Kingdom and Government

State of the Church — Romans Series | Part 10Pastor Dan Harrison | Ravenna Assembly of God

What happens when our faith and our politics collide? And how should Christians respond when the government doesn’t reflect their values?

In today’s message, “Kingdom and Government,” Part 10 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we explore what the Bible teaches about government authority, God’s sovereignty, and our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ.

Drawing from Romans 12:21–13:7, Pastor Dan challenges us to examine how our Christian faith should influence our attitudes toward political leaders, elections, authority, and those with whom we disagree.

As our nation approaches another election, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by political division, uncertainty, and fear about the future.

But Pastor Dan reminds us of a powerful biblical truth:

No matter who occupies the White House, God’s Kingdom is not going anywhere.

Romans 12:21 declares:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This verse establishes the foundation for understanding Paul’s teaching about governing authorities in Romans 13.

When Paul wrote these words, Christians were living under Roman rule, where emperors claimed extraordinary authority and believers would face increasing hostility and persecution.

Yet Paul instructed the church to respect governing authorities, fulfill their responsibilities, and continue demonstrating the character of Christ.

How do we honor leaders whose decisions we disagree with? How do we remain faithful to God while living under imperfect governments?

Through Romans 13, Daniel 2:21, Daniel 4:17, and Jesus’ teaching about paying taxes in Matthew 22, Pastor Dan explores three essential truths:

1. God’s People Are People of Honor.
Christians are called to demonstrate respect, dignity, and integrity—even toward leaders who oppose their values. Honoring an office or authority does not require agreeing with every decision made by the person holding it.

2. God’s People Trust His Sovereignty.
Governments change, leaders come and go, and election results may surprise us. But nothing catches God by surprise. His authority extends beyond every earthly kingdom, and His eternal purposes remain secure.

3. God’s People Overcome Evil With Good.
When others respond with hostility, anger, or division, followers of Jesus are called to demonstrate grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace.

Pastor Dan also reminds us that Christians have an opportunity—and responsibility—to participate thoughtfully in the political process while remembering that our ultimate hope is not found in any political party, candidate, or government.

Our hope is found in Jesus Christ and His everlasting Kingdom.

As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share.

Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and help you examine how your faith influences your response to political disagreements, uncertainty, and authority.

Are you allowing fear to shape your decisions?

Have political disagreements damaged your relationships?

Do you struggle to honor leaders whose values differ from yours?

And when the world responds with hostility, are you reflecting the goodness and grace of Jesus?

Today’s Takeaway

Participate faithfully. Honor others. Trust God’s sovereignty. Overcome evil with good.

This week, prayerfully consider how you can demonstrate Christlike character in your conversations, decisions, and relationships.

Pray for those in authority, including leaders you disagree with. Remember Christians around the world who face persecution for their faith.

And when you encounter anger, division, or hostility, choose to respond with grace rather than retaliation.

Because governments will change, leaders will come and go, but the Kingdom of God will never be shaken.

Our calling is not simply to live in an earthly nation.

It’s to represent the Kingdom of Heaven wherever God has placed us.

Lean In

What if the person everyone sees on the outside doesn’t reflect what’s happening on the inside?

In today’s message, “The Inside,” Part 9 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we explore what genuine spiritual transformation looks like and why becoming more like Jesus must begin within our hearts.

Drawing from Romans 12:1–3 and Romans 12:14–21, Pastor Dan challenges us to examine our identity in Christ, our relationships with others, and our willingness to surrender bitterness, jealousy, resentment, and the desire for revenge.

We live in a world where appearances matter. Social media allows us to present carefully selected moments of our lives, often hiding the struggles, insecurities, and brokenness beneath the surface.

But what happens when our spiritual lives begin to look the same way?

Are we more concerned about appearing transformed than actually allowing God to transform us?

Romans 12:2 reminds us:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

Pastor Dan explains that authentic Christian transformation begins when we surrender ourselves completely to God and learn to see ourselves the way He sees us—not too highly and not too lowly.

When we understand our identity as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, it changes how we respond to others.

Instead of jealousy, we learn to celebrate others.

Instead of being consumed by offense, we learn to bless those who hurt us.

Instead of seeking revenge, we learn to trust God with justice.

And instead of allowing bitterness to control our hearts, we discover the freedom that comes through forgiveness.

Because genuine transformation isn’t simply about changing our behavior. It’s about allowing God to change our hearts.

