"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

The short answer to the title of this article is, "Yes, Christians should submit to governing authority," but it should be added, "in most cases." In this teaching, we are going to be covering two sides of this topic, the first being the fact that Christians ought to comply with all lawful, peaceful, and reasonable governing authority, and second, that Christians do not have an unlimited obligation to submit to all government commands no matter what they are, depending on the circumstance; I will explain why our compliance with the government is essential to our testimony in Christ, and why there are so many false preachers teaching that submission to governing authority is unquestionable and absolute.

To begin, let's read Romans 13, which is the chapter that addresses our obedience to the government:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
-Romans 13:1-7

Now let's break that down piece-by-piece so we can gain a full understanding of what is being said:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

The "higher powers" referred to in this verse are ruling authorities in government institutions. This is NOT speaking of positions of religious leadership, such as elders or pastors, even though there are some corrupt preachers who try to use these verses to establish a heavy-handed dictatorship for themselves over a church building's congregation. Though this article is designed for Christians, the Bible makes a general statement for ALL mankind (i.e. "every soul"), that they should be subject (i.e. in submission) to governing authorities.

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

The word 'power' in this context means "authority," and so this verse is telling us that no authority exists in this world that was not permitted to exist by the will of God, whether that be the authority of a husband over a wife, the authority of parents over their children, or the authority of magistrates over citizens. Please keep in mind that this does not mean that every individual institution within government (e.g. FBI, IRS, CDC, etc) is ordained of God, nor does this mean that the person who holds the individual leadership of a government office is called by God, but rather, Romans 13 is speaking of the general ordainment of authority in the same way we could say that the authority of a husband over his wife is established by God, but that does not necessarily mean that the man in the position of the husband was called as a child/servant of God.

ordain (v): to appoint; to decree; to set; to establish
(See 'ordain', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved Nov 24, 2020 [webstersdictionary1828.com])

For example, in the United States of America, we elect a new president every four years, we elect members for the House of Representatives every two years, and we elect Senators every six years. Though these men and women are put into positions of leadership within our government, they are not individually called by God unto His service, nor are their individual offices ordained (or established) directly by God, but rather, the general concept of government, which is the authority of an office or station over citizens in a country, was established by God for reasons Paul goes on to explain in the following verses.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

This means that, if a man resists governing power, whether it is by refusing to pay taxes, not bothering to obtain required licenses, ignoring court summons, refusing to comply with orders from the police, etc, these all fall under the category of resisting the authority of the government, and therefore, it means the offender is directly resisting God's authority as well. To resist what God has established is to resist God Himself, and those who do such things will receive a reward of damnation (i.e. condemnation and punishment for their disobedience), which could not only mean fines and prison sentencing depending on the offense, but it could also mean eternal sentencing (i.e. hell and the lake of fire) if the offender does not come to repentance (i.e. grief and godly sorrow) of his wrongdoing.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.

This is not to say that all rulers are good, but in the context of this passage, it is meant that those rulers who do good according to the laws of the land, and perform their civic duties honestly, are a terror (i.e. extreme fear) unto evil, or in other words, evil men fear being discovered by them. However, if a ruler is a terror unto good works, in which a man who is doing right fears being discovered by the corrupt ruler who abuses his/her power to oppress those who live lawfully and honestly, then that is another matter, which we will cover in more detail later.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

That is, if a civil magistrate is doing what is morally right by God and the laws of the land, then we ought to fear that authority in a similar manner that we fear God because that office is ordained by God for the purpose of punishing evil. If we do that which is morally right by God and the laws of the land, then we will be praised by civil magistrates for doing the right thing, and they will see us as an ally because we not only make their jobs easier, but we also make the community a better place for everyone to live.

For he is the minister of God to thee for good.

This is not to say that a police officer (for example) is a direct servant, as one who is born again in the Lord Jesus Christ, but in this context, he is an indirect servant of God's authority in government, who serves to keep us and our families safe and protected. It is the good will of God that men should live in peace with their neighbors (Rom 12:18), and so God has instituted governing authorities to punish those who seek to do harm to their neighbors.

But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

A man who does that which is morally wrong and unlawful should fear in a different manner. While those who live honestly fear governing authorities in the sense of a high degree of respect, those who live dishonestly fear governing authorities in the sense of anxiety and dread that they will suffer punishment for their evil deeds, and it is the will of God that the innocent party should receive justice and compensation for any losses suffered by the schemes of the wicked.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

We are in submission to the civil officers of our country, not only because of God's wrath upon the wicked, but also for our own conscience, so that we have a good conscience towards God that what we say and do is of peace, and in harmony to the order which He has established.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Knowing that they keep the peace and punish evildoers, we can also know that the gospel of Jesus can be preached more freely because of their efforts. Therefore, for submission to God, for our conscience, and for the furtherance of the doctrine of Christ, we ought to pay tribute to those public servants if our country demanded it, and be faithful that the Lord God will provide us what we need to pay such things.

Though many preachers teach that 'tribute' is taxation, that is incorrect. Tribute was a personal contribution given by the people of one governing entity to another as an acknowledgment of submission.

For example, in the days the book of Romans was written, the Roman government had conquered many countries, including Israel, and Israel was to pay an annual tribute to Rome to acknowledge Rome's authority over them, and if they did not give that tribute, it could be taken as a sign of rebellion and war. There was never a question in that day about paying taxes, as governments have always taken taxes, but rather, there was a question about whether or not Israel (who claimed to serve God) should submit to the authority of Rome (who were a conglomerate of pagans).
(Read Corruptions of Christianity: Catholicism here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

With that understanding, the following verses should make more sense:

And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
-Matthew 17:24-27

The body of Christ is free from giving both tribute (money given in submission) and custom (taxation), but so not to offend the governing authorities, we submit to their earthly rule and give them what they demand. The Pharisees later attempted to find a reason to accuse Christ of false doctrine, so they asked him about this tribute:

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
-Matthew 22:15-22

Therefore, as Jesus stated, we should give governing authorities what they demand, but sadly, these verses are often twisted and distorted by modern-day pastors as an excuse to convince churchgoers to give them more money on a regular basis. They often teach that pastors are the keepers of the "things of God," and that pastors are among the "powers" to be feared, so therefore, they persuade churchgoers (under fear of "robbing God") to pay them tribute.
(Read "Tithe is Not a Christian Requirement" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
-Matthew 23:27-28

Let me make this abundantly clear:

There is no tribute in the United States.

U.S. citizens are required to pay taxes, just like every other citizen in any other country is required to pay taxes to their governing officials, but the question about tribute in Scripture was a question about authority, not about money. However, preachers often make it about money because they preach that you must give money to Caesar as well as God, and on the premise of giving to God, deceive their listening audience to make them believe that if you give money to the pastor, you are rendering things unto God.

Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
-Isaiah 56:11

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's [money's] sake.
-Titus 1:10-11

This brings us to verse seven in Romans 13:

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

For example, law enforcement officers serve the community, and therefore, the community should pay them for those services. Also, the more a government official is diligent in his work of punishing criminals and seeking justice for the innocent, the more they should be feared and honored.

