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NATSARIM ASSEMBLY OF YHWH 15402 E 540 Road Colcord, OK 74338-2862
The Natsarim Assembly of YHWH
We are a part of the New Covenant Israelites, of the faith of Abraham; reconciled through a Spiritual adoption to eternal life through our Messiah Yahshua, by the grace of Yahweh. The Natsarim Assembly of YHWH maintains a true, Natural Israelite faith, as evidenced by the Words written in our Scriptures, and by the Words "written in our hearts and minds"; the genetic (DNA) coding within us, and of course as evidenced by the awesome harmony of the world and universe around us. The ecclesiastical organization of our membership exclusively embodies the one and only Israelite Assembly that Yahweh founded and of which Yahshua the Messiah became High Priest. Our membership traces back to the original called out ones, which we exclusively maintain in a natural state as called by Yahweh and founded in our Messiah. As in the natural world around us, life exists only as Yahweh gives it, hence the life of the Spirit within Yahweh's Assembly is as natural as the life within His trees. The natural and true Assembly of Yahweh is a Spiritual organism; a collection of those called and chosen by Yahweh, the One True-YHWH -Almighty, where His "membership is registered in heaven". We are NOT "Christians", although we believe in Yahshua the Messiah, which many erroneously refer to as Jesus Christ. Natural Faith is an elementary aspect of the human condition. Natural Theology is defined as the knowledge of Yahweh, the Almighty-YHWH (and immortality) which is logically and naturally dependent upon revelation. This science of Natural Theology has in its being the most profound and abstruse of any, requiring the most mature judgment in its students. A mind enriched with all of the other sciences, can safely trust it. There is nothing more natural or self-evident than Yahweh's plain truth that He has so graciously and clearly written in the hearts and minds of His beloved children (in our DNA, whether we believe it or not), which justly compels the Natsarim Assembly of YHWH to acknowledge its pre-eminence over all un-natural evangelical church congregations or assemblies which unwittingly proclaim, by incorporating their membership organization and or by copyrighting their material, that the un-natural, or artificial man-made laws of the "state" supersede the laws of Almighty Yahweh! Unlike all other worldly church organizations, we function in obedience to Yahweh without reliance upon or support from artificial incorporation, copyrights or other man-made rules, regulations, or un-natural worldly devices.
Are We the "True Church"? Let's start with "what" a church is. The word "church" is a poor English translation for the Greek "ekklesia". A proper transliteration would be "congregation", or loosely, "a group or an assembly of people". In Renewed Covenant Scriptural usage, the general intent was to use the word to define those people that were the "called out ones"; the ones with a willingness to be obedient to Yahweh and with faith in Yahshua's resurrection. All of those "called out" are called out of this world, meaning out from among the entire human race - out from the "worldly", by Yahweh and by Yahweh alone, hence they are literally "His Assembly".
Now let's go to "who"
makes up those called into Yahweh's Assembly. First, He has called His people of
the physical birthright of Jacob, whose name was changed by Yahweh, to "Israel".
These people originally called by Yahweh under the Old Covenant were and
are comprised of thirteen tribes emanating from Israel's twelve sons,
[original twelve tribes plus the resulting thirteenth when Joseph's tribe split
into Ephraim and Manasseh]. These thirteen tribes represent a lot more people
than simply the "Jews", or the single tribe of Judah – which are not Jews, as
many people (including modern Jews) erroneously believe. Thus all of Yahweh's children have been called by Yahweh and have been freely offered Yahweh's gift of eternal salvation through His grace, with the inherent right to accept or reject that gift, which is literally our option to choose to believe Yahweh and repent, or to choose not to do so. Everyone on this planet is a child of Yahweh, therefore by His Covenants and through His Spirit, Yahweh has "called" everyone into His Israelite Assembly according to His good and perfect will. And He has even had this written down as a testimony to us, so that we are without excuse. Therefore the big question is not whether Yahweh's Assembly is the true "church" or not, that is elementary. Rather the big question is, who will answer Yahweh's call - who will recognize and respond to His most gracious invitation and enjoy being a part of His Natural Israelite Assembly in this lifetime? Those who accept Yahweh's gift in this lifetime will receive eternal salvation and those that do not accept it in this lifetime, will not - yet. Yahweh's plan allows for only a few - the "remnant" of the Messiah's original followers to "answer His call"; to avoid the deceptive lure of Satan's myriad of false churches and accept His gift in this lifetime, while most will have to wait until during, the "thousand years" before they too will enjoy the opportunity to accept His gift without any associated deception. But in the end, Yahweh declares that it is His desire that "the whole world" be saved—though some will refuse by disobedience. When you fully understand His many prophecies on this matter, it becomes clear that literally "almost" the entire world will be saved, it simply comes down to a matter of when, and how much tribulation some may have to endure in this lifetime as a result of the associated