Church Order: Worship, Sacraments, and the Lord's Supper

A Model For Secession - Part 1 of 2

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Church Government

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2015-09-06

Synopsis: Pastor John Weaver introduces a two-part message on secession, using 1 Kings 11–12 as a biblical model. He argues that secession is a peaceful, lawful withdrawal from tyranny, not revolution. The motivation for secession is twofold: spiritual corruption (apostasy from God) and civil corruption (tyranny and loss of freedom). Spiritual corruption always leads to civil corruption. True secession must be grounded in a return to biblical truth and obedience to God, not merely humanistic reform. Without repentance, any new government will fail.

[John Weaver] Let's open our Bibles in the first Kings chapter 12 first Kings chapter 12 And we're going to read the first 19 verses Let me just go ahead and say that The message today is the first part of a two-part message. And of course today will be more introduction and foundation for that which I'll be sharing next week. The title of the message is a model for secession.

[John Weaver] I've preached on this subject several times in the past. when I read through the scripture again this really jumped out at me and so I want to bring it again fresh and different look at it. So 1st Kings chapter 12 verse 1, and Rehoboam went to Shechem for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. It came to pass when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, for he was fled from the presence of King Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt, that they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous. Now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father and his heavy yoke, which he put upon us lighter, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, and come again to me, and the people departed. And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do you advise that I may answer this people?

[John Weaver] And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve him, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him which stood before him. And he said unto them, What counsel give you that we may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, My father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us. Thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And now, whereas my father did laid you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

[John Weaver] So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old men that they gave him, and spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke. My father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people, for the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Elijah the Shillonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? Neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel, not a seat of thine own house, David. So Israel departed into their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

[John Weaver] Then King Rehoboam's son of Doram, who was over the Tribute and all Israel, stoned him with stones that he died. Therefore King Rehoboam made speed to get him up in his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day." I don't know if you've been paying attention to the news or not, but actually, secession has been in the news for the last year or two. It seems that many Americans, as well as people of other nations, have secession on their mind. There was a recent poll taken that demonstrated that one out of every four Americans were ready to secede or depart from Washington, D.C. The same poll said that in Texas and a few western states, It was one in every three.

[John Weaver] So you need to just stop and think about this for a moment. The impact of that poll when it is revealing that either one quarter or one third of the Americans are ready to depart from Washington, D.C. In other words, they're fed up with the tyrannical bureaucratic government that we have. I would probably say that those who were interested in staying are probably on the government dole and or work for the government themselves in some way.

[John Weaver] Many of you will remember that recently Scotland endeavored to secede from England and of course the vote failed but then there was evident fraud as well and undoubtedly there are still challenges to that vote going on of the vote count I should say and moreover Scotland is still making further efforts to secede from the United Kingdom. I used to have a shirt a long time ago that had a picture of a Confederate battle flag on it, and it had written across it, if at first you do not secede, try and try again. So evidently, I'm sure Scotland is going to keep trying as well. You can mark this down, that the fact is that bureaucrats and tyrants will always have a desire to keep their subjects in line. Why?

[John Weaver] Because a tyrant without subjects and a bureaucracy without people to regulate will soon dissipate and come absolutely to nothing. I hope you remember also that the Catalonians in Spain are seeking to secede as well. In fact, there are secession movements all across the world and especially even here in the United States. Did you know that the state of California was thinking of dividing into six different sections? And honestly, Northern Californians have absolutely nothing in common with Southern Californians.

[John Weaver] I can assure you of that right now. But Northern Colorado was also talking about seceding from Southern Colorado and beginning another state as well. And then, of course, Hawaii and Alaska have been talking about succeeding as well, and Texas has been bold with it. And what a lot of people do not realize is this, that most states actually are self-sufficient and would have enough resources to be absolutely independent of the federal government. And someone says, well, you have to remember about all the money that the federal government gives to the states. Well, you ever think about this? If the states were to stop sending money to the federal government then they would not need any of that money back. They would have everything that they needed as well.

[John Weaver] Here is a recent headline that I want to read to you. The title of it is, Secession Theology Runs Deep in American Religious and Political History. It is only three brief paragraphs. It goes like this, corruption has gone too far. The righteous must break away. Hope now rests with a holy remnant that will honor foundational texts. The message sounds familiar. A church schism? No. Mounting calls for a secession from the United States.

[John Weaver] Since President Obama won re-election, more than 750,000 Americans have petitioned the White House website to let their respective states secede from Alaska to Iowa to Maryland to Vermont. Those leading the charge are framing it, observers say, in terms of a deep-seated religious impulse for purity through separation, and that is flaring up once again. Now, while you stop and think about that, it's impressive that 750,000 people want to secede.

[John Weaver] But, on the other hand, you have to remember this. It's important to comprehend that it was the states that created the federal government, and not the federal government creating the states. So let me say it again. The states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant. The states do not need permission from the federal government to do anything. They are the masters and not the servants. Masters do not seek permission from servants to act. They just simply act. So states really and truly, historically, legally do not need permission from the federal government to do anything. So it is astounding to realize How many people are really awake to the idea of secession and how important it really is?

[John Weaver] I recently ran across a quote. As I read it, I was absolutely shocked. I was not shocked concerning the quote. I was shocked concerning who said it. Believe the quote and I believe what is in the quote for years But it was the author of that quote that really shocked me. Here's the quote without the right of secession There is no freedom Any entity that is part of a union but does not have the right to leave is not free Well That quote I got from Bruce Willis Bruce Willis is a Hollywood movie star, an action star.

[John Weaver] Now, the point I'm trying to make is this. If secession thinking is penetrating and saturating Hollywood, then where else is it going as well? And I can assure you that the more corrupt our government becomes, the more we will lose our freedoms, and the more anyone with one-on-half sense will have a desire to depart from that federal government and have liberty and freedom set up a government that is not so corrupt and not so tyrannical. Governments usually die from their own stupidity and their own corruption, and our government is no exception.

[John Weaver] Now, let me make several points before I begin showing you some Scripture. I must point out that secession is not revolution. Secession is not taking up arms. Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation. All secession is doing is this. We are not attacking the government. We're saying, look, here is your corrupt government, and anyone who wants this corrupt government happens to be absolutely welcome to stay and support that corrupt government. However, we who are tired of tyranny and bureaucracy, we will withdraw and we will set up our own government. So, it is not a fight to take over the government. It is just simply a withdrawal in trying to set up our own government. So, secession does not necessarily result in war. There have been numerous countries that have secession movements that have succeeded, and they have been peaceful.

[John Weaver] In fact, the truth of the matter is, the secession movement here in the United States in 1860 and 1861 would have been a peaceful one had it not been for Northern treachery and Lincoln's unconstitutional acts. There would have never been a war. In fact, Lincoln himself said Let the South go? Let the South go? Where will I get my tariffs from? Because the South furnished 80 to 85 percent of all the money in the federal government at that particular time. In fact, Lincoln referred to the South as his milk cow. And Lincoln also confessed and acknowledged to six violations of the Constitution. But the truth of the matter is, there were a whole multitude more of his violations that he did not confess to and acknowledge that can be very easily proven. So, obviously, we would have had a peaceful secession had it not been for Northern treachery and Lincoln's unconstitutional acts.

[John Weaver] So, today I want to just share one point two thoughts under that one point. I want to talk about the motivation for secession. We're going to get into this text in more detail next week. But when you think about this, what motivates people to secede or to withdraw from a government? Well, the answer usually comes back, they have a desire for freedom. Now, if you secede because you have a desire for freedom, That means then that you did not have the freedom previously that you desired You're leaving for freedom So therefore you did not have the freedom previously So then you have to ask this question Why did you not have the freedom previously? What happened? To cause you to become disenchanted and disillusioned and enslaved by your former government whereby now that you want liberty and freedom. Well I'm going to show you that 1 Kings 11 and 12 have the answers that can be applied to any nation, any country, under any circumstances. Now I'm going to give you two thoughts today under the motivation for secession.

[John Weaver] I want you to understand that these two thoughts are not only connected, they are interconnected. You might say this, that one is the consequence and the cause of the other. You really cannot have one without having the other. So, what is the first one? The first one is spiritual corruption.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to look in your Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 11. But let me point out before we read 1 Kings 11 that spiritual corruption is always the starting point. Men are covenantal creatures. Whenever we leave God and His Law and the totality of His Word we corrupt everything. Every institution that God has created, the family, the church, and the state are all corrupted by spiritual corruption. spiritual disobedience. So, if I were to ask you who one of the wisest men that ever lived happened to be, and you would answer Solomon, and he was. I want you to see how Solomon, one of the wisest men, turned his government and his nation into an absolute chaos, and into idolatry through spiritual corruption. So look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading with verse 1 and read through verse 10.

[John Weaver] The Bible says, But King Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites, of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, You shall not go into them, neither shall they come into you. For surely they will turn away your heart after their gods. Solomon claimed unto these in love. 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines, and his wives turned away his heart. So it came to pass when Solomon was old that his wives turned away his heart after other gods. And his heart was not perfect for the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom, the abomination of the Ammonites, and Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

[John Weaver] And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared unto him twice. had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods, but he kept not that which the Lord commanded." So Solomon then, one of the wisest men that ever lived, Solomon turned Israel into a heathenistic society when previously it had been the people of God. Thus a monotheistic religion and a monotheistic society is now turned into an idolatrous polytheistic society by the highest civil official in the land. In other words it was government that brought this idolatry into being. When civil government promotes idolatry it is not in the best interest of the people.

[John Weaver] You are going to see that just shortly. In fact, many of the religions that Solomon was promoting here are what you and I would call power religions. They were religions that deified the king and that gave absolutely unlimited power and authority to government. So, here he is allowing all of this idolatry acquiring what he would call, I suppose, power and authority for himself. I want you to understand something.

[John Weaver] No religion protects and promotes individual freedoms as does the Christian religion. In fact, we must understand that our freedoms come from God. Our freedoms are God given. They are not government given. According to the Declaration of Independence, governments are designed to secure these rights. That is, they are to protect them. They are to punish the wicked, and they are to praise and promote the righteous, and protect our rights. Whenever there is a denial of God's Word, or when a government leaves God's Word, It will always leave its responsibility to protect and therefore the loss of freedom is inevitable now I want you to hold first Kings But I want you to turn in your Bibles to 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 and look if you would please at verse 17 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 and verse 17 Look at what the Bible says 2nd Corinthians 3 verse 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. So wherever God is honored and obeyed there is liberty. True liberty comes from God and true liberty comes from obedience to God.

[John Weaver] So the Bible says the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Now I want you to consider the obverse or the reverse of that truth. Where the Spirit of the Lord is not is no liberty." So once a government apostatizes from the Lord and His Word the ultimate end of that apostasy is tyranny and totalitarianism. It follows like night follows days. Thus when governments then denigrate and deny and denounce the Word of God and Biblical Christianity it is headed for tyranny and despotism and totalitarianism. It cannot help it. Likewise, when a government encourages and pushes and endorses a pagan religion, such as Islam, it is headed to the same end. I want you to understand something.

[John Weaver] It is impossible to enslave a knowledgeable and an obedient people. In order for a government enslave anyone it must first destroy biblical truth and obedience to the one true in the Living God because Obedience to the one true in the Living God and biblical truth always lead to personal freedom and limited government okay now I Want you to see this back in first Kings chapter 12 I'm going to tie this together for you if I want you to go back to 1st Kings chapter 12 Jeroboam who is the first king of Israel Abandons the worship of the one true in the Living God and he establishes a pagan religion So you have to ask why does he establish a pagan religion? I? does he abandon the worship of God? Well let's begin reading in 1 Kings 12 and verse 25 the Bible says this, Then Jeroboam built Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein, and went out from thence, and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David.

