A week ago I sent out a link to a "preacher" friend mine to read that was concise and informative. The reason I sent it was because all week long he had a rant going on about the direction of this nation. I did make a comment about his ignorance on the matter and that of his friends that were praising him. One person responded to me with the same gibberish. In which I replied back and that was it. Then my "preacher" friend made a new post "I wanted to be Joshua, Gideon, David or Nehemiah but I'm Jeremiah! cry emoticon #weepingprophet". Therefore I sent him a link to help open his eyes on what is wrong with our culture and "church". He has yet to even acknowledge it. Anyway, I share with you the link and a follow up letter I had prepared (with a few modifications to help the readers of this blog).
http://www.ecclesia.org/truth/501-church.html
You spoke about being like unto the prophet Jeremiah. I know you, I understand that. Yet there is another prophet that come to my mind when thinking of the "churches" spiritual condition and it may come as a surprise to you. That prophet is none other than Balaam!
You know the story how Moab tried to get Balaam to curse God's people, yet all he ever did was bless them! Yet, Balaam was greedy for gain and came up with a plan for the king to get God's people to sin through idolatry and fornication.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. (KJV) Rev. 2:14
Yet, the "church" and her preachers have committed spiritual adultery with the world by joining herself with a wicked multitude, according to the arrangement and order of the government in the form of a 501(c)3.
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (KJV) James 4:4
2889 ko,smoj kosmos {kos'-mos}
Meaning: 1) an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government 2) ornament, decoration, adornment, i.e. the arrangement of the stars, 'the heavenly hosts', as the ornament of the heavens. 1 Pet. 3:3 3) the world, the universe 4) the circle of the earth, the earth 5) the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human race 6) the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ 7) world affairs, the aggregate of things earthly 7a) the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ 8) any aggregate or general collection of particulars of any sort 8a) the Gentiles as contrasted to the Jews (Rom. 11:12 etc) 8a) of believers only, John 1:29; 3:16; 3:17; 6:33; 12:47 1 Cor. 4:9; 2 Cor. 5:19
Origin: probably from the base of 2865; TDNT - 3:868,459; n m
Usage: AV - world 186, adorning 1; 187
Do you realize that by being a 501(c)3 you have joined yourself to all kinds of wickedness? Look at the list of others that are also 501(c)3's. All kinds of false religions! Are we to be unequally yoked with them? Are we to have communion (joint participation) with them? Are we not called to be separate from them?
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (KJV) 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1
From the article I shared with you "The Truth About Church Incorporation", you should be able to see the spiritual adultery connection. Yet, I am reminded of other passages of Scripture where we are told to beware that we are not lead away from the truth unto something other than we learned from Christ. Remember the slogan "All things Bible"?
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (KJV) Col. 2:8
Do you know the difference between what is lawful and was is legal? That which is lawful comes from God. That which is legal originates from man. Therefore the whole 501(c)3 is not lawful, but rather legal! Remember that Jesus told Pilate that His "kingdom is not of this world"? (Jn. 18:36)
Speaking of legal, let me ask you some questions.
1.
Where in Scripture do you see the "church" going to Caesar to start a "church"? I don't remember Paul doing this on his missionary journeys.
2.
Where in Scripture to we see that the giving of the saints, some refer to it as tithing, doesn't belong to the "church", rather the government, which is it's head?
3.
Where do we find that the preacher needs to be licensed (ordained) by the government to be able to conduct business?
Question one, you should have receive enough information in the article I sent you to answer that. But how about number two? The article touched on it some, but I wanted to add a little more to it.
Now if people are bringing all their tithe into the storehouse (Mal. 3:10), where do we find in Scripture that they get some of their tithe back every year? If you are a 501(c)3 state "church" you get a portion of your tithe back every year! Remember "All things Bible"! So because they are bringing all their tithe into the storehouse and not robing God, the government rewards their faithfulness by giving some of it back?! How does not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Mt. 6:3) apply, since all contributions are recorded, and that record is given back to them so they can prove to the government that they gave to a certain corporation ("church") that they may get some of it back? Do they have to do this? No! But most do for the money and, or on account of their ignorance on this matter. Remember, "All things Bible"!
I also like what former IRS commissioner Roscoe Edgar said, "
The IRS for many years has had the right to examine church records, because churches have been collecting taxes for many years for the government; the churches therefore hold in trust that which belongs to the government. We have a right to examine church records to see if the churches are handling funds properly."
