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?

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!

Jesus & American Culture - The War of World Views

When it comes to how we, as Believers in Christ, conduct our lives on a daily basis, what standard have we chosen to determine and govern our actions? Does the increasingly perverted American culture hold our attention while we adopt their standards? Or do we seek the Culture of Christ for His Disciples as revealed in the Bible? Or is your attitude that of an increasing number among professing Believers, that it really does not matter as long as what you do is done with a heart for God?

Whose culture are you living out? The World's or Christ's?

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 Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones & God - Who Moved?

Jerry, God & Success!

 The merger of God, religion and sports has always been a mixed bag. Athletes regularly mention divine assistance in their professional quests, some more overtly than others, but they fail to somehow mention the true role God plays in defeat. Somehow, God only seems prominent in the success of a team and players.

America's Team has it's own claim to God, though. And it's generally been accepted within American culture since the 70's, when Lee Roy Jordan claimed that God was an active Spectator from Heaven through the hole in the Texas Stadium Roof. This became a part of the Legacy of the Cowboys.

This is also what was inherited by Jerry Jones in his purchase of the Cowboys in 1989. In fact, in the spirit of that legacy, Jerry later informed the world that he told God he only wanted three Super Bowl Trophies. After that, Jerry was on his own.

Jerry's frustrated!

Well, Jerry got his three from the most holy of sources. Since then, Jerry's been wildcattin'. For almost two decades, dry holes have become the replacement for Divine Approval. And Jerry's ticked off!

Jerry, try repentance! It surely can't hurt!.................But it does require a certain amount of submissive bending of the knee and heart.

But knowing Jerry, maybe he's relying on God blessing the just and the unjust. I'm fairly sure which one Jerry thinks he is. What I'm unsure about is which one God thinks Jerry is! It might make all the difference, a difference not seen for quite awhile around here.

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.

The Genesis of Modern Politics II

 To understand modern politics as fully as possible, we have returned to the original establishment of politics found in the Bible. The foundational answers we seek are found in the book of Genesis.

Back to the Beginning

As previously stated, the fall of mankind because of sin led to a new relationship with God. The need for reconciliation and its recognition demands that all men approach God according to His standard, which He makes known to them. The blood sacrifice of an unblemished innocent animal of God’s choosing is required to temporarily atone for an individual’s sin and maintain fellowship with a holy God.

God's requirement for Fellowship and Atonement for sin are established

Cain rejected this standard and desired to replace it with his own. When approached by God, Cain is offered the authority of ruling over sinners and their sinful acts. Scripture doesn’t reveal that Cain officially accepted God’s offer at this time, however, his actions toward his brother Abel set the tone for what is to transpire into business as usual within the political realm of sin management.

Traditionally, it has been promoted that Cain’s action toward Abel was nothing more than murder in a jealous rage. 

Cain Kills Abel - Was it just plain murder?

Fortunately, the Scriptures reveal quite a bit more than just an emotionally driven jealousy. In fact, we find an ample amount of detail not usually considered. These details help us to understand the character of politics as ordained by God Himself from the beginning.

First it is revealed that what God mentions first is the fact of “the voice” of Abel’s blood “crying out from the ground.” Since other Scripture reveals that “the life of the flesh is in the blood,” it is important that what God is recognizing is physical life being synonymous with the blood. Therefore, the shedding of man’s blood by mankind is a serious offense, not taken lightly by God.

The most startling detail comes from the book of Hebrews. It’s a comparison between one aspect of Jesus and Cain; blood. Chapter 12, verse 24 says, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the sprinkling of blood, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

The context of this verse within Hebrews and it’s teaching on blood is the sacrificial shedding of blood, specifically, the sprinkling of shed blood on a sacrificial altar. The Law details the requirements of God for sin’s atonement through blood sacrifice. The sacrificial blood of bulls and goats typifies the future ultimate blood sacrifice of The Lamb of God which would be enough to cover the sin of the entire world. It is within this context that we find this reference to Abel’s blood. The only way this comparison works is if Abel’s blood was shed by Cain in sacrifice upon an altar.

