Honour The King |
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What are we to do, as true Believers, as the secular government becomes more and more corrupt? Should we question the authority around us? Should we go out of our way to be advocates of issues that are not specifically Bible oriented? Even as the Apostle Paul wrote the Epistles during the reign of Emperor Nero, he taught us to submit to authority. All of these questions seem to be relevant in the way we should live our lives. We hope this booklet will give you some insight on what Yahweh tells us through His Word. Some of the messages conveyed may provoke you to reconsider your ideals. In any case, may Yahweh’s Truth be known, and may you be blessed with knowledge.
“Honour
all men, Love the brotherhood. Fear Yahweh. Honour the king.”
(1Peter
2:17 KJV)
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Many Bible students are familiar with the book of
Daniel because of the challenges found in its prophecies in the Old Testament.
Together with the book of Revelation, one is given the scenario of the last
days of man’s rebellion on this earth. Between the two books we view the
panorama from earth and the heavens.
It is in studying the situations swirling around Daniel and his reaction to events that we are given deeper understanding. Through Daniel’s dream interpretations we comprehend in a measure Yahweh’s expectations of us as we study the unfolding of prophecy and note the dedication and example of Daniel and his three friends. The prophet Daniel is upheld by Yahweh as an example for us because he
maintained his character and integrity in difficult situations. He was taken as
a young man to pagan Babylon along with three other Israelites. These four
fellow eunuchs became noteworthy through their faithfulness and wisdom and are
examples in how to survive in a pagan land where heathen customs are celebrated
by the general public. The question arises whether we as citizens should serve
our government that is not at all in harmony with Yahweh’s word.
Where Babylon had set up statues and idols for their worship,
churchianity today brings pagan customs and days of worship into the midst of
their congregation. The days rooted in paganism are observed while those
keeping the Sabbath days commanded in Holy Writ are looked upon as the oddballs
of society. What was true in Daniel’s time is also true in our day. Society and
its leaders ignore the Bible and march to a different drummer, even to the
point of observing days that originated in Babylon.
Daniel and his three Jewish friends were placed in a position of
leadership by the very ones who had taken them captive and removed them to
Babylon. Yet, these young men continued in their belief and worship of Yahweh.
When Daniel had interpreted the king’s dream through Yahweh’s providence, they
were all elevated to positions in the governmental affairs of Babylon. They
were obligated to carry out the laws and decrees of a pagan society, under a
pagan king. These four young Jews are a prime example of being obedient to
Yahweh, yet having earned a place of honor and responsibility in a pagan
government. There are those who contend one must be wary about cooperating with
the governments of this world. In fact, some go so far as trying to thwart the
government from carrying out its functions.
WHAT IS
REQUIRED OF US?
The letter to the Romans discusses what a believer
is to do under either a good or bad government such as was Rome in the days of
Yahshua and in Paul’s day:
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power
but of Yahweh: the powers that be are ordained of Yahweh. Whosoever therefore
resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of Yahweh: and they that resist
shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: For he is the minister
of Yahweh 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 Yahweh, a revenger
to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject,
not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute
also: for they are Yahweh’s ministers, attending continually upon this very
thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7
AV)
Paul here discusses the obligation or duty which every believer in
Yahweh owes his civil government. Paul has just finished giving instructions
how we are to conduct ourselves in the assembly (ekklesia) of fellow believers in chapter 12, now he goes on to
discuss our behavior and duty in the world we live in, even a society of
worldly unbelievers.
This important duty requires constant alertness and can at times be
exceedingly difficult. While Paul obviously has the believers at Rome in mind,
the subject is important to all believers. Rome was basically a heathen
society, and many in authority were pagan worshipers and knew nothing of Yahweh
or Yahshua.
LIVING IN THE
WORLD APART
The Apostles and those who followed were expected to
proclaim their religion throughout the world. They were to foretell of a coming
Kingdom to be set up by Yahshua amid other human kingdoms. The believers were
to profess supreme allegiance to Yahshua Messiah as their complete Sovereign,
Lawgiver and Judge. The question arose—exactly what is required of us in
dealing with earthly officials and magistrates who pay no attention to the
Bible.
