Church Discipline (Part 4)

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. (Galatians 6:1-5)

This is another key passage when it comes to church discipline. Although it does not outline specific steps to take in conducting the discipline, it very clearly illustrates the heart of the matter. We are to share and bear the burdens of the brother overtaken in trespasses. And we are to do so in a spirt of gentleness and humility.

I'm not sure which is harder being humble or being gentle? Then compound that situation in trying to restore someone who is in sin, and may not be able to clearly see his error that is so apprent to others. We think: "How could this brother be so blind to his own sin? It is so clear! Why can't he see it!?" What is it about deception that makes it so hard to see the truth?

The longer the discipline process the more difficult it becomes for those who are spiritual to remain gentle and humble. They may become beligerant and hostile if the brother in sin refuses to admit that his spiritual brothers are in the right. It is almost as if their pride has been injurred, and the situation becomes one of "I'm right and your wrong, and you have to say so!" The spiritual appeal to their position of authority over the fallen brother, and now add more charges against the fallen. Failure to heed authority. In other words: "Failure to do as I say!"

The process may quickly turn into an assault against the fallen brother. He is no longer viewed as a brother who has fallen, but as a brother who is also in rebellion to authority. If the fallen brother fails to acknowledge the authority of the spiritual ones, and refuses their restoration or offer to repent, it is viewed as a serious slap in the face. The process becomes personal, and now the spiritual are on a slippery slope that may lead to their own transgression.

This is the reason why the charge to restore comes with a warning. Because so many times we are so quick to make restoration and discipline a personal issue, that we can lose sight of the purpose. The purpose is always to restore the fallen brother. But if we do not keep our own spirits in check we may find ourselves being the one that is in need of restoration.

Church Discipline (Part 3)

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (1 Corinthians 5)

This is the second major passage in the scriptures that deals with church discipline. It very closely adheres to Jesus' instructions given in Matthew 18. Here we find that Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for their willful failure to confront sin within their midst. This is the only example in the Bible, where someone is actually excommunicated. And the charge is pretty heavy. Paul says, this isn't just any sin in your midst. This sin was a sin that was even looked down upon by unbelievers. A man was sleeping with his father's wife. This may not indicate his own mother, but very well could be.

It can be assumed from the text that this is an ongoing act, and not just a one time stand. It can be gathered that everyone was aware of the nature of the transgression. Whether it was made public by the transgressor himself or by someone else, the fact is it was common knowledge within the body. The problem was no one had any backbone to do anything about it. So the charge here is two-fold. It is against the transgressor first, but also it is levied against the Body for its failure to adhere to Matthew 18.

This passage was one of the most shocking I have come across in the scriptures. Not because of the nature of the sin, but rather because of the recommendation given by Paul on how to respond. "Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh." Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on there. Did he just suggest that we should deliver the unrepentant brother over to Satan, so that Satan could destroy his body? Isn't that a little harsh? I mean, come on! Surely we should simply encourage the brother to try harder. To pray more. Paul didn't really mean to turn the poor guy over to the devil - did he?

Ironically, that is Paul's command. But what we can't wrap our minds around is the purpose behind the action. Paul goes onto say: " deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." Another version interprets: "for the salvation of his soul." This is hard to reconcile in our modern day theology. How does turning one over to the devil, actually save their soul? The hope is that the sinner's world will so fall apart that he would have no other choice but to return to the Lord and cry out for mercy. After all, the wages of sin is death. That death is not only an eternal death to come, but it can bring death in the here and now. Dis-fellowshipping the unrepentant man brings about the first death experienced as a result of his sin. He is now dead to the Body, to his community, and to his friends.

Paul makes the terms of the excommunication very clear. When the fellow is excommunicated you shall not even eat with him any more. This is a difficult task for many, because the bonds of friendship run deep. However, allowing these relationships to continue in a normal manner will diminish the need for such a one to be fully restored.

This provision is also a safety standard. It is in place for protection. It is for the protection of those in leadership, and also for the protection of the brother who is in error. Why you might ask? Because, the brother in error is now also offended. He is hurt by those who he was closest to. And the sad fact is that hurt people hurt people. Many times they will try to cause division in the church, by getting their friends to side with them over the leadership. This opens the door for the dis-fellowshipped brother to undermine the whole authority structure of the church and add to his growing list of transgressions as his actions are not designed to glorify the Father. So Paul says to eliminate that temptation. Don't even eat with the unrepentant man. For his sake, for your sake, and for the Body's sake.

Paul's charge is that we should not allow those who call themselves brothers, but yet continue in willful unrepentant sin, remain within the fellowship. But he also points out some other very interesting points. One is that the church is only to judge those within its body. It is not to judge those who do not call themselves believers. He also makes it clear that we are not to refrain from fellowshipping with unbelievers. He doesn't say not to have any fellowship with sinners, but simply not to have fellowship with sinners who think they are believers.

I suggest that we would serve the Body well if we would adhere to Biblical principles and standards when confronting those within the Body who have fallen. The purpose of exercising discipline is for the benefit of the brother in error, that his soul might be saved, and ultimately that God might receive glory.

Church Discipline (Part 2)

15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. 18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:15-19)

In this passage Jesus makes the exact steps for carrying out discipline within the Body perfectly clear. There is safety for all involved in the process, including the accused, if we will closely adhere to the words of Christ when confronting a brother who has sinned. It is interesting to note in the passage that Jesus makes it clear that this is for "your brother (who) sins against you." Jesus doesn't necessarily suggest or imply that we make discipline a daily part of our community walk for every sin a man commits. He is very clear that this discipline is to be conducted when the sin is against the Body.

Here are the steps that one should follow:

1. Go to your brother and tell him his sin between you and him alone.
2. If he refuses to hear you, in other words, refuses to repent, then you are to return with 1 or 2 other witnesses to confront him with his sin once again.
3. If he still refuses to repent, then you are to take him before the entire Body and confront him once again, in hope that he will repent.
4. If he refuses, he shall be to you like an IRS agent - oops! I meant like a tax collector and a heathen.

First and foremost, Jesus begins this passage with a presumption. The presumption is that the brother has indeed sinned. In order for this presumption to be true, there must be clear, conclusive evidence of the sin or error. If one is to confront or accuse a brother of sin, then the law must be presented. Without presenting the law there can be no knowledge of transgression against it. And without transgression, there can be no repentance. This removes any room for error or misinterpretation. This is vitally important to understand. Jesus here presumes and assumes that the brother is indeed guilty of sin. Sin is not based upon anyone's opinion. Sin is based upon fact, evidence and truth. It is not subjective. It is objective. That means there can be no room for interpretation. Truth is absolute, and evidence is firmly established.

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)

If there is in fact conclusive evidence of sin, then the injured brother should confront the offender face to face. This is imperative that it be face to face, privately. Notice that Jesus did not advise the injured brother to go seek council at this point. Why? Because, it is a personal, private matter. To go to someone else - even someone in authority or leadership, would compromise the situation. Why, because they are not yet a party to the case. It would dishonor your brother to uncover his sin, without first giving him the opportunity to repent. Uncovering your brother's sin is commonly called gossip.

And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)

Then if your brother refuses to repent, after you have remained in honor toward him by providing him opportunity to do so, you may go to 1 or 2 trusted brothers. You should return with them to once again seek the offender's repentance. The reason that to take 1 or 2 trusted brothers is to protect yourself in case you too are in error. You are to present them with the truth and evidence, and they are to rightly discern if your case is worthy. One should not assume that a brother is in sin, simply because they are approached by someone who has been offended. Many times we are unable to rightly discern situations when we are offended, and seek revenge from our brother rather than repentance. The 1 or 2 other brothers should be able to rightly discern whether the offended brother has in deed been sinned against, before returning with him to confront the offender.