However, the more a government official is involved in taking bribes and perverting the ways of judgment, the less they should be feared and honored. This is not to take away the honor we should give unto the magistrates and courts in general, for that is the general authority God has established, but those particular men who do wickedness should be exposed to higher levels of government for punishment.

Without law enforcement to protect honest citizens from those who seek to do them harm, openly preaching the Gospel of Jesus would be nearly impossible. Tribulation and persecution is a guarantee to those who teach the truth of God's Word:

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
-Acts 14:22

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
-2 Timothy 3:12

persecute (v): to pursue in a manner to injure, vex or afflict; to afflict, harass, or destroy for adherence to a particular creed or system of religious principles, or to a mode of worship
tribulation (n): severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations; in Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution
(See 'persecution' & 'tribulation', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved Nov 23, 2020, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

Police and judges are intended to defend those who suffer persecution from the wicked, and therefore, the governing powers should work in favor of born again Christians who teach the truth. Law enforcement makes our job as Christian teachers easier, and we make the job of law enforcement easier by preaching the morals and philosophies of Christ, turning people away from their sin, which then creates law-abiding citizens who live peacefully. This is why we should submit ourselves to every governing ordinance because it is the will of God for our own good, and for the good of the poor and needy, that they might have justice.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
-1 Peter 2:13-16

That being said, not every governing official does what is good, nor do they serve to provide justice to innocent victims, and I will firmly rebuke false teachers who preach an unbiblical mandate of unlimited submission to all governing authority under any circumstance. For example, corrupt preacher John MacArthur teaches his blind audience that they have an absolute obligation to submit to every government command, no matter what it is:

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. That is an unqualified statement. It doesn't qualify who those governing authorities are and it doesn't qualify what subjection might mean. Therefore we can conclude that we have an unqualified, unmitigated command to be subjected to the governing authorities, whatever they are."

-John MacArthur, "Why Christians Submit to the Government," Grace To You, Jan 30, 2011, retrieved Aug 27, 2015, [gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-364]

Most of the churchgoers listening to MacArthur's statement likely did not understand the absurdity of what he just said, so let's take a look at what the words 'unqualified' and 'unmitigated' mean in order to understand it more clearly:

unqualified (adj): complete, unlimited
unmitigated (adj): absolute
(See 'unqualified' & 'unmitigated', Random House Dictionary, 2015, [www.dictionary.com]; See also Collins English Dictionary, 10th Edition, William Collins Sons & Co, 2012)

Let's consider a scenario: In 1978, China introduced a "One-Child Policy" that decreed a couple living as citizens in the country of China were only allowed to have one child. (A second child was allowed if the first was a girl; giving the couple a chance for a son.) If a couple had a son, and then they became pregnant with a second child, a heavy tax was issued to them, and if they could not pay the heavy fine, they were forced to murder the child (i.e. abortion), resulting in China murdering an average of 13 million children every year. As a Christian, if you have a child, and the government tells you that you must kill that child, do you have a Biblical mandate to submit to the government's authority and kill your child?
(See CNN, "China has more than 13 million abortions a year," July 30, 2009, retrieved Jan 1, 2021, [http://cnn.it/3aU22hk])

MacArthur told churchgoers that they have an unlimited and absolute commandment to do whatever a governing authority tells them to do, no matter the circumstance. In other words, MacArthur told them to do what the government says without question.

He continues later to say:
"So the government is divinely decreed and to resist it is to resist God. Let me add another point. Those who do resist will be punished."
-John MacArthur, "Why Christians Submit to the Government," Grace To You, Jan 30, 2011, retrieved Aug 27, 2015, [gty.org/Resources/Sermons/80-364]

In a moment, I will go over MacArthur's contradiction against Scripture, but before I do that, I want to point out his hypocrisy, specifically concerning his 501c3 contract and the Chinese corona-virus pandemic. A 501c3 contract is an allowance of incorporation (i.e. yoking together in unity) with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and to fully understand the grave violations that pastors and elders of church buildings commit against Jesus Christ by getting a 501c3 contract, I would encourage readers to look at my free-to-read book, 501c3: The Devil's Church.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
-2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Though there is no U.S. law that requires any church to get 501c3 incorporated, MacArthur gladly signed up for 501c3 incorporation to get tax benefits so he could make more money. By doing so, in his willful ignorance, he made his so-called "ministry" and church building an indirect government entity, which means he now has a contract in which he has given his promise, before God and man, to serve the government and the public (not the Lord Jesus Christ) by everything they say and do.

In 2020, when the Chinese corona-virus came to the United States, John MacArthur's church building (called Grace To You, located in California) was given a state mandate to close its doors until otherwise notified. Of course, at first, they gladly obeyed their master, but over time, they began to lose those precious dollars that MacArthur and his staff rely on, and so MacArthur disobeyed government orders by opening his church building back up to hold public services.
(See Daniel Burke, "California church defies public health orders, holds indoor services for thousands with no social distancing," CNN, Aug 13, 2020, retrieved Dec 29, 2020, [https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/12/us/pastor-macarthur-church-california/index.html])

Of course, not only does this mean that John MacArthur lied and broke his 501c3 contract by disobeying government orders, it also means that MacArthur is a total hypocrite, contradicting everything he taught about government obedience. Though MacArthur is a false preacher, I still pray that God would have patience and mercy on him and his family (that they might know their sin and come to repentance), because the foreshadowing of his words looms over him, namely, "to resist [government] is to resist God... those who do resist will be punished."

As a side note, our church never stopped meeting together in 2020, despite what our state government said because we are called by God unto fellowship with one another in the church (Heb 10:23-25), and no one ever got sick. Furthermore, I never signed a 501c3 contract with the government, so when, where, and how we decide to meet for worship of God is none of their business, but again, when greedy preachers like John MacArthur sign a contract with the state, they have given their word, and so if they refuse to keep their word in the contract, then they are found to be liars before God and men.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
-Proverbs 6:16-19

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
-Matthew 5:37

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre [money], but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
-1 Peter 5:2-3

In another example, corrupt preacher Bob Deffinbaugh teaches the following: "No qualifications are made as to the kind of government to which we are to submit... Whether the government be totalitarian or democratic, the Christian's obligation to submit to it is the same." -Bob Deffinbaugh, "Submission to Civil Authorities," Bible.org, retrieved Aug 17, 2012, [bible.org/seriespage/submission-civil-authorities-1-peter-213-17] I suppose "Pastor Bob" did not bother to consider Nazi Germany in what he just said because, he just told German Christians that they have an obligation, no matter what, to submit to the government and turn in Jews to be executed and/or sent to concentration camps. If any Christian chose to protect families under persecution, then, according to this false preacher, they defied the Lord Jesus Christ and deserve punishment. (The image on the right is a pit filled with dead Jews who were lined up and executed by Nazi soldiers.)

