When the United States Supreme Court handed down their decision that states cannot discriminate against the marriage of same-sex couples, Franklin Graham publicly announced he will not be forced to marry gay couples.
When should a Christian disobey the civil government? When a civil government refuses people the liberty to worship and obey God freely, it has lost its mandate of authority from God. Then the Christian should feel justified in disobeying.
Thomas Jefferson believed that when a government began to be tyrannical, it was the right and even the duty of the citizens to rebel against that government. The Christian, however, is called to bear with his government wherever possible. Jesus did not call for revolution against Rome, even though it was an oppressive conqueror of Israel. On the other hand, the apostles refused to obey an order not to preach and teach in Jesus’ name (Acts 5:27-29).
Whenever the civil government forbids the practice of things that God has commanded us to do, or tells us to do things He has commanded us not to do, then we are on solid ground in disobeying the government. Blind obedience to government is never right. However difficult or costly it may be, we all must reserve the right to say, “No” to things that we consider oppressive or immoral.
I would like to include an excerpt from Dr. Michael Youssef’s new book, Conquer: Your Battle Plan for Spiritual Victory:
Even today, any king, any prince, any president, or any ruler who refuses or rejects God, acts in effect as Satan’s personal representative. Any government that rejects God becomes the seat of Satan. Why? Because Satan uses people to accomplish his purpose. Satan always employs willing agents to do his bidding.
The recent ruling of the Supreme Court re-defining the definition of marriage has created a negative reaction among certain churches and pastors. Pastor Steven Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist Church wrongly called for the stoning death of any pastor who would perform a same-sex marriage. Pastor Anderson also called for the murder of all LGBT people, stating “I hate them with a perfect hatred . . . I count them mine enemies.”
Satan is smiling as he listens to the threats made by such a so-called “Christian” leader. This is not what God wants. God loves the sinner but He hates the sin. So how do we, as Christians, reach out to those who are blinded by Satan?
God calls us to act, lead and pray.
“Do not merely listen to the word. and so deceive yourselves. Do what is says” (James 1:22).
Nehemiah was a humble cupbearer to the king when God chose him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
“Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the walls of Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:17).
Beginning in the 1960s when the U.S. Supreme Court removed the Bible—the Word of God, from our public schools, we have watched a decline in morality within our own government which later saw the legalization of abortion, pornography and now, same-sex marriage. Is it too late for our nation to repent and come back to God?
“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons, and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (Nehemiah 4:14).
Satan is always trying to stop those who are trying to do the work of God. Just as Satan used discouragement and distraction to prevent the Israelites from rebuilding their walls, he tries to do the same with our own lives. But the Good News is that Satan KNOWS he is defeated – he KNOWS the outcome because of our victory through Christ when He went to the cross.
Because America has departed from the one true God, the foundation for morality has crumbled. Our society is in decay. People are hoping for a great awakening in our country. But is it too late?
As long as there is God it is never too late.
Each time the children of Israel rebelled, God showed mercy and forgave His people. Sadly, it appears that the truth will only be realized by some when those left behind have to endure the Tribulation.