With the U.S. Presidential Elections right around the corner, it's important for us to pause and contemplate how we think about politics. We get questions about our politics as well as some pressure to make various political statements. What does the Bible teach us about the church and the state?

In this first lesson of a 3-part sermon series, we will discuss both Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:9-17. Each of these Scriptures gives a brief statement about our orientation towards government. We should recognize that government is a gift from God to assure justice is served. The purpose of government, in a nutshell, is to reward good behavior and to punish bad behavior. Our attitude towards government, then, should be one of support. But, when government fails to serve its purpose, we must choose to follow God instead.

Key Text: Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:9-17

Today, we continue our series "Church and State," where David makes the case that churches should have low involvement in government because God has given church and state different tasks. Our mission as the church is not "good governance," but making disciples. So, there may be times that we must speak moral or ethical truth to the government, but as a general rule, the church (as an entity) should avoid getting involved in the political process. Individual Christians, however, should be involved in politics, and the church should prefer such.

Key Text: Mark 12:13-17

There are certain ways that the church (even the institution of the church) should speak openly about ethics in the market place of ideas. Here are seven areas where we must speak the ethics of the Kingdom: 1. The existence and sovereignty of God
2. The sanctity of life
3. The inviolability of truth
4. Religious freedom for Christians
5. The need to defend the family
6. A preference for the poor and mistreated
7. Care for creation

Key Text: Matthew 5:14-16