Jesus continues the assumption that the injured brother is in the right. However, I think one can read into the text a bit that the brother in error is given the chance to present his case before the witnesses. Could it be that this brother also has evidence that would exonerate him of the charges levied against him? This is why Jesus says: ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ Judgement has to be executed in the case. The two witnesses are not to side with the injured brother, simply because he has come to them. No, because the injured brother may be in the wrong. When the brother in error has had the chance to defend himself (should he have any defense), the witnesses shall establish the truth by examining the evidence. If the accusation stands, he is again offered the opportunity to repent.

If the brother still refuses to repent, he is to be taken before the church and confronted one final time with the nature of his transgression. At this point there should be no questions or doubts as to the validity of the transgression. The action is taken to provide a final opportunity to repent. If the brother in error remains defiant he is to be dis-fellowshipped from the body. Jesus says you should treat him as if he were an IRS agent or an unbeliever. Why? Not because of his sin, but rather because he is unwilling to repent.

One should note that nowhere does Jesus ever recommend or command the church to seek justice. They are to seek repentance. Justice is to be left in the hands of God. Jesus did not institute this policy for revenge, and church discipline should never be used in that light.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

Look at the life of Zaccheus. Jesus did not seek justice for all of the many transgressions that Zaccheus had committed against God and the people. Rather he sought Zaccheus' repentance. His repentance was proven to be true when Zaccheus responded by executing justice himself, as a result of his change of heart. It was the work of the Spirit that suggested Zaccheus make amends for his sins. It was not done at Jesus' bidding. Did Jesus require self or human justification for Zaccheus? No. Zaccheus stood justified the moment he believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

So to recap the process for confronting sin within the body:

1. There should be clear evidence of sin. The law must be presented for transgression to be realized.
2. The confrontation should be done in private first.
3. With no repentance, a few (1 or 2) others should be brought in to help establish the truth.
4. With still no repentance, the brother is to be taken before the church.
5. If still defiant, the brother is to be ex-communicated and dis-fellowshipped.

The goal of this process is always for God to receive glory through the repentance and restoration of the transgressor. It is not to exact justice nor for revenge. It is not to maintain a healthy public image at an individual's expense. But rather it is for the good of all involved.

Now let me propose a question. How closely do we adhere to Christ's manual? Don't we generally skip ahead to step 3, and neglect steps 1 and 2? How often do we accuse our brethren based upon our opinion or interpretation of scripture, rather than the truth established in God's word? How often are men convicted without any evidence of transgression? How often are men condemned without ever presenting the Law that they have transgressed? And then further: How often do we look away and turn a deaf ear when someone is desperately in need of discipline?

Church Discipline (Part 1)

I am a big proponent of church discipline. I think we as the church would serve the Body well if we would exercise Biblical discipline within our ranks. However, we do not understand the nature or purpose of church discipline. We employ it when we shouldn't and neglect it when it is needed. Most times I would admit that it is neglected, and this ought not to be so. It does no one any good to turn away our eyes from the unrepentant sin of a fellow brother. It is for his good and the sanctification of his soul that we should hold him accountable for his actions. It is to the world's benefit to see a standard of righteousness being upheld within the ranks of God's children.

But all too often we are quick to condemn a fallen brother who is aware of his faults, and isolate him from the help he needs. He needs the body to help him stand when he has fallen. He needs the body to portray the love and forgiveness of the Father. Instead, we stand in judgment and offer only condemnation. We desire justice for the one who has betrayed the Body simply by indulging in his sinful nature. He is dis-fellowshipped, albeit many times unofficially from his friends who do not want the arduous task of restoring their fallen comrade. They would rather speak their opinion and pass judgment then get their hands dirty. The truth is that we stand afar off from these dear ones because of our own piousness and fear. We think ourselves self-righteous and above temptation to suffer his same fate. Or we fear that our own darkness will be exposed and brought to the light, and the thought of that pain is more than we care to bear.

There are several passages in the New Testament that concern church discipline directly. I believe a careful look at these passages will reveal a number of things concerning the proper conduct of the church when it comes to discipline.

A Biblical Model for Church Discipline should adhere to the following guidelines:

Discipline Should Only:

1. Be administered within the Body among those who are called believers.
2. Be administered in all gentleness and humility.
3. Be exercised where there is conclusive evidence of sin.
4. Be based upon truth.
5. Be conducted based upon the actions of an individual on issues concerning morality.
6. Be conducted openly.
7. Seek the repentance of the fallen brother.
8. Seek the restoration of the fallen brother.

Discipline Should Not:

1. Be administered to unbelievers and visitors.
2. Be administered with condemnation.
3. Be exercised where there is no clear evidence of sin.
4. Be based upon differences of opinion or Biblical interpretations.*
5. Be conducted based upon the perceived condition of a man's heart.
6. Be conducted in secret or behind closed doors.
7. Seek justice for the fallen brother.
8. Seek the ex-communication of the fallen brother.

A closer examination of the scriptures will help us develop a Biblical model for dealing with brothers and sisters who have fallen in sin. Sound, Biblical church discipline should not be something to be feared, as it is not punitive in nature. The heart behind discipline is for our good. To restore estranged prodigals' relationships with the Father.

*NOTE: Differences of Biblical interpretations does not include interpretations that deny the deity of Christ, nor that deny the authority of the Word of God.

Authority For Grace

As I was talking with a friend yesterday concerning power and authority, he challenged me. He said that with my position I could arbitrarily choose when to follow the authority of the church leadership and when to disregard it. As I thought about his statement, I concurred that is what the words coming out of my mouth sounded like, but was that what I really believed? Upon further investigation, I don't believe so.

I believe that all lawful authority must be obeyed. To disobey lawful authority is to disobey God. However, a pastor or church leader may act with unlawful authority. This is dangerous, because it opens the door for apparent lawlessness. I can see someone falling into sin, and citing a quotation from me, stating that Heretic said we don't have to obey. However, that's not what Heretic is saying.

We need to return to the Biblical standards and definitions for power and authority. The church has attempted for years to usurp authority over the sheep that God never intended to give them. God created the church to be a ministry of grace. However the church has desired to operate as a ministry of justice. That does not mean that we do not cry out for justice, as God has mandated that we stand for justice. But it does mean that we must look to the scripture to determine what justice is. We cannot define justice, and we cannot sit in the place of God.

It's interesting to note, that when the scriptures give examples of church discipline, the church is never directed to seek justice. They are directed to seek repentance. If repentance is not gained, they are to dis-fellowship with the unrepentant man or woman. The scriptures do not require the church be the exacter of justice, but rather to turn such a one over to the devil - for the redeeming of their souls.

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (Romans 5:4-5)

Why does God withhold the administration of justice from being the responsibility of the Body? The answer is simple:

"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord." (Romans 12:9)

God is the one who will administer justice. As men we fail to recognize the true character of God. He will not allow unrighteousness to go unpunished. However, His desire is for mercy to triumph over justice. Justice must hold its peace when a sinner chooses to repent. God waives any and all justice that the unrighteous rightly deserves when they fall on their knees and petition God for mercy, grace and forgiveness.

When God commands the church to seek repentance, that is all they are commanded to seek. Look at Matthew 18 carefully. The brothers are not directed to administer justice - not even to the unrepentant! However the church seeks repentance and justice. But this is in error, because not even God's ways are always just. WHAT! HERESY! HOW CAN YOU STATE SUCH A THING!?

Well let's look to the scriptures for an answer. Let's first look to the story of the Prodigal Son. When the son decides to repent let's look at the justice that his father sought for him:

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. (Luke 15:22-24)

This infuriates the prodigal's brother who had remained faithful to his father. He demanded justice. It simply wasn't fair the way the father was treating this "sinner" who was no longer worthy to be called a brother.

