Bible Study - Why Church (2) - We Pray for One Another - Ephesians 3:14-21 - August 2, 2020

Bible Study – Why Church (2) – We Pray for One Another – August 2, 2020

This is lesson (2) in our series entitled “Why Do I Need Church?”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 3:14-21.

Our focus is on prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:26-27: - ²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us^[j] with inexpressible groanings. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Let’s read Ephesians 3:14-21.

Prayer for Spiritual Power

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father^[c] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, ¹⁷ and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, ¹⁹ and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus which gives us insight into the substance of his prayers to GOD in their behalf. We still learn from Paul today as we study what he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let’s explore!

GOD is the FATHER of us all. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:3-14, which to me is the foundation of GOD’S Message to the Christians in Ephesus and to all people since, especially Christians.

³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One (JESUS).

GOD did what? HE chose us, when? “Before the foundation of the world!” GOD’S redemptive plan had all humans in HIS mind before HE created the world. What did GOD envision for us? “to be Holy and blameless in love before HIM.” “HE predestined us to encounter JESUS somewhere along our life’s journey.” Does that mean we have no choice?

First Corinthians 1:22-25:

²² For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles.^[e] 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, ²⁵ because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

GOD does all HE can to bring all to the saving knowledge that eternally rests in the fact that salvation solely resides in placing our faith in JESUS The CHRIST. JESUS did what no one else could ever do which is ----

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace ⁸ that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.^[d] 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the right time^[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

¹¹ In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

This is GOD’S redemptive plan through the LORD JESUS CHRIST for all people who will ever live upon earth. Pay attention to the words:

-         Lavished

-         Riches

-         Richly

-         Right time

-         Made known to us

-         Sealed

-         Down payment/guarantee until fully obtained

In Matthew 12:31-32, we read:

³¹ “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

Several things to consider (1) some people think or worry they have committed the unpardonable sin. But if the person worries about it, the person has not. So, what does this mean? When a person rejects the wooing of the Holy Spirit so much, he or she hardens his or her heart and places a barrier over the eyes of his or her heart. (2) If we remain silent and not teach on the Holy Spirit, are we withholding truth and will those who know the truth, be held accountable before GOD for not sharing truth?

The Holy Spirit is vital in the lives of all Spirit born Christians ---

In Psalm 46:10, we read:

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

When you place your faith in JESUS, your sins are washed away and you have eternal life. You are also to trust and obey in the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. When you do, you will build the right relationship with HIM.

The Bible instructs how to pray. However, the Holy Spirit prompts us to pray for people, situations, etc.

When you are prompted to pray, PRAY! You may think it may be silly but when the Holy Spirit prompts, it is serious. You may never know why but it is important to GOD for each of us to be ready to respond when prompted.

There are many instances when GOD prompted a person to pray e.g. a mother was bringing in groceries when the Holy Spirit prompted her to pray for her son who was helping put up a large tent. She immediately put her groceries down and began praying. The wind got under the tent and flipped her son over the tent. He landed on the other side unhurt. There are many such stories of the precise timing of our prayers.

Satan does not want Christians to be educated, empowered or rely upon the leadership of the Holy Spirit. GOD uses the manifestation of the Holy Spirit to minister fellow Christians and these lost in sin. The Holy Spirit knows what is going on world wide and in the heavens. Don’t try to figure it out but be available to respond, trusting in HIS leadership. Timing in life’s journey is often microseconds between life and death, escaping tragedy, exposure and non-exposure, wise decision and poor decisions and the list goes on. Be a prayer warrior.

At the instant a person accepts JESUS as his or her Savior, the fullness of JESUS is present in that person. That person is Spiritually born into GOD’S Family, never to be Spiritually unborn.

As the Spiritually born person takes off his or her old life or clothes as Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:22-24, it is a yielding of the flesh life to the Spirit life:

 ²² to take off^[g] your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, ²³ to be renewed^[h] in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and to put on^[i] the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

Often, it can be like the dawning of a new day. First, the glimmer of the sun’s rays, are displayed on the horizon. It gets our attention but as times goes, we see more and more until the light of day is fully manifested. We see and bathe in the glory of the light and the day which is fully revealed.

