The Kingdom of the Sword and the Kingdom of the Cross

Every time a student recites the pledge they are acknowledging that the country to which they are pledging their allegiance is subservient to God. The national motto of the United States of America is "In God we trust". So what is the role of the church when it comes to politics? How should Christians react and respond to the government? With the upcoming election polarizing our nation, does the Bible have any directions for how the people of God should respond?

Passage:

John 18; Luke 22; 1 Peter 2:13-25; Luke 4:5-8; Romans 13:1-4

Principle:

The Church is called to be a ________ ________ for the nation.

The Kingdom of the Sword:

What the Bible tells Christians about living as citizens of this world:

• ________ to those in authority (1 Peter 2:13)
• Honor the ________ (1 Peter 2:17)
• ________ ________ ________ of the land when they are not in conflict with the commands of God. (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 5:29)
• ________ for our leaders and seek to live in peace (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

The Kingdom of the Cross:

Practice:

Pray for the election and those who are running for office.

Pray for the church to be a prophetic voice in our nation.