Government – Dobra Family Ministry

Prayer Meeting: Select Men Who Fear God

“Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” Exodus 18:21 NASB2020

1. Remember HB2827 in IL 2025 legislative session. [Alert HB2827, Truth HB2827]

2. 2026 Midterms – IFI voter guide [IFI Voter Guide]

3. The biblical principle of electing representatives in a constitutional republic

“A constitutional republic is the highest form of republican government and is one in which the representatives elected by the people are not sovereign but are instead subject to a higher sovereign law a written constitution. This form of an elective representative constitutional republic, as described in Ex 18:21 and Deut 1:15-16; 16:18, is what Founding Father John Adams described as “a government of laws and not of men.” …

“Our Founders had an opportunity to establish a democracy in America and deliberately chose not to; the form of government they entrusted to us was a constitutional republic. In fact, Article IV, Section IV of the U.S. Constitution requires that:

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a REPUBLICAN FORM OF GOVERNMENT…

“The Bible…is the most republican book in the world.” 8 — John Adams …

“I have always considered Christianity as the strong ground of republicanism. 9 — Benjamin Rush, Signer Of The Declaration …

“Our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the Bible.” 10 — Noah Webster”

“Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” Exodus 18:21 NASB2020

“Obtain for yourselves men who are wise, discerning, and informed from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’” Deuteronomy 1:13 NASB2020

“So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and informed men, and appointed them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes. “Then I ordered your judges at that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases between your fellow countrymen and judge righteously between a person and his fellow countryman, or the stranger who is with him.” Deuteronomy 1:15-16 NASB2020

““You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:18-20 NASB2020

THE GOOD NEWS

There is a God that created the heavens and the earth. We humans are created in His image.

We are sinners, we have rebelled against Him, our Creator. Our rebellion has brought “all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice… envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness” to the world. Romans 1:29-31 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.1.29-31.ESV

Therefore we justly deserve our due punishment of death and damnation, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” Romans 3:10-12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.3.10-12.ESV

But good news! God is merciful and loving. Jesus is God the only begotten Son and He took our punishment upon Himself in our place. Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and securing the hope of our salvation.

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.15.3-8.ESV

““Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”” Acts 2:36-38 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/act.2.36-38.ESV

We need only repent and believe it. Repent: turn away from our sins, proclaim Jesus is lord and savior, and we will be forgiven our sins and have life ever after! “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 10:9-11 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.10.9-11.ESV

There is hope. Believe in Jesus! ““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.3.16.ESV

It doesn’t matter who you’ve been or what you’ve done, God stands with arms wide open, ready to forgive you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.9.ESV

Household Prayer: Paul and the Civil Authority

“But Paul said to them, “After beating us in public without due process—men who are Romans—they threw us into prison; and now they are releasing us secretly? No indeed! On the contrary, let them come in person and lead us out.”” Acts 16:37 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.16.37.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on Acts 16:37. Paul understood his civil citizenship in the sphere of civil authority and appealed to it often. I pray “IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN. We, whose names are underwritten… Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our [Government] and Country… Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually, in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid [the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith]…” I pray we fulfill our duty to vote and take dominion over our civil sphere of influence. (The Mayflower Compact, 1620)

I pray we rule well as a member of the community and civil body politic. https://ministry.family.blog/2026/08/28/fish-fry-taking-dominion-and-making-disciples/#civildominion

Household Prayer: 2026 Midterm Elections

“Obtain for yourselves men who are wise, discerning, and informed from your tribes, and I will appoint them as your heads.’” Deuteronomy 1:13 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/deu.1.13.NASB2020

Brothers, midterm elections are coming up. Meditating on Deut. 1:13 and praying for wisdom and discernment. Praying we engage and take dominion for the good of our families, churches, and neighbors and all glory be to God! Duty is ours, results are God’s

I use the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) voters guide along side my Bible and my local sample ballot to decide who to cast my vote for, then have a family meeting with prayer and devotional to review the ballot and why I made the choices I did.

