INTRODUCTION
What does each of us think the much-used phrase, the Government of God, means? How would each of us describe the Government of God? What are its main biblical characteristics?

This message will show that what is so often called the Government of God is, by God's standards, the rule of the Gentiles. Furthermore, the personal view each of us has of how we really govern ourselves, behind any facades and masquerades, reflects our view and application of government in our lives, homes, work, etc. The big question remains: What is God's view of government among His people? Out of the abundance of one's heart one governs.

THE BEGINNING
There was a beginning when God created the present universe in preparation for Adam and Eve, for their human progeny, and for God's purpose for all humanity, as the following Scriptures express:

• Grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2Tim 1:9);
• Faith and knowledge rest on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time (Tit 1:2);
• [The Lamb of God] was chosen [by God the Father] before the creation of the universe (1Pet 1:17-20).

These Scriptures show that by the infinite wisdom and foreknowledge of the Almighty God He planned salvation for man before man existed, i.e., God knew what Lucifer would do and what Adam and Eve would do. Do we accept that God is Almighty (Job 37:23; 2Cor 6;18; Rev 4;8-5:1)? Do we accept that God's wisdom is infinite (Ps 147:5)? Do we accept that God knew the end from the beginning (Is 46:10; Acts 15:18)? Do we accept that God is never less than perfect (Mt 5:48)? Please refer to the paper The Immutability of God for more.

The first work of the Spirit of God was to create light in the darkness, as Genesis 1:3-5 reveals. This is analogous to the experience of conversion and being drawn out from the darkness of spiritual blindness of the present evil world (Gal 1:4):

In Jn 8:12 Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in Darkness, but have the Light of Life."

This statement governs everything-and if not, then it will.

Col 1:13 informs us that Jesus Christ has delivered us from the power of Darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.

Is that our personal experience? Do we in fact experience the Light of Life?

1Th 5:5 says: You are all sons of Light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of Darkness.

Every person claiming to be a Christian must come out of Darkness.

And in 1Pet 2:9: You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of Darkness into His marvelous Light.

The daily, monthly, seasonal changes in light and darkness reveal that change and growth is dependent on light, i.e., spiritual growth is in the Light and Life of Jesus Christ, who is the Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2) and the guiding Star out of Jacob (Num 24:17; 2Pet 1:19; Rev 2:28; 22:16; see also Is 59:20; 65:9; Jer 33:25-6).

We should also note that every aspect of the creation when finished by the hand of the Creator was called very good (Gn 1:31). Likewise is the creative work of the Holy Spirit upon the children of God, the promised guiding stars of the universe (Gn 15:5; 22:17-8; Gal 3:8-9,16,18; Ps 147:4-5; Is 14:13; Jer 33:22), which is foreordained into eternity (Eph 1:3-4; Rom 8:29-30).

"AT A BEGINNING"
Genesis 1:1 says: In beginning (what humanity needs to be aware of and respond to) Elohim created the heavens and the earth.

(LXX) Genesis 1:1:
evn avrch/| evpoi,hsen o` qeo.j to.n ouvrano.n kai. th.n gh/n
In [a] beginning created the God the heavens and the earth
taew> ~yIm;V'h tae ~yhil{a/ ar'B' tyviareB.

With much the same thought, John 1:1 says: In beginning (of whatever it was that God created with a specific time scale and purpose in mind, the Father foreknew that His Son would be the means of accomplishment) was the Logos, and the Logos was with the God, and the Logos was a God (i.e., within the Council of God. See the papers The Plan of God and Jesus Christ: the Son of God). Please notice how the NT Greek lays out the text:

Jn 1:1-2 VEn avrch/| h=n o` lo,goj( kai. o` lo,goj h=n pro.j to.n qeo,n( kai. qeo.j h=n o` lo,goj.
2 ou-toj h=n evn avrch/| pro.j to.n qeo,n

VEn avrch/| h=n o` lo,goj
[NIV] In the beginning was the Word
[Literal] In [a] beginning was the WORD
kai. o` lo,goj h=n pro.j to.n qeo,n
and the Word was with God
and the WORD was with the GOD
kai. qeo.j h=n o` lo,goj
and the Word was God
and [a] God was the WORD
ou-toj h=n evn avrch/| pro.j to.n qeo,n
He was with God in the beginning
[This One]/He was in [a] beginning with the GOD

There isn't complete agreement about the reasons for altering the word order in the third line. There is no good reason, other than ideological prejudice (viz., trinitarianism), for rearranging the word order:

kai. qeo.j h=n o` lo,goj
and [a] God was the WORD.

