eagleye13 Loc: Fl

Wonder what the 'tax deductible' Caesar church's will do?

Will we remain a Laodicea church, neither hot nor cold, or will we wake up and get on fire for the things of God in this coming time of total darkness, wickedness and evil.

An Open Letter To My Fellow Pastors And Christians, By Chuck Baldwin, July 16, 2015


I was born and raised in a Christian home. I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of five. I surrendered to the Gospel ministry at the age of eighteen. I attended or have diplomas and degrees from four Bible colleges. I started pastoring when I was twenty-three years of age. And I just observed my fortieth year of continuous pastoral ministry. As Paul said to his son in the faith, Timothy, so I can say, “And that from a child [I have] known the holy scriptures.” (II Tim. 3:15)

Obviously, I am no stranger to the work of God. I have been in church all of my life. Though my dad was not a full-time minister (even though he was ordained), his best friends were pastors. As a result, I have been around pastors and Christian workers all of my life. So, I am not speaking as an outsider. I know church work from the inside out. I’ve seen it; I’ve been taught it; and I’ve experienced it. The good, the bad, and the ugly: I’ve seen it all.

We pastors and Christians are never going to agree on every nuance of scriptural interpretation or method of ministry. But the vast majority of us will agree that Christ alone is our Sovereign and the Bible is the rule for our faith and practice.

SO, WHAT WILL WE DO NOW?

Caesar has demanded that we recognize the legal “right” of homosexuals and lesbians to “marry.” It will not be long before each and every one of us pastors and ministers will, first, be ASKED to “marry” same-sex couples, and, then, be REQUIRED to “marry” same-sex couples.

WHAT WILL WE DO?

Some pastors are waiting to hear from their denominational superiors for instructions. Some are, no doubt, trying to keep quiet about the subject and hope they can somehow avoid dealing with it. Some are now counseling with attorneys for guidance. But, in truth, our guidance and instruction do not come from denominational officers or lawyers; and it is a cold, hard fact that there is NO avoiding the issue. Sooner or later (probably sooner), each of us will have to make a conscientious decision that is based solely on our moral and scriptural convictions.

AGAIN, WHAT WILL WE DO?

For the most part, our pulpits were silent when the freedom of religion and conscience became a matter of state licensure in 1954 when churches were included in the Internal Revenue Code, section 501c3, as mere non-profit organizations. For the most part, our pulpits were silent when the freedom to pray and read the Bible was removed from our public schools in 1962 and ’63. For the most part, our pulpits were silent when the freedom of God-ordained self-defense became a state-sanctioned license and privilege in 1968. For the most part, our pulpits were silent when the God-ordained right to life of unborn babies was expunged in 1973. For the most part, our pulpits have been silent as our Natural rights of privacy and local autonomy began being stripped from us in 2001. And, now, the most important institution in human history, Holy Matrimony, has been “redefined” by Caesar’s court.

Will we pastors remain silent? Will we sheepishly submit to this egregious and tyrannical assault against the most fundamental institution created by God? Will we become willing accomplices to the formalization of egregiously unnatural perversion?

WHAT WILL WE DO?

Can we not see that what is at stake is the preservation of religious liberty and Christian conscience in our land? Radical secularists (and even some anti-Christian religionists) desire to expunge every semblance of Christian thought and ideology from our nation. The purge has already begun.

All over America, lawsuits against pastors who refuse to marry same-sex couples have already been filed. The same is true for Christians in various service industries that refuse to cater to homosexual “marriages.” Militant homosexuals have brought a $70 million lawsuit against the two largest publishers of the Bible (Zondervan and Tyndale), demanding that the Scriptures condemning sodomy be eviscerated.

It will not be long and cultural Marxists will see to it that the homosexual lifestyle will be promoted in every conceivable public venue. Movies, television (even children’s programs), books, music, magazines, etc., will openly promote the sodomite lifestyle. Common Core curriculum will certainly advocate for homosexual conduct in America’s public schools. Homosexuals will demand the right to flaunt their romantic proclivities in public. Restaurants, concert houses, theaters, meeting places, even churches, will be sued if they do not allow homosexuals to openly display their perversity. Again, this is already beginning.