The reason men like MacArthur and Deffinbaugh teach such ridiculous doctrines is because they want an excuse for following the government regulations laid down in their 501c3 contracts, which they signed up for out of greed, not out of requirement or duty. (Again, see 501c3: The Devil's Church for more details.) For any reader who believes that God has given us an absolute, unquestionable law to submit to government orders no matter what, please consider the following:

Moses broke civil laws by killing a taskmaster for abuse and attempted murder of a slave. (Exodus 2:11-12) David refused to submit to the government authority of Saul's troops. (1 Samuel 19) Daniel resisted the State by refusing to keep silent in his prayers. (Daniel 6) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all defied the higher powers by refusing to worship a statue. (Daniel 3) John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded for telling the truth about a State ruler. (Mat 14:1-12) Peter stated he was willing to go to prison and death for Christ against the local magistrate. (Luke 22:33) Apostles were thrown in jail for refusing to obey the governing rulers. (Acts 5:17-18) Christians were rounded up and thrown in jail for resisting government authority. (Acts 8:1-3) Apostles were sent to prison for breaking local laws. (Acts 16:16-24)

It is fascinating that, in every one of these instances of defying government ordinances, these faithful men had the protection of the Lord God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all directly resisted commandments from the king of Babylon, and God protected them from the punishment of the government. Moses broke civil laws to protect a slave, and God made him the first leader of the nation of Israel. We need to understand that just as we are subjected to the authority of government officials, government officials are also subjected to the authority of the Lord God, and although government in general is instituted by God for the punishment of evildoers, there are circumstances where governing rulers abuse their authority for their own gain, defying the Word of God in the process, and so we Christians need to make sure we practice discernment to divide the good from the evil.

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
-Hebrews 5:14

Christians need to understand why the Bible tells us on the one hand that we are to submit to governing authority, while at the same time, God has blessed those who have resisted governing authority. The Lord God has told us in His Word how we are to study His Word:

For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
-Isaiah 28:10

In other words, the Word of God is not organized with color codes and bullet points, and is purposefully designed in a way that the fullness of a doctrine can only be understood if all the pieces are aligned, and most often, those doctrines are located throughout various books in the Bible. We are to read God's Word "precept upon precept," meaning that we take each commandment in correlation with other commandments, "line upon line" meaning that we need to read it in its context, and "here a little and there a little," meaning that we need to compare Scripture with Scripture and correlate them together.

Then, God goes on to explain why He did that:

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. -Isaiah 28:13

The reason God set it up this way was so that men who would read and attempt to understand God's Word would never be able to fully understand it. Therefore, they would be led down false paths, teach false doctrines, and we would be able to spot the counterfeit teacher more easily (i.e. "fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken"), which is why the Bible says such men are "ever learning," but never able to gain understanding of God's Word because they have not been born again to receive the Spirit of God.

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
-2 Timothy 3:5-7

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
-1 Corinthians 2:14

For example, the Bible clearly states that it is unlawful for a man to kill another man (Exd 20:13), but the Bible also goes on to clearly state that there are particular circumstances by which killing is acceptable in the sight of God. For example, if a thief breaks into a man's home in the middle of the night, and the man kills the thief out of fear that the thief might hurt him or his family, according to Scripture, the man of the house committed no crime. (Exd 22:2)
(Read "Can Christians Kill in Self-Defense?" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

There are exceptions to some of the rules of Scripture, and that is because the full understanding of the laws of God are summed up by Jesus Christ:

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
-Matthew 7:12

In order to understand others, we sometimes need to "walk a mile in their shoes," or in other words, we need to at least attempt to understand where they are coming from when doing their job. If you were a police officer in a potentially threatening encounter, what would you do? How would you prefer to be treated if you were enforcing the law?

An activist named Jarret Maupin was well-known in his community for organizing marches to protest the police, alleging the police are evil for their use of force against perpetrators, but he had a serious change of mind after he went through some police use-of-force training:

REPORTER #1: "He is one of the most outspoken critics of police use of force here in the valley, but he gets some on-the-job training about use of force tonight." REPORTER #2: "Very interesting stuff. Reverend Jarret Maupin led protests and marches after Phoenix police shot and killed an unarmed man. Well, tonight, he gets a chance to experience the split-second decisions that police have to make when encountering a suspect..." REPORTER #3: "It was a really interesting experience. We all watched those protests all over the country after police officers were accused of shooting people who aren't armed, but what would happen if one of those protesters felt what it was like to wear a badge and then be put in a life or death situation himself... You might recognize him as a high-profile figure in the minority community. Just last month, he led marches on Phoenix police headquarters after an officer shot an unarmed man." MAUPIN PROTESTING WITH BULLHORN: "We want his badge! We want his gun! We want his job!" REPORTER #3: "Today, he accepted an invitation to look at things from the other side, agreeing to go through a force-on-force training session with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office; three scenarios where you have to decide to shoot or not shoot. Scenario one is a call about a man casing cars in a parking lot. Maupin approaches the man and starts asking questions... Maupin, the officer, was [fake] shot." [Maupin approached the suspect. Maupin had his hand on his gun because he was nervous. This, in turn, made the suspect nervous. The suspect insisted it was his vehicle. When Maupin asked the suspect what kind of car he drives, the suspect put his hands behind the back of the vehicle out of Maupin's line of sight, came back out with a gun, and shot at Maupin twice with blanks. In a real scenario, Maupin would have likely died from gunshot wounds before he was even able to draw his gun in self-defense.] POLICE TRAINER: "At what point did you think it was time for you to address the use of force that was given?" MAUPIN: "When he came to the back of the vehicle, and was hiding, you know, I could sense something was wrong." REPORTER #3: "Scenario two; a call of two men fighting." [Two suspects are yelling and shoving one another as Maupin approaches them. Maupin asks them what is going on, but as soon as he questions them, one of the suspects approaches Maupin. The suspect does not appear to be armed, but is quickly and aggressively approaching Maupin. As soon as the suspect comes within a few feet of Maupin, Maupin draws his gun and tells the suspect to back away. The suspect does not comply, and Maupin ends up shooting the suspect to protect himself.] POLICE TRAINER: "Tell me why you shot." MAUPIN: "Well, I shot because he was within that zone. You know, I felt that it was an imminent threat. I didn't necessarily see him armed, but he came clearly to do some harm to the officer, to my person. It's hard to make that call. It shakes you up." REPORTER #3: "Again, an unarmed man was shot. Scenario three; a call about a possible burglar walking down the street. Maupin gets him on the ground. He's not compliant." [In the third scenario, Maupin was able to get the suspect face-down on the ground, but the suspect was resisting, claiming police brutality as Maupin had his knee on his back so he could search the suspect for weapons.] REPORTER #3: "No shots fired, but the suspect did have a hidden knife in his waistband... I asked Maupin what his biggest take-away from this exercise will be." MAUPIN: "I didn't understand how important compliance was, but after going through this, yeah, my attitude has changed. This is all unfolding in 10 to 15 seconds. People need to comply with the orders of law enforcement officers for their own safety..." REPORTER #3: "He plainly shot a man who was not armed but was coming at him, and he felt that he was unsafe at that point. He was coming at him and he fired." REPORTER #1: "Yeah, and I don't think any officer goes into work thinking 'I'm going to shoot and kill somebody today', but these interesting things happen, like the guy coming from behind the SUV: Boom! And you're dead." REPORTER #2: "How did you feel about these scenarios as you were going through them? Did it change your perspective?" REPORTER #3: "Yeah, I've been through one of these before, about four or five years ago, but it's reinforced how fast things happen, and you think at the time, 'Oh, I can think through this, and I can figure this all out.' No. It's Boom! It's just there. It's that fast..." REPORTER #2: "Do you think it changes the way he [Maupin] approaches these issues going forward?" REPORTER #3: "He says he's going to go out into the community and say what he said at the very end there: You have to comply with what police officers tell you. Let everything sort out at the end, but just do what they tell you right then, and then sort things out afterwards."