IFI voter guide https://illinoisfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IFI-VG-General-2026-16-pages-web-C.pdf

IFI local guides https://illinoisfamily.org/politics/2026-general-election-local-voter-guides/

2026 Peoria County sample ballot https://www.peoriaelections.gov/201/Sample-Ballots#docaccess-408ca6ce2c0354f318c6f77d2fad9075

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.33.12.NASB2020

Why application of God’s word in all areas of life for dominion taking and disciple making? Because Jesus’ “brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.8.21.NASB2020

And “… blessed are those who hear the word of God and follow it.”” Luke 11:28 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.11.28.NASB2020

Household Prayer: Constitution Day and Civil Dominion

“Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain; Unless the LORD guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.127.1.NASB2020

Brothers, America’s Founders signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Deliberations were saved from failing by a motion given on June 28, 1787 by Benjamin Franklin in which he quoted Psalm 127:1, “Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain”, and requested that “henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of heaven, and it’s blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of the city be requested to officiate in that service.” This historical scene is depicted in the movie “A Great Awakening”. (1)

I pray for our civil leaders today, as Rev. William Rogers did a few days later, July 4, 1787, before the gathered assembly, “… will it please Thee, O Thou Eternal I AM, to favor them from day to day with Thy immediate presence; be Thou their wisdom and their strength! Enable them to devise such measures as may prove happily instrumental for healing all divisions and promoting the good of the great whole… that the United States of America may furnish the world with one example of a free and permanent government…” (2) I pray for your favor as we take dominion over our civil affairs for justice and the love of our neighbors, children, and grand children, and I pray we do it all to your glory Lord! In Jesus Christ’s name I pray – Amen.

“Unless the LORD builds a house, They who build it labor in vain; Unless the LORD guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/psa.127.1.NASB2020

The Constitutional Convention, June 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin told the others:

In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Britain when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine Protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. . . And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel . . . and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business. (3)

References:

1 A Great Awakening https://www.agreatawakening.com

2 100 Bible Verses that Made America: Defining moments that shaped our enduring foundation of faith, by Robert J. Morgan

3 https://wallbuilders.com/resource/on-this-day-in-history-june-28-1787/

Household Prayer: Christian Duties and Two Swords

“for [the civil authority] is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“”Unhand the maid!!” Cried Percivale
And pushed the proud knight back
“It is a law of courtesy-
All holy maids have passage free.
Men must respect their chastity.
If you have not such courtesy,
Then our good swords, in battle free,
Will teach you what you lack!””
Merlin’s Isle: Galahad & the Grail | Malcolm Guite, https://malcolmguite.com/

“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” Albert Einstein

Brothers, I pray we step up with courage and boldness in our churches, homes, and, importantly, our civil duties. I don’t have the words to express my righteous anger. The UK Rape Gang Inquiry Report, “250 thousand white girls raped and trafficked by Muslim immigrant pedophiles in the UK. Industrial scale sexual abuse and torture…” Christian men do not stand silent in the face of such evil. We shouldn’t stand silent at all!

“It is not an error for Christians to demand that their civil government keep true to its laws and properly carry out its duties toward its citizens.” [1] “It is the duty of all of God’s image-bearers to labor for the wellbeing of others. [Matt. 7:12]… we should seek for every layer of our country to become as Christian as possible… In His providence, God has given all American citizens, some measure of political power… moreover, it is good for Christians to unite together, consolidate their powers, and expand their capacity to secure more public goods. That’s loving, too.” [2]

“The civil use of God’s law – the restraint of evil in society – is an essential and neglected category in modern Christian thought… Scripture teaches that God restrains evil not only through regeneration but also through the enduring authority of His law applied in the common sphere.” [4]

When the men of a nation turn away from God they also tend to turn away from their responsibility to defend their families, communities, and nation! It’s a “moral vanity” as Jack Carr has labeled it. [6] “Christians are to fight two sorts of evils with two sorts of swords—a spiritual sword against spiritual enemies, and a physical sword against physical enemies. Taken together, these two swords were, and are, “enough.”” [7]

“250 thousand white girls raped and trafficked by Muslim immigrant pedophiles in the UK.”

