By Pastor Jeff Hanson
A storm in the spiritual realm has been going on for decades now with different strengths. Like Hurricanes when it is out in the ocean gathering strength it can’t be seen by the eye but some other means, the church doesn’t notice the storm with the naked eye. When the storm comes ashore, we are able to see the damage from the wind and rain but then it starts to lose strength as it moves further more inward. The church similarly should see the damage of this spiritual storm as it hits and should start to battle against it pushing it back, but unfortunately in our world today it remains neutral to it.
The problem is that these storms are not only getting stronger and the gaps between events are getting shorter and shorter but they are not fighting anymore. They have taken up a neutral ground!
1Kings 18:21, “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”
Paul put it his way, Romans 8:6-9, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Jesus said in Matthew 12:25-30, “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
C. S Lewis wrote, “There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every minute of every hour is claimed by God and counter-claimed by Satan.”
There has been an argument in the churches for as long as I can remember about if the church should or should not be involved in politics. Some take the position that all we should do is preach Jesus to the point that we don’t follow trends, don’t vote, or take any position on who is running our country both local and nationally. Some take that neutral position that we should vote but it is not to be discussed in the pulpit. Some others think it should be something to be discussed in light of what the scripture says and still others are very bold in speaking about politics.
Gods’ intention for the nation Israel was that He would reign of them, but seeing other nations led by a king, they cried to Samuel, in 1Samuel 8:5, “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Vs 7, “And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”
The Lord even told them the consequences of having a king, how they would lose freedoms, possessions, be taxed, etc., but it didn’t matter. Israel had some good kings and very evil kings and eventually became captives under other nation rulers.
So what is our responsibility to the government, 1Timothy 2:1-3, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;”
Number one is that we pray not just for our fellow man but our leadership, so the question is, do you”
Romans 13:1-7, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
Who likes that? Who wants be subject to the higher powers, who likes to pay taxes?
But we must notice something that the government is to do…to do good, to reward good, to punish evil! We are to submit to God and government until we can’t because they require to violate the word of God, then we submit to God!
Those given authority (state) are responsible to act in the interest of God who has all authority, Government should be a ministry of righteousness.
1Kings 3:6-9, “And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
The Apostles give us several examples of what happens with the government abandons God’s purpose for it and goes against His word…
Acts 5:29, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
“How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him”
Janesville Apostolic Ministries 