Message summary: For the follower of Christ far more important than being on the right side of history is being on the right side of eternity. May we, like Peter and the apostles, with great conviction declare, “We must obey God rather than men". God will give us the sufficient grace to deal with any consequence of making such an important decision.

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“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’” (Acts 5:29).

Last week at our local National Day of Prayer breakfast here in Mount Joy we heard a seasoned reporter, Beth Brelje, share about the increasing persecution of faithful Christ-followers here in the US. Specifically she dealt with the bald-faced double standard regarding punishing expressions of civil disobedience practiced by those on the right and those on the left. Our country is now flooded with antisemitic, pro-Hamas protests, many disruptive and destructive, but with none or hardly any consequences to the offenders.

She shared about the outrageous prison time being given to pro-life protesters for merely standing, praying or singing hymns in front of abortion mills. The present administration has been brutal to these kinds of protests, essentially amounting to persecution from our own government. After all, abortion is among the gods of this age and our present administration bows to that god.

Civil disobedience by the God-fearing was evident in the Bible and has been practiced in some countries for centuries, but in North America it is more recent and clearly increasing as our religious freedoms are under assault. The winds of change are here, but sadly, they’re blowing in the wrong direction.

“Being on the right side of history" is a phrase you often hear when a Biblical standard is being torn down. But God’s Word determines the right side from the wrong side of history, not opinion polls or the prevailing philosophies of “so-called experts”. The right side of history prevailed before Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden. Thank God for Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross that made provision for the wrong side of history ever since.

Scripture teaches us that we are to submit to and obey our governing rulers (Romans 13). This is essential for order in society. However this is not intended to be a mindless or unconditional submission. When civil law conflicts with God’s law we must make a choice. This can be called obedient disobedience. Now is the time to firmly establish our convictions since making the right decision may be required very quickly and at a great cost.

Peter and the other disciples demonstrated “obedient disobedience” in our daily text. They were being instructed to violate a command of God and their resolved decision was, “We must obey God rather than men!” Now, even here in America, pastors and dedicated lay people are increasingly undergoing persecution for faithfully proclaiming God’s Word and practicing their faith that stands contrary to the gods of secularism.

Today we urge you to first and foremost remain faithful to Christ and the Holy Scriptures. Submit to human authority, as this pleases God. But submit first and foremost to Your highest authority, and when there is a clash, always place divine authority over human authority.

May we, like Peter and the apostles, with great conviction declare, “We must obey God rather than men". God will give us the sufficient grace to deal with any consequence of making such an important decision. For the follower of Christ far more important than being on the right side of history is being on the right side of eternity.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You have placed authority figures in our lives from birth to our final days on earth. Some bless us greatly while others challenge us fiercely. In areas where You have given us the privilege of being an authority figure may we be responsible role models, for we know it is not just the talk that people hear, but the walk that people see.  As we are called to submit to our family, spiritual leaders, employer, and governmental leaders may we do so with cheerfulness so that we are a blessing rather than a grievous burden. But when those to whom we submit conflict with Your supreme authority we pray for conviction and courage to stand for righteousness in obedience to Your commands, for we must obey God rather than men.  We pray for the fortitude to lovingly carry this out in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

"Morning By Morning"  Watch on YouTube  This was the closing song in our service at Calvary Church this last Lord's Day and a great expression of consecration.