And for pastors and churches specifically, the big intimidation factor is the IRS tax-exempt status. Already, some of the largest and most notable newspapers, periodicals, and newscasts are calling for the removal of tax-exempt churches that refuse to “marry” same-sex couples. Some are even calling for the removal of tax-exempt status of ALL churches.

If the “great recession” of 2008 and ’09 was the natural “correction” of a manipulated economic “bubble,” I submit that the Hodges decision is the natural (or maybe divine) correction of a manipulated spiritual bubble. For over a half-century, churches have been intoxicated with “success.” The Joel Osteen-brand of Christianity has obfuscated the true purpose of the church. Pleasing Caesar and maintaining tax-exempt status (at all costs) have supplanted pleasing God and maintaining Biblical status. The result is a church that is “increased with goods” but that is spiritually “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” (Rev. 3:17)

In reality, the Hodges Supreme Court decision was inevitable. It was the result of the spiritually polygamous marriage between the church and state in 1954. It was the result of a church that, like the Jewish Pharisees of old, said, “We have no king but Caesar,” while pretending to be married to Christ.

Well, now God has forced his pastors and churches to take a stand. There is no beating around the bush anymore. There is no avoiding the issue. Pastors and churches will either submit to Christ or they will submit to Caesar. There is no middle ground. There is no more fence-straddling.

Again, the root cause of all of this is the church’s acceptance of state licensure, and, therefore, state authority. Churches committed spiritual adultery when they allowed themselves to take the 501c3 wedding band. By doing so, they became “creatures of the state” and ceased to be the “bride” of Christ. And, remember, our God is a jealous God. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Exodus 34:14)

Since the state has decided to repudiate the Natural authority of marriage as given by our Creator, it behooves us, as Christian ministers, to repudiate state authority over marriage. That means we should immediately cease and desist from officiating over any marriage, heterosexual or homosexual, that includes a license from the state. That is exactly what I will do.

In terms of the history of the Church, as well as Western Civilization, state-licensure of marriages is very recent. For over 1,800 years, almost no marriages (if any) required state-licensure. A certificate of marriage or declaration of marriage or church approbation–or other such recognition–was all that was needed. I don’t know about all of the 50 states, of course, but in my home State of Montana, marriages do NOT require a State license. And that’s exactly the way it should be.

WHAT ABOUT IT, PREACHER? WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Is a state-created tax-exempt license more important than fidelity to Christ and the Scriptures? Let me speak plainly: so what if we lose our tax-exempt status?

I hear my brethren exclaim, “But, Brother Chuck, we will lose tithing members. If they cannot claim their contributions on their tax forms, they will stop giving to the church.” My response is: SO BE IT.

Our churches are filled with careless, insincere, half-hearted Christians. God promised to separate the sheep from the goats and the wheat from the chaff; I believe He is doing just that in the United States right now. America’s churches have been living in a manipulated spiritual “bubble.” The bubble is bursting. It’s long overdue.

Churches in oppressed countries around the world are not worrying about some kind of tax-exempt status. They are not creatures of the state. Many of them are not even recognized as being legal in their states. Many of them are “unofficial,” “unregistered,” “unlawful,” etc. But they are true to Christ and His Word–and their numbers are flourishing.

In just a few years, there will be more Christians in Communist China than in so-called “Christian” America–a first since America came into existence. And there is no tax-exempt status afforded them. At the same time here in America, Christianity is in steep decline. What’s the difference? In China, churches do not seek, nor will they accept, state recognition and endorsement, while here in America churches enthusiastically embrace state recognition and endorsement (licensure).

It’s time we find out who is real and who isn’t.

And a question for those church members out there: What are you going to do if your pastor agrees to marry same-sex couples? If your pastor will not take a stand on this, he won’t take a stand on ANYTHING. And, if he hasn’t said anything from the pulpit already, why are you still there?

Are you not willing to give your tithes and offerings to a church even if those financial gifts are NOT tax deductible? If not, what is your real motivation for giving to begin with? Are you not willing to sit under the preaching of a courageous man of God who is the servant of God and not the servant of men–even men in government? If not, why are you even attending church?