Is this rather startling? It should be. But this is nothing more than the beginning of revelation from Scripture regarding the founding of this World system, with its rulers ordained by God. In fact, Paul’s words to Timothy prior to his execution reveal the same mindset as Cain. In II Timothy 4:6, Paul says, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

Jesus Offered Himself by the hands of the Romans - He ordained them

What a strange statement! Notice that Paul does not say that he is ready to offer himself. He said that he is ready to be offered. The significance in this lies in the fact that a sacrifice is always offered by another. The sacrifice does not shed his own blood, even though that person may make his blood available for such an activity. The blood of sacrifice is always shed by another. In the case of Paul, that would be the Caesar and his Roman government, for Caesar was the official executioner of Paul as well as Jesus, the Lamb of God, just as Cain was the official executioner of Abel. This unique relationship speaks volumes about the political structure of this World system and the relationship of God’s People to that Government.

More details to Come………………………………..

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!

The Mark Of Cain!

With his admitted non-traditional campaign, Herman Cain has promised to challenge Texas Governor Rick Perry for the evangelical vote to secure his quest of the GOP Presidential nomination.

With Governor Perry and Mitt Romney thought to hold the key to the Republican primaries, the emergence of Herman Cain has caught many by surprise. What has proven to be a rather dull group has taken on a surprising political sheen of interest as the straight talking Cain has proven so far that he can handle the rough and tumble of politics. A political novice, this highly successful businessman has seen his rivals wilt under the heat of pointed questions about particular policy while Cain forcefully answers all questions.

Therein lies his attractiveness. He knows what he believes and he's not afraid to articulate it as well as respond confidently to all enquiries. He's proving to be far more adept at Public Relations than any of his public counterparts, including Governor Perry.

Can you say Grass Roots? Tea, anyone?

Crystal Clear Delusion

With the continuing debacle at the Crystal Cathedral comes this observation from Craig Huey of Election Forum.

The sad part of this observation is that the Gospel of Christ and the longtime message of Crystal Cathedral Founder Robert Schueller are thought to be the same. Sadly, many others think so, too.

The strong delusion promised by God for those continuing to seek such waywardness abides still, even in the hearts of professing Christians.

Post Jesus Culture - The Political Sky Is Falling!

Welcome to the World of Post Christian America, where everything you hold dear as a Christian, including God and Country, is under attack. And the more that is perceived as lost to them, the more Christians dig in their bunkers and prepare for the warfare to come. After all, much damage has been done by the enemy, mainly Democrats, therefore, there's much ground to recover. And it begins with this year's mid term elections, because the Leader of the Enemey, Barak Obama, has stumbled and apparently rendered his troops vulnerable.

So, what's at stake in this broohaha? Oh not much. Just the Legal foundation of the entire Country. After all, how can Christians expect to conduct themselves properly if they don't have guidelines, ie laws? And with so many fundamental laws being overturned or modified and others facing attacks from various sides, the Christian lifestyle of Believers in Jesus is severely threatened.

You remember Jesus. He's one of the Founders.....wrote the declaration, signed it over fifty times, wrote the Constitution and got it passed by enough states. And in the middle of all that he fought the Revolution singlehanded. Don't believe me? Ask Washington? Who do you think really got them safely through the winter at Valley Forge? And do you think he would go to all that trouble just to have the Congress and Judiciary pass just any laws? No Sireee! They passed His Laws! Right outa the Good Book!

Don't remember? First of all, The Defense of Marrige Act, Prohibition, repeal of Prohibition, Outcome Based Education, Founding era Slavery, abolition of Slavery, Bankruptcy laws, Abortion, Churches tax exemptions and last, but not least, the tens of thousands of rules, regulations and laws regarding the IRS. Yes, Jesus did it all!

