August 7, 2018

  Summer has taken wing and is flying into fall. Our county fair is next week which is a sure sign of a waning summer. Every year, we have a booth at the fair and give away free popcorn, bible tracts, and share the gospel with as many as are open to talk with us. This year we are having the Vietnam memorial Corvette as center stage at our booth. Brother Stan Roach travels the country with his specially dedicated car in memory of Vietnam Vets and September 11th. Stan was a United States Marine who wanted to be a hit man for the mafia until the Lord got a hold of his heart. He will be speaking at our church and working the booth with us at the county fair.                                                                         

   We are having a special Public Service appreciation Sunday the last day of the fair to honor our veterans, active duty service men and women, police, sheriff, fire, first responders and civil servants. Freedom and safety come at human cost. Our service men and women put their lives on the line every day they serve our county. Our police and sheriffs’ departments are facing an increasing hostile and dangerous work environment. Every year people literally give up their lives in the line of duty protecting us from evil doers. It is understood that in any profession there are wrong doers who violate moral and ethical codes and who cause great harm to people. The military and law enforcement are not exempt from having some bad actors.   Nevertheless, I believe the majority of those who serve and protect us are professionals who are dedicated to protect and to serve.                                                                  

   Government was first instituted by God after the flood of Noah.

Genesis 9:5-7 5 “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein.”

Man is created in the image of God. Only God has the power over life and death. Because there are those who would violate the image of God (murder), God demanded a posse to round up the evil doers and hold them accountable. If we claim to be Christians, the Apostle Paul holds us accountable by the Word of God to honor and respect those whom God has placed over us.

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 dordained 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.”                                                                                                        

  When you see the next man or woman in uniform, why not go up to them and say “thank you”. It might be just the encouragement they need to see them through another day serving us.  May God help us not to take them for granted.

Praying for Peace,

Pastor John Schofield.