If we do not submit ourselves to the authority of our governing leaders, judges, and law enforcement, then we make their jobs a grievous thing to do. Those governing authorities who do what is right in the sight of God should be given the honor their position deserves so that they will be happy and joyful to do their job for the people, because if they are grieved to have to do their job, then they may not do it at all, which will be unprofitable to us who they are supposed to serve.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
-Hebrews 13:17

Ask yourselves: When was the last time you wrote your local sheriff's office to thank them for keeping your home and streets safe? When was the last time you wrote your local representatives to show your support for their hard work to do what is right by God for the citizens of your districts and counties? Hard-working men and women often get things done behind the scenes without praise for what they do, but it goes especially unnoticed when those hard-working men and women take up governing office.

It is important to comply with police orders under a potentially threatening situation, or any other potential violation of the law, and so under lawful circumstances, if an officer of the law gives an order, Christians should comply with that order to make sure everyone remains safe, both citizens and officers. However, there are some situations in which an officer gives UNLAWFUL orders against peaceful citizens under non-threatening circumstances, and this is where we need to have discernment, knowing the difference between an order that is lawful, versus an order that has no authority behind it and directly violates the commandments of God.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest [who had governing authority] asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
-Acts 5:27-29

For example, some of the men in our church have been called to preach in the streets of American cities, and they have to go in with some knowledge of city laws concerning where they are allowed to publicly preach, what equipment they are allowed to have, and local noise ordinances, so not to violate the rights of other citizens by disrupting businesses and their clients. There have been many instances in which these preachers have been ordered by police to depart, even when the preachers were operating safely and peacefully within the bounds of city laws, and therefore, they can refuse those police orders, which means street preachers need to be prepared to defend themselves with knowledge.
(See Kenneth Winslow's Teach All Nations ministry for more details.)

Citizens in the United States have Constitutional right to ignore police orders when police request that we comply with unlawful orders. Police have every right to give unlawful orders, and those who are ignorant might obey the unlawful order out of their lack of knowledge, but the police do not have the authority to enforce those unlawful orders. Christians should always be respectful of law enforcement, but we also need to remember that some law enforcement officers do not have a full understanding of the laws they are enforcing, and some others are lazy and do not want to have to deal with irate complaints from other ignorant citizens, finding it easier to get the street preacher to move along, so the officer will not have to do his job to protect the rights and safety of every citizen, including the Christian preacher.

This is one of the reasons why it is so important that a street preacher go out in a group of two or three Christians to have eye witnesses of the events, and if possible, to also have a camera or audio device recording everything that happens. If a street preacher is by himself with no recording device, those who seek to do evil, whether it is another citizen or a police officer, will find it easier to harass the preacher, knowing that the preacher would have no evidence to prove the wicked man guilty of a crime, and therefore, they would suffer no consequences in a courtroom.

However, that being said, it is important to remember that if an officer threatens a street preacher with arrest based on an unlawful order to silence the preacher, it is best to comply with that order for the time being. If an officer were to approach a street preacher to arrest him without warning, the preacher should comply for the time being, trusting in the Lord God for his protection. The reason is because any offenses the officer commits against the law can be taken to court, the judge can punish the officers involved, and give restitution for the violation of the preacher's rights.

Kenneth Winslow's ministry, Teach All Nations, is a fine example of how to handle those types of situations. In one instance, Winslow was preaching in Tennessee against the heretical and ecumenical false preacher Mirslov Volf in front of a church building that had invited Volf to come speak. He was preaching lawfully and peacefully in front of the church building on the public sidewalk outside, and of course, they hated what he was saying, so the church building leaders called the police.
(See Kenneth Winslow, "Mirslov Volf Rebuked for Ecumenism/Threatened w/ arrest @ First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro TN," Teach All Nations, Dec 2, 2020, [https://youtu.be/9S-CDCwuJr4])

Winslow was preaching before Volf's speech, and had intended to stop as soon as his speech began at 10:30 that morning, but the police showed up 15 minutes before Volf's speech began, and accused Winslow of "Disorderly Conduct." Tennessee law states that "Disorderly Conduct" only concerns "unreasonable noise that prevents others from carrying on lawful activities," and although Kenneth was not in violation of this law, a police officer accused him of "Disorderly Conduct" anyway, and gave Winslow unlawful orders to depart from the area, threatening him with arrest if he did not leave.
(See Justia US Law, "2016 Tennessee Code," Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 3, § 39-17-305, retrieved Jan 1, 2021, [http://bit.ly/3820rnH])

Winslow did not resist the police officer, even though the officer gave him an unlawful order that violated his own rights to freedom of speech; rather, he corrected the officer, then departed as he was asked to do. Afterwards, he found a lawyer that would take his case pro bono (a Latin phrase meaning "for the public good," i.e. free of charge), and sued the city of Murfreesburo, TN for violating his constitutional rights, he won his case against the city (i.e. the city conceded and chose to settle the case without a trial); Winslow was given a small payment of restitution, an apology, and the city issued new training to police officers on how to properly conduct themselves according to the constitutional laws of the state.

The following image is the settlement agreement the city made to Kenneth Winslow in that case: (Click Image for Larger View)

Operating within the bounds of the law is also how the disciples of Christ handled things in the New Testament. In the book of Acts, Paul was arrested on many occasions, and in such circumstances, he often had knowledge of the laws, and used them both in prison and in court.

Paul was attacked in Jerusalem and arrested by soldiers for his own safety, and even after that, the Jews conspired to kill him. The arresting soldiers did not fully understand what happened, but to protect Paul's safety, they moved him from the local prison to a different city's prison, and in court, Paul was falsely accused by the plaintiffs (who were not even present during Paul's attack and arrest), which was heard by the local governor for judgement:

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
-Acts 24:10-13

Though many more unjust things happened to Paul for God's purpose to bring him before Caesar to testify of Christ in the highest court of Rome, the judge could find no reason or evidence to accuse Paul of committing any crime. Under normal circumstances, Paul would have been able to press charges of unlawful action and slander against his accusers, and this is how we Christians should also operate, obeying the law and being patient to let the courts (which are ordained by God) punish the evildoers.

I am very aware of conspiracies within police departments, and I have personally known some ex-police officers who can testify to the corruption in law enforcement. However, this does not mean every law enforcement officer is evil and up to no good, nor does it mean that we have a right to rebel against lawful orders.

