James H. Brooks: Civil War Fast

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[00:00:31] Revived Thoughts is a production of Revived Studios.

[00:00:39] This is Troy and Joel and you are listening to Revived Thoughts.

[00:00:48] Drunk with uninterrupted prosperity, we have become too self reliant to recognize the need

[00:00:53] for redemption and preservation.

[00:00:56] Too proud to humble ourselves before the god who created us.

[00:01:01] Every episode we bring you a different voice from history and a sermon that they delivered

[00:01:05] today.

[00:01:06] We're listening to a sermon by James Brooks.

[00:01:09] It was preached on May 25th, 1863 in St. Louis right in the middle of the American

[00:01:14] Civil War.

[00:01:15] Troy, how's it going?

[00:01:16] How are you doing?

[00:01:18] Things are good over here.

[00:01:19] So in Indonesia we just had the end of Ramadan and so peace is finally being brought.

[00:01:24] People are not hungry and angry and thirsty and all the other things that they do when

[00:01:29] they are doing their Ramadan here and that makes the roads much more peaceful and your

[00:01:34] overall experience much more peaceful.

[00:01:36] When you go 12 hours a day in one of the hottest countries in the world without

[00:01:41] water and food, you get around a lot of cranky people I find.

[00:01:46] The roads become extremely dangerous to be on.

[00:01:49] I actually got bumped by a motorcycle the other day while I was on a run just on the

[00:01:52] run and they're just driving crazy and someone hit me with their motorcycle a

[00:01:56] little bit so I'm excited that that's over and our lives are no longer having

[00:02:00] people drumming in the middle of the night waking us up to eat breakfast

[00:02:02] before the sun comes up so we technically cheat the system which is

[00:02:05] what they do.

[00:02:06] No more parades, no more all of that just peace and quiet which is very

[00:02:12] nice.

[00:02:13] How fun are you Joel?

[00:02:14] I was just thinking about it.

[00:02:16] I was about to ask if you sell the eclipse but I really like it.

[00:02:18] It's definitely nighttime during the eclipse.

[00:02:23] Eclipse is probably up here.

[00:02:25] Yeah so I will say as someone who lives, I love everybody back home and I love

[00:02:31] you guys, I love reading your messages.

[00:02:33] It's kind of interesting because I see everyone going to bed when I check

[00:02:36] social media and then there's just a long span to my day where you

[00:02:39] guys are all asleep and so nothing really changes like the news all

[00:02:42] stays the same.

[00:02:44] There's not a lot happening and then everyone wakes up together and I see

[00:02:47] everyone's good morning messages and I go to bed and I wake up and do it

[00:02:49] again.

[00:02:50] So it's kind of interesting to see the world through that lens where I feel

[00:02:53] like I'm missing a lot and then I'm catching up real quick and then

[00:02:56] yeah but I will say as someone who has no way of seeing the eclipse,

[00:03:00] never was going to see the eclipse, I'm glad the eclipse finally is over

[00:03:03] because hearing about it for all, I feel like two weeks straight was

[00:03:06] just like yep an eclipse is coming guys but I'm not going to see it

[00:03:10] so I have zero interest in it.

[00:03:12] I mean there's eventually going to be an eclipse for your part of the

[00:03:17] world that we won't be able to see.

[00:03:19] I don't know when that will be.

[00:03:20] But you guys won't probably see it in your feeds that much because you

[00:03:23] don't have probably hundreds of people from Indonesia or Cambodia

[00:03:26] on your line.

[00:03:27] What's actually funny is America had an eclipse, we weren't like a few

[00:03:30] years ago, we weren't there for it.

[00:03:32] Then Southeast Asia had an eclipse and we were back in America for it

[00:03:36] and then we came back over here and now America's having another

[00:03:38] eclipse and we weren't there for it and I'm like wow we're just

[00:03:40] really like it's almost like we've been dodging it.

[00:03:42] I think the eclipse is dodging you, I think you guys.

[00:03:45] Yeah maybe that's what it is.

[00:03:47] We need to work out.

[00:03:48] Maybe you need to talk through some tension you have with the

[00:03:52] eclipse there.

[00:03:53] It's nothing paranoia, I just can't be in the same side of

[00:03:57] the world to see an eclipse or who knows what will happen.

[00:03:59] That's what it seems like.

[00:04:01] I think it was bad blood, I think you offended the eclipse.

[00:04:05] That's what it is.

[00:04:06] Joel, we have some positive responses here to revive

[00:04:10] your thoughts I wanted to share.

[00:04:11] I wanted to really share and make sure I shared this one message

[00:04:14] that came in.

[00:04:15] This person who shared this message with us, Yesenia,

[00:04:18] I definitely know her as Yesy as well.

[00:04:21] I've seen her in a previous message.

[00:04:23] She put this on YouTube but she kept saying that YouTube is

[00:04:27] deleting the comments.

[00:04:28] I know she left multiple comments trying to leave it for

[00:04:30] us and then she asked us directly like is this going

[00:04:33] through and I didn't see any of the comments so I don't know

[00:04:35] what she was going on there.

[00:04:36] Finally she sent it to me over on X over on Twitter and

[00:04:39] was like hey here's the message I've been trying to leave on

[00:04:41] YouTube and I don't know why it wasn't being left.

[00:04:43] So let me read this message.

[00:04:44] Hi Revive Thoughts team, my Twitter handle is Yesy.

[00:04:47] I, Bolly, I listened to this podcast on Apple but came here

[00:04:50] to comment since I couldn't comment over there.

[00:04:52] Love this episode that showed the grace and mercy of God

[00:04:54] on someone who had much like Apostle Paul worked against

[00:04:57] the faith but was not too far gone for God's mercy to

[00:04:59] reach him.

[00:05:00] I also enjoyed the extra history of the color conversation.

[00:05:03] That was the one where Joel was telling us all about

[00:05:05] the color blue dye from our Thomas Cooper episode here.

[00:05:08] Thank you for all you do.

[00:05:09] May God continue using you and blessing you in every area

[00:05:11] of your life.

[00:05:12] Well thank you very much for sending that to us and thank you

[00:05:15] also for making sure that comment got through.

[00:05:18] You said you couldn't leave it on Apple, you tried to

[00:05:20] leave it on YouTube.

[00:05:21] YouTube for some reason didn't work and so you got it

[00:05:23] to us on Twitter.

[00:05:24] So it took you three tries to get to us but we

[00:05:26] appreciate that.

[00:05:27] And just for clarification, that's in regards to the

[00:05:30] Cooper episode when she's talking about much like the

[00:05:32] Apostle Paul.

[00:05:33] Yeah I believe that episode was Thomas Cooper who, if

[00:05:35] you haven't listened to a great episode where a man, he

[00:05:38] was working against God literally for decades as a

[00:05:41] major atheist speaker and then he came to Christ and

[00:05:43] spent his last couple of decades preaching Christ.

[00:05:45] A really awesome story and we heard several people who

[00:05:49] sent messages or posted about it saying this was a

[00:05:52] great one.

[00:05:53] In fact I believe this next one's from our John Calvin.

[00:05:56] So on Twitter, sorry on YouTube another one there.

[00:05:59] Bradley said, I praise God for you, been so helpful in

[00:06:03] my growth as a Christian, expanding my knowledge of

[00:06:06] church history and keep on keeping on my brothers.

[00:06:08] I like how John Calvin pointed out the hypocrisy of the

[00:06:11] Pharisees regarding the feel that they brought for

[00:06:13] traitors, seeing that they too betrayed Christ.

[00:06:16] So thank you Bradley for leaving that one.

[00:06:18] And then one more set of things I want to say.

[00:06:20] This one was in a Facebook group for office themed

[00:06:23] Christian memes where somebody asked for Christian

[00:06:27] podcast recommendations and we got tagged in this

[00:06:30] several times by different people so I want to say

[00:06:32] I want to thank John, D., David, Martin, Cara J.,

[00:06:36] Whitney C., and Nick G. Thank you guys so much for

[00:06:39] telling people about our show and that list of people

[00:06:41] talking about podcasts.

[00:06:43] If you ever see somebody and they're asking for a

[00:06:45] good podcast to listen to, if you tag us and we

[00:06:47] see it we will definitely respond and we always

[00:06:49] appreciate that.

[00:06:50] That's always a very helpful way for us to grow

[00:06:52] and get new listeners that way.

[00:06:54] Some of the biggest growths we've seen are from

[00:06:56] which is friendly people tagging us on social

[00:06:58] media.

[00:06:59] It's exciting.

[00:07:01] It really helps.

[00:07:02] We do all of our best marketing as we can over here,

[00:07:07] which is not the best but I will say our show,

[00:07:11] the reason we have listeners because you people

[00:07:13] are telling people and letting people know,

[00:07:15] hey this is a show you should listen to.

[00:07:17] One more thing I want to mention.

[00:07:19] So this is a new feature for our Patreon listeners.

[00:07:22] Those of you who are on Patreon, there's a

[00:07:24] Patreon chat function which I just opened up

[00:07:27] and have officially started what I'm calling

[00:07:29] history club.

[00:07:30] So now we Patreon people can talk to each other in

[00:07:33] a little chat room and it's actually been really

[00:07:35] great so far.

[00:07:36] People have been asking us what our music is for our

[00:07:39] intro and outros, what we've had people messaging

[00:07:42] ideas.

[00:07:43] Actually a really good idea.

[00:07:45] Someone said about taking our episodes or sermons

[00:07:47] and putting them in chronological order so

[00:07:49] someone could kind of figure out a space in

[00:07:51] history based on that.

[00:07:52] It's just been a lot of interesting stuff over

[00:07:54] there.

[00:07:55] So if you're not on Patreon yet another reason to

[00:07:57] join the Patreon chat where some interesting

[00:07:59] conversations are happening and I am hoping to

[00:08:01] also get some good history facts to kind of throw

[00:08:04] in there and sprinkle in so we can have someone

[00:08:06] make it a real history club that way.

[00:08:08] So brand new feature of Patreon for those of

[00:08:12] you who are not in there, something you're

[00:08:14] missing out on.

[00:08:15] Okay James H. Brooke making his debut onto

[00:08:19] the revived studios radar here.

[00:08:23] These Civil War episodes are always kind of

[00:08:26] interesting, kind of unique.

[00:08:28] James H. Brooks was born in 1830 in

[00:08:32] Pulaski, Tennessee.

[00:08:34] I apologize if you're from Pulaski, Tennessee.

[00:08:37] Actually though I'll help you out.

