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The Bible tells us that Christ is head of the Church. (Eph 1:22, 5:23 Col 1:18) That he purchased it with his own blood and will be returning for it someday soon is without controversy. The type and figure we are given to understand this relationship is a husband to his wife, and inversely, a wife to her husband. Paul spoke about Christ sanctifying and cleansing his Church, so, "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Eph 5:27)
We are also given the parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25 who go to meet the bridegroom. Some having oil, and some not. However they are all "virgins", which according to scripture means "knowing no man" (Luke 1:34) The picture of the Church is one of an espoused virgin awaiting the coming of the bridgroom.
And not this only. We find in scripture that the "mystery" of the Church was hid until revealed through Paul. The Church was CREATED by and for our Lord Jesus.
If this be the case, why is there and alarming and disturbing trend among "Christian churches" to yoke themselves with the State?
The first Amendment guarantees "religous freedom", so declaring that the church needs exemption from taxes, can not be the case. Particularly when the IRS states in it's own documents that churches are exmpt from filing a 1023. (Which makes one wonder if the purpose of filing this form among 501 C3 organizations, is to act as a tax collector for the IRS...but I digress.) http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf (pg.9)
Churches are already tax exempt, thanks to the men who founded this country. And even if churches weren't tax exempt, this status would mean that the Bride of Christ is receiving "benefits" and "gifts" from the State/Ceasar. I'm positive no man who is engaged to a woman would like to find that during their engagement, she is receiving gifts from other men.
Secondly, upon signing a 501 C3 tax exemption, your church, becomes a business with a stamp of date and time of birth. Consequently, your church, not only ceases being a church, but becomes a "creature of the state" (Hale V Hinkle). If Ceasar (ie the State) is head of your church, it ultimately belongs to "the god of this world" (2 Cor 4:4 Luk 4:5,6). I've heard such silly responses like "Well Jesus is Head too!", but who ever heard of a two-headed creature that wasn't a monstrosity? No man can serve two masters.
I've heard some tell me that it's the law and that you must register your church with the State, however a look at the IRS document on the matter specifically states that churches are exempt. In fact, due to the 1st Ammendment churches CANNOT pay taxes, therefore you have to declare that you are not a church but a business. Hence your pastors and elders are only called so by you. They are resognized and recognize themselves as Presidents and Directors of the Board!
I'm wondering if any blood washed Christians reading this could give me one valid reason for yoking up with the world (501C3) to be occuring among their congregation as a whole? Thank you.
If your in Florida and you want to find out if your church is actually a church or an incorporated business, type in it's name in the search box at www.sunbiz.org.
We are also given the parable of the 10 Virgins in Matthew 25 who go to meet the bridegroom. Some having oil, and some not. However they are all "virgins", which according to scripture means "knowing no man" (Luke 1:34) The picture of the Church is one of an espoused virgin awaiting the coming of the bridgroom.
And not this only. We find in scripture that the "mystery" of the Church was hid until revealed through Paul. The Church was CREATED by and for our Lord Jesus.
If this be the case, why is there and alarming and disturbing trend among "Christian churches" to yoke themselves with the State?
The first Amendment guarantees "religous freedom", so declaring that the church needs exemption from taxes, can not be the case. Particularly when the IRS states in it's own documents that churches are exmpt from filing a 1023. (Which makes one wonder if the purpose of filing this form among 501 C3 organizations, is to act as a tax collector for the IRS...but I digress.) http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p557.pdf (pg.9)
Churches are already tax exempt, thanks to the men who founded this country. And even if churches weren't tax exempt, this status would mean that the Bride of Christ is receiving "benefits" and "gifts" from the State/Ceasar. I'm positive no man who is engaged to a woman would like to find that during their engagement, she is receiving gifts from other men.
Secondly, upon signing a 501 C3 tax exemption, your church, becomes a business with a stamp of date and time of birth. Consequently, your church, not only ceases being a church, but becomes a "creature of the state" (Hale V Hinkle). If Ceasar (ie the State) is head of your church, it ultimately belongs to "the god of this world" (2 Cor 4:4 Luk 4:5,6). I've heard such silly responses like "Well Jesus is Head too!", but who ever heard of a two-headed creature that wasn't a monstrosity? No man can serve two masters.
I've heard some tell me that it's the law and that you must register your church with the State, however a look at the IRS document on the matter specifically states that churches are exempt. In fact, due to the 1st Ammendment churches CANNOT pay taxes, therefore you have to declare that you are not a church but a business. Hence your pastors and elders are only called so by you. They are resognized and recognize themselves as Presidents and Directors of the Board!
I'm wondering if any blood washed Christians reading this could give me one valid reason for yoking up with the world (501C3) to be occuring among their congregation as a whole? Thank you.
If your in Florida and you want to find out if your church is actually a church or an incorporated business, type in it's name in the search box at www.sunbiz.org.