The various kingdoms of the world were then heathen kingdoms, operating
within a pagan world. These kingdoms usually were established by conquest, war
and oppression. Rulers were often blood-stained warriors, lacking both
character and principle.
The question was whether a believer should acknowledge and obey the
laws of a pagan society ruled by carnal men. Should one obey such laws made by
pagans who knew nothing of the laws of Yahweh and were ignorant of the Savior?
Under the teachings of Moses, an Israelite was to have none but a
brother Israelite rule over them, Deut. 17:15. Now they were captives and under
pagan Rome authority, and the feeling of rebellion was a frequent topic of
conversation and was strong in the hearts of the Jews.
Jewish converts to the Messiah made up the core of early believers who
had long been under Roman oppression. They regarded the Roman yoke as founded
on idolatry and of demonic influence as opposed to Yahweh and the Torah. They
felt the Romans were an abomination in the land of Israel. They looked for an
earthly kingdom and yearned for the day Rome would be driven out of the Holy
Land.
TO SUBMIT OR
NOT TO SUBMIT
With mixed feelings the true believers (referred to
as “Christians”) wondered how far they should submit, if at all, to heathen
magistrates. It was a question of deepest concern. Furthermore, there was
danger that the Jewish converts might prove to be disorderly and rebellious
citizens of the empire. The Galileans especially detested paying taxes and the
term “Galilean” was one of
contempt and became attached to both the Savior and His followers.
The
situation with the church’s Gentile converts differed little. They were
abhorred by the blatant idolatry they had just forsaken. They would condemn the
pagan religion and the involvement of pagan religion which was interwoven with
government institutions. There was the ever-present danger they might denounce
the government altogether and be looked upon as opposing the laws of the land.
Occasions arose where it was right and proper to resist the civil laws.
This was openly taught and a stand for Yahweh’s truth was then required. When
the laws interfered with clear obedience to Yahweh such as the command to
worship idols, or some infringement of Yahweh’s word, the followers of the
Savior were not to submit. Just what action should be taken whether to submit
or to refuse submission, was an issue that was not easily settled. This is what
prompted the Apostle Paul’s comments in this 13th chapter of Romans.
The lesson is to submit, to yield to the authority of those over us and to obey
in all things that are not contrary to Yahweh’s laws. The Old Testament
consistently points out that no one is a ruler in this world except by His
assent.
YAHWEH SETS UP
Wise King Solomon agrees that kings rule by the
providence of Yahweh and civil government is for the people’s good, for Yahweh
says:
By me
kings reign, and princes decree justice. (Proverbs 8:15 AV)
Paul
makes the point those in authority were placed there by Yahweh. We show honor
to Yahweh by honoring His arrangement of government of mankind, for Yahweh
places in authority those He wishes. Some may have obtained their office by
guile and deceit, but Yahweh allowed such to prevail. We are not to attempt to
overturn rulers. This truth is found in Old as well as New Testaments. Note the
lessons from Psalms and Daniel:
But
Yahweh is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another. (Psalms 75:7 AV)
And he changes the times and the seasons: he removes
kings, and sets up kings: he gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them
that know understanding: (Daniel 2:21 AV)
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and
the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know
that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he
will, and sets up over it the basest of men. (Daniel 4:17 AV)
And
whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall
be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule.
(Daniel 4:26 AV)
There is
no power given except that of Yahweh’s permission or arrangement. No matter how
the rulers obtained their office, it is under the guidance and providence of
Yahweh. This does not mean that He approves of their behavior or actions, nor
that they will always do the right thing. But it is our duty to submit to them
except where they oppose the laws of Yahweh. We are consistently cautioned to
obey Yahweh and not follow the ways of the heathen:
Then
Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey Yahweh rather
than men. (Acts 5:29 AV)
Yahweh
sets up rulers and deposes rulers. He uses them to do His will. It was never a
question whether one should obey a magistrate who commands an action which is
plainly contrary to Yahweh’s law. (Such we cannot follow.) The question was
whether they should obey a heathen magistrate at all. When Paul wrote his
epistle the Roman Empire was in disarray, for one emperor was supplanted by
another. Often the throne was seized by crime and claimants arose disputing who
should be ruler.