“250 thousand white girls raped and trafficked by Muslim immigrant pedophiles in the UK. Industrial scale sexual abuse and torture inflicted on the native inhabitants by barbaric foreign gangs who were welcomed into the country by the government. One of the worst scandals in the history of the western world. It really is that bad. Anyone who ignores this story is forever discredited going forward. Watch especially for the people on “our side” who look the other way.” Matt Walsh https://x.com/mattwalshblog/status/2067047444802683096?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“I’ve been shouting the crimes of Rotherham from the rooftops for more than a decade, but there was a near total blackout on the issue in the USA. Most of you are only now learning about it. Will Americans take note? This. Is. Islam.” Larry Alex Taunton https://x.com/larrytaunton/status/2067065174893211856?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

“In light of the horrific rape gang report out of the UK today, this is a good thread on how ministries should disengage from promoting mass migration.” Megan Basham https://x.com/megbasham/status/2067005723913912695?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

The Rape Gang Inquiry Report https://ministry.family.blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/7c0f0-therapeganginquiryreport.pdf

1 – “It is not an error for Christians to demand that their civil government keep true to its laws and properly carry out its duties toward its citizens. Paul refuses to submit to the magistrates’ request… [and] calls the magistrates to be accountable to the law of Rome.” [Acts 16:37] Paul “was enforcing what he wrote in Romans 13:3-4, ensuring that the Philippian government was keeping to its own laws rather than allowing tyranny.” Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

2 – “It is the duty of all of God’s image-bearers to labor for the wellbeing of others. [Matt. 7:12]… we should seek for every layer of our country to become as Christian as possible… If that’s the duty of all individuals, how much more so for government leaders? They are the ones God has specifically instituted to promote the public good… They’d be like the wicked servant who buried his master’s talents and made no attempt to return a profit. Instead, government officials must seek to increase the prevalence of Christianity in their country, laboring to return a profit. That’s what it means to promote the public good… In His providence, God has given all American citizens, some measure of political power. We have the capacity to secure different kinds of public goods. We can vote for presidents, congressman, governors, state legislators, mayors, candidates for city council, school boards, and all sorts of other positions… You’re required by Jesus himself to use that power so that others enjoy the public goods that you desire to enjoy yourself. Love your neighbor… moreover, it is good for Christians to unite together, consolidate their powers, and expand their capacity to secure more public goods. That’s loving, too… Let’s say I don’t use my political power to promote true religion. In that case, I’m failing Jesus’s command to love my neighbor as myself! I’m not using my power to give to others the public good that I desire for myself. That’s not Christlike.” King of Kings: a reformed guide to Christian government by James Baird https://press.founders.org/shop/king-of-kings/

3 – “When those who administer justice… engage in acts that are legal yet immoral, they fall into this realm of tyranny. A police officer would do better to resign his badge than to seek to arrest Christians for congregating against the will of misguided or wicked magistrates.” Isaiah 10:1 says, ‘Woe to those who enact evil statutes, and to those who constantly record unjust decisions’ (NASB)… magistrates may consult the sphere of the church to ascertain what is just, moral, and good. Deuteronomy 17:8-12… The lesson to be learned here is that the state will inevitably fall into unlawful and ungodly rulings if the voice of God’s people is kept silent.” A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13 https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

4 – “The three uses of the moral law, a framework recovered and clarified by the Protestant Reformers to explain how God’s law functions within His creation… [according to Calvin], (1) a mirror exposing human sinfulness and driving us to Christ, (2) a restraint on evil in society (the civil use of the moral law), and (3) a guide for Christian living that instructs believers in sanctification… The civil use of God’s law – the restraint of evil in society – is an essential and neglected category in modern Christian thought… Scripture teaches that God restrains evil not only through regeneration but also through the enduring authority of His law applied in the common sphere.” “The Law for the Lawless: How to Restore Order in the Home, the Church, and the Nation” by David Mitzenmacher https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-for-the-lawless/