From a physics viewpoint it can be said that time began when matter came into existence. It might be argued that since matter and energy are interrelated-from the Einstein formula: Energy=Mass by the square of the speed of light (E=mc²), time is in effect when energy is. Our measurement of time is relative to the existence of things (from origins and birth), movement and action (human life, work and aging), growth, entropy, decay (death). But time goes on as we well know. It won't stop when each of us dies. Since matter is the product of the transformation of energy, then the question arises: what is the source of energy in the universe? To say that the universe is created ex nihilo, i.e., out of nothing, is an objective, logical and philosophical absurdity. 'Nothing' means 'not anything'. Logic suggests that just as matter is transformed energy, then energy is not transformed from nothing. Where and from what does energy originate? Is it the result of something transformed by God-His Spirit?
Romans 1:20 suggests that such a conclusion is consistent with current science. Awareness of the creation reveals God to those who want to perceive, as Romans 1:20 shows us:

Rom 1:20 Ever since the creation of the world (i.e., the universe, as in Heb 1:2, NIV; & see NJB) His eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made. So they are without excuse.

Observing, seeing, perceiving, hearing God's perspectives is profoundly revelatory.

Scripture reveals that creation is not ex nihilo (out of nothing; [Ps 33:6 created by the breath of His mouth; Heb 11:3 the visible created from the invisible-which is not nothing]). God sends out His Spirit and things are created. This is consistent with the first and second Laws of Thermodynamics (heat, work, mass, energy are interchangeable; entropy [death] is the end result). If it weren't for the fact that the God of Scripture gives of His sustaining power and love, then the death of everything and a meaningless universe would be certain:

Ps 104:30 tells us: You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.
Ps 148:4-5 adds: Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! (What are the waters above the heavens?) 5 Let them praise the Name of the LORD, for He commanded and they were created.

Similarly, the power of God, the Spirit of God, works on the human spirit creating godliness in the willing spirit (1Cor 2:10-16; Gal 5:22-23; Rom 8:14-17; Eph 2:19-22).

DEFINING GOVERNMENT AT THE BEGINNING [of human history]
God gave mankind the authority to effect godly rulership, the exercise of righteous will, the executive right to divinely-inspired use and administration of the creation. This is expressed in Genesis 1:26-29:

(NRSV) Gn 1:26-29 Then God said (Elohim, i.e., the Council of God was involved; Elohim may refer to God in the singular, or to some of the assembly, or to all the assembly of the heavenly council: see Ps 29:1; 82:1; 89:6-7; Job 38:4-7), "Let Us make humankind in our image, according to Our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea (man is given authority to use godly controls over the waters of the earth and their contents), and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth"

Mankind is given responsibility for wise dominion over all life on earth. This implies a huge and ongoing study of the pure and natural sciences (See 1Ki 4:33; Ps 8:6-8; 19:1-6; Job 38:16,19).

27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God He created them (How interesting that there is a switch from the plural Us and Our to the singular); male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion (rule as in Ps 110:2 in reference to the Messiah sitting on the right hand of His Father; cf. Heb 1:13; Rev 3:21) over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth." 29 God said, "See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food."

And since not all plants are fit for human food (some are deadly; others poisonous and indigestible), we might infer that plants are for scientific study so that other uses can be found: e.g., medicinal; chemical properties for many uses: dyes, paints; and other likewise thoroughly- researched industrial, technological, chemical applications causing no harm.

It is evident that man is failing hopelessly in godly use of all that the environment offers. If man cannot rule successfully in little things, how can man hope to rule over that which is to be eternal? Does man have blessing from God to exercise ungodly rulership? God gives man the freedom to choose-even wrongly-but man does not have blessing in choosing wrongly. Does man have moral approval from God to exercise unrighteous will? Does man have divine right to mismanage and misuse the creation? How does God expect man to rule over his environment? (See the three-part series on Earth and Environment). Let's consider these questions in more perspective. In so doing I'd like to review what we might call the government of Satan.

