Good day. Today's video Above the Norm is on the topic of: Above the norm is where our Lord Jesus Christ would like you to go. The Father has translated (past tense) us into the kingdom of his dear Son. He raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. You have been transferred from a limited carnal realm into an unlimited spiritual realm. Above, you will hear a different message and walk a different path than you used to, are you willing to go there and remain there?
 
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Looking Within day five of five, written October 29, 2010. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this five day series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2010.

Friday, October 29, 2010
 
Looking Within
 
Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
 
In conclusion this week, we have spoken about where the kingdom of God cannot be found any longer, because the God that we serve is a Spirit, and only those that worship Him in Spirit and in truth will find Him. So if the kingdom of God is no longer found by an outward observance, then it will take a new insight to find Him.
 
1 Corinthians 2:9-11 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (10) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (KJV)
 
We saw earlier in the week that God sent the Comforter to teach us the things of His realm. As we see again, Paul writes that the things of God cannot be seen or comprehended by our carnal sight, but rather it takes some insight to see within. This is where salvation gets personal folks, because your walk with the Lord is no longer based on hearsay, but rather on what the Lord is speaking and revealing to you personally. This is where many make or break with God; when they choose whether to let God be true and man the liar.
 
1 John 5:9-12 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. (11) And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV)
 
You don’t need to listen to some loud mouth know it all preacher that makes it seem like without them you wouldn’t make it. You need to look within Church, because the greatest and most effective answer was right inside you all along. The truth is that if you are not getting your answer first hand from God’s right hand man then all that is left is hand me down second hand junk. God sent His Son so that we would have life, and have it more abundantly. Anything less than a confident, bold, loving relationship with our Father is a rip off, because instead of receiving the witness of God for yourself you let the enemy have more of an influence by getting you to fall for a carnal desire instead of a Spiritual one.
 
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (KJV)
 
Do you really intend on making it to the finish line; you know where you receive a crown of eternal life and not eternal strife? We see once again clearly illustrated that the things of God are not seen by an outward observance, but rather will only be revealed by His Spirit. Remember, our Lord was quite specific in pointing out that only those that would endure to the end would be saved. Given the fact that we serve a God who cannot lie, it would be in your best interest to look within to find the path of life.
 
Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (25) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. (KJV)
 
Seeing is believing; the question is, whose eyes are you looking through, and from what perspective did you make your determination, by a Spiritual one or a limited contrary carnal one? Christ in you is your only hope for glory; and my prayer for all is that they would let Him have more of an influence on them than anyone or anything of this world. Look within Church, so that you are never left out.

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Looking Within day four of five, written October 28, 2010. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this five day series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2010.

Thursday, October 28, 2010
 
Looking Within
 
Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
 
No, no, no, crunching numbers in your head, trying to find peace by your bank account is not going to bring any real peace people! However, if you accessed the Spiritual treasure that you have available, you will find the peace of God that you were looking for in the first place. Hey let’s stop the insanity Church, because the reality is that looking outwardly for an answer is like a cat in a round barn who can never find a corner to pee in.
 
Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV)
 
You’re going to have to learn to die to old things, old desires, old ways of looking at things if you truly intend on keeping peace with God. A life that was totally dictated and based on outward things now needs to be solely based on the inward if you are truly going to experience a resurrection, where Christ rises and becomes alive and real to you personally. There is a new man within you waiting to take over, but only when you let Him.
 
Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV)
 
You know, the world that we live in today is one of a fast food drive through mentality. Get what you need on the run, and see if someday you can find peace. However, our Lord’s realm is just the opposite, where He says, stop what you are doing, give ear to my Word, and you will find what you were looking for all along. The just, or those that are justified by our Lord, are those that live by faith, what they hear personally from our Lord and not what the majority thinks. However, to stay on that path it takes some discipline and practice, making what you hear from our Lord a way of life and not just some weakly Sunday ritual. Oh and there is no withdrawing or falling back with our Lord, because when He asks us to do something by stepping out in faith, it means He made a way for it to be accomplished as well.
 
