WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE SAY ABOUT CIVIL GOVERNMENT?

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, & those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right & he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:1-4). SOURCE:  The Table of Duties put together by Martin Luther (Lutheran Book of Prayer)

"But Peter & the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than human beings.'"  (Acts 5:29)

THE INTEGRITY OF OUR WITNESS

"The Christian is committed to work for justice & righteousness, to bring the gospel of Christ to bear in all areas of life to make a difference in society. But we do it by the integrity of our witness, not be resorting to quick, simplistic cliches."  Charles Colson, Men's Devotional Bible