deceptions. The truth is, only Yahweh knows who has succeeded in this lifetime! In Yahweh's Assembly, "membership is registered in heaven". We can only know if Yahweh has accepted us into His congregation or assembly by our own spiritual discernment, because the "things of Yahweh are spiritually discerned". But we can also know of many worldly deceptions and take steps to avoid them. One such masterfully crafted deception, is man's advent of the many artificial "churches" and "synagogues", virtually all of which are Satan's tools. We cannot belong to Yahweh and to mammon at the same time! All churches and synagogues, whether or not they are incorporated under man's law, or if they are organized by man in any fashion pursuant to, or under some aspect of international rule or convention, are subject to man's law, and deviously or deceptively, and maliciously or unwittingly, they place man's law as superior to Yahweh's law, and do thereby declare man's law as their sovereign authority! Merely operating or assembling under the artificial name of a "church" or "synagogue" is the first sign of this deception and is contrary to everything truly scriptural! All such incorporated or man-organized churches are indeed artificial - and maintain artificial, or man-made baptismal and membership records "on earth", and often maintain reliance upon man-made copyrights and other artificial protections in direct competition to Yahweh our Almighty, in spite of His clear and multiple warnings on these topics, and in spite of their most noble efforts to dissuade otherwise. For the most part, their leaders are so deceived that they either cannot even recognize, or they refuse to recognize these warning signs, even when they are brought to their attention! The bottom line is that only Yahweh can create things that are natural, and all things created by Yahweh are indeed natural, whereas everything man creates is by definition, artificial, and man has no capacity to create anything that is natural. All of man's churches are artificial, man-made constructs - they comprise Satan's greatest deception! Does this mean that membership in one of these artificial churches or synagogues eliminates the possibility of receiving Yahweh's gift of eternal salvation'? Of course not! Yahweh knows that almost the "whole world" will be deceived by this very issue of false churches administered by false church leaders: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of the Messiah. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing that his [false] ministers transform themselves into ministers of righteousness..." (2 Corinthians 11:7 thru 15). This is why, in Yahweh's all knowing and all compassionate plan, He has allowed for those that are deceived in this lifetime by such things as memberships in man's many false churches or synagogues, the opportunity to repent and receive their eternal salvation during the “thousand years”. We recognize that there is nothing more natural or self-evident than Yahweh's plain truth that He has so graciously and clearly written in the hearts and minds of His beloved children which justly compels the Natsarim Assembly of YHWH to acknowledge its pre-eminence over all un-natural Jewish Synagogues or evangelical churches, which unwittingly proclaim by incorporating and or by copyrighting their material, that the un-natural, or artificial man-made laws of the "state" supersede the laws of Yahweh, our true Almighty!! The following excerpt is taken from a Provincial (Canadian) government's Not-for-Profit Incorporator's Handbook on special organizations including churches, synagogues, religious organizations, non-profit and charitable organizations. Similar, if not identical man-made [artificial] "statute" law exists in virtually every province, state or country in the world: "Special situations of religious organizations...Religious organizations should consider certain issues carefully before INCORPORATING. GOVERNING LAW: If a religious organization becomes incorporated, its ecclesiastical, canon or church laws, rules or regulations may be subject to the CORPORATIONS ACT. This means that if any ecclesiastical, [Scriptural] canon or church law, rule or regulation conflicts with the CORPORATIONS ACT, the organization once incorporated, MUST comply with the CORPORATIONS ACT and will no longer be able to use that [Scriptural] law, rule or regulation in administering its affairs." [We added the underlining for our emphasis.] There goes Scriptural law right out the proverbial window for any incorporated church or synagogue, regardless of their most noble efforts to dissuade otherwise!! The leaders of ALL traditional "Christian" churches, whether Catholic, Protestant, denominational, non-denominational or otherwise, as well as Jewish Synagogues, have no idea they have unwittingly put man's artificial GOVERNMENTS and artificial laws as sovereign and superior before Yahweh's true government and law on earth; His Natural Assembly and His Natural Scriptures. They have done so by incorporating under and binding themselves to man's artificial, un-natural and inferior laws! Yahweh's law as set forth in His Scripures makes that perfectly clear to anyone that can actually read AND understand it, but here we have an example written in the simple language of man's law for everyone to see. Even regular assemblies of well-intentioned people, held under the un-incorporated name of a "church" or "synagogue", for a period longer than six months, constitute a "legally" recognized "church" or "synagogue" in the eyes of the state, pursuant to the same Common Law traditions that formally recognize the "legality" of marriage between a man and woman that have lived together for more than six months.
