Dave’s Monday Blast – August 5, 2024

We just returned yesterday from our time in California with our AGCC family. We feel greatly loved and truly humbled by the experience. As I reflect upon the twelve years of ministry at Auburn Grace, I KNOW just how unique the environment is; the opportunity to work in such a community was incredibly fulfilling and the highlight of 42 years working in Christian organizations. Thanks for the memories…we hope to have more as we stay connected with you all.

Wow!  This old world is really groaning. The consequences of sin and its curse are more evident each and every day. We are reliving the “Days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37); almost like a really bad movie being replayed. Wild and wacky things that are going on all around the world: Wars and rumors of war, bizarre and intense weather, the animal kingdom is behaving very unpredictably, not to mention the antics of humankind all give us great pause. I know that we are all eagerly awaiting His return.

Men of INTENTION know to keep their eyes fixed on Him. Don’t let the wind and waves distract you. Don’t fix your eyes on anyone or anything else less you drown (Matthew 14:22 & 23).  Having said that, my mind/eyes wandered to the rapidly approaching elections. We need to be good apologists as we enter into many discussions over the next few months. Keep in mind that the world is under a powerful delusion. The only truth being spoken out there is found in the Bible. As His  Ambassadors, it is our responsibility to share the Truth about who He is and how much He loves us. His Word brings real joy and peace (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Over the next two weeks I want to share a bullet point apologetic on the forthcoming election. It provides some really good talking points for the discussions I know you will have. I don’t know from whom this originated so claim no credit. Here is how the author introduced this list:

“A few friendly thoughts from your neighborhood ‘Christian political realist’ in support of the ‘vote for the best possible candidates'”

1. We are never going to have a perfect candidate.
2. Jesus is never going to be on the ballot.
3. In terms of candidates in this age, we only have imperfect choices, with no exceptions.
4. Politics in this age is not, therefore, about achieving utopia.
5. Politics is about getting the most good done that we can for God’s glory.
6. Christians are wise to partner with like-minded partners to accomplish good and push back evil.
7. Doing so will mean a lot of discomfort, frankly (much as our own sin means discomfort for people around us!).
8. But again, we should not make the good the enemy of the perfect.
9. Instead, we should be like Joseph, Esther, Daniel, and other Biblical figures, and be light in darkness.

Next week I will share the other half of this list. I would encourage you to spend a bit of time processing this apologetic, keeping in mind that we are His Ambassadors. We represent his Kingdom.