28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ (Luke 15: 28-30)

And the father rebukes his son for his inability to administer grace and mercy to his brother who was once dead, but is now alive again:

31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32)

But if this scenario were to happen in the church, we would not react the same way. We would take sides with the faithful brother. We would stand in judgment of the prodigal son. We would demand penance for his sins. We would require that he suffer the full scope of the justice that he's got coming to him. He messed up, and God will not allow him to escape the consequences of his sin.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

Let's look at another passage that really gets me riled up. Not because I like the passage, but rather because it's NOT FAIR. Read the following and see what you think. Do you not find yourself getting angry and screaming, "This isn't fair!"

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ 8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few
chosen.” (Matthew 20:1-16)

Look at God's response above when he is accused of being unjust:

13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

This just doesn't sit well with me. Does it you? I mean it's not fair! The guys who worked longer deserved more than the guys who hardly worked at all. Could you imagine your employer paying folks this way? If I was the last guy getting paid, I would've probably responded in the same manner. Wouldn't you?

What makes us respond this way? I believe that it is the way God made us. God loves justice. It's not wrong to love justice. But God also loves mercy, and this is where we fall short. We are not merciful people. We have an innate inability to forgive and forget. Don't get me wrong; it is possible the more we become like him, but as a general rule we are not a people full of mercy and grace.

If we are to hold believers accountable within the Body, let's hold them accountable to repentance and not penance. Let us allow God to be God and may He judge all as He sees fit, according to His everlasting loving kindness and mercy.

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. (2 Corinthians 1:24)

30 Ways the IRS Controls Churches

Should the church incorporate as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation?

The following is an excerpt from an article written by the pastor of Indianapolis Baptist Temple, after the IRS seized the church property from the congregation for allegedly failing to pay taxes. For more information on IBT you can go here.

1. Church must have a distinct legal existence - it must be incorporated.
2. It must have a recognized (approved) creed or form of worship.
3. It must have a distinct form of ecclesiastical government (i.e.: General Conference, national/international board of governors/trustees, etc., and state/local organizations, etc.)
4. It must have a specific code of doctrine and discipline.
5. It must have a denominational history.
6. Ministers must be ordained by the Church Corporation (in order to serve in a pastoral capacity.)
7. Ministers must be educated at a state-accredited college or university in order to be ordained.
8. Church must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) assigned by the IRS, in order to employ ministers.
9. Pastor must receive a Social Security number in order to be employed by the Church.
10. The Church must verify that it is a nonprofit organization to be tax-exempt.
11. The Church must be engaged in activities that serve the public trust.
12. Church must be able to answer to IRS as to its' daily financial activity.(ledgers must be open for government review & approval.)
13. Books and records must be available to IRS for inspection at any time.
14. Church must inform IRS as to who serves at the church (Deacon, Elder, Treasurer, Teacher, Janitor, etc.) regardless of compensation (or lack thereof). (IRS wants the names of those who serve the church voluntarily.)
15. Church must inform IRS of identity of almsgiving recipients. (Presumably to ration the amount of assistance that they get, by modifying the compensation received through welfare, SSI, WIC, AFDC, etc.)
16. Church must report to IRS all gifts sent to missionaries ($500 up). Also a taxation measure, as per form 1099.
17. Only use IRS-approved fundraising methods. (IRS determines which methods are acceptable to raise funds.)
18. Must answer to IRS for any sermon or organizational position which is critical of the IRS. (So the IRS can penalize the church/pastor for stepping "out of line".)
19. Must give unreserved submission to the civil magistrate pertaining to all laws, (federal, state and local,) including issues of public policy (abortion, homosexuality, assisted suicide, equal employment, education, gambling, pornography, abortion, et cetera.)
20. Church must actively promote racial mixing in marriage (miscegenation.)
    (This has to do with the promulgation of state marriage licenses. Marriage has historically existed as an ecclesiastical certification, and is supposed to be protected by the free exercise clause of the 1st Amendment. Anything that involved intermarriage was, in the early days of the US, subject to licensure on the grounds that slaves could do nothing without permission. Yet, this was the back door which the government has used to promote the licensure of all marriages. The church has become an accomplice in causing married couples to have a third party to their union, without their knowledge or consent. All forms of licensed activity by the very definition may be regulated by the state, including the "fruits of marriage" - - your children. This is how state child welfare agents get away with "legally" violating people's 4th Amendment rights!)
21. Pastor cannot enter the public debate about the licensure of ministries.
    (Ministers must be licensed by the state in which they intend to practice, unless ordained denominationally, in which case the pastor may preach anywhere the denomination has an established presence.) The same arguments about licensure apply here as with #20; it is a violation of the free exercise clause with regards to Christian ethics. Ministers are answerable to God first; to be licensed is to put the state before God.
22. Pastors cannot enter into any activity opposing public policies on various issues, e.g.: abortion, homosexuality, assisted suicide, education, taxes, gambling, pornography, abortion, parents' rights, et cetera.
23. Pastors cannot solicit church members' participation in any activity opposing public policies (such as the aforementioned.)
24. Pastors cannot support legislation upholding parent's rights (or other measures that would strengthen the sovereignty of the family over the state's interest in the progeny of a licensed marriage.
25. Pastors cannot proselytize against the promotion of homosexual lifestyles, abortion, gambling, pornography, and other "lifestyle options", et cetera.
26. Pastors/Churches cannot advocate state and U.S. constitutions, Bill of Rights as the supreme law of the land.
27. Pastors cannot enter into sermons that criticize national public issue policies, such as the "drug war", POW's & MIA's, increasing federalization of criminal statutes & police powers, etc.
28. Pastor cannot oppose public education, its' policies, or its' shortcomings(Outcome Based Education); or promote private education above public education; or promote particular educational policies and programs.
29. Pastor cannot publicly declare that people should obey God above, or before, the government. (As the apostle said, "We should obey the laws of God above the laws of men".)
30. Pastor cannot publicly criticize the actions of the government in the implementation of public policy. (i.e.: promoting sex education, etc.)

Should the church incorporate as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation? Well, I guess that depends on the legal and lawful requirements, and who we desire to recognize as Lord?

NOTE: This topic will be discussed in detail further at a later time.

Authority Flows Down (Part 2)

Authority flows down so that glory can flow up. The purpose that God gives men authority is so that men will in turn be able to give glory to God. God does not give men authority so that men can receive glory. He gives men authority so that He can receive glory. He gives men authority to set the captives free.

We've got the whole concept backwards. We think authority flows up, so that glory can flow down. Men believe that they receive authority from men, so that men can in turn rule over each other while the subjects bring glory to the one in authority.

I've been told that pastors receive authority, because we chose to submit to them. This is absolutely a false premise, because true authority can only flow down not up. However, power, conversely can flow up. We can give men power over us. And that is what men desire - power and control.

But Jesus says, it shall not be so with you. That's not the reason He gives authority to men.

What Law?

My friend kind of hit a sensitive spot with me the other day when he challenged me when I suggested that man was head of the home and family. He asked me what law gave men authority over their wives? The following was my response to that question.

The law that gives men authority over their wives is the true Law. God's Law. God only wrote on a rock once, and Moses broke it. Then when Moses went to get another one, God told him that he had to write it down himself this time, because God wasn't going to write another one.

