Today's Teachings

"As It Was Meant To Be" fromGary Lively

7/27/2021

As It Was Meant To Be
July 08, 2021
In heaven, things are not stained or broken; everything is as it was meant to be. Think for a moment of the wonder of this. Isn't every one of our sorrows on earth the result of things not being as they were meant to be? And so when the kingdom of God comes to earth, wonderful things begin to unfold. Look at the evidence; watch what happens to people as they are touched by the kingdom of God through Jesus. As he went about "preaching the good news of the kingdom," Jesus was also "healing every disease and sickness among the people" (Matt. 4:23). When he "spoke to them about the kingdom of God," he "healed those who needed healing" (Luke 9:11).

What happens when we find ourselves in the kingdom of God? The disabled jump to their feet and start doing a jig. The deaf go out and buy themselves stereo equipment. The blind are headed to the movies. The dead are not at all dead anymore, but very much alive. They show up for dinner. In other words, human brokenness in all its forms is healed. The kingdom of God brings restoration. Life is restored to what it was meant to be. "In the beginning," back in Eden, all of creation was pronounced good because all of creation was exactly as God meant for it to be. For it to be good again is not for it to be destroyed, but healed, renewed, brought back to its goodness.

Those glimpses we see in the miracles of Jesus were the first-fruits. When he announces the full coming of the kingdom, Jesus says, "Look, I am making all things new!" (Rev. 21:5 NLT, emphasis added). He does not say, "I am making all new things." He means that the things that have been so badly broken will be restored and then some. "You mean I'll get a new pair of glasses?" my son Sam asked. "Or do you mean I'll get a new pair of eyes, so I won't need glasses?" What do you think? Jesus didn't hand out crutches to help the disabled.

"Choose" part 3 by Charles Simpson

7/26/2021

Choose

DELIVERANCE
Salvation or deliverance is an act of God; we cannot save ourselves, but we can choose the One who can deliver us. Idols cannot. The works of our own hands, wood and stone, cannot deliver the hand that fashion them (see Isaiah 17:7, 8).

I remember the prayers of our nation during World War II, how people met together and called upon God and He delivered us from evil Nazis and the Axis Powers. Such prayers were part of our history when our forefathers “crossed the waters” and left tyranny behind. Our earliest settlers came to these shores to be free from tyranny whether political, economic or religious. People still immigrate to secure the blessings of liberty. Our founders understood that the privileges of liberty were not from nature but from nature’s God.

We are not a theocracy but do pledge allegiance “under God” and have a motto, “In God we trust.” At various times our presidents have called for days of prayer and fasting. Psalm 33:12 says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” But things have changed. Our nation is now secular, multicultural and many have brought their gods from “across the river.” It is a supreme irony that what they escaped they brought with them; and like Israel, we have all been affected.

I realize that our nation is not the kingdom of God; nevertheless, who and what we serve matters to our politics, economics, religions and our children. Abortion does not have to be called “Moloch” to have the same effect. Sensuality doesn’t have to be called “Isis” to have the same effect. Worship of nature and animals does not have to be called “Baal” or “Pantheism” to have the same effect. Central control over all aspects of life doesn’t have to be called “secular socialism” to have the same effect. Homosexual marriage doesn’t have to be called “Ashteroth” or “Sparta” to have the same effect. None of those pagan or secular philosophies ever brought liberty and justice. When we oppose those practices the mask of evil falls off, then the spiritual source is manifested; tantrums and riots could be the result.

CHOOSE
Joshua gave Israel a choice, God or idols. In one of their better moments, they chose God. But choice is a daily issue. T he choice to serve God is a choice to obey, to follow and to make disciples of all nations. (I highly recommend Joel Rosenberg’s new book The Invested Life.) It is far more than a choice to go to church, listen to sermons, singing or giving offerings. It is a choice to serve God and His government daily.

Our choice is not about party, personality, politics or “likability.” It is about who we will serve, and we will serve; it is only a matter of whom. One choice provides liberty within God’s laws of responsibility – the other choice is toward increasing control, dependency and irresponsibility. Reality is not very far up the road.

Joshua could not make the choice for Israel but he made the choice clear for himself and his family. Those are things that we must do. Failure to be clear and actively obey God leaves a vacuum to be filled by others who want to make our choices for us!

