Father of Lights: Cruel God and cruel men.

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

 God is a Good Father. He has revealed Himself as the Father of Lights. In Him, there exists no darkness at all. He is not the author or orchestrator of death, disaster, or destruction. He is the author of Abundant Life. 

 Does it matter whether we receive and understand this truth? Absolutely. If we want our faith to grow strong and steadfast, we must know the character of the One who makes the promise. Trust is built on knowing the heart behind the words. If we are to confidently trust a Savior who offers eternal life through simple belief, we must be fully convinced of the goodness and integrity of the One who offered it.

 As important as those things are, there is another reason we must know the character of God. We are told to emulate, to be like God throughout the Word. We have sayings like;

 What would Jesus do?

 If we think of Jesus and the Father and the Spirit as harsh taskmasters who are quick to punish, point out our sins and shortcomings, and separate themselves from us, how will we treat others? 

 When men believe they serve a cruel God, they themselves will become cruel. If they see God as angry, obsessed with rules, and determined to make them do what they dread simply to prove His power, it will shape their hearts into the same harsh image. A distorted view of God always produces a distorted life.

 The Lens of the Heart

The way we perceive God becomes the lens through which we see everything else.
If we believe God is unpredictable, harsh, and ready to lash out, we will approach life with fear, suspicion, and anxiety.
We will struggle to rest, to trust, or to live with joy — because deep down, we will always be bracing ourselves for the next blow.

But if we see Him as the Father of Lights, the One who is pure goodness with no shadow of turning, our hearts can finally exhale.
We can live freely, joyfully, and fearlessly, rooted in the unwavering love of a perfect Father.

"God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5)

Religious Fear Produces Religious Cruelty

Many believers today, though sincere, have been taught to fear God in the wrong way.
Not with a holy awe for His majesty and grace, but with a terror of punishment and rejection.
This false fear hardens hearts. It produces believers who are more judgmental than joyful, more condemning than compassionate.

The truth is, a cruel view of God creates cruel men.
If you believe God is constantly displeased with you, you will live displeased with yourself and others.
You will feel justified in being critical, harsh, and unkind because you think that's how God is.

This isn't holiness. It's hurt wearing a religious mask.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." (1 John 4:18)

The Father of Lights

Our God is not two-faced. He is not sometimes good and sometimes cruel.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever — good, faithful, merciful, and kind.

He corrects His children, yes — but He corrects by reminding us who we are in Christ, not by crushing us with calamity.
He leads by love, not by fear. He builds up — He doesn’t tear down.

Beloved, reject every image of God that is less beautiful than Jesus.
Reject the religious lie that portrays the Father as cruel, calculating, and condemning.
Embrace the radiant truth that your Father is the Father of Lights — and in Him, there is no darkness at all.

You were created to reflect the One you behold.
Behold His goodness — and you will shine.

 Religious traditions' distortion of God has created the image of a cruel God. This cruel image causes the thinking of the religious mind to be programmed to condemnation, shame, and guilt. We direct this first toward ourselves, and afterwards to others around us.  

 This makes us forget who the Father is. We forget that we cannot come to God based on our merits. We forget that it was only the shed blood of Jesus that makes us worthy. 

Summarizing, why must we know and understand how good God truly is? Because everything in the Christian life rests upon this truth. His goodness and His grace are not side notes—they are the very foundation! The entire Christian life rises or falls on this revelation. His goodness is the anchor of our faith, and His grace is the melody of the Gospel—without them, there is no true Christianity, only cold religion.

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Father of Lights: What is the Chastening of the Lord

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

 If one subject or concept has caused much misunderstanding in the Body of Christ, it is the chastening of the Lord. The belief that God punishes His children or inflicts hardship to teach them a lesson is one of the most damaging lies a believer can hear. 

 It distorts the very nature and character of God, painting a Father who wounds to correct, rather than one who heals to restore. This misconception doesn’t just create confusion—it erodes trust, hinders intimacy, and misrepresents the heart of the Father revealed through Jesus.

Chastening is often misunderstood because it’s rarely defined by its true New Testament Greek meaning. Instead, people interpret it through the lens of painful experiences and outward hardships. These events become the definition of the chastening of the Lord rather than the Scriptures themselves. This is why people see God as a harsh taskmaster.

Observable hardships and adversity seem to be some kind of proof of divine discipline in the minds of traditional religious believers. But biblical chastening isn’t about punishment—it’s about loving instruction and correction that aligns with God’s goodness and grace. The chastening of the Lord is loving instruction and correction from our Father, who cares for us.

 The Lord's chastening is the Father's instruction to His child. It is correction, not condemnation. It is the conviction of your Righteousness in Christ, not catastrophes. It is coaching, not cancer. God is not crushing you, He comforts you and corrects you because He loves you.

 Hebrews 12 gives us the most detailed look at what the chastening of the Lord really is. It is not calamities and cataclysmic events in your life. It is God's instruction. A basic Bible search of the Greek word chasten will show you how, in other passages, it is translated as instruction, teaching, and learning.

Think about it: when Paul wrote to the church at Corinth—a group indulging in all kinds of excesses and immorality—he never once said, “God is going to chasten you with hardship.” Instead, he reminded them of who they were in Christ:

“Don’t you know you are the temple of the Holy Spirit?”