[John Weaver] this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, then shall the heart of the people turn again unto their Lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Behold, I God's old Israel which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

[John Weaver] And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin for the people who went to worship before the one, even a Dedan. He made a house of high places, and made a priest of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah. And he offered upon the altar, so did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made. And he placed in Bethel the priest of the high places which he had made. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even the month which he devised of his own heart. ordained a feast unto the children of Israel, and he offered upon the altar and burnt incense." Now I want you to note the very first thing that he does is he establishes a government ordained religion.

[John Weaver] It was by means of and through the installation of this pagan idolatrous religion that he sought to control and subjugate and dominate his people. Just stop and think about this for a moment. Whenever we leave Biblical Christianity the end result is always going to be tyranny. It will be the enslavement of the people. So what did he do? He made him two golden calves. He says, these be your gods, O Israel. He made it easy for them to obey and to worship. Then he says, it is too much for you to go to Jerusalem. You can just do this right here. And of course, I'm sure he made laws in favor of his religion, and certainly penalties for those who would not engage in his religion.

[John Weaver] He ordained his own feast. Out of a month that he chose out of his own heart, he ordained his own priest. He had a government approved religion.

[John Weaver] Now you have to ask yourself this question, why did he do that? Well, look at it if you would in verses 26 and 27, And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David, if this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. Then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their Lord even to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Wow! Isn't that amazing? Jeroboam didn't do one thing for the benefit of the people or for the blessing of the people. He said if this people keeps going down to Jerusalem and they're worshipping the one true and the living God and they're worshipping him correctly, pretty soon they're going to realize I'm not the lineage of David. And they're going to turn around and they're going to kill me and they're going to go back to Rehoboam. So what was Jeroboam concerned with?

[John Weaver] His power, his place, and his position. Tyrants are never concerned with their people. No tyrant is genuinely interested in his people. I could just about broaden that and say no politician is genuinely interested in his people. Politicians are interested in getting re-elected. And for the time they get into office, the first thing they want to do is start raising money for their re-election campaign. They're not interested in us. And what really frosts my cake is when we contact our representatives and we write our representatives and we tell them exactly what we want. We get some kind of form letter back and say, thank you for contacting me and I appreciate your input, but I must vote my own conscience. We didn't send him up there to vote his conscience.

[John Weaver] We sent him up there to represent us. So most politicians care less about their own people as well. The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. Listen carefully, spiritual tyranny is no different from civil tyranny, it is still tyranny. If you will hold 1 Kings but go in your Bibles to John chapter 11. Lord willing in a few weeks I will amplify upon this passage. But look in John chapter 11, let's begin reading there with verse 46. In this passage Lazarus has been raised from the dead.

[John Weaver] Here is an undeniable miracle. Lazarus is not only walking around there are multitudes that saw our Lord raise Lazarus from the dead. So they slip up and tell the Pharisees what has happened. So notice verse 46, But some of them, that is some who saw the miracle, some of them went their ways to the Pharisees and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees of counsel and said, What do we?

[John Weaver] For this man doeth many miracles. And if we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and our nation.

[John Weaver] Now, did you notice what was said? we let him thus alone, the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Now if you paid close attention you will find out what they were really interested in, the Romans will come and take away our place. In other words we won't have any power, we won't have any authority. And then they said our nation. Well obviously if they take away the nation they lose their power and authority too because they have no one to rule over. They have no one in which to to tyrannize. Wow.

[John Weaver] You see, spiritual corruption oftentimes drives us back to reality. I've often thought of how much things have changed in my lifetime. When we stop and think Things are not right. They're not even the way they used to be and they should be. We remember how we were taught. We remember how we were raised. We remember a work ethic, a Christian work ethic. We remember being taught God's law.

[John Weaver] But yet none of that is going on today. But in one sense of the word spiritual corruption sometimes will drive us back to reality and it makes us remember and it makes us understand where we have come from and how far we have fallen. And then again it makes us yearn back for truth again or as we used to say the truth and nothing but the truth.

[John Weaver] But here's a sad thing. Unhappily It is the older people that want to return for the truth because they're the ones that remember it most. And when you stop and think, many of our young people have never heard truth. They've never believed truth. They have no earthly idea what truth is. And when we try to tell them, they kind of laugh. And so actually the responsibility turns out to fall upon the heads of the old men, the gray heads and the silver beards. And say, look this is truth.

[John Weaver] This is what the Word of God teaches. This is how we were raised. Wow. I suppose one of the greatest sources of sorrow probably one of the greatest sources of anxiety for a true believer is to understand that our young people do not know truth and have never heard truth, and have never really been exposed to truth. And we get, we see our young people going everywhere, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, and our own children and we wonder why? What in the world? They've just never had truth. They've never heard truth. So it is true what the Communists say, we don't care about the old folks, give us the young folks and in a generation nobody will remember you anyhow. And so if we don't start saying, this is the way, walk you in it, we are in trouble. So spiritual corruption. Secondly, civil corruption.

[John Weaver] This is found in 1 Kings 11 and 12. And I want you to understand that spiritual corruption always leads to civil corruption. You cannot have one without the other. The reason we have so many ungodly and reprobate politicians is because we have so many ungodly and apostate people and pastors alike. Like begets like. have to remember the words of the unjust judge in Luke chapter 18. The unjust judge in Luke chapter 18 said this,"'Though I fear not God, nor regard man.'" In other words whenever there is a loss of the fear of God there is no regard for man. You wonder our civil rulers and politicians could care less about what is going on? There is no fear of God. There is no regard for man. I want you to turn in your Bibles if you would to 2 Samuel, 2 Samuel chapter 23. I want to begin reading with verse 1, and actually I'm going to give you verses 2 and 3. But I want you to see how many times David claims direct inspiration from God for one simple truth.

[John Weaver] Here it is, 2 Samuel 23 verse 1, Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, that's one time. And His word was in my tongue, that's twice. The God of Israel said, that's three times. The rock of Israel spake to me, that's four times. Four times now David is claiming direct inspiration from God for this one simple truth. He that ruleth over God must be just, ruling in the fear of man. Ruling in the fear of God he thereof over men must be just ruling in the fear of God If you do not rule in the fear of God, you will have no regard for man If you do not rule in the fear of God, let me explain it like this anything goes Do

[John Weaver] you understand what has happened and is happening in our land today is very simple. I We've left God, we've left His Word, we've left His truth and therefore none of our rulers believe that they are restrained by God or His law. So anything goes. Murder your own babies, sell the body parts. I mean anything goes. want you to understand something. I've just said that civil corruption always leads to civil corruption.

[John Weaver] Now you know that Jeroboam was the first king of Israel. Jeroboam was an excellent worker and a valiant man. And believe it or not he actually worked for King Solomon. yet I'm going to show you just a moment that King Solomon tried to kill Rehoboam. And his sole beef with Jeroboam, his sole beef with Jeroboam was the fact that God had chosen him to rule over Israel.

[John Weaver] I want you to look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 26. 1 Kings 11 and verse 26, watch carefully. 1 Kings 11 verse 26, And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, a Nephite of Zeruiah, Solomon's servant, so he worked for Solomon, whose mother's name was Zeruiah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. I'll explain that in just a moment. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king. Solomon built Milo, or Milo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. And Solomon, seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shillonite found him in the way, and he had clad himself with a new garment, and they two were alone in the field. And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it into twelve pieces.

[John Weaver] And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces. For thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rent the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee. But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel. Because, here's why God has taken it away from Solomon, because they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashereth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments as did David his father. Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him prince all the days of his life, for David my servant's sake, whom I have chosen he kept my commandments and my statutes, but I will take the kingdom out of his son's hands, and will give it

[John Weaver] unto thee, even ten tribes." So, Ahijah the Shillelahite has caught Jeroboam in the field. He takes that new garment, rinses it into twelve pieces and says, pick up ten. I will give you ten tribes. Jeroboam worked for Solomon. So now Solomon is going to seek to kill Jeroboam because God said, I'm going to give you ten tribes. Let me explain something. In this instance Solomon is no different than King Saul. You remember King Saul tried to kill David. And the only reason King Saul wanted David dead was he knew that as long as David was alive Jonathan his son would never be king And when he found out that Jonathan was protecting David listen to what he said 1st Samuel 2 1st Samuel 20 verses 13 31 listen Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse, rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom.

[John Weaver] Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, he shall surely die." Well, he wanted David dead. Solomon wanted Jeroboam dead. Jeroboam had the audacity to fight back. He lifted up his hand against Solomon and said, No, you're not going to treat me this way. You're not going to do this. And that prompted Solomon's unrighteous persecution and prosecution. Listen, tyrants do not like anyone that will oppose them or stand up to them or call their hand on anything. Jeroboam had to flee for his life.

[John Weaver] Look if you would please at verse 40 in 1 Kings chapter 11. Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon. Whenever and wherever there is subterfuge, persecution, and prosecution for anyone that opposes spiritual and civil corruption, you may be assured that totalitarianism and tyranny are in control. Now listen carefully.

[John Weaver] The evidence that America is even now a tyrannical police state is obvious to those that seek to oppose wicked, ungodly, and unconstitutional statutes. Now listen, regardless of one's position concerning the Constitution, the truth is our leaders have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. And they should keep their oath until that Constitution is either repealed or replaced. It's just that simple. But is it not interesting that these men that place their hand on the Bible and swear to God with an oath that they're going to support, uphold, and maintain the Constitution of the United States, then turn right around and do exactly the opposite.

[John Weaver] Which shows us this, their word is nothing. Their character is nothing. They are just as useless and worthless and valueless as their word. Do you remember when we were raised We were taught a man's word is his bond You give your word You're responsible to keep that word unless in some way somehow the providence of God hinders you But today the word means absolutely nothing a man's word means nothing to him or to anyone else

[John Weaver] I When I was a boy, I saw my father, I saw numerous other farmers do business on a handshake. And each one kept his word. Today, you better get an ironclad contract notarized and then that still doesn't mean anything. People will still cheat you. Because their word is absolutely valueless and meaningless.

[John Weaver] Now, let me show you what I'm talking about. There was a big row going on in Spokane, Washington This happened Back I think even last year, but it's still not settled There were remarks by the sheriff's deputy Public remarks that Spokane, Washington needed MRAPs, that is Mine Resistant Armor Protected Vehicle, military vehicles. That Spokane, Washington's Sheriff's Department needed these military vehicles, and I'm quoting, because of, because that constitutionalists have guns and have stored up plenty of ammo.

[John Weaver] Well, I might add that similar attitudes have been displayed by a multitude of law enforcement officers throughout the country. Incidentally, the deputy and the deputies of Sheriff Ozzie Kinzovich, if I'm pronouncing it correctly, could be Nesovich, were trained by the Southern Poverty Law Center out of Montgomery, Alabama. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the police agencies now are against anyone that stands for truth and righteousness, honesty and heritage? Anyone that holds to the same standards and morality of our Founding Fathers are now considered an enemy of the Empire.

[John Weaver] In fact, And you can search this out on the internet yourself. Our government now counts constitutionalists a greater threat than terrorists. How can that be? How can someone wanting to preserve our history and our heritage and do that which is right be counted worthy of being labeled a greater terror than a terrorist? It's unbelievable. unbelievable. I want you to see that civil corruption always preceded by spiritual corruption. Or I can say it the other way, spiritual corruption always precedes civil corruption.

