Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers - This is a very strong saying, and most solemnly introduced; and we must consider the apostle as speaking, not from his own private judgment, or teaching a doctrine of present expediency, but declaring the mind of God on a subject of the utmost importance to the peace of the world; a doctrine which does not exclusively belong to any class of people, order of the community, or official situations, but to every soul; and, on the principles which the apostle lays down, to every soul in all possible varieties of situation, and on all occasions. And what is this solemn doctrine? It is this: Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. Let every man be obedient to the civil government under which the providence of God has cast his lot.
For there is no power but of God - As God is the origin of power, and the supreme Governor of the universe, he delegates authority to whomsoever he will; and though in many cases the governor himself may not be of God, yet civil government is of him; for without this there could be no society, no security, no private property; all would be confusion and anarchy, and the habitable world would soon be depopulated. kind of like we see today....
Subjection to civil governors inculcated, from the consideration that civil government is according to the ordinance of God; and that those who resist the lawfully constituted authorities shall receive condemnation, Ro 13:1, Ro 13:2. And those who are obedient shall receive praise, Ro 13:3. The character of a lawful civil governor, Ro 13:4. The necessity of subjection, Ro 13:5. The propriety of paying lawful tribute, Ro 13:6, Ro 13:7. Christians should love one another, Ro 13:8-10. The necessity of immediate conversion to God proved from the shortness and uncertainty of time, Ro 13:11, Ro 13:12. How the Gentiles should walk so as to please God, and put on Christ Jesus in order to their salvation, Ro 13:13, Ro 13:14.
Actually the term "separation of church and state" does not exist in the U.S. Constitution or Bill of Rights. The first Amendment protect the free exercise of religion for all people in the U.S.. The recent Supreme Court decision concerning the football coach from Bremerton, WA. is a good example of correct viewing of the First Amendment concerning free exercise of religion and the government not infringing nor prohibiting this right to free exercise. This amendment also includes that the government will not establish a specific religion such as is in the U.K. or Sweden. This means that the government cannot make it law that citizens need to adhere to a specific religion and pay the government to support this established religion.
Hello, Richard. It seems that we perhaps have similar points of view here, but coming from differing angles. I was just out of college when Reagan was elected. He set the stage for some real positive steps for democracy. I remember when the Berlin wall came down. What a wonderful event that was for the world, but especially for east and west Germans. I remember when Poland revolted against communism with the Solidarity movement and succeeded in wresting control away from the U.S.S.R. Soon many other eastern bloc countries were able to break away from the U.S.S.R. until finally the U.S.S.R. was broken up and we now have the various countries around the Black and Caspian Sea that are independent along with some along the outer western part of Russia. I remember when interest rates were up to 16% and there were long lines for gas as it was being rationed during the Carter administration. Those were hard times and it took two administrations of Reagan to undo the damage Carter's policies did to the U.S. citizenry. I remember growing up when one income was sufficient for the average family. You could be a butcher, milkman, postal deliverer, etc. and supply what was needed for your family. "Common decency" was a real thing in communities and provided much safety for children growing up. But I realize this wasn't true for all communities. I have witnessed the steady deterioration of the nuclear family and alienation of neighbors in neighborhoods that once were close knit and watchful for ALL that lived there.
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All of these events made me one who was very politically aware of how our country was being governed and to remain vigilant about standing up and speaking up about things that would help, not harm our country.
Paul had a calling to be an evangelist and apostle. He knew full well what he was to do. Some of us have callings to serve in the ministry, others in the military, others in the government and most of are to fulfill our duties as citizens.
Nice to hear from you again. Not sure what is disagreed upon-I don't have any real problem with your response. I was listening to a program about Reagan's life last night. What was confidential until recently was his personal action to let out a group of Pentacostal believers who were detained in Russia in the 80's. He also personally visited an apartment where Jews were being mistreated; as well as a stopover to discuss with refugees his vision of the future. As to his own confused doctrinal stance; I am aware issues exist. My point is taking a personal approach is helpful; as he did with Gorbachev (even though he still spoke out against evils). You would probably agree that it is the REASON we are standing for our freedoms that is more important than going out and supporting a "humanitarian" concept. It is always secondary; as it was with Paul to the Gospel being preached. Thus; there was a convenient season to rejoice in being beaten in jail and worship/sing to Christ and he was miraculously delivered; and there was the time he used the Roman citizenship as a playing card. Again; in that case he was probably looking at the importance of being free to continue his ministry and perhaps the other person imprisoned with him and his welfare as well. It is much like his talk to the Corinthians about his suffering in his rather sarcastic commentary-it was necessary for their edification and growth to understand his apostolic ministry. It wasn't mentioned to other churches; and again his main concern and what he spent day and night weeping and praying for was for the state of the churches and the doctrines therein. When his incarceration was used as a vehicle to save those on the ship and minister to the Cretians; as well as travel elsewhere under house arrest it benefited the gospel. The church should make all efforts to be a safe haven for single moms; and others in need so government can be trimmed back to original parameters of law and order.
