U in charge?

God Is Over Every Government

Romans 13:1 (NIV)

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

1) How America Began — Freedom to Worship

The United States was born out of a desire for freedom — not just political freedom, but freedom to worship God in spirit and truth. The people were tired of being ruled by a king who used power and religion to control them.

King George III ruled Britain from 1760 to 1820 — a powerful monarch who demanded loyalty and taxes from the colonies across the ocean. He used the Catholic church to control, but like the kings before him, he acted like a religious and political tyrant. He saw himself as “God’s chosen ruler,” and punished anyone who resisted his rule or his church’s control.

The colonists believed no man should stand between them and God. They wanted to worship freely and live by the Bible — not by the crown. So they stood up, risking their lives for what they called “liberty under God.”

Quick history facts (1700s):
  • Sugar Act (1764): Tax on molasses — 3 pence per gallon.
  • Stamp Act (1765): Tax on legal papers, books, and newspapers.
  • Townshend Acts (1767): Taxes on glass, paint, paper, lead, and tea.
  • Tea Act (1773): A 3-pence tax per pound of tea — a symbol of control from the crown.

The phrase “No taxation without representation” came from this fight. They wanted to govern themselves and honor God without a king telling them how.

After the Revolution, the Founding Fathers — men like George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson — created a new system of government: by the people, for the people, under God. They knew that freedom only works when people follow God’s moral law.

Washington said it clearly: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Even the Declaration of Independence appeals to “the Creator” as the giver of our rights.

That’s why our money says “In God We Trust” and our pledge says “One Nation Under God.” They knew the government could survive only if the people stayed humble before God.

2) What Romans 13 Teaches

  • We respect leaders and follow laws that keep peace.
  • We pray for our city, our state, and our country.
  • But if a law tells us to sin, we obey God first (Acts 5:29).

God gives us leaders — but we must remember He is the highest authority. When we obey Him, He blesses our land.

3) Where We Are Now

We have drifted from God. Many schools no longer allow prayer or even mention of Jesus. Some teachers lose their jobs for sharing the Gospel, while the same schools promote confusion about gender and sin.

The Bible said this would happen. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18–19)

But there’s hope! God is not done with America. All around the world revival is breaking out. The 2023 Asbury outpouring lasted 16 days — students crying out to God in worship and repentance without any celebrity preacher or production team. Hearts are turning back to Jesus!

Pew Research says about 62% of Americans still call themselves Christian and that Gen Z is showing new interest in Jesus after years of decline. God is moving again!

4) What We Can Do

  • Honor and pray: “Pray for kings and all in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4)
  • Live clean and bold: “Be sober-minded; be watchful.” (1 Peter 5:8–9)
  • Shine light: “Let your light shine.” (Matthew 5:16)
  • Stand strong: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

America started as a nation that honored God. Let’s be the generation that brings that back.

🙏 Prayer of Repentance, Deliverance, and Surrender

Father God, we humble ourselves before You. We repent for turning away from You and for forgetting how this nation was founded. Cleanse our hearts and our country. Teach us to honor authority without bowing to sin. Fill us with Your Spirit to speak truth in love and to live boldly for Jesus Christ. We surrender our lives, our families, and our nation back to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Honor authority. Obey God. Preach Jesus. Expect revival.