“Being True to God’s Calling, Regardless of Earthly Rulers”

November 2     “Being True to God’s Calling, Regardless of Earthly Rulers”   Romans 13:1-7

Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”  (Romans 13:1-7)

This election cycle has brought out the most hate-filled and bitter emotions and expressions that I have ever seen.  Sadly, well-meaning and sincere Believers have succumbed to the wiles and swaying of the Devil, to concentrate on the temporal verses the Eternal.  Regardless of who wins the election tomorrow, our job, our calling, our responsibility is to share Jesus, to do “Good,” and to be a solid and unwavering witness of the GOOD NEWS!  Right here is where folks have a problem.  So Preacher, are you telling me that I shouldn’t be involved in the politics of the day?  NO!  What I am saying is that the politics of the day SHOULD NOT be your FOCUS or your concentration!!  We are to influence this world, as much as we can, while concentrating on being true to God’s Calling, for our lives!  We are to be a “Shining Example” of the Good and Noble Actions that reflect our TRUE AND SINCERE COMMITMENT TO CHRIST!  Please be aware, I am fully aware of the Evil and Depravity that is a part and parcel of, at least one major political party, and the display of Anti-Christian, Anti-American, Anti-Life, values that is obvious to all who will see!  Sadly, professing Believers have concentrated on the Temporal and have forgotten the TRUE MISSION AND CALLING FOR REDEEMED BELIEVERS!  We live IN this world; however, our focus should be about Jesus and helping, as many as possible, to come to Jesus and to miss Hell!  As Born Again Followers of Christ, This World IS NOT our Home, We Are Just Passing Through!!  So, be aware of the issues of the day, pray for God’s people, stand for what is Good and Just and that which brings Honor and Glory to God, while recognizing that we are to live our lives so that we reflect the TRUE CALLING AND TRUE MISSION OF GOD’S PEOPLE!  How we live and what we focus on and what we say is a true reflection of where our hearts and loyalties are!  I have been “PROCLAIMING” for months, that “THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME, WE ARE JUST PASSING THROUGH,” with the hope, with the purpose of helping True Believers to prioritize our thoughts and redirect our focus and recognize where our loyalties should be!  As we grow closer to God and stronger in our Faith and more Obedient to His Calling, we will be less and less concerned about this old world and the issues of the day, and more concerned about the salvation status of our friends, family and those that we encounter on a daily basis!  As strange and difficult as it is, I am determined to “Live for Christ,” and recognize that I cannot change the course of world history (God’s Ultimate Plan), however, through the leading and power of the Holy Spirit, I CAN AND WILL OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY FOR FOLKS TO AVOID HELL!  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good.  What God does with you is entirely up to you!  It always has and it always will!  Concentrate on what you will, however, if your goal, your focus, your very thoughts are not focused on Praising God and Edifying His Name and promoting His Saving Grace, then it is time for some refocusing and “ON YOUR KNEES PRAYING!”  Again…“THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME, WE ARE JUST PASSING THROUGH!!”  Stay Strong, Stay Focused …. Remember, Even if Evil prevails in this election, for we who are Followers of Christ…THE BEST IS YET TO BE, REGARDLESS!  I truly BELIEVE IT, CLAIM IT, and EXPECT God’s Will to be!  BY THE WAY…IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED, THEN GO VOTE!!!