The Christian and Politics #10

#1  God Jehovah Reigns Over All

1. He is absolute sovereign of the universe; He rules over all (Psalm 93:1; Is 52:7).
2. No one, including civil rulers, get away with anything (Ec 5:8; Ps 82:1-8; 76:12), which highly exalts His sovereign authority by ruling over earth’s most powerful.
3. No event, no matter how bad, is outside His absolute use of it (Ps 76:10; Pr 16:4); the worst event was the crucifixion of His Son, which was a political event of Jewish and Roman leaders as Psalm 2 prophesied, which He determined in detail.
4. The LORD Jehovah is not surprised, hindered, or questioned by men (Dan 4:35).
5. He uses civil rulers, no matter how high and mighty, as His puppets (Is 10:5-19).
6. He laughs at their best efforts against Him (Psalm 2:4; 37:13; 59:8; II Kgs 19:21).
7. He raises up kings and puts them down whenever He chooses (Dan 2:21; 4:17).
8. He blesses or curses nations, and no national association will help (Isaiah 8:9-13).
9. He makes the difference between blessed or cursed nations (Mal 1:1-5; Is 60:12).
10. The LORD turns kings’ hearts, either one or all of Europe (Pr 21:1; Rev 17:17).
11. This point, like some others to follow, could be an extensive study, like the links.
12. Sermons, The Dominion of God … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2007/dominion-of-god/.
13. Sermons, He Is King of Kings … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2004/jesus-is-king-of-kings/.

 

#2  Government Is By and From God.

1. Civil government is as much by God as marriage, parents, employment, church.
2. It is not the result of cavemen killing rabbits with boomerangs and voting for civil structure, or worse, college students discussing civil order with professors.
3. These five spheres of authority provide for great functionality and profit for all, and their disrespect and violation now rampant in the world proves their value.
4. All authority is from God; He exemplifies it perfectly in the greatest degree; He invented it and defined it; He assigns it and enforces it; it is beautiful, comforting, efficient, productive, etc. Only willful and scornful fools will criticize it or object.
5. Civil rulers are by God’s appointment; rebellion is against God (Romans 13:1-7).
6. Civil rulers are by God’s appointment, and God and man will destroy any rebels.
7. God ordained their offices, the persons in the offices, and their spirits at any time.
8. God calls civil rulers gods to emphasize them (Ex 22:28; Ps 82:1,6; Jn 10:34-36).
9. Government is not truly BY the people or OF the people, as President Lincoln said in his Gettysburg Address; the only governments truly FOR the people and that benefit them the most are those BY and OF God in fact, form, and practice.
10. Ordinance of Authority … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2010/gods-ordinance-of-authority/.
11. Sermons, Exposition of Romans 13 … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2013/romans-13/.

 

#3  Evil Rulers Deserve Honor.

1. God raises up the basest men over nations and empires (Dan 2:21; 4:17); this is part of His perfect providence in governing and managing the world (Ps 76:10).
2. While the usage of “evil” sounds sinister, imperfect authority is the best it ever gets on earth, but imperfect authority is better than anarchy without authority; no human sphere of authority on earth is ever perfect; think about each one of them.
3. Jesus exposed Pharisees’ hypocrisy and ignorance, but He taught submission to their legitimate office, yet not to follow their conduct (Matt 23:1-3). Key lesson.
4. Evil rulers do not alter God’s ordination of office, person, or their spirit in time, for the Bible testifies throughout of God hardening or softening pagan monarchs.
5. This applies whether the ruler is wicked in legislation, philosophy, civil conduct, personal conduct, or rules wickedly. Character is irrelevant to office authority.
6. Every ruler in every sphere is evil when compared to God, but their office stands; they also fail their own or the office’s rules of conduct, yet they are to be obeyed.
7. God uses both good and bad rulers in any sphere, and we are duty-bound to obey; we cannot pick authorities we will obey by our approval of character or conduct.
8. Even angels, which are greater in power and might, do not bring railing accusations against human rulers, none of which are perfect (II Peter 2:10-12).
9. Children still must obey and honor parents in spite of parental sin. Think it through wisely; children and wives struggle to obey bad men, so we tell them to honor the office; the children know failures, hypocrisy, inconsistencies, or worse, yet should obey and honor their parents. If this rule is violated, anarchy results.
10. A froward boss, far from justifying contempt, creates opportunity (I Pet 2:18-21).
11. Paul highly honored a sinning priest and harsh governor (Acts 23:1-5; 26:24-26).
12. God will judge rulers for wicked laws, thoughts, words, deeds (Ps 82:1-8), but Christians still obey and honor them to the extent of their office (I Peter 2:13-17).
13. It does not matter how they spend tax revenue, for abortion or crucifying Jesus, we render to Caesar what is Caesar’s in all taxes (Matt 22:15-22; Rom 13:1-7), yet we do not do their works, aborting our own children, as above (Matt 23:1-3).
14. Never forget when reading N.T. commands to obey, pay, honor, and give thanks for civil rulers, the authority was the foreign, pagan, occupying Roman Empire.
15. We have never had a Bible Christian to select in November in our lifetimes, but that does not mean one choice is not clearly better for the nation than the other; there will be more on this point about character as we work through this study.
16. If Your Husband’s a Fool … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2012/when-your-husbands-a-fool/.
17. Ordinance of Authority … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2010/gods-ordinance-of-authority/.

 

#4  God Delivers His People.

1. Trusting God brings deliverances (I Chron 5:20; II Chron 13:18; 16:8; Ps 18:29).
2. He can and will do improbable things, like the rescues from Egypt and Babylon.
3. Do not frustrate Him, since He told you He rewards those with faith (Heb 11:6).
4. Recall His past deliverances (Psalm 22:4; 34:22; 44:1; 46:11; 68:35; 105:13-15).
5. From Peter in prison to Paul in Jerusalem, in Caesarea, in Rome, and many more.
6. He hears His people sighing and saves them as needed (Ex 2:23-25; Ezek 9:4-6).
7. If God could rescue Rahab from the overthrow of Jericho, He can easily save us.
8. Nebuchadnezzar and Nebuzaradan took personal care of Jeremiah and Ebedmelech, though God determined to destroy Jerusalem (Jer 39:11-18; 40:1-6).
9. The Lord Jesus warned His followers about Jerusalem’s ruin and shortened the siege to save His elect, for enduring in the mountains was hard (Matt 24:15-22).
10. We can rejoice in God even during great economic calamity (Habakkuk 3:17-19).
11. God will never give His people more than they can bear or escape (I Cor 10:13).
12. He hears sighing and counts their tears and their wanderings (Psalm 12:5; 56:8).
13. The history of the O.T. was written for your comfort, patience, hope (Rom 15:4).
14. There are three witnesses to help you remember His special deliverances … here.

 

#5  We Have Insider Information.

1. Every nation has classified information, involving military, national security, etc.
2. We know things about political angels they cannot even imagine (I Kgs 22:19-23; Da 4:13,17; 10:9,20; 12:1; Acts 12:5-11,20-25; II Pet 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10; etc.).
3. We know the most influential, persuasive power in rulers and voters (Pr 21:1; Ex 4:21; 12:36; 14:8; 34:24; De 2:30; Josh 11:20; Ezra 7:27; Is 10:5-19; Rev 17:17).
4. God’s children knew Cyrus the Persian would overthrow Babylon (Is 44:24-28; 45:1-4), and about Greece while they were still goat herders (Da 8:19-21), and about the rise of Rome and the RCC before Romulus and Remus (Dan 7:15-22), and about the origin of the European Union before there was Europe (Re 17:17)!
5. If you can read it, no matter the source, it is not classified or insider information.
6. You never know what is really going on with your local sheriff or the president.

 

#6  National Greatness Is By Pulpits.

1. We use pulpits here as a metonym for godly citizens by strong Bible preaching.
2. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Prov 14:34).
3. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD (Psalm 33:12; 144:12-15; 146:5).
4. On the other hand, nations that forget God are turned into hell and that pursue sexual vileness are spewed out (Psalm 9:17; 107:34; Lev 18;25; 20:22; Pr 8:36).
5. Moses told Israel they would be the envy of nations for God’s word (Deut 4:5-8), and God would set them on high above all nations for obedience (Deut 28:1,13).
6. David wrote of prosperity for those that love His house and worship (Ps 122:6).
7. Proverbs 8, a personification of wisdom, describes many national benefits by her, which is a large study of its own, for the chapter is full of benefits (Pr 3:15).
8. Solomon in Proverbs 29:18 warned, where there is no vision the people perish, meaning the revelation of divine truth, for national happiness is by obeying God.
9. Adam Smith wrote a popular book about causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776), but he was wrong and 3000 years behind David and Solomon and our Bible.
10. Individual liberty, means of prosperity, is from God (I Kings 4:25; Rom 13:8-10).
11. Isaiah foretold God’s blessing or cursing by treatment of His church (Is 60:12).
12. God promised blessings on Abraham’s seed, which is Christ (Gal 3:8,16,26-29).
13. Pick four keys … Christianity (Bible Christianity and not the RCC), righteousness (moral character and conduct of Bible), truth (breadth and depth of Bible knowledge by nation), and wisdom (practical character / conduct by Solomon).
14. Pick five helps … care of the poor is key (Ps 82:3-4; Is 1:23; Jer 22:3,15-16; Dan 4:27), and we in America do it above and beyond – WIC, free elementary and primary schools for all, tuition grants for college, subsidized or free school lunches, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, Social Security, subsidized housing; America’s lack of idolatry or superstition of other nations, no state church but full religious liberty, tax subsidy of churches by deductions, tax exemption, parsonage allowance; freedom to publish for even WBC, etc.
15. The more the Bible is taught in a nation, every man and every sphere of authority will be better by knowledge, conviction, accountability, motivation, and courage.
16. What happened to Israel in 70 A.D. for missing Jesus and persecuting apostles?
17. The Fourth Estate (the news media and press) are the fourth power of political influence, which assumes England’s clergy (Lord’s Spiritual), nobility (Lords Temporal), and commoners, largely predicated on the state Church of England.
18. National prosperity may follow any use of Jehovah’s religion (II Kgs 17:24-33), so Americans must appreciate, “One nation under God,” and, “In God we trust.”
19. The best thing you can do for your nation is build up your local church of Jesus.
20. Nations: Blessed or Cursed … (sermon and outline; 2020; from Isaiah 60:12) … here.
21. Who Is the Seed of Abraham? … (document identifying promises to him) … here.

 

#7  Rulers Answer to God, Not to You.

1. Most Americans intuitively presume civil rulers or government answers to them. We began that way, defined freedom that way, checks and balances doctrine, etc.
2. The heart and mind of man without divine grace and Bible teaching presumes that the only way to keep any authority sphere honest is to push back against it.
3. Yes, of course, in each sphere of authority are options to influence or escape, in government you vote for rulers periodically or contribute or write the rulers, and you can always emigrate to another nation if you think its grass is greener.
4. No matter how high a ruler gets, he will answer to Him much higher (Eccl 5:8); this knowledge should keep us from wondering or worrying about perverting of civil justice; never think things are out of control, for our God regards and rules.
5. God judges all rulers, and He holds them accountable as gods (Ps 82:1-8; 76:12).
6. God used Sennacherib to chasten Israel, but then God judged him (Isaiah 10:12).
7. There are watchers – holy angels – that will order their destruction (Dan 4:13,17); Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar were great kings, but look what happened to them.
8. Belshazzar was totally confident of Babylon’s safety, but it was taken in a night, when he in pagan folly toasted his gods with vessels of Jehovah from Jerusalem.
9. Herod thought he could kill apostles, then he accepted accolades only for God, but God immediately struck him, and he died by worms in five days (Acts 12:23).
10. Consider how wives and then husbands and children and then fathers are addressed by God (Col 3:18-21); employees and then masters are addressed (Ep 6:5-9), and wives and then husbands are addressed by Peter (I Peter 3:1-6; 3:7).
11. There is a King over all kings and a Prince over all kings. Do you know them?
12. Jesus Is the King of Kings … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2004/jesus-is-king-of-kings/.

