LIVE UPDATES — Tuesday, November 5th, 2024
2024 Election Coverage — In An Overwhelming Answer To Prayer, Donald J. Trump Wins The Presidency In Historic Victory
TRUSTED ANALYSIS
LIVE UPDATES — Tuesday, November 5th, 2024
2024 Election Coverage — In An Overwhelming Answer To Prayer, Donald J. Trump Wins The Presidency In Historic Victory
Wednesday, November 6
In An Overwhelming Answer To Prayer, Donald J. Trump Wins The Presidency In Historic Victory
After months of prayer, Donald J. Trump will become the 47th President of the United States in an overwhelming and historic victory.
Despite claims that the election results would be neck and neck, President Trump quickly showed a considerable lead over Kamala Harris, culminating in a sweeping win that was called shortly after 1 PM (EST) after several swing states were officially called in his favor.
Earlier in the day, Franklin Graham underscored why a Trump victory would be an incredible answer to prayer for Christians. Calling the election “the most important election in the history of our nation,” Graham highlighted that if Trump were to be elected, “there’s going to be millions of unborn children that will be protected in the next four years.”
“The military is going to be protected. The borders are going to be protected in the next four years. Freedom of speech is going to be protected. Freedom of religion is going to be upheld,” he stressed, adding God is the ultimate authority on who will lead the nation.
Harbinger’s Daily
Wednesday, November 6
Republicans Projected To Take Control Of The US Senate
The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republicans will take control of the Senate. The party will hold at least 51 seats, enough for an outright majority.
The tipping point seat is Nebraska, where Fox News projects that Republican incumbent Senator Deb Fischer will defeat independent challenger Dan Osborn.
It’s not yet clear who will serve as the next Senate majority leader. Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is the longest serving Senate leader in history, announced earlier this year that he would step down.
Tuesday, November 5
Voters Reject Abortion Ballot Initiative, Upholding Florida's Six Week Abortion Ban
Floridians rejected a measure to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion Tuesday, retaining the state’s six-week ban.
Amendment 4 is poised to fail, according to the Decision Desk. The amendment would have prevented the state from enforcing any laws that prohibit abortion before viability — around week 22 of pregnancy — and would have allowed the procedure after viability in cases “necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider,” according to the amendment’s text.
“The demise of pro-abortion Amendment 4 is a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement. “Thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis, when we wake up tomorrow, babies with beating hearts will still be protected in the free state of Florida.”
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state’s six-week abortion ban into law in 2023, which allows the procedure up to week 15 of pregnancy in cases of rape, incest and human trafficking. Planned Parenthood challenged the state’s previous 15-week abortion ban in 2022, but Florida’s Supreme Court ruled in April 2024 that the state had the right to enact laws around abortion, upholding the new six-week ban.
Tuesday, November 5
Franklin Graham: If Trump Is Elected President Tonight, Millions Of Unborn Children Will Be Protected
The majority of Evangelicals will vote for former President Donald Trump in the presidential election “because he stands for so many of the things that are dear to them,” says Rev. Franklin Graham, President and CEO of humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse.
“First of all, if he’s elected president tonight, there’s going to be millions of unborn children that will be protected in the next four years,” Graham told Newsmax TV.
“The military is going to be protected. The borders are going to be protected in the next four years. Freedom of speech is going to be protected. Freedom of religion is going to be upheld. All these things, if he’s elected and the evangelicals, these are things that are issues for them,” he told “The Record.”
“So, I just pray that God’s choice, his will, will be done. Donald Trump is not going to save America. The only person who could do that is God himself. And so, I pray that whoever wins tonight that our country would be able to come together and move forward,” he added.
Tuesday, November 5
RNC Works Hard to Combat Election Integrity Worries
As Americans head to the voting booth to vote in the contentious 2024 election, concerns still abound surrounding election integrity. One of the biggest concerns for Americans is that election results may not be announced the night of the election itself.
According to a Rasmussen Reports survey published Monday, 70% of likely voters are concerned that “the winner of the presidential election may not be known on Election Night because of some states being late in counting their votes,” including 40% who are “very concerned.” Nearly half (45%) of Americans say that delayed vote count reporting causes them to be “less confident in the accuracy of the final result.” Additionally, 54% of Americans believe that if vote count reporting is delayed, it’s because “officials want to make sure the results are accurate,” while over one third of Americans believe that vote counting delays are an indication of cheating.
