Slavery & the Bible - Nothing is New

In the United States, involuntary servitude has been prohibited via the 13th amendment to the Constitution.  Voluntary servitude, however, has not. It remains completely legal. This legal condition is also pursuant to the Constitution of the United States, since it has not been specifically prohibited.

I am not aware of any example whereby someone has legally sold themselves into a state of total and complete slavery. It is difficult to imagine anyone selling themselves into such a condition.

Is it possible, then, to have a partial state of slavery?

To provide an answer, let's consult the Bible as our authority.

Solomon said in Proverbs 22:7 that the borrower is the slave of the lender.

How many in the United States can attest to being in personal debt? So, according to the Bible, one is a slave to the extent that they owe someone else.

Virtually all citizens of United States are in debt to one degree or another. This makes us the largest slave nation in the world.

Any thoughts?

The American Jesus - God, Country and the Bible

The Apostle Paul warned about accepting "another" Jesus, a Jesus other than the one described in the Bible.

Many churches in the United States have accepted an American version of Jesus.  This  Red, White and Blue Savior cannot be recognized when compared with the description of the true Jesus of scripture?  And most readily look to American government! with it's Roman origins, as the provider of all their needs? 

Is it any wonder that the lives of professing Christians in America look more like popular American society rather than the life called for by God in the flesh?

Postmodernism or Rebellion? Cowards for Jesus in the Church

I just thought I would share this casual day of rest observation.

It shames me to say that most professing Christians are cowards and wimps. They are afraid to seriously study the Word of God and even attempt to live by it simply because the cost of doing so is too great. It will require them to change so much in their lives and make them too different from others around them. The ridicule from such changes is too much for them to bear.
So, they continue merrily along their way living their accommodating life that mirrors this world, espousing the same kind of wimpy, syrupy sweet, live any way you want to because Jesus loves you anyway! kind of life for God. This kind of life sounds great until you compare it with the Bible.
And this goes for the leadership of most churches as well. Of course, the reason these leaders hold these positions is because the people in the pews want it that way. There's nothing like official approval for your disapproval of the Word of God!
The sad part of this reality is that It's pervasive In churches today. It's the norm rather than the exception.
No wonder Jesus asked if He would find faith on this earth when He returned.

God, Government & the Bible

In order to understand the US Constitution and American government, one must first understand the Bible. If you misunderstand what the Bible reveals about secular governments, then your political understanding will be at the mercy of those who interpret the Bible to fit their particular worldview instead of allowing the Bible to speak plainly.

Does the Traditional Christian worldview about Government agree with the Bible?

Pray for Obama? The Bible Tells us Why

I've seen some calls by Christians to pray for the Obama administration and all government personnel. This is truly an idea that comes from the Bible and is not to be disparaged or taken lightly. But I wonder if anyone has taken the time to look into the reasons the Apostle Paul gave for praying for "kings and for all in authority?"........................................

The last reason might be surprising. 

I Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

We should be praying for the salvation of government officials. Why? Because government is the realm of the lost, those that know not God or His Son Jesus. God has placed lost people, those that have rejected God, in a place of governing this world for His purposes. In scandalous times like these, it is easy to focus on things other than the most basic and necessary for men, reconciliation with God. That includes President Obama and all IRS Officials, etc. May we be reminded of God's priorities.

What is Your Final Authority for Living Life?

I've noticed that many so called "Christians" don't like the idea of a standard they must live by and be accountable to. When it comes to God's law, that's being legalistic, narrow-minded and judgmental!............ But let the New World Order and their secular Politicians do the same with their laws - or the lack thereof - and these same Christians start screaming about the filthy, immoral lifestyles of some who have seemingly cast off all standards to do what they individually think best! .......Sounds kinda hollow! Sounds kinda double-minded! So, what's it going to be? Ordering your life according to laws or not? If so, whose laws do you choose to be your final authority?

The New World Order - God Ordained or Conspiracy Theory?

