Scripture for Today, 6-18-19: Taxes

Origins of NATIONAL WAR COUNCIL
And US Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3) - To be exempt; OR Not to be exempt?
Jesus paid taxes He said to Apostle Peter: "We should not offend them, go to the sea, cast hook, take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take and give unto them for Me and thee."

Matthew 17:27

6-17-19, Jim Stockstill* -- Back in early 2017 when the Holy Spirit began to deal with me about forming the “NATIONAL WAR COUNCIL” [NWC] several issues were uppermost in the decision making. Our foremost concern was the reticence of many of the ecumenical community, both leaders and layman, to vocally and actively stand with our newly elected President Trump against the onslaught of decadence and corruption that was permeating American society. One important issue was whether or not we should become exempt from United States IRS Tax Code section 501(c)(3) [1]. 

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Following are the topics we considered:

1. We felt it would be irresponsible, as the church (Ecclesia) and nation, to sit back and ignore the fact that we are at “war” for the core values and principles on which our nation was founded. The ongoing war we fight today is “against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

2. The name itself was debated with others as we questioned whether “NATIONAL WAR COUNCIL” was too provocative. Would it be misconstrued by the media and possibly alienate some in the ecumenical community? After much prayer, the decision was made to retain the name given by Holy Spirit and not to succumb to the current widespread  “political correctness” hysteria.

3. Searching the Bible and history we felt the First Council of Nicaea (AD 325) convened by Roman Emperor Constantine I irreversibly altered the initial organization (Matthew 16:18) and structure (Ephesians 4:11) Yeshua [Jesus Christ] established for the church (Ecclesia). There is no evidence showing that the five-fold structure established for the first century church ever appealed to King Herod Agrippa or Roman Emperor Caligula for tax relief or benefits. On the contrary, they were heavily taxed by Rome and despised the Jewish tax collectors (publicans). [The Lord Jesus also paid His tax; Matthew 17:24–27.]
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4. We found that there is no legal requirement to be approved by the IRS 501(C) (3). There is a false assumption by many churchgoers that in order to be an "official church" one must obtain IRS status.  Sadly, the premise is a well conceived subterfuge. Therefore, NWC has chosen the structure of the early church and not to organize as an 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization. The purpose of the IRS was “to collect revenue for the general treasury,” but this religious exempt amendment has turned the organization into the “speech police.” [..snip] 

Although the true benefits from taxes for charitable giving is nominal, we are not disparaging or making any judgment of organizations that are formed as 501 (c) (3)’s or 501 (C) (4)’s. We appreciate their work and benefits to society.

Currently we have a President that is favorable to the “faith based community.” As with Nehemiah [Nehemiah 1:1, 7:3] and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we are most grateful for this short period of grace being shown to the community.

On May 4, 2017, President Trump signed the "Presidential Executive Order Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty."  While the President doesn't have the constitutional authority to change the Johnson Amendment [2]; he did sign an executive order instructing the Treasury Dept to be lenient in its enforcement of current law against religious organizations. [Read it here] The order defines adverse action as the imposition of any tax or tax penalty, delay or denial of tax-exempt status and more. An array of experts and groups say Trump's order doesn't achieve much. In order to revoke the amendment, the President is working with Representative Steve Scalise (R-La.) as a member of the Ways and Means Committee to sponsor the needed legislation. 

However, the strident and successful efforts by Pres Trump, we see that the animosity is still with us as displayed in the heavy-handed and antagonistic treatment of Judge (now Supreme Court Justice) Brett Kavanaugh during his Sept 2018 confirmation hearings. The manner that Judge Kavanaugh and beautiful family were treated was both disgraceful and a defining moment convincing us to form a new organization willing to fight for our nation and the traditional values on which it was founded.

Our nation once had the freedom and tradition of church involvement in the political activities of the day. It was longstanding and commonplace for pastors to preach about political issues and candidates. In the first century, ‘election sermons’ were commonplace. 

​Our goal and intention is to work to restore our God given freedoms.

We pray, as in the first century church, that giving to the efforts of the “[NWC]” will be made joyfully and from what he/she has purposed in their heart - not grudgingly, under compulsion or emotional ploys. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Semper Fidelis ​
Joseph "Jim" Stockstill 
[Always faithful: the motto of the US Marine Corps]

[1] 1913 Tax Code Began https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenue_Act_of_1913
[2] IRS Exemption 'Johnson Amendment' here

​*Excerpted and adapted, full original report available by request
Email: [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/jimstockstill