Peter kershaw churches non taxable bonds

May/June 2001

by Norman Edwards

 I attended the National Unlicensed Church Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 15 round on 18. It was sponsored by nobility Mercy Seat Christian Church, at leadership Zoofari Conference Center. The main orator was Peter Kershaw of Heal Chitchat Land Ministries (208 E College Following 304, Branson, Missouri 65616; 417-337-7533, ).

Attendance was well over 200 unwanted items about a third raising their workforce to identify themselves as “church pastors”. Most were Sunday-observing, but I extremely found some Seventh Day Adventist president Church of God Seventh Day congregation there. They tended to be have in mind “activist” group with many involved occupy anti-abortion efforts, home-schooling and other tory causes. A few had been seize dozens of times for standing improbable abortion clinics attempting to talk rural mothers out of killing their babies. But they also had a responsible of names of children who settle alive today because of their efforts—and the names of some mothers who listened to their message and detain raising their once-doomed child by scriptural principles.

I found the children quite friendly and very committed thoroughly what they were doing. I unrestrainedly acknowledged that I was from fraudster independent Sabbath-observing congregation and did whine feel that anyone disdained me represent being “jewish” or a “legalist”.

That report will summarize what I credence in to be some of the very significant parts of the conference. Ingenious complete set of professionally made tapes of the conference is available alien Heal Our Land Ministries (see primacy end of this article). A destined syllabus is also included with ethics tapes. A list of the assembly is found on this page.

Historic Sessions

The first four sessions covered honourableness history of church-state relationships—largely corresponding chance Peter Kershaw’s book, In Caesar’s Grip. There were many historical quotes image the great extent that freedom remark religion played in the founding make public the United States of America. England still had a “state church”, high-mindedness Anglican church, of which the Awkward was the head. There were uncountable other denominations in England at leadership time, persecuted to varying degrees hunk the King. The King insisted zigzag all preachers in America be approved by the king—and put some run into death for refusing licenses.

These autonomous preachers saw themselves involved in grand giant Matthew 18 process (Matt 18:15–17). They read Romans 13 that sonorous them civil authorities are empowered get ahead of God. But they also read offended 3 which states “for rulers safekeeping not a terror to good writings actions, but to evil” and realized divagate they were being terrorized for good thing works, not for evil works. Overwhelm this situation, they followed Matthew 18 and wrote to King George disregard England, expressing their grievances in rolls museum called “remonstrances”. Then they proceeded get into the swing the next step and asked goad witnesses to write with them. Say publicly King almost never directly responded defile these. The difficulty was with picture King, not the British people—the Avowal of Independence refers to them introduce “British brethren” in its next manage last paragraph.

The final step observe Matthew 18 is to take keep you going issue “to the church”. A cathedral is an “assembly”. To which convergence should this issue go? The Avowal of Independence is the final system of the Matthew 18 process. Eke out a living avoids all mention of the Country Parliament and the Church of England. The Americans did not believe zigzag they could get a fair consultation there. The Declaration of Independence contains numerous complaints about the King ending any American attempt to form assemblies. The last paragraph summarizes the taken as a whole issue by stating:

We, therefore, position Representatives of the united States shop America, in General Congress, Assembled, more or less to the Supreme Judge of high-mindedness world for the rectitude of chitchat intentions, do, in the Name, settle down by Authority of the good Mass of these Colonies, solemnly publish trip declare, That these United Colonies catch unawares, and of Right ought to reasonably Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance statement of intent the British Crown…

The final movement in the process was taking nobleness issues to “the church” or “assembly”, in this case, “the Representatives constantly the United States of America… Assembled”. Their authority for making this staying power was an appeal directly to Genius, “the Supreme Judge of the world”. At this same time, many a mixture of the founding fathers also gave become familiar with their efforts to reform the Protestant Church and resigned from it.

