Empowerment - Fall 2024

MPOWERMENT

A First Church of God Publication | Fall 2024

...a united states

Beloved I pray that this message finds you well and that you are experiencing the favor of God in every area of your life. As we approach the 2024 presidential election, I was reminded of a moment earlier this month when the rain had stopped and a rainbow appeared ahead of me.

While I understand the scientific explanation for a rainbow, I also know its Biblical origin. The rainbow is a sign of the Covenant that God made with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again. It is a symbol of God's promise, a reminder that He keeps His word and is mindful of us.

Here's what I find powerful: rainbows only appear after a storm. So, as we navigate this election season, look for the rainbow in the midst of the storm. Look for the sign of God's promise to you, His presence with you, and His peace in you. It is there because He is there. The rainbow tells us that God cares and watches over us. Hold on to that as we move into this next season and whenever a storm comes your way. Know that you are loved and prayed for.

Remember, no matter who wins, God still is in control.

Blessings - Bishop

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The Bishop Speaks - Bishop Timothy J. Clarke

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Empowerment Fall 2024

Bishop Timothy J. Clarke Executive Publisher & Chief Executive Officer

Brother Edmund Davidson Publisher

Sister Deborah Thompson Editor

Sister Qwinita Bell Contributor

Sister Michelle A. Sutton Contributor

Brother Carlin Armstead Contributor

Sister Villia Davidson Senior Advisor

Attention Want to EMPOWER others?

We are looking for writers, reporters, editors, and graphic artists to spread the Word! Please contact brother Edmund Davidson at edavidson67@gmail.com for more information.

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Please contact Edmund Davidson at edavidson67@gmail.com for more information.

EMPOWERMENT

A HOUSE

The 2024 U.S. presidential race between form ident Kamala Harris presents a stark contras offering divergent views on the future of Ame political figures, but their platforms reflect ver immigration, the econom

donald j. trump Donald Trump’s Agenda Former President Donald Trump is running on a platform that largely mirrors many of his firstterm policies but with more aggressive undertones. His core messaging focuses on immigration, economic nationalism, and limiting federal regulations, particularly in social issues.

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DIVIDED

mer President Donald Trump and Vice Presst in political agendas, with each candidate erica. Both candidates represent established ry different approaches to key issues such as my, and social policies.

kamala harris Kamala Harris’ Agenda Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, offers a platform that continues many of the priorities from the Biden administration but also focuses on expanding civil rights and economic justice.

Harris positions herself as a candidate with a more progressive and inclusive vision for the country.

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Immigration: Trump has pledged to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in U.S. history, reinstituting strict policies like the "Remain in Mexico" program and Title 42, which restricts immigration on public health grounds. Additionally, Trump seeks to end birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and expand his travel ban to more countries​(1). This hardline stance aims to appeal to his base, which prioritizes border security and conservative immigration policies.

Economy: On the economic front, Trump has promised sweeping tariffs on foreign goods, including a proposed 60% tariff on Chinese products. He advocates for a series of tax cuts, particularly for businesses, and aims to end taxation on Social Security and overtime pay​(2). His policies reflect a continuation of his "America First" agenda, emphasizing protectionist trade measures and reducing foreign economic influence.

Social Issues: Trump’s second-term plans also include rolling back transgender rights and implementing stricter measures on education regarding LGBTQ+ issues. He would reinstate policies that limit transgender people’s participation in the military and target gender identity-related healthcare (3). Additionally, his promise to introduce "ideological screening" for immigrants highlights a broader effort to reshape cultural and legal norms in the U.S.

Contrast

The choice between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for America. Trump’s agenda, marked by a return to str social conservatism, appeals to voters seeking a return a more progressive, inclusive vision, with a focus on civ nomic growth.

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As the race progresses, these contrasting visions will pl Both candidates are rallying their respective bases, but are divided on issues such as immigration, economic in

Immigration: Harris supports comprehensive immigration reform, focusing on creating pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly those brought to the U.S. as children (Dreamers). She has highlighted the need for bipartisan solutions that include stronger border security alongside humanitarian policies, in contrast to Trump’s more stringent approach​(4). Harris has criticized Trump’s handling of immigration during his presidency, arguing that it worsened conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Economy: Harris promotes policies aimed at bolstering the middle class through tax cuts for lower-income families and investments in green energy and infrastructure. Her platform emphasizes economic equality, affordable housing, and workforce development, particularly for marginalized communities. She has also committed to raising the minimum wage and ensuring paid family leave​(5). Harris advocates for tackling climate change through sustainable job creation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Social Issues: Harris champions a robust civil rights agenda, particularly in defending LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and voting access. She has spoken out against efforts to restrict abortion access and plans to codify Roe v. Wade if elected. Her stance on LGBTQ+ issues includes protecting transgender rights, reversing Trump-era policies that limited their participation in the military and restricting their healthcare access​(6).

