On November 4th, Jesus will still be the Light of the world and remains our only Hope

Many Christians, including me, consider the upcoming election the most important in our lives—one of the most important in the history of our nation.  One side will win—the other lose as is always the case in our democratic political system.  But for spiritual and socio-political reasons, this time it feels different.  And, indeed, it is.

The spirit of antichrist or Satan, as the Apostle John refers to it, has never been stronger in our world—especially in our nation.  There is greater deception, even within the church, than ever before in my lifetime. Jesus told us Satan was the father of lies and a deceiver from the beginning—think Garden of Eden.

Defining what a true Christian is has never been fuzzier to some.  Phrases like cultural or progressive Christianity have emerged.  My observation is there are people who are truly born-again question their salvation, while others who clearly are not claim they are.  [I understand the latter sounds judgmental, and God alone is judge.  But Jesus gave us clear identity markers to help us determine both.  So I made that statement in light of His clear teaching.]

Beyond that, our nation overflows with anarchists, Marxists, and socialists, all of whom would tear down the fabric of our nation – democracy – and, at best, rewrite the Constitution.   Suffice it to say things are a mess right now in the United States of America.  The two parties are polar opposite on most substantive issues.  The choice has never been clearer.

On November 3rd, the outcome should be decided, but it could take days, weeks, even months to get it all finalized due to the fundamental distrust that exists. On November 4th, assuming there is a clear outcome, one group will be ecstatic—the other completely crushed in spirit.  Some will claim it was God’s will—others will contend it is Satan’s power this side of Heaven.

That brings us to the title of this lesson—a clear word breathed into my spirit by the Holy Spirit.

Regardless of the political outcome,

On November 4th, Jesus will still be the Light of the world and remains our only Hope.

This message is for Christians—the born-again, biblical ones.  It will be helpful for any watching, listening, or reading and the offer of salvation in Christ follows.  But the Spirit gave me three clear directives to teach His people.

  ♦  Reminders    ♦  Reprimands    ♦  Responses

Reminders

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,  in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),  and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,  so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.  Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”  (Ephesians 2: 1-13 NASB)

            • We were who these enemies of God are now. We were His enemies. 
            • Same God. Same love. Same Jesus. Same Salvation offered to all.
            • We were separated from Christ and without hope and God.
            • Therefore we must love others as Christ loves us. See them thru His eyes.

Reprimands

Idolatry.  The Apostles John and Paul wrote that some within the church love the world and the things of this world more than God:  Money.  Position.  Power.

“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.  The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him…By this we know that we are in Him:  the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked….Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (From 1 John 2: 3-6; 5: 21)

Worshipping the world’s systems and governments to the point of believing they control the outcome of what happens to you is a form of idolatry.

Anything we put ahead of or between God and us makes that an idol.

Doubt.  This next event happened immediately are Jesus fed more than five thousand with just two loaves of bread and five fish—one of the greatest miracles.

“But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.  And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”  And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?””     Jesus used that phrase four times.

Jesus called us out for doubting Who He is.  Believe He is Who He says He is.

Outcomes of elections have zero impact or affect on our eternal purpose and place.  No matter who wins, Jesus is still Lord if we keep Him in that place.  Have you?

Fear.

“Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, A people in whose heart is My law; Do not fear the reproach of man, Nor be dismayed at their revilings (insults)… So the ransomed of the LORD will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion,  and everlasting joy will be on their heads.

And the redeemed of the Lord will return and come to Zion with joyful shouting, and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. “I, I Myself, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of [a]mortal man, And of a son of man who is made like grass, that you have forgotten the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you fear continually all day long because of the fury of the oppressor, as he makes ready to destroy?  And where is the rage of the oppressor?”  Isaiah 51: 7, 11-13

This is a great reprimand from God about fearing what men, whether kings or warriors, can do to us.  We have God fighting our battles.  We know the final outcome.

Responses

  • Conviction

“And (the Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;  John 16: 8

“Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge.”  Psalms 51: 4

  •  Confession

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”  Romans 2: 4

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4: 17 

  • Christ-likeness

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”   Luke 6: 46

Seven Attributes of Christ-likeness

  • Love
  • Serve
  • Give
  • Humble
  • Gentle
  • Peacemaker
  • Speaking the truth in love

There is only one response for those who remain outside the faith – apart from a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  I implore you today.  Stop where you are.  Repent of your sins by confessing them before Him.  Receive Jesus as your Savior today.

Then you will understand, as Christians should, that elections and nations come and go, but the Word of our God and His existence in all three persons of the Trinity endure forever.  If you are born again in Christ, so will you!  Amen.

For Christ’s sake,