13 ¶ And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
The fundamentalists and the politically oriented religious party try to catch Him. Just imagine what it looked like to God when Pensacola Christian College testified against Kent Hovind, consorting with the IRS to imprison an evangelist who had had great success in debating against evolution. PCC and the Federal Government are far apart in their beliefs but united in attacking someone working for Christ.
14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Here is the question for us in this time. Do we pay taxes or not? Is not the authority unlawful and isn’t the IRS illegal according to our Constitution? Yes, it is. Wasn’t the amendment that permitted taxing our income the way it is done gotten by lying and corruption? Yes, it was.
15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at him.
Here is your answer. You might refuse to pay your taxes for personal reasons, as a form of rebellion. Maybe its a form of protest. But don’t refuse to pay your taxes and use God as an excuse. You register your church as a tax exempt organization so you can get your people to donate money to your church organization so that they can deduct it from their taxes. You make your church an agent of the state and, in essence, ask the IRS’ permission for certain allowances, and then you complain. Once you make yourself an agent of the state you have no right to complain about the state (government). If Christians didn't participate in the credit economy and seek tax exemptions and the same benefits as everyone else from Caesar, in other words if they didn't support the corrupt system by helping to bankroll it these issues wouldn't arise.
What is Caesar’s? Anything he wants to take since he has the force to take it. If you don’t like the tax code, work to change it through the courts. Don’t refuse to pay. Don’t shoot the tax collector. If you choose to enter into a barter arrangement don't trumpet it and draw attention to yourself.
What is God’s?
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
These aren’t taxable.
What is not Caesar’s? Worship of the king or of the state is not Caesar’s. This is something American Christians seem to be misguided on. Your children belong to God. They are not Caesar’s. You are responsible for their education in God and if you surrender them to the state you are wicked and worship the state. The state has no regard for God. If you turn your children over to the state you are willing to have the Godless civil religion indoctrinate your children against God.
Pay your taxes, obey the laws that don’t go against your commission to preach the Risen Saviour to the lost, educate your children in Christ, pray privately, read your Bible, live in a Godly fashion, or display the fruits (proofs) of the Spirit of God in you.
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