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Simple Salvation Ministries
The Truth Will Set You Free-Jesus is That Truth! Today You Are One Day Closer To The Kingdom |
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Become Ordained online Now
©2008 Simple Salvation Church of God WHAT DOES IT TAKES TO BE A MINISTER OF GOD?
© 2006 Simple Salvation Church of God
come join our team of writers
Hello Friends this is Chaplain Jimmie Warren I am sending this message out to see if any of you would like to post any of your writing on our web site http://www.simplesalvation.org Our site has grown over just the last three months from 24-25 people a day to 79-83 people a day thats over 80 differant souls looking for God's truth. I was blessed with this wonderful web site ministry which God has made known to a lot of people over the last six years. This year we want to reach as many people as we can and I believe with differant points of views more people will be coming to our site to grow into the Lord Jesus. Wouldn't you want to share in this growing ministry? I pray that you do. Please come and visit our site and make it your site also or at least link us to your site so other's may enjoy the words from the Bible and the spirited people that are trying to reach out a hand to help them come to the Lord without the pressure of a four walled church. I really believe the Lord has opened a door for the World Tomorrow and His soon coming kingdom by the internet spreading the Gospel where we all can't go. So please pray about it come to the site ,look it over, and join us as we strive to reach the world for a better tomorrow Amen Tell A Friend about this site!
SIMPLE SALVATION BELIEFS
Copyright © 2001-2006 Simple Salvation Ministries, For information contact
Jimmie Warren. Site Design Copyright ©
2006 Portal Publishing, For Information see
Gizmotech.net
©2001-2005 Simple Salvation Ministries We are in agreement with ULCCF Beliefs so here they are! Nov-04-2005
The ULCCF believes that all people are brothers and sisters in a natural sense. We also believe, as stated by the Apostle Peter in Acts 10:34-35
Additionally, we believe that there is a special spiritual, moral and religious sense, in which people are united as brothers and sisters in Christ through faith. We accept as Christian brothers and sisters, in this special spiritual sense, anyone who through faith believes that:
Contained in this statement is the "gospel" in which we stand, and by which we are saved, by which one becomes "a believer", or, "a Christian", as declared by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. 
It is through believing and living the principles presented in the above statements, and in the love of God, shown and commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ, and exercised in our love for each other as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, that Christians have unity of the Spirit (see Eph. 4:1-3). With unity of the Spirit based on the principles contained in the statements presented above, there is room for diversity of beliefs in other doctrines. There can be unity in diversity and diversity in unity. Although differences of beliefs, doctrine, interpretation, and opinion may be held and expressed among believers, they should be expressed in love and fellowship with those who may differ. This is true Christianity, based upon the freedom that is in Christ, as it was instituted in the very beginning. But, one may ask how Christians with different beliefs, doctrines, or theologies can claim equal trust in the same Scriptures, or how they can fellowship and work together when so many Christians have divided and fought over those very issues through the centuries? In the ULCCF, one answer is that our communion is one of life and love more than one of doctrine and opinion. The oneness in the life of God through Jesus Christ is a stronger bond than that of non-essential doctrines emphasized by many denominations or churches. |
100 Truths About Jesus Jesus came to die and destroy Satan's power - Heb. 2:14 Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets - Matt. 5:17 Jesus came to give life - John 10:10,28 Jesus came to taste death for everyone - Heb. 2:9 Jesus came to proclaim freedom for believers - Luke 4:18 Jesus claimed to be God - John 8:24; 8:56-59 (see Exodus 3:14);10:30- 33 Jesus created all things - John 1:3; Col. 1:15-17 Jesus is before all things - Col. 1:17 Jesus is eternal - John 1:1,14;8:58 Jesus is honored the same as the Father - John 5:23 Jesus is prayed to - Acts 7:54-60 Jesus is worshipped - Matt. 2:2,8,11;14: 33;28:9,17 John 9:35-37 Jesus is called God - John 1:1,14;20:28 Col. 2:9 Tit. 2:13 Jesus is omnipresent - Matt 28:20 Jesus is with us always - Matt. 28:20 Jesus is our only mediator between God and ourselves - 1 Tim 2:5 Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant - Heb. 7:22;8:6 Jesus said, "I AM the Bread of Life" - John 6:35,41,48,51 Jesus said, "I AM the Door" - John 10:7,9 Jesus said, "I AM the Good Shepherd" - John 10:11,14 Jesus said, "I AM the Way the Truth and The Life" - John 14:6 Jesus said, "I AM the Light of the world" - John 8:12;9:5;12: 46; Luke 2:32 Jesus said, "I AM the True Vine" - John 15:1;15:5 Jesus said, "I AM the Resurrection and the Life" - John 11:25 Jesus said, "I AM the First and the Last" - Rev 1:17;2:8;22: 13 Jesus always lives to make intercession for us - Heb. 7:25 Jesus cleanses from sin - 1 John 1:9 - Jesus discloses Himself to us - John 14:21 Jesus draws all men to Himself - John 12:32 Jesus forgives sins - Luke 5:20;7:48 Jesus gives eternal life - John 10:28;5:40 Jesus gives joy - John 15:11 Jesus gives peace - John 14:27 Jesus has authority - Matt. 28:18; John 5:26-27;17:2; 3:35 Jesus judges - John 5:22,27 Jesus knows all men - John 16:30 Jesus opens the mind to understand scripture - Luke 24:45 Jesus received honor and glory from the Father - 2 Pet 1:17 Jesus resurrects - John 5:39;11:25-26; 6:40,44,54 Jesus reveals grace and truth - John 1:17 see John 6:45 Jesus reveals the Father - Matt. 11:27 Luke 10:22 Jesus saves forever - Matt 18:11 John 10:28 Heb. 7:25 Jesus bears witness of Himself - John 8:18;14:6 Jesus' works bear witness of Himself - John 5:36;10:25 The Father bears witness of Jesus - John 5:37;8:18; 1 John 5:9 The Holy Spirit bears witness of Jesus - John 15:26 The multitudes bear witness of Jesus - John 12:17 The Prophets bear witness of Jesus - Acts 10:43 The Scriptures bear witness of Jesus - John 5:39 The Father will honor us if we serve Jesus - John 12:26 see Col. 3:24 The Father wants us to fellowship with Jesus - I Cor 1:9 The Father tells us to listen to Jesus - Luke 9:35; Matt. 17:5 The Father tells us to come to Jesus - John 6:45 The Father draws us to Jesus - John 6:44 Everyone who's heard & learned from the Father comes to Jesus - John 6:45 The Law leads us to Christ - Gal. 3:24 Jesus is the Rock - 1 Cor. 10:4 Jesus is the Savior - John 4:42 1 John 4:14 Jesus is King - Matt. 2:1-6 Luke 23:3 In Jesus are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - Col. 2:2-3 In Jesus we have been made complete - Col. 2:10 Jesus indwells us - Col. 1:27 Jesus sanctifies - Heb. 2:11 Jesus loves - Eph. 5:25 We come to Jesus - John 5:40;7:37;6: 35,37,45, 65 We sin against Jesus - 1 Cor 8:12 We receive Jesus - John 1:12 Col. 2:6 Jesus makes many righteous - Rom 5:19 Jesus is the image of the invisible God - Heb. 1:3 Jesus sends the Holy Spirit - John 15:26 Jesus abides forever - Heb. 7:24 Jesus offered up Himself - Heb7:27;9:14 Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all time - Heb. 10:12 The Son of God has given us understanding - 1 John 5:20 Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith - Heb. 12:2 Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest of our confession - Heb. 1:3 The Son of God has given us understanding - 1 John 5:20 Jesus cleanses us from our sins by His Blood - Rev. 1:5; Rom. 5:9 Jesus is the Light of the world - John 9:5 Jesus has explained the Father - John 1:18 Jesus was crucified because of weakness - 2 Cor. 13:4 Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33 Truth is in Jesus - Eph. 4:21 The fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ - Phil. 1:11 Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come - 1 Thess 1:10 Disciples bear witness of Jesus Christ - John 15:27 Jesus died and rose again - 1 Thess. 