By Gretchen Garrity
The upcoming Show-Me Patriot Academy Coach Conference, co-hosted by TPUSA-Faith and Patriot Academy, will feature a midday Pastors' Panel. The panel will field questions from attendees.
Rev. Bill Cook, who founded the Black Robe Regiment, and Pastor Reggie Micham are two of the panel members.
I asked both the following question: "What can pastors do today to help Christians become more engaged in civic life?"
Rev. Cook responded, "Lead by example. Be engaged in civic life themselves. Start thinking of their flocks, as encompassing not only those who attend their services, but as the entire community in which their flocks live and move and have their being. As salt and light, churches are “curators” of their temporal domiciles (communities), stewards of the blessings of Liberty. If local government becomes rotten, the local Church, likely, is failing to its curative (salt and light) mission."
Using the 1828 Webster's Dictionary, Rev. Cook shared the definition of "curator:"
1. One who has the care and superintendence of anything.
2. A guardian appointed by law.
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Pastor Reggie Micham, in ministry for 45 years and who shepherds Fellowship Lighthouse Church in Bruner, is active working with citizens to clear the local library of inappropriate materials accessible by children. His church is very active in the missions field and has been seeing significant growth both locally and abroad. Additionally, the church purchased the property next door, with plans to build outdoor space for the congregation to gather and for children to play.
Pastor Micham said, "In First Timothy, we read where Timothy, who was the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, encouraged his congregation to pray for the civil leaders of their times, and this would hold true for the days we are living in. Along with our prayers, there must be corresponding actions. James 2:26 tells us that faith without works, being alone, is dead. And Proverbs 29:2 tells us when the godly are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked are in power they groan. To do, or say nothing in the face of evil becomes evil itself. Pastors have the responsibility to encourage their congregation to stand up for America, do our part to put God-fearing people in office."
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On his Facebook page, Rev. Cook recently said, ""Disobedience to Tyranny IS obedience to God." Asked to elaborate he said, "Websters 1828 Dictionary of the American English Language defines tyranny as, “Arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; the exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government.” The first tyrant in human history was the serpent who employed deceit to arrogate to himself, Adam’s seat, and authority, thus acquiring the title, “prince of the power of the air.” (Ephesians 2:2). All tyranny is based in and empowered by deceit; a truth born out throughout history since the fall of man. Obedience to Tyranny, therefore, and obedience to God, are mutually exclusive. While one may act out of ignorance, one cannot be obedient to God while obeying tyranny."
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"Rebellion
to tyrants is obedience to God" _____________________________
A variation on the aphorism, “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God,” proposed as a motto for the Seal of the United States, is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. It wasn’t used for its intended purpose but was appropriated by Thomas Jefferson for use on his personal seal.
"A few articles by my friend William J. Federer make reference to the phrase and may be helpful:
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For information about the conference and to register, go here.
If you would like to sponsor the event, which is free for attendees, go here.
