Government Of God

“Welcome to our peaceful protest.” In the spring of 2020, government mandates forced churches across North America to close their doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As societal fear and unrest increased, Christians were forced to grapple with how God wanted them to respond to these state-imposed restrictions. After all, didn’t the closure of churches pose a serious threat in a time when people needed spiritual direction more than ever? God vs. Government follows two churches’ courageous decisions to reopen despite orders to remain closed. Guided by the command in Hebrews 10:25 that churches not forsake meeting together, pastors John MacArthur and James Coates led their congregations to return to in-person meetings—and were swiftly met by unsympathetic governing authorities ready to shut them down again. The ensuing legal battles raised important questions about religious freedom, and more importantly, illuminated what it looks like to take a stand when Christ and compliance collide. How do we react with wisdom and discernment when the state encroaches upon the church? God vs. Government tells two incredible accounts that affirm our need to be faithful to the Lord’s commands no matter the circumstances.

Ours is a time of rapid cultural change with new economic challenges. People look to their governments for leadership and solutions. But what can and should government do to meet the difficulties that beset a nation? What can citizens expect from their elected representatives? What is reasonable? And what should citizens do? What are their responsibilities? This book addresses such fundamental issues through the eyes of Scripture and against the backdrop of North America's dual heritage of Christianity and humanism. Government, politics, and the Bible do not seem like a good mix. But as this book aims to show, the Bible has much wisdom to teach us about the place and role of government and its citizens. Biblical principles work because God knows how his world and his servant governments are supposed to function. After all, he ordained the governing authorities, and the principles enunciated in his Word are timeless and remain practical. This book introduces fundamental biblical principles that apply to government and politics. The intent is to inform and to motivate the reader to get involved where possible in the political processes of the day. Our legislators need the input and help from their knowledgable Christian constituents.

"Understanding God's Government" dares to explore the nature of government at all levels - its pyramidal, hierarchical structure - within civil, religious, business, military, and social spheres, and then dissect the motivations behind their leaders. It is discovered that fear is usually the prime motivator that leaders use to gain and maintain control. The Creator's intended form of government for mankind, however, is a brotherhood based upon lateral relationships of love and concern for one's fellow man. The author delves into Biblical and secular sources to elucidate the nature of today's governments, elements of Godly government, ideal government within the ecclesia, forms of government that work, and their consequences. Additional articles are included, by former presidential candidate Harry Browne, Herbert W. Armstrong, James Lloyd, Norman Edwards, and the author. Learn why future government holds so much promise within this war-torn, unstable world.

With our American Philosophy and Religion series, Applewood reissues many primary sources published throughout American history. Through these books, scholars, interpreters, students, and non-academics alike can see the thoughts and beliefs of Americans who came before us.

Voting is an opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve godly government. Passing up this opportunity means allowing those who would degrade the name of Christ to have their way in our lives. The Bible is clear, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established" (Romans 13:1). Since the Bible commands that we are to submit to government, we must ask ourselves: to what type of government do we want to submit? God in Government compellingly answers this question and covers other related subjects - often from a historical perspective. The book's emphasis is on how and why the United States has gone from being a Christian nation to a culture of secular humanism. How events like the Industrial Revolution and the Great Depression continue to impact our worldview and the way we vote. The reader will discover the true differences between the political parties, and why groups like labor unions, school teachers, and the media tend to align themselves with a particular party. Among other topics, we examine the Christian roots of capitalism and the truth behind the "separation of church and state." The book covers social issues like legalized abortion, gay rights, and welfare programs; and gives solutions and suggestions as to what Christians can do to get our nation back on track. RAY HARKER is an ideological activist and founder of God in Government, a conservative grassroots movement for which this book is the manual. Both the organization and the book are designed to educate and assist Evangelical Christians in the areas of civic responsibility and political ideology. The outreach provides lectures and seminars for churches and other interested groups. To learn more, visit www.godgov.org.

Government is a huge problem in the modern world. Many people are controlled by cruel and greedy despots. They are crying out for freedom, but political change just brings more of the same. In democratic nations, massive expectations have been piled on human governments, as people find more and more problems for governments to solve. Governments have gained immense political power, despite their inability to deal effectively with their existing responsibilities. Their failure to deliver what they promise has created huge disappointment and frustration. People often vote for change, but the new government is usually no better than the one that was rejected. Jesus began his ministry on earth by announcing a new kingdom (government). He claimed that this government is good news for everyone (Luke 8:1). In a world where most people are fed up with their government, an announcement of a new government is good news. The coming of a better government is extremely good news for a troubled and uncertain world. This book explains how the Government of God can transform political authority and solve the problems that modern governments have failed to resolve. Modern systems of government are based on coercion. Political leaders have access to extensive powers of control. They fund their programs with compulsory taxation. People who refuse to obey the government have their property confiscated or are put in prison. Jesus is different from other kings, so the Government of God will be radically different from every other government. God refuses to impose his authority by force. He wants people to accept his authority and do his will because they love him and want to serve him. He does not force people to take action against their will. This radically different approach to authority makes his government unique and special. This Government of God comes as people choose to submit to Jesus and obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. His authority is not imposed by force, but won by love. The Holy Spirit will establish the Government of God by inspiring people to love and obey Jesus. There will be no coercion or force. This book explains how the Government of God can be established without hierarchy and control. The Holy Spirit He will transform the followers of Jesus into kingdom communities where God's perfect system of government can be established. Government has three main essential responsibilities. -Justice for victims of theft and violence. -Welfare for people suffering from the trials of life. -Protection from evil attack. Modern governments have enormous power, but justice has becomes expensive and uncertain. Welfare is costly and ineffective. Military power has produced destructive wars, but no peace or security. In the Government of God, Jesus will be judge, lawgiver and king (Is 33:22). His government will provide: -justice that is fair and effective. -support for people in poverty -protection from evil attacks. This book describes how a body of believers gathered in a neighbourhood can becomes a Kingdom Community. Kingdom Communities will be based on love and sharing. They will provide justice, support and protection for their community, without resorting to force and coercion or compulsory taxation. The fullness of the Government of God will be a massive challenge to the politicians and governments that dominate the modern world. No place will be left for human government. As God's plans come to fullness, existing governments will shrink away and be replaced by the Government of God. Topics covered include, the nature of authority perfect government the structure of society kingdom communities the source of law applying law relieving hardship and poverty defending the community voluntary financing of community services