Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum

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Milford, Connecticut, United States

Bible Verse of the Day

Friday, December 11, 2009

Celebration of Light

Two thousand years ago, about the time of Christ's birth, there was a Jewish sect that was called the Essenes who lived primarily on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. The name "Essenes" means "Holy Ones." They lived an ascetic lifestyle and closely followed the Jewish Law. Existing in the desert required hard work and a commitment to community.

Down through the millennia, light has stood for and represented divine inspiration and guidance. Quite naturally light has been a central feature in religious celebrations such as Hanukkah and Christmas. In Hanukkah, Jews remember that during the time of the Macabees the one-day of supply of oil miraculously lasted eight days. At Christmas, Christians celebrate the incarnation of light in Jesus' birth and life.

The Essenes considered themselves to be "the children of light." They viewed the world as being made up of "children of light" and "children of darkness." The Essenes saw a struggle between the forces of good and evil in the world.

One day some years ago while visiting Qumran, the site of their community ruins, I picked up a white and black stone. I have kept these in the pencil tray of my desk drawer to remind myself of this spiritual battle. We are all acutely aware of this today from the 24/7 news about the war on terrorism and frequent reports of crime.

Each day everyone of us has to make choices that will affect others and ourselves. Will we act according to the light of revelation, whether it is what is written in our heart (conscience) or Scriptures; or will we follow the base, lower, and sinful side of self? Will we conduct ourselves as "children of light" or "children of darkness" is the question that we all daily decide. (John 12:36).

In his "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus told his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Gratitude - the Correct Attitude

One of the Gospel stories that always captured my interest was the account of Jesus healing the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19). Leprosy today has pretty much been eradicated except in some limited areas of the third world. However in biblical times it was a dreaded disease that affected many regardless of their standing in life.

Once someone was determined to have leprosy, they were forced to separate from their homes and families. As a result they usually ended up living with other lepers and supported themselves by begging.

In Luke's Gospel, the details are as follows: As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem from Galilee he came to a village and outside the town a group of ten men who had leprosy called out to him, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" Lepers were required to stay at a distance since people did not want to come in contact with them and maybe contract the disease. When Jesus saw them he said, "Go show yourself to the priests." As they went, they were cleansed. One of the man, when he saw he was healed, came back praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him.

Jesus asked, "Were not all then cleansed? Where are the other nine?" What has always impressed me is that only one out of the ten bothered to take the time and effort to say "thank you." It seems that asking for help or for more of this or that comes easier than bothering to say "thanks."

Ingratitude is a most despicable attitude. We who live in the United States of America are truly fortunate! When you consider the abundance of things that we have in comparison to the rest of the world - we are indeed blessed! Beside all the necessities of food, clothing and shelter we have so much other "stuff" that people who live in underdeveloped countries can only imagine as things they might have seen in pictures or movies.

Yet despite all our blessing, how many are really grateful and will take the time to thank and worship the "Heavenly Father" who is the ultimate source of all our blessings? Probably about the same 10% that did so in the Gospel story. Do not be one of the nine--do what the one healed man did and thank God for your blessings not only at Thanksgiving season, but throughout all the year! (Ephesians 5:20)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

God's Word and the Christian

The Apostle Paul gave a charge to Timothy, "his son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). And among other things he had this to say about the Word of God: "From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

I want to point out first of all that the Scriptures are instrumental in salvation. It was an advantage for Timothy, and any other child, to have had exposure to the Scriptures from early childhood. The reason is that it is ultimately the Word of God and the Spirit of God that brings an individual to repentance and faith. In Paul's letter to the Romans, we read, "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). In order for anyone to be saved, he or she has to have heard the Gospel.

Secondly, we notice that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. "All Scripture is God-breathed" or inspired -- even those parts that contain long lists of names or seemingly insignificant historical passages. If you study the Scriptures carefully you will find that God will speak to you through them. Peter explains how the process of inspiration occurred. "And we have the Word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Thirdly, the Bible is useful for equipping the saints. This involves teaching and training as well as rebuking and correcting. These terms are somewhat similar but serve to amplify how useful the Scriptures are to the Christian. In the previous chapter, Paul wrote, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). It is certainly correct to interpret the phrase "man of God" and "workman" as including all Christians.