[John Weaver] They go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. Whenever there is an apostasy in the spiritual realm there is going to be an apostasy in the civil realm. There is a great book out. I was just trying to think of the title of it. It is called, Broken Churches, Broken Nations. And it shows back in the 1800's how the churches began splitting and then everyone was saying it will not be long before our nation is split right down the middle.

[John Weaver] And of course that is true. So, I'm talking this morning about the motivation for secession. What is it that would actually motivate a people to secede, to withdraw from their government which they have been used to all of their lives? Well, let me just put it like this, the first motivation for secession should be a motivation to return to biblical truth and to the God of the Bible who has revealed himself as Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now I want to point out something that if this is not the foundation nothing else is going to work. All else will fail. I could take you through the Bible and show you there are numerous examples in the Bible where when people repented turned back to God, God did indeed heal their nation and heal their government. Look at the revivals under Josiah and Hezekiah for instance, some of the greatest revivals that ever happened. And God did indeed heal their land. So there first of all should be a motivation to say, we want to return to the God of the Bible and truth of God and live godly, holy, obedient lives.

[John Weaver] Now, here secondly, secession is often motivated by political and civil corruption. I understand that there are people that have no understanding concerning the spiritual import and impact. They are just fed up with the civil and political corruption. But let me just tell you, you can't replace something with nothing. And it does you no good to replace humanism with humanism. So if you say, well, we're going to withdraw from this corrupt, wicked, civil government, and we're going to begin another civil government, but we're going to begin it on more benevolent human principles.

[John Weaver] All you are doing is setting yourself up for failure. Humanism is humanism. It is not going to secede. That is all there is to it. And if a people that do secede do not turn back to Biblical truth their secession is going to prove absolutely fatal.

[John Weaver] Now, I want to show you something. When God rent the Kingdom from Rehoboam gave the ten tribes to Jeroboam. It was an endeavor to give them a fresh and a new start. Let me show you. I want you to look in your Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 37. God is speaking and Jeroboam, and he said, I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and thou shalt be king over Israel. And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and will walk in my ways, and do that which is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not forever." Listen to what he said to Jeroboam, if you will just keep my commandments, if you will walk in my ways, if you will observe my statutes, I will build you a sure house.

[John Weaver] I will do for you exactly what I'm doing for David. I'll do it. And what did Jeroboam do? He turned around and made the two golden calves. He didn't believe God. If you look in 1 Kings chapter 14, beginning there with verse 7, you'll see what the end of Jeroboam was. 1 Kings chapter 14 verse 7, says, Go tell Jeroboam, thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, and rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to thee, and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all of his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes, but hast done evil above all that were before thee. For thou hast gone and made the other gods in molten images to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind my back. Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, until it be all gone."

[John Weaver] So what is God saying? Jeroboam, I gave you the opportunity to have a fresh new start. You rejected me. I'm gonna take you out the way doing is taken out. That's it Wow Change without repentance is worthless It is not just simply that we need new rulers It's not just simply we need new offices It's not simply that we need new programs and new economic principles. We need repentance Many believers use 2nd Chronicles 714 like a lucky rabbit's foot.

[John Weaver] I mentioned this a week or so ago. You see all these signs. Pray for America. Pray 2nd Chronicles 714. Prayer only hope. Well listen to what 2nd Chronicles 714 says. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land." We can pray and cry all we want, but if there is no turning from our wicked ways, God is not going to hear us.

[John Weaver] The motivation for secession is to begin afresh and anew. Lord. Secession is not to be an effort to try some new humanistic endeavor. Secession is not an attempt to start a utopian society. It is to be a movement to restore us to true obedience to God and His worship and His Word. Anything less than that will fail. You know what happened in 1st Kings chapter 11, I'll point it out in 1st Kings chapter 12.

[John Weaver] The people finally just got fed up with the tyranny and the corruption. You know, one of our prayers should be, Lord, make us sick and give us our fill of what's going on. just vomited up. You remember it's like when the people cried, and complained, and wanted meat and God sent those quail. While the meat was in their mouth God smote them. They got their stomach full of it, you know. And we just need to get a stomach full of tyranny. It's just like, it's just like this treaty that Obama has entered into with Iran. Who now he refuses to even give the details to the people or to the congressman?

[John Weaver] What are you talking about?

[John Weaver] One of these days, maybe the people of America will wake up, maybe God's people will awaken and say, we've had our belly full, we want to go back and serve God the way we should serve God. I could take care of 90% of our problems if I were President and allowed to have my way overnight. You say, it's impossible. No, it's not impossible. All you have to do is get rid of all that which is wicked and wrong and ungodly and wasteful and start doing that which is right. The problem is there are so many people making money from that which is wicked and wrong and ungodly. And they don't want that in this country. You say, we need godly people in Washington. You can't get godly people in Washington. Or if you get them there they can't do anything. They tie their hands. Maybe God in His grace will have mercy upon us and everybody will just get fed up and say, Wow We've had enough and that's what it's going to take when God finally gets our backs up against the wall And we can't go any further maybe we'll say Lord it's time that we repent

[John Weaver] and believe you Lord willing next week. I'm going to finish this message and show you from the scripture The stages and the means of secession and what can be done and how it is to be done based upon the Word of God. Let's pray. Father, we are thankful today for the Lord Jesus Christ and for His grace and mercy. We do ask Lord that you would give us strength that we may serve Thee acceptably, reverence and godly fear. Help us Lord, how desperately we need Thee. How desperately I need Thee. Lord, turn our hearts, quicken us that we may call upon thy name.

[John Weaver] Grant us repentance and grant us faith. Give us, Lord, courage to stand for thy truth and thy word. And Lord, we acknowledge and confess that thou and thou alone are the one true and the living God, and besides thee there is none other. Help us, Lord, to love thee, we pray in Christ's most holy and blessed name. Amen.

[John Weaver] ♪

A Model For Secession - Part 1 of 2

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	SKoA3Nsa0Zs
Subject	Church Government
Course	Church Order: Worship, Sacraments, and the Lord's Supper
Genre	Sermon
Date	2015-09-06
Dictation Name
Book	Book 025: A Model For Secession — Chapter 1
Source Timed Segments	70

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: Secession in the News

Weaver notes recent polls and movements showing many Americans and people worldwide are considering secession from corrupt, tyrannical governments.

Let's open our Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 12. 1 Kings chapter 12. And we're going to read the first 19 verses. Let me just go ahead and say that the message today is the first part of a two-part message. And of course today will be more introduction and foundation for that which I'll be sharing next week. The title of the message is "A Model for Secession." I've preached on this subject several times in the past. When I read through the Scripture again, this really jumped out at me, and so I want to bring it again fresh and a different look at it. So 1 Kings chapter 12, verse 1:

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 12:1-19

"And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) that they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?"

"And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."

"So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them."

"Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day." I don't know if you've been paying attention to the news or not, but actually, secession has been in the news for the last year or two. It seems that many Americans, as well as people of other nations, have secession on their mind. There was a recent poll taken that demonstrated that one out of every four Americans were ready to secede or depart from Washington, D.C. The same poll said that in Texas and a few western states, it was one in every three.

So you need to just stop and think about this for a moment. The impact of that poll when it is revealing that either one quarter or one third of the Americans are ready to depart from Washington, D.C. In other words, they're fed up with the tyrannical bureaucratic government that we have. I would probably say that those who were interested in staying are probably on the government dole and or work for the government themselves in some way. Many of you will remember that recently Scotland endeavored to secede from England, and of course the vote failed, but then there was evident fraud as well, and undoubtedly there are still challenges to that vote going on—of the vote count, I should say—and moreover Scotland is still making further efforts to secede from the United Kingdom. I used to have a shirt a long time ago that had a picture of a Confederate battle flag on it, and it had written across it, "If at first you do not secede, try and try again." So evidently, I'm sure Scotland is going to keep trying as well. You can mark this down, that the fact is that bureaucrats and tyrants will always have a desire to keep their subjects in line. Why?

The Nature of Secession

Secession is defined as peaceful, lawful separation, not revolution or taking up arms. It is a withdrawal to set up a new government, not an attack on the existing one.

Now, let me make several points before I begin showing you some Scripture. I must point out that secession is not revolution. Secession is not taking up arms. Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation. All secession is doing is this: We are not attacking the government. We're saying, look, here is your corrupt government, and anyone who wants this corrupt government happens to be absolutely welcome to stay and support that corrupt government. However, we who are tired of tyranny and bureaucracy, we will withdraw and we will set up our own government. So, it is not a fight to take over the government. It is just simply a withdrawal in trying to set up our own government. So, secession does not necessarily result in war. There have been numerous countries that have secession movements that have succeeded, and they have been peaceful.

In fact, the truth of the matter is, the secession movement here in the United States in 1860 and 1861 would have been a peaceful one had it not been for Northern treachery and Lincoln's unconstitutional acts. There would have never been a war. In fact, Lincoln himself said, "Let the South go? Let the South go? Where will I get my tariffs from?" Because the South furnished 80 to 85 percent of all the money in the federal government at that particular time. In fact, Lincoln referred to the South as his milk cow. And Lincoln also confessed and acknowledged to six violations of the Constitution. But the truth of the matter is, there were a whole multitude more of his violations that he did not confess to and acknowledge that can be very easily proven. So, obviously, we would have had a peaceful secession had it not been for Northern treachery and Lincoln's unconstitutional acts.

The Motivation for Secession: Spiritual Corruption

Spiritual corruption is the starting point. Solomon's idolatry in 1 Kings 11 corrupted Israel, showing that when leaders abandon God, tyranny follows.

I want you to understand that these two thoughts are not only connected, they are interconnected. You might say this, that one is the consequence and the cause of the other. You really cannot have one without having the other. So, what is the first one? The first one is spiritual corruption.

Now, I want you to look in your Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 11. But let me point out before we read 1 Kings 11 that spiritual corruption is always the starting point. Men are covenantal creatures. Whenever we leave God and His Law and the totality of His Word, we corrupt everything. Every institution that God has created—the family, the church, and the state—are all corrupted by spiritual corruption, spiritual disobedience. So, if I were to ask you who one of the wisest men that ever lived happened to be, and you would answer Solomon, and he was. I want you to see how Solomon, one of the wisest men, turned his government and his nation into an absolute chaos, and into idolatry through spiritual corruption. So look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading with verse 1 and read through verse 10.

The Bible says, "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon."

"And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded." So Solomon then, one of the wisest men that ever lived, Solomon turned Israel into a heathenistic society when previously it had been the people of God. Thus a monotheistic religion and a monotheistic society is now turned into an idolatrous polytheistic society by the highest civil official in the land. In other words, it was government that brought this idolatry into being. When civil government promotes idolatry, it is not in the best interest of the people.

You are going to see that just shortly. In fact, many of the religions that Solomon was promoting here are what you and I would call power religions. They were religions that deified the king and that gave absolutely unlimited power and authority to government. So, here he is allowing all of this idolatry, acquiring what he would call, I suppose, power and authority for himself. I want you to understand something. No religion protects and promotes individual freedoms as does the Christian religion. In fact, we must understand that our freedoms come from God. Our freedoms are God-given. They are not government-given. According to the Declaration of Independence, governments are designed to secure these rights. That is, they are to protect them. They are to punish the wicked, and they are to praise and promote the righteous, and protect our rights. Whenever there is a denial of God's Word, or when a government leaves God's Word, it will always leave its responsibility to protect, and therefore the loss of freedom is inevitable. Now I want you to hold 1 Kings, but I want you to turn in your Bibles to 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and look, if you would please, at verse 17. 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and verse 17. Look at what the Bible says. 2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." So wherever God is honored and obeyed, there is liberty. True liberty comes from God and true liberty comes from obedience to God.