[00:08:39] We spent the summer in Tennessee because my

[00:08:41] parents live there.

[00:08:42] Actually mom's probably listening right now.

[00:08:44] Hey mom.

[00:08:45] But Pulaski is down in South Tennessee so

[00:08:47] nowhere near where we are but I think

[00:08:49] Pulaski sounds right.

[00:08:50] If you're a listener, if you're from Tennessee

[00:08:52] and we're messing up and should be saying

[00:08:54] Pulaski let us know.

[00:08:55] That's right so kind of lower near the

[00:08:57] border with Alabama and Georgia.

[00:08:59] James H. Brooks both of his parents were

[00:09:03] clergy and he comes from the line of

[00:09:05] clergymen on both sides of his family.

[00:09:07] His father was a Presbyterian minister

[00:09:09] and he also came up in the ways of

[00:09:11] wanting to be a minister after going

[00:09:14] through university in Ohio.

[00:09:16] He graduated in 1853 and then from

[00:09:19] there went on to Princeton Theological

[00:09:22] Seminary but ran out of money.

[00:09:26] He found trouble.

[00:09:28] He wasn't from a wealthy family.

[00:09:30] He refused financial assistance.

[00:09:32] I don't know if there's a little bit of

[00:09:34] pride there.

[00:09:35] We'll get more into a bit of his character

[00:09:37] but refused financial help and

[00:09:40] halfway through ran out of money so he

[00:09:42] had to come back home to Ohio.

[00:09:44] I feel like we were in Bible College

[00:09:46] and we ran into people like that who

[00:09:48] started strong with the run out of money

[00:09:50] and not no offense to those who did that

[00:09:52] but usually I don't remember many of them

[00:09:54] going on to ministry.

[00:09:55] This is the, I guess, counter example where

[00:09:57] they still go on to be very successful

[00:09:59] even though they did run out of money.

[00:10:01] That is interesting.

[00:10:02] I don't know how many seminary dropouts

[00:10:05] we have on this show.

[00:10:06] This might be the first.

[00:10:08] You know what?

[00:10:09] I can't think of another where a guy

[00:10:11] was going to seminary, ran out of money

[00:10:13] or something and he ended up still becoming

[00:10:15] yeah, this is, I think,

[00:10:17] we don't have too many firsts here

[00:10:19] in seminary dropout to make it through.

[00:10:21] We have to believe this of course.

[00:10:23] Don't go to seminary at all

[00:10:25] or they eventually finish it.

[00:10:27] Which is funny because some of them will go on

[00:10:29] to found like Bible colleges and seminaries

[00:10:31] like Dale Moody and Spurgeon so

[00:10:33] not going doesn't disqualify you at all

[00:10:35] and going doesn't obviously do it

[00:10:37] but I do think this is our first guy

[00:10:39] who started, stopped so.

[00:10:41] So for about four years he was a preacher

[00:10:43] in Ohio when he was called to leave

[00:10:45] the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Ohio

[00:10:47] to go to the Second Presbyterian Church

[00:10:49] of St. Louis and the only reason I include

[00:10:51] the names is that it's funny he went from

[00:10:53] the First Presbyterian to the Second Presbyterian

[00:10:55] in different cities but anyway.

[00:10:57] This would be his church despite moving around

[00:10:59] St. Louis the church would move around

[00:11:01] like locations but this he would stay

[00:11:03] with this church until he died in 1897

[00:11:05] so just a year shy of 40 years

[00:11:07] of service in one church there

[00:11:09] in St. Louis. Brooks was

[00:11:11] famous for his deep knowledge of God's word.

[00:11:13] He was known for having a great memory

[00:11:15] of the knowledge of the Bible's original languages

[00:11:17] was very good. Again he didn't drop out

[00:11:19] at Princeton because he couldn't keep up

[00:11:21] it was just the money thing.