4:14 The Christian dead have fallen asleep in Jesus - 1 Thess. 4:15 Jesus died for us - 1 Thess. 5:10 Jesus tasted death for everyone - Heb. 2:9 Jesus rendered the devil powerless - Heb. 2:14 Jesus is able to save completely - Heb. 7:25 Jesus was a ransom for many and to serve - Matt. 20:28 Jesus came to be a high priest - Heb. 2:17 Jesus came to save - John 3:17; Luke 19:10 Jesus came to preach the kingdom of God - Luke 4:43 Jesus came to bring division - Luke 12:51 Jesus came to do the will of the Father - John 6:38 Jesus came to give the Father's words - John 17:8 Jesus came to testify to the truth - John 18:37
UNDERSTANDING EVENTS OF TODAY AND WHERE YOU STAND IN THEM!!!
UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES by Jimmie Warren Beloved brethren as I am writing this to you I feel the urgent call to shout out “We are running out of time.” Awhile back as I was praying a voice came to my mind, not an audible voice like a person talking but,a voice as clearly as though someone was speaking directly to my mind. Now during this prayer time I was praying for others’ and their needs when I heard again “ running out of time,” It was unnerving to say the least. At first I thought it was only my mind trying to put off time of prayer, as our minds do when we get tired ,or when we want to quit praying. Anyway as I kept asking for God to intervene in the life of a fellow brother in the faith, I heard the voice once again "Running out of time." At that moment I had to stop and think about what I was hearing and why? I have written an article “ARE WE OUT OF TIME” and in it I explain more about this dream. Some of you may not have read this interesting article on our web site? If not then, pleased the take the time to read it. I think you will find it most helpful in your hunt for end time issues. I started asking myself “WHO IS RUNNING OUT OF TIME?” Is it me, Am I, or are we as people running out of time? It still bothers me and to this day in the back of my mind I can still hear the words “RUNNING OUT OF TIME.” See ( Luke 12:39-40 ) I talk to a lot of people through the internet some in the body of Christ and other’s seeking to be a part of Christ. I have talked to some people who don’t care about churches or religion at all; yet all of them talk about how this world is going to Hell in a hand basket. People are scared to death about what’s going on in Iraq, Iran, China, North Korea, and all this talk about dirty bombs. How could you not be worried with all that is going on around us today? Food cost going up up up and rents,and cars all going up but not our pay,where will it end? Read ( Luke 12:54-56 ) Jesus was talking of his coming at that time. But I believe he is warning us of this time and age, right now! Some minister’s preach and believe that Matthew chapter 24 was only talking about the 70 AD destruction of the temple. HOWEVER how do they explain verses 27-31 Jesus did not return in 70 AD did he? . We have no record of the sun turning dark or the moon turning blood red as the signs of his coming is told to us in the end time. If even one of these events would have happened the Astrometry of that time would have recorded the event so, we are to assume that this is talking about another time, our time. This means a new temple must be standing in the end time, well Sisters and brothers of the faith I have good news for you a new temple is being readied right now in Israel Right now they are getting ready to put it together on the Holy site. Be on guard, get ready-Read ( Luke 12:47-48 ) and Rev 17 ,are you the servant in verse 47 of Luck? “ The servant who knows what his master wants him to do, but does not get himself ready and do what his master wants, will be punished with a heavy whipping.” To all of you my fellow brethren I say we need to get busy telling everyone we can that we are running out of time. We are coming to the day of our Lord Jesus Christ’s return. Are you doing your jobs? Are you ready to meet God and tell him what a good job you have tried to do for him? Do not be like the servants in Luke 12:45 don’t think “Yeah, I”ve heard all this before, I even heard my grandmother talk about the return of the Lord so what?” "Woe unto the men who say the Lord delays his return," remember that one? Well I am writing this to show you that the time of the end or as I prefer to say the time of a new beginning is upon us. (Matthew 24: 42 ) We do not have long! Do you know that in Israel about 24 months ago or so, that the Sanhedrin (which is the religious court of the Jews) was reborn and that all their priests have their Holy garments made and have been taught their duties for the temple to preform all the duties of the mosaic laws of old? These priests of the court have given their OK for a new temple to be built. The four corner stones have been made with according to rules set up by their old ways and have been ready to be moved to the temple mount anytime . KEEP YOUR EYES ON Jeruosalem! Jesus told his disiples (Revelation 11:1-2 ) This is talking about the end time Temple, it will be a fact one day soon! ARE YOU READY for what is about to happen, well are you? ( Matthew 24:44-51 ) You see all the other times that people talked about the end coming ,the Jews had not come back home yet. There was no land of Israel until a 1947.The nation of Israel was born and now they are planing to rebuild their Holy Temple and sacrifice to their God to ask for his protection on their nation. They are looking for their messiah Y'shua to save them and for him to return to his people. Well HE is on his way back and they will know him when they see the nail prints in his hands and feet. We already know who Y'shua is He is Jesus Christ Amen and Amen! As soon as the Jews build their Temple, then we are in the count down to ARMAGEDDON, You know, the end time war just before the Jew’s messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, returns Hallelujah. You See if you know it or not, we are running out of time. Just look around you, you can see it, if you will only open your eyes and minds. Read (Matthew 24:14), then read Daniel chapter 11 then Revelation chapters 11&17 also read (Matthew 24:14) with (Luke 21:7-19). I know this is a lot of reading to do but, your life and all those you love may depend on you knowing this. Read more (Luke 21:20). Jesus was speaking