Good day, St. James!  September 3, 2026

Good day, St. James!

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Romans 13:1

This week’s Epistle reading is from Romans 13. Martin Luther had a phrase for Paul’s message to us on being subject to governing authorities.  He referred to these authorities as the ‘kingdom of the left’. In his book, On Temporal Authority, he defines this kingdom as government positions that enforce civil and criminal justice. They are individuals in an office whose position is to maintain social order, protect the innocent, and serve the neighbor.  Luther continues describing the limitations of the temporal government. 

“The temporal government has laws which extend no further than to life and property and external affairs on earth, for God cannot and will not permit anyone but himself to rule over the soul. Therefore, where the temporal authority presumes to prescribe laws for the soul, it encroaches upon God’s government and only misleads souls and destroys them. We want to make this so clear that everyone will grasp it, and that our fine gentlemen, the princes and bishops, will see what fools they are when they seek to coerce the people with their laws and commandments into believing this or that.” Luther On Temporal Authority. 

One could argue that a particular ruler is not doing his/her best to maintain social order, protect the innocent, and serve the neighbor.  However, Paul is clear that, as Christians, we are to submit to these authorities.  We trust that God is in control of His whole creation and ultimately governs over all (including these rulers).  Despite our sinful nature that would like to pick and choose what we follow from God’s Word, our calling is to trust in God’s ultimate justice and mercy and follow His commands as redeemed children of God. 

Please spread the word about our LWML Flapjack Fundraiser on Saturday September 26, 2026, from 8 am to 10 am at Applebee’s Restaurant  610 Palomar St. Suite 1502 Chula Vista, CA  91911

Please continue to invite anyone who needs a church family to call their own to St. James. Please share our website (link below) with as many people as you can. Our ministry is important to our community, and they need the saving message of Jesus Christ! Below is the information for our current sermon series and the upcoming one. If you have any needs, please reach out to us.

Home | St. James Lutheran Church

LIVING TOGETHER AS A CHURCH Sermon series

September 6    Matthew 18: 1–20           How Do We Move Forward?

September 13  Matthew 18:21 –35         Forgiveness

September 20  Matthew 20:1 – 16          Who’s In and Who’s Out

September 27  Matthew 21:23 – 32     Words and Deeds

October 4        Matthew 21:33 – 46     The Owner’s Son

As always, I am in my office every Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM.  Feel free to stop by anytime. 

Pastor Les Schaefer