Nicolatians & The True Assembly
The root of the word through historical evaluation shows us that the word Nicolaitans comes from Greek "nikao", to conquer or overcome, and "laos", which means people, and which the word laity comes from. The two words together in this context means the "conquering, or destruction of the people" and refers to the earliest form of what we call a priestly order or clergy, which later on in the history of the Assembly divided people by condoning leadership other than that ordained of Yahweh. A good translation of Nicolaitan would be "those who prevail over the people." This clerical system later developed into the papal hierarchy of priests and clergy over the laity. In fact, the Council of Trent admittedly stated, and continues to hold that, "If anyone shall say that there is not in the Catholic Church a hierarchy established by the divine ordination, consisting of bishops, presbyters and ministers, let him be anathema." Yahweh clearly renounces the Roman Catholic Church, calling it the great "Harlot", and as many students of the Scriptures are aware, Yahweh also refers to the Roman Catholic organization as "Babylon the Great". The word "Babylon" in Scriptural usage is synonymous with "Sin" and only once when making this one reference to the Roman Catholic Church, does Yahweh use the Phrase "Babylon the Great"! This very idea was taken over by all of the Protestants and subsequently by all non-denominational professing Christian churches, with the deceptive corruption of the congregation by the institution of their own artificial leadership, even if it includes just one "Pastor". This same manner of man-made hierarchy prevails in all man-made "churches", and indeed is a revealing "sign" of this very thing. The Congregation that the Messiah founded, is the one and only true Assembly that remains unadulterated by man; or otherwise, it remains in its "natural" state as designed and built by its Founder! The Congregation of Ephesus was commended for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans. The separation of clergy from the laity is a great evil in Yahweh's sight and by His words. He hates such lust for religious power. There is an ungodly spiritual authority in the organized man-made Churches today, which is nothing more than the prideful spirit of control, manipulation, domination, intimidation and a rebellion of the rightful authority of Yahweh. Many, and indeed most professing Christian churches today, have instituted authoritarian bodies to govern their membership, having at their core, all manner of rules and regulations for the proper conduct and potential "eviction" of their members from their church! If, as the Messiah clearly states, that membership in His Congregation is "registered in heaven", then one must wonder how and by what authority they access heaven to change the records! Indeed "almost the whole world" has been deceived as prophesied; blinded by man's own arrogance regarding this very issue. How obvious it should be to those led by the Spirit of Yahweh, that no man or group of men can by any means take leadership precedence over our One and only High Priest, ordained by Yahweh as our "High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 5:6). Any formal organization of a hierarchy of men within a church has at its core and by definition, the essential premise that it is man-made, or un-natural. Why else were we commanded: "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi' [Father, Reverend, Teacher, Priest, Minister, Pastor]; for One is your Teacher, the Messiah, AND YOU ARE ALL BRETHREN. Do not call anyone on earth your father [with spiritual reverence]; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Messiah" (Matt. 23:8-10). Clearly, in the true Congregation of Yahweh, there must be no man-made hierarchy. Within the book of Revelation chapters 2 and 3, "the deeds of the Nicolations" are revealed solely for the purpose of pointing out this very thing. These verses clearly set forth that we are to look for this artificial or man-made hierarchy of men within the churches, as a "sign", and that we are to compare these un-natural "deeds of the Nicolations" to the natural ordinances of Yahweh, to ensure that we are indeed following our true Leader, and thereby avoiding this deceptive trap with all of its many false teachings and beliefs. Our Scriptures hold Yahweh's revelation of the "deeds of the Nicolations" for good reason. The purpose for revealing this sign cannot be made to serve any other purpose, than to allow us to distinguish between the natural or Yahweh-made, and the un-natural or man-made, no matter how noble the effort to try may be.
The Whole Truth About Church Incorporation Notes: 1. In this article, the word "Church" does not refer to any physical building, but refers to the whole body of believers in the Messiah. The word "church" is translated from the Greek word ekklesia, which literally means "assembly" or "congregation" of people; it does not refer to any physical building. Keep that in mind when reading this article. Thus in this article, it may mean the true Israelite believers, or it may mean the believers in false traditional Christian or Jewish religions. 2. Throughout this article many U.S. laws, regulations and references have been cited. In Canada, Western Europe, the British Common Wealth, and almost all of the countries in the world, the same things apply, just different terminology is used. Joshua challenged the people: "choose you this day whom you will serve." (Joshua 24:15). Today, government is demanding a similar choice. Today the world assumes that the assembly is the church because it is registered with, and defined by, the State. The following is intended merely to provide an overview, an introduction to the whole issue of the Church and incorporation. In addition, its purpose is not meant to be a criticism of the many well meaning Christian men and women who have labored for Yahweh in these matters, but simply as a supplemental guide for the avoidance of "rendering unto Caesar" that which is not and should not be his. We shall endeavor to explore the relationship between, churches and corporations. So what exactly is incorporation? What really happens to an Assembly that becomes incorporated? Are there biblical principles against incorporation? First of all, let us define the word "corporation." In the strict everyday definition of the word, a corporation is "a group of people combined into or acting as one body." This word is derived from the Latin word "corpus," which means "body." In