The New World Order is a concept revealed in the Bible, yet rarely understood from a truly biblical position. Men, even Christian men, tend to view it through the eyes of the World. The result of this is a "Christian view" that misses entirely or distorts what the Bible actually says while those holding this view live a life dictated by and centered on the World instead of Scripture. So, while many profess a life lived in allegiance to the Savior, they dance to the tune played by the god of this Age.

The New World Order was ordained by God for His purposes!

A Clash of Worldviews - Gay Human Pride & Christian Bible Truth

Jason Collins - Believes having sex with other men is a Christian Value

Jason Collins has spoken with a huge assist by Sports Illustrated and the Media in general. He has announced his coming out as a man raised with Christian Values who prefers a lifestyle of having sex with other men.

Chris Broussard - believes dedication to any particular sin is not supported by Jesus & the Bible

ESPN's Chris Broussard has also spoken with an assist from the Truth. He has announced that being dedicated to a lifestyle that the Bible and Jesus condemns is being in rebellion to God. Here is a portion of his quote as reported by The Christian Post:

• "Personally I don't believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle or an openly premarital sex between heterosexuals. If you're openly living that type of lifestyle, the Bible says you know them by their fruits, it says that's a sin," Broussard said on ESPN Monday. "If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be. I think that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ."
  
  The analyst went on to question Collins' Christianity amid the debate.
  
  "I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don't think the Bible would characterize them as a Christian," Broussard said.
   

 While Collins has received open support from noteworthy individuals such as President Barak Obama, former President Billl Clinton, Ellen Degeneres and Kobe Bryant, Broussard has received his share of support from others, some not necessarily Christian. Even actress Meredith Baxter-Smith of The Huffington Post began her article "Chris Broussard, ESPN Reporter, Thinks Jason Collins, Gays, Can Be 'Saved' If They 'Ask God For Forgiveness'" with a respectful acknowledgment of Collins words and actions:

• "You have to hand it to Chris Broussard: He's not one to back down in the face of controversy."

Interestingly, ESPN has offered a tepid apology, which was a statement of regret and nothing more. They have yet to take action against Broussard for his comments. There could be a couple of legitimate reasons for that, but for now, ESPN has remained in the background, content to enjoy the ratings attention (oops! Did I let that slip!?).

In the midst of this attention given to Chris Broussard for comments many are referring to as bigoted and intolerant, it should  be remembered that what he has stated thus far is the Truth. He has not stated anything to my knowledge that is not specifically and clearly supported by the Bible. And for the professing Christian, this is ultimately what you base your life on, the written and preserved revelation of God, His Words, Thoughts and Ways to mankind. Without it, position taken on any and all issues of life are nothing more than the thoughts and opinions of men and subject to change with the whims of men.

This Truth is what ultimately got Jesus nailed to a Roman Cross. From the first time he stood to speak in the local synagogue and quote from Isaiah, they tried to end His life. And He warned His Disciples and his followers to come that this World would hate them just as it hated Him first.

So, the turmoil that surrounds Chris Broussard and his speaking the Truth are nothing surprising. It's part of the territory of following Jesus according to what He has revealed to us about Life. Broussard seems to be exhibiting the peace that Jesus promised his Followers who trust in Him in the midst of emotional turmoil. The vital fact that must be remembered is that this turmoil has happened only because the Truth has been faithfully spoken by Chris Broussard, a Truth that did not originate with him, a Truth that is not always welcome by the World.

Christian Worldview - Cowards for Jesus

Modern Christians, in their quest to be salt and light within the cultures of this world, have taken on a quality that never befits their Savior.

The idea that it is necessary for this world to speak well of them has left them afraid to speak the Truth lest they be accused of being hateful, insensitive, judgmental, unloving, etc. Simply put, many of God's people have become cowards.  They have become what Christ would never approve of.

Oh, don't get me wrong. Many have social causes for which they take a stand on. They do this with words and actions. These causes may also have religious terms associated with them, so their duty toward God and the Church is somehow fulfilled in their mind.