SATAN'S GOVERNMENT
An influential exponent of satanic ideology was Friedrich Nietzsche, who in his Beyond Good and Evil, says, "Life itself is will to power" (13). This is amply expressed in the symbolic anti-types in Isaiah 14:12-13 (Babylon-the politico-military-religious system) and Ezekiel 28:14-16 (Tyre-the financial-commercial-industrial system):

Is 14:12-13 How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low (as they are increasingly)! 13 You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the Mount of Assembly in the far north [in the extremes of Zaphon].'

Ps 48:2 says that Mt Zion is in the extremes of Zaphon, which is anciently identified as the place where the assembly of the Elohim is. See NRSV and NIV translations for these verses.

Lucifer persists in lust for the throne given to the Son of God and for the position the children of God, Christ's disciples and brethren, are offered (Rev 1:6; 2:26; 5:10; 21:7). As with the nations of the world, so Satan lays the churches of God low (Mal 2:1-9; Dan 12:7; 2Thess 2:3).

Ezk 28:14-16 (RSV) speaks of Lucifer being placed "with an anointed guardian cherub I placed you; you were on the holy Mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. 15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. 16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence (Toffler's Powershift speaks of knowledge, wealth, violence as the prime driving forces of the current world), and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the Mountain of God, and the guardian cherub drove you out from the midst of the stones of fire."

Who might that guardian cherub be? Is there analogy with Cain's attempt to have what was given to Abel because he was righteous? Is there analogy with Ishmael who desired what was given to Isaac in his faithfulness? And is there a comparison with Esau's attempts to take what was given to Jacob, the spiritual rather than physical firstborn?

Jesus Christ in the wilderness during His 40-day fast experienced the direct approach of Satan:

Lk 4:6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish."
Mt 4:9-11 also records this incident: And Satan said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" 11 Then the Devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Other Scriptures that speak of Satan's control over the earth are:

Jn 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; the ruler of this world will be cast out.
Jn 14:30-1 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and do exactly as the Father gave Me commandment.
Eph 2:2 … you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience …

Air, fire, water, earth are regarded as the four elements in the realm of the occult with air symbolic of life and thought. The apostle Paul was well aware of the witchcraft, gnostic and mystical ideas of his age-little different to today's systems of kabbalah, mysticism and mediumship. The "prince of the power of the air" is the Devil, whose all-pervasive influences govern the life, culture and ideologies of the world. Mysticism seeks to provide the means-in this present life-to visit Mt Zion, the New Jerusalem, to have communion with the Godhead, the ecstasy of union with God (e.g., LaCugna, God for Us, pp 350-353; Henri Corbin, Mundus Imaginalis [trans. Leonard Fox]; Modern Religious Thought, ed. Jaroslav Pelikan; pp 475-546). Mystical seeking of a divine ecstasy precludes the Will of the God of Scripture and is Satan's deceptive way of creating esoteric religious schools within Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Catholicism and Christianity, and other schools such as founded by Swedenborg, Blavatsky, Rosicrucianism, O.T.O., Timothy Leary, & c. They are varied and endless-as one would expect of Babylon, the mother of harlot gods-the demons.

Eph 6:12 is a powerful statement about the invisible hierarchies that govern this world: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities (archas, from arche as in Jn 1:1 and Gn 1:1 [LXX]), against powers (ezousias), against the rulers (kosmokratoras) of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts (pneumatika) of wickedness in the heavenly places (i.e., the invisible demonic seats of power that govern the world in every way contrary to Scripture: e.g., philosophical, religious, cultural, political ideas, theories of economics and world commerce based on self-interest, deceit, envy, lust, arrogance of power).
1Jn 5:19 says to Christians: We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the Wicked One (to ponero, from whom pornography is derived).

To the very end Satan refuses to desist from his hate-filled rampaging, as Rev 9:11 shows:

And they (the demonic host) had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit (i.e., Satan), whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon (Destruction), but in Greek he has the name Apollyon (Destroyer).

Satan will, even beyond the Millennium, completely unrepentant, defiant of God and all of God's purposes, lead rebellion against the saints (Rev 20:7-10). His reprobate intransigence is seen in:

Rev 12:9 So the great Dragon was cast out (in his attempt to assault the throne of God), that Serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

There may be a growing belief that Satan will be redeemed and that only the concept of evil will be cast into the Lake of Fire. This is a disguised form of an ancient doctrine, the sanctification of transgression, which seeks to justify eternal existence to the unrepentant on the basis of an imagined god's unconditional forgiveness, undiscerning mercy and blind love.

Paul's second epistle to Corinth tells us:

2Cor 4:1-10 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's [pure] conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ.

