One Simple Truth with Dan Jarms (Archive)

The central role of government and therefore the political process is to uphold justice, advocate for the poor, provide security, and establish order. King David gives the clearest statements about the blessings of good government and therefore helps steer a course toward God-honoring political involvement. I will call it the Goldilocks approach to political activism.

Scriptures Referenced:
2 Samuel 23:2-7
Psalm 72:1-5

While Christians should play some role in government and the political process, we must exercise great caution. Legalism, syncretism, and questionable political alliances are all inherent dangers to the American political process. Christians must navigate these carefully.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Colossians 3:1-2
• Zechariah 4:6
• Mark 7:6-7

Every Christian’s first citizenship is in heaven under the Lordship of Christ. But while in this world Christians can be ministers of God through a godly involvement in government, and the political process. We will take a jet tour through the Bible to see how this happens.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Romans 13:1-7
• Ephesians 1:18-22
• Psalm 2
• Daniel 1
• Acts 13

We begin a month long series about Christian involvement in government and politics. We begin by laying key foundations about the Christian identity. We are first citizens of heaven and second citizens of the U.S. We will look at Jesus’ example and Paul’s affirmations of heavenly citizenship and its responsibilities.

Scriptures Referenced:
• John 18:36
• Philippians 1:27
• Philippians 3:20-21
• Acts 16
• Acts 21

In this episode we will explore the kinds of situations Faith Bible Church’s elders would consider civil disobedience against the governor’s restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to clearly think about the spheres of authority God has given the state and the church. When would we say with Peter “We must obey God rather than men”?

Scriptures Referenced:
• Romans 12:1-7
• 1 Peter 2:13-14
• Hebrews 10:24-25

For six months we have been following a pro-life position in response to reopening churches. This episode outlines the biblical basis and gives current statistics to help us think through risks involved in gathering with believers and at the church. We must think circumspectly about the data to evaluate whether the governor’s emergency powers and laws are indeed valid.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Genesis 9:5-6
• Exodus 20:13
• Leviticus 13
• Psalm 139:13
• Romans 13:8-10

We all hear theories about what is really going on behind the scenes in our world. We are all frustrated about life during a pandemic and this makes us very susceptible to sinful speculation. We want to believe it and we want to spread it. The danger is in the inevitable distractions and divisions that arise from this speculation. Christians of all people must fight for truth, not speculation and they above all should fight for unity around God’s word.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-7

When we hear news reports we tend to listen to them through our biases. How do we ensure we process and respond to the information we receive in a way that honors God. This is vital in such a politically and emotionally charged time as the COVID-19 pandemic and election cycle.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Psalm 5:9
• Psalm 25:5
• John 14:6

Politicians, authorities, and celebrities often make great claims after reading news reports. These influential news consumers have biases, just as news media has bias. Christians must fight for objectivity in order to respond to these influential people in a way that honors God and loves their fellow man. This episode will explore why we need to fight for objectivity

Scriptures Referenced:
• John 14:6
• Psalm 19:1-3
• Romans 1:18-20

God has given specific responsibilities to three institutions—The Family, the church, and the state. This episode focuses on the role of the church and when the government over reaches its authority. Scriptural and historic examples help us think through this issue.

Scriptures Referenced:
• Acts 2:42
• 1 Timothy
• 1 Corinthians 11:28
• 1 Peter 5:1-4
• Acts 5:28-29