God's Expatriates, Part 4a
February 1, 2012
Nothing gives us a sense of purpose like living to honor Christ. Whether it's showing love to our enemies, or giving to the poor, we have endless opportunities to demonstrate our trust in God. Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez suggests another important way we can honor our Father, by obeying the laws of the land. Romans 13 offers helpful guidance for how to view the governing authorities as followers of Jesus.
References:
Romans 13:5-7
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Does the Lord Seem Far Off?
The Psalms speak to the human heart drawing us to worship and thankfulness in times of plenty and comforting us in times of trouble and distress. But what if you could uncover even more richness from God's songbook by understanding the context and intent of the psalmist? Now you can. Be sure to request the book Psalms: Everyday Bible Commentary by Robert L. Alden with your generous donation this month.
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When we turn on the news, it's not unusual to hear about battles taking place around the world. The Bible explains that global peace won't come until Christ returns. In the meantime, is there a difference between unreasonable bloodshed and a just war? Mike Fabarez addresses that tough question today on Focal Point. Maybe you've wrestled with the morality of war and our role as followers of Christ. Pastor Mike looks to God's Word for answers.
January 31, 2012
From the American Revolution in the 18th century to world wars in the 20th, our nation has been engaged in battles from its birth. We proudly honor the men and women who fight to defend our land and liberty. How do we reconcile national warfare with the biblical command to, "Turn the other cheek"? That's the question Mike Fabarez tackles today on Focal Point.
January 30, 2012
Not once in the last two thousand years has the world seen a time of complete peace. Nations rise against other nations, and wars ignite, end, and begin again. As followers of Jesus, we're called to be at peace with all men to whatever extent possible. But is there a different standard for nations? We're making our way through Romans 13 on Focal Point, an important passage on the role of government.
January 27, 2012
From traffic laws to civil codes, we're accountable to the authority of the government. While it's easy to conclude sometimes that we know better than they do, the Bible emphasizes our responsibility to obey. Someday you and I will be held accountable for the way we interact with our governing authorities. Of course, God will hold these leaders accountable as well!
January 26, 2012
From upholding justice, to protecting our borders, there are all kinds of reasons to be thankful for our government. Of course, living under this authority requires following the laws as well! Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez continues a study in Romans called, "God's Expatriates." When we choose to follow Christ, we place our lives under His leadership, but did you know that God gives authoriity to others as well?
January 25, 2012
These days, authority tends to get a bad rap. Words like submission and obedience grate against our natural inclinations toward freedom and autonomy. When we study God's Word, we discover that government plays a very important role, even a divine role. It's our job to be respectful and obey.
January 24, 2012
In the countries across the world, rulers exercise their power in various forms. From Kings and Prime Ministers, to Presidents and Dictators, these men and women draw their authority from the highest power of all. Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez examines the biblical role of government. While we're quick to judge between good governments and bad, it's important we consider who positioned these rulers in their respective roles of authority.
January 23, 2012
Most of us have a healthy measure of national pride. We're grateful for our heritage, and the freedom we enjoy. Even greater than our national heritage is our spiritual citizenship. Today on Focal Point, Mike Fabarez delivers a study called, "God's Expatriates." It's a fascinating message about faith and government.
January 20, 2012
When we choose to follow Christ we place ourselves under His Kingdom rule. While Jesus is our main authority, how do we interact with the local governing authorities? What role do they play in executing God's justice? That's our topic today on Focal Point. Mike Fabarez is looking at the biblical teaching on government.
January 19, 2012
As children we're taught to play nice. Roughhousing and retaliation were off limits, as we learned to get along with others. While it's good and right to expect this behavior from kids, it wouldn't be accurate to describe our Heavenly Father as always being "nice." He's fair, to be sure, but certainly not passive! Today on Focal Point, we're looking at an aspect of God's character we don't often hear about.
January 18, 2012
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Does the Lord Seem Far Off?
The Psalms speak to the human heart drawing us to worship and thankfulness in times of plenty and comforting us in times of trouble and distress. But what if you could uncover even more richness from God's songbook by understanding the context and intent of the psalmist? Now you can. Be sure to request the book Psalms: Everyday Bible Commentary by Robert L. Alden with your generous donation this month.