Call to Decision

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Welcome to Call to Decision

The Wake-Up Herald

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11-14

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Robert McCurry, Editor & Publisher

October 9, 2009

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The Lord’s Church and

today’s pseudo-‘churches’

Part Five

by Robert McCurry

The word ‘church’ is one of the most familiar words in the English language. Most people accept the secular dictionary definition of ‘church’ to be, “n. A building for public, especially Christian worship”. Of course, “church” is not a building. It is sad and unfortunate that many pastors and churches do not know, or have forgotten, the biblical meaning of the word church in the New Testament.

A brief review of ‘church’ from previous article

The biblical definition of the word ‘church’ as used by Jesus is: “The called out ones.” The Greek world recognized that this word ekklesia was the designation of any assembly of the whole body of citizens who were "called out" by the herald for the orderly discussion and decision of public business. For example, the town meeting or "assembly" (ekklesia) at Ephesus in Acts 19:39, 41.

But Jesus distinguished His ‘Church’ from this type of secular called out town meeting by describing it as “My Church.” Thus, the Lord’s Church consists of those who the Lord calls out from the world to Himself. The Lord’s Church is a visible assembly of born again, baptized believers in Christ who have repented of their sins and are seeking to live in obedience to God’s Word.

The Lord’s Church is an assembly of which Jesus Christ is the living Head, the Holy Spirit is the Administrator, and God’s Word is the sole Authority for its Faith and Practice. ~End Review

Today, as in New Testament times, every “church” is not a Lord’s Church. Look in the yellow pages of a telephone directory under the heading of “Churches” and you will find a listing of the mainline evangelical, protestant, denominational, independent churches. It would be necessary to examine each church biblically to determine its status as a true Lord’s Church. Some are. Some are not. But you will also find intermingled in this list of churches other “churches” that are clearly not the Lord’s Church based on their self-proclaimed doctrine: Catholic, Christian Science, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormon, Salvation Army, Scientology, Seventh Day Adventist, Unitarian. In some major cities “Eckankar”, “church of Satan”, and “Wicca” are also included in the church list.

Are these “churches” that are not the Lord’s Church a “church”? Using the definition of ecclesia, the answer is “yes” since they are simply a “called out assembly” for their religious purposes. But a “church” is not a “Lord’s Church” simply because it includes “church” in its name.

The Lord’s Church that Christ promised to build is His Church. He purchased His Church with His own blood. He is the Foundation, the Chief Cornerstone, the Master Builder, the Head, the Sanctifier, and the Perfecter of His Church.

Christ: The Exclusive Head of His Church

Just as a wife is to have only one head—one husband—so the Lord’s Church is to have only one Head—Christ. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body” (Eph 5:23).

In describing the relationship of husband and wife in marriage, Paul said, “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph 5:32). That is, the Lord’s Church is to be the pattern for marriage; as Christ is the exclusive Head of His Church, so the husband is to be the exclusive head of his wife.

For a husband and wife to enter into a duel or multi-head marriage arrangement would dishonor and adulterate the marriage. Likewise, for the Lord’s Church to enter into a duel or multi-head arrangement with another authority dishonors and adulterates the Lord’s Church. Anything with more than one head is an anomaly—“n. something that deviates from the normal; an irregularity; Deviation or departure from the normal or common order, form, or rule”; a freak—“n. a person, animal, plant, or thing that is abnormal or deformed; A thing or occurrence that is markedly unusual or irregular; An impulsive, often illogical turn of mind.”

How churches become duel and multi-head churches

1, Incorporation. A corporation is defined as:

Corporation. An artificial person or legal entity created by or under the authority of the laws of a state. An association of persons created by statute as a legal entity.

· A corporation is “a creature of the State.”

· The State is "sovereign" over the corporation.

· The corporation is “incorporated for the benefit of the public.”

· A corporation is a State “franchise.”

· Incorporation is a State “privilege.”

