August 2016 A publication of
Salt & Light Ministry
Intended for information only c a l li n g C h r i s t ia n s b a c k t o s e a s o n i n g s o c i e t y
“If the watchman doesn’t warn the people, I w i l l h o l d t h e w a t c h m a n a c c o u n t a b l e . . .” E z e k i e l 3 3 : 7
The church does not advocate the election or defeat of any candidate nor endorse any political party. PUBLISHER:
Salt & Light Ministry EDITOR: Sandi McReynolds
sanandmac@gmail.com
chjoplin.org Designed for use by individuals, churches, ministries, agencies, and organizations. May be copied and distributed in whole or in part without alteration.
This is only a “snapshot” of candidates’ positions affecting faith, family and freedom. Wherever possible candidates’ websites are cited and their own words and releases quoted and/or cited. Every effort is made to present objective, accurate information, but voters should not rely on this guide alone. Please research campaign websites and social media as well as candidate and political action committee mailings. Watch debates and interviews. Analyze national and local news broadcasts and publications. Participate in town halls and rallies.
God calls us to be “salt and light” to a troubled world—to season our messy, confused culture with His wisdom and love (Matthew 5:13-16), and our nation’s history is resplendent with Godly men and women who “understood the times” (I Chronicles 12:32) and answered His call, willing to sacrifice even their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.” (Declaration of Independence) Life in a free America is a wonderful gift that must be cherished and protected for the next generation. We Must not let the on-going Presidential primary debacle and escalating chaos and confusion across the nation deter us from our responsibility to choose those who will represent us. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins reminds us, “Since we can determine the character of our government, we, not just the politicians, will have to give an account for the kind of government it is! Given the crisis our nation is facing, the time for being a spectator is over! It is time for all God-fearing Americans to take a stand!” Each of us must choose, understanding that NOT choosing IS a choice, and God will hold us responsible for our choices. Here are questions we must, to the best of our abilities, answer about each candidate for every office—from Governor to County Assessor: What are their personal lifestyles and associations? Are their voting records and values consistent with principled moral government? Have they demonstrated wisdom and honor in their professional choices? Do they stand on the Constitutional principles on which our nation was founded, or do they believe the Constitution should be reinterpreted to individual preferences? Do their lives honor God, or seek their own power? Will they serve in humility and good will, or pride and divisiveness? God promises, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”(II Chronicles 7:14) Are you praying and humbly seeking His face? Are you repenting for the wicked ways of our nation? Are you praying and working with all your heart and “remembering the Lord, Who is great and awesome?” (Nehemiah 4) Are you trusting His promises—and warnings? If we do, He may yet “...do something in [our]day that [we] would not believe.” (Habakkuk 1:5)
TUESDAY, August 2 OTE Godly VALUES “...With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” ~ President Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address