Paul understood the symbolic implications in the creation.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

These thoughts from Paul show the Christian struggle of seeking self-control, godly discipline over mind and flesh, crucifying of the flesh, self-government by the Word of God.

SELF-GOVERNMENT
is evident in the ever-present concept of overcoming-the process of transformation in heart and mind (Rom 12:2). The apostle Paul describes it as a constant struggle (Rom 7:14-24), because the Spirit is willing and the flesh is weak, the flesh lusting against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh (Mt 26:41; Gal 5:17). God's concept of choice maximizes personal responsibility in choosing the finest godly principles, the exercise of discernment, perception, wisdom, endurance, patience, faithfulness. Righteous exercise of will is demanded by God. Many seem to easily diminish godly principle in favor of man's replacement of God's Word with his own dictates and systems. God tests us so that each of us finds out whether we love the Word of God above the pseudo-righteousness of men and their organizations set up in the Name of God (Please see the paper In the Name of God).

Other biblical statements to this effect are:

Mt 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Mt 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Mt 7:12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Luke rephrases this profound principle:

Lk 6:31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Lk 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Rom 12:2,9,21 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
2Cor 10:5 [Cast] down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ …
Gal 5:24 Those who are Christ's crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.
Jas 2:8 If you really fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself," you do well.
1Jn 5:4 For whoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-the Faith.

These and all other principles of God must be adhered to in godly love and truth if we are to govern righteously. They measure our faith (Mt 4:4; Ezk 43:10-12; Rev 11:1-2; Mt 7:21).

"OLD TESTAMENT" GOVERNMENT
is a huge subject. The elderly Moses (Dt 1:3; 31:1-2) was given the following by the pre-incarnate Son of God (see 1Cor 10:2-4; Act 7:30-39):

Dt 31:14-19 The LORD said to Moses, "Now the day of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, where I will commission him." So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. 15 Then the LORD appeared at the Tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the Tent. 16 And the LORD said to Moses: "You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake Me and break the covenant I made with them. 17 On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide My Face from them, and they will be destroyed (Re: Face-see Gn 32:29-31; 16:13; Jn 5:37; 6:46; 14:19). Many disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us?' 18 And I will certainly hide My Face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods." 19 Now write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites and have them sing it, so that it may be a witness for me against them. 27 For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the LORD while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die!

I see no significant change today from what we've read just above. At the beginning of this last work, written by Moses in the last month of his life, we note:

Dt 7:1-11 When the LORD your God brings you into the land which you go to possess, and has cast out many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than you (comparable to the seven deadly sins; Prov 6:16-19; 26:25-26), 2 and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you, you shall conquer them and utterly destroy them (Christians must totally conquer all sins; Mt 5:27-30; 18:6-9; Gal 5:24). You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them. 3 Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. 4 For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly. 5 But thus you shall deal with them: you shall destroy their altars, and break down their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images, and burn their carved images with fire. 6 For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. 7 The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples;

Paul's description of how most of us are is so similar: not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble, the foolish, weak, the base and despised, those who are as nothing-who by the power of God are to bring to shame and confusion those who are mighty in this world of the Devil (1Cor 1:26-31).

8 but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. 10 and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face. 11 Therefore you shall keep the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments which I command you today, to observe them.
1Jn 5:2-4 defines this for us: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (for they are spiritual principles that must totally dominate and govern the hearts, minds, words, deeds of all those who serve God and His Christ). 4 For whoever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-the Faith [of Jesus Christ; Rev 14:12)..

Let us continue in Deuteronomy, which gives us some first principles as we strive towards entry into the Kingdom of God which shall govern all the earth. Moses prophesies that Israel, on entering Canaan, will want government like that of the Canaanites:

Dt 17:14-20 When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, 'I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,' 15 you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses (God is not approving; He is making a recommendation in view of their bad choice, like a mother would to her rebellious fornicating daughter: "Protect yourself from venereal diseases!"); one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother ('someone who knows your cultural background should be your king'). 16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses (establish a military regime), for the LORD has said to you, 'You shall not return that way again.' 17 Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. 18 Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this Law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel (God recommends that the king be versed in and reminded daily of biblical culture).

As prophesied, Gentile government reared its beastly head in Samuel's last days (ca. 1050 BC).