5 – “If error or tyranny exists in the civil magistrate, built within the God-created sphere is a means of correction… God has equipped this sphere with it’s own ability to correct itself through what is often referred to as superior and lesser magistrates. If either the superior magistrate or lower magistrate has erred in the making or enforcing of laws (or lack thereof), correction begins within the sphere of the magistrate. That means the lesser magistrate is to correct the higher magistrate and, if need be, interpose itself between its citizens and their superior magistrate… Matt Trewhella’s fine book The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates [2013] defines the doctrine in this way: ‘When the superior or higher civil authority makes unjust/immoral laws or decrees, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both a right and duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lesser authorities even have the right and obligation to actively resist the superior authority.’ … The pastors of Magdeburg [1550 AD] … defined the doctrine as follows: ‘Whenever a superior magistrate persecutes his subjects, then, by the law of nature, by divine law, and by the true religion and worship of God, the inferior magistrate ought by God’s mandate to resist him.’ This was similar to [John] Calvin’s [1536 AD] description that the ‘popular [lesser] magistrates have been appointed to curb the tyranny of kings… By the ordinance of God, they are its appointed guardians.’ … “A government not willing to protect its citizens from … criminal activities, including physical violence, is in severe danger… they will incur the wrath of God for abdicating their primary role tasked by God himself.” From “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

When the men of a nation turn away from God they also tend to turn away from their responsibility to defend their families, communities, and nation! It’s a “moral vanity”

6 – When the men of a nation turn away from God they also tend to turn away from their responsibility to defend their families, communities, and nation! It’s a “moral vanity” as Jack Carr has labeled it. “They chose new gods; Then there was war in the gates; Not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.” scripture to meditate on and more here: https://ministry.family.blog/2024/08/15/household-prayer-capable-to-defend-our-families/

7 – “Take Jesus’s talk of swords. He tells his disciples that “he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” They respond, “Lord, behold, here are two swords,” to which Christ concludes, “It is enough” (Luke 22: 36, 38 KJV). Whereas most modern-day Christians allegorize this verse into meaninglessness, for most premodern and especially medieval Christians, its meaning was clear: Christians are to fight two sorts of evils with two sorts of swords—a spiritual sword against spiritual enemies, and a physical sword against physical enemies. Taken together, these two swords were, and are, “enough.”” The Two Swords of Christ: Five Centuries of War between Islam and the Warrior Monks of Christendom by Raymond Ibrahim https://www.raymondibrahim.com/books

Scripture

“It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.” Proverbs 16:12 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.16.12.ESV

“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.17.15.ESV

“The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.” Proverbs 17:23 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.17.23.ESV

“It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” Proverbs 18:5 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.18.5.ESV

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” Proverbs 19:5 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.19.5.ESV

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.3.ESV

“The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.” Proverbs 21:7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.7.ESV

“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Proverbs 21:15 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.21.15.ESV

“You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 16:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/deu.16.19-20.NASB2020

“Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.” Proverbs 24:24-25 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.24.24-25.ESV

“Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” Proverbs 25:26 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.25.26.ESV

“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves. Proverbs 28:5, 12, 18 ESV

https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.28.5-18.ESV

Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” Proverbs 28:5, 12, 18 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.28.5-18.ESV

“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.2.ESV

“A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.” Proverbs 29:7 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.7.ESV

“When the wicked increase, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.” Proverbs 29:16 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/pro.29.16.ESV

“‘You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.” Leviticus 19:15 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/lev.19.15.LSB

For Further Reading or Viewing:

Really good conversation about A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants. We need to pray for our church leaders to re-learn these old and very costly won theologies. https://youtu.be/0cxGEjKbJn0?si=GDDORCCMkN6a7Yq_

A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

King of Kings: a reformed guide to Christian government by James Baird https://press.founders.org/shop/king-of-kings/

“The Law for the Lawless: How to Restore Order in the Home, the Church, and the Nation” by David Mitzenmacher https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-for-the-lawless/

The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates: A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government by Matthew J. Trewhella https://a.co/aVQzfiR

“The Magdeburg Confession: 13th of April 1550 AD by Pastors of Magdeburg” https://a.co/5X7W9us

Slaying Leviathan: Limited Government and Resistance in the Christian Tradition https://canonpress.com/products/slaying-leviathan

By What Standard? God’s World…God’s Rules https://press.founders.org/shop/by-what-standard-gods-world-gods-rules/

The Essential Church https://watch.amazon.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.aa4a63f3-44a5-499c-8846-06d00c6d0c56&territory=US&ref_=share_ios_movie&r=web more here: https://essentialchurchmovie.com/

Just War / Just Cause Theory https://ministry.family.blog/2020/01/29/just-war-just-cause-theory/

American Constitution
AMENDMENT II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Militia: an army composed of citizens… called up in time of emergency. (Webster’s 2010)

There are four places in the American Constitution that affirm the Militia’s prior existence, and no law can alter it. The militia is all able bodied members of a community.

