Christians are to be Good Citizens and Neighbors. Why?

As we turn to Romans 13, Paul begins with addressing the people concerning their need to be good citizens and neighbors.  Why?  Didn’t Paul suffer at the hand of governments?  Was it not a government who crucified Christ?  Yes.  Then why does Paul say, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.   Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Romans 13:1-2).

Did not Paul preach even when the authorities told him not to?  Certainly!  Then what could he mean?  Paul does not forget that all authority, (the good, the bad, and the ugly) are ordained by God, for God is Sovereign.  It was God who placed Nebuchadnezzar on his throne.  Ultimately, God awoke His people to their sin and lead Nebuchadnezzar to declare there was only one God.  Note what he spoke in Daniel 4:37. “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.”

When Pilot said, “knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?  Jesus answered, ‘Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.’” (John 19:10-11).

Therefore, God’s plan marches forward and every leader of Government God has ordained to be there.  “What others mean for evil, God can use for good.”

Good Citizens

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To Mom: It Seems Like Yesterday-A Poem

Mom is 89 years old and battled bipolar all her life.  It has truly been a battle.  Yet, the one thing true and certain, God has been her fortress and her strength.  She has stood on faith throughout the years and finds Him as her greatest treasure.  She was the one who pointed me to Him.

As a Christian, I have found through the years how much He has taught me to trust Him in every storm of my own life.  Yet, although I have learned to trust His plan in my life, knowing that every tear brings with it a blessing; I find that hard when I look at my children or my mom.  Despite knowing God’s plan is perfect, I grieve when I see them suffer.  However, I know for certain God’s love for them only allows what is ultimately for their blessing as well.  He draws us closer to Him in the storms of life.

Mom has been very sick recently.  All made worse with the coronavirus shutdown, leading to loneliness and sorrow.  Despite that I must stand still and trust God in His plan for her.  Love you, Mom.  This is the poem I wrote for her on Mother’s Day.

To Mom:  It Seems Like Yesterday

It seems like only Yesterday

You watched over us as we did play

The time has flown throughout the years

With times of laughter and of tears

At times I did not understand

Yet, it has been as God planned

You always taught me to say

“He knows what’s best, so let us pray”

It was your faith that stood so strong

Teaching me In Christ I do belong

To lean on Him through each dark day

And never, ever fail to pray

Or raise our voices loud to sing

For He is Lord and He is King

At times, the laughter filled our home

And followed us wherever we roamed

There were the times of happiness

Where joy and peace brought their rest

Then, through the years as Mom and friend

You have always been there to the end

You picked me up each time I fell

And taught me in God’s Grace to dwell.

No matter what when I did stray

You would warn me harsh, but you did stay.

Right by my side to help me stand

Obedience to each command

I learned through trials I did face

While you stood near to show me grace

Your love for me unparalleled

To those I desired which were dispelled

Into the bleakest, darkest night

So far from joy, so far from sight

And when my heart broke with despair

You were the one, you were there

To pick me up, to hear my cries

And then to dry my tear stained eyes

You were there whenever I called

You came so quick and never stalled

To help me raise my children dear

You were here and always near

Throughout the years I watched your pain

Yet through it all, your faith remain!

Therefore, I want to scream unfair

You confused weak, with frightened stare

 

“Why, dear Lord, must Mom face this

After a life devoid of bliss

Dear God, I do not know today

The words of which I should pray

So, I must fall before thy throne

And ask that she not feel alone

That you may wrap her in your arms

Protecting her through all life’s harms

I have learned, my Lord that through the pains

The sorrows and torrential rains

You draw us nearer to your side

That in Your love we may abide

And though I may not understand

Upon Your Grace, my faith doth stand

I know that Mom is in Your Will

So, on that truth I will stand still.

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

15 Characteristics of A Life Wholly Dedicated to God

What would a life wholly dedicated to God look like?  Were you to lay aside everything else-every desire, every selfish wish to just follow Him, what would your life be?  Paul begins chapter 12 of Romans with just that idea.  After painstakingly outlining the truth of humanity’s sin, he presented the truth of justification by faith in Jesus Christ.  He detailed the workings of the Holy Spirit within each believer providing the power to victoriously live this Christian life.  Therein he described in chapter 8 of Romans, the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification beyond that of sealing us eternally as adopted children of God by faith.  From no condemnation before a perfect, holy righteous God to no separation ever from Him for all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Paul has presented the theological background needed to live the Christian life.

Furthermore, he presented the mystery of the gospel message, having always been intended for both Jew and Gentile.  God’s majestic and magnificent plan of salvation to a world so undeserving of His Grace and Mercy.  A mystery beyond our greatest hope or imagination.

God’s Wondrous Master Plan

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What is True Love with No Hypocrisy?

Romans Chapters 1 through 11, Paul dealt largely with theology.  He laid out the truth regarding sin, human depravity, humanity’s inability to save themselves, God’s miraculous plan of salvation and sanctification.  Then, ending that with a shout of exuberant praise and joy; he turned to discuss the practicality of what that means in our lives.  Having shown us the how to, he turns to the what for in our lives.  It is no wonder that in Romans 12, he addresses the truth that we MUST love with no hypocrisy! But what does that mean?  We speak a lot about love in our society. However, do any of us understand love at all?  Or are we more like Joni Mitchell’s song Both Sides Now.

Moons and Junes and ferries wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way

But now it’s just another show
And you leave ’em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away

I’ve looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It’s love’s illusions that I recall
I really don’t know love
Really don’t know love at all[1]

I guess we could try to say, “Paul is referring to a different kind of love than Ms Mitchell.”  But is he?

C.S. Lewis’s wrote of 4 types of love: Storge (Affection), Philleo (Friendship), Eros-(Romantic), and Agape (Divine Love).  Yet, would it not be true that all types of love must be subjected to the highest love to be real?  Was Jesus addressing this when questioning Peter about his love?  He asked Peter twice ‘do you “agapeis” me?’ And Peter answered, ‘I “Philo” you’.  Then, Jesus asked, “Do you ‘Phileas’ me?”

Peter and Jesus

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What Is the Mystery Compelling Us to Worship God?

As Paul continues in Romans 11, we find he continues with his discussion regarding the nation of Israel.  And the mystery of the gospel message to the Gentile nation. There are those who question whether perhaps God abandoned His promises to the children of Abraham. However, the Apostle Paul presents the argument that due to their disobedience, God has allowed them to slumber. Imprisoned by their own sin their eyes were blinded to the truth. Meanwhile, God sends forth His gospel message to the Gentile nation. Thereby, the church age began.  The church is to worship God with such fervency as to draw back in a remnant of the Jewish nation.  That is to continue until the day God calls the nation of Israel forth to fulfill His promises for them.

Jesus Christ will yet return and reign over all the earth during His millennial reign as prophesied with Jerusalem at the center.  We also know that there will be 144,000 Jews who during the tribulation proclaiming the gospel message.  Therefore, Paul asks and answers this question in Romans 11:1. “Hath God cast away His people?  God forbid!”

Then Paul proceeds with a warning to any of the Gentiles not to move forward with pride that God has chosen them to establish His church. Rather, this had always been His plan. He desired to present salvation to all who would believe, the Jews and the Gentiles.  Don’t fall into their same pride filled rebellious ways of thinking.

Was God surprised by what the Nation of Israel did? Never!  Did He take their failure and turn it into something beautiful for you and me? Yes! Therein, lies the mystery which compels us to worship God—overflowing with praise for His wisdom, grace, and love.

Warning: Behold the Goodness and the Severity of God.

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