Last month we looked at the Christians attitude to authority as: ‘there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God’ (Romans 13:1). But we also noted that those in authority are: ‘God’s servant for your good’ (v4). So is it ever right to disobey the authorities if they in some way fail in that role?

The early Church, when facing opposition from the Jewish authorities, faced a stark choice. Were they to continue preaching the Gospel or stop as they had been commanded to (Acts 4:1-22)? ‘But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge,  for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard”’ (Acts 4:19-20). Having witnessed Jesus’ teaching, death and resurrection the answer was obvious! Although Peter commends obedience to rulers and authorities in his epistle (1 Peter 2:13-15), his experience and conscience compelled John and him, in this case, to disobey the Jewish authorities in obedience to Christ’s command to be his witnesses starting in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).

The role of ‘hate crimes’ for the protection of individuals in society is something that all Christians should feel able to support. We should want to see people protected regardless of their race and should deplore violence against anyone due to their sexuality. However, what if something supported by law is contrary to scripture?

I believe we can learn from the attitude of the apostle Paul. When in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) the number of idols in the city was detestable to him as a Christian and a Jew. But his approach was respectful as his purpose was to reach the: ‘Athenian mind’.[1] So when given the chance to proclaim the Gospel he does so in: ‘a convenient and customary place for public speaking’.[2] By this approach the Athenians hear the Gospel in a culturally accessible way.[3] The message is very direct! But the approach is gracious and loving, as Paul wants people to understand the ‘good news’, whereas some zealous Jews might have felt a God given right to take a hammer to the nearest idol! So we have the Scriptural principles, but how should they be applied in this day and age?Firstly, we present the whole ‘Counsel of God’. For example, the Bible teaches the wrongness of any sexual relationships outside of Heterosexual marriage.   But a Christian at a Gay Pride event with a placard quoting Leviticus 20:13 is hardly doing that or showing a loving approach! If preaching on that passage, references to Isaiah 61:1-3 (the year of the LORD’S favour), 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Romans 3:23-24 would present the right balance with an offer of forgiveness for all who have sinned and repent.[4] Secondly, we must stay as much as possible within the law. We have a perfect right to make a stand against abortion, but not to act intimidatingly, knowingly causing distress or obstruction outside an abortion clinic! God is the higher authority, but we are still called to submit to the ruling authorities where we can! The question we must ask is what are the necessary laws to break and when does protesting fail to be a constructive and loving witness? This is surely what is being taught in 1 Peter 3:15-16 where Peter puts an emphasis on: ‘gentleness and respect, having good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who recall your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame’ (v16).

Lastly, we must show great wisdom. The court case against the Australian Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot was rightly over turned.[5] However, during their seminar on Christianity and Islam, although in many instances they quoted the Quran accurately, it was reported (in otherwise favourable reports) that some remarks were unwise and over the top. The case was a travesty in a country that prides itself on free speech, but it demonstrates the need for Christians to take care.[6]

In conclusion, the route to necessary law breaking should always be a long one and wisdom must be sought in the process of responding to laws that limit Christian liberty. When authorities fail to act as: ‘God’s servant’ (Romans 13:4) by producing laws that are contrary to Scripture the Church should preach against them in the most appropriate and robust manner! But that should be the last resort and other than that there are no excuses! In the end we are called to be good citizens who pray for those in authority so we might have good government and live peaceful lives (2 Timothy 2:2).

[1] J A. Alexander, Acts (Edinburgh, Banner of Truth 1963), 146.

[2] Alexander, Acts, 149.

[3] N Logenecker and N C. Tenney, ed F E. Gaebelein The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 9, John and Acts (Grand Rapids, The Zondervan Corporation, 1981), 475.

[4] Something we all need to do!

[5] The incident was a seminar in March 2002 to instruct Christians on the teachings of Islam.  Unknown to the organisers several Australian converts to Islam attended and lodged a complaint.  The writer of this article does not want to be seen as over critical of these fellow Brothers in Christ, the example is used just to express the need for care.

[6] http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/02/13/who-danny-nalliah-and-what-rise-australia

The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America has caused deep division as during his campaign he clearly polarised opinion.   At his inauguration it seemed that as many people came to protest against him becoming President  as to support him!  A common slogan of those who protested against him, despite the democratic process by which he has been elected, has been: ‘he’s not my president!’  But how should those of us who are Christians react?

In the early days of the Church, being a Christian in the Roman Empire meant that you were very often living under authorities who would not  be at all sympathetic to your beliefs.  However, when writing to the Christians in Rome the apostle Paul gives these instructions:

‘Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves’ (Romans 13:1-2).

However Paul also highlights the responsibility  that those in authority have, as he goes on to  write:

‘For he is God’s servant  to do you good.’ (Romans 13:4).

Those who are in authority  have a responsibility, whether they acknowledge it or not,   to serve God in a fitting way.   As they serve under God, they are  obliged to  protect, serve and seek    justice for all  in the circumcises in which they  are governing!    Therefore, we should be able to see the wisdom and the rightness  of Paul’s command  to Timothy  when he instructs him  as to what should be part of Christian  worship and individual practice:

‘I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness’  (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

In the end,  Paul surmises   that this attitude is right simply because: ‘This is good, and pleases God our Saviour’ (1 Timothy 2:3).   The bottom line is that we are all under  God’s authority.   To conduct ourselves in any other manner is sinful  because it is to make an Idol of self.   Whatever our feelings, whether we like or dislike him as a person, like or dislike his politics, or are concerned  with   his attitude towards women, or human rights and immigration,   Donald Trump has become President democratically.  And it is our duty to prayerfully support him by praying that God  would guide him  to do what is good and right.   And we should also pray,  and let’s not forget this,  that he would  have, or come to, a trust in God to guide him in every area of his life.   Let’s not add politics  to the list of idolatry’s (see: The Second Commandment) that we can become so easily subject to.  After all, the Bible instructs us:

‘Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men who cannot save’  ( Psalm  146:3).