Fourth, Paul emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures to Timothy when he challenged him with this: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear" (2 Timothy 4:2-3).

The leadership of the Church and mature Christians need to take Paul's charge seriously especially since we are living in the last of the last days when there will be an apostasy or falling away from the truth. Of vital concern is what does the individual who stands in the pulpit believe regarding the Scriptures. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).

Monday, September 28, 2009

Cornerstones

The ancient engineers were able to construct buildings without the benefit of steel and concrete because they utilized cornerstones. Cornerstones were just that. Large stones that held the building in place because of their size. Normally they would use the largest stone to hold what was potentially the weakest corner of the building. I've entitled this sermon, "Cornerstones," because it will set forth four theological presuppositions on which Christians should build their lives.

The first "cornerstone" is the Bible; God's Word. The Scriptures are the revelation of God to mankind that have been transmitted through forty some writers and compiled over fifteen hundred years. The Bible contains sixty-six books: thirty-nine in the Old Testament and twenty-seven in the New Testament. There are approximately three-quarter million words in the Bible. When most people read the Bible, they are not aware of the many writers because translators have homogenized it. Reading in the original Hebrew and Greek, however, one can sense some of the differences in the background of the various scribes who wrote what they did under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. (See 2 Tim. 3:16 and 2 Pet. 2:20-21). The Bible enlightens us with the way to salvation as well as providing the information and inspiration to live the life pleasing to God.

The second "cornerstone" is God himself. In Genesis, we read, "In the beginning god created the heavens and the earth..." The existence of God is presumed. Creation bears witness to the Creator. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). Science does not adequately explain certain key questions such as: a)Where did the first matter come from; b)What caused the changes to occur--how did inorganic (non-living) material become organic (living); and c)How did chaos become order. In the absence of an explanation, science usually suggests that the events took billions and billions of years. The person of faith accepts the existence of God and that He created and made things including mankind. While creation bears witness of the Creator, the Bible reveals that the Supreme Being is a loving, heavenly Father. (See John 3:16 and 1 John 4:7).

The third and "chief cornerstone" is Jesus Christ. John tells us that Jesus existed as the divine Son of God before the creation of the world. He is the central figure of history. His uniqueness is seen in his virgin birth, his sinless life, and his resurrection from death. Isaiah the Prophet and Apostle Peter wrote of Christ, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame" (1 Pet. 2:6 and Isaiah 28:16). See also Ephesians 2:20.

The fourth "cornerstone" is the Church which was formed by Christ himself. "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matt. 16:18). Christians commit to being Christ's disciples and follow him in the fellowship of all others who also have been called from darkness to the light. The Church is our spiritual family and Christ's Kingdom on earth.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Be a Star

The Apostle Paul wrote these exhortations to the Christians at Philippi: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me" (Philippians 2:12-18).

There are four things that I would like to draw from this passage to elaborate upon. First was Paul's instruction to "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (v. 12). The Apostle was not suggesting that they needed to work for their salvation but that they should work at their spiritual growth and development. Paul addressed them as his "dear friends" and commended them for "having always obeyed - not only in his presence but much more in his absence" (v. 12). This was a very fine group of believers in comparison to other New Testament churches like Corinth. The Apostle John wrote that the way we show our love for God as his children is by carrying out his commands, (see 1 John 5:2-3), which in turn produces spiritual growth and maturation.

Secondly, Paul told them, "Do everything without complaining or arguing..." (v. 14). If Christians are to be "blameless and pure, children of God," they cannot act the same way as others who are part of the "crooked and depraved generation" (v. 15). [If this is how Paul thought about the people living then, what would be his comments on the world today?!!.] Christians are supposed to act differently. In fact they are to be "new creations in Christ" (2 Cor. 5:17). The world has little respect for those who profess to be "Christians" but do not behave accordingly.

Third, Paul wrote and told them his desire that they "shine like stars in a universe as they hold out the word of life" (v. 15-16). Christians are to be "stars" - not in the sense of movie stars or sports superstars. The kind of "star" that Paul had in mind for Christians to be is like a "light" shining in a dark world. A light illuminates and indicates the way. This is what Jesus had in mind when he said, "You are the light of the world" (Matt. 5:14).