(NIV) 1Sam 8:1-22 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges for Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. 4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah (This was obviously done in consultation and involved a process of coming to a national consensus). 5 They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have." 6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you (God lets us have what we want); it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their King (God wants us to allow Him to rule by His Word over our hearts, minds, words, deeds). 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods (elohim), so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." 10 Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses (a king must immediately set up administration to protect his position; churches do this with their hierarchies), and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers (All kinds of administrative positions are needed and many of the best people are chosen to run a system that rejects the true God). 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants (People's money has to flow into the coffers of the administration to maintain what the people have asked for). 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations ("We're in the world, so we must use the ways of this world!"), with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king." Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Everyone go back to his town." (Samuel's pain is typical of God's servants.)

The account develops further:

1Sam 10:17-19 Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the LORD at Mizpah (north of Jerusalem) 18 and said to them, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.' 19 But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us.' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans." (and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen, then the clan of Matri, then Saul).

The people's choice was supported by God, but God disapproved, and told them they would come to disaster. The occasional success, as with David, does not abrogate God's will.

Then we read in 1Sam 12:11-15,25 part of Samuel's farewell speech to Israel before he died which included: Then the LORD sent Jerub-Baal, Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely (in relying on God-but that seems such a disorganized way of living-literally trusting in God always!). 12 But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, 'No, we want a king to rule over us'-even though the LORD your God was your King. 13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you (according to their choice, not according to God's will). 14 If you fear the LORD and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God-good! 15 But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, His hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away (but we must believe that idolatrous kings are preserved indefinitely because God made an inconsistent and unconditional promise in a particular dynastic and racial kingship! After all, the greatest of the children of God are racially pure-for God is a respecter of persons-as the examples of Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba illustrate!).

Notice Christ's response to the apostles about superiority:

Lk 22:24-27 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors' (Every dictator claims to love the people and to rule for their benefit). But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

"NEW TESTAMENT" CHURCH GOVERNMENT
Let's ask ourselves where and when we have seen this done:

Mt 18:15-20 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.

Why are people afraid to even take this first step? Because of expected negative reactions? Because it takes too much effort to exercise the principles of godly wisdom and conflict resolution? Because those involved might learn how to govern themselves according to the Word of God? Is it better to set up a system where independent judges can be used to preserve the system? People prefer humanly-devised systems to God's principles which require courage.

If [your brother] hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more (That's more effort which further tests one's own level of Christianity), that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established' (Dt 17:6; 19:15). 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.

Some take this to mean that the church is the ministry. Does it not mean that the entire congregation is addressed, as exemplified in several examples where individuals and their sins were exposed to the whole church (1Cor 5:1 to 6:2; Gal 2:14; 3Jn 9-12)?

But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 18 Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth (according to godly principles) will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Some think this means that personal opinions are enshrined by God because the leaders are enshrined. Does the system override principle?) 19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask (i.e., according to the Will of God), it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven. 20 For where two or three (saints who really strive to live by every Word of God) are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them (So Jesus says to those who know Him).

Where and when have we seen the principles shown here applied in the Church?

Acts 6:1-7 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying (which we see less and less, other than in organizations not of God), there arose a complaint against the Hebrews (those who spoke Hebrew) by the Hellenists (those whose first language was Greek), because their widows (since widows were doing most of the work of organizing meals and determining who would eat where in those early days in Jerusalem) were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples (because the complaints and disharmony were public knowledge) and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren (i.e., the entire church of more than five thousand; Acts 4:4), seek out from among you seven men of good reputation (That's not many deacons for over 5000 people. Notice the decisions the apostles made: The problem must be addressed. Men should do these jobs of such large scale. Seven men should be chosen. The entire church should select the men they believe are most qualified. The church does not mean only the ministry), [These seven men must be] full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch (i.e., a non-Jew; and all seven have Greek names), 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the Faith.

The fruits of these principles, not followed by organized churches today that I'm aware of, brought God-given growth.

Paul's first letter to the church of God in Corinth lists some categories of gifts that God gives. However, experience generally reveals that people are told by singular individuals who can do what. Churches like to copy the ways of the world (Rev 18:4) rather than see where and in whom are particular fruits of the Spirit.

1Cor 12:18,28 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the Body just as He pleased (not as only a certain few decide). 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles (see Rev 2:2; 2Cor 11;13-15), second prophets (cp. 2Pet 2:1-3), third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

Do we have a problem in recognizing who can do miracles by the power of God? Would we have difficulty in recognizing those who have the gift of tongues? How strange that we've had difficulty in recognizing false prophets and false apostles. And we've had difficulty in recognizing who teaches the Truth. The epistle to Ephesus tells us the basis of true teaching.