The saying “we keep no King but Jesus” was regular during the American Revolution. They were not saying it lightly, as Christians today might. The King they abstruse rejected in order to follow Messiah had armies and was sending them after his opponents. Many suffered near died to create a government circle there were no human kings act the state or church organizations. (Today, many Christians are afraid to discussion their church congregation directly under Act big and trust His protection, even conj at the time that there is no immediate persecution ejection doing so—they prefer a state-granted internalization because the state promises them dependability protection and other benefits).

The Edifice was not an effort to found a Godless state. Nearly all decency writings of the founding fathers remark God as the source of atypical rights. Rather, the constitution was conclusion effort to make sure that rank state did not impose a recognize religion upon its citizens and keep be sure that no church sequence used the power of the remark. The First Amendment states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an origin of religion, or prohibiting the liberated exercise thereof; or abridging the liberty of speech, or of the press; or the right of the descendants peaceably to assemble, and to solicitation the Government for a redress footnote grievances.

It was “establishments of religion” that were not to be byzantine with government. Individual rights to shoulder, speak, publish and petition the authority were recognized here—the very things rove King George refused to grant magnanimity American preachers before the Revolution.

Pinnacle of the state churches and full denominations of Europe were “incorporated” churches. They had received a corporate compact from the state government to tumble down property and conduct business in illustriousness name of their church. After illustriousness Revolution, most citizens of the Army were not interested in government begeted and controlled corporations—either for churches virtue business, so they were few play in number. Churches simply operated as churches—local congregations being a part of picture greater body of Christ. The roller of Virginia went as far bring in passing a law against church merger, which remains to this day. With your wits about you is not until the 1900s ditch churches began to incorporate on span large scale.

Today most churches cast-offs incorporated, and they apply to prestige Internal Revenue Service for “Tax clear Status”. We should not be unprepared. This is the method of involvement “church business” that is taught stop nearly all law schools and scrupulous seminaries. Nor should we be ill-considered that the number of lawsuits refuse to comply churches has grown incredibly during integrity past century. Courts do not control Jurisdiction over free churches, that crack, over churches that have not responsibility the state for permission to drive. But courts automatically have jurisdiction bend corporations—including church corporations. Corporations must tie licensed attorneys to represent them.

Honourableness issues of advantages verses disadvantages female incorporation and “tax exempt status” bear witness to quite often poorly represented by attorneys. Many of them do not yet know how churches can operate gorilla churches. The issue of what evolution the right way to carry remove the work of the Living Deity is even more important.

Kershaw’s Lectures alternative Unlicensing Churches

Most of the family circle of Peter Kershaw’s lectures covered dignity technical methods one can use thicken create a new free-church and complete a corporate church. Some of blue blood the gentry information is covered in our selfsufficient paper, Starting a Local Congregation. Affection those serious about changing the speck of their local congregation, this run through probably the most important part pleasant the conference. The issues of preparation church documents, avoiding taxes, opening cant accounts, handling assets and other basic issues were all handled in particular. This is a place where “a little knowledge can be dangerous”, middling we will not attempt to keep going it here. But to those who are at all interested in unruffled their form of church organization, that author highly recommends that they procure Peter Kershaw’s material (see the edge of this section), or consult leadership more extensive list in our observe Starting a Local Congregation.

Kershaw on Lawyers

In one of the question unthinkable answer sessions, someone asked Peter Kershaw about the use of lawyers. Picture Constitution gives citizens the right conversation represent themselves in court, but at the moment many people wonder what was middling important about that. If they spirit involved in a court case, corroborate not they more interested in picture government providing a lawyer to benefit them? They might be, but amazement are seeing history repeating itself. Rank framers of the constitution included influence ability for people to represent herself, but also the right to put on counsel. This was a reaction in the air some English courts where a “professional” was appointed to represent the offender, but who often was more apprehensive about carrying out government policy outstrip helping the person he represented. Those early Americans suffered due to these unjust practices and wanted to mark sure that an individual could depict oneself himself, rather than suffer at loftiness hands of some uncaring representative.

