Published July 18, 2005 - The Bible and Government
Howard Dean is at it again, only now he seems to think he is some kind of new-age prophet. In a recent television interview, Dean was again promoting the Democratic Party as the party with the true Christian values. He cited the party’s position on social issues and stated that the Bible says nothing about gay marriage, while it does speak of providing for the poor some 3000 times.
Dean proclaimed himself a Christian and was quick to point to Bible verses which he believes support his opinions, but is he truly following all of God’s Word? Is he personally obedient to the Scriptures? Does he support the Church and its clergy as commanded in the Bible? Does he respect government officials as commanded by the Scriptures? Does he recognize his own sins and turn away from them?
Dean has gone out of his way to tear down the conservative Christian minority in this country. His attacks on the Republican Party and Evangelical Christians are deliberate and ruthless. He takes passages from the Bible and twists them in an effort to mobilize liberals against the Christian right, while simultaneously trying to sway conservatives to his way of thinking.
Dean and many other liberals in America are missing the Biblical message regarding individual responsibilities, Church responsibilities and State responsibilities. The Bible clearly defines God’s expectations of us as individuals, as a Church and as a nation. Governments and government leaders are in authority by the will of God. 1 Peter 2:13-14 tells us that we are to “Submit yourself for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by Him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
God’s Word commands Governments to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. Government officials are “sent by God” to exercise the authority God has given them. With authority comes great responsibility. At His trial, Jesus told Pontius Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” Even the Roman Governor received his power directly from God.
God’s Word commands the church to: provide for the poor, the widows, the orphans. This responsibility does not lie with federal or state government. It clearly rests on the shoulders of the Church.
God’s Word commands us to have fellowship and unity in the church. We are also to tithe 10% of our income to the Church so that it may provide for the poor and the needy. If every liberal in America would tithe to the Church as required by Scripture, there would be no need for the government to take care of the poor. God’s Word also commands us to respect, submit to and pray for government leaders. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1
If we as individuals would do our part, the Church and the government could do their part. God’s plan is clear and it is dependent upon our obedience for success. Knowledge of the Scriptures does not make you a good Christian and quoting Bible passages does not make you a prophet. If Howard Dean wants to lead the Democratic Party down a dark path, that is his business. However, he should not do so by perverting God’s Holy Word.
There are many Christians in the Democratic Party who have issues with some of Dean’s beliefs and his comments. I would hope that they would step up and set Mr. Dean straight on his misuse of and his disobedience to God’s Word. All Christians need to beware of rhetoric such as that which comes from Dean’s mouth. His words are like poison and his biblical references are misleading at best. If he spent even half as much time studying God’s Word and talking with God as he spends violating the basic commands of the Bible, he might be able to lead his party with a humble heart.
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