SERVE THE
TYRANTS
Paul strove to prevent the followers of Messiah in
taking an active part in these disputes and getting involved in any political
controversy. Claudius had been put to death by poison; Caligula died in a
violent manner; Nero was a tyrant; and, amidst these agitations, and crimes,
and revolutions, the apostle wished to guard followers of Yahshua from taking
an active part in political affairs. Neither are we to curse the government nor
provoke or condemn their every action:
Curse
not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber:
for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall
tell the matter. (Ecc. 10:20 AV)
The Bible teaches that human government is in
Yahweh’s providence, and is there because of His appointment. Obedience in
things of a civil nature is actually obeying Yahweh. To resist civil
authorities is to resist Yahweh; which resistance brings damnation to
themselves, Romans 13:2. Magistrates cause terror by penal laws, also bring
punishment on delinquents and are Yahweh’s agents of wrath and vengeance,
Romans 13:3, 4.
RULERS
Paul encourages obedience to the laws of the land
because one then has the good will and respect of the rulers and we are
commended by them, and both property and person are protected by the rulers:
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: For he is the minister of Yahweh 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 Yahweh, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
(Romans 13:3-4 AV)
Paul
says obedience is an answer to a good conscience, and we are to treat them with
honor and respect. He goes on to point out the basis of our behavior to all is
to show love and compassion for all and live with a watchful, clean and
positive attitude. We should be thankful for all the privileges we enjoy which
allow us to lay up treasure in the heavens as we look forward to the day of
salvation which is drawing ever nearer.
We are
encouraged to have faith in the Messiah and be good imitators of Him as we look
forward to the coming Kingdom and strive to be worthy of the high calling we
have to join with Him and the saints on that day. We are to be dedicated
followers of the Savior and spend our time in preparing for the Kingdom and not
spend our time striving with the governments which Yahweh says He has allowed
to be over us. Yahweh even allowed Pilate the authority to impale His Son
Yahshua. We also are to obey the laws of the land: Yahshua answered, Thou could have
no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he
that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. (John 19:11 AV)
Peter
says those who resist authority and speak evil of government follow the corrupt
desire of sinful nature and are bold and arrogant:
But
chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise
government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak
evil of dignities [authority]. (2 Peter 2:10 AV)
Dignities here means all that is honorable, right and good (such as
governments). There are those who despise the same government that Yahweh
allows for our own good. Paul goes a step further and urges us to offer up
prayers and petitions for rulers and those in authority.
Yahweh
has set authorities in place and our subjection must be free and voluntary,
sincere and hearty. This includes inward honour and outward reverence and
respect, both in speaking to them and in speaking of them--obedience to their
commands in things lawful and honest, and in other things a patient subjection
without resistance.
PREPARE FOR
THE KINGDOM
Should we spend wasted time resisting regulations in
rebellion against the governments of this world? Should we let the world do its
thing while we redeem the time in preparing for the coming Kingdom of Yahshua?
Instead of taking a belligerent stand against governments, Paul urges us to
give honor and respect to those in authority so that we can lead a quiet and
peaceable life and take up the things that will bring us into the Kingdom
through Yahshua:
I
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all piety and
honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Yahweh our Saviour; Who
will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1
Timothy 2:1-4 AV)
That
this world is under control of Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), we fully agree. Yahshua did
not argue with the Adversary when he offered to turn over this world to the
Savior if He would bow down and worship. Yahshua refused Satan’s short cut to
take over rulership of this world. (Mat. 4:8-9)
At times this means we may have to bite our tongue
and grit our teeth to placate those in authority. We fully admit the world’s
magistrates are not always honorable and worthy, but we are to spend our time
learning of Yahweh’s ways and not fighting the kings:
Remind
the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready
to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and
to show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:1-2 NIV)
LESSONS FROM
THE PAST
Israel was told they were a chosen people and would
be a kingdom of priests ruling over the earth some day. Through their continued
taking up heathen worship, adopting pagan days of worship, and forgetting
Yahweh’s Name for Baal, Israel lost the close contact they had with Yahweh.
