Introduction
34 Days. 34 days of political maneuvering, name-calling on news outlets, outrage on social media; both sides entrenched in their positions and unwilling to budge. 800,000 federal employees missing not one, but two paychecks.
To build a wall or not to build a wall? What responsibility does a government have to protect its citizens? What about those looking to come in, seeking a better life? How do we sort out, the Shutdown?
Welcome to Episode 5 of the podcast. Listen as Pastors Sean Clemons and Stephen Law explain how to look at the Government shutdown with a biblical perspective. Listen and access the show notes below, search for Vantage Point on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or gracecov.org/vantagepoint.
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Episode Notes:
What happened?
President Trump asks for $5 Billion for border wall along US and Mexico border
Dec 22- President Trump shuts down the government
In this shutdown, a large number of departments are shuttered, including agriculture, commerce, justice, homeland security, the interior, state, transportation, and housing and urban development.
800,000 federal employees furloughed (i.e. when employees don't work and don't receive pay, or do work without pay)
cost US economy $11B (CNBC)
Jan 25- Government shutdown ends after 34 days, making it the longest shutdown ever
President Trump gives Government deadline of Feb 15th to make a deal
LORDSHIP
Lordship - supreme authority, controler, master.
Lordship of Christ - take our cues from Him, and process these hard situations through Him as well.
What is God saying about this issue?
What does the Bible say about immigrants? Leviticus 19:33-34, ESV
What's the responsibility of the government?
To protect against evil and to promote good. Rom 13:1-7
What does the Bible say about how we should relate to those in authority?
Respect and honor government leaders (Rom. 13:7)
Be subject to government and obey its laws (Rom. 13:1–5; 1 Pet. 2:13–14)
Story of Shadrach, Meshack and Abendigo…(Daniel 3:17-18)
Pray for civil leaders (1 Tim. 2:1–2)
Pay taxes (Matt. 22:17–21; Rom. 13:6–7).
Seek answers and information for different situations from Christ.
Pray, scripture, and intimacy with God.
HOPE
God is orchestrating things for our good.
Our hope and stability needs to be in Jesus Christ. (Phil 4:19)
Biblical Example: Joseph had wisdom as to how to prepare for the famine years (Gen 41)
KINDNESS
Listening to fellow citizens and give respect to people we may be in opposition with.
Actions of kindness and showing kindness to others who are suffering?
How can we show the love of God? May be money, gift card, pay attention to those who are suffering around you, pray on behalf of the city, etc…
Jeremiah 29:7
Vantage Point Challenge: Pray for the welfare of our city and our country.
Resources:
CNBC
https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/the-purpose-and-role-of-government/
https://stephenmansfield.tv/the-shutdown-part-2/
Did this episode help you see your faith, life, and culture more clearly? If so, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.
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