by danserns | November 26, 2007 · 2:30 pm

Why Not Try This? …Preach a Sermon Series on Government, Elections and Liberty

The political season was in full swing when I decided to preach a series titled “A Believers Guide to Government, Elections and Liberty.”

I stood to preach the first sermon–

“God is NOT a Democrat” I stated with conviction. Amens were heard amidst sighs of relief throughout the affluent, predominantly Caucasian congregation.

“And God is NOT a Republican” I said. There were a few quizzical looks on some of the faces as I allowed the thought to sink in.

“God is God, and He resists being put into any political box of human devising. When Jesus walked here on earth the political parties of His day kept trying to discover if He was more of a Pharisee or a Sadducee, a conservative or a liberal. Ultimately the leaders of both parties united to put to death Jesus Christ because He didn’t match their political platform.”

This was the introduction to my three-part series (see additional notes at the end of this article)–

Daniel and the Government (Scripture Reading- Daniel 2:20-22, 37-44)
Paul and the Government (Scripture Reading- Romans 13:1-7)
Jesus and His Government (Scripture Reading- Matthew 26:47-56)

A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting with Barry Black, Chaplain of the United States Senate and a Seventh-day Adventist pastor. We met his staff, enjoyed the view of the National Mall out the third floor window and listened as he told of his ministry to one of the most powerful groups of people in the world.

He told us he leads four Bible Study groups each week- one for Senators, one for their spouses, one for the hundreds of staffers and another for anyone who wants to come. “It would not be politically correct to tell you which group is the most Biblically illiterate” he told us. He went on to say “You have no idea of what is really happening behind all the political posturing you see on the floor of the Senate and in the media. Just last week a prominent Senator came to my office and asked to speak with me privately. After the door was shut the Senator said ‘Quick. Can you teach me how to pray. I’ve never learned how and I need to know desperately now.’”

He seemed somewhat embarrassed when we noticed a picture of Chaplain Black with two US Presidents. “My staff found those and put them up but I really need to take them down. I can’t really imagine Daniel having a picture in his office of him standing next to Nebuchadnezzar!”

Our visit to Chaplain Black reminded us that we are to pray for all our political leaders, regardless of whether we voted for them or not. All of them need Jesus every day, whether they know it or not. And all of them need to make decisions that will allow for freedom of conscience in our nation as long as possible.

We will not always agree with the decisions that they make. Years ago President Abraham Lincoln recognized this when he tried to explain to the nation how he was dealing with the slavery issue. In an 1860 speech Lincoln compared slavery to a venomous snake. One would have the right to kill it with a stick in the road, he said. But perhaps one would not have the same right to kill it if found in a bed where children were sleeping, because “I might hurt the children more than the snake,” which is why slavery could continue for a while in the South, but not in the territories, according to his thinking. “But if there is a bed newly made up, to which the children were to be taken, and it was proposed to take a batch of young snakes and put them there with them, I take it no man would say there was any question how I ought to decide.” (Discussed in “Integrity” by Stephen L. Carter, p. 46) Obviously not everyone agreed with Lincoln’s reasoning, and that is why we had the Civil War. But during that war Lincoln had a conversion experience after the death of his son which greatly impacted his, and the nation’s, future. (For the story of Lincoln’s conversion see “Powerful Passages” by Ron and Dorothy Watts, p.19-23)

As spiritual leaders we have a higher agenda than immediate political platforms and politicians. It is so essential that we not lose our focus on taking the Adventist message to all the world, that God provided this startling counsel to our early church and school leaders. “Those teachers in the church or in the school who distinguish themselves by their zeal in politics, should be relieved of their work and responsibilities without delay; for the Lord will not co-operate with them. The tithe should not be used to pay any one for speechifying on political questions. Every teacher, minister, or leader in our ranks who is stirred with a desire to ventilate his opinions on political questions, should be converted by a belief in the truth, or give up his work. His influence must tell as a laborer together with God in winning souls to Christ, or his credentials must be taken from him. If he does not change, he will do harm, and only harm. . . . ” {Gospel Workers p. 393.1}

In countries where citizens have the opportunity to vote it is important for believers to vote in a way that will promote freedom of conscience. From our Adventist understanding of outline and time prophecies we can see the dangers of a union of church and state. “The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the church nearer to the world.” {The Great Controversy p. 297.1} History and prophecy show that while the state at first has the upper hand (Daniel 7- the Little horn grows out of the 4th Beast, Rome) at the end of time the fallen church will control the state (Revelation 17- The immoral woman/church rides/controls the beast/government power).

