Our despairing world knows so little of grace and mercy. The seeds of kindness often struggle to grow in the harsh soil of recrimination, retribution, and revenge. Being the beneficiaries of grace, should we not also be its benefactors? The fallen race of man yearns to find forgiveness, acceptance, and new life. It may not act like it, but it does, desperately.

The nation would eventually once again become the United States. But the path to reunion would be more difficult and filled with recriminations. Lincoln wanted the South restored. He never believed the confederate states had truly left the Union.

I hear it all the time: “Bunni, how in the world can you be involved in that political world?” My own father felt that politics was inherently evil for years, but the Bible provides a perspective to help us understand our role in the world, emphasizing the power of us carrying love, justice and integrity as the hands and feet of Jesus. My testimony is that I have been involved in politics for over 20 years and I still love Jesus.

It is increasingly evident that the next generation must actively shape the political landscape and get involved — as soon as possible. Engaging Christian young people in our governmental process is not just wisdom; it is a moral imperative grounded in our faith. We must pass on what we know to those who follow us.

Then, in 1864, while the blood still flowed across America’s fields, with no end in sight, a change appeared on the two-cent coin, ordered by the Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase. It would be a new national motto. Simple but profound. Clear and incontrovertible, an unchanging and ancient belief that would supersede even this war.

It would be a declaration of hope. A summons to unity. While America’s original motto focused on man’s ability to create a united nation from human diversity, this new motto, expressed in plain English, anchored the nation’s confidence in divine sovereignty. It would appear on all coins.

Satan pulled back the curtain of deception, “and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” He whispered in his ear. He hissed into his soul. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” he said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please.” (Luke 4:5-6)

I’m powerful. You can be powerful too.

They liked that. They swallowed the deception of the serpent. And the hoary tentacles of sin, with its coming millennia of destruction and grief, bringing death in its wake, infected the human race. Jesus had no such intention. Instead, he invoked the Torah:

“The scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” (Luke 4:8) God first, always, and only—not power.

Navigating politically charged times can often feel overwhelming and disheartening. Disagreements are rampant, tensions run high, and it seems like negativity is everywhere.

Christians have a source of encouragement and strength that transcends the surrounding chaos. Don’t lose relationships with your family and friends over politics. Don’t lose heart through discouragement when things don’t look like they are going in your desired direction.

Average Joe, a movie dramatizing Coach Joe Kennedy’s life story, will be in a theater near you TODAY October 11th! Show your support for Coach Joe by going to the movies on opening weekend!

The movie recounts Coach Joe’s story, beginning with his childhood in foster care followed by 20 years in the Marine Corps. The film focuses on his biggest battle: his commitment to stand for God publicly by taking a knee in prayer after each game. When he was fired for living out his faith, Joe and his wife, Denise, soon knew this battle for religious freedom and the rights of all Americans was one they would have to fight.

As I’ve traveled across the nation this year, I’ve had many opportunities to share about my work mobilizing Christians to engage in the political process. What continues to surprise me, however, is that many believers tell me they do not plan to vote because their vote “doesn’t matter.”

Some tell me, “I already know who is going to win in my state.” Others claim, “I don’t know any of the people on the ballot. I wouldn’t even know who to vote for.” Still others tell me that it doesn’t matter who gets elected, because the problems will still be the same.

Regardless of our opinions, it’s important to look at what God’s Word states about the importance of being involved in our communities.

First Liberty announced the launch of a television and digital ad blitz as part of a $2 million campaign to educate Americans on the dangers of current court “reform” proposals. The campaign includes a challenge for all candidates for office to make clear where they stand on court-packing and other proposed changes to the Supreme Court and the judiciary.

Throughout the stormy centuries, for the Christian Church, the tension has remained—to be in the world but not of it. Jesus knew this.

Jesus did not pray that you and I would somehow find a way to escape this world, with all its troubles and pain. He asked God to give us the wisdom and courage to live faithful to him in this world.

Being faithful in hard times isn’t easy. We must not let the world squeeze us into its mold. “Be not conformed,” Paul told the Christians living under brutal Roman reign. Instead, they must be transformed. How? Through the renewal of their minds. (Romans 12:1-2)

Who doesn’t love a good party? He doesn’t.

See him? He’s the slouched solitary figure trudging across the open field. He’s been supervising field hands all day. He’s done and headed for home. He’s tired.

“And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.” (Luke 15: 25-26)

But there’s another essential reason to show up at the ballot box this fall: the U.S. Supreme Court.

Elections have consequences, the adage goes. And, in many ways, the Supreme Court is on the ballot. Why? Because right now the radical Left, politicians, and some of the most radical groups in the country, are engaged in a concerted, full-scale effort to stage a Supreme Court Coup.

Whether an election is to fill a seat on a local school board or the Oval Office, we keep seeing anti-religious-liberty candidates elected who then promote their anti-religious-liberty policies. They’re determined to steer America away from our constitutional heritage, while ushering in extreme agendas and ideology that are hostile to people of faith. How did they gain so much power? The answer is obvious: People of faith largely stayed home and didn’t bother to vote.

Tragically, only a fraction of Americans who say religious liberty is important to them actually vote in the major elections. People of faith need to see voting as not just a right, but also a responsibility.

This father never stopped looking. He never stopped loving. He held deep in his broken heart a quiet confidence that in time—if nothing had happened to him—his son would again walk through that gate at the end of the road.

“Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20) Surprised by joy, the dad engulfed his son in love. 

“My son.” Here is the climax of Jesus’ story. This is why we love it more than any other. It’s about us. We are God’s sons and daughters.

Christian young adults across the country see what’s happening today in our nation and feel many things - apathy, anxiety, fear. Many more see where our culture is heading and have a desire to make an impact, but don’t know where to start. Our nation is increasingly deviating from Biblical values and social conservative views are seen as “outdated.” What is our purpose in life? Are young people called to make a difference? How do we make an impact in our nation?

When should I vote?  With early and absentee voting soon to begin for the general election, faith-based voters are asking themselves, “Is it okay to vote early?”

“And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.” (Luke 15:14)

Jesus tells us this younger son left his family—especially his loving but compliant father—and "took his journey into a far country" (Luke 15:13, emphasis added). This kid wasn't taking any chances with a retreat or return. Where he was headed dad wouldn't know and couldn't possibly find him.

Freedom meant being far away from all the cramping restraint and boring familiarity. Distant meant exotic and exciting.

With this simple and direct understatement Jesus begins the story that has moved hearts and impacted the world for more than two thousand years. In art, literature, film, and in pulpits around the world the Parable of the Prodigal Son has been told thousands of times.

It’s a story that will never grow old because its truths and lessons are timeless…It is the story of all of us and of each of us. It is the story of every sinner.

It is the story of humankind.