{"id":1049,"date":"2016-10-11T17:14:56","date_gmt":"2016-10-11T17:14:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/?p=1049"},"modified":"2016-10-11T17:25:20","modified_gmt":"2016-10-11T17:25:20","slug":"kingdom-responsibility-vote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/2016\/10\/11\/kingdom-responsibility-vote\/","title":{"rendered":"We Have a \u2018Kingdom Responsibility\u2019 to Vote"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Doug Beacham<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are citizens of two commonwealths: One is the earthly nation where we are citizens; the other an eternal kingdom that transcends time and space. The Bible tells us that God holds\u00a0the nations \u201cas a drop in a bucket\u201d (Isaiah 40:15), and that government authorities \u201care appointed by God,\u201d functioning as a \u201cminister\u201d of God (Romans 13:1,4).<\/p>\n

The Bible also reminds us that there are points where these two commonwealths are in conflict. For example, government can be a \u201cbeast\u201d when it has \u201ca mouth speaking great things and blasphemies\u201d (Revelation 13:5).the nations \u201cas a drop in a bucket\u201d (Isaiah 40:15), and that government authorities \u201care appointed by God,\u201d functioning as a \u201cminister\u201d of God (Romans 13:1,4).<\/p>\n

By the time you read this column, citizens of the United States will be a month from casting their vote for the next president of the United States and other governmental representatives. I remind you that the IPHC Council of Bishops sent a public letter<\/a>\u00a0to the Democratic and Republican party nominees expressing our hopes and concerns.<\/p>\n

In light of that letter, and the larger conversations and debates surrounding this election, there are a few things I ask you to prayerfully consider as \u201ccitizens of two commonwealths.\u201d<\/p>\n

First, we have a privilege, right, and responsibility to vote in this election.<\/p>\n

Besides the presidential election, there are congressional and state elections as well as referendums that require our active participation. If you have not registered, you can Google \u201cvoter registration\u201d and it will take you to your state voter information. I encourage IPHC pastors to actively promote voter registration with your flock and encourage them to vote.<\/p>\n

Second, besides the statements of candidates, be sure to read the platforms of at least the Democratic<\/a> and Republican <\/a>parties. I\u2019ve heard people say that the platforms \u201cdon\u2019t really matter.\u201d Actually, that is incorrect. Party platforms reveal intentions as well as philosophies of governing.<\/p>\n

A fully informed voter will take the few minutes needed to read these documents.<\/p>\n

Third, while the IPHC does not, and should not, have a political litmus test for membership and leadership, there are certain positions<\/u><\/a>\u00a0we have taken through our General Conference that you should prayerfully consider when you vote:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WE ARE A PRO-LIFE CHURCH.<\/h5>\n

We are historically opposed to abortion on demand, and we believe in the God-given sanctity of all human life from conception to end of life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WE STAND FOR TRADITIONAL\u00a0 MARRIAGE.<\/h5>\n

We believe that God established marriage between a man and a woman. We reject decisions and definitions contrary to what God has established.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WE PRAY AND WORK FOR RACIAL UNITY.<\/h5>\n

As a movement, we have publicly repented of racism and seek to bring about justice and reconciliation according to God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n

Fourth, many are concerned about the future of religious liberties in the USA. The implications arising from court and government administrative decisions related to culturally accepted sexual practices, \u00a0and the rights of churches and church-related institutions who oppose those practices, are issues we are facing and will continue to face.<\/p>\n

Fifth, in addition to these issues, we face a large constellation of challenges that include: race, immigration, leadership character, national security, poverty, and economic policy.<\/p>\n

Regardless of the outcome of this particular election, the opportunities and tensions of those issues will remain.<\/p>\n

As I reflect on these concerns, I have found myself drawn to the Apostle Paul\u2019s remarks in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (NKJV). I reflect on this, and current events in the USA and around the world, in light of our IPHC emphasis on holiness this year and on Christ\u2019s Kingdom in 2017.<\/p>\n

The Apostle distinguished between the kingdom of God and earthly kingdoms. He recognized that people outside Christ\u2019s kingdom (unredeemed) live with values and lifestyles that do not reflect the holy character of God. But he also recognized that the redeemed are not expected to live isolated from such people. To live in that fashion is to live \u201cout of the world\u201d (5:10).<\/p>\n

But followers of Jesus, people discipled in the ways of the kingdom of God, are to live differently and hold one another accountable. Such accountability sounds harsh and judgmental to our ears: \u201cnot even to eat with such a person\u201d who claims to be \u201ca brother\u201d (5:11).<\/p>\n

It seems to me that this is the constant tension we face as we relate to the spirit of the world. A holy life is by nature a judgment upon a sinful life. Whether the sinner experiences that judgment as condemnation or as invitation depends on many factors. The body of Christ in the world should live in such a way that the ungodly find themselves reflecting and responding on what they encounter from and in us.<\/p>\n

