09/02/20 CITIZENS AND THE GOVERNMENT — With all the crazy talk we’re hearing these days about what to do about the police, I thought it might be a good idea to see what GOD says about Government, Citizens and the Police. Romans 13:1-4 (CSB) says, “LET EVERYONE SUBMIT to the GOVERNING AUTHORITIES, since there is NO AUTHORITY EXCEPT FROM GOD, and THE AUTHORITIES THAT EXIST ARE INSTITUTED BY GOD. 2 So then, THE ONE WHO RESISTS THE AUTHORITY IS OPPOSING GOD’S COMMAND, and THOSE WHO OPPOSE IT WILL BRING JUDGMENT ON THEMSELVES. 3 For RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, BUT TO EVIL. DO YOU WANT TO BE UNAFRAID OF THE AUTHORITY? DO WHAT IS GOOD, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For HE IS GOD'S MINISTER TO YOU FOR GOOD. BUT IF YOU DO EVIL, BE AFRAID; FOR HE DOES NOT BEAR THE SWORD IN VAIN; for HE IS GOD'S MINISTER, AN AVENGER TO EXECUTE WRATH ON HIM WHO PRACTICES EVIL.”

Sorry for all the uppercase; I just didn’t want anyone to have any trouble reading the Lord’s absolute instructions on these issues! God’s commands could NOT be clearer. He knows each of us is naturally disobedient and rebellious. In order for us to live in safety and order, we desperately NEED the police; AND the police MUST be able to use whatever force (including deadly force—see v.4) is necessary to enforce our laws for our protection. LET’S GET BACK TO DOING IT GOD’S WAY. . . AGAIN. . . ASAP!