Well, I'd like to say a big hello to all of our returning readers. For everything there is a time and a season. We rested for a season, now it is time to put the rubber to the road.

Chapter 13 of Romans is one of my favor chapters because it is so truly modern. This shows us how we are to act toward our government, whether Republican, Democrat or Independent. God set down the rules....Submit to Government!

1. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

It is true that the kingdoms of this world belong to Satan and that injustice and corruption abound in all governments; yet God still has control.

2. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will 1bring judgment on themselves.

We need to beware of those who would change our government under the guise of improving it. Remember John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod, Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate, James, the brother of John, was slain with the sword of Herod, and Paul was put to death by Nero. Yet Paul chose to tell us this.

Therefore, Christianity never became a movement to improve government, help society, or clean up the town. The gospel was the power of God unto salvation of the individual. Paul never went around telling about the deplorable conditions of Roman jails—and he knew them well from the inside.

In our day the government is corrupt. What is the Christian to do? Our business is to get out the Word of God, and our business is to obey the law. That is what Paul is saying here. Christianity is not a movement to improve government or to help society clean up the town. It is to preach a gospel!

5. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

The government is to maintain law and order. When it does not do that, it has failed. I feel that a Christian should be opposed to the breakdown of law and order. We are to respect our rulers who are enforcing the law. I have great respect for our army, although it is honeycombed with corruption. I have great respect for police officers, although I know they make mistakes.

AND MY FAVORITE VERSE:

6. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Although we may resent the way our tax money is being used, we are to pay taxes anyway. 'Tis The Tax Season!!!!

8. – 10. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

There is nothing to explain here. It is self-explanatory!

12.b – 14. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

We hear a great deal about night life. The believer is identified with day life. He walks as one who belongs to the day. Oh, how many believers are making every provision for the flesh but are making no provision to go into His presence. My friend, I beg you to put Christ first in your life and to get out the Word of God. This is all important.

And be sure to stop by and visit us on Saturday as I resume the Lessons From the Land of The Bible series!