This past weekend at Eastbrook Church we concluded our series, “The Kingdom of God.” This week’s message specifically addressed the intersection of Christian discipleship and the public square, with attention to the topic of faith and politics.

You can view the message video and outline for the message is below. You can follow along with the entire series here and the devotional that accompanies the series here. You could always join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah 60:3)

Two Insufficient Ideas about Political Engagement

• “Faith has no place in politics!”
• “Politics has no place in faith!”
• Our faith in Jesus Christ has political implications.

Four Theological Truths that Should Shape Our Political Engagement

• Creation calling: Human beings are called by God to exercise dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28)
• Sin’s complication: Sin and the fall from grace has impacted every aspect of society (Romans 8:20)
• Jesus is Lord: everything is subject to Him, and we will reign with Him (Philippians 2:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:11-12)
• Love and truth: God’s kingdom agenda must guide us (John 3:16; 1:14)

Six Questions for Faith-full Political Engagement

• Am I living out of a growing life with God that brings the fruit of the Spirit into my politics?
• Have I taken steps to be informed on the issues at hand or am I taking action out of lack of knowledge?
• Am I approaching this issue rooted in my kingdom citizenship and the agenda of God’s kingdom or from my earthly citizenship and political agenda alone?
• How will my activity cultivate love for my neighbor and promote love, justice, truth, and moral order as God defines it?
• How will my action serve the common good, not just for me and people like me but for all people?

How will my action promote the glory of God and the kingship of Christ both in the church and the broader world?

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper into the theme of the kingdom of God in one or more of the following ways:

• Study the lives of Joseph (Genesis chs 37, 39-47), Esther (Esther chs 1-10), or Daniel (Daniel chs 1-6) through the lens of public engagement. Ask this question: how did these character’s faith shape the way they engaged with culture and government?
• Watch the upcoming presidential debates on your own or with friends and evaluate the candidates and their platforms in light of God’s kingdom agenda of love and truth. What stands out to you as you evaluate them in this way?
• If you want to read more about faith-full public engagement, consider reading one of the following books:
  • Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler, Compassion & Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement
  • James W. Skillen, The Good of Politics: A Biblical, Historical, and Contemporary Introduction
  • Vincent L. Bacote, The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life