Well, how about that. I am quite sure the former commissioner knows what he's talking about. That also reminds me of something else. Why is it that so many "church" buildings are used for government elections? Could it be that they have a license from the government to conduct business? Hmm.
Where in Scripture do we find that a preacher or the school of their education is licensed or state accredited? I "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so". (Acts 17:11) Truly, it's our Lord that gives us gifts to minister (Rom. 12, 1 Cor. 12, Eph. 4). Yet, for example, by whose authority do you marry a couple? By God's or by man? Do you sign, seal, a government marriage license? By whose authority do you join that couple together by? By man's of course!
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. (KJV) Mt. 21:23-27
The following are
some requirements for 501(c)3's that can be found in the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Publication 1826 (9-94) Cat. no. 21096G, that a 501(c)3 must observe:
1. Have a recognized creed and IRS approved form of worship.
2. Have IRS approved code of doctrine and discipline.
3. Have ordained ministers educated in State accredited colleges.
4. Pastor must answer to the IRS as to daily activities of the church.
5. The IRS must be privy to all financial transactions of the church.
6. Pastor must supply names of all donors – make books, records available.
7. Be neutral on political issues.
8. Be engaged in activities furthering exclusively public purposes.
9. Open its services to the public.
10. Submit names of all church workers; pastors, teachers, clerks, counselors, educational directors, office help, associates, and maintenance personnel.
11. Not publicly oppose licensing of church ministries.
12. Give unlimited submission to civil magistrates pertaining to all laws – federal, state, and local – including public policy.
13. May only use IRS approved fundraising methods.
All things Bible, right! So by whose authority do you choose to function by? If you are a 501(c)3, or a licensed preacher, or have an approved degree from an state accredited institution; then your authority is by your sovereign, the state and not Jesus Christ! You may say that Jesus is the head of the body you belong to, but that doesn't make it so. You chose to leave Jesus as your head and chose the state to be your head instead.
Back in colonial times there were preachers like Isaac Backus and John Leland who had a significant impact on the matters of Church and State relations. Leland for example believed that the "
Government has no more to do with religious opinions of men than it has with principles of mathematics".
In 1785, a bill came up in the Virginia Legislature to tax the people to pay pastors. The Hanover Presbyterians opposed the bill in a memorial.
Throughout James Madison's life he fought against taxing people to support pastors and against "church" incorporation. In the debate on the infamous "Religious Assessments Bill" he noted a list of the evils that would follow assessments and "church" incorporation. He believed that:
1.
Regulation of religion is not within civil power,
2.
Religion needs no 'artifical props'.
3.
History proves religious Establishments were detrimental, and
4.
These benefits would 'entangle the state' in determining which were Christian and which were heretical.
So even in Colonial America there was a push to have "churches" incorporate, yet many resisted the temptation. Why today are people so comfortable in their 501(c)3's? Knowing that it's not necessary for any "church" to go to the government to come under the umbrella of it's favors with a 501(c)3 status? So why would Jesus' disciples want to grant their jurisdiction to the IRS? In the words of a former IRS Senior Revenue Officer, Steve Nestor:
“
I am not the only IRS employee who’s wondered why churches go to the government and seek permission to be exempted from a tax they didn’t owe to begin with, and to seek a tax deductible status that they’ve always had anyway. Many of us have marveled at how church leaders want to be regulated and controlled by an agency of government that most Americans have prayed would just get out of their lives. Churches are in an amazingly unique position, but they don’t seem to know or appreciate the implications of what it would mean to be free of government control.” From the Forward of In Caesar’s Grip, by Peter Kershaw
I wondered that too! Yet, I also wonder why would a "church" would want to remain in Caesar's grip. Remember, all things Bible! Who are you a slave, a servant to? God? Or rather to the dictates of man? Do you honestly believe that God is pleased that you sought out someone else to be your head. A way to conduct business (the Lord's work) in a manner or pattern that you have not learned of Him from the Scriptures? Do you acknowledge God in all your ways? (Prov. 3:6)
You are one who weeps over the sins of the nation and the Lord's "church", yet you will not separate yourself from the wickedness of the 501(c)3? Examine yourself. (2 Cor. 13:5) Will you, or will you not come out? I have talked with a number of preachers about this and they all pretty much answer the same, "not now, only when we are forced to". It is my duty to share. What you do, is your choice.
