Faithful Presence: The Believer in Babylon

Based on 1 Peter 2:13-17, this sermon teaches how Christians should submit to government and earthly authorities as established by God while navigating the tension between obedience to governing powers and loyalty to Christ. The message emphasizes that believers are called to be a "faithful presence" in culture—engaging honorably through voting, petitioning, and excellent living rather than retreating from society, seizing power through domination, or rebelling against authority. Using Jesus Christ and early church history as examples, Pastor John Carter shows how Christians can stand for their convictions, exercise civic voice, and impact culture through righteousness, character, and love.