Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.
This teaching from Paul is meant to show that Christianity is not some radical fringe group bent on overthrowing the empire. He was writing to Christians in Rome. He wanted them to understand the bounds of faith. But it's hard. It's hard when you start to think about terrible and unjust authorities doing absolutely ungodly things. Should we just be subject to them and not resist? Are all authorities there because God wants them to be? I'm not so sure.
As always, I think the answers are much more complicated than we wish they were. I wish there were a roadmap that showed me exactly who God would want me to vote for and who I should resist. It would make my job a lot easier. But that's not the way it works. All we know is that God is in ultimate control. That's the faith statement Paul is making. Beyond that, we have to figure it out together.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this Sunday - Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour at 9:45. Adult Forum will be an update on our Organ Fundraising Campaign. Visit us at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
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