In 2020, the United States had an insurgence of a deceptive, Marxist organization called Black Lives Matter (BLM), in which they have called for a complete defunding of police on the grounds that police brutality was out of control. This is a lie that is being used to try and bring chaos to the United States in order to bring America under socialist/communist rule, and the American mainstream media has helped this corrupt cause by covering up the facts of various police arrests and shootings.
(See Yaron Steinbuch, "Black Lives Matter co-founder describes herself as 'trained Marxist'," New York Post, June 25, 2020, retrieved Dec 29, 2020, [nypost.com/2020/06/25/blm-co-founder-describes-herself-as-trained-marxist])

One of the most famous cases of 2020 is the arrest and murder of George Floyd, in which a police officer put his knee on Floyd's neck, allegedly choking him to death, and the entire incident was captured on multiple recording devices. Though the communist/socialist mainstream (and social) media showed one side of the story, the following video will show both sides of the story to get a complete understanding of what happened during Floyd's arrest:
The mainstream media pushed the ridiculous narrative that these officers were all power-hungry racist pigs who choked George Floyd to death because they hate all black people. In fact, when I was first shown the video of bystanders watching this happen from the sidewalk nearby, I was infuriated and wanted all these officers to be arrested, but that was only because I was not shown the entire video and given all the information. Once more information was available, it taught me a valuable lesson, namely, do not jump to conclusions until all the evidence comes out, because now, I believe most of the officers involved should be found not guilty by a jury, and they should be reinstated with full-time salary pay during their suspension.

In the body cam video, the officers arrived to a local grocery store, responding to call about a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill that was used to pay for goods. The store clerk pointed to a vehicle and a tall black male who had given him the fraudulent money.

The perpetrator, George Floyd, was sitting in the driver's seat of his vehicle. The officer tapped on the glass of the driver's door to alert Floyd to his presence, and told Floyd to show his hands, which is a safety precaution for the officer.

Floyd refused to show his hands, almost as if he was not listening to the officer, and instead opened the door, which is normally seen as an act of aggression. After four instances of non-compliance, refusing to show his hidden right hand, the officer pulled his gun out in self-defense, and it took ten instances of non-compliance before Floyd showed both his hands and put them in a safe position, after which, the officer put his gun away.

Floyd then proceeded to refuse lawful orders almost twenty times before the officer finally had to force Floyd out of his vehicle and arrest him. Floyd was at twenty counts of non-compliance and resisting arrest in only 92 seconds.

Two other passengers (Floyd's friends) were in Floyd's vehicle, and after they got out of the vehicle, they complied with all the officer's lawful orders while they were briefly questioned. They treated the officer with respect, and they had a peaceful conversation with the officer on the sidewalk as he was gathering information.

Floyd's friends maintained the position that he did not do anything wrong, however, that was not the case. Floyd not only paid for his goods with a counterfeit bill, the autopsy report showed that he was also high on both fentanyl and methamphetamines at the time of his arrest, the combination of which is more dangerous than cocaine, and it should be noted that Floyd was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of these drugs, which puts other drivers and their families at risk.
(See Scott Neuman, "Medical Examiner's Autopsy Reveals George Floyd Had Positive Test For Coronavirus," NPR, June 4, 2020, retrieved Dec 30, 2020, [http://n.pr/2V45Inn])

The officers asked Floyd if he was on some sort of narcotics, but he lied and told them he was not on anything. It was not wise for Floyd to lie to the police because, not only would that have increased his sentencing in court, but in the moment, police would not have known to take certain medical precautions to protect Floyd's health if he is at risk under the influence of narcotics.

The officers then spent the next five minutes trying to get Floyd into the back of their police vehicle so they could question him in a safe and controlled environment, but Floyd resisted the entire time. Floyd claimed he was "claustrophobic," (i.e. a person's fear of confined places), to which the officers kindly responded that they would roll the window down, but not only had Floyd been arrested many times before, he was sitting comfortably in the driver's seat of his car (with the windows up) just a few minutes prior to this point, which he would not have been able to do if he had a fear of confined places. (i.e. Floyd was lying to avoid compliance and to get out of an arrest.)
(Read Psychology: Hoodwinked by the Devil here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

Another major point that gets glossed over is that the police were absolutely correct to take precautions with George Floyd because, despite the fact that BLM and the mainstream media have falsely painted this man a "hero," he is anything but a hero because George Floyd has been in and out of jail repeatedly for armed robbery and substance abuse (i.e. drug addiction). For example, in 2009, Floyd was convicted to five years in prison because he disguised himself as a water utility worker to gain entrance to a pregnant woman's home, and once inside, he pointed a gun to her stomach, holding her unborn child's life hostage, while his five friends raided her house to steal all the valuables from her and her family.

(Click Image for Larger View)

An article from the DailyMail gives a clearer picture about Floyd's criminal history:
"Floyd pleaded guilty to the robbery where another suspect posed as a worker for the local water department, wearing a blue uniform in an attempt to gain access to the woman's home, according to the charging document... The report states the largest of the group, who the victim later identified as Floyd, 'forced his way inside the residence, pointed a pistol against the complainant's abdomen, and forced her into the living room area of the residence. This large suspect then proceeded to search the residence while another armed suspect guarded the complainant, who was struck in the head and sides by this second armed suspect with his pistol while she screamed for help.' Not finding any drugs or money at the house, the men took jewelry and the woman's cell phone and fled in their car. A neighbor who witnessed the robbery took down the car's license plate number. Later, police tracked down the car and found Floyd behind the wheel. He was later identified by the woman as the large suspect who placed a gun against her stomach and forced her into her living room, the document states. Floyd pleaded guilty to the first degree felony and was sentenced in April 2009 to five years in prison. Prior to that, Floyd was sentenced to 10 months in state jail for possession of cocaine. He had been charged in December 2005 for having less than one gram of the controlled substance. However, a few months later the charge was updated to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, amending the amount Floyd allegedly had to more than four grams of cocaine. But according to court records, Floyd was able to have the charge reverted back to possession of cocaine less than a gram. Floyd had two other cocaine offenses, receiving an eight month-sentence stemming from an October 2002 arrest and was sentenced to 10 months from a 2004 arrest. Floyd was arrested in April 2002 for criminal trespassing and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. He did another stint for theft with a firearm in August 1998. He served 10 months at Harris County jail. In one of the charging documents, officials noted Floyd had two convictions in the 1990s for theft and delivery of a controlled substance, but it is not clear if Floyd served any time for either of those offenses."
-DailyMail, "A new start turns to a tragic end for George Floyd, who moved to Minneapolis determined to turn his life around after being released from prison in Texas," May 28, 2020, retrieved Dec 31, 2020, [http://dailym.ai/382M7eP]

On the day he died, before he was ever pinned to the ground on the outside of the vehicle, Floyd had (by my count) 49 instances of non-compliance and resisting arrest. This is quite hypocritical considering a video message he put on the internet prior to this incident, encouraging young black men to make better choices. Throughout the incident, Floyd is continually lying to police officers, claiming that he has numerous medical problems (which he did not have), and claiming he could not breathe (again, BEFORE he was ever pinned to the ground), when it was obvious that he could breathe just fine.