THE OTHER RIVER
Those of us who have followed Jesus in baptism (see acts 2:37-42), have made our choice and have “crossed the river” into God’s unshakable Kingdom (see Hebrews 12:25-29). Baptism is a boundary where the “gods” of wealth, power or sensuality should be left behind. We seek His Kingdom first and trust that prosperity, power or other blessings are a result, not the goal. Worship is reserved for the Lord. If so, we will endure the shaking that is to come_with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (see Romans 14:17).

Meanwhile we are in the world, not of it and are called into it to be salt and light. We cannot simply withdraw into “fortress church” (see John 17:14-19). Spiritually and in faith, we have “crossed the river”, “crossed the Red Sea” and “the Jordan”, but we may still have to live among the “Cushites, Egyptians or Canaanites.” We must love them enough to show them the difference_that serving God does have consequences, and present the choice to them.

P.S. Please continue to remember CSM in your prayers and in your giving this month. Your support is a vital part of our ability to continue forward in mission, especially at this time. Visit us at www.csmpublishing.org and on Facebook at Charles Simpson Ministries.

In Christ,
Charles Simpson

"Choose" part 2 by Charles Simpson

7/24/2021

Choose

EGYPT
Jacob was Abraham’s grandson and he also encountered idolatry, while working with his Uncle Laban back east. But when he was returning to Canaan he had his own encounter with God, Who changed his name and nature. Later Jacob and his family went to Egypt because of a famine in Canaan and remained in Egypt 400 years. Israel again was affected by idolatry and became enslaved over the course of time.

The Egyptians had all kinds of gods. They worshiped nature, animals and other “deities”, even crocodiles to whom they sacrificed children. They worshiped Isis, female goddess of fertility. They had a god for every season and every place which they celebrated with festivals.

Israel was finally delivered through Moses’ leadership, being “baptized” in the cloud of God’s presence and in the Red Sea (see 1 Corinthians 10:1). Once again the waters were intended to be a boundary between the past enslavement, darkness and idolatry and a new journey to God’s government in Canaan. But like Terah, some brought gods with them. Even as Moses was receiving the Law on Mount Sinai, some of the people were worshiping the golden calf. They wanted a God that they could see (see Exodus 32).

UNDERSTANDING THE CHOICES
Joshua clearly understood the choice between idolatry and serving God, and the consequence of both; he urged a clear choice. Several things should be apparent to us centuries later:

We cannot serve both God and idols.
Idolatry was and is a continuing problem.
The Lord requires a choice.
Choices affect the future generations.
God offers liberty, justice and requires responsibility (see Leviticus 25:10).
Idolatry offers bondage, corruption and produces irresponsibility.
Serving God is a voluntary choice.

"Choose" part 1 by Charles Simpson

7/23/2021

Choose
Dear Friends,

I recently met a Minister from Sudan, where genocide has taken place and where black African Christians have been killed by Arab Muslim extremists. The pastor told me about some of those horrors. The killings have moved further South across the continent of Africa in to nations such as Nigeria, and also into Kenya, where churches have been bombed and innocent people terrorized. This is not a new thing; militant Islamists have initiated persecution like this in the past. Of course all Muslims are not terrorists, but enough are that this will be a growing problem.

Christians in such areas have a choice: submit to Islamic conditions, Sharia Law or be subject to persecution or even death. I have a friend whose pastor was killed because he chose to serve Jesus.

I am grateful that we here in the United States still have choices that are less threatening, and if we want to keep it that way, we must exercise our current choices prudently and with the Lord’s guidance. We need to pray for wisdom and courage.

JOSHUA
Joshua was Moses’ servant, and upon the passing of Moses, he became Israel’s leader. He knew Moses well, the Lord well and remembered the slavery in Egypt. In time, like all leaders, he would pass from the scene. Prior to his departure, he delivered a farewell address to the leaders of Israel that is recorded in Joshua 23 and 24. He reminded Israel of its history and how the Lord had given them land, cities and vineyards. He warned them to put away the gods of Mesopotamia and Egypt, and called Israel to choose whom they would serve. He said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (see Joshua 24:15).

TERAH AND ABRAHAM
Terah was a descendent of Noah through Shem. Terah was the father of Abraham, and they lived in Ur, a city that was east of the Euphrates River. Ur was a Cushite city of Noah’s descendants through Ham. The Cushites had become idolaters, worshiping the sun and moon and numerous gods and goddesses of nature and fertility. Terah was affected by his surrounding culture and also became an idolater.

Terah crossed the Euphrates going West toward Canaan but brought his gods with him; he died at Haran (see Genesis 11:32). The river should have been a boundary between his past and a different future but he couldn’t release the gods.