of the 70 AD time here but ,also about the end time ,our time verses 25-28 How close do you think we are now? My brothers and sisters we must get out and do something to spread the news about Jesus and his soon appearance on this planet of ours. (Romans 10:11-13) everyone can be saved! (Romans 10:14-15) is what we all need to share with everyone who will listen before it is too late. Look at (Romans 12:1-2) Life in God’s Service, are you there yet? While reading this chapter of Romans, starting in verse 4& 5 replace the word parts with the word churches, now read verses 6 - 21. This is talking about all of us, so don’t play around anymore, because we are out of time. READ your newspapers and watch the news on the internet, pay very close attention to what is happening in the nation of Israel. Be praying all the time, not just at bed time or at church but, all the time. Our sisters and brothers of the world need to know what time it is and we have very little of it to tell them. Ask yourself about things like: 1) NATIONAL I.D. CARDS /CHIPS in our driver Licenses 2) NEW WORLD ORDER this is being pushed by both parties!!! 3) Jerusalem becoming a world capital city. 4) WORLD WAR 111 ALREADY STARTED 5) 1/3 of all mankind killed BY war then 1/3 more by Famine , (THAT’S 4 BILLION PEOPLE ON THIS PLANET, FOLKS! ) Some will be in the USA Any of this sound familiar at all? If not, you need to pay more attention of what is going on around you. It is time to quit playing religion don’t you think? Going to church every Sabbath (Saturday or Sunday) makes no difference if you are just playing church. Are you in church because you want to be with our Father God and his son Jesus Christ? OR , Are you in church because you want to be apart of God’s everlasting kingdom? Maybe you are just going to church because it’s a tradition in your family? Maybe you’re in church because you did something wrong or are doing something wrong now I don’t know but, you are running out of time my friends, so you better ask yourself some of these questions while you can. How about this one," you are going to church for the family, or your mate says you will go or I’ll kill you?" What I am getting at is, where are your heart and mind during church services? Are you trying to get closer to God to serve him or are you there just in church for show? I am telling you now ,you should be in church or starting a church to spread the Good News of the coming of the Lord. We are out of time to just go to church to please anyone except Jesus the only one who counts. If you are in church for any other reason you are wasting Time, WAKE UP! It is time for all of us to quit playing religion don’t you think? At any time a Terrorist will set off a dirty bomb or spread germ warfare and the world as we know it will be in anarchy. Just think what will happen when one or two Nukes go off here in America? Remember what the people did during the hurricanes ? Shootings, robberies, Vandalizing, killing, roving gangs’ all this was happening only a short time ago, Remember? Now think about millions dead and dying in the streets of a major US city. What are people going to do then? What are you going to do? Are you and your family ready? Where are you going to be when this happens? (Notice I didn’t say if this happens, I said WHEN) Believe it or not beloved, we are in the in time talked about in Matthew and Luke and ,Daniel and Revelations. We are almost out of time to help save our fellow man, are you working hard for the Lord? Are you doing your job? Are you sitting on the side lines figuring someone else can tell them about this? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, it is your duty to spread the word of Jesus to the world. Even if it is only in prayer every day as long as you are doing something. If you are one of those Christians sitting on the side lines waiting to be taken to a place of safety ask yourselves, "am I really ready for the Lord’s RETURN?" Is Jesus coming back for you or to judge you? Are you sure you are close enough to God to be protected from all that is coming soon? ARE YOU PRAYING DAILY TO ESCAPE THESE THINGS? (Luke 21:36) Please take a long moment here and ask yourself honestly “Am I ready, Am I doing all I can do to serve the Lord?” How to get prepared for these times: 1) PRAYER ---------------------------Are you praying every day? 2) Serving ------------------------ Are you serving others’? 3) Sharing-------------- Are you talking to all, who might hear the word of the Lord? 4) Giving------------------------ Give your time helping anyone in need. 5) Listening------Are you willing to listen to others’ when they tell you about the end time? 6) Seeking----- Are you truly seeking God’s kingdom every day, putting it first in your life? 7) Understanding--------- Do you read Gods Holy word (the Bible) every day and most importantly do you understand what it is saying to you? Forget all the religious garble others have told you, read it for your own peace of mind. Wisdom comes from God, God gives you faith and faith gives understanding which gives you wisdom with the power of the Holy Ghost. Here is a thought draw a line on a piece of paper zero at the beginning and 85 0+++++10+++++20++++++30+++++40++++++50++++++60+x++++++70++++++++80++85 now put an X where your age is right now? HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE LEFT? Short isn’t it, the day you die will be your day of the Lord— Are you ready???? Just Look back 20 years. remember how fast it went? What about the next 20 years ? Baring any accident, do you see the short time you have left?? Let us pray “Heavenly Father we come before you in all your glory and understanding and ask by your mercy that you would walk with us in mind and spirit. Father God you know our hearts and minds and that there is no deceiving you. Open our minds and soul and abide within us in our time of need. Father God you made us, remember how weak we really are. Hold our hands and keep us on the right track as we run this race called life. Let us through your son Jesus to be like him that we too may be in your kingdom forever and ever Amen” Now that you have prayed I employ you to share this message " Jesus Christ is coming very soon and we all need to be ready. This way when time is up ,we will all be ready to start our new life in God’s everlasting kingdom." Thank you for reading this message and may our Lord Jesus / Y'shua Messiah, be with you in all the time you have left. Amen and Amen
It is during this time of year when most churches need your help so her is reading to help make up your minds: Love Offerings or Freely Giving These show your generosity to God and His churches,freely giving shows the responsibility of offering a portion of one's financial resources to the work of the church. Donations fund the God-given mission of the church to preach the gospel and feed the flock. Such giving reflects the believer's worship, faith, obedience, and love for God, who is the Source of salvation and Giver of all good things. Giving from the heart is what God wants. 1 Corinthians 9:1-14; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; 1 Peter 4: 10; Genesis 4:3; THANK YOU AND MAY THE LORD OUR GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU! Evanglist / Chaplain Jimmie Warren © 2008 Simple Salvation Church of God
Is the Spirit World Real?
