Church & Civil Government (4) Introduction
When we register, we are political. If we dont, we are also political. Yes or No is still decision that leads us to be political. The churchs function is non-political, and believers must distinguish church activities from their obligations to the society. There are 3 mindsets that a church of believers can have. 1) Conforming mindset. They compromise some truths in order to blend with the current society. For example, usually government servants will grant you easier life by executing less inspections on your construction if you pay them a good price !
2) Cocoon mindset. Anything to do with politics, business (dealing with
Public relations), the believers would rather refrain from getting exposed to this kind of environment. They had a pre-determined
mindset that politics are all dirty and may polute their holy living because politics usually involve slick people with slick ideas. 3) Competent mindset. Such as a church that votes for a particular
political party that benefits them and would go on fighting and influencing through means of voicing out, to retain their rights as a church. This can reflect lack of submission to the current government. In fact, the 4th mindset is the one we as a church should have. The Transforming Mindset which can help to build the Nation !
Body
Faith (Our conviction and relationship with God) and politics Do Not Mix Well. There will be an oppression by a Religious Spirit. For example, in a country where government has set up a rule in such a way that the citizens must register as Christians as a requirement for job approvals. A lot of them would really go the mile to register for the sake of jobs. But come to think of it, do you really think they will embrace their faith sincerely and have their walk with God improve?
Exodus 5:1 In this verse, it shows that it is Gods heartcry for His people to worship him regardless of how hard the prosecution upon His people may be. God will still ordain the
Civil Government to provide security for the believers to exercise their freedom of Worship. Faithful believers as taught by the Word assist in the growth and prosperity of the nation. There had been a founder who pioneered churches everywhere. Nonetheless, the founder hardly mentioned about the word Transformation. But in fact, Transformation is very crucial in every believers life. How to Build And Rise up As a Nation? It is us who should embrace this responsibility.
Our Responsibilities As Christian Citizens.
1. Regardless of which party which benefits or draws our personal preference, we are called by God to submit to our government which is currently in charge. If Barisan National is the current ruling government, we must also submit to it. Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Pet 2:13-17 God has taught us that there is no authority on earth which is not established by God. If we go against the authority, we are basically going against God. And if we do that, we are subjected to earthly judgement and punishments in order to get us right on track. If we owe respect or honour to our superior, colleagues, beloved ones, and friends respect, then let us learn to repent, respect and honour them sincerely.
Submit does not mean to obey.
If a rule is implemented as part of the jurisdiction of the law, it is considered a proper order to submit and obey that rule. For example, paying tax is necessary as per governments requirement. But if government servant comes to you and hints you for bribery so that you can pay less than required fine paid not recorded in receipt, it is an improper order and in that case, it is better to pay the full fine than partial fine.
2 types of Persecution
First being the religion(Christians superficially just by name). Second one being the Faith where Christians have their personal relationship with God. For the second one, the Spirit of the Lord will be there to teach us how to say and when to say. Acts 4:8 This verse shows that the Holy Spirit can guide you to speak at the right time and the right thing out of a personal relationship with God. Acts 4:18-22 This verse shows that the apostles submitted to the authorities but did not obey them. The men in authority had no grounds or right to persecute them. Because in Roman Law, there is no law saying they cannot exercise freedom to practise the Christian Faith. Therefore, this persecution is already happening outside the law, abused by the men in charge.
Acts 23-25. Peter and John carried something in their heart. Their zeal for the Lord. They rejoiced for what they were suffering was worth the price, the price paid for their Lord Jesus Christ.
