NOTES FROM 11/29 - For 16 days the congregation of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple, along with a rag tag group of preachers and Christian laymen from across the nation, have held off Federal Marshals from executing an Order to Vacate by District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Judge Barker on the same day, Nov. 14, ordered the Ten Commandments, Preamble to the Indiana Constitution, and US Bill of Rights to be ripped up from the Court House lawn in Bedford, Indiana.
This is not a Stand Off; but rather a Stand for God, the Bible, and religious liberty. It is a Redress of Grievance guaranteed by the First Amendment and Indiana Bill of Rights. Judge Barker, the Seventh Circuit, Judge John Paul Stevens, and Chief Justice William Renquist had refused to give the church a Temporary Stay pending appeal. They have destroyed our church property and buildings, including the seizing of Dr. and Mrs. Dixon's home in which they have lived for 32 years. They have also totally destroyed our Christian school ministry of 500 students. In fact, the US Attorney Robert Metzger said that if we didn't pay the tax, "This school would continue to operate" which shows that their goal was to destroy the school. He also said that IBT owed no taxes if they had complied with the exempt opportunities. This shows that the issue is not about money, but about control. In fact, he said, "An uncontrolled church is untenable in America today." 200 years ago our founding fathers believed that a controlled church was untenable.
We must have your help immediately. Please come and stand with us no matter how long you can stay. We can provide food and an area to sleep while you are at the church. Bring your own bedding. If you are in the area, please bring food, drinks, and paper goods. One church in the area will provide food this evening.
Please send the largest gift possible; however, no gift is too small. We have uncovered massive corruption and fraud in the local IRS office here. It may even reach into the Federal Court. We must have time and money to expose it. Please help us. Also, churches could receive a love gift for us. Please send it today to: Indianapolis Baptist Temple, P O Box 11, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
Remember the words of David concerning the nobles of the enemy of Israel, "Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession." (Ps. 83:11,12) There is no doubt that the goal of the Clinton/Reno Justice Department is to use the IRS to silence every pulpit and church in America.
Yours for Christ's Gospel and religious liberty,
Rev. Greg A. Dixon
Dr. Greg J. Dixon
Day 17 does not accurately describe the tremendous spiritual warfare that rages on this new day of mercy. The spirit of unity on the inside of IBT coincides with the first few chapters of Acts when they had all things in common. That unity does not come naturally or easily; it must be attained through mental and spiritual maturity.
The front line battle is the best place that I have ever seen for training the people of God for ministering to the Lord. Those that God has called to the battlefront come with skills and wisdom which is a must if we are to be effective. The following is a brief example of how the Holy Spirit enlightens in the matter of communications:
People encode information from what they already know. They encode information and process it through present knowledge.
Even though the data is a lie, it may seem as if it is true after coming into contact with some understanding of information already in the mind. Let me illustrate: On a TV newscast, a commentator used the word marshal. A lady of IBT heard the word and quickly glanced at the broadcast. The commentator then used the question, "Guess where the marshals are going today?" The lady did not hear the entire broadcast, but definitely heard the commentator ask the question. After the question was asked, the newscaster went on to another story. The lady felt it important to report it. The natural assumption was that this referred to the U.S. Marshal's raid on IBT. After the report spread throughout the camp and the people began preparing for a raid, the pastor said, "Why not check it out?"
A call was made to the three major TV stations and all denied any report in connection with IBT. Our only conclusion is that the question about the marshals must have applied to a robbery or some other event, not IBT. The lesson of encoding information that causes a person to think on the basis of past information and understanding is illustrated by incidents like this so often.
So often, people hear words that fit their thinking. They do not hear what is actually being said. Sometimes people want to hear certain things that agree with their desires so much that they can only hear the thing that supports their desires. The context of a person's speech is as important as the words themselves. In this day of confusion, a person must repeat, and in an illustrative manner, before others can truly understand. Thinking skills and disciplined thinking are sorely lacking today. Children must be taught proper thinking skills, how to listen, and how to speak properly.