After five minutes of four officers trying to get him to simply sit down in the police vehicle, Floyd threw a childish tantrum and kicked his way out of it, pushing himself and other officers into oncoming traffic, which was dangerous for everyone. The officers immediately called for medics, and then three officers pinned Floyd to the ground, waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

It was at this point that Officer Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes, after which, Floyd lost consciousness. Because the evidence in the case will not be heard until March of 2021, it is unknown at this time whether or not it was his knee that caused Floyd to lose consciousness. (i.e. It is possible Chauvin killed him, but it is also possible that Floyd lost consciousness due to the drugs in his system, which eventually caused his heart to stop.) It should be noted that, based on the reaction of the paramedics on arrival, Floyd had a pulse when he was first checked, despite the fact that the media claimed he was dead by this point. However, the knee-to-neck technique Chauvin used is not taught to police officers in Minneapolis, and because of this, Chauvin could be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Because of the false narrative of so-called "racism" surrounding this event, hundreds of riots took place in which members of "Antifa" (who hypocritically claim to be an "anti-facist" movement) and BLM (a Marxist/communist organization) took to the streets burning down homes and businesses. They not only caused billions of dollars in property damages, but they left many injured or dead, and many of those victims and their families will never get restitution for their losses.


However, there is one key point that readers need to understand: If George Floyd had COMPLIED WITH POLICE ORDERS, he likely would not be dead today. This should be a valuable lesson not only for Christians, but for all U.S. citizens, that the authority of law enforcement exists for the peace and prosperity of the community, and to resist the lawful and reasonable orders of that power is to resist God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
-Romans 13:2

However, the BLM narrative about the Floyd case is that Chauvin and all other police officers are racist against black citizens. That could not be further from the truth. This is a narrative BLM is pushing in many other cases too because they are a Marxist/communist organization that is trying to break down our peaceful society by defunding the police. This is not to say that corrupt police officers do not exist, but in this instance, George Floyd was a dangerous criminal who refused compliance and resisted arrest so many times, I can only say that the police officers involved were very patient with him, and yet, for their patience, they have received a lot of hatred, becoming part of a political witch hunt by those who desire a complete disassembling of our government and law enforcement.

As I stated earlier, I have known ex-police officers who have testified to me that there is a great deal of corruption that goes on inside many precincts, and that it is often a "good ol' boys club," which means they effectively form a brotherhood that keeps the unlawful actions of corrupt officers hidden from the public eye. However, this does NOT mean all law enforcement is evil, nor does it mean that law enforcement should not be treated with the respect that Romans 13 commands.

As Christians, if an officer of the law does us wrong, and he gets away with it, we should be faithful to God to keep His Word to us. We should pray and trust that He will do what is best for all parties involved because vengeance belongs to Him alone:

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
-Romans 12:18-19

To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
-Deuteronomy 32:25

There are people who do good and evil works in any profession. There are doctors who do what is right, and doctors who do what is evil. There are businessmen who do what is right, and businessmen who do what is evil. There are pastors who do what is right, and pastors who do what is evil. We will never have any profession that is completely void of any wrongdoing, but what we Christians can do is preach the truth of Christ, live an honest life, and speak the truth about the corruption in any profession, most especially in law enforcement and governing leadership, while praying that God would bless and protect our governing authorities who do what is right, that we might live in peace, and as many as possible might be saved.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications [earnest requests], prayers, intercessions [favorable prayers], and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
-1 Timothy 2:1-4

There are police officers who do what is right, despite the oppression they get for doing what is right. For example, the following highway trooper arrested a police officer for speeding, and this incident will demonstrate good and evil at war with one another, even within law enforcement:
"Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Donna Jane Watts was on routine patrol early one morning when a Miami police car whizzed past at speeds that would eventually top 120 mph. Even with her blue lights flashing and siren blaring, it took Watts more than seven minutes to pull the speeder over. Not certain who was behind the wheel, she approached the car warily, with gun drawn, according [to] video from her cruiser's dashboard camera. 'Put your hands out of the window! Right now!' she yelled. It turned out the driver was Miami Police Department officer Fausto Lopez, in full uniform. Watts holstered her gun but still handcuffed him and took his weapon. 'I apologize,' Lopez said, explaining that he was late for an off-duty job. 'You were running 120 miles an hour!' Watts barked back."
-Associated Press, "Fla. trooper who stopped cop sues over harassment," Feb 11, 2014, retrieved Oct 10, 2015, [nydailynews.com/news/national/fla-trooper-stopped-sues-harassment-article-1.1609641]

Officer Watts did what was right in the eyes of God; she kept her oath to uphold the law and protect citizens from a man who was breaking the law and risking other peoples' lives by driving almost twice the normal speed limit. She is, by definition, a hero of her community.

hero (n): a man of distinguished valor, intrepidty or enterprise in danger
(See 'hero', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved Dec 30, 2020, [webstersdictionary1828.com])

There are many police officers in America who think they are above the law and can do whatever they please, and forget the fact that the citizens of the state put them into their positions of authority. It is ultimately the Lord God who gives the power they have, but in arrogant fashion, they quickly throw the Lord God aside and forget that they are being judged for everything they say and do.

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men... Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
-Psalm 12:1-4

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
-Matthew 12:36

Watts' story went somewhat viral across the internet because it made national headlines (otherwise, I may never have heard about it), and the speeding officer (thankfully) lost his job over the arrest. Though Watts should have been praised for her good deed, she was about to feel the persecution from cowards and wicked men in positions of law enforcement:

"Watts' actions involving a fellow officer didn't sit well with many in law enforcement, and not long after she made that traffic stop, she says, the harassment began. Random telephone calls on her cell phone. Some were threats and some were prank calls, including orders for pizza. Unfamiliar vehicles and police cars sat idling in her cul-de-sac. She was afraid to open her mailbox.

Watts suspected her private driver's license information was being accessed by fellow officers, so she made a public records request with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It turned out she was right: over a three-month period, at least 88 law enforcement officers from 25 different agencies accessed Watts' driver's license information more than 200 times, according to her lawyer... Watts is suing those police agencies and the individual officers under the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act, a 1994 law that provides for a penalty of $2,500 for each violation if the information was improperly accessed... 'Ultimately what it comes down to is a violation of privacy,' [Attorney Mirta] Desir said. 'It wasn't for any legitimate purpose on the part of the police officers and it was done by people in a position of trust.'"
-Associated Press, "Fla. trooper who stopped cop sues over harassment," Feb 11, 2014, retrieved Oct 10, 2015, [nydailynews.com/news/national/fla-trooper-stopped-sues-harassment-article-1.1609641]

This demonstrates how deep the corruption goes for doing the right thing, and why it can be hard for them to stand up against the corruption. This is also why we need to make sure we support our law enforcement officers who do what is right because the more praise they receive from the public for doing good, the more officers will feel confident in doing the right things.

Again, I want to quote this verse so that Christians understand that our support of governing authority is what we will help encourage officers who do the right thing for the people they serve, despite the consequences:

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
-Hebrews 13:17

They must "give account" because they are held to a higher public standard than everyone else, and though things can sometimes seem bleak concerning corruption in our government, there are many instances in which corrupt men in governing offices have been fired from their jobs, arrested, convicted, and sentenced by the courts for their crimes. The following are a few examples:
"Former California Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham is a free man today, after spending more than seven years in prison on bribery and other charges... Cunningham's 15-year career in Congress ended abruptly when he admitted to taking $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors and evading taxes."
-Bill Chappell, "For Rep. 'Duke' Cunningham Freed After Bribery Sentence," NPR, June 4, 2013, retrieved Dec 30, 2020, [http://n.pr/34WtyH2]

The former State Representative was perverting righteous judgement because he was taking gifts. This is why states like California remain so corrupt to this day, because not enough corrupt men and women have been sentenced for their iniquity, but sometimes, depending on God's mercy, the system works, so we should continue to pray that the system works to punish evildoers.