Article I, Section 8, Clauses 15 & 16:

[The Congress shall have Power To…]

Clause 15: [ ] “To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;”

Clause 16: [ ] “To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;”

Article II, Section 2, Clause 1:

“The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States…”

AMENDMENT II

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

From the Founders… Original Intent

“[T]he said Constitution [should] be never construed … to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.”
SAMUEL ADAMS, Signer of the Declaration, “Father of the American Revolution” …

“A free people ought … to be armed.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON, US. President, Signer of the Constitution …

“[N]o man should scruple or hesitate a moment to use arms in defense.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON, US. President, Signer of the Constitution …

“The people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them…. This is a principle which secures religious liberty most firmly.”
ZECHARIAH JOHNSTON, Revolutionary Soldier, Virginia Legislator, Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution

“I am thus far a Quaker [a pacifist]: I would gladly agree with all the world to lay aside the use of arms and settle matters by negotiation; but unless the whole will, the matter ends, and I take up my musket and thank Heaven He has put it in my power.
THOMAS PAINE, Patriot, Author

Quotes from “The Second Amendment” by David Barton

Household Prayer: Graduating Class of 2026

And because you are God’s workmanship, His own possession, you can know you were created with purpose for such a time as this, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” (1 Peter 2:9, Esther 4:14)

Classical Conversations homeschool community at Bethany class of 2026 Graduation

1 Your Commencement

Welcome friends and family and welcome Classical Conversations class of 2026…

This is your commencement.

The year of our Lord 2,026 is the 250th anniversary of America.

In 1776 what we know as the United States of America 🇺🇸 was born with the Declaration of Independence.

But where did such an idea come from?

Preceding the events of 1776 were the reformation and the great awakening.

The reformation put God’s word into the hands of every thirsty soul.

The church leadership had forgotten that no man had the authority to be gatekeepers of God’s word.

Paul says in 1st Timothy “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5)

And in 2nd Timothy “the word of God has not been chained.” (2 Timothy 2:9 LSB)

Many reformers were martyred for printing bibles in the common man’s language.

As access to God’s word was opened, Spiritual awakenings and liberation broke out across Europe and drove the Pilgrims with God’s word to the new world.

The First Great Awakening started in New Jersey in the early 1700s… and in 1740 George Whitfield preached 175 sermons to tens of thousands of people during a 45 day itinerant preaching tour.

It was out of this spiritually fertile ground that the founders began to answer the questions such as
“In what sense are “all men . . . created equal”?
“What is human liberty?”
“What is prosperity, and how is wealth created?”

In 1776 these questions were addressed and became the theological foundation of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

A little side note, Site and Sound films made a movie called A GREAT AWAKENING that tells the true story of the friendship between George Whitfield and Benjamin Franklin that resulted in one of the most defining moments in American history. It’s still in theaters and I highly recommend it. https://www.agreatawakening.com

And, Isn’t it interesting how church history and the birth of our nation intertwine?

Why is this history lesson important to you six graduates on your commencement?

History, or His story, helps us understand our identity and our purpose and how our thoughts and actions can shape the future.

2 Your Identity

As you commence on this next season of the pilgrimage of life, remember your eternal identity.

God tells us in Ephesians 2 that He, God, “… being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ …”

God makes you eternally alive with Christ.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:4-10)

You are God’s creation, His tapestry.

Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)

And that is Good news!

And Because of the reality of Jesus’ resurrection we can know that sin and death have no hold over us.

And because you are God’s workmanship, His own possession, you can know you were created with purpose for such a time as this, “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”(1 Peter 2:9, Esther 4:14)

Or, as you’ve heard in CC, To know God and make Him known.

3 Your Purpose

As you commence this season, knowing you have a purposeful identity, you should be seeking your specific calling or mission.

Your purpose is simple but not easy.

In simple terms we have a mandate as God’s image bearers to take dominion, and a commission to make disciples of all nations (Gen. 1:26-28, 2:15; Matt. 28:18-20).

Simple but not easy.

So whatever course you take, keep in mind your mandate and commission and “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23)

4 Your Charge

There are dangers to be aware of on your journey.