A new article today opened up a new level of communication. The article used the words, "Concerned Clergy", and it referred to the community. This is the approach that can be used in communicating to the preachers. If indeed, you are concerned, IBT is part of the community. Is a large, predominately white church not important to the community? Are the preachers of a city or nation concerned that a church, which has ministered to a city for 50 years, is being destroyed by wicked government officials? All the preachers that are concerned about the city or nation should come to the aid of IBT.
Some say, "Why does IBT not pay their taxes?" The same question could be asked about all the churches. Why does not every church pay their fair share? Some may pay the FICA (social security) tax, but the churches do not pay property and sales tax. Why is it that they are exempt? Why don't all the churches pay property tax?
The morning pastor's meeting considered why the word was not spreading throughout the nation. Even the Christian media seems to not understand the importance of this battle. Somehow, the believers have been lulled further asleep with the "secular" media approach that one story is local, while another is national. What seems even worse is the thought that the religious media allows prejudice of certain beliefs to stop the news from spreading. The believers complain about the biased, slanted media. When the believers get the powerful media source, they seem to discriminate against another believer because they do not believe their doctrine. They refuse to report a religious issue and act as though they are unbiased by reporting some secular issue of little importance.
It seems many in the Christian media have forgotten where they came from, and are being manipulated by the same devils that control the major network news sources. They seem to have forgotten why God gave to them a radio or TV voice!
Prayer was made in the pastor's meeting about this problem. A few believers had reported this battle in a great way, however, only a small percent were hearing it over the airwaves. On the battle front, God answers prayer in such a way that anyone's faith should grow.
In the next few hours, several large media sources called into the IBT newsroom. It is wonderful to be able to see prayer answered so quickly and so specifically.
Now, a short wave radio broadcast is going out from IBT. Pastor W.N. Otwell is broadcasting live from IBT. The signal on short wave is WWCR 12.160 Mhz. The time is Monday through Friday at 2:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern (1-2 PM Central) and Saturday from 5:30 - 6:00 PM Eastern (6:30 - 7:00 PM Central). The name of the program is "Operation Occupy." The first program aired with Pastor W.N. Otwell of Texas with guests, Pastor Jim Grove of Pennsylvania, and Pastor John Brown of New Maysville, Indiana. Although these men had not worked together before, they sounded like they had been working together on radio for years.
We need to "occupy" in all areas: in law, medicine, science, religion, and government. Does that mean we are re-constructionists? We should re-construct anything that is broken. What is wrong with attempting to get the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ back into every area of our Christian Constitutional Republic? On Mt. Carmel, Elijah built the altars that the prophets of Baal had broken down. We need to rebuild some altars for Christ. We need to rebuild the personal altars, the family altars, the church altars, and the national altars; for in God we trust.
7:00 PM The night service camp meeting started with a dramatic presentation by "The King's Players". This group of young people put on a one-act drama of a blind Jewish boy who was healed by the Lord Jesus Christ. After his healing, he was pressed by everyone to keep his faith to himself. The communication was that eyesight brought many dangers. As long as he was blind, he was safe. The young man stopped for a moment and thoughtfully made the statement, "Blind, but safe".
So many in the battle today do not want to see the truth. Somehow they feel safe in their darkness. They put their heads in the sand and hope that no one can see them. They are blind to the abuses of the average American. They are blinded to the hurt and pain inflicted on the children through humanist, Marxist philosophies. They are blinded to the dangers of the further eroding moral values of the nation's youth. They are blinded much like those German Christians as they sang louder in order to drown out the noise of the trains that carried their countrymen to the gas chambers. Sing on, Americans! In your blindness may you indeed find safety. However, the Lord Jesus Christ said you are headed for the ditch. Wake up and see! Wake up before you crash! Wake up before your safety net is completely destroyed! Wake up before all of the shields of the earth are gone!