Another cause we should consider when voting is the the cause of temperance. When we have an influence on legislation that relates to temperance issues, or a political candidate demonstrates he is under the influence of the alcohol and/or the tobacco industry we should remember this inspired counsel. “In our favored land, every voter has some voice in determining what laws shall control the nation. Should not that influence and that vote be cast on the side of temperance and virtue? . . .” {Gospel Workers p. 387.1}

Even in countries where Adventist believers have little voice or vote God can use their Christlike attitude to accomplish His purposes. (See “A powerful lesson from the history of Adventist work in Iraq”)

We live in a time of rapidly fulfilling prophecies, and as spiritual leaders we need to help our people and our communities see clearly what the Bible says about government and liberty. There will be a pull on one side to see particular politicians, parties or platforms as the solution to society’s ills, and a pull from the other side to disengage from any involvement in the government. Without getting caught up in all the hoopla, or taking sides, you can give wise, biblical counsel that will help your congregation(s) and communities make Godly decisions as they pray for God’s work to go forward mightily. A balanced, biblical sermon series by you and your elders could help immensely.

Blessings to you,

Dan Serns

3 Responses to Why Not Try This? …Preach a Sermon Series on Government, Elections and Liberty

danserns

December 9, 2007 at 5:54 pm

Here is another recent example of how God can use a dedicated follower to get His message to government leaders–

Pentagon and Senate Report (as reported at http://www.whitehorsemedia.com/about/newsletters/details.cfm?news=23)

from Steve Wohlberg

During the summer of 2007 I was unexpectedly contacted by the Chaplain’s Office of the United States Pentagon and informed that a special symposium on the book of Revelation would be conducted in October and November during their regular Wednesday Morning Prayer Breakfasts, and that they were extending an official invitation to me to be one of the speakers. The purpose of the symposium was to give various speakers an opportunity to express different views of Revelation. Bestselling author Joel Rosenberg would speak about Israel and Iran.

“Will you come too?” asked Chaplain William Broome.

“Yes, of course!” was my immediate response.

The exact topic was up to me. Lord, what shall I speak about? In time, His impression became
clear: America in Bible prophecy.

Shortly thereafter I was contacted by the Chaplain’s Office of the U.S. Senate extending a similar invitation to be one of their speakers for their regular Senate Staff Bible Study conducted during the noon hour every Friday. Max Lucado, Charles Stanley, and Rick Warren had taken that pulpit, and they wanted me, too. My response was the same, for who would pass up such an opportunity?

My wife Kristin and our three-year-old son Seth were going to come with me, but as we neared the travel date (November 6-9), Kristin’s gynecologist advised her not to make the long trip because she is due to give birth to our second child, Abigail Rose Wohlberg, in December. So, reluctantly, I traveled alone, being joined in Washington DC by Gilbert and Kathe Navarro of White Horse Media. “We’re praying for you!” declared many of our friends after they learned of this amazing, providential opening. Thank you! Your prayers were definitely answered!

On Wednesday morning, November 7, after traveling D.C.’s Metro line to the Pentagon Exit, I was ascending toward Pentagon Security when a woman standing next to me inquired, “Are you Steve Wohlberg?” “Yes,” I said, quite surprised. “I’ve come to hear you speak!” Her name was Denise. She had read about my appointment on our website, and didn’t want to miss it. Here’s the amazing thing: It would have been impossible for her to pass through Pentagon Security, but, because she was with me, she got in. We were both greatly encouraged by this little “sign” of the Lord’s providential leading.

Inside the Prayer Breakfast room, after a friendly introduction by Chaplain Broome, I took the pulpit. Before me sat approximately 100 well-dressed people, many in military array, eating breakfast from a buffet line. My laptop sat in front of me, and so did a large screen displaying a striking photo of the U.S. capitol, with these words emblazoned, “America in Bible Prophecy.” Prayer had been offered earlier, but I prayed again. Then for the next 45 minutes I built my case, point by point, that the highly symbolic “beast” from the earth described in Revelation 13:11-17 indeed represents the United States.

The entire group listened with rapt attention. Throughout the presentation I saw heads nod, indicating that they were seeing the reasonableness of my positions and the strength of my arguments.

“Feel free to share this with the President,” I said with a smile.

Near the end I spoke about the separation of government and religion, freedom of conscience, September 11, earth’s last crisis, and the final enforcement of the mark of the beast (see Revelation 13:16-17).

I concluded with a strong appeal to follow the Lamb and reject the dragon’s voice.

The response was highly favorable, as was evidenced by the long line of attendees standing in front of me immediately following the presentation who wanted me to sign their copy of my book, From Hollywood to Heaven, which had been distributed freely. We also placed in everyone’s hands a Bible study of Revelation 13:11, a free CD of another one of my other sermons entitled, “Take the Cup from Me!” and a flyer listing many White Horse Media prophecy books and DVDs. Yes, God truly blessed, I thought to myself. One down, two to go.

Let me explain why it was “two to go.” The next night, before going to the Senate on Friday, I was interviewed by radio and TV talk show host, Maggie Pascal, in her studio just north of Baltimore. The Maggie Pascal Show is watched and heard throughout the New York and DC area. During her one-hour program we discussed the Pentagon Prayer Breakfast, America in prophecy, September 11, the mark of the beast, and the soon return of Jesus Christ. This was definitely another providential open door!

Friday morning, November 9, the Navarro’s and I boarded the Metro, headed to the Capitol, and finally reached the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room #124, where the Senate Staff Bible Study occurred. At noon approximately 150 regular attendees went through the buffet line, and then sat down. Exactly who everyone was in that crowd, I’m not sure. Senators (?), Congressmen (?), and Senate staffers. Prayer was offered, and then Chaplain Barry Black led out in a brief Bible study, after which he introduced me. After consultation with Chaplain Black, it was decided that I should share my testimony. So for the next 40 minutes I talked about my Jewish upbringing, teenage wandering, and most importantly, the love and power of Jesus Christ.

My central focus was Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane, and how the Holy Spirit used His thrice-repeated prayer to transform my sinful, lost life. The entire group followed every word, and God’s anointing was present – powerfully! Everyone sensed it. I glanced at the clock on the wall. 5 minutes left. Then I shifted gears, read Acts 2:17, spoke about the soon return of Jesus Christ, and then told this amazing story recently reported to us at White Horse Media:

A Muslim man in a Muslim village had a dream about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It was only Jesus there on “the last day” [not Allah]. The man was quite shaken. Three days later he gathered courage to share his dream with a Muslim friend from the same village. Then his friend turned as white as a ghost. He had had the same dream! The two men then cautiously proceeded to share their dream with others in the same village, and to everyone’s surprise, it was discovered that everyone throughout the entire village had had the same dream! “They all became believers in Jesus!” I informed the group. “God is giving dreams to many people. These are the last days. Jesus is coming soon!”

My hearers were stunned, but it looked like they received the message fully. Chaplain Black then made some concluding remarks and asked the group if I should be invited back. “Amen!” was the hearty response. A final prayer was offered, and then I went to the door to shake hands as people left. Eager faces, wide eyes, and smiles greeted me repeatedly. Praise the Lord!

That’s my Pentagon/Senate Report. I know God opened these doors, that many seeds were planted inside the heart of America, and that the Lord’s truth was definitely advanced. To those who prayed for me – thank you! God heard.

Maranatha!

Pastor Steve

Reply
Nevi

July 20, 2008 at 2:40 pm

Here is an example of how some, should take care in how they expound on matters that are not explanatory grounds for any synods,ministers, or even the Pope.

Pastor Steve,
I shall say just this to you..Be very careful in your ministry, and the information you propose to just be carried a president that has already landed the United States in a mess, perhaps by taking similar advice to what you propose to give. If you know little , it would perhaps be best for you to expound little, lest the strength of your arguments that you make on earth, actually land you in hot water above.

Things do not happen lickety split like you explain,and mislead people into thinking…so I shall perhaps warn you,and all like you , just this once..read carefully,and perhaps also pay attention to what I mention, about warning preceding a judgement. Your perhaps well intentioned act of explaining ‘prophecy’ of Revelation, is where you err, by making the fatal mistake that many like you make, in giving meaning to what is not your place to give.

There are many years to go, before your concept of ‘soon’ will be realised, so I say again, be warned of how you minister, because there are defined limits set by the Lord as to what you might explain to congregations, and Revelation, is not one of those..in fact, it is in most part sealed to the earth.