2 John 4:3-5 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
 
You know, it’s quite obvious to those that have exercised their Spiritual senses to tell the difference between what is of God and what is based on the world and its fallen interpretations. The only way that you will be able to know for sure is when you realize that the greater influence is within you and not outwardly based on large numbers. Many of what man calls a church is nothing more than a cheap worldly knock off version of what our Lord intended for a church. So today, did you look within realizing that someone greater was knocking on the door of your heart seeking entrance, or were you out and about in a world full of heartache and misery chasing a mirage?

​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Looking Within day three of five, written October 27, 2010. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this five day series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2010.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010
 
Looking Within
 
Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
 
You ever see these so called men of God, who when they come to town advertise their ministries as one based on miracles, you know signs and wonders? Yet the reality is that our Lord said that we should be looking in the opposite direction if we are going to find Him. Is it any wonder that these people were described by our Lord as being the blind leading the blind into a ditch?
 
Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (KJV)
 
Did you come to the Lord seeking part of His kingdom? When in prayer are you seeking the total answer, or just bits and pieces, you know like a puzzle? I don’t know about many, but for me I would definitely like to be a partaker of the fullness of Christ, especially when the Word says that it is there for the taking. While the world and its worldly preachers are pointing the people to the riches of this fallen realm, our Lord died to get us access to the riches of His glory, riches that will never fail or have an end. Haven’t you had enough of a bunch of false promises of peace by a bunch of false prophets who in reality are only looking out for who they consider number one, themselves? There is so much more strength and power available to us once we truly get to know the love of Christ, which is based on His works and not on ours any longer. The truth is Church that our strength comes by weakness; the more we are willing to let go, the more it allows the Lord to take over and get the results that He intended for His people.
 
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)
 
You know, if you unplug the power cord to your lamp, well then its lights out and you are in darkness again. When the line of communication gets cut off between you and the Lord then you are no longer able to please Him, because you are now walking back into darkness, and no longer following that straight and narrow path that He would have you on. That simple Church, and yet that complicated or confusing to those that are blinded by their limited carnal vision. You know once you have received the Lord’s reward, you know like power, love, and a sound mind, you realize that this is a free gift that can’t be bought or found anywhere else but within.
 
Colossians 1:26-28 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (KJV)
 
The kingdom of God is described as a mystery, something hidden in the past but now revealed. However, this mystery is only revealed to God’s people through the Spirit, which is why it is still a mystery to many because they are still looking outwardly instead of inwardly to find the answer. It was Christ in Jesus of Nazareth that was his only hope of glory, and look where He ended up. It is Christ in you that is your only hope of glory as well. Did you look within today and make hearing His word your top priority?

​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Looking Within day two of five, written October 26, 2010. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this five day series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2010.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
 
Looking Within
 
Luke 17:19-21 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (20) And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
 
No matter how many times that you look to the outward for a peaceable solution you will never find the answer in that realm that will make you whole. Today many of God’s people are being misled by many false prophets that our Lord warned us about ahead of time. Many today are being led by their carnal senses which in reality really makes no sense because our Lord will not be found in that realm. Being born again means you start all over again, this time letting the Spirit lead and guide you into all truth. You’re new found Spiritual senses are the only ones that you should be relying on if you truly plan on inheriting eternal life. Anything or anyone other than the Spirit of God will not get you to the place that you need to be at today.
 
Romans 7:22-23 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. (KJV)
 
Jesus Christ came to deliver us from the old law, based on outward works, to a new law of faith that would be dictated from within, based on our hearing the word of God. Not only would faith involve hearing, but then it means we need to step out in faith according to what the new inward man is asking of us. This takes discipline and training, like when we were a newborn learning to walk. However, practice does make perfect, because what seemed like impossibility to us in the beginning now becomes a way of life, walking by faith and not by sight. Oh and yes, there will be opposition people, even your own thoughts and reasoning’s will get in there and cloud your judgment at times.
 
Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (KJV)
 
You know, when I go to God through His Son Jesus Christ, seeking first His kingdom, then all that is needed is provided, including that inward comfort of knowing that I heard the Lord’s answer and response which then brought an inward peace. However, the flip side of that equation is that my carnal mind is the enemy, and will not come into agreement with God unless I get my mind renewed back to the things above. So with the mind of Christ I can do all things through Him; however, with the carnal mind I stay entrapped and in bondage to whatever this fallen world has to offer.
 
Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (KJV)
 
That law of sin and death had me on death row, waiting for the sentence to be carried out until God’s lawyer came along and released me from this sentence. The law of faith; the law of the Spirit trumps that old law of sin and death, which then releases me from the carnal prison that I was held in bondage to. A new man is then released, who is rehabilitated and now walking according to a new way of life, totally opposite of what I used to follow in my past. Are old things really passing away in your walk, or does it seem like you are passing away instead, missing out on the new life that you have access to in Christ?
 
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV)

Remember that old song “on Broadway”, you know, that one where everyone is hanging out? Yeah well, that is not the path that you want to be pursuing any longer. The reason only a few are actually finding that right path is because only a few are willing to look within the realm of the Spirit, and then actually walk according to what the Spirit would dictate and not the flesh. Oh and when they tell you that their church is the fastest growing church in the community that is a church that I would be leery about myself.

​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Looking Within day one of five, written October 25, 2010. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this five day series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2010.

Monday, October 25, 2010
 
Looking Within
 
Luke 17:19-21 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (20) And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV)
 
A leper who was healed and made whole again returned to give thanks to our Lord, who at that time was manifest in the flesh. Now that our Lord has moved on, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, our search for truth needs to take place within, so that we can see the answer that our Lord has for us to be whole. A life in the past dictated by outward things is now done away in Christ, so that all things can become new. When you need an answer, when something is lacking and you need to be made whole, learning to look within is the only place that you will find the Lord’s response, an answer with some real substance.
 
John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (27) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (KJV)
 
The reason that our Lord was manifest in the flesh was so that He could pay the price for our sin. Our Lord delivered a perfect sacrifice to our Father that He accepted once and for all, and then sent us a Comforter so that we could be comforted from within, and no longer have to live a life based on outward circumstances. The world and the so called peace it brings, is based on outward things that can never bring comfort because they change and fluctuate with the times. The peace of God is like God, it never changes nor is altered by any outward events. Are you experiencing this peace today, or are you troubled with cares and concerns of this world, things that our Lord said He would handle for us?
 
Colossians 3:14-15 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (KJV)
 
Many people claim that they are serving our Lord, yet their decisions are based on the outward and not an inward vision. Without a vision God’s own people perish, because they limit God by their own limited carnal minds. Are you letting the peace of God rule today, or are you settling for the path of least resistance?
 
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
 
Again, we are encouraged not to be careful, troubled, or anxious about outward things, but rather our attention is now focused on a new inward man that is coming to life and having a greater influence on us than anyone or anything in this fallen world. The peace of God passes our limited carnal understanding, and goes straight to the Head of the class. Are you going to the Head of the Church today, passing by any negative thoughts that would keep you in bondage?

Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today's video Found in Translation is on the topic of: Those that walk with God are translated to a higher level, a new level so to speak; into the kingdom on his dear Son, Christ Jesus. If you are walking with the Lord you should be changing on a daily basis, from corruption to incorruption, walking in a newness of life, where you may be found in translation, and not lost.
 
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Frauds, written November 12, 2008. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this writing. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2008.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
 
Frauds
 
Romans 13:1-6 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. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (5) Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (KJV)
 
You know, many just think of God’s people as those that attend a church organization or someone who is preacher or pastor. But God ordained services that are being used by many Christians and then it gets overlooked by many that decide they are above the law and don’t need to pay their taxes for them. That road you drove in on today, that water faucet you turned on in your building, as well as that toilet you flushed, these services were put in by people, laborers, and they deserve their reward don’t they? That police officer that went into a dark alley or house to protect the citizens, isn’t his labor worthy of reward? Not to mention all the men and women who gave up their family life and went to a foreign country to protect us, they definitely are worthy of their reward. So why do Christians cut and run; duck their obligations to pay taxes when the Bible tells us to? There is not a bigger bunch of money grubbing people with their hands out to the congregation is there, than the pastors or preachers of these so called church organizations we see out there today? With this in mind, are they doing their part as well or are they just a bunch of frauds?
 