The survey results follow Democrats and mainstream media outlets predicting vote counting delays in major battleground states. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s campaign anticipated that Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada in particular may take “many days” to count and report votes. “We believe this race is going to be incredibly close,” Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon told reporters. “So, we may not know the results of this election for several days, but we are very focused on staying calm and confident throughout this period as the process goes through.”
The Republican National Committee (RNC), however, is working hard to challenge threats to election integrity and ensure that votes are both cast and counted legally. The RNC enjoyed a major election integrity win in Georgia late Sunday, after Democrat-led Cobb County announced plans to extend the deadline for receiving and counting mail-in ballots until November 8, citing tardiness in sending out an estimated 3,000 absentee ballots. Georgia’s Supreme Court issued an order demanding that the 3,000 “late” absentee ballots be separated and not counted, pending another court’s review and order. RNC chairman Michael Whatley touted the state supreme court’s decision as a “HUGE election integrity victory…” He added, “Election Day is Election Day — not the week after. We will keep fighting, keep winning, and keep sharing updates.”
The RNC has also been active in ensuring that only legal votes are counted in other states, like Pennsylvania. The Republicans challenged a Pennsylvania state Supreme Court ruling which allowed voters to cast a provisional ballot in addition to a mail-in ballot, even if the mail-in ballot was rejected. A Nevada rule change was also challenged, which would have allowed mail-in ballots to be counted for up to three days after the election, even if those ballots are missing postmarks. The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the rule change is unconstitutional, but court proceedings may prevent the ruling from taking effect in time.
The RNC has also sued the Milwaukee Election Commission in Wisconsin, alleging that the organization is illegally limiting the number of Republican poll watchers permitted in precincts across the city. “The RNC has not recruited and trained thousands of volunteers in the Badger State simply to back down from misguided officials who want to prevent a full measure of poll-watching transparency,” Whatley commented.
Election integrity wins were also handed to the RNC concerning early voting. In Bucks Couty, Pennsylvania, voters in line to apply for early voting were dismissed by security guards and election officials hours before the deadline to apply for early voting had expired. The RNC requested a court order to extend the deadline for early voting applications by one day — a Bucks County judge extended the deadline by three days.
On Tuesday morning, reports surfaced that voting machines in rural Cambria County, Pennsylvania, were down and that voters waiting to cast their ballots were told they may not be able to before the polls close. Once again, the RNC acted quickly and secured a court order extending the voting deadline in Cambria County to 10 p.m., according to RNC co-chair Lara Trump. Whatley urged voters, “We need you to stay in line. We need you to fill out your ballot in full and deliver it. Our Pennsylvania lawyers are all over this issue and will ensure fairness and accuracy in the process. Stay in line! Deliver your ballot!”
Tuesday, November 5
Israelis Hold Prayer Gathering for U.S. Strength Before Election Decision
As the United States approaches a pivotal presidential election, hundreds of Israelis gathered in Ancient Shiloh to offer prayers for the strength and prosperity of America. The event, organized by the Binyamin Regional Council, saw men and women from various backgrounds native Israelis, American immigrants, and local students come together at this historic site to recite psalms and pray for the well-being of Israel’s closest ally.
Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and the Yesha Council, explained the significance of Shiloh as the site of the ancient Tabernacle, a place where blessings were once bestowed upon the region. “We chose to pray to God from the site of the Tabernacle… I hope that a blessing will come forth at this time, from this spot, to the United States, Israel, and the entire world,” he said.
The council has been proactive in urging dual U.S.-Israeli citizens to participate in the American election, recognizing the profound impact U.S. policies have on the region. “The elections in the United States could have even more impact on the future for the residents of Judea and Samaria than for those living in places like New York,” Ganz noted, referencing U.S. involvement in key Israeli issues, including the war against Hamas, sanctions, and the controversial push for a Palestinian state.
Among the participants was Shiloh resident Batya Medad, who emphasized the global need for prayer. Reflecting on the political climate in the U.S., she expressed concerns over societal divisions and the challenges faced by both nations. “The whole world needs prayers… especially the United States the hatred, and lack of tolerance for ideas,” Medad said, drawing parallels between past and present U.S.-Israel relations.