Abraham was Terah’s son, but of a different mind. He left Haran and the gods of his father and returned to the God of Noah and Shem. His faith took him on a historical journey to Canaan, to a covenant that blessed him with land, descendants and wealth. In so doing he became the father to all who walk the journey of faith and became heirs of the promises that God made to him (see Galatians 3:14-18). Abraham made a clear choice and to follow the Lord, and we must also. Terah had brought the gods with him; Abraham left them across the river (see Genesis 12).

Balaam's Strategy" part 3 by Charles Simpson

7/22/2021

The Balaam Strategy Then and Now

THE PROBLEM
Whenever we lose our moral bearings, there is a price to pay; we move out of our calling and into trouble. Our nation is in major trouble because of the Balaam strategy. The enemy has discovered our appetites and desires and has offered to satisfy them. “Self-interest” is destroying us. Of course our highest self-interests are in denying ourselves and serving God. He loves us and calls us to a good reward. But when we are seduced by whatever means, the price becomes much higher than imagined at first.

Approximately 40 million Americans are regularly visiting porn sites, a $4 to $5 billion business, and 70% of young men between the ages of 18 and 24 visit a porn site each month. It is estimated that 116,000 daily download child porn. The highest day is on Sunday! Another issue: no one knows the real cost of the drug culture, both what they pay, and what society pays. Then there is the “entitlement culture” which is bankrupting the United States. Take some of that away and we get riots. Meanwhile, our government borrows 40 cents of every dollar to feed the cravings. The loss of self-government renders us ungovernable!

SOLUTION
Thank God, the Apostles could not be bought (see Acts 5 and 8). We must repent of our appetite-driven seduction and visit the Cross. Any “gospel” without the Cross is no gospel and offers no salvation from ourselves, it only feeds the monster.

Then, we need to share the true Gospel with others. The failure to reach our community with the truth of God and the purpose of God has left us wandering in the wilderness fraternizing with “Moabite Theology.” If we do, in the end, we will get their diseases of spirit, soul, and body.

I want to thank you for being a significant part of our ability as a ministry to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ among the nations. This is a vital time in history, and I believe this message is vital as well. Please continue to lift us up in prayer and to support us in your giving as we move forward in our mission.

For more information about CSM or to receive ministry resources, please visit our website at www.csmpublishing.org or see the enclosed card. We are blessed to count you as friends and co-laborers in the cause of Christ.

May God give us all focus, integrity and His power to reveal the real Jesus to our world.

In Him,
Charles Simpson

"Balaam's Stratege" part 2 by Charles Simpson

7/20/2021

The Balaam Strategy Then and Now

THE STRATEGY CONTINUES
Of course, it was not simply Balaam’s strategy, it was Satan’s strategy. And he has employed it throughout history. He looks for a motive or desire that can take us out of our ordained purpose-our journey-and bring us the disfavor of our God.

Samson is another case in point. He was foretold by an angel, and became a Nazarite who was set apart for the Lord. As marks of his purpose, he did not drink wine or cut his hair. But he saw a Philistine woman to whom he was attracted, against his parents’ wishes. His involvement with her became a conflict with the Philistines. At one point, Samson killed a thousand of the enemy; he was anointed, powerful, and feared.

Then Samson met Delilah who managed to get Samson to give her his secret-his long hair that symbolized his covenant with God and his purpose for living. Delilah betrayed Samson to his enemies. He was captured, blinded, and put to hard labor grinding grain. But after awhile, his hair grew back and when he was brought for sport into the temple of Dagon, he pulled down the pillars and killed himself and three thousand Philistines. He is numbered among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, but he went through an awful ordeal, because he lost sight of his mission.

Of course, we all know the story of David, the anointed shepherd-king of Israel. Jerusalem is called “The City of David,” Jesus is called “The Son of David.” David, killed a lion, a bear, and a giant. He expanded the territory of Israel and prepared for the temple, but he lost sight of his purpose and set his eyes on Bathsheba. Then he sent her husband to the front lines of battle where he was killed. The sword never left David’s house.

What the Moabites could not do to Israel, what the Philistines could not do to Samson, what the enemies could not do to David, they did to themselves.