The word muse comes from the latin musus, which is thinking, to think deeply. “… to think about something carefully and thoroughly”

To amuse, the root of amusement, is the opposite, it is unthinking. “to divert the attention… [and in some cases] to deceive”

Once you commence there will be many unthinking distractions to amuse you away from your purpose.

Be full of joy and full of fellowship, but resist the temptation to be amused into complacency.

A pastor I know, recently said:
“Passion starts things.
“Faithfulness sustains them.
“The Kingdom isn’t built by people who start strong.
“It’s built by people who endure when it gets hard.
“Don’t quit in the season God is using to shape you.”
So I want to encourage you to persevere. (Romans 5:3-4)

And By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20)

Do what builds up and produces, not what tears down and consumes.

Find ways to produce, contribute, and serve your household, church, and community.

If you know God’s word, you know His will for you; to love God and love your neighbor.

Remember the reformers, the pilgrims, and the founders and how by faith, in everyday faithful living, the word of God and His salvation went forth.

In all you do proclaim the excellencies of God. Share His truth and the good news of His salvation to all creation in word and deed through everything you do (1 Peter 2:9; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:14-15).

5 benediction

And “Now may the God of peace…
equip you in every good thing to do His will through Jesus Christ,
to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”(Hebrews 13:20-21)

Household Prayer: Graduation and Commencement 2024 https://ministry.family.blog/2024/05/12/household-prayer-graduation-and-commencement/

Household Prayer: church riots, law, justice, and salvation

“… through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.3.19-20.NASB2020

Brothers, quick thought this week after the church riot stunt last Sunday and the continued increase in violent rhetoric and actions by the leftist red/green axis (marxist/islamist/anarchists), reflecting on the “three uses of the law” theological concept. A framework “recovered and clarified by the Protestant Reformers.” I’m praising God that the civil magistrate rightly applied the second or civil use of the law, restraining evil (Rom. 13:4). I’m praying that the first use of the law, exposing human sinfulness, will cause a guilt in the criminals that leads to repentance and belief in Jesus unto their salvation (Rom. 3:20).

“The Law for the Lawless: How to Restore Order in the Home, the Church, and the Nation” by David Mitzenmacher https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-for-the-lawless/

I did my required 3 hour conceal carry renewal class Monday night. I pray we include self defense and security training in our household plans. (Gen. 14:14, Neh. 4, Ps. 144:1-2, 1 Cor. 16:13-14, 1 Tim. 5:8)

Why, if we are “just” waiting on God, would Abram’s household train? Because God calls us to step onto the battle field in faith and engage in the battle in faith while we wait for Him!

Are we training or have we fallen into the moral vanity of this age? “Many don’t feel a responsibility to be prepared to protect their spouses and children when that primal task can be outsourced…A moral vanity has trumped the obligation to protect their lives and the lives of those they love…” In the Blood: A Thriller (Terminal List Book 5) by Jack Carr https://a.co/bgOdVwy

“for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.4.NASB2020

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.3.19-20.NASB2020

“And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me: ‘And He was counted with wrongdoers’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”” Luke 22:36-38 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/luk.22.36-38.NASB2020

THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE note: Luke “22:36 But now. When Christ sent them out before, He had sovereignly arranged for their needs to be met. Henceforth they were to use normal means to provide for their own support and protection. The money bag, knapsack, and sword were figurative expressions for such means (the sword being emblematic of protection [defensively], not aggression).”

“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1ti.5.8.NASB2020

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. All that you do must be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1co.16.13-14.NASB2020

Trust in God, Duty is ours, Results are His

Household Prayer: capable to defend our families https://ministry.family.blog/2024/08/15/household-prayer-capable-to-defend-our-families/

Household Prayer: And blessed be God Most High https://ministry.family.blog/2025/01/17/household-prayer-and-blessed-be-god-most-high/

Household Prayer: shine before people

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.14-16.NASB2020

Brothers, meditating on Matt. 5:14-16; Acts 13:47; Eph. 5:8; Rom. 13:12-14; 1 Peter 2:9 and considering how simple, life long acts of holiness (being set apart for God) and obedience can shine the light of the gospel and give us opportunity to do our part for the creation mandate and great commission (Gen. 1:26-28, 2:15; Matt. 28:18-20). Recently a local civil magistrate reached out to Jessica as the representative of 7 Classical Conversations homeschool communities and has presented her and the students of those communities an opportunity to influence, ie. disciple, some future civil magistrates. I don’t want to over state it, details are yet to come, but praise God that…

Setting ourselves apart for Christ (the definition of holiness) in obedience to Christ in the education of our children as a means “to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ” as “a particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations and take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ” … is shining a light that could make an impact. Praise and glory to God Most High! My prayer is that we continue to walk by faith.

“Christian education and Community in the church are the means to build a culture that expands outside the home and church under the Lordship of Christ. A particular, local, and shared great commission and creation mandate vision to disciple the nations, take dominion and fill the earth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Household Prayer: Why education and community – Dobra Family Ministry

“The homeschool faithful came out in force to evangelize, disciple, and teach (Matt. 28:18-20) the state legislature of Illinois and by God’s mercy it was defeated! I pray we keep being bold for the great commission this year. I pray that in Christ we will do our part, for the “government will rest on His shoulders… There will be no end to the increase of His government …” Isaiah 9:6-7 Duty is ours, results are God’s!” Household Prayer: new year, same mission: Take dominion, Make disciples – Dobra Family Ministry

““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.5.14-16.NASB2020

“For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have appointed You as a light to the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ ”” Acts 13:47 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.13.47.NASB2020

“for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/eph.5.8.NASB2020

“The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let’s rid ourselves of the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Romans 13:12-14 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.13.12-14.NASB2020

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2:9 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/1pe.2.9.NASB2020

Household Prayer: new year, same mission: Take dominion, Make disciples

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/isa.9.6-7.NASB2020

Brothers, still meditating on Christmas advent and thinking about the past year, and what a year it was! Last year started with a homeschool bill that would have placed the state in authority over children in place of their parents. All glory to God! The homeschool faithful came out in force to evangelize, disciple, and teach (Matt. 28:18-20) the state legislature of Illinois and by God’s mercy it was defeated! I pray we keep being bold for the great commission this year. I pray that in Christ we will do our part, for the “government will rest on His shoulders… There will be no end to the increase of His government …” Isaiah 9:6-7 Duty is ours, results are God’s!

Save the date: ICHE Cherry Pie Day 2026 – March 11th

Take dominion. Make disciples. By faith (Heb. 11:1-3,4,5…), get to work subduing and ruling, working and keeping, being fruitful and multiplying (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15), and making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20) for “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

Rule yourself well, rule your household well, and bring God’s truth and grace into every sphere of life that you enter into until every nation proclaims “Jesus is Lord!” – Amen

“There is an obvious way to take dominion of the earth, then, and it is simply through obeying God… One simple act of obedience, which Knox fulfilled, is marriage and child-rearing… Those who are committed to raising and nurturing godly families are doing some of the greatest kingdom work imaginable… When you raise godly children, they eventually raise godly children of their own, who raise godly children of their own, and on it goes… God commands us to take dominion of the earth by ruling over it for His glory. He reveals that the best way to take dominion is through the fulfillment of the Great Commission… As we do this, entire nations will eventually be Christianized for Christ… You need to study the Scriptures to learn doctrines. Then, by applying the doctrines, we take dominion. The movement is always from doctrine to dominion.” Resist Tyrants, Obey God: lessons learned from the life and times of John Knox https://press.founders.org/shop/resist-tyrants-obey-god/

Government “was instituted by God Himself. We are not free to do government however we like. We’re bound to do it the way God designed it to be done… It is the duty of all of God’s image-bearers to labor for the wellbeing of others. [Matt. 7:12]… we should seek for every layer of our country to become as Christian as possible… If that’s the duty of all individuals, how much more so for government leaders? They are the ones God has specifically instituted to promote the public good… They’d be like the wicked servant who buried his master’s talents and made no attempt to return a profit. Instead, government officials must seek to increase the prevalence of Christianity in their country, laboring to return a profit. That’s what it means to promote the public good… ‘Kings shall be thy nursing fathers’ [Isaiah] (49:23)… the Lord has bestowed on them authority and power to defend the church and promote the glory of God.” King of Kings: a reformed guide to Christian government by James Baird https://press.founders.org/shop/king-of-kings/

Our families, wives and children, involved in our faith and ministry.