That means we must be willing to speak out against the foolishness of speech, practice, and policy we encounter. But it also means we must be willing to speak for that which lends itself to righteousness.<\/p>\n

This is not an easy task as ideologies press themselves against Christ\u2019s Kingdom, and holiness is decried as judgmental. But we must decide, speak, and act with conviction from God\u2019s Word and holiness of heart and life. And, we must do so with humility and with hearts committed to reconciliation as we await the fullness of a Kingdom that will only appear when the King Himself appears.<\/p>\n

So I encourage all of us to prayerfully consider the candidates and\u00a0 policies as we vote. I ask us to remain in a spirit of prayer and hope regardless who is elected. I ask us to remember that people, parties, and policies are part of the world that is passing away\u00a0and that we are people of a Kingdom that shall never pass away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This article was published in\u00a0the October 2016 issue of Encourage<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"excerpt","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1050,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,1],"tags":[180,108,134,218,37,290,38,184],"class_list":{"0":"post-1049","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-bishops-blog","8":"category-general","9":"tag-180","10":"tag-bishop-doug-beacham","11":"tag-bishops-blog","12":"tag-blog","13":"tag-encourage","14":"tag-iphc-general-superintendent","15":"tag-magazine","16":"tag-october","17":"entry"},"title_es":"La comprensi\u00f3n de la santidad como un puente a Dios","content_es":"

