Have the Preachers Really Stopped the IRS in Its Tracks?

“See what has the IRS stopped in its tracks” was the headline article by Bob Unruh in the September 23 issue of World Net Daily that tells of over one hundred pastors who plan to defy the so-called “Johnson Law” this year. They have designated Sunday, September 26, as “Pulpit Freedom” Sunday and plan to preach “political sermons” and mail the CDs, DVDs, or transcripts of those sermons to the non-profit division of the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C., in order to bait them into a lawsuit to challenge the present law that forbids pastors from participating in partisan politics from their pulpits or in official church publications. The Alliance Defense Fund, based in Phoenix, AZ, is licking their chops to sue the IRS on behalf of the church or churches that have their tax-exemption revoked, so the law can be over turned and the pulpits of America can be free again after these fifty-six years.

This is the third year that this project has been tried, with more pastors apparently taking courage. It started with around 36; last year, there were 8; now, according to WND, it’s up to over 100.

So far the IRS has not taken the ADF challenge, although one of the ADF churches was investigated. But according to a letter posted online by ADF, the Dallas, Texas office of the IRS notified Warroad Community Church in Warroad, Minn., that the review was being closed based on a “procedural issue.” In other words, the IRS played dodge ball.

Kevin Theriot, a senior counsel for the ADF, told WND that the IRS is in an even smaller box this year, because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United, which determined that businesses could not even be told what they can or cannot say. “This is a really tough one for the IRS. They’re telling pastors what they can and cannot say from the pulpit,…” The rules were adopted in 1954 after former President Lyndon Johnson found himself bearing the brunt of critical comments from Christian pastors concerned about his behavior in Washington. Before then, according to the ADF, pastors spoke freely from their pulpits, even about specific candidates, issues and elections.

“The IRS should not be used as a political tool to advance the agenda of radical groups bent on silencing the voice of the church and inhibiting religious freedom,” Erik Stanley, a senior counsel for the ADF, said. “It is ironic that a group with a name like ‘Americans United for Separation of Church and State’ continues to exploit a scheme of massive government monitoring and surveillance of churches.” He said the real impact of the rules adopted under Johnson’s leadership is that pastors are muzzling themselves for fear of an IRS investigation. “Rather than risk confrontation, many pastors have self-censored their speech, afraid to apply the teachings of Scripture to specific candidates or elections.”

Seven Important Questions?

Where are all of the preachers that have been telling the unregistered church pastors since 1982, when we found out about the dangers of the 501(c)(3) contract, that we didn’t know what we were talking about, and that the IRS wasn’t telling preachers what to preach? Obviously they are nearly in control of the pulpits of America.

Why do churches want to be tax-exempt, which is a privilege to be granted by a higher authority (the IRS), which is a denial of the Headship of Christ over His church, in violation of Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 5:23c, etc?

Why do churches want to give up their non-taxable position of liberty guaranteed by the First Amendment for tax-exemption, which is an inferior position of tolerance or licensure?

Why do churches want to recognize the jurisdiction of the courts over their churches, and agree up front that they will abide by the decision of the court, whatever that decision will be, even though it may be contrary to the Holy Scriptures?

Why are these churches willing to risk an IRS church tax inquiry and answer invasive questions, thereby recognizing the jurisdiction of the IRS over the internal affairs of the church?

Why is ADF saying that churches were free prior to 1954, when they were still under the control of the IRS Code, rather than the Holy Scriptures?

Is this issue a slam dunk for the churches?

The headline of the WND article of Sept. 23 boldly says, “See what has the IRS stopped in its tracks”, referring to the ADF initiative. Obviously, based on this one project, the IRS might give the impression that they are trembling over taking on these preachers, but when you examine the situation further, it is possible that these preachers may come to the same fate as the seven silly sons of Sceva, as recorded in the nineteenth chapter of Acts. The IRS has already won in the courts on this issue. They can afford to play the cat and mouse game with the ADF. Following is an article from the IRS web site examining the facts.

The division within the IRS responsible for overseeing churches and charities is the Tax Exempt and Government Entitities Division. TEGE has created a Web page entitled “Charities, Churches, and Educational Organizations – Political Campaign Intervention.” It is dedicated to the IRS’ most recent activities related to 501(c)(3) and political activity.

A definitive court case on the issue of free speech and political expression is Branch Ministries Inc. versus Rossotti. In that case, the court upheld the constitutionality of the ban on political activity. The court rejected the plaintiff church’s allegations that it was being selectively prosecuted because of its conservative views and that its First Amendment right to free speech was being infringed. The court wrote: “The government has a compelling interest in maintaining the integrity of the tax system and in not subsidizing partisan political activity, and Section 501(c)(3) is the least restrictive means of accomplishing that purpose.” Updated July 12, 2007

Please note that the church in question had waved their religious arguments under the First Amendment and relied on the inferior speech clause of the First Amendment because the church had given up their First Amendment guarantees, because they were incorporated, were a non-profit organization, and were not operating as a New Testament church. Tragically, the same is true of the hundred churches in the ADF project.

Statement by Attorney Jerald Finney

I am a member of the Alliance Defense Fund (“ADF”) National Litigation Academy Honor Corps. Therefore, one will understand that the following comment is given as constructive criticism.

Those state pastors and churches who are taking part in the ADF “Pulpit Initiative” do not understand the overriding biblical principles and issues at stake. They have already given up their First Amendment protections, to a large degree. They have voluntarily (1) contracted with their sovereign state of incorporation, (2) agreed to five existing federal government restrictions or rules which come with the 501(c)(3) status which they voluntarily applied for and received, (3) agreed to the 501(c)(3) system of tax exemption which allows the federal government and the Internal Revenue Service in conjunction with the courts to unilaterally add additional rules, and (4) agreed that the state courts, not the Lord, will be the final judge when the Internal Revenue Service or any other government agency challenges their alleged First Amendment freedoms. Unlike pastors and churches who refuse legal entity status, state pastors and churches dishonor their love relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and displease Him by submitting to other sovereigns (the state and federal governments). Note: God gave civil government jurisdiction over criminal actions by any individual, whether a member of a church or not.

We are not against these pastors personally nor are we against the ADF. We appreciate their desire to free the pulpits of America so that the gospel can go forth freely, however as the Apostle Paul said, “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” [2 Timothy 2:5] We feel that the only way that we can effectively win the war with this beast that we face is to “Go outside the gate” with the Lord Jesus Christ. It cannot be won by staying in the system of tax-exemption and expect to have your cake of tax deduction – and eat it, too – by receiving tax deductible gifts.