Because the Jews had not adhered to Yahweh’s laws, (2 Chron 36:20-21), they
were taken to Babylon. Seventy years were the Jews in Babylon where a constant
murmur ran through the crowd that they should not obey the pagan king of a
heathen country like Babylon. Gedaliah, left behind and appointed governor of
Judah, was not popular upon telling the people to obey the king of Babylon:
And
Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be
the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon;
and it shall be well with you. (2 Kings 25:24 AV)
Jeremiah
warned those in Babylon not to follow or listen to anyone who encouraged
willful disobedience, rebellion, insurrection and defiance against Babylon:
Therefore
hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers,
nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye
shall not serve the king of Babylon: For they prophesy a lie unto you, to
remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should
perish. But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of
Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith
Yahweh; and they shall till it, and dwell therein. I spake also to Zedekiah
king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the
yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live. Why will
ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the
pestilence, as Yahweh hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the
king of Babylon? (Jeremiah 27:9-13)
Do we
find certain people today given to the same line of disobedience to the civil
servants Yahweh allows to rule? What about those who teach we should reject or
resist as many government regulations as possible? Are they like the teachers
Jeremiah warns us of, not to heed their words?
LISTEN NOT TO
LYING PROPHETS
Jeremiah clearly warns Judah not to listen to those
who teach against obeying the king of Babylon. Yahweh wanted His people to get
on with their lives, to raise their families and till the land, plant and reap,
and He would prosper them. There would be others who would teach insurrection
and disobedience. Judah was to obey Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who Yahweh
referred to as His servant, Jeremiah 27:6. If they did not obey the king of
Babylon, they and Jerusalem would perish from the face of the earth:
Therefore
hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye
shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you. For I
have not sent them, saith Yahweh, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I
might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that
prophesy unto you. Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying,
Thus saith Yahweh; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto
you, saying, Behold, the vessels of Yahweh's house shall now shortly be brought
again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you. Hearken not unto them;
serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?
(Jeremiah 27:14-17 AV)
Yahweh
allows magistrates to bear the sword. To oppose them is to jeopardize all that
is dear to us in this world; for it is not for us to contend with him that
bears the sword. The true believer is already recognized as different by
shunning the first day of the week and keeping Bible Sabbaths instead. Ignoring
heathen celebrations marks us as being different. We need not become more
obnoxious by our consistently resisting all authority.
A TERROR TO
THE REBELLIOUS
Those that resist shall receive to themselves
damnation says Paul. They will have to answer to the magistrates for their
resistance, and Yahweh will demand an accounting for that contention, for that
reflects upon Him. The authorities will have a penalty to be paid, for the
rulers are a terror to them who resist.
Not only
are we to be subject due to the wrath or punishment meted out by magistrates,
but also because we are disobeying Yahweh’s command, for He has set those in
authority as has pleased Him. He has said any resistance to civil authorities
on our part is disobedience and rebellion against Him, for all authority on
earth is in His hand and by His permission:
By Me
kings reign, and princes decree justice. (Proverbs 8:15 AV)
But
Elohim [is] the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another. (Psalms 75:7 AV)
We are to include kings and those in
authority in our prayers, for this will give us peace and opportunities to
serve Yahweh as we grow in grace and knowledge. We redeem the time as we strive
to learn more of Him and walk in His ways:
I
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
[and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and [for] all that are
in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all piety and
honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of Yahweh our Savior;
(1 Timothy 2:1-3 AV)
Magistrates are here again called Yahweh's ministers, as in Romans 13:4,
6. Such are actually Yahweh’s servants. They have a task to accomplish. Though
they be authorities to us, they are Yahweh’s servants as He has placed them
there. As such, we should treat them with respect and dignity. Magistrates have
a responsible position in Yahweh’s eyes. As some have said, they administer
public justice, settle quarrels, protect the innocent, right the wronged,
punish the offenders and preserve peace and order. Resisting a public servant
who is discharging his duty is resisting an ordinance of Yahweh and is
therefore ultimately being disobedient to Him.
