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 Heaven Sent is on the topic of: What or who was sent from heaven? God sent his word and healed us and delivered us from our destructions. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ into the world, that we through him might have eternal life. And this is eternal life, that you might know our Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he sent.
 
​​​​​​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 morning. Today's video Correction is on the topic of the God's correction or chastening. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?

You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. 

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

Titus 2:7-8 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, (8) Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. (KJV)  

Strong’s definition for sound:
5198  hugiaino (hoog-ee-ah'-ee-no); from 5199; to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): KJV-- be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole (-some).  

How sound and healthy are you spiritually? You are what you eat, a term that applies to the physical man and also applies to our spiritual one as well. There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ, those that know His doctrine and partake of the pure word of God without all the manmade additives which can change and spoil the original intention. Have you seen people that are fit and healthy, those that have exercised their body and eat right? Many see these examples in the physical and desire the same results, which only happens when one makes it a way of life not just some passing fad. The same holds true spiritually; God’s people should be living a healthy spiritual life, one that is pleasing to Father, and one that is above reproach, having their spiritual senses exercised to know the difference between good and evil; knowing what is healthy and what is not of God. The true doctrine of Christ is the meat of the word of God that will provide the nourishment needed to keep one strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  

3 John 1:2-4 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (3) For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. (4) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (KJV)

One of the first things I hear from a parent, especially after the birth of a child is often, thank God he or she is healthy. In fact it is a phrase commonly used by many, especially as they get older and good health becomes more of an issue, more of a challenge. Spiritually the same holds true as well with God, and so much more as we are in the last days in a fallen world; where many are unhealthy, living a fast food lifestyle becoming unhealthy rather than keeping their spiritual life a priority. God as well as His people that truly know Him and have a working knowledge of who they are in Christ share the same mindset we see in the above verses, how that there is no greater joy than to see His people walking in truth. How sound and spiritually healthy are you today? Are you fit and ready for the work the Lord has, or do you need to go back to the gym and start over again, basic training to get your body back into subjection to the Spirit?  

1 Timothy 1:2-6 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (3) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (4) Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (5) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: (6) From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; (KJV)  

Paul’s warning to Timothy was to be on the lookout for cheap imitations, new fad doctrines which were unhealthy, and were causing more confusion than peace. Today we see the same thing, many quick fix answers similar to diet plans, take a pill or drink a potion that will get you in shape and healthy, rather than taking the time to exercise the proper way. Good wholesome sound doctrine will build the people up and edify them, making them healthy in the realm of God, while others not teaching out of a pure love for the people will leave them in worse shape than when they started, like the term backslidden.  

1 Timothy 1:7-10 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. (8) But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; (9) Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, (10) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; (KJV)  

Many today try to take the doctrine of Christ and mix it with the law, which is the same struggle the early Church had as well. God made our bodies a certain way, and only healthy things will keep it sound and in working order. The same principle holds true with our spiritual growth as well; only the truth will keep one healthy, and set us free from spiritual sickness and disease, viruses the devil will try to sneak into the teachings to bring one down, eventually leading to death if not dealt with. The law is for ungodly people, those that are living contrary to sound healthy doctrine need to be kept in check so that they don’t bring down the community with their anarchy and disrespect for their fellow mankind. Anytime you see or hear someone teaching and preaching things concerning Christ, then they turn around and tell you things that pertain to the old law and its rituals, you are seeing someone who is double minded, unstable, and teaching an unhealthy doctrine which will leave one lacking and malnourished spiritually. We have laws that are still in place in a fallen world to keep mans’ fallen nature somewhat in check so that we can continue to live a quiet and peaceable life without all the other distractions. As far as the old law is concerned for the believers, it is done away in Christ, and we are now living according to a new law which is one of faith, without which it is impossible to please God. A sound healthy Christian will abide and live their lives without reproach and not be entangled in the affairs of this life as described in verses 9&10.  

Revelation 21:6-8 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (7) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (8) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)  

God doesn’t allow anything unhealthy into His temple and neither should you. You have access to the fountain of life right now, the living waters which are springing up in you and watering those around you as well. So be on the lookout Church, watch and continue to be an overcomer so that you too can continue to inherit all things God intended to give you in Christ.  