Then there is Gehazi, Elisha’s servant (see 2 Kings 5). He was in line to be “the next Elisha.” Elisha had served Elijah and received his mantle; now Gehazi served Elisha and must have thought that Elisha’s mantle would fall to him. But something happened. Naaman, commander of Syria’s army, got leprosy. He heard that there was a prophet in Israel that could heal him and went to visit Elisha, bringing numerous gifts of clothes and gold. Elisha refused the gifts and sent mighty Naaman to dip seven times in muddy Jordan where he was healed. Elisha still refused the gifts, but when Naaman left, Gehazi ran after him and asked for gifts, which he received from grateful Naaman. But there was a problem; Elisha knew. Gehazi not only got Naaman’s gifts; he got Naaman’s leprosy.

If the enemy can discover what we want more than we want God’s will, he will offer it. He will offer anything to get us off his back: sex, money, or power.

THE APOSTLES
Acts Chapter 8 describes the events in Samaria when Philip led many to Christ and then the apostles came and laid hands upon them and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. It was a great revival, fulfilling part of Jesus’ prophecy in Acts 1:8.

There was a man named Simon in Samaria who had a great following due to his sorcery. He must have had an evil gift. At the apostles visit, he saw a great power-the power of the Holy Spirit-and Simon was losing his following. He offered the apostles money to give him that power to lay hands on others who could receive the Holy Spirit. Amazingly, he had believed on Christ and had been baptized, but his heart was not right. Yes, Christians can become victims of Balaam’s strategy.

The apostles, unlike Balaam or Gehazi, refused the gift and warned him that he and his money would perish. Simon begged for mercy and was given an opportunity to repent. Hopefully, he did. It is quite alright to “pay the preacher”; the Bible teaches tithes and offerings. But it is never right to “pay to play” or “Quid pro Quo.” It is never right to give just to get a place of power, and woe to the leaders who receive a “tainted” gift.

"Balaam's Strategy" part 1 by Charles Simpson

7/19/2021

The Balaam Strategy Then and Now

Dear Friend in Christ:

My purpose in this letter is to help us comprehend the enemy’s method of short-circuiting our relationship to God and His purpose in our lives, and help us to regain or maintain focus. To understand this principle, I will examine the story of Balaam, a false prophet, and how he affected the people of God, and how his method still works. I am surprised at how often the Scriptures remind us of this story and warns us to remember it (see Revelation 2:14). References to Balaam can be found in ten books of the Bible.

This letter can only provide a brief look at the story, but I encourage you to read Numbers 22-25. Israel was on a journey in the purpose of God, as we are today. On the way to Canaan, they camped near the Moabites. Israel was massive in size (millions of people), and had already defeated the Amalakites; their presence brought fear to Moab. Moabites were the immoral worshippers of Baal who had descended from an incestuous relationship between Lot (Abraham’s nephew), and one of his daughters. The Moabites worshipped Baal, god of fertility. Prostitution was part of their “worship”.

Balak was king of the Moabites and in his fear, he called for Balaam to come curse Israel. Balaam was from Mesopotamia, and was well known for his insights and revelations. Mesopotamia was quite a distance, probably in modern day Iraq. So, he was famous among the Middle Eastern people.

The Lord warned him not to go, but the bid from Balak grew higher, so he eventually decided to go. As he rode his donkey toward Moab, the Angel of the Lord appeared to the donkey-and only to the donkey-and the frightened donkey veered off the path, much to Balaam’s frustration. Then the donkey ran into a wall injuring Balaam, and finally, the donkey just laid down. Balaam began to beat the donkey, and then, amazingly, the donkey spoke to Balaam, saying, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me?” I find it amusing that Balaam didn’t even pause to consider that his donkey had just spoken to him, but instead, he argued with the donkey! Finally, the Lord revealed Himself to Balaam and again warned him to say only what the Lord would give him.

When Balaam arrived in Moab, met with Balak, and viewed Israel, he could not curse what God had blessed. Balaam tried four times but each time blessed Israel. Those prophesies should be studied and they are amazing. Of course, this made Balak angry for many reasons; he had paid Balaam well to have Israel cursed, but instead they were blessed. However, Balaam earned his fee another way; an insidious way.

What Balaam did was to give Balak advice on how to get God angry at Israel. He advised Balak to invite the visiting Israelites to their feast of Baal and have the sensual Moabite women to mingle with the men of Israel. This was done with tragic results; 24,000 of Israel’s men committed sins of idolatry, including sexual and spiritual adultery, and they were killed.

Balaam understood something that we fail to understand; if the enemy can discover what anyone wants more than to obey God, they can be defeated by seduction. Though Balaam had great insights and power and wealth, he was also beguiled by those very things. His motives took him beyond the purpose of God and he was later killed.