It is not time for fighting the beast with “carnal weapons”, (law suits), it is time for repentance. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:” [1 Peter 4:17]. Paul the Apostle said, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” [Ephesians 6:13]. It is time for the churches to admit that they have prostituted their position as the Bride of Christ and committed spiritual whoredom with the Anti-Christ for benefits and privileges (tax-exemption and tax deductible gifts). They must give up their corporate position and begin operating as non-legal entities, without legal protection and depend on their God-given lawful protections under the First Amendment. Then we will see a new burst of liberty from the pulpits in America that will produce a Revival of Holiness from those who sit in the pews, which will have an affect on the people that populate the nation.

The Lord Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” [John 8:32].

– By Dr. Greg Dixon

IRS ATTACKS PASTOR FOR ENDORSING HUCKABEE

In an article in the July-September Trumpet Newsletter that I wrote entitled Caesar Calls in the Chips which follows this brief introduction I deal with the IRS attack on Pastors and churches that dare speak out on moral and social issues including the endorsing of candidates for political office.  Obviously the “Pulpit” police who are the modern day Pharisaical ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State are out in full force seeking “whom they may devour.”  One of the first fish they caught this election year was the out spoken and internationally known Wiley Drake, Pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, CA and former 2nd Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention.

According to the February 12 World Net Daily Dr. Drake endorsed Mike Huckabee for President. The complaint in the IRS February 5th letter of inquiry said, “Our concerns are based on information we received concerning an Aug. 11, 2007, press release issued on the letterhead of First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, California. The information we received provides … Pastor Wiley Drake endorsed Republican presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee, for the 2008 presidentialelection.” The IRS said it also “received” information that Drake also had supported Huckabee on Drake’s radio program.”

Twenty-five years ago when Judge Case told Pastor Everett Sileven, who spent nearly 200 days in jail in the famous Louisville, Nebraska school court case that he was taking  jurisdiction in that case because Faith Baptist Church was Incorporated as a Non-Profit Organization we have been trying to tell the pastors of America that this day was coming but few have listened. Less than 100 churches have voluntarily given up their non-profit status and stopped issuing tax-deductible receipts for gifts to the church and started operating simply as the Lord’s Churches. We pray that Pastor Drake and the others that are snagged get off the hook and are successful in their court cases. The better way would be to give up their tax-exemption and to claim all of their God given rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has declared long ago that Corporations – servants – have waived those rights to their – Masters – the Government that created them. The Lord created His church and His churches need to rely on Him not government for protection, provision and authority. Please Read on.

Caesar Calls in the Chips

By Greg Dixon

Pastor Mark Holick and Evangelist Bill Keller are bold as lions, more than most Baptist preachers we know, even though their actions may fall into the “zeal without knowledge” category. Both find themselves in a running battle with the Internal Revenue Service over the content of their sermons and the direction that they believe God is leading them to conduct their ministries. Holick (31) is the Senior Pastor of the Spirit  One  Christian  Center of Wichita, Kansas and Keller (40) conducts a non-profit TV and internet ministry in Tampa, Florida. As widely reported in the media, Holick said, “The IRS is turning into the Gestapo,” and Keller said, “I have every right to speak on matters of life and culture, including political issues, and to educate people on the spiritual implications of those issues.”

The IRS is concerned that these two men have violated the terms of their non-profit contract, which allows them to enjoy tax exempt status including the receipt of tax deductible gifts from donors.  This agreement is very clear.  There is no reason why anyone should be ignorant as to its terms, especially with all of the publicity and warnings from many sources since Bob  Jones  University lost their tax exempt status in the early eighties. But for some strange reason, many preachers seem to think that the First Amendment protects them, and they continue to speak and act as if they are untouchable, screaming like banshees when they get their infamous Examination Letter from the IRS.

The bewildered Pastor Holick wonders publicly why the IRS can possibly be questioning his church’s tax-exempt status. The young pastor said that the church would not stop teaching and preaching God’s Word, “even if it relates to contemporary issues in the world,” after the federal agency demanded answers to 31 questions about its beliefs and warned about “political” activity.

Evangelist Bill Keller was even bolder when he told his TV audience that a vote for Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, a Mormon, was a vote for Satan.  That statement brought a reaction from the Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who lodged a formal complaint with the IRS to investigate Keller.  The group says Keller’s anti-Romney rants violate federal tax law, and it wants the IRS to look into revoking the tax-exempt status of his nonprofit ministry.  The law prohibits tax-exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates.  Keller, who regularly refers to the Mormon Church as a cult, was unmoved by the complaint. “I have never told anybody who to vote for or who not to vote for — ever,” Keller said.  “I have every right to speak on matters of life and culture, including political issues, and to educate people on the spiritual implications of those issues.”

Keller writes a daily devotional published on his Web site and e-mailed to more than 2 million subscribers.  His live, call-in program is televised weeknights at 1 a.m. in the Tampa market.  “Having Romney as president is no different than having a Muslim or Scientologist as president,” Keller wrote in a recent column.

“These are not political issues, these are Gospel issues, Christian issues,” Holick said.  He said the issues the church addressed – and will continue to address – concern issues that the Bible addresses, such as killing and protecting the defenseless.

Will IRS Probe RI Bishop for Giuliani Comment?

For the most part, the IRS attack on churches for so-called political activity has centered on Evangelicals and Fundamentalists, and has totally ignored the Catholic churches, which have been up to their eyeballs in political activity from the day they stepped on to the shores ofAmerica.  One of the most recent examples has been their blatant support of open borders in the immigration battle, which is nothing but a thinly veiled scheme to Catholicize this nation.

One of the most stupid statements ever made was the theologically bankrupt remark made by a Catholic priest on CNN’s Lou Dobbs Show that Galatians 3:28 –  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus – means that there should be no national borders.  Obviously that verse refers to the Lord’s church, not national boundaries.  The priest should reread Acts 17:26: And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. . .

Having said this, the IRS now has an opportunity to prove that they do not discriminate in enforcing the so-called tax exempt code, so Bishop Tobin may get to be the fall guy for the Catholics after all, according to the following article from NewsMax.com posted Thursday, June 14, 2007; however we won’t hold our breath.

“A political watchdog group asked the Internal Revenue Service yesterday to investigate whether a Roman Catholic bishop in Rhode Island broke the law by writing a scathing column in a church newspaper condemning presidential contender Rudy Giuliani’s abortion views.

Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin blasted Giuliani in the May edition of the Rhode Island Catholic, criticizing the Republican candidate for saying he personally opposes abortion but wouldn’t support an outright ban if elected president.

In the column, Tobin called the former New York City mayor’s position pathetic, confusing and hypocritical. He even drew a parallel to Pontius Pilate.

“I can just hear Pilate saying, ‘You know, I’m personally opposed to crucifixion but I don’t want to impose my belief on others,’ ” Tobin wrote.

