Why Christians Should Vote: Faith, Stewardship, and Public Life

In this episode of the Reset Podcast, Pastor Archie Callahan of Bridge Church makes a compelling biblical case for why Christians, particularly men as leaders in the home and society, have both a duty and a privilege to vote. Drawing on the core values of Bridge Church, he argues that making a difference in the world includes active engagement in the political process. He addresses two specific Virginia constitutional amendments on the ballot, one concerning abortion and one concerning the definition of marriage, framing both through a biblical lens. He then presents three overarching theological reasons Christians should vote: it is a stewardship of influence, a means of loving one's neighbor and doing justice, and an expression of being salt and light in public life. Throughout, he is careful to anchor the church's hope not in political parties or politicians, but in Jesus Christ as the sovereign King of kings.

Key Points:

- Christians hold dual citizenship, in heaven and on earth, and both carry responsibility

- The Virginia constitutional amendment on abortion would place no limits on abortion, including late-term abortion, which Pastor Archie describes as barbaric and equivalent to child sacrifice

- The Virginia constitutional amendment on marriage would remove the definition of marriage as one man and one woman, potentially creating legal pressure on churches, Christian schools, and ministries

- Voting is a stewardship of influence, and not voting is itself a choice for which believers will give account

- Over 40 million Christians did not vote in the last general election, representing a massive forfeiture of godly influence

- Laws shape lives, and voting is one way to speak up for the unborn, the poor, families, and the vulnerable

- Voting is an expression of being salt and light in the culture, not a retreat from it

- Christians must not check their faith at the door when entering the voting booth

- The church's hope rests in Christ alone, not in any political party or politician

- Political division should not be allowed to fracture relationships or the unity of the church

Scripture Reference:

- Psalm 139 (God forms us in the womb)

- Jeremiah 1:5 (God knew us before we were born)

- Exodus 20:13 (you shall not murder)

- Proverbs 31:8-9 (speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves)

- Genesis 2:24 (a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife)

- Matthew 19:4 (God made them male and female)

- Ephesians 5:31 (a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife)

- Luke 12:48 (to whom much is given, much is required)

- Jeremiah 29:7 (seek the peace of the city where you have been sent)

- Proverbs 31:8-9 (open your mouth for the speechless)

- Matthew 5:13-14 (you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world)

- Proverbs 29:2 (when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice)

- Psalm 146:3 (do not put your trust in princes)

- 1 Peter 5:8 (your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion)

- Acts 1:8 (you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth)

- Joshua 1 (be strong and courageous; meditate on the law day and night)

Stories:

- The Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people is referenced through Jeremiah 29:7, illustrating that even in exile, God's people were called to seek the welfare and peace of the city where they lived, drawing a parallel to the Christian's responsibility to engage with and care for the broader society

- The biblical narrative of Joshua is invoked to encourage believers to be strong and courageous in the face of cultural opposition, just as Joshua was commanded by God multiple times before entering the Promised Land

- The book of Revelation is referenced thematically, not through a specific narrative, to highlight the call for Christians to remain faithful witnesses in the face of anti-Christ systems and world powers

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