RABBIT HOLE SCROLL DOWN for more information

Please keep in mind, in no way is this section encouraging or promoting any type of violent/negative mindset and is purely informational only. Instead, read the information and determine your own course of peaceful action as described within the scriptures of the Bible. As true Christians we should not engage in fighting or rebelling against authorities as Jesus refers in John 18:36. However, if governing officials are evil and against God's purpose and/or design, we are to disregard authority as displayed in Acts 4:19-20 and 5:29. The laws and government need to conform to God's Word, not God's Word conforming to the government. Followers of Christ (Christians/Jesus' Disciples) are not of this world and should not fight for it, not yet at least (see Revelations 19:14). 

Below are some biblical references Christians should know that can come off contradictory.  See the following link for a firm answer when "civil disobedience" is permitted: https://www.gotquestions.org/civil-disobedience.html

• John 17:14-18 (NLT): While Jesus is praying, states in part, "I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they (followers) do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world."

• John 18:36 (NLT): When speaking to Pontius Pilate, Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”

• Acts 4:19-20 (NLT): Peter & John tell the Sanhedrin after being ordered to stop teaching about Jesus, "But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

• Act 5:29 (NLT): "But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."

• Romans 12:2 (NLT): "Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

• Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished."

• 1 Peter 2:13-17 (NLT): "For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king."

• 1 John 2:15-17 (NLT): "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."

Again, if you need further clarification on the above topic, click below:

https://www.gotquestions.org/civil-disobedience.html

As Jesus' disciples (Christians) we are called to be the examples of Christ. We are not to win the argument, but win the soul, displaying the humility and love of Jesus. However, God does not change (Psalm 102:27, Malachi 3:6, Hebrew 13:8) and His word is the same today as it was 6000 years ago (Isaiah 40:8, Psalm 119:89, 1 Peter 1:25). Just because the world thinks we have become modernized within the past 100 years, doesn't excuse the past 6000 plus years of humanity. God loves you so much (John 3:16), but He does not conform and bend to our "self righteous" modern society. We are to conform, obey, and understand His purpose, as required in the Bible alone.

Luke 21:9 (NIV) states, "When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

Habakkuk 1:1-11 (NLT) states, "This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received in a vision. How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. 

The Lord’s Reply

The Lord replied, “Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it. I am raising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands. They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like. Their horses are swifter than cheetahs and fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their charioteers charge from far away. Like eagles, they swoop down to devour their prey. “On they come, all bent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind, sweeping captives ahead of them like sand. They scoff at kings and princes and scorn all their fortresses. They simply pile ramps of earth against their walls and capture them! They sweep past like the wind and are gone. But they are deeply guilty, for their own strength is their god.”

Still confused? Refer to the Got Questions website by clicking the button below and asking your question.