[00:11:23] He was also a great speaker in general

[00:11:25] B.B. Warfield a Princeton set of Brooks

[00:11:27] a large in figure commanding and carriage

[00:11:29] fluent and forceful in speech

[00:11:31] fired with intense conviction

[00:11:33] infused with emotion whether in the pulpit

[00:11:35] or on platform his oratory

[00:11:37] not only caught the attention

[00:11:39] but dominated the feeling

[00:11:41] and controlled the convictions of his audience

[00:11:43] the voice of a lion the vehemence of an Elijah

[00:11:45] his was no anemic Christianity

[00:11:47] I feel like that's a pretty strong endorsement

[00:11:49] right like that's

[00:11:51] high praise from B.B. Warfield there

[00:11:53] now today

[00:11:55] this would actually surprise I think many of our listeners

[00:11:57] because Warfield and Brooks would have

[00:11:59] both been Presbyterians but they would not

[00:12:01] have been on the same side of the theological spectrum

[00:12:03] Brooks was a dispensationalist

[00:12:05] and back in the 1800s

[00:12:07] and early 1900s there were

[00:12:09] dispensationalist Presbyterians actually

[00:12:11] today these groups don't get along

[00:12:13] if you've ever spent any time on Twitter

[00:12:15] these are groups that fight constantly

[00:12:17] and I think they actually are getting more and more

[00:12:19] fighting these days but

[00:12:21] back in the day that was not uncommon for them

[00:12:23] to get along and to have them in the same camp

[00:12:25] and like I said

[00:12:27] it's just interesting to me to see how much

[00:12:29] these people who were theologically

[00:12:31] opposed in some areas

[00:12:33] yet still looked up to each other

[00:12:37] Brooks himself was actually the leader of

[00:12:39] a really famous Bible conference

[00:12:41] called the Niagara Bible Conference

[00:12:43] where the kind of fundamental

[00:12:46] how we think of dispensationalism now

[00:12:48] you know when we think of dispensational church

[00:12:51] this is where it was kind of formed

[00:12:53] and talked out and established

[00:12:55] and he was one of the

[00:12:57] proponents

[00:12:59] one of the leaders, one of the essential blocks

[00:13:01] that put together again

[00:13:03] how we understand

[00:13:05] and interact with dispensationalism here

[00:13:07] during his life like many others

[00:13:09] he wrote a lot of books, he wrote over 200 books

[00:13:11] during his life and he also wrote a

[00:13:13] periodical that focused on theological

[00:13:15] topics when he originally moved

[00:13:17] to Dayton he met his wife

[00:13:19] Susan and Oliver and they'd have

[00:13:21] five daughters together

[00:13:23] which is a lot of girls

[00:13:25] that's pretty intense

[00:13:27] including one that went

[00:13:29] to marry a US senator

[00:13:31] another one went to go marry

[00:13:33] B.B. Warfield's brother

[00:13:35] Ethelbert

[00:13:37] but sadly

[00:13:39] she would end up passing away, seems like

[00:13:41] they tried to have kids but they couldn't have kids

[00:13:43] and when she was 22 she passed away so

[00:13:45] poor widower

[00:13:47] Ethelbert Warfield

[00:13:49] although James X Brooks himself

[00:13:51] would eventually die before it was founded

[00:13:53] about 10 years afterwards there was

[00:13:55] a Bible school

[00:13:57] that was founded in his name in St. Louis

[00:13:59] there it was originally called Brooks Bible Institute

[00:14:01] and now it's called Brooks Bible College

[00:14:03] which who knows maybe some of our listeners have attended

[00:14:06] yeah I don't know anything about it

[00:14:08] if it's a bad school sorry

[00:14:10] but if it's a great school wonderful

[00:14:33] this sermon is special

[00:14:53] because of when it was preached

[00:14:55] in the midst of the bloody terrible American Civil War

[00:14:58] Abraham Lincoln declared a day of

[00:15:00] fasting that the country

[00:15:02] needed to get right with God

[00:15:04] no matter what the terms of the battle were

[00:15:06] now this was not the only

[00:15:08] the both sides would actually do this

[00:15:10] the Confederate states actually had three different days

[00:15:12] of fasting so this was something

[00:15:14] both sides were doing but I think the reason

[00:15:16] this sermon is important is because it's a reminder

[00:15:18] of kind of the importance of dealing

[00:15:20] with authority I know I have always

[00:15:22] kind of struggled with what does it mean

[00:15:24] what exactly is the line of submitting to authority

[00:15:26] or not and also it's a reminder

[00:15:28] in a very politically charged

[00:15:30] world of what we're supposed to be really focused on

[00:15:33] you know this is an America

[00:15:35] it's the year 2024 it tends to be an election year

[00:15:37] and sometimes those can be controversial

[00:15:39] and but I you know as bad as our election years

[00:15:42] can be there nothing I think yet compared

[00:15:44] to the American Civil War where you know

[00:15:46] there was actually fighting and dying

[00:15:48] and blood and bullets and this sermon

[00:15:50] is just kind of a reminder of what are preachers

[00:15:52] supposed to be doing during these politically charged moments

[00:15:55] what are they supposed to be focused on

[00:15:57] and I think that I agree with much of

[00:15:59] what Brooks said I don't know that I agree with

[00:16:01] every single point he made but I think I agree

[00:16:03] much of what he said and I think

[00:16:05] I have to admire his courage to preach it

[00:16:07] it would have been jumping head first

[00:16:09] into a political issue like he does here

[00:16:11] on saying hey let's join Abraham Lincoln

[00:16:13] in this fast when there might have been people

[00:16:15] in his congregation to go I don't know if I like Abraham Lincoln

[00:16:17] and all that kind of stuff I think

[00:16:19] it takes a lot of courage to be able to say

[00:16:21] but this is something good that we're focusing on God

[00:16:23] and the very middle in the middle of a very bloody

[00:16:25] and tough civil war he's just preaching

[00:16:27] the truth from the Bible and I think that for us

[00:16:29] in our times today with all the controversies

[00:16:31] that can happen it's a fresh reminder

[00:16:33] of what we should do when things are tough

[00:16:35] and what we should be really most focused on

[00:16:52] The Senate of the United States

[00:16:54] deeply acknowledging the Supreme Authority

[00:16:56] and just governance of Almighty God

[00:16:58] in all human affairs

[00:17:00] and the affairs of nations has

[00:17:02] through resolution

[00:17:04] urged the president to designate

[00:17:06] and set apart a day for national prayer

[00:17:08] and reflection

[00:17:10] and recognizing that it is a responsibility

[00:17:12] of nations as well as individuals

[00:17:14] to acknowledge their dependence

[00:17:16] on the guiding hand of God

[00:17:18] to confess their sins

[00:17:20] and shortcomings with humility and sorrow

[00:17:22] yet with hopeful confidence

[00:17:24] that sincere repentance will lead to

[00:17:26] mercy and forgiveness

[00:17:28] and to affirm the profound truth

[00:17:30] proclaimed in the Holy Scriptures

[00:17:32] and affirmed throughout history

[00:17:34] that those nations are truly blessed

[00:17:36] whose God is the Lord

[00:17:40] and considering that according to divine law

[00:17:42] nations like individuals

[00:17:44] are subject to punishment

[00:17:46] and correction in this world

[00:17:48] then shouldn't we fear that the terrible calamity

[00:17:50] of civil war

[00:17:52] which currently ravages our land

[00:17:54] is a consequence of our presumptuous sins

[00:17:58] and it is intended to lead us

[00:18:00] to the necessary path

[00:18:02] of national repentance and reform

[00:18:04] we have been blessed

[00:18:06] with abundant gifts from heaven

[00:18:08] we have enjoyed years

[00:18:10] of peace and prosperity

[00:18:12] we have grown in population

[00:18:14] wealth and influence

[00:18:16] unlike any other nation in history

[00:18:18] yet we have forgotten God

[00:18:20] we have failed to acknowledge

[00:18:22] the gracious hand that God has preserved us

[00:18:24] multiplied our blessings

[00:18:26] and strengthened us

[00:18:28] instead we have arrogantly believed

[00:18:30] that our success was solely

[00:18:32] the result of our own wisdom

[00:18:34] and virtue

[00:18:36] drunk with uninterrupted prosperity

[00:18:38] we have become too self-reliant

[00:18:40] to recognize the need

[00:18:42] for redemption and preservation

[00:18:44] too proud to humble ourselves

[00:18:46] before the God who created us

[00:18:48] therefore it is incumbent upon us

[00:18:50] to humble ourselves

[00:18:52] before the offended divine power

[00:18:54] confess our national sins

[00:18:56] and implore mercy and forgiveness

[00:19:00] now in accordance with the request of the senate

[00:19:02] and fully endorsing their sentiments

[00:19:04] I hereby proclaim

[00:19:06] Thursday the 30th day

[00:19:08] of April 1863

[00:19:10] as a day of national repentance

[00:19:12] fasting and prayer

[00:19:14] I urge all citizens

[00:19:16] to refrain from their usual

[00:19:18] worldly activities on that day

[00:19:20] and to gather

[00:19:22] at their places of worship

[00:19:24] and in their homes

[00:19:26] to observe the day

[00:19:28] as sacred to the Lord

[00:19:30] dedicating it to the sincere fulfillment

[00:19:32] of religious duties

[00:19:34] appropriate for such a solemn occasion

[00:19:36] all this when done

[00:19:38] with sincerity and truth

[00:19:40] gives us hope grounded

[00:19:42] in divine teachings

[00:19:44] we trust that the united plea of the nation

[00:19:46] will ascend to the heavens

[00:19:48] and be met with blessing

[00:19:50] including the forgiveness of our national sins

[00:19:52] and the restoration of our currently divided

[00:19:54] and suffering country

[00:19:56] to its former state

[00:19:58] of unity and peace

[00:20:02] in witness whereof I have set my hand

[00:20:04] and cause the seal of the united states

[00:20:06] to be affixed

[00:20:08] done at the city of Washington

[00:20:10] of March in the year of our Lord

[00:20:12] 1863

[00:20:14] and of the

[00:20:16] independence of the united states

[00:20:18] the 87th

[00:20:20] by the president Abraham Lincoln

[00:20:22] William H. C. Word

[00:20:24] secretary of state

[00:20:26] the spirits of this proclamation

[00:20:28] undoubtedly will be embraced

[00:20:30] by every generous and devout heart

[00:20:32] it carries its own

[00:20:34] a penitence, confession

[00:20:36] and humble reliance on God

[00:20:38] resonates with true Christians

[00:20:40] unlike many other expressions

[00:20:42] of religious sentiment

[00:20:44] it refrains from sweeping denunciations

[00:20:46] and vindictive hatred

[00:20:48] instead it acknowledges

[00:20:50] our sins and seeks only the hope

[00:20:52] of natural repentance

[00:20:54] leading to pardon and the restoration

[00:20:56] of unity and peace

[00:20:58] in summary

[00:21:00] regardless of our opinions about the person who pinned it

[00:21:02] I feel sorry for those

[00:21:04] whose biases

[00:21:06] prevent them from recognizing

[00:21:08] the nobility of this Christian proclamation

[00:21:10] it brings a glimmer of hope

[00:21:12] for the future in a time

[00:21:14] marked by godlessness and disbelief

[00:21:16] as our nation's leaders

[00:21:18] call upon the people in such

[00:21:20] a solemn manner

[00:21:22] now to answer this solemn call

[00:21:24] in advance its important objective

[00:21:26] several approaches present themselves

[00:21:28] we could use sound arguments

[00:21:30] derived from reason

[00:21:32] human history and the scriptures

[00:21:34] to demonstrate the significance

[00:21:36] of our observance

[00:21:38] this would help counter the flippant

[00:21:40] ridicule and cheap jokes

[00:21:42] some of our media outlets

[00:21:44] indulge in whenever a day of prayer

[00:21:46] or thanksgiving is proclaimed