When Christians remove layers of flesh clothing, they battle with the flesh. 

This is when the Christian must allow and trust the indwelling Holy Spirit more and more as he or she adorns his or her Spiritual clothing. At the instant a Spirit born Christian takes that step of trust, it can seem like an awakening within and a renewed relationship with JESUS. That relationship has been there all the time just covered over. Discovering CHRIST in us, as Spirit Born Christians is a lifelong, exciting journey. The beginning is accepting JESUS as one’s Savior. The end is when we see HIM.

GOD issues the invitation to every individual to accept JESUS as his or her Savior but the choice is up to each person to either accept or reject GOD’S redemptive plan. What is GOD’S redemptive plan?

It is placing one’s faith in the sinless life of JESUS as his or her Savior.

In Paul’s writing to the Christians in Ephesus, which Bible scholars have labeled as Chapter 3, gives us insight into the importance of the power of prayer. I know in our Sunday school class and church we have seen our LORD answer many prayers. Does that mean HE answers all of our prayers like we lift them up to HIM? No! But HE answers our prayers according to HIS plan and purpose. What a privilege and joy it is that HE counts us worthy to pray for others and for the issues our world faces.

Ephesians 3:14-19:

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father^[c] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, ¹⁷ and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, ¹⁹ and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Do we pray this prayer for our brothers and sisters in CHRIST?

Do the things that break the heart of GOD also break our heart?

Do we have the mind of JESUS?

Have we taken off all of our old clothes and put on the clothes GOD provides for us?

If not, go before our LORD and confess it and ask HIM to help you take off your old flesh clothes and to put on your big boy or big girl Spiritual clothes and trust HIM as you walk with HIM. You have much to share and contribute to others. It is time to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to those who are in need of the light GOD has placed in you.

This is my prayer as well. Although 82 years old, I am still under construction.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Why Church (1) - We Are Joined Together - Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:8-10, 11-22

Bible Study – Why Church (1) – We are Joined Together – July 26, 2020

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Why Do I Need Church?”

Our focus scripture is Ephesians 1:20-23, 2:8-10, 11-22.

When we come to CHRIST by placing our faith in JESUS, we also become a part of the body of CHRIST. Thus, CHRIST in a person is what makes a person a Spirit born Christian. A Spiritual conversation takes place, which will never change. Once a person is Spiritually born, he or she will never become Spiritually unborn. If this is true then ------

I am sure many ask the question, “Why do I need church?” Some families may choose to do worship and Bible study at home. Certainly, during these times of the Covid-19 that is a good choice. I teach a class of senior adults and they receive this lesson via e-mail or the blog. We still long for and miss getting together for fellowship. We are a Spiritual family bonded in the love of JESUS through Spiritual rebirth. We are in unity with each other through the common bond of being a Spiritual family through faith in JESUS.

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Ephesus. Ephesus was originally a Greek colony but in Paul’s day it had become the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Geographically, it is what we know today as Turkey. It was at the center of major trade routes and had a harbor.

Ephesus had another attraction. It was the headquarters for the religious cult Diana or Artemis. The temple built to Diana had become one of the seven wonders of the world. The Apostle Paul preaching the Gospel of JESUS threatened the cult of Diana. (Acts 19:23-41)

Satan is in competition with GOD for the souls of people. Although Satan is the defeated foe of Christians, he still is at work to get Christians to compromise their relationship with GOD. Do you think the pandemic is Satan’s attempt to compromise or destroy the Church?

The Bible is very clear as we read in Hebrews 10:19-25 that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as we read in verse 25.

¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness^[f] to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience (Shed Blood of JESUS) and our bodies washed with pure water (Holy Spirit). ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

So why Church? The Holy Spirit is our common connection with each other. As we use our Spiritual gifts, we minister to each other and to others in our community and world. We are to pray for one another and communicate with each other as the Holy Spirit leads. When we pray and we see the hand of GOD working, we know that we are making a difference in the lives of those for whom GOD has called us to pray or reach out to during these times. A lot of people are sheltered in their homes and they need to hear from us. Many have relocated to assisted living and now find themselves quarantined because of the virus. We need to maintain contact with them by sending cards, calling, facetime, etc.

It is the members of the church that reach out to others during these times because of their love and concern for each other. How does being a Christian result in his or her love for fellow Christians? Let’s Explore!

There is a saying by C.T. Studd, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
― C.T. Studd

As GOD gives us opportunity, we need to be ready to present the Gospel to those with whom we come into their presence. Eternity is but one heartbeat away for all humans.

Let’s read Ephesians 1:15-19:

¹⁵ Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, ¹⁶ do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, ¹⁸ the eyes of your ^[f]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power –

How powerful is HIS mighty power? Consider the power that it took to resurrect JESUS, GOD’S Only SON, from the physically dead. It was an eternity changing event. What does the Apostle Paul reveal to us in 1 Corinthians 2:4-16?  

⁴ And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of ^[b]human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ⁵ that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Spiritual Wisdom

⁶ However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ^[c]ordained before the ages for our glory, ⁸ which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

⁹ But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

¹³ These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the ^[d]Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵ But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. ¹⁶ For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

The indwelling Holy Spirit sets aside all Spirit born Christians from everyone else. How? It is all about the power of GOD that dwells within, The Holy Spirit. Now, let’s continue to see what the Apostle Paul had to say to the Ephesian Christians ----

Let’s Read Ephesians 1:20-23:

God’s Power in Christ

²⁰ He (GOD) exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— ²¹ far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given,^[i] not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And he subjected everything under his feet^[j] and appointed him^[k] as head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

GOD is at work though CHRIST. How powerful is GOD? The spiritual forces of the universe were against GOD raising JESUS from the physically dead. GOD’S eternal plan was to show that the most powerful forces in the universe could not prevent the resurrection of the physically dead JESUS. 

Why? JESUS was and is the sinless sacrifice that GOD accepted as the perfect sacrifice to pay in full for all sin. JESUS gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS sinless blood to atone for sin. The shed blood of JESUS paid the price for sin in full. How do we know that? GOD raised the physically dead JESUS from the physically dead to reveal to all humans and the Spirit forces that JESUS reigns supreme and GOD established JESUS as the only way to HIM, through faith. JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless life in the place of all who would place their faith and trust in JESUS and what HE did for them. Thus, Spiritual birth that is eternal.

It is free and just for you. Accept it and you will be Spiritually born into the family of GOD for eternity.

How can this be? We are all sinners saved by GOD’S Grace ---

Consider 2 Corinthians 5:20:

²¹ For He (GOD) made Him who knew no sin (JESUS) to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

This is GOD’S plan of salvation for all people but every person must accept it. Do you accept it? It is free but it requires a decision from you personally. How do I accept it? How do you accept the most precious, eternal gift ever? 

In humility with thanksgiving.

Let’s read John 3:1-3:

3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

³ Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born ^[a]again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Let’s read Ephesians 2:8-10:

⁸ For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

GOD’S Grace cannot be earned. It is a free gift from GOD the instant a person places his or her faith in JESUS. A person cannot work hard enough, long enough to earn salvation.

I know, I wanted to give Christianity a test run before accepting JESUS as my Savior. Salvation does not work that way. It takes a step of faith. LORD JESUS, here I am as I am and I ask YOU make out of me what YOU want me to be. It is not the words you utter but it is the attitude of your heart. Are you tired of playing the search game to find JESUS on your own terms? If so, throw in the towel and be honest with JESUS. Here I am LORD forgive me for my sins and I ask YOU come into my life and help me live the Christian life as YOU desire. When you make that commitment, tell a Christian friend or your pastor that you have made this commitment. Then get into a Bible study so you can learn and put into practice what you learn as you study the Bible. (BF, you know what to do; do it.)