The following are testimonies that followed the short drama:
· Wisconsin "cheese" brethren held the picket downtown. Some of these brethren were street preachers. One testified of hearing a fellow preacher's voice echo through one of the buildings they were in, "And Jesus said, said, said…" One attorney came out of the courthouse and said, "Don't you understand that if this church (IBT) goes down, every church in America goes down." He spoke in a condemning way, as if to say that the church should not stand, but give in to the state, so as not to lose it for all. That reasoning is not reasonable. If IBT represents all the churches, then it must not give in. All the state churches have already gone down through compromise. IBT is set to be the first New Testament Church in America's history to be forced underground. If that is true, all believers from across the nation should rally to this place and stand for the faith.
· One preacher asked, "Why do you have 12 aborticide mills in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana? Why? The blood of the innocent is crying out for justice."
· Another testified, " We are standing here at IBT because there is a cause. We are standing for the faith once delivered unto the saints. This is not a circus. We are serious about what we are doing. We are soldiers of the cross."
· One said, "What we are doing here is causing even some Lutheran congregations to talk about doing what you at IBT are doing."
Next, Dr. Dixon spoke, "I am convinced that as long as we are here, the marshals will not come. You must remember that the majority did not get on the Ark. The majority did not get on the Mayflower. The majority did not sign the Declaration of Independence. The majority did not stand in Valley Forge. Did you know that the men at Valley Forge were half starved, and had no shoes? They even left their bloody tracks in the snow. While the men of the Continental Army were suffering at Valley Forge, the wealthy in Philadelphia were entertaining the British. I don't get discouraged. I get mad at times, but I don't get discouraged. The majority does not win the battle."
Do you know the difference between a Republic and a Democracy?
A Republic is a government of law. In a Republic, the individual man, as the ruler, delegates certain limited responsibilities to Representatives. In a Republic, the individual has God-given rights that are protected by their Representatives.
In a Democracy, the majority vote (mob rule) directs the course of a nation. In a Democracy, the individual has very little protection, and is expendable for the majority good.
The destruction of the Republic will be completed when the Electoral College is destroyed, and the popular vote is accepted in order to elect a president.
At the close of the service, Celesta Anderson sang, "Keeper of the Door". Some of the words are: "Oh, let me be a servant - a keeper of the door. My heart is only longing to see forevermore, the glory of your presence, the dwelling of the Lord. Oh, let me be a servant - a keeper of the door." Next, Bro. Steve Kukla shared three songs, with the last one being the "Lord's Prayer." How our spirits were lifted in praise to the Lord and we were encouraged in the Lord!
The service ended in a prayer meeting, with a gracious moving of God giving the Spirit of prayer for our nation that God ordained for the protection of the Church to freely preach the Gospel to the world. No doubt, this is another call for the people of God in America to repent. This is not the first call but it may be the Last.
Dear friend,
We are in desperate need of funds to continue this battle for a free Church and Christian education without state interference. Please send the largest gift possible to Indianapolis Baptist Temple, P.O. Box 11, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. For all of you who respond we will send you a "Scenes From the Battle" video. Please help us today if possible.
DAY 18 - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2000
For many in the nation, this is just another day. Those in the battle realize the truth of the Scripture, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Every day is a miracle of God’s deliverance. Today, the greater part of the people in America will miss the blessings that God has for them on this day. To many, this is another day of disgust and displeasure. They are trapped on a job, in an office, in a home, a jail, or a hospital room. Their life revolves around their immediate circumstance. If that circumstance does not make them happy, their day is filled with bitterness, anger, and disgust. For those who are saved by the grace of God (Eph.2: 8-10), “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24). Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
Since the Lord Jesus Christ is alive, we experience the walk with Him in the cool of the day. The living Christ walks with the believers every day and all through the day. Oh, that everyone would come to know Him, whom to know, is life eternal. Some 2000 years ago, most in the world did not know that “on a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross”. Most of the world did not know that on that cross the Lord Jesus Christ paid the sin debt of all mankind. Most of the world at that time went about their daily routines, except for a brief time when God blacked out the sun. Most did not know or understand at the time that the crucifixion was one of the greatest days in history. We know now! Just as history looks back on those important days, many will look back on these days as some of the most important days in the modern history of the continental United States of America. Some in the Federal Government have tried to destroy the gospel Church ministry. This is the first Church in America that has a judge’s order to seize and sell Church property due to the faith. This is a national issue, yet those in the secular media seem to think this is only a local issue.
