Well, here we are with a new president and a new Congress. We have a state Legislature and Senate. We have new county supervisors and a new mayor.
We did our part. We voted.

But are we done? Is it our job now to sit back and watch? do we just go about our business now and hope that those people we put in office will take it from here and will do the right things?

I believe that for the church of Jesus Christ in this place, our job has just begun.
How Should Christians Engage in Governing?

Sermon by Dave Weidlich, Grace Community Church San Francisco, Jan 26, 2025. Scripture reading by Wilma Weidlich.

“This is the allure of Christian nationalism: the idea that voting Christians into power to legislate according to God’s will would solve society’s problems. But history shows that it’s not that simple.” – Dave Weidlich

Scripture Readings

Romans 13:1 (NIV):
”Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (NIV):
”I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Ephesians 6:11-18 NIV

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Recommended Reading:
Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies, by N. T. Wright (Author), Michael F. Bird (Author) (on Amazon)

“What happens when the powers listen? If you want to change the game, you need skin in the game. Building for the kingdom requires creating relationships, alliances, advocacy, and ministries. You need to be in the room where it happens.” – Wright & Bird

More Sermons:

Peace on Earth – Luke 2:1-14 – Dec 22, 2024
What Are You Expecting? Isaiah 9:6-7 – Dec 8, 2024
Grateful for the Years – Psalm 90 – Nov 24, 2024
Joy in Times of Trouble (video) – Philippians 4:4-9, 2011

Grace Community Church San Francisco meets Sundays, 11:15 am
at the Miraloma Park Improvement Clubhouse,
350 O’Shaughnessy Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94127.
Contact Me for more info.