the 28th Georgia House District. I was a Democrat. Years later I served as a Republican Presidential Appointee. Along the way I remember learning that God is greater than politics and that politics can become an idol.
Coming from a Christian family, who was very active in the 20th century Civil Rights Movement, we marched and some died for equality at the ballot box – the right to vote. So yes, I honor the privilege and responsibility of taking part of our electoral process.
Yet for far too many, the issue of voting is still shrouded in debate. Many are still asking: "Should Believers take part in the politics of this world, including elections?"
Vote For Men and Women "Full of the Spirit"
Now, voting time is upon us again. Yes, I do vote. When I can't reconcile my faith to the platforms, I write in names. Yet I vote. People died for my right to do so.
So what do we do now? Let's start at home base.
What does the Bible say about voting in elections? Surprisingly, nothing specifically. Why?
Consider that in the times of Jesus, the Jews were under Roman rule and they were not Roman citizens. Therefore, they were not permitted to vote. In fact, most Roman citizens couldn't either. Only the very wealthy were allowed to vote.
But we can see in Acts 6:1-5 that an "election" of sorts did take place:
Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. And the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the Word of God in order to serve tables. But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.
Clearly the seven were to help protect the rights of the people and settle the dispute between the Hellenistic Jews and the native Hebrews.
So it is with our government of today. Once the elected people, "politicians" are in office, they are expected to safeguard our rights. But one difference is that in the Bible days – the people elected "men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom." Today, you would have to question the "good" reputation of many in office and more importantly whether they are even men and women who are "full of the Spirit." (Photo via inkandvoice)
In the elections of 2012, Billy Graham began a campaign, "Vote Biblical Values," in which he encouraged people to vote for candidates that espoused Biblical values and morality, "men/women full of the Spirit."
So it should be for this election cycle and all elections as well.
Mother Teresa once said: "The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between."
She also said, "If we accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill each other? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, rather, to use violence to get what they want."
As in the days of old, isn't that what the fear mongers of the world are doing today? Promoting greed and violence over regarding the sanctity of life... Selling birthrights and then shedding innocent blood to wrest erstwhile or unearned or unsecured inheritances by any means?
Yet all is not lost. We can still help shift our world towards a culture of life by voting for those who regard the sanctity of life, marriage, family and THE BIBLE. (Photo via Dr. Alveda King)
Biblical Values
So now, as we seek to reconcile everything, what would God have us learn regarding the electorate process?
The heart of God is expressed in the Bible, as to His concern for government leaders and leadership, by telling us as Christians that we should pray in this vein when we look at the admonition in the following verses:
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4
It is our duty as Christians and as citizens to participate in prayer for the elections and those who seek and gain power to lead. But are we to pray only and not vote?
So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? (James 2:17-20 NLT)
Some may say that the Bible doesn't say vote so I'm not doing it. Well, I haven't read in the Bible that we are to flush the commode after we use it, but I still do it. Seriously. Is anyone getting this?
So we pray in faith and then go to work; in this instance: vote.
With our votes we can elect godly men and women who will make laws that conform to Biblical values.
Thankfully not all of us are called to be political servants. The majority of us will never hold office but still, we have an important role to play. We must begin with prayer and discernment. We must educate ourselves on the stances of the candidates and vote accordingly. (Photo via Wikipedia)
October is the "Month for Life," and is a critical month every year, especially in an election year. As we continue to pray over the upcoming elections, we ask you to spread your payers far and wide via your social media networks and email lists, and in your pro-life groups, community and civil rights meetings, and churches in the coming weeks.
After the elections, no matter what happens, continue to pray. Remember to warn your children and grandchildren about the foundation of Halloween being witchcraft.
Then get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, always thanking and giving glory to God for His goodness and the gift of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. His pure, sinless shed Blood can never lose its power because it cannot die! Jesus' Blood never died. It was shed into the earth for us. He temporarily gave up His Body, but was resurrected. HE LIVES.
Meanwhile, continue to pray and vote for candidates who agree with and follow THE BIBLE; who support life, marriage and family according to God's way as if your quality of life is impacted by it. Because it is.
Dr. Alveda C. King, Evangelist and Author
Alveda King Ministries and Priests For Life
Websites: alvedakingministries.com and priestsforlife.org
Email: ak@alvedaking.com
Dr. Alveda C. King is an evangelist and author of the popular book KING RULES. She grew up in the civil rights movement led by her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her father Rev. A. D. King. She is a pastoral associate and director of African-American Outreach for Priests for Life and Gospel of Life Ministries. Her family home in Birmingham, AL, was bombed, as was her father's church office in Louisville, KY. Alveda herself was jailed during the open housing movement. Read more reports from Dr. Alveda C. King.
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