O Brother, Where Art Thou In Civil Government

O Brother, Where Art Thou in Civil Government

(Inspired by David Barton’s book, The Role of Pastors & Christians in Civil Government)

July 1, 2012 * FBC Chester, IL * Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker

Introduction

A Within the last 50 years there has been a straight jacket/muzzle placed upon the Christian Community & pulpits when it comes to her being involved in the civil arena (from the outside but often from the within our own ranks).

1 Many have embraced a concept of compartmentalization. (Many keep their faith in one arena, real life in another, and the two should never meet.)

a We have one set of faith & values in church and then divorce those same faith & values in the civil arena.

b The Bible rejects this concept of compartmentalization and for generations so did Christians, churches, & pastors.

2 This message will offend some (it is not aim to offend), anger some (it is not aim to anger).

a God sent prophets, called/anointed men of God, repeatedly to confront civil leaders.

b Elijah to Ahab & Jezebel; Samuel to Saul; Nathan & Gad to King David; Isaiah to Manasseh, Jeremiah to Josiah, . . .

aa When a called/anointed man of God gives his thoughts, convictions that have been formed from God’s Word, forged out of His time in the secret place . . . you might want to pay attention, listen because you may gain something of great value & learn something of massive significance.

bb There is no biblical model where God has His ministers remain silent in the civil arena, civil leaders, or civil issues.

3 I want to teach you what the Bible says about your role/responsibility as one who has simultaneous duel citizenship (heaven & earth).

a Matt. 22, Jesus was asked if it was alright to pay taxes to which He replied,

21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's." Matt 22:21 (NASB)

b Jesus isn’t saying avoid/abstain from the governmental arena, rather we have responsibilities in both of them (heaven & earth)

c Romans 13.3-6, Paul writes three times that civil servants are “ministers of God.”

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Romans 13:3-6 (NASB)

aa Significant when you consider that of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, over ½ were educated in schools established for the purpose of training ministers for the Gospel.

bb In today’s vernacular they had degrees from seminary or Bible College.

d Hebrews 11, we see the “Hall of Faith” full of great heros/held up as our examples.

aa 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Heb 11:22-34 (NASB)