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
-Proverbs 17:23

The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
-Proverbs 29:4

"A federal court jury in Alexandria, Va., deliberated for five days before finding Mr. Jefferson, 62, a New Orleans Democrat who served in Congress for 18 years... guilty of 11 of 16 counts of bribery, racketeering and money laundering."
-David Stout, "Ex-Rep. Jefferson Convicted in Bribery Scheme," New York Times, Aug 5, 2009, retrieved Sept 1, 2015, [nytimes.com/2009/08/06/us/06jefferson.html?_r=0]

"Indiana State Rep. Daniel Forestal resigned Monday on the same day a special prosecutor asked a judge to revoke his bond and send him to jail... The 37-year-old Democrat was elected to the Indiana House seat in 2012 and represents Indianapolis residents from Downtown and Fountain Square east through Irvington and to I-465. He had previously announced that he would not run for reelection after an August 2019 arrest for impersonating law enforcement, struggling with officers and drunken driving... After midnight June 11, Marion County Sheriff's Office special deputies arrested Forestal on preliminary charges of battery of a public safety official, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct, records show."
-Vic Rychaert, "State Rep. Dan Forestal resigns after arrest; prosecutor seeks to revoke bond in prior case," Indianapolis Star, June 15, 2020, retrieved Dec 31, 2020, [http://bit.ly/384mM4e]

The justice system may not always work the way we want it to, but it still works, and not only should we continue to humbly pray that it works, but we should have faith in the Lord God that He will answer those prayers and maintain its integrity. Whether the justice system works for us or not, we need to trust that the Lord God sees all, and that even death will not save them from the terror of the Lord because all will have to answer to Him eventually.

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves.
-Psalm 140:8

I only listed out three instances that I found in the news, but there are MANY more that we often do not get to see. Just in the past few years (from 2017-2020), many government officials have been arrested, charged, and sentenced for various crimes:

Alabama Democratic Senator Zeb Little was convicted of theft. Alabama Republican Representative Ed Henry was convicted of fraud. Alabama Republican Representative Mickey Hammon was convicted of fraud. Alabama Democratic Representative Oliver Robinson was convicted of bribery. Alabama Republican Governor Robert Bentley convicted of campaign contribution fraud. Arkansas Republican Senator Jeremy Hutchinson was convicted of bribery. Arkansas Democratic Representative Hank Wilkins convicted of bribery. Arkansas Republican Senator Jake Files was convicted of fraud. Arkansas Republican Representative Jon Woods was convicted of bribery. Arkansas Democratic Representative Eddie Cooper was convicted of embezzlement. Arkansas Republican Representative Micah Neal was convicted of bribery. California Democratic District Attorney Mark Peterson was convicted of perjury. California (Los Angeles) Democratic Sheriff Lee Baca was convicted of obstructing FBI investigations. Florida Democratic Representative Daisy Baez was convicted of perjury. Florida Republican Representative Erik Fresen was convicted of tax evasion. Florida Democratic Representative Dwayne Taylor was convicted of fraud. Florida (Tallahassee) Democratic Mayor Scott Maddox was convicted of corruption. Idaho Republican Representative John Green was convicted of fraud. Illinois (Chicago) Democratic Alderman [councilman] Willie Cochran was convicted of fraud. Louisiana Democratic Senator Wesley Bishop convicted of perjury. Maryland Democratic Delegate Tawanna Gaines convicted of campaign contribution fraud. Maryland Democratic Delegate Cheryl Glenn was convicted of fraud. Maryland Democratic Senator Nathaniel Oaks was convicted of corruption. Maryland Democratic Delegate Michael Vaughn was convicted of bribery. Maryland (Baltimore) Democratic Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa was convicted of tax crimes. Michigan Democratic Senator Bert Johnson was convicted of fraud. Michigan Democratic Representative Brian Banks was convicted of fraud. Missouri Democratic County Executive Steve Stenger was convicted of bribery. Missouri Democratic County Executive Mike Sanders was convicted of fraud. Nevada Democratic Senator Kelvin Atkinson was convicted of fraud. New Jersey (Atlantic City) Democratic Mayor Frank Gilliam was convicted of fraud. New Hampshire Democratic Representative Thomas Katsiantonis was convicted of tax evasion. New Mexico Democratic Senator Phil Griego was convicted of corruption. New York Republican Senator George Maziarz was convicted of fraud. New York Democratic Senator Marc Panepinto was convicted of sexual harassment. New York Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Harris was convicted of fraud. New York Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos was convicted of corruption. North Carolina Democratic Representative Rodney Moore was convicted of perjury. Oklahoma Republican Senator Ralph Shortey was convicted of child sex trafficking. Oklahoma Republican Representative Gus Blackwell was convicted of perjury and embezzlement. Oklahoma Republican Representative Bryce Marlatt was convicted of sexual battery. Oklahoma Republican Representative Kyle Loveless was convicted of embezzlement. Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Movita Johnson-Harrell was convicted of theft. Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Vanessa Brown was convicted of bribery. Pennsylvania Democratic Treasurer Barbara Hafer was convicted of lying to the FBI. Pennsylvania Democratic Representative Marc Gergely was convicted of conspiracy. Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) Democratic Sheriff John Green was convicted of bribery. Pennsylvania (Allentown) Democratic Mayor Ed Pawlowski was convicted of corruption. Pennsylvania (Reading) Democratic Mayor Vaughn Spencer was convicted of corruption, bribery, fraud, and conspiracy. Pennsylvania (Upland Borough) Republican City Councilman Edward Mitchell was convicted of bribery, conspiracy, and theft. Pennsylvania (Allentown) Assistant City Solicitor Dale Wiles was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud. Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) Democratic Mayor Steven Reed was convicted of theft. Rhode Island Democratic Senator James Doyle Jr. was convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. Rhode Island Democratic Representative John Carnevale was convicted of perjury. Rhode Island Democratic Representative Raymond Gallison was convicted of fraud. South Carolina Republican Senator John Courson was convicted of fraud. South Carolina Republican Representative James Harrison was convicted of corruption. South Carolina Republican Representative Rick Quinn was convicted of corruption. South Carolina Republican Representative Jim Merrill was convicted of corruption. South Carolina Republican Representative Chris Corley was convicted of first-degree domestic violence. Tennessee (Nashville) Democratic Mayor Megan Barry was convicted of theft related to an affair she had with a police officer who ran her security detail. Texas Democratic Representative Carlos Uresti was convicted of fraud and money laundering. Texas (Dallas) Democratic Mayor Dwaine Caraway was convicted of corruption. Texas (Dallas) Democratic City Councilor Carolyn Davis was convicted of bribery. Virginia Republican Delegate Ron Villanueva was convicted of fraud. Washington Democratic Auditor Troy Kelley was convicted of fraud. West Virginia Republican Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry was convicted of fraud. West Virginia Democratic Supreme Court Justice Menis Ketchum was convicted of fraud.