The Law of God is not confined to paper, nor wholly expressed on stone tablets. The Bible says that His (God's) law is written on our hearts, and that no men anywhere are without excuse (when it comes to breaking His law). The problem I think you may be having is the misuse and abuse we've all seen from the man being head of his home. God gave man authority over his home - not so man could be exalted, but so that God could be exalted. That's the purpose of authority - to bring glory to the one in ultimate authority - God. So if I use my authority for any other purpose - I am out of God's will/plan/design. Furthermore I leave myself open or bare - to be attacked by the enemy, because I am in a sense forfeiting God's covering. So being head is not in and of itself a good thing - it is a fearful thing. Because God will hold me accountable - not only for myself, but for how I protect and govern my family.

A little hint here - this is also the purpose of a king. A king (under God's law) does not come into power for his own glorification, but for the glorification of God. And how would God be most glorified? If the king is well and good, and his subjects are suffering, wretched, blind and poor? No, but quite the opposite!

I don't know if you're still reading this, but you've kind of hit on a subject that I feel like God is giving me a real education on right now. I'm trying to compile my thoughts for a possible book. The subject would be Power vs. Authority. I don't know how many people out there are really aware of how Power and Authority actually
work. The truth is sorely misunderstood, but at the same time it's pretty awesome and liberating! The whole battle - from the beginning has been AUTHORITY. And that will be the final battle as well - over authority. Can we (man and Satan) combine enough power to overthrow God, and claim true authority? Because all authority that is not received from God has been derived from power. And authority received from power is only an illusion of authority.

There is only one Law and one Lawgiver, and His name is God Almighty. Creator of heaven and earth. He is the one true righteous judge. Any law of man that is contrary to God's Law is not to be obeyed nor adhered to.

The Mormons

Two nights ago I was coming to the end of a very long emotionally exhausting day when I sat down at the piano to meet with God. No sooner had I sat down, did I look up to see them coming to the door. Quick hide! It was the Mormons! But I was stuck. I couldn't go anywhere. Surely they could see and hear me playing the piano. What was I to do? I was in no mood to talk to the Mormons. I remembered the Law of God, to love your neighbor as yourself, and reluctantly went to the door.

They introduced themselves as "elders" and were probably 10 years my younger. They started asking me some questions about their beliefs, when I turned the tables on them. I said that I believed them to be in error, and that I felt sorry for them. Sorry that they had embraced a lie that will lead to their destruction.

They started to defend their position, claiming that they had received "priestly authority" from a man named Joseph Smith. No they didn't! Did they just use the word "AUTHORITY?" What did these two "elders" know about authority? So in response, I asked them a very simple, basic question. "What was the purpose of the authority that they had purportedly received?" They both got blank looks on their face, and one of them said "I really don't know." The other quoted a passage from Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:11-12 - 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Not a bad answer, for someone who was put on the spot. I was impressed. Granted this is one of those life verses for Mormon, but it was a far better answer than I have received from my Christian friends. I advised that his answer was only partly correct, because the primary purpose of authority was to bring glory to God the Father.

They explained to me how the original 12 Apostles that Jesus had hand-picked had failed to pass the priestly authority onto anyone, and how for nearly 1800 years the world lay in utter darkness. That darkness reigned until the time when the 3 of the 12 Apostles returned from the dead to transfer the priestly authority to a man named Joseph Smith.

I asked them the logical question that came to my mind. "Do you mean to tell me, that Jesus Christ came and sacrificed His life, bled and died, declared that His church would be built upon Peter (the rock), and His work was incomplete and imperfect? Do you mean to say that Jesus, the Son of God didn't have the forth sight to make provisions for the Kingdom He came to establish to reign and rule forever? Are you implying that the Kingdom of God is so weak that it can be destroyed by men?"

To this question they could not provide an answer.

I gave them a challenge, and I will give it to all who will listen. Whether they call themselves Mormon, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, Statist or any other religious association, the challenge and the charge is the same. If you are truly seeking truth with an open mind, then it will lead you to a man. And that man's name is Jesus the Christ. He proclaimed:

"I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes unto the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

I challenged them to stop regurgitating what they've been taught and use their own brains to search out the truth for themselves. If they would do that with sincerity of heart, they would find the true Christ, and they would see that they don't need a mediator like Joseph Smith or any other apostle or prophet. That God has given all the invitation to be part of this priesthood of those who will dare to believe on the Son and His Gospel.

DISCLAIMER: The Mormons gave me a pamphlet and asked me to read it with an open mind. I honored my word and read the pamphlet as I said I would. As I read it, I could see where they are being led into error. The Mormons ask you to read the Book of Mormon and to ask the father to reveal if it is true. The father will reveal an answer to you through your feelings. First and foremost, the question is based on a fallacy. The fallacy being that it is assumed that the Book of Mormon is true. The question more properly phrased is: "Father will you reveal to me the TRUTH - Your Son - Jesus the Christ." Then you should open the Bible and study the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You should not rely on your feelings at all. Because feelings are unreliable. After all sin feels good - but that doesn't make it right!

1. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 - 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Who Do You Call Lord?

Matthew 6:24 - “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

This principle holds true in many different situations. You cannot serve two masters. Ultimately you will end up betraying one master by your loyalty to the other. You cannot serve God and mammon or money. You cannot serve God and any man who would purport to be a master over you. You cannot serve God and the state.

Who is your master? Who do you call Lord?

1 Kings 18:21 - And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

I'd like to re-write the preceding verse in light of everything we've been discussing this far concerning power and authority.

How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if the state (or US Governement), follow him."

How relevant is the question that Elijah posed to the people long ago to our modern-day church? I would say it is very relevant. You see there is a dichotomy in what we teach from our pulpits. We teach the people that God is the LORD, but charge the people that they must serve the state. You cannot serve two masters. Either serve the Lord, or serve the state. You cannot serve both. Either you will love the one and hate the other.

Matthew 4:10 - Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”

My proposition to you is that if you will fully serve the Lord, you will fulfill any and all lawful obligations that you may have to your fellow man and the state. However, the converse is not true. If you attempt to fully serve the state, you will transgress the true Law of God. You will be guilty of treason to the one true King. There is safety in fully serving the Lord although it may cost you your life.

Matthew 10:28 - And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The Plight of Man

The plight of man all comes back to man's inability to rightly comprehend Power and Authority. You see, it's all about power and authority, and the premise that authority can only be received from the one with the most power (namely God.) Any other authority that has not been received from God, is received from power, and therefore only an illusion of authority and unlawful. That (false) authority is restricted to the power that one has.

This is the epoch battle. Satan wanted no one to have authority over him but himself. However, God had authority over Satan. Satan knew that he didn't have enough power to overthrow God, but he thought if he could get enough angels to join him, that he might have enough power to overthrow God. The allure for those angels (and later man) was that if they assisted him in overthrowing God, then he would allow them to be their own authority. Satan was wrong, and so were his followers.

Then he thought, maybe if I could get man to join in my battle then I'll have enough power - and once God is overpowered - I will be the ultimate authority.

The trick at the Garden of Eden - was - "Hey! The only thing that God didn't give you authority over was the fruit of this tree. All you have to do is take authority over it and eat it, and you'll be just like God! The same authority level. You have the power to take authority!"

To Adam and Eve it made sense, since it appeared that the tree was the only restriction God had given them. Adam and Eve didn't realize that this was the only thing that God had withheld from them. What they did when they took and ate the fruit however, was abuse the power that God had given them and at the same time authorize Satan to have power over them. They could not give Satan authority over them, because they cannot give Satan more power (over them) than they have in and of themselves.

Satan collected power from men since the fall, with the Lie, that since he has power he subsequently has lawful authority (from God) over them.