Throughout this message, Pastor Dan addresses the emotional and spiritual struggles that can keep us trapped in resentment, comparison, insecurity, and unforgiveness.

He also reminds us that pursuing peace doesn’t mean remaining in abusive or harmful situations. Romans 12:18 calls us to live peaceably with others “if possible, so far as it depends on you.”

One of the most powerful moments comes through the biblical account of Stephen’s death in Acts 7.

As Stephen was being stoned, he prayed:

“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Among those present was Saul, who would later encounter Jesus and become the Apostle Paul.

Pastor Dan challenges us to consider what God can do when we release our desire for vengeance and entrust even those who have hurt us to His hands.

What if the person you’ve struggled to forgive is someone God still wants to reach?

Lean In

As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share.

Ask the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart and reveal anything you’ve been holding on to that may be preventing genuine spiritual growth.

Is there someone you’ve struggled to forgive?

Has comparison or insecurity affected your ability to celebrate others?

Are you carrying bitterness from something that happened years ago?

And does the life you’re presenting on the outside reflect the work God is doing on the inside?

Today’s Takeaway

Real transformation begins on the inside.

This week, ask God to reveal one area of your heart that needs His healing and renewal.

Maybe it’s an old wound, an unresolved conflict, a jealous attitude, or a desire to get even.

Whatever it is, bring it before your Heavenly Father.

Release what you’ve been holding on to. Trust God with what you cannot control. Allow His love to transform your heart.

Because following Jesus isn’t just about believing in Him.

It’s about belonging to Him—and reflecting His character in the way we live, love, and forgive.

True Generosity

State of the Church — Romans Series | Part 7Pastor Dan Harrison | Ravenna Assembly of God

What if true generosity isn’t measured by how much we give, but by how much of ourselves we’re willing to share?

In today’s message, “True Generosity,” Part 7 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we explore what it really means to live generously, love our neighbors, and demonstrate the transforming power of Jesus Christ through authentic Christian relationships.

Drawing from Romans 12:13, Pastor Dan challenges us to look beyond financial giving and discover the deeper meaning of biblical generosity.

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” — Romans 12:13 (ESV)

At first glance, this verse may seem like a simple instruction to give to those in need. But when we examine the original Greek language, we discover something much more meaningful.

The word translated contribute is connected to koinonia, a word describing fellowship, participation, and genuine connection with others.

True generosity isn’t simply handing someone a gift, writing a check, or offering assistance when it’s convenient. It’s becoming involved in people’s lives, understanding their struggles, and being willing to walk alongside them.

Because genuine Christian love isn’t transactional. It’s relational.

Pastor Dan shares a deeply personal challenge about the familiar phrase, “If you need anything, let me know.” While those words may sound compassionate, biblical generosity calls us to move beyond good intentions and actively demonstrate love through meaningful relationships.

He also reminds us that generosity isn’t only about helping others carry their burdens. Sometimes it means being willing to let others help carry ours.

You weren’t created to carry every burden alone.

As we continue through Romans 12, we also discover the biblical meaning of hospitality: demonstrating love toward strangers and making room in our hearts for people who may be different from us.

Through the example of the Good Samaritan, the fellowship of the early church, and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:35, Pastor Dan challenges us to examine the boundaries we’ve placed around our relationships.

Are we willing to love someone outside our normal circle?

Are we willing to welcome people who look different, think differently, or come from unfamiliar backgrounds?

And are we willing to move beyond simply inviting people to church and begin inviting them into our lives?

From supporting foster children and missionaries to encouraging coworkers, neighbors, and those who feel forgotten, true generosity reflects the heart of Jesus Christ.

Lean In

As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart.

Ask God to reveal where your generosity may have become more about what you give than how you love.

Is there someone whose burdens you could help carry?

Is there someone you’ve kept outside your circle because loving them might require stepping beyond your comfort zone?

And is there an area of your life where God is asking you to do something new?

Today’s Takeaway

True generosity is more than giving something. It’s giving yourself.

This week, ask God to place one person on your heart who needs genuine connection, encouragement, or compassion.

Don’t simply offer to help. Look for an opportunity to show up, listen, and demonstrate the love of Christ.

Because the love of Jesus was never meant to remain inside the walls of the church.

It was meant to transform our relationships, our communities, and the lives of those around us.

True generosity begins when we make room in our hearts for someone else.