But to actually speak and act the Words of Jesus as recorded in the Bible is somehow deemed to be taking Religion and God a little bit too seriously. Only the self-righteous and overly pious person follows such a path. So, reforming this world one community at a time is the preferred method. Preaching the Gospel has somehow taken a back seat to more socially acceptable activities and messages.

The idea that Man is a sinner is negative. The idea that man is powerless to help himself and needs to look beyond himself to remedy his dire situation offends man's dignity. That man is doomed to eternal punishment for his choices against a holy and righteous God and Creator is the myth of ancient, unenlightened ages gone by. The idea that a Holy God would take on the body of a man and accomplish perfection on behalf of mankind and make it possible to be reconciled to God is also offensive to the abilities within mankind to help himself. The belief in the bloody and violent death of this Savior that God requires for mankind to approach God in fellowship is considered to also constitute the vestiges of unenlightened, barbaric man. It is rejected.

Portrait of Modern Christians

So, what are modern Christians left with? One look in the mirror would reveal the same cowardice of the Lion in the Wizard of Oz - afraid to gaze at himself, trembling at the mere thought of thinking a thought, afraid that his actions will not measure up to what others think and expect, running in every other direction than that direction which call for courageous responsibility, duty and action according to the Word of God. I see a whole host of such characters when viewing the mobs that call themselves "Christian."

What a shame!

Politics - The Way of God, The Way of Man - Are They the Same?

The Bible says that Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, thanks to his request and God's provision.

He made a statement that many times is quoted, but I wonder how much attention is paid to the details.

It begins this way, "There is a way that seems right to a man........"

Many issues today are approached, discussed, argued over, then decided based upon this one premise that "Well, it just seems the thing to do" or "It just seems the right way of thinking" and so on.

I find this true especially when it comes to political discussion. Most people are proceeding from a very similar mindset when the details of politics are discussed.

Among Christians, this way of thinking can sometimes seemingly be supported with a verse or two of Scripture. The result is that many think that, "Well, this way seems right for us as Christians, so that 's the way it's going to be." After all, who can argue against The Bible? That includes the Bible itself. If you bring up a verse that contradicts another verse quoted, many times they will fall back on the "it just seems right."

Couple this with the Subject of American History, specifically the Founding era, and it becomes almost impossible to engage in a true discussion because of the aura surrounding the Founding Fathers. Their wisdom is almost Divine itself, especially because they, too, used the Bible periodically to support certain policies. And, once again, pragmatism wins out. It just seems divinely right, the way God would want things to be. It just makes sense from God's point of View.

The problem with this is that God actually says in Isaiah that His Ways are higher than the ways of men, as far as the Heavens are from the Earth. And God's People are instructed to live according to God's Ways while on this earth, not the ways of men. Try inserting that into a conversation and see how far you get.

The rest of that verse from Solomon? Well, "........for the end thereof are the ways of death."

The Final Authority!

And you wonder why societies are crumbling around you? And you want to keep relying on "it just seems like the right way"? Following the herd will only get you the approval of the herd. I really want the approval of God, not because I think that seems like the right way, but because His Word tells me so. This is the same Word that has proven itself time and time again. It's veracity amazes me and I will continue to trust it and, at least, attempt to live by them, counting on His Blessings in my life. I also trust His Word to provide the understanding for all that is going on in this world, even in political discussions!

The Standard of American Liberty - Taxes, Tyranny & Jesus

How did Jesus resist Tyranny?

Within the realm of American Secular Politics, there remains one steadfast rule for the wanna be patriot, rebellion or resistance. The two are so closely allied, I group them together.

For those aligned with the idea of resistance being nothing more than pacifism, you will be disappointed with this post. But for the true Disciple of Jesus and Biblical ideas of resistance, this article will hopefully provide some Truth and Peaceful Understanding.

In a previous post, I dealt with the issue of a person paying taxes that they weren't legally required to pay, all for the simple reason of protecting the Tax Collector from legal harm. Next I want to very briefly introduce an idea that will leave many patriots probably feeling a bit uncomfortable, especially in their bid to return America to her Christian roots.