“Such were some of you, but you were washed, sanctified, and justified…” 

God’s correction comes through reminding you of your identity—not sending disaster to break your will.

 Why do so many ministers and believers, though, continue defining chastening as hardship and adversity? The reason for this, to me, is that they have a fearful expectation of judgment. That is, they have a fear of punishment. I believe the Apostle John has some insight into this.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. So the one who fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18 MOUNCE

 So many define chastening from the Lord as painful instruction and punishment because they have not been perfected in Love. That is, they have not been seen, understood, or gained insight into God's perfect Love for them! When you know and believe that God Loves you and is not mad at you when you fail, you won't believe it's His hands bringing destruction and calamity to your life. 

God is a good Father. He doesn’t chasten His children with pain, punishment, or destruction. He corrects us the way a loving parent would—with instruction, compassion, and clarity. His correction aligns with His character—He is the Father of Lights, in whom there is no variation, no shifting shadow, and no hint of darkness.

To say God teaches us through cancer, car accidents, or catastrophe is to say Jesus bore our sin but not our discipline. It’s to suggest that the cross was not enough. But the truth is, Jesus already bore the curse. He already took the punishment. God isn’t doubling back to teach you a lesson through what Jesus died to redeem you from.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t discipline you by destroying your life—He disciplines you by reminding you of your sonship. He teaches you who you are in Christ. When correction is needed, He brings it through the Word, not wrath. Through love, not loss. Through grace, not grief.

So the next time you hear someone say, “God is using this hardship to teach me,” don’t be afraid to ask: “Where’s that in the New Covenant?” Because chastening—real biblical chastening—is God training you up in righteousness. It’s not a divine smackdown. It’s not a trial sent from heaven. It’s your loving Father whispering truth to your heart:

“That’s not who you are. You are holy. You are Mine. Let Me show you a better way.”

This is correction that leads to confidence, not condemnation. This is discipline that reminds you who you are, not punishment that makes you afraid of who He is.

Beloved, reject the religious lie that God teaches through trauma. He teaches through truth. He corrects by revealing your righteousness. He doesn’t bring storms—He calms them. He doesn’t break legs—He heals them. He’s not tearing you down. He’s building you up.

He is the Father of Lights. And in Him, there is no darkness at all.

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Father of Lights: Mercy not wrath!

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

God our Father is a Good Father and in Him is no darkness within Him. He is Good and only does Good. Yet when we see this world around us, filled with famine, disasters, and desolation, we begin doubting His Goodness.

 In these times, we must focus on who God said He was and look to the Son, Jesus who perfectly demonstrated the nature and character of God. Circumstances and situations don't determine who God is. His Word and the work of Jesus do! 

 As we continue studying more about the Father of Lights and examining God's Goodness at all times, let's address this notion of God's wrath and judgment on cities, nations, and continents. God is Good, but is He sending judgment today? Are disasters and destruction the handiwork of God?

 In 2011, the Fukushima disaster occurred in the nation of Japan. It was a terrible tragedy. An earthquake struck the island nation. Subsequently, a tsunami was triggered as a result of this quake. This destruction also caused a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. 

 The Christian response to this tragedy? In some circles, they claimed this tragedy was the judgment of God on this Godless nation. For hundreds of years they have rejected Jesus as a nation therefore God sent this devastating disaster to get their attention and to cause them to repent and turn to God. 

 These sentiments are not what brings about a change of mind. Instead, these teachings and proclamations are one of the reasons the Japanese people refuse to accept Jesus or have anything to do With the Father! Is this the message that God endorses and confirms?

 Absolutely not! Look at what He has said already. 

Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4 MEV

 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him.10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. Romans 5:8-10 MEV

 Look at what God declared and revealed to us in the person of Jesus. If God gave up His only Son for us while we were enemies, what would He do after this perfect final sacrifice was offered up and He accepted it fully? 

 If we were enemies and He gave us His Son why do we think under this New Covenant God is sending destructive judgment and wrath on nations? Enemies are adversaries. They are actively opposing and standing against their foe. If God expressed His love for humanity when we were actively resistant and opposing God by giving His Son how much more loving, kind, and merciful is the Father under Grace? 

 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 TLB

 In this 2011 disaster over 19,000 people lost their lives. These are people with families and loved ones. How do we tell these precious people who lost their loved ones that God killed them to get their attention? How do we tell them God killed their babies so they will repent, and then afterward ask, now don't you want to receive Him and serve Him?

 God is a Good Father. How dare we as the Church misrepresent the Father to a lost and fallen people? These who are lost, are sheep scattered with no Shepherd. God's heart is for them to know how much He loves them and how precious they are to Him.

 In a fallen and fractured creation, tectonic plates shift, causing increased damage and devastating destruction. This has nothing to do with God's wrath and judgment. I saw God's hand in the rescue, relief, and rebuilding efforts, not in the destruction.

God loves the Japanese people. God wants them saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, healed, made whole, and at rest in Him. We must not misrepresent the Father to a lost and dying world. God is Good and only does Good! 

 God is not the author of disasters. He is not sending destruction to any nation. He is sending the power of the Spirit to the nations. He is revealing His Love and Goodness to the world. He is not sending destruction in wrathful judgment today. 

