In the previous episode Kevin talked with Dr. Gary Cass about the doctrine of the lesser magistrate, and how it is the duty of lesser authorities to stand up to higher authorities when they become tyrannical.  This principle applies to all kinds of bodies, including families, businesses, churches, and nations.  Those who hold power do not have absolute and unquestionable authority, but are constantly kept in check by the ones who gave it to them.

This time Kevin and Gary continue the conversation by looking at other relevant principles of government, exploring how our understanding of federal authority has been corrupted, and discussing how we can respond proactively to the alarming trend of the Supreme Court vastly overstepping its authority.  They talk about the Supremacy Clause, which states that federal law is the supreme law of the land if the federal government is acting within its legitimate powers.  They also discuss the actions being taken to finally counteract the unconstitutional Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law which prevents tax-exempt organizations (including churches) from speaking about political candidates and issues.

Governments are meant to act as representatives of God and His laws, and it is up to the church to make sure that they are doing so.  It may be tempting to withdraw from the world and focus only on God’s spiritual kingdom, but history has taught us that when the church silently allows the government to run rampant, terrible tragedies can occur—just ask Germany’s Lutheran church in the 1930s and 40s.  To learn more about how to fulfill your civic duty as an American Christian, visit DefendChristians.org.

“For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” — Romans 13:4

This episode first aired on November 22nd, 2015.