“Those comments broke federal laws banning tax-exempt religious groups such as the Diocese of Providence from endorsing or opposing political candidates,” said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which filed the complaint.

“The bishop is not a political boss, and he shouldn’t be telling his flock with church resources which candidate to oppose,” Lynn said. “This letter is a completely over-the-top example of a politicization of the pulpit of the bishop.” Tobin’s spokesman said the complaint lacks merit.

The federal tax agency will not confirm an investigation until it makes a ruling in a case.

In the meantime, back to the Evangelicals.  In a June 2, 2007 interview, Holick told World Net Daily that the IRS letter challenged a variety of the church’s activities, including the posting of various pro-life messages on the building marquee. Holick said, “A Christian organization needs to be able to talk of the moral issues of the day – including abortion. The [marquee] just told of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ connections to the abortion industry.”

“[The IRS] felt like they had a reasonable concern that we had been involved in political activity,” he said. “But politics are of no interest to the church; issues of moral character addressed in the Bible are.”

In his reply to the IRS, Holick stated, “The church does not intend to engage in political intervention activity as prohibited by federal law and the United States Constitution.  But the church will not stop communicating its Biblical message, even if it relates to contemporary issues in the world.

“Thus,” Holick continued, “the church cannot agree to not engage in any activity that may favor or oppose a candidate.  Simply preaching the word of God on a moral issue which a candidate is opposed, may be deemed to oppose a candidate.  While it is the church’s policy not to oppose or endorse a candidate for office, it will not stop preaching God’s word.”

He continued: “The United States Constitution guarantees that Spirit One [ Christian  Center] will be able to freely exercise its religion, and that Congress will not pass any law restricting that right.  This is all Spirit One wants to do – communicate God’s word.

“The 1st Amendment of the Constitution is a respected and renowned oracle celebrated all over the nations of the world.  It is quite specific and clear; ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…,” Holick said.

He said the IRS also raised questions about a voter information guide that was handed out in Wichita, although his church did not sponsor it, as well as an abortion-issue related e-mail he had forwarded.

“These are not political issues, these are Gospel issues, Christian issues,” he said.

While we have the deepest respect for all of these men who no doubt are trying to do God’s will, whether we agree with all aspects of their doctrinal tenets or not, we are appalled at their ignorance of the contract that they entered into with the IRS when they accepted their 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status and took the tax deductible gifts for their ministries.

Apparently they are not aware that when they signed the contract, they waived their First Amendment God-ordained rights for government benefits and privileges, which is embodied on page 24 of IRS Publication 1828:

Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations

The contract reads as follows: “The IRS makes no attempt to evaluate the content of whatever doctrine a particular organization claims is religious, provided the particular beliefs of the organization are truly and sincerely held by those professing them and the practices and rites associated with the organization’s belief or creed are not illegal or contrary to CLEARLY DEFINED PUBLIC POLICY. [Emphasis 0urs]

Now let’s look at the clear language on political activity as explained by the Christian Law Association in the April 1998 issue of The Briefcase by Attorney David C. Gibbs, which is still in effect for those churches that are operating as tax exempt organizations rather than the Lord’s churches. “Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c) (3) provides for the tax exemption of certain organizations, including churches and schools, if they meet seven (7) criteria. These criteria are easy for the church to meet, if the church knows and understands them.

1. THE ORGANIZATION MUST BE A FORMAL ORGANIZATION.

This means the church must be organized as a trust, an unincorporated association, or a corporation;…” Since then the IRS has added Charitable Trusts to the list.

You will notice that he says that it is “easy” for the church to meet these “criteria.” Why would the Lord’s church want anything from the IRS, which no doubt is one of the most wicked and ruthless agencies of government that has ever existed in the history of mankind? Can the human mind think of anything more evil than the Lord’s church entering into league with these cutthroats in order to receive benefits? Is there no embarrassment, no blush, no thought of receiving provisions (taxes) from the public trough to finance the preaching of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? This socialistic program is nothing other than a violation of the eighth commandment, Thou shalt not steal.

2. THE ORGANIZATION MUST BE ORGANIZED EXCLUSIVELY FOR EXEMPT PURPOSES.

3. THE ORGANIZATION MUST BE OPERATED EXCLUSIVELY FOR EXEMPT PURPOSES.

4. NONE OF THE ORGANIZATION’S NET EARNINGS MAY INURE TO THE BENEFIT OF ANY PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL.

5. THE ORGANIZATION MAY NOT INFLUENCE LEGISLATION.

6. THE ORGANIZATION MAY NOT PARTICIPATE IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.

7. THE ORGANIZATION MUST NOT ENGAGE IN ILLEGAL  ACTIVITY OR ACTIVITY CONTRARY TO PUBLIC POLICY.

Now in light of the clear wording of this contract, let’s examine what Pastor Holick did as the representative of the congregation of Sprit  One Christian  Center.  Following are some of the signs that were displayed on the church marquee. (Ed Note: Morrison, Canfield, Barnett, Carr & Sibelius are candidates or incumbents in or for political office.)

Morrison accepts blood money from abortionist Tiller. How many babies?

Canfield supports life and traditional family, Barnett does not.

Paul Morrison early release of felons. Reginald Carr multiple murders.

Abortionist Tiller has given $300,000 to Sebelius. Price of 1,000 babies!

Both Holick and Keller expressed surprise at the attack by the IRS. Holick was quoted as saying that he didn’t know who would have filed a complaint about his church with the IRS. “We’re a very vocal pro-family, pro-life church, that creates enemies.”

These men of the cloth may have never thought about the words of the Psalmist that talks about swearing to your own hurt.  It actually says,  …but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. [Ps 15:4b] Also the scripture is clear that when a person or a group of people make a vow or signs a contract that they have a responsibility before God to keep it.  “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” [Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5]. These churches left the protection of the First Amendment when they accepted the protection of the State for tax exempt status.  Now they want to run back under the umbrella of the First Amendment when Caesar calls in the chips in the big poker game that the church entered years ago when they walked into the big Tax Exempt Casino, thinking that they could play and never have to pay.  Well, as Dr. R.G. Lee used to preach that famous sermon, “Pay Day Some Day” all of a sudden pay day is NOW.

This attack by the IRS is bringing religion in America into very clear focus.   How many preachers are going to risk a lawsuit which could result in the loss of property and a decline in membership, over what many believe are side issues unrelated to the preaching of the gospel, which many say only includes the death, burial and resurrection of Christ – in other words, a simple salvation message.  Even now, the Joel Osteens and Robert Schullers of the world have made it clear that their sermons do not include sin and hell, etc.  Even Billy Graham took the fire out of hell many years ago.  Also how many televangelists are even saying that Jews do not have to come by the way of the cross because they are under special covenant with God?

This problem didn’t start with our generation.  It started five or six generations ago, especially in the large city churches when the preachers distorted the doctrine of government by misapplying Romans 13 in the matter of church property, incorporation, building permits, fire and health inspections, and is now grown so big that it can’t be controlled. Now government has not stopped until they have invaded the pulpit itself, and it is probably too late to put the fire out without losing our ornate and beautiful buildings. Some already have.

Be assured pastors are not even safe within the confines of their own church sanctuaries any longer. The time has come when they will be turned in by their own members who are tired of hearing so-called “politics from the pulpit,” or by trustees who have the fiduciary responsibility for the church property and who believe that they are doing “God service” [John 16:2] as they think they have the responsibility to save the church from a preacher who is running members away.

We were shocked in a recent midweek service when a brother gave a testimony that he had received a call from a nationwide polling service offering $20 if he would answer some questions concerning his pastor and church. Without hesitation he began to sing like a canary. One of the questions was, “Does your pastor ever tell you who to vote for?” The last question was, “How do you feel about Moslem Fundamentalism?” Now who do you think was behind this poll? The pastor has encouraged him to bring in the check when it comes so he can trace the polling company.

Now is the time more than ever for preachers to stand up and say, not only to their congregations, but to the IRS and to the entire world, “Take every thing we have; if I have to preach in a field like Whitefield, I will, if I must go to prison like Bunyan, I will, if I am beaten like Obadiah Holmes, I will not bow.”  But one thing for sure, when government agents step into the pulpit and give preachers their marching orders, it’s not only time for churches to give up their 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status, it’s way past time.  Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. [Heb. 13:12-14]

This article has been written in a spirit of meekness and not in that spirit that Paul spoke of where knowledge, “puffeth up”.  We have nothing to be proud about.  Most of what we have learned has been on the anvil of persecution.  Even though the Indianapolis Baptist Temple had given up it’s 501 ( c ) (3) tax exempt status voluntarily, we still saw everything that we held dear from the human standpoint swept away in a moments time when federal marshals raided our church sanctuary on February 13, 2001.  They had already seized our home where we raised our family, the previous November.  We fought them through the courts clear to the Supreme Court which refused to hear our case.  We sat in face to face meetings with IRS officials and heard from their own lips what their plans are for the churches of America.  Our only desire is to help the pastors and churches of our land to keep from going through what we did and keep their property without compromise so that they can continue to preach the gospel of Christ and send missionaries around the world.  If it can’t be done so be it but we believe that we must try. The Biblical Law Center of which I am the National Director stands ready to help all who are interested in our help to get their church organized or reorganized to operate as the Lord’s church rather than a USDA approved State run organization.  Anyone interested should contact us at: drgregdixon@earthlink.net

We are happy to report that we will be conducting our first Biblical Law Center Conference room at 9 pm EST on Tuesday May 17.  Our friend Mark Wilson, a member of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple is making this room available to the BLC without charge.  By starting at 9 pm EST it will give you on the west coast an opportunity to be on at 6 pm. It will be by invitation only. Only those receiving this e mail invitation from me are invited.

The main topic of discussion this first night will be: The Declaration of Trust – Its definition – Its history – Its use and Its success.  Attorney Jerald Finney and Barbara Ketay will be making the main presentation.

Only BLC leadership and BLC pastors may ask questions or speak.   However anyone may send questions by e mail in ahead of time.  Again, all questions must be submitted ahead of time by e mail to me.

We cannot guarantee that all questions will be dealt with.  It will depend on time limits.  Based on the success of this Conference Room, we are planning to have one on a regular basis in the future, hopefully bi-monthly to begin with.

As soon as I hear back from you I will send you a telephone number and pin #.  You must reserve your place, it is a first come first place conference. If you have any questions, please feel free to e mail me at drgregdixon@earthlink.net or call me at 317-414-3478.

Yours for Christ and Liberty,

Bro. Greg J. Dixon

Dear Friends, Attached is the Jan-March – 2011 Trumpet (see below also) that is the 10th Anniversary issue of the 93 day siege and raid on the sanctuary of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple on Feb. 13, 2001.  As Providence would have it, the 13th actually comes on Sunday.  The congregation is planning a special service that morning at 10:30 am.  They would like to extend to anyone that stood with us a special invitation to be in the service on this special occasion if it is at all possible.  Lodging and food will be provided for the Saturday night before, and Sunday noon for anyone, and their immediate family, who stood with us during the siege, that can come and be with us on this momentous occasion.

We are happy to announce that my parents, Dr. and Mrs. Dixon, will be able to be with us in this special service.

There will be a special gift of a DVD of 175 pictures for everyone present and we will also be honoring all those who stood with us. There will be special recognition to those who were present when the actual raid took place.

The theme for the special day will be:

The Principle of Religious Freedom

For you that cannot come, the service will be streamed live and also archived at: http://indianapolisbaptisttemple.com/IBT/Intro.html

Be sure and scroll down and click on to “Live.”

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:

gdixon@indybaptisttemple.com

Yours most sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Greg A. Dixon

January – March 2011 Trumpet

Yes Virginia

By Dr. Greg Dixon

Because Christmas comes every year, sooner or later most will hear the phrase made famous by Francis P. Church, Editor of the NY Sun in 1897, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”   I’m sure the eight year old Virginia O’Hanlon who had written Church and told him that she would believe in Santa if she could read it in the pages of the Sun found out at some point that Santa was a myth, but most of the preachers and church folks in America still haven’t figured out that, its not a myth, there is an IRS State Church in America even though the IRS has spelled it out loud and clear in two publications – 1828 tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations and IRS Publication 557.   Publication 1828 has become the veritable Bible that accountants, lawyers, courts and tax preparers use on a daily basis.  Its language is very bold and clear.

“The Internal Revenue Code: Section 501(c)(3) describes charitable organizations, INCLUDING CHURCHES and religious organizations, WHICH QUALIFY for exemption from federal income tax and generally are eligible to receive tax deductible contributions.” (Emphasis mine)

The Great Comparison

Toleration – Licensure

IRS State Church Defined

Publication 1828; pg. 1

“CHURCH – Certain characteristics are generally attributed to churches. These attributes of a church have been developed by the IRS and by court decisions. They include a distinct legal existence:

Churches and religious organizations may be legally organized …under state law, including as un-incorporated associations, non-profit corporations, corporations sole and charitable trusts.”

Liberty – Non-licensure

U.S. Constitution – First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In reality, each of these guarantees are liberty for public worship, including speech (sermon content inside and outside the building), press (publishing the gospel inside and outside), assembly (worship inside or outside), and to petition for redress of grievances (inside or outside).