this sense, the Christian Church is indeed a corporation. It is the "corpus Christi," the "Body of the Messiah." It derives its existence and authority from its Head, the risen and victorious Son of Yahweh. It is comprised of individual members who have covenanted together to further the Messiah's Kingdom by the preaching of the Evangel and the discipling of the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). State Claims to Supersede Yahweh!! The following underlined excerpt is taken from section 6.5 of the Ontario government's Not-for-Profit Incorporator's Handbook on special organizations including churches, religious organizations, non-profit and charitable organizations. Similar, if not identical "statute" law exists in virtually every province, state or country in the world: "Special situations of religious organizations...Religious organizations should consider certain issues carefully before INCORPORATING. GOVERNING LAW: If a religious organization becomes incorporated, its ecclesiastical, canon or church laws, rules or regulations may be subject to the CORPORATIONS ACT. This means that if any ecclesiastical, canon or church law, rule or regulation conflicts with the CORPORATIONS ACT, the organization once incorporated, MUST comply with the CORPORATIONS ACT and will no longer be able to use that law, rule or regulation in administering its affairs." [We added the underlining for our emphasis.] There goes Scriptural law right out the proverbial window for any incorporated church!! The leaders of ALL traditional Christian Churches have no idea they have unwittingly put man's claimed GOVERNMENTS before Yahweh by incorporating! Yahweh's law makes that perfectly clear to anyone that can actually read AND understand it, but here we have it written in simple language in man's law for everyone to see. The Messiah is Sovereign over His Assembly The Congregation's "corporate status" is well-established in Scripture: Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27, Ephesians 1:22; 5:23b, 30, Colossians 1:18; 2:19 teach that the Messiah is clearly the head of the Assembly, and we are all members of his body. The Assembly is the visible manifestation of the Messiah's Kingdom on earth. However, as Yahshua Himself stated, "My Kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Many have misunderstood this verse to mean that neither the Assembly nor individuals should involve themselves with the affairs of the world. In what is known as "pietism," a false dichotomy is erected between the "spiritual" Kingdom and the "carnal" world. Of course, this is not what Yahshua had in mind at all. He very explicitly stated elsewhere that Israelites are to act as the "salt" of the earth and as a "light" in the world by permeating society and working to change it from within (Mat.5:13-16). This task of dominion is accomplished through the work of evangelism and discipleship, as Yahshua commanded in the Great Commission. The Israelite's purpose is indeed "worldly," insofar as it is involved in bringing the world into subjection to the Word of Yahweh (2 Cor.10:5). Thus, the true meaning of Yahshua's declaration that His Kingdom is "not of this world," is that it does not derive its authority and power from the world or its institutions. The Assembly is indeed a spiritual organization, but this simply means that it is "of His Spirit"-- it relies upon His Holy Spirit and the inspired Word for its existence, not upon the efforts or laws of men. This important detail should be kept in mind as we further study the subject of church incorporation. The State is Sovereign over its Corporations Having briefly examined the biblical definition of a corporation, let us now look at the legal definition of a corporation 1. "A corporation is a creature of the state. It is presumed to be incorporated for the benefit of the public. It receives certain special privileges and franchises and holds them subject to the laws of the state and the limitation of its charter. Its powers are limited by law. It can make no contract not authorized by its charter. Its rights to act as a corporation are only preserved to it so long as it obeys the laws of its creation. There is a reserved right in the legislature to investigate its contracts and ascertain if it has exceeded its powers" (Hale v. Henkel, 201 U.S. 43). 2. "[A corporation is] 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.... The corporation is distinct from the individuals who comprise it (shareholders).... Such an entity subsists as a body politic under a special denomination, which is regarded in law as having a personality and existence distinct from that of its several members." Black's Law Dictionary West Publishing Company, 1991; 6th Edition, page 340. 3. "A corporation derives its existence and all of its powers from the State and, therefore, has only such powers as the State has conferred upon it. Power is used here to mean the legal capacity to execute and fulfill the objects and purposes for which the corporation was created, and the source of this power is the charter and the statute under which the corporation was organized." Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 796. Note: A corporation is created by, and derives its existence from, the State. In contrast, the Assembly or Congregation is created by, a creature of, derives its existence from, subject to, and obeys the Law of, Yahweh. 4. "Corporate existence is a privilege granted by the sovereign upon compliance with specified conditions" Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 931. . 5. "Corporations are not citizens.... The term citizen... applies only to natural persons... not to artificial persons created by the legislature" Paul v. Virginia, 8 Wall. 168, 177; see also the Opinion of Field, J., in the Slaughterhouse Cases, 16 Wall.36,99. Note: Yahweh teaches that Israelites, his Assembly, are citizens of the household of Yahweh (Eph.2:19, Phil.3:10). 6. Every corporation has obtained a charter from the State of Incorporation. This charter is simply permission to exist given to the corporation, without which, its operations would be considered illegal. In addition to the charter are the articles of incorporation: "The objects or purposes for which a corporation is formed are expressly stated in its articles of incorporation, which delineate in general language the type of business activities in which the corporation proposes to engage" Smith and Roberson's Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 798. Note: Is the Assembly of Yahweh involved in any type of business activities? (Matthew 21:12, John 2:16). 