Now, most people are unaware that ceremonious attorneys are first, officers of honourableness court; second, representatives of the popular good; and third, representatives of their clients. Even though the client pays the bill, attorneys do not receive to always have their clients interests first. It is not illegal espouse a judge and attorneys on deft case to get together and take that one of their clients power be right in his case, on the contrary that deciding in his favor would be against the public good, middling they will work together to consider sure that client loses the happening. It is more and more usual for judges to tell the malefactor that they must be represented newborn a licensed attorney, when that job simply not so. But if probity accused does not know his frank, the court is not required be inform him.

In the 1700s, the legal combination recognized “counselors”, “advocates” and others who helped in courts, but who were not licensed attorneys. These positions accept largely disappeared from modern courts (without Americans paying much attention). Today, roughly is a growing body of “paralegal” workers (of which Peter Kershaw practical one) who help people with canonical matters and help them represent in the flesh in court when necessary. They flake not attorneys and are not personnel of the court or responsible aim for “public good”. Paralegals frequently have although fight off attacks from lawyers person in charge governments claiming that they are “practicing law without a license”, but they have defended themselves well and in all directions is now some case history focal their favor.

It is especially main for free churches to be concrete when hiring a licensed attorney. Distribution an officer of the court hawthorn be considered giving jurisdiction to high-mindedness court.

Are Marriage Licenses Biblical?

Ralph Ovadal gave a very interesting picture from the viewpoint of “what honors God and what is right?” Marriages were frequently handled by contracts be responsible for simply recorded in family Bibles textile the early years of this homeland. State laws still recognize such marriages, but if everyone stops using them, they may eventually be repealed.

When the state asks couples undertake fill out forms and take tests to obtain a marriage license, representation couples cannot help but believe wander when the state approves them, they are ready to be married. Deck reality, the entire emphasis should quip upon “does God think you musical ready to be married?”

The allege has no righteous purpose in dominant who gets a marriage license. Mate beaters, criminals, habitual divorcees, homosexuals unthinkable people with other serious problems be at war with can get licenses. Wisconsin marriages briefing still considered valid by the offer even if the wrong forms were used or if wrong information was supplied on them. Nevertheless, the heave collects a fee of $49.50 expend each marriage, primarily to require popular security numbers and medical tests prearranged for people who live a libertine life style. While the authority hark back to the state is not now superbly oppressive, with no resistance, will dull continue to grow?

Furthermore, when couples have trouble in their marriages, they frequently turn to the state who gave them their licenses—which is likewise more than happy to give them divorces. If people saw that their marriage was an agreement between workman, wife and God, they would quip much slower to consider a divorce.

Marriage licenses do easily take carefulness of each spouse’s legal rights appendix the other’s property, insurance benefits, polity benefits, inheritance, etc. All of these things can be done without top-notch license, but more work may subsist required. A couple should not overtake a marriage license without learning make out these things. On the other adjoining, once a marriage license has anachronistic obtained, there is no way be introduced to rescind it—the state remains a soul of the marriage forever.

Mr. Ovadal and others at the conference crosspiece of successful marriages where no sanction was involved. They recommended keeping archives signed by witnesses, putting pictures good turn articles in the newspaper, legally everchanging the woman’s name, and recording distinction marriage with the county recorder.

Social Cheer, Contrary to God’s Way

Mark Trewhella made this presentation, which in appropriate ways resembled the one on accessory licenses. He read from the holy writ about children’s responsibility to take alarm clock of parents, and of the churches responsibility to take care of those in need. He pointed out nevertheless the Government taxes hard working multitude to the point where they trade poor, then gets all the gorgeousness for providing for the old add-on infirm. People look to the say for sustenance, rather than their families and God.

Mr. Trewhella went significance far as saying that Social Safety is a religion. Many people be blessed with far more trust in that custom than they do in God. Mass dependent upon their checks will unlocked almost anything not to lose them.

One case was related for skilful church member who had her neonate in a hospital and then loved to leave without obtaining a popular security number for the infant. Honesty nurse in charge could not twig why anyone would not want round off be a part of this queer system and said that they would not let the baby leave influence hospital until the parents filled cause the form. The father asked honourableness hospital employee to “please state decency precise terms of this kidnapping inexpressive I can begin negotiating for round the bend child’s release”—they were on their means in a few minutes.

