3. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (Proverbs 14:34) As Election Day nears we are reminded to remember what the Bible teaches about government and its people

4. It is not the state of the economy that exalts a nation, but rather the issues or righteousness! And why do you worry about clothes? ......But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well . (Mt 6:25-33)

5. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. How do we get obtain laws that follow after righteousness? The answer is found in Prov 29:2

6. The only way to get laws that follow after righteouness...we must elect righteous people to office! That can't happen unless we VOTE for them. We get to choose both the “good” and the “bad”

7. John Jay, one of America's Founding Father said this.... “ Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

8. George Washington, America's 1 st President said this... “ It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.” George Washington, America's 1 st President said this...

9. President James Garfield said this.... “ Now more than ever before the people are repsonsible for the character of their Congress. If ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate it so. If brace and pure because the people demand these high qualities to represent them...”

10. Founding Father John Hancock said this... “ I urge you by all that is dear, by all that is honorable, by all that is sacred not only that you pray, but also that you act.”

11. “ And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mt 22:20-21) Brethren, we must pray and ACT (VOTE)! Voting is not a right, it's a duty we owe God.

12. One day we will give an account to God for how we vote. God will not approve of us if we vote for people who do not seek after God's righteousness. Brethren, righteousness must be the ISSUE for us. It defines who we are politically, morally, and publicly.

13. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. The Apostle Paul said this about seeking righteousness Php 4:8-9

14. Leaders and their Life Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Tim. 4:16 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15 His character We get to select who our leaders will be....

15. Leaders and their Words Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching ; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Tim. 4:16 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15 His message We get to select who our leaders will be....

16. Christians have been silent too long regarding our role in both our society and government. The time has come when we must act differently by holding our leaders accountable for what they do and how they vote. I believe that God will not continue to sustain America unless we take the lead to restore her to righteousness. God will bless or curse this nation according to the course we as Christians take in politics and how we choose to live as a people. Prayer is a commandment and ACTION is a requirement Conclusion