 

#8  Angels Are Active Politically.

1. Gabriel told about fallen angels working in Persia and Greece (Daniel 10:13,20).
2. They are watchers over political and minor things (Daniel 4:13,17; I Cor 11:10).
3. The angel of the LORD Jehovah killed Herod Agrippa I for pride (Ac 12:20-25).
4. God sent a lying spirit to Ahab’s prophets to get him killed (I Kings 22:19-23).
5. Our God is the Lord of hosts (235) … God of hosts (39) … LORD of Sabaoth (2).
6. The hosts of heaven are angelic armies serving God for us (Heb 12:22-24; 1:14).
7. There are angels assigned, and mighty ones at that, to the church (Daniel 12:1), and even children can be taught about the angel of the LORD to deliver (Ps 34:7).
8. God sends them to mark those to be saved and to slaughter others (Ezek 9:1-11).
9. For much more about the angels of God … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/angels-of-god.pdf.
10. More about slaughtering angels … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/an-angel-with-an-inkhorn.pdf.

 

#9  God Manipulates Rulers’ Hearts.

1. The king’s heart is in His hand; He directs it wherever He chooses (Pr 21:1; Ex 4:21; 12:36; 14:8; 34:24; De 2:30; Josh 11:20; Ps 105:25; Ezra 7:27; Rev 17:17).
2. He hardened Pharaoh’s heart to the ruin of both him and Egypt (Ex 4:21; 14:4).
3. He can turn the most oppressive and powerful monarch into a beast (Dan 4:16).
4. Sennacherib or Europe’s kings, He uses them like puppets (Is 10:5-19; Re 17:17).
5. His ways are not visible, explainable, or quantifiable … especially to you or me.
6. Abimelech did not touch Sarah for God’s withholding him in secret (Gen 20:3-6).
7. He even hardened David’s heart to number Israel to kill 70,000 Jews (II Sa 24:1).
8. Ahasuerus had insomnia to read Persia’s chronicles about Mordecai (Esth 6:1-2).
9. The LORD God put in the heart of Artaxerxes to beautify His house (Ezra 7:27).
10. How did Joseph win Pharaoh for promotion from prison to governor (Acts 7:10)?
11. Sermon, The King of Hearts … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2006/king-of-hearts/.
12. Sermon, Dominion of God … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/god/dominion-of-god/sermon.php.

 

#10  Strangers and Pilgrims Here.

1. We are not dependent nor in love with citizenship. We seek a heavenly country, which Abraham did to a greater degree with less knowledge than we have, so we have no American flag in our sanctuary or on our property like many churches, though we hope we are even more thankful for America and its first amendment.
2. Abraham showed us and Peter taught us this rule (Heb 11:13; I Peter 2:11-17); Abraham was God’s friend and walked with God by not being earthly obsessed, and Peter prefaced Christian duties in various relationship with this key premise.
3. We do not trust human rulers or government, so we are not in despair over faults, for we have learned by God’s grace that imperfect authority is better than none.
4. We do not get attached to things here, so no disappointment when they disappear, since He taught us to seek things above and remember we take nothing at death.
5. We set affection on things above to love His appearing (Col 3:1-4; II Tim 4:8).
6. We take nothing with us; problems follow treasures on earth, so wealth is vanity and vexation of spirit, per Solomon and Jesus (Eccl 1:14; I Tim 6:7; Matt 6:19).
7. Everything has a hot future, for Jesus will soon burn the universe (II Pet 3:10-14).
8. The Day of the Lord: Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (PPT sermon; 2024) … here.

 

#11  Keep Perspective by History.

1. Our national situation is still the best combination of blessings ever known by any people in any place at any time. Think natural, geographic, political, spiritual, and other aspects. Think peace, prosperity, protection, pleasure, and preaching. We can do nothing but thank God for such an incredible combination.
2. The most-educated political scientist or theorist misses much true world history; our divine library covers 6000 years, showing God’s deliverance of His people; whether individuals or nations, or destruction of all enemies, God wrote it down.
3. For Americans born before 1960, they saw as children greater trouble nationally and politically than we face today, which should sober frantic minds, and if they measure the incredible prosperity of these 60 years, they should laugh and praise!
4. You do not need their revisionism, as they try to make history fit their agendas; you need simple knowledge of the Bible and basic knowledge of His providence.
5. Current events are minor – their wicked lives and legislation affect only them – the blasphemy and folly of the 2024 Paris Olympics does not affect our lives.
6. Compare Israel, Roman wars, Islam wars, Civil War, WWII, 60’s, city riots, etc.
7. King James was far more abusive of Christians, yet he gave us our KJV Bibles.
8. Recent American perspective (53-147) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/living-under-obama-2.pdf.
9. Living under Caesar and others (36-49) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/living-under-obama-2.pdf.

 

#12  Worry Makes Things Worse.

1. Worry = exaggerated danger … and then vulnerability … and then personal pain.
2. It never alters circumstances, for worry is only internal dysfunctional thoughts; they all ought to be flushed, and the inputs causing them thrown out of your life.
3. Worry steals peace, destroys faith, and causes indecision (Ec 11:3-6; Matt 14:30).
4. Try (it is hard), to stop thinking and start thanking, especially political thoughts.
5. The means of perfect peace is trust in GOD Jehovah (Isaiah 26:3-4; Phil 4:6-7), especially when it pertains to a thing as powerful as civil government (Eccl 5:8).
6. A serenity prayer works: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
7. Worrying about politics is incredible vanity and vexation of spirit, for you do not alter the course of events in the slightest degree, but it alters your view of life.
8. Learn to reject fretting or worrying; the LORD is in control (Psalm 37:1-2,7-9).
9. Peter told us to cast all our care on Him, for He cares for us, our King (I Pet 5:7).
10. Jesus told the apostles of tribulation in the world, and they surely had it, but He also offered them peace and cheer, for He had overcome the world (John 16:33).
11. Christians are not Chicken Little; they can be bold and confident in God; if He is on their side, and He is by the death of His Son, they can conquer (Rom 8:35-39).
12. When Things Are Hopeless … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2004/when-things-seem-hopeless/.

 

#13  Knowledge Does Not Help.

1. Has the information explosion and internet accessibility helped the earth have more truth? or more lies? Now any half-wit (majority by the NEA) can comment.
2. Any segment of the political spectrum, even Christian conservatives, has an agenda different from the Bible and appeals to curiosity, fear, sensationalism, etc.
3. Has the information explosion helped anyone be a better Christian? Not hardly, for even the ease of more so-called Christian materials are part of perilous times.
4. Most information today, especially moral or political thinking, is misinformation, for God gave this present world a reprobate mind for loving evolution or griping.
5. Even “science” is a joke by global warming, non-binary sexuality, insane evolutionary hypotheses, corporal and capital punishment do not work, etc., etc.
6. Paul warned Timothy of oppositions of science falsely so called (I Tim 6:20-21).
7. Learning, no matter how innocent the content, steals time, soul, or scarce energy, so that you have less interest, ability, or conviction of God’s things (Ec 12:12-14)
8. Knowledge, even truth, unless guarded carefully, can produce pride (I Cor 8:1-2).
9. Solomon’s practical knowledge and wisdom caused grief / sorrow (Eccl 1:16-18).
10. The world’s wisdom is actually folly, so let’s be fools to be wise (I Cor 3:18-20).
11. God has hid real knowledge and wisdom from the earth’s wise and prudent, which leaves us with glorious insider information (Matt 11:25-27; I Cor 2:6-10).
12. For an exposition of Solomon’s warning about knowledge (Eccl 1:16-18) … here.
13. For an essay about the dangers of the information explosion (II Tim 3:7) … here.

 

#14  Internet Creates Foolish Fear.

1. Events in the world unknown before are diced, sliced, and spun to give personal opinion, promote an organization or political agenda, sell web advertising, etc.
2. If you consider this paradigm shift as part of the information explosion, it will caution and warn you of what you hear, read, or see and could slow your posting.
3. Details and opinions of every Tom, Dick, and Harry throughout the world are discovered for sensational or salacious reasons and polished, directed, published.
4. Anyone can say anything, which is bad, for every man’s heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and all men are liars by human depravity (Ps 58:3; Rom 3:4).
5. Social media allows self-promotion by a response-based platform to be puffed up and boast, to lie, pervert, or slander to millions, which was impossible years ago.
6. Extreme liberals or conservatives, communists or preppers, can spread lies to affect just about anyone, from children to retirees, in any area of life or morality.
7. Snake oil salesmen were very limited in the past, but now there is no limit, and you can find any heretical notion on any subject waiting for your search or click.
8. If you search keto diets, you will get rabid promotion or just as rabid ridicule; if you ask for Jehovah vs. Yahweh, you will get the same. Any heresy awaits you.
9. For a general warning about the Internet … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/today/ever-learning.php.

 

#15  Pulpit and Politics.

1. Is not pulpit use for any political party, American nationalism, or social activism.
2. Is another and further look at how Bible preaching of truth makes nations great, which you may see the basics of in earlier lesson number 6 above introducing it.
3. If the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the Bible the only perfect revelation of truth and wisdom on earth, politicians or nations without it are lost.
4. What helps rulers and magistrates at all levels learn to wisely legislate, adjudicate, and apply laws? Pulpits preaching truth and wisdom of God’s word!
5. What helps ignorant, lazy, rebellious, and selfish citizens work hard, save, invest, cooperate, and pay taxes? Pulpits preaching the truth and wisdom of God’s word!
6. What stops man’s depravity from bursting forth in all its perverse dysfunction like today’s sodomy and transgender confusion? Pulpits preaching the truth and wisdom of God’s word against all such thoughts and crimes (I Timothy 1:8-11)!
7. What keeps men assuming and believing creation and a Creator to mock the very thought of evolution? Pulpits preaching the truth and wisdom of God’s word!
8. What was the main input for America’s character and conduct before the NEA, Hollywood, and Mainstream Media took over? Pulpits preaching the truth and wisdom of God’s word … even those pulpits in error on some or many doctrines!
9. Preaching affects nations … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2020/nations-blessed-or-cursed/.

 

#16  Pulpit Profit.

1. Is the benefit of Bible preaching for every part of life, which requires it being preached boldly and plainly. Husbands and wives will not have romantic pleasure or a smooth functioning relationship without Bible preaching about marriage, thus the epidemic of divorces, dysfunctional marriages, and fornicating instead.
2. Fathers and mothers create a living nightmare conceiving children, if ignorant of Bible rules and wisdom for effective parenting. Children cannot be better than when knowledgeable of the Bible and its God and motivated by Spirit and word.
3. Employers and employees will take advantage of each other and destroy prosperity and progress without Bible preaching that tells both how to behave and how to appreciate the other for the mutual benefits obtained by working together.
4. No role in society will be as beneficial to a nation unless taught the Bible for its character and conduct. Every person in any role needs the Bible to help them do it right and well. Every glass installer … bank loan officer … elementary teacher … police officer … janitor … electrical contractor … supply chain analyst … chemical engineer … or factory worker that hears and obeys Bible preaching will do a better job contributing to those directly and indirectly receiving his services.
5. No city or neighborhood can maximize its happiness and take care of those with acts of God creating needs than following pulpits preaching the love of neighbor.
6. Segments of society overlooked or persecuted in some cultures e.g. orphans, poor, women, or handicapped will find their best help in Bible-preaching nations.
7. Let God be true, but every man a liar. All scripture is given by inspiration of God to give a preacher perfect content to be thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
8. Preaching affects nations … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2020/nations-blessed-or-cursed/.

 

#17  Pulpit Pollution.