James 5:4-6 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. (5) Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. (6) Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. (KJV)
 
Oh, but we will demand our tax free status, how does that sound? Fine, then don’t call the police or fire departments if you have a problem, deal with it yourself. Frauds and phonies, especially those in the pulpits who twist and turn the laws to fit their own desires and then demand that everyone else pay their fair share, especially when it comes to their own upkeep. You have people out there working the field and you are taking advantage of it, and as Christians we should be setting the example for all and not ducking or shirking our responsibilities. When there is smoke coming from your building, who is the first ones you call? If someone is breaking into your building, who are the next ones you call? How about when our military people return home, especially those that have sustained wounds and need treatment; if we as Christians don’t lead by example and pay our tribute or taxes, then who will? You cheapskates and phonies, all these tax exempt statuses you hide behind are nothing more than a cloak of your covetousness, which the Bible says is idolatry.
 
Leviticus 19:11-13 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. (12) And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. (13) Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. (KJV)
 
Whether you realize it or not, especially those that live in this country, many services are done on our behalf that require maintenance, and by not paying your fair share in the form of taxes you are robbing and defrauding your neighbor. You may not think so, and you may think just because others are doing it that it makes it alright, but unless you do all things according to what the Word says then it is not alright in the Lord’s sight.
 
Jeremiah 22:13-14 Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; (14) That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. (KJV)
 
You know, if everyone did and paid their fair share we wouldn’t have the problems we see going on today would we; you know, like with bank failures and bailouts? Who better than to lead by example than the Church? But sad to say, rather than being leaders many are passing the buck, leaving it for others to take care of . Whether you like it or not, the Bible is quite clear on where God stands concerning tribute, paying our fair share so that we can stay in good standing with our Lord and He can be our source. Once you try to sidestep your duties as a Christian, once you try to cut corners and not do what is required, you then take the Lord out of the equation and He no longer is your source, which is why many look for loopholes and other means to make up for their shortfalls.
 
Titus 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (KJV)
 
Yeah, you may not like some of the wasteful spending we see at times, or how the rich just seem to be getting richer and the poor poorer. It is not our duty to fuss and argue with those of the world, because quite frankly nothing is going to change until our Lord returns and sets things right again. So for now, don’t get entangled with the affairs of this life, but rather do what the Lord is asking so that you can be above board and in good standing with Him.
 
Williams New Testament translation of Romans 13:1-6  
1. Everybody must obey the civil authorities that are over him, for no authority exists except by God's permission; the existing authorities have been established by Him, 2. so that anyone who resists the authorities sets himself against what God has established, and those who set themselves against Him will get the penalty due them. 3. For civil authorities are not a terror to the man who does right, but they are to the man who does wrong.  Do you want to have no dread of the civil authorities?  Then practice doing right and you will be commended for it. 4. For the civil authorities are God's servants to do you good.  But if you practice doing wrong, you should dread them, for they do not wield the sword for nothing.  Indeed, they are God's servants to inflict punishment upon people who do wrong. 5. Therefore, you must obey them, not only for the sake of escaping punishment, but also for conscience' sake; 6. for this is the reason why you pay your taxes, for the civil authorities are God's official servants faithfully devoting themselves to this very end. 7. Pay all of them what is due them -- tribute to the officer to receive it, taxes to the officer to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it.
 
I don’t care what label you put on yourself or your organization, it is the duty of each and every Christian to pay tribute or taxes as long as they are here, like it or not. Because by not doing it you have violated God’s law, and are now considered frauds.