However there is no guarantee of religious liberty to the four IRS identified legal entities listed above.  They have given up their God given rights for benefits and privileges, i.e. tax-exemptions, tax-deductible gifts and now Faith Based programs.  The courts have said many times loud and clear, enter the realm of Caesar abide by the laws of Caesar.  Only court imposed limited freedoms based on the shifting winds of public opinion and federal public policy are available for these IRS State Churches, and believe me, their freedoms are becoming more limited day by day, even including the content of sermons. How many times do we have to say it, the Lord’s churches are not tax exempt but rather non taxable.  There is a vast difference.

To find out how we got to such a state as this a little history is necessary.  Amazingly even though our Pilgrim fathers escaped England and landed at Plymouth Rock seeking asylum from religious tyranny, it wasn’t long until they had actually founded a State/Church system in Massachusetts that was nearly as repressive against the Baptists, Quakers and other non-conformists as the Anglican State that they had fled from themselves. In the South their “Christian” brothers were also busy establishing State Churches.

On January 11, 1758, the General Assembly, meeting at Savannah (GA), passed a law, making the Church of England the church of the province. In all of the colonies except RI laws were enacted to support an established church by taxes, to compel church attendance, and to forbid the worshipping of dissenting sects. Some type of state church was to be found in all five southern colonies, as well as in three New England provinces: Mass., Conn., and New Hampshire. In S.C. it was the Church of England with support from public funds. In N.C. it was also the church of England from 1732. The Puritans had established a theocracy in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, which was later called Congregational churches, and they persecuted those of different beliefs. But Baptists opposed the concept of a state church.¹

This paper is too short to list all of them, but following are a few instances of persecution by these statists among hundreds of examples from the same source.

In the bitter cold winter of 1638, … puritans banned Roger Williams from Massachusetts for his Baptist beliefs and leaving his wife and children he escaped to Rhode Island where he established Providence and it became the citadel for religious liberty in the new land.

The persecution of Baptists continued with unrelenting fury.  In 1651 Obadiah Holmes, John Clarke, Witter and others were arrested because they would not subscribe to the doctrine of Congregationalism, i.e. infant baptism.  Holmes was beaten until he could not stand.  Those who came to his aid were persecuted. Many others were imprisoned and their property confiscated because they would not support the Congregational churches nor pay their pastors salaries.

In Virginia where the Anglican Church was in control things were not much better.  That State/Church was as busy persecuting (dissenters) as the Congregationalists in the North.

February 26, 1770, was the beginning of the three-month imprisonment of John Pickett in the Fauquier County, VA Order Book for 1766, pages 242 and 243.

Few men in VA. Suffered more persecution than Webber. He was seized in Chesterfield, Co, Dec. 7, 1770 and imprisoned in the Co. jail until March 7, 1771. Seven other Baptist preachers were confined in the same jail which still stands.

The Baptists and many others opposed the ratification of the Constitution until a Bill of Rights was secured and it was not an accident that the very first one was a Religious Liberty clause which in reality did not disestablish God as we are being led to believe, but simply declared that there would be no State/Church in the federal jurisdiction.  Later as the religious clauses were placed in the various state Bills of Right the state churches were disestablished in the various states, Massachusetts being the last in 1833.

However we have now come full circle and with the permission of Congress and the courts they have now reestablished a State/Church albeit an IRS/State Church in the federal district.  This monster is now recognized by the states.  For instance, in order for a church to get sales tax exemption at the state level the church has to get a determination letter from the IRS, giving evidence that they fall within one of the above categories of a “legal” existence.  They can be the most weird cult like the Babalu’s who sacrifice chickens in downtown Hialeah, FL or even a coven of witches, it makes no difference.

The evidence that we have come full circle is the fact that the various states and the U.S. Justice Department is now protecting this IRS State/Church and persecuting those churches that choose not to be under their “legal” protection.

Basically there is little difference between a church and a religious organization in the eyes of the IRS in that both are listed in the IRC under 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt Organizations.  Churches are listed under Exceptions at 501a. Publication 1828 on page 2 says – “Churches that meet the requirements of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c) (3) are automatically considered exempt, and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax exempt status from the IRS. However, even though churches are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions, to qualify for tax exemption, such organizations must meet the following requirements:” In other words the church  does not have to file Form 1023 or an annual 990 Form to become and maintain their tax exempt status as a religious organization such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as an example but they still have to meet the same qualifications by meeting the same requirements.  If it doesn’t the IRS can take away their tax exemption even though the church never applied in the first place.  This is the great deception.  It is an automatic exception not an exemption.

It is the demands of the IRS that a true Church of Christ cannot meet.  There are six in all.

1. It must have a “distinct legal existence”.  The state is not its creator but Christ.
2. It must be organized as an exempt organization.  A church is not an organization but a divine organism, the body of Christ.
3. It must be operated as an exempt organization.  “…for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes.”  The Lord’s church is not a “Public Charity” equal to the United Fund or UNESCO but a divine institution for the propagation of the gospel of Christ to lost sinners and the discipling of believers.
4. “Net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual.”  The Lord’s Church is not a business that earns profits and pays salaries to employees but only has those who serve as true minister shepherds and not hirelings.
5. “No substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation,”   The Lord’s church must not submit its records nor report its activities to the IRS.
6. “The organization may not intervene in political campaigns,” The Lords church cannot be silenced from speaking out on the things that effect society.

Because churches have refused to bow down and accept this imprimatur from the IRS and take this tax exempt legal identity from the IRS they are now experiencing persecution at the state and federal level.  Following are some examples.

In the past few years a church has been raided, sold and bull dozed down because it refused relinquish its core doctrine of the Lordship of Christ and become a tax collector and payer for the IRS.  A boy’s home in Ft. Worth, Texas was closed because the church did not seek licensure from the State. Christian schools have been closed because they did not seek accreditation from the state. Innumerable street preachers have been arrested for preaching without a license.  The same is true of abortion protestors.  A Church in a Western state is being threatened with fines because they do not have a permit to put up a sign displaying the 10 Commandments on their own land and also displaying the name of their church on the front of their building.  Just recently home bible studies have been raided in San Diego and Phoenix.  Preachers are now required to register in some states to perform marriages and one has been jailed in one mid-west state for using a marriage covenant instead of a state marriage license. FBI agents have already questioned preachers in Illinois and California about sermons deemed harmful to the government, one dealt with abortion and the other with the Iraq war.  This was even before the federal hate crime law has passed that is going through Congress at this time which can make criminals of the preachers in America over the sodomy issue as they have in Canada and Sweden.  These are just a few examples, we could give many more.

I am the National Director of the Biblical Law Center.  The Law Center is not only trying to alert pastors and church leaders as to the problems but also is trying to give practical solutions.  The Law Center helps churches to organize and reorganize in a way to take advantage of their First Amendment guarantees and the religious liberty clauses of the various states so that they will not lose their First Amendment guarantees as “legal” entities but rather begin operating under God as lawful congregations, the Lord’s biblical New Testament churches, enjoying all of their God given rights intended by our founding fathers.  The lamp of liberty is barely flickering.  If there is not a mighty awakening among the pastors and churches of our land to get out of this 501 (c) (3) Covenant of Death it will be too late forever.  May God be pleased to have mercy upon us is our prayer.

We can be contacted at the Biblical Law Center: drgregdixon@earthlink.net or if you would like to receive The Trumpet, the voice of the unregistered church movement in America send an e mail to the same address.

__________________

¹ This Day in Baptist History – BJU Press

Yes Virginia, there is an IRS State Church

By Dr. Greg Dixon

Because Christmas comes every year, sooner or later most will hear the phrase made famous by Francis P. Church, Editor of the NY Sun in 1897, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”   I’m sure the eight year old Virginia O’Hanlon who had written Church and told him that she would believe in Santa if she could read it in the pages of the Sun found out at some point that Santa was a myth, but most of the preachers and church folks in America still haven’t figured out that, its not a myth, there is an IRS State Church in America even though the IRS has spelled it out loud and clear in two publications – 1828 tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations and IRS Publication 557.   Publication 1828 has become the veritable Bible that accountants, lawyers, courts and tax preparers use on a daily basis.  Its language is very bold and clear.

“The Internal Revenue Code: Section 501(c)(3) describes charitable organizations, INCLUDING CHURCHES and religious organizations, WHICH QUALIFY for exemption from federal income tax and generally are eligible to receive tax deductible contributions.” (Emphasis mine)

The Great Comparison

Toleration – Licensure

IRS State Church Defined

Publication 1828; pg. 1

“CHURCH – Certain characteristics are generally attributed to churches. These attributes of a church have been developed by the IRS and by court decisions. They include a distinct legal existence:

Churches and religious organizations may be legally organized …under state law, including as un-incorporated associations, non-profit corporations, corporations sole and charitable trusts.”

Liberty – Non-licensure

U.S. Constitution – First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In reality, each of these guarantees are liberty for public worship, including speech (sermon content inside and outside the building), press (publishing the gospel inside and outside), assembly (worship inside or outside), and to petition for redress of grievances (inside or outside).

However there is no guarantee of religious liberty to the four IRS identified legal entities listed above.  They have given up their God given rights for benefits and privileges, i.e. tax-exemptions, tax-deductible gifts and now Faith Based programs.  The courts have said many times loud and clear, enter the realm of Caesar abide by the laws of Caesar.  Only court imposed limited freedoms based on the shifting winds of public opinion and federal public policy are available for these IRS State Churches, and believe me, their freedoms are becoming more limited day by day, even including the content of sermons. How many times do we have to say it, the Lord’s churches are not tax exempt but rather non taxable.  There is a vast difference.

To find out how we got to such a state as this a little history is necessary.  Amazingly even though our Pilgrim fathers escaped England and landed at Plymouth Rock seeking asylum from religious tyranny, it wasn’t long until they had actually founded a State/Church system in Massachusetts that was nearly as repressive against the Baptists, Quakers and other non-conformists as the Anglican State that they had fled from themselves. In the South their “Christian” brothers were also busy establishing State Churches.

On January 11, 1758, the General Assembly, meeting at Savannah (GA), passed a law, making the Church of England the church of the province. In all of the colonies except RI laws were enacted to support an established church by taxes, to compel church attendance, and to forbid the worshipping of dissenting sects. Some type of state church was to be found in all five southern colonies, as well as in three New England provinces: Mass., Conn., and New Hampshire. In S.C. it was the Church of England with support from public funds. In N.C. it was also the church of England from 1732. The Puritans had established a theocracy in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, which was later called Congregational churches, and they persecuted those of different beliefs. But Baptists opposed the concept of a state church.¹

This paper is too short to list all of them, but following are a few instances of persecution by these statists among hundreds of examples from the same source.

In the bitter cold winter of 1638, … puritans banned Roger Williams from Massachusetts for his Baptist beliefs and leaving his wife and children he escaped to Rhode Island where he established Providence and it became the citadel for religious liberty in the new land.

The persecution of Baptists continued with unrelenting fury.  In 1651 Obadiah Holmes, John Clarke, Witter and others were arrested because they would not subscribe to the doctrine of Congregationalism, i.e. infant baptism.  Holmes was beaten until he could not stand.  Those who came to his aid were persecuted. Many others were imprisoned and their property confiscated because they would not support the Congregational churches nor pay their pastors salaries.

In Virginia where the Anglican Church was in control things were not much better.  That State/Church was as busy persecuting (dissenters) as the Congregationalists in the North.

February 26, 1770, was the beginning of the three-month imprisonment of John Pickett in the Fauquier County, VA Order Book for 1766, pages 242 and 243.

Few men in VA. Suffered more persecution than Webber. He was seized in Chesterfield, Co, Dec. 7, 1770 and imprisoned in the Co. jail until March 7, 1771. Seven other Baptist preachers were confined in the same jail which still stands.

The Baptists and many others opposed the ratification of the Constitution until a Bill of Rights was secured and it was not an accident that the very first one was a Religious Liberty clause which in reality did not disestablish God as we are being led to believe, but simply declared that there would be no State/Church in the federal jurisdiction.  Later as the religious clauses were placed in the various state Bills of Right the state churches were disestablished in the various states, Massachusetts being the last in 1833.

However we have now come full circle and with the permission of Congress and the courts they have now reestablished a State/Church albeit an IRS/State Church in the federal district.  This monster is now recognized by the states.  For instance, in order for a church to get sales tax exemption at the state level the church has to get a determination letter from the IRS, giving evidence that they fall within one of the above categories of a “legal” existence.  They can be the most weird cult like the Babalu’s who sacrifice chickens in downtown Hialeah, FL or even a coven of witches, it makes no difference.

The evidence that we have come full circle is the fact that the various states and the U.S. Justice Department is now protecting this IRS State/Church and persecuting those churches that choose not to be under their “legal” protection.

Basically there is little difference between a church and a religious organization in the eyes of the IRS in that both are listed in the IRC under 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt Organizations.  Churches are listed under Exceptions at 501a. Publication 1828 on page 2 says – “Churches that meet the requirements of Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c) (3) are automatically considered exempt, and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax exempt status from the IRS. However, even though churches are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions, to qualify for tax exemption, such organizations must meet the following requirements:” In other words the church  does not have to file Form 1023 or an annual 990 Form to become and maintain their tax exempt status as a religious organization such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association as an example but they still have to meet the same qualifications by meeting the same requirements.  If it doesn’t the IRS can take away their tax exemption even though the church never applied in the first place.  This is the great deception.  It is an automatic exception not an exemption.

It is the demands of the IRS that a true Church of Christ cannot meet.  There are six in all.

1. It must have a “distinct legal existence”.  The state is not its creator but Christ.
2. It must be organized as an exempt organization.  A church is not an organization but a divine organism, the body of Christ.
3. It must be operated as an exempt organization.  “…for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes.”  The Lord’s church is not a “Public Charity” equal to the United Fund or UNESCO but a divine institution for the propagation of the gospel of Christ to lost sinners and the discipling of believers.
4. “Net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual.”  The Lord’s Church is not a business that earns profits and pays salaries to employees but only has those who serve as true minister shepherds and not hirelings.
5. “No substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation,”   The Lord’s church must not submit its records nor report its activities to the IRS.
6. “The organization may not intervene in political campaigns,” The Lords church cannot be silenced from speaking out on the things that effect society.

Because churches have refused to bow down and accept this imprimatur from the IRS and take this tax exempt legal identity from the IRS they are now experiencing persecution at the state and federal level.  Following are some examples.

In the past few years a church has been raided, sold and bull dozed down because it refused relinquish its core doctrine of the Lordship of Christ and become a tax collector and payer for the IRS.  A boy’s home in Ft. Worth, Texas was closed because the church did not seek licensure from the State. Christian schools have been closed because they did not seek accreditation from the state. Innumerable street preachers have been arrested for preaching without a license.  The same is true of abortion protestors.  A Church in a Western state is being threatened with fines because they do not have a permit to put up a sign displaying the 10 Commandments on their own land and also displaying the name of their church on the front of their building.  Just recently home bible studies have been raided in San Diego and Phoenix.  Preachers are now required to register in some states to perform marriages and one has been jailed in one mid-west state for using a marriage covenant instead of a state marriage license. FBI agents have already questioned preachers in Illinois and California about sermons deemed harmful to the government, one dealt with abortion and the other with the Iraq war.  This was even before the federal hate crime law has passed that is going through Congress at this time which can make criminals of the preachers in America over the sodomy issue as they have in Canada and Sweden.  These are just a few examples, we could give many more.

I am the National Director of the Biblical Law Center.  The Law Center is not only trying to alert pastors and church leaders as to the problems but also is trying to give practical solutions.  The Law Center helps churches to organize and reorganize in a way to take advantage of their First Amendment guarantees and the religious liberty clauses of the various states so that they will not lose their First Amendment guarantees as “legal” entities but rather begin operating under God as lawful congregations, the Lord’s biblical New Testament churches, enjoying all of their God given rights intended by our founding fathers.  The lamp of liberty is barely flickering.  If there is not a mighty awakening among the pastors and churches of our land to get out of this 501 (c) (3) Covenant of Death it will be too late forever.  May God be pleased to have mercy upon us is our prayer.

We can be contacted at the Biblical Law Center: drgregdixon@earthlink.net or if you would like to receive The Trumpet, the voice of the unregistered church movement in America send an e mail to the same address.

__________________

¹ This Day in Baptist History – BJU Press

Victory Declaration

Unregistered Baptist Fellowship Meeting

February 21, 2006

Victory Baptist Church

Okeechobee, Florida

PREAMBLE

“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us” (Luke 1:1). God’s Word — the Bible — declares: The Lord Jesus Christ is the Founder, Architect, Foundation, Chief Corner Stone, Chief Shepherd, and Chief Builder of His Church. The Lord Jesus Christ is the sole Head and Lord of His Church. Therefore, the Lord’s Church cannot be a subject of or submit to any other head or lord in her biblical and God-ordained design, purpose, and ministry. Just as the German Confessing Church in, 1934, felt it necessary to set forth a declaration as they faced the horrors of Nazism, we too believe that we have no choice but to set forth this declaration in 2006 as we face similar things that they faced, namely the total control by the state in every area of our lives, including our churches and homes.  Because of this and In order to secure the Blessings of God to ourselves and our posterity, we do establish and publish this Declaration. 1.  IRS control of churches And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ([Matthew 28:18-19) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. ([Ephesians 1:19-23)

We reject the false doctrine that government has taken the place of the God of the Bible. Jesus Christ, as He is revealed in scripture is the incarnate Word of God, God’s only begotten son and is equal to God in that He is God. Because of this, even though we love, revere, and respect the government of the United States of America we do not worship it. The Internal Revenue Service, and upheld by the courts, declare in Publication 1828 that it is the one and only supreme head of the church. Churches are now considered to be illegal entities if they do not espouse “clearly defined public policy”. We publicly declare as the apostle Peter did on behalf of the other apostles when they were commanded not to teach in the name of Jesus Christ, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29b)

2. IRS control of pastors/preachers

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28:20) Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27)

We reject the false doctrine that God-called preachers are agents of the state. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in His great commission, has commanded us to leave nothing out of our teaching that He taught. Paul the apostle to the Gentiles declared to the Ephesian elders that he taught all of God’s counsel. Therefore we further declare that we cannot and must not follow IRS Publication 1828 when it declares that pastors/preachers cannot discuss subjects that the IRS deems to be political from the pulpit or in official church publications. We will continue to demand our God given rights guaranteed by the states and federal constitutions. We will continue as Jude of old commanded – “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (v-3)

3.   Pastors/preachers to be the conscience of the land

Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isa. 58:1

We reject the false doctrine that preachers are not to call their churches and nation to accountablility for specific sins against God. Before heaven and earth we declare that we will not alter our preaching of the word of God for fear or favor. We will continue to cry out against sin whether it be in the church, society, or government. We will continue to stand against abortion on demand, sodomy, adultery, fornication, same sex marriage, adultery, pornograhy, vile entertaiment, and  materialism, etc. We will continue to preach the Gospel of Christ to Jew and Gentile alike recognizing that all men are the sons of Adam in need of redemption through the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. , Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:2)

4. Pastors/preachers must submit to God over Government

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (Rom 13:1) If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. (2 Sam. 12:7a)

We reject the false doctrine of the unlimited submission to civil governmet. Our first allegiance is to God, not the state. We will continue to stand against the new world order as it brings in the kingdom of the Anti-Christ through a one world government and religion. We will not be a pawn for any political party. We will not support our President or our nation in unconstitutional and unjust wars. We will not give our daughters to forced conscription in the military. We as well oppose the forced conscription of our sons to fight under United Nations authority (commanders). We also totally reject the wholesale torturing of prisoners in violation of the Geneva Convention. We will also continue to support candidates and office holders who hold to the time honored principles of Holy scripture regardless of party and publicly reject those who do not. To make criminals of a nations pastors/preachers, especially in light of the first amendment, is criminal in itself.    