And now they're tearing down this culture of Christ. And Christians are screaming because, for some reason, they can't seem to fathom life without all these American constructs. This just can't happen to American Christianity. So this American Jesus and his American lifestyle and values has got to be preserved and promoted.

Of course, there is an alternative. They could turn to the Jesus of the Bible and his laws about how to live among all cultures in this world. Having been tortured and murdered unjustly, I don't think any of us are going to lecture him on the proper response to unkind treatment. Then again, seeing that His purpose for coming into this world was to face this treatment on behalf of the human race, I don't think suffering on behalf of Jesus has many advocates or volunteers. No, this type of political activism requires a dedication of a different sort. It must be remembered, too, that the law undergirding this type of action is of a different sort. Therein lies the crux.

Whose law do we serve? The law of Man or the Law of a Holy God? Each set of laws manifests itself in a distinct culture. And by the way, those cultures are always at odds with one another, no exceptions.

Christians Mocked??? Are you Shocked?

Among the Political World of Christians, the latest attention grabber to make the rounds is a video clip of Barack Obama mocking and ridiculing Christians. Christians are supposed to be outraged by this and make certain political conclusions and choices as a result.

Pardon me if I sound a bit incredulous. Are we supposed to actually be outraged by this? Does this somehow shock our sensibilities. If so, why? Have we overlooked or forgotten entirely the words of Jesus to His Disciples in the Book of John. Chapter 15, verse 20 finds Jesus saying, "....If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;" Earlier he stated, "If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you."

And why does this state of affairs happen. In this context, Jesus also tells us why. He says simply in verse 19, "If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of this world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

Why does Jesus speak these words to His Disciples. The first verse of Chapter 16 finds him telling why, "These things have I spoken to you that you should not be offended," A few verses late, we find Him continuing, "But these things have I told you that when the time comes, you may remember that I told them to you."

Are you ready for another shock? Most Christians in this country have been under a milder form of mockery and ridicule for generations. In fact, President Bush has informed religious types exactly what they were, nothing more than "Political Capital." Political powers that be have used the political energy of God's People to further their agenda. And what have they received in return? Nothing!! Absolutely Nothing!!!!! Except more promises if they commit themselves and work hard towward another unreachable political goal.That's right! More work for the World's political machine, the same World, Jesus said He called us out of.

But we know better than Christ. After all, as His servants, we obviously know more than He does. And our zealous activity will make everything right. Jesus will see our good intentions to make this World a better place to live in and He will change his mind about the World. That's why he placed us here! These people aren't so bad after all. Jesus just didn't understand them.

So, are you offended by Obama's alleged mockery? Or anyone else's mockery, for that matter??

Welcome to the real World!

Keep Your Oath: It's The Law or When God Laughs

This country is truly in a sad state. I say that because of the state of the Judicial system. You know, the one overseen and administered by those officials called Lawyers. If you think that the Lawyers are kept in check by the Legislative branch, have you taken a look at the legislative rolls? That's right, they're filled with Lawyers! Do you appeal to the Executive Branch? That's right! Same thing! Lawyers, Lawyers, Lawyers!!!!!!

Here's the rub. When a Lawyer, or any other person for that matter, attains a public office, they are required by law to take an oath of office which says that they will faithfully uphold the Constitution and all the laws thereunder. No problem so far. But when they fail to uphold and administer those laws, what happens then? Whose responsibility is it to investigate and prosecute that person? Most likely, it's another lawyer. You mean, one Lawyer is responsible to prosecute another lawyer? That's right. Lawyer versus Lawyer.

But when an outsider comes along and decides to defend himself in a case, that's another matter. It's amazing how united Lawyers suddenly become. It matters not who the defendant is. If that person is conducting his own defense, the Judge, Prosecutor and any other Lawyer whose services are needed form as tightly knit a group as you will ever see. And it matters not if the law is being broken in the course of these united activities. The most important thing is that the person defending himself be made to look as foolish as possible. This person needs to look as if what they really need is the service of a good Lawyer. Upholding the law, regardless of what it actually says, and fulfilling an oath of office take a back seat to protecting the hallowed ground of all Brothers of Law.