Por Doug Beacham<\/strong><\/p>\r\nRecientemente tuve una conversaci\u00f3n de acoplamiento con Bryan Nix, un joven misionero IISP que ha servido en el sur de \u00c1frica y los planes para servir en Asia. Un graduado de Southwestern Christian University. con un largo pedigr\u00ed ministerio misionero \/ (su abuelo es Rev. Elvio Canavesio), Bryan es uno de esos nuevos l\u00edderes de servicio que corta contra las descripciones populares de la generaci\u00f3n del milenio. Usted puede ver mi reciente entrevista con Bryan en nuestra agosto Generaciones<\/em><\/a> de v\u00eddeo. Usted no querr\u00e1 perderse. Mientras que en la naci\u00f3n de Lesotho, un pa\u00eds pobre, sin litoral en el sur de \u00c1frica, su ministerio inclu\u00edan ayudar a las personas a escapar del oscuro mundo de la trata de personas. Al hablar sobre ese aspecto de su ministerio, la conversaci\u00f3n cambi\u00f3 a la cuesti\u00f3n de holiness.with un largo ministerio pedigr\u00ed \/ misionera (su abuelo es Rev. Elvio Canavesio), Bryan es uno de esos nuevos l\u00edderes de servicio que corta contra las descripciones populares de la generaci\u00f3n del milenio. Usted puede ver mi reciente entrevista con Bryan en nuestra agosto Generaciones<\/em><\/a> de v\u00eddeo. Usted no querr\u00e1 perderse. Bryan cit\u00f3 Mateo 5: 8: \"Bienaventurados los de limpio coraz\u00f3n, porque ellos ver\u00e1n a Dios\", y Hebreos 12:14, \"Seguid la paz con todos, y la santidad, sin la cual nadie ver\u00e1 al Se\u00f1or\" (NVI) para describir su trabajo. En el contexto de nuestra discusi\u00f3n, Bryan habl\u00f3 de la santidad como un \"puente\" para \"ver a Dios.\" Como hemos hablado de eso, pens\u00e9 en el foco de la IISP la santidad de los restantes cuatro meses de este a\u00f1o: Irradiar. \u00bfC\u00f3mo vivimos de tal manera que nuestras vidas, actitudes y acciones manifiestan la santidad de Dios a este mundo profano en el que vivimos? En el transcurso de este a\u00f1o, he reflexionado sobre la naturaleza santa de Dios, y de c\u00f3mo el evangelismo y la santidad van de la mano. El evangelismo es el anuncio de la buena nueva de la \"vida en abundancia\", una manera de vivir en la plenitud que Dios tiene para cada persona que va a responder con fe al Evangelio. La santidad es nuestra demostraci\u00f3n de una \"vida plena y abundante.\" Que la vida, por su propio ser, invita a alguien para el viaje con Jes\u00fas. La santidad es tambi\u00e9n otra manera de describir el discipulado. Un seguidor de Jes\u00fas es alguien que toma la postura mental, emocional y espiritual de un estudiante que sigue el que sea mayor. Nuestras vidas hechos conformes a la vida de Jes\u00fas. Hay un proceso de \"puente de cruce\" en este. En primer lugar, en todas las cosas, Dios toma la iniciativa para llegar a nosotros. Somos impotentes y sin la manifestaci\u00f3n de su gracia. 1 Juan 4:19 nos recuerda: \"Nosotros le amamos a \u00e9l, porque \u00e9l nos am\u00f3 primero\" (NVI). Dios construye el puente a la eternidad a trav\u00e9s de Su Hijo, la vida y la Palabra revelada. Pero hay que responder a Aquel que est\u00e1 en nuestro lado del puente, el que viene a nosotros y nos invita a cruzar con \u00e9l en la vida abundante. Debemos responder con la fe, el arrepentimiento, y la realidad de un nuevo paseo informada por la Biblia y el Esp\u00edritu Santo. Cuando descubrimos la realidad de que tenemos la suerte de ser \"puros de coraz\u00f3n\", esto nos lleva a un descubrimiento satisfactoria. La frase de Jes\u00fas en Mateo 5:18, \"puros de coraz\u00f3n\", se le da un matiz profundo de Soren Kierkegaard: \"La pureza de coraz\u00f3n es querer una cosa.\" Es una reminiscencia de las palabras de Jes\u00fas m\u00e1s tarde en el Serm\u00f3n de la Monta\u00f1a: \"Buscad primero el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas os ser\u00e1n a\u00f1adidas\" (Mateo 6:33). Los que han aprendido como seguidores disciplinados, gracia de inspiraci\u00f3n a \"seguir la santidad\" descubrir la revelaci\u00f3n de qui\u00e9n es Dios. Podemos ver el rostro de Dios, sin miedo a morir debido a nuestra propia fragilidad humana. \u00bfC\u00f3mo podemos \"ver a Dios?\" Lo vemos en los rostros y gritos de otras personas. El Hebreos 12:14 pasaje enlaza \"paz\" y \"santidad\" con \"ver\" al Se\u00f1or. Adem\u00e1s, se conecta \"perseguir\" con la \"con todos.\" Experto en el Nuevo Testamento Gareth Lee Cockerill, en su comentario sobre Hebreos, se traduce la frase, \"Junto con todos buscan la paz\". As\u00ed, la b\u00fasqueda de la santidad es m\u00e1s que nuestras acciones individuales; es el cuerpo de Cristo juntos que reconoce el rostro de Dios en los distanciado de \u00e9l. sorprendentes palabras de Jes\u00fas en Mateo 25: 35-46 nos recuerdan que el imperativo escatol\u00f3gico del Evangelio va m\u00e1s all\u00e1 de nuestro \u00e9xtasis espiritual personal. dones carism\u00e1ticos son in\u00fatiles sin amor por los dem\u00e1s (1 Corintios 13: 1-2). El esp\u00edritu de sacrificio, aunque aclamado como noble, sin amor pueden trabajar en esquemas ut\u00f3picos, pero no en el reino de Dios (1 Corintios 13: 3). Me parece que la santidad y ver a Dios son el ant\u00eddoto para el bien intencionado sue\u00f1os ut\u00f3picos. Esto es particularmente cierto para nosotros hoy en d\u00eda, cuando las agendas seculares pulse sobre nosotros sin referencia al Dios vivo. Los dos extremos del mundo pol\u00edtico, derecha o izquierda, ofrecen sus propios escatol\u00f3gicas. Sin esperanza, agendas pol\u00edticas, sociales y econ\u00f3micas no tienen tracci\u00f3n y sin apelaci\u00f3n. Por lo tanto, generan una falsa esperanza que se basa en las agendas humanos paridos en los esquemas y planes de la humanidad ca\u00edda. Esa es la raz\u00f3n por la escatolog\u00eda de las agendas humanos tiene sus propias formas de juicio sobre todos los que no podr\u00e1n ser suscritos al \"sue\u00f1o\". En la historia moderna, los extremos se ven m\u00e1s claramente en los asesinatos en masa del siglo 20 como ideolog\u00edas pol\u00edticas buscaron imponer sus visiones ut\u00f3picas. No debemos suponer que los visionarios del siglo 21 y so\u00f1adores son menos inmunes a las mismas tentaciones de abuso y privilegio. Es por esto que me parece la imagen del puente de Bryan Nix \u00fatil. Si podemos ver la cara santa de Dios, y dar la vuelta y ver su imagen en la cara y la vida de los dem\u00e1s, entonces podemos ofrecer \"la paz que sobrepasa todo entendimiento\" (Filipenses 4: 7). Nos ayuda a entender lo que Jes\u00fas dijo en Juan 14:27: \"La paz os dejo, mi paz os doy; no como el mundo la da, yo os la doy. No se turbe vuestro coraz\u00f3n, ni tenga miedo. \"Es Jes\u00fas 'la santidad y la paz que nos mantiene\" llevando a cabo con toda la paz. \"Es Jes\u00fas' la santidad y la paz que nos libera de la ira de la desilusi\u00f3n. Es la santidad y la paz de Jes\u00fas que vemos en su rostro, y que nos permite tener la paciencia, la sabidur\u00eda, la fuerza y la esperanza de li<\/u> ve una vida santa de nuestro lado del puente Este art\u00edculo fue publicado en la edici\u00f3n de septiembre 2016 Anime<\/a> .<\/em>","author_name":"","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2016\/10\/1-e1476206027683.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pb62Bx-gV","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1049"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1049\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}