1. erilous times are sound doctrine replaced by fables and entertainment, which leads to symptomatic and systemic corruption of pulpit influence (II Tim 4:3-4), which Paul extensively told Timothy about by a lengthy prophecy before dying.
2. This prophecy is far more important than any political prognostications, threats, or warnings, and it has more value for your church and life than most prophecies.
3. The sacred duty to press truth by reproof, rebukes, and exhortation has been replaced today with guys or girls dressed like beach bums telling sappy stories or singing sappy songs of a prosperity gospel the Bible knows nothing about.
4. Of course, the hearers in tank tops and flip-flops need a Starbucks in hand and a nightclub act with ear-splitting music and smoke before the false prophet takes the stage for wandering antics and wild storytelling in the name of some Jesus.
5. The word-of-faith heresy of Kenneth Copeland and Joel Osteen and others like them is incredibly contrary to the Bible, even if ties are worn and a pulpit is used.
6. The mainly music so-called ministry of Hillsong uses features of a nightclub act or rock concert, which by electronic alteration and amplification grabs the soul.
7. Some popular preachers reference the Bible more than others; most of them only for sound bites to justify their heresies and to deceive the poor children of God present that do not know where else to go. The Bible warns of false prophets.
8. Try to imagine Jeremiah, John, Jesus, or Paul doing what Benny, Joel, others do.
9. A detailed exposition of the Perilous Times prophecy fulfilling near you … here.
10. Preaching affects nations … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2020/nations-blessed-or-cursed/.
11. Beware: false teachers … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2023/sheep-clothing-of-false-prophets/.

 

#18  Pulpit Popularity.

1. Is how enticing messages can be and how slick promoters and handlers are. Joel’s productions are perfect, because his background, experience, and training were in video production for his father, John Osteen. Joel memorizes every word and pause of his stage essays to be perfect. His smile is perfect. Everything is perfect.
2. What if John the Baptist came on stage blasting away about serpents and vipers and coming unquenchable fire while crunching on grasshoppers dipped in honey?
3. What if Jesus took the microphone, preaching authoritatively against anger without Bible justification as murder, the sins of mental adultery and divorce adultery deserving a cutting off of a hand and plucking out of an eye? Consider it.
4. The Jesus of the Bible intentionally preached offensively to drive most hearers away (John 2:23-25; Matthew 13:10-16; 15:12-14; John 6:60-67; 8:30-38).
5. What did Jesus think of large crowds? An abomination to God must have drawn them (Luke 6:26; 16:15). They cannot be in the strait and narrow way of truth (Matt 7:13-14). How popular was He with His own nation? They crucified Him!
6. The terrible truth is told in both testaments – God’s people want it just that way, so they heap up teachers to give them what they want (Jer 5:31; II Tim 4:3-4).
7. Preaching affects nations … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2020/nations-blessed-or-cursed/.

 

#19  Pulpit Perfection.

1. Nations are best served by this kind of preaching: So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading (Neh 8:8). This is the Bible’s best definition of preaching. Read it again.
2. The nation was immediately and positively affected by the greatest preaching service detailed in the Bible, including mirthful celebration by all for hearing ancient and unpleasant duties of the true worship of God that had been forsaken.
3. In the N.T., it is ordered – Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (II Tim 3:16-17; 4:2).
4. How is the pulpit to use the Bible? With intense and pressing urgency regardless of what the audience wants to hear. By doing what? Reproving the hearers; rebuking them; exhorting them. Warring against their opinions (II Cor 10:4-6).
5. But did Jesus preach that way? Oh, yes, indeed! He blasted, corrected, mocked, rejected, and ridiculed the religion and preachers of His day. Consider the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7. Consider the offensive parables of Matthew 21 and 22. Consider the condemning curses of Matthew 23.
6. Ezra’s great preaching service and its national effect on Israel (Neh 8) … here.
7. Preaching affects nations … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2020/nations-blessed-or-cursed/.

 

#20  Pulpit Politics and the Bible.

Here are a few inspired authorities and many uninspired authorities about the importance of the Bible in society, which is best furthered and promoted by pulpits preaching it accurately and honestly, as God ordained both the men and the method for conveying His wisdom and truth to His people and any nation, for faith and everything after faith comes by hearing His word preached!

 

Moses … Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

David … Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance…. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

 

Solomon … Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people…. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

 

George Washington … It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics.

 

John Adams … The Bible is the best book in the world. It contains more of my little philosophy than all the libraries I have seen. So great is my veneration for the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society. I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year.

 

Thomas Jefferson … I have always said and always will say that the studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make better citizens, better fathers, better husbands… the Bible makes the best people in the world.

 

James Madison … We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We’ve staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity … to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.

 

John Quincy Adams … My custom is to read four or five chapters of the Bible every morning immediately after rising… It seems to me the most suitable manner of beginning the day… It is an invaluable and inexhaustible mine of knowledge and virtue.

 

Andrew Jackson … The Bible is the Rock on which this Republic rests.

 

Abraham Lincoln … I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of this book upon reason that you can and the balance by faith, and you will live and die a better man. I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good of the Savior of the world is communicated to us through the Book. But for this Book we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man’s welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.

 

Ulysses S. Grant … Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look as our guide in the future. Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.

 

Herbert Hoover … The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life. The study of the Bible is a post-graduate course in the richest library of human experience.

 

Theodore Roosevelt … A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. Almost every man who has by his life-work added to the sum of human achievement of which the race is proud has based his life-work largely upon the teachings of the Bible.

 

Calvin Coolidge … The foundations of our society and of our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible, that it would be difficult to support them, if faith in these teachings should cease to be practically universal in our country.

 

Woodrow Wilson … When you have read the Bible, you know it is the word of God, because it is the key to your heart, your own happiness, and your own duty. I have a very simple thing to ask of you. I ask every man and woman in this audience that from this day on they will realize that part of the destiny of America lies in their daily perusal of this great Book (the Bible). A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of this (a knowledge of the Bible).

 

Harry Truman … The fundamental basis of this nation’s law was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teaching we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul. I don’t think we emphasize that enough these days. If we don’t have the proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a totalitarian government which does not believe in the right for anybody except the state.

 

Ronald Reagan … Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible. Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.

 

Benjamin Franklin … Young man, my advice to you is that you cultivate an acquaintance with, and a firm belief in, the Holy Scriptures. This is your certain interest.

 

John Jay … In forming and settling my belief relative to the doctrines of Christianity, I adopted no articles from creeds but such only as, on careful examination, I found to be confirmed by the Bible.

Daniel Webster … I have read it through many times. I now make a practice of going through it once a year. It is a book of all others for lawyers as well as divines. I pity the man who cannot find in it a rich supply of thought and rules of conduct. If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures. If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper; but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity. If truth be not diffused, error will be; if God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy; if the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; if the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end.

 

Noah Webster … The Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society; the best book for regulating the temporal concerns of men, and the only book that can serve as an infallible guide to future felicity.

 

Robert E. Lee … The Bible is a book in comparison with which all others in my eyes are of minor importance, and which in all my perplexities and distresses has never failed to give me light and strength.

 

W.H. Seward … The whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever growing influence of the Bible. I do not believe human society, including not merely a few persons in any state, but whole masses of men, ever have attained, or ever can attain, a high state of intelligence, virtue, security, liberty, or happiness without the Holy Scriptures; even the whole hope of human progress is suspended on the ever-growing influence of the Bible.

 

William Gladstone … I have known ninety-five of the world’s great men in my time, and of these eighty-seven were followers of the Bible. The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors.

 

Queen Victoria … Tell the prince that this (a Bible) is the secret of England’s greatness.

 

General John J. Pershing … I am glad to see that every man in the army is to have a Testament. Its teachings will fortify us for our great task.

 

#21  God Manipulates Citizens’ Hearts.

1. When we see differences in nations and differences in one nation over time, we must remember God is in control of the hearts of all men for light or darkness.
2. Simple reasoning from the greater of kings to the lesser of citizens easily proves the point: this is logical reasoning of the Bible (Jn 13:14; 15:18-20; I Cor 6:1-3).
3. God manipulated the Egyptians (Ex 3:21-22; 12:36) and Canaanites (Ex 34:24).
4. God turned soldiers to kill their army buddies (Judges 7:22; II Chron 20:23-25), which is quite incredible, being that army buddies in combat become very close.
5. Trends as perverse as sodomy and transsexuals are clearly included (Ro 1:18-27).
6. God can bring about revival or blinding by His heart work (Jer 31:33; Is 44:18).
7. He opens hearts for truth or sends delusion for lies (Acts 16:14; II Thess 2:9-12).
8. When a nation is moved toward folly or wisdom, there is divine power behind it.
9. If nations remain in darkness (Japan) or are taken by Islam, it is God’s judgment.
10. Ability, age, and sex distinctions of men, women, children altered (Isaiah 3:1-15).
11. Fads and trends among a nation’s citizens or voters is not just due to media, etc.
12. He can make wise men fools (Is 29:9-16; Matt 11:25-26; I Cor 1:18-20; 3:18-20).
13. Pray He will manipulate our hearts to Him (Psalm 119:35-37; 141:4; I Kgs 8:58).
14. God’s Dominion Over All, including men, nations, and rulers many ways … here.
15. Author of Confusion, is God’s confounding of usual wisdom in judgment … here.
16. Death of a Nation, by God turning society upside down to punish a nation … here.

 

#22  Our Powerful Duty and Privilege Is Prayer.

1. It is the most powerful thing we can do for anything, especially civil government, for rulers are far above us, but God above them, and He can turn them by prayer.
2. One vote among 170 million is vanity, but effectual prayer can move a president, for even kings are manipulated by God like the rivers of water (Proverbs 21:1).
3. Examples throughout the Bible show us the great power of prayer, even by His least saints, that far exceeds any other means of influence in things large or small.
4. We are the children of God, and they are not, so we should greatly trust in prayer.
5. God called for prayer for oppressive enemy Babylon’s peace in OT (Jer 29:4-7).
6. God called for prayer for oppressive enemy Rome’s peace in NT (I Tim 2:1-3).
7. We give thanks for them and their benefits and pray, supplicate, and intercede, which thanksgiving Paul included clearly for Rome’s kings and authorities, etc.
8. Hezekiah’s prayer against Sennacherib, with his letter laid out, worked wonders.
9. Nehemiah prayed before and during his approach to Artaxerxes (Ne 1:4,11; 2:4).
10. Esther and the Jews fasted and prayed before approaching Ahasuerus (Esth 4:16).
11. Darius of Persia craved the Jews’ prayers for him and his sons (Ezra 6:10; 7:23).
12. The Jerusalem church prayed for Peter’s release and got him out (Acts 12:5-19).
13. What can we say about Abraham’s discussion with God for the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, and the righteous within them? Was it not a prayer with reasoning?
14. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous totally transcends any vote, for Elijah in a conflict with Ahab and Jezebel altered the weather twice (Jas 5:16-18).
15. Reject worry, fussing, fear, disrespectful petitions, confidence in voting, study past necessary, demonstrations, writing campaigns, whining, organizing, etc.
16. Powerful outline, Confidence in Prayer … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/confidence-in-prayer.pdf.
17. Sermon, Power of Prayer – II … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2015/power-of-prayer-ii/.
18. For more about power of prayer … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/power-of-prayer-slides.pdf.
19. For more about power of prayer … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/power-of-prayer.pdf.

 

#23  Carnal Christianity Is the Greater Threat.

1. Paul ignored politics for compromising doctrine, practice, zeal (II Tim 3:1 – 4:4).
2. Paul’s warning here is not about the world but rather of Christians and churches.
3. This prophecy does not itch carnal ears or entertain, so most Christians ignore it.
4. Think of all the fears or worries of this generation, and there are many, but not one mattered to Paul in this important passage or any other Bible writer either.
5. He ignored recession, war, disease, cults, witchcraft, the UN, communism, etc.
6. Grasp these 21 verses as one key prophecy, though you know individual verses.
7. Were there political issues in Paul’s time? Yes! Rome occupied Israel greatly irritating a nationalistic people, appointed their own kings and governors over the land, taxed them without representation, crucified Jesus and beheaded James and imprisoned Peter, and Claudius Caesar kicked all Jews out of Rome, etc., etc.
8. Do you fully grasp that Paul’s concept of perilous times was different than yours?
9. Why focus or think on anything else, if God revealed the greatest danger to us?
10. If we trust the Bible, we must be vigilant against listed symptoms, be committed to not change, promote the Bible and preaching, and resist modern replacements.
11. If you are a lover of Jesus Christ, you are at war with contemporary Christianity; if you take a strong stand on any N.T. doctrine or practice you will learn so fast.
12. This is the Bible-defined war between the kingdom of Jesus Christ and the power of darkness; Satan has learned persecution did not work, so he now uses pleasure.
13. What is MAGA, the Republican Party, or President Trump’s campaign promising about this dangerous threat? Nothing, of course; they know not the Lord of glory.
14. For a detailed exposition … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/exposition/perilous-times/sermon.php.