Is the Spirit World Real? Do you know for sure whether there really is an evil spirit named Satan? What about his minions called demons? How does all of this affect young people? In Western cultures today there is a growing fascination with the occult and Satanism, despite the traditional Christian teaching that Satan represents the consummate evil. Statistics show Satanism and Wicca to be among the fastest-growing religions in the United States today. Popular movies make it appear cool to be able to cast spells or call on powers that mere mortals do not possess. The Gothic culture calls to those who tend toward sadness or anger. The spirit world is clearly becoming more and more of a factor in our society. Teens today report that this is a big issue. Local high school students told me there are many openly Wiccan students at school, and that the number appears to be growing. There are also a number of students who are heavily involved in the Gothic culture and mentality, which for some includes a fascination with bondage and torture. One teen also mentioned how much easier it is to get caught up with the spirit world when drugs and alcohol are involved. A popular genre of music is referred to as “Gothic/Darkwave,” which one Web site describes as “a musical journey of sadness and anger.” There are also a growing number of movies focused on witchcraft, demonism and any number of “horror” themes. Books can be checked out of the public library on how to cast spells or how to be a witch. The Internet is a ready source of “how-to” information on any of these subjects. Add to this tarot cards, Ouija boards, palm readers, psychic hotlines and an abundance of both drugs and alcohol, and we have a picture of a growing number of youth today experimenting with the spirit world. At the same time a growing number of people deny that Satan, demons and a spirit world even exist. Many “enlightened” people today make statements like “I don’t believe in a personal satan. Satan to me is more of a metaphor, and a scapegoat to take the blame for the evil deeds of man.” They believe Satan is simply a creation of the minds of men, a fantasy and nothing to take seriously. Satan is dismissed as a creation of “religion” to scare people into submission. So what is the big deal? Isn’t participating in Wicca or Gothic culture simply an expression of personal taste? Who are we to criticize personal choice? Aren’t these movies about witchcraft and demonism just “fantasy”? Surely we are mature enough to tell the difference between fantasy and reality. Aren’t Ouija boards and tarot cards just harmless party games? What is the problem with playing around with them? As followers of Jesus Christ, what should our perspective be toward the spirit world? If we are willing to believe the Bible, we see that Satan is not only very real and very powerful, but God clearly commands us not to get involved with him or the occult (closely associated with Satan) in any way. Let’s understand why. Who are Satan and the demons? The Bible reveals that Satan was originally created as “Lucifer,” which means “light bringer.” At some point he chose to rebel against his Creator (Isaiah 14:12-15). Ezekiel wrote of him, saying,“You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15). There was no sin, no evil, no disharmony in all God had created. This changed with the rebellion of Lucifer. When this very first sin took place, Lucifer, whose name was then changed to Satan (which means “adversary”), apparently convinced a number of the angels to rebel with him against God.Together they fought God and lost. Satan and the rebelling angels, now known as demons, have been restrained here on earth since that time (Job 1:7; Revelation 12:3-4). Instead of being the “light bringer,” Satan came to be known as a ruler of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Even though they were defeated by God, the demons have not given up their goal of trying to destroy whatever God creates. They have worked feverishly since the creation of man to destroy mankind, as we can see by the example of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6). Neither Satan nor the other demons can forcibly take control of a human being against his or her will, as some people fear. But that does not mean that Satan and the demons are powerless among men. We must be sure we understand what power they do have and, as Paul wrote, make sure we do not allow them to take advantage of us (2 Corinthians 2:11). Avoid contact with evil spirits. We can, whether we mean to or not, invite demonic influence into our minds. When Israel came into the Promised Land, God warned them not to allow anyone to practice witchcraft, cast spells or try to talk with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The reason for this prohibition is that by involving ourselves in these practices, we open up our minds to the direct influence of the demon world. It is as if we opened the door of our minds and invited an evil spirit to come on in! Put in terms of today’s practices, this would include tarot cards, Ouija boards, palm reading, horoscopes and psychics. It would also include filling our minds with music, books and movies of the occult. There is an added danger if we also give up control of our minds through the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Our minds are precious instruments, and God expects us to carefully monitor what we allow to come in. But the idea of having or being given a special “power” is an incredibly appealing idea to our pride and vanity. Satan knows this and uses it to his advantage. In Matthew 4 we read that he even tried to get Jesus Christ to fall for his perverted reasoning. After showing Him all the kingdoms of the earth and their wealth and power, Satan said, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9). But Jesus understood the price of such a decision—worship of Satan meant losing His position as Savior and member of the God family. What will be the cost for us if we fall for the lie and worship Satan? How Satan deceives us. Some of what we have talked about may seem quite extreme. What if you aren’t involved with any of these practices? What if you don’t worship Satan? If you don’t go to horror movies, use Ouija boards or read bad books—then you are safe, right? Perhaps the most powerful way in which Satan influences human beings is through his power to broadcast attitudes. He is described as the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). This seems to be a reference to his ability to transmit attitudes and tempting thoughts, and from this no one is immune. Have you ever found yourself thinking an evil thought and wondered where it came from? Have you heard the comment “The devil made me do it”? The devil cannot make you do anything. But he can make something sound or feel so appealing that you are willing to choose to do it “on your own.” Maybe the quote should be, “The devil tempted me to do it, and I gave in.” In Ephesians 6:12 we are told: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We struggle with ourselves, with the unrighteous influences of our society and with the powerful attitudes and temptations presented to us by Satan and his demons. Temptation worked effectively against Adam and Eve, and it can work just as effectively against you and me! How to resist satanic influence. What can we do to fight against Satan and his powerful evil influence? The apostle James gives very solid instruction: “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7-8). How do we cleanse our hands and purify our hearts? We make sure that our relationship with God is right. No other relationship we will ever have will be as important.We must come to know God through prayer and Bible study. We have to learn to think like He does. We must ask Him to help us build a strong relationship with Him. We must repent and ask Him to cleanse us of our sins and give us the strength to stop sinning (Psalm 51:10). As we develop this relationship with Him, we will be able to discern what is of God and what is of satan. They are not the same. Once we are able to distinguish between what is of God and what is of Satan, we need to eliminate what is of satan. The verses above in James tell us to resist the devil. We need to remove ourselves from situations where there are activities involving Satan and his demons . This should include movies and TV shows that glorify witchcraft and the occult. It should also include music that is dark in nature or that makes you feel sad or depressed. It also means that we do not give in to the many temptations that we face every day to break God’s laws. That is what it means to resist Satan and draw closer to God! Even though we cannot see it, the spirit world is very real. It has become quite popular with many people, young and old alike, to become involved with it through Wicca or various Gothic practices. Music, movies, books and magazines make these practices seem all the more appealing. But you do not have to join them. If you have been involved, you can remove yourself from it by the help of Almighty God. When Paul recounted his conversion, he said that Christ sent him “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18). As God worked through Paul to bring people to the light, so He will do for you if you choose to obey Him. Wake up from your sleep,you don't have to follow the croweds ,be your own person and do what you know to be right.Stay away from things that make you feel bad or like giving up.PRAYER is the answer,fill your mind with God for he is the one in charge not Satan! Why,God?: Religion and Philosophy Jun-10-2008
Why, God?: Philosophic Rambling. Read ‘em and debate ‘em. Category: Religion and Philosophy by Vic Warren Many people look at the world, at the atrocities, the pain, the suffering, the heartache, and they wonder, "Why?" Why would God allow such things to happen? Well, here's my personal opinions, my attempt to understand that universal question, and my foolish attempt to understand God's reasons. A wise man knows that he knows nothing, so maybe this makes me a fool. Or maybe it means I've actually learned a thing or two during my years on this planet; I sure hope so! Evil Choice Sacrifice Loss of Love Death Fear Mistakes Addiction Affliction Understanding: A Two-Way Street Conclusion
WANT TO SERVE MORE??