It may seem that I'm blaming this state of affairs on Lawyers. To the contrary. I blame it on God's People. That's right! The People who should know and understand Law backwards and forwards are actually woefully ignorant when it comes to what the law actually says and its potential application to them. That's because they are more woefully ignorant of their own legal manual provided to them by their own Heavenly Lawyer, Jesus Christ. The legal reality of Grace is not evident in their lives. In fact, most have accepted a cheap imitation of Grace among themselves which gives them license to conduct their lives in just about any manner they desire. After all, God will forgive them, regardless of what they do. While technically correct, this legal stance before God tends to produce a life of turmoil and destruction, which needs to be continually addressed and allows no time for real living. Most of a person's time is devoted to dealing with the debris created by wrong decisions in life. Wisdom, knowledge and instruction is cast to the wayside as the freedom of grace is indulged in. They fail to understand the actions, or lack thereof, on the part of God to clean up their mess as a result of their indulgence. They fail to realize that He has already spoken about such things in the first chapter of Proverbs. And how does he promise to respond to someone who proceeds while ignoring the wise counsel provided by Him. He says simply in verse 26, "I also will laugh at your calamity." For an eye opener, read the entire passage.

This is where the Lawyers enter the picture. Sin management is the forte of all Attorneys. This includes skirting the spirit and letter of the law where desirable an/or feasible. This comes in handy when dealing with the debris of one's own life. And Christians have this knack for creating more debris than their worldly counterparts. It tends to be more of a mess. After all, they're Christians! They're not supposed to act this way, buuuut, since they have, why not manage it well! Especially when it's Christian against Christian!

Sadly, most Christians don't realize that there are different jurisdictions within Law, depending on your status and standing. They don't realize that when they hire a Lawyer, they put themselves within an unnecessary jurisdiction, unnecessary because they have a jurisdiction available exclusively to them. But, once a Lawyer is hired, that exclusive jurisdiction and its benefits is waived.

Even more sad is the length of time God's People in this country have gone without really being privy to this type of knowledge. We're not talking years or decades. We're talking generations. And in that length of time, not only has the ignorance of God's People increased, so has the boldness of Lawyers. Lawyers today take advantage of this ignorance and treat people as if they are criminals. When this other law, this other jurisdiction is mentioned before them, they laugh and scoff at the person bringing up such nonsense. They attempt to make them look like fools.

I can't help but wonder if that is God laughing through the Lawyers.

The Politics of Provision

As the Presidential race goes into high gear, this is a good time to consider a few things as the candidates give their pitch as to why they're the man most deserving of the position of President of the United States. Regardless of what the particular topic is at any given time, it's important to notice the common factor in most, if not all, of them. It comes down to what the candidate promises to provide or deliver to the electorate. In other words, what can they give to the people? ............Kinda sad ain't it?

Can you believe that people would actually look to a man, all because of what he can offer them? If I didn't know better, I'd think that they were gods! OOooooops!!!!! Did I let that slip!!!????? Such greasy words!

Come to think of it, Jesus said the same thing. I believe he is quoted as quoting from the current Scripture of his day as "ye are gods." In fact, when you take a good look at it, this is exactly what Jesus did in His Ministry, promise provision to all who would look to Him for that provision, regardless of the need. And He did this in stark contrast to the other major deified provider of His day, Rome's Caesar.

Yet, in spite of a new age and vast cultural growth and sophistication, the political climate in this country finds the exact same process occuring. Man continually appealing to the masses for respect and support while the masses urgently look for someone to provide for them. Meanwhile, the Creator of the Universe patiently waits in the wings for all to come to Him for their ultimate need, reconciliation to Him. For He's promised to meet all their needs if they will simply bow their knees to Him and his Provision, Himself.