Then God comes to earth as a man. Satan thinks, "Hey, if I can overpower God in His weakened state as a man, I will be more powerful than God - and ultimately the only authority." He rallied the power of the government (of man) to get involved, and it appeared they had defeated God. The problem is, God didn't authorize anyone to kill Jesus. That would imply his complicity. He simply withheld his power (in his mercy) to allow Satan and man the illusion of power. That illusion was broken once and for all when Jesus rose from the dead proving that he never relinquished his ultimate power and authority!

The illusion has been exposed, and the battle has already been won. Men have authorized Satan to build a prison for them, but all they have to do is call on someone with more power to open the prison door, and they can go free! The prison is real, but it is also a lie - it's power is an illusion of power - because the prison is not all-powerful. God has power over the prison.

Satan must return to the drawing board. He thinks, "I still need more power." Eventually he will get the consent of every man and woman on earth. And I mean every one! If you don't consent to give the king (Anti-Christ) power over you, he will prove he has power over you by killing you. All dissenters to the state will be executed, and the earth will be as one.

Satan will stage one last battle to overthrow God. "Surely, if he has the combined power of all the demons, and every man on earth - surely the combination of that power will be greater than the power of God." But you see, Satan has believed the Lie. And it all started because of his disrespect for the authority over him. His desire to be free from anyone being able to tell him what to do. This battle will end in Satan's defeat, because he could never get more power than God - even in combined power - because God is all powerful! The battle was over before it even started.

Certainly the plight of man gets a lot deeper than this. The implications are far reaching, and uncovers this illusion down to its very core. This, I believe is the crux of everything man has been struggling against from the beginning of time. The desire to be their own authority (or gods) over themselves.

Strangely the truth is that freedom is found in submission to the one true authority. But the statement in itself seems oxymoronic. How can you be free, when you must submit? The answer is simple: when you acknowledge God's proper place in your life, you gain the freedom to be all that He created you to be. You are loosed from the prison of hate, insecurity, fear and performance. You simply can be. Be all that He created you to be, and His creation is good. Life in the Kingdom is life more abundantly.

"God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him."
-John Piper

The Lie

The Lie has been embraced by many. Many have fallen prey to the Lie. The Lie is so powerful that it has forever altered the course of history. The Lie is responsible for the plight of man. And while man is responsible for his own actions, the action of embracing the Lie has forever altered the destiny of many a man.

What is this Lie that I keep referring to? The Lie is simply this: "You can be your own authority." "You can be sovereign unto yourself." This is the Lie that Satan embraced and the reason he fell from grace. This is the Lie that Satan whispered to Eve in the garden. This is the Lie that Eve shared with Adam. This is the Lie that he embraced as truth. This is the Lie that has enslaved men from the beginning. This is the Lie that enslaves men still today. And this Lie will enslave many a man for eternity.

Satan believed that he could usurp true, lawful authority with power. He organized a coup within the heavenlies to overpower the one true sovereign - God. The Lie he believed would allow him to overpower the all-powerful God. Once overpowered, God would naturally relinquish His claim to authority over Satan - according to the Lie. All Satan had to do was gather enough power unto himself to become more powerful than God. Satan knew that he did not have enough power in and of himself to overthrow the King, but maybe the combined strength and power of one third of his kind would be enough. Surely - right?

There is, however, a major fallacy in Satan's logic. Sure it sounds good and even makes sense, but not when you're talking about God. You see there is no way that Satan could ever gain more power than the King who is ALL POWERFUL. No matter how much collective power Satan gathers unto himself, it will never even equal the power that God possesses. Satan will never be able to over-power the King, and therefore never obtain His authority. God alone is absolutely sovereign. He can be challenged, but not defeated. He will not be mocked, and men are reaping what they have sown.

Sadly, men have embraced the Lie whispered in the garden. That they have the power in and of themselves to be or create their own gods. That they can be their own authority. Sovereign unto themselves. That they can determine their own reality and fate apart from God. This is the plight of man.

We Are At War

Revelation 17:12-14 - 12 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

Regardless of what you decide to recognize and believe, the truth is we are at war. Do not be deceived. You are a soldier in this cosmic battle between good and evil. The battle lines have been drawn since the beginning of the age, and the choice of kingdoms is yours and yours alone. You cannot elude making a choice as to which side of the battle line you will find yourself fighting on. For failure to choose sides is a choice of sides in and of itself. If you are not for the King, then you are against Him. Plain and simple.

The kingdoms of men have been at war with the Kingdom of God ever since Adam decided to live in his own kingdom instead of God's. Adam chose his own way, and willfully walked away from God's Kingdom. However, God's Kingdom was not defeated nor did it lose any of its domain. Man was the one who was defeated. And the defeat of man could never be construed as dissolving or absolving God's Kingdom. Man's choice was simply not to recognize or reside in the only true Kingdom.

The battle is bloody and the casualties have been high. Many men have lost their physical lives on both sides of this battle. Many men have chosen to abandon their allegiances in exchange for the truth and in exchange for lies.

God's Kingdom has principles and laws. It has an order to it. The Kingdom of God is authentic and original. That means it has original jurisdiction, original law, original power and original authority.

The war rages on, although the outcome is already decided. You have a choice. What role will you play in this epoch battle. Will you chose to live in the true Kingdom under the reign and rule of the one true King? The only absolute sovereign? Or, will you chose to be your own authority and eternal damnation? The choice is yours. No one can make it for you.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - 19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

Two Kingdoms

There has been a struggle ever since the beginning of time. It is the struggle between two rival kingdoms. There is the one true King, and then there is the pretender. The one who would try to overthrow the rightful King and take his place. He has set-up a mock kingdom, that closely resembles the true Kingdom when you glance at it from a distance. But when you explore the truths that these kingdoms are established on, you will find that they are not at all equals.

You see the kingdom of Satan - displayed through the several kingdoms of men are a farce. Their power although allowed by God comes from His arch-enemy. He has counterfeited the Kingdom of God to gain the appearance of desirable or even godly - but in fact it is anything but. You see the foundations of this kingdom are established upon an age old lie. The lie that was embraced by Satan and his minions. The lie that he whispered to Eve in the cool of the garden.

And upon that lie men have built kingdoms unto themselves, because they have desired power, authority, glory and wealth untold. They have lied, manipulated, extorted, coveted, stolen, prostituted themselves many times under the guise of God's blessing and approval. They have committed all of these treacheries and transgressions in some instances in His Holy Name and have committed blasphemy and treason against the one true King.

The King will not always withhold justice. No He will come and vindicate and avenge His good name. He has come now and is at war with this rival kingdom for the lives and souls of men and women. Sadly, that is the battlefield and the domain that is at stake. People.

But men have aligned themselves in opposition and defiance to God. They have embraced the lie in exchange for the truth. They have unwittingly prostituted themselves before a just God right into the hands of a cruel master. A master who has no regard for their welfare or well-being. A master who himself is deluded by the power of the lie, and cannot escape its control.

Do not be deceived. We are at war. And the kingdoms of men are passing away with all of their glory. Their days are numbered, and the end is drawing nigh. You see the battle is already over. The fate of the two kingdoms in this eternal conflict have already been decided, by the sacrifice of one man. One man who was God in the flesh, who gave up His very own life that He might become the chief cornerstone for this glorious Kingdom, that had long lay dormant within the minds of men. A dream that seemed to fade into oblivion, but in reality never lost any ground in the battle. But men could not see the

Kingdom. For it is not an external kingdom of lands, houses or money. It is a kingdom of power and authority, whose King has never suffered defeat in battle. Whose King is just and good. Whose King was willing to lay down His very own life for the sake of His subjects. Whose King declared His subjects to no longer be mere slaves - but called them His friends.

The King has come. His Kingdom has been firmly established since the foundations of the world, and He extends His invitation to all who will listen:

Matthew 11:28-30 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Isaiah 55:1-3 - 1 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—The sure mercies of David.

