Good day. Today's video A Lasting Impression is on the topic of: Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. The first (the old man, old nature) shall be last and the last (the new man, new creation) shall be first in the kingdom of God. The Lord left us an example of putting ourselves (our wants and desires) last and putting the kingdom of God and His righteousness and others first. We are to wash another's feet and not our own; in other words ministering unto others the glorious gospel of Christ, and not seeking to be ministered unto, but to lay down our lives for our brethren in the body of Christ; it is better to give than to receive; and when you give and it shall be given unto you more abundantly in the Spirit. When you put others first do it whole heartedly as unto the Lord, and not to be seen or be highly esteemed among men, for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Have you found your place in the body of Christ, where God has placed you, and not men? God looks on the heart of men and not by the works that they do or the position they hold in a congregation. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8). The last place, or thing on our list may be the first that our Father has chosen for us, so remain humble and let Him exalt you in the place within the body of Christ as He sees fit. Wherever we are in the body of Christ, we are to live a life of humility as a servant of Christ, for the benefit of the kingdom of God, our brethren in Christ, and others who may believe through the word of God spoken unto them through us, whether in word or in deed, and always in truth, as our Lord Jesus Christ left us as an example. Owe no man anything but to love; and greater love is to lay down your life for the brethren. It is not about "I" anymore. Brethren, a lasting impression means to put others first; for this will be well pleasing in the sight of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed are the meek (humble) for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5). God bless and stay humble.
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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.
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​​​​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 Made in Heaven is on the topic of Ministry, and being made a minster according to God's calling and not man's. Ministry is not an occupation it is a lifestyle. 

​​​​​​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.