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.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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.
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;
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;
- 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................
Monday, May 12, 2008
Obama or Hillary or McCain: Does It Matter?
WIth all the hype surrounding the supposedly inevitable nomination of Barak Obama as the Democratic Presidential Nominee, does it really matter which one of the three remaining heavyweight politicos gets the ultimate nod?
In spite of all the propaganda surrounding each campaign, do you really think there's very much difference in the three candidates?
Do you doubt their ability to take orders? After all, that is a prerequisite of the Office of President of the United States. Just ask the current Resident of the White House.
It probably comes down to nothing more than which candidate makes you "feel" better. And we won't know that until election night in November. To better understand the process of election reporting, please refer to this post by Tupper Saussy. It might cause you to think, something that gets left by the wayside during campaign season.
In spite of all the propaganda surrounding each campaign, do you really think there's very much difference in the three candidates?
Do you doubt their ability to take orders? After all, that is a prerequisite of the Office of President of the United States. Just ask the current Resident of the White House.
It probably comes down to nothing more than which candidate makes you "feel" better. And we won't know that until election night in November. To better understand the process of election reporting, please refer to this post by Tupper Saussy. It might cause you to think, something that gets left by the wayside during campaign season.
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:
"“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:
- It has a legitimate and currently functioning government.
- It can only be represented in Court by a duly authorized officer of the Church.
- 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.
- 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.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Assualt on Motherhood & God
I've read alot lately about the supposedly high position given to a mother in the family, so high, in fact, that many are saying the mother is the most important position in, not just the family, but society at large. On top of that is the use of the Bible to support such an assertion.
If you will search through Scripture, beginning in Genesis, you will find that the woman is almost always approached first when attempting to rearrange the structure of the family. When this happens, what is actually happening is that the authority of the Husband is actually being attacked. And by design, the closest one to the Husband is the Wife. What better way to put pressure on the God ordained authority structure of the family than by trying to lure the wife away from God's design.
Though the response of the wife and mother is not to be overlooked and is important, the most vital response will always come from the Husband/Father. For he has been placed by God to, not only lead the family into the His design for the family, but also to protect the family from the onslaught of those who wish to subvert it.
So, while acknowledging the God ordained importance of the Wife and Mother, it is a grave error to presume that an attack on her or the children is anything other than an attack on God's male leader of that family. It's the same modus operandi used by the Enemy since the inception of the first family. And it is pervasive in American society at large, even churches. It would behoove us all to recognize it for the danger it is.
If you will search through Scripture, beginning in Genesis, you will find that the woman is almost always approached first when attempting to rearrange the structure of the family. When this happens, what is actually happening is that the authority of the Husband is actually being attacked. And by design, the closest one to the Husband is the Wife. What better way to put pressure on the God ordained authority structure of the family than by trying to lure the wife away from God's design.
Though the response of the wife and mother is not to be overlooked and is important, the most vital response will always come from the Husband/Father. For he has been placed by God to, not only lead the family into the His design for the family, but also to protect the family from the onslaught of those who wish to subvert it.
So, while acknowledging the God ordained importance of the Wife and Mother, it is a grave error to presume that an attack on her or the children is anything other than an attack on God's male leader of that family. It's the same modus operandi used by the Enemy since the inception of the first family. And it is pervasive in American society at large, even churches. It would behoove us all to recognize it for the danger it is.
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