Is It Possible?

That's the question that's running through my mind right now. "Is it possible?" Is there a place where the distinctions between legal and lawful fade away? A place where we are so in tune with the Holy Spirit that our testimony is that of our Lord's?

John 5:19 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner."

Could we ever get to a place of complete utter abandonment to God, that we only do what the Father tells us to do? That we only speak what we hear the Father say? A place of absolute surrender to the will of the Father.

I think it is possible, but I am far from there. I keep getting pulled back down by men. I know I shouldn't let them influence my actions or words, but I am fallible. But my heart longs for a place where everything else compares to Him. Where my answer is "Yes Lord, here am I - send me!" Where my eyes are fixed upon the unchanging one. Where my actions are a reflection of His heart. Where the words that come from my mouth are straight from His? Is it possible?

Are You Bound To The State?

Here is a question that I'm sure will spark some controversy? Are you bound to the state or is the state bound to you? For whom was the state created? For the benefit of the state or for the people?

To answer this question I'd like to appeal to the US Constitution. The following is an excerpt from William Duff:

What did the individual people retain for themselves when entering into this society?

"....We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that
among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these
rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from
the consent of the governed..." Declaration of Independence [Adopted in
Congress 4 July 1776]

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,
establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves
and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United
States of America." Preamble to The Constitution of the United States of
America

If one recognizes that "the pursuit of happiness" as written in the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson is a reference to property, the right to own property, it must become clear to the least among us that the individual upon entering this society, by declaration through his agents, has retained his life, his liberty, and his property over which only he will have sole dominion for he has not ceded those things to either the Collective, the Fed or the State. He has but given them the duty to secure those things.

NOW THAT WAS SIMPLE. WASN'T IT?

The Constitution is not the creation of rights, but simply a recognition of the inalienable rights men and women are born with. Rights that are given to them by God Himself.

I believe the question is not complete, because the state should exist for the glory of God. The state is bound to the people, and the people should be bound to God. The state exists to secure the rights of the people under God. Everything that exists should exist to and for the glory of God. The state exists for God for the people. The people exist solely for God. They are not bound to serve the state. They are bound to serve God.

The only thing a citizen owes to his country or state is obedience to its laws. However, that obedience is limited by the Word of God and the various state constitutions. No citizen owes the state unlimited obedience. Unlimited obedience is reserved for God and God alone. The citizen is bound to God, not the state.

Legal Is Not Lawful

Jesus said in the last days that "lawlessness" will abound. I have a different view today of what Jesus meant when he said that. I used to think that meant people speeding and not wearing their seat-belts. But I don't think that was what Jesus meant at all.

Jesus meant that in the last days men will not follow the Law of God. That does not mean that they will not follow the laws of men. I believe that men will be "law-abiding" citizens who have pledged their allegiance to the state. However the state will pass legislation that will make what is lawful illegal, and what is unlawful legal.

What is the difference you say? There is a huge difference. There is only one true Law and it comes from the mouth of God. He alone is sovereign and can determine what is right and wrong. His Law is perfect, and essential in converting the soul.

All law is inherently religious. You see, you cannot make a value judgment on any issue without appealing to one's moral center. So when Congress passes any law in our country it has been determined by the legislators that the issue is either good or bad. They stand in the place of God to determine good from evil. They make choices based on their religious worldview - whatever that religion may be. You cannot separate religion from law.

Men have made the true Law of God of no effect by their man-made statutes and codes. We have called what is evil good, and what is good evil. We have allowed men to devise mischief with a law.

You don't believe this is happening? Well, it's true. Just look at some of the headlines ripped from today's news and you'll see that this is happening all around.

1. Abortion or killing has been made legal - God calls murder unlawful.
2. Attempting to preserve the lives of the unborn by protesting has been ruled illegal - God's law says it is good and just.
3. It is illegal to care for the orphans and widows without permission from the state - God says it is a Believers duty under His law. He needs no permission from anyone to obey God.
4. It is illegal to feed the least of these without getting a license from the state - God commands this as lawful obedience.
5. Speaking the truth written in God's word concerning homosexuality has been deemed illegal and hate-speech - God calls speaking the truth lawful.
6. Paying tithe has been ruled illegal for those in bankruptcy - God calls paying tithe lawful.
7. Not wearing your seat belt has been ruled illegal - God has no law concerning the use of seat belts.

The list could go on and on, and I may add to it from time to time as time permits, but I think you are starting to get the point. Man desires to sit in the place of God, and re-write His true law as they see fit. And the way they see fit is for their own benefit and to grant them more control over the masses.

Lawful is what God has established and determined in His Word to be good and evil.

Legal is what man has established and determined by their own words to be good and evil.

Have men ever gotten it right, and aligned their laws with the true Law of God. Yes. But the closer we get to the end of the age, the further men will get from the true Law of God, until in the last days Lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold. Why will the love of many grow cold? Because they will have traded the truth for a lie. They will have embraced what is legal, and prosecute what is Lawful. They will have embraced the teachings of the false prophets that demands their obedience to what is legal - believing that that obedience is Lawful. They have embraced a lie.

Matthew 24:12 - And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Authority Is Not Dominion

Last night as I was praying and studying the Word, a question was troubling me. The question goes back to different things I've heard, and my inability to reconcile all of this education in my mind. The statement was: "that God never permits another man to have authority over another man." This sounds good to me. It would save a lot of headache, but when I look at the scriptures I simply don't believe this statement is true. God does give men authority over other men.

I believe the Spirit then whispered to me - "Authority is NOT Dominion." This is another place we have gotten off track. We have redefined authority to mean dominion, and it simply is not the same. Dominion according to Webster's implies "supreme authority" and "absolute ownership." God never desired or ordained men to have dominion over other men. God retained and retains dominion. Who else could possess supreme authority or absolute ownership? Only God. He alone is supreme and absolute!

However, man in his wickedness, desires to have dominion over men. To control them. To be their supreme authority. He established kingdoms and governments as tools to be able to exercise absolute control over his subjects.

God did give man dominion, but it was over the earth - the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. He did not give man dominion over each other.

Genesis 1:26 - Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Genesis 1:28 - Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

So now we have the following - Power is not Authority is not Dominion. This may seem like splitting hairs, but the distinction is crucial. Power is not Authority. And Authority is not Dominion. However by man's definitions, if a man possesses Power he possesses authority. And if he possesses authority he possesses dominion. However his Power, Authority and Dominion do not find their source in God. They find it in the strength of men and of the evil one.

It is true, God gives men power. It is true, God gives men authority. It is true, God gives men dominion (although not over other men.) But it is also true that God allows men to gain power because of the wickedness in their hearts. It is also true that men receive authority from their power, and God allows this. It is also true that men receive dominion over men from their unlawful use of power and authority.

What God allows and what He ordains are two separate issues. Do not confuse the two. God allows evil. He did not ordain, approve or bless it.

If It Is Possible

I need to balance the previous post Obey God - Not Man! with the following statement. It is taken from Romans 12 right before the controversial Romans 13 passage.

Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Although we are to obey God and not man, we may not use that as an excuse to take advantage of our fellow man. We are bonded still to obey God and His law. The whole law can be summed up in two laws found in Matthew 22. We are called to love God first, and then to love our neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:36-40 - 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

This law is repeated in Romans 13 in the following way:

Romans 13:8-10 - 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Obedience to God is not seeking a fight with the state, but may require fighting. "As much as it is possible within you, live at peace with all men." However the verse suggests that there may be times when it simply is not possible to live at peace with all men. Times where men who may be in power that require us to act in ways contrary to the law of God. Times when due to life's circumstances we may find ourselves in a position to defend our life or the lives of those we love. It is during these times that we must call on the Prince of Peace to come.