Spiritual Corruption Leads to Civil Corruption

Jeroboam's establishment of a pagan religion in 1 Kings 12 was to control the people and protect his own power, illustrating that spiritual apostasy produces civil tyranny.

"If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." "And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense." Now I want you to note the very first thing that he does is he establishes a government-ordained religion.

It was by means of and through the installation of this pagan idolatrous religion that he sought to control and subjugate and dominate his people. Just stop and think about this for a moment. Whenever we leave Biblical Christianity, the end result is always going to be tyranny. It will be the enslavement of the people. So what did he do? He made him two golden calves. He says, "These be your gods, O Israel." He made it easy for them to obey and to worship. Then he says, "It is too much for you to go to Jerusalem. You can just do this right here." And of course, I'm sure he made laws in favor of his religion, and certainly penalties for those who would not engage in his religion.

He ordained his own feast, out of a month that he chose out of his own heart. He ordained his own priests. He had a government-approved religion. Now you have to ask yourself this question: why did he do that? Well, look at it if you would in verses 26 and 27: "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah." Wow! Isn't that amazing? Jeroboam didn't do one thing for the benefit of the people or for the blessing of the people. He said, "If this people keeps going down to Jerusalem and they're worshipping the one true and the living God and they're worshipping him correctly, pretty soon they're going to realize I'm not the lineage of David. And they're going to turn around and they're going to kill me and they're going to go back to Rehoboam." So what was Jeroboam concerned with?

The Self-Interest of Tyrants

Jeroboam's actions were motivated by fear of losing power, not concern for the people. Similarly, modern politicians often prioritize re-election over representing constituents.

His power, his place, and his position. Tyrants are never concerned with their people. No tyrant is genuinely interested in his people. I could just about broaden that and say no politician is genuinely interested in his people. Politicians are interested in getting re-elected. And for the time they get into office, the first thing they want to do is start raising money for their re-election campaign. They're not interested in us. And what really frosts my cake is when we contact our representatives and we write our representatives and we tell them exactly what we want, we get some kind of form letter back and say, "Thank you for contacting me and I appreciate your input, but I must vote my own conscience." We didn't send him up there to vote his conscience.

We sent him up there to represent us. So most politicians care less about their own people as well. The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. Listen carefully, spiritual tyranny is no different from civil tyranny, it is still tyranny. If you will hold 1 Kings but go in your Bibles to John chapter 11. Lord willing in a few weeks I will amplify upon this passage. But look in John chapter 11, let's begin reading there with verse 46. In this passage Lazarus has been raised from the dead.

The Example of the Pharisees

In John 11, the Pharisees opposed Jesus because they feared losing their place and nation, showing that spiritual leaders can be tyrannical when their authority is threatened.

Here is an undeniable miracle. Lazarus is not only walking around, there are multitudes that saw our Lord raise Lazarus from the dead. So they slip up and tell the Pharisees what has happened. So notice verse 46: "But some of them," that is some who saw the miracle, "some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we?" "For this man doeth many miracles. And if we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."

Now, did you notice what was said? "If we let him thus alone, the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Now if you paid close attention you will find out what they were really interested in: "the Romans will come and take away our place." In other words, we won't have any power, we won't have any authority. And then they said, "our nation." Well obviously if they take away the nation they lose their power and authority too because they have no one to rule over. They have no one in which to tyrannize. Wow.

The Need for Repentance and Return to Truth

Older generations remember biblical truth, but many young people have never heard it. Secession must be motivated by a desire to return to God and His Word.

But yet none of that is going on today. But in one sense of the word, spiritual corruption sometimes will drive us back to reality and it makes us remember and it makes us understand where we have come from and how far we have fallen. And then again it makes us yearn back for truth again, or as we used to say, "the truth and nothing but the truth." But here's a sad thing. Unhappily, it is the older people that want to return for the truth because they're the ones that remember it most. And when you stop and think, many of our young people have never heard truth. They've never believed truth. They have no earthly idea what truth is. And when we try to tell them, they kind of laugh. And so actually the responsibility turns out to fall upon the heads of the old men, the gray heads and the silver beards. And say, "Look, this is truth."

This is what the Word of God teaches. This is how we were raised. Wow. I suppose one of the greatest sources of sorrow, probably one of the greatest sources of anxiety for a true believer, is to understand that our young people do not know truth and have never heard truth, and have never really been exposed to truth. And we see our young people going everywhere, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, and our own children, and we wonder why? What in the world? They've just never had truth. They've never heard truth. So it is true what the Communists say: "We don't care about the old folks, give us the young folks and in a generation nobody will remember you anyhow." And so if we don't start saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it," we are in trouble. So spiritual corruption. Secondly, civil corruption.

Civil Corruption: Solomon's Persecution of Jeroboam

Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam because God had chosen him to rule. This shows that tyrants persecute those who oppose corruption.

I want you to look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 26. 1 Kings 11 and verse 26, watch carefully.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant,"

so he worked for Solomon,

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king."

I'll explain that in just a moment.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:"

"And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:) Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father. Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes: But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it"

"unto thee, even ten tribes." So, Ahijah the Shilonite has caught Jeroboam in the field. He takes that new garment, rents it into twelve pieces and says, "Pick up ten. I will give you ten tribes." Jeroboam worked for Solomon. So now Solomon is going to seek to kill Jeroboam because God said, "I'm going to give you ten tribes." Let me explain something. In this instance Solomon is no different than King Saul. You remember King Saul tried to kill David. And the only reason King Saul wanted David dead was he knew that as long as David was alive, Jonathan his son would never be king. And when he found out that Jonathan was protecting David, listen to what he said. 1 Samuel 20:30-31: "Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom."

"Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die." Well, he wanted David dead. Solomon wanted Jeroboam dead. Jeroboam had the audacity to fight back. He lifted up his hand against Solomon and said, "No, you're not going to treat me this way. You're not going to do this." And that prompted Solomon's unrighteous persecution and prosecution. Listen, tyrants do not like anyone that will oppose them or stand up to them or call their hand on anything. Jeroboam had to flee for his life.

Look if you would please at verse 40 in 1 Kings chapter 11.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon."

Whenever and wherever there is subterfuge, persecution, and prosecution for anyone that opposes spiritual and civil corruption, you may be assured that totalitarianism and tyranny are in control. Now listen carefully.

Modern Evidence of Tyranny

America is described as a tyrannical police state, with law enforcement viewing constitutionalists as threats. Oath-breaking by leaders demonstrates their lack of character.

The evidence that America is even now a tyrannical police state is obvious to those that seek to oppose wicked, ungodly, and unconstitutional statutes. Now listen, regardless of one's position concerning the Constitution, the truth is our leaders have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. And they should keep their oath until that Constitution is either repealed or replaced. It's just that simple. But is it not interesting that these men that place their hand on the Bible and swear to God with an oath that they're going to support, uphold, and maintain the Constitution of the United States, then turn right around and do exactly the opposite. Which shows us this: their word is nothing. Their character is nothing. They are just as useless and worthless and valueless as their word. Do you remember when we were raised, we were taught a man's word is his bond? You give your word. You're responsible to keep that word unless in some way somehow the providence of God hinders you. But today the word means absolutely nothing. A man's word means nothing to him or to anyone else.

When I was a boy, I saw my father, I saw numerous other farmers do business on a handshake. And each one kept his word. Today, you better get an ironclad contract notarized and then that still doesn't mean anything. People will still cheat you. Because their word is absolutely valueless and meaningless.

Now, let me show you what I'm talking about. There was a big row going on in Spokane, Washington. This happened back, I think even last year, but it's still not settled. There were remarks by the sheriff's deputy. Public remarks that Spokane, Washington needed MRAPs, that is Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, military vehicles. That Spokane, Washington's Sheriff's Department needed these military vehicles, and I'm quoting, "because constitutionalists have guns and have stored up plenty of ammo." Well, I might add that similar attitudes have been displayed by a multitude of law enforcement officers throughout the country. Incidentally, the deputy and the deputies of Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, if I'm pronouncing it correctly, could be Knezovich, were trained by the Southern Poverty Law Center out of Montgomery, Alabama. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the police agencies now are against anyone that stands for truth and righteousness, honesty and heritage? Anyone that holds to the same standards and morality of our Founding Fathers are now considered an enemy of the Empire.

In fact, and you can search this out on the internet yourself, our government now counts constitutionalists a greater threat than terrorists. How can that be? How can someone wanting to preserve our history and our heritage and do that which is right be counted worthy of being labeled a greater terror than a terrorist? It's unbelievable. Unbelievable. I want you to see that civil corruption is always preceded by spiritual corruption. Or I can say it the other way, spiritual corruption always precedes civil corruption.

The Proper Foundation for Secession

Secession must be based on returning to biblical truth and the God of the Bible. Without repentance, any new government will fail, as seen in Jeroboam's rejection of God's offer.

Now I want to point out something that if this is not the foundation, nothing else is going to work. All else will fail. I could take you through the Bible and show you there are numerous examples in the Bible where when people repented, turned back to God, God did indeed heal their nation and heal their government. Look at the revivals under Josiah and Hezekiah for instance, some of the greatest revivals that ever happened. And God did indeed heal their land. So there first of all should be a motivation to say, "We want to return to the God of the Bible and truth of God and live godly, holy, obedient lives."

Now, here secondly, secession is often motivated by political and civil corruption. I understand that there are people that have no understanding concerning the spiritual import and impact. They are just fed up with the civil and political corruption. But let me just tell you, you can't replace something with nothing. And it does you no good to replace humanism with humanism. So if you say, "Well, we're going to withdraw from this corrupt, wicked, civil government, and we're going to begin another civil government, but we're going to begin it on more benevolent human principles." All you are doing is setting yourself up for failure. Humanism is humanism. It is not going to succeed. That is all there is to it. And if a people that do secede do not turn back to Biblical truth, their secession is going to prove absolutely fatal.

Now, I want to show you something. When God rent the kingdom from Rehoboam and gave the ten tribes to Jeroboam, it was an endeavor to give them a fresh and a new start. Let me show you. I want you to look in your Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 37. God is speaking to Jeroboam, and he said: "And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever." Listen to what he said to Jeroboam: "If you will just keep my commandments, if you will walk in my ways, if you will observe my statutes, I will build you a sure house."

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:37-39

"I will do for you exactly what I'm doing for David. I'll do it." And what did Jeroboam do? He turned around and made the two golden calves. He didn't believe God. If you look in 1 Kings chapter 14, beginning there with verse 7, you'll see what the end of Jeroboam was. 1 Kings chapter 14 verse 7: "Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone."

So what is God saying? "Jeroboam, I gave you the opportunity to have a fresh new start. You rejected me. I'm gonna take you out the way dung is taken out. That's it." Wow. Change without repentance is worthless. It is not just simply that we need new rulers. It's not just simply we need new offices. It's not simply that we need new programs and new economic principles. We need repentance. Many believers use 2 Chronicles 7:14 like a lucky rabbit's foot.

Conclusion: The Need for Repentance

True change requires repentance, not just new rulers or programs. 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls for turning from wicked ways, not just prayer. Secession should be a movement to restore obedience to God.