Christians have been flocking to these “feel-good” churches for decades. They continued to support spineless pastors, who refused to take a stand for the God-ordained duty of self-defense; who refused to take a stand against the killing of unborn babies; who refused to speak out for religious liberty; and who are currently refusing to take a stand against an Orwellian Police State being created in front of our very eyes. Will they now continue to stay inside those churches whose pastors refuse to take a stand for God-ordained marriage?

I submit that either the Church in America repents and does the “first works” or it will quickly lose its “candlestick.” Truly, “the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” (I Peter 4:17)

AGAIN, WHAT WILL WE DO NOW?

at41

This is a great post. I agree with the Pastor. If churches had to pay property taxes we would not see elaborate structures, insted plain functional buildings focusing on the true faith would suffice. Churches should stop selling their soul for tax breaks.

karpenter Loc: Headin' Fer Da Hills !!

I Think It's The Federal Income Tax That Makes Them Kow-Tow...

Most Major Denominations Are On Board To The Agenda Anyway

rebob14

Absolutely correct! The marriage covenant is, and has always been, between God and the couples He recognizes as "One Flesh". The State has no power that it does not seize by force. It has no natural authority to confer a right it does not possess.

eagleye13 Loc: Fl

Thanks for sending. Good stance. Looks like there will be law suites against all Christian churches that take that stand.
I am sure Soros and his buddies will fund those law suites, with a corrupt judicial system to dispense the fines. May Yah take care of these tares soon.
Are you aware that it is Political Zionism/Zionists/Illuminati going after Christianity? Jacob/Israel against Essau-Edom and the Bilderberger's NWO?

I am not Mormon; but here is their stance:

Here is how the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS is handling this matter.
They are not backing down.
The letter below from the first Presidency of the LDS Church and was
read from the pulpits of all the Mormon churches in the USA & Canada.
This letter can be found on LDS.org website.

Church Leaders Counsel Members After Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage
Decision
SALT LAKE CITY —
The following letter from the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum
of the Twelve Apostles is being read in Church meetings across the
United States and Canada beginning Sunday, July 5. (The Church issued
this brief public statement immediately after the court's decision on
June 26, 2015.)
Click to download a PDF version of the introductory letter, statement
and background material.
•
© All rights reserved.

Full introductory letter, statement and background material below:
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
47 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE STREET, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84150-1200
June 29, 2015
TO: General Authorities; General Auxiliary Presidencies; and the
following leaders in the United States and Canada: Area Seventies;
Temple, Stake Mission and District Presidencies; Bishops and Branch
Presidents
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Enclosed is a statement by the Council of the First Presidency and
Quorum of the Twelve in response to the recent Supreme Court decision
legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States. The statement also
pertains to the situation in Canada. Local leaders are asked to meet
with all adults, young men, and young women on either July 5 or July 12
in a setting other than sacrament meeting and read to them the entire
statement.
Also included is background material which may be helpful in answering
questions that arise.
Stake presidents are asked to see that bishops receive copies of this
letter and the enclosures.
Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

