The word for today is - Law !

 

Good morning,

The word for today is - Law !

God set boundaries on mankind by establishing ruling authorities that would make and enforce the laws He gave. The purpose for this was because He knew unregenerate society, without any restraints, would seek to destroy good men. God's desire is that all men would come to Him and live by His laws. Lets start with Luke 10:26-27, He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. This is the law of God. Read Romans 13:1-7, 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. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. It is clear that as long as the law of the land does not contradict the law of God, we are bound to obey the law of the land. As soon as the law of the land contradicts God's command, we are to disobey the law of the land and obey God's law. However, even in that instance, we are to accept the government’s authority over us. This is demonstrated by the fact that Peter and John did not protest being flogged, but instead rejoiced that they suffered for obeying God. Read Acts 5:37-42,After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.  It is enforced in the United States today and each year there are about 250 people added to death row and 35 executed. Once a jury has agreed on convicting a person of a criminal offense, they then proceed to the second part of the trial, which is to then set the proper amount of punishment for the severity of the crime. This is the punishment phase. If the jury recommends the death penalty and the judge agrees that it is just, then the criminal will face some form of execution. Lethal injection is the most common form used today. The choices of execution vary from state to state but are as follows: hanging, electrocution, gas chamber, firing squad, and lethal injection. There are guidelines that are followed before a prisoner is sentenced to death. Of those, one of the most important reads: Capital punishment may be imposed only when guilt is determined by clear and convincing evidence leaving no room for an alternative explanation of the fact God knew when He created men with free wills that not all would follow and obey Him. However, He also knew that many would want to love and serve Him.  In giving men free will, He also had to establish laws for men to live by.Though man may make judgements that are biased according to race, and/or societal status, God does not.  He never condones a judgement based on any thing other than truth or justice.  God is no respecter of persons and He desires that all receive a fair and just trial no matter what their social status may be. We all need to pray for one another, and that God has mercy on the family's of Troy Davis and Mark MacPhail family. We all need the Spirit of God, and that Spirit is Love. Thank you Lord for your word. Amen !