I mentioned this a week or so ago. You see all these signs: "Pray for America. Pray 2 Chronicles 7:14. Prayer only hope." Well listen to what 2 Chronicles 7:14 says: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We can pray and cry all we want, but if there is no turning from our wicked ways, God is not going to hear us. The motivation for secession is to begin afresh and anew with the Lord. Secession is not to be an effort to try some new humanistic endeavor. Secession is not an attempt to start a utopian society. It is to be a movement to restore us to true obedience to God and His worship and His Word. Anything less than that will fail. You know what happened in 1 Kings chapter 11, I'll point it out in 1 Kings chapter 12.

The people finally just got fed up with the tyranny and the corruption. You know, one of our prayers should be, "Lord, make us sick and give us our fill of what's going on." Just vomited up. You remember it's like when the people cried, and complained, and wanted meat and God sent those quail. While the meat was in their mouth God smote them. They got their stomach full of it, you know. And we just need to get a stomach full of tyranny. It's just like, it's just like this treaty that Obama has entered into with Iran. Who now he refuses to even give the details to the people or to the congressmen?

What are you talking about?

One of these days, maybe the people of America will wake up, maybe God's people will awaken and say, "We've had our belly full, we want to go back and serve God the way we should serve God." I could take care of 90% of our problems if I were President and allowed to have my way overnight. You say, "It's impossible." No, it's not impossible. All you have to do is get rid of all that which is wicked and wrong and ungodly and wasteful and start doing that which is right. The problem is there are so many people making money from that which is wicked and wrong and ungodly. And they don't want that in this country. You say, "We need godly people in Washington." You can't get godly people in Washington. Or if you get them there they can't do anything. They tie their hands. Maybe God in His grace will have mercy upon us and everybody will just get fed up and say, "Wow, we've had enough." And that's what it's going to take when God finally gets our backs up against the wall and we can't go any further, maybe we'll say, "Lord, it's time that we repent."

Study Guide

Major Themes

Secession as Peaceful Withdrawal

Summary: Secession is a lawful, peaceful separation from a corrupt government, not a violent revolution.

Evidence: Weaver states: 'Secession is not revolution. Secession is not taking up arms. Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation.'

Spiritual Corruption as Root Cause

Summary: Abandoning God and His Word leads to corruption in all institutions, including government.

Evidence: Weaver says: 'Spiritual corruption is always the starting point. Men are covenantal creatures. Whenever we leave God and His Law... we corrupt everything.'

Connection Between Spiritual and Civil Corruption

Summary: Spiritual apostasy inevitably results in civil tyranny and loss of freedom.

Evidence: Weaver explains: 'Spiritual corruption always leads to civil corruption. You cannot have one without the other.'

Tyrants' Self-Interest

Summary: Rulers who abandon God act out of self-preservation, not concern for the people.

Evidence: Weaver notes Jeroboam's fear: 'If this people go up to do sacrifice... they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam.'

Necessity of Repentance for True Change

Summary: Secession or political change without repentance and return to God is futile.

Evidence: Weaver warns: 'Change without repentance is worthless... We need repentance.'

Liberty Comes from God

Summary: True freedom is found where God's Spirit is present and His Word is obeyed.

Evidence: Weaver cites 2 Corinthians 3:17: 'Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.'

Key Arguments

Secession is a lawful right, not rebellion

Summary: States created the federal government and do not need permission to secede; secession is peaceful withdrawal.

Evidence: Weaver argues: 'The states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant... Masters do not seek permission from servants to act.'

Spiritual corruption always precedes civil corruption

Summary: When leaders and people abandon God, tyranny and loss of freedom follow inevitably.

Evidence: Weaver states: 'Whenever there is an apostasy in the spiritual realm, there is going to be an apostasy in the civil realm.'

Government-ordained religion leads to tyranny

Summary: Jeroboam's golden calves were a means to control the people and secure his power.

Evidence: Weaver explains: 'It was by means of and through the installation of this pagan idolatrous religion that he sought to control and subjugate and dominate his people.'

Without the fear of God, rulers have no regard for man

Summary: When leaders do not fear God, they become unjust and oppressive.

Evidence: Weaver quotes 2 Samuel 23:3: 'He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'

Secession must be grounded in return to biblical truth

Summary: Any new government not founded on obedience to God will fail, as Jeroboam's did.

Evidence: Weaver says: 'If a people that do secede do not turn back to Biblical truth, their secession is going to prove absolutely fatal.'

Repentance is required for national healing

Summary: 2 Chronicles 7:14 requires turning from wicked ways, not just prayer.

Evidence: Weaver emphasizes: 'If there is no turning from our wicked ways, God is not going to hear us.'

Scripture References

1 Kings 12:1-19

Context: The account of Rehoboam's harsh answer and Israel's secession.

1 Kings 11:1-10

Context: Solomon's idolatry and spiritual corruption.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Context: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

1 Kings 12:25-33

Context: Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship.

John 11:46-48

Context: Pharisees fear losing their place and nation because of Jesus.

2 Samuel 23:1-3

Context: David's last words: rulers must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

1 Kings 11:26-40

Context: Jeroboam's rise and Solomon's attempt to kill him.

1 Samuel 20:30-31

Context: Saul's anger at Jonathan for protecting David, illustrating a tyrant's self-interest.

1 Kings 11:37-39

Context: God's promise to Jeroboam if he obeys.

1 Kings 14:7-11

Context: God's judgment on Jeroboam for his idolatry.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Context: Conditional promise of healing if God's people humble themselves, pray, and turn from wicked ways.

Historical References

Recent poll: one in four Americans ready to secede

Context: Weaver cites a poll showing widespread secession sentiment in the U.S.

Scotland's secession vote from the United Kingdom

Context: Mentioned as a recent example of a secession movement.

Catalonian secession movement in Spain

Context: Another contemporary secession effort.

California proposal to divide into six states

Context: Example of secession thinking within the U.S.

Northern Colorado secession movement

Context: Another U.S. secession example.

Lincoln's opposition to Southern secession and tariff motivation

Context: Weaver claims Lincoln opposed secession to protect tariff revenue, calling the South his 'milk cow.'

Spokane, Washington sheriff's department MRAP controversy

Context: Deputy stated MRAPs were needed because 'constitutionalists have guns and ammo.'

Southern Poverty Law Center training of law enforcement

Context: Weaver claims the SPLC trained deputies to view constitutionalists as enemies.

Important Quotes

Without the right of secession, there is no freedom. Any entity that is part of a union but does not have the right to leave is not free.

Significance: Weaver uses this quote from Bruce Willis to emphasize that secession is essential to freedom.

Secession is not revolution. Secession is not taking up arms. Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation.

Significance: Defines secession as non-violent and lawful, distinguishing it from rebellion.

The states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant.

Significance: Argues that states have authority over the federal government and do not need permission to secede.

Spiritual corruption is always the starting point. Men are covenantal creatures. Whenever we leave God and His Law and the totality of His Word, we corrupt everything.

Significance: Establishes the foundational cause of societal decay.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Significance: Biblical basis for the connection between God's presence and freedom.

He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

Significance: David's inspired words on the necessity of godly fear for just rule.

Change without repentance is worthless.

Significance: Emphasizes that political change without spiritual turning is futile.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Significance: The conditional promise of national healing, requiring repentance.

Discussion Questions

How does the biblical account of Israel's division under Rehoboam illustrate the principles of secession?

Context: Weaver uses 1 Kings 12 as a model for secession.

What is the difference between secession and revolution, and why is that distinction important?

Context: Weaver defines secession as peaceful and lawful.

In what ways does spiritual corruption lead to civil corruption, according to Weaver?

Context: Weaver argues that abandoning God results in tyranny.

How did Jeroboam's establishment of idolatry serve his political purposes?

Context: Weaver explains Jeroboam's fear of losing power.

Why does Weaver insist that secession must be grounded in a return to biblical truth?

Context: He warns that humanistic replacement will fail.

What role does repentance play in national healing, based on 2 Chronicles 7:14?

Context: Weaver stresses turning from wicked ways, not just prayer.

How does the example of Solomon's persecution of Jeroboam illustrate the nature of tyranny?

Context: Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam for being chosen by God.

What does Weaver mean when he says 'the states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant'?

Context: He argues states created the federal government and retain authority.

Applications

Recognize the signs of spiritual and civil corruption

Summary: Believers should be aware of how apostasy in the church and government leads to tyranny.

Evidence: Weaver says: 'Whenever there is an apostasy in the spiritual realm, there is going to be an apostasy in the civil realm.'

Understand secession as a lawful option

Summary: Secession is a peaceful, legal means of withdrawing from a corrupt government, not rebellion.

Evidence: Weaver states: 'Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation.'

Prioritize repentance and return to God

Summary: Any political change must be founded on repentance and obedience to God's Word.

Evidence: Weaver warns: 'Change without repentance is worthless.'

Teach biblical truth to the next generation

Summary: Older believers must pass on truth to young people who have not heard it.

Evidence: Weaver laments: 'Many of our young people have never heard truth.'

Pray for a heart of repentance, not just national blessing

Summary: Use 2 Chronicles 7:14 as a call to turn from wicked ways, not as a mere formula.

Evidence: Weaver says: 'If there is no turning from our wicked ways, God is not going to hear us.'

Evaluate leaders by their fear of God

Summary: Rulers who do not fear God will have no regard for people.

Evidence: Weaver quotes: 'He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T18:31:03Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T11:07:15Z