"Courage In Hard Places" part 3 by Charles Simpson

7/18/2021

Courage in Hard Places

Justice

Justice is the fair and impartial administration of truth and law. Government is assigned to administrate justice impartially. Ultimately, the God who gives all authority will hold us all accountable for what we do. He will hold all governments, political or spiritual, accountable for the authority He has given because He is just and calls us to be the same (see Micah 6:8).

So, if I see injustice, I should speak out or act to promote justice, but do so legally. But I should also love mercy and walk humbly with God. Arrogance is ignoring our own injustice while demanding that others or history itself be just. Social justice cannot come from those who unjustly destroy others; that is evil hypocrisy.

The ultimate issue is to know that justice will come, even if it waits for God to bring it. The Lion of Judah will show up, even it seems He is delayed. Meanwhile, it is right to defend what God has given to us in family, church, or nation, but legally and by obedience to God. There will be times when He says, “Turn the other cheek.”

In the early 1980s, I faced another difficult issue. I had to travel from home to participate in a gathering with national spiritual leaders. Prior to the conference, I was told by two very close brothers in Christ, “We don’t trust you.” That is one of the worst things anyone could hear. That night, I laid sleepless on my bed in the dark room.

In the darkness and tears, I had a vision of a man in ancient clothes fighting in a field against intruders. He was shouting, “You can’t have this field!” He said it over and over again, until I began saying it with him: “You can’t have this field!” Finally, God said, “Don’t give up what I have given you!” I jumped out of bed and grabbed my Bible. I immediately opened it to 2 Samuel 23:11-12. Shammah was fighting off Philistines who were trying to steal his field of lentils that God had given him. Though I had not known where the reference was, I now knew the Lord was saying, “Be courageous and fight for what I have given you!” That was the right time, and God preserved me and my “field.”

It is time once again to be courageous; we still face spiritual warfare ahead. Study Ephesians 6:10-18. Note that the battle is spiritual and the armor is primarily defensive. “The Sword of the Spirit,” the Word of God, may be used offensively, but we will need to hear from God about how to employ it. That passage urges us to pray always in the Holy Spirit so we can know how to stand. Remember also that Jesus became a “Lion” as He observed the condition of the Temple. Our primary concern needs to be what is happening in our family and God’s family. Are righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit there? Is our house a house of prayer?

If we are to die for our faith, don’t die on the wrong hill or on the wrong issue. Make sure to observe Christ’s attitudes (see Matthew 5-7) and give your life alongside Jesus for others. Jesus loved the Church and gave Himself for it. He loved sinners also and died between two thieves. We must run our race with our eyes on Jesus. It is not about our preferences; it is about Jesus and His will. Too many believers and churches are divided over political or lesser things. Our victories will come as we unite around Jesus, His mission, the Power of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. We must not get caught up in the howling winds that are blowing across the nations. Before you engage in public discourse, ask yourself, “Does what I am about to say reflect the Lord? Or, is news media controlling my life?”

I love you and all who are trying to do what’s right. We all miss the mark somewhere and sometime. I am grateful for the apostles and especially Peter. He finally got it right (see Acts 5). Meanwhile Jesus loved him through it all; and He loves us too!

Inspiring Courage

Would you please continue to remember CSM in your prayers and in your giving this month? As you support us, we are able to sow into churches and ministries across the United States and around the world. We are also able to encourage and equip believers across the globe to be courageous during these tumultuous times.

Thank you for standing with us! Visit us online at csmpublishing.org or on our official Charles Simpson Ministries Facebook Page. Follow us on Twitter @CSMinPublishing.

In Christ,

Brother Charles Simpson

"Courage In Hard Times" part 2 by Charles Simpson

7/17/2021

Courage in Hard Places

Controversy

I am no stranger to controversy. For example, in 1979 the IRS began a five-year audit on our local church. In the process, I believe they engaged in wrong methods of surveillance and overstepped boundaries for non-profits. It was an exceptionally tough time. They placed an agent in our office who demanded to see all of our membership records, which would expose all our church members to audits. I refused.

We were called a “Jim Jones-style cult” by other Christians, crosses were burned on our front lawn, our home was vandalized, and one of our children was repeatedly assaulted and spat upon at school. The stress and sleeplessness were indescribable. I had to employ protection for our property and family. At the same time, I had to travel frequently and be away from home.