Eph 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the Household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (as defined by Scripture), Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Cornerstone (i.e., the true Son of God, not some imaginary hypostasis or variant thereof), 21 in whom the whole Building (the Temple of God), being joined together (as living stones), grows into a holy Temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

God's Spirit, the Spirit of truth, of love, of power and sound mindedness is what must be seen as inspiring the governing of the Church. Notice how effusively Paul expresses this:

Eph 3:14-9 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family (patria, i.e., fatherhood, house, nation) in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height; 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Again, the various categories of gifts, not hierarchy, are given. For in all of this everyone defers to another's gift of the Spirit (cf. Eph 5:21 'serve one another').

Eph 4:11-6 He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (All gifts of the Spirit, given as God determines, need to be recognized and allowed expression) 13 till we all come to the unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the Head; Christ; 16 from whom the whole Body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the Body for the edifying of itself in love.

It should be very apparent that where people do not live by every word of God, will not be corrected by the word of God, refuse to re-consider the word of God, and instead rule by additions and deletions from the Scriptures and administer by human ideology and traditions, how is it possible for these benefactors (Lk 22:25) to claim they rule according to the government of God?

The English word government occurs a few times in the NT. The word comes from the Greek noun kubernetes and is translated as master (Acts 27:11), shipmaster (Rev 18:17); it can mean helmsman, statesman (figuratively), or leader. Linguistically, k and g are transposable, as are b and v. For example, William comes from the Dutch Willem (pronounced Villem) but easily becomes Bill. Kubernet(es) becomes govern[ed].

In Paul's epistle to the church of God in Corinth is the only other NT use of this word. The NRSV has (italicized here):

1Cor 12:28 God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.

The LXX (Septuagint) uses this word in fascinating ways, e.g.:

Prov 1:5 For by the hearing these a wise man will be wiser, and man of understanding will gain direction - kube,rnhsin
LXX Prov 12:5 logismoi. dikai,wn kri,mata kubernw/sin de. avsebei/j do,louj
LXX Prov 12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are true judgments; but ungodly men devise deceits.

In the OT we recall that famous use of government in Isaiah 9. The LXX uses arche:

Is 9:5-6 o[ti paidi,on evgennh,qh h`mi/n ui`o.j kai. evdo,qh h`mi/n ou- h` avrch. evgenh,qh evpi. tou/ w;mou auvtou/ kai. kalei/tai to. o;noma auvtou/ mega,lhj boulh/j a;ggeloj evgw. ga.r a;xw eivrh,nhn evpi. tou.j a;rcontaj eivrh,nhn kai. u`gi,eian auvtw/| mega,lh h` avrch. auvtou/ kai. th/j eivrh,nhj auvtou/ ouvk e;stin o[rion evpi. to.n qro,non Dauid kai. th.n basilei,an auvtou/ katorqw/sai auvth.n kai. avntilabe,sqai auvth/j evn dikaiosu,nh| kai. evn kri,mati avpo. tou/ nu/n kai. eivj to.n aivw/na cro,non o` zh/loj kuri,ou sabawq poih,sei tau/ta


(LXX translated) Is 9:6-7 For a Child is born to us, and a Son is given to us, whose government is upon his shoulder: and his name is called the Messenger of great counsel (cf. Mal 3:1b): for I will bring peace upon the princes, and health to him. 7 His government shall be great (i.e., Jesus Christ, the messenger of the Father, will establish the kingdom) and of His peace there is no end: it shall be upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish it, and to support it with judgement and with righteousness, from henceforth and forever. The seal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.

The question each of us must ask: Does God, through His Son, King of kings and LORD of lords, rule over us by His Word? Are we being prepared by the power of God for life in the Kingdom which will reign over the earth?

JESUS CHRIST: SERVANT OF GOD
The prophets and apostles of God were sent as His servants-and consistently suffered at the hands of the Establishment (see Mt 21:33-45; Mk 12:1-12; Lk 20:9-19; this parable, given three times, is based on the biblical concept of servanthood exemplified in Is 5:1-7, Jer 7:21-29, and in many other verses in the OT and NT. The record is such that if any of us had opportunity to ask OT or NT establishments: "If God were to send the Messiah or a prophet, would you persecute and kill him?" We know the reply would be a strong denial. Would not all Christian churches today, over 30,000 varieties of them, likewise give a strong and righteous denial. Who would be telling the truth?

