HIS WORD IN THE WORLD![JN.1-12] 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 DYING DAILY AS A CHRISTIAN BELIEVER![1COR.15:31] 🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️🕳️ Apostle Paul says *I Die Daily!* I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (1Co 15: 31) And again; As it is said in the holy Writings, Because of you we are put to death every day; we are like sheep ready for destruction. (Rom 8: 36) This may sound strange to an unbeliever or a new christian believer, but in the real sense we all die daily...though in different formats. Many people ignore the fact that every day we live is also a day we die. We are born into this world not only growing but also dying. Death was pronounced on mankind from the time of Adam. God told Adam that he was to tend the Garden of Eden. God gave Adam all things in that Garden to eat, but warned: But of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you may not take; for on the day when you take of it, death will certainly come to you. (Gen 2: 17) Our forefather Adam did that which God told him not to do. I do not know if Adam even knew what death was, for there was no death nor killing in Eden. But the Scripture tells us that: 21. For as by man came death, so by man there is a coming back from the dead. 22. For as in Adam death comes to all, so in Christ will all come back to life. (1Co 15: 21-22) God NEVER INTENDED death. But we all inherited death from our progenitor Adam. And DEATH is no respector of persons. It does not matter if you are rich or poor, young or old, male or female. It doesn’t matter your race, nor your home town. The Bible tells us that because of Adam’s sin: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Heb 9: 27) You may break the law and evade human justice. You may avoid paying taxes. There are a lot of things you can do in this. But one thing you cannot do...you cannot evade death. The Psalmist said: 47. Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain? 48. What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. (Psa 89: 47-48) How foolish to ignore the reality of death. I die daily. We all die daily. We do not know when we will come to the end of this present life. Christ Jesus warned us all to lay up treasure for ourselves in God’s Kingdom, for the treasures we have today, we will one day have no more. The fool ignores death. The fool, when he thinks on it, dreads death. But the Christian has considered death, and has given his soul to Christ Jesus. For HE has conquered death. He has risen, just as He said. Christ Jesus has promised us who love Him and believe in Him eternal life. He prayed for His Church before He died on Calvary(Jn.17:1-2) The Resurrected Savior has every believer in His nail scarred Hands. Christ Jesus is the One and Only Person Who has the keys to death and the grave (Revelation 1:18, Jn.11:25-26) Oh Beloved, we do not groan because we die daily. We praise Him BECAUSE we die daily. What is death to the Christian but a promotion?(2 Corinthians 5:6-8) To be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". The Apostle Paul looked forward to leaving this life. He said that "I desire to depart and so be with Christ, which is so much better” (Philippians 1:23). Oh, that we all could say with the same confidence "I die daily" and not tremble in the saying. It is the sign of perfect love that we desire to be with the Lord more than we desire to be on this present earth. The unbeliever fears to confront nor even consider his death. But the strong believer intentionally and daily faces his mortality ... and rejoices. For immortality will not come until the mortal is placed to the side. That which is corruptible must be sown into the ground, so that that which is immortal can be clothed upon us. What actually is dying daily? 👉 DYING DAILY IS THE NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE! Many in the modern Church do not understand this, but "I die daily" is a mark of the normal Christian life; 24. Then Jesus said to his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him give up all, and take up his cross, and come after me. 25. Because whoever has a desire to keep his life safe will have it taken from him; but whoever gives up his life because of me, will have it given back to him. 26. For what profit has a man, if he gets all the world with the loss of his life? or what will a man give in exchange for his life? (Mat 16: 24-26) Salvation begins the day that YOU die and Christ Jesus is born in you. Christ Jesus was very clear. To "come after Him"... to be in His Salvation... we MUST take up our Cross and follow Him. The Cross WAS NOT in Christ Jesus’ day a pretty piece of jewelry. The Cross was a device of death. It was a complete humiliation. It was a public shaming. Christ Jesus did not say "Take up your Cross and, when tired or embarrassed or humiliated or shunned...then put it down!" No, Christ Jesus said " Take up your Cross and follow Me" . This is a willing choice. 