God versus Country Lessons from Daniel Ed Everett

God’s Command to Submit to Authorities Matthew 22:19-21 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

God’s Command to Submit to Authorities Romans 13:1-7 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.

Questions for Consideration Can the government authorize me to break a command of God? Are all laws in line with God’s will/commands? Can I work for a government that does not follow Christian morals and/or commands and maintain my faith? Freedom of prayer, abortion, gay marriage, prostitution Will I always obey the commands of the government? Pledge of Allegiance, Pay Taxes, bow to an idol, take the mark of the government? October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference

Questions for Consideration Are these question really relevant today? Revelation:13:15-17 China: One Child Policy Prayer before or after a high school sporting event Signing Marriage Certificates for gay marriages October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference

2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference Persecution in Daniel Daniel 3: The Image of Gold and the Fiery Furnace Who were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? Who was Daniel? Daniel 1:3-7 What was their role? What was their offense? Other biblical examples; The Golden Calf: Exodus 32, Revelation 13:11-17 Who is the 4th person in the furnace? October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference

2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference Persecution in Daniel Daniel 6: Daniel in the Lions’ Den What was Daniel’s offense? Who enters the Lions’ Den with Daniel? October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference

2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference Observations Daniel and his friends could separate their personal worship of God from their secular jobs. They were able to remain obedient to the commands of God and carry out the duties of the government. They respected the authority of the government until it crossed the line with God’s will/commands and they were willing to die to be obedient. Secular/Religion based governments/employees will seek to persecute Christians. October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference

2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference Conclusions God loves obedient followers God listens to the prayers of His people Persecution by the authorities is inevitable God will/will not save all obedient believers from persecution? October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference

2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference Conclusions God’s promise: Matthew 5:10-11 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Related Commands Romans 12:14 - Bless those that persecute you; bless and do not curse. Matthew 5:44 - But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 That you may be sons of your father in heaven. October 2016 2016 R12.2 Leadership Conference