In Romans 13:1-7, Paul wrote to a community navigating a complex political climate under Roman rule. Those early Christians lived in a time of deep division, marked by oppression and uncertainty.
Sound familiar?
Our world today mirrors some of these same complexities—political discord, societal division, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.
As shared from our “You Have A Part To Play” series sermon, “Politics,” while many normalized and reduce Romans 13 to a simple call to submit to authority, it’s way more than that. In fact, it’s quite nuanced as easier said than live out truth be told.
It’s an invitation for us to examine how our political engagement can reflect God’s heart and authority for His divinely instituting order and structure through government in this broken world.
Let’s be honest, open, and transparent—sometimes that’s difficult and tough embrace and understand.
However, we are called to hold the tension between living out our convictions and loving others, especially those we disagree with are in positions of power.
So, we must consistently and objectively ask and reflect upon the following questions as we examine how we relate to God and others:
How can we honor God in our political engagement, while remaining faithful to His Word?
In what ways can we be agents of reconciliation and unity in a deeply divided world?
How can our love for one another shine through, even when we disagree with governing authorities?
As we come together in prayer, here are a few specific areas where we can focus our hearts:
🙏 Government is divinely instituted by God – That we would see God’s sovereignty over every governing authority.
🙏 Resisting God leads to judgment – For hearts that remain humble and obedient to God’s will, even when we struggle with earthly authorities.
🙏 Doing the common good leads to God’s approval – For the wisdom to seek the good of others, especially when political decisions affect the vulnerable.
🙏 Calling people not out but into their God-given identity – For grace to be people who reflect Christ by calling others into their identity in Him, not by tearing others down.
Lastly, Romans 13:7 reminds us of the importance of giving what is owed—whether that’s taxes, revenue, respect, or honor. As image-bearers of Christ, let us bear His image in how we live, love, and engage with the world around us. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and it is His image that we reflect.
Let’s remember this as we gather as one, not defined by party lines, but by the unity and peace found in Christ Jesus.
See you at 12 p.m.!
God bless,
Pastor Alvin and Mallary Brown
alvin@makingamosaic.com :: mallary@makingamosaic.com
General Prayer Requests & Updates
For evangelism to flourish so communities and campuses in the greater Fort Worth area will be reached, and the lost will see and experience the love of Christ and be drawn to his kingdom.
For signs and wonders to follow the preaching of His Word.
For team unity and laborers to help carry the load.
For finances and provisions.
For fully funded campus missionaries (2 per campus) to help reach the next generation — Texas Christian University (TCU), Tarrant County College (TCC), Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Tarleton State University – Fort Worth (TSU), University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and Dallas Baptist University (DBU).
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
