Explain what you believe the term “authority” means. Pump Primer CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 1: THE ONLY SURE FOUNDATION

The structure of civil authority within society are essential and God-ordained. (Rom 13:1-7; Mk. 12:17;1 Peter 2:13-17) Biblical Integration CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

LO 1-1: Infer from Scripture the structure of authority in the Trinity. Defend the idea that government would be necessary even in a world without sin, Apply the Biblical teaching on human depravity to a critique of anarchism. LO 1-2: Define justice. Defend the assertion that government’s central obligation is to ensure justice. Evaluate governmental policies and actions based on whether they punish unrighteousness and reward righteousness. LO1-3: Create a prayer for government officials. Participate in a teacher-suggested project that enables them to press for justice in their local government. Evaluate political discourse in light of biblical commands about citizens; responsibility toward government. Identify a way to be a testimony to a government official during this course. Objectives CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

THE NECESSITY OF GOVERNMENT 1.1

“To Be Free, One Must Be Chained.” In at least a half-page, write down what the above statement represents to you and answer the following questions.: Would it be possible for all Americans to live as they choose with total freedom and without a government establishing limits on our individual freedoms? Do we, as a society really need rules and regulations to enforce cooperation among individuals? What are your duties and responsibilities as a citizen of the United States? What is the role you play in government? Role of Government (Keesee 3) CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

 any system of public rule or authority The Nature of God and His World  Spiritual Foundation We live in an era that continually questions and/or attempt to overturn authority. This leaves many within the Christian realm wondering, how should such attempts to influence or overturn authority affect my attitudes and actions? Read: Romans 13: 1-7 Government (Keesee 3) CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

The Trinity The Father sends, the Son acts and the Spirit empowers. (Luke 4:18-21) Jesus submitted His will to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42) The Son lives in complete submission to the Father’s will. (John 5:19, 30) The Spirit does not speak on His own authority. He speaks only what the Son instructs Him to speak. (John 16:13-14) The Son will forever rule over the world. But He will also forever be submitted to the Father. (1 Cor. 15:28) pp. 3-5CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Mankind Before the Fall Made in the “image of God” Creation Mandate Christians need to remember that the earth and everything in it belongs to God (Ps. 24:1) God has made humans rulers over His creation (Gen 1:26, 28; Ps 8:5-8) to subdue, cultivate, and have charge over it (Gen. 1:28; 2:15). An authority structure A system of order is necessary due to the sinful nature of man (Reesee 4) CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

The Problem of Human Depravity Created in God’s image Originally mankind was good Sin marred God’s image (disobedience of Adam & Eve) Without government human race would destroy itself Death penalty – Gen. 9:6; Rom 13:3-4 Anarchy: absence of government (Reesee 5) CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Federalist No. 51 James Madison observed and stated: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Human Government on the New Earth Will there be government in the New Earth? (Rev 21:24) Sin complicates attempts to achieve just governments in the present world (Reesee 5) CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

THE OBLIGATIONS OF GOVERNMENT 1.2

CHAPTER 1 What is America's true form of government?” 7LkvcVw&feature=related

The central obligation of government is to ensure justice. Governments that are just reward righteousness punish the unrighteous protect rights (Reesee 6-7) CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Being made in God’s image gives humans their true rights. The moral code established by the state should reflect the character of God and honor the rights of humans. CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Reesee 6-7)

THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE GOVERNED 1.3

“certain unalienable rights” constitutional rights civil rights pp. 7-10CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Rights imply duties. What duties do Christians have toward the governments under which they live? CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Reesee 7-10)

Christians have three main obligations towards government: Render Obedience Render Understanding Render Participation CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Reesee 7-10)

Edmund Burke’s warning: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.” (“Wisdom Quotes”) pp. 7-10CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Submission Government must bring order and justice to society, which requires citizens who respect its authority God is still the highest authority pp. 7-10CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Even if we disagree with those in leadership, how should our attitude be towards their position? (Rom. 13:5-7) 1Tim 2:1-2 “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” ‘ Also see: I Thess. 4:11-12; Titus 3:1-2 pp. 7-10CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Witness Evangelization Testify of governments’ responsibility before God pp. 7-10CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

What does the term “patriotism” mean to you? Patriotism (Reese 10} CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

love and devotion to one’s country Patriotism (Reese 10} CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Impact of Government on the Individual List 15 ways in which government has an impact or influence on you, personally. Identify each of your result as to whether it is one of national government, state government, and/or local government. Do you believe "Governmental Power is Too Little or Too Much?" Explain your answer. Activity: CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

“Edmund Burke”. Wisdom Quotes.com. 6 Jul “What is America's true form of government?” YouTube.com 26 Sep Jul watch?v=j7M-7LkvcVw&feature=relatedhttp:// watch?v=j7M-7LkvcVw&feature=relatedActivity: CHAPTER 1AMERICAN GOVERNMENT