Those are just from 2017-2020, and if I had gone back a few years, almost every state in the United States would have been on that list. The states not listed above could have more honest governing leaders, or they could be MORE corrupt because the wicked leaders are not being prosecuted; I could not say one way or another.

In fact, the highest leaders in our government have gotten away with many crimes only because they are not being prosecuted. This includes the Bush family, the Clinton family, the Obama family, and the Biden family, so we need to pray that the Lord God would have mercy on us and our nation, and would expose the truth behind these wicked leaders for the sake of preserving what little truth and honesty we can in this world.
(See The Clinton Chronicles, retrieved Dec 31, 2020, [https://youtu.be/zCGW033-82c]; See also Bush Family Fortunes, retrieved Dec 31, 2020, [https://youtu.be/yf_EQPRf8s0]; See also Who's Stealing America?, retrieved Dec 31, 2020, [http://bit.ly/350PlNP])

It is important for us to remember that despite the corruptions, we still have a general government that keeps our homes and streets safe. We still have legislators that create laws, we have police that enforce those laws, and we have judges who issue sentences for criminals who break those laws, and so we can thank God that our governing authorities are still punishing evildoers. There has always been corruption in our government, and there will always be corruption in our government, but as Christians, our job is to expose the darkness to the light by speaking the truth, and praying that God would give justice to poor and needy who are abused and defrauded by corrupt men.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
-Ephesians 5:8-14

However, we also need to be vigilant, meaning that we need to keep an eye out for corruption, whether it be in our homes, our churches, or our state:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
-1 Peter 5:8-10

Furthermore, before we judge others, we need to judge ourselves first. This does not mean we should not judge others, for that is our calling by Jesus Christ to judge righteous judgment, but we should not judge as hypocrites, meaning that if we are to call out the evil in our government, we should look inward to examine ourselves first, making sure that we rebuke our own sins, confessing them before God and calling upon His mercy.

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
-John 7:24
(Read "Unbiblical Cop-outs: 'Don't Judge Me!'" here at creationliberty.com for more details.)

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
-1 Corinthians 2:14-15

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
-2 Corinthians 13:5

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
-1 Corinthians 11:31

Though we may not be able to see God's judgments in the lives of wicked men, His attitude towards their evil deeds has not changed, and they will not escape the Almighty God. Though they may not look to Scripture as their moral guide, they will be held accountable to the Word of God in the end, and His commandments are clear against those who judge unrighteously:

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow... How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers... Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards [i.e. bribes]: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.
-Isaiah 1:16-23

For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
-Jeremiah 5:29

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked?
-Psalm 82:2

We can be vigilant and respectful, while telling the truth to those who do wrong. Jesus and His disciples did it, and so can we who are called by God. We ought to follow the laws of the land, and give respect unto the authority thereof, so we can live in good conscience towards God and men.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
-Acts 24:16

This means we need to have strong discernment within ourselves, praying for the wisdom of God to know what to say and do in any given situation.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
-James 1:5-7

This means we need to study the Word of God on a regular basis, so that through understanding and exercise of our reasoning, we can increase our discernment.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles [the simple, basic understandings] of the oracles [prophets] of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
-Hebrews 5:12-14

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
-2 Timothy 2:14-16

Though Christians in other countries have to deal with their governments according to the laws of their land, in the United States of America, we have a government that is made up of the people, and works for the people. Therefore, our government must be subject to both the will of God and the will of the people, as proper public servants should be; however, this does not mean they will automatically serve God and the American people, and so we need to keep an eye on our governing leaders to make sure they are doing what is right.

The U.S. Constitution states:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
-The Constitution of the United States, U.S. National Archives, retrieved Jan 1, 2021, [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript]

Again, we the People (all U.S. citizens) have formed the government in our country. Our governing leaders are not made of royal bloodlines, but rather, the People are elected to governing authority, and any natural born citizen of this country, even the poorest of children, has the opportunity to work hard and become the most powerful leader in our country.

The U.S. Declaration of Independence states:
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety"
-The Declaration of Independence, U.S. National Archives, retrieved Jan 1, 2021, [https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript]

To keep civil authorities accountable to the laws of the land and servant to the people, the Constitution was created as a way to bind them down and limit their powers, preventing evil rulers from taking over the country without the consent of the populous. Though Thomas Jefferson was an unbeliever, he did help write the Declaration, which means he has a good understanding of its interpretation, and he said:
"In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution."
-Thomas Jefferson, Kentucky Resolution, quoted by Edwin Williams, The Book of the Constitution, 1833, p. 83

This means that, in the United States, our Constitution is the rule of law, and if men do not abide by it, our judicial system has a duty, by the People and for the People, to bind wicked leaders and hold them accountable for their unjust words and actions. If Christians do not watch and remain vigilant, the devil will creep into our government and strip us of our freedoms, including our First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion, which allows us liberty to openly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a right that Christians in many other nations do not have.

Nevertheless when it [the nation] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
-2 Corinthians 3:16-17

In the dark days our country has seen over the past few decades, it is imperative that we, as a nation, humble ourselves before the Lord God, looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for our help. This does not mean going around yelling, "America is the greatest nation in the world!" because that is a statement of pridefulness and arrogance, which God hates, and He has stated clearly that a great fall and destruction will follow that pride.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
-Proverbs 16:18

haughty (adj): proud and disdainful [i.e. to deem others lesser or worthless]; having a high opinion of one's self
(See 'haughty', American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster, 1828, retrieved Oct 17, 2017 [webstersdictionary1828.com])

This is one of the reasons I hate the phrase "Proud to be an American" because pride is a grave sin. I am happy and thankful to be American, but pride is what is blinding this country to the truth of what is going on around us, and it is also what is preventing people from receiving the grace of God unto salvation.

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
-James 4:6

Therefore, if we want the Lord God to bless and protect our nation, we need to follow the instructions of His Word:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
-James 4:7-10

Notice that the Word of the Holy God did NOT tell us that He will heal our land if we declare how proud we are to be Americans, vote Republican, and form a militia. Read the following verse carefully:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
-2 Chronicles 7:14

What we need are citizens who have humbled themselves before God, and who practice the virtues of honesty, humility, and hard work. If we do those things while faithfully trusting in the Lord God, He will keep His Word to us, but if we do not, the wicked will walk on every side because the vilest of men will be lifted up by citizens and corrupt media.

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.
-Psalm 12:8

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
-Luke 16:15

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
-Jeremiah 17:9

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
-Proverbs 28:26

What this country needs are hard-working, faithful citizens who come to repentance (i.e. grief and godly sorrow) of their sins. That is how we should combat the evils of any nation in this world, for we fight not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual wickedness of this world.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
-Ephesians 6:12

So should a Christian submit to governing authority? As I said in the beginning, "Yes, Christians should submit to governing authority in most cases," however, there is a balance in many things, and we should be reminded that there is a time for peace and a time to fight.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Trust in the Lord to help you know what time it is. Though many American Christians have never experienced it, there will come a day in which we will be brought before governors and kings to give an account of our faith, and in that day, we should continue to trust in the Lord for what we should or should not say, knowing that there is nothing to fear from wicked rulers because, one day, they will answer for their sins against God and the people.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved... Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
-Matthew 10:16-26

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