5. IRS defining pastors/preachers and churches as having an employee\employer relationship.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (John 10:10-13) Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. [Galatians 6:6]

We reject the false doctrine that pastors/preachers are employees (hirelings) and that the Lord’s church is a pay agent (employer) of the state. Pastors/preachers are the servants of the most High God, and called by the Holy Ghost to exercise spiritual gifts in the church, the body of Christ whether they receive anything or not. However the church, which is the local, visible, body of Christ is commanded to give double honor to those who labor in word and doctrine. (I Tim 5:17)  We declare that all relations between the pastor/preacher and the Lord’s church is of no business whatsoever to the state and must refuse to give any records belonging to the Lord to the state.

6. Praying in Jesus name

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. ( John 14:13-15)

We reject the false doctrine that valid prayers can be offered to a generic God but rather all genuine prayers public and private must be offered to Jehovah God and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only true mediator between God and man. (I Tim. 2:5) The Supreme Court of the United States has outlawed the invoking of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in public. We declare that we will never offer prayers to our God in public or private without praying in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)” (Hebrews 10:23). “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9).

The Unregistered Baptist Fellowship is a fellowship of pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and Christian laymen and not a denomination that holds any authority over local churches. The Victory Declaration is a consensus of those present, and is recommended to be read in all churches as God gives direction.

www.unregisteredbaptistfellowship.com

Having been led by the Holy Spirit to seek the Lord in a special week of prayer and fasting, a group of pastors and others met in Covington, Georgia, April 2-6, 1984, to seek the Lord for His blessings upon our lives, our ministries, and our nation in this day of great moral and spiritual crisis. Having been convicted of our sins by the Holy Spirit., we do now humbly acknowledge and confess and repent of the following sins. While each of these does not necessarily represent the sins of each preacher in attendance, nor is each sin necessarily the sin of each preacher in America, we humbly believe that these are sins that represent the great body of preachers in America.

WE FURTHER BELIEVE that these are the sins that have brought the churches of America to a desert of spiritual famine and our nation to the very brink of disaster and destruction.

AS THE PROPHETS OF OLD, we confess that our fathers have broken the laws of God and have done that which is evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have turned away their faces from and their backs upon the presence and power of God (Exodus 20:5; Numbers 14:18,19; Leviticus 26:40-42; Nehemiah 9:1-3; Daniel 9:3-19; II Chronicles 29:6).

1. We have sinned by exalting the laws of man above the laws of God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

2. We have sinned by failing to make application of the Word of God and the Lordship of Christ to every area of life. By preaching the Gospel without making the practical application to our homes, churches, and society, we have ignored the example of the prophets, the Lord Jesus, and the apostles and thus have often preached only-half truths.

3. We have fallen into the sin of pride and have placed an unholy emphasis on our academic status, ministerial accomplishments, and peer associations.

4. We have fallen into the sins of striving in the flesh and failing to appropriate God’s power according to His Word. In attempting to do the Holy works of the Lord, we have adopted humanistic, worldly, and pragmatic methods and have used Madison Avenue advertising techniques.

5. We have sinned by grieving the Holy Spirit with our inordinate emphasis upon the erection of splendid buildings and the increasing of our church attendance and membership.

6. We have sinned by allowing the frivolous spirit of the world of entertainment, amusements, and sports to enter into our lives and churches. We have then sinned by using these frivolous means to attract people to our churches and Christian schools and to keep these people involved in our programs.

7. We have sinned by violating God’s laws on unscriptural personal debt; by leading our churches into crushing, unscriptural debt; and in failing to teach the people in our congregations about unscriptural debt and how to be delivered from this sin.

8. We have fallen into the sin of selfishness because of our tunnel vision that has limited us to regard only the success of our own ministries.

9. We have sinned by our silence and by our fear and failure to cry out against the popular sins of worldliness, Hollywood influences, fornication, adultery, divorce, greed, jealousy, envy, social drinking of alcoholic beverages, drunkenness, violating the Lord’s day, etc.

10. We have sinned in our failure to exercise biblical standards of holiness in every area of our lives and to require the same of our church members. We have further sinned by not exercising church discipline when necessary.

11. We have sinned by our silence; we have failed to cry out against immorality, abortion, sodomy, and other wicked sins that have brought America under God’s judgment and to the brink of disaster and destruction.

12. We have sinned by our willful participation in an unscriptural tax system that condones, advocates, promotes, and finances immorality, abortion, sodomy, and other wicked sins. We are not opposed to paying taxes for the legitimate function of civil government according to the scriptures. But by contributing to the unscriptural, unconstitutional, and communist-designed graduated income tax system, we have aided the very enemies who are dedicated to the destruction of the family, our churches, and our Republic.

13. We have sinned by our failure to cry aloud against the wickedness of the government system of socialism and welfare-ism; we have sinned by our personal contribution to the fraudulent Social Security tax program which is the most cruel hoax ever perpetuated on the American people, including the elderly and our posterity.

14. We have sinned by our failure to teach our congregations the biblical truths and principles about their responsibilities to provide for themselves and their own. We have failed to build churches that obey God’s Word in caring for the fatherless, widows, and the helpless and needy to whom the Lord commands the church to minister.

15. We have sinned by accepting government subsidies.

16. We have sinned by neglecting our wives and sons and daughters in order to build “successful” church programs, and by allowing the world, the occult, the influences of Hollywood, and myriad of other Satanic influences through music, literature, and television to invade our homes and capture the minds of our children.

17. We have sinned by sowing discord among the brethren through a libelous, slanderous, critical tongue and pen (Proverbs 6:19b; 16:28).

18. We have sinned by failure to acknowledge, confess, and repent of our sins in the past.

WE HAVE NOW HUMBLY CONFESSED our sins and petitioned the Lord to grant us His gifts of repentance and faith. By His grace and power, we will turn from our sins and live in obedience to His Word in the days ahead.

WE LIKEWISE CALL on the preachers of America to join with us by honestly examining their own lives in the light of God’s Word and in the light of the foregoing list of sins and to unite with us in acknowledging, confessing, and repenting of sin.

Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn from His fierce anger, that we perish not. Jonah 3:9.

– Amen –

Adopted by the American Coalition of Unregistered Churches Prayer and Fasting Convocation Covington, Georgia • April 2-6, 1984