Regarding Christians Who Break The Law

[Blien]

I have a question regarding Christians throughout the world who create churches even though they are not given permission by the government like in China. Or people like the missionaries in Haiti who tried to abduct children into America without any legal papers.

Just what to do you think about these people? When I think about them.. I wonder why on Earth they break the laws in order to spread the Gospel. I mean, did God tell them to do that? Are they right in doing this? I have no idea.. but I keep thinking about this verse in the Bible.

Romans 13:1-2

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

read more here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?searc...mp;version=NASB

Now I do understand that their intentions are good and that the spreading of the Gospel is important... but which is more important? Following the verse provided above? Or to disobey the government and then get angry that they are being persecuted (as if it was not supposed to happen)?

I just want to understand what you guys think about it...

[nebula]

As far as the missionaries in Haiti - the ones who knew they were taking the children out without the proper paper work - I have no idea what they were thinking. I appreciate the idea of helping, if that's what they believed they were doing, but that was plain and simple foolishness (unwise).

As for churches established against the government, anytime two or more gather in Jesus' name you have a church, really. And if you think about it, the Apostles broke the law from the beginning by teaching about Jesus after they were told not to by their governing authority, the Sanhedrin.

[Blien]

As for churches established against the government, anytime two or more gather in Jesus' name you have a church, really. And if you think about it, the Apostles broke the law from the beginning by teaching about Jesus after they were told not to by their governing authority, the Sanhedrin.

But that's different from establishing a public space on the land which the governing authorities have responsibility over don't you think? Freedom of speech is one thing, but building without permits?

[nebula]

I don't know how building works in other countries, but do they need permits to build? And if they do, how can they build without a permit?

And in countries that outlaw churches, don't most of the believers meet in their homes or in secret places?

[Matthitjah]

Grace to you,

God's Law supercedes mans law where it concerns matters of the Kingdom. Therefore, if the magistrates of this world defy God's Law we are to ignore their Law. They are given authority and the sword to keep the Peace and establish normal societal order. Otherwise men would be violent beyond measure. As it is we are headed that way because the worlds magistrates have neglected their order of authority.

Peace,

Dave

[2Joyful]

I have a question regarding Christians throughout the world who create churches even though they are not given permission by the government like in China. Or people like the missionaries in Haiti who tried to abduct children into America without any legal papers.

Just what to do you think about these people? When I think about them.. I wonder why on Earth they break the laws in order to spread the Gospel. I mean, did God tell them to do that? Are they right in doing this? I have no idea.. but I keep thinking about this verse in the Bible.

Romans 13:1-2

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

read more here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?searc...mp;version=NASB

Now I do understand that their intentions are good and that the spreading of the Gospel is important... but which is more important? Following the verse provided above? Or to disobey the government and then get angry that they are being persecuted (as if it was not supposed to happen)?

I just want to understand what you guys think about it...

As for the missionaries situation in Haiti, I believe its a lesson learned for us to be lead by the Holy Ghost, and not act in one accord concerning things someone else say is right.

As for the church being establish without permission from a country, the Lord gave us permission, where He instructed us to go into all the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Everything should be lined up by the word of God, containing divine direction from the Holy Ghost.

[Blien]

Thanks for your answers these are all good points. However I still have one question. In China, the governement needs to give you permits to become a registered church with the state. No one can build a church without one.. so this is their law.

Now regarding those who build churchs in china without this permit, they are breaking the law and so I revert back to that verse in the Bible..

Romans 13:1-2

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves."

House churchs I belive are fine because they are on the property of those who own them and are usually small group settings.... but now here is my question. That verse in the Bible was written to those christians in the roman empire who were heavily persecuted for their faith.

Did they build churchs in public? Or did they simply obey the law and preached the gospel home to home?

[Matthitjah]

Blein,

Consider this;

Ac

[nebula]

That verse in the Bible was written to those christians in the roman empire who were heavily persecuted for their faith.

Did they build churchs in public? Or did they simply obey the law and preached the gospel home to home?

There is no indication in the Bible they built a meeting house building in the first century.

[Blien]

Blein,

Consider this;

Ac