Eliana Passentin, director of the international desk at the Binyamin Regional Council, highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the gathering. “We are standing here at the birthplace of prayer, where Hannah prayed for a child thousands of years ago, and are praying for a strong America. A strong America means a strong Israel,” she said. Passentin stressed that U.S. leadership understanding the importance of Israel’s biblical heartland, Judea and Samaria, is crucial for the peaceful existence of its residents.
Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation, echoed these sentiments, noting the strong support for Israel among the American public. “Since October 7, we see that around 80% of Americans stand firmly with Israel… It is now our turn to pray for them,” he said. Reinstein underscored the strategic importance of a robust U.S.-Israel alliance, stating, “A strong America will bring peace and prosperity to the Middle East.”
Ruth J. Lieberman, a political adviser to Ganz, emphasized the mutual dependence between Israel and the U.S. “The idea behind this gathering is that we want America to know that Israel stands with them… The high-schoolers here today are the next generation of IDF soldiers. They expect a strong America to stand right behind them,” she said.
Lieberman acknowledged the ongoing support from U.S. Congress, particularly in providing military aid and legislative backing for Israel’s fight against shared adversaries like Iran. “We hope the [new] White House will realize what they have to do… We really hope those close friends of ours will be in positions of power and support us as strongly as they possibly can,” she concluded.
Tuesday, November 5
Evangelical Leaders Make Their Final Appeals For Believers To Pray And Vote
Evangelical leaders are making their final appeals for believers to pray and vote on Election Day, as the nation makes its choices for leadership from the president to community officials.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Franklin Graham called this “the most important election in the history of our nation. Join me in praying that God’s will be done.”
Already, historic numbers of people have voted early, with significantly higher early voting by Republican voters than in the 2020 elections.
But a national survey released last month by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University indicated that nearly half of “theologically defined born-again Christians” said they were unlikely to vote.
James Dobson, speaking on the Nov. 4 edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk broadcast, argued that sitting out the election is shortsighted.
“With all respect, this election isn’t about you,” he said. “It certainly isn’t about me. It’s about our kids and grandkids. It’s about those who are yet to come, if they’re allowed to live. This vote has awesome implications for future generations and the nation we love. It is about our Constitution and the immutable God-given rights that it protects. It is about values and truth and greatness and hope. That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate. Pray like never before that God will spare this great nation from tyranny and oppression of religious liberty. And God bless America.”
“Some races will be decided by a handful of votes,” said Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council on This Week on the Hill. “As Christians, we have been given a responsibility: to cast our vote and to do so in such a way that truth will be advanced, or at a minimum, not hindered by policies that run counter to Biblical truth.”
Tuesday, November 5
Analysis — Tony Perkins: Use What You Have Been Given To Advance The Truth Of God’s Word
Have you voted yet? Are you planning on voting? Last month, pollster George Barna conducted a national survey of faith-driven voters, and the results were concerning: just over half of evangelical voters intended to participate in this election. That may have shifted as record numbers of citizens have cast early ballots. As of Friday, more than 60 million people have already voted. For perspective, in 2020 just over 161 million ballots were cast in total. I hope you’re among those numbers; if not, I hope you have plans to vote before the polls close.
Here’s why it matters. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of the talents: “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money” (Matthew 25:14-18).
If you’re unfamiliar with this parable, here’s a summary: the master who traveled to a far country symbolizes Jesus, who departed but will return. His followers are the servants, entrusted with gifts and opportunities to multiply truth and expand the Kingdom of God.
Those who took risks, engaged, and brought a return were rewarded with greater responsibility and authority. The servant who, out of fear or laziness, hid his gift was cast out as useless.
This parable teaches us that although we don’t all have the same gifts or opportunities, we each have a responsibility to use what we have to advance God’s truth. Christians in North Korea, China, or Cuba don’t have the same freedoms we enjoy here in America. Here, we can elect leaders who influence the world, and the policies they push either advance or hinder truth globally.
For instance, the current administration has tied billions of your tax dollars via foreign aid to conditions that pressure poorer nations to adopt pro-abortion policies and promote LGBTQ ideologies, even indoctrinating children into these lifestyles.
To those who think one vote won’t make a difference, consider the parable’s message: each talent mattered — and so does every vote. Some races will be decided by a mere handful of votes, and control of Congress may hinge on a few key races in blue states where Republican voters might think their votes won’t matter. But they will — immensely.
As Americans, we hold a right, a unique privilege that many around the world can only dream of. And as Christians, we have been given a responsibility — to cast our vote and to do so in such a way that truth will be advanced or, at a minimum, not hindered by policies that run counter to biblical truth.