But Aahhh, that's a tough decision, because it puts one at odds with alot of other people, especially those political types who seem to think they know best who the Provider should be in others lives. Of course, that Provider should be Government and its humbly ordained army of public servants. After all, it's their place to act as Robin Hood and "take from the rich and give to the deserving poor" all because they detect a need which can be met by passing a new set of laws. And who wants to go against the democratic mass whose majority is always right? That tends to put a man is an awkward position.

So who do we trust? A nebulous God whom we can't detect with our senses? Or a flesh and blood man who will stand before us and maybe shake our hand while he promises us the world?

Well, they say a man's track record speaks for itself. So, in that case, I've already joined the greatest political party ever assembled, whose fringe benefits stand unique in this universe. After all, being a joint heir with Christ is as good as it gets since He owns it all.

Compare that with any offer made by any politician that has ever lived. I believe the choice becomes rather simple. Eternally Simple.

A Christian Worldview? Which One?

Within the ranks of Christendom, there has arisen over the last couple of decades, a rising interest and promotion of, what has come to be known as "A Christian Worldview." This pious sounding title supposedly contains the elements of Truth by which all children of God are mandated to live on this earth.

Unfortunately, what has come to be espoused as "A Biblical Worldview" has very little to do with the Bible. While much Scripture is used to construct this supposedly biblical model for life, it focuses mostly on "The World." God is relegated to the role of a lofty afterthought, prominently insignificant.

To further the confusion of such an integral part of the modern Christian life, there seems to be a plethora of biblical worldviews available for the spiritual consumer to choose from. These usually deal with how the Christian can take dominion of, or at least, heavily influence the World system. This group is usually contrasted with just one other radically opposite worldview, the one where Christians are mandated to withdraw from all worldly activity and seclude themselves from the evil influences of the World. This unfriendly bunch is left to deal almost exclusively among themselves for any material goods and/or services.

The sad part of this scenario, however, is that the truly Biblical Worldview is seldom brought into the mix to consider. Significant statements of Jesus Himself, as well as the words of other inspired biblical writers are either not discussed or they are rationalized or explained away as being culturally inexpedient or unattainable. In other words, they are impossible. So, rather than Truth being properly proclaimed and taught, it is left for the spiritual seeker to trust God to fulfil his Word and have the Holy Spirit "lead them into all truth." Such is the climate of the current Biblical Worldview wars as ministries vie for the heartstrings of men, women and young people.

So what is a Truly Biblical Worldview? Let's list five things which the true student of Scripture cannot afford to overlook or misinterpret when attempting to determine such important doctrine;

1. The Pleading of Jesus to Pilate.

• My Kingdom is not of this World
• If it were, then would my servants fight to not have me delivered to the Jews.

2. The Polemic of Satan to Jesus

• The Offer of Satan to Jesus.
• The Response of Jesus to Satan's Offer

3. The Position of the World to Christ

• The World is lost and in need of A Savior
• The World is the Enemy of Christ

4. The Position of the World to God's People

5. The Politics of God's People

These points are not exhaustive by any means, but are significant enough to merit the application of strict hermeneutics by the serious student of Scripture. They are not to be so lightly thought of that they are easily replaced by any cultural or philosophical mandate of man.

After all, the five points are alliterated. That alone merits serious consideration for infallibility!

More to come................

Understanding the Jurisdiction of Church & State

I ask you to read this report from The Christian Post. It will give the background and help in understanding what I am about to say in response to it. I will use the following quote to specifically address.

"“Under the guise of protecting the immoral, unnatural, ungodly lifestyle of homosexuals, our government is being forced to censor the freedom of speech and freedom of religion of Bible-believing Christians,” said the Rev. Rusty Lee Thomas, director of Elijah Ministries. “We have come to Washington, D.C., to appeal to our government to back off…return to your jurisdiction, get out of our churches, quit policing our thoughts and stop trying to sear our consciences by framing mischief into law,” Thomas vented."