[00:21:48] alternatively

[00:21:50] we could list our national sins

[00:21:52] those committed by both high ranking officials

[00:21:54] and ordinary citizens

[00:21:56] those sanctioned by law

[00:21:58] and those overlooked by those in power

[00:22:00] these sins including corruption

[00:22:02] and office and the arrogance that led us

[00:22:04] to ignore the threats

[00:22:06] faced by other nations require

[00:22:08] acknowledgement and repentance

[00:22:10] we could also highlight the often

[00:22:12] overlooked truth that god interacts

[00:22:14] with a nation as if it were an individual

[00:22:16] holding in accountable for its actions

[00:22:18] and moral responsibilities

[00:22:20] just as individuals face

[00:22:22] consequences for their choices

[00:22:24] nations bear the weight

[00:22:26] of their collective deeds however

[00:22:28] unlike individuals

[00:22:30] nations do not continue

[00:22:32] beyond the grave so

[00:22:34] god meets out rewards and punishments

[00:22:36] within the bounds of time

[00:22:38] therefore our nation

[00:22:40] must reckon with sins like profanity

[00:22:42] breaking the Sabbath

[00:22:44] and other blatant disregard for divine

[00:22:46] authority recognizing that our

[00:22:48] actions carry moral

[00:22:50] weight and consequences

[00:22:52] today my dear congregation

[00:22:54] I want to shed light on a specific sin

[00:22:56] that lies at the root

[00:22:58] of many of our current challenges

[00:23:00] it's the sin of lawlessness

[00:23:02] which has spread alarmingly

[00:23:04] throughout our nation

[00:23:06] manifesting an acts of mob violence

[00:23:08] and a widespread disregard for authority

[00:23:10] this attitude

[00:23:12] of rebellion is not confined to any

[00:23:14] particular sphere but extends

[00:23:16] to the state

[00:23:18] the church and even the family

[00:23:20] we see this defines of authority

[00:23:22] reflected in the behavior of our youth

[00:23:24] who often reject

[00:23:26] parental guidance and rush into

[00:23:28] independence before they are ready

[00:23:30] this habit of insubordination

[00:23:32] can carry over into their spiritual

[00:23:34] lives leading them to resist the

[00:23:36] teachings and regulations of the church

[00:23:38] as these individuals

[00:23:40] mature and become citizens

[00:23:42] they continue to rebel against the laws

[00:23:44] and institutions of their country

[00:23:46] preferring to follow their own

[00:23:48] opinions rather than submit

[00:23:50] to established authority

[00:23:52] this attitude poses a significant

[00:23:54] challenge to the stability

[00:23:56] and well being of our society

[00:23:58] I believe it's this poison

[00:24:00] a seed that's largely responsible

[00:24:02] for the bitter harvest of our civil war

[00:24:04] which we've been forced

[00:24:06] to endure until the whole

[00:24:08] head is sick and the whole heart

[00:24:10] faints

[00:24:12] long before the outbreak

[00:24:14] of violence astute observers

[00:24:16] could see ominous signs

[00:24:18] of the troubles ahead and even predicted

[00:24:20] the calamities that have

[00:24:22] been caused by the nation

[00:24:24] many speaking from political

[00:24:26] platforms through the newspapers

[00:24:28] and unfortunately from the pulpit

[00:24:30] openly declare their refusal

[00:24:32] to accept the decisions of our

[00:24:34] highest judicial authority

[00:24:36] state laws were enacted

[00:24:38] with the clear intention of

[00:24:40] undermining federal

[00:24:42] legislation and individuals under

[00:24:44] the false pretext of a higher law

[00:24:46] appointed their own biases and passions

[00:24:48] as the ultimate

[00:24:50] failure of the most important national issues

[00:24:52] it's painfully evident

[00:24:54] that this same unholy

[00:24:56] spirit unrestrained by the judgments

[00:24:58] of God still wields significant

[00:25:00] influence in nearly every

[00:25:02] corner of our country

[00:25:04] thousands openly discuss

[00:25:06] overthrowing our lawful

[00:25:08] leaders and disregarding

[00:25:10] foundational laws

[00:25:12] embodied in our sacred constitutions

[00:25:14] and with the same flippancy

[00:25:16] and lack of moral consideration

[00:25:18] they would discuss trivial matters

[00:25:20] and now my friends there can be no doubt

[00:25:22] that this rampant

[00:25:24] disobedience is sinful

[00:25:26] deeply sinful because sin is

[00:25:28] simply the breaking of God's law

[00:25:30] and the law of God as revealed

[00:25:32] in the Holy Scriptures speaks to us

[00:25:34] in clear terms let every soul

[00:25:36] be subject to the governing

[00:25:38] authorities for there is no authority

[00:25:40] except from God

[00:25:42] and the authorities that exist

[00:25:44] are appointed by God

[00:25:46] or whoever resists the authority

[00:25:48] resists the ordinance of God

[00:25:50] and those who resist will bring judgment

[00:25:52] on themselves for

[00:25:54] rulers are not a terror to

[00:25:56] good works but to evil

[00:25:58] do you want to be unafraid

[00:26:00] of the authority

[00:26:02] do what is good and you will have

[00:26:04] praise from the same

[00:26:06] for he is God's minister to you for good

[00:26:08] but if you do evil

[00:26:10] be afraid for he does not

[00:26:12] bear the sword in vain

[00:26:14] for he is God's minister an Avenger

[00:26:16] to execute wrath on him

[00:26:18] who practices evil

[00:26:20] therefore you must be subject not only

[00:26:22] because of wrath but also for

[00:26:24] conscience's sake

[00:26:26] what does this language mean my brothers

[00:26:28] when we apply the usual

[00:26:30] methods of interpretation

[00:26:32] to understand the Scriptures

[00:26:34] concerning any duty or doctrine

[00:26:36] what obligation does it place

[00:26:38] upon us in our relationship

[00:26:40] with the governing powers

[00:26:42] or authorities that God has placed over us

[00:26:44] once this question is answered

[00:26:46] there can be no more debate

[00:26:48] for the sincere Christian

[00:26:50] there is nothing left for them to do

[00:26:52] but to comply with the commands of their Lord

[00:26:54] regardless of personal feelings

[00:26:56] or earthly interests

[00:26:58] though natural affections

[00:27:00] and human sympathies may protest

[00:27:02] the will of the divine redeemer

[00:27:04] must take complete control

[00:27:06] casting down imaginations

[00:27:08] and every high thing

[00:27:10] that exalts itself against the knowledge of God

[00:27:12] and bringing

[00:27:14] every thought and the captivity

[00:27:16] to the obedience of Christ

[00:27:18] let us adhere so fast

[00:27:20] to the law and the testimony

[00:27:22] and all our emotions

[00:27:24] and actions for if they speak not

[00:27:26] according to this word

[00:27:28] it is because there is no light in them

[00:27:30] let us bring our hearts

[00:27:32] and lives into

[00:27:34] complete subjection to the pleasure

[00:27:36] and precepts of Jesus Christ

[00:27:38] motivated by the joys

[00:27:40] of an approving conscience

[00:27:42] the comforting guidance

[00:27:44] of the Holy Spirit

[00:27:46] and the hope of eternal salvation

[00:27:48] I feel compelled to speak boldly

[00:27:50] on this matter because

[00:27:52] as many of you know from our conversations

[00:27:54] during this tumultuous time

[00:27:56] I have been deeply influenced

[00:27:58] by considerations

[00:28:00] of birthplace

[00:28:02] early associations

[00:28:04] and family ties which have often

[00:28:06] left me feeling conflicted

[00:28:08] and uncertain in my purpose and character

[00:28:10] furthermore

[00:28:12] I want to publicly acknowledge

[00:28:14] something I may not have shared privately before

[00:28:16] I could have easily been

[00:28:18] swept up by a strong

[00:28:20] feelings of sympathy

[00:28:22] for a people dearer to me than any other on earth

[00:28:24] leading me into a stance

[00:28:26] of open rebellion

[00:28:28] perhaps even taking up arms

[00:28:30] while I initially online

[00:28:32] myself with many others who believed

[00:28:34] that secession was both

[00:28:36] unconstitutional and unjustifiable

[00:28:38] my position

[00:28:40] could have been swayed by regional

[00:28:42] preferences or biases

[00:28:44] however

[00:28:46] I felt compelled to thoroughly examine

[00:28:48] the teachings of the Bible regarding

[00:28:50] our obligations as Christians

[00:28:52] to civil obedience

[00:28:54] through honest study

[00:28:56] I have come to the conclusion that the Word

[00:28:58] of God does indeed speak

[00:29:00] to our precise duties as disciples

[00:29:02] of the Lord Jesus in times like these

[00:29:04] along with this

[00:29:06] realization comes a growing

[00:29:08] conviction that we cannot resist

[00:29:10] the authorities placed over us

[00:29:12] as such resistance is sinful

[00:29:14] if I understand the scriptures

[00:29:16] correctly our allegiance to the

[00:29:18] constitution laws and government

[00:29:20] under which we live is tied

[00:29:22] to our allegiance to the one who has

[00:29:24] called us out of darkness and do his marvelous

[00:29:26] light there may be

[00:29:28] two exceptions to this rule

[00:29:30] first if we are asked to do something

[00:29:32] morally wrong in which case

[00:29:34] it is our duty to disobey as the Apostles themselves did

[00:29:38] second if the government

[00:29:40] ceases to serve as a minister

[00:29:42] of God for good and instead becomes

[00:29:44] a tool for evil then our

[00:29:46] allegiance may be called into question

[00:29:48] however even when a government

[00:29:50] fails in its duty to be a blessing

[00:29:52] to society and instead becomes

[00:29:54] an instrument of oppression

[00:29:56] and injustice I am hesitant

[00:29:58] to conclude that a fair

[00:30:00] interpretation of the bible would

[00:30:02] support arms resistance

[00:30:04] while this position may challenge

[00:30:06] the beliefs of some of our most respected

[00:30:08] moral

[00:30:10] philosophers and may seem to align

[00:30:12] with the outdated theory

[00:30:14] of the divine right of kings

[00:30:16] I fail to see how the teachings

[00:30:18] and examples of Christ

[00:30:20] and his apostles endorse

[00:30:22] revolutionary violence as a

[00:30:24] means of addressing public

[00:30:26] injustices

[00:30:28] let's carefully consider whether

[00:30:30] there is any stretching

[00:30:32] or exaggeration in it interpreting

[00:30:34] the passage from the epistle to the

[00:30:36] Romans that I have just quoted

[00:30:38] I assert that the apostle leaves

[00:30:40] no room for doubt on the

[00:30:42] following four points first

[00:30:44] every individual regardless

[00:30:46] of their occupation status

[00:30:48] or location is obligated

[00:30:50] to submit to the governing

[00:30:52] authorities secondly

[00:30:54] government in all its

[00:30:56] forms regardless of how it came

[00:30:58] into existence or operates

[00:31:00] is established by God

[00:31:02] just like the church contrary to the

[00:31:04] common misconception about its origin

[00:31:06] thirdly

[00:31:08] resisting this

[00:31:10] institution appointed by God

[00:31:12] is tantamount to resisting God

[00:31:14] himself and divine justice will

[00:31:16] ensure that the guilty do not go unpunished

[00:31:18] and fourthly

[00:31:20] after establishing that civil

[00:31:22] government though imperfect

[00:31:24] serves as a representation of God's

[00:31:26] dominion over the world

[00:31:28] the apostle argues that our submission

[00:31:30] to it should not be based

[00:31:32] solely on fear or self-interest

[00:31:34] it goes beyond mere patriotism

[00:31:36] it is a matter of conscience

[00:31:38] and religious duty

[00:31:40] what gives significant weight

[00:31:42] to this argument is that when

[00:31:44] the apostle addressed these commands

[00:31:46] to the Christians in Rome

[00:31:48] they were living under the rule

[00:31:50] of one of the most depraved tyrants in history

