God and Government
Author: Pastor Mitch Williams
February 27, 2025
You have heard it said, there must be a separation between church and state. Namely, the government should not dictate your beliefs regarding God and faith. In 1791, our nation adopted the First Amendment to our Constitution, protecting religious freedom, specifically stating: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Jesus once said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21). Jesus clearly acknowledged that governments (like Caesar’s rule) have authority in civic matters, while God has supreme authority in spiritual matters. Jesus shows that both are to have their own lane and stay there.
Jesus went even further and said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would be fighting. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36). So Jesus clarified that His mission was spiritual, not political, reinforcing the idea that the church should remain independent from earthly governments. The church is never meant to be political.
However, there are forces in government that seek to control religious thought and/or reduce religious freedom. This weekend, your church will be hosting the Northern California Conference Religious Liberty Summit. What does the Bible say about how Christians should engage when religious freedom is at risk?
Bettina Krause, Editor of Religious Liberty Magazine, will be our guest speaker. Here’s the schedule:
Sabbath School – 10:00 AM – Should Church and State be Separate? – Bettina Krause
Church Service – 11:15 AM – It’s About More than Sunday Laws – Bettina Krause
Potluck Lunch in the Courtyard
Afternoon Program – 2:00 PM – Faith & Justice in the Public Square – Panel Discussion
Hope you can attend and be blessed!
"He makes things happen at the right time. He gives to some kings authority to rule. And He takes that authority away from other kings. He causes some people to become wise. He helps people to understand the things that they learn."
Daniel 2:21
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