The Separation of Church and State. Part [3] 04/04/2024 (Evening thought)

1st Kings 22:13 And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.

Sooner or later, you will be asked to kiss the ring, or bow down in some form or fashion, meaning that it is just a matter of time before you will be facing the compromise of your faith, and if one isn’t anchored to the Rock Christ Jesus, the sheer force of political pressure can force persons to do what they know is wrong.

The reason why the separation of church and state is vital to a democracy, and also to the survival of the church is because the foundational principles guiding both are at opposite ends of the spectrum. It is true that in a democracy, principles might bear sway to a certain limited extent, but whenever push comes to shove, principle would almost certainly be subjugated to policy.

For instance, states are governed mainly by worldly policy, while the Christian church is supposed to be guided by principles, and these two are not even distant relatives, for they are often found to be at odds, or even diametrically opposed to each other, in the overwhelming majority of instances.

1st Kings 22:12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-Gilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hand. 14 And Micaiah said, As the Lord lives, what the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

The Separation of Church and State. Part [2] 04/03/2024 (Morning thought)

Romans 13:1 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. 2 Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

America is a secular government, and even though God is mentioned in our constitution, we have not entered into any contract with God, as did the Jews anciently, at Mt Sinai, to keep His commandments, and His laws, and thus, there are to be clear lines between church and state, in order to preserve our democracy.

When the Christian begins to Cozy up to politicians, and when the church enlists civil power, to enforce what she deems to be right, then inevitably, persons who beg to differ would be viewed as enemies of the state, and wherever this perspective is held the next step will be the persecution of dissenters.

Sad to say, lying is a part of politics for the most part and it has almost become a requirement on your resume if you aspire to enter that field, and because of this unfortunate reality, Christians who get into bed with politicians will almost certainly be asked to do something that isn’t right, at some point in time or another, so as to curry favor with the politician in question.

 Romans 13:5 Wherefore you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’s sake. 6 For this cause, you pay tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!