 Jesus took all the punishment for the sins of all humanity. He bore in His body the wrath and judgment of God. God is satisfied with the sacrifice of His Son. If He is sending wrath and judgment with tsunamis, tornados, and typhoons that could only mean He is not satisfied with the work of His Son on the Cross, and that is not the truth. Let’s represent the Father rightly. Jesus revealed a God who saves, not destroys. When tragedy strikes, let our message be mercy, not wrath. God isn’t sending disasters—He sent Jesus. And Jesus is enough.

 Let’s be a generation that represents the Father accurately. Let’s proclaim what Jesus came to reveal: a God who rescues, not ruins—who saves, not strikes—who loves, not lashes out. When disaster strikes, the Church should not echo wrath but embody rescue. Let the message we carry be clear—God is not mad at the world; He gave His Son for it. And that Son, Jesus, fully satisfied the justice of God. All that remains is mercy, grace, and the invitation to come home to a Father who is always Good.

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Father of Lights: The Lord's Compassion

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

  God is a Good God. He is a Good Father. Or is He? The way God our Father is portrayed by Christian religious tradition it seems He is the God who afflicts and tears down and destroys. Is that who God really is?

 We are in a new series studying the truth of who God really is. In this fallen world, we do see desolation, devastation, and disaster abound. What is God's role in this? 

 According to religious tradition and hyper-sovereignty teaching, this is the handiwork of God. God is controlling every aspect of this planet therefore He must be responsible for all the disasters and the desolation. We also must never question this because He is God and must have some mysterious purpose for this.

 I passionately disagree. I believe we should stay with the source God Himself gave us to know and understand who He is. He gave us His Word to see His character revealed. God is a Good God and according to the Word, He is not the author of the storms but the calmer of storms! 

 In this fallen world, we see disease and distress and sickness abound. Does this mean God ordains or orchestrates this? Again, look at the Word, the revealed will of God. Jesus saw sickness and removed it, He never added more to the afflicted.

 Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. Jesus is the revealed will of God. Jesus never encountered someone and said I see you're sick I will increase the symptoms so you will really learn humility and patience. I never see Jesus afflict people with pain and agony and suffering to "better" people or to chasten or instruct them. 

 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 NKJV

This is the Savior the Word reveals. A compassionate Lord who heals. What motivated Jesus? Was it some mechanical reaction to prove something? Cold religious traditions of men declare Jesus only healed to affirm He was the Messiah. This is the false notion of cold, lifeless, joyless, bleak man-made religion. 

What motivated Jesus?

35 Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered, like sheep without a shepherd Matthew 9:35-36 MEV

 Jesus didn't heal anyone to prove who He was. The Scriptures prophesied that the Messiah would heal. The prophets of old were only recording what the Spirit revealed to them. Traditional religion misunderstands and misinterprets this. 

 They can't comprehend what the Lord did in revealing the work of the Messiah to the prophets. They got a glimpse of the future work of Jesus. It's like they saw a peek into the daily life of Jesus as He walked this earth. They saw Him do many things and simply stated what they saw Him do. Cold, barren religion only sees Jesus working miracles as a wooden, mechanical action to advertise and confirm His identity.

 Jesus already knew who He was. He didn't need to prove this to anyone. The problem with this view of Jesus' healing is that it gives credence to their cessationist position. Jesus won't heal today because He only ministered life back then to show peasants and plowmen He was their Messiah. This strips the true heart motive from Jesus to minister to people.

 Look how Jesus responded to the people He encountered who were in distress. Jesus ministered life because of His compassion, not any other reason. His heart overflowed with compassion and He wanted to stop suffering. He didn't want to extend it or exacerbate it.

 Jesus is also the person of Grace. When He saw the multitude, He was moved with compassion. He was not repelled by any of their sins or shortcomings. Surely, we must know there were people in the crowd who weren't living perfect lives. Yet Jesus was still moved with compassion and ministered healing and life. 

 Sins, failures, and faults do not stop the Savior's healing hands from sending health, healing, and wholeness. His compassion overshadowed the weaknesses, flaws, and sins of the people. His Grace is greater than sin.

 So the question we must ask is, is Jesus any less compassionate today? Has His healing mercies stopped flowing today? Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus is still the merciful loving Savior today. The Father of Lights has no shadow of changing or turning. If He was compassionate to heal then He is still compassionate today. He is Good, receive from your loving Savior today! 

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Father of Lights: Is God really Good all the time?

 

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV

 James declares God our Father in Heaven is the Father of Lights. He informs us that He is unchanging. This is Good News! This tells us that God is Good and He is always Good and there is no changing with Him! 

 The Father of Lights has no darkness. That means only Good comes from God. John echoes this by declaring that in Him is Light, and there is no darkness. No darkness means no evil, wickedness, destruction, or death are within God our Father.

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

 The Word of God reveals the Father's great Love and character to us. The challenge we, as humans and even believers face is whether we actually believe this. I think that experience, life in a fallen creation, causes many to doubt this Goodness.

Do we, as believers then, really believe God is this Good? Do we really believe in His all-the-time goodness, or have personal experience and living life in a fractured creation distorted our understanding of God? 

 Let's look at the basics. First, all sincere believers know and believe God forgives sin. Yet even with a basic truth as this, we still find limits surrounding His all the time Goodness coming from traditional religion. 