[00:31:52] this ruler

[00:31:54] was obscene, cruel

[00:31:56] and cowardly having murdered

[00:31:58] his own family and showing the light

[00:32:00] as Rome burned in a

[00:32:02] horrifying fire

[00:32:04] his atrocity would have made even the

[00:32:06] darkest demons blush

[00:32:08] it would be utterly absurd to suggest

[00:32:10] that the apostle Paul condoned all of

[00:32:12] Nero's actions and words

[00:32:14] likewise it is equally

[00:32:16] unreasonable to argue that Christian

[00:32:18] loyalty requires unquestioning

[00:32:20] approval of everything rulers

[00:32:22] say and do

[00:32:24] such a notion would strip people of their intelligence

[00:32:26] conscience and will

[00:32:28] reducing them to mere passive

[00:32:30] subjects

[00:32:32] on the contrary I believe it is not only

[00:32:34] the right but the duty of citizens

[00:32:36] especially in a republic like ours

[00:32:38] to respectfully challenge

[00:32:40] government policies they deem

[00:32:42] unwise and seek change

[00:32:44] through reasoned argument

[00:32:46] however I also maintain in line with the apostle's teaching

[00:32:50] that the personal character

[00:32:52] or behavior of those in authority

[00:32:54] no matter how unworthy

[00:32:56] does not exempt us from the obligations

[00:32:58] you obey

[00:33:00] civil authority

[00:33:02] disobedience or resistance on this basis

[00:33:04] is not just a crime against society

[00:33:06] it is a sin against God

[00:33:08] I offer this perspective to you my brothers

[00:33:10] and sisters as the only conclusion

[00:33:12] that can be drawn

[00:33:14] a fair examination of the word of God

[00:33:16] which we all claim to accept

[00:33:18] as a standard for our beliefs

[00:33:20] and actions and I want to emphasize

[00:33:22] that this view is not uniquely my own

[00:33:24] it has been held by the wisest

[00:33:26] and most righteous individuals

[00:33:28] throughout the history of the church

[00:33:30] now I will

[00:33:32] proceed to present the authority

[00:33:34] as I am about to cite and I ask for your candid

[00:33:36] and attentive consideration

[00:33:38] to see if you can find any flaws

[00:33:40] in their assertions

[00:33:42] let us first turn

[00:33:44] to the standards of our own church

[00:33:46] the Westminster Confession of Faith

[00:33:48] which Presbyterians

[00:33:50] embraces containing the system of divine

[00:33:52] truth and the essence

[00:33:54] of doctrine found in Holy Scripture

[00:33:56] in chapter 23

[00:33:58] section 1 we find the following

[00:34:00] God, the supreme lord

[00:34:02] and king of all the world

[00:34:04] has ordained civil magistrates

[00:34:06] to be under him

[00:34:08] over the people

[00:34:10] for his own glory and the public good

[00:34:12] to this end

[00:34:14] he has entrusted them with the power of the sword

[00:34:16] for the defense

[00:34:18] and encouragement

[00:34:20] of the righteous and for the punishment

[00:34:22] of wrongdoers

[00:34:24] similarly in section 4 of the same chapter

[00:34:26] it states it is the duty of the people

[00:34:28] to pray for magistrates

[00:34:30] to honor their persons

[00:34:32] to pay them taxes and other obligations

[00:34:34] to obey their lawful commands

[00:34:36] and to submit to their authority

[00:34:38] for conscience's sake

[00:34:40] disbelief or differences

[00:34:42] and religion do not nullify the magistrates

[00:34:44] to just and lawful authority

[00:34:46] nor release the people

[00:34:48] from their obligation to obey him

[00:34:50] similarly

[00:34:52] in section 4 chapter 20

[00:34:54] it states

[00:35:08] oppose any lawful authority

[00:35:10] or its rightful exercise

[00:35:12] whether civil or ecclesiastical

[00:35:14] resist the ordinance of God

[00:35:16] moreover

[00:35:18] in response to question 124

[00:35:20] and the larger catechism

[00:35:22] who were meant by father and mother

[00:35:24] in the 5th commandment

[00:35:26] we find

[00:35:28] by father and mother in the 5th commandment

[00:35:30] are meant not only biological parents

[00:35:32] but all superiors

[00:35:34] and age and abilities

[00:35:36] especially those appointed by God

[00:35:38] to exercise authority over us

[00:35:40] whether in the family, church

[00:35:42] or society

[00:35:44] question 127 then asks

[00:35:46] what is the honor that

[00:35:48] inferiors owe to superiors

[00:35:50] the answer

[00:35:52] inferiors owe their superiors

[00:35:54] all due reverence and heart

[00:35:56] speech and conduct

[00:35:58] prayer and gratitude for them

[00:36:00] emulation of their virtues

[00:36:02] and graces

[00:36:04] obedience to their lawful commands

[00:36:06] and advice

[00:36:08] appropriate acceptance of their correction

[00:36:10] loyalty to

[00:36:12] support and defense of their persons

[00:36:14] and authority

[00:36:16] according to their respective positions

[00:36:18] and the nature of their roles

[00:36:20] patience with their weaknesses

[00:36:22] and love that covers them

[00:36:24] so that they may be an honor

[00:36:26] to them and to their governance

[00:36:28] this testimonial lines substantially

[00:36:30] with the confessions

[00:36:32] and standards of Protestant churches

[00:36:34] both in this country and in Europe

[00:36:36] which I have recently examined on this matter

[00:36:38] none of which advocate

[00:36:40] armed resistance to the powers that be

[00:36:42] under any pretext

[00:36:44] or circumstance

[00:36:46] let's now consider the views of some

[00:36:48] of our most esteemed commentators

[00:36:50] individuals

[00:36:52] whose reputation for piety scholarship

[00:36:54] and sound judgment

[00:36:56] is recognized across all Christian

[00:36:58] communities

[00:37:00] these commentators wrote not under

[00:37:02] the sway of partisan fervor

[00:37:04] or personal bias but

[00:37:06] as faithful interpreters of God's word

[00:37:08] mindful of their accountability

[00:37:10] to the judge of all

[00:37:12] Dr. Chalmers

[00:37:14] commenting on the passage from the epistle

[00:37:16] to the Romans remarks

[00:37:18] certain theorists and social

[00:37:20] and political philosophy attempt

[00:37:22] to gauge the duty of subjection

[00:37:24] by what they perceive as the right

[00:37:26] of sovereignty

[00:37:28] and that incumbent loyalty

[00:37:30] depends on the presence of a legally

[00:37:32] constituted government

[00:37:34] they delve into the theories of an original

[00:37:36] social contract

[00:37:38] and discuss elective and hereditary rights

[00:37:40] they seek to determine

[00:37:42] the extent of allegiance

[00:37:44] by individual members of a community

[00:37:46] to the ruling authorities

[00:37:48] whether rightful or not

[00:37:50] based on certain legal doctrines

[00:37:52] however it is long been evident

[00:37:54] to us that the Bible cuts

[00:37:56] short such reasoning

[00:37:58] while it outlines the duty

[00:38:00] of subjects it does not delineate

[00:38:02] the nature or composition

[00:38:04] of the government to which this

[00:38:06] is owed

[00:38:08] it does not specify that we should

[00:38:10] submit the powers that were rightfully established

[00:38:12] or have been properly constituted

[00:38:14] but the powers that currently exist

[00:38:16] it is not

[00:38:18] the quality or character

[00:38:20] of any government that warrants

[00:38:22] our obedience but its mere existence

[00:38:24] we should obey its mandates

[00:38:26] not because they were crafted with law

[00:38:28] justice or the common good in mind

[00:38:30] but simply because it holds

[00:38:32] authority it's true that the apostle

[00:38:34] affirms that the powers to which he

[00:38:36] requires our subjection

[00:38:38] are ordained by God

[00:38:40] but this is simply because they are the existing

[00:38:42] authorities and in the sense

[00:38:44] that whatever exists it is ordained

[00:38:46] by God he oversees all of

[00:38:48] history and to his sovereign will

[00:38:50] we attribute the rise and continuation

[00:38:52] of all the current dynasties in our

[00:38:54] world although

[00:38:56] fraud, force, barbaric cruelty

[00:38:58] and even human wrath may have been

[00:39:00] the instruments of his divine plan

[00:39:02] in their establishment thus

[00:39:04] the duty outlined in our text applies

[00:39:06] universally regardless of the

[00:39:08] country or political system

[00:39:10] therefore a Christian living

[00:39:12] in Turkey, China or under

[00:39:14] any of the oppressive regimes

[00:39:16] of the east is equally bound

[00:39:18] to obedience by this unyielding

[00:39:20] law of the New Testament

[00:39:22] just as if they lived in regions

[00:39:24] of greater civilization and fair

[00:39:26] governance where the arbitrary

[00:39:28] abuses of power are

[00:39:30] unknown however

[00:39:32] a government may

[00:39:34] deviate from its intended

[00:39:36] and customary role instead of being

[00:39:38] a protector it may become

[00:39:40] a tyrant and a persecutor

[00:39:42] that may misuse its authority

[00:39:44] wielding the sword

[00:39:46] of justice as a tool of unjust

[00:39:48] violence straying from its

[00:39:50] rightful purpose of dispensing

[00:39:52] justice to instead

[00:39:54] meet out vengeance against rebels

[00:39:56] wrongdoers instead it may

[00:39:58] become a murderer itself

[00:40:00] drenching its hands on the blood

[00:40:02] of the innocent and the question

[00:40:04] arises what is our duty towards

[00:40:06] a government in this new stance

[00:40:08] and mode of operation when it

[00:40:10] ceases to be a force for good

[00:40:12] and instead becomes an instrument of

[00:40:14] wrath against the peaceful and the righteous

[00:40:16] terrorizing and punishing

[00:40:18] those who are deserving of

[00:40:20] praise this question

[00:40:22] has been addressed in the chapter

[00:40:24] immediately preceding our current discussion

[00:40:26] where we are instructed to bless

[00:40:28] those who persecute us to give

[00:40:30] way to anger

[00:40:32] and to not seek vengeance

[00:40:34] for ourselves not only has

[00:40:36] it been answered doctrinely

[00:40:38] in the bible but it has also

[00:40:40] been answered through historical

[00:40:42] examples and by the actions

[00:40:44] of the righteous martyrs over

[00:40:46] three centuries of persecution

[00:40:48] beginning with the founder of our faith

[00:40:50] and extending to the reign of

[00:40:52] Constantine and when they suffered

[00:40:54] outrage and injustice at the hands

[00:40:56] of private individuals

[00:40:58] they were commanded to refrain

[00:41:00] from retaliation this

[00:41:02] injunction became even more

[00:41:04] imperative when the injustice was

[00:41:06] perpetrated by a magistrate

[00:41:08] so in those ages of martyrdom

[00:41:10] we witness a vivid demonstration

[00:41:12] of the massive virtues advocated by

[00:41:14] the apostles virtues that

[00:41:16] are inherent to a state of suffering

[00:41:18] it was not only in the

[00:41:20] early days when Christians

[00:41:22] were a small and persecuted minority

[00:41:24] amidst overwhelming majorities

[00:41:26] of adherents to the ancient

[00:41:28] faith whether Jews or Gentiles

[00:41:30] that they submitted quietly to torture

[00:41:32] and death following the example

[00:41:34] of their great master who was led

[00:41:36] like a lamb to the slaughter even

[00:41:38] in the strength and maturity of their faith

[00:41:40] when they were outnumbered

[00:41:42] their adversaries and had

[00:41:44] the potential to seize control of government

[00:41:46] we find records of their endearing

[00:41:48] persecution with meek endurance

[00:41:50] during the final and bloodiest

[00:41:52] of those great trials they had to face

[00:41:54] they could have risen against the oppressors

[00:41:56] and triumphed over them by force

[00:41:58] but their victory was even more glorious

[00:42:00] it was a triumph of principle

[00:42:02] their example serves as a lesson for us