I want to show you what we are fighting here at IBT. We have said that our battle is not over buildings. The buildings are important, but there is more at stake here than property. There is nothing wrong with standing and even using force to protect your property. That is what we have done in the past wars. The principle of defending property is not wrong. We are dealing with a Godless group in the judiciary. The founding fathers warned us of judicial tyranny.
DAY 19 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2000
9:00 A.M. Sabbath Day services were led by Pastor W. N. Otwell.
Saturday is the 7th day of the week, and can be called the Sabbath due to the chronology. It is interesting to note that the New Testament Churches met primarily on Sunday due to our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection being on the 1st day of the week. The Sabbath keeping for the New Testament believer is on every day of the week. For a believer in Jesus Christ, every day of the week is a Sabbath Day.
This is now the 19th day of Camp Meeting at IBT. Starting Monday evening, Dec. 4, 2000, at 7:00 P.M., IBT will be meeting for revival. All are encouraged to come and bring someone with you.
Celesta Anderson sang “Just the Beginning”. Steve Kukla sang “He Didn’t Throw the Clay Away”.
Brother Martin Jones preached from Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the light of the world.” It is hard to get two people to do the same thing the same way. Two men can’t even milk a cow the same way. Some say, “Start with 1 and 3.” Others say, “2 and 4.” The firing order doesn’t really matter as long as you get milk in the bucket.
The world is depressing, but believers are not depressed. Depression is sin. We cannot let others depress us just because we are not on the same page. Actually some are not even in the same book. I realize I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer. I may be dumb, but I am not plumb dumb. For the first time in my life I am seeing a thorough and complete application of Matt. 5:14. This Church is shining to the entire world. The Internet, shortwave, e-mail, radio and telephone carries the IBT story around the world. Each day the news travels a little further……..
7:00 P.M. The service was led by Pastor W. N. Otwell. Mike Anderson and his daughter, Celesta, sang “Here I Am”. Then Celesta sang “Joy On the Other Side of Jordan”. Rachel Ward sang “City of Gold”. Mark Smith sang “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand”.
Brother Gary Prentice from Mt. Enterprise, Texas, preached “Break Your Box of Ointment” from Mark 14:1-9, Matthew 26:6-12, John 12:3-9:
It always seems that the faithful are the few. In our hand we hold valuable things for a special occasion. This battle is a special occasion. I do not know if this is the special occasion. We will have to see how this plays out. Mary had a very costly box of ointment. The ointment was very expensive……..
DAY 20 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2000
Sunday morning more than any day of the week seems to be the day when most believers have personal morning devotions. Many of us have honored the conviction of having morning devotions each day of our lives. It seems interesting to note that the experience of the fullness of God on the battlefront seems to give a sense of having fellowship with God all through the day. This particular Sunday morning greeted us with people who needed an orientation to the happenings here at IBT. Many had come in for the first time since the battle began. To put off the devotion time in order to teach the truth appears to be the proper Christian virtue. The devotion time was made for man, not man for the devotion time. Warfare does not stop on Sunday.
Pastor Greg A. Dixon led the 10:00 A.M. service. The 28-voice choir sounded like a 100-voice choir led by Dan Mc Donald. The choir proved again that God can use the few to cause the enemy to flee. A wonderful song service of Praise and Thanksgiving prepared the way for the Pastor’s message from Psalm 37:1-7, “Overcoming your fear of commitment”.