👉 THE CROSS IS NEVER FORCED ON ANYONE BY GOD. RELIGION FORCES THE CROSS ON OTHERS, BUT NOT GOD. On the day that Christ Jesus was crucified He had to carry His own Cross (John 19:17). As HE carried that Cross at one point the Blood that He lost in being beaten caused Him to fall. When He fell, the Roman authorities forced Simon from Cyrene to bear His Cross(Matt. 27:32) Simon was FORCED to carry Christ Jesus' Cross. He was forced by man. But Christ Jesus commands us to WILLINGLY take up His Cross and follow Him. Though Simon carried Christ’s Cross the rest of the way to Calvary, there is no other evidence in the Scripture that Simon EVER did anything else for God his entire life. 👉When Paul said "I die daily," this speaks to his willingness to voluntarily follow the Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus. Beloved, the one that must be COMPELLED to follow Christ Jesus is not HIS child. I'll say it again, and louder: If you must be COMPELLED to take up the Cross and follow Christ Jesus, then you are probably NOT Christ Jesus' child! To take up the Cross is to willingly humble yourself for Christ Jesus' sake: 28. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30. Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (Luk 18: 28-30) To die daily is to put yourself last and Christ Jesus first. To live for Him. To make Christ Jesus a priority. This is the normal Christian life. Don’t believe? Read: 14. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2Co 5: 14-15) Inside of me there is an evil me who wants his own way. I must kill this me daily. Christ Jesus died for me so that I could live for Him. I must die daily for this to happen. Our attitude must mimic that of Paul, who said: 7. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Php 3: 7-8) Oh Beloved there is coming a judgment day for all, even the Christian. How will you stand on that Judgment Day? 👉 DYING DAILY IS THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE OLD MAN A single day shouldn't go by without our killing that *us*(flesh) that wants things done its own way. It's our commission to die daily. If we belong to Christ Jesus, we are commanded to: And those who are Christ's have put to death on the cross the flesh with its passions and its evil desires. (Gal 5: 24) The old me must die, and I must become more like Christ Jesus Therefore I willingly give up those portions of my life that are dishonoring to the image of Christ Jesus...read also Ephe.4:20-24) Also in Colossians; 8. But now it is right for you to put away all these things; wrath, passion, bad feeling, curses, unclean talk; 9. Do not make false statements to one another; because you have put away the old man with all his doings, 10. And have put on the new man, which has become new in knowledge after the image of his maker; 11. Where there is no Greek or Jew, no one with circumcision or without circumcision, no division between nations, no servant or free man: but Christ is all and in all. (Col 3: 8-11) Through the power of the Holy Spirit Who is in you bind every work of the flesh that belongs to Adam, and release every work of the Spirit that belongs to Christ Jesus. Sacrifice the old you for the God empowered you. Do not be arrogant or prideful. God resisteth the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6). Forgive trespasses against yourself. Your old nature will rise up when you are offended, and you will be tempted to strike heartily at the offender. The devil will whisper in your ear, “Go ahead. Let him have it! He deserves it!” But if I die daily I will remember the words of my Lord: Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Adam cannot overcome Adam, but Christ Jesus defeats Adam and Satan...every time! What has my Master said?(Matt.6:14-15) Do it for Christ Jesus' sake. In time, Christ Jesus will triumph. His way is best. Stop trying to live life your way. Die daily. Live life Christ Jesus' way! 👉 DIE DAILY AT CALVARY. To die daily is to be apart from the world but in union with Christ Jesus. Every believer should frequently walk the Calvary Road and pause standing at the foot of the Cross. Die daily with Christ Jesus. Die daily to your sins. When you sin, when you have been selfish, when you have broken the Father’s heart... stop, repent, and die to yourself. Ask the Father to forgive you for Christ Jesus' sake. Do not do as Adam did, trying to fix his error with fig leaves and foolishness. You are children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords if you have received the Lord Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour. You are not your own. You belong to Him. Or do you? Some of us do not. Because we never died the first time, we will not die daily. There are many false tares in the Churches everywhere. Spiritless creatures who have never given themselves to the Lord. Salvation begins with dying daily. It begins with repentance, which is a turning away of our old man. We had to die to self before salvation can come. Because of Him we know that we are saved. The only hell we will ever experience is on this earth. But for the one without Christ Jesus, the only Heaven they will ever experience is ON this earth. I’d much rather be in Christ Jesus. How about you? May God touch our hearts with His Word.🙇🙏!

*Biblical Teachings on Clothing and Adornment:* - *Modesty*: The Bible emphasizes modesty in dress and behavior (1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Peter 3:3-4). - *Inner beauty*: The Bible prioritizes inner beauty and character over outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 31:30). - *Humility*: The Bible encourages humility and simplicity in dress and lifestyle (Matthew 6:28-30, 1 Peter 3:3-4). *Ancient Cultural Practices:* - *Clothing as a status symbol*: Clothing often reflected social status, occupation, or cultural identity. - *Clothing in worship*: Clothing played a role in religious rituals and worship, with specific garments worn by priests or other religious leaders. - *Clothing in daily life*: Clothing was often practical and designed for daily activities, such as work or travel. *Relevant Scriptures:* - *Deuteronomy 22:5*: Discusses the prohibition on cross-dressing. - *1 Corinthians 11:5-6*: Discusses head coverings for women in worship. What is cross-dressing 🤷? Cross-dressing refers to the act of wearing clothing and accessories typically associated with a different gender. The Bible mentions cross-dressing in Deuteronomy 22:5, which prohibits men from wearing women's clothing and vice versa, in the context of ancient Israelite cultural practices. So in biblical times, trousers as we know them today didn't exist. Women wore long tunics or dresses that covered their bodies. The concept of modesty in biblical times emphasized humility, simplicity, and respect for cultural norms. Women's clothing was designed to reflect these values. In ancient Israelite culture, women's clothing typically included: 1. Long tunics or dresses 2. Head coverings or veils These garments were designed to promote modesty and respect for cultural traditions. Why trouser is been considered as immodesty to women 1. Fit: Tight-fitting trousers might be considered immodest 2. It trigger lust 3. It reveal your leg shape 4. It reveal your hip shape 5. It's so seductive to men 6. It reveal your sensitive skin 7. It reveal your waistline Noted ✍️✍️ ¶ They are designed from kingdom of darkness... ¶ They are prayed over by Demons so that women will love them even more... ¶ They carry Demons of lust, fornication, sexual immorality. ¶ Lastly, God hates them. We must remember that there are no excuses before God. If we break God's word, the reason doesn’t matter; we can never escape damnation, and that is why we should fear. if someone commits robbery to fund treatment for his mother's cancer and is shot dead in the process, will he be granted entrance to Heaven? The Bible states, "Nothing that defileth" can enter. Even if you had good intentions, your actions were still defiled. You broke God's law: "Thou shalt not steal." In Zephaniah 1:8, God refers to these royals as being clothed in strange apparel. In this context, ladies's trousers are considered strange apparel before God.

They say even the devil can wear white robes to church. That's how life is, shiny on the outside, rotten on the inside. In this generation where we clap for anyone who appears to be "winning," we must remind ourselves: not every open door is from God. Some doors are traps in disguise. Not every celebration is worth clapping for. And in today's world, where people worship success like it's the Holy Spirit, we need to ask some uncomfortable questions. Why do we assume that every open door is from God? Why do we call every loud voice a prophet? Why do we mistake noise for anointing, and numbers for God's approval? Let's stop pretending. Many people are not walking with God. They are simply walking in results. Success, yes. But spiritual fruit? Nothing. This generation is obsessed with visibility. You blow, and suddenly, people assume God did it. You trend, and everyone calls it "grace." But let me ask you: Is it truly grace? Jesus was clear. "By their fruits, you shall know them." Not by their platforms. Not by how smooth they talk. Not by how many Bible verses they post online. Real fruit is love, peace, kindness, faithfulness, self-control. Not manipulation, pride, and performance. I once knew a young man, talented, charismatic, full of fire. In less than a year, he was invited to preach in big churches, had thousands of followers, even wrote a book. But behind the scenes, he was empty. He prayed less, listened to no one, and began cutting corners. Today, he is no longer in ministry. What looked like a miracle was actually a setup. The speed was too much. The foundation was weak. The devil also opens doors. Make no mistake. He offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world. Fame, influence, power- all without the cross. And many people today are taking that same offer. No obedience, no sacrifice, just results. We don't like to hear it, but some "successes" are traps. Satan is not against you preaching, as long as your heart is not right. He doesn't mind you being popular, as long as pride eats you from within. We must wake up. We must check the spirit behind the success. Is this thing born out of intimacy with God, or just ambition dressed up in Scripture? Is the fruit pointing people to Jesus, or just building personal empires? You can have a microphone and still be far from God. You can fill a stadium and still be spiritually empty. What God values is not how far you rise, but how well you walk with Him. Let me be blunt. Some of what we call "favor" is simply hustle with Christian branding. And some of what we call "elevation" is the enemy's bait. It looks sweet, it feels right, but it's deadly. Ask Adam and Eve. Be careful what you clap for. Be careful who you follow. Shine your eyes. Everything that glitters is not gold, and not all gold came from heaven. Discernment is not suspicion. It is spiritual intelligence. It asks the deeper questions. Does this thing carry the presence of God? Does it bear His character? Is it rooted in truth? Real anointing is not loud. It is deep. It breaks yokes. It doesn't need hype to prove itself. And those who carry it are often hidden, humble, and heavy with grace. May we never be celebrated by men and rejected by God. That is the real tragedy!

JUST A MINUTE, PLEASE! [THE PREACHER'S CORNER] 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 IT'S VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR A YIELDED CHRISTIAN TO WALK IN THE MURKY WATERS OF TODAY'S POLITICS WITHOUT POLLUTION. (NO APOLOGIES) 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 None is perfect... agreed! But keenly pursuing a course that will undoubtedly dent our garment of praise as believers is a perilous adventure. Many supposed christian politicians cites Joseph as Prime minister but NEVER remembers the price he paid; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Gen 39: 9) He ended up in prison for what he didn't do. He didn't raise dust. The same people quote Daniel as vice president of Babylon,but NEVER remembers the sacrifice; But Daniel PURPOSED IN HIS HEART THAT HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF WITH THE PORTION OF THE KING'S MEAT, NOR WITH THE WINE WHICH HE DRANK: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan 1: 8) 👉THE CHRISTIAN AND THE WORLD The Scriptures show us that the world system and its principles are opposed to God (Jn 14.17; 15.18-19; 1 Jn 2.16). The Christian has been saved out of the world (Jn 17.6, 14, 16; Acts 15.14). The Cross separates us from the world (Gal 6.14). We are therefore called to be distinct from the world (2 Cor 6.17; Rom 12.2). The Christian is a citizen of heaven (Phil 3.20). Our interests should be in heavenly things for we have an elevated place (Eph 2.6) and a heavenly object (Col 3.2). John 15.19 indicates that while we are not "of the world" we are "in the world" (see also Jn 15.15). We have responsibilities in the world and cannot ignore the political climate in which we live. Christians should be an influence for good in the world. It is important, therefore, to have a clear understanding of our responsibilities to the "powers that be" (Rom 13.1) and the extent to which we should be involved in the political life of our country. 👉THE CASE FOR INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL ACTION. A number of arguments have been set forward which advocate the value of an active involvement in the political process. These include: Historical precedent. Significant good has been achieved by great Christian men and women of the past who were able to improve society by advocating Christian principles. Responsible citizenship. Christians have a duty to contribute to improving society through active involvement in the political process. Resistance of evil. Christians have a moral obligation to oppose things which are anti-Christian and this at times necessitates political participation. Good influence. Christians should be seen to be a positive influence for good in society and this is achieved by engagement in politics. The desire to be involved in the political process may be based on good intentions, but the guide for the believer is not the persuasive and logical arguments of men but the Word of God. God’s Word sets out an entirely different perspective from the arguments cited above. 👉 THE CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO CIVIC RULE. Scripture shows us that the Christian has specific responsibilities to society and government. Three main responsibilities are set out. Subjection. Romans 13.1 indicates that the Christian is to be "subject unto the higher powers" for "the powers that be are ordained of God". A similar sentiment is found in Titus 3.1 when Paul told Titus "to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work". The Christian duty to rulers and the state is clear - obedience is required. Unless subjection brings us into direct conflict with the Word of God we should obey local and national rulers even if we abhor their personal lifestyles or disagree with the laws they have passed. See also 1 Peter 2.13-17. Prayer. 1 Timothy 2.1-2 makes it clear we are to pray for "all that are in authority". This is our primary duty to the powers that be. We are to pray that those in authority will act in a way that will enable us to live and serve God quietly and peaceably. Taxes. Christians are required to pay their dues to the governing authorities (Rom 13.6-7). This principle was confirmed by the Lord Jesus Himself when He said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s" (Mt 22.21). The only limitation on the above occurs when we are commanded by men to do something contrary to the known will of God. Any conflict should always be settled by a resolve to do the will of God (see Acts 4.19, 5.29,32). 👉REASONS FOR ABSTENTION FROM THE POLITICAL PROCESS. In light of the above it is not open for a Christian to be a political dissenter, rebel or revolutionary (see Prov 24.21). In fact there are a number of reasons why not engaging with politics is the safest course for the believer. 1. The political world is openly antagonistic to Christian principles and is riddled with humanist thinking. 2. There are no Scriptures to indicate that the Christian should attempt to influence things for good through political processes and activities. 3. There is danger when Christians aspire to positions of power in the world because they expose themselves to the world’s corruption, its thinking, and its sin (see 2 Tim 2.4). 4. The New Testament does not advocate engagement in politics, social movements or schemes for reform, even though the conditions at the time were generally appalling. The early church concerned itself with the inward change which only the gospel could produce, and with regulating the lives of those who became Christians. 5. Slavery was a scourge in New Testament times but none of the believers were instructed to campaign against it or try to remove it. This does not of course mean that Christians should promote its continuation. 6. Certain Scriptures give us a powerful reason not to engage in politics. Philippians 3.20 states, "For our conversation (citizenship, politics, enfranchisement, voting rights) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ". This verse teaches that we have a heavenly citizenship. We are strangers in the world, left here to represent the One that the world crucified. Philippians 1.27 states, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that...I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit". Our affairs are the affairs of the heavenly city. We are not to get entangled with "the affairs of this life". 7. Scripture tells us we are ambassadors in this world. A well-behaved ambassador does not interfere in the politics of the country in which he is only a temporary resident. As "ambassadors for Christ Jesus" (2 Cor 5.20; cp. Eph 6.20) it is not right for us to devote to earthly politics that time and effort which could be spent in the service of the Lord. 8. The main tenet of modern political systems is the democratic principle. The essence of democracy is rejection of any notion of absolute truth or higher authority and rejection of absolute moral values through acceptance of the rightness of whatever the majority think. This is anti-scriptural. 9. Paul claimed the legal protection of his Roman citizenship but never participated politically nor taught Christians to do so (Acts 22.25-29). 10. We do not know God’s purposes and timetable for the nation; therefore we could not know how to vote according to His purposes. 11. The Lord’s words in John 18.36 imply the need for a separation from political actions and processes. The Lord abstained from political activity. When He was here He was aware of society’s injustices (Lk 13.1-3) and of the "undesirables" in authority (Mt 22.16-21). The Lord’s teaching does impact on social problems, like slavery, but that was not His primary message. The example which the Lord set His disciples was one of meekness, humility and obedience to the powers that be. Christians are not directed to improve the world but to proclaim the gospel that condemns it and offers salvation from it. Financial contributions to political parties, participation in election campaigns, running for political office and voting are all activities which constitute an unequal yoke with unbelievers. Non participation in the political process should be seen as a positive stance. To act differently from the world is a testimony against the world. Conclusion While an act may not be overtly sinful this does not mean it is endorsed by Scripture. Engagement in the political process in any form is contrary to the spirit of Scripture. It is inconsistent with the Christian’s position and spiritual priorities. Christians can make positive statements about their faith as much by what they abstain from and how they live. Abstention is a positive step, not an abdication of responsibility. The specific teaching that Christians should not voluntarily vote is based on sound Biblical principles. It is a statement that we are separate from a world system which is opposed to God. Our chief influence in the world is to be through prayer, not the ballot box. CAUTION: THIS DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE SHOULDN'T VOTE FOR OUR PREFERRED CANDIDATES WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE, BUT WHEN PAID TO DO SO AS A BELIEVER, MORESO WHEN YOU KNOW THAT THE ONE YOU'RE VOTING FOR BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL INDUCEMENT IS WRONG... IT BECOMES A DENT ON YOUR GARMENT OF PRAISE. Please, let's not because of a pot of porridge sell our birthrights, Amen🙇🙏!

JUST A MINUTE, PLEASE! [THE PREACHER'S CORNER] 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 IT'S VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR A YIELDED CHRISTIAN TO WALK IN THE MURKY WATERS OF TODAY'S POLITICS WITHOUT POLLUTION. (NO APOLOGIES) 🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥🚥 None is perfect... agreed! But keenly pursuing a course that will undoubtedly dent our garment of praise as believers is a perilous adventure. Many supposed christian politicians cites Joseph as Prime minister but NEVER remembers the price he paid; There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Gen 39: 9) He ended up in prison for what he didn't do. He didn't raise dust. The same people quote Daniel as vice president of Babylon,but NEVER remembers the sacrifice; But Daniel PURPOSED IN HIS HEART THAT HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF WITH THE PORTION OF THE KING'S MEAT, NOR WITH THE WINE WHICH HE DRANK: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. (Dan 1: 8) 👉THE CHRISTIAN AND THE WORLD The Scriptures show us that the world system and its principles are opposed to God (Jn 14.17; 15.18-19; 1 Jn 2.16). The Christian has been saved out of the world (Jn 17.6, 14, 16; Acts 15.14). The Cross separates us from the world (Gal 6.14). We are therefore called to be distinct from the world (2 Cor 6.17; Rom 12.2). The Christian is a citizen of heaven (Phil 3.20). Our interests should be in heavenly things for we have an elevated place (Eph 2.6) and a heavenly object (Col 3.2). John 15.19 indicates that while we are not "of the world" we are "in the world" (see also Jn 15.15). We have responsibilities in the world and cannot ignore the political climate in which we live. Christians should be an influence for good in the world. It is important, therefore, to have a clear understanding of our responsibilities to the "powers that be" (Rom 13.1) and the extent to which we should be involved in the political life of our country. 👉THE CASE FOR INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICAL ACTION. A number of arguments have been set forward which advocate the value of an active involvement in the political process. These include: Historical precedent. Significant good has been achieved by great Christian men and women of the past who were able to improve society by advocating Christian principles. Responsible citizenship. Christians have a duty to contribute to improving society through active involvement in the political process. Resistance of evil. Christians have a moral obligation to oppose things which are anti-Christian and this at times necessitates political participation. Good influence. Christians should be seen to be a positive influence for good in society and this is achieved by engagement in politics. The desire to be involved in the political process may be based on good intentions, but the guide for the believer is not the persuasive and logical arguments of men but the Word of God. God’s Word sets out an entirely different perspective from the arguments cited above. 👉 THE CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSIBILITIES TO CIVIC RULE. Scripture shows us that the Christian has specific responsibilities to society and government. Three main responsibilities are set out. Subjection. Romans 13.1 indicates that the Christian is to be "subject unto the higher powers" for "the powers that be are ordained of God". A similar sentiment is found in Titus 3.1 when Paul told Titus "to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work". The Christian duty to rulers and the state is clear - obedience is required. Unless subjection brings us into direct conflict with the Word of God we should obey local and national rulers even if we abhor their personal lifestyles or disagree with the laws they have passed. See also 1 Peter 2.13-17. Prayer. 1 Timothy 2.1-2 makes it clear we are to pray for "all that are in authority". This is our primary duty to the powers that be. We are to pray that those in authority will act in a way that will enable us to live and serve God quietly and peaceably. Taxes. Christians are required to pay their dues to the governing authorities (Rom 13.6-7). This principle was confirmed by the Lord Jesus Himself when He said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s" (Mt 22.21). The only limitation on the above occurs when we are commanded by men to do something contrary to the known will of God. Any conflict should always be settled by a resolve to do the will of God (see Acts 4.19, 5.29,32). 👉REASONS FOR ABSTENTION FROM THE POLITICAL PROCESS. In light of the above it is not open for a Christian to be a political dissenter, rebel or revolutionary (see Prov 24.21). In fact there are a number of reasons why not engaging with politics is the safest course for the believer. 1. The political world is openly antagonistic to Christian principles and is riddled with humanist thinking. 2. There are no Scriptures to indicate that the Christian should attempt to influence things for good through political processes and activities. 3. There is danger when Christians aspire to positions of power in the world because they expose themselves to the world’s corruption, its thinking, and its sin (see 2 Tim 2.4). 4. The New Testament does not advocate engagement in politics, social movements or schemes for reform, even though the conditions at the time were generally appalling. The early church concerned itself with the inward change which only the gospel could produce, and with regulating the lives of those who became Christians. 5. Slavery was a scourge in New Testament times but none of the believers were instructed to campaign against it or try to remove it. This does not of course mean that Christians should promote its continuation. 6. Certain Scriptures give us a powerful reason not to engage in politics. Philippians 3.20 states, "For our conversation (citizenship, politics, enfranchisement, voting rights) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ". This verse teaches that we have a heavenly citizenship. We are strangers in the world, left here to represent the One that the world crucified. Philippians 1.27 states, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that...I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit". Our affairs are the affairs of the heavenly city. We are not to get entangled with "the affairs of this life". 7. Scripture tells us we are ambassadors in this world. A well-behaved ambassador does not interfere in the politics of the country in which he is only a temporary resident. As "ambassadors for Christ Jesus" (2 Cor 5.20; cp. Eph 6.20) it is not right for us to devote to earthly politics that time and effort which could be spent in the service of the Lord. 8. The main tenet of modern political systems is the democratic principle. The essence of democracy is rejection of any notion of absolute truth or higher authority and rejection of absolute moral values through acceptance of the rightness of whatever the majority think. This is anti-scriptural. 9. Paul claimed the legal protection of his Roman citizenship but never participated politically nor taught Christians to do so (Acts 22.25-29). 10. We do not know God’s purposes and timetable for the nation; therefore we could not know how to vote according to His purposes. 11. The Lord’s words in John 18.36 imply the need for a separation from political actions and processes. The Lord abstained from political activity. When He was here He was aware of society’s injustices (Lk 13.1-3) and of the "undesirables" in authority (Mt 22.16-21). The Lord’s teaching does impact on social problems, like slavery, but that was not His primary message. The example which the Lord set His disciples was one of meekness, humility and obedience to the powers that be. Christians are not directed to improve the world but to proclaim the gospel that condemns it and offers salvation from it. Financial contributions to political parties, participation in election campaigns, running for political office and voting are all activities which constitute an unequal yoke with unbelievers. Non participation in the political process should be seen as a positive stance. To act differently from the world is a testimony against the world. Conclusion While an act may not be overtly sinful this does not mean it is endorsed by Scripture. Engagement in the political process in any form is contrary to the spirit of Scripture. It is inconsistent with the Christian’s position and spiritual priorities. Christians can make positive statements about their faith as much by what they abstain from and how they live. Abstention is a positive step, not an abdication of responsibility. The specific teaching that Christians should not voluntarily vote is based on sound Biblical principles. It is a statement that we are separate from a world system which is opposed to God. Our chief influence in the world is to be through prayer, not the ballot box. CAUTION: THIS DOESN'T MEAN THAT WE SHOULDN'T VOTE FOR OUR PREFERRED CANDIDATES WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE, BUT WHEN PAID TO DO SO AS A BELIEVER, MORESO WHEN YOU KNOW THAT THE ONE YOU'RE VOTING FOR BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL INDUCEMENT IS WRONG... IT BECOMES A DENT ON YOUR GARMENT OF PRAISE. Please, let's not because of a pot of porridge sell our birthrights, Amen🙇🙏!