7. "Instances of non-profit corporations are educational institutions, athletic clubs, library clubs, fraternities, sororities, hospitals, and organizations which have exclusively a charitable purpose" Smith and Roberson's Business Law, West Publishing Company, 1966, page 789. The reader will notice that "churches" are conspicuously absent from this list of non-profit corporations. That is because our law-makers are fully aware that incorporation involves creation, and the Assembly simply cannot be created by the State. Furthermore, the Assembly's ordained purpose of preaching the Evangel (often referred to as Gospel) can never be illegal, so no special license is required from the State to do so. Though not all of our founding fathers were genuine Israelites, they nevertheless understood that the Assembly of the Messiah is under the sole jurisdiction of its Master (Messiah), and that the civil magistrate therefore should not dare to encroach upon that authority. Because of this healthy respect for the Assembly, the very first sentence of the American Bill of Rights for example, reads as follows: "Congress shall make no law regarding an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof" (U.S. Constitution, First Amendment). According to Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black: "The establishment clause of the First Amendment means at least this: Neither a state nor the federal government can set up a church" Everson v. Board of Education, 1947). It was one of the principles of the sixteenth-century Reformation that the Assembly and the State are separate governments, and that, although they are to work together for the furtherance of Yahweh's Kingdom, they are not to either merge with one another or usurp the sphere of authority of one another (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter XXIII:3) The Assembly is forbidden by Scripture to take up the State's "sword" (Romans 13:4), and the State is likewise forbidden to assume the Assembly's "keys" (Matthew 16:19). However, as we will see, the latter is precisely what occurs whenever an Assembly seeks incorporation at the hands of the State. Is a Congregation required to Incorporate under the Government? According to the Internal Revenue Code, "a church, its integrated auxiliaries, and conventions and associations of the church are excluded from taxation." United States Code, Title 26, § 508(c)(1)(A). Section 508(c) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that churches are not required to apply for recognition of Section 501(c)(3) status in order to be exempt from federal taxation or to receive tax deductible contributions. Churches are automatically exempt from Federal income tax, and contributions to churches are deductible by donors under section 170. Elsewhere, the IRS states: "Although a church, its integrated auxiliaries, or a convention of churches is not required to file Form 1023 to be exempt from federal income tax or to receive tax deductible contributions, such an organization may find it advantageous to obtain recognition of exemption (Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization, IRS Publication 557). Just what "advantage" is there for a church in obtaining 501(c)(3) recognition and thereby exchanging its sovereignty for a subordinate status in relation to the federal government? Most people would answer that such grants the church exemption from taxation. However, we have already seen that the federal government has never been able to tax the Assembly of the Messiah; the Assembly is not exempt from taxation, it is immune. The "advantage" is something else entirely: "By establishing its exemption, potential contributors are assured by the [Internal Revenue] Service that contributions will be deductible" Tax Exempt Status for Your Organization, IRS Publication 557. The tragic irony of all this is that, according to the Internal Revenue Code, financial donations to an unregistered, unincorporated church are automatically tax-deductible (26 USC 170-B)! But is this scriptural? "Yahweh loveth a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7). But the government promises, "Incorporate, and I will return to you up to thirty-five percent of your tithes and offerings!" And the Bridegroom wept. Now Yahshua knows that His bride "purposeth in [her] heart . . . grudgingly, or of necessity." (2 Corinthians 9:7). Yahweh had no respect towards Cain's offering because he did not give from the heart (Gen.4:3-6). The IRS, of course, knows very well that it has no constitutional authority over the Assembly, and that it may not violate the First Amendment protection against government interference with the Assembly. In fact, the IRS may not violate the constitutionally secured rights of any American Citizen or group of Citizens, and is able to gain jurisdiction only when such is given to it voluntarily. Thus, the IRS holds out the unscriptural "advantage" of 501(c)(3) corporate status as bait to clergy ignorant of the law in hopes that these men will "bite," thereby placing themselves and their congregations firmly on its jurisdictional hook. Once the bait has been taken, and the catch is reeled in, another Assembly has been transformed into a "legal fiction" subject to the tyrannical control of the federal government. The truth is that "incorporated churches" are not, by definition, churches at all! They are merely "non-profit organizations". The truth is, any "church" that is incorporated has deposed Yahshua the Messiah from His rightful position as Head over His own Body and has surrendered that Body to the dominion of the State. The truth is, "incorporated churches" are subject to total governmental control -- whom they may hire, what they may and may not teach and preach, they cannot conflict with "public policy" nor assault the hearer's sense of mental well-being, self esteem, sexual orientation, etc. The IRS prohibits such organizations from "carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation" (26 USC 501-c-3). This prohibition extends, not only to the endorsement of a political candidate, but also any other attempts to "influence legislation," including taking a public stand against such government-protected abominations as abortion or homosexuality. Now, the church is discovering that favors from Washington, DC have strings attached. In this case, the string is a rope that is being used to throttle her once-powerful voice, to squeeze out her very life and, eventually, to hang her by the neck until dead! Should the Scriptures