1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 NASV

16Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not quench the Spirit; 20do not despise prophetic utterances. 21But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Autumn has arrived with all its colorful expressions signaling a change of season.  It’s beauty stands in stark contrast to the present undercurrent of socio-political ugliness. It’s almost like we are walking in two worlds at one time, and there is the truth. 

In this particular stretch of time we are face to face with an election and the pressure of changes that may come, or a future that is uncertain at best.  While the notion that “Jesus is in control” is easily dismissible this idea is an anchor that we need to see clearly.  At the same time it is a mystery.  Some of what we are walking through is prophetic in nature and is only partially understood as truly the hand of God is at work.  Some of it is simply the result of man’s sin, pride, and willful choosing.  All of it, however, is spiritual.  

Politics can quickly become an idol in which we anchor all of our hope.  The resulting emotional pressure is just plain ridiculous...real, but ridiculous.  When politics is our idol we revel in what we fear rather than advancing into what we hope in.  This idol would have us fight against people who carry ideals rather than understanding that as Christians our first move is to battle in the Spirit.  I myself have been disowned and defamed by people in my own family and friends that I grew up with.  I have even been called “human garbage” because of the stand that I take in Christ, which does affect my politics among other things. The amnesia of the political has set in and deep relational investments seem cheapened, if not irrelevant.  Nevertheless, for us, as Christ followers and Kingdom Citizens, everything is inside out.  God starts by working internally.  And yet it is apparent that politics argues for an opposite approach. 

Let me be clear, I’m not putting forth an argument for Christians to just stay out of politics. On the contrary.  What I argue for is the notion that as Christians we should approach politics with a clear perspective of what is actually going on and what is actually at stake.  We live in this world, but we are living from the Kingdom to the earth. In this election, as in any other election, our freedoms are on the line. Perhaps our freedoms are in even greater peril as Socialist Marxist thinking is being entertained as a viable sociological construct in our nation.  History bears forth that not only do societies that espouse such thinking tend to become anti-Christ and anti-Church, but when they hold hands with democracy it only serves to draw out the death march.  But no matter, Jesus is still greater. 

Even in adverse highly repressive nations the Church still thrives and the Gospel still advances. In fact, the Bible is in large part, comprised of recorded revelations born out of seasons that no one would choose for themselves and yet God used those seasons of adversity to reveal His heart in a way that speaks to us even today.  Remember, it was in the midst of one such season into which Christ himself was revealed to humanity.

All this to say that whether we are in a season where we feel that things are agreeable to our thinking or not, our worldview must be based in the Kingdom of God.  If not we will be entangled in a religious spirit that cannot navigate the counterfeit kingdom of man with any hope of clear biblical perspective.  We will settle for counterfeit spirituality that seeks to assuage the grievances of society until we are happily consumed by it in the name of cultural relevance. 

Let our politics follow our passion for Jesus, but let’s also recognize that politics is only a tool - while Jesus is the only answer.  Worship the Lion of Judah and no elephant or donkey.  Vote, but vote with biblical, Spirit-led convictions and a heart that desires to please the Lord.  Measure everything according to the standard of God's Word and righteousness and see that man's best plans, parties, and answers never quite measure up.  Walk in grace with those who disagree with you.  Refuse to look at anyone as anything less than a person for whom Christ died for and pray for them.  Bless and do not curse. After all, what greater blessing can there be that breaks off our pride, blindness, and bondage than Christ himself.  Speak life, but tell the truth in love.  Be bold, but be anchored in the Kingdom.  Be prophetic but let your prophecy be delivered in grace and born out personal zeal for the Lord and His Word.  Be an instrument of hope that refutes worldly thinking, asserting the Spirit over the arguments and accusations of the flesh.  Let us be fully submitted to Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  In the days ahead, no matter how the election pans out, we must resolve to walk more closely with one another even as we must press into Christ all the more.  We will witness the fact that He is making us like Him if we trust in the God that we believe in.

-Pastor James

Water Baptism
If you have not yet obeyed the Lord in water baptism, we want to invite you to do so.
*Please contact the church office indicating your interest via email at [email protected]

Church Membership
*If you are interested in becoming a part of the New Life please contact the church office at [email protected]

Central Illinois Missions Convention
We are looking forward to this year's upcoming Central Illinois Missions Convention November 4th-8th!

Please prayerfully plan to give a generous offering to our missions partners!

How can you help and serve?

Check out this link to sign up and give:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4EA8AE2FA5F94-missions1

Here is the schedule for everyone to be involved:

• Wednesday 11/04/2020
  6:30pm
  New Life Fellowship
  Missionary - Billy Willis
   
• Thursday 11/05/2020
  6:30pm
  New Life Fellowship
  Missionaries - The Stones
  *Coffee & Dessert will be served
  Sign Up Genius Link to help provide Dessert:
  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4EA8AE2FA5F94-missions1
   

• Saturday 11/07/2020
  8:30am
  Missionary Round Table Breakfast
  Minier First Assembly of God
  604 S Miniern St.
  Minier, IL
  *Breakfast will be provided

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• Saturday 11/07/2020
  4:00pm
  Youth Rally
  New Life Fellowship
  Missionaries - All available missionaries
  Sign Up Genius Link to help provide money for youth rally pizza:
  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4EA8AE2FA5F94-missions1
   
• Sunday 11/08/2020
  10:00am
  New Life Fellowship
  Missionary - Richard Smallie

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• Sunday 11/08/2020
  4:00pm
  New Life Fellowship
  Missionaries - The Halsteads
  *Chili will be provided
  Sign up Genius Link to help provide ingredients:
  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4EA8AE2FA5F94-missions1