“If Jesus Was President ”

1. “If Jesus Was President” Revelation 1:5 “…Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth…”

2. The Best Candidate • Our nation is saturated with talk about the upcoming presidential election. • Newspapers, television stations, radio talk shows… • Internet blogs, Web sites, Coffee break conversation… • Despite our opinions, the best candidate for change will not be on any ticket in the upcoming election. • Yet, this does not mean he cannot effect change in our communities, states, nation and world! • His name is Jesus Christ and he lived 2,000 years ago on earth. • His life and message was “to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9). • People “beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). • He lived “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). • So many are discouraged by the political situation today… • We fear for a divided country. • We often do not trust the motives or message of many leaders. • Consider what Jesus could do if we would place him in the executive position He desires in your life—whether President or not!

3. “Solve The Trust Crisis” • Our country has a hard time trusting political candidates. • Failed promises, broken commitments and flip-flopping stances break trust. • Some seem to “say anything” to get elected. • With Jesus, trust would not be an issue. • He was not interested in joining or pleasing any religious party. • Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians… • He was fully committed to God’s will (John 5:30). • Jesus did not “flip-flop” on the issues…such is contrary to truth. • Jesus embodied “truth” (John 14:6). • Jesus spoke “truth” (John 17:17). • Truth does not contradict itself. • Jesus’ actions were consistent with His words (Matthew 23:3).

4. “Cure Our Moral Crisis” • Many believe this nation is in a state of moral decline. • Votes are often cast on the basis of a candidate’s stance on moral issues. • Issues of morality are not solved by our own likes and dislikes. • Jesus Christ could fix many of our moral problems. • Marriage laws, family relationships (Matthew 19:4-9; Colossians 3:18-21)). • Abortion (Matthew 1:18). • Covetousness (Luke 12:15). • Violence (Matthew 5:21-22). • Solving this problem helps ease the crime rate, overpopulated prisons • Overburdened police force • Lusts of Men (1 Peter 4:3-4).

5. “Impact Our Health Crisis” • One major campaign issue revolves around proposals for national health care. • Submitting to Jesus could help solve many healthcare problems. • First, Jesus demands we avoid certain sins that do have a dangerous effect upon our bodies. • (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Substance abuse is a burden on our healthcare system (6:10, 20). • It does personal harm to our bodies. • It is the cause of many accidents/personal injury/violence. • Second, Jesus can improve the growing problem of depression. • Much depression stems from regret, guilt, worry, confusion, shame… • Jesus can remove such burdens from our minds (Matthew 11:28-30).

6. “Improve Our Economic Crisis” • Many Americans are most concerned about their wallets. • It is sad when many will vote their wallet and ignore morality. • However, Jesus can even improve the economic situation too. • Many Americans are in debt because they spend too much… storing up possessions on earth. • We should be less concerned about laying up earthly treasures that will fade away (Matthew 6:19-20).

7. “Fix Our National Security Crisis” • Our current administration has focused much attention on border patrol and national security. • We fear another incident such as 9-11. • We worry about nations with nuclear weapons and dictatorial rule. • One of the great promises of the Messianic kingdom was its ability to bring peace to the nations (Isaiah 2:2-4). • Isaiah says of the Messiah’s government, • “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…” (Isaiah 9:6-7). • If our world could accept Jesus Christ as Lord, we could end national division and bring world unity and peace. • This was a key message at Jesus’ birth (Luke 1:79; 2:10-11, 14). • It was a great benefit of the church (Ephesians 2:13-17).

8. If Jesus Was President… • Jesus could… • Solve the trust crisis. • Cure our moral crisis. • Impact our health crisis. • Improve our economic crisis. • Fix our national security crisis. • In fact, Jesus can still do all those things today. • He is “ruler over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5). • “All authority” belongs to Jesus and He has the right to rule (Matthew 28:18). • He came into this world to declare His rule (John 18:37). • Although His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36). • Yet, for Jesus to effect change we must “hear” His voice (John 18:37). • This involves more than just hearing His message.

9. If Jesus Will Rule, We Must Let Him! John 6:44-45, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ‘It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.”

10. “Name It & Claim It”