[00:42:04] who live in the latter days

[00:42:06] if the flames of persecution

[00:42:08] are once again kindled in our land

[00:42:10] should this become a test

[00:42:12] in an exercise of our Christian faith

[00:42:14] after such an example and especially

[00:42:16] with the guidance provided by the apostle

[00:42:18] in the preceding passage

[00:42:20] we should know how to conduct ourselves

[00:42:22] we should endure suffering

[00:42:24] and injustice for the sake

[00:42:26] of our conscience towards God

[00:42:28] we should bear it patiently and commit ourselves

[00:42:30] to the one who judges righteously

[00:42:32] we should leave to him the task

[00:42:34] of seeking redress and administering

[00:42:36] vengeance for that is his

[00:42:38] prerogative alone

[00:42:40] if we desire to achieve a similar victory

[00:42:42] to that of our predecessors

[00:42:44] in the church then instead of being overcome

[00:42:46] by evil we should overcome

[00:42:48] evil with good

[00:42:50] the position advocated by Dr. Chalmers

[00:42:52] and these extensive quotations

[00:42:54] is evidently that under no circumstances

[00:42:56] it is it morally

[00:42:58] permissible for a Christian to resort

[00:43:00] to violence and resistance

[00:43:02] against the governing authorities

[00:43:04] in his insightful commentary on

[00:43:06] Romans Robert Halden

[00:43:08] addresses the same passage

[00:43:10] and emphasizes the apostles teaching

[00:43:12] he highlights that Christians being

[00:43:14] citizens of a kingdom not of this world

[00:43:16] might be tempted to believe

[00:43:18] they are exempt from obedience to human authorities

[00:43:20] especially those who are not believers

[00:43:22] however

[00:43:24] the apostles instruction is clear

[00:43:26] in universal he commands

[00:43:28] every soul irrespective of ethnicity

[00:43:30] or faith to be subject

[00:43:32] to the governing authorities

[00:43:34] there are no exceptions based on

[00:43:36] the form or structure of government

[00:43:38] the apostles precepts applied to

[00:43:40] all types of governance

[00:43:42] Halden notes that modern

[00:43:44] political factions often diverge

[00:43:46] widely from this apostolic doctrine

[00:43:48] and he urges Christians to

[00:43:50] pay close attention to it

[00:43:52] he warns against being swayed

[00:43:54] by worldly opinions on those

[00:43:56] who disparage the government

[00:43:58] Halden advises careful examination

[00:44:00] of the apostles teaching

[00:44:02] without attempting to mold

[00:44:04] it to fit preconceived notions

[00:44:06] of civil liberty

[00:44:08] this caution is particularly

[00:44:10] relevant today as many

[00:44:12] have become deeply involved in politics

[00:44:14] potentially to the detriment

[00:44:16] of their spiritual well-being

[00:44:18] drawing them further away from

[00:44:20] spiritual pursuits and closer

[00:44:22] to worldly concerns

[00:44:24] and considering

[00:44:26] the duties outlined in the apostolic

[00:44:28] epistles it is crucial to understand

[00:44:30] that although they were written for

[00:44:32] specific occasions and addressed to

[00:44:34] particular churches they are universally

[00:44:36] applicable just as the 10 commandments

[00:44:38] though given to a single nation

[00:44:40] at one time are binding

[00:44:42] to all nations in every era

[00:44:44] so two are the teachings of the epistles

[00:44:46] relevant to Christians in every country

[00:44:48] and age

[00:44:50] this passage concerning civil government

[00:44:52] serves as a guide

[00:44:54] for Christians today just as it did

[00:44:56] for the recipients of the original epistle

[00:44:58] despite the vast array of

[00:45:00] circumstances and governmental

[00:45:02] structures the duty of obedience

[00:45:04] remains consistent whether under

[00:45:06] a despotism like the Roman Christians

[00:45:08] or a free government like many today

[00:45:10] Christians are called to obey the governing

[00:45:12] authorities equally

[00:45:14] it's paramount for Christians to live

[00:45:16] under any form of government to have

[00:45:18] a clear and precise understanding

[00:45:20] of their duty to civil authority

[00:45:22] and this is precisely what is provided

[00:45:24] the word of God explicitly

[00:45:26] addresses this practical subject

[00:45:28] ensuring that even the most

[00:45:30] inexperienced believer can discern

[00:45:32] their Lord's will regarding obedience

[00:45:34] to civil government in the most

[00:45:36] solemn manner this passage

[00:45:38] commands subjection to the existing powers

[00:45:40] such a directive

[00:45:42] stands in stark contrast to the wisdom

[00:45:44] of the world which often bulks

[00:45:46] at such submission

[00:45:48] and it challenges the prideful hearts

[00:45:50] of humanity which may

[00:45:52] seek to use religion as a shield

[00:45:54] to avoid uncomfortable restraints

[00:45:56] the natural inclination

[00:45:58] towards the opposite doctrine is evident

[00:46:00] in the sentiments held by rulers and

[00:46:02] subjects alike by both unbelievers

[00:46:04] and professed Christians by statesmen

[00:46:06] and individuals of all social

[00:46:08] standings it's common for many

[00:46:10] even in a nation like ours

[00:46:12] which is relatively enlightened by the

[00:46:14] scriptures to assert that

[00:46:16] allegiance to rulers even civil matters

[00:46:18] is contention and conditional

[00:46:20] they argue that in cases where they

[00:46:22] presumed agreement between rulers

[00:46:24] and the rule disviolated

[00:46:26] rebellion becomes permissible

[00:46:28] and resistance a moral obligation

[00:46:30] even within the chambers

[00:46:32] of Congress this doctrine is boldly advocated

[00:46:34] it's concerning that among

[00:46:36] those who disregard the commandments

[00:46:38] of God and reject the scriptural

[00:46:40] teachings on this matter

[00:46:42] there may be individuals who claim to be Christians

[00:46:44] it's regrettable to note

[00:46:46] that in order to justify resistance

[00:46:48] to civil authorities some people

[00:46:50] of faith have resorted to the same

[00:46:52] flawed methods of interpretation that our

[00:46:54] language for definers

[00:46:56] and other disorders of divine truth

[00:46:58] have used to remove the doctrines of grace

[00:47:00] from the Bible the attempts

[00:47:02] to explain away the true meaning of this

[00:47:04] chapter in order to align it with the

[00:47:06] right to resist the established

[00:47:08] authorities have been as

[00:47:10] strained as any seen

[00:47:12] in the history of biblical interpretation

[00:47:14] let every single one of us

[00:47:16] single one of us pay attention

[00:47:18] this phrase so all encompassing

[00:47:20] speaks directly to each and every believer

[00:47:22] no matter where we find

[00:47:24] ourselves whatever our situation

[00:47:26] and at all times

[00:47:28] the message to the Apostles

[00:47:30] about to convey is relevant

[00:47:32] to us all submit to those

[00:47:34] in authority over us

[00:47:36] that's what

[00:47:38] be subject onto the higher power

[00:47:40] means we're talking about those in

[00:47:42] charge the rulers

[00:47:44] when we talk about government it's essentially

[00:47:46] the same thing

[00:47:48] the Apostles choice of words couldn't be

[00:47:50] clearer and more direct

[00:47:52] our duty to obey the civil

[00:47:54] authorities that God has placed over us

[00:47:56] this passage isn't selective

[00:47:58] it demands obedience to all governments

[00:48:00] no exceptions

[00:48:02] the term powers here isn't limited

[00:48:04] to just one government like the Roman

[00:48:06] authorities applies universally to all

[00:48:08] governing bodies if any other Christians

[00:48:10] in Rome had ventured beyond the

[00:48:12] borders they were just as obligated

[00:48:14] to obey the laws of the land

[00:48:16] they ran as they were to obey

[00:48:18] those of the Roman Empire itself

[00:48:20] and for foreigners from lands outside

[00:48:22] of the empire they were to obey

[00:48:24] Rome's authorities while they were

[00:48:26] here and their own authorities when

[00:48:28] they returned home

[00:48:30] the Apostle doesn't single out any specific

[00:48:32] government every single one

[00:48:34] of us without exception is commanded by God

[00:48:36] to submit to the authorities

[00:48:38] in power no matter how

[00:48:40] it seemed to be there whether it was

[00:48:42] Caesar twisting the laws

[00:48:44] Jeroboam promoting idolatry

[00:48:46] or Nebuchadnezzar

[00:48:48] leading Judah into captivity

[00:48:50] the command remains the same

[00:48:52] obey the powers that be

[00:48:54] yet even though

[00:48:56] the successors of Caesar were

[00:48:58] acknowledged by Jesus and ruled

[00:49:00] the Roman Empire during the Apostles

[00:49:02] time and Jeroboam

[00:49:04] was specifically chosen by God

[00:49:06] as king over the 10 tribes

[00:49:08] and even the oppressed were

[00:49:10] instructed to pray for the peace of Babylon

[00:49:12] there is no power but

[00:49:14] of God because it is

[00:49:16] God through his providence

[00:49:18] who grants power to every

[00:49:20] individual who upholds it

[00:49:22] no tyrant ever sees power

[00:49:24] without God allowing it

[00:49:26] it's not just the structure of civil government

[00:49:28] that comes from God but the leaders themselves

[00:49:30] the powers that be are ordained

[00:49:32] by God the statement

[00:49:34] leaves no room for clever arguments

[00:49:36] to limit allegiance based on the behavior

[00:49:38] of rulers or how they came to power

[00:49:40] the existing authorities

[00:49:42] in every country in every

[00:49:44] era are established by God

[00:49:46] Nero was just as much

[00:49:48] a ruler ordained by God as Titus

[00:49:50] or Antonius the divine

[00:49:52] appointment of government over us

[00:49:54] is the foundation upon which our

[00:49:56] duty to submit rests

[00:49:58] and the powers that exist

[00:50:00] in any country are appointed by God

[00:50:02] who so ever therefore

[00:50:04] resists the powers resists the ordinance of God

[00:50:06] and simpler terms

[00:50:08] opposing the government is like

[00:50:10] opposing God himself because the government

[00:50:12] is established by God

[00:50:14] if God is appointed every government in the world

[00:50:16] then his people are obligated to submit

[00:50:18] to whichever government they find themselves under

[00:50:20] there's only one exception

[00:50:22] to this rule and that's when the government

[00:50:24] requires something that goes

[00:50:26] against God's law

[00:50:28] in such cases it's clear

[00:50:30] we must obey God rather than men

[00:50:32] and the people of God should view resistance

[00:50:34] to their government as a serious

[00:50:36] offense even as resistance

[00:50:38] against God himself

[00:50:40] to those who rely on worldly wisdom

[00:50:42] as Dr. Carson explains

[00:50:44] the idea of unquestioning

[00:50:46] obedience to civil authority

[00:50:48] and earthly matters may seem difficult

[00:50:50] to accept but they misunderstand

[00:50:52] both the scriptures and the power

[00:50:54] of God in governing the world

[00:50:56] it would indeed be troubling if God did not

[00:50:58] have control over rulers however

[00:51:00] Christians have nothing to fear when they realize

[00:51:02] that every action and decision

[00:51:04] of government is overseen and guided

[00:51:06] by their God if he places

[00:51:08] his children in the hands of men

[00:51:10] he also keeps those men

[00:51:12] within his control and they cannot

[00:51:14] harm his children without his permission

[00:51:16] the king's heart

[00:51:18] is in the hand of the Lord like

[00:51:20] rivers of water he turns it

[00:51:22] wherever he wishes this verse reassures

[00:51:24] us that our security ultimately lies

[00:51:26] in God's control over

[00:51:28] the hearts of rulers rather than

[00:51:30] feeling anxious about who holds