 

#24  Godliness Is Our Great Influence.

1. Patriotic vigilance is for worldlings that value their earthly home most; Christians seek first the kingdom of God and set their affection on Jesus and things above.
2. Kings and nations are saved by righteousness (Daniel 4:27; Prov 14:34; 16:12; 25:5; 29:4,14; Hosea 13:1; II Chron 36:16; Isaiah 1:10-20; 9:12,17,21; 58:1-14).
3. Great reversals of fortune are described for obedience (Hag 2:15-19; Mal 3:7-12).
4. Ten righteous souls could have saved Sodom, but there was only one (Ge 18:32), and we only call him righteous because the Bible tells us so (II Peter 2:7-9).
5. Nations that forget God are turned into hell (Ps 9:15-20; 50:16-22; Job 20:4-29), so we get excited about Louisiana requiring the Ten Commandments in schools.
6. Even single righteous men turned away God’s wrath (Jer 15:1; Eze 14:14; 22:30).
7. Righteousness wins security and blessing like little else (Pr 16:7-8; Phil 2:14-16).
8. John, Jesus, Paul ignored military occupation, politics, and social activism of any kind to preach the gospel (Mat 22:15-22; Luke 13:1; Acts 12:2; 18:2; II Tim 2:4).
9. David in Psalm 101 summarized righteous living for national preservation … here.
10. The power of a righteous life as explained, taught, and shown in the Bible … here.

 

#25  God Handpicks Each Ruler.

1. He raises up and puts down great kings, even if basest of men (Dan 2:21; 4:17).
2. It does not matter if it is evil Pharaoh or Israel’s first king (Ex 9:16; I Sam 10:24).
3. Our next president may be current vice president, Kamala Harris. Are you ready?
4. If every office and ruler is there by God, we can have total contentment and trust, and we should cut off any temptation to curse, mock, or rebel against His picks.
5. Both the office and the man/woman in it and their current state of mind is God’s!
6. They are called gods and His children correctly and properly by Him (Ps 82:6).
7. The problem occurs when you dislike a ruler’s person, platform, or performance.
8. It is risky when you vote in an election, for your loss seems to justify resentment, but once an election is settled, all good citizens submit to the majority’s selection.
9. We apply this axiom to our wives and children, so why resist higher civil rulers, which the Bible clearly says God raises up, gets in office, and then directs them.
10. A woman is not justified to hate a husband because she chose him and now calls it a mistake, and children cannot rebel because they did not choose their father.
11. For much more of God and authority … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/authority-ordinance-of.pdf.

 

#26  Rulers Are God’s Ministers for Good.

1. They are ministers for our good, like parents, husbands, pastors (Romans 13:3-6).
2. Civil authority is an incredible, creative ordinance of our God for man’s benefit.
3. No matter how contrary in some ways, communist Russia and China still honor and protect citizens, for God put His law in their consciences (Rom 2:14-15).
4. Even tribes of savages usually have some civil authority to protect and provide.
5. How do a trillion cars pass each other daily at fatal speeds with few accidents?
6. How do you get to deduct mortgage interest and church giving from income?
7. How do homeschoolers avoid government education and still get college grants?
8. When you fight city hall, you fight God and His wisdom, which is your folly!
9. God called Nebuchadnezzar His servant many times over all nations (Jer 27:6-7).
10. God called Cyrus the Persian His shepherd for the good He would do (Is 44:28).
11. God used civil rulers to benefit His church e.g. Pharaoh, Artaxerxes, Nero, etc.
12. For a detailed exposition of Romans 13 … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/romans-thirteen.pdf.
13. For much more of God and authority … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/authority-ordinance-of.pdf.

 

#27  Angels Honor All Human Rulers.

1. The angels, far above man’s authority, do not revile human rulers (II Pe 2:10-12).
2. Michael the archangel does not bring railing charges against Satan (Jude 1:8-10).
3. By these two passages, we learn that angels honor Nero, Hitler, Stalin, and Satan, not for their character, not for their abilities, but for their God-given civil office.
4. Recall, Hitler was elected and got Germany work, pride, power, WWI relief, etc.
5. Angels should see you honor authority, since they look for it (I Cor 11:10), which may surprise you, but think of their roles (Matt 18:10; Luke 15:10; I Tim 5:21).
6. A spy or careless word could get you in trouble, but what of an angel (Ec 10:20)?
7. If they are watchers over great kings, then let them see our virtue (Dan 4:13,17).
8. Nothing here forbids identifying policies or practices against the Bible, for the sin the angels would not commit was railing accusations (disrespectful namecalling).
9. For a detailed commentary of II Peter 2 … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/second-peter-two.pdf.

 

#28  Cursing Rulers Is Sin.

1. It is against God’s ordinance and angels; it can come out for trouble (Ec 10:20).
2. Speaking evil of dignities is N.T. words for the sin (II Pet 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10).
3. Avoid most of the world’s events and news to avoid its spin raising your anger.
4. By height, there is less reason to curse Adolf Hitler than your children curse you.
5. Do not speak evil of dignitaries – you do not have the right or wisdom to do so.
6. It is not your place to condemn (Job 34:16-19; Ex 22:28; Pr 17:26; I Peter 2:17).
7. Paul was confronted on this issue; he repented instantly and publicly (Ac 23:1-5).
8. Stop thinking your wife should reverence you, if you disrespect your civil rulers.
9. Kids were killed for cursing, mocking, or disrespect (Pr 20:20; 30:17; De 27:16).
10. Speaking evil of dignities, II Pet 2:10-12 … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/second-peter-two.pdf.
11. We are careful of rulers and rich … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2014/rulers-and-the-rich/.
12. Honoring parents and God’s response … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/honoring-parents2.pdf.

 

#29  Lip Service to Jehovah May Help.

1. Immigrants in Israel avoided God’s lions by outward religion (II Kgs 17:24-33).
2. Ahab, without true repentance, was spared for cleaning up a little (I Kgs 21:29).
3. Nineveh was saved 160 years by only outward repentance (Jonah 3:10; 4:1-4,11).
4. There is no comfort to presume on the lesson; God expects more (Isaiah 1:10-20).
5. For His ears are truly only open to the righteous (Jeremiah 7:3-15; Ps 34:14-18).
6. Our Marines sang, There is no God like Jehovah, before fighting in Iraq … here.
7. There is no other nation on earth that would have such a declaration of truth, except perhaps the state within India called Nagaland (here; 80% Baptist; 2 million).
8. National prosperity may follow any use of Jehovah’s religion (II Kgs 17:24-33), so Americans must appreciate, “One nation under God,” and, “In God we trust.”
9. Biblical laws on any subject will work, even if practiced by atheists or pagans.
10. For example, think child training, which easily works no matter the parental faith.
11. To the degree pagan nations practice God’s civil laws, they may advance/grow.

 

#30  All Events Are Used By God.

1. God only allows events to praise Him, including evil (Ps 76:10; Am 3:6; Is 45:7).
2. No event occurs outside His perfect will, no matter where you look or consider.
3. Whether an election, a war, an assassination, or other political event, trust God.
4. Evil acts are sin to the sinners, and they will be judged, but God uses their sins for His secret will for His praise (Deut 29:29; Gen 45:5-8; 50:20; Isaiah 10:5-19).
5. You cannot see even one percent of an infinite number of good reasons or results.
6. Samson sinned romancing a Philistine, but God used it (Judges 17:4; Matt 26:24), and Eli’s sons ignored reproof of their sins for God to kill them (I Sam 2:22-25).
7. The most evil political event in history was for the greatest good in history, your eternal redemption (Acts 2:22-24,36; 4:23-28; Isaiah 53:10; Hebrews 2:9-10).
8. God made even the wicked and their judgment for Himself; believe it (Pr 16:4).
9. Therefore, there is no reason for confusion, fear, or worry – only a right response.
10. The commentary for Proverbs 16:4 is a foundation for the right worldview … here.

 

#31  Conscription Is Costly Tax.

1. Conscription is the legal term to describe drafting of children for war or service.
2. God warned Israel about this danger when they wanted a king (I Sam 8:11-13).
3. We would pay this tax by yielding our children to government service as drafted.
4. Only fools will argue and disagree with a particular war; all wars result from sin.
5. We pray for God to preserve our children from a draft, and He has kindly done it.
6. Christians could use any legal means to avoid it (including fleeing the country) or take offered positions in the military to our advantage or be the best soldiers.
7. It is not wrong to kill for government … any more than police or home defense.
8. John the Baptist condemned their unlawful or unnecessary violence (Luke 3:14).

 

#32  Governments Must Have Power.

1. They must have the power to execute capital punishment and to kill criminals.
2. They do not bear the sword in vain, and they should cause terror (Rom 13:3-5).
3. Where the word of a real king is there is power, and men should fear (Eccl 8:4).
4. A great king drives away evil by his authority (Pr 16:14; 19:12; 20:2,26; 30:31).
5. We want authoritative government to intimidate the lawless into fear (Pr 20:8).
6. This will include strict laws, law enforcement with lethal weapons, and so forth.

 

#33  Governments Must Have Money.

1. Rulers are always engaged in ruling, so they cannot earn their support (Ro 13:6).
2. Right down to a private getting wages, government must tax citizens (I Cor 9:7).
3. Pastors are supported to study all the time (I Cor 9:14; I Tim 4:13-16; II Ti 2:4).
4. Taxation is an ordinary part of government, and they spend it as they see best.
5. If they spend it for sinful things, that is their prerogative; pay up, shut up, vote.
6. If you are able to follow it, Jesus paid Caesar for His own unjust trial and death.
7. Paul taught the church at Rome to pay Caesar for his unjust trial and death also.

 

#34  Governments Spend Their Money.

1. It is the ruler’s money, not yours; Jesus clearly said it was Caesar’s. Trust Jesus.
2. It does not matter how they spend tax revenue, for abortion or crucifying Jesus, we render to Caesar what is Caesar’s in all taxes (Matt 22:15-22; Rom 13:1-7).
3. Their spending sins are just another sin that they as rulers will answer to God for.
4. You have no more right to condemn their spending than children may condemn your foolish spending or savings habits that deprive them of useful opportunities.
5. Even if you identify government use of tax revenue for sin, you still must pay.

 

#35  Governments Should Avoid Debt.

1. Solomon warned borrowers or debtor nations being servants to lenders (Pr 22:7).
2. Borrower nations are tails, for they get wagged by creditor nations (De 28:12-13).
3. Why complain unless you live wisely within your means as the Bible defines, and even if you do, you still must pay their taxes even for wasteful fiscal policies.
4. What rulers should do or actually do or how great the difference does not relieve you from paying all their taxes and honoring them fully in thought and word.
5. Paul did not condemn all debt, like a mortgage, but make payments (Rom 13:8).
6. Though governments should avoid debt, their use of it does not alter your duties.

 

#36  Submit until Direct Conflict.

