E131: What role should the Church have in Politics? Romans 13 Debate, Part 2

ONE DAY CLOSER with Mark & Dave

If Romans 13 means we're not to be involved with government or evil in our culture (or evil government), then much of the bible can be ignored. Mark and Dave feel that's not right and they defend the biblical actions we must take if we are truly children of God.
SHOW NOTES:
No, we don't think Christian values should be "enforced" on everyone, but we DO think they should be supported, encouraged, and incentivized instead of being opposed. America now, may not be a beacon of light and worthy of emulating today, because evil men are in control, but our foundations definitely were and our principles based on natural and God-given rights STILL are special. And America's success is definitely based on our adherence to Christ, as all nations have been.

To accept the Romans 13 doctrine, that we should be neutrally neutered using selected scriptures, would mean that most of the Power Scriptures in the New Testament would have to be thrown out and banned from further study. No more light bearing allowed! No more exposing darkness allowed! No more Truth-telling. What? So what do we do with these scriptures?

“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even EXPOSE THEM.” (Ephesians 5:11)

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Until the body of Christ, the Church, unities against these forces, until men and women that HAVE HEARD from God, find their resolve and voices, this country will struggle too reengage. Our battle is SPIRITUAL and it begins AT HOME.

If you happen to believe Ephesians 6:12, then you must realize that it’s going to be a SPIRITUAL battle. And if it’s SPIRITUAL…we are going to NEED THE SPIRIT !

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” (Luke 11:13)

Key phrase in this verse is: “…to THOSE WHO ASK HIM.”

If we are NOT WILLING to dig deep enough to ASK for insight into the Holy Spirit, if we truly don’t care to learn what our gifts are or how the Holy Spirit can lead us to TRUE SUCCESS IN CHRIST….we are NOT serious about God or His call for our lives.

We are neither hot or cold! We are lukewarm and we know what Scripture says about being lukewarm.

“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

“To DO righteousness and justice IS DESIRED by the Lord MORE than sacrifice. (Proverbs 21:3)

“let us not love with word or with tongue, BUT IN DEED and TRUTH.” (1 John 3:18)

“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” (Ephesians 5:13)

“So then do not be foolish, but UNDERSTAND WHAT THE WILL of the LORD IS.” (Ephesians 5:17)

“But PROVE YOURSELVES DOERS of the WORD, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22)

”but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;“ (1 Peter 3:15)