When all is said and done only the Lord Jesus Christ can save, and we should never stop proclaiming that wonderful truth!

No doubt for many people Christmas 2016 was overshadowed  by the death of Status Quo guitarist and vocalist Rick Parfitt on Christmas Eve, and the sudden and unexpected death of George Michael on Christmas day.  There’s a sense, that something  pulls us up short when  rich and famous people, or in this case musicians, died before their time whether we’d been a fan of them  or not!

There’s no doubt that in the past Rick Parfitt’s lifestyle  left a lot to be desired. His heart problems were well documented and some years ago he had undergone a massive heart bypass. However, I for one admired Status Quo’s work ethic with their constant touring and it seemed that Rick had managed to adopt a healthier lifestyle until a heart attack during a concert  earlier in the year. But George Michael’s death comes as a complete shock. By his own admission, he adopted a lifestyle that was liable  to be dangerous and one that  could invite health problems due to its promiscuous nature.[1]  He had also had issues with  drug use.  However, his music brought joy to many people and his death typifies the tragedy of a life cut short!

 Although my sympathy goes out to their families and friends, it strikes me that for the rest of us this is good opportunity  to reflect  on where we stand at this point in our lives.    I know this is a bit unsubtle, but are we ready to die?   In other words,   have we taken our mortality seriously?   After all, if this proves anything, it proves  none of us can be sure how long  we have got left.  The Bible has some good advice concerning this:

‘Remember your creator in the days of  your youth,  before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ” I find no pleasure in them”‘ ( Ecclesiastes 12:1).

The bottom line is this,  it doesn’t matter whether we’re  counted among the great and good in this world or whether we are counted as  rich or poor.   What we do now in terms of our attitude  and the lifestyle we adopt matters!   The writer of Ecclesiastes  concludes on an ominous note:

 ‘Now all has been heard;  here is the conclusion of the matter:   Fear God keep his commandments,  for this is the whole duty of man.    For God will bring every deed to judgement,  including  every hidden thing,  whether it is good or evil’  (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

But the message of Christmas  is one that can last all year.    There is  a possibility of reconciliation with a holy God who should, by rights, judge us  and banishes  us from the goodness of his presence  to a place  where all the benefits  we see of his ‘common grace’  are  removed.   This would leave us with a future  of no-hope  whatsoever!   But Jesus has  obtained something that should be impossible, but is made possible only   through   his life, death  and resurrection when we seek his forgiveness!

‘Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mind because of your evil behaviour.   But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death  to present you holy in his sight,  without blemish and  free from accusation’  (Colossians 1:21-22).

If you would like to know more as to how this might be possible, you can order a  free booklet from me  on our  Any Questions? page

[1] Gay and Lesbian Times, 10 August 2006. Retrieved 28 October 2009.

Rather sadly we have witnessed even more atrocities and suffering due to terrorism and the depravity of mankind since the events that inspired this article.  But that does not change Jesus’s teaching on the subject.  That being the case I have decided to leave it unaltered for the moment.

There’s no doubt that the shootings in Orlando  and the  killing of the MP Jo Cox have been both extraordinary  and shocking!  But sadly they seem to be just  another example of the atrocities that we  are bombarded with in the news each week!  Our hearts go out to those who have suffered these and other terrible events, but  what conclusions, if any,  can we draw from these  sad events?

Interestingly enough Jesus was once approached with a similar question.

‘Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.  Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.  Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?  I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:1-5).

The context of the verses above  is that  some people had approached Jesus concerning  an atrocity carried out by the Roman  governor Pilate.   But Jesus detects a hidden  agenda.  The inhabitants of Jerusalem would have seen Galileans as  sinners  rather  than good religious people  like  themselves.  So Jesus  points out that this terrible atrocity did not happen to them because  they were worse sinners than anyone else.  What  those asking him the question  should be thinking about is their standing before God!He then brings the subject  uncomfortably close to home by referring to  a building accident which had  killed some of the ‘good’ people  of Jerusalem!  Again his approach is very direct, were these people worse than anyone else?  The answer is no! Once again Jesus urges those who have asked the question to consider where they stand in relation to God!

 So what are we to conclude,  was Jesus just  praying on human misery  and suffering to make some  twisted theological point?   That doesn’t seem likely as  any reading of the Gospels  shows him to be  the most loving and compassionate man  that ever walked on the planet.   So the alternative is this, he says it  because we really need to hear it!

The Bible tells us:  ‘all have sinned  and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).   Yet that passage goes on to assure us  that forgiveness for our  wrongdoings can be found  in the  death of Jesus Christ  (Romans 3:24).

In his book ‘The problem of Pain’ CS Lewis wrote: ‘God whispers to us in our pleasures,  speaks in our conscience, but shouts in  our pains; it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.’[1] Whatever our worldview,  religion, lifestyle, job  or social standing  events like these should direct our thinking not just to an outpouring of compassion (although there is no doubt that is the right and proper    attitude), but also to the spiritual matter  of our own state before God.  Have we sought the forgiveness that is granted through Christ’s death for us?

[1] C.S Lewis, The Problem of Pain (HarperCollins, 1996) 91.

This subject is covered in much more detail  in the booklet ‘Where is God when Things go Wrong’  which can be found on our Any Questions? page (booklets are free).   This subject is also addressed in the short  sermon A Response to the Terrorist Attack of 22/3/17: What did Jesus say when Questioned about Evil and Suffering? Feel free to take a listen.