Basic Constitutional law instructs that Secular Government and the institution commonly known as the Church operate in separate legal realms or jurisdictions. In fact, I have it from a Texas Attorney that a true Church is not even recognized at law. In other words, Government has absolutely nothing so say about the internal affairs of a true Church. A true Church cannot be sued or taken to Court. Again, this is basic Consititutional Law.

Why, then, is this religious leader telling the government to get out of their churches? Is this leader presuming that the Government doesn't know the law?

What if we presumed, for a moment, that the Government does know the law and knows exactly what it's doing. Let's perform the unusual and presume that the Government is actually right!

What if the Government really does truly understand the proper Constitutional Doctrine of Separation of Church & State? What if the Government not only knows a true legal Church when it sees one, but that the Goverment also responds properly when it sees one. In other words, it leaves that Church alone, because the prerequisite jurisdictional authority is not legally present.

In the case referenced above, what if the Rev. Thomas is actually wrong in telling the Government to get out of the churches? What if the Government does have jurisdiction?
Does that scenario seem impossible? If it does, I understand. But consider one more possibility. What if all churches are not created equal? Does this seem equally impossible? Ahhh, welcome to the wonderful world of Law!!!!!!!

Not only is this inequality possible, it is an everpresent reality. It all comes down to who the legally recognized creator of any particular church is. Jesus would use the following phraseology to determine the creator, "God or Caesar"? The title "God" is understood by most and needs no explanation. The term "Caesar" simply refers to Government in general. So the question is this. Is God or Government the Creator of your "church"?

The fact is, most Churches and religious organizations in the united States are created by the Government. Therefore, by virtue of the law of creation, the Government has the authority to regulate and oversee the operations of its created entities.

A true Church, one created by God and not Government, cannot be legislated for or regulated or overseen by the Government. The only thing Government can do is uphold its status and standing as a true Church as long as the true church conducts itself as a true Church. It does that by the following:

1. It has a legitimate and currently functioning government.
2. It can only be represented in Court by a duly authorized officer of the Church.
3. Any appearance in Court by its duly authorized officer is strictly a special appearance for the sole purpose of challenging the jurisdiction of the Court. Any other action in Court by this officer will temporarily grant jurisdiction to the court.
4. It cannot be represented by a licensed Attorny, since all Attorney's are, first and foremeost, Officers of the Court.

More than likely, the organization of Rev. Wright, along with most others, have been in some manner created by the Government through the process of incorporation or a similar process of recognition by Government. Thus, it is not a true church and the government has the authority to govern it pursuant to the Government's own laws. They can police the thoughts of its members. They can censor its members freedom of speech and religion. They can attempt to sear the consciences of its members. They can attempt to frame mischief into law for its members.

To resist is futile.

Should a Christian Hold Political Office? Let's Ask Jesus!

Since a Christian is one who supposedly believes in and follows Christ, it sorta stands to reason that He might have something to say about His Followers holding Public Office. And if He does, then the Christian should heed those words, should they not?

Let's see if you can tell if Christians currently holding Public Office have heeded the words of their Lord. Jesus told His Followers to ".....not swear at all....."

It's widely known, and also written into the law, that a candidate cannot enter Office and exercise the duties and responsibilities of that Office unless and until he or she swears an Oath of Office.

Jesus puts many between a rock and a hard place, doesn't he? So, what are His Followers to do?

Jesus Creed & Truth Intolerance

Months ago, I was blocked from posting of the blog site of Scot McKnight, Jesus Creed. I returned yesterday to see if my blogging presence remained unwelcomed. I am sad to report that nothing has changed.

I posted a comment under the blog post, "White House God 2," which was removed before too long. The comment was in the vein of finding it very interesting that someone who would profess a belief in Christ would, in the name of serving that same Christ in public office, disobey a direct command of Christ by swearing an oath of office.

