Render unto Caesar?

Render.. to provide or give (a service, help, etc.).

In the days of Jesus, the Roman Empire was the most ruthless political, social, and military power in the land.  Their motto..  DON'T MESS WITH ROME, it won't end well. 

The religious power at this time was in the clutches of those disapproving rigid rule keepers extra ordinaires.. The Pharisees enjoyed heaping frustrating layers of tedious legalism on top of God's simple, beautiful loving truths. Matthew 23:24

Then along comes Jesus sharing the perfect Gospel message of love and hope.  John 10:10

On one day the religious leaders ask Jesus a trick question to trap Jesus with his answer. "Teacher, should we pay taxes to Caesar?".. Jesus replied "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matthew 22:20-22 This was the original drop the mic moment before there were mics. 

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Meanwhile today in America our government is becoming a 'big brother' political & social power propped up by the main stream & social media. Their motto.. DON'T MESS WITH BIG BROTHER.. just like Rome, it won't end well.

Today's religious powers are a blend of world religions and the progressive 'Church' movement. They promote a collective faith (a higher power). They do not consider Christian Bible is not considered inerrant, and the beautiful truths on life it's pages are revised or redacted to fit their 'tolerant and evolved versions' of truth.

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Then along comes the True Church sharing the perfect Gospel message of love and hope. Mark 16:15  

So if we are asked a loaded question like.. "Who do you obey?.. Reply.. "Render unto America what is due,  but give to God what is God's.  Then.. drop the mic.

This blog message was born out of conversations with my wonderful wife Mary. Our country now has a new president and while some are excited America is headed in a new direction, others are very concerned.

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Make no mistake there will be big changes, BUT.. no matter which side you are on remember the true message of Hope is in the Gospel message and not in American politics. No need to confuse love for country with love for God, and no need to become confused where our hope lies.  It is in Jesus. 

It is eternally more important to get the Gospel message right, than to get the tax code right.  

May God bless each of you to stay true to the course of the Gospel message and place your hope and purpose in the Gospel message.

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Blessings

Jeff (Secretary of Crayons in the new Biden Administration) Larson

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