“When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another.” Acts 21:5 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.21.5.NASB2020

Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice part 2

“but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 LSB https://bible.com/bible/3345/1ti.3.15.LSB

Brothers, A Follow-up and an application example to my previous prayer for justice. Why? Because it is a gospel issue and we are commanded to make disciples of all the nations and teach them to follow all that Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:18-20, 1 Tim. 3:15). This is also a “pick up the torch” from Charlie Kirk type of opportunity. This is a longer devotional, so in the blog post I give a long example. My prayer is, as it relates to our duty as husbands and fathers, that we learn good doctrine, how to apply it in our lives, and that we teach and pass it on to our children.

Doctrine and application of Justice

Good doctrine (orthodoxy) leads to good application (orthopraxy).

A Follow-up and an application to post Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice https://cybermick.com/2025/10/07/household-prayer-10-7-praying-for-justice/

For instance, DC Judge Kendra Briggs continuously allows violent criminals free to terrorize the community, “stating her job is to “rehabilitate,” not punish.”

Is it true (doctrine) that a judge’s job is to rehabilitate, and not punish? No. (Rom. 13:4, Deut. 16:19-20, Lev. 19:15, Prov. 17:15, 18:5, 21:15, 24:24; Gen. 9:6, Ex. 20:13, Num. 35)

How do we churchmen respond (application)? We be the prophetic voice to disciple and teach her all God has commanded (Matt. 28:18-20)! Declaring that she is denying the God ordained purpose for her role (Rom. 13:4), and that she will face the wrath of God if she does not repent (Acts 2:38-39). For her role is to be “… a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” (Rom. 13:4). Instead, she has determined that she is a law and savior unto herself. She needs to hear the good news that Jesus Christ is God and Lord of all and that salvation is found in no other (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Rom. 7:7)!

If she were our local justice and does not respond and correct (repent), then we would use all legal means to remove her from her role in civil authority for she is unfit to be “a servant of God” (Rom. 13:4).

“The prescriptive interpretation [of verses 3-4 in Romans 13] holds that Paul is teaching what duties a government must fulfill, being tasked by God. If they fail to carry out what God prescribes for them, then there are systems created by God within the institution of human government itself, mainly in the further delegation of power to the lesser magistrate. This would also be used to explain when resistance is required on the part of a citizen.” “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

“Our [American] forefathers who founded this nation stood on the foundation of Christian thinking and Christian living… Those foundations have been intentionally destroyed by purveyors of wickedness. And the people of God have stood idly by as it happened.” https://founders.org/2022/11/18/a-requiem-for-my-nation/

“As the pillar and buttress of truth (1 Tim. 3:15), the local church is to have a prophetic voice in various spheres of society, promoting biblical truth… how else can magistrates be held accountable to that message except from the prophetic voice of the church? In this way, Christians, especially ministers ordained to gospel ministry, ought to engage in this governmental sphere prophetically… John the Baptist serves as a prophetic example… Mark 6:17-18.” “A Revolutionary Reading of Romans 13: A Biblical Case for Lawful Subjection to the Civil Magistrate and Dutiful Resistance to Tyrants” Timothy L. Decker, Founders Press 2023. https://press.founders.org/shop/a-revolutionary-reading-of-romans-13/

“DC Judge Kendra Briggs has allowed the two “teens” who jumped Edward … Coristine to avoid jail and sentenced them to simple probation, stating her job is to “rehabilitate,” not punish.” https://x.com/rightanglenews/status/1978478505231868087?s=46&t=Ag2lESY3ntUopWo1gN17hw

Jesus is Lord of all!

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:18-20 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/mat.28.19.NASB2020

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”” Acts 2:38-39 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.2.38-39.NASB2020

“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/jhn.14.6.NASB2020

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:12 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/act.4.12.NASB2020

“What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Far from it! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”” Romans 7:7 NASB2020 https://bible.com/bible/2692/rom.7.7.NASB2020

A Follow-up and an application to post Household Prayer: 10/7 Praying for Justice https://cybermick.com/2025/10/07/household-prayer-10-7-praying-for-justice/