RESPONSE TO THE SUPREME COURT DECISION LEGALIZING SAME‐SEX MARRIAGE IN
THE UNITED STATES
June 29, 2015
Because of the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court and
similar legal proceedings and legislative actions in a number of
countries that have given civil recognition to same‐sex marriage
relationships, the Council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints
restates and reaffirms the doctrinal foundation of Church teachings on
morality, marriage, and the family. As we do, we encourage all to
consider these teachings in the context of the Plan of Salvation and our
Heavenly Father’s purposes in creating the earth and providing for our
mortal birth and experience here as His children.
Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God and is central
to His plan for His children and for the well‐being of society. “God
created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male
and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto
them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis
1:27‐28). “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and
shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
Strong families, guided by a loving mother and father, serve as the
fundamental institution for nurturing children, instilling faith, and
transmitting to future generations the moral strengths and values that
are important to civilization and vital to eternal salvation.
A family built on marriage of a man and a woman is the best setting for
God’s plan of happiness to thrive. That is why communities and nations
generally have encouraged and protected marriage between a man and a
woman, and the family that results from their union, as privileged
institutions. Sexual relations outside of such a marriage are contrary
to the laws of God pertaining to morality.
Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law
that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His
commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His
law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man
and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We
invite all to review and understand the doctrine contained in “The
Family: A Proclamation to the World.”
Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, Church officers will not employ
their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people
of the same sex, and the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or
other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions, or other
activities associated with same‐sex marriages. Nevertheless, all
visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect
our standards of conduct while there.
The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with
kindness and civility—even when we disagree. We affirm that those who
avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same‐sex marriage
should not be treated disrespectfully. Indeed, the Church has advocated
for rights of same‐sex couples in matters of hospitalization and medical
care, fair housing and employment, and probate, so long as these do not
infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the
constitutional rights of churches.
The Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ right to express and
advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality free
from retaliation or retribution. The Church is also entitled to maintain
its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.
As members of the Church, we are responsible to teach the gospel of
Jesus Christ and to illuminate the great blessings that flow from
heeding God’s commandments as well as the inevitable consequences of
ignoring them. We invite all to pray that people everywhere will have
their hearts softened to the truths God established in the beginning,
and that wisdom will be granted to those who are called upon to decide
issues critical to society’s future.
THE COUNCIL OF
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY AND
QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER‐DAY SAINTS

Background Material for Bishops and Branch Presidents
On the U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Same‐sex Marriage
The Church has provided a statement dated June 29, 2015, prepared by the
Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same‐sex marriage
in the United States. The response reaffirms the divinely‐revealed
reasons and proper doctrinal context for the Church’s unequivocal
position regarding matters of morality, chastity, marriage, and the
family. As the response notes, the Church’s teachings on these subjects
are grounded in the scriptural declarations of God’s eternal plan for
the salvation and exaltation of His children and are framed in “The
Family: A Proclamation to the World.” While the statement stands on its
own, below is additional information that may be helpful to you in
responding to questions that may arise.
For much of human history, civil laws have generally been compatible
with God’s laws. Unfortunately, there have been notable exceptions to
that pattern. For example, it is legal in the United States to perform
an abortion on an unborn fetus. However, this practice is not morally
acceptable before God. (See Handbook 1, 17.3). The consumption of
alcohol, while contrary to God’s law, is legal in most nations of the
world, but the physical and social toll for doing so is a painful matter
of record. So, too, with issues of unchaste sexual behavior, whether it
be heterosexual or homosexual in its orientation. As the First
Presidency has previously said and as this current response affirms,
“Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law
that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His
commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society”
(First Presidency letter on “Same‐ Sex Marriage,” January 9, 2014).
What is the Church’s Policy on Homosexual Relations?
“Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to
the purposes of human sexuality, and deprives people of the blessings
that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the
gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do
so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven
through sincere repentance. “If members engage in homosexual behavior,
Church leaders should help them have a clear understanding of faith in
Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on
earth.
“While opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out with
understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of
the same gender. “If members feel same‐gender attraction but do not
engage in any homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage
them in their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control
unrighteous thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they
are worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple
recommends and receive temple ordinances” (Handbook 2, 21.4.6).
Does the authorization of same‐sex marriage affect my right to religious
freedom?
Our individual right to religious freedom is protected by the First
Amendment to the United States’ Constitution and by the Canadian Charter
of Rights and Freedoms. As we exercise that right, we must also exercise
tolerance and respect toward others’ rights but do so without condoning
behavior that goes contrary to the laws of God. “While we strive for the
virtue of tolerance, other commendable qualities need not be lost.
Tolerance does not require the surrender of noble purpose or of
individual identity. The Lord gave instruction to leaders of His
restored Church to establish and maintain institutional integrity—‘that
the Church may stand independent’ (D&C 78:14)” (Elder Russell M. Nelson,
“Teach Us Tolerance and Love,” April 1994 general conference). How do I
respond respectfully to those who consider the Church’s position on this
matter unchristian? Our objection to same‐sex marriage is not based on
animosity toward anyone, but on our understanding of God’s purposes for
His children. For us, the issues are not simply “tolerance” and
“equality.” The issues are the nature of marriage and the consequences
of redefining a divinely established institution. In addition,
redefining marriage in the law can have profound consequences for
society, particularly for children. Mothers and fathers matter, and they
are not interchangeable. “On the subject of public discourse, we should
all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid
contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We
should . . . be good listeners and show concern for the sincere belief
[of others.] Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. We
should be wise in explaining our position and, in doing so, ask that
others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free
exercise of our religion” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Loving Others and
Living with Differences,” October 2014 general conference).
What if I have reservations of my own regarding the Church’s position on
this subject?

