Hot Takes: The Church & Politics

Hot Take Questions

• Should the church stay out of politics?

• How should the church respond to culturally/politically charged moments?

• Is America at a “Turning Point?”

Acts 7:54–8:1 (ESV)

54 Now when they heard these things, they were enraged and ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

8:1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

The martyrdom of Stephen was a TURNING POINT in the church.

Saul hoped it would silence the movement, but it spread the movement.

Take #1 — The Blood of Martyrs Speaks Loudly

Revelation 6:9–10 (ESV)

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice…”

Martyr – someone who is killed for their faith and their testimony.

The blood of the martyrs is never silent; it still speaks, and it speaks loudly.

True proclamation will always attract persecution.

“I have talked more about Jesus Christ in the past two weeks than I have my entire time in public life.” — Vice President J.D. Vance, in reference to Charlie Kirk’s death

Remember… This is how we overcome:

“They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11 (ESV)

Take #2 — There is a generation to asking: “Who Are You, Lord?”

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” … “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:4–5).

Stephen’s bold witness became the seed that Christ used to call Paul.

“Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving… And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Acts 22:19–21 (ESV)

The grace is this: no matter what you’ve done, no matter how far you’ve drifted, there is still grace for salvation.

“Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ That young man … I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do.” — Erika Kirk

My prayer… .May a generation of John the Baptists be raised up!

Saul went from the church’s greatest persecutor to the church’s greatest preacher.

There is a generation disillusioned by secularism asking the same question: “Who are You, Lord?”

What feels like a shaking may actually be an awakening.

Take #3 — A “Private Faith” in a Public World Is a Powerless Faith

What is the church’s role in politics? How should we respond when national, cultural moments shake the nation?

“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” 1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV)

The mission of the church (Colossians 1:28)

• Awaken hearts… “He is the one we proclaim”

• Connect with God’s kingdom… “admonishing”

• Train for purpose…. “training in all wisdom”

• Send into fullness… “present perfect in Christ”

Our nation collapses without godly leaders—if the church won’t raise them, who will?

Our nation drifts into confusion when churches entertain with secular movies instead of mobilizing spiritual movements.

Our nation stays broken as long as the church stays silent on the sidelines.

The founders never envisioned a state free from the church—but a church free from the state, able to speak truth boldly.

Make no mistake… This is a battle of Truth vs Lies

The early church preached in public squares.

We cannot hide behind screens or sanctuaries.

This faith must be proclaimed in the streets.

A private faith in a public world is a powerless faith.

The Power of the Shift

This IS a turning point. This is MY turning point.

1. Preach clearly — Our message is the Gospel of Jesus

2. Live boldly — Unapologetic

3. Love radically — This is how they will know us!

America needs a church unafraid to stand, to speak, and—if necessary—to suffer for Jesus.