NewsletterColver Presbyterian Church
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""Let everyone render due obedience to those who occupy positions of outstanding authority, for there is no authority which is not allotted its place by God, for the authorities which exist have been set in their places by God." Roman 13:1-17
"Everyone must submit to the governing authority?" What…? Everyone? This was the feeling of the first readers of this passage. It was extremely surprising. It is a "big political statement” as we would say in our contemporary language. Yet, for Paul, this was Biblical and he needed Roman Christians to fulfill their duties as citizens.
Like many church leaders and many Christians, I often hesitate to express political views and comment on political issues, let alone in today’s polarized political atmosphere. In fact, this time four years ago, I was reluctant of who I was going to vote for. I was waiting for the right moment, my own "fullness of time" so to say.
This year, my "MOMENT" came through a yard sign that I saw on Facebook, that says, "Jesus 2020." It was my “Ah-Ah moment!” I was reminded of Romans 13 and reflected on it. And I am encouraged, as your pastor, to remind you of this Biblical truth, that "there is no authority which is not allotted its place by God..." For Paul, this was not a mere statement, rather a "commandment which runs through the whole New Testament," said William Barclay.
It is our responsibility to make decisions about who to vote for, but the verdict belongs to God. According to Paul, “ALL” "authorities which exist have been set in their places by God." We find this truth throughout the Scriptures: "the living will know that the Highest is ruler over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes…" (Daniel 4:17). By God "kings reign, and rulers enact just laws" (Proverbs 8:15); the Lord removes the kings and establishes them (Daniel:2:21).
Therefore, we shall come to the conclusion that God chooses, appoints, and elects the leaders for His own agenda, whether good or bad (Jeremiah 18:5-10). We have seen when we studied Minor Prophets, the rise and fall of Syria, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc.
For Paul, like your spiritual gift, authority is a gift; an endowment of power invested by God in the people whom he wishes. Jesus passes such authority to his disciples, saying, “I have given you authority" (Luke 10:19, Matthew 28:18-20). How someone utilizes their gift, either in the church or in the society, is their choice. Also remember, gifts are conditional depending on how we utilize them (Revelation 2:5).
I have experienced difficult styles of government such as Communism and corrupt Democracy regimes during the time I lived in Ethiopia. Yet, the truth remains; those leaders were given the gift of power, but misused the authority. Nevertheless, we are urged to pray for and intercede on behalf of those in power (1 Timothy, 2:1-2). The WILL of God is a double-edged word. It either enhances the power or takes away the authority if it is not exercised properly.
“Jesus 2020” might have served as my motto to vote, but Jesus is not on the ballot this year, neither in the past and will never be. He is on the throne exalted! Yet, you can ask Him for discernment as you carry out your responsibility of voting. I encourage you to vote. It is your obligation and your right. But leave the verdict to God!
As we approach the election, emotions are running high on both sides, and people sometimes express their political views in a harsh and unchristian manner. Let us remember that, as Christians, we are obliged to love one another. Our love toward our neighbors is our Christian way to "fulfill the requirements of God’s law." (Romans 13:8).
After November 3rd, when the winner is declared, this chaos will be behind us. We will all remain as Americans—as brothers and sisters despite who wins the election. Whoever the winner might be, will carry-on the purpose God for the next four years in America—bad or good. For why we should submit to bad authorities, we will come back to that question next time.
But remember, our will and desire to accept authority as a gift, will help us love our leaders, honor them, and accept everyone as fellow citizens and children of God (1 Peter 2:13-17). I encourage you to pray and discern your “moment and your fullness of time.”
Moreover, remember that in November, we will be celebrating “Thanksgiving,” acknowledging God’s providence and blessings in our lives. Then comes Advent, where we anticipate the coming of the ONE whose
"Everyone must submit to the governing authority?" What…? Everyone? This was the feeling of the first readers of this passage. It was extremely surprising. It is a "big political statement” as we would say in our contemporary language. Yet, for Paul, this was Biblical and he needed Roman Christians to fulfill their duties as citizens.
Like many church leaders and many Christians, I often hesitate to express political views and comment on political issues, let alone in today’s polarized political atmosphere. In fact, this time four years ago, I was reluctant of who I was going to vote for. I was waiting for the right moment, my own "fullness of time" so to say.
This year, my "MOMENT" came through a yard sign that I saw on Facebook, that says, "Jesus 2020." It was my “Ah-Ah moment!” I was reminded of Romans 13 and reflected on it. And I am encouraged, as your pastor, to remind you of this Biblical truth, that "there is no authority which is not allotted its place by God..." For Paul, this was not a mere statement, rather a "commandment which runs through the whole New Testament," said William Barclay.
