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WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY - OCTOBER 5, 2022
In this week's Intersect, read about:
25M Christians Might Not Vote with Abortion, Parental Rights, Economy on Ballot
“The future of America is at stake in the upcoming congressional midterm elections in November, and early voting is already underway in many places. That's why one non-partisan, faith-based organization is working overtime to ‘motivate, equip and activate Christians across the U.S. to vote’. My Faith Votes estimates that 25 million Christians who are registered to vote, typically fail to participate in elections. The group is on a mission to help every Christian act on their faith and vote in every election.” read more at CBN News
THINK.
- Instead of kings who wield absolute power for entire lifetimes, America was established as a nation governed by the people. The government’s ability to wrest power from the people was reined in by an ingenious system of checks and balances. But what is often missed by pundits today was the expectation of our Founding Fathers, all of whom held great reverence for God and Scripture, that leaders possess a moral compass, and that virtue, justice, and righteousness were essential for government not to trample on the God-given rights of the people. And who chooses those leaders? We the people…through our vote.
- In 2015, My Faith Votes was founded after learning just how many Christians were sitting on the sidelines in elections…an estimated 25 million. That number was unimaginable. We exist to motivate, equip and activate Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth.
- Today, there are many who want to drive the name and message of Christ completely out of the public arena. Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government. Passing up that opportunity means letting those who would denigrate the name of Christ have their way in our lives. The leaders we elect—or do nothing to remove—have great influence on our freedoms. They can choose to protect our first amendment right to religious freedom and the right to spread the gospel, or they can restrict those rights. They can lead our nation toward righteousness or toward moral disaster.
- Here are five biblical reasons to vote: 1. Voting demonstrates love for your neighbor. (Galatians 6:10) 2. It is good stewardship of God's blessings. (Luke 12:48) 3. Voting is a way to put faith in action. (James 2:26) 4. Your vote helps preserve peace and freedom. (Jeremiah 29:7) 5. Voting demonstrates reverence for God. (Romans 13)
- What if there are no good candidates to vote for? We get this question a lot. Pastor Jack Hibbs gives great advice in this 2-minute quick clip. Watch here at MFV-TV.
PRAY.
We are just over 4 weeks away from the November 8 midterm elections. Our country is in desperate need of prayer. We are launching a national prayer effort between now and the elections to see millions of believers set aside time to pray for our country. Join us in prayer and download your free 4-week prayer guide. You can use this guide to pray every day individually, as a family, or with other believers. Feel free to share this resource with others as well.
ACT.
Our popular yard signs are back in stock. Show that your faith votes in the midterms. These corrugated plastic signs are 18x24 in size with the message on both sides and come with the wireframe for easy display. Perfect for making a bold statement! Order yours here before they sell out again!
Los Angeles Pastor John MacArthur Publicly Rebukes Gavin Newsom for 'Diabolical' Policies, Invoking Jesus
“A prominent Christian pastor in Los Angeles issued an open letter Thursday that rebuked Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his recent multi-state billboard campaign that promoted abortion by quoting Jesus. Pastor John MacArthur, 83, who serves as senior pastor of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, also accused the governor of exhibiting a worldview whose ‘diabolical effects’ have effectively trashed the state, leading to ‘epidemics of crime, homelessness, sexual perversions (like homosexuality and transgenderism), and other malignant expressions of human misery that stem directly from corrupt public policy.’” read more at Fox News
THINK.
- McArthur is correct in highlighting the effect government policy has on the morality of the citizens. The Bible is clear that while we are responsible for our own actions, 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles often mention how the wickedness of the king led the people of Israel astray. Governor Newsom is leading not just citizens of California but others outside the state into sin by signing thirteen new anti-life bills, including one that seems to allow for infanticide. He also signed a bill that allows minors to come to the state and seek gender transition procedures without their parents’ consent. Parents who don’t affirm such procedures can lose custody if their child travels or is taken to California by someone else.
- Such laws not only encourage terrible sin, but they discourage and attack righteousness. And the words of Jesus are being used to justify such actions.
- In addition, Governor Newsom is supporting Proposition 1, a proposed amendment to the state constitution that enshrines a “right” to abortion. Unlike state law, this amendment does not mention any limitations, likely legalizing abortion up until birth. Whether this amendment passes will be up to a majority of the voters this November. You can find out more about this amendment here, and Californians can access door hangers for their neighbors.
- In the face of such perversion of government authority, how can pastors not speak out? If the government is preaching its own version of morality on billboards for everyone to see, we must speak out to counter it. This is exactly what Pastor McArthur’s letter does, not only with regard to the lives and souls of the people, but Governor Newsom’s own soul. He follows the example of the prophet Nathan confronting King David, and John the Baptist confronting King Herod.
- McArthur doesn’t only call out Newsom for his sin; he pleads with him to accept the offer of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s follow his example and the words of Jude, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 20-23)
PRAY.
McArthur’s letter told the governor, “Our church, and countless Christians nationwide, are praying for your full repentance.” Are you praying for your leaders? Pray that their souls would be saved and their policies would be righteous. Never give up hope in what God can do in a person’s life. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) As we approach November 8, be praying that voters in California will reject such a radical constitutional amendment resulting in more death of innocent children.
ACT.
Did you know October is Pastor Appreciation Month? A pastor’s service creates a ripple effect. When he faithfully shepherds God’s flock and stands for biblical truth, his congratulation is more likely to follow his example. I encourage you to write a personal letter or card to your pastor, thanking him for his ministry and encouraging him to continue in faithfulness to God. Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Hurricane Ian Death Toll Surpasses 100 as Florida Struggles to Recover
“Days after Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida, the storm's effects are still ravaging parts of the state. Bridges to barrier islands are washed out, roadways are flooded and some areas are seeing a lack of power or water. The situation in many areas isn't expected to improve for several days because waterways are overflowing, leaving the rain that fell with nowhere to go. Amid the devastation, the death toll is rising. CBS News has confirmed at least 105 people died due to the storm — 101 in Florida and another 4 in North Carolina.” read more at CBS News
THINK.