*****************

> Wonder what the 'tax deductible' Caesar church's will do?
>
> Will we remain a Laodicea church, neither hot nor cold, or will we
> wake up and get on fire for the things of God in this coming time of
> total darkness, wickedness and evil.
>
> An Open Letter To My Fellow Pastors And Christians, By Chuck Baldwin,
> July 16, 2015
>
> I was born and raised in a Christian home. I accepted Christ as my
> Savior at the age of five. I surrendered to the Gospel ministry at the
> age of eighteen. I attended or have diplomas and degrees from four
> Bible colleges. I started pastoring when I was twenty-three years of
> age. And I just observed my fortieth year of continuous pastoral
> ministry. As Paul said to his son in the faith, Timothy, so I can say,
> “And that from a child [I have] known the holy scriptures.” (II Tim.
> 3:15)
>
> Obviously, I am no stranger to the work of God. I have been in church
> all of my life. Though my dad was not a full-time minister (even
> though he was ordained), his best friends were pastors. As a result, I
> have been around pastors and Christian workers all of my life. So, I
> am not speaking as an outsider. I know church work from the inside
> out. I’ve seen it; I’ve been taught it; and I’ve experienced it. The
> good, the bad, and the ugly: I’ve seen it all.
>
> We pastors and Christians are never going to agree on every nuance of
> scriptural interpretation or method of ministry. But the vast majority
> of us will agree that Christ alone is our Sovereign and the Bible is
> the rule for our faith and practice.
>
> SO, WHAT WILL WE DO NOW?
>
> Caesar has demanded that we recognize the legal “right” of
> homosexuals and lesbians to “marry.” It will not be long before each
> and every one of us pastors and ministers will, first, be ASKED to
> “marry” same-sex couples, and, then, be REQUIRED to “marry” same-sex
> couples.
>
> WHAT WILL WE DO?
>
> Some pastors are waiting to hear from their denominational superiors
> for instructions. Some are, no doubt, trying to keep quiet about the
> subject and hope they can somehow avoid dealing with it. Some are now
> counseling with attorneys for guidance. But, in truth, our guidance
> and instruction do not come from denominational officers or lawyers;
> and it is a cold, hard fact that there is NO avoiding the issue.
> Sooner or later (probably sooner), each of us will have to make a
> conscientious decision that is based solely on our moral and
> scriptural convictions.
>
> AGAIN, WHAT WILL WE DO?
>
> For the most part, our pulpits were silent when the freedom of
> religion and conscience became a matter of state licensure in 1954
> when churches were included in the Internal Revenue Code, section
> 501c3, as mere non-profit organizations. For the most part, our
> pulpits were silent when the freedom to pray and read the Bible was
> removed from our public schools in 1962 and ’63. For the most part,
> our pulpits were silent when the freedom of God-ordained self-defense
> became a state-sanctioned license and privilege in 1968. For the most
> part, our pulpits were silent when the God-ordained right to life of
> unborn babies was expunged in 1973. For the most part, our pulpits
> have been silent as our Natural rights of privacy and local autonomy
> began being stripped from us in 2001. And, now, the most important
> institution in human history, Holy Matrimony, has been “redefined” by
> Caesar’s court.
>
> Will we pastors remain silent? Will we sheepishly submit to this
> egregious and tyrannical assault against the most fundamental
> institution created by God? Will we become willing accomplices to the
> formalization of egregiously unnatural perversion?
>
> WHAT WILL WE DO?
>
> Can we not see that what is at stake is the preservation of religious
> liberty and Christian conscience in our land? Radical secularists (and
> even some anti-Christian religionists) desire to expunge every
> semblance of Christian thought and ideology from our nation. The purge
> has already begun.
>
> All over America, lawsuits against pastors who refuse to marry
> same-sex couples have already been filed. The same is true for
> Christians in various service industries that refuse to cater to
> homosexual “marriages.” Militant homosexuals have brought a $70
> million lawsuit against the two largest publishers of the Bible
> (Zondervan and Tyndale), demanding that the Scriptures condemning
> sodomy be eviscerated.
>
> It will not be long and cultural Marxists will see to it that the
> homosexual lifestyle will be promoted in every conceivable public