 God's Goodness reveals a Father so Good that He forgives sin. This is amazingly Good News! We all need mercy even after salvation. As believers, we trust in His lovingkindness when we sin.

 This is His Grace, and we rejoice. We can see so many rejoice in this Goodness. Now let the believer sin that same sin again. Let's see the believer continue sinning that same sin. Do we still believe His Goodness covers that sin? 

 This is where we see how much we believe and trust in His Goodness. This is where we see how much trust in His Finished Work of Redemption. Sure there is a place of correction and instructions in these times but more than that there is Love and Grace that is restoring and forgiving.

 What about when disaster looms on the horizon? When severe thunderstorms, tornados, or tsunamis threaten the city or the coastal region? What is the initial reaction? Do we believe God sent the storm? Do we believe God directed the tsunami to punish sin, to judge the city? Do we believe God is striking the area? 

 What is our first thought? Do we align with God's Goodness, sending prayers of protection to the affected area? Do we intercede for those directly affected? Do we do what we can to bring relief, render aid, and contribute to the recovery operations? 

 What about if there is a negative report from the doctor? Do we believe the sickness or disease is merely our cross to bear for Jesus? Do we believe God is the One afflicting? Do we believe healing is done away with today, and sickness perfects the saints?

 This is where we all live, practically speaking. We daily have opportunities to believe and affirm God's Goodness. In a fallen and fractured creation, we will face disasters, death, disease, and disobedience in the life of believers. What holds us, what anchors us in the fallen world? 

 Resting in and knowing God is always Good and only does Good gives us hope and peace in a fractured creation. David said He would have given up if he didn't believe he would experience the Goodness of God in his life. This proves trusting in His all the time Goodness is key to living victoriously in this life. 

 God's Goodness is the foundation of the Gospel of Grace and the life of Faith. The revealed character of God gives us the basis to believe that He is Gracious and has forgiven us of all sins and His perfect work of Redemption is a completed work that the Father accepts. He is so Good, He honors the work of His Son.

 His Goodness revealed and understood is what fuels our trust in Him enough to step out in Faith. We know His character so we can take Him at His Word. We know He is so Good so He will honor and keep His Word. This is the basis for our Faith to flourish.

 God's Goodness is not just a theological truth—it is the foundation for a victorious life! Take a moment to reflect: In what areas have you struggled to believe in His all-the-time Goodness? Will you choose today to trust that He is always Good, always faithful, and always for you?

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Abundance of Grace: Graceful thinking

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17 NKJV

 For if, through the transgression of the one individual, Death made use of the one individual to seize the sovereignty, all the more shall those who receive God's overflowing grace and gift of righteousness reign as kings in Life through the one individual, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 WEY

 Jesus is the person of Grace. The Gospel is the Grace of God revealed and demonstrated in Christ's victorious, Redemptive work. When we receive an abundance of Grace, Paul tells us we will reign as kings in this life.

 If we want to reign in life, we need to know how to receive abundant Grace. I believe Paul gives us the key to reigning in life when he tells us to renew our minds and not be transformed by the world's ways. Think about it—this world operates on effort, striving, earning, and achievement. But God's New Covenant operates by grace.

 God's New Covenant is a Covenant of Grace. It is not a covenant requiring our efforts, our achievements, or our performance. It is a covenant made between the Father and the Son, and we are the benefactors. We partake of this covenant when we trust in Christ alone. We freely receive all Jesus purchased and provided through His work and not our own.

 Renewing the mind is crucial to walking in the fullness of grace, but it’s not a self-effort or works program;

 Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Transformation comes not by striving, but by seeing—seeing Jesus, the person of Grace.

  Beholding Jesus: The Key to Renewal

The secret to renewing the mind is not willpower or self-effort. It is found in beholding Jesus.

2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

As we behold Jesus—His love, His finished work, His righteousness—we are transformed effortlessly. The more we see Him, the more we think in alignment with grace.

Renewing Our Minds to Grace

1. No More Condemnation
   Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” If Jesus took our judgment, why entertain thoughts of guilt or shame? Jesus' sacrifice was enough, God isn't punishing you. Renew your mind to this truth: God is not condemning you, so stop condemning yourself.

2. Eternally Secure
   Jesus said in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” Renew your mind to this: Your salvation is not fragile; it is secured by Christ Himself. You can't forfeit it, or lose it, once you trusted Christ alone you are irrevocably saved!

3. Deeply Loved and Liked by God
   It’s easy to accept that God loves us in a broad sense, but do you realize He also likes you? Zephaniah 3:17 says He rejoices over you with singing! He enjoys being with you. He is not tolerating you—He delights in you. Renew your mind to this: God is smiling over you right now. His arms aren't folded in disapproval of you, His arms are open wide welcoming you! 

Abundance of Grace Through Abundance of Beholding

An abundance of beholding Jesus leads to an abundance of grace in our thinking. The more we focus on Him, the more we walk in transformation—not by effort, but by revelation. Instead of battling thoughts of fear, insecurity, or condemnation, we let grace flood our minds.

Keep beholding Jesus. Keep renewing your mind to who you already are in Him. Grace-filled thinking leads to a grace-filled life. 