Paul concluded this passage by sharing some personal remarks why he wrote what he did. He wanted the Philippians to conduct themselves in this manner: "in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing" (v. 16). In other words at the judgment, Paul wanted something to show for his life of sacrifice and service. As a pastor, like Paul, I want to encourage you to conduct yourself in a manner fitting a Christian and to be "bright, shining lights," joining our witness to community and state.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Faith, Love and Hope

The Apostle Paul wrote this to the believers in Ephesus: “Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16).

Two principle things Paul mentioned of these Ephesians are their faith and their love. These qualities led him to be thankful for them and prompted him to include them in his prayers. These great virtues, along with hope, which he also mentioned in verse 18, form the very essence of Christianity.

To the Corinthians, Paul stated, “…these three remain: faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love” (2 Cor. 13:13). Because he was emphasizing the primacy of love, he arranged them in this particular order.

Let’s look at each of these words separately. Faith is appropriately listed first because it is foundational. It is through faith, not reason or works, that individuals experience God. True faith is evidenced by accompanying action. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Love is to be fundamental. Jesus told his followers: “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35). If we are not showing love then we are not following the Lord. The third element is hope. Because I know God and am giving and receiving love, I will have Biblical hope which gives endurance during trying and uncertain times.

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he also touched upon these three virtues, “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope” (1 Thess. 1:3). Notice the actions associated with each of these spiritual qualities and check to see if you have them. In these difficult days, we need true spirituality to get by and survive. We get more of each by exercising what faith, love and hope we currently possess.

When he wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul echoed, “We always thank God for you because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring” (2 Thess. 1:3-4)

Notice the mention of trials so long ago and that people of faith are not exempt from such. We should be mindful of individuals around us in need and reach out globally to those who are experiencing unusual losses during this time of unstable markets, governments, environments, etc.

Can it be said that we are “growing” in faith, “increasing” in love, and “persevering” through hope as we live out our days.

Friday, June 26, 2009

God and the Authorities

As we approach the fourth of July, we will use the occasion for a message about God and Country. In Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians at Rome, he writes: "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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13:1-7)

Paul begins by stating that "everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities." He allowed for no exceptions. Perhaps some Christians were advocating the position that they should only answer to God. Paul gives three reasons why people are to be in submission to the authorities. Reason number one is that "no authority exists except that which God has established." He adds, "the authorities that exist have been established by God." So the theological reason for submitting is that everyone who is in a position of authority is permitted or allowed to be there because of God's will. This may be difficult to understand since some terrible dictators have existed in this century and in history. The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with how God could use a ruthless people to punish the Hebrews until the Lord explained that he would use the Babylonians for his purposes and then use others to punish them.

The second reason Paul gives for people to obey authority is so they need not fear punishment. He reminds them that the authorities are "God's servants who act as agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers." That is the reason that they "bear the sword" or carry a gun. Can you imagine living in a society where there was no one to keep the criminals and terrorists in check? If you do not do anything wrong, and you show respect then you have nothing to fear. If an officer stops you for some reason, try and be cooperative and help them do their job. If you do this you will have a clear conscience.

The third reason for submitting to authorities is that those individuals who hold those positions do so as their full-time jobs. They need to be remunerated for their work. About eighty percent of every government budget I have ever seen involves salaries and benefits. Someone has to pay the soldiers, the police, the firemen, the teachers, etc. That is why Paul says that we "owe them our taxes, revenue, respect, and honor."

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Having Faith & Sharing are Antidotes to Anxiety

We are living in challenging times as our nation enters an economic recession. Every day we are reminded of this through articles in the newspapers and stories on radio and television. The steady drumbeat of news about home foreclosures, increased unemployment and high food and energy costs adds to our anxiety and stress.

So how does faith matter in times such as these? When we are living in periods of prosperity, it is easy to become self-reliant and forget about God and our dependence on others. When tough times comes, we often realize that we need friends, family and God.

Jesus Christ encouraged his followers not to be anxious. He said, "Do not worry about your life, about what you will eat or drink or about your body and what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25).