Let’s read Ephesians 2:11-22:

Unity in Christ

¹¹ So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. ¹² At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, ¹⁵ he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. ¹⁶ He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death.^[c] 17 He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. ²¹ In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

JESUS unified the Jews and the Gentiles into one in GOD’S plan of salvation. The walls of separation have been removed and all people are the chosen people of GOD when they place their faith in JESUS. The message of salvation came first to the Jews through the covenant. After JESUS had reconciled the law and the prophets, GOD established Grace. Why grace?

Once we accept JESUS as our Savior, all of our sins are forgiven and blotted out. Our past, present and future sins. How can that be? It is GOD’S plan that all who have experienced Spiritual birth are sinless in HIS eyes and righteous. It is GOD’S love for us, those who have placed their faith in JESUS. We do not bounce into and out of Heaven. YES, once you are Spiritually born into GOD’S Family you are forever in HIS Family.

It is GOD’S desire for all of HIS Spiritually born Children to build the right relationship with HIM and learn to trust HIM in all matters. HE desires for us to be in unity with HIM and with each other as brothers and sisters in CHRIST.

So, why do I need church? GOD established the church. Acts 16:5:

⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

The church is where truth is taught, lived and put into action. The church is the beacon reaching out to those seeking truth in JESUS. The church is not a showcase for saints but a sanctuary for those hurting and seeking Spiritual healing, growth and truth.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Special Lesson - How Should I Respond to Politics -

Bible Study – Special Lesson – How Should I respond to Politics – July 19, 2020

This is a single lesson on this subject. Next week we begin a six-week series entitled "Why Do I Need the Church?

Our focus scripture is Romans 13:1-10.

Reflect CHRIST in how you interact with politics and government.

This is a special lesson on the place for politics in the lives of people, especially Christians.

We have 435 seats in the House of Representatives which come up for election every 2 years. The creators of our political (bicameral – House and Senate) system wanted the citizens of the United States to have the opportunity to elect new House representatives every two years. They framed our Senate such that every Senator would have a six-year term with one-third of the Senate seats up for election every two-years.

The intent was for the rotation of representatives every 2 years and senators every 6 years. Once we elect a representative or senator, often, they become intoxicated with the power of the office and we like to re-elect those we think will best represent our wishes regarding governance. Both offices can become bastions of power or they just abide the time they are in office. Some who are elected become disenchanted with the office once they encounter the system.

So, the question for us as Christians is how are we to respond to our political system? The Apostle Paul gives us some insight. Let’s explore!

Often we become disenchanted with all the political wrangling we see on the news. We may say, “I will not vote.” Bad choice! As a citizen of the United States you have the right to vote and you should do so. You should listen, read and study the various choices you have, pray and seek GOD’S guidance on who you should vote for. Then vote.

You should not only vote but financially support and work for the candidate of your choice. Why is this important? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Romans 13:1-4:

A Christian’s Duties to the State

13 Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. 

The Apostle Paul stated that every governing authority has been established by HIM. How can that be when we know of governing authorities who are against the One True GOD and Father of JESUS. We live in an imperfect world. Sin abounds and all people need salvation from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death. GOD establishes order even among those who do not look to HIM for the sake of human existence run by ungodly authorities. Why? GOD works through the Holy Spirit to reach every heart even in ungodly systems.

GOD will hold those in government accountable for their actions.

Many years ago, we heard stories of Communist Governments telling the school children to pray to God that He would provide pencils. No pencils. Then they would ask them to pray to the Communist Government for pencils. The teachers would hurry around the classroom and scatter pencils on the floor of the classroom. Teaching the children to trust in the communist system rather than GOD.  

Several years ago, my wife and I were on a tour in Russia. The Russian young lady tour guide was a school teacher. She said that she and her husband were delighted with their life in Russia but their grandparents felt betrayed by the government. Why? The Government had told their grandparents when they were young that the government would take care of them from cradle to grave. But now the Russian government reneged on that promise and the elderly were having to fend for themselves. Was this GOD’S way of waking the people up to show them that the government had lied to them in the early days of the communist society? Their trust must be in GOD and not the government.