Hello Friend's I want to invite any who want to do more to for God's work to check out about becoming a Chaplain with the United States Corp of Chaplains here http://www.uscochq.com/ "Make a Difference" "For God and Country"  Membership in the USCOC is open to Clergy and Laity, Veterans and Non-Veterans alike. You need only be a Patriotic Christian and have a desire to help others. About the United States Corps of Chaplains The United States Corps of Chaplains (USCOC) is a volunteer, non-sectarian Christian, charitable, non-profit 501(c)3 public service organization,active in community ministry to everyone, but with special emphasis on aid to active duty military members, veterans, and their family members. The USCOC is also active in disaster response activities,providing a needed ministerial presence for victims and responders. The USCOC is made up of former and retired military personnel and other patriotic, public spirited, Christian citizens. Membership is open to Christian Clergy (Ministers) and Laity (non-ordained Christians),Veterans and Non-Veterans alike. Members of the USCOC wear distinctive uniforms when in service for easy identification. The USCOC also uses ranks and unit designations similar to those of the U.S. Army but the United States Corps of Chaplains is not an entity of, nor endorsed by, any branch of the military services or the United States government, USCOC Chaplains perform religious support in the communities, by preaching, teaching, and conducting religious services,in accordance with the tenets and rules of their Christian tradition,the principles of their faith, and the dictates of conscience. Chaplain Assistants and Ministry Teams assist the Chaplains in providing religious support to the community. This religious support includes providing and/or performing worship services, rites, sacraments,ordinances, pastoral and spiritual care and religious education to: NURTURE THE LIVING, CARE FOR THE DYING, HONOR THE DEAD. Our Mission is to: "GLORIFY GOD, PROMOTE PATRIOTISM, HONOR OUR VETERANS, MINISTER TO ALL." Christian Volunteers Serving Others You can "Make a Difference!" As stated above, one does not need to be a veteran or a minister to serve in the USCOC. While USCOC Chaplains are ordained ministers, there is a place in the Corps for any Christian who has the desire to serve and utilize their existing talents and abilities. In a USCOC unit, in addition to Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants, members are needed to assist with administrative, communication, transportation, medical,training, and other functional support positions. Members are also needed for Ministry Teams, Disaster Response Teams, Ceremonial Teams,Honor Guards, and other services. Positions and assignments within the Corps are given to most effectively utilize the talents and abilities of each member. All our members are Volunteers and work without compensation. Volunteers are needed to assist in local units. If you are interested in helping others in their time of need, regardless of any prior military service or ministerial training, you may, or may not, have, the USCOC has a place for you to serve in various capacities. Just complete the Volunteer Application and soon you will be contacted with additional information. Brief Background and Reason the USCOC Was Formed From the beginning of our national history, Chaplains, as soldiers of God,have helped to shape the heritage of America. The first United States Chaplaincy associated with the military was officially created by an act of the Continental Congress in July of 1775 upon the urgent request of General George Washington. Since that time Chaplains have provided religious support to the citizens of our nation especially during times of crisis or disaster, and to soldiers and their families in war and peace. But, far to often, when Chaplains are needed for service to the military, veterans, or the civilian community, none are on hand.This became very apparent as a result of the attack on the United States of America on September 11, 2001 and various other attacks against her citizens around the world by various terrorist organizations. Therefore, the United States Corps of Chaplains was formed to help remedy this need. So if you ever wanted to do more but didn�t know where? Well here is your chance, the USCOC is in most states. Just tell them Chaplain (CPT) (ACO) Jimmie Warren Spokane Team Leader WA. BRG. 5TH DIV.United States Corps of Chaplains sent you to their site ,You have my recommendationThank you for your time God bless and keep you all. This is a public message brought to you by Simple SalvationWOMEN ARE EQUAL IN THE EYE’S OF GOD.
My fellow Christians I am writing this article because of some old
bias which are still prevalent in our churches today, I believe women
have the same rights to preach as men do. The Spirit moves ALL to speak
the word of the Lord. A lot of Bible passages are male dominated
because they were written in a sociality dominated by men of that time.