You have given a reasoned reply to Sheila. some of it I agree with and some of it I do not. You can read my reply to T. Levi below if you wish to know my thinking. As a believer, I know my citizenship is in heaven, but also, as a U.S. citizen, I believe that I am to exercise all of the rights afforded t me in our nation's Constitutions for my welfare and that of my family and neighbors.
I do know that the Word says that we are to live quiet and godly lives among the wicked. But I don't think that that means to be pacificist nor just let evil prevail. I think we are to rise up when necessary and endeavor to resist, speak out, vote, and fight for what we know is best for our nation, as what is best benefits ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our communities, our nation, and the world.
Thank you T. Levi, and Happy Independence Day to you. Indeed God has richly blessed the U.S.A. over and over again. Citizens of this blessed nation have more individual rights than any other government in history. We have more freedom in this country than in any other country in history. We should be thankful for God's guidance and providence in the forming and continuance of our nation.
We also should exercise our rights afforded by the Constitution to protect ourselves and other citizens from governmental abuse and lawlessness. Because of this remarkable we should not shrink back from our duty to vote, engage in public and political affairs, and speak out for what we believe is best for our country.
There are those who decry patriotism as being incompatible with the Christian walk. But I disagree. Even Paul appealed to his Roman citizenship when being incarcerated and interrogated. I believe our country is worth preserving and improving. It has been used of God to bless the world in so many ways-even extraordinarily. I do not think we should just be pacificist and just let things happen. We, believers are a "stop gap" to the works of evil in our country and the world. We believers have the freedom to evangelize and speak freely about our Savior, unlike so many other countries. I for one, do not want our country to become Communistic or under Muslim control, since these forms of government persecute and execute those who want to share the gospel. I do not want to see the advent of the One World Government come in my life time. I will use my rights as a citizen to resist this for as long as I am able to do so.
We should not be so defeatist and fatalistic in thinking that it is inevitable and so there is nothing we can do to stop it. We are a restraining power because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We should not quench the Spirit even in such things as exercising our rights and working to preserve the truly good aspects of our nation.
Addendum...The church should be aware of how it will be judged first; in this regard. Much of today's poor decision making (i.e. leniency on criminals; women's rights issues) has been growing due to it's inception in churches today. The root issue of many vices is lack of fathers at home; which in many ways developed with lax views of the marriage covenant allowing for widespread divorce; single parent homes and remarriages. Without the discipline and order as God designed it; things have gradually unraveled in society. These mindsets have largely developed because of worldly doctrines infiltrating what used to be mainline trusted denominations that preached God's Word. Much also; it seems has come from an unbalanced promotion of God's love at the expense of balancing His wrath and disregarding a literal hell; as well as not discussing His judgment on the nations which is just ahead. We don't preach about the Tribulation very much these days; and we have to evaluate our own attitudes as to our comfort level in this world. We need to be careful not to "Americanize" our view of the Gospel; as well as accepting that we are inexorably headed toward One World Government; and much as was in the case of Babylon; we are not to expend needless energies to stop it. We also must demonstrate a good work ethic; as our society has largely gotten used to over reliance on government handouts and lost much wisdom on survival skills.
We must avoid overreacting as we yet are not being executed for our faith in this land. God has given grace to those who for a time were pressured into getting the "V". Again; we should only focus on what is clearly against scripture. In other matters we must demonstrate PATIENCE so we can endure to the end and not lose our reward. Trusting God to meet our earthly needs is key to joy in such a hedonistic culture; and goes against the "Christian music industry" and other megachurch behaviors that characterize the Laodicean era.