Pastor Dixon: I am not a prophet but in my non-expert opinion, we are going to be here in these buildings for a long, long time. Americans do not want to commit, they want to leave their options open.
In Vs. 4 God says delight in the LORD.
In Vs. 7 God says rest in the LORD.
But in vs. 5 God says commit thy way…..
We are going to keep standing in this place. I am not ashamed of Jesus Christ. This is the will of God.
Even if people like Bob Jones III says we are wrong, I am not ashamed. Bob Jones III should be ashamed for going on the T.V. against us. Bob Jones should be ashamed of his Art museum and gallery because of his 30 million dollar tax-deductible subsidy through his 501(c)(3) Art museum. Bob Jones III should be ashamed because he had to allow the sodomites to parade across Bob Jones campus and into the art gallery because he could not “legally” deny them entrance. The gallery is for the “public benefit”. There is a division of the secular and the sacred on the Bob Jones campus. It was Bob Jones senior that said you cannot divide the secular and the sacred. Bob Jones III did that very thing by putting the art museum under state control…..
I am waiting for the day that the Indianapolis Star has for its headlines “God wins!” We know God has already won but I am looking forward to the day the Star recognizes that in the news.
Before we leave today I want you to sign the Redress of Grievance petition. Congressman Burton and Congresswoman Carson will enter it into the Congressional record…..
Several people have had plans to settle this issue another way than which we have chosen. The only trouble is we only want to settle this one way; we want to settle this the Lord’s way. We have taken a stand to see if the New Testament Church can function as a Church in America. If we worked out a plan to keep the buildings we would not be able to establish true religious liberty in this nation. We would keep this property but we would fail in securing liberty. Making a deal would keep everyone else in slavery. We want the whole loaf. We are like Patrick Henry, “give me liberty or give me death.” Give us freedom or take our buildings. We want it all or nothing……
Lucifer has power on earth in connection with kingdoms. (Matt. 4:4) He has princes under him. (Daniel 10:13) Some strong princes are assigned to each nation to keep the nations in darkness. The Devil looks for certain ones to put into positions of authority. The wicked princes of darkness look for those who are greedy, lustful, liars, faggots, adulterers, and murderers. In only the last few years have Americans tolerated these kinds of life styles. Not to many years ago Gary Hart who had one affair surface to the top had to resign from running for the Oval Office. Look at what is accepted today! Now President Clinton, known fornicator while in the White House, is running for the President of the world through the United Nations. No doubt the plan is for Bill Clinton to be the head of the United Nations and for Hillary to be elected President of the United States. God have mercy on America!……
DAY 21 - MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2000
The phone rang; it rings a lot at IBT. The voice on the other end asked the wonderful question, “What’s new?” We are always glad to have folks call for an update. Many do not know about the web page, so they call in by phone. The marshals have not come; we are still here. Not too much has changed as far as that is concerned. God is still performing miracles in the battle. Today we have a new mercy, a new hope, a new look, and new Christian soldiers...
Dr. Greg J. Dixon led the Pastor’s meeting. We now have a Redress of Grievance to get people to sign. What Preacher of the Gospel could not support this Redress of Grievance? We need Preachers all over America to get this petition and have their people sign it. We need one million signatures when we have this petition read into the Congressional Record...
Every Gospel Preacher in America should get the Redress off of the website and help us get them signed. Esther was worried about her role in the deliverance of the Jews while in captivity. Mordecai reminded Esther to speak up and not hold her peace, or she and her house would be destroyed. (Esther 4:14) Every Gospel preacher will one day face what IBT is facing today. Lester Roloff faced it in the past. IBT faces the beast today. Others who believe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will face it tomorrow. The Beast of the government is out of the cage of the constitution and it is no respecter of persons. It certