OBEDIENCE TO CIVIL LAW
By Aude McKee

There is perhaps not a command resting on Christians that is more simply said and more easily understood than the one which states we are to obey civil authorities. Look first at Romans 13. In verse 1, Paul states: “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.” Verse 2 continues: “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” Then in verse 5: “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath (the punishment that might come as a result of disobedience, A. M.) but also for conscience sake.”

Peter was led by the Spirit to write (1 Pet. 2:13-17): “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; as free, not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

A few observations might be in order. 

First, these words were penned by Paul and Peter when Rome ruled the world. A more wicked and corrupt regime would be difficult to imagine. Yet the only reason for not obeying civil law is found in Acts 4:19-20 and 5:29. Peter and John had been commanded by the civil authorities not to “speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” Then they replied, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard....We ought to obey God rather than men.” Civil law MUST be obeyed unless by so doing we are put in the position of disobeying Divine law!

Second, these verses do not teach that civil law is to be obeyed unless the law is stupid, unfair, or whatever. We do not deny that occasionally laws are passed that rankle the hearts of Christians, but obey them we must unless to do so makes us break New Testament law.

Third, Romans 13 clearly states that to rebel against civil law is in effect to rebel against Divine law, and to do so means damnation. This is serious enough to cause every child of God to think twice before acting. – The Terre Haute Speaker, October 4, 2020. 

FACTS ABOUT ALCOHOL
By Wayne Goff

A NARCOTIC

1. It is the number one drug problem in this country.

2. It claims at least 100,000 lives every year, 25 times as many as illegal drugs combined.

3. No logical, rational thinking person can deny the destructive nature of alcohol.

NOT MENTIONED BY ALCOHOL INDUSTRY

1. It is associated with most crimes.

• It is a factor in 70% of all murders.
• It is a factor in 50% of all rapes.
• It is a factor in 60% of all sexual crimes against children.
• It is a factor in 55% of all arrests.

2. It is a serious safety hazard.

• It is a factor in 66% of all fatal auto accidents.
• It is a factor in 53% of all fire deaths.
• It is a factor in 22% of all home accidents.
• It is a factor in 45% of all drownings.

IS IT JUST THE “ABUSE” OF ALCOHOL?

Some say, “I drink beer, not liquor”.

1. I believe them. America consumed 6.3 billion gallons of beer last year.

2. 85.5% of all alcohol consumption was in beer in 2005.

3. But what’s the benefit of that? What is positive about that?

• 80% of drivers arrested for DWI were drinking only beer.
• Someone in the U.S. dies every 30 minutes in an alcohol related death (primarily from beer).
• Alcohol related car crashes cost an estimated $44 billion annually.
• Someone in the U.S. dies every 50 minutes in an alcohol related death (primarily from beer).
• There never has been an alcoholic who didn’t take that first drink!

WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT SOCIAL DRINKING?

Our government has tried in every way possible to legislate tobacco out of existence. But our government has not touched the alcohol problem which is many times more deadly and costly to people than tobacco ever was or ever will be!

Moreover, our government has deemed that stores that sell alcohol and marijuana are “necessary”!

One explanation given was that too many people are addicted to these drugs and it would place an unnecessary hardship on those who are dealing with their addictions (Newsweek, April 18, 2020).

Another explanation given was that it falls under the “food and agricultural” category. “This category includes groceries, pharmacies, convenience stores, and other retailers that sell human food, animal or pet food, and beverage products. Restaurants with carryout or delivery service fall into this category as well. Liquor stores obviously sell beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They often also sell snack foods. Many states allow convenience stores to sell alcohol. Mystery solved” (Psychology Today, March 27, 2020). The article went on to point out that the taxes gathered by local, state and federal agencies is significant. It also suggested that the long shadow of the 1920 Prohibition Act is a reason for the decision. Illegal alcohol and drugs can be a real headache for the government to deal with, as the remembrance of Al Capone and his gang is considered.

I’m also sure that the fact that many, if not most, of our government officials drink beer, wine, and liquor.

So, it’s up to you to keep in mind the dangers of alcohol, and to share the facts to warn others! – The Terre Haute Speaker, June 28, 2020.