Romans 13:1-8 Chapter 13 1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the `powers' that be are ordained of God. 2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4 for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore `ye' must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute `is due'; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. NASB20] 1 Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for [rulers] are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax [is due;] custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled [the] Law. 9 For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of [the] Law. 11 [Do] this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we [first] believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let's rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let's behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to [its] lusts. WCF 23 Of the Civil Magistrate - Pastor Patrick Hines ▶️Great article on blasphemy of the Holy Spirit: https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/02-lammejournal2012.pdf ▶️Pastor Patrick Hines has recently had a brand new book published, called, "Earth's Foundational History - Part 1: Genesis Chapters 1 Through 5." (Paperback – May 4, 2023) https://cutt.ly/16RCeZ0 These two books are also available on Amazon. All proceeds go directly to Pastor Hines: ▶️Am I Right With God?: The Gospel, Justification, Saving Faith, Repentance, Assurance, & The New Birth https://cutt.ly/S6RCbuM ▶️Redrawing the Battle Lines: 23 Sermons on Critical Issues Facing the Church https://cutt.ly/m6RCTi0 ▶️Bridwell Heights Presbyterian Church http://www.bridwellheightschurch.org/ ▶️Reformed Presbyterian Pulpit Supplemental (Pastor Hines' YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClW5Qzh27Zx7HO2fKkCcR5g From the church website: We subscribe to the Westminster Standards as our doctrinal statement. It consists of the following documents: The Westminster Confession of Faith The Westminster Larger Catechism The Westminster Shorter Catechism We also believe that Christian Worship is to be regulated and defined by God's Word, the Bible. Our worship services are designed to please and honor the Triune God of the Bible. We place Scripture reading and the preaching of the word of God at the center of worship along with Baptism and the Lord's Supper. These are God's gifts to His church and ought to always be at the center of Christian worship. We are a congregation that loves to sing God's praises, recite His Word back to Him, and actively engage in hearing and learning from God's Word. We embrace and promote a comprehensive Christian world and life view. There is no area of life which is not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is to God and His law which all people, including governments and civil rulers, will answer. The Word of God embraces and informs the way we view marriage, the family, children, education, politics, worship, law, government, war, the church, missions, evangelism, and worship. In the world today there is a battle of opposing worldviews. There are basically only two positions: God's Word and man's ideas. We stand positively for Biblical truth and negatively against man's ideas which are opposed to Biblical truth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for mankind. Because all men fall short of obeying God's law, all men everywhere are in need of divine grace and salvation from God. This salvation is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for sinners, was buried, rose again, and is alive today seated at God the Father's right hand. ▶️SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/stack45ny ▶️After subscribing, click on NOTIFICATION BELL to be notified of new uploads. ▶️My X page: https://twitter.com/RichMoo50267219 ▶️RUMBLE https://rumble.com/c/c-278901