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Read: John 17:20-23
Listen: John 17

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. John 17:20-21

The Roman Empire occupies and rules Israel. They do not tolerate any kings or rulers other than Caesar. Yet Jesus is king. He clarifies to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world…my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36), and Pilate finds him innocent of insurrection. All of Jesus’s followers are citizens of Jesus’s spiritual kingdom. Therefore, he is king over all aspects of believers’ lives, including political beliefs. Jesus wants his followers to be united in him.

In our Politics and Unity series, we have learned that although we may have strong political leanings, our allegiance is to God’s Kingdom first. Thus, our actions and behaviors toward each other have eternal consequences. Pastor Aaron Buer has five hopes for our church during the current political season. 1) No matter who we vote for, we feel welcome at Ada Bible Church. 2) We see politics through the lens of Jesus and not the other way around. 3) We are genuinely curious why a fellow Christian holds different political beliefs than ours. 4) We invite God to challenge our views. 5) The words of Jesus bind us together as a church.

TODAY: Consider the things you are learning in this series that will help you navigate this election season with Jesus as your king. Pray through the five hopes. Ask God to grow you and our church in these areas. If you missed a sermon, you can review it HERE.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Jeremiah 38-39. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider how Jesus lifts us out of the pit (Psalm 40:2).