First of all, believers are not required to delve into revelation, for the keys to the seals,are given only to the holders.

But, so that you learn a little..The beast that rises out of the sea, and out of the land..are one and the same- OIL
If you calculate the number:O = 15 ..I = 9..L = 12… The sum of these is 36 ..of which the 2 composites are 18 and 18 ,and herein, is hidden the 666..and 666 which let you know that the two references,are to one.

In this, you will also understand that OIL , is indeed ‘the weapon of mass destruction’ because you now see clearly the damage it causes across the nations,and leads natins to war…compared to what people tout as ‘nuclear’ the damage is much more widespread…this is not to say that nuclear power is not dangerous, or threatens the globe or that no other perceived weapons of mass destruction exist on the earth.
The point to understand here is, do not confine yourself to physical, or very literal understandings.

There are many representations of the mark, that appear at many staging points of the attacks of Satan – all are too numerous for you to calculate,and the quantum nature of the Revelation cryptics make it impossible for any such as you, or many others like you, to merely assign ‘meanings’ to.

In knowing this small detail, you will become more aware of what not being able to buy or sell without the mark is. Knowing more than that, is unimportant,and really not allowed to the general believer, whos command it is, to worship the Lord, in simplicity and humble spirit.

Woe to those that fiddled with the scriptural content in some backroom, on a computer, to advise a presidency to declare war and the same to all that pervert religion, to spread terror – The Lord is watching. Further woes to those in positions of power that are advised by meddlers in the divine code – All they have done is unlock the fury of the Almighty, because even now, if the Lord were not there to intercede for fools , a portion of the earth would now already be dead, in fact a day has passed where the world leaders could have been swallowed up by the earth, never to be seen again if the Almighty were in a slightly more irate mood , because the foolishness of world leaders is now rising up to the heavens. There are cures for many things, but incessant stupidity has no cure, and is an irritation to the Father. All world leaders , that are charged with leading, but do otherwise seal their own fates, and many will escape here…but have no concept that they will be destroyed fully, because they refuse to stand in awe of the Lord, and do right!

In understanding this, you will also understand that the mark is not something tangible, or applied only to persons..so, do not try to involve yourselves in literal meanings to the high cryptics of Revelation, for it occurs on too many levels for man to understand.

People that think they can ‘crack ‘the bible codings, have already doomed themselves to fates they dictated by their own actions..so, be aware in your readings of Scriptures. It is given , so that you have a general synopsis of God’s Plan , but is not there for any to delve into, or to try to meddle with.
There is no command necessary, other than for you to believe in Jesus Christ, only begotten Son of the Almighty. Revelation unfolds in the lives of billions, without any really knowing..
Bible scholars,and theologians are lead, to give the best translation into languages understandable to mankind, but none should suppose to assign ‘meaning’ , for those things are given, only at their assigned times, by the Lord.
Even the seals,and holders of the keys, are only allowed access at their pre set designation in time, and not as man defines time, for man has no concept of time,as designated by the Almighty.
You have no need to worry about chips being inserted in your heads or all such physicalities. Those that propogate such explanations to things they do not know, also fall in danger of unnecessary judgements.

The command is simple..Live your life under the authority of the Lord,and obey the basic commands in simplicity, and you have the Mark of the Lamb not only on your forehead, but written in your heart. Keep yourself from senseless debates on the unknown, and prevent the loss of your tongues.

All that you see in the world, isn’t , and neither is all that you don’t see. Because you do not see the fiery anointing of the Lord across the earth, does not mean it is nonexistent.
As you see the morons,and even believers of the world deceived by ‘aliens’ and ‘ufo’s , remember who has the power to deceive,and is the master and prince of the air,and airwaves. Years and years of preparation, have allowed the minds of those that wish for delusion, to be deluded…and in fact, God will allow that as it is written, because a huge part of the earth will be deceived because of their need to see what seems ’supernatural’…to the believer, all you need do, is remain focused on the simple command given,and this will pass over you.

You , on this earth, are made in the image of the Creator of the Universe and there is no intellect given into any physical creation, more than given to mankind..but for those that wish to imagine their inferiority to other ‘beings’- then that is what they are. Yes, even the supposedly intelligent,and learned will fall prey to deception.