2 John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV)  

If you went to a restaurant and they brought you something from the garbage can you wouldn’t eat it, let alone pay for it. Are you that alert spiritually, and confident that the doctrine you follow and give credence to is the same one God does as well? If God is asking you not to allow these false unhealthy doctrines into your temple, be assured He isn’t going to allow it into His either, or allow anyone in that would try to bring it or gain access as well. Are you sure that the doctrine you hold to today is the same one our Father holds to and gives credence to, the doctrine of Christ? If not, then be assured that you will find yourself on the outside and not the inside, no matter who you are or who you think you are. If someone stood at the door of a hospital with a deadly vial of poison and tried to gain access, they too would be denied. However, if someone showed up with a healthy vial that would bring a cure and health, they would gladly be given access. So what kind of doctrine will you bring to our Father’s house some day; because only one doctrine will give you access to His eternal reward, while the other will leave you on the outside and quarantined for eternity.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 4:1-3 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. (2) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (3) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (KJV)  

Let us fear or give reverence to the fact that some fall short from entering into the rest of God because of simple unbelief. Call it a surrendering if you would, where you surrender your thoughts and cares unto the Lord and leave them there at the throne, then proceed to walk in the works of God that He personally ordained for you before the foundation of the world. Entering into His rest is not just something that takes place at the end of our walk when we receive the reward of inheritance, but rather it is a rest, an abode in the realm of God where we are no longer telling Him how we think things need to be done, but rather are now walking the path He has chosen for us before the foundation of the world.  

Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV)  

The Lord’s counsel will stand, and has withstood the test of time. It will endure forever, and so will those that come into agreement with it. Declaring the end from the beginning; I compare that to buying a bag of seed from a store, they have a bright colorful picture on the package of the completed plant, what the seed will grow into. Now think of yourself in the same framework; God saw you personally before the foundation of the world, saw what He made was very good, which included you, and provided everything that was needed to make you picture perfect in His sight. So just like the package of seed we bought from the store, if you don’t take the time to plant and water the seed, and follow the instructions, then the end result will not be what was pictured. Rather than grow and mature in the things of the Lord many stay trapped in the realm of the flesh because of unbelief, believing more in the outward sight instead of allowing their inward vision to become enlightened to the completed work God did on their behalf.  

Philippians 1:6-11 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (7) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (8) For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; (10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; (11) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (KJV)  

Remember it is God that began that good work in you, and only He can perform it, which means to accomplish or bring it to a finish. Just like with the package of seed, He saw His creation within you and what it would take to bring it to a finish. Now the question is, will you allow Him to have His way with you so that you can grow up into Him in all things, and let this picture He had for you blossom and develop into a full grown mature Christian? This was Paul’s prayer for the people, not only to see them begin in the Lord but to continue to grow more and more in the knowledge of God, by no longer leaning to their own understanding and limited carnal thinking. I have seen many people over the years get all excited about someone giving their lives to the Lord and accepting His plan of salvation, but that is just the beginning folks. It’s not those that begin the race that receive the prize, it’s only those that endure to the end that will be saved and receive the reward of inheritance. In other words, many get a glimpse and a picture of what the Lord intended for them, but just like with the seed packages, how many will follow the instructions and allow the seed to grow to maturity in the image and likeness our Lord intended for it? God saw from the beginning the end result, and that everything He made was very good; but only those that are able to see themselves in this plan of salvation having their spiritual eyes enlightened will follow through to the end, and stay within the framework of God’s intended plan and purpose for their lives.  

Hebrews 11:1-3 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)  

What framework are you operating in today? Are you still trying to conform to the things of this world, or are you allowing God to change and transform you into the things of His realm and framework by the renewing of your mind? Are you more concerned with how man portrays you and what is pleasing to people? Or are you seeing yourself more and more being changed into the image and likeness of God, bearing His resemblance, and allowing His picture perfect plan of salvation to develop? God runs a tight ship, and heaven is a high security area; and only those that have the proper identification will be allowed access into it. Some day when you leave this realm and enter into His presence you will need a picture ID to enter in, and only those that show God the picture He intended for them will be given access and allowed into their eternal inheritance. Only those that are able to show Him a spiritual ID with the family name and resemblance will be recognized, a rested development; all others will be rejected because of their lack of belief in His completed work, relying more on their own ways and thoughts which are empty and vain.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.