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Let's Pay Tribute, written November 11, 2008. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this writing. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2008.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
 
Let’s Pay Tribute
 
Romans 13:1-4 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. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (KJV)
 
First of all I would like to pay close attention to the first three words in verse 1, because ‘every’ does mean everyone. The powers that are ordained of God that are being spoken about, is our police, fire departments, as well as the military. We all have an obligation, including Christians, to follow and obey the laws of the land. You may not like and agree with all of them, but like it or not it is our duty to obey and stay in good standing with them. I make this point because we are going to touch on an area where the so called church thinks they can side step laws as well just because others do it or man says that it’s ok.
 
Romans 13:5-8 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV)
 
Williams New Testament translation of Romans 13:5-8
5. Therefore, you must obey them, not only for the sake of escaping punishment, but also for conscience' sake; 6. for this is the reason why you pay your taxes, for the civil authorities are God's official servants faithfully devoting themselves to this very end. 7. Pay all of them what is due them -- tribute to the officer to receive it, taxes to the officer to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it. 8.  Stop owing anybody anything, except the obligation to love one another, for whoever practices loving others has perfectly satisfied the law.
 
You know what that word tribute means, yup taxes. “Oh but we are the church, all we have to do is file for our non-profit status and we are tax free right”? Well according to man that may be so, but according to the word of God that is not the case. Paul wasn’t writing this letter to those outside of the body of Christ, but rather these scriptures are for God’s people, are they not? You know preachers, when a policeman, fireman, or someone from the military comes to your congregation on Sunday you are not shy about passing around the collection plate are you? But have you done your fair share in giving as well? You know that tribute stuff the Lord says we need to pay to be in good standing with Him? “Oh but we would go broke if we had to pay it”. Well if God was truly your source then what you are telling me is that God went broke, right?
 
Matthew 22:17-21 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? (18) But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? (19) Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. (20) And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? (21) They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (KJV)
 
Hmm, the Lord paid taxes; and being that we are imitators of Him wouldn’t it be fitting that we did also? You know the preachers are not shy about reminding the congregation of their duty of paying their fair share which the Bible says also, rendering to God the things that are His. But it is the preacher’s or pastor’s duty to render tribute to Caesar as well, which is in the form of taxes. So while our police officers and firemen, as well as the military are willing to lay down their lives for us, is the so called church that cheap and willing to show a total disregard for the duties performed by not paying their fair share in the form of taxes? After all if the Church doesn’t set the example in deed as well as word, then who will? Hey people, next time they hit you up with their endless giving sermons seeking to get more money out of the congregation, ask them if they have done their fair share, before you decide if you are going to support them as well.
 
1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (KJV)
 
Here we see an example of taking care of God’s people, not muzzling them but rather supporting them in their work. Whatever calling they are answering, if you are getting fed at their organization and you know that they are teaching truth then God does require people to give and support it as well. Now the flip side though with God’s people is that you are required to give also to support the other works God has called, otherwise you haven’t truly fulfilled your duty. You know, that water and sewer system to your building was put in by a laborer and the Bible does tell us that the laborer is worthy of his reward doesn’t it? Maybe if you are having financial problems with your organization, it just may be a reflection of your own stinginess and lack of giving on your part in the form of tribute or taxes. Remember too that in Romans 13:4 God refers to our civil servants as being His ministers also; so while many ministers demand payment for their services from the congregations, are they doing their part themselves in the form of tribute?
 
Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV)
 
“Oh but big corporations get tax breaks, why can’t we get them”? “After all, the law says we can, doesn’t it”? Are you under the law of man only, or are you now under the law of faith as well? Our Lord paid taxes didn’t He? So being the fact that He is the perfect example God sent for mankind, then it would do me good to pay also, wouldn’t it? What an insult to tell our brave military, fire, and police men and women that we support them, only to do it with lip service and not in deed. You know if everyone did their fair share then we would not have to watch these people struggle financially, as well as getting the health care that they need. So Christians, is it our duty to give tribute? Well if you wish to be in good standing with God, yes, definitely!

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today's video Abide and Conquer is on the topic of: Abide in Christ and conquer or overcome the world within you (it's thoughts and ways) by the renewing of your mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, the gospel of your salvation, Christ in you the hope of glory.
 
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.