Line Upon Line

Was America birthed by the Puritans for pure Biblical religious purposes ? If this is true has America been trying to become a true light on a shining hill to the world? Therefore is patriotism more appropriate for a nation born of Judaeo-Christian principles? The answer is yes.

Ps 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Mt 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

To whatever extent it may be true-such a country is one that could deserve patriotism, if any country should deserve patriotism.

Proverbs 29:2 NKJV 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

A nation led and founded by men with Christian values is a wonderful blessing. America has that founding-obviously imperfect as everything is in this age of Satanic influence. This must be a factor in our thinking regarding patriotism. The word of God supports basic obedience and loyalty to government.

Matthew 22:17-22 NKJV Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 “Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

Romans 13:7 NKJV 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Note that God’s word says give honor to the government, and this was a non-believing one how much more so for a government founded on being ‘ One nation under God’?

1 Timothy 2:1-3 NKJV 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

Some qualifiers to this position of obedience must also be considered.

WHEN SHOULD A BELIEVER DISOBEY THE GOVERNMENT AND WHY ?

How can we evaluate the situations and determine when and why one should disobey the government?

Acts 4:18-20 NKJV 18 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 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. 20 “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

The apostles made it clear that believers have a higher order of obedience. One should obey lawful government if they do not ask one to violate God’s orders. God ruled naturally comes first.

Romans 13:1-2 NKJV 1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

These verses are not contradictory. We obey God first and then the lawful government. Lincoln said that we citizens of America are Caesar and therefore we should steer the government we elect in a righteous direction.

SHOULD TRUE BELIEVERS PRAY FOR ELECTIONS RESULTS AND ALSO VOTE ?

We need as much revival as can be expected at this point in our decadent society. These next two election will decide the course of this nation FOR YEARS. We will either choose continuing moving toward a somewhat more stable societal direction or moving back down the ungodly expressway to decadence. WE ARE AT A BIG FORK IN THE ROAD. Voters will decide which way the nation goes. Pray that the more godly men and policies will be placed in positions of authority. Governments that will allow the gospel to spread and be positive toward Christianity.

Colossians 4:3-4 NKJV 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

We don’t just elect a leader, we also elect thousands of bureaucrats and judges who come with that leader. Will they be far left socialists, globalists, global warming activists, or more reasonable persons? That is our choice. Pray for more truth in the media or success of the more objective media outlets. Pray that those who love liberty and truth and righteousness as best they understand it, will fulfill their civic responsibility and vote wisely. According to Lincoln’s understanding it is government by the people. Millions of professed Bible believing Christians did not vote in the last big election. Many in one party have given to punishing pastors who preach certain biblical truths. Issues before us include the following:

Family policies

Abortion funding & partial birth abortion

Protecting Judaeo-Christian rights (other religions are not under attack and are exempted)

Excessive Socialism verses personal freedom including Christian freedoms

Out of control big government spending or responsible budgeting & taxation

Open borders or secure borders

Weak or stronger responses to Islamic Jihads

Dumming down of education system to better control our children

Freedom of healthcare & the cost

First and second amendment rights ended or restricted greatly

Many other issues will be coming and many freedoms like gun rights barely squeaked by the Supreme Court by just one vote. One more progressive activist on the court is likely a death knell for sound values. We are told by Paul and James to pray for leaders and good environment for us.

James 2:17-20 NKJV 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

We show our faith by our actions. God is certainly in control yet that does not mean we should do nothing to further His will if we can. We will NOT find perfect candidates until Christ returns- however the better choice is appropriate. God says Israel was destroyed for a lack of knowledge. Americans are ignorant of both the Bible and basic actions of our government. Christians should be more informed than the average and should be good influences thereby.

Hosea 4:6 NKJV 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

A believer should know the Bible and it’s laws and current events so they can vote intelligently. Even in primaries, vote for the better candidate. Voting and praying is one way Christians can stop some evil. Will we or our grandchildren live under an ungodly progressive Supreme Court for the next 30 years? We need to do our part!

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN CITIZEN

Daniel influenced Babylon for the good. Joseph influenced Egypt for the good. We can try do the same for our country. If we are to make disciples of all nations why not vote to stop those that would suppress Christians and the free flow of our message. They think Christians are bigots that must be silenced.

Galatians 3:28 NKJV 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Christians should always stand against evil. Christian values contributed positively to society for centuries. Christian involvement in government through the ages gave us hospitals, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, elevation of women, regards for human life. Progressives are dangerous and determined and mean business. Pray for the nation and it’s government!