The woman of that time where subjugated as servants to serve men and
had no public life. Some ministers believe that (1 Tim.2: 12) give them the right to keep women from their rightful place in church today! These men need to wake up to the scriptural reading of the Bible which tells us that there is no difference to God who He uses to spread His word. Some churches use their religion to suppress their women and lose much of what the Holy spirit is speaking to women to tell others’ what God is saying to them? (Roms.2: 11) God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 2:17) sons’ and daughter’s shall prophecy! ALL(doesn’t this mean men and women) as the Lord calls? Who are we to say whom God is calling? Who was first to witness that the Lord had risen? It was the two Mary’s that ran to tell the Disciples that Jesus had been raised from the tomb wasn’t it? Some ministers use (1Tim 2:12) over and over to show women are not to be ministers , that is not what it states let’s see what it does says “ I do not allow women to have authority over men they must keep quite.” This is Paul’s personal option where he is telling Timothy what He (Paul) wanted Timothy to do until he returned to that Church in Ephesus. Now let’s take a look at other scriptures showing where Paul did use women. Where he told of women and the great job’s they were doing when prophesy was given to them? First and far most a minister is nothing but a servant of God. There are some who who need to remember this. Jesus, who is our spiritual leader, called Himself a servant. He even humbled himself and washed his disciple’s feet. Jesus then told them that they should be willing to do this for each other, to serve one another. (John 13: 5) Jesus says to serve each other as he served them. Ministers’ are servants for the People of God, not rulers of Gods people. There are some men who think they are rulers by the way they act toward their congregations and especially to their women of their churches. I think they should take a better look at what the word of God really says and forget what their religion told them from years gone by. (Act 10:34-35) God is NO Respecter of persons (men or women) (Vs. 35) goes on to say worketh righteousness is accepted by Him. There have been many women who have served God in righteousness (1 Pet 3:1) talks of husbands being saved by their wives conversion. It absolutely amazes me to look around and see the stupidity of some men, who think God only works with them , and only them, or other men. All down throughout the ages many women where used by God to save others, women like Ester who was used to save a whole nation. (Acts 2:18) “ handmaidens were used by God to get His message out. The Lord Jesus Christ calls whom he wants to serve. (Acts 2:39) “All as the Lord calls” This includes women! After all , women are in all aren’t they. You see women of God in our time are being called and used to get people saved. There are many out there doing the job that God called them to do, some even better than other men preaching. There have been great women used to call God’s people to Him, like Amy MacPhersonJoyce Meyers of today? How about Billy Grahmn’s wife, who goes all around the world preaching Jesus Christ or his daughter who does the same. Maybe you have heard of Kathy Deplantis from New Orleans, there are many more out there doing a great job for God, who are we to say they can’t do the job of being a minister (SERVANT) serving people? Look in your Bible , in your own Bible, many females where used by God Almighty. How any minister of God, could not know of these examples , I don’t understand their logic? There are many scriptures where Paul used women to set examples of righteousness (Acts 14:15) we see Lydia was saved and attended to what Paul says. (Acts 17:12) speaks of honorable women. Vs.34 we see a woman named Demris a believer, (Acts 18:16) Priscilla “helped expound the way of God and taught Apollo’s on how to teach (preach) to people of God. (Acts 21:10) four-daughter’s which had prophesied (Acts 10:34,Roms.2:11) Apostle Paul writes “God is no respecter of persons (1 Peter 4:10-11) “all men (this includes women doesn’t it) as they received the gift’s even of the ministry the same to another as good steward’s.” (2 Peter 1:10)- talking to all brethren (2 Peter 4:4) Men/women are God’s children therefore this pertains to all women also doesn’t it? (Gal.3: 28) Neither male nor female or Jew or Gentile all one in Christ? (Eph.4: 1-7) We read in Vs. 6 “one God in all and through all.” Yes both men and women Vs.7 GIFT OF CHRIST (Phil.4: 3) -women which labored with me in the gospel. Looks like women where not quite here! Again this time in (Col.3: 11) ‘Christ is in all” men are you telling us that all does not mean or include women? My dearest Pastors and Elders of the church, wake up. Jesus is in all who love him and obeys His word. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit out as a gift to whoever believes and serves God is called by God (John 3:16-18,21) Anyone can serve God. Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit to us all who love Him and obey His word, the Holy Spirit gives out gifts; some to preach, some to be Evangelist, teachers, some with the gift of tongues, aren’t these for women also? Do you minister’s want to impede these Gifts from God to women? I say “do not impede the Holy Spirit.” Do not limit these gifts for just men in your churches. When it is clear there are many women who already have these gifts and are using them better than a lot of men who claim to have them? Let the Lord use whom He wants to use. Do not stop your women from speaking if they have the gift. (1 Tim 2:12) does not say, “ let women not be ministers or prophets.” It is just talking about women being over men. Ministers are not over men but servants of men. Ministers of God are the servants of God over all his sheep or flock and as servants can’t there be any women who serve as good as any man? Come on it is time to understand that a male dominate world is over. Jesus made NO difference between male and female when it comes to being saved! So beloved, in closing let’s read (John 14:21) “whoever accepts my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. My Father will love him who loves me I too will love him and revile myself to him.” This is talking to all who will listen both men and women. Yes, all mankind includes women of God who serve their, and our master -God the Father, We are all children of God in Heaven! . In Jesus Name I say "let women be ministers as servants of God THE SAME AS ANY MEN". Jesus said himself that He was a servant to his disciples and that WE should follow His example in everything He did. Ministers are to be servants for Gods people, women and men alike. Let women serve their God Amen READ THE BIBLE EVERYDAY RIGHT HERE
IS THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD ? Nov-09-2006
IS THE BIBLE THE WORD OF GOD?
By Jimmie Warren Beloved as you read this article I hope to prove without a doubt, that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is the holy word from God. It is written to build your spirit to grow in the knowledge of your father God to become like his son Jesus. Jesus say's "When the Holy Spirit, who is truth, comes, He shall guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on his own initiative His own ideas, but will be passing on to you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future." ( John 16:13) NASB The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy saying "All scripture is inspired by God." (2 Timothy 3:26) NAS The word, inspired, in the original Greek language in which it was written, means "GOD-BREATHED." This means the Bible is God breathed words or God spoke through those whom He chose to revile His word. As a result the Bible has many benefits in it. I know a lot of you are saying I have read the Bible many times and it doesn't make any sense or it is full of old stories no one can understand, sound familiar? Some say "Oh, that old Bible doesn't mean anything to me , it is out dated and has nothing to do with today." Some of you might believe it is even made up stories by a bunch of men who made up all those stories to gain power over the people of their times? In (2 Timothy 3:16) Christians are commanded to study the Bible. God wants you to understand His word. Read it yourself in (Philippines 2:13)"For God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey His own purpose." ALB If you are trying to understand the Bible for the first time, or IF this is your second or third time reading it without asking God's Holy Spirit for understanding , then it probably doesn't make any sense to you? Your Holy Bible will meet your everyday needs with things' such as these: For comfort (Psalms 43: 1-5) For direction (Hebrew 4:16), (James 1:5,6) For peace (Psalms 4:1-8) For relief (Psalms 91:1- 16), (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) For rest in your mind read(Matthew 11:28-30),(Romans 8:31-39) There are many more personal needs right in your Bible , you just need to ask and God will show you His words of wisdom. To live life every day and be happy then look to Him who made you and who gave a manual to live by called the Bible. When we fight God and His way of life, we become discouraged and are miserable all the time. Does this sound like your life? Want to learn a new way to live and enjoy life for the rest of