Tonight we hosted How to Win in Washington State: Advancing Biblical Values in the Public Sphere with Brian Noble from FPIW.
Why host an event like this? We are commanded to pray for all civil authorities: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, or kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Obviously we pray for the conversion of all types of people, but also for those in authority that they would use their power to do justice and love mercy. If that happens then we can live quiet and peaceable lives. Remember that Paul wrote this not too long before he was executed by the Roman government. He was playing the long game even when threatened by short-term violence.
The Church is a city on a hill and when we stop shining the light of gospel into every corner of this world, then it falls apart and tyranny reigns. This is not at all divorced from the advance of the gospel and the strength of the church. If you look at where the least number churches exist in this country, it’s largely in blue leftist territory. And if you look at where more people to go church, it’s in conservative places. This is because conservative and biblical values–freedom, morality, marriage, strong families, personal responsibility and so on–come from the living God. These values provide a “plausibility structure” that favors the truth that God exists and therefore we should acknowledge Him, repent of our sins, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, we plant churches in every place including the great north left, and then we live out the gospel, loving our neighbor in every sphere including local and state government. Christians and churches that ignore the civil sphere or downplay the Bible’s clear teaching on matters that affect our neighbors (false religions, gay marriage, abortion, and so on) are ultimately ashamed of the whole counsel of God which Jesus commanded us to proclaim.
My friend Pastor Randy Leskovar has said that FPIW is our missionary to the government. They work in the civic sphere to love our neighbors, serve our legislators, and apply the gospel in the political arena. We’re thankful to support and host them.