evil decision-making for what it is . There is a misconception that Christians should lay down and be silent when God ’ s laws are violated ( just be a nice Christian , right ?). That ’ s not the example the Bible gives us . John the Baptist called out Herod ’ s sin , and the apostles refused to stop meeting together and preaching Jesus . Paul also reasoned with Felix about righteousness , self-control and the judgment to come , and Felix trembled . As a Roman citizen , he also used the court system to his advantage . It ’ s not judging to do this as we are only repeating what God has already said and enforcing His will on earth .
4 . PRAY FOR WISDOM . Following the example of first-century believers ’ actions , respect and courtesy were always practiced because no one gets a voice or opportunity to speak with high-level influencers by calling them stupid , morons , or idiots , or by verbalizing frustrations on social media with no accountability . Paul was respectful but direct at the same time ( ever heard of “ wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove ?”) before the Roman courts even though the leaders were opposed to Christianity and lived lives in opposition to the gospel .
Here ’ s the conclusion : God has called us to get between heaven and earth and declare His will . We are the only ones who have been given the opportunity and responsibility to do this . Psalm 149 reminds us of our privilege to direct the course of human actions through worship , the Word and prayer :
“ Let the praises of God be in their mouths , and a sharp sword in their hands — to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples , TO BIND THEIR KINGS WITH SHACKLES AND THEIR LEADERS WITH IRON CHAINS , to execute the judgment written against them . This is the glorious PRIVILEGE of his faithful ones .” Psalm 149:6-9 NLT
Mark Ivey is a bold communicator of truth to this present generation . As an evangelist and now pastor of a growing church , he calls for Christians to passionately pursue spiritual awakening in the nations of the world and contend for biblical revival and a supernatural invasion of God into every part of our culture . Mark and his wife Tiffany planted and pastor Christ Alive Church in Newton , North Carolina . They have three children and have ministered to multiplied thousands over the last thirty years .
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