Some would argue that preachers shouldn’t address issues of politics.  In some regards, I agree.  However, when our country is faced with issues like abortion, homosexuality, and other liberal agendas; no Christian should remain silent.  The word of God is very clear on the sinfulness of homosexuality and murder.  In regards to our concerns as Christians with civil government, notice the words of the Apostle Paul: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (I Timothy 2:1-2).  As Christians we are to obey civil government (Romans 13:1-6 and I Peter 2:13-16).  In November of 2004, we will have the opportunity to take action in helping our country have moral values.

     This November all Christians will have to the opportunity to allow their stance to be known by voting in the public election of community and national servants.  Those elected are going to argue and push their views through as laws in the land in which we inhabit and work.  Many Christians pay no attention to our country’s politicians because of disgust.  I too fight that same problem.  However, this November will be very important.  We need to know where the candidates stand on moral issues and what the Bible says about those issues that will affect the future of our country.

     In this article I plan on keeping to a common practice I have held to when examining error.  That common practice is to cite evidence of a persons ungodly stands, instead of just making blanket statements without evidence to support my charges.  I will attempt to prove why a Christian should not vote for presidential candidate John Kerry and I will show where he stands from his own words.  On John Kerry’s website he addresses issues for women and states the following: “But today, women are witnessing an unprecedented erosion of their basic rights. Over the last three years, they've seen attempts to block access to contraceptives, gag doctors from even mentioning abortion to their patients, freeze funding for family planning across the world, take away their constitutional right to choose, and ban medical procedures even when a woman's health is at stake…  And John Kerry will only nominate individuals to the federal bench whose records demonstrate a respect for the full range of constitutional rights, including the right to privacy and the right to choose” (http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/women/).   John Kerry was questioned on his abortion views, notice his answers: “Question: Do you support the ban on partial-birth abortions recently signed into law? Answer: I don't support the President's law because it doesn't allow the exception for situations where the health of the woman is at risk. I believe this is a dangerous effort to undermine a woman's right to choose, which is a constitutional amendment I will always fight to protect” (Concord Monitor / WashingtonPost.com on-line Q&A Nov 7, 2003).

     George W. Bush on the other hand takes the best view we can vote for as Christians.  Notice the following quote: “America stands for liberty, for the pursuit of happiness and for the unalienable right of life. And the most basic duty of government is to defend the life of the innocent. Every person, however frail or vulnerable, has a place and a purpose in this world. Every person has a special dignity. This right to life cannot be granted or denied by government, because it does not come from government, it comes from the Creator of life” (http://www.georgewbush.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=2090).

     In regards to John Kerry on homosexual marriages, the Washington Times reports: “So, all in all, it appears that Mr. Kerry voted against leaving same-sex "marriage" up to the states before he said that the issue should be left up to the states. He's said that the Full Faith and Credit Clause applies to marriage before he said that it doesn't. And he's declared all along that he opposes same-sex "marriage," but he also opposed a Massachusetts marriage amendment limiting marriage to the union of a man and a woman. Now, he flip flopped on that as well. It's a tangled mess. So, where does Mr. Kerry really stand? Everywhere, as usual” (http://www.washtimes.com/op-ed/20040718-091121-8013r.htm).  George W. Bush stands opposed to Kerry on this issue as well: “Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society. Government, by recognizing and protecting marriage, serves the interests of all. Today I call upon the Congress to promptly pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of man and woman as husband and wife. The amendment should fully protect marriage, while leaving the state legislatures free to make their own choices in defining legal arrangements other than marriage” (http://www.georgewbush.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=2267).  So, what does God say on these issues?

     The Lord our God hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17).  According to the Law of Moses “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine” (Exodus 21:22).  As in the previously quoted Scripture and others as well, we see that God refers to the unborn as a child (Matthew 1:23; 24:19 and Luke 1:41).  Life does not begin at first breath in open air - life begins at conception (Genesis 25:21-22, II Samuel 11:5, and Job 3:3).  When someone takes the life therefore of an unborn child, they are committing murder.  Murderers, if not repented of, will find themselves eternally punished in Hell (Galatians 5:21 and Revelation 21:8).

     God is clear in regards to the practice of homosexuality as well.  When one begins to study the subject of homosexuality from the Scriptures they will see that God has been clear from the early days of the earth until now.  In the book of Genesis we find that two cities (Sodom and Gomorrah) were destroyed because of homosexuality (Genesis 18:20–19:29).  The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are still an example for us today to realize the severity of the judgment of God (II Peter 2:6 and Jude 7).

     Outside of the example of Sodom and Gomorrah we also have other Scriptures.  Notice a few from the Old Testament and the New: “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (Leviticus 18:22).  “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13).  “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet” (Romans 1:26-27).  “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate [homosexuals], nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (I Corinthians 6:9-10).  God is clear, homosexuality is wrong and marriage is intended to be between a man and a woman: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh” (Matthew 19:4-5)?

     We have a privilege in this country to be heard.  In November we as Christians can be heard through our vote against the liberal agendas and for morality.  As Christians we should hate that which is evil (Romans 12:9).  We should hate every false way (Psalms 119:104).  This November the democratic ticket represents all manners of evil.  The devil loves to work through civil government against Christians and the work of the Lord through the church (Revelation 13:1-6).  By allowing men in office that will bring further decay to our current society that has slipped so far, we will essentially be giving more souls over to Satan.  The further society slips into sinfulness the harder it becomes to convert the lost.  Let us strive to support the better agenda for our society.  In November, let your voice be heard!