Well, there is the follow up letter that I never sent due to the fact my friend didn't correspond with me on the link. To add to this topic is a list that Texe Marrs of Power of Prophecy put out in a "special report" (something that I have kept on file) from his then Living Truth Ministries which it is no longer referred to by due to it being incorporated. His new ministry no longer has attachment to the government. In this report he lists "35 prohibitions on churches and ministries" which are as follows:
1. Expose conspiracies.
2. Criticize the New World Order
3. Say or publish anything negative about ANY politician, Republican or Democrat.
4. Criticize government agencies and bureaus – the IRS, FBI, BATF, CIA, EPA, DEA, OSHA, DOJ, etc.
5. Criticize an institution of government such as the White House, the Congress, the Federal Reserve Board (even though this is a PRIVATE corporation) or the Supreme Court.
6. Encourage citizens to call or write their congressman, senator, governor, mayor, or other public official.
7. Criticize any proposed or pending bill or legislation that would take away the rights and freedoms of the people.
8. Make disparaging remarks about, or criticize, any other faith group, cult, or religion.
9. Expose or criticize the New Age Movement.
10. Support or encourage a law-abiding citizen’s militia (even though this is constitutional).
11. Support or encourage the Second Amendment, the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
12. Discourage young women from getting an abortion, or endorse the pro-life movement.
13. Teach that abortion, especially partial birth abortion, is murder and is the killing of innocent babies.
14. Identify homosexuality as a sin and an abomination to God.
15. Express an opinion on any subject or issue.
16. Appeal to peoples’ emotions by employing an evangelization method (such as “fire and brimstone” preaching) not considered a “reasoned approach” by the IRS.
17. Discuss or identify threats to Christianity.
18. Discuss subjects or topics the IRS deems “sensationalist.”
19. Criticize well-known public figures or institutions the IRS deems “worthy,” such as the super-rich elite, international bankers, the Hollywood movie industry, etc.
20. Publish or broadcast information on any topic without giving credence to the opposing viewpoints of Christ’s enemies.
21. Publish and offer books, tapes, or products that expose the elitist plot against humanity and God.
22. Criticize the Pope or the Vatican, or contrast the New Catholic Catechism with the truths found in the Holy Bible. (Note: only liberal churches are permitted by the IRS to criticize the Catholic Church).
23. Criticize the United Nations or such globalist groups as the Council on Foreign Relations, the Bilderbergers, and the Trilateral Commission.
24. Criticize the Masonic Lodge, the Order of Skull & Bones, or other Secret societies.
25. Highlight or otherwise bring attention to immorality of public officials or corruption in government.
26. Complain of government wrongdoing or injustice, such as happened at Waco, Ruby Ridge, and elsewhere.
27. Criticize the Jewish ADL or other Jewish lobby groups.
28. Say anything positive about the “religious right” or the “patriot movement.”
29. Support home schooling, home churches, or unregistered churches.
30. Spend money on missionary projects or charitable causes not approved by the IRS.
31. Promote or encourage alternative healthcare (herbs, vitamins, etc.).
32. Expose false teachings of any kind by anyone.
33. Support or encourage persecuted Christians suffering under anti-Christian regimes in Red China, Cuba, Russia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and elsewhere.
34. Ordain a pastor whose training or qualifications are not approved by the IRS.
35. Advocate or teach any Bible doctrine that is politically or religiously incorrect, or is inconsistent with any “public policy” (abortion, feminism, gay rights, etc.) currently being enforced by the IRS.
I can't help but note that in December of 1997 the IRS visited his ministry to investigate. You can learn more about that from his program titled "Is The Government Using the IRS to Takeover and ControlAmerica's Churches?" (program number 4398). Later, on a program, some time after September of 2004, titled Queers, Masons, Illuminati Con Men, And Other Televangelists (program number 4104) he made some interesting comments about his ministry saying:
"See friends, this is why Power of Prophecy does not have 501(c)3 privileges. We have never gone to the IRS and said 'please give us tax exempt status'..." then he rants on about it for a moment then again states "No, we have never done that."
Why he doesn't tell his audience that he was once a 501(c)3 on that program, but actually denies it is beyond me.
Well, that is the end of this blog. Much reading for sure, with the link, the letter, and extra. Time will tell if I revisit this article. Until next time.
