In the New Testament period, Christians were subject to tyrants

By: Chris Johnson

November 6, 2008

Personal note:

I received a larger number of emails than usual on my messages of the last two days regarding the Sovereignty of God and the song – “O Father, You are Sovereign.”

Thank you friends and new friends.

I received an email from the ministry “Faith and Action” headed by Pastor Rob Schenk and his brother. Their ministry office, as I understand it, is right across or at the least very near the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington D.C..
http://www.faithandaction.org:80/

I believe that the words shared by them (below) are balanced and filled with wisdom from above.

Quoting:

The specter of an Obama Administration brings disappointment, vexation and even fear. The resolution is to learn exactly who this man is, what he stands for and how he operates. Knowing someone, even if you consider him your enemy, makes him far less threatening. As far as personal animosity, it requires repentance. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” For those who feel violated by Barack Obama’s victory, bearing a grudge will only make things worse.

In St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy, chapter 2, verses 2-4, he says, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

In the New Testament period, Christians were subject to the worst, most cruel and maniacal tyrants in history, who persecuted and murdered them. Yet, these Christians were told to pray for their tormentors and even be thankful to God for them! “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,” St. Paul declares.

So, even if, like me, you strongly disagree with–or even oppose–President-Elect Obama on many issues, we are none-the-less constrained by the Word of God to show the new president all due respect for the office he will occupy. This proper attitude toward governing authorities can even set the stage for their salvation.

At the same time, we must be honest with ourselves and with others as well as bold with a future Obama Administration, especially when it comes to those things that matter most: The sanctity of every human being, the sacredness of marriage as between one man and one woman in monogamous union, and the public acknowledgment of Almighty God.

Whenever these core principles are deliberately violated by the new administration, or for that matter, the new Congress or the Courts, we will continue to first appeal to the consciences of our elected and appointed officials, asking them to change. If those appeals fail, we will boldly declare to them the truth and engage in whatever activities are allowed to us to persuade the authorities to do what is right and good. And we will always, always pray, seek the face of God and humbly intercede for mercy and grace in the time of need.

Our hope has never been in earthy potentates or political power structures. The Psalmist reminds us, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7). When I was a young Christian, there was a popular saying that still has profound meaning to us today, “God is still on His throne!”

We know the greatest moment is still coming, when, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth . . .” (Philippians 2:10. …

Now for some real words of Hope: “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”
(Psalm 121:7 -8)

Amen.
[Taken from “Faith and Action in the Capitol City, Rob Schenck, 11.06.08]
http://www.faithandaction.org:80/

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American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
https://americandecency.org

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