Have peace in your day, and remember the simple command you are given.
The iron laws of the Almighty, are not open to ‘modernistic interpretations’ to suit dysfunctional situations. The sword, goes out to all that shall meet, discuss, twist and adjust the commands of the Lord, to suit their own purposes on the earth. These have all bowed to the deceiver, and will follow in his footsteps,and share the judgements. Yes, the Sword of the Lord, is now at the church, and all that seek to redefine its purpose. The command, is given to all, that shall have questionable behaviour , as opposed to the law. The command, is not there to be questioned, or moulded to ‘modern living’. It is stated, and given by the ‘I AM’ for all. Defiance, is treated with warning first, as warning precedes judgement. So, as no correction has come from warning, the judgement of the Lord, falls upon the church and will be in full effect, soon. A Letter was sent to that Anglican Church of Australia, containing commands,and warnings and to be sent to all denominations of the globe. Perhaps they feel they are more subject to human authorities,and choose to delete the message – The judgement is nevertheless in effect against ALL , in the church that conspire to assign their contrived meanings, to the stated law, of the Almighty.
This letter was sent on 14/7/2008.

It would be safer for all those leaders,and bishops to extract themselves from their acquired status, and join the queues of the sinful, who have humility before the Lord,and ask for forgiveness, than to stand in the pulpits and purport to do the Will of God,and thereby evoke the fury of the Lord. In this time, a judgement has already been laid down for all these, which will be effected throughout all the world, for all to see in time.
Again, have peace in your day if you find correction..but worry, if you are told,and do not turn from your path.

Be careful, if you propose to render your own futile judgement against the Lord, and do not confuse what people do ‘In the Name of God’ with the Lord Himself. You presume to find yourself some kind of a ‘wit’, if the letters pertaining to doctorates and phd’s etc precede or follow your given name , but its wiser to think of yourself as stripped bare, in the eyes of God , because your titles,and honors mean nothing at that level.
Do not think that because you propose to judge God, by the actions of a few, that your supposedly ‘leftist’ideals absolve you from the laws of God.
If you have a problem with men, that pervert the laws of divinity, then its fine to attack those , but be careful when you begin to call the Lord, a ‘myth’ and some kind of nonexistence because of your own lack of spiritual integrity that you might find comfortable to expound as what you deem a ‘free thinker’ because like many,all that oppose the Lord, in thought and deed , will be routed , never to rise again from the dust that they all become.
You may be wiser to make decisions in things that are tangible to you,and things that you can see, rather than expounding your opinion, on things that you cannot see, or have zero inclination to understand.
Perhaps the most mystical thing, is that atheists and free thinkers that oppose the existence of the Almighty, expound on opinions from the height of social standing,and general comforts, but even these, in situations of life threatening self adversities, find themselves looking for the same God they defy.

All your human wit,and perceived intelligence, is piddly in the eyes of the Almighty God, that knows the content of every molecule known,and unknown to mankind,and even the dust that rises up to acknowledge God, is in higher esteem than all that seek to defy the existence of the supreme Almighty.

Reply
danserns

July 20, 2008 at 5:14 pm

Hi Nevi–

Thanks for taking time to share with us.

You have raised many issues. I’d like to respond to several.

1. I agree that we all do need to take a humble approach to both the LORD, our Creator, Redeemer and Savior and the Bible, His voice to us. We need to be transparent in all of our dealings (see http://npucnewsletter.wordpress.com/2005/08/31/why-not-try-this-%e2%80%a6determine-again-to-live-a-life-of-transparency/)

2. I believe that the Bible is it’s own best interpretor. We can understand it best by comparing Scripture with Scripture (See Isaiah 28:10) and allowing the Bible to explain its own symbols. (Horns, for example, represent kings/kingdoms. See Daniel 7:24).

3. The Book of Revelation is not a sealed or closed book according to both its title (“Revelation” of Jesus Christ) and its message. In fact we are invited to read, hear and put into practice what it says. Revelation 1:3 says “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

4. The Book of Daniel in the Old Testament is a key that unlocks many of the symbols of Revelation in the New Testament.

5. The dream and interpretation in Daniel 2 show us that the kingdom of God will not gradually be established on this earth but will bring to an end all earthly kingdoms when it comes. See Daniel 2:44-46.

6. A Great commentary on understanding the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation is found online at http://www.whiteestate.org/books/gc/gc.asp

May God bless you as you seek His will each day in His word.

Dan Serns

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Why Not Try This? …Preach a Sermon Series on Government, Elections and Liberty

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