I hear what you are saying, Pastor Peter, and I agree that JESUS is the only answer for us as a nation and/or individually. But I have a question for you: If you had young children to raise again, who would you hire to look after them? I would like to guess you would hire a born again Christian nanny who would instill her love for Jesus into their young minds. Likewise, I would like to elect born again Christian leaders to shape the rules in our schools, cities, and nation. Surely a nation is better for having Christian leadership, don’t you think? Love, Wendy

Preach it Pastor!�
I think the problem we have today is an identity crisis.Many of the teachings we hear are about behaviour.What we should do or not do.(Identity base on performance and positions)Very little is preached about Jesus and our identity in Christ.Co-crucified and resurrected with Him.1 Cor 1:23, Rom 6:5�
As much as we want godly leaders in our society,our focus is on Christ, our Foundation.1 Cor 3:11�
Religion is about doctrine or dogma.Christianity is about the Person,Jesus.Religion is about behaviour.Christianity is about identity.Religion is all about sin and preaching against sin. Christianity is about the Son and preaching Jesus.(2 Cor 3:18)Religion is about law.Christianity is about love.Religion is about being religious.Christianity is about regeneration.Religion is about performance.Christianity is about relationship.
Gal 2:20�
We are to live our lives in Him.(Christ living in & through us).Not faith in our faith but faith of the Son of God.Not dependent on our love for Jesus but dependent on the Son of God Who loved me and delivered Himself up for me.
Agape & a grace filled week,
Jeff

No I don’t believe a nation is better off just because of Christian leadership. In terms of the nanny analogy - would you still hire the born again nanny if she didn’t have the capacity or ability to work will with children? As compared to a moral nanny who didn’t claim to be ‘christian’ but loved kids, had his/her degree in early childhood education, and truly enjoyed the experience of working with children??

Nothing to disrespect the church or ’ Christians’ However, I came to learn that more people in the church sick than and in trouble than the non church people. WHY? in my opinion you know why mor e people in the church sick and in pain and in trouble.??!! I think because of the stressed fiilled preaching the preachers preach. the condemination and the guilt trip preachrs lay on their congrgation causing a lots of Emotional and mental stress therfore the body is reaction to same being sick and d and in pain. �
There are people who have never visited doctors offices in 20 years these people they have never ever been to church, they don’t know healing scriptures, they don’t know 1 peter 2: 24 but… they are happy healthy and full of positive energy kinda people. I came to think of that they don’t have realigion stress, they don’t have church politics to play. church plitics and Stress full religion becoming a source of Mental and Emotional and physical problem IT IS MY OPINION.

Jesus is THE LAMB, THE REDEEMER, THE MESSIAH, THE CHRIST…and IDONAI,ELOHIM, EL SHADDAI. Since the creation of the universe God himself is calling His people to have a relationship with Him, few pay attention.
Jesus belongs in every heart of men and women, boys and girls, youths and elders because are His creation. Now the responsability after of knowing that Jesus is our saviour is to walk and talk and live for Him and Pray, Pray and Pray for more souls to come to the knowledge that JESUS loves them all.
Which party does Jesus belong to? He wants all come back to Him. Obedience.

Yes, Peter, we have the examples of Jesus and Paul of how to behave under a dictatorship. But God has made us stewards of a republic. Will He not hold us accountable if we abandon that stewardship with the excuse that we were too busy working on the spiritual revival?

Peter - further to my previous email, what you are doing is extremely serious, because so many of us believe that you are hearing from the Lord. Your telling us to abandon the stewardship God has given us over our Republic (which is of course through the political processes you are now denigrating) to the forces of evil doesn’t make sense. There are enough God-fearing voters and politicians who can turn our countries around if we ask God to do it through us. Your decision to run up the white flag, abandon our countries to the dogs, and work only toward spiritual renewal is a major turning point in your ministry. Are you sure it’s from God?

Learned brother Peter,
You are very right.The answer is Jesus and Jesus only.You are to be congratulated and appreciated on every word you write and every word you utter about Jesus.Your Ministry is Celebrate Jesus and you are doing just that.
May God bless you and all those who work with you. Your friend Emmanuel Luther Ratiq

It’s funny you should mention the issue of politics in your blog… coincidently I walked into reception today wearing a bright orange New Democratic Party toque. Needless to say, I recieved a few much anticipated reactions (did I say much?).

Yeah, Anyhow…

My question is: what is our role of involvement in Canadian politics as born-again Gospel believers? Is there some sort of model shown in any Scriptures? I think I am at the point in my youthfulness (now perhaps this is just naiveness) where I don’t really have much concern for those issues. I don’t feel any deep pressing need in my spirit to go out and vote should there be an election campagne on the rise (maybe that will change when an election is called). I personally could care less about it; while we sit here and debate, souls are perishing…

I think perhaps the best idea is to lay my ‘wisdom’ aside and ask Holy Spirit which party to elect? What are your thoughts?

