The founders of our nation saw firsthand how governments had used religion to abuse power, but they also acknowledged that faith was foundational to morality and governance. So, while the government should not force religion upon people, it also should not forbid people from living out their faith—including in politics, policy, and leadership.
[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock. The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, rightly dividing the word of truth, and learning how to apply it to our daily lives. You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast. And now, here's Elgin.
[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit to another edition of The Bible Speaks. And today, we're diving into a topic that has been debated for centuries. The separation of church and state. Our inspiration comes from Daniel, chapter 2, verses 21 through 23.
[00:01:32] And reading from the English Standard Version, it reads, He changes times and seasons. He removes kings and set up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. The Bible Speaks
[00:02:00] This verse reminds us of a simple, yet powerful truth. God has ultimate authority over every nation. While governments change, rulers rise and fall, and policies shift, God remains sovereign. So today, we'll discuss the true intent of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause in the U.S. Constitution.
[00:02:29] Why God's authority extends beyond human government. And how we, as believers, should respond to political uncertainty with faith and action. The phrase, separation of church and state, is often misunderstood. Many believe it means to remove God from all aspects of public life. But that was never the original intent.
[00:02:57] The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution includes two key clauses. Number one is the Establishment Clause. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. And number two, the Free Exercise Clause. Or prohibit free exercise thereof. So what does that mean? It was designed to protect people from religious persecution.
[00:03:27] Not to remove faith from society. The founders of the nation saw firsthand how government had used religion to abuse power. But they also acknowledged that faith was foundational to morality and governance. So, while a government should not force religion upon people, it also should not forbid people from living out their faith, including in politics, policy, and leadership.
[00:03:56] But above all, we must remember, regardless of human laws, God has the final authority. Daniel 2 and 21 tells us that God removes kings and sets up kings. This means no election result, no political leader, and no government decision happens outside of God's control.
[00:04:22] Even when we don't understand war, poverty, or injustice. Leaders make decisions that seem contrary to God's word. Or laws and policies appear to go against Christian values. God is still on the throne. Romans 8 and 28 assures us. And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good.
[00:04:50] For those who are called according to his purpose. We may not always see how God is working. But we can be confident that he is. Our responsibility is not to put our trust in politicians, but to put our trust in God. Jeremiah 22 and 3, reading from the English Standard Version reads,
[00:05:16] Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow. Nor shed innocent blood in this place. This is how God expects us to act. With justice, righteousness, and compassion.
[00:05:40] So how do we as Christians engage in a world where governments don't allow us to reflect God's will? Here are a few ways. Number one. Pray for our leaders. First Timothy 2 verses 1 through 2 commands us to pray for kings and all those in authority. Even if we don't agree with them, we must intercede for them. Number two.
[00:06:09] Live out your faith boldly. Jesus didn't call us to hide our faith, but to be the salt and light in the world. This means standing for truth, justice, and righteousness in our communities. And finally, serve those in need. Instead of debating policies, we should be the hands and feet of Jesus. Feeding the hungry. Helping the oppressed. And being a voice for the voiceless.
[00:06:39] Politics will never be the solution. Only Jesus is. The word sin literally means separation from God. And while we may not advocate for a forced national religion, we must also recognize that a nation without God will never find true peace. Paul reminds us in Romans 8 verses 38 to 39.
[00:07:07] For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. If nothing can separate us from God's love, why should we separate God from our governing?
[00:07:37] If we truly want peace, why wouldn't we seek the Prince of Peace? When God is in his proper position in our hearts, our families, and our communities, his love and compassion will transform our nation. As we close today's episode, let me leave you with this.
[00:07:59] Yes, there is a separation between church and state in law, but there should never be a separation between God and his people. Yes, the world is broken, but God is still sovereign. And yes, governments rise and fall, but the kingdom of God is eternal. If we truly want to see change, we must allow God to use us to be the change we want to see.
[00:08:28] So as you go through your week, I challenge you to pray for your leaders. Live out your faith with love and compassion. And trust God's sovereignty, knowing that his will always prevails. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend. And don't forget to trust in God's authority. Walk in his truth and never separate your life from his will.
[00:09:00] I thank you for spending time with me on today. And I look forward to our time together on tomorrow. Until then, God bless. The Bible Speaks is sponsored by C Squared Realty and New Gen Construction Group to help spread the gospel to the corners of the earth.
[00:09:25] If anything you've heard poured into your life, please share it with someone. You can find The Bible Speaks on Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, and many more. Follow us on YouTube at The Bible Speaks Online.
[00:09:46] You may contact Elgin at P.O. Box 5582, Ocala, Florida 34478 or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com