Christians, Let’s Honor the President

[Zguy28]

Moore to the Point – Christians, Let’s Honor the President

The American people have decided that Barack Obama should have a second term. And, behind them, in the mystery of providence, God has decided that Barack Obama would be re-elected. So how should Christians respond to our once and future President?

Many of us have some disagreements with the President. As a conservative Christian, I believe unborn children have certain inalienable rights, including the right to life, and I wish President Obama would work to protect them. I believe freedom of conscience is the preeminent right in a civil society, and the Administration’s incursions on religious liberty are troubling. I don’t plan to back down one bit on these matters, even as our forefathers Isaac Backus and John Leland relentlessly stood up to the founding generation of leaders on behalf of religious freedom and human dignity.

We are going to disagree with the President on some (important) things; there will be other areas where we can work with the President. But whether in agreement or disagreement, we can honor. Honor doesn’t mean blanket endorsement...

Full Article at the Link above


*Russell D. Moore is Dean of the School of Theology and Senior Vice President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as Professor of Christian Theology and Ethics.

[Starman3000m]

The Truth

The Liberal American people and The Electoral College have decided that Barack Obama should have a second term.

[Zguy28]

Originally Posted by Starman3000m

The Truth

Romans 13:1-7

English Standard Version (ESV)
Submission to the Authorities

13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

***************

1 Peter 2:13-17

English Standard Version (ESV)
Submission to Authority

13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

********************


And this, written at a time when the Roman government was exponentially more hostile to Christians than our current government is.

EDIT: by the way Starman, I have no disagreement with your statement either. People still have responsibility. But God also is sovereign and we can't pick and choose to ignore His commands when we don't get our way or disagree with somebody. It says honor the head of state, so I will gladly obey Him despite not caring for President Obama. And I will pray for him to be saved.

[Starman3000m]

Originally Posted by Zguy28

Romans 13:1-7

English Standard Version (ESV)
Submission to the Authorities

13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

***************

1 Peter 2:13-17

English Standard Version (ESV)
Submission to Authority

13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

********************


And this, written at a time when the Roman government was exponentially more hostile to Christians than our current government is.

EDIT: by the way Starman, I have no disagreement with your statement either. People still have responsibility. But God also is sovereign and we can't pick and choose to ignore His commands when we don't get our way or disagree with somebody. It says honor the head of state, so I will gladly obey Him despite not caring for President Obama. And I will pray for him to be saved.

Agreed. However, the article states that "God decided..." when in actuality I believe its' more like "God Allowed..."

This goes back to a Principle Law of God: You Reap What You Sow.

America is on a decline and we are reaping the rewards due to an ungodly nation whose leaders choose to not follow moral and Godly principles.

[ItalianScallion (Premo)]

God made it clear that we are to respect the governing authorities WHEN they are godly, but this regime isn't. Peter even said we must obey God, not man.

While I highly respect the OFFICE of the President of the United States I do NOT accept or acknowledge the ungodly man presently filling it.

[Starman3000m]

Originally Posted by ItalianScallion

God made it clear that we are to respect the governing authorities WHEN they are godly, but this regime isn't. Peter even said we must obey God, not man.

While I highly respect the OFFICE of the President of the United States I do NOT accept or acknowledge the ungodly man presently filling it.

Correcto Mundo!

Here's something else: The headline asks Christians to "honor" the president. I believe that's also the wrong word to use.

IOW: Should Christians "pay honor" to Obama while knowing that he is anti-Israel along with being a leader who favors legislation that is against the Biblical ordinances of God?

Christians are called to live patiently, prayerfully, and respectfully under the circumstances that govern them when they are unfavorable. They can do this without having to "honor" an ungodly leader.

[ItalianScallion (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Zguy28

...And I will pray for him to be saved.

On this, I fully agree with you. As a "fruit inspector" I see little evidence of Christian fruit. Also he:

Calls a new baby a "punishment"?
Advocates same gender marriages?
Doesn't speak out against abortion?
Fraternizes with an enemy that follows other gods?
Blatantly ignores our immigration laws?

[Zguy28]

Originally Posted by ItalianScallion

God made it clear that we are to respect the governing authorities WHEN they are godly, but this regime isn't.

i challenge you to show me this from the New Testament. Even the Old Testament disagrees with you. Did David have your rebellious and prideful attitude toward king Saul, despite the fact that Saul turned out to be an ungodly man and ruler.

Peter even said we must obey God, not man.

I find it awfully ironic that you are so loose and liberal with the bible when it suits your opinion. Has the President told you personally not to preach the name of Jesus in the streets or in the church? That is the context you are so blatantly ignoring to justify your view. In fact, it's almost sinful how you are abusing God's word to satisfy your hatred of the man.

While I highly respect the OFFICE of the President of the United States I do NOT accept or acknowledge the ungodly man presently filling it.

You are really good at justifying your self in your own eyes.

[Zguy28]

Originally Posted by Starman3000m

Correcto Mundo!

Here's something else: The headline asks Christians to "honor" the president. I believe that's also the wrong word to use.

IOW: Should Christians "pay honor" to Obama while knowing that he is anti-Israel along with being a leader who favors legislation that is against the Biblical ordinances of God?

Christians are called to live patiently, prayerfully, and respectfully under the circumstances that govern them when they are unfavorable. They can do this without having to "honor" an ungodly leader.

Who are you to disagree with the bible? Ignore Peter and Paul (and most importantly God who inspired and appointed them) at you own peril. Flagrant disobedience to God will bring judgement. One can vehemently disagree with a man, even despise his views, and still honor him as the leader. Much like David did for king Saul despite Saul's godlessness and trying to murder him.

[Starman3000m]

Originally Posted by Zguy28

Who are you to disagree with the bible? Ignore Peter and Paul (and most importantly God who inspired and appointed them) at you own peril. Flagrant disobedience to God will bring judgement. One can vehemently disagree with a man, even despise his views, and still honor him as the leader. Much like David did for king Saul despite Saul's godlessness and trying to murder him.

True Honor belongs to God alone. Do you disagree?