1. How long does a Christian obey an evil government? until there is direct conflict!
2. Direct conflict is when the government requires the Christian to sin against God.
3. An evil government that sins itself or protects sin does not confront Christians.
4. An evil government that spends your taxes for sinful things is their responsibility.
5. If a ruler practices or legislates sodomy, it does not affect your life. Do not panic!
6. Let them abort, have same sex marriages, or get sex-change operations. So what!
7. A conflict is when they say we must abort, marry same sex, or get a sex change.
8. Missing this difference causes all sort of confusion and government punishment.
9. Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Jesus, and Paul did not care what nations actually did.
10. We do not disobey government until they force us to disobey God in some way.
11. If government requires what God denies, we obey God (Ex 1:15-21; Da 3:16-18).
12. If government denies what God requires, we obey God (Da 6:10; Ac 4:19; 5:29).
13. Baking a cake for a sodomite wedding is not sin. Marrying a sodomite is the sin.
14. Joseph saved pagan Egypt, subsidized its pagan priests, and married a pagan priest’s daughter, by whom God blessed him with two tribes of Israel. Learn!
15. Eventually Acts 5:29 comes into play, but we do not look forward to it occurring.
16. Learn Christian ethics for thinking … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/christian-ethics-case-studies.pdf.

 

#37  Conspiracies Are Way Overblown.

1. It does not matter if a government has secret deals; our duties remain the same.
2. What if Donald Trump is the Rothschild’s pick to implement their devil worship?
3. Conspiracy theory ignores selfishness, greed, pride, nationalism, culture, etc.
4. There are five empires in God’s view of human history – not one for 1500 years.
5. That the devil has a conspiracy we will never deny, but Harris with Rothschilds?
6. The real conspiracy is our secret society, insider activity, and guaranteed victory!
7. Conspiracies, no matter how evil, do not alter a single aspect of our civil duties.
8. Conspiracies, more speculation than fact, are incredible mind and time wasters.
9. Conspiracies, no matter how known, are not fully known … or not conspiracies!
10. Who killed JFK? Who knows? Who cares? There is no profit to study such junk.

 

#38  David Mocked Political Worry.

1. David knew firsthand the threat of ungodly rulers, but he knew God was Judge.
2. He wrote Psalms to comfort the fearful and warn patriots, if they would read and believe (Ps 2:1-12; 11:1-7; 27:1-3; 46:1-11; 75:1-10; 82:1-8; 83:1-18; 146:3-10).
3. He prayed for help and admitted vulnerability to enemies; he succeeded them all.
4. He honored profane Saul during his life on many occasions and even at his death.
5. This is the man after God’s own heart, and we should follow his perfect example.
6. He knew about rulers; His Son reigns forever (Ps 45:1-17; 101:1-8; II Sa 23:1-7).

 

#39  Cast Down, Not Destroyed.

1. Shushan was perplexed by the decree of genocide from Ahasuerus (Esther 3:15), but God turned the political disaster completely around for a great Jewish victory.
2. Paul ruled his trouble, perplexity, persecution, and discouragement (II Cor 4:8-9).
3. When David was desperate, he encouraged himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6).
4. We are specifically told not to marvel about knowledge of oppression (Eccl 5:8).
5. You will see government error and oppression (Eccl 4:1-3). How will you react?
6. No one, including civil rulers, gets away with any sins at all (Ec 5:8). Believe it!
7. If you get destroyed by political news, you have little to no faith in a ruling God.
8. When Things Seem Hopeless … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/when-things-seem-hopeless.pdf.

 

#40  We Deserve Much Worse.

1. America deserves worse than she is getting; God is merciful (Ps 103:10; 78:38).
2. God has not dealt with America after its many sins or according to its iniquities, for consider the wicked rebellion of America against truth/wisdom given by God.
3. They greedily pursue and celebrate abortion, casual sex, debt, evolution, mocking dignities, rebellion, sodomy, cursing, transgenders, labor unions, unthankful, etc.
4. Consider most Christians in America and how they have compromised their duty.
5. They fulfill each clause of the perilous times prophecy well (II Tim 3:1 – 4:4).
6. God is clearly very longsuffering, and we should give thanks for our tranquility.
7. If judgment has not come yet, then it will, and the reprieve is for godly prayer.

 

#41  Religious Freedom Is Good.

1. Our Baptist fathers worked hard to get religious freedom in the Bill of Rights; they never sought a state church, for such always led to persecution for Baptists.
2. The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads like this: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
3. Since Bible Christianity was and is a minority, we use freedom for all religions.
4. We do not want a Baptist state church. Which Baptists? The right could be taken.
5. Nagaland, a state in India of 2M with 80% Baptists, allows all other religions.
6. Can you be thankful for cathedrals and mosques and explain it to your children?
7. This means that you should be consistently diligent to protect the rights of Islam.
8. The rights of Islam do not extend to terrorists or those appearing as terrorists.
9. Our PPT presentation of Baptist heroes presented by seven of our young men.

 

#42  Reap What You Sow.

1. God is not mocked; He will return to a man disrespect he shows rulers (Gal 6:7).
2. God likes to reward in kind – He can cause rebellion to you (Ps 7:14-16; 9:16).
3. Remember how Haman and his sons died … choose to not build any gallows.
4. Why should your wife or children obey and reverence you, if you despise rulers?
5. Solomon learned by observation (Pr 24:30,32). Check out the families of patriots.

 

#43  Analyze by Five Spheres.

1. There are five spheres of authority – parents, husband, master, magistrate, pastor.
2. An easy way to measure conduct is to apply questioned activity to other spheres.
3. Questions may be confusing or formidable; this rule often clears the air quickly.
4. How should you talk about rulers? What do you want from wife and children?
5. How or when can you resist rulers? When should your wife or children resist?
6. Should men organize civil rebellion? Compare employees, soldiers, or a church.
7. What should attitude, speech, or conduct be toward any or all authority spheres?
8. God used such logic comparing relationships (Mal 1:6; Jn 13:13-17; Heb 12:9).

 

#44  Yielding Will Trump Rebellion.

1. Yielding trumps rebellion toward authority (Proverbs 16:14; 25:15; Eccl 10:4).
2. Even angry authority can be pacified, and God honors those honoring His offices.
3. You know intuitively and surely how to respond to a state trooper stopping you.
4. We certainly and correctly advise children, wives, and employees to gladly do so.
5. God and angels love authority, and you will be blessed for obedience and honor.
6. How can we pray and expect results, if we are guilty of civil disrespect of rulers?
7. In 2016, we had eight years history of yielding, so God gave us Donald Trump!

 

#45  Rebellion Is Last Resort.

1. Disobedience against authority in any sphere is a last resort over meek yielding.
2. When wicked rise, godly men hide rather than fight (Pr 28:12,28; Judges 6:11).
3. Yielding is better than civil disobedience; it pacifies rulers (Eccl 10:4; Pr 16:14).
4. Paul did not resist the governor of Damascus to preach – he fled (II Co 11:32-33).
5. A general rule is to submit until life is at stake i.e. midwives, Moses’ parents, etc.
6. See sermon outline for justifiable resisting … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/romans-thirteen.pdf.
7. Only One Real Messiah.
8. President Trump is not a messiah in any sense of Bible concept or word for us.
9. It is a foolish shame when men will corrupt the Bible to present him as a messiah.
10. There are no prophecies or even hints in the Bible for President Donald Trump.
11. His first four years got us Fauci, an unproven vaccine, largest deficits ever, etc.
12. There is one Messiah – Jesus Christ the Son of God (Dan 9:25-26; Jn 1:41; 4:25).
13. David foretold a perfect ruler, and Paul used it (II Sam 23:3-5; Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9).
14. He is called Faithful and True (Rev 19:11), and He alone is God’s glorious King.
15. We are not to put trust in princes but rather in God that created them (Psalm 146).

 

#47  Voting Avoids Tempting God.

1. Sometimes Christians have difficulty deciding whether they will even vote or not.
2. Tempting God, a sin, includes neglecting means He gave us to presume on Him.
3. Jesus did not presume on God to fall from the temple; He used stairs (Mat 4:5-7).
4. In a political system that allows a platform, party, and person to be chosen, use it.
5. We do not sit around waiting for jobs to call us; to do so would be tempting God.
6. Marriage is good, but Paul said to avoid it in a time of great distress (I Cor 7:26).
7. God expects us to use means to avoid evil (Pr 22:3) or enhance profit (Pr 14:4).
8. Great men in both testaments appealed to government for help outside principle.
9. If you pray for your rulers but do not vote for your rulers, check your hypocrisy.

 

#48  We Have Two Parties.

1. Christians are supposed to have discernment and wisdom for such (Eccl 8:1-5).
2. Paul knew the Jews’ parties and played them against each other (Acts 23:6-11).
3. Voting a third party candidate, no matter how principled, is for your opposition.
4. A conservative voting for a third party candidate is actually voting for the DNC.
5. The conservatives that voted for Ross Perot actually voted for President Clinton.
6. There is very little godly principle in elections; the two parties will not have any.
7. If you think principle is precious in voting, then write in Jesus Christ or yourself.
8. If your state does not allow write-ins for president, move to maintain principle.

 

#49  Lesser of Two Evils.

1. There may not be a clear party or person to vote for, so you then limit the danger.
2. It is here those without wisdom vote principle, while wise men vote prudence.
3. It is not safer to vote principle, for you help the party least like you. See above.
4. Lesser of two evils is holy wisdom – the only real evil is the candidate and party.
5. Think about the word evil in light of Solomon’s definition of prudence (Pr 22:3).
6. Wisdom is not black and white principle; it sees real issues (Eccl 8:1-5; Jn 7:24).
7. Wisdom is the power of right judgment in unique situations that takes great skill.
8. Bible examples: Solomon with Bathsheba about Abishag; Joseph with Mary’s pregnancy; David when Joab killed Abner; David when Joab killed Absalom; David in the three choices God gave him for numbering Israel; Paul’s choice to stand trial in Rome, not Jerusalem; Joseph subsidized pagan priests and married a pagan; Daniel did similar in Babylon; Esther slept with a pagan; mercy to break the Sabbath for a snack; Naaman and Rimmon, many cases of prudent lying; etc.
9. Learn Christian ethics for thinking … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/christian-ethics-case-studies.pdf.

 

#50  Vote Against the Godless.

1. Some find it difficult at times to choose between two candidates and their parties.
2. However, without endorsing Republicans, there are clear differences between the two, which may be ascertained simply by reading the platforms of both parties.
3. But there is another way to measure – which has godless America chosen to hate?
4. In recent elections, the most godless elements of America were on only one side.
5. When they unite in a two-party system, there must be some good in the opposite!
6. Think abortionists, ACLU, actors, anarchists, child rebellion, college students, EU, evolutionists, feminists, Hollywood, humanists, illegal aliens, the media, MTV, Muslims, NEA, NOW, pornography, socialism, sodomites, unions, etc.
7. When such elements line up against a candidate or party, it must have some truth.
8. Nature also helps identify an evil agenda … creation, sodomy, hair, parents, etc.
9. Learn demographics. Vote against women and students (Isaiah 3:4-5,12), those with no Christian religion, those with most education, liberal socialist states, etc.
10. Globalism is not scriptural or wise (Gen 10:5; De 32:8; Acts 17:26; Rev 20:8-9).

 

#51  Do Not Vote Character.

1. This rule or suggestion sounds incredibly contrary, but think through it carefully.
2. What we mean by character is a man’s personal and/or private moral conduct.
3. We do not intend Bible Christianity, for such a man could hardly be nominated.
4. In a two-party system, you will be limited to character the godless nation allows.
5. If the word character is too much for you to overcome, substitute personality.
6. This will never be true Bible virtue, for even conservatives will hate such a man.
7. A man you think perfectly honest could also be a divorced, workaholic Buddhist.
8. If the more able man is a Catholic and his opponent Baptist, how will you vote?
9. Character is hard to prove and does not reveal ability, experience, or knowledge.
10. From strictly a character standpoint, how could you pick between DJT and HRC?
11. If you voted for DJT, then you already followed this suggestion to some degree.
12. No man with a chance to win will be a Bible man, so you must cheat (Ex 18:21).
13. Any man other than Joseph or Daniel will likely be vetted to show some follies.
14. What if George Bush got drunk at Yale or Bill Clinton smoked weed at Oxford!
15. How do you see the character of David? He was God’s favorite and Israel’s best.
16. The private character of a candidate is worth less than his platform and promises.
17. The private character of a president affects the nation less than actual public rule.
18. A president’s effect is by party, performance, position, promises, appointees, etc.
19. A national election is not for pastor, parent, or spouse – but a nation’s civil ruler.
20. We do not look to a president first and foremost for an example of private virtue.
21. Jethro’s and Jehoshaphat’s requirements of leaders were for God’s church-nation.
22. Stockholders pick board members; is character or business acumen more crucial?
23. If you owned a business, do you want ambition and experience or never ticketed?
24. How do you see George Washington, our greatest leader? He was a Mason, etc.
25. Nursing fathers and mothers need not be Christians – only help us (Is 49:22-23).
26. Vote character or principle in primaries, yet maintain prudence about electability.