I love our country, but I was losing faith in my government. Did we defend ourselves? Yes indeed! Over the following years, we employed five attorneys and fought back in every legal way we knew. While that was going on, two very close Bible teacher friends went through a vicious lawsuit from a best-selling atheist author. Somehow, I wound up being in charge of the legal defense for my friends.

This is a very cursory summary of the events of 1979-1983. The bottom line is that we were completely exonerated by the IRS and, meanwhile, the atheist ended up settling his lawsuit. Our administrator at that time, Mike Coleman, did a great job in assisting and coordinating. Out of this difficult experience, he was able to assist in crafting legislation which became the Church Audit Procedures Act. It passed through the United States Congress and was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. This limited the IRS’ authority in dealing with churches. It is still protecting churches in America today.

I believe in defense. Without defense many more innocent people would die. Without defense there would be no Israel or United States. The Lord Himself has assisted the righteous defense of land and privileges that He ordained. We are greatly indebted to those who revealed the “lion nature” of God at the right time and right reasons; many have given their lives! Would I defend my family, property, or mission when I need to do so? You bet I would! It is the duty of those who have been given responsibility by God to do so. And I believe that when we do, the Lord will help us to have courage, even at the cost of life.

I thank God for police, military, and others who defend us where we cannot defend ourselves. Scripture says they are the Lord’s servants acting on His behalf and ours. Are they always perfect? Of course not! Was Rome? No. So, we must pray for* all* who are in authority (see 1 Timothy 2). Without God’s help, we will experience the devil’s desire—anarchy!

"Courage In Hard Places" part 1 by Charlles Simpson

7/16/2021

Courage in Hard Places

Dear Friend in Christ:

My two previous pastoral letters were about the Beatitudes—attitudes that bring favor in hard places. In this letter I want to discuss courage. Courage is not manifest in easy times; it is revealed in hard places. Our Lord was courageous, and courage is contagious! He is both the Lamb and the Lion; He is in us if we have received Him (see Colossians 1:27). The issue before me is where and when do I reveal the Lamb or the Lion? It is vital and often difficult to know!

Hebrews 12 tells us to run our race looking to Jesus. I believe that is not only a reference to Jesus in the Holy Word, but Jesus Who us with us now. In other words, we need to hear from Him before revealing His “Lamb nature” or “Lion nature.” References such as Isaiah 53 and John 1:29 announce Jesus as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Then Revelation 5 says that He is the “Lion of the tribe of Judah.”

In the gospel of Matthew 21:12-13, we are told that He made a whip and drove the money changers out of the temple and declared, “My house shall be called a house of prayer!” The Lamb of Calvary was also the Lion of the House of God. I believe it is vital to know where He revealed the Lion or where He revealed the Lamb. If we miss Him, we may try to be lambs or lions in the wrong places or at the wrong time. In Luke 22:36 Jesus told the disciples to buy a sword, but He did not tell them when to use it. Peter used his in Gethsemane, but it was the wrong time; Jesus told him to put it away; he was physically attacking a government representative.

Lamb Nature

Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that God ordained government and, in fact, all authority comes from Him. Government is ordained to resist evil; to keep order and peace. It is authorized to “Bear the sword” in order to perform its duty. The government can be a “lion” and we pay taxes so that it can serve and protect us.

Keep in mind that Paul’s letter to the Romans was written under Roman rule. Was it always righteous? Of course not! However, poor government is better than no government. Anarchy comes from weak government or no government at all; anarchy is itself evil, and anarchy is a manifestation of Satan’s cruel purpose.

First Timothy 2 tells to pray for all who are in authority that we may lead a peaceable life. It appears that our liberty and our peace is an environment that helps us to spread the Gospel. As we submit to authority, we demonstrate our “lamb nature” even when we do not agree with the government. Jesus certainly modeled that at His trial and Crucifixion. When He spoke, it was always the truth, and that resulted in His Crucifixion.

Lion Nature

While submission to government is the counsel of Scripture, the government is not God! Acts 5 gives us the account of the apostles being arrested by officials for preaching the Gospel and doing miracles. An angel released them, defying the orders of officials. So, the apostles continued to preach in the temple area and were arrested again. When questioned as to why they defied the authorities, they said, “We ought to obey God rather than man!” There are times when we must choose whom we will obey, but be sure that it is the proper time!

Peter had been a “lion” in the garden when he tried to kill the one who came to arrest Jesus. Then he was a “lamb” at the trial when he denied Jesus. Later, Peter was a “lion” as he faced the highest Jewish authority. This was finally the right action at the right time! He obeyed God; that is “lion time!”

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