By Whose Authority

 

On May of 1988, I preached my first sermon in a United States Federal Penitentiary. The title of the sermon was “By Whose Authority.”

 

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
Romans 13:1,2

 

In this room full of convicts, many were not saved and others were still learning the way of our Lord. I spoke on how the prison guards and their warden are appointed by God. Although this is definitely a Biblical truth, needless to say, it didn’t go over very well.

 

It’s a scary situation to have a few hundred upset and angry prisoners, wanting to argue about what I’d just preached. One burly bald-headed inmate covered in tattoos got in my face had decided to impart his thoughts with his fist. Thankfully, God’s appointees were close at hand and returned the angry inmate to his cell.

 

Many Christians do not realize that government officials and law enforcers are appointed of God and are ministers of God.

 

Many Christians do not realize that government officials and law enforcers are appointed of God and are ministers of God. This statement does not set well with many in the Lord but this is the way it is. I know that a few of our government authorities here in the United States as well as elsewhere are not godly and have committed some hideous and heinous acts. All of which are sin. In every profession you will find people who walk in sin. Even ministers sometimes walk out from under the will of God and do things that are worldly. God uses the just and the unjust to fulfill His will on earth. Look at Pharaoh. He was used to drive the children of Israel out of Egypt (ref. Romans 9:14-18).

 

Who, or what, is God using to drive you away from the things of the world? Do you show honor toward those who are enforcing the laws of the land? Can those in the United States really believe that God is in charge of those who govern this great nation? How about those of you in other countries with strong governments? This message I am privileged to give to the chosen ones of God, to my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, delivers peace in troubled times.