- Romans 8:22-23 says that the creation, and we ourselves, groan as we wait for our full redemption when Jesus returns, comparing our present suffering with labor pains before the birth of a child. In times like this, the Body of Christ is able to weep with others, while bearing witness to the hope we look forward to in Christ.
- We cannot do this on our own; it is the Holy Spirit who empowers and works in us as we minister. Not only does He work in us; He “intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)
- Sadly, Vice President Kamala Harris made comments regarding how aid should be distributed that caused concern. Speaking at the Democratic National Committee's Women's Leadership Forum, Harris said, "It is our lowest income communities and our communities of color that are most impacted by these extreme conditions and impacted by issues that are not of their own making…And so we have to address this in a way that is about giving resources based on equity, understanding that we fight for equality, but we also need to fight for equity, understanding not everyone starts out at the same place. And if we want people to be in an equal place, sometimes we have to take into account those disparities and do that work." The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administrator had to reassure the media that FEMA will be helping everyone who needs it.
- According to Merriam-Webster, ‘equity’ comes from the Latin aequus, meaning "even," "fair," or "equal". The Vice President’s comments group people into separate “communities” and assumes–rightly or not–that certain people have a harder time based on the community they belong to. Her solution is to give resources (likely through government action) based on group identity, not necessarily on need regardless of identity.
- When Paul instructed Timothy on how the church was to care for widows, he made distinctions even within that specific group of people. Only those widows who were truly in need and met certain requirements would receive aid. (1 Timothy 5:3-16) As we serve others, let’s treat them as individuals, not groups.
PRAY.
If you have been impacted by the Hurricane, we’d be honored to pray for you. Our team at My Faith Votes meets weekly for a time of prayer and fasting. You can send your prayer requests here and we’ll commit to pray. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18
ACT.
Looking for ways to help those in Florida? Here are two: Convoy of Hope is distributing supplies right now through many volunteers. Learn more and consider supporting their work. Operation Blessing has opportunities for you to be the hands and feet of Jesus on the ground. Find out more and sign up here.
Conservative-Dominated SCOTUS Begins New Term, Set to Hear Cases with Potential to Bring 'Significant' Changes to the Law
“With public confidence diminished and justices sparring openly over the institution’s legitimacy, the Supreme Court on Monday will begin a new term that could push American law to the right on issues of race, voting and the environment. Following June’s momentous overturning of Roe v. Wade, the court is diving back in with an aggressive agenda that seems likely to split its six conservative justices from its three liberals. ‘It’s not going to be a sleepy term,’ said Allison Orr Larsen, a William and Mary law professor. ‘Cases the court already has agreed to hear really have the potential to bring some pretty significant changes to the law.’” read more at The Western Journal
THINK.
- Monday was Katanji Brown Jackson’s first day as a justice and it was the first time the public was allowed inside the Supreme Court since the pandemic began.
- A record high 58% of Americans now say they disapprove of the job the Supreme Court is doing. But aren’t the judges supposed to be concerned with applying the facts to the law, not public opinion? Chief Justice John Roberts recently said, "Decisions have always been subject to intense criticism, and that is entirely appropriate, but lately, the criticism is phrased in terms of ... the legitimacy of the court." That, he said is "a mistake." It is the job of the court to say what the law is, he said, "and that role doesn't change simply because people disagree with this opinion or that opinion." After all, he continued, "You don't want the political branches telling you what the law is, and you don't want public opinion to be the guide of what the appropriate decision is."
- Yesterday, SCOTUS heard arguments in an election case from Alabama—a case that could decide how far the federal courts can go when they require state legislatures to consider race in drawing boundaries for congressional and state legislative districts. As the Wall Street Journal described, at issue is Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits states from abridging on the basis of race, the right to vote. The plaintiffs in the case, Merrill v. Milligan—along with those in a companion case, Merrill v. Caster—are legislators and advocacy groups that claim the VRA requires the state to consider race as a major factor in mapping districts, while Alabama claims that maps should be drawn on a race-neutral basis. Electoral districts are redrawn each decade to reflect population changes as measured by a national census, last taken in 2020. In most states, such redistricting is done by the party in power.
- Religious Liberty, Affirmative Action, LGBTQ Rights, Election Law, Native American Adoption Law and other important issues are on the docket this term and the decisions in those cases will impact generations to come.
- Here’s a helpful breakdown of all the upcoming cases this year, and which lower courts the cases are coming from. It can help you pray for specific cases by date and know outcomes of released decisions by the court.
PRAY.
Faithfully pray for each of the nine Supreme Court Justices to seek God Almighty for His true wisdom and justice. Pray for all parties involved in these cases and pray for the right thing to be decided to preserve rule of law in our nation and to uphold our Constitution. “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.” (Proverbs 28:4-5)
ACT.
Today, we see everything that has to do with life and godliness being arbitrated through the court systems, which is why a basic understanding of how our judicial branch works is critical. To this end, My Faith Votes created A Christian Voter’s Resource Guide to Understanding the American Justice Systems. This downloadable PDF provides an easy overview of our federal and state courts, ideas on how to pray for your judges, and a description of the role you play in determining who sits in those seats. Please make use of this free resource and share it with others!
My Faith Votes—is a nonpartisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. By partnering with national faith leaders, My Faith Votes provides resources to help Christians Pray, Think, and Act to create an America where God is honored in the public square.
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