Part Ten of A Call to Christian Patriotism

It has been my pleasure to think through this election with Howard A. Eyrich's book, A Call to Christian Patriotism and I urge readers of this blog to use that book with its 52 studies in your church or in your family. I said that I would blog ten Mondays until the election using this book and with this last post I have.


The third and final debate happened last Monday. One source said here:

In the third and final presidential debate Monday night, both candidates did their best to convince undecided voters. But with just over two weeks until election day, does it even matter at this point? It didn't take long for the zingers to come out.

President Barack Obama, swung first, blasting Governor Romney for being weak on foreign policy.

"I know you haven't been in a position to actually execute foreign policy but every time you've offered an opinion, you've been wrong," the president said.

But Romney kept his cool and calmly yet effectively responded by saying, "attacking me is not an agenda. Attacking me is not talking about how we're going to deal with the challenges in the Middle East and take advantage of the opportunities there." . . . .

Still, at this late in the campaign, does the outcome of the debate even matter?

Very little, said Kedrowski [chair of the Wintrop University Political Science Department] who pointed out foreign policy isn't issue number one -- the economy is.

Presidents often do not get a second term when the economy is bad.

I would like the economy to not be the only issue.

Over on the Desiring God blog Jon Bloom writes here.

But we must keep things in proper perspective. The “work of our lives” is not advancing a superficial political vision for America. Our most vital work is to become God-entranced people who advance the gospel around the globe. We are to seek satisfaction in the Substance, the Sun, the Ocean. We are to ask, seek, and knock (Luke 11:9) until the reality of “Christ is all” (Colossians 3:11) takes a firm hold on our hearts and our minds are renewed (Romans 12:2) and we are abiding in Jesus (John 15:5).

So, as we approach the election and endure the media blitz and listen to urgent, fervent debate and analysis, let’s remember what really matters and where true peace (John 16:33), true prosperity (Romans 9:23), and true happiness (Psalm 16:11) come from.

Even so we must decide to elect the best candidate. Randy Alcorn writes that to vote for the lesser of two evils is to vote for less evil here.

Obama really seems to ignore problems with extreme Muslims. Benghazi is the latest. One blogger writes here.

What makes a great leader, or for that matter a President? Eyrich sites Nehemiah and Jesus Christ. We need to pray for our next President and support whoever it is. We need to pray for Hurricane "Sandy" on the Eastcoast of these United States. Eyrich concludes on lesson with this prayer:

Father, from whom comes every good gift, grant us leaders who will humble themselves before you and who will have the capacity to lead us in self-governing that seeks the benefit of all peoples. Lord, you made us a great nation to provide a great opportunity for the Gospel. Would you restore that greatness and protect that opportunity. And, Lord, would you help me to be willing to be your instrument to achieve this good. Amen (p. 138).