Clean Transcript

A Model For Secession - Part 1 of 2

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Let's open our Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 12. 1 Kings chapter 12. And we're going to read the first 19 verses. Let me just go ahead and say that the message today is the first part of a two-part message. And of course today will be more introduction and foundation for that which I'll be sharing next week. The title of the message is "A Model for Secession."
#1 | 0:13 to 0:45 | cleaned
I've preached on this subject several times in the past. When I read through the Scripture again, this really jumped out at me, and so I want to bring it again fresh and a different look at it. So 1 Kings chapter 12, verse 1: "And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) that they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?"
#2 | 0:48 to 1:49 | cleaned
"And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
#3 | 1:50 to 2:42 | cleaned
"So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them."
#4 | 2:42 to 3:38 | cleaned
"Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day." I don't know if you've been paying attention to the news or not, but actually, secession has been in the news for the last year or two. It seems that many Americans, as well as people of other nations, have secession on their mind. There was a recent poll taken that demonstrated that one out of every four Americans were ready to secede or depart from Washington, D.C. The same poll said that in Texas and a few western states, it was one in every three.
#5 | 3:38 to 4:27 | cleaned
So you need to just stop and think about this for a moment. The impact of that poll when it is revealing that either one quarter or one third of the Americans are ready to depart from Washington, D.C. In other words, they're fed up with the tyrannical bureaucratic government that we have. I would probably say that those who were interested in staying are probably on the government dole and or work for the government themselves in some way.
#6 | 4:28 to 4:55 | cleaned
Many of you will remember that recently Scotland endeavored to secede from England, and of course the vote failed, but then there was evident fraud as well, and undoubtedly there are still challenges to that vote going on—of the vote count, I should say—and moreover Scotland is still making further efforts to secede from the United Kingdom. I used to have a shirt a long time ago that had a picture of a Confederate battle flag on it, and it had written across it, "If at first you do not secede, try and try again." So evidently, I'm sure Scotland is going to keep trying as well. You can mark this down, that the fact is that bureaucrats and tyrants will always have a desire to keep their subjects in line. Why?
#7 | 4:56 to 5:45 | cleaned
Because a tyrant without subjects and a bureaucracy without people to regulate will soon dissipate and come absolutely to nothing. I hope you remember also that the Catalonians in Spain are seeking to secede as well. In fact, there are secession movements all across the world and especially even here in the United States. Did you know that the state of California was thinking of dividing into six different sections? And honestly, Northern Californians have absolutely nothing in common with Southern Californians.
#8 | 5:45 to 6:22 | cleaned
I can assure you of that right now. But Northern Colorado was also talking about seceding from Southern Colorado and beginning another state as well. And then, of course, Hawaii and Alaska have been talking about seceding as well, and Texas has been bold with it. And what a lot of people do not realize is this, that most states actually are self-sufficient and would have enough resources to be absolutely independent of the federal government. And someone says, "Well, you have to remember about all the money that the federal government gives to the states." Well, you ever think about this? If the states were to stop sending money to the federal government, then they would not need any of that money back. They would have everything that they needed as well.
#9 | 6:22 to 7:12 | cleaned
Here is a recent headline that I want to read to you. The title of it is, "Secession Theology Runs Deep in American Religious and Political History." It is only three brief paragraphs. It goes like this: "Corruption has gone too far. The righteous must break away. Hope now rests with a holy remnant that will honor foundational texts. The message sounds familiar. A church schism? No. Mounting calls for a secession from the United States."
#10 | 7:13 to 7:43 | cleaned
"Since President Obama won re-election, more than 750,000 Americans have petitioned the White House website to let their respective states secede from Alaska to Iowa to Maryland to Vermont. Those leading the charge are framing it, observers say, in terms of a deep-seated religious impulse for purity through separation, and that is flaring up once again." Now, while you stop and think about that, it's impressive that 750,000 people want to secede.
#11 | 7:44 to 8:17 | cleaned
But, on the other hand, you have to remember this. It's important to comprehend that it was the states that created the federal government, and not the federal government creating the states. So let me say it again. The states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant. The states do not need permission from the federal government to do anything. They are the masters and not the servants. Masters do not seek permission from servants to act. They just simply act. So states really and truly, historically, legally do not need permission from the federal government to do anything. So it is astounding to realize how many people are really awake to the idea of secession and how important it really is.
#12 | 8:18 to 9:10 | cleaned
I recently ran across a quote. As I read it, I was absolutely shocked. I was not shocked concerning the quote. I was shocked concerning who said it. Believe the quote and I believe what is in the quote for years. But it was the author of that quote that really shocked me. Here's the quote: "Without the right of secession, there is no freedom. Any entity that is part of a union but does not have the right to leave is not free." Well, that quote I got from Bruce Willis. Bruce Willis is a Hollywood movie star, an action star.
#13 | 9:10 to 9:55 | cleaned
Now, the point I'm trying to make is this. If secession thinking is penetrating and saturating Hollywood, then where else is it going as well? And I can assure you that the more corrupt our government becomes, the more we will lose our freedoms, and the more anyone with one ounce of sense will have a desire to depart from that federal government and have liberty and freedom, set up a government that is not so corrupt and not so tyrannical. Governments usually die from their own stupidity and their own corruption, and our government is no exception.
#14 | 9:56 to 10:38 | cleaned
Now, let me make several points before I begin showing you some Scripture. I must point out that secession is not revolution. Secession is not taking up arms. Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation. All secession is doing is this: We are not attacking the government. We're saying, look, here is your corrupt government, and anyone who wants this corrupt government happens to be absolutely welcome to stay and support that corrupt government. However, we who are tired of tyranny and bureaucracy, we will withdraw and we will set up our own government. So, it is not a fight to take over the government. It is just simply a withdrawal in trying to set up our own government. So, secession does not necessarily result in war. There have been numerous countries that have secession movements that have succeeded, and they have been peaceful.
#15 | 10:38 to 11:46 | cleaned
In fact, the truth of the matter is, the secession movement here in the United States in 1860 and 1861 would have been a peaceful one had it not been for Northern treachery and Lincoln's unconstitutional acts. There would have never been a war. In fact, Lincoln himself said, "Let the South go? Let the South go? Where will I get my tariffs from?" Because the South furnished 80 to 85 percent of all the money in the federal government at that particular time. In fact, Lincoln referred to the South as his milk cow. And Lincoln also confessed and acknowledged to six violations of the Constitution. But the truth of the matter is, there were a whole multitude more of his violations that he did not confess to and acknowledge that can be very easily proven. So, obviously, we would have had a peaceful secession had it not been for Northern treachery and Lincoln's unconstitutional acts.
#16 | 11:46 to 12:51 | cleaned
So, today I want to just share one point, two thoughts under that one point. I want to talk about the motivation for secession. We're going to get into this text in more detail next week. But when you think about this, what motivates people to secede or to withdraw from a government? Well, the answer usually comes back, they have a desire for freedom. Now, if you secede because you have a desire for freedom, that means then that you did not have the freedom previously that you desired. You're leaving for freedom. So therefore you did not have the freedom previously. So then you have to ask this question: Why did you not have the freedom previously? What happened to cause you to become disenchanted and disillusioned and enslaved by your former government whereby now you want liberty and freedom? Well, I'm going to show you that 1 Kings 11 and 12 have the answers that can be applied to any nation, any country, under any circumstances. Now I'm going to give you two thoughts today under the motivation for secession.
#17 | 12:52 to 14:15 | cleaned
I want you to understand that these two thoughts are not only connected, they are interconnected. You might say this, that one is the consequence and the cause of the other. You really cannot have one without having the other. So, what is the first one? The first one is spiritual corruption.
#18 | 14:16 to 14:38 | cleaned
Now, I want you to look in your Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 11. But let me point out before we read 1 Kings 11 that spiritual corruption is always the starting point. Men are covenantal creatures. Whenever we leave God and His Law and the totality of His Word, we corrupt everything. Every institution that God has created—the family, the church, and the state—are all corrupted by spiritual corruption, spiritual disobedience. So, if I were to ask you who one of the wisest men that ever lived happened to be, and you would answer Solomon, and he was. I want you to see how Solomon, one of the wisest men, turned his government and his nation into an absolute chaos, and into idolatry through spiritual corruption. So look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading with verse 1 and read through verse 10.
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The Bible says, "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon."
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"And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded." So Solomon then, one of the wisest men that ever lived, Solomon turned Israel into a heathenistic society when previously it had been the people of God. Thus a monotheistic religion and a monotheistic society is now turned into an idolatrous polytheistic society by the highest civil official in the land. In other words, it was government that brought this idolatry into being. When civil government promotes idolatry, it is not in the best interest of the people.
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You are going to see that just shortly. In fact, many of the religions that Solomon was promoting here are what you and I would call power religions. They were religions that deified the king and that gave absolutely unlimited power and authority to government. So, here he is allowing all of this idolatry, acquiring what he would call, I suppose, power and authority for himself. I want you to understand something.
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No religion protects and promotes individual freedoms as does the Christian religion. In fact, we must understand that our freedoms come from God. Our freedoms are God-given. They are not government-given. According to the Declaration of Independence, governments are designed to secure these rights. That is, they are to protect them. They are to punish the wicked, and they are to praise and promote the righteous, and protect our rights. Whenever there is a denial of God's Word, or when a government leaves God's Word, it will always leave its responsibility to protect, and therefore the loss of freedom is inevitable. Now I want you to hold 1 Kings, but I want you to turn in your Bibles to 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and look, if you would please, at verse 17. 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and verse 17. Look at what the Bible says. 2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." So wherever God is honored and obeyed, there is liberty. True liberty comes from God and true liberty comes from obedience to God.
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So the Bible says, "The Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Now I want you to consider the obverse or the reverse of that truth. Where the Spirit of the Lord is not, is no liberty. So once a government apostatizes from the Lord and His Word, the ultimate end of that apostasy is tyranny and totalitarianism. It follows like night follows day. Thus when governments then denigrate and deny and denounce the Word of God and Biblical Christianity, it is headed for tyranny and despotism and totalitarianism. It cannot help it. Likewise, when a government encourages and pushes and endorses a pagan religion, such as Islam, it is headed to the same end. I want you to understand something.
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It is impossible to enslave a knowledgeable and an obedient people. In order for a government to enslave anyone, it must first destroy biblical truth and obedience to the one true and the living God, because obedience to the one true and the living God and biblical truth always lead to personal freedom and limited government. Okay. Now I want you to see this back in 1 Kings chapter 12. I'm going to tie this together for you. I want you to go back to 1 Kings chapter 12. Jeroboam, who is the first king of Israel, abandons the worship of the one true and the living God and he establishes a pagan religion. So you have to ask, why does he establish a pagan religion? Why does he abandon the worship of God? Well, let's begin reading in 1 Kings 12 and verse 25. The Bible says this: "Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:"
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"If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."
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"And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense." Now I want you to note the very first thing that he does is he establishes a government-ordained religion.
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It was by means of and through the installation of this pagan idolatrous religion that he sought to control and subjugate and dominate his people. Just stop and think about this for a moment. Whenever we leave Biblical Christianity, the end result is always going to be tyranny. It will be the enslavement of the people. So what did he do? He made him two golden calves. He says, "These be your gods, O Israel." He made it easy for them to obey and to worship. Then he says, "It is too much for you to go to Jerusalem. You can just do this right here." And of course, I'm sure he made laws in favor of his religion, and certainly penalties for those who would not engage in his religion.
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He ordained his own feast, out of a month that he chose out of his own heart. He ordained his own priests. He had a government-approved religion.
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Now you have to ask yourself this question: why did he do that? Well, look at it if you would in verses 26 and 27: "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah." Wow! Isn't that amazing? Jeroboam didn't do one thing for the benefit of the people or for the blessing of the people. He said, "If this people keeps going down to Jerusalem and they're worshipping the one true and the living God and they're worshipping him correctly, pretty soon they're going to realize I'm not the lineage of David. And they're going to turn around and they're going to kill me and they're going to go back to Rehoboam." So what was Jeroboam concerned with?
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His power, his place, and his position. Tyrants are never concerned with their people. No tyrant is genuinely interested in his people. I could just about broaden that and say no politician is genuinely interested in his people. Politicians are interested in getting re-elected. And for the time they get into office, the first thing they want to do is start raising money for their re-election campaign. They're not interested in us. And what really frosts my cake is when we contact our representatives and we write our representatives and we tell them exactly what we want, we get some kind of form letter back and say, "Thank you for contacting me and I appreciate your input, but I must vote my own conscience." We didn't send him up there to vote his conscience.
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We sent him up there to represent us. So most politicians care less about their own people as well. The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. Listen carefully, spiritual tyranny is no different from civil tyranny, it is still tyranny. If you will hold 1 Kings but go in your Bibles to John chapter 11. Lord willing in a few weeks I will amplify upon this passage. But look in John chapter 11, let's begin reading there with verse 46. In this passage Lazarus has been raised from the dead.
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Here is an undeniable miracle. Lazarus is not only walking around, there are multitudes that saw our Lord raise Lazarus from the dead. So they slip up and tell the Pharisees what has happened. So notice verse 46: "But some of them," that is some who saw the miracle, "some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we?"
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"For this man doeth many miracles. And if we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."
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Now, did you notice what was said? "If we let him thus alone, the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Now if you paid close attention you will find out what they were really interested in: "the Romans will come and take away our place." In other words, we won't have any power, we won't have any authority. And then they said, "our nation." Well obviously if they take away the nation they lose their power and authority too because they have no one to rule over. They have no one in which to tyrannize. Wow.