Wednesday, November 6
In An Overwhelming Answer To Prayer, Donald J. Trump Wins The Presidency In Historic Victory
After months of prayer, Donald J. Trump will become the 47th President of the United States in an overwhelming and historic victory.
Despite claims that the election results would be neck and neck, President Trump quickly showed a considerable lead over Kamala Harris, culminating in a sweeping win that was called shortly after 1 PM (EST) after several swing states were officially called in his favor.
Earlier in the day, Franklin Graham underscored why a Trump victory would be an incredible answer to prayer for Christians. Calling the election “the most important election in the history of our nation,” Graham highlighted that if Trump were to be elected, “there’s going to be millions of unborn children that will be protected in the next four years.”
“The military is going to be protected. The borders are going to be protected in the next four years. Freedom of speech is going to be protected. Freedom of religion is going to be upheld,” he stressed, adding God is the ultimate authority on who will lead the nation.
Harbinger’s Daily
Wednesday, November 6
Republicans Projected To Take Control Of The US Senate
The Fox News Decision Desk can project that Republicans will take control of the Senate. The party will hold at least 51 seats, enough for an outright majority.
The tipping point seat is Nebraska, where Fox News projects that Republican incumbent Senator Deb Fischer will defeat independent challenger Dan Osborn.
It’s not yet clear who will serve as the next Senate majority leader. Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is the longest serving Senate leader in history, announced earlier this year that he would step down.
Tuesday, November 5
Voters Reject Abortion Ballot Initiative, Upholding Florida's Six Week Abortion Ban
Floridians rejected a measure to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion Tuesday, retaining the state’s six-week ban.
Amendment 4 is poised to fail, according to the Decision Desk. The amendment would have prevented the state from enforcing any laws that prohibit abortion before viability — around week 22 of pregnancy — and would have allowed the procedure after viability in cases “necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider,” according to the amendment’s text.
“The demise of pro-abortion Amendment 4 is a momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement. “Thanks to Gov. Ron DeSantis, when we wake up tomorrow, babies with beating hearts will still be protected in the free state of Florida.”
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state’s six-week abortion ban into law in 2023, which allows the procedure up to week 15 of pregnancy in cases of rape, incest and human trafficking. Planned Parenthood challenged the state’s previous 15-week abortion ban in 2022, but Florida’s Supreme Court ruled in April 2024 that the state had the right to enact laws around abortion, upholding the new six-week ban.
Tuesday, November 5
Franklin Graham: If Trump Is Elected President Tonight, Millions Of Unborn Children Will Be Protected
The majority of Evangelicals will vote for former President Donald Trump in the presidential election “because he stands for so many of the things that are dear to them,” says Rev. Franklin Graham, President and CEO of humanitarian aid organization Samaritan’s Purse.
“First of all, if he’s elected president tonight, there’s going to be millions of unborn children that will be protected in the next four years,” Graham told Newsmax TV.
“The military is going to be protected. The borders are going to be protected in the next four years. Freedom of speech is going to be protected. Freedom of religion is going to be upheld. All these things, if he’s elected and the evangelicals, these are things that are issues for them,” he told “The Record.”
“So, I just pray that God’s choice, his will, will be done. Donald Trump is not going to save America. The only person who could do that is God himself. And so, I pray that whoever wins tonight that our country would be able to come together and move forward,” he added.
Tuesday, November 5
RNC Works Hard to Combat Election Integrity Worries
As Americans head to the voting booth to vote in the contentious 2024 election, concerns still abound surrounding election integrity. One of the biggest concerns for Americans is that election results may not be announced the night of the election itself.
According to a Rasmussen Reports survey published Monday, 70% of likely voters are concerned that “the winner of the presidential election may not be known on Election Night because of some states being late in counting their votes,” including 40% who are “very concerned.” Nearly half (45%) of Americans say that delayed vote count reporting causes them to be “less confident in the accuracy of the final result.” Additionally, 54% of Americans believe that if vote count reporting is delayed, it’s because “officials want to make sure the results are accurate,” while over one third of Americans believe that vote counting delays are an indication of cheating.
The survey results follow Democrats and mainstream media outlets predicting vote counting delays in major battleground states. Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s campaign anticipated that Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada in particular may take “many days” to count and report votes. “We believe this race is going to be incredibly close,” Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon told reporters. “So, we may not know the results of this election for several days, but we are very focused on staying calm and confident throughout this period as the process goes through.”
