Political parties differ over the desirable extent of the state’s role in the nation’s life, and whether taxation should increase or decrease. All agree, however, that the state should provide certain services which must be paid for, and this makes taxes necessary. What exactly is the biblical expectation?

Pastor Philip Jackson brings us a word from John 11 about how we respond to what God is doing in our lives. 

Ordained by God, government is not inherently a bad thing. In fact, government is necessary to the orderly conduct of human society. The frustration with our current political climate should be balanced by a review of the original purpose assigned by God to civil government. In short, what is it that our politicians are supposed to be doing?

The opening seven verses of Romans 13 contain the clearest and most specific New Testament teaching on the Christian’s duty to the state. Christianity impacts every aspect of life—including politics. So, what does a Christian citizen look like in today’s world?

God’s plan of salvation calls for strong churches that proclaim and live the reality of the transforming gospel so that it is attractive to the lost. The Enemy attempts to infiltrate and damage churches with a variety of strategies. These “church killers” must be confronted and put away. Eternity is at stake in every generation.

Proper human relationships are vital to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Accordingly, God establishes human society with social order, divinely-ordained expectations for government, liberty of conscience, and, most fundamentally, a proper family structure. Baptist theology affirms biblical models in these most practical arenas of human interaction. 

From the incarnation of the Messiah through the presence of Israel and the church throughout history, God's intention has always been to redeem both humanity and material creation from the damaging reign of sin and evil. All that God created has value and He will make all things right in His timing and according to His purposes.

The confession now turns to the human condition, the presence of sin, the need for salvation, and the practical expressions of God's people in every generation. Baptist thought is particularly distinctive when it comes to understanding the church and its practices. 

"Baptists are amazing people. They have no creed, yet they enjoy a remarkable unity. Scattered throughout the earth, having different ethnic backgrounds, living under varied types of government, and faced with problems inherent in different social environments, they share a unity in diversity. This unity is a living faithand an abiding message." - Herschel H. Hobbs

Practical ministry is not merely a program element in a church or even just an aspect of the healthy Christian life. Touching the world in the name of Jesus is commanded by God and ministry is meant to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in every generation. Doing good works is not just what we do…it’s who we are!