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Government is God’s earthly arrangement.

BibleGateway: Romans 13:1-10

ESV Text: Romans 13:1-10


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 0:0 and ends at about 1:43

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     1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

     7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 575:
Before the Lord We Bow

— Organ Audio

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1. Before the Lord we bow, 
The God who reigns above 
And rules the world below 
In boundless pow’r and love. 
Our thanks we bring, 
In joy and praise 
Our hearts we raise 
To heav’n’s high King. 

2. The nation Thou hast blest 
May well Thy love declare, 
From foes and fears at rest, 
Protected by Thy care. 
For this fair land, 
For this bright day, 
Our thanks we pay– 
Gifts of Thy hand. 

3. May ev’ry mountain height, 
Each vale and forest green, 
Shine in Thy Word’s pure light 
And its rich fruits be seen! 
May ev’ry tongue 
Be tuned to praise 
And join to raise 
A grateful song! 

4. Earth, hear thy Maker’s voice, 
Thy great Redeemer own; 
Believe, obey, rejoice, 
And worship Him alone. 
Cast down thy pride, 
Thy sin deplore, 
And bow before 
The Crucified. 

5. And when in power He comes, 
Oh, may our native land 
From all its rending tombs 
Send forth a glorious band, 
A countless throng, 
For aye to sing 
To heaven’s high King 
Salvation’s song!