Desr Sheila. Just think, was Roman rule better in Paul's time? No surely it wasn't. Christians suffered many persecutions during the first three centuaries AD but never revolted, always obeyed the Romans, and the example of their lives made after those 3 centuaries almost the whole of Rome christians. Our lives are often the best testimony of our faith in Jesus Christ. Of course one has to obey God's rules when they are in contrast with gov rules, it is what Peter said to Jews when they arested the spostles because they were preaching the Gospel. So lets do the same.
Dear "Sheila" so nice that you remembered it. Today i have a word for you that can slip under the same. Romans 13. Thank you for your patience. It is an important gift, and the love for it does not hurt our neighbor, know that we work for the One True Just God. He alone should have the credit. God bless u and yours in Jesus. love u in Christ.
I see you found your answer. I'd like to add. Here in the United States of America, we celebrate the Independence of our Nation this week. As Christians; that independence is our strongest defense of Our GOD given rights to worship, sing, praise GOD openly, spread the good news of the Gospel & obey GOD. The core foundation of USA, was driven by believers that were willing to lose everything to make our country free from tyrannical government, for our basic freedoms of Life, freedom to worship, freedom of speech, freedom of press, right to protect our freedom within the right to keep and bear arms. Within the core foundational documents we even have the rights to abolish the form of government when it has a long train of abuses. In every State Constitution & within The US Constitution & Declaration of Independence it is We The People, that are established as the authority. Therefore we have the Rights of the GOD blessed & established Governing Authority. One Nation under GOD, In GOD We Trust, GOD Bless America, all also established Legal phrases locked into our Nation, that I believe has continued GOD's blessing on our nation. Please see the statement of the Church of Philadelphia (noting also the US Mint, that prints every currency "In GOD We Trust", the U.S. Constitution, & The U.S. Declaration of Independence were signed ) says "._.hast not denied my name" Revelation 3:7-8, could this be the Church established through these, in Philadelphia USA, that continues to fight, pray, worship & stand today? That "hast kept my word" is it these foundational documents that very "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength" please read The Declaration of Independence, individual States Constitutions. Never stop seeking GOD's wisdom, direction, & guidance for yourself & Our Nation. For It's with these freedoms we help liberty of Christ around the globe!
This more of a question. In Titus 3:1 it tells us to obey our government. If a government by the people has and is leading Christians away from God and His commandments a government that lies, cheats, steals and eat up Gods people like the eat bread that government? Even when that government no longer hides their immoral actions in fact boast about them, a government by the people who chooses to destroy a nations and kill their citizens for power ? That government we as Christians are supposed to obey?
We reflect the image of GOD so we go about with unveiled faces. 2 Corinthians 3:13-14,16,17,18, Romans 8:1-8,10-15, all of Romans 8, Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 16:25-27,
If you're in USA the Declaration of Independence of The United States of America, The Constitution of The U.S. & every State Constitution including Hawaii, : We The People of the U.S. to be the governing authority. Please read each Preamble!. Furthermore it not only affirms We The People being the Governing authority but that we have a Duty to stand against tyranny & long chain of abuses. The free World depends on it, & for us being given the authority to lead.
The orgin of a'shot' is protecting our own lives. Matthew 16:25-27, Luke 9:23-26,
There are documents & whistle blowers exposing aborted child organs used & material that fights against the immune system of man, made by GOD ALMIGHTY in HIS image. Genesis 1:27,
Colossians 1:13-16 through the blood, (through the blood)
Dear "Antonio James". All who want too talk with God Him Self. Be ready for anything in the school with the Holy Ghost. He is talking claer in your heart, Listening and be patients with your self.
Romans 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Please read the whole chapter.
Stay close too the Holy Spirit and be filled of Him in grace and power u need too read the Holy Bible every day. Fill you self with God's thing, like peace, understanding, love, and mm.
Be and stay blessed in His Holy Name Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings.
Hi Antonio James. The original 12 disciples will not be replaced. The only one who fell short of the calling was Judas. He was replaced by Saint Matthias. Their names will be written on the gates of the holy Jerusalem. However, once you are a believer you are a disciple and are commission to spread the gospel throughout the world. Yah Bless!
And perhaps the vaccine and the other therapeutics are God's "way" out of the pestilence, maybe not. The mandates are not a correct strategy as it limits personal liberty.
I too, believe it's all a money-making-scam. It's Satanic to its core.