No Taxation w/o Representation

This issue was one of the Hallmarks of the American Revolution. In fact the Cry "No Taxation without Representation" was the official motto that accompanied it and the Founding Fathers' resistance to tyrannical taxes passed by King George and Parliament as well as the Officials in the Colonies having the duty of enforcing these edicts.

For those desiring to return to the Christian roots of America, I wonder how well the official policies of the Founders, as well as their actions, line up with the Words and actions of Jesus. Do they even come close to being the same?

The Bostonians Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring and Feathering,
attributed to Philip Dawe, 1774, in the Colonial Williamsburg collection.

If Jesus would go so far as to pay a tax He didn't owe in order to protect the Tax Collector, I wonder if the Founders ever went this far in there dealings with officials and Governing Bodies? Surely there are examples within American History to justify this return to such lofty Christian ideals and actions, aren't there?

And surely, those espousing such resistance and rebellion would be most willing to point us to the loftiest standards, say, those of the Christ they would have us emulate, right?  And the example set by Patriots of old that also believed the words of Jesus and were willing to follow them, even in the face of further tyranny and even death? Please, let the prophet for American Patriotism speak from authority. May he disdain empty words and rhetoric not espoused by God in the flesh!

God, Politics & Taxes - Viewing the IRS Through the Eyes of Jesus

Many remain unsure about Caesar & God.

In this age of using Jesus Christ as a poster child for the nearest available cause to trumpet to the world, it's easy to take the glib merger of the holy and profane. I'm sure many could say the same about the hot button issue of taxes.

Over the past three decades, many personalities have given their take about taxes, even using The Bible coupled with the IRS Code and other Law as their main source for authority. If you have any familiarity with this august group, you will know that most of them are now shining their light of truth while enclosed within the authority of United States Federal Prison Bars.

Irwin Schiff - Now in prison

Larken Rose - Now in prison

Kent Hovind - Now in prison

From Irwin Schiff to Larken Rose to Kent Hovind, particular issues have been researched, debated and argued in open court (local, state, federal, IRS, etc) as well as the most public of forums, the World Wide Web, all with losses of time, money and, ultimately, freedom.

Instead of rehashing these arguments from the legal realm, I prefer to take a look at the words and actions of Jesus as recorded in the Bible in Matthew, chapter 17. And also, instead of looking at his response to the Pharisees about "rendering unto Caesar," a look at his ultimate response when His Disciples were asked by the Tax Collector, "Does your Master pay taxes?" is preferred.

After Peter answers for His Master, Jesus proceeds to give Peter a legal and historical reminder of current fundamental tax law under Rome (which has not changed to this day). Peter is then further reminded that, while Jesus generally paid taxes, Jesus was not obligated by law to pay this particular tax.

If you are familiar with this story, you know that Jesus sent Peter to catch the fish, remove the gold coins from the mouth and pay the tax for both of them.

Certain Roman Tax Law has not changed!

It definitely makes for interesting discussion the fact that Jesus was not legally required to pay this tax, yet payed it anyway. Many might be tempted to conclude that Jesus caved in to Roman barbarism and any subsequent ill effects of resisting and rebelling against the powers that be. The Word of God, however, does not leave us to guess or draw educated conclusions. Jesus specifically tells us why he payed the tax he did not owe.

Jesus paid a tax he did not owe in order to protect the Tax Collector from proceeding against Him unlawfully and suffering the legal consequences of his actions. Once again the summary wrath of Rome could be brought to bear, for the life of the Tax Collector was subject to forfeiture if caught violating the terms of the license they operated under. Rome was not known for their tenderness when dealing with violations of its Law, especially from its own Officers.

For this reason, Jesus took the highest road possible. Knowing what the Law stated and required from Him personally, He was well within the boundaries of the Law. And yet, to protect the Publican from any potential mistake and violation in the exercise of his Official duties, Jesus paid a tax not required of Him!

Think about that! How many are willing to rise to that level of action in their lives? Who would be willing to act in such a way to protect any IRS agent? Yet, Jesus is our example to follow. How many are serious about it?

