Sermon Recap | 10/18/2026
Date: October 18, 2026
Speaker: Pastor John Hardie
Sermon Series: What a Kingdom, What a King
Sermon: Voting in the Spirit
Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16
Message Summary
As election season approaches, Pastor John Hardie challenged us to consider not simply how we vote, but the spirit in which we participate in the political process. While Christians have the privilege and responsibility of participating in our nation's government, we must guard against allowing political division, hostility, and party loyalty to overshadow our identity as followers of Jesus. Our allegiance to Christ must shape our attitudes, decisions, and treatment of others—even those with whom we disagree.
Drawing from Jesus' words in Matthew 5:13–16, Pastor John reminded us that believers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves what is good and slows decay, while light reveals God's goodness through our actions. We are not called to condemn the world but to reflect the character of Christ within it. Our influence should come through integrity, mercy, truth, and good works that direct others toward our heavenly Father.
Voting, then, becomes one practical opportunity to live as salt and light. Pastor John encouraged Christians to prayerfully research candidates, consider their character and qualifications, examine their values, and resist the temptation to make enemies of political opponents. Yet our ultimate hope must never rest in elections or earthly leaders. We belong to a kingdom with an eternal King—Jesus Christ. Whatever happens in our nation's political life, God remains sovereign, and we are called to represent Him faithfully.
Quote of the Week
"A vote is an earthly lever to slow down decay. It is not a holy sacrament."
— Pastor John Hardie
Key Lessons
Be Salt and Light in Every Opportunity
Christians are called to preserve what is good, resist moral decay, and reflect the goodness of God in every area of life—including civic engagement.Prayerfully Fulfill Your Civic Duty
Approach voting with prayer, thoughtful research, and discernment. Seek facts rather than relying on rumors, rhetoric, or political pressure.Value Character, Competence, and Conviction
Consider candidates' integrity, qualifications, and values. While Pastor John encouraged giving preference to Christians, he reminded us that faith alone does not guarantee effective leadership and that no candidate will be perfect.Do Not Make Enemies of Political Opponents
Jesus calls us to love others, even those with whom we strongly disagree. Political participation should never become an excuse for hostility, contempt, or condemnation.Trust in God's Sovereignty
Elections matter, but they do not determine the ultimate future of God's kingdom. We can participate faithfully without fear because Jesus Christ remains our eternal King.
Reflection Questions
Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to shape my political attitudes and conversations, or am I being influenced more by the spirit of political division?
In what ways am I being salt and light in my community? Do my words and actions help others see the goodness of God?
When considering political candidates or important decisions, am I seeking God's wisdom and examining the facts, or relying primarily on party loyalty, emotion, or rhetoric?
How do I respond to people whose political views differ from mine? Does my response reflect the mercy and love of Jesus?
Am I placing too much hope or fear in earthly leaders and political outcomes rather than trusting in the sovereignty of Christ?
Prayer Focus
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we allow political division, hostility, or fear to take the place of Your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Teach us to walk with Jesus in every part of our lives, including the responsibilities we have as citizens. Give us wisdom to discern truth, courage to stand for what is good, and humility to treat others with mercy and respect. Help us to be salt and light in our communities, preserving goodness and reflecting Your love through our words and actions. Remind us that our ultimate allegiance is not to any earthly leader or political party, but to Jesus Christ, our eternal King. May our nation be marked not merely by power or prosperity, but by goodness, mercy, and justice. In Jesus' name, Amen.