Bless our Heavenly Father- the god of the Hebrews, and his only begotten son/savior the Lord Jesus. They know who belongs to them and they will guide and protect them.
I too, would like Ivermectin if I got the Covid virus. But the powers that be have vilified it and no one will prescribe it. They even punish doctors for doing so. To me this is pure evil. They forbid us from having something that works and instead, push that toxic cocktail of biohazard waste (a.k.a. the "vaccine") upon us and punish those that won't take it.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers - This is a very strong saying, and most solemnly introduced; and we must consider the apostle as speaking, not from his own private judgment, or teaching a doctrine of present expediency, but declaring the mind of God on a subject of the utmost importance to the peace of the world; a doctrine which does not exclusively belong to any class of people, order of the community, or official situations, but to every soul; and, on the principles which the apostle lays down, to every soul in all possible varieties of situation, and on all occasions. And what is this solemn doctrine? It is this: Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. Let every man be obedient to the civil government under which the providence of God has cast his lot.
For there is no power but of God - As God is the origin of power, and the supreme Governor of the universe, he delegates authority to whomsoever he will; and though in many cases the governor himself may not be of God, yet civil government is of him; for without this there could be no society, no security, no private property; all would be confusion and anarchy, and the habitable world would soon be depopulated. kind of like we see today....
Subjection to civil governors inculcated, from the consideration that civil government is according to the ordinance of God; and that those who resist the lawfully constituted authorities shall receive condemnation, Ro 13:1, Ro 13:2. And those who are obedient shall receive praise, Ro 13:3. The character of a lawful civil governor, Ro 13:4. The necessity of subjection, Ro 13:5. The propriety of paying lawful tribute, Ro 13:6, Ro 13:7. Christians should love one another, Ro 13:8-10. The necessity of immediate conversion to God proved from the shortness and uncertainty of time, Ro 13:11, Ro 13:12. How the Gentiles should walk so as to please God, and put on Christ Jesus in order to their salvation, Ro 13:13, Ro 13:14.
.
All of these events made me one who was very politically aware of how our country was being governed and to remain vigilant about standing up and speaking up about things that would help, not harm our country.
Paul had a calling to be an evangelist and apostle. He knew full well what he was to do. Some of us have callings to serve in the ministry, others in the military, others in the government and most of are to fulfill our duties as citizens.
You have given a reasoned reply to Sheila. some of it I agree with and some of it I do not. You can read my reply to T. Levi below if you wish to know my thinking. As a believer, I know my citizenship is in heaven, but also, as a U.S. citizen, I believe that I am to exercise all of the rights afforded t me in our nation's Constitutions for my welfare and that of my family and neighbors.
I do know that the Word says that we are to live quiet and godly lives among the wicked. But I don't think that that means to be pacificist nor just let evil prevail. I think we are to rise up when necessary and endeavor to resist, speak out, vote, and fight for what we know is best for our nation, as what is best benefits ourselves, our families, our neighbors, our communities, our nation, and the world.
We also should exercise our rights afforded by the Constitution to protect ourselves and other citizens from governmental abuse and lawlessness. Because of this remarkable we should not shrink back from our duty to vote, engage in public and political affairs, and speak out for what we believe is best for our country.
There are those who decry patriotism as being incompatible with the Christian walk. But I disagree. Even Paul appealed to his Roman citizenship when being incarcerated and interrogated. I believe our country is worth preserving and improving. It has been used of God to bless the world in so many ways-even extraordinarily. I do not think we should just be pacificist and just let things happen. We, believers are a "stop gap" to the works of evil in our country and the world. We believers have the freedom to evangelize and speak freely about our Savior, unlike so many other countries. I for one, do not want our country to become Communistic or under Muslim control, since these forms of government persecute and execute those who want to share the gospel. I do not want to see the advent of the One World Government come in my life time. I will use my rights as a citizen to resist this for as long as I am able to do so.
We should not be so defeatist and fatalistic in thinking that it is inevitable and so there is nothing we can do to stop it. We are a restraining power because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We should not quench the Spirit even in such things as exercising our rights and working to preserve the truly good aspects of our nation.
We must avoid overreacting as we yet are not being executed for our faith in this land. God has given grace to those who for a time were pressured into getting the "V". Again; we should only focus on what is clearly against scripture. In other matters we must demonstrate PATIENCE so we can endure to the end and not lose our reward. Trusting God to meet our earthly needs is key to joy in such a hedonistic culture; and goes against the "Christian music industry" and other megachurch behaviors that characterize the Laodicean era.
