Church & Government
Our God in the very beginning established His Sovereign authority by the words given to us that were written in the Sacred Texts or Holy Bible in the book of Genesis.
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
This next scriptural reference that was given us establishes that God is the supreme authority and all he has given us in this world should be something that we should acknowledge and be grateful for as well as know who are creator is.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
In this next scriptural reference, in the book of Nehemiah we learn that our great and awesome God preserves His covenant with man with His steadfast love for those who love Him and seek to do His righteousness.
5 And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,
In this next scriptural reference, reveals what Job has stated that we should acknowledge and learn.
28 And he said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”
In this next scriptural reference, the Psalmist reveals that our God and Father set His King and Son as ruler of all nations and the ends of the earth His possession. We should think about these words and take refuge in His Son our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.
1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.”
7 I will tell of the decree:
The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron
and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,
lest he be angry, and you perish in the way,
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and all who practice it have a good understanding.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
In this next scriptural reference, all those who seek the Lord in truth, fear Him and Love Him he preserves and will destroy all those who are wicked.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that striving to live a life morally and justly exalts a people in the eyes of God and sin is its downfall.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that the fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom and humility comes before honor.
33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that if we seek to please God even our enemies will be at peace with us.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
In this next scriptural reference, Our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus the Son of God gave us these words that man shall not live on bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of God.
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
In this next scriptural reference, our Lord Christ Jesus tells us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first above all things and that God will take care of us.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus is the Word of God made flesh as revealed to us in this next scriptural reference. This is just but one of the scriptural references that reveals His part within the Godhead (Deity or Divine) the Godhead is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that John the Baptist exalts our Lord Christ Jesus and tells us that he who does not believe and obey the words of the Son will not see eternal life but the wrath of God will remain on them.
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that God our Father sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This eternal life is based on those that practice the truth and come to the light so that their deeds will be manifested as having been wrought in God as written.
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”
In this next scriptural reference, we learn that when men and or governments go outside the word of God that the only thing that matters is to obey God.
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
In this next scriptural reference, the Apostle Paul tells us that those in the body by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life, but those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
In these next scriptural references address things that we need to learn so you can make the right decision and understand what God is telling us.
16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
The Apostle Paul gave us these words that we should also acknowledge and think about in this next scriptural reference regarding the armor of God, the schemes of the devil, truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, the darts of the evil one (devil), salvation, the sword of the spirit the word of God, praying at all times in the spirit, praying for our brothers and sisters in the body.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak..
The Apostle Paul gave us these words of encouragement and guidance that we should grow closer to Jesus and to be found within him along with staying focused in this life, not on earthly things but on heavenly things, to strain forward for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus our Lord and that our citizenship is in heaven.
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained. 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
The Hebrew writer gave us these words that we should acknowledge that the word of God is living and active in this next scriptural reference.
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
The Lords’ brother James gave us these words that we should acknowledge and think about in this next scriptural reference regarding their arrogance and not including God in their plans.
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Conclusion
We are under the Sovereign rule of God and we should be joyful, God created all and only through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord can we have salvation for eternal life and peace. There is nothing that God cannot do for those who love Him and obey Him.
In the book of Isaiah chapter 59 verse 1 and 2, the prophet Isaiah tells us that our sins have separated us from God and that God no longer hears our prayers. In John chapter 14 verse 6, Our Lord Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth and the life and no comes to the Father except through him. The only way to be heard by the Father is to be “In Christ” (the body, the church) the only way to be “In Christ” is to be born again (John 3:3-6).
The only way to be born again (John 3:3-6) into Christ (Galatians 3:26-29) is through faith, repentance of our sins, confession of Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God, and through baptism (Acts 2:38).
The son of God, Christ Jesus our Lord is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:10-12).
His Son Christ Jesus our Lord is the new covenant with much better promises and spiritual blessings and a life of eternity with God in the new heavens and new earth (Romans 15:8-10, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Ephesians 1:3-14, Hebrews 8:6-7, 2 Peter 1:3-4, 2 Peter 3:8-13)
Our citizenship is in heaven (Ephesians 2:11-22, Philippians 3:20) and we must keep our minds on the spirit and things above where Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-6). We are not to be part of this world as this world is full of darkness (John 8:12, John 12:25, John 12:35-36, John 15:18-19, John 16:33, John 17:4-26, John 18:36-37, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 7:17-40, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Galatians 6:14, Ephesians 1:17-2.10, Ephesians 2:11-22, Philippians 2:1-16, 2 Timothy 4:10, James 1:27, James 4:4, 2 Peter 1:3-4, 1 John 2:15-17, 1 John 4:1-21, Revelation 3:10) but we are to be lights in this world to shine the light of our Lord Jesus (Matthew 5:14-17, Matthew 6:19-24, Mark 4:21-25, Luke 11:33-36, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:6-10, Philippians 2:14-15, 2 Timothy 2:1-3.5 NASB).
We must live faithfully unto death to receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, There is neither slave nor free man, There is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!”
13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
These worldly governments' come and go but it is the word of God that lasts for eternity.
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