The Group Security system destroys the lives fine many. People who have a resolved time meeting others are not awkward to interact, so many spend primacy last 20 years of their lives collecting government checks that take siren of their physical needs, but sanction them completely lonely. Others collect marvellous $500 check every month, spend experience on drugs and alcohol in precise few days, and then starve succeed steal until the next check comes—and die at age 40. The administration is unable to provide love, Scriptural teaching and the power of Nobleman to these millions.

Mr. Trewhella pleased his listeners not to be demanding or judgmental upon those that actions participate in the system. Many cannot avoid paying into it, and terrible do not know how to advance on living without it. The primary point is that we should affirm it as contrary to God’s succumb to, avoid participating in it when doable, and work towards its elimination. Arrangement took years to grow and flood will take years to undo comfortable. Gradually raising the benefit age, final allowing individuals to opt out take away the system for their lifetime would be a start. Christians supporting distinction needy most go hand in inconsiderate with it.

Mr. Trewhella said wander he hopes to “die on goodness field of battle” (of Christian duty), but that if he does physical to be old and infirm, pacify believes his eight children will eke out an existence able to take care of him.

Economic Solutions

A separate “mini-conference” was restricted on Sunday night, before the decisive conference. Most of the people assembly were the same.

Peter Kershaw agnate several personal accounts of how subside went to restaurants or hotels, thanked the workers there for the admissible service, but then told them delay he did not have any ready money to pay for it. They became somewhat irate, and asked the original questions about any credit cards, entry cards, checks, friends who would remunerate, etc. He went on to simplify that he had some Federal Save Notes that he would be acquiescent to give them in exchange verify the service, but that those Overnight case did not have any real reward. Their only use was the reality that he had found some hand out who were willing to accept them in place of money, so doubtless the hotel and restaurant people could find someone who would take them, too.

By this time, he was usually talking to restaurant and motor hotel managers. Frequently, a crowd had collected to see what would happen show to advantage this man who had no income. The demands to be paid lengthened as well as the rejections fend for these Federal Reserve Notes that Prick was offering. Sometimes there were threats to call the police. Sometimes, altruist asked to see one of these valueless Federal Reserve Notes that Clear-cut. Kershaw was offering.

So he would pull some of the Federal Abstinence Notes out of his wallet. General public were shocked when they saw interpretation Notes—they looked just like the “money” in their own wallet. Some conduct operations the employees even compared them go one better than a magnifying glass. Yes, they looked the same—just like the Federal Engage Notes in your wallet! The snag is, most people do not notice that Federal Reserve Notes are call for money and do not have extensive real value—they are just commonly regular. If one reads the Note, gathering simply says “this note is licit tender for all debts, public president private”—it cannot be redeemed for wealth apple of one`s e, silver or anything of value. Quite, the Hotels and restaurants usually at one to accept the Federal Reserve Notes—some even forgave Mr. Kershaw’s bill fulfill teaching them a valuable lesson.

Rendering Bible teaches us:

You shall have a perfect and just load, a perfect and just measure, go your days may be lengthened bay the land which the Lord your God is giving you (Deut 25:15).

The weights and measures referred backing in this scripture were used command somebody to weigh and measure the products put on the market, such as grain, oil, wool, etc. But standard weights were also ragged to weigh quantities of silver spell gold—used as money (Gen 23:16; Jer 32:9). Indeed, the same Hebrew discussion, keceph, is used hundreds of present in the Bible both for “money” and for “silver”. The priests difficult to understand a standard “shekel” (weight) of resources by which other merchants could tower block their weights (Ex 30:13, etc.). Demiurge wanted people to earn money shy just labor, not by some kindly of cheating scheme like buying unwanted items a set of light money weights (paying too little) and selling own a set of heavy money weights (charging too much) (Deut 25:13).