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You see, spiritual corruption oftentimes drives us back to reality. I've often thought of how much things have changed in my lifetime. When we stop and think, things are not right. They're not even the way they used to be and they should be. We remember how we were taught. We remember how we were raised. We remember a work ethic, a Christian work ethic. We remember being taught God's law.
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But yet none of that is going on today. But in one sense of the word, spiritual corruption sometimes will drive us back to reality and it makes us remember and it makes us understand where we have come from and how far we have fallen. And then again it makes us yearn back for truth again, or as we used to say, "the truth and nothing but the truth."
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But here's a sad thing. Unhappily, it is the older people that want to return for the truth because they're the ones that remember it most. And when you stop and think, many of our young people have never heard truth. They've never believed truth. They have no earthly idea what truth is. And when we try to tell them, they kind of laugh. And so actually the responsibility turns out to fall upon the heads of the old men, the gray heads and the silver beards. And say, "Look, this is truth."
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This is what the Word of God teaches. This is how we were raised. Wow. I suppose one of the greatest sources of sorrow, probably one of the greatest sources of anxiety for a true believer, is to understand that our young people do not know truth and have never heard truth, and have never really been exposed to truth. And we see our young people going everywhere, our grandchildren, our great-grandchildren, and our own children, and we wonder why? What in the world? They've just never had truth. They've never heard truth. So it is true what the Communists say: "We don't care about the old folks, give us the young folks and in a generation nobody will remember you anyhow." And so if we don't start saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it," we are in trouble. So spiritual corruption. Secondly, civil corruption.
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This is found in 1 Kings 11 and 12. And I want you to understand that spiritual corruption always leads to civil corruption. You cannot have one without the other. The reason we have so many ungodly and reprobate politicians is because we have so many ungodly and apostate people and pastors alike. Like begets like. You have to remember the words of the unjust judge in Luke chapter 18. The unjust judge in Luke chapter 18 said this: "Though I fear not God, nor regard man." In other words, whenever there is a loss of the fear of God, there is no regard for man. You wonder our civil rulers and politicians could care less about what is going on? There is no fear of God. There is no regard for man. I want you to turn in your Bibles if you would to 2 Samuel, 2 Samuel chapter 23. I want to begin reading with verse 1, and actually I'm going to give you verses 2 and 3. But I want you to see how many times David claims direct inspiration from God for one simple truth.
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Here it is, 2 Samuel 23 verse 1: "Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the LORD spake by me," that's one time. "And his word was in my tongue," that's twice. "The God of Israel said," that's three times. "The Rock of Israel spake to me," that's four times. Four times now David is claiming direct inspiration from God for this one simple truth: "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." If you do not rule in the fear of God, you will have no regard for man. If you do not rule in the fear of God, let me explain it like this: anything goes.
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Do you understand what has happened and is happening in our land today is very simple. We've left God, we've left His Word, we've left His truth, and therefore none of our rulers believe that they are restrained by God or His law. So anything goes. Murder your own babies, sell the body parts. I mean anything goes. I want you to understand something. I've just said that spiritual corruption always leads to civil corruption.
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Now you know that Jeroboam was the first king of Israel. Jeroboam was an excellent worker and a valiant man. And believe it or not, he actually worked for King Solomon. Yet I'm going to show you just a moment that King Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam. And his sole beef with Jeroboam, his sole beef with Jeroboam was the fact that God had chosen him to rule over Israel.
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I want you to look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 26. 1 Kings 11 and verse 26, watch carefully. "And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant," so he worked for Solomon, "whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king." I'll explain that in just a moment. "And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:"
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"And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee: (But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:) Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father. Howbeit I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand: but I will make him prince all the days of his life for David my servant's sake, whom I chose, because he kept my commandments and my statutes: But I will take the kingdom out of his son's hand, and will give it"
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"unto thee, even ten tribes." So, Ahijah the Shilonite has caught Jeroboam in the field. He takes that new garment, rents it into twelve pieces and says, "Pick up ten. I will give you ten tribes." Jeroboam worked for Solomon. So now Solomon is going to seek to kill Jeroboam because God said, "I'm going to give you ten tribes." Let me explain something. In this instance Solomon is no different than King Saul. You remember King Saul tried to kill David. And the only reason King Saul wanted David dead was he knew that as long as David was alive, Jonathan his son would never be king. And when he found out that Jonathan was protecting David, listen to what he said. 1 Samuel 20:30-31: "Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom."
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"Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die." Well, he wanted David dead. Solomon wanted Jeroboam dead. Jeroboam had the audacity to fight back. He lifted up his hand against Solomon and said, "No, you're not going to treat me this way. You're not going to do this." And that prompted Solomon's unrighteous persecution and prosecution. Listen, tyrants do not like anyone that will oppose them or stand up to them or call their hand on anything. Jeroboam had to flee for his life.
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Look if you would please at verse 40 in 1 Kings chapter 11. "Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon." Whenever and wherever there is subterfuge, persecution, and prosecution for anyone that opposes spiritual and civil corruption, you may be assured that totalitarianism and tyranny are in control. Now listen carefully.
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The evidence that America is even now a tyrannical police state is obvious to those that seek to oppose wicked, ungodly, and unconstitutional statutes. Now listen, regardless of one's position concerning the Constitution, the truth is our leaders have taken an oath to uphold the Constitution. And they should keep their oath until that Constitution is either repealed or replaced. It's just that simple. But is it not interesting that these men that place their hand on the Bible and swear to God with an oath that they're going to support, uphold, and maintain the Constitution of the United States, then turn right around and do exactly the opposite.
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Which shows us this: their word is nothing. Their character is nothing. They are just as useless and worthless and valueless as their word. Do you remember when we were raised, we were taught a man's word is his bond? You give your word. You're responsible to keep that word unless in some way somehow the providence of God hinders you. But today the word means absolutely nothing. A man's word means nothing to him or to anyone else.
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When I was a boy, I saw my father, I saw numerous other farmers do business on a handshake. And each one kept his word. Today, you better get an ironclad contract notarized and then that still doesn't mean anything. People will still cheat you. Because their word is absolutely valueless and meaningless.
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Now, let me show you what I'm talking about. There was a big row going on in Spokane, Washington. This happened back, I think even last year, but it's still not settled. There were remarks by the sheriff's deputy. Public remarks that Spokane, Washington needed MRAPs, that is Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, military vehicles. That Spokane, Washington's Sheriff's Department needed these military vehicles, and I'm quoting, "because constitutionalists have guns and have stored up plenty of ammo."
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Well, I might add that similar attitudes have been displayed by a multitude of law enforcement officers throughout the country. Incidentally, the deputy and the deputies of Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, if I'm pronouncing it correctly, could be Knezovich, were trained by the Southern Poverty Law Center out of Montgomery, Alabama. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the police agencies now are against anyone that stands for truth and righteousness, honesty and heritage? Anyone that holds to the same standards and morality of our Founding Fathers are now considered an enemy of the Empire.
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In fact, and you can search this out on the internet yourself, our government now counts constitutionalists a greater threat than terrorists. How can that be? How can someone wanting to preserve our history and our heritage and do that which is right be counted worthy of being labeled a greater terror than a terrorist? It's unbelievable. Unbelievable. I want you to see that civil corruption is always preceded by spiritual corruption. Or I can say it the other way, spiritual corruption always precedes civil corruption.
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They go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. Whenever there is an apostasy in the spiritual realm, there is going to be an apostasy in the civil realm. There is a great book out. I was just trying to think of the title of it. It is called, "Broken Churches, Broken Nations." And it shows back in the 1800's how the churches began splitting and then everyone was saying it will not be long before our nation is split right down the middle.
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And of course that is true. So, I'm talking this morning about the motivation for secession. What is it that would actually motivate a people to secede, to withdraw from their government which they have been used to all of their lives? Well, let me just put it like this: the first motivation for secession should be a motivation to return to biblical truth and to the God of the Bible who has revealed himself as Jesus Christ.
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Now I want to point out something that if this is not the foundation, nothing else is going to work. All else will fail. I could take you through the Bible and show you there are numerous examples in the Bible where when people repented, turned back to God, God did indeed heal their nation and heal their government. Look at the revivals under Josiah and Hezekiah for instance, some of the greatest revivals that ever happened. And God did indeed heal their land. So there first of all should be a motivation to say, "We want to return to the God of the Bible and truth of God and live godly, holy, obedient lives."
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Now, here secondly, secession is often motivated by political and civil corruption. I understand that there are people that have no understanding concerning the spiritual import and impact. They are just fed up with the civil and political corruption. But let me just tell you, you can't replace something with nothing. And it does you no good to replace humanism with humanism. So if you say, "Well, we're going to withdraw from this corrupt, wicked, civil government, and we're going to begin another civil government, but we're going to begin it on more benevolent human principles."
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All you are doing is setting yourself up for failure. Humanism is humanism. It is not going to succeed. That is all there is to it. And if a people that do secede do not turn back to Biblical truth, their secession is going to prove absolutely fatal.
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Now, I want to show you something. When God rent the kingdom from Rehoboam and gave the ten tribes to Jeroboam, it was an endeavor to give them a fresh and a new start. Let me show you. I want you to look in your Bibles to 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 37. God is speaking to Jeroboam, and he said: "And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt be king over Israel. And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee. And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever." Listen to what he said to Jeroboam: "If you will just keep my commandments, if you will walk in my ways, if you will observe my statutes, I will build you a sure house."
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"I will do for you exactly what I'm doing for David. I'll do it." And what did Jeroboam do? He turned around and made the two golden calves. He didn't believe God. If you look in 1 Kings chapter 14, beginning there with verse 7, you'll see what the end of Jeroboam was. 1 Kings chapter 14 verse 7: "Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone."
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So what is God saying? "Jeroboam, I gave you the opportunity to have a fresh new start. You rejected me. I'm gonna take you out the way dung is taken out. That's it." Wow. Change without repentance is worthless. It is not just simply that we need new rulers. It's not just simply we need new offices. It's not simply that we need new programs and new economic principles. We need repentance. Many believers use 2 Chronicles 7:14 like a lucky rabbit's foot.
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I mentioned this a week or so ago. You see all these signs: "Pray for America. Pray 2 Chronicles 7:14. Prayer only hope." Well listen to what 2 Chronicles 7:14 says: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We can pray and cry all we want, but if there is no turning from our wicked ways, God is not going to hear us.
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The motivation for secession is to begin afresh and anew with the Lord. Secession is not to be an effort to try some new humanistic endeavor. Secession is not an attempt to start a utopian society. It is to be a movement to restore us to true obedience to God and His worship and His Word. Anything less than that will fail. You know what happened in 1 Kings chapter 11, I'll point it out in 1 Kings chapter 12.
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The people finally just got fed up with the tyranny and the corruption. You know, one of our prayers should be, "Lord, make us sick and give us our fill of what's going on." Just vomited up. You remember it's like when the people cried, and complained, and wanted meat and God sent those quail. While the meat was in their mouth God smote them. They got their stomach full of it, you know. And we just need to get a stomach full of tyranny. It's just like, it's just like this treaty that Obama has entered into with Iran. Who now he refuses to even give the details to the people or to the congressmen?
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What are you talking about?
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One of these days, maybe the people of America will wake up, maybe God's people will awaken and say, "We've had our belly full, we want to go back and serve God the way we should serve God." I could take care of 90% of our problems if I were President and allowed to have my way overnight. You say, "It's impossible." No, it's not impossible. All you have to do is get rid of all that which is wicked and wrong and ungodly and wasteful and start doing that which is right. The problem is there are so many people making money from that which is wicked and wrong and ungodly. And they don't want that in this country. You say, "We need godly people in Washington." You can't get godly people in Washington. Or if you get them there they can't do anything. They tie their hands. Maybe God in His grace will have mercy upon us and everybody will just get fed up and say, "Wow, we've had enough." And that's what it's going to take when God finally gets our backs up against the wall and we can't go any further, maybe we'll say, "Lord, it's time that we repent."
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And believe you. Lord willing next week, I'm going to finish this message and show you from the Scripture the stages and the means of secession and what can be done and how it is to be done based upon the Word of God. Let's pray. Father, we are thankful today for the Lord Jesus Christ and for His grace and mercy. We do ask Lord that you would give us strength that we may serve Thee acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Help us Lord, how desperately we need Thee. How desperately I need Thee. Lord, turn our hearts, quicken us that we may call upon thy name.
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Grant us repentance and grant us faith. Give us, Lord, courage to stand for thy truth and thy word. And Lord, we acknowledge and confess that thou and thou alone are the one true and the living God, and besides thee there is none other. Help us, Lord, to love thee, we pray in Christ's most holy and blessed name. Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T18:31:03Z