Jesus & Taxes - Was Jesus an IRS Tax Protestor?

I've seen the following picture on Facebook recently about Irwin Schiff, Taxes, the IRS and prison. I finally shared it with a preface statement and questions as follows.

"If you, like Irwin Schiff and others, were faced with a government that wanted you to pay taxes you weren't required by law to pay, what would your response be? Would it be the same as Irwin Schiff and others? Would it be the same as Jesus?"

Did irwin Schiff know Jesus' Tax law?

I wonder how many know what the response of Jesus was to the idea of paying a tax He wasn't legally liable to pay? Were you aware that Jesus faced this dilemma? Do you know the choice Jesus exercised? Can you guess?

I assure you that the option chosen by Jesus was not one most of us would have seriously considered, much less actually performed. I will make another post about His choice. In the meantime, see if you can figure it out.

The Politics of Voter Fraud and Collusion

Voting more than once is not allowed!

One News Now has published this post about the GOP looking to change the election laws on the state level as they relate to the Electoral College. This effort stems from the wailing about rampant voter fraud that was heard around the country after the last election. President Obama was essentially said to have stolen the election as a direct result of widespread criminal activity surrounding many aspects of voting activity.

While this is strictly a matter of the GOP against the Democratic Party, it must be reminder of the legal precedent, no, the legal agreement in place and upheld by the Courts that bars the GOP from taking any action against the legal voting process simply by the Democrats asserting any form of racial discrimination against the GOP. The details are in this article from World Net Daily.

So, when the GOP begins to cry about voter fraud and attempt to combat it, it's much ado about nothing. And both sides have agreed to do nothing.

Obama is not speaking and happy about their agreement with the GOP

Even president Obama is not speaking about it!

Sometimes the details of politics can leave one speechless!

Obama, Guns & The 2nd Amendment - Who are you Trusting?

In the wake of the Connecticut school shooting, the Obama Administration has proposed a return to a past ban on the sale of Assault style weapons, a limit on the capacity of magazines as well as a series of unprecedented regulations designed to limit gun violence and provide added safety to the population, especially children. In response, people and groups from various backgrounds have united to fight this political power grab and, hopefully, retain the 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms for protection from both criminals and government.

For Christians who have a stake in this matter, I wonder whose words take precedence in the final response to the proposed initiatives?

The following verses have much to say to the Child of God listening and watching the current wrangling over issues of safety and personal protection.

Deuteronomy 33:27A The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them .
Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalms 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalms 91:9, 10 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Proverbs 30:5B he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

The message is clear. Ultimately, God is the provider of safety, protection and deliverance for His People.
Does this mean that God's people are not to exercise self defense? Are they not allowed to own a weapon, even a gun?

Of course not, but in the quest and desire to have certain laws in place that allow us to exercise certain rights and privileges, have we discounted the rule of God over His Creation, especially those who have had the blood of Christ applied to their sins by faith? Has God been relegated to the status of a backup source of strength, wisdom and power in our lives? Absent the means to protect oneself, do we really think God is able to protect and deliver us?

I have a feeling that God is drawing a line in the sand across this country to find out who is on His side. And like God's people under the captivity of Babylon, we have a choice of who we will serve, even if He doesn't deliver us like Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children, even if the laws put into place are bad. We should make our choices now, rather than choosing God as a last resort because, as His Word reveals, He really is our safety, our Life, our Way, our Truth.

God is Pro Choice!

When thinking about any moral issue, it must be remembered that God is a God of Choice. He will never force His will on anyone.

While the laws of men may provide a myriad of choices for us to consider, those laws never provide a chance or force us to violate Gods Laws. God's Laws are always there for us to adhere to or violate, regardless of the choices provided by the laws of men.

And while God always leaves the final choice up to us, included in that choice are the consequences that accompany that choice.

Obama's Stole Election? - Not So Fast! Republicans Did Their Part!

A Two Party Conspiracy?

For all who still think that this past Presidential election was stolen by Barack Obama via rampant voter fraud, here comes evidence maybe extremists of every political stripe can lend their ear to. Is it possible that Democrats and Republicans are in agreement when it comes to election results? Well, the courts have publicly recorded such an agreement. Can you guess what the facts are?

This article from World Net Daily says it all.

ObamaCare & Hobby Lobby - Religious Rights or Legal Standing?

Obamacare Mandate has many in a Legal Uproar

With the highly publicized case of Hobby Lobby's fight against President Obama's Health Care mandate comes polarizing viewpoints, especially in the fight against Government oppression. Many are citing the American Revolution as a guide for the ultimate resolution of this dilemma; yes, physical violence is being ultimately advocated as the only measure for reasonable citizens against the tyranny of Obama and this direct attack upon religious liberties.

While many may engage in various amounts and types of debate over this issue, there is a fundamental issue that everyone needs to be aware of. It's a legal reality of established law that most have never thought of. It's the issue of status before the court and the rights of individuals before a court.

Many are screaming about fundamental rights being violated by government, in this case the rights of the owners of Hobby Lobby. It is presumed that Hobby Lobby is a duly formed Corporation. As such, all officers of a corporation have a different legal status than that of a natural person. A person acting as a corporate officer is not guaranteed the same rights as a natural person. Why? Well, let this portion of a well established case provide the reason.

 The individual may stand upon his constitutional rights as a citizen. He is entitled to carry on his private business in his own way. His power to contract is unlimited. He owes no duty to the State or to his neighbors to divulge his business, or to open his doors to an investigation, so far as it may tend to criminate him. He owes no such duty to the State, since he receives nothing therefrom beyond the protection of his life and property. His rights are such as existed by the law of the land long antecedent to the organization of the State, and can only be taken from him by due process of law, and in accordance with the Constitution. Among his rights are a refusal to incriminate himself and the immunity of himself and his property from arrest or seizure except under a warrant of the law. He owes nothing to the public so long as he does not trespass upon their rights.

Upon the other hand, the corporation is a creature of the State. It is presumed to be incorporated for the benefit of the public. It receives certain special privileges and franchises, and holds them subject to the laws of the State and the limitations of its charter. Its powers are limited by law. It can make no contract not authorized by its charter. Its rights to act as a corporation are only preserved to it so long as it obeys the laws of its creation. There is a reserved right in the legislature to investigate its contracts and find out whether it has exceeded its powers.

 Hale v. Henkel - 201 U.S. 43 (1906)

 Do you think this tidbit of legal information might make a difference when asserting that Constitutional rights have been violated?

As Christians, we need to make sure that we understand certain issues before we proceed blindly and end up suffering as evildoers, rather than as Christians for true righteousness.

Liberty in Christ - Free from the Law?

The next time you get stopped by a Police Officer, try convincing him that he's nothing but a legalist and he's impeding your liberty in Christ because Christ has made you free from the law! See how far that gets you!
See The Politics of Heaven - The Christian Worldview

Does Liberty in Christ mean that we don't have to obey laws? If not, then whose laws do we obey?

 

The Political Smokscreen of Voter Fraud

            

 Since this election cycle really kicked into high gear, there's been one issue that is a recurring theme. All major media news outlets are repeatedly raising the issue of potential voter fraud. Of course, this is followed by the soothing news that all is being possibly done to minimize voter fraud of all types and insure legitimate election results.

With that said, I wonder if the general population really understands how the election process works when it comes to tabulating votes around the country, then reporting the results to the public?

To understand the state of affairs since at least 1964, please read the following three pieces of information. The first one concern the workings of the then Voter News Service. The debacle of the 2000 election began a cry for voter election reform. The second also details earlier instances of voter fraud. The third is about the result of this cry for reform, the National Election Pool with Edison Research being the sole provider of exit poll data. This shuffling of the deck simply continued election business as usual.

So I ask you. How much faith do you have in a process that allows no oversight of its work? Can you see how the issue of voter ID fraud is a fraud itself?

Kinda makes me glad that the King I serve occupies His throne by Divine Right of Absolute Perfection!