[00:51:32] power Christians find peace

[00:51:34] knowing that God orchestrates everything

[00:51:36] according to his purposes

[00:51:38] Mr. Howden

[00:51:40] further emphasizes that

[00:51:42] in the preceding verses

[00:51:44] the apostle leaves no room for exceptions

[00:51:46] or modifications regarding civil obedience

[00:51:48] he doesn't entertain hypothetical

[00:51:50] scenarios of resistance or rebellion

[00:51:52] that may arise in the future

[00:51:54] instead with unmistakable clarity

[00:51:56] and authoritative solemnity

[00:51:58] he commands every soul to

[00:52:00] submit to the governing authorities

[00:52:02] declaring that these authorities

[00:52:04] are established by God's ordination

[00:52:06] in

[00:52:07] Seutonius' account

[00:52:09] remarks Oleshausen

[00:52:11] that the Jews of Rome stirred up trouble

[00:52:13] under the leadership of someone named Crestus

[00:52:16] we perhaps discern a hint that

[00:52:18] some of the Roman Christians in their fervent

[00:52:20] embrace of Christian freedom

[00:52:22] may have misunderstood their relationship

[00:52:24] with the authorities considering that

[00:52:26] the epistle to the Romans was

[00:52:28] written during Nero's reign following

[00:52:30] the reign of Tiberius, Caligula

[00:52:32] and Claudius with their

[00:52:34] various abominations and madness

[00:52:36] we find in the subsequent

[00:52:38] exhortation a remarkable nobility

[00:52:40] in purity of thought sharply contrasting

[00:52:42] with the malice and the

[00:52:44] poverty evident in the ruling power

[00:52:46] of the Roman Empire this purity

[00:52:48] and truth undoubtedly

[00:52:50] possesses the power to rejuvenate

[00:52:52] the aged and corrupted world

[00:52:54] restoring it for generations to come

[00:52:56] as we

[00:52:58] survey the present world which

[00:53:00] has similarly fallen into

[00:53:02] corruption where the people are

[00:53:04] become wild and desolate because

[00:53:06] prophecy is nothing heated

[00:53:08] it becomes imperative to re-establish

[00:53:10] the rule from above and reaffirm

[00:53:12] the doctrine of

[00:53:14] holy scripture concerning

[00:53:16] the magistrate as God's

[00:53:18] representative on earth

[00:53:20] but what about those corrupt powers

[00:53:22] that arise through

[00:53:24] rebellion or other wicked means

[00:53:26] are they also part of God's

[00:53:28] plan? well, in a way yes

[00:53:30] when they come into being

[00:53:32] and become evident they are part of the picture

[00:53:34] as Christians, citizens of a heavenly realm

[00:53:36] we don't need to scrutinize

[00:53:38] the righteousness of the current

[00:53:40] authority especially since

[00:53:42] such assignments are often quite challenging

[00:53:44] and not feasible for every

[00:53:46] individual our allegiance

[00:53:48] belongs to the authority that God has placed over us

[00:53:50] corrupt

[00:53:52] governments will ultimately

[00:53:54] answer to God alone as their judge

[00:53:56] not to us humans

[00:53:58] here another duty follows

[00:54:00] Calvin writes that with minds

[00:54:02] inclined to honor and respect magistrates

[00:54:04] subjects should approve

[00:54:06] their obedience to them by adhering to

[00:54:08] their decrees, paying taxes

[00:54:10] fulfilling public obligations

[00:54:12] contributing to the common defense

[00:54:14] and obeying all other commands

[00:54:16] Paul instructs the Romans

[00:54:18] let every soul be subject to the higher powers

[00:54:20] whoever resists the power

[00:54:22] resists the ordinance of God

[00:54:24] let no one deceive himself here

[00:54:26] it's impossible to resist a magistrate

[00:54:28] without simultaneously resisting

[00:54:30] God himself though it may seem

[00:54:32] that an unarmed magistrate

[00:54:34] is despised with impunity

[00:54:36] God is armed

[00:54:38] to administer exemplary

[00:54:40] punishment for the contempt shown

[00:54:42] towards himself but if we turn

[00:54:44] to the word of God it will lead us

[00:54:46] even further

[00:54:48] to submit to the government not only of those

[00:54:50] rulers who fulfill their duties to us

[00:54:52] with integrity and fidelity

[00:54:54] but of all who hold

[00:54:56] sovereignty even if they neglect

[00:54:58] their duties entirely

[00:55:00] finally we owe these feelings

[00:55:02] of action and reverence to all our

[00:55:04] rulers regardless of their character

[00:55:06] I emphasize this point

[00:55:08] repeatedly so that we

[00:55:10] understand not to scrutinize the individuals

[00:55:12] themselves but to recognize

[00:55:14] that they are appointed by the will

[00:55:16] of the Lord to their positions

[00:55:18] which carries an

[00:55:20] inviolable majesty

[00:55:22] some may argue

[00:55:24] that rulers also have duties

[00:55:26] to their subjects and I acknowledge this however

[00:55:28] it is a flawed argument

[00:55:30] to conclude that obedience should only

[00:55:32] be given to just rulers

[00:55:34] even those who are wicked

[00:55:36] and unkind are still to be obeyed

[00:55:38] it is the duty of all

[00:55:40] to focus on their own responsibilities

[00:55:42] rather than scrutinizing others

[00:55:44] this is especially important

[00:55:46] for those who are subject to the authorities of others

[00:55:48] therefore

[00:55:50] if we find ourselves being mistreated

[00:55:52] by a cruel ruler

[00:55:54] exploited by a greedy or extravagant one

[00:55:56] neglected by an indifferent one

[00:55:58] are persecuted for our faith

[00:56:00] by an impious or sacrilegious one

[00:56:02] let us first reflect

[00:56:04] on our own shortcomings before God

[00:56:06] who undoubtedly corrects

[00:56:08] us through these trials

[00:56:10] in this way our impatience

[00:56:12] will be tempered by humility

[00:56:14] next let's consider

[00:56:16] that it is not within our jurisdiction

[00:56:18] to address these evils ourselves

[00:56:20] our only recourse

[00:56:22] is to seek the help of the Lord

[00:56:24] who holds the hearts of kings

[00:56:26] and determines the course of nations

[00:56:28] now some may argue that while the views

[00:56:30] of these esteemed writers regarding the duty

[00:56:32] of individual Christians are undeniable

[00:56:34] they do not disprove the right

[00:56:36] of a community or nation to resist oppression

[00:56:38] or initiate rebellion

[00:56:40] or revolution however

[00:56:42] our focus today

[00:56:44] is not on discussing the political right

[00:56:46] of nations but rather the religious

[00:56:48] duties of individuals

[00:56:50] nevertheless it's worth noting that if

[00:56:52] every member of a society

[00:56:54] were fully dedicated to Christ

[00:56:56] and made his word the guide for their personal conduct

[00:56:58] it's clear

[00:57:00] that when organized into a nation

[00:57:02] they would adhere to no other standard

[00:57:04] of public behavior and would reject

[00:57:06] any principle conflicting with their

[00:57:08] individual obligations

[00:57:10] moreover let's not forget the numerous

[00:57:12] prophecies in the scriptures that anticipate

[00:57:14] a time when under the rule

[00:57:16] of King Jesus and the widespread

[00:57:18] influence of his gospel people will

[00:57:20] beat their swords into plowshares

[00:57:22] and their spears and the pruning

[00:57:24] hooks nation will not lift up

[00:57:26] sword against nation neither

[00:57:28] will they learn war anymore

[00:57:30] when the Christian faith reigns supreme

[00:57:32] and extends its love over a renewed

[00:57:34] world warfare will become

[00:57:36] completely abolished

[00:57:38] as it is utterly contrary to

[00:57:40] the benevolent spirit of Christianity

[00:57:42] therefore armed resistance

[00:57:44] against the authorities established by God

[00:57:46] should also be considered

[00:57:48] contrary to the principles of this holy religion

[00:57:50] as children

[00:57:52] of God it is our responsibility

[00:57:54] to promote the influence of this religion

[00:57:56] and exemplify its

[00:57:58] teaching in our lives

[00:58:00] secondly let's reflect on the

[00:58:02] example set by the Lord and the Apostles

[00:58:04] in situations

[00:58:06] that surely tempted them to rally

[00:58:08] against the oppressors of their fellow

[00:58:10] countrymen

[00:58:12] it's undeniable that the Roman authority

[00:58:14] had imposed a ruthless tyranny

[00:58:16] upon the Israelites without any

[00:58:18] semblance of justification

[00:58:20] we can be certain that the Savior

[00:58:22] and his disciples cherished

[00:58:24] their homeland with a profound

[00:58:26] sense of Jewish patriotism

[00:58:28] yet upon examining the accounts

[00:58:30] of their lives we find an indication

[00:58:32] of any word or action

[00:58:34] that would have encouraged revolutionary

[00:58:36] violence as a means of seeking redress

[00:58:38] instead

[00:58:40] the master himself acknowledged the existing

[00:58:42] government when he instructed

[00:58:44] the people to render to Caesar the things

[00:58:46] of their Caesars and his followers

[00:58:48] and humble endurance adhering

[00:58:50] to his teachings

[00:58:52] thirdly let's recall

[00:58:54] the frequency and the urgency

[00:58:56] with which subjections of civil rulers

[00:58:58] is emphasized

[00:59:00] in the Apostolic Epistles as Christian

[00:59:02] duty in addition to the passage

[00:59:04] we've already examined in detail

[00:59:06] Paul instructs Titus to remind believers

[00:59:08] to be subject to principalities

[00:59:10] and power to obey magistrates

[00:59:12] similarly

[00:59:14] in his letter to Timothy he urges

[00:59:16] I exhort therefore that first of all

[00:59:18] supplications, prayers

[00:59:20] intercessions and giving

[00:59:22] of thanks be made for all men

[00:59:24] for kings and for all that are in

[00:59:26] authority that we may

[00:59:28] lead a quiet and peaceable life

[00:59:30] in all godliness, non-esty

[00:59:32] Peter also writes

[00:59:34] submit yourselves to every ordinance of man

[00:59:36] for the Lord's sake whether

[00:59:38] it be to the king as supreme or to governors

[00:59:40] furthermore

[00:59:42] Peter warns of the judgment

[00:59:44] awaiting the unjust particularly

[00:59:46] those who defy authority

[00:59:48] and speak evil of dignitaries

[00:59:50] fourthly let us remember the virtues

[00:59:52] that must adorn the character of a believer

[00:59:54] and then

[00:59:56] ask ourselves how it is possible for them

[00:59:58] to eagerly engage in the conflicts

[01:00:00] and animosities of a turbulent world

[01:00:02] that is steeped in wickedness

[01:00:04] the believer is instructed

[01:00:06] to let all bitterness and wrath

[01:00:08] and clamor and evil speaking

[01:00:10] be put away from him

[01:00:12] with all malice and to cultivate a soul

[01:00:14] filled with love, joy, peace

[01:00:16] long suffering, gentleness, goodness

[01:00:18] faith, meekness and temperance

[01:00:20] they are admonished to speak evil of no man

[01:00:24] to be no brawler but gentle

[01:00:26] showing all meekness to all men

[01:00:28] to be compassionate and courteous

[01:00:30] not retaliating with evil for evil

[01:00:32] or with railing for railing

[01:00:34] but instead blessing others

[01:00:36] they are commanded to love their enemies

[01:00:38] to bless those that curse them

[01:00:40] to do good to them that hate them

[01:00:42] to pray for them

[01:00:44] who despisefully use them and persecute them

[01:00:46] and not to seek vengeance

[01:00:48] but rather to leave room for the wrath of God

[01:00:50] for it is written

[01:00:52] vengeance is mine, I will repace

[01:00:54] as the Lord

[01:00:56] if we wholeheartedly obey these

[01:00:58] and similar precepts

[01:01:00] in their clear meaning

[01:01:02] can there be any doubt that we will also render

[01:01:04] wholehearted obedience and temporal matters

[01:01:06] to the governing authorities

[01:01:08] even if those authorities become unjust and oppressive?