The Republican National Committee (RNC), however, is working hard to challenge threats to election integrity and ensure that votes are both cast and counted legally. The RNC enjoyed a major election integrity win in Georgia late Sunday, after Democrat-led Cobb County announced plans to extend the deadline for receiving and counting mail-in ballots until November 8, citing tardiness in sending out an estimated 3,000 absentee ballots. Georgia’s Supreme Court issued an order demanding that the 3,000 “late” absentee ballots be separated and not counted, pending another court’s review and order. RNC chairman Michael Whatley touted the state supreme court’s decision as a “HUGE election integrity victory…” He added, “Election Day is Election Day — not the week after. We will keep fighting, keep winning, and keep sharing updates.”
The RNC has also been active in ensuring that only legal votes are counted in other states, like Pennsylvania. The Republicans challenged a Pennsylvania state Supreme Court ruling which allowed voters to cast a provisional ballot in addition to a mail-in ballot, even if the mail-in ballot was rejected. A Nevada rule change was also challenged, which would have allowed mail-in ballots to be counted for up to three days after the election, even if those ballots are missing postmarks. The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the rule change is unconstitutional, but court proceedings may prevent the ruling from taking effect in time.
The RNC has also sued the Milwaukee Election Commission in Wisconsin, alleging that the organization is illegally limiting the number of Republican poll watchers permitted in precincts across the city. “The RNC has not recruited and trained thousands of volunteers in the Badger State simply to back down from misguided officials who want to prevent a full measure of poll-watching transparency,” Whatley commented.
Election integrity wins were also handed to the RNC concerning early voting. In Bucks Couty, Pennsylvania, voters in line to apply for early voting were dismissed by security guards and election officials hours before the deadline to apply for early voting had expired. The RNC requested a court order to extend the deadline for early voting applications by one day — a Bucks County judge extended the deadline by three days.
On Tuesday morning, reports surfaced that voting machines in rural Cambria County, Pennsylvania, were down and that voters waiting to cast their ballots were told they may not be able to before the polls close. Once again, the RNC acted quickly and secured a court order extending the voting deadline in Cambria County to 10 p.m., according to RNC co-chair Lara Trump. Whatley urged voters, “We need you to stay in line. We need you to fill out your ballot in full and deliver it. Our Pennsylvania lawyers are all over this issue and will ensure fairness and accuracy in the process. Stay in line! Deliver your ballot!”
Tuesday, November 5
Israelis Hold Prayer Gathering for U.S. Strength Before Election Decision
As the United States approaches a pivotal presidential election, hundreds of Israelis gathered in Ancient Shiloh to offer prayers for the strength and prosperity of America. The event, organized by the Binyamin Regional Council, saw men and women from various backgrounds native Israelis, American immigrants, and local students come together at this historic site to recite psalms and pray for the well-being of Israel’s closest ally.
Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and the Yesha Council, explained the significance of Shiloh as the site of the ancient Tabernacle, a place where blessings were once bestowed upon the region. “We chose to pray to God from the site of the Tabernacle… I hope that a blessing will come forth at this time, from this spot, to the United States, Israel, and the entire world,” he said.
The council has been proactive in urging dual U.S.-Israeli citizens to participate in the American election, recognizing the profound impact U.S. policies have on the region. “The elections in the United States could have even more impact on the future for the residents of Judea and Samaria than for those living in places like New York,” Ganz noted, referencing U.S. involvement in key Israeli issues, including the war against Hamas, sanctions, and the controversial push for a Palestinian state.
Among the participants was Shiloh resident Batya Medad, who emphasized the global need for prayer. Reflecting on the political climate in the U.S., she expressed concerns over societal divisions and the challenges faced by both nations. “The whole world needs prayers… especially the United States the hatred, and lack of tolerance for ideas,” Medad said, drawing parallels between past and present U.S.-Israel relations.
Eliana Passentin, director of the international desk at the Binyamin Regional Council, highlighted the spiritual and historical significance of the gathering. “We are standing here at the birthplace of prayer, where Hannah prayed for a child thousands of years ago, and are praying for a strong America. A strong America means a strong Israel,” she said. Passentin stressed that U.S. leadership understanding the importance of Israel’s biblical heartland, Judea and Samaria, is crucial for the peaceful existence of its residents.