It is our responsibility to make decisions about who to vote for, but the verdict belongs to God. According to Paul, “ALL” "authorities which exist have been set in their places by God." We find this truth throughout the Scriptures: "the living will know that the Highest is ruler over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes…" (Daniel 4:17). By God "kings reign, and rulers enact just laws" (Proverbs 8:15); the Lord removes the kings and establishes them (Daniel:2:21).
Therefore, we shall come to the conclusion that God chooses, appoints, and elects the leaders for His own agenda, whether good or bad (Jeremiah 18:5-10). We have seen when we studied Minor Prophets, the rise and fall of Syria, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, etc.
For Paul, like your spiritual gift, authority is a gift; an endowment of power invested by God in the people whom he wishes. Jesus passes such authority to his disciples, saying, “I have given you authority" (Luke 10:19, Matthew 28:18-20). How someone utilizes their gift, either in the church or in the society, is their choice. Also remember, gifts are conditional depending on how we utilize them (Revelation 2:5).
I have experienced difficult styles of government such as Communism and corrupt Democracy regimes during the time I lived in Ethiopia. Yet, the truth remains; those leaders were given the gift of power, but misused the authority. Nevertheless, we are urged to pray for and intercede on behalf of those in power (1 Timothy, 2:1-2). The WILL of God is a double-edged word. It either enhances the power or takes away the authority if it is not exercised properly.
“Jesus 2020” might have served as my motto to vote, but Jesus is not on the ballot this year, neither in the past and will never be. He is on the throne exalted! Yet, you can ask Him for discernment as you carry out your responsibility of voting. I encourage you to vote. It is your obligation and your right. But leave the verdict to God!
As we approach the election, emotions are running high on both sides, and people sometimes express their political views in a harsh and unchristian manner. Let us remember that, as Christians, we are obliged to love one another. Our love toward our neighbors is our Christian way to "fulfill the requirements of God’s law." (Romans 13:8).
After November 3rd, when the winner is declared, this chaos will be behind us. We will all remain as Americans—as brothers and sisters despite who wins the election. Whoever the winner might be, will carry-on the purpose God for the next four years in America—bad or good. For why we should submit to bad authorities, we will come back to that question next time.
But remember, our will and desire to accept authority as a gift, will help us love our leaders, honor them, and accept everyone as fellow citizens and children of God (1 Peter 2:13-17). I encourage you to pray and discern your “moment and your fullness of time.”
Moreover, remember that in November, we will be celebrating “Thanksgiving,” acknowledging God’s providence and blessings in our lives. Then comes Advent, where we anticipate the coming of the ONE whose
Presbyterian Women Schedule Meeting
The Women’s Association met on Saturday, November 7 at 10 am at the church. They collected items for Birthright at the meeting. Secret Sisters were revealed from the past year. New Secret Sisters were selected. All women are welcome. Hope to see you there.
Hymnals Available
A couple of years ago the church changed hymnals to the Glory To God hymnal by the Presbyterian Church. Session has decided to give the previous hymnals to anyone who would like a copy. Copies are available for the taking up until Election Day. After Election Day, they will be disposed of. We still have some hymnals left. If you would like one, please let us know.
The Women’s Association met on Saturday, November 7 at 10 am at the church. They collected items for Birthright at the meeting. Secret Sisters were revealed from the past year. New Secret Sisters were selected. All women are welcome. Hope to see you there.
Hymnals Available
A couple of years ago the church changed hymnals to the Glory To God hymnal by the Presbyterian Church. Session has decided to give the previous hymnals to anyone who would like a copy. Copies are available for the taking up until Election Day. After Election Day, they will be disposed of. We still have some hymnals left. If you would like one, please let us know.
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Online Services
We understand that for so many that have grown up in the church and find the Colver Church building to be a comfort, a home, a sanctuary, their special place to be re-energized that this time has been difficult. We have tried to give as many as possible little "tastes of home" through Facebook pictures of the sanctuary and church for you to visit while away. We will continue to share pictures that hopefully bring you some comfort in these most difficult times. We hope that when we can return to in-person worship, we will be able to provide you internet based worship from within your church building. |
HOME COMMUNION
For home communion or visits, please contact Rev. Ojulu or a member of the session to schedule. November Birthdays & Anniversaries 03 – Kaitlyn Stormer 07 – Deb DeGretto 10 – Matt Kensinger 10 – Louise Roberts 15 – Jim Baker 17 – Jessica Long 17 – Page Yahnke 18 – Novalee Ley 23 – Cameron Devinney 23 – Bailey Devinney 23 – Logan Link 27 – Joe Nedrow 28 – Tom Gonos 29 – Ben Davis If you have a birthday or anniversary that we missed or you would like us to add, please let us know. |