GBU
I see you found your answer. I'd like to add. Here in the United States of America, we celebrate the Independence of our Nation this week. As Christians; that independence is our strongest defense of Our GOD given rights to worship, sing, praise GOD openly, spread the good news of the Gospel & obey GOD. The core foundation of USA, was driven by believers that were willing to lose everything to make our country free from tyrannical government, for our basic freedoms of Life, freedom to worship, freedom of speech, freedom of press, right to protect our freedom within the right to keep and bear arms. Within the core foundational documents we even have the rights to abolish the form of government when it has a long train of abuses. In every State Constitution & within The US Constitution & Declaration of Independence it is We The People, that are established as the authority. Therefore we have the Rights of the GOD blessed & established Governing Authority. One Nation under GOD, In GOD We Trust, GOD Bless America, all also established Legal phrases locked into our Nation, that I believe has continued GOD's blessing on our nation. Please see the statement of the Church of Philadelphia (noting also the US Mint, that prints every currency "In GOD We Trust", the U.S. Constitution, & The U.S. Declaration of Independence were signed ) says "._.hast not denied my name" Revelation 3:7-8, could this be the Church established through these, in Philadelphia USA, that continues to fight, pray, worship & stand today? That "hast kept my word" is it these foundational documents that very "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength" please read The Declaration of Independence, individual States Constitutions. Never stop seeking GOD's wisdom, direction, & guidance for yourself & Our Nation. For It's with these freedoms we help liberty of Christ around the globe!
If you're in USA the Declaration of Independence of The United States of America, The Constitution of The U.S. & every State Constitution including Hawaii, : We The People of the U.S. to be the governing authority. Please read each Preamble!. Furthermore it not only affirms We The People being the Governing authority but that we have a Duty to stand against tyranny & long chain of abuses. The free World depends on it, & for us being given the authority to lead.
The orgin of a'shot' is protecting our own lives. Matthew 16:25-27, Luke 9:23-26,
There are documents & whistle blowers exposing aborted child organs used & material that fights against the immune system of man, made by GOD ALMIGHTY in HIS image. Genesis 1:27,
Colossians 1:13-16 through the blood, (through the blood)
Psalms 106:36-39
Remember we do have Jesus too look at when we dont know what to do.
Please follow me in Romans chapter 9.
God bess u in Jesus Holy Name
Romans 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Please read the whole chapter.
Stay close too the Holy Spirit and be filled of Him in grace and power u need too read the Holy Bible every day. Fill you self with God's thing, like peace, understanding, love, and mm.
Be and stay blessed in His Holy Name Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings.
I Agree with the disciple "Is one who follows ones teachings.
Look how that is supposed to look like from the rest of the world.
John 13:34-35. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
( BY THIS SHALL ALL MEN KNOW THAT YE ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER. )
This is a Love we can't manifest in the flesh. It's a Love we can't do on our own.
God bless.
to following then to disciples. They became disciples because they began to discipline themselves to what
Jesus Christ was teaching and to a degree applying, even Judas until satan tricked Him was trying. So the answer to your
question is those of us who choose to discipline our lifestyles according to Gods Word and Walk in renewed mind
in the faith of jesus Christ are present day disciplined ones. God Bless
When authorities call you to sin you had better obey God .
If they said jump off a cliff is that ok ?
framework of the Church epistles to obey leaders in the church who carry the sword of the spirit Gods word. Notice
Chapter twelve renewed mind and 14 judging other believers on what they should or should not do because that is
up to there level of faith or believing.
authority tells you to worship or do something contrary to that we have Daniel and his three believer buddies to
as an example of what to do. Also Romans 13 is written in the frame work of believers in the church of God so
chapter 13 is within the body of Christ and the sword is Gods Word and to people who do evil it is terror our example
Ananias and Sapphira lied and were deceitful. When we walk in the framework of the love of God we will always
be pleasing in Gods eyes what man does with His Laws is His problem.
Keep something in mind man changes his Laws to suit him God keeps His Word because He is True and
never changes.
Bless our Heavenly Father- the god of the Hebrews, and his only begotten son/savior the Lord Jesus. They know who belongs to them and they will guide and protect them.
Those people are Satanic to their core.