 

#52  Nursing Fathers and Mothers.

1. This phrase comes from prophecy of Gentile kings blessing the church (Is 49:23).
2. Such kings need not be sincere believers themselves, for that is fully unnecessary.
3. Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Cyrus, and other Persians protected the O.T. church.
4. Alexander and other Grecian princes also gave privileges to the Jewish church.
5. Rome under Constantine and other kings showed mercy to Christians in general.
6. Christian monarchs like King James I of England could be favorable to religion.
7. Using pagan governments is not a lack of faith nor is it a transfer of sovereignty.
8. Using pagan governments is real faith, for it shows God’s sovereignty over them.
9. Paul appealed to Caesar. He did not appeal to God. He used civil means at hand.
10. Paul appealed to Roman citizenship. He could have taken the beating for Jesus.
11. Just like those that reject insurance for so-called faith, these reject using Caesar.
12. For God’s children using rulers … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2005/god-bless-the-irs/.

 

#53  Third Parties Are Vain.

1. Libertarians sound good if you are spiritually shortsighted – God is the victim!
2. Constitutionalists live in the wrong century and overlook de jure versus de facto.
3. Communists are atheist socialists that are contrary to most all the Bible teaches.
4. Green lovers are pantheists that think Mother Earth is far more than a metaphor.
5. A third party makes some feel good and noble, but they effectually vote opposite.
6. God is able to raise up a third party or fourth party, but you should wait for it.

 

#54  Silent Majority or Minority.

1. It is a group of people that generally do not express political opinions publicly.
2. America saw this by DJT’s first victory against most pundits and pollsters.
3. Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge used it, and Richard Nixon popularized it.
4. Wise men by character and nature do not talk as much as fools babble (Ps 29:11).
5. Wise men by prudence and knowledge know when to restrain opinions (Pr 22:3).
6. Righteous men generally hide under evil rulers (Pr 11:10; 28:12,28; 27:12; 29:2).
7. Sometimes it is a small minority, a very small remnant (I Kgs 19:18; Isaiah 1:9).
8. Commentary for Proverbs 28:12 … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/28_12.php.
9. Commentary for Proverbs 28:28 … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/28_28.php.

 

#55  De Jure or De Facto Authority.

1. It is the difference between law or rule in writing or law or rule in actual reality.
2. When we say, “As a matter of fact,” we intend what is actually happening then.
3. It is the difference between constitutional government and authority in practice.
4. Some proclaim that the U.S. Constitution is their king and so rebel against rulers.
5. Jesus pressed this difference as to the actual authority over Israel (Mat 22:15-22).
6. If there ever was a time to claim a constitution against a ruler, it was then, for the constitution was the Old Testament, and the ruler was a foreign, pagan oppressor.
7. But when Jesus was asked about law, He went to the money, not the constitution, for constitutional arguments are fruitless, never-ending, and miss the real point.
8. Caesar was the real ruler of Israel by virtue of his monetary authority and taxes.
9. These “patriots” use promissory notes of the Federal Reserve for transactions, which they declare loud and long is unconstitutional money by various means.
10. America has a de facto government since about President Lincoln (greenbacks), or some say it was President Roosevelt’s executive order against gold in 1933.
11. As Jesus did, you should ask, Show me your money, then expose their hypocrisy.
12. No matter your study, you will never know constitutional law sufficient to rebel.
13. Your only scriptural right to legal recourse is when it is fully accepted by rulers, as with Paul’s appeal to citizenship to avoid beatings and his appeal to Caesar.
14. Constitutional discussions are fruitless and never-ending; we avoid them like we defend the KJV without the fruitless and never-ending text, manuscript debate.
15. For more of de facto government … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/practical/christian-and-taxes.php.
16. For simple definitions of the Latin terms here … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_facto.

 

#56  Transfer of Wealth Occurs.

1. God so orders governments to transfer wealth from pagans to Christians at times.
2. This is a general rule of His judgments (Pr 13:22; 28:8; Job 27:16-17; Eccl 2:26).
3. Recall what God caused the Egyptians to do when Israel departed (Ex 12:35-36).
4. God also gave Israel the cities, walls, wells, vineyards, and furniture of Canaan.
5. Joshua exhorted Israel by describing the Canaanites as “bread for us” (Nu 14:9).
6. Tax laws transfer wealth from aborting pagans to tithing Christians with children.
7. For much more about this transfer … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/god-bless-the-irs.pdf.

 

#57  Tokens to Confirm Rulers.

1. God may send tests as tokens to confirm and establish rulers over their subjects.
2. Solomon’s order for a baby was special (I Kgs 3:16-28; I Chr 29:25; II Chr 1:1).
3. David chanced upon Goliath and killed him among other great feats (I Chr 14:2).
4. Joshua followed Moses, but God helped (Deut 34:9-12; Josh 1:16-18; 3:7; 4:14).
5. This is a matter that Christians can pray for to confirm authority in a government.

 

#58  Mercy to Civil Rulers.

1. Instead of cursing or complaining, consider their mandate, training, and duties.
2. For example, President Obama represented his constituency well in his actions.
3. We cannot expect him to be like David, when the Philistines put him into office.
4. A broken home, a Muslim father, and a Harvard education hardly prepares a man.
5. Furthermore, our president, the most powerful man on earth, has appalling duties.
6. He deals with classified information and opposing influences above us (Pr 25:3).
7. Events constantly occur at home and abroad; he has stresses you cannot imagine.
8. God harshly condemns those that criticize what they do not know (II Pe 2:10-12).
9. What is your biggest daily decisions – regular or Diet Coke? where to eat lunch?
10. His dealings are out of your sight … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/25_03.php.

 

#59  Real Checks and Balances.

1. Foolishly, rebelliously, many ask first of all, who will check his ruling authority?
2. This is the same as a woman saying, if I submit to him, I will just be a doormat.
3. Or like an employee resenting Bible job obedience, for who will then protect me.
4. Rather think about how God brings helpless infants into this world under parents.
5. American wisdom – protecting from dictators – is for government to check itself.
6. The American way – rebellious at all levels – is for citizens to check magistrates.
7. The Declaration of Independence is a statement of rebellion against England.
8. God rewards or punishes kings, and the faithful will be protected (Ps 105:14-15).
9. God rewards or punishes kings, and it is very valuable to them (Ezra 6:10; 7:23).
10. God save the king is an honorary salute and an intelligent blessing (I Sam 10:24).
11. If you are fearful of any authority sphere, then live godly and beg God for safety.

 

#60  Check and Balance Problems.

1. Our government has checks and balances of executive, legislative, and judicial.
2. We have benefitted by this form of government precluding dictators or evil kings.
3. However, there is no magic in such a system, for God’s government is autocratic.
4. From Moses to Jesus (who reigns forever), there is no check in the church’s rule.
5. Your wife and then your children are only checks and balances to a small degree.
6. What checks civil government? Popular rebellion, but for us yielding and prayer.
7. The best way to influence rulers is humility and submission (Pr 25:15; Eccl 10:4).

 

#61  Male Autocrats Are Good.

1. All other things being equal, a strong male ruler is superior to any female ruler.
2. God denies women leadership rules other than extreme exceptions i.e. Deborah.
3. There is no comparison between President-elect Trump and ex-Secretary Clinton.
4. Of course, such ideas or thoughts today would be ridiculed by a woke populace.
5. Though we differ strongly in many ways, President Putin knows how to govern.
6. Think briefly about Bible leaders – very autocratic from Moses to Jesus, with Samson, Samuel, David, Hezekiah, Josiah, John, James at Jerusalem between.
7. Agur described a king overcoming any rebellion as beautiful (Pr 30:31; 20:2,26).

 

#62  Rulers Affect Whole Nation.

1. Ahasuerus punished Vashti for rebellion to assist every husband (Esther 1:16-21).
2. The folly of servants riding horses is an evil that comes from the top (Ec 10:5-7).
3. Authority is illustrated from the top down and will affect and instruct the nation.
4. Haman manipulated Ahasuerus to genocide; it perplexed Shushan (Esther 3:15).
5. This should affect how we vote, how we pray, and to make righteous judgment.
6. Nations seldom outshine leaders, for the top-down example affects the nation.
7. On the other hand, most leaders today being weaker reflect the nation’s trends.
8. It is the fruits of a ministry … or a nation here … that we judge by (Matt 7:15-20).

 

#63  Prayer Without Anxiety Works.

1. Prayer works without carefulness and with thanksgiving (Phil 4:6-7; Dan 3:16).
2. Doubters shall not receive anything, for prayer only works by faith (James 1:6-8).
3. God wants your trust that He will take care of you well (Matt 6:25-34; Nah 1:7).
4. After doing your reasonable best, even at the polls, go to bed (Psalm 127:1-2).
5. Believing prayer receives God’s blessing, even in government (Luke 11:9-13).
6. Don’t worry – be happy – your anxiety proves your lack of faith or right purpose.

 

#64  Political Heresies are Legion.

1. The descriptive word Legion means many, a name of the devil in the Gadarene.
2. One way to destroy or mitigate civil authority is to apply Romans 13 to pastors.
3. One way to justify civil sedition is hold a constitution over actual law and rulers.
4. One way to be stupid is to vote for principle, like a write-in, instead of prudence.
5. One way to be stupid is to vote for character, like for spouse instead of president.
6. Some teach that deducting church contributions is being a traitor to Jesus Christ.
7. Others make politics a large part or entirety of their ministries e.g. Carl McIntire.
8. Others love political intrigue, conspiracies, and other means to be fear mongers.
9. Some are given to change – revolutionary ideas and thinking (Prov 24:21-22).
10. Some are foolishly disrespectful, telling jokes about civil government or rulers.
11. Some are tax evaders, refusing to pay taxes, usually for greed; if this were not so, they would sue the taxing authority to prove them wrong and not cash SS checks.
12. Some are confused enough to believe Nephilim exist in government (Gen 6:1-5).
13. For more details about taxation … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/practical/christian-and-taxes.php.
14. For more about heresy of Nephilim … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2012/nephilim/.

 

#65  We Use Tax Avoidance.

1. We understand taxation is an ordinary part of government, and we pay all due.
2. Congress and IRS encourage citizens to use tax avoidance to implement policy.
3. Tax avoidance is minimizing taxes by law; tax evasion is rebels rejecting tax law.
4. We love all the Bible examples in both testaments of God’s people using rulers.
5. We understand conscription is a legitimate tax of governments (I Sam 8:9-22).
6. For examples of government privileges … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/god-bless-the-irs.pdf.
7. For more details about taxation … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/bible/practical/christian-and-taxes.php.

 

#66  We Are Not 501(c)(3).

1. But get one thing straight first – we would not have a problem if we needed it.
2. The IRS automatically accepts local churches as such without filing a request.
3. If the IRS required us to file for privilege as a church for taxes, we would do so.
4. If the IRS required us to include Allah in our services, we would not unto death.
5. For more details about this legal IRS matter … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/faq/501c3.php.

 

#67  Constitution Is Not Inspired.