Striving to live at peace with all men constrains me. I do not want to be at enmity with anyone, therefore I will govern my actions accordingly. Just because it is not a sin for me to speed, I need to question whether speeding would be a loving action toward my brothers and my enemies. For though Jesus came and died to set me free, though I live as free, yet I will not use that liberty as a cloak for vice, for I am a bondservant of God (1 Peter 2:16.)

WARNING: Danger Ahead!

This is a warning to the church of America, and hopefully a wake-up call. We focus on teaching people that they are to submit to the state, as we misinterpret Romans 13 and various other passages. And many pastors in the back of their mind believe that this is only true insomuch as the state does not violate the law of God or cause us to compromise our Christian beliefs and values.

But tell me man of God, what is going to happen when the state passes a law that is in direct opposition to the true law of God? What will your sheep do then? After all they've been taught to obey the state is to obey God. They've been taught that to disobey the state is to disobey God. They've been taught that the state is appointed by God. Therefore, they must submit to the laws that the state passes in order to remain in good graces with their God.

We've deceived the sheep! We've deceived the people. We've failed to teach them the laws of God. We've failed to teach them how to discern between what is right and wrong. We've failed to educate the masses of the truth. And now, they are going to turn their back and walk away from their faith in the name of obedience to God! They are going to violate the true law of God, because they cannot dare violate man's laws, because after all doesn't God require their civil obedience?

God have mercy on us! Save us! Teach us your ways! Arouse this sleeping generation who has traded the truth for a lie. Who has allowed worldly, godless, wicked men to interpret the scriptures on our behalf. May we embrace the truth before it becomes too late.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Obey God - Not Man!

I've been accused of espousing lawlessness when I state that I am not bound to perform to the whims, fancies and desires of the state. Whether that be a court order or a man-made statute or law.

But I am in no way advocating lawlessness. I am advocating obedience to the true law of God. And contrary to what you've been taught, God does not subject His Kingdom to the kingdom of men. In other words, God's law never requires obedience to an unlawful civil ruler or governmental system.

Here is the analogy that I use. We are currently running a race. The finish line is obedience to God. However, we tell men that if they simply run half way and obey man (his laws and statutes) that they have run the race well. We tell them that it is imperative to obey the laws of the land - right or wrong, because disobedience to the state is disobedience to God.

This is a lie that has been perpetuated throughout the church, and it must stop. Peter said in Acts that we ought to obey God rather than man. That means that God's law is superior to any man made law. His word is superior to any words from any man (including your pastor!) God is the absolute authority. He will hold each and every man accountable for running the full race. Obedience to God is the finish line. Not obedience to man.

If we will run the race with a desire to be absolutely and wholly obedient to God - His words, His laws, and His statutes - then we should fulfill any man-made obligations from the state or church. UNLESS - the obligations of the state or the church are in direct opposition to the law, word and will of God!

This cannot be ignored! This is why countless Christians across this world have lost their lives for the sake of the gospel. They had a desire to obey God whatever the cost, and many times the cost was civil disobedience and punishment from the civil rulers. These men and women did not die in vain. They did not die because they incurred the wrath and judgement of God. NO! They died in honor and count it a privilege to suffer for Christ!

When God Gives Authority

We've explored the reason why God gives authority, but to whom does He give it. We know that all lawful authority comes from God for the purpose of bringing Him glory. God ordained three institutions and gave each one a sphere of authority - jurisdiction if you will. Each institution has certain roles and responsibility in bringing glory to God, and therefore has authority over different areas.

The three institutions that God ordained are:

1. Family - which is to be a ministry of education.
2. Church - which is to be a ministry of grace.
3. Government - which is to be a ministry of justice.

Each institution has separate jurisdictions, separate spheres of authority. For example: it is the role of the family to educate the children. It is not the role of government nor of the church. It is interesting to note that whenever any institution abdicates its proper role of authority, by necessity one of the other institutions will step in to fill the void.

This is why we see the state or the government educating our children. The family has failed in its obligation and duty before the Lord to educate children in the ways of righteousness. We've passed the burden intended for the family onto the state, and now complain how the state is educating our children. The state has no business educating children. That is not within their sphere of authority. Sadly, however they have picked up the baton and are carrying on to fulfill the need to educate.

The church has failed in the most basic of pure religion: caring for the widows and the orphans. The church has abdicated its role, and violated God's command. So the state has stepped in with its welfare programs to provide for the needs of the least of these.

When the state is caring for the orphans, and the widows, who has gained the right to speak into those lives? The state or the church? When the state is in control of education, who has the right to determine what is truth, and what are children should be learning?

The Kingdom

Yesterday I listened to an interesting sermon regarding a lot of the things that I am struggling with comprehending. The main emphasis of the sermon was the Kingdom of God, and the Body being the glory of God.

Since the beginning of time, God has been attempting to establish a one world government. One kingdom that submits to the rule and reign of God alone. He has been gathering to Himself one people who will be governed by the one true king. He attempted to start His relationship with man that way, but man chose his own way. Then God redeemed for Himself a people, that would be an example to the world of God's righteous Kingdom. They were to be an exhibition of how life in this Kingdom was more desirable then life in kingdoms ruled by men.

But no matter how hard God tried, the Israelites failed to be a fair reflection of the glory of this Kingdom. Yes, they had their moments of shining glory, but all in all they failed in their task to bring God's glory and blessing to all the families of the earth.

However God was not defeated! No, He sent His only begotten son to firmly establish the Kingdom of God among men. Jesus accomplished His mission, and firmly established the Kingdom of God among a few followers. Soon, those followers would spread the Kingdom, and eventually bring the great Roman Empire to its knees.

God's Kingdom was powerful. It was not visible in great architectural accomplishments. You could not measure the success of the Kingdom's advance by the amount of real estate it conquered, but rather in the lives that it touched. You see God's Kingdom is within His children. It exists now. It is here now. It is not coming one day, but rather the Kingdom has come. The truth is God's Kingdom has always existed, but few chose to live there. God's Kingdom is here now, and few still choose to live there.

Jesus came preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. He proclaimed: "Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!" He was saying in essence: "Change the way you think, for there is a Kingdom right in front of your face that you've never seen. You haven't seen it, because you were looking with your natural eyes. Change the way you think! Look with the eyes of faith and you will see the Kingdom of God all around you. It is here! It is power! It brings freedom, and that freedom is total. When you walk through the gates of the Kingdom, through Me (the door), you will be set free indeed! Everything that once bound you has no power within the Kingdom! All authority, power and dominion reside in the one true King. And that King has come!"

This truly was good news! But it was not accepted by the Jews of that day, because they could not comprehend the message. They were looking for a military overthrow of their oppressor - the Roman Empire. However what Jesus brought them was so much more. He brought them freedom that encompassed not just the political arena - but also physical, emotional, mental and spiritual freedom. Freedom that can be experienced where ever you are. Freedom that cannot be stolen by any man or government. Because this freedom comes from within - not from without. When God chose to establish His Kingdom, He chose to establish it in the hearts and minds of men. For there it could never suffer defeat! It could exist everywhere, and through every circumstance. The Kingdom is eternal. It knows no bounds!

Matthew 6:13 - For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

*NOTE - SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT WILL BE ADDED AT A LATER TIME*

My Voice

I do not know if I will ever have a voice with the church in regards to some of the things that I may write here on this blog. But what I do know is that I cannot remain silent. When I try to remain silent, there is a fire in my bones. I must speak, because I see error. I must speak, because my heart breaks for my friends who are struggling with their relationship with the Body.