King
David wrote: “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted..”
(Psalms 12:8 AV) Every generation has men such as these, and it is our
duty in that case rather to submit to persecution for well-doing, and to take
it patiently, rather than seek redress or revenge. Never did a ruler pervert
the ends of government as Nero did, and yet, to him Paul appealed, and under
him had the protection of the law and the inferior magistrates more than once.
Better a bad government than none at all.
Protection draws allegiance from those who benefit. If we have
protection from the government, it follows we owe and accept subjection to it.
By cooperating with the government, we maintain the hedge Yahweh has placed
around us. By paying taxes we contribute our share to the support of the power.
If we pay taxes, we support the government. However, YAIY is non-profit and tax
exempt, but we are required to withhold and pay taxes for the office employees
as is any business.
As one
commentator wrote, "You pay [taxes] as a just debt, or lend it to be
repaid in all the blessings and advantages of public government, of which you
reap the benefit. This is the lesson the apostle teaches, and it becomes all
Believers to learn and practise it, that the [pious] in the land may be found.”
VENGEANCE IS
YAHWEH’S
Believers must not avenge themselves for wrongs, but
defer all to Yahweh, who says in Hebrews 10:30, vengeance is His, and He will
repay. Some might infer from this, that it was not lawful for magistrates to
right the wronged, and avenge them of their adversaries; or for Believers to
seek redress when wronged
This
subjection must be limited only to lawful things. “Be subject,” Paul says, but
he does not say, “be obedient,” but “be subject;” which we understand refers to
duties and actions which are in line with Yahweh’s will. Even mighty King
Nebuchadnezzar who is referred to as Yahweh’s servant (Jer. 27:6) was humbled
until he acknowledged Yahweh rules in the kingdom of men:
And
they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling [shall be] with the beasts of
the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall
pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of
men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. (Daniel 4:32 AV)
Yahweh
maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up
the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set
[them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the
pillars of the earth [are] Yahweh's, and he hath set the world upon them. (1
Samuel 2:7-8 AV)
Yahweh
is in charge of this earth, and at times allows His enemies to perform certain
things which in His wisdom He utilizes and turns to fulfill His will. For
example, Babylon was used to fulfill His will; but He then will take vengeance
on Babylon:
And
Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan sware unto them and to their men,
saying, Fear not to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the king
of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. If ye will still abide in this land,
then will I build you, and not pull [you] down, and I will plant you, and not
pluck [you] up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you. Be not
afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him,
saith Yahweh: for I [am] with you to save you, and to deliver you from his
hand. (Jeremiah 42:10-11 AV)
Yahweh actually told His people Judah not to
fear being servants of the Babylonians, for He would bless them in their
servitude and they could get on with their lives:
And
Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the
servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and
it shall be well with you. (2 Kings 25:24 AV)
The New
Testament cautions us to observe the laws of the land so that we can live a
productive and full life, serving Yahweh and being respectful of magistrates,
and to be an example for those in the world.
Put
them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates,
to be ready to every good work, (Titus 3:1 AV)
PRAYER,
THANKS, FOR KINGS
We are expected to pray for those in authority so
that we can have a quiet and tranquil life, having time to study and learn
spiritual lessons and to do good works, laying up treasure in the heavens.