1. Some speak of the U.S. Constitution as if it were inspired or nearly so by God.
2. The only inspired constitution was the Old Testament inspired for Israel’s use.
3. That inspired constitution was overthrown by Rome, per Jesus (Matt 22:15-22).
4. For more about the difference of de jure and de facto governments, see above.
5. The U.S. Constitution was influenced by rationalists, Deists, and other pagans.
6. Consider Algernon Sidney, John Locke, and Thomas Paine, among others.
7. The Bible does not commend or observe the inefficiency of separation of powers.
8. America was not a Christian nation … http://www.wayoflife.org/reports/america-a-christian-nation.php.

 

#68  God Gives Kings Charges.

1. He charged Cyrus to build Jerusalem and temple, directly or by Isaiah (Ezra 1:2).
2. He charged Abimelech of the Philistines to not touch Abram’s wife (Gen 20:3).
3. This is why we pray to God for kings rather than try to influence them directly.
4. God is able to do things far beyond our comprehension or ability, so pray, pray.
5. The many circumstances and factors that influence rulers are ruled by our God.

 

#69  All Governments Are Popular.

1. By this we mean that civil governments depend in one sense on popular approval.
2. A government exists until the cost of enduring it exceeds cost of overthrowing it.
3. For example, Israel knew it would cause a civil war, but they rejected Rehoboam.
4. For example, Israel believed lies of Absalom sufficiently to rebel against David.
5. Words in a presidential campaign are generally maneuvering to gain popularity in our pacify-the-peasants political process, for men must garner their votes to win.
6. This is not how Christians reason, for rule is from God, but rather natural men.

 

#70  War Is Very Destructive.

1. There is a time of war and time of peace (Ec 3:8), but Christians do not love war.
2. It is a popular heresy of economics to say that war revives and prospers a nation.
3. It is impossible for mass destruction of capital and waste of manpower to profit.
4. War can change work ethic, labor mix, voluntary deprivation, savings, capital allocation, inventive production, and other changes to appear to benefit a nation.
5. War can be destructive in other ways as well – health, morality, compromise, etc.
6. Our King, Prince of Peace, calls for swords to be beaten into plowshares (Is 2:4).
7. We pray for quiet and peaceable lives to fulfill religion (I Tim 2:1-3; Jer 29:4-7).
8. We are opposite of Islamic Jihadists and any force of arms to spread our faith.
9. David was limited in role in God’s kingdom by being a man of war (I Chr 28:3).
10. David’s son, Solomon, whom God chose to build His house, was a man of peace.

 

#71  Rulers May Require Killing.

1. It is a necessity of governments to go to war and require killing of other people.
2. It hardly differs morally from capital punishment, police killing, self-defense, etc.
3. This is not a violation of the Sixth Commandment, in spite of ignorant pacifists.
4. We understand the error of Alvin York and Desmond Doss, but we fully reject it.
5. If your conscience will not let you kill, teach your conscience, or become a CO.
6. We will not participate to abort more than Moses’ parents or Hebrew midwives.
7. Conscription is the necessary tax of rulers to take sons for soldiers and killing.

 

#72  Faith Will Be Rewarded.

1. Faith is strong hope of God’s promises and proof of God’s unseen things, which gave a good report to O.T. heroes, and He promised to reward (Heb 11:1-2,6).
2. A real measure of faith and virtue is doing what is right when tempted to wrong.
3. The Bible promises rewards throughout (Ps 1:1-3; 19:11; 37:37; Jas 1:25; etc.).
4. Politics is truly a great opportunity to trust God to gain a good report and reward.
5. It means very little to think or say we believe God is sovereign and then worry.
6. How will you respond to the other candidate or party winning? With full respect?
7. How will you respond to your candidate or party winning? With Messiah hope?
8. How will you respond to what you view as a poor decision? By humble respect?
9. Where do you rank spiritual privileges as God’s child to being an American? The great example is Moses turning his back on Egypt’s goodies (Hebrews 11:24-27).
10. Do you spend more effort and time following politics or Bible, sermons, prayer? They should not be close, for as dead men our love is to be on Christ (Col 3:1-4).
11. David warned to put your trust in the LORD and not in princes (Psalm 146:3-10).
12. Sermon, Life of Faith – II … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2005/life-of-faith-ii/.
13. Faith, Fear, Facts, Fables … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2020/fear-faith-facts-fables/.
14. How Big Is Your Faith? … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2012/how-big-is-your-faith/.
15. Slide Sermon, Helpers to Faith … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2021/helpers-to-faith/.

 

#73  Inputs Count for Rulers.

1. It may be helpful to weigh inputs in a ruler’s life to understand some actions, but his errors do not justify any alteration to duties of obedience, pay, honor, prayer.
2. It is hard to measure all the ways wicked men try to influence a ruler (Pr 25:4-5), but Solomon knew that wicked advisors would be present to corrupt (Pr 29:12).
3. He must have many advisors for his own counsel and to delegate lesser tasks to.
4. There are lobbyists of all kinds for every project under the sun offering benefits.
5. There are sycophants from family to Hollywood to media to elected officials.

 

#74  God May Tempt Us.

1. God tempts men to reveal their hearts to bless them (Gen 22:1,11-18; Ja 2:21-24).
2. God may tempt men to reveal their hearts to chasten them for it (II Chron 32:31).
3. Until a bad ruler or government, you cannot show God your respect for authority.
4. Honoring and obeying a noble government is not submission; it is a vacation.
5. A bad boss allows thankworthy conduct and a godly conscience (I Pet 2:18-23).
6. HRC would have been a huge pill to swallow, but God had mercy through prayer.
7. When you pass God’s carefully designed temptation, He will bless (James 1:12).
8. He will never give you a temptation that you cannot handle easily (I Cor 10:13).
9. We may safely assume a blessing when we submit to God’s appointed ministers.
10. Jerusalem and surrounding nations should have submitted to Nebuchadnezzar.
11. President Obama was a large temptation, but we handled it well by His grace.
12. When we submit as told, we are unprofitable servants doing our duty (Lu 17:10).
13. See the slides, Living Under Obama … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/living-under-obama-2.pdf.

 

#75  Life Is Very Short and Time Scarce.

1. We must redeem time: buy it back by careful use of it (Eph 5:14-16; Prov 18:1).
2. Political worry is very deceitful, for you can do little about things worrying you.
3. Political reading is very distracting, for it takes you from more important duties.
4. Political learning is very tempting, but it can cause angst, carefulness, or anger.
5. Not only is time limited, but so is emotion, energy, focus, mind, money, passion.
6. Most any endeavor that takes these resources is better than following US politics.
7. Jeremiah and Paul said to enjoy life, even under pagan rulers that had taken Jews captive or occupied their God-given land (Jer 29:4-7; I Timothy 2:1-3; 6:17-19).
8. We are not near the kind of distress Corinth and other saints had (I Cor 7:26), for which we should give thanks often and use it (Ec 9:7-9; Mic 4:4; I Tim 6:17-19).
9. Wise Christians will emphasize and live by our King’s return (II Peter 1:10-14)!
10. The commentary for Proverbs 18:1 describes prioritizing good use of time … here.

 

#76  Submission Is Crucially Key.

1. God ordained and ordered civil authority, but citizens must submit to activate it.
2. God made David king by Samuel’s oil, but Israel had to submit (II Samuel 5:1-5).
3. This is clearly the case in marriage, which goes into force by a woman’s, “I do.”
4. Until she submits, there is no real marriage; it does not matter how he is husband.
5. Christians, in all five spheres of rule, should work to make their governing easy.
6. By doing this, we glorify God on a practical level and find favor with our rulers.
7. Civil submission is a command (Rom 13:1-7; Tit 3:1; I Pet 2:13-17; Eccl 8:2-5).
8. If they get angry with us, we will placate them (Eccl 10:4; Prov 16:14; 25:15).
9. We do this by obeying gladly and immediately, commending and appreciating rulers, praising our civil authorities to others, rebuking any resisting them, etc.

 

77  God Overthrows Wicked Rulers.

1. God will turn all nations that forget Him into hell (Ps 9:17). Believe it. Trust it.
2. Think Sodom, Gomorrah, Egypt, Israel, Assyria, Babylon, Rome, Germany, etc.
3. Many prophecies describe God’s ruin of nations (Isaiah 13:1; 15:1; 17:1; 19:1; 21:1,11; 22:1; 23:1; 30:6; Obadiah 1:1; Nah 1:1; Hab 1:1; Zech 9:1; Mal 1:1).
4. What did God do to Ahab and Jezebel for Naboth’s vineyards (I Kings 21:19-24).
5. Egypt’s ruin for oppressing the Israelites was terrible … and then Babylon … etc.
6. Job describes the terrible plight of the wicked (Job 20:19-29; 27:8-3). Think Saul.
7. Though He called civil rulers gods, He promised the bad ones would die (Ps 82).

 

#78  Perfect Peace in Jehovah.

1. Keep your mind on Him; there is no other hope or strength (Is 26:3-4; Phil 4:6-7).
2. Compare to #1 of these rules: He has absolute rule over all; you should not fear.
3. There is no peace learning about conspiracies, legislation, military programs, etc.
4. Peace for a child of God walking in the Spirit comes by very different means.
5. If you derive peace from political information, you are either reprobate or carnal.
6. Further, such information is more spin than truth, and it puts trust in mere men.
7. It was not wise for God’s kings to number their armies (II Sam 24:3; I Sam 14:6).
8. If you want to read a little about such junk, make sure you read the Bible more.
9. Delight in God brings greater joy and blessing than politics (Ps 37:4; Je 9:23-24).
10. Hope in scripture, not men, their accomplishments, or their predictions (Ro 15:4).
11. Learn to reject fretting or worrying; the LORD is in control (Psalm 37:1-2,7-9).

 

#79  Changers and Meddlers Sin.

1. We fear God and rulers; they are exalted by Him like Him (Pr 24:21-22; Ps 82:6).
2. They are so closely connected that to resist one is to resist the Other (Ro 13:1-2).
3. Changers push revolution to change authority – whether God or the civil ruler.
4. Meddlers are those that read or listen to the propaganda ideas of such changers.
5. Both kinds of men will be destroyed severely – revolutionaries and followers.
6. Jacob cursed Simeon and Levi on his deathbed, stating opposition (Gen 49:5-7).
7. We should make every effort to distance ourselves and to despise civil revolt.
8. No matter if large or popular, stay away from changers and meddlers (Ex 23:2).
9. For Proverbs 24:21 commentary … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/24_21.php.
10. For Proverbs 24:22 commentary … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/24_22.php.

 

#80  You Know the Future.

1. They do not know anything about the future, as election polls and pundits prove.
2. God foretold many events; most are fulfilled; they occurred exactly as He wrote.
3. There are spiritual and natural prophesies clearly fulfilled (Genesis 3:15; 16:12).
4. He has foretold your future (Ro 8:16-19; II Co 5:1-11; I Thes 4:13-18; Heb 13:5).
5. We may not know some aspects of the future, but we know Him Who holds it all.
6. We do not know some aspects of the future, but we know how we should face it.
7. We do not know His secret things, but we must do revealed things (Deut 29:29).
8. Fulfilled prophecies … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/sermons/prophecy/glory-of-fulfilled-prophecy/sermon.php.

 

#81  Live Prudently for Future.

1. In light of probable judgment, protect from unnecessary loss (Prov 22:3; 27:12).
2. Remember the sobriety of Jonadab and his extended family tree (Jer 35:6-10).
3. Of course, his approach must be balanced with Jeremiah’s advice (Jer 29:4-7).
4. Remember the prophet Agur’s lessons from the ants and conies (Prov 30:25-26).
5. Keep professional and financial things in proper order (Pr 22:7; 24:27; 27:23-27).
6. Live righteously and virtuously for God’s memory and salvation (Mal 3:16-18).
7. Government is biggest debtor, so do not look for policies benefitting creditors.
8. Know the difference between income-producing assets and mere gravel (Pr 14:4).

 

#82  Political Knowledge Brings Sorrow.