Being dismissed is really not too surprising in this day of intolerance. I find that the most intolerant people in America are those usually espousing their tolerance of all things, even those things they may disagree with. I have consistently found these people to be disingenuous at best. All piety and platitudes aside, Truth doesn't seem to be the topic of choice, nor do they want to entertain the rigors of examination.

In the case of Scot McKnight and Jesus Creed, I'm not surprised. If you were to begin to join in the dialogue on Jesus Creed, you will find that most of the regular commentors don't desire to contemplate the words of someone who readily works his way through the rhetoric of analysis and gets to the core of an issue. That's too divisive and doesn't tend to unify the readers. So, attempts are regularly made to keep the conversation away from Truth and the consistently logical analysis of that same Truth.

Instead, new thinking is encouraged. New paradigms are sought in order to encourage the faithful rebellion toward most things established. Of course, the aim is a new consensus which does away with old norms by establishing new boundaries through the collective energy and input of everyone.........everyone except those who do not agree with the majority consensus. Those dissenters are not allowed to establish any disagreement. Either they will conform to the consensus or they will be discharged from participation within the consensus. This assures order within the group, or I should say, it assures disorder.......consistent, persistent chaos.

That which has been the same in the past and will continue to remain so in the future are, ultimately, not welcome. Truth is cast out. Lies are welcomed and embraced. Such is the tolerant world of Jesus Creed and the Emerging Brethren.

The Foremost Duty of Christian Citizens

In the July Fourth edition of Chuck Colson's Breakpoint Commentary, he addresses a very sensitive topic. The Cross and the Flag attempts to give the true Biblical response to the two extreme positions held by most when it comes to contemplating a Christian's duty as citizens of a country of this world system.

• "In the United States, Christians have all too often vacillated between two extremes—the God-and-country, wrap-the-flag-around-the-cross mentality or on the other hand, the simply passing-through mindset.
• The former was illustrated a century ago by the president of Amherst College. He said that the nation had achieved the "true American union, that sort of union which makes every patriot a Christian and every Christian a patriot." This form of civil religion is supported by politicians who welcome it as a prop for the state, and by Christians who see it as enshrining the fulfillment of the vision of the early pilgrims.
• The passing-through mindset is represented by those who believe they are simply sojourners with loyalties only in the Kingdom beyond. They believe that faith is an entirely private matter, and that they are under no obligation to the community or country in which God has placed them."

Colson then proceeds to present what is considered to be a modified, though biblical, balance of the two extremes as summarized in this statment.

• "The Christian position is beautifully balanced. On one hand, we don't deify our country. Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and that's where our ultimate allegiance is.
  But the only place for expressing that allegiance is in the concrete loyalties God calls us to here on earth—including loyalty to country. We can't love mankind in the abstract; we can only really love people in the particular, concrete relationships God has placed us in—our family, our church, our community, our nation."

I'm afraid I must radically part ways with the words and ideas of Mr Colson on this subject. Is it because I have a particular political agenda that I'm pursuing? A resounding Yes! I do have a distinct political agenda, one reflected from the pages of Scripture. And it starts with one of the political extremes Mr Colson refers to, that of only passing through. While it is true that we are only passing through, Holy Writ reveals an ample amount of detail as to how that 'passing through' is to be conducted. Surprisingly, it is not as an isolated exile, but something interestingly more.

The Scripture references which detail this conduct include Hebrews 11:13, where the Old Testament saints "confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on this earth." The word translated strangers literally means "alien" and the word translated pilgrim means "resident alien." In other words, we are foreigners on this earth. The next Scripture reference comes from the Apostle Peter when he tells the "strangers" (resident aliens - I Peter 1:1) to submit themselves to the King and all governing authorities as well as the laws they pass. Furthermore, Peter tells us to do this in the capacity of "stangers and pilgrims" (I Peter 2:11), not as birthright citizens.

