RESET RESET Our Understanding of… COMMITMENT  POLITICS  SEXUALITY  GRACE

RESET RESET Our Understanding of… COMMITMENT

RESET RESET Our Understanding of… COMMITMENT

RESET RESET Our Understanding of… COMMITMENT  POLITICS  SEXUALITY  GRACE

RESET RESET Our Understanding of POLITICS 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agents

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agent

do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agent

Possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13: God Sanctions “Government” as His Agent

RESET RESET Our Understanding of POLITICS 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agents 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail… 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price (Acts 4)

…When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. …But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price (Acts 4)

But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price (Acts 4)

23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles… “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name!” 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price (Acts 5)

“Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, said… Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price (Acts 5)

39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go...they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price (Acts 5)

RESET RESET Our Understanding of POLITICS 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agents 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. Daniel 2:21

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT (Acts 4)

“‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one. Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT (Acts 4)

They only did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT (Acts 4)

RESET RESET Our Understanding of POLITICS 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agents 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT 4. We are Stewards of Our God-given Freedom 5. Some things are Absolutes, most are not

Blessed is the nation whose God is the L ORD P SALM 33:12

RESET RESET Our Understanding of POLITICS 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agents 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT 4. We are Stewards of Our God-given Freedom 5. Some things are Absolutes, most are not

Absolutes

Convictions

Absolutes Convictions Preferences

Absolutes Convictions Preferences Standards

Absolutes Convictions Preferences Standards Civil Laws

RESET RESET Our Understanding of POLITICS 1. God Sanctions “Government” as His Agents 2. Buck the State, Pay the Price 3. God is Sovereign, Nations are NOT 4. We are Stewards of Our God-given Freedom 5. Some things are Absolutes, most are not

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