1. Solomon warned that wisdom brings sorrow by seeing so much folly (Eccl 1:18).
2. The more truth you learn, the more error will bother and irritate you. Help, Lord!
3. Ignorance is bliss in some respects, but wise men cannot justify ignorance for it.
4. However, being ignorant of ignorance, like conspiracies or revolution, is good.
5. Wise men understand the time and what ought to be done (I Chr 12:32; Ec 8:1-5).

 

#83  One Godly Man Saviors.

1. God identified five men that saved others individually (Jer 15:1; Ezekiel 14:14).
2. Solomon contrasted many rulers as judgment against one good man (Prov 28:2).
3. God sought for such a man to save Israel, but found none (Ezek 22:30; Jer 5:1).
4. Can you be an intercessor for America? Why not! Live godly and beg Him for it.
5. Think about the powerful deliverances by Joseph, Esther, Nehemiah, and others.

 

#84 Repentance Trumps Any Election.

1. Repentance is a powerful way for God’s blessing on a nation (Ps 33:12; 144:15).
2. Repentance for divine referendum, reformation, restoration, revival (II Chr 7:14).
3. Israel did this many times (read Judges), some quite insincerely (Ps 78:34-39).
4. This is something we can pray for and do ourselves – repent and seek revival.
5. If the nation does not do it, then you should do it to be part of Sodom’s ten souls.
6. If the nation does not do it, you should to save yourself and family (Ezek 9:1-7).

 

#85  Glorify God by Reputation.

1. Our lifestyle, including politics, must be honest before the world (I Pet 2:11-17).
2. Let us have reputations like Daniel and Paul (Dan 6:3-5,22; Acts 23:1; 25:8-11).
3. Let truth of the gospel be the cause for any accusations, not crimes (I Peter 3:15).
4. God is a mighty Deliverer for holy lives and great trust (II Chron 16:9; Nah 1:7).
5. This is the righteous way to live that is win-win-win for God, enemies, and you.

 

#86  Final Victory Is Certain.

1. This rule is different and distinct from #1 above, for this is the Man Christ Jesus.
2. Jesus is the Blessed and Only Potentate, King of kings, Lord of lords (I Ti 6:16).
3. He will come soon with His mighty angels in fire to destroy all (II Thess 1:7-10).
4. He is now enthroned with a rod of iron beside God dashing the nations in pieces.
5. No matter the president of the United States or any nation, Jesus is King forever.
6. You can overcome the world with faith in Jesus as the Son of God (I John 5:4-5)
7. All things are yours; soon you will be given your inheritance (I Cor 3:19-23).

 

#87  Be of Good Cheer.

1. There will be worldly tribulation, but He overcame the world (Jn 16:33; I Jn 5:4).
2. You can rejoice if gospel persecution reaches us (Matt 5:10-12; I Peter 4:12-14).
3. If your affection is for things above, you are always victorious no matter what.
4. Our future walking with God here or in heaven with Christ is perfectly glorious.
5. Wise Christians will emphasize and live by our King’s return (II Peter 3:10-14).

 

#88  The Bible Ignores Politics.

1. Why this outline? God rejects politics as important to think, act, or worry about, though Israel was church and state and Rome provided much political intrigue.
2. This Bible study is to turn it over to God other than actions He directs or allows.
3. See two dangers – man’s curiosity about politics + today’s information explosion.
4. Most countries connect nationalism and religion in a way the Bible totally rejects.
5. Most Baptist churches in America have an American flag close beside the pulpit.
6. Christianity and Americanism are not twins of any kind and not cousins either.
7. Many of the older members grew up with parents obsessed about political junk.
8. They could not do anything; they accomplished nothing; they were distracted.
9. Most men believe the lie he has valuable ideas of how government should run.
10. Most men are rebels and given to change and want to do things to change rulers.
11. The Bible warns against desiring change or meddling with them (Prov 24:21-22).
12. The Bible records political history, for God judging or using to profit His people.
13. Other than praying, paying, and honoring, basic duties to authority, we ignore it.
14. No rule or example exists to read, learn, or worry about national or world events.
15. One of the biggest wastes of time is to read about what occurs in Washington.
16. It is a very subtle and sinister distraction to think and worry about political junk.
17. Most news is limited in perspective or corrupt in slant, so you deceive yourself.
18. Social activism or service makes people feel good, but the Bible does not teach it, whether “get the vote out,” picketing at abortion clinics, or petition drives, etc.
19. You have duties to focus on (149-155) … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/living-under-obama-2.pdf.
20. A mighty man has little time for politics … https://www.letgodbetrue.com/pdf/a-mighty-man.pdf.

 

#89  Live Like God’s Son.

1. He has predestinated you and all events around you from eternity (Rom 8:28-39).
2. He adopted you to be a joint-heir with Jesus of a new universe (Romans 8:15-25).
3. You should live a confident happy way that your Father is in total control of all.
4. If the worst came, at a burning stake, you could answer foes without carefulness.
5. But since the opposite has occurred, let us be the most glad and thankful of all.
6. Jesus honored Caesar and submitted to taxation as our example (Matt 22:15-22).
7. Look ahead to the reward of heaven, as our Lord did (Ps 16:8-11; Heb 12:1-3).

 

#90  Bring All Back to Bible.

1. The divine library sent from heaven by the God of rulers has all political answers.
2. Ideas or opinions against the Bible are folly and to be hated (Is 8:20; Ps 119:128).
3. Learn the Bible, all of it, for politics is in each book of the Bible in various forms.
4. Examine all things by Bible … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2006/bring-it-back-to-the-bible/.
5. The book of Esther for political wisdom … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2013/esther/.

 

#91  Foolish Presumption about God.

1. Candidates or office-holders in both parties are prone to say, God bless America.
2. They know next to nothing about the God of the Bible or conditional blessings.
3. Politicians – men that must impress people for an office – use such good words.
4. These politicians with little regard for God will use His name to influence voters.
5. They have no clue Proverbs 29:1 is in the Bible; they have no grasp of Romans 1.
6. The worst tribulation in world history was 70 A.D. against God’s favorite nation.
7. If you suggest to the average American, even conservative, that God could or is judging America, they will assume you are crazy, extreme, or a religious nut.
8. The worst example of this error was Billy Graham to U.S. presidents after 9/11.
9. For Billy Graham’s speech … https://billygraham.org/articles/a-day-to-remember-a-day-of-victory?ri=wc.
10. For the problem of evil from sin … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2015/the-problem-of-evil/.

 

#92  Wise Appeals to God by Repentance.

1. Rather than say or sing, God bless America, wise leaders will call for repentance.
2. Even Ahab had his political life extended by some repentance (I Kings 21:29).
3. Pagan Nineveh had its existence extended 160 years by repentance (Jonah 3:10).
4. Solomon in a dedicatory prayer assumed God’s mercy for it (II Chronicles 7:14).
5. When Jesus was asked about political events, He warned to repent (Luke 13:1-5).
6. Billy Graham after 9/11 should have called America to repent for her many sins.
7. For repentance saving Nineveh from ruin … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2018/jonah/.
8. For the great influence of repentance … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2015/the-r-factor/.

 

#93  God Confuses Rulers and People.

1. God owes truth to no nation, for we chose Satan’s lies in Eden over His truth.
2. Whether Babel or Pharaoh or David numbering Israel, God will confound rulers.
3. Idolatry, sodomy, transgender folly, God blinds men (Is 44:9-20; Rom 1:18-32).
4. Resisting offered truth brings blindness (Is 29:9-16; II Thess 2:9-12; Rev 17:17).
5. He gives or withholds wisdom that benefits nations (Deut 4:5-8; Ps 147:19-20).
6. Author of Confusion, is God’s confounding of usual wisdom in judgment … here.

 

#94  Sow and Reap Good or Evil.

1. It is commonly said, What goes around, comes around, and it is true (Gal 6:7).
2. If you resent or resist civil authority, then expect those under you to resist you.
3. Our God judges or punishes in kind (Ps 7:15-16; 9:15-16; 10:2; 35:8; 141:10).
4. He established all five spheres of authority, so be consistent honoring all five.
5. Do not defend spheres where you may rule more than spheres where you obey.

 

#95  Treatment of Rulers Is Treatment of God.

1. God is the Source of all authority, office and persons, so honoring it honors Him.
2. God is the Source of all authority, office and persons, so rebelling is against Him.
3. Moses and Samuel warned Israel of this grave error (Exodus 16:8; I Samuel 8:7).
4. Paul made it clear that rebelling against civil rulers is against God (Rom 13:1-7).
5. Paul also taught it as applying to husbands, parents, masters (Eph 5:22-24; 6:1-8).
6. Peter also taught it about civil rulers and masters in employment (I Pet 2:13-20).

 

#96  We Submit and Roll with Disagreements.

1. We submit to civil authorities (Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; I Pet 2:13-17; Eccl 8:2-5).
2. If they get angry with us, we will placate them (Eccl 10:4; Prov 16:14; 25:15).
3. We pay taxes, even if we disagree how it is spent (Mat 22:15-22; Rom 13:6-7).
4. If our sons are drafted, we will use any options to make the best of it (Luke 3:14).
5. If pushed far enough, we say, “We must obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29).

 

#97  We Are Not Perplexed By Oppression.

1. There is perversion of justice today and certainly more coming in days ahead that could trouble us (Deut 15:11; Eccl 4:1; Luke 23:28-31; II Tim 3:13; Rev 20:7-9).
2. There is great comfort in trusting the true God to right all wrongs, for He sees it all and will respond both now and later, keeping us from foolish worry (Eccl 5:8).
3. We totally deny the popular concepts of the goodness of man or the human spirit.
4. We know why there is evil in the world and it only further praises our great God.
5. For more about evil around us … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2015/the-problem-of-evil/.

 

#98  We Know Our God Revenges His Own.

1. We know God’s answer to Habakkuk about punishing Babylon (Hab 2:1-20).
2. We know God’s comfort to the Jews about the cruel Assyrians (Nahum 1:1-15).
3. God heard Israel sighing in Egypt, so He hears the pain of His people (Ps 12:5).
4. Moses never wanted his job, but God defended him well (Num 12:1-15; 16:1-50).
5. God’s revenge against enemies is told (I Kgs 21:19; Job 20:19-29; 27:8-23; etc.).

 

#99  We Cheerfully Submit with Hope.

1. We glorify God and silence foolish men by our civil obedience (I Peter 2:12-17).
2. We want the pure record that Daniel and Paul had (Daniel 6:22; Acts 25:8-11).
3. If we show hope while others despair and fear, it declares much (I Peter 3:15).
4. Those living righteously with faith and hope will be saved (Nah1:7; II Chr 16:9).
5. We know the future; we know who holds the future; we know He holds our hand.

 

#100  We Trust Our Leader & Commander.

1. The Lord Jesus has many names and titles, like Leader and Commander (Is 55:4).
2. He is Blessed and Only Potentate, King of kings, Lord of lords (I Tim 6:13-16).
3. God has laughed and yet laughs at political opposition to His Son (Psalm 2:1-12).
4. God’s answer to Sennacherib for His daughter of Zion was glorious (Is 37:22).
5. Unlike futurists, we see His authority in 70 A.D. and rod of iron rule (Rev 2:27).
6. A view of Him glorified trumps all earthly powers (Revelation 1:9-18; 19:11-21).
7. Jesus saved Paul from a mob, storm, Nero (Acts 23:11; 27:23; II Tim 4:16-18).
8. With Him ruling the universe, we are totally safe from earth’s political dangers.
9. If you ask about the martyrs, they had a privilege for greater glory (Rev 6:9-11).
10. Jesus did what was necessary to keep His remnant church safe (Rev 12:13-17).
11. He is coming soon, and it will not be pretty for all our enemies (II Thes 1:7-10).
12. For God mocking Sennacherib … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2018/a-threatened-virgin/.
13. God mocking Nebuchadnezzar … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2016/nebuchadnezzar/.
14. God mocking Haman and Persia … https://letgodbetrue.com/sermons/index/year-2013/esther/.