Romans 13:2:

² So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 

Certainly, when citizens resist authority there will be repercussions. We can look at Hong Kong. Those living in Hong Kong have tasted freedom while its citizens were under British rule. Now having the Chinese ruling and the government reining them in to be under government authority is painful. The citizens in Hong Kong could be less combative and attempt to try to seek common ground with the Chinee Government. Why don’t they try to negotiate? Is it a matter of trust? China is the government in charge of Hong Kong. GOD has allowed them to be in charge. The citizens of Hong Kong have a decision to make.

Romans 13:3-4:

³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. ⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 

Just a few years ago, Tiananmen Square in China is an example of government using its military power to control its people.

When we are in another country, we must abide by its laws. When we do, we dwell in harmony with the rulers of that country. Thus, “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.”

What is Paul’s advice? “Do what is good, and you will have its approval. ⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.”

Suppose the governing authority directs a Christian to do something contrary to GOD’S Word? Let’s read Acts 5:25-29:

²⁵ Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. ²⁷ After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, ²⁸ “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

²⁹ Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. 

This is where the rubber meets the road in our walk as Christians. Even in pagan societies Christians can function until they are demanded to disobey GOD’S Word. Then, what happens? GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, is our strength and guides us regarding the next steps in our walk with CHRIST. These are the times we must rely upon GOD and HIS leadership. Who do you think wants there to be racial chaos? It is those who want to take over and run our government like they desire. Is it perfect? NO! But we have the basis to work together to make it stronger. But as long as we have those in power pulling in different directions there will be chaos. Who likes chaos? Satan! Why? It is because America is a leader and honors GOD.   

Let’s read Romans 13:5-7:

⁵ Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience. ⁶ And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.^[a] 7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.

Christians are to be model citizens. Why? It is because submitting to the jurisdiction’s rules and regulations saves you from the wrath it can bring upon you. It also avoids you being singled out and made an example of as a Christian. So, Christians pay your taxes and tolls and do so realizing that those to whom you pay the tax or toll are just doing their job. Be gracious to those doing their jobs even if you do not like the function they are performing.

Let’s read Romans 13:8-10:

Love, Our Primary Duty

⁸ Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal;^[b] do not covet;^[c] and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.^[d] 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.

This is an issue many Christians struggle with “Do not owe anyone anything.” Should they purchase a house or auto borrowing money from a financial institution? If you do so, not knowing how you are going to make the payments, the answer is “Do not do it.” If the payments can fit into your budget then go for it.

What if something happens and you lose your source of income or your income source is modified and you see that you will not be able to make your payments? Pray and seek the wisdom of our LORD. Go immediately to the place you owe the money and tell them your financial situation. Ask them to help you manage this issue until your situation can be resolved. Money lenders want to work with you and they want to know what is going on as it relates to them.

Often, your church can be a source of help and advice. Check with your pastor.

As you recall, Satan is like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. Financial stress can lead us to making bad decisions. Always keep the eyes of your heart upon the LORD JESUS.

Paul wrote that Christians are to “love one another.” The word Paul used for love is “agape,” which is self-giving love that does not demand something back.

The Apostle Paul ended this portion of his advice to fellow Christians:

⁹ The commandments, Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal;^[b] do not covet;^[c] and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.^[d] 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.

So, what does this have to do with politics? We should be active in the political arena but Christians must keep in mind that we are the “salt and light” representing JESUS to others. In Ephesians 4:11-15 we read:

¹¹ And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 

Speaking the truth in love is vital as we journey through life upon earth. As we speak “truth in love,” Christians must be mindful of our tone.

-         Love for other people should guide all our relations.

-         Christian love should be manifest in our thoughts, words, and actions.

-         Civil speech is part of an authentic Christian witness in the political arena.  (Page 97 – Advanced Bible Study. Summer 2020, Dr. Warren McWilliams – LifeWay, Nashville, TN, the bullet portion.)

It is vital for you to vote in this upcoming election. If you remain silent, then others will rule and you could regret it.

Blessings!!!