God vs. Government

God vs. Government
Author: Nathan Busenitz
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2022-03-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0736986332

“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.

Government of God

Government of God
Author: Ron McKenzie
Publisher:
Total Pages: 196
Release: 2017
Genre: International organization
ISBN: 9780473384944

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

God and Government in the Ghetto

God and Government in the Ghetto
Author: Michael Leo Owens
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 323
Release: 2008-11-15
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0226642089

In recent years, as government agencies have encouraged faith-based organizations to help ensure social welfare, many black churches have received grants to provide services to their neighborhoods’ poorest residents. This collaboration, activist churches explain, is a way of enacting their faith and helping their neighborhoods. But as Michael Leo Owens demonstrates in God and Government in the Ghetto, this alliance also serves as a means for black clergy to reaffirm their political leadership and reposition moral authority in black civil society. Drawing on both survey data and fieldwork in New York City, Owens reveals that African American churches can use these newly forged connections with public agencies to influence policy and government responsiveness in a way that reaches beyond traditional electoral or protest politics. The churches and neighborhoods, Owens argues, can see a real benefit from that influence—but it may come at the expense of less involvement at the grassroots. Anyone with a stake in the changing strategies employed by churches as they fight for social justice will find God and Government in the Ghetto compelling reading.

Understanding God's Government

Understanding God's Government
Author: Paul W. Syltie
Publisher: Virtualbookworm Publishing
Total Pages: 709
Release: 2005-03
Genre:
ISBN: 1589397118

"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.

Godvernment

Godvernment
Author: Tom Sheppard
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Total Pages: 210
Release: 2016-10-18
Genre:
ISBN: 9781539608912

As Christianity is driven from the public square, what is replacing it? As the American people turn away from God, where do they look for their salvation? As they abandon their churches, where will they look for guidance to help them become the kind of people they should be? They look to government. And, as the faith of people in government as the source of their salvation and redemption grows, the government becomes an increasingly jealous god, trying to drive any competing religions from the market square. Between the onslaught of atheism and Progressive Socialism, will the United States of America survive as a nation guided by the values embodied in the Ten Commandments? Or will they redefine them as Ten Suggestions and succumb to the seductive voices of socialism and turn the powerful engine of Capitalism into a tandem bicycle where there is one free loading rider for every person pedaling? Godvernment both warns of this swirling collision as the worship of government replaces the worship of God and prescribes the challenging course to true salvation, both personal and societal.

Kingdoms in Conflict

Kingdoms in Conflict
Author: Charles W. Colson
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 408
Release: 1989-01-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780310397717

" ...Definitely worth reading" -Billy Graham "Colson's criticisms of the Religious Right are especially noteworthy...Colson's warnings echo a concern that religious conservatives would be reckless to ignore." -Richard N. Ostling, Religion Editor, Time "The timing could hardly be better for an author with a new book." -Newsweek "Kingdoms in Conflict speaks with wisdom and "guts" to the major issues of our day." -Charles R. Swindoll "Kingdoms in Conflict is a classic that belongs on every Christian's bookshelf." -Dr. James C. Dobson "This was a book waiting for Chuck Colson to write. As no other evangelical author can, Colson brings his political experience, thoroughly changed life, and lucid writing together at just the right time..." -Moody Monthly "The arguments- church-state, the correct admixture between the two- are familiar grist for controversial mills, but Colson does wonderful theatrical instruction in his book..." - William F. Buckley, Jr. "In Kingdoms in Conflict Charles W. Colson masterfully weds the two subjects he knows best- politics and Christian faith." -Russell Chandler "Kingdoms in Conflict offers a welcomed new insight into an age-old question." - Jack Anderson "One cannot be a passive reader of Chuck Colson's Kingdoms in Conflict." -Mark O. Hatfield

The Government of God

The Government of God
Author: John Taylor
Publisher:
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2020-01-13
Genre:
ISBN: 9781659844108

The Government of God by John M. TaylorOne of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.It was Elder Taylor's intention to superintend the publishing of The Government of God in person, previous to his departure for Great Salt Lake City last spring; but the numerous cares attending the French and German Missions, of which he was President; the translation of the Book of Mormon into the French and German languages; the establishment of L'Etoile du Déseret at Paris, and Zions Panier at Hamburg; together with a multitude of other business connected with the welfare of the Kingdom of God, rendered it impossible.The manuscript was therefore handed to me by Elder Taylor, with a request to superintend the printing of the work, which I have done to the best of my ability.Considering the disadvantages arising from the Author's absence during the reading of the proofs, I believe it is as correctly rendered, as was possible from a manuscript copy.The Work is now before the Public, and from one portion at least it will meet with a cordial reception, treating as it does upon the theme most dear to their hearts-the Reign of Righteousness and Peace.From other portions it will meet with varied reception, but will nevertheless lead the minds of all to contemplate the glory of that time when the Messiah, even Jesus, shall come with all his holy angels, and sit upon the throne of his glory, and govern all nations upon earth.The Kingdom of God is the government of God, on the earth, or in the heavens. The earth, and all the planetary systems, are governed by the Lord; they are upheld by his power, and are sustained, directed, and controlled by his will. We are told, that "by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist."[A] Collos. i. 16, 17. If all things, visible and invisible, are made by and for him, he governs and sustains all worlds to us known, together with the earth on which we live. If he governs them, they are under his dominion, subject to his laws, and controlled by his will and power.