Isaiah, a great servant of God (Is 27:3), has much to say that I find priceless.

The Hebrew word, 'ebed, equivalent to the NT Greek, doulos, servant, slave, is used in the following verses.

Is 41:8-10 But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham My friend, 9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are My servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

God is speaking to the Israel of God, the chosen, friends of God (Gal 3:6-9; 6:16; Rev 14:1-4).

Is 42:1,6 speaks of Jesus Christ. The figure of Christ, by the poetical device called synecdoche, may also be used to represent all those who are His: "Here is My Servant (the Father is being quoted), whom I uphold, My chosen One in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him and He will bring justice to the nations. 6 I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness; I will take hold of Your hand. I will keep You and will make You to be a covenant for the people and a Light for the Gentiles."

Is 44:1-5 also uses the poetic device as above. Jacob, the man, represents all of spiritual Israel, the tree that includes the grafted branches from all nations and peoples (Rom 10:1-2,12,16-19; 11:13,17-21). But now listen, O Jacob, My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. 2 This is what the LORD says-He who made you, who formed you in the womb (see Rom 8:28-30; Eph 1:3-14), and Who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants (Joel 2:23-24,28-32). 4 They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. 5 One will say, 'I belong to the LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, 'The Lord's,' and will take the name Israel (a millennial picture).

Is 44:21-26 "Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are My servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. 22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist (upon repentance and forgiveness). Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." 23 Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel (the Israel of Rev 7:1-8 and 14:1-4). 24 This is what the LORD says-your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: "I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, 25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, 26 who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers (hence God's prophets and messengers do not err prophetically), who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the towns of Judah, 'They shall be built,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore them.'"

Now the prophet gives us the pre-incarnate Jesus' stunning words about Himself:

Is 49:1-7 Listen to Me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called Me; from my birth he has made mention of My Name (Rev 12:1-5; 1Pet 1:17-21). 2 He made My mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of His hand He hid Me; He made Me into a polished arrow and concealed Me in his quiver. 3 He said to me, "You are My Servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendour." 4 But I said, "I have laboured to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing (cp. Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34; Ps 22:1,24) Yet what is due Me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." 5 And now the LORD says-He who formed Me in the womb to be His Servant to bring Jacob back to Him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honoured in the eyes of the LORD and My God has been My strength (Heb 1:5-9; Ps 2:1-2,10-12; 8:4-8)-6 He says: "It is too small a thing for You to be My Servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make You a Light for the Gentiles, that You may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." 7 This is what the LORD says-the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel-to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers:

How extraordinary that Jesus Christ, the Son and Servant of His God and Father (see Jn 16:28; 17:11; 20:17; Rom 8:29; 15:6; 1Cor 1:3,9; 3:23; 11:3; 15:24,28; 2Cor 1:3; 11:31; Eph 1:3,17; Col 1:3; Heb 1:8-13; 1Pet 1:3; Rev 1:1,6; 3:2,12,14,21) should also be called the servant of rulers-the One who is LORD of lords and King of kings.

"Kings will see you and rise up, princes will see and bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, Who has chosen You."

The consistency of the relationship between the son and the Father is further expressed in:

Is 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of His Servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no Light, trust in the Name of the LORD (i.e., Jesus Christ, who carries the names of His Father [Ex 23:20-21]) and rely upon His God (and Father).

Like the Son of God, the children of God are given the names of the Father (Ex 23:21; Rev 3:12; 14:1). And again, can we fail to note the amazing consistency of biblical doctrine that goes on to add to His story and describes some of the Son's pre-crucifixion tortures?

Is 52:1,13-15 Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength. Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city (see Heb 12:22-23). The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. 13 See, My Servant will act wisely; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at Him-His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness-15 so will He sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

The description continues:

Is 53:10-12 Yet it was the Lord's (the Father's) will to crush Him (cf. Gen 3:15-the Protoeevangelium) and cause Him to suffer, and though the LORD makes His life a guilt offering, He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in His hand. 11 After the suffering of His soul, He will see the Light of Life (fulfilled in what was required) and be satisfied; by His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I (i.e., God the Father) will give Him a portion among the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

How can people come to serve the immortal God through the mediation of His Son if they do not know the true relationship that governs the activities the Son does for the Father (Prov 30:4; Ps 1:10-12; Heb 2:5-18)? Unless one understands the Divine relationships, agrees with the Will of the Father, hears the Voice of His Son (Jn 10:3,16,27; Ex 23:21-25), one can hardly expect to share in the promises of God that are described ahead.