> venue. Movies, television (even children’s programs), books, music,
> magazines, etc., will openly promote the sodomite lifestyle. Common
> Core curriculum will certainly advocate for homosexual conduct in
> America’s public schools. Homosexuals will demand the right to flaunt
> their romantic proclivities in public. Restaurants, concert houses,
> theaters, meeting places, even churches, will be sued if they do not
> allow homosexuals to openly display their perversity. Again, this is
> already beginning.
>
> And for pastors and churches specifically, the big intimidation
> factor is the IRS tax-exempt status. Already, some of the largest and
> most notable newspapers, periodicals, and newscasts are calling for
> the removal of tax-exempt churches that refuse to “marry” same-sex
> couples. Some are even calling for the removal of tax-exempt status of
> ALL churches.
>
> If the “great recession” of 2008 and ’09 was the natural “correction”
> of a manipulated economic “bubble,” I submit that the Hodges decision
> is the natural (or maybe divine) correction of a manipulated spiritual
> bubble. For over a half-century, churches have been intoxicated with
> “success.” The Joel Osteen-brand of Christianity has obfuscated the
> true purpose of the church. Pleasing Caesar and maintaining tax-exempt
> status (at all costs) have supplanted pleasing God and maintaining
> Biblical status. The result is a church that is “increased with goods”
> but that is spiritually “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind,
> and naked.” (Rev. 3:17)
>
> In reality, the Hodges Supreme Court decision was inevitable. It was
> the result of the spiritually polygamous marriage between the church
> and state in 1954. It was the result of a church that, like the Jewish
> Pharisees of old, said, “We have no king but Caesar,” while pretending
> to be married to Christ.
>
> Well, now God has forced his pastors and churches to take a stand.
> There is no beating around the bush anymore. There is no avoiding the
> issue. Pastors and churches will either submit to Christ or they will
> submit to Caesar. There is no middle ground. There is no more
> fence-straddling.
>
> Again, the root cause of all of this is the church’s acceptance of
> state licensure, and, therefore, state authority. Churches committed
> spiritual adultery when they allowed themselves to take the 501c3
> wedding band. By doing so, they became “creatures of the state” and
> ceased to be the “bride” of Christ. And, remember, our God is a
> jealous God. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose
> name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Exodus 34:14)
>
> Since the state has decided to repudiate the Natural authority of
> marriage as given by our Creator, it behooves us, as Christian
> ministers, to repudiate state authority over marriage. That means we
> should immediately cease and desist from officiating over any
> marriage, heterosexual or homosexual, that includes a license from the
> state. That is exactly what I will do.
>
> In terms of the history of the Church, as well as Western
> Civilization, state-licensure of marriages is very recent. For over
> 1,800 years, almost no marriages (if any) required state-licensure. A
> certificate of marriage or declaration of marriage or church
> approbation–or other such recognition–was all that was needed. I don’t
> know about all of the 50 states, of course, but in my home State of
> Montana, marriages do NOT require a State license. And that’s exactly
> the way it should be.
>
> WHAT ABOUT IT, PREACHER? WHAT WILL YOU DO?
>
> Is a state-created tax-exempt license more important than fidelity to
> Christ and the Scriptures? Let me speak plainly: so what if we lose
> our tax-exempt status?
>
> I hear my brethren exclaim, “But, Brother Chuck, we will lose tithing
> members. If they cannot claim their contributions on their tax forms,
> they will stop giving to the church.” My response is: SO BE IT.
>
> Our churches are filled with careless, insincere, half-hearted
> Christians. God promised to separate the sheep from the goats and the
> wheat from the chaff; I believe He is doing just that in the United
> States right now. America’s churches have been living in a manipulated
> spiritual “bubble.” The bubble is bursting. It’s long overdue.
>
> Churches in oppressed countries around the world are not worrying
> about some kind of tax-exempt status. They are not creatures of the
> state. Many of them are not even recognized as being legal in their
> states. Many of them are “unofficial,” “unregistered,” “unlawful,”
> etc. But they are true to Christ and His Word–and their numbers are
> flourishing.
>
> In just a few years, there will be more Christians in Communist China
> than in so-called “Christian” America–a first since America came into
> existence. And there is no tax-exempt status afforded them. At the
> same time here in America, Christianity is in steep decline. What’s
> the difference? In China, churches do not seek, nor will they accept,
> state recognition and endorsement, while here in America churches
> enthusiastically embrace state recognition and endorsement
> (licensure).
>
> It’s time we find out who is real and who isn’t.
>
> And a question for those church members out there: What are you going
> to do if your pastor agrees to marry same-sex couples? If your pastor
> will not take a stand on this, he won’t take a stand on ANYTHING. And,
> if he hasn’t said anything from the pulpit already, why are you still
> there?
>
> Are you not willing to give your tithes and offerings to a church
> even if those financial gifts are NOT tax deductible? If not, what is
> your real motivation for giving to begin with? Are you not willing to
> sit under the preaching of a courageous man of God who is the servant
> of God and not the servant of men–even men in government? If not, why
> are you even attending church?
>
> Christians have been flocking to these “feel-good” churches for
> decades. They continued to support spineless pastors, who refused to
> take a stand for the God-ordained duty of self-defense; who refused to
> take a stand against the killing of unborn babies; who refused to
> speak out for religious liberty; and who are currently refusing to
> take a stand against an Orwellian Police State being created in front
> of our very eyes. Will they now continue to stay inside those churches
> whose pastors refuse to take a stand for God-ordained marriage?
>
> I submit that either the Church in America repents and does the
> “first works” or it will quickly lose its “candlestick.” Truly, “the
> time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” (I Peter
> 4:17)
>
> AGAIN, WHAT WILL WE DO NOW?
>
> On Friday, July 17, 2015 12:07 PM, Roger D Miller
> <roger.d.miller@cox.net> wrote:
>
> By: Neil Stevens (Diary) | July 15th, 2015 at 11:00 AM | 46 We
> don’t need freedom of religion in this country. I’ll tell you why:
> that bland phrase, thanks to the popularization of the expression
> ‘separation of church and state’, has had its meaning warped in the
> minds of the public. We need to get back to the words in the Bill of
> Rights: We must fight for free exercise of religion. The Constitution
> is over 100 years old, as Ezra Klein infamously pointed out. Our
> original copies are faded and hard to read. The language is old, the
> capitalization is obsolete, and the handwriting looks funny. They used
> the Germanic ‘long s’ in English back then, leading countless
> schoolkids to ask “Why does it say Congrefs?” In short, nobody’s read
> it. All they know is what the teevee has told them about Thomas
> Jefferson writing a deist Bible and pushing for the Separation of
> Church and State. That’s a concept never mentioned in the document,
> but it’s popularly believed to be in there. So when we talk about
> ‘freedom of religion’ as a shorthand for the parts of the First
> Amendment relating to religion, people are only thinking of the first
> half. But there are in fact two distinct religious liberties
> recognized in the First Amendment. Congress is barred from
> establishing a religion, meaning we would not have a Church of
> America, in the way that the Church of England was foisted upon the
> English people, at the expense of the freedom of many Catholics. But
> that’s not all! In addition to the prohibition on the establishment of
> religion, the Congress is also barred from “impeding the free exercise
> of religion.” That freedom is just as important as any other in the
> Constitution. If they can take that away, they can take away any of
> our freedoms. So when the IRS comes after Christians, don’t talk about
> freedom of religion. People will imagine we’re talking about the right
> to think what you want, and read from the Bible you want. No, the
> fight here isn’t the fight against the establishment of a church. What
> the radicals want to take away is the right to exercise your religion.
> They want you to think what you want, but live by what the state tells
> you. So say those words every time: “Free exercise of religion.”
> Language matters for the long, difficult fight ahead.