Submission to Authorities 

     Romans 8:13 updated:

     Everyone must submit himself to governing authorities (national, state and local), for there is no authority except that which God has established. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against ... God ... and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

     For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do what is right and God's servant will commend you. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for (the president, governor or mayor) does not (arrest suspects) for nothing. They (by their justice departments) are God's servants...to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 

     Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 

     So ... Let us behave decently, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Views: Did recent American authorities follow Paul's warning/advice? Did they release wrongdoers repeatedly? Did they arrest and otherwise harass political opponents, orderly abortion demonstrators, and threaten U.S. Supreme Court justices? And millions (two for sure) who wanted President Trump dead. 

Maybe God saw to it that Trump survived, not to Make America Great Again, but to demote Democrats who don't read Romans chapter 13, or anything else in God's Word. 

              Jimmy