I'd rather not speak. I don't want to see error. I do not want to be a voice. I want to be normal again. I want to be in harmony again with the state and the church. I simply cannot go back to where I was before. I've seen too much. I've studied too much to know that what we believe is truth is in fact an illusion.

I am brainwashed. I cannot pray, read my Bible, sing worship songs, talk with friends or even watch TV without seeing this stuff. My mind is poisoned. It does not help to not pray, or not read my Bible, for the fire still burns in me with the rest of life's daily activities.

I am torn. I do not want to be the voice of one crying in the wilderness, but maybe this is my fate. I was told that I do not have the right to remain silent. For if God has indeed revealed an error in the body to me, that I as a watchman on the wall had a duty to proclaim it. To remain silent would bring God's judgement, not just on the watchman, but on the city as well. The watchman has a lonely duty, and a grave responsibility. It is even worse to be one of God's watchmen. For they are always sent to those that do not have ears to hear. They are sent to the stiff-necked and hard hearted. Never-the-less they must speak, regardless if anyone hears or will listen.

However if I speak I risk dis-fellowship. I risk my words being judged by what we've been taught. I risk my words being judged on someone's opinion. Someone who will not spend the due diligence to evaluate the facts, evidence and law that I present to make the case.

I want to fit in, but even more I want to see God's face. I don't know why I am on this road. It is not the one I would have chosen. I don't know why my eyes have been opened to certain things, as ignorance was seeming bliss. I wish I could go back, but I've come to far.

May the Lord have mercy on me and release me from this place. May the Lord deliver me from me that I may seek and pursue only His glory. May I be His instrument to bring more of His glory upon the earth. May I decrease that He might increase. May He be my rock and my salvation. My defense. And may my feet not be moved from the rock of my salvation which is the Lord Jesus Christ. The eternal one. For He was, and is, and is to come. He is everything. I am nothing - but His!

Why This Message Is Offensive

I have spoken with a number of people regarding some of these issues, especially power and authority of late, and the conversation generally turns heated. I'm not sure why, other than this. My companion in the discussion is offended by what I've said. Now, the question is why is what I've said so offensive?

The reason this message is offensive is because it suggests that you may be wrong. It suggests that what you believe might not be true. It suggests that what you've been taught since your youth has been false.

That is why you are offended! Because someone has the audacity to suggest that you are wrong. Not only that you are wrong, but also that all those dear teachers are wrong as well. You cannot hear, because you cannot. You are stuck on this one consuming thought that you couldn't possibly be wrong. You cannot come to grips with anything other than this. "I CANNOT BE WRONG! HE IS WRONG! I DON'T KNOW WHY, AND I CAN'T PROVE IT, BUT MY BUDDY WILL BACK ME UP!"

And you're right! You're buddy will back you up, because he's bought into the same teaching and theology that you've bought into. After all, you sat under the same teachers. You don't think for yourselves, you just repeat what you've been told. You haven't come to the table with an open mind. You can't evaluate the evidence, because you've already decided the case. And since you can't defend your current position, you don't want to see or anything that contradicts what you believe.

I may be wrong. I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I may be accused of coming to the table with a closed mind as well. But I know your arguments and opinions, because they once were mine. I used to be you. I used to think it was a sin to speed (however that didn't prevent me from speeding!) I used to think that all authority was from God. I used to think that we had to submit whether the authority was right or wrong. Then, through a series of unfortunate events, my mind was opened to the possibility that I might be wrong. I was offended. But I could not ignore the evidence.

I may be wrong, but I cannot be convinced that I am wrong with the popular opinion. I believe the popular opinion is dangerous, and will lead to the destruction of many. Why? Because we don't understand the fundamental principles of power and authority.

For Your Consideration

There are a few links that you may want to read regarding Romans 13. I have read the following articles, and do not hold fast to everything that is espoused within them. However it has opened my mind to considering what I've always been taught may not be the whole truth.

The links come with a warning. You may find some of the material contained in the following links to be offensive, and I hope that you do. However, my prayer for you would be that you study to show yourself approved. That in stead of saying: "That's not right!", that you would search the scriptures for yourself, and find the truth. Maybe you're right? But maybe you're wrong? Have you ever stopped to consider the truth?

1. Christians and Civil Government (Audio)
2. Romans 13 Unlocked
3. Discussions With a Christian Statist
4. Must We Give Allegiance?

If you have ears, what do you hear?

Concerning Kings

In Deuteronomy God lays out the requirements, qualifications and obligations for a civil ruler. God is very specific when it comes to these qualifications for a Godly ruler. Do you know what God requires? Did you know that God even had anything to say about the subject?

1. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - 14 “When you come to the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,’ 15 you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall not return that way again.’ 17 Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. 18 “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.

God requires that a king, civil ruler, politician, etc. possess the following characteristics:

1. He must be chosen by God, not by the people
2. He must be one of you, he must not be a foreigner
3. He shall not multiply horses for himself
4. He shall not require the people to return to slavery to multiply horses for him
5. He shall not multiply wives for himself
6. He shall not greatly multiply gold and silver for himself
7. He shall write a copy of (God's) law for himself
8. He shall read God's law everyday
9. He shall learn to fear the Lord
10. He must be careful to observe and obey all the words of God's law and statutes
11. He shall not lift himself or be lifted above the people he is to serve

This seems to be a peculiar set of standards. It doesn't say that he should be a licensed attorney or lawyer. It doesn't say that he should be born of royal blood. It doesn't say he should be voted into office. Let's look at the reason why God would make such statements.

He must be chosen by God, not by the people

1. This should be quite obvious. God is sovereign. He knows what is best. He knows who is best to lead a people. We are not to decide who our leader should be among ourselves with a vote per se. But rather we are to seek the face of God, and hear whom He has chosen.

He must be one of you, he must not be a foreigner

1. This is fairly reasonable as well. Why would they want a leader or ruler who was raised contrary to God's laws and statutes? His allegiance must be to God and to his brothers.

He shall not multiply horses for himself

1. Horses are symbolic of an army. God makes it quite clear that the king is to depend upon the defense of God, and a militia. He is not to build a standing army for himself.

He shall not require the people to return to slavery to multiply horses for him

1. The king is not build a standing army. Further, he is not to employ or enslave the people to be the army for his own purposes.

He shall not multiply wives for himself

1. The king shall be faithful. He shall be the husband of one wife. If the king will not be faithful to the wife of his youth, if he will not honor or protect her, what will he do to/for the people. He will treat the people the same. He will not be faithful to the good of the people.

He shall not greatly multiply gold and silver for himself

1. The king shall not have any other gods before the one true God. With the abundance of wealth comes power. With power comes authority. The king is not to be tempted to seek selfish gain by abusing the power that he has been given. Therefore his power must be limited.

He shall write a copy of (God's) law for himself

1. This is to let the king know that he is to rule by God's law. Writing it aids in memory.

He shall read God's law everyday

1. He shall come to know and love the law of the Lord. He shall meditate upon it day and night. He shall read it because he is bound to perform it.

He shall learn to fear the Lord

1. The king shall walk in the fear of the Lord. This will keep him humble, and doing the Lord's will as opposed to his own.

He must be careful to observe and obey all the words of God's law and statutes

1. If he doesn't obey, judgment is promised as his reward. Conversely there is blessing in observing the law of God.

He shall not lift himself or be lifted above the people he is to serve

1. The king shall be a servant to the people. He shall not think highly of himself, but shall rather follow the example of Christ and lay his life down for those he is to serve.

Now, let me ask you a question. How many of these standards does the man you voted into office meet? Any of them? If he got one or two he'd be doing pretty good in comparison to his comrades.

Now, let me ask another question. How many of these standards does your pastor meet?

(ROUGH DRAFT - TO BE FURTHER AMENDED)