A Note from Pastor

As we celebrate Independence Day, remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”  As Jesus said, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” When Peter and the other Apostles were told to stop preaching the Gospel, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men.”
    This is a challenge when much of what the “Kingdom of the Left,” advocates is contrary to how Christians are to live as part of the “Kingdom of the Right,” or God’s Kingdom.  Thankfully, the Constitution of the United States helps us live in both kingdoms by guaranteeing our religious freedom affirming that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”    
   The Book of Concord helps us as well saying, “We make a distinction between both these forms of government and call them both the highest gifts of God on earth [to be held] in honor” [AC XXVIII 18]. “Thus, the two governments, the spiritual and the secular, should not be confused and mixed together. For the spiritual power has its command to preach the Gospel and administer the Sacraments. It should not become an office foreign and contrary to its nature. It should not enthrone and remove kings; should not do away with secular law and obedience; should not prescribe laws for secular power and secular affairs, as Christ said: ‘My Kingdom is not of this world.’” [AC XXVIII 12-14, quoting John 18:36] This distinction is a blessing to us as we struggle to remain faithful to God in an increasingly secular world. Therefore, pray for our nation and its leaders that they remain true to our constitution and that our churches and our pastors remain true to God’s Word.