Excellent blog, Pastor Peter. I’ve forwarded your words to my friends south of the border. If only other believers now would stop dreaming for what will never happen and get on the Gospel bandwagon!

Excellent Job Pastor Peter.Yes!!!! The gospel is the only answer for the nations!!!! I am so encouraged by your blog.

I have a very imporatant query in this context. How many Christian politicians have been able to publicly declare in their political office that Jesus is the only way!!! Nobody as far as I know…because the very fact that they are in a position of authority doesn’t allow them to utter truth for the fear of being considered politically incorrect and not being elected the next time. President Bush for that matter, I hear that he is Christian by faith but has he been able to give the truth in his speeches in its truthful form, he cannot b’coz his Public office restricts him…I am a Pharmacist by profession…I know how frustrating it is on a professional level not being able to share the truth with my patients because the College which regulates my profession is against any sort of religious counseling not falling within the purview of my profession. In fact many a times the Love of God in me has compelled me to share the gospel out of my professional capacity to my patients. I always have to clearly specify that whatever I am sharing is as a friend or wellwisher.

When each of us do our job in our sphere of influence will the good news spread on a grass root level. Jesus is looking for heart transformation. Moral laws can only bring about behaviour modification whats new in that, every other religion can bring that about…That is what is so unique about the good news of yeshua Halleluyah!! Freedom in the true sense of its word. Every preacher of this truth will feel like the salmon flowing against the current of water but praise God somebody does dare to proclaim the truth. SO preach on Pastor Peter me & my husband are with you all the way!! Amen!!

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people’ Proverbs 14:34

We should definitely get our example from the Bible…not only the NT but the OT also.
When we look at the Old Testament, we can see that God honoured the rule of righteous kings and that the land and people prospered under them. We can also see the moral and spiritual decay that occured under idolatrous kings.

The NT says that we are to be the salt of the earth. Whatever sector we’re in, we should be the best representative of Christ right there. We are called to be a part of this society and that means also involvement in government and voting. Wherever christians are, we have the capacity to make a difference, whether large or small, because of Christ in us.

Don’t give up on the Christians who serve tirelessly in government and politics trying to represent the cause of Christ. We need them because I believe that God has strategically placed them for His plans and purposes, even as he has placed you right where you are for His plans and purposes.

God bless you!

Well, lets see what the bible says…

Ro 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Hmmmm, well if that’s the case, then does it really matter what political leader we vote for?
Eventually, it’s all going to go the way God wants it to anyway.

If we vote in Christian leaders, that’s fine, but we may just be slowing down the inevitable. I believe that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better…and they’re not going to get better until Jesus comes. Then we’ll have a new government that will be on His shoulders…

Isa 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

So, I suppose for the time being we might as well endure the Government we have. It may not be the one we want but it’s the only one we have right now. If we didn’t have this Government, you could be sure that Mr. Bush would probably bring in his troups to ‘help’ us create one. Right?

Of course a spiritual awakening is what’s needed. I think the real question is what responsibility to regenerated people have in the public square. To be silent is to give agreement, therefore informed polictical action and dicourse is also necessary. My belief is that Christians are obligated to be involved in politics. No area of life should be left solely to the unredeemed and no area need be left devoid of the salt and light that Christians bring.

Yes, I also agree with Laura’s post.

‘To be silent is to give agreement, therefore informed polictical action and dicourse is also necessary. My belief is that Christians are obligated to be involved in politics. No area of life should be left solely to the unredeemed and no area need be left devoid of the salt and light that Christians bring.

Very true.

I recently went to El Salvador and met with the mayor of the city I was sharing the Gospel in and not much to my surprise he quickly blurted out, ‘Laws and regulations are not enough to curb crime in this city! We need something stronger. We need the church to rise up and help us.’ Even those who are not believers of Jesus recognize the importance of the children of God taking their place in Christ and being a part of a social change by being Christ(like) in and to this world.

Hi Peter and friends.

I am a Christian, and I believe no political movement will bring lasting change to society.
To effect real change in society, a critical mass of its population must have a heart change.
Personally, I lean left in my politics. I feel socialism (the good aspects if it) foster human rights, self-determination, social justice etc.
However, I do not agree with many of the social-moral ideas of socialism,eg. Gay Marriage.
I no not condemn homosexuals, however, I do not agree with the marriage concept for them at all.

I support the environmental/social justice ideals of socialism. I have found that right-wingers in the Christian camp, are too focused on legitimizing capitalism and explotation at all costs….after all it is more righteous than ‘Godless’ socialism. People like me have few places to go politically: I’m to ‘right wing’ morally to fit the NDP/socialist mold, and I am too economically ‘left-wing’ to be a Conservative. Doesn’t matter. I know who I am in Christ, and I believe my values are in line with his love for the poor and helpless in this world. Whatever, the party we choose, we need to promote within that party the love of God, and be witnesses God’s Love. When enough of our family, friends, and neighbours are converted to Christ, then we will see real change…not just well meaning Christians in power trying to force their moral/social/political agendas.
Forced change never lasts.

God Bless

Terry Denney