A Model For Secession - Part 1 of 2

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

Pastor John Weaver introduces a two-part message on secession, using 1 Kings 11–12 as a biblical model. He argues that secession is a peaceful, lawful withdrawal from tyranny, not revolution. The motivation for secession is twofold: spiritual corruption (apostasy from God) and civil corruption (tyranny and loss of freedom). Spiritual corruption always leads to civil corruption. True secession must be grounded in a return to biblical truth and obedience to God, not merely humanistic reform. Without repentance, any new government will fail.

Introduction: Secession in the News

Weaver notes recent polls and movements showing many Americans and people worldwide are considering secession from corrupt, tyrannical governments.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 12:1-19

"And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) that they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?"

The Nature of Secession

Secession is defined as peaceful, lawful separation, not revolution or taking up arms. It is a withdrawal to set up a new government, not an attack on the existing one.

The Motivation for Secession: Spiritual Corruption

Spiritual corruption is the starting point. Solomon's idolatry in 1 Kings 11 corrupted Israel, showing that when leaders abandon God, tyranny follows.

Spiritual Corruption Leads to Civil Corruption

Jeroboam's establishment of a pagan religion in 1 Kings 12 was to control the people and protect his own power, illustrating that spiritual apostasy produces civil tyranny.

The Self-Interest of Tyrants

Jeroboam's actions were motivated by fear of losing power, not concern for the people. Similarly, modern politicians often prioritize re-election over representing constituents.

The Example of the Pharisees

In John 11, the Pharisees opposed Jesus because they feared losing their place and nation, showing that spiritual leaders can be tyrannical when their authority is threatened.

The Need for Repentance and Return to Truth

Older generations remember biblical truth, but many young people have never heard it. Secession must be motivated by a desire to return to God and His Word.

Civil Corruption: Solomon's Persecution of Jeroboam

Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam because God had chosen him to rule. This shows that tyrants persecute those who oppose corruption.

I want you to look in 1 Kings chapter 11 and let's begin reading there with verse 26. 1 Kings 11 and verse 26, watch carefully.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant,"

so he worked for Solomon,

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king."

I'll explain that in just a moment.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field: And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces:"

Look if you would please at verse 40 in 1 Kings chapter 11.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:26-40

"Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon."

Modern Evidence of Tyranny

America is described as a tyrannical police state, with law enforcement viewing constitutionalists as threats. Oath-breaking by leaders demonstrates their lack of character.

The Proper Foundation for Secession

Secession must be based on returning to biblical truth and the God of the Bible. Without repentance, any new government will fail, as seen in Jeroboam's rejection of God's offer.

Scripture Reading — 1 Kings 11:37-39

"I will do for you exactly what I'm doing for David. I'll do it." And what did Jeroboam do? He turned around and made the two golden calves. He didn't believe God. If you look in 1 Kings chapter 14, beginning there with verse 7, you'll see what the end of Jeroboam was. 1 Kings chapter 14 verse 7: "Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone."

Conclusion: The Need for Repentance

True change requires repentance, not just new rulers or programs. 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls for turning from wicked ways, not just prayer. Secession should be a movement to restore obedience to God.

What are you talking about?

A Model For Secession - Part 1 of 2

John Weaver | YouTube

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	YouTube
Media ID	SKoA3Nsa0Zs
Subject	Church Government
Course	Church Order: Worship, Sacraments, and the Lord's Supper
Genre	Sermon
Date	2015-09-06
Dictation Name
Book	Book 025: A Model For Secession — Chapter 1
Source Timed Segments	70

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: Secession in the News: Weaver notes recent polls and movements showing many Americans and people worldwide are considering secession from corrupt, tyrannical governments.
The Nature of Secession: Secession is defined as peaceful, lawful separation, not revolution or taking up arms. It is a withdrawal to set up a new government, not an attack on the existing one.
The Motivation for Secession: Spiritual Corruption: Spiritual corruption is the starting point. Solomon's idolatry in 1 Kings 11 corrupted Israel, showing that when leaders abandon God, tyranny follows.
Spiritual Corruption Leads to Civil Corruption: Jeroboam's establishment of a pagan religion in 1 Kings 12 was to control the people and protect his own power, illustrating that spiritual apostasy produces civil tyranny.
The Self-Interest of Tyrants: Jeroboam's actions were motivated by fear of losing power, not concern for the people. Similarly, modern politicians often prioritize re-election over representing constituents.
The Example of the Pharisees: In John 11, the Pharisees opposed Jesus because they feared losing their place and nation, showing that spiritual leaders can be tyrannical when their authority is threatened.
The Need for Repentance and Return to Truth: Older generations remember biblical truth, but many young people have never heard it. Secession must be motivated by a desire to return to God and His Word.
Civil Corruption: Solomon's Persecution of Jeroboam: Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam because God had chosen him to rule. This shows that tyrants persecute those who oppose corruption.
Modern Evidence of Tyranny: America is described as a tyrannical police state, with law enforcement viewing constitutionalists as threats. Oath-breaking by leaders demonstrates their lack of character.
The Proper Foundation for Secession: Secession must be based on returning to biblical truth and the God of the Bible. Without repentance, any new government will fail, as seen in Jeroboam's rejection of God's offer.
Conclusion: The Need for Repentance: True change requires repentance, not just new rulers or programs. 2 Chronicles 7:14 calls for turning from wicked ways, not just prayer. Secession should be a movement to restore obedience to God.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Secession is a lawful right, not rebellion

States created the federal government and do not need permission to secede; secession is peaceful withdrawal.

Weaver argues: 'The states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant... Masters do not seek permission from servants to act.'

Spiritual corruption always precedes civil corruption

When leaders and people abandon God, tyranny and loss of freedom follow inevitably.

Weaver states: 'Whenever there is an apostasy in the spiritual realm, there is going to be an apostasy in the civil realm.'

Government-ordained religion leads to tyranny

Jeroboam's golden calves were a means to control the people and secure his power.

Weaver explains: 'It was by means of and through the installation of this pagan idolatrous religion that he sought to control and subjugate and dominate his people.'

Without the fear of God, rulers have no regard for man

When leaders do not fear God, they become unjust and oppressive.

Weaver quotes 2 Samuel 23:3: 'He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.'

Secession must be grounded in return to biblical truth

Any new government not founded on obedience to God will fail, as Jeroboam's did.

Weaver says: 'If a people that do secede do not turn back to Biblical truth, their secession is going to prove absolutely fatal.'

Repentance is required for national healing

2 Chronicles 7:14 requires turning from wicked ways, not just prayer.

Weaver emphasizes: 'If there is no turning from our wicked ways, God is not going to hear us.'

Scripture References

1 Kings 12:1-19: The account of Rehoboam's harsh answer and Israel's secession.
1 Kings 11:1-10: Solomon's idolatry and spiritual corruption.
2 Corinthians 3:17: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
1 Kings 12:25-33: Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship.
John 11:46-48: Pharisees fear losing their place and nation because of Jesus.
2 Samuel 23:1-3: David's last words: rulers must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
1 Kings 11:26-40: Jeroboam's rise and Solomon's attempt to kill him.
1 Samuel 20:30-31: Saul's anger at Jonathan for protecting David, illustrating a tyrant's self-interest.
1 Kings 11:37-39: God's promise to Jeroboam if he obeys.
1 Kings 14:7-11: God's judgment on Jeroboam for his idolatry.
2 Chronicles 7:14: Conditional promise of healing if God's people humble themselves, pray, and turn from wicked ways.

Historical References

Recent poll: one in four Americans ready to secede: Weaver cites a poll showing widespread secession sentiment in the U.S.
Scotland's secession vote from the United Kingdom: Mentioned as a recent example of a secession movement.
Catalonian secession movement in Spain: Another contemporary secession effort.
California proposal to divide into six states: Example of secession thinking within the U.S.
Northern Colorado secession movement: Another U.S. secession example.
Lincoln's opposition to Southern secession and tariff motivation: Weaver claims Lincoln opposed secession to protect tariff revenue, calling the South his 'milk cow.'
Spokane, Washington sheriff's department MRAP controversy: Deputy stated MRAPs were needed because 'constitutionalists have guns and ammo.'
Southern Poverty Law Center training of law enforcement: Weaver claims the SPLC trained deputies to view constitutionalists as enemies.

Important Quotes

Without the right of secession, there is no freedom. Any entity that is part of a union but does not have the right to leave is not free.

Weaver uses this quote from Bruce Willis to emphasize that secession is essential to freedom.

Secession is not revolution. Secession is not taking up arms. Secession is a peaceful, lawful, legal means of separation.

Defines secession as non-violent and lawful, distinguishing it from rebellion.

The states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant.

Argues that states have authority over the federal government and do not need permission to secede.

Spiritual corruption is always the starting point. Men are covenantal creatures. Whenever we leave God and His Law and the totality of His Word, we corrupt everything.

Establishes the foundational cause of societal decay.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Biblical basis for the connection between God's presence and freedom.

He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

David's inspired words on the necessity of godly fear for just rule.

Change without repentance is worthless.

Emphasizes that political change without spiritual turning is futile.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The conditional promise of national healing, requiring repentance.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

How does the biblical account of Israel's division under Rehoboam illustrate the principles of secession?

[Context]

Weaver uses 1 Kings 12 as a model for secession.

[Question]

What is the difference between secession and revolution, and why is that distinction important?

[Context]

Weaver defines secession as peaceful and lawful.

[Question]

In what ways does spiritual corruption lead to civil corruption, according to Weaver?

[Context]

Weaver argues that abandoning God results in tyranny.

[Question]

How did Jeroboam's establishment of idolatry serve his political purposes?

[Context]

Weaver explains Jeroboam's fear of losing power.

[Question]

Why does Weaver insist that secession must be grounded in a return to biblical truth?

[Context]

He warns that humanistic replacement will fail.

[Question]

What role does repentance play in national healing, based on 2 Chronicles 7:14?

[Context]

Weaver stresses turning from wicked ways, not just prayer.

[Question]

How does the example of Solomon's persecution of Jeroboam illustrate the nature of tyranny?

[Context]

Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam for being chosen by God.

[Question]

What does Weaver mean when he says 'the states are the masters, and the federal government is the servant'?

[Context]

He argues states created the federal government and retain authority.

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