A Reminder Ahead of Tonight’s Presidential Debate: Keep Your Faith in Jesus, Not in Politics!

At Christ Community Fellowship, we are starting a new series in Ephesians this weekend, beginning with Ephesians 1:1-14. As I prepare for that sermon, the upcoming presidential debate has been on my mind, and I want to share some thoughts with my fellow believers.

Ephesians 1:12–13 (NLT) says:
“God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.”

Christian, before you watch tonight’s debate, I want you to reflect on the truth in Ephesians 1:12-13. If you identify as a Gospel-believing Christian, understand that God had a purpose in that. Your belief in the Gospel not only saves you and moves you to bring glory to God, but it also marks you as His own.
So, as you approach the debate, remember who you are! Yes, you may live in the USA, you may be a citizen with political opinions, but never forget who you eternally belong to!

Ephesians 1:9–10 (NLT) also reminds us:
“God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.”

Before you watch the debate tonight, consider this truth from Ephesians 1:9-10. God is bringing all things together under the authority of Jesus. As you listen to the candidates present their plans for the next few years, don’t let the temporary issues of the day distract you from God’s eternal plan. The plans of earthly leaders are just moments in time compared to God’s overarching purpose. In the scope of eternity, God’s plan is the only one that will endure.

For those who might say, “But what about the evil and the wrongs committed by ________ candidate?”—I encourage you to look deeper into Scripture. Time and again, the Bible shows that God’s sovereignty is never thwarted by the actions of evil rulers or flawed governments. God establishes and maintains governments, using them as part of His greater plan, even when we cannot see the full picture (Daniel 2:21, Romans 13:1, Proverbs 21:1, Acts 17:26, Isaiah 40:23-24, Job 12:23, Jeremiah 27:5, Psalm 22:28).

The Bible is filled with examples of how God used what we would consider evil leaders to accomplish His purposes. Think of Pharaoh, who oppressed the Israelites, yet God used him to demonstrate His power and bring about the Exodus (Exodus 9:16, Romans 9:17). Consider Nebuchadnezzar, who conquered Jerusalem, but was ultimately humbled by God and brought to acknowledge His sovereignty (Daniel 4:28-37). Even Cyrus, a pagan king, was used by God to decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28-45:1). God’s hand was at work in the reigns of the Assyrians (Habakkuk 1:5-6), the Babylonians (2 Chronicles 36:22-23), and even the Romans, under whom Jesus was crucified by Pilate (John 19:10-11).

God’s sovereignty is not limited by the righteousness of earthly rulers. Even when governments seem unjust or corrupt, we can trust that God’s plan is still unfolding. As the Bible tells us, He is working all things for His purposes—even through leaders and systems that appear broken or evil.

So, as you participate in the political process, never forget about God’s sovereignty and your identity through your faith in Jesus even for a moment. Yes, cast your vote wisely, but then turn your back to God, to whom you belong. Trust in Him, the One who brings everything together in Christ, and place your faith in His eternal plan.