themselves one day be ruled by the government to be "politically incorrect," incorporated churches will find themselves on the horns of a very serious dilemma. After all, in a civil suit, a corporation's defense is limited to the terms specifically enumerated in its charter and articles of incorporation. All other "extrinsic evidence," including the Scriptures or any historical Israelite creeds or standards, will be disallowed in a State court case, because they are "not contained in the body of [the] contract." (Black's Law Dictionary, p. 588). Outside of its own walls, the incorporated church may not stand on the authority of the Scriptures regarding any political or civil issue, because it is bound by the "higher laws" of the State. Consequently, the Christian Church in America, little by little, ceases to be the "salt" and "light" to society that it was commanded to be (Mat.5:13-16). And all this for a simple tax deduction! Because of money! This directly contradicts Yahshua's teaching, "make not my Father's house an house of merchandise" (John 2:16). Operating as a Government Business There are profit-making businesses and there are non-profit businesses, but a business is a business in the eyes of government. An incorporated church simply cannot deny the fact that it has requested permission of the State to operate as a business. Not only does it have its charter and articles of incorporation on file with the Secretary of State, but it is also required to list a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. None of these offices were instituted by the Messiah in His Assembly (Eph.4:11-12), because they exist to control the business dealings of a corporation, not the sacramental duties of the Body of the Messiah. Many churches, since 1984, have begun to list the minister and other ecclesiastical leaders as "employees" for Social Security purposes. The IRS exists to regulate revenue which is internal to the federal government. Consequently, in the Internal Revenue Code, an "employee" is specifically defined as follows: "an officer, employee, or elected official of the United States, a State, or any political subdivision thereof" (26 USC 3401-C). By listing the minister as an "employee" who earns "income," the incorporated church is unknowingly identifying him as one who works for the federal government. A free, unincorporated Assembly or Congregation cannot be held to the standards of a corporation doing "business" as a church. An assembly is a private assembly of individuals, coming together as a family, to worship their Master (heavenly Father). Scriptural worship is not a "public" activity. Yahshua the Messiah, not the State, ordained the assembling together of believers. Subject to Taxation Via Social Security Yet another indication that an incorporated church is a government agency is its participation in Social Security. Seen in this light, payment into Social Security by incorporated churches brings us to an astonishing conclusion: Incorporated 501(c)(3) churches are not exempt from taxation after all! It is an established legal principle that "the power to tax is the power to destroy." The government only has the power to destroy that which it has created. Another related issue here is that of the "corporate franchise." According to law, "a corporation must have a franchise" (Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, p. 786.) In the case of an incorporated church, who are its franchises? If you guessed the members of the congregation, you are correct. In fact, they are legally "shareholders" in the business. This is proven by the fact that the so-called "congregational meetings" of the incorporated church must follow the legal guidelines of any other corporate meeting. For example, motions must be made and minutes must be kept of the proceedings. By-laws must be maintained and any additions (amendments) must be voted on by the members of the church. Furthermore, at the end of the year, members and contributors will receive an itemized report of their financial contributions to the church for tax purposes, and distributes contribution records that shows a beginning and ending "balance" for each member. This practice directly contradicts the Scriptural command about giving alms before men (Matthew 6:1-4). The pastor of an incorporated church may therefore inform the congregation of the tax-deductibility of their gifts only if he warns them that a tax write-off may be the only reward they will receive (Matthew 6:4). The Incorporated Church Surrenders its Yahweh Given Laws Man, created by Yahweh in the image of Yahweh, was granted by Yahweh certain "unalienable rights" which are constitutionally protected. Corporations, created by the State, are not "real" or "natural" persons and, therefore, have no constitutionally secured rights! It is a common belief that an incorporated church may refuse to disclose its financial records, particularly its tithing records, to the State should such be demanded. However, such a naive belief will not protect the church or its members from harassment from the Internal Revenue Service or any other federal agency: "[A] corporation is not considered as a person within that clause of the fifth amendment to the constitution which protects a "person" against self-incrimination" Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, p. 787. According to the ruling of the Supreme Court: "There is a clear distinction in this particular between an individual and a corporation and that the latter has no right to refuse to submit its books and papers for an examination at the suit of the State. While an individual may lawfully refuse to answer incriminating questions unless protected by an immunity statute, it does not follow that a corporation vested with certain privileges and franchises, may refuse to show its hand when charged with an abuse of such privileges. Hale v. Henkel, 201 U.S. 74-75. "Whenever a corporation makes a contract it is the contract of the legal entity ...The only rights it can claim are the rights which are given to it in that charter, and not the rights which belong to its members as citizens of a state" Bank of Augusta v. Earle, 13 Pet. 586). In other words, a corporation has no rights, only privileges which may be revoked any time its creator sees fit. Individual members ("share-holders" or "corporate franchises") also surrender their rights on account of their legal union with the corporation. Thus, the IRS may audit the corporation's financial records at any time, because, as one former IRS commissioner stated, "The churches... hold in trust that which belongs to the government." This is the law, and it cannot be changed by amendments to church by-laws, or even by the good intentions of church leaders. Can an incorporated church refuse to disclose its financial records to the IRS on the grounds that it did not know that such consequences would arise from incorporation? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Incorporation is a form of "non-positive," or "contract law." According to Black's Law Dictionary, p.322, a contract is "an agreement between two or more persons which creates an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing." The laws comprising the contract do not apply to either party until the contract is agreed upon, at which time it is legally binding upon both. Claiming ignorance of the specifics of the contract will not excuse either party from their obligation once the contract is signed: "As a general proposition, a party is held to what he signs.... One cannot obtain a release from contract liability upon the ground that he did not understand the legal effect of the contract" Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, p. 70 By incorporating, the pastor and elders of a church need to realize that they have, in effect, signed a contract with the federal government which they have become legally and morally liable to obey (Romans 13:1). They cease to exist as a "real" First Amendment association with "unalienable" rights, and are transformed into a federal institution under the complete jurisdiction & control of "Acts of Congress." A church can no more change the nature of a contract after the fact than a private individual. The Unbiblical Status of Limited Liability Finally, let us take a brief look at the scriptural problems of church incorporation. As we have seen, the Scriptures teach that the Israelite Congregation or Assembly is a spiritual corporation that derives its existence from its Head, who is the Messiah. Each individual member is in covenant with the others and exercises their gifts for the benefit of the collective group. This is the concept of unity in diversity. The whole derives its substance from its individual parts. Therefore, the actions of the individual indirectly affect the whole. We see this concept of covenantalism numerous times throughout Scripture. For example, in the Old Covenant economy, the sin of Achan brought judgment upon the entire nation of Israel (Joshua 7), and the righteous act of Phineas brought Yahweh's blessings (Numbers 25). This principle did not pass away with the Old Covenant economy, however. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul exhorted the Corinthian Assembly to "put away" from them the unrepentant adulterer with the following illustration (verse 6b-7a). The corrupting influence of sin should never be underestimated, and Yahweh's judgment on an entire congregation is risked if one of its members is allowed to continue in open rebellion against His Word. This is why it is so important for the elders to protect the Assembly from moral and spiritual disintegration by removing the ungodly member via excommunication. Likewise, it is equally the responsibility of individual members of an Assembly to disassociate themselves from an apostate Assembly as defined a "church", so that they might not "partake of her sins" (Revelation 18:4). Church incorporation flies in the very face of scriptural covenantalism. This is seen primarily in the privilege of "limited liability," which means that the corporation cannot be held legally responsible for the actions of the individual members: "A corporation... should be distinguished from the individuals who compose it and those who control it as well as from the property which it owns" Len Young Smith and G. Gale Roberson, Smith and Roberson's Business Law, p. 785. Yahweh certainly did not deal with the nation of Israel on the basis of limited liability, so why should modern churches seek this unscriptural status for themselves? In giving the Assembly her orders, Yahshua promised: "All power is given unto me . . . I am with you always." (Matthew 28:18,20). Apparently, this was not enough for the church. The State promised to protect the church from lawsuits and other attacks from without if only she would incorporate. Turning her back on the promised care of her Bridegroom, Yahshua the Messiah, the Assembly accepted her lover's "protection." Supposedly, limited liability protects the individual members from personal lawsuit. However, this is simply not the case. Franchises of a corporation are just as susceptible, if not more so, to a lawsuit than any other organization. Furthermore, the incorporated church itself greatly increases its own susceptibility to a lawsuit due to the fact that a business is far more likely to be sued than is a strictly religious organization. Unincorporated assemblies (churches) are immune, they cannot sue, nor be sued by, anyone. Corporations have no Life "Man has been created by, in, and for, the Word of Yahweh, and this makes him the being who is responsible. Masses, collectives, and species have no responsibility; they are not capable of assuming responsibility. They [corporations] cannot commit trespass nor be outlawed nor excommunicated, for they have no souls [life]." 10 Rep.32 b. "Human beings are called 'natural persons' to distinguish them from 'artificial' personas or corporations. To acquire the status of artificial or legal personality, the group seeking it must be incorporated, i.e., must obtain a formal state license. In modern civil law, while incorporation is necessary for some purposes, chiefly in commercial law, and group of persons, acting as a unit, may be treated as an artificial or legal person." Warren Co. v. Heister, 219 La. 763, 54 S.2d 12." Radin Law Dictionary (1955), page 249. Can you imagine the early Assembly of the Apostles passing the hat to help Caesar out? To ask Yahweh's Assembly to collect a tax to finance every wicked thing on this earth, including the murder of millions of babies each year, is tyranny at its worst. Because a 'person' has no access to any law outside the law creating it, then no constitutional arguments can ever be raised by the person, or corporation, successfully. Government is the person created by constitutions and no officer can make any arguments against the power establishing his office by using law which is not given him by the superior power. In the same vein, a 'person' created by legislation can use no law outside the law creating it for any arguments against the superior power creating 'it'. Organism or Organization? Is the body of the Messiah an Organism or an Organization? An organism is a living thing. I am living, and I am part of the body of the Messiah. The body of the Messiah is the Assembly. An incorporated Church is not an organism, but an organization. An organization is a creature of the State, and as such must hold allegiance to the creator of their organization. All those who join with an organization that is under corporation status accept the debt of that organization, and become subject to that debt of another. I do not need to tell you what scripture tells us about this debt. Borrowing money, for expansion, from the ungodly bankers, is not a scriptural principle and, as such, cannot be blessed by Yahweh. Black's Law Dictionary, 5th Edition, defines 'organization' as a "corporation or government subdivision or agency, business trust, partnership or association…or any other legal or commercial entity". This definition shows that an organization (even if it functions as an Assembly) is recognized as commercial and public; an incorporated Church is legally interpreted as a commercial entity. But didn't the Messiah say "make not my Father's house a house of merchandise" (John 2:16)? The real benefit the 501(c)(3) Church looks for with incorporation is the ability to borrow large amounts of debt capital. This enslaves every man, woman, and child whose name appears on the membership roles of the Church. How can this be? Because every officer and member of the Church pledges themselves as surety for the commercial debts of the Church, whether they know it or not. Why is this? Because the member's name that appears on the Church rolls is a beneficiary of the Church 'services', which are also construed as commercial by the government (the term 'service' is a commercial term, and means either to get paid for an occupation, or it means an act giving assistance or advantage to another, which results in a benefit). Additionally, the 'tax-deductible contributions' are further evidence of the commercial connection to the corporation. A maxim of law states: "He who accepts the benefit must also bear the burden," meaning if one accepts any benefit of the incorporated Church one is liable for the debts and acts of the church leadership. If the Church is sued and a cash settlement is ordered by the court, there is virtually no limit as to how far the court can extend its power to collect from the members, even if they are not the officers responsible for committing the civil crime. "Although it was once said that 'a corporation is not indictable, but the particular members are' [Anon., 12 Mod. 559], it is now well settled that a corporation may be indicted for omission to perform a public duty imposed upon it by law." Reg. V. Birmingham & G. Ry. Co., 3 Q.B. 233; New York & G.L.R. Co. v. State, 50 N.J.Law 303, 13 Atl. 1, affirmed in 53 N.J.Law, 244, 23 Atl. 168. In Yahshua's day, the chief priests bound themselves to Caesar (John 19:14-15). Who were they a priest of? Caesar. Who did they minister for? Caesar. Who does the 501(c)(3) Church now minister for? "We have no king but Caesar." They have a United States flag in every one of their Churches. "We don't make political statements from the pulpit anymore, we don't ever preach against the one for whom we minister. We don't want to lose our tax-exempt status!" So, we had fascism in the Messiah's day, the same fascism we have today. Conclusion It is time for the organized churches in this world to wake up to the fact that they have seriously compromised the headship of the Messiah by incorporating. Israelite Assemblies or Congregations do not need to obtain a special "operating license" to avoid taxation; the government simply cannot tax them to begin with! The Assembly is already immune to all taxation. The Assembly of Yahshua the Messiah is forbidden by Scripture to merge with the State because the two exist as separate entities. The State is not to claim jurisdiction over the Assembly, and the Assembly is not to place herself in such a position. The Assembly does not need to request of the State permission to exist as a legal entity. Its charter is the Scriptures, and its article of incorporation are the commandments of Yahweh. As Yah'shua said, "No man can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). If this principle applies to an individual, how much more so to his Assembly?
Assembly members should confront their pastors and elders on these issues. Do not let them simply brush you off with the claim that the subject has "been studied already," or that "we have always done it this way." Challenge them to produce a copy of the statutes which state that an Israelite Assembly must incorporate as an organization in order to carry out its Yahweh-ordained functions. They will not be able to do this, because such a law simply does not exist. You may find yourself unwelcome in your Assembly, but at least you will have the satisfaction of having stood for the truth and for the sole prerogative of the Messiah to govern His own Assembly.
Therefore: Natsarim Assembly of YHWH needs not file Form 1023 in order to obtain 501(3)c tax exempt status as it is not a creation of the State—it is immune from taxation as it is a creation of YHWH the Omnipotent Creator. As such, Natsarim Assembly of YHWH has no officers as President, Vice-president, Secretary or Treasurer as these are offices of state or federally created entities and not of the Body of Messiah (Eph. 4:11). No one in the Assembly has pre-eminence over others of the Assembly. While Dan Cafourek currently serves as leader in worship services and counseling, (in the capacity some would call Pastor), he is merely a member of the Body. As such, his name will not appear on bank signature cards—he will write no checks on the Assembly bank account. This reality may change when necessary should he no longer serve in the current capacity. All monies contributed to Natsarim Assembly of YHWH are accepted as contributions, tithes, offerings of individuals or other entities to insist Natsarim Assembly of YHWH in its understanding of the commission given to the Assembly in Matthew 28:18-20. Should this Assembly as part of the overall body cease to meet, all remaining funds, understood to be those contributed to further and fulfill the will of YHWH, will be contributed by the Assembly to another Assembly of YHWH of similar understanding and purpose. Adopted on Sabbath, (September 2, 2006) |
The
doctrine of the Nicolaitans was mentioned in the Revelation of John to the
Congregations of Pergamos and