The significance of the People of God living our lives as foreigners is seen in the fact that a foreigner has no original stake within his land of foreign sojourn. His rights are limited by law, because his land of birth is elsewhere. All rights while in a foreign land are prescribed by law and generally do not rise to the level of a natural born citizen. This creates a distinct difference between the foreigner or resident alien and the natural born citizen.

Another significance of the People of God living our lives as foreigners is seen when the Apostle Paul says that we are Ambassadors for Christ. An Ambassador is one who is sent by one country to represent the interests of their home country to a foreign country. An Ambassador is always a foreigner in relation to the country he or she is sent to. It is impossible for the citizen of one country to be an Ambassador to his or her own country.

As a foreign Ambassador of Christ, it is our foremost duty to present His official word of reconcilation to the lost citizens of this world system. Herein lies the basis for "concrete relationships" around us. The citizens of this world, whether they be family, community or nation, need to hear how Christ has made provision for them to transfer their political citizenship and allegiance from their present country to an entirely new one, what Peter refers to as "an holy nation" (I Peter 2:9). Nowhere are we commanded or even encouraged to enter the political arena of this world in order to promote the claims of Christ. In fact, you find none of the Apostles of Christ advocating such activity for others because Jesus had already told them that the World hated Him and the World would hate them also. Neither do you find them engaging in such a pursuit. Even Paul, who by birth possessed the highest form of Roman citizenship (by birth), failed to apply the benefits of that citizenship except to save his life or to preach the gospel. In fact, on at least two occasions, they were one and the same. He always conducted himself as a foreigner on this earth, just as the saints of old did.

In no way does this leave us with a vacuum of political activity. God's People have a variety of needs and concerns which Christ has delegated specific authority to address. This authority descends directly from the Throne of Heaven itself, from which also derives our citizenship, and carries with it political duties for the foreign Ambassadors living on this earth as heavenly citizens. Not known widely to many, this arrangement is specifically reflected in American Law. God has graciously seen to it that in this country at least, He has provided His People the legal means to carry out His political concerns among His Kingdom citizens. All others are considered foreigners! That is an eternally concrete reality!

So, on this Holy Day of the United States of America, wherein is remembered the actions of a select group of men when they chose rebellious independence from British authority, remember that the Children of God possess a political inheritance of much greater value, Dependence upon the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For it is this Declaration of Dependence alone which provides us the rich blessings of Eternal Liberty!

The World has never seen such Politics!

Are You Praying For Your Public Officials? Why?

Many times we, as Christians, are encouraged to engage in the biblical mandate to " pray for our leaders." Very rarely do we hear the reason that Apostle Paul told Timothy and Titus to conduct this activity. In fact, I have never heard anyone delve into the reason other than to say it helps us lead a quiet and peacable life.

Yet, the very reason is given by Paul in both instances. We pray for public officials holding authority over us so that they will be saved. That's right! Paul tells us to pray for the salvation of those in Public office. Why?

The reason is very simple. Because biblically, the realm of Secular government is presumed to be inherently separated from a Holy and righteous God. The Leaders of this world system we live under are deemed to be in need of a renewed heart through faith in Jesus Christ. They need to be saved!

Are we surprised to hear this? Why? It's simply the Word of God. And after all, aren't we talking about "Secular" governemnt? Secular means "not sacred or holy." Christians and non christians alike refer to government being secular. So why do we in America tend to view "unholy" government as "Christian?" Was Paul wrong? Or was he emotionally reacting to the pagan Roman Empire? Did the Founding Fathers have knowledge they failed to share with us which would have corrected this false notion of the Apostle Paul, seeing they formed a "Christian" republic? Why, if we live in a Christian republic, is the government still referred to as secular?

Maybe the Bible is out of date?

Maybe Paul knew what he was talking about. Pray for the salvation of all public officials!