Josh Reinstein, president of the Israel Allies Foundation, echoed these sentiments, noting the strong support for Israel among the American public. “Since October 7, we see that around 80% of Americans stand firmly with Israel… It is now our turn to pray for them,” he said. Reinstein underscored the strategic importance of a robust U.S.-Israel alliance, stating, “A strong America will bring peace and prosperity to the Middle East.”
Ruth J. Lieberman, a political adviser to Ganz, emphasized the mutual dependence between Israel and the U.S. “The idea behind this gathering is that we want America to know that Israel stands with them… The high-schoolers here today are the next generation of IDF soldiers. They expect a strong America to stand right behind them,” she said.
Lieberman acknowledged the ongoing support from U.S. Congress, particularly in providing military aid and legislative backing for Israel’s fight against shared adversaries like Iran. “We hope the [new] White House will realize what they have to do… We really hope those close friends of ours will be in positions of power and support us as strongly as they possibly can,” she concluded.
Tuesday, November 5
Evangelical Leaders Make Their Final Appeals For Believers To Pray And Vote
Evangelical leaders are making their final appeals for believers to pray and vote on Election Day, as the nation makes its choices for leadership from the president to community officials.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Franklin Graham called this “the most important election in the history of our nation. Join me in praying that God’s will be done.”
Already, historic numbers of people have voted early, with significantly higher early voting by Republican voters than in the 2020 elections.
But a national survey released last month by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University indicated that nearly half of “theologically defined born-again Christians” said they were unlikely to vote.
James Dobson, speaking on the Nov. 4 edition of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk broadcast, argued that sitting out the election is shortsighted.
“With all respect, this election isn’t about you,” he said. “It certainly isn’t about me. It’s about our kids and grandkids. It’s about those who are yet to come, if they’re allowed to live. This vote has awesome implications for future generations and the nation we love. It is about our Constitution and the immutable God-given rights that it protects. It is about values and truth and greatness and hope. That is why the notion of choosing a president based on frivolous personality characteristics is so unfortunate. Pray like never before that God will spare this great nation from tyranny and oppression of religious liberty. And God bless America.”
“Some races will be decided by a handful of votes,” said Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council on This Week on the Hill. “As Christians, we have been given a responsibility: to cast our vote and to do so in such a way that truth will be advanced, or at a minimum, not hindered by policies that run counter to Biblical truth.”
Tuesday, November 5
Analysis — Tony Perkins: Use What You Have Been Given To Advance The Truth Of God’s Word
Have you voted yet? Are you planning on voting? Last month, pollster George Barna conducted a national survey of faith-driven voters, and the results were concerning: just over half of evangelical voters intended to participate in this election. That may have shifted as record numbers of citizens have cast early ballots. As of Friday, more than 60 million people have already voted. For perspective, in 2020 just over 161 million ballots were cast in total. I hope you’re among those numbers; if not, I hope you have plans to vote before the polls close.
Here’s why it matters. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of the talents: “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money” (Matthew 25:14-18).
If you’re unfamiliar with this parable, here’s a summary: the master who traveled to a far country symbolizes Jesus, who departed but will return. His followers are the servants, entrusted with gifts and opportunities to multiply truth and expand the Kingdom of God.
Those who took risks, engaged, and brought a return were rewarded with greater responsibility and authority. The servant who, out of fear or laziness, hid his gift was cast out as useless.
This parable teaches us that although we don’t all have the same gifts or opportunities, we each have a responsibility to use what we have to advance God’s truth. Christians in North Korea, China, or Cuba don’t have the same freedoms we enjoy here in America. Here, we can elect leaders who influence the world, and the policies they push either advance or hinder truth globally.
For instance, the current administration has tied billions of your tax dollars via foreign aid to conditions that pressure poorer nations to adopt pro-abortion policies and promote LGBTQ ideologies, even indoctrinating children into these lifestyles.
To those who think one vote won’t make a difference, consider the parable’s message: each talent mattered — and so does every vote. Some races will be decided by a mere handful of votes, and control of Congress may hinge on a few key races in blue states where Republican voters might think their votes won’t matter. But they will — immensely.
As Americans, we hold a right, a unique privilege that many around the world can only dream of. And as Christians, we have been given a responsibility — to cast our vote and to do so in such a way that truth will be advanced or, at a minimum, not hindered by policies that run counter to biblical truth.
