A Biblical response to the hysteria of this 2016 Presidential election, by Bill Rhetts

A Biblical response to the hysteria of this 2016 Presidential election

by Bill Rhetts

A post to all professing Christians:

An element of salvation is repentance, faith, and trust in the Lord, all of which the Lord gives vertically to those whom he saves (His church). That repentance, faith, and trust should become evident, as it is manifests itself outward horizontally.

In regards to the state of our nation, and this presidential election. On social media I am seeing a lack of repentance, faith, and trust in the Lord, as well as a lack of discernment (which also comes from the Lord). Quite frankly, I’m also seeing a lot of hysteria, and confusion, and GOD is not the author of confusion.

I believe one of the biggest problems with today’s americanized churchianity, is that professing Christians are comparing themselves to other professing Christians. Rather than compare themselves to CHRIST, according to His inerrant sufficient Scriptures.

My favorite Bible scholar, the Apostle Paul once said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1, 1 Cor 4:16). We’re to imitate Christ in all matters.

Though I too have fallen short, please take heed to this sound advice.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:12-18).

I love Matthew Henry’s commentary on the above passage.

“We must be diligent in the use of all the means which lead to our salvation, persevering therein to the end. With great care, lest, with all our advantages, we should come short. Work out your salvation, for it is God who worketh in you. This encourages us to do our utmost, because our labor shall not be in vain; we must still depend on the grace of God. The working of God’s grace in us, is to quicken and engage our endeavors. God’s good-will to us, is the cause of His good work in us. Do your duty without murmurings. Do it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it. By peaceableness; give no just occasion of offence. The children of God should differ from the sons of men. The more perverse others are, the more careful we should be to keep ourselves blameless and harmless. The doctrine and example of consistent believers will enlighten others, and direct their way to Christ and holiness, even as the light-house warns mariners to avoid rocks, and directs their course into the harbor. Let us try thus to shine. The Gospel is the Word of Life, it makes known to us eternal life through Jesus Christ. Running, denotes earnestness and vigour, continual pressing forward; laboring, denotes constancy, and close application. It is the will of God that believers should be much in rejoicing; and those who are so happy as to have good ministers, have great reason to rejoice with them.” [1]

No matter who wins this election. The Lord God Almighty is Sovereign King over all, and He is still on His throne. Moreover, the gates of hell shall not prevail against Christ’s bride (the church).

And lastly,  “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:3-5).

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

[1] Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Tennessee: Thomas Nelson Publisher, 1997) 1158-1159.

As always – Ye must be born again. Christians love ‘biblically’ – repent – be salt and light – be holy – be sanctified – fear God – pray without ceasing – keep His commandments – walk circumspectly – believe in and trust Jesus – obey the Gospel – share the Gospel – preach the Gospel – contend for the faith, – hate the things that God hates, and love the things that God loves – keep the faith, work-out your salvation, and endure to the end! – Bill Rhetts 🙂