Spending time confronting and opposing the government is not gaining
sought-after spiritual knowledge nor do such actions bring us closer to
Yahshua’s kingdom. Such resisting consumes our time and diverts our goals, when
we should be redeeming the time for the days are evil, Ephesians 5:16:
I
exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in
authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all [piety] and
honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Elohim our Saviour; (1
Timothy 2:1-3 AV)
Acts
23:11 reveals that Paul’s missionary work was not yet done, that he was to go
on to Rome, doing the same work as he had done in Jerusalem. Yahweh worked out
a plan where Paul went to Rome as a guest of the Roman military:
And
the night following Yahweh stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for
as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at
Rome. (Acts 23:11 AV)
Because his own Jewish people were
seeking his life, apparently Paul was moved by Yahweh to demand he be sent to
Rome for he appealed to Caesar. Paul was taken to Rome as a prisoner in chains
in order that he might fulfill the presentation of the Evangel to those in
Rome:
For
if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not
to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man
may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. (Acts 25:11 AV)
But
when the Jews spake against [it], I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not
that I had ought to accuse my nation of. (Acts 28:19 AV)
Because
of Paul’s appeal to the emperor of Rome, we have his book of Romans in our New
Testament. The brethren welcomed Paul who carried on his work for two whole
years in his own rented house. Even though a visitor in Rome, Paul preached
boldly and without hindrance the Kingdom of Yahweh and taught about the Master
Yahshua Messiah. (Acts 28:31)
OUR PRESENT
STATUS
The Apostle Peter is of the same mind that we should
not oppose the government as long as they do not in any way restrict or
interfere in our worship of Yahweh: We should spend our time preparing for the
coming government of Yahshua, and not get caught up in trying to straighten out
Satan’s present corrupt governments here on earth.
There
are those who allege religious groups that are allowed non-profit status by the
Never in
some 30 years in the ministry have we ever been restricted in our activities in
any way by any branch of the government. We continue to proclaim boldly the
truth of the Bible, calling attention to the error of churchianity. Such
unbiblical practices as making Sunday the day of worship, observing pagan days
such as Easter, Xmas, New Years, Halloween, the trinity, immortal soul, etc. is
our constant theme. Such erroneous teachings we boldly proclaim constantly. We
have never had interference in what we teach, when we teach or where. It is
most difficult to know how these allegations that we are in some way hampered
or restricted by any government body because we are “501-C3” can be explained.
The present government has NOT interfered in our presenting Yahweh’s truth to
the world. Neither are we aware of any group which has been restricted in
preaching a Bible message.
REDEEMING THE
TIME
As a matter of fact, there are benefits allowed us
as a non-profit group such as bulk mailings at a cheaper rate, both in this
country and overseas. Purchases are made in Missouri without paying any sales
tax. Our buildings and equipment are not taxed.
We are
able in this country to utilize the world’s best postal system to mail
literature worldwide. Certain countries accept the discount “flat mail” which
is a much cheaper priority mail. We are also aware the time may come when we
may have to disband when the Man of Sin comes to power. Many things will be
changed then. Until then we will continue to strive to reach out to as many
around the world as funds permit in the time we have left.
It is
our feeling that as soon as the Elect of Yahweh are all called and the body
completed, then Yahshua can return. Yahweh is calling out now a people to be in
that first resurrection. When these are sealed through baptism, Yahshua will
then return and set up His Kingdom.
As long as our nation along with England
and Canada continue to be busy leaders in disseminating Bible truth worldwide
and be a help to the nation of Israel, we will be blessed. Like Paul we should
take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the “Caesar” of our day. It is
to our advantage to remain under the umbrella of the “501-C3” category as long
as we can peacefully serve and obey Yahweh. If that changes, we will have to
meet the challenge.
Accounts
of Yahweh’s people who performed in top echelons of pagan governments are
examples given us to emulate. These include men like Daniel and his associates
who ruled in Babylon, serving Yahweh in difficult surroundings. We also are
told of Joseph who was the second in ruling over the pagan land of Egypt. Moses
grew up in Pharaoh’s court, became a highly respected and valiant general of
Egyptian armies, and was Yahweh’s choice to lead Israel to freedom. Nehemiah,
the cup-bearer to king Artaxerxes, was instrumental in bringing back the
remnant of Jews to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, Nehemiah chapter two. All of
these served in worldly governments, yet maintained their integrity and were
faithful to Yahweh. If Paul appealed to Caesar, we should be able to take
advantage of the opportunities available today, and not become involved in
worldly goals and ambitions.
With the
evidence we have found in Yahweh’s word, let us seek to follow the advice
Yahweh gives us through His prophets such as the Apostle Peter:
Submit
yourselves to every ordinance of man for Yahweh's sake: whether it be to the
king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the
punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the
will of Yahweh, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of
foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness,
but as the servants of Yahweh. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear
Yahweh. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 AV)
© 2007
Yahweh’s Assembly in Yahshua
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online at: www.YAIY.org
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