July 30, 2013

The Separation of Church and State

Church and American Flag

There is an ongoing debate in our society about the “separation of church and state.” Though the phrase is not used in any of this country’s founding documents, many understand it to be a fundamental principle upon which this nation was built. However, the debate springs from the differences people have in interpreting this phrase. As Christians, our concern should not be which position is the “conservative” or “liberal” position. Our concern should be what the Scriptures teach. So in this article, we will examine what the word of God says on this topic.
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May 27, 2013

The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About Government

Notes on Proverbs

Given the way people talk about government as it relates to the Scriptures, many might assume that there is very little in the way of instruction regarding government in the book of Proverbs. Yet there are quite a few passages that teach us about government, as well as providing instructions both to those in government and those who are subject to governing authorities. We begin with the following verse:

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (14:34).

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November 7, 2012

Did God Put Barack Obama in the White House?

Many Christians are disappointed in the outcome of the recent Presidential election in which Barack Obama was reelected for another four year term. But despite their disappointment, many have concluded that it must have been God’s will for the President to be reelected. They believe that the Lord must have some plan and a reason why He put Barack Obama back in the White House. The passage often cited by those who speak this way is in Daniel.

“This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men” (Daniel 4:17, NKJV).

However, it is important to note that the time in which Daniel prophesied was different than the time in which we live. While God had a direct hand in raising rulers and overthrowing governments in the time of Daniel, we should not immediately conclude that He is working in the same way today. I wrote about this in a previous article. For the sake of time, I will quote from a portion of that article here:
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October 11, 2012

The Rise and Fall of the United States: A Biblical Perspective

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust” (Isaiah 40:15).

U.S. FlagThe United States is a relatively young country. It had its beginning when thirteen colonies declared their independence and defeated the mighty British army. From its beginning, its citizens have enjoyed liberty. This liberty led to prosperity, which led to the United States becoming the most powerful nation in the world.

However, the United States is still just “a speck of dust on the scales” of Almighty God. Lately this country has seemed to be in decline – morally, economically, and in terms of personal liberty. Will this decline result in the inevitable fall of the United States? No one knows. But it does have people asking questions:

  • Does the United States hold a special place in God’s plan?
  • Has God blessed the United States because of its founding upon Biblical principles? (Not that it is a “Christian nation” – there is no such thing.)
  • Is the United States in danger of divine punishment for the growing tolerance and practice of sins like abortion and homosexuality?

In this article, we are going to examine certain passages of Scripture that will help give us some perspective as we consider the rise and eventual fall of the United States.
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September 26, 2012

"Neither I Nor My Kinsmen Have Eaten the Governor’s Food Allowance" (9/26)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Nehemiah 1-5.

While Nehemiah was in Jerusalem leading the people in rebuilding the wall, he was appointed as governor over Judah. Many civil rulers in that time (and even today) lived richly as they felt free to take what they wished from the people. Nehemiah, however, was different.

“Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance. But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God” (Nehemiah 5:14-15).

There was a certain allowance of food that was provided to the governor during that time. Though Nehemiah could have taken it, as it would have been expected, he refused to do so. Why? Because he feared God!
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September 24, 2012

"They Did Not Lay Their Hands on the Plunder" (9/24)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Esther 6-10.

After Esther revealed Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews to the king, letters were issued in the king’s name that would allow the Jews to defend themselves against those who would seek to do them harm.

“In them the king granted the Jews who were in each and every city the right to assemble and to defend their lives, to destroy, to kill and to annihilate the entire army of any people or province which might attack them, including children and women, and to plunder their spoil” (Esther 8:11).

The provision that allowed them to defend themselves was understandable. But the decree went a step further and explicitly permitted the Jews to plunder the spoil of their enemies. However, while the Jews certainly defended themselves, they did not take the spoil.
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September 15, 2012

Violating the Law but Committing No Crime (9/15)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Daniel 4-6.

After being delivered from the lions’ den – which was his punishment for praying to the Lord – Daniel declared his innocence before the king.

“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime” (Daniel 6:22).

Daniel said he was innocent toward the king and had “committed no crime.” But was this accurate? After all, Daniel violated a law that had been signed by the king.Continue Reading

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