What is the opposite of anxiety or worry? The answer is to trust and to have faith.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians from a Roman jail, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). When we pray to God, we are exercising our faith by believing that God can do what it is we are seeking.

In addition to faith, there is another important thing to do in tough times: Remember to share with others. When we help someone else, we also benefit from acts of charity. In helping others, we feel good about the deed done and it gets our mind off ourselves and our troubles. Even if it is limited to donating a can of soup or vegetables, looking after a shut-in, volunteering an hour or two for some worthwhile cause, do not let your limited means be an excuse for doing nothing.

Perhaps the best biblical example of giving is the widow who donated her "two mites," which are small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. "Calling his disciples to Him, Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on.'" (Mark 12:43-44).

It truly is more blessed to give than receive and it does reduce anxiety--for others and yourself.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Heaven - A Wonderful Place!

Responding to the thief on the cross who asked to be remembered when Christ came into His Kingdom, Jesus said, "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:42-43). The word translated "Paradise" is of Persian origin and is found only three times in the Scriptures (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7), referring in each case to Heaven.

"Heaven" is spoken of in three different ways in the Scriptures. The first usage refers to the "heavens--the sky above the earth (Genesis 1:1, 14-17). Secondly, Heaven is the abode of God (Psalm 80:14) and where the redeemed shall someday be (Matthew 5:12, 6:20). Thirdly, the "New Jerusalem" described by the Apostle John as having streets of gold and gates of pearl (Revelation 21:21). The latter is what comes to mind when most people think of Heaven.

As a youth growing up in Church, I heard a lot about Heaven. I must confess, however, that the ways the preachers spoke about it did not excite or interest me much. I heard of "resting" and angelic choirs--none of which seems too appealing to a boy who would have preferred something like a gigantic amusement park. I certainly would have chosen Heaven over Hell but all in all it was not somewhere I was in a big hurry to go--maybe when I got old and was dying but not as a youth person.

I believe this is how most people view Heaven--a place they hope to spend eternity after they have lived a long life on earth. A study of Heaven in the Bible leads us to understand and appreciate it more. Heaven will be where we will spend eternity with our loved ones and Jesus Christ our Savior. It will be big, new, beautiful and free of suffering. David spoke of Heaven as "the house of the Lord" (Psalm 23:6) and Jesus called it "My Father's house" (John 14:2). He also said He was going there to "prepare a place for us" (John 14:2-3). The Lord has been working on this project for almost 2,000 years--can you imagine how incredible Heaven will be?

The souls of all the righteous are in the care and company of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). He will bring them with Him when He returns (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Ultimately, all of the saved will inhabit the celestial city for eternity.

The most important question is how does one get to go there? The same way the dying thief did--through faith in Jesus. The only thing he could do he did--express his faith in Christ. Have you? If so, your reservation is set.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Peter - An Imperfect Saint

A central figure in the passion of Christ is Peter. Most people remember his denial of the Lord along with the betrayal by Judas. That these two were part of Christ’s hand picked disciples spending three years with Him is always a bit of a mystery. The answer to this quandary comes through an understanding of their humanity.

Peter would later become the leader of the early Christian church. He showed signs of that leadership with his confession of Jesus as the Christ or Messiah at Caesarea Philippi. This is one of the reasons that it is somewhat difficult to learn that he later disowned Jesus not once but three times—just as the Lord had predicted (Mark 14:27-31).

According to the Gospels, Peter was identified by an eye witness as “one of those who were with that Nazarene, Jesus. But he denied it” (Mark 14:67-68). Though concerned enough to be nearby the interrogation of Jesus by the religious authorities, he must have been fearful of the possible consequences. History reveals many times when it was dangerous to be known as part of a certain religious movement. One’s life could very well be threatened by suspicions and accusations. Peter was just showing his human weakness by his verbal denials.

A study of Peter’s life reveals other occasions when he “denied the Lord” in other ways such as: 1) When he struck the servant of the High Priest with his sword and cut off his ear, Peter was clearly not acting in a way consistent with being a follower of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we deny the Lord by our actions. 2) When he, along with James and John, “could not keep watch for one hour” in the Garden, denying the Lord their support as He faced the agony of crucifixion and death. 3) When Peter was with the same two disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, he denied the supremacy of Christ by suggesting they build three booths or shelters.

