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From the Pastor's Desk:
June 11, 2026 
 
 
Scripture Focus: Romans 13:1-3:

Dear Church Family,

I’ve been spending a lot of time in the Book of Romans lately, thinking about how Paul’s words to an ancient, struggling church in Rome mirror so much of what we experience today. Specifically, I keep coming back to Romans 13:1-3.

In the King James Version, it reads:

"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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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:”

On the surface, these verses can feel heavy, even restrictive. In a world where we value our independence and often find ourselves frustrated by politics, bureaucracy, and leadership, a command to "be subject unto the higher powers" can rub us the wrong way.

But if we look past the formal language, Paul isn’t giving a blanket endorsement to every human ruler's personal behavior. Instead, he is giving us a blueprint for peace, order, and trust.

Here is what this scripture really means for us as we live out our faith from Monday to Saturday:

• God is the Ultimate Architect of Order: Paul’s core point is that God established the concept of authority to keep the world from falling into chaos. Just as a traffic light keeps an intersection safe, human government and laws are meant to provide a framework where societies can flourish. When we respect proper authority, we are ultimately honoring the God who created order.

• A Shift in Perspective: It is easy to look at leaders and get cynical. But this passage invites us to look above our leaders and see God’s hand. It reminds us that no human authority is absolute; they answer to a much higher Power.

• Living Above Reproach: Verse 3 tells us that rulers are "not a terror to good works." Practically speaking, when we live lives marked by integrity, kindness, and civic responsibility, we have nothing to fear. Our goal as Christians is to be the best citizens, the best neighbors, and the most reliable people in our community.

This passage isn’t asking us to blindly agree with every policy or politician. But it is challenging our posture. It asks us: Are we contributing to peace, or are we contributing to the chaos? When we respect authority, pay our taxes, obey the laws, and pray for our leaders—even the ones we didn't vote for—we are demonstrating a deep, quiet trust that God is ultimately in control of history.

Let’s strive this week to be a community known for our "good works," bringing light and stability to a restless world.

Blessings,
Pastor/Elder Donald Bridgett