For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9
Spring 2004 Volume 5, Issue 2 |
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God gives birth to nations. While I have affirmed the relationship of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it was actually God who used these documents, as He has used other tools in the formation of all nations, to bring about our nation. This is the truth that Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way. Do certain people of influence in our nation have to learn the hard way that our nation is under God? Romans 13 is clear on the origin of any nation. It is also clear about the consequences for failing to recognize these truths: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities" (v. 1a). Why should we be subject to them? Paul explains himself further. "For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed (instituted) by God" (v. 1b). If that is true, I had better be subject. If I am not subject, then what? "Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves" (v. 2) Does this mean that if the government commands us to be silent about God, we should comply? No, and I will show you why shortly. From this verse alone you can see why the answer is no. When the governing authority denies that it is the tool of God, we have to choose God. We ask people in positions of influence in America, please do not force us to make a decision between you and God. Paul continued: “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's servant, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil [wrongdoing]” (vv. 3, 4). Verses 2-4 show that there is also a severe penalty for the government if it does evil, including denying God's place in the government. What Shall we do if we are told not to speak of God anymore? You should be prepared for this in the future. In Acts 4, Peter and John, apostles of Jesus Christ, were told not to speak at all about God. And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. |
But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:18-20). Peter and John did not obey the governing authorities, but did exactly what they said they would do. Therefore, they were arrested again. And when they had brought them they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:27-29). Peter explained why they were going to continue to speak of God and Jesus Christ. The Jewish Council conferred with one another. They brought the apostles back in. “...When they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:40-42). Peter, John and the church did not bring any lawsuits against the nation, but continued to do what Heaven told them to do. What happens to nations that reject God? Let me take you back to the Book of Daniel. Earlier we were in chapters 4 and 6. What happened between those chapters is what brought down Babylon and brought the Medo-Persian Empire to the forefront. What happens in chapter 5 is multiplied throughout the Bible. Moreover, you can witness this in secular history. It is a reason that the Soviet Union lasted just over only 70 years. It is what will happen to America, if she is not careful. It may not be Islamic terrorists who bring down America, but her own political and religious liberals and the silence of Christians! “Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had | |
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