[01:01:10] furthermore

[01:01:12] let us recall

[01:01:14] the immeasurable value

[01:01:16] and significance of civil government

[01:01:18] as the tool that God often uses

[01:01:20] to protect the church from the attacks of its enemies

[01:01:22] to provide us with peaceful homes

[01:01:24] to remove obstacles

[01:01:26] from the path of human progress

[01:01:28] and to restrain the unholy passions

[01:01:30] of wicked individuals

[01:01:32] that would otherwise wreak havoc

[01:01:34] in bringing about common misery and ruin

[01:01:36] perhaps even the worst government

[01:01:38] on earth that still maintains

[01:01:40] some semblance of order

[01:01:42] is preferable to a state of anarchy

[01:01:44] in light of all these considerations

[01:01:46] it seems to me that they argument

[01:01:48] in favor of submission to the powers that be

[01:01:50] should be deemed conclusive

[01:01:52] and resonate deeply with the understanding

[01:01:54] heart

[01:01:56] and conscience of every Christian

[01:01:58] in conclusion

[01:02:00] let me pose this question

[01:02:02] what is our duty?

[01:02:04] our clearly revealed duty as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ

[01:02:06] admits the tumultuous

[01:02:08] circumstances through which

[01:02:10] in the providence of God

[01:02:12] we are called to navigate

[01:02:14] I do not inquire about the powers bestowed upon

[01:02:16] the federal government by the constitution

[01:02:18] or whether those powers have been

[01:02:20] exceeded nor the exact

[01:02:22] boundaries of state sovereignty

[01:02:24] these are purely political matters that I do not

[01:02:26] feel qualified to discuss

[01:02:28] and I will not delve into them from the pulpit

[01:02:30] nor do I

[01:02:32] inquire about the duty of our Christian brothers

[01:02:34] and sisters in the

[01:02:36] seceded states as it is fruitless

[01:02:38] to preach to those at a distance

[01:02:40] they are accountable to their own master

[01:02:42] but what is our personal

[01:02:44] duty here in Missouri

[01:02:46] what does God's word demand of us

[01:02:48] well if I have not misconstrued

[01:02:50] the teachings of that word

[01:02:52] it is to genuinely acknowledge

[01:02:54] our conscientious submission

[01:02:56] to the authorities whom the most high

[01:02:58] who rules in the kingdom of men

[01:03:00] and gives it to whoever he will

[01:03:02] has seen fit to place an authority over us

[01:03:04] it is to place

[01:03:06] the weighty restraint of

[01:03:08] the Christian principle on every word and deed

[01:03:10] that might undermine that

[01:03:12] authority and it is to

[01:03:14] elevate our allegiance to the existing government

[01:03:16] to a much loftier

[01:03:18] and nobler plane than that of

[01:03:20] sectional sympathies, political beliefs

[01:03:22] or even patriotism

[01:03:24] we are commanded to place it on

[01:03:26] the sacred and commanding

[01:03:28] grounds of allegiance to him

[01:03:30] who reigns over the hearts of his people

[01:03:32] to whom we have pledged

[01:03:34] perpetual and unwavering

[01:03:36] loyalty and

[01:03:38] allegiance born from this profound

[01:03:40] religious duty is

[01:03:42] entirely dependable because

[01:03:44] it springs from the fear and love of God

[01:03:46] it is a loyalty that emerges

[01:03:48] as a triumph of principle over self

[01:03:50] achieved after many struggles

[01:03:52] perhaps against pride, passion

[01:03:54] and personal preferences

[01:03:56] even in the face of our natural

[01:03:58] inclinations and desires

[01:04:00] here in this state whatever may have been

[01:04:02] the case in the past, Christians are not

[01:04:04] confused by disputes over the

[01:04:06] authorities currently governing

[01:04:08] after fears and bloody conflict

[01:04:10] and the devastation of our lands by the march

[01:04:12] of enemies, the question of existing

[01:04:14] authority is decisively

[01:04:16] if not definitively

[01:04:18] settled. I will concede

[01:04:20] if you wish that the people of Missouri

[01:04:22] were kept in the union only by

[01:04:24] the threat of force or that the government

[01:04:26] established over us as considered

[01:04:28] by some as a usurpation

[01:04:30] but regardless of how it came about

[01:04:32] what is our duty in light of God's word

[01:04:34] as we have contemplated today

[01:04:36] undoubtedly it is to

[01:04:38] submit to it not just out of fear

[01:04:40] punishment but out of a sense

[01:04:42] of conscience and we should

[01:04:44] do so even more willingly because

[01:04:46] divine providence has seen

[01:04:48] fit to entrust this government to a

[01:04:50] president who acknowledges his dependence

[01:04:52] on the Lord of Heaven and Earth

[01:04:54] and who seeks the guidance of his infallible

[01:04:56] spirit in

[01:04:58] carrying out his responsibilities

[01:05:00] therefore let us earnestly

[01:05:02] pursue the things that lead to peace

[01:05:04] striving to soften any harshness

[01:05:06] of feeling and cultivating

[01:05:08] a spirit of kindness and brotherly

[01:05:10] love especially

[01:05:12] towards those who belong to the family

[01:05:14] of faith. Let us also resolve

[01:05:16] that whatever lies ahead in the future

[01:05:18] and whatever the character of the government

[01:05:20] that will assert its authority over us

[01:05:22] we will cling steadfastly

[01:05:24] to the principles of the gospel as our

[01:05:26] only safeguard

[01:05:28] that admits the perils and uncertainties

[01:05:30] of these tumultuous times

[01:05:32] so says the Lord stand by the

[01:05:34] roads and look and ask for the ancient

[01:05:36] paths where the good way is

[01:05:38] and walk in it and find rest for your

[01:05:40] souls. In so doing

[01:05:42] we will discover Christian unity

[01:05:44] and fellowship

[01:05:46] finding a sacred reading place

[01:05:48] at the feet of Jesus or we can

[01:05:50] commune with him and with one

[01:05:52] another undisturbed by the chaos

[01:05:54] of the world around us

[01:05:56] we will also find mercy and forgiveness

[01:05:58] with him who promises

[01:06:00] to accept the humble confession of his repentant

[01:06:02] children and let us hope

[01:06:04] that soon we will hear the voice of

[01:06:06] the master speaking with conscious

[01:06:08] omnipotence an infinite

[01:06:10] love to the storm

[01:06:12] that is engulfed our country saying peace

[01:06:14] be still then once more

[01:06:16] we can raise our voices in song

[01:06:18] and prayer not guns

[01:06:20] but love books

[01:06:22] not swords but pruning

[01:06:24] hooks our times

[01:06:26] demand with teachers truth

[01:06:28] thy word not raging warriors

[01:06:30] Lord hope bless this land

[01:06:42] so during the Civil War

[01:06:44] obviously tensions are very high as

[01:06:46] we all know they would have been yet

[01:06:48] he was preaching something that I think

[01:06:50] that he seemed you can tell that he's a little

[01:06:52] bit in the very beginning like hey look this is truth

[01:06:54] we're going to preach truth no matter what even if it

[01:06:56] ends you I think he said that because he probably

[01:06:58] knew it would offend some of the people in his

[01:07:00] audience if you've ever had to

[01:07:02] speak a message or talk to a group of people

[01:07:04] or preach a sermon where you know

[01:07:06] there are people in the audience who are not

[01:07:08] going to be happy with what you preach it is

[01:07:10] not an easy task to do it

[01:07:12] and for him to do it and say hey

[01:07:14] whether or not this is popular I'm trying

[01:07:16] to cool down hearts by getting them to focus back

[01:07:18] on God to join in the fast

[01:07:20] to remember that ultimately no matter what we want to

[01:07:22] serve God first and foremost

[01:07:24] and sticking to biblical

[01:07:26] truths that was wisdom

[01:07:28] and I think that's why his sermon is

[01:07:30] worth remembering for

[01:07:32] for that reason but also because it is a fresh

[01:07:34] like I said earlier a fresh reminder for us

[01:07:36] today that is as he did his politics

[01:07:38] can get as as

[01:07:40] controversial as everything can be

[01:07:42] ultimately the Bible and

[01:07:44] God's authority is what should be raining over

[01:07:46] our hearts and should be keeping us cool

[01:07:48] headed to and we should maybe if you're very

[01:07:50] if you're concerned we should be also turning

[01:07:52] to God and fasting to remember the things

[01:07:54] that we are concerned of

[01:08:06] thank you for listening to today's episode

[01:08:08] of revived thoughts today's sermon

[01:08:10] was narrated by Phil Yanda

[01:08:12] Phil married his wife Christina nine years ago

[01:08:14] they don't have any kids but they do have

[01:08:16] two dogs he's a long time

[01:08:18] Starbucks partner and he's received

[01:08:20] his bachelors in biblical counseling

[01:08:22] from the college of biblical studies

[01:08:24] and his masters in biblical studies from grace

[01:08:26] school of theology he's a member of the free

[01:08:28] grace alliance Houston's first Baptist church

[01:08:30] and he runs a John Darby quotes

[01:08:32] Twitter page you can find link below

[01:08:34] big thanks to Phil for being a reader

[01:08:36] on our show

[01:08:38] yeah Phil is a

[01:08:40] friend of the program he's been a follower

[01:08:42] of ours on Twitter since we had like

[01:08:44] 50 followers so he has always been a fan

[01:08:46] he has shared many of our episodes

[01:08:48] throughout the years and he's actually read

[01:08:50] a sermon for us before so thank you Phil

[01:08:52] for continuing to help out and support

[01:08:54] revived thoughts we are

[01:08:56] very appreciative of that

[01:08:58] if you have not joined us on

[01:09:00] Patreon if you want to listen to deep dives

[01:09:02] before they come out Joel we have a deep dive

[01:09:04] coming out on the typing rebellion right

[01:09:06] so this is a good opportunity to get in there

[01:09:08] and sign up for Patreon so people can be

[01:09:10] listening to that and if you have not joined

[01:09:12] us on Patreon as I mentioned the top of the show

[01:09:14] we have a new feature on Patreon

[01:09:16] where there's a chat you can message in

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[01:09:20] other listeners as well so

[01:09:22] get in there and join us on Patreon

[01:09:24] if you have not done so already this is

[01:09:26] Troy and Joel and this is Revive Thoughts

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