Harris has also been vocal in her opposition to systemic racism, promoting criminal justice reform and police accountability measures.

ting Visions

s in the 2024 election highlights two vastly different paths ricter immigration policies, economic protectionism, and n to his first-term policies. In contrast, Harris' platform offers vil rights, immigration reform, and climate-conscious eco-

lay a significant role in shaping the electoral landscape. t the key to victory may lie in appealing to swing voters who nequality, and the direction of American democracy.

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IS GOD IN THIS?

By Qwinita Bell

In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress.

- 2 Chronicles 15:5-6 This sounds like today’s headlines! Everywhere we turn, we’re confronted with challenges, changes, or even outright destruction of the things we hold dear. Chaos and discord are so pervasive in the world that it’s hard to find anything that shocks or offends us anymore. The current election has only intensified the exposure of humanity’s deep-rooted sin. People have grown numb to the pain of others, tangled in a society driven by wealth, power, and control. Even those who claim to follow Jesus have become hardened and distant from His teachings of love.

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Isaiah 43:18 tells us, "Do not remember the former things; neither consider the things of old."

The Amplified Bible even adds the word "earnestly" to this command.

But does that mean we should completely forget the past, or simply not dwell on it? Many of us have lived through events we’d rather forget, but the question is how much we let those events shape our present and future.

by it. The toxic combination of selfinterest and sin has turned the world into a battleground, one that only God can mend. But is God present in this election? Absolutely!

Despite the chaos, there remains a faithful remnant of true believers who demonstrate Christ’s justice, compassion, empathy, love, and kindness. For every story of sin and division, there is another of love and selflessness.

Mankind’s thirst for power and control is nothing new. In today’s political climate, that thirst is neither hidden nor disguised. Judges 21:25 says, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Replace "king" with "president" and "Israel" with "USA," and the statement could just as easily describe the current state of the world. Politics today has exposed prejudices that once lurked beneath the surface, and no one is immune to the fallout. Everyone is striving to come out on top, while few are seeking God’s will. Romans 1:22, 29-32 warns us about the destruction that follows when we leave God out of the equation.

Yes, this election has caused division, hatred, and the destruction of relationships. It has led to the neglect of the poor, the orphaned, and the widowed, while blatant lies are passed off as truth, leading to unnecessary suffering. It’s natural to wonder, “Where is God in all of this?”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun.

These challenges have happened before and will continue until Christ returns. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us to expect days of confusion and trouble.

Yet, the book of Revelation points us toward the most important election of all—the final one, when Jesus returns for His church.

This election has put a glaring spotlight on the damaging effects of sin. The enemy’s destructive work is out in the open for all to see—nothing is sacred, nothing is hidden, and no one is untouched

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over

D

By Carlin Armstead

Praying for the Nation’s Future in the Presidential Election Election season brings states and our nation together as we choose leaders who will shape our future. However, this process often divides voters along party lines. Whether we identify as Republicans, Democrats, or support a third party, we rally behind our chosen team, seeking victory, power, and representation over opposing sides.

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The democratic experiment has been unfolding in our country for 248 years, with leadership chosen by the people—voters. This concept extends beyond politics, as even some religious communities and churches use elections to select their leaders.

Voters are encouraged to cast their ballots, making their voice heard about who should take on leadership roles at various levels.

and support those who represent them. While disagreements over candidates and issues are natural, the right to vote should always work toward unity and shared purpose.

As Christians, we have a higher expectation and obligation to submit to authority, regardless of political outcomes. Ultimately, we are under God’s authority, and He calls us to respect and obey the laws and order established by those in power.

As Christians, we are called to be united, functioning as one body in Christ. Though we are made up of many parts, we must operate together in harmony for the body to thrive. Unity fosters peace and joy, both for individuals and communities.

Romans 13:1-2 reminds us, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been put in place by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who have resisted it will bring judgment on themselves."

Romans 12:16-18 emphasizes this call: "Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the humble. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If possible, live at peace with everyone."

In the midst of voting, promoting unity and peace is essential for people of faith. Voting is a privilege that allows us to express our views

In these times of political tension, it is crucial for believers to maintain peace, respect authority, and strive for unity in all things.

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