your life? Then open and read the word of God right now. Let's see what Apostle Paul say's again (2 Timothy 3:16) TLB "The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; It straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, Fully equipped to do good to everyone." Beloved friends' God wants you to understand and believe the Bible. He will help you to learn the word if you are willing to read and study it with a pure, open mind and heart. Do it without all the old concepts you might have heard or that where told, what the Bible said. See many people will tell you what they were taught of what their Bible say's but, you need to read it for yourself. You see they may be wrong or understand differently then what the Bible actually say's because, they are going on how they were taught by someone else. You see my dear loved ones there are many people , some even pastors' , who were taught by their church or religion to teach their version's of the Bible, not what the Bible actual say's. So my beloved friends I tell you from the Spirit of God, read His word with your own eye's and ask our Father God to reveal His words to your mind and hearts. Say this prayer with me "Father in heaven. I want to fully understand what you, want me, to do for you?" Your eye's will be opened by His Holy Spirit as soon as you pray this prayer. Don't let anyone tell you what the Bible say's, read it yourself and keep asking God to open your mind's eye to the Spirit which is the one who gave the words of the Bible to be written and it is He who reviles the truth. Ask for and you will receive the Holy Spirit of truth and knowledge AMEN! " YOU WILL FIND IF YOU READ THE Bible daily your life will be changed forever. You will be amazed by the thing's God will start doing for you if you allow Him in by reading His word. Again Apostle Paul tells us in (1 Corinthian 2:14) NIV " The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." You see without God's Holy Spirit, naturel man cannot understand because the Bible is not of man but is directly from God." Do you have difficulty understanding the Bible? Try asking God to have the Holy Spirit open your mind and heart and to forgive you of all sins even unknown sins, then try to read it again. I tell most new people, when they are reading the Bible for their first time , specially those who do not know where to start look for a Bible they might be able to read. To look for a Bible they can understand. Some People cannot understand Old or New King James Bibles because of the language of the day so. I highly recommend the newer translations, such as the New International Version (NIV) or The New American Translation (NATL) or The New English Version Bible (NEV) because the new babes' in Christ are just learning their ABC'S of the word. And with the easier version's they will learn a lot faster, because they will understand what it is saying in plain English. The better start they have, then the better the learning of God's holy plan of salvation through His son Jesus Christ will be. I also recommend the New American Standard Bible (NASB) I suggest to read only the first four books of the new testament Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. They need to find out everything they can to know and understand the MILK OF THE GOSPEL which is Jesus, His death and resurrection and how they are saved thought God's sacrifice. (John 3:16) Later as they grow spiritually in grace and knowledge, God will show them what else they need as they become His children. To understand Jesus Christ as Savior is all that is important at first, after all, we do not try to teach our children in grade school to do multiply and divide until they are ready to learn more,do we? No, We take our time and teach them the basic's, why do we want to rush the new babe's in Christ to know it all , right from the start?This makes no sence does it,yet it is done all the time. Some people want to cram too much down the throats of babes in Christ, which scares them away. This is a major mistake; for some never return. You see, for most people, who are in a hurry to get the new babes caught up to their level, it does more harm than good. DO you start off teaching a baby to eat meat before you teach him how to drink milk? We need to nurture a new babe in the church as a new born baby in a family is treated. We need to be gentle with patiences and have lot's of love and understanding folks! Do Not say thing's like this to anyone "YOU BETTER LEARN IT THIS WAY OR ELSE YOU ARE OUT OF HERE ! Or worse yet, It's our way or the highway, make up your mind? No, we must be slow to anger and not judge. Be like God was and is with each one of us. So with God's love let's teach His word the same way, He taught us with LOVE and understanding. SO many churches try to use condemnation on new born Christian's and wind up scaring most newly interested people away using fear sermons. Our God is not FEAR but, He is Love, and comfort, with gentleness and Mercy (1 Timothy 6:11-12) NIV This is God's Love, He wants you to be like Him and His son Jesus Christ who gave up His own life so, you could learn to be in His Family. My Beloved friends, brothers and sisters, you can believe the word of God. For the Bible is His own word. A spirit-filled person can have supernatural insight into the meaning of spiritual truth of all scriptures. ( 2 Corinthians 2:15-16) NASB " For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading too more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. (16) Therefore we don't lose heart, but through our other man is decaying, yet our inner man is being more renewed day by day." Where am I going with this you might be saying right now? Well I am trying to put it as simply as possible so there is no misunderstanding why you need to read and understand the Bible exactly as it is written. It is so important to you my fellow friends that you open your own Bibles. Yes for you to see the words of God, coming alive for the first time is a wonderful thing. The Bible will set you free from misunderstood scriptures that have been taught through organized religions of our time. Like our physical bodies , when we do not eat , we get sick and weak. Like wise when our spirit is not fed daily , it too gets sick and weak.You see spiritual food is found in your Bible. SO DUST IT OFF and read Matthew the first chapter then read from that point on , every day. Soon your life will be change so much , people all around will see something happening to you. They might even ask what you are doing to be so Happy studying the Bible? Tell them, they also will be able to find the words of God in their own Bibles as you have.. Now with an open mind, ask God to reveal Himself to you. Probably for the first time, the word's in the Bible will come alive right before your very own eyes. What a wonderful God we have, AMEN? (1John 1:5-7) TLB "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all si if we say we are His friends, but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ does, Then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from every sin." Once again Paul tells Timothy in (2 Timothy 3:16)" The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; It straightens us out and helps us do what is right." It is a good thing and remember God is giving you His word through the Bible to learn of Him and His plan for your salvation. Let's see what (James 1:22) is saying? "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." Brothers and sisters " LET NO MAN, STEAL YOUR CROWN" (Romans 8:35-39) " Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ. Can trouble do it, or hardship, or persecution, or hunger, or poverty, or danger, or death? ( Vs 36)"for your sake we are in danger of death the whole day long, we are treated like sheep that are going to be slaughtered." (Vs 37) "No, in all these things' we have complete victory through Him who loved us!" (Vs 38) "For I am certain that nothing can separate us neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers; neither the present nor the future; (Vs.39) neither the world above or the world below-there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is our s through Christ Jesus our Lord." Remember this, it is impossible to live in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit apart from the knowledge of and obedience to God's Holy, inspired word- THE BIBLE. BELOVED I hope after reading this with all the scriptures that shows you God's words, not some mans words, that you can now understand the Bible if only you ask our heavenly Father to open your mind and heart to His word? Talk to Him, ask Him to open your mind then open your Bible read it straight from the source, not some church or booklet from some church or religious pamphlet but from the Devine words of your God. In Jesus Christ Holy Name Amen TYPES OF BIBLES USED IN THIS ARTICLE AND ONES I RECOMMEND FOR NEW PEOPLE WHO WANTS TO UNDERSTAND THE WORD OF GOD, SEE YOUR LOCAL BIBLE STORE FOR THESE! NASB–New American Standard Bibles NIV–New International Version Bibles NLB–New Living Bible NEV--The New English Version Bible Gospel For Today Ministries - Teaching The Gospel Of The Grace Of God And The Salvation Of All Men Through The Cross Of Jesus Christ
A great many of the church's problems today are a direct result of the church "taking" and actively pursuing a legal status that makes it inferior to, and a subordinate of, the civil government. The two most significant ways this occurs is by incorporation (state jurisdiction) and the tax-exempt 501c3 status (federal jurisdiction). Scripture simply does not support the notion that the church is an inferior institution to the State. Nor, for that matter, is the church a superior institution to the State. God has ordained both the church and the civil government as His "ministers." The church is the minister of grace, while the State is the minister of justice. Church and State are two distinct and independent spheres of authority (jurisdictions) ordained by God. However, no church can remain separate and distinct from the civil government when it incorporates and/or accepts 501c3 status. For legal purposes an incorporated 501c3 church has subordinated itself, by contract, to the civil government. For theological purposes, that church has made a covenant with the State, a covenant which Scripture in no way supports. What is the solution to the church's current messy state of affairs? It must cease operating as an underling of the State. The solution is for the church to legally operate as it once had in America (and we might add, quite successfully so). Rather than operating as "tax-exempt nonprofit religious corporations," churches once functioned as "free-churches." Just what exactly is a free-church? A free-church operates independent of, and is in no way subordinate to, the civil government. It is the right of any church to operate free of the corrupting and compromising influence and control of the State; and it is a right guaranteed by the Constitution:
A free-church is not some radical-fringe concept. Rather, the free-church was one of the most influential, and certainly one of the most common, institutions in early American history. The worldview of those men who fought for America's independence embraced an uncompromising belief that the church was not an underling, a vassal, or in any way subordinate to any king, parliament, or any other civil government body. The church is the religious institution ordained and established by Jesus Christ Himself, and Christ has never delegated His authority to the civil jurisdiction to rule in the affairs of His church. A free-church is the opposite of a State-Church. The Church Of England is a State-Church system. State-Churches are well known throughout Europe, and there have been State-Churches there for many centuries. Europeans not only have a very low regard for their State-Churches and government-licensed clergy, they often hold them in open contempt, and this is reflected statistically by what is the lowest church attendance in the world. Rather than being quick to criticize the Europeans for not attending church, we should ponder whether their contempt for the State-Church system isn't well deserved. If you're ever inclined to have a church experience that is cold, empty, meaningless and downright depressing, just attend the average European church service (it's little wonder there are so many agnostics and atheists there). A State-Church is a church which is organized by the State, and/or is controlled and regulated by the State, or which exists at the pleasure of the State. Christians in Europe have, for a number of generations, grown up surrounded by nothing but State-Churches. As such, they are generally not offended by the notion that the State controls their church (they just don't bother to show up unless it's Christmas). It's simply a way of life for them which they generally do not question. Americans, on the other hand, are generally offended by the notion of the State creating or controlling their churches, or that their churches would be subordinate to the State. However, this is exactly what has occurred in recent years as a direct result of churches incorporating and seeking a 501c3 status -- they have become State-Churches. A free-church is a church that is truly separate, independent and autonomous from the State. It is established by a local body of Christian believers, or chartered or "planted" by another church body or denomination, without the permission or sanction of the State. The only "sovereign" of the free-church is the Lord Jesus Christ. A free-church cannot incorporate, it cannot seek a 501c3 status, it cannot become a tax collector for the State (withholding agent), it cannot accept government-issued tax numbers (EIN). The term "free-church" was widely used by the American colonists. It was not a term that they coined, but one which they inherited from their fathers and forebears such as the Scottish Covenanters, and the "non-conformist" English clergy, both of whom fled the persecutions of the Anglican State-Church and it's "sovereign head" the British monarchy. Even after American independence there continued to be Christians who fled the religious persecution of their State-Church systems for the freedom of religion America offered them. They too often used the term "free-church" to describe the churches they organized. Such an example of this would be the Evangelical Free Church, which was founded by a group of Scandinavians who settled in America in the mid-nineteenth century. Tragically, the Evangelical Free Church In America today has become a "Free Church" in name only. By incorporating and becoming a 501c3 they, some years ago, decided to abandon those principles that their Swedish, Danish and Norwegian forefathers endured great persecution for. Equally tragic is the demise of the so-called "Free-Church of Scotland." Were they honest it would be renamed the "State-Church of Scotland." So thoroughly has it become a State-Church that Scottish pastors receive their paychecks from the government (and it happened because the Scottish clergy insisted upon it). He who pays the piper calls the tune. The church must cease operating as an underling, subordinate to the State, or in any way dependent upon the State for "privileges and benefits." The solution rests in the church organizing and operating as a church -- the ecclesia, not as something other than what the Lord Jesus Himself ordained and specified. Jesus spoke of the church as a “body” with Himself as the “head” of His church, and we as various “members of the body.” The church is, therefore, not an “organization” (a “legal entity”) but a living, breathing “organism.” This should not be a difficult biblical doctrine to grasp, particularly for the Pastor. Sadly, however, ever since local churches started organizing as tax-exempt non-profit corporations in the mid-twentieth century, and since the incorporated 501c3 church is now the status quo, many folks have a hard time conceiving of the church operating as just a church. For some odd reason, just being a church isn’t good enough anymore for too many Christians. The thinking today appears to be that we must somehow be smarter than Jesus and His disciples were. They refused to incorporate and that refusal resulted in their persecution (incorporation of all “spontaneous collectivities of persons” became mandatory throughout the Roman Empire by 6 A.D.). We’re told that we live in a far more complex world than the first-century church, and so the church too must inevitably become more complex and just adapt to the complexities of the modern information age. The simplicities of the organizational infrastructure (polity) of the early church are no longer adequate to address the complex world in which we live. Those who hold to such beliefs, whether in word or deed, are in reality, making a public proclamation that Jesus Christ is no longer competent to govern His own church and provide for, and protect it. The courts well-understand that “a church is not an entity recognized in law,” meaning that they have no jurisdiction over the church. However, organizing a church as a church is an especially difficult concept for attorneys to grasp. Few attorneys can comprehend that there are things and issues completely outside the purview and jurisdiction of the civil government, nor do they much care for the idea. After all, it’s hard to get many billable hours out of those churches that understand that the civil government has no jurisdiction over them. A free-church needs an attorney like a fish needs a bicycle. The legal support for the State’s lack of jurisdiction over the church in America is not only the Word of God, but the First Amendment to the Constitution for the United States:
No church in any nation at any point in history can lay claim to the freedoms and liberties that are guaranteed the church in America. The First Amendment is an act of God’s Providence to safeguard His church and maintain its independence from the State. The First Amendment is the highest form of real protection the church has ever known in history. The solution rests in the church abandoning the phony third-rate protections and benefits of the State and returning to those real protections and benefits that are ours in Christ Jesus. Although it's not inherently difficult to unlicense a State-Church1 and/or organize and operate as a free-church or free-ministry, you'll still need some guidance and direction. Thankfully, there's no need to hire an attorney. All you need is some basic do-it-yourself education, and that's what this ministry offers. We have a couple of options available for you, but for most folks the best one is our National Unlicensed Church Conference. Videos and Syllabus of that conference are available.
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