· A corporation is “subject to the laws of the State.”

· “Its powers are limited by law.”

· It must “obey the laws of its creation.”

· A corporation has no constitutionally-protected rights.

The early Lord’s Church refused, either voluntarily or under the threat of persecution/prosecution/death, to submit its jurisdiction to civil authorities and willingly suffered for its refusal to accept "State approval, privileges, and benefits."

Although church incorporation is completely voluntary in America, a vast number—probably the majority—of churches “volunteer” to submit to State jurisdiction by incorporating. Thus, a Lord’s Church that incorporates enters into a duel head arrangement.

2. Churches and “Tax exemption” status

Another way a church becomes a duel or multi-head church is by volunteering for tax exempt status. Although churches, according to the IRS, are not required to apply for a “tax exempt” status, many churches--probably a majority--have voluntarily applied to be an approved “tax exempt” organization/church. In order to be considered for an approved tax-exempt status by the IRS, an organization may voluntarily apply for the “tax exempt” recognition/approval by submitting IRS Form 1023. However, regarding churches and church ministries, the IRS states in its Publication 557:

Some organizations are not required to file Form 1023. These include:

Churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or associations of churches, or integrated auxiliaries of a church, such as a men’s or women’s organization, religious school, mission society, or youth group. These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3).

According to IRS Code § 508(c)(1)(A):

Special rules with respect to section 501(c)(3) organizations.

(a) New organizations must notify secretary that they are applying for recognition of section 501(c)(3) status.

(1) Mandatory exceptions. Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to—

(A) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches.

Thus, we see from the IRS’ own publications, and the tax code, that it is unnecessary for any church to voluntarily apply for tax-exempt status.

Why then do churches covet and clamor for an “approved” IRS “tax exempt” status when it is not required to have one? My experience in talking to pastors is that they do so because they fear church contributors will withhold their tithes and offerings if they think they are unable to claim them as a “tax deduction” on their annual tax return. Simply stated, such contributors desire and demand that they receive a tax “discount” for such contributions. Like-minded Christians are dishonoring to the Lord and His Church. And a church that does not have a stated position on biblical stewardship and “tax deductible gifts” is a pseudo ‘church”.

pseudo – a person who makes deceitful pretenses, faker, imposter, role player, sham, shammer, pretender, fraud, fake, beguiler, cheater, deceiver, trickster, slicker, cheat - someone who leads you to believe something that is not true.

3. Church Debt

Another way a church becomes a duel or multi-head church is by volunteering for debt. God’s Word is clear regarding debt: “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Prov 22:7).

The Lord’s Church is to be an example and model the biblical formula regarding debt and usury. It will be wise to read and heed the words of Isaiah 24 regarding this subject:

Isa 24:1 Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. 2. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. 3. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word.”

Today, the worst economic crisis in history grips America. Not only is there a continuing escalation of unprecedented bankruptcy and home foreclosures, many churches have also experienced bankruptcy and property foreclosure. An increasing number of other churches are facing a similar fate.

Church incorporation, the IRS approved tax exemption status, and church mortgage debts are not a problem with pseudo ‘churches’. But even the Lord’s Church can become entangled in these duel and multi-head biblical violations.

The solution?

Repent and biblically correct what needs to be corrected. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Prov 3:5-7).

Hear the Word of the Lord

1 Peter 4:17 “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

Wake-up, Pastors! Wake-up Christians!

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The Wake-Up Herald is published by Robert McCurry. The publication is designed to exalt the true God of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, and inform, inspire, and challenge its readers regarding biblical truth and real-life issues. The contents are the sole responsibility of Robert McCurry and do not represent or speak for or on behalf of any other person or group. There is no subscription charge. The publication is a ministry of faith and dependent on the contributions of its readers. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Send all correspondence to: Robert McCurry, 605 Moore Rd, Newnan, GA 30263 or herbap@aol.com Remove?