Perhaps the other story most familiar to many is when Christ appeared to the disciples as they crossed the Sea of Galilee at night. The twelve were startled to see Him, thinking He was a ghost. When Jesus spoke words of assurance to them, Peter sought confirmation. The Lord bid him to “come” and Peter got out of the boat and briefly walked on water. He was doing fine until, seeing the effect of the wind creating waves, he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink.

Today there are many people experiencing a similar situation. It may be the loss of a job, revenue, a home, investments, insurance or health. Like Peter, our humanness causes our faith to falter in the face of life’s storms. Failing to trust His word is another form of denial. The answer is to keep our eyes on God and not the surrounding circumstances. Safety and deliverance is experienced when we remain focused on the Lord and join Him in the company of other disciples.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Lord's Grace to Paul--and Us

Apostle Paul wrote this to Timothy, his son in the ministry: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:15-17).

The phrase, "trustworthy saying" is used five times in the Pastoral Epistles. Paul is emphasizing the reliability of the statements that he is making about Jesus Christ. I'd like to point out three things we see in this passage.

First of all, there is the mention of Christ's mission. The reason the Son of God left heaven and came to earth was so He could accomplish the plan of salvation. Jesus said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10). He also stated, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17).

Paul certainly knew and understood this fact. He not only recognized his own sin--he considered himself "the worst of sinners"--a point he makes and then repeats. Notice the present tense of Paul's astounding affirmation. He was acutely aware of his own failures and shortcomings.

This leads us to the second point, Christ's manner. Paul believed the reason that he was the recipient of the Lord's mercy was in order for Jesus to demonstrate his "unlimited patience" to other believers. "Love is patient," among other things. (1 Corinthians 13:4). Thankfully for us "sinners," the Lord is truly patient. Like Paul, we all fail miserably even after we have been "born again." Recognizing this we should be thankful to God for His grace to us and remember to "bear with" and support fellow believers when they stumble.

The third point emphasized in this text is Jesus Christ's majesty. "Who," considering the stated mission and manner, could do these things? Only "The King" Himself who is God. In verse seventeen, Paul referring to Jesus Christ mentions three attributes: "eternal, immortal, invisible" that can only be said of The Deity. Because this is true, He alone deserves "honor and glory forever." for His grace shown to us.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

What We Owe the New President

Whether you voted for President elect Barack Obama or not, according to the Scriptures, there are certain things that you owe the new President.

In one of the best known statements by Jesus regarding our obligations to the government, He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).


The context of this statement was a question Jesus was asked whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar or not” (Matthew 22:17). “Caesar” was the head of the Roman Empire—the occupying power of the Holy Land in the days of the New Testament. Jesus correctly pointed out our dual obligations to the governing authorities and to God.


According to Romans 13:1-7, Christians must submit to the governing authorities because “there is no authority except that which God has established” (v 1). There are legitimate expenses of government for which we owe our share of taxes to pay for its support. A primary purpose of government is the protection of its citizens and the punishment of “wrongdoers” (v 4). This would include the service of the Police and the Military.


The Apostle Paul concludes the passage with this statement: “Give to everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (v 7).


Paul also added some spiritual obligations for Christians when he wrote to Timothy in one of his pastoral epistles. “I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made to everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”(1Timothy 2:1-2).


So to recap, our responsibilities start with prayer “for all those in authority.” The list also includes: honor and respect (for the position), obedience to the laws including the payment of “revenue (fees) and taxes.” The reason we “owe” our leaders these things is the recognition that all authorities have their position because of a Sovereign God who is the ultimate ruler of the universe.


Of all the things listed above, by far the most important one is prayer. I remember an evangelical leader sharing an experience he had with President Johnson. This minister was invited to a reception in the White House. As usual the President was standing at the door welcoming the guests. When it came time to shake hands and exchange a greeting, he simply said to the President, “I regularly pray for you.” Hearing that, President Johnson grasped him with both hands and profusely thanked him.


Here’s a thought: If we prayed more, we might have less to complain about.