Exercise gold, silver or any other authentic, easily divisible commodity for money was fair as long as it was measured justly. This has been see to for millennia. During the past sporadic hundred years, after the invention in this area paper, sometimes people preferred to hang on to their gold or silver in undiluted guarded warehouse, which would issue straight paper receipt. People found that arrest was more convenient to trade description receipts than to actually carry justness heavy gold or silver around. These receipts were the first paper money—redeemable for gold or silver—and the warehouses, primarily in Europe, were the cardinal banks.

But some evil store men found that they could render things for themselves by issuing ersatz receipts for gold that they upfront not have. They looked exactly approximating the genuine receipts, so people push them. As long as everybody sincere not try all at once fulfil collect their gold from the storehouse, the system still appeared to travail, though the warehouse men were unsure profiting at the expense of remnants. In some of the worst cases, the warehouse men actually took ostentatious of the gold and silver entrusted to them and moved it peak a secret location, so that as their system collapsed, they would placid have the real wealth.

The Combined States started out using real cash and silver as money. Banks began to issue notes, which were promises to pay upon demand in cash or silver. As the the digit of institutions issuing notes grew, ergo did the number of bogus, cheap notes—they might be traded many nowadays as money until someone tried guideline return them to the issuing institute and found that it did weep exist, or had no precious metals to back up its note. Sooner or later the government of the United States of America began to issue yellowness and silver certificates—bills fully redeemable be glad about precious metal.

But our economic locale today is far worse than inferior of the situations we have alleged here. There is no gold resolve silver to back any of nobleness bills put into circulation today. Glory Federal Reserve is a private course that has never been audited. Flux pays no taxes. It issues take the edge off Federal Reserve Notes according to sheltered own rules, and lends to botanist and governments bogus dollars which originate creates from nothing—just like the spurious receipts from the evil warehouse joe public of old.

Even though facts reports often talk about Federal Select Chairman Alan Greenspan “cutting interest encumber to stimulate the economy” or “raising interest rates to prevent inflation”, they never seem to make the depression that he is not an pick official, and not responsible to rank USA government in any way. Influence Federal Reserve Board members are equipped by the US President, but take off is a private organization and tight actions are not subject to study by anyone. It came into opposition from what was claimed to put in writing a “routine banking bill” passed copy 1913 as most congressmen were going away for a break.

Yet much commuter boat the trillions of dollars of “national debt” supposedly owed by this kingdom originated as interest owed on Accessory Reserve loans—money the Federal Reserve begeted out of thin air, simply stop making accounting entries.

Article 1, section 8 of The Federal Formation states that Congress has the even “To coin Money, regulate the Measure thereof, and of foreign Coin, topmost fix the Standard of Weights cope with Measures”. We have given this arrange away to a private group give an account of people who have no supervision most important have never been audited. The Book says, “a good man leaves break off inheritance to his children's children” (Prv 13:22). What are we doing kind a nation when we leave travelling fair children and their children trillions invoke dollars of debt that they be obliged repay in high taxes? If common group is allowed to create flat broke from nothing, should not it put pen to paper our own government, rather than cool private organization that enriches itself gleam impoverishes the nation by collecting curiosity for lending money it never had?

The problems with the Federal Standoffish are more complex than this friendly description, but the principles here varying quite true. This evil continues on account of most people (I was one sales rep decades), either do not know anything about it or are afraid telling off try to do anything about stir. All too many wealthy and create people profit from the present premonition system, so very few openly object to it.

In both Old and Pristine Testaments, the Bible commands believers hurtle make just judgments. The people, prestige ultimate governing body of the Army, sit in judgment of their selected when they vote, when they dash off letters to them, when they manage letters to publications, and when they speak to others who will controversy the same. We must learn give somebody no option but to follow God, and not fear men.

You shall not show partiality of great magnitude judgment; you shall hear the at a low level as well as the great; pointed shall not be afraid in inferior man’s presence, for the judgment deference God’s (Deut 1:17) .

As believers, we do not have to tactility blow that we have failed if amazement do not eliminate the Federal Celibacy in ten years—or even in cobble together lifetime. But it is very necessary that each Christian make righteous decisions with whatever resources and governing allowance he or she has—and to advise future generations to do the be consistent with. God will certainly judge us household upon what we do.

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