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Abundance of Grace: More Grace less religious traditions!

 

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Romans 5:17 NKJV

 For if, through the transgression of the one individual, Death made use of the one individual to seize the sovereignty, all the more shall those who receive God's overflowing grace and gift of righteousness reign as kings in Life through the one individual, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 WEY

 Grace is the Gospel of Jesus Christ pledged, promised, and made available through His victorious Redemptive work at Calvary. Grace is the unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor of Almighty God. Paul tells us that receiving an abundance of this grace will cause us to reign, rule, and dominate as kings in this life. 

 We have been in an ongoing series studying this abundance of Grace so we can receive it more and more in our own lives and live triumphantly. We have seen that this Grace is NOT of ourselves, but all of Jesus. We have seen how forgiven we are and what repentance truly means. It seemed good to me to keep pursuing more of this Grace and relinquishing religious traditions and ideas.

 Grace is all of Jesus, and never anything we have added or contributed. 

Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace. Romans 11:6 HCSB

 Yet, with all the truths revealed from God's Word, so many traditions arise from men attempting to add to the work of Christ to gain more acceptance and approval from God. Not only that we add more rules and regulations for believers to follow so that they will receive more goodness from God. 

 For many leaders, sin seems to be the kryptonite or the barrier to God stopping Him from hearing us, fellowshipping with us, and communing with us. As if sin was not dealt with completely at the Cross of Christ. Jesus died for the sins of mankind, yet religion teaches that He still sees sin upon us and steps away until we change our behavior.

 This is not an encouragement to engage in sin, sin has its own consequences apart from God punishing someone. Drunkenness produces hangovers-nausea, dizziness, headache, sluggishness and fatigue. Steal, lie, or commit fraud, and the consequences will follow, some include prison time. This is not divine retribution. 

 God cannot punish you when you sin, if He did, then He would be unfaithful, unjust, and untrue. He cannot justly punish sin in the body of Jesus on the Cross and turn around and punish you as well. For God to hold your sin against you after you have trusted in Christ is to declare that Jesus' work of Redemption was not enough. That Jesus' shed blood was insufficient to pay for your sin. That He has not fully accepted the Finished Work of Christ. The ledger on the accounts of Heaven would have to read insufficient funds, Jesus was not enough.

 Thank God, though Jesus' blood was enough, and God is completely satisfied with the Redemptive work of Christ. The Father has gladly accepted Jesus' payment for sin and separation. The price is paid in full, and for the believer, God is never again imputing sins to your account ever again 

 Religious traditional-minded leaders still preach and teach that your sin blocks the blessings, breaks fellowship, and renders Faith and prayers ineffective. They have the people living in a schizophrenic, fearful state of forgiven/unforgiven of their sins. They are more sin-conscious and less Grace and righteous-conscious.  

 Traditional religion errs because they don't know the Scriptures. They tend to read passages with a preconceived bias from their upbringing. They read into passages rather than reading the actual passage. 

 The first act of tradition we see is in Genesis 3. Eve added to what God actually said. That is what tradition does. It adds to what God actually said. Religion has built a stronghold concerning sin and the believer and the Holy Spirit, which leaves so many with a sin-consciousness rather than a grace-righteousness consciousness.   

 Adding to Jesus' words or rather reading into Jesus' words, they create a doctrine that the Holy Spirit convicts the believer, the child of God, of their sins. In John 16, Jesus speaks of the work of the Spirit. He does not teach or state the Spirit will convict believers of their sins. That is nowhere in this text. 

 When He comes, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; John 16:8-9 MEV

 Who is the Spirit convicting? He is convicting the world, the lost. What is He convicting them of? Their sin of homosexuality, transgenderism, fornication, lust, greed, murder, hate, lying, or stealing? No! He is convicting them of one sin, the sin of unbelief. 

 The World's sin is unbelief, which manifests in the fruit of self-righteousness. They reject God's Righteousness, opting instead for their own righteousness. They create their own standards of what is good and right. Often, it is at odds with God. This is what repentance is all about. It is changing the thinking of man. It is about renewing the mind to God's truth.

  As for the saints, the only thing the Spirit convicts the believer of is their Righteousness in Christ, their true identity in Christ. The Spirit is not tallying up your sins, and convicting you for them. Conviction is a legal term for guilt. We are not guilty because of Jesus.

 Religious tradition tells believers they remain guilty before God and must make sacrifices and atonement for their shortcomings and failures. This flies in the face of the redeeming work of Christ. In Christ, you are not guilty. God is not requiring you to pay for the sins that Jesus has already perfectly paid for!

Christ Jesus paid the highest price for our Redemption. He fully paid the price for our forgiveness. He took the just recompense for our transgressions. He is not holding them against us as well. We stand faultless, guiltless, and blameless before the throne of an Almighty Holy God. This is all because of Jesus and His Finished Work!

Image by Peter H from Pixabay

Rightly Dividing Christianity and Government: Honoring the Government?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 MEV

 We began a brief study rightly dividing government and Christianity. There are many traditions and ideas regarding Christians and their relationship with the government. First, we must understand the primary focus and message of the Church. It's Jesus! We are called to be a light in this fallen world, pointing people to the Lord Jesus Christ. So why did Peter and Paul tell us about government?