WORLD GOVERNMENT
is introduced to Israel at Mt Sinai.

Ex 19:3-8 Moses went up to God; the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: 4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.

But is that their perception of how they were brought to Sinai? Far from it!

5 Now therefore, if you obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is Mine, 6 but you shall be for Me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation (the example for the whole earth).

But they never were-all of them-a priestly kingdom.

These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites." 7 So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8 The people all answered as one: "Everything that the LORD has spoken we will do." Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.

They were lying! The NT priestly kingdom cannot do likewise.

The Israel of God has Jesus Christ as its King. It must rule itself by the Word of God, which means hungering and always thirsting after the righteousness which is of God. If the saints cannot govern themselves, how can they possibly govern a future world according to every Word of God?

1Pet 2:3-5,9 says to us: [If] indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 [then] come to Him, a living Stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and 5 like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual House, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood (cf. Ex 19;6), a holy nation (the Israel of God [Gal 6:16; Rev 14:1-4; 7:1-8], and not a physical nation living in idolatry with an idolatrous royalty alienated from God-but, we are supposed to believe on the basis of distortion of Scripture and history-unconditionally blessed), [you are] God's own people (Rom 2:28-29; Phil 3:3; Gal 6:15-16), in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called you out of Darkness into His marvelous Light.

The last book of the Bible has much to say about government, the world and the saints.

In Rev 1:4-6 John wrote to the seven churches in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth (How does Jesus rule?). To Him who loves us and freed us from our sins by His blood, 6 and made us to be a kingdom (ruled by Christ the King), priests serving His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Rev 2:26 tells us that the saints must overcome (on the basis of accumulated Scriptures) sin, Satan, and the world: To everyone who conquers and continues to do My works to the end, I will give authority over the nations.

In Rev 3:21-22, addressed to all the seven churches of chs. 2-3: To the one who conquers I will give a place with Me on My throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Jesus Christ has shown us that He was and is governed by the Will of His God and Father.

22 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Rev 5:9-10 records part of the response of the angelic host about the throne of God to the Son's appointment to unfold the prophetic scroll with the seven seals: They sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; 10 you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."

And finally, in the context of the New Jerusalem, and universal government, we read:

Rev 21:7 Those who overcome will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be My children.
Rev 22:3-4 Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His servants will worship Him; 4 they will see His face, and His Name will be on their foreheads (because all motives, all thoughts, all words, and therefore all deeds, are done in the Light of the One who is King and Priest to the saints and who has prepared all of them as eternal servants to His God and Father).

CONCLUSION
When we look at Abel, Enoch, Noah, we see no structured form or human system of government (Heb 11:7). These people were faithful and walked with God. In considering Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, what kind of government did they use (Heb 11:8-16)? Did they live by every word of God? It's obvious that these patriarchs, fathers to the faithful, did, if we take to heart what Gal 3:6-9 and Heb 11:17-20 say. And what was the government Moses advocated? What was the government Israel was under in the time of the judges? Was the kingship period of Israel illustrative of how God rules? And how did the prophets and apostles rule? Government, outside of those who lived by the Faith, is an unrelenting, unlearned lesson of history in which the OT, NT, and the history of mankind expose the principles of worldly government: lust, misuse of power, alienation from God and His truth.

If we have experienced the government of God, then it has been with the rule of God in our hearts, minds, words and deeds. God's principles always determine how we live-if not, then participation in the Kingdom of God will prove a present illusion and a terrible future threat of exclusion (Mt 7:21-23).

Our personal view of government must be in full agreement with how God rules. And how we rule ourselves and others is too often attributed to the way our personal God rules. God cannot make anyone a member of the Kingdom of Priests of the Order of Melchizedek unless the heart, mind, words and deeds are in full agreement with all that Jesus Christ reveals.

Far more can be said. Enough has been shown to reveal that the organizational and corporate structures with which we are familiar are unable to govern by the truth of the Word of God because they institutionalize idolatry (1Sam 15:22-23; Mic 6:6-8).

May the grace of God be with all the saints who love the Almighty God with all their heart, all their mind, all their being.