 When Paul and Peter penned their Epistles, Christianity was a minor "religion." They didn't want believers to be labeled as rebellious lawbreakers who would not pay taxes and be troublemakers, cheaters, and dishonest citizens. Their intent was for Christians to live upright in a fallen world, and give honor to whom it is due. 

 Yet, through the years and the Westernized version of the Faith, we have fashioned traditions and concepts about government that extend the intent of the Word. For generations, religious tradition has preached that Christians are required to honor and obey the government, no matter what. Believers are told to submit without question, citing verses like Romans 13:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 as proof that we must always honor and obey our rulers.

But does the Bible actually teach this? Are we supposed to honor any government, even one that is corrupt, tyrannical, or blatantly anti-God?

What about when governments pass laws that go against God’s Word? What about regimes that persecute Christians? Did the early church always submit to the governing authorities?

It’s time to rightly divide the Word of Truth and dismantle religious tradition that contradicts Scripture and historical reality.

 The idea that Christians must always honor the government is largely a Westernized interpretation of Scripture. Many American and European churches have taught this doctrine in a comfortable, democratic society where laws have generally aligned with Judeo-Christian values.

But what happens when the government becomes corrupt, oppressive, or hostile toward Christianity?

What happens when governments, like those in China, North Korea, or Islamic nations, outlaw the preaching of the Gospel and imprison believers? Are Christians still required to "honor" these rulers?

One of the most misused passages regarding government is Romans 13:1-3.

📖 Romans 13:1-3 (KJV)
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil…"

"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." —Romans 13:1 (NKJV)

🔹 What the Greek and Context Actually Reveal:

The word “appointed” (Greek: tassō, τάσσω) means arranged, set in order.
✔ This does NOT mean every ruler’s actions are God’s will.
✔ God establishes government as an institution—but He does NOT ordain every leader’s wickedness.
✔ If every government were truly God's will, then Hitler, Stalin, and Mao were God’s “chosen instruments.” That is absurd!

🔹 "Subject" (ὑποτασσέσθω - hypotassesthō) – This word means to arrange under but does not imply blind obedience. It is also used in Ephesians 5:21, which tells believers to submit to one another. Does that mean a wife should submit if her husband tells her to sin? No! Submission in the Bible is always within the boundaries of God’s will.

🔹 "Ordained" (τεταγμέναι - tetagmenai) – This word means arranged or set in place. It does not mean that every single government leader is personally chosen by God. Rather, God has established the principle of government, but He does not endorse every ruler or policy.

🔹 "Rulers are not a terror to good works" (Romans 13:3) – If a government is punishing good and rewarding evil, it is acting contrary to God’s intent for government! This passage assumes a just government, not one that persecutes believers.

🔹 Tradition says this means ALL governments are God-ordained, and resisting them is sinful.

🔹 Reality: Paul is talking about just governments that punish evil and promote good.

If Romans 13 applied to ALL governments, that would mean:

✅ God ordained Hitler, Stalin, and Mao to commit mass genocide.
✅ Resisting a government that murders Christians would be a sin.
✅ Corrie Ten Boom and the family of Anne Frank were sinful for hiding Jews during the Holocaust.
✅ Peter and John were in rebellion against God when they refused to stop preaching.

Clearly, this interpretation is nonsense.

Paul’s Actual Point in Romans 13:

🔸 He was speaking to believers in Rome under a corrupt, pagan empire.
🔸 He emphasized that Christians should not be anarchists or violent rebels trying to overthrow the government.
🔸 Submission in context means being lawful citizens—NOT blind obedience to tyranny.

🚨 Paul himself defied government authorities when they opposed God’s law!

✅ He rebuked corrupt leaders (Acts 23:3).
✅ He wrote most of his letters from prison—because he was imprisoned for disobeying government orders!

👉 If Romans 13 meant absolute submission, Paul should have just obeyed Rome and stopped preaching! Clearly, this passage is not teaching blind obedience to evil rulers.

💡 If Romans 13 means Christians must honor and obey all governments, then early believers should have obeyed Nero when he burned Christians alive. They should have renounced their Faith and no longer be Christian. That was the Law and words of Nero. 

What About 1 Peter 2:13-14?

📖 1 Peter 2:13-14 (NKJV)
"Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers..."

🔹 Does this mean we submit to ANY law, no matter how wicked?
🔹 No—Peter is speaking of governments that punish evil and reward good.

Peter himself disobeyed the authorities in Acts 5 when they commanded him to stop preaching.

💡 If 1 Peter 2 meant absolute obedience to government, then Peter was a hypocrite for defying the authorities in Acts 5.

Clearly, Peter’s words do not mean blind obedience.

1 Peter 2: Honor the King? What Does That Really Mean?

Another commonly misquoted passage is 1 Peter 2:17:

"Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." —1 Peter 2:17 (NKJV)

🔹 Religious Tradition Says:
👉 "See? The Bible says we must honor government leaders, no matter who they are!"

🔹 What the Greek Actually Says:
The word “honor” (Greek: timaō, τιμάω) means to show proper respect—not to blindly obey or support.

✔ We "honor" rulers by recognizing their position—but that does not mean endorsing their evil.
✔ The same passage says, "Fear God."
✔ If a ruler contradicts God’s law, we obey God first, not them! (Acts 5:29)

🚨 Honoring a leader does not mean obeying their wickedness!

Example:
🚨 In Nazi Germany, should Christians have “honored” Hitler by obeying his laws? Should they have turned over Jews to be exterminated?
🚨 In communist China, should believers “honor” the government by handing over fellow Christians? Should they reveal where the underground churches meet?

 The Bible is full of righteous defiance against corrupt government orders:

✅ The Hebrew Midwives (Exodus 1:17-20) – They DISOBEYED Pharaoh’s command to kill Hebrew babies, and God rewarded them.
✅ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18) – They REFUSED to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, even under threat of death.
✅ Daniel (Daniel 6:10) – He continued PRAYING despite King Darius’ decree.
✅ The Apostles (Acts 5:27-29) – They refused to stop preaching and boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than men!"
✅ The Magi (Matthew 2:12) – They DISOBEYED King Herod and did not report back to him.

🚨 If the concept “Christians must always honor government” were true, then these people would have been in rebellion against God. But the Bible calls them righteous and faithful!

 I must note one sensitive topic in highlighting this relationship between Christians and government; the 2020-2021 COVID lockdowns and mandates. Days before the lockdowns ensued I warned fellow church leaders in the church I was a part of that government is not to be trusted to deal justly with the Church. I received push back due to this same religious tradition, I was not honoring the government.

 2020 and 2021 exposed how quickly governments overreach their power.

• Pastors were arrested for holding church services while liquor stores, bars and abortion clinics remained open.
• Christians were fined for worshiping, while violent protesters were praised for gathering in massive crowds.
• Believers were mocked for standing for religious freedom, while lawless rioters were called heroes.

Was this "honoring" government?

The Bible never commands us to submit to laws that silence worship or criminalize faith. Peter and John refused to obey government in Acts 5.

📖 Acts 5:29 (NKJV)
"But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men.’”

When the state commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands, we must peacefully disobey. 

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many believers who had once boldly proclaimed God’s promises of protection and healing suddenly found themselves paralyzed by fear. Churches that had long preached faith, healing, and redemption closed their doors without hesitation. Some remained locked down for nearly two years, not because of wisdom, but because fear had taken hold.

Psalm 91—God’s promise of divine protection—had been a source of encouragement for many, yet when the moment of testing came, some who once declared “no plague shall come near my dwelling” (Psalm 91:10 NKJV) were the first to retreat into isolation. Faith took a backseat to government mandates. The church, which is meant to be the light of the world, instead followed the world’s lead, embracing caution over confidence in God’s Word.

This isn’t to suggest that wisdom has no place or that Christians should be reckless. But the reality is, many were quick to submit to the government’s restrictions on worship while turning a blind eye to the blatant double standards. Big box stores, Bars, liquor stores, and abortion clinics remained open while churches were deemed "non-essential." Peaceful Christian gatherings were banned, while riots and protests were permitted without restriction. Yet instead of resisting, many in the church shamed those who dared to gather, labeling them "irresponsible" or "unloving."Believers should have stood together, instead of rebuking their own brethren for "not honoring the government.

Final Verdict: "Christians Must Honor Government" is a False Concept

✅ We honor righteous authority.
✅ We submit where submission does not contradict God's Word.

✅ But we never honor, obey, or submit to evil.

In summation of this brief study, what should we do as Christians?

✅ Pray for religious freedom. (1 Timothy 2:2)

✅ Pray for boldness to speak the truth. (Acts 4:29)

✅ Resist laws that contradict God’s Word. (Acts 5:29)

✅ Obey God over man when forced to choose. (Daniel 3 & 6)

✅ Respect government when it is fulfilling its God-ordained role (Romans 13:3-4).

✅ Disobey any law that contradicts God’s Word (Acts 5:29).

✅ Expose evil rulers and hold them accountable (Ephesians 5:11).

✅ Pray for righteous leadership and the restraint of wickedness (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Image by Couleur from Pixabay

Rightly Dividing Christianity and Government: Praying for leaders?

 

It is important that all of us submit to the authorities who have charge over us because God establishes all authority in heaven and on the earth. 2 Therefore, a person who rebels against authority rebels against the order He established, and people like that can expect to face certain judgment. 3 You see, if you do the right thing, you have nothing to be worried about from the rulers; but if you do what you know is wrong, the rulers will make sure you pay a price. Would you not rather live with a clear conscience than always have to be looking over your shoulder? Then keep doing what you know to be good and right, and they will publicly honor you. Romans 13:1-3 Voice (see commentary note)

 As Christians, we are instructed to live peaceably with all people. We are given guidance on how to conduct our lives practically. One arena where religious tradition and cultural influence abound is the relationship between Christians and government. There are two areas of relationship between Christianity and government,  the roles of prayer and giving honor. 

 Prayer for leaders comes from the words of Paul in his Epistle to Timothy. For years, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 has been used to promote the idea that Christians must pray for their national leaders' wisdom, success, and well-being—no matter how wicked they are. Many have taken this passage as a command to pray for presidents, kings, and rulers without question, assuming that such prayers must always be for their blessing and guidance.

But is that really what Paul was saying? Is this passage about supporting leaders, or is it about something else entirely? Let’s examine the text carefully, without religious tradition clouding our understanding.

I exhort then, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men; 2including kings and all who are in high station, in order that we may live peaceful and tranquil lives with all godliness and gravity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 WEY 

 First, this passage instructs us to offer prayers for all people, not just leaders. Then, he mentions kings and rulers, proving that this was not primarily the focus. Praying for rulers becomes a secondary issue, not the entire focal point of this passage. 

🔹 Tradition says: "This passage is about praying for political leaders."
🔹 The text actually says: "Pray for all men, and that includes kings too."

  What is the purpose of offering prayers for rulers and kings? Paul explicitly states what the purpose is; 
"in order that we may live peaceful and tranquil lives with all godliness and gravity"

 🔹 The goal is not for leaders to become righteous, make wise decisions, or govern justly.
🔹 The goal is that believers can live in peace and practice their faith without persecution.

This means we are not required to pray for the prosperity, wisdom, or success of leaders—especially if they are pushing wicked agendas. Instead, our prayers should focus on ensuring that we can live in peace, free to serve God without interference. 

 What is the main theme of the Scripture? The Scarlett thread that is Jesus, the Redeemer of mankind, is woven throughout every book in God's Word. The Gospel is the primary directive! Paul is exhorting prayers be made so the Gospel can flow unhindered no matter where Christians reside. 

 Is the Word of God a handbook of political affiliations? Is the Word telling believers to be champions and cheerleaders of all governmental leaders, with no exceptions? Is Paul saying to pray for the success, wisdom, and overall "administration" of Nero? This is what the commentaries, the majority of churches, ministries, and believers claim Paul was saying. 

 What About Believers Under Tyrants?
If Christians lived under Hitler, Stalin, Mao, or Pol Pot, were they supposed to pray for those dictators’ wisdom and success? Of course not.

🔹 They were to pray that they could live in peace and spread the Gospel freely.
🔹 They were NOT commanded to pray for the well-being of an evil ruler who was murdering millions.

Clearly, this passage was never meant to endorse praying for wicked leaders to thrive. But what about modern-day democracies? Does this command change when leaders are elected rather than ruling as dictators?

Many pastors have wrongly taught that 1 Timothy 2:1-2 means we must pray for a Prime minister/President’s success and wisdom—even if their policies oppose God’s Word.

But if a leader promotes abortion, sexual immorality, tyranny, and anti-Christian laws, should believers really be praying for their success? Absolutely not.
🔹 We should pray that their ability to push evil is restrained.
🔹 We should pray that righteousness prevails over their wicked agendas.
🔹 We should pray that God raises up leaders who will allow us to live in peace and spread the Gospel freely.

This is completely different from asking God to "bless" or "give wisdom to" a leader who has already rejected Him.

 For too long, American Christians have been the ones propagating this idea. They live comfortably in a Constitutional Republic and interpret passages concerning Christians and government with a Western mindset. A mindset of a citizen where religious freedom is woven into the fabric of the founding of the nation. 

  The problem with tradition, it creates inconsistencies in thinking and practice. For instance, if believers are praying that abortion would end, yet in the next breath they pray for a leader/president who advocates abortion without restrictions to succeed, to flourish, then their prayer is counterproductive.

  What should we be praying for then? Traditionally, some use this passage to claim we can't pray for unrighteous leaders to fail in their plans, to be removed from office legally through righteous means, and for their policies not to be implemented. 

 So What Should We Pray for Leaders?
Based on 1 Timothy 2:1-2, here’s what we should be praying:
✅ That governments would allow religious freedom and peace.
✅ That wicked rulers would be restrained from pushing evil.
✅ That believers can spread the Gospel without interference.
Nowhere does this passage command believers to pray for a leader’s wisdom, success, or prosperity.

 The Early Church’s Perspective
🔹 The early Christians never prayed for Nero’s success.
🔹 Instead, they prayed for boldness to preach despite persecution (Acts 4:29).
🔹 They prayed for deliverance from evil men (2 Thessalonians 3:2).
🔹 They prayed that the Gospel would not be hindered (Colossians 4:3).

Conclusion: Time to Rethink This Tradition
🔥 1 Timothy 2:1-2 does NOT command believers to pray for a leader’s wisdom, success, or moral behavior.
🔥 The focus is on creating conditions where believers can live in peace and serve God freely.
🔥 Paul wrote this under a brutal emperor, meaning this is NOT about supporting leaders or endorsing their actions.
🔥 Christians under oppressive regimes (e.g., Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, or Communist China) were NOT commanded to pray for their leaders’ success—only that they could live freely in faith.

It’s time to stop blindly accepting the traditional misinterpretation of this passage. The Bible never tells believers to pray for the success of wicked rulers. Instead, we pray for peaceful conditions so we can live godly lives.

That means we can pray for:
✅ Freedom to preach the Gospel.
✅ Righteous leaders to be raised up.
✅ Wicked rulers to be restrained.
But we do not have to pray for the success of leaders who oppose God.

It’s time to break free from religious traditions and stand on what the Bible actually teaches. The Church must stop praying passive, misguided prayers for wicked leaders to 'prosper.' Instead, we must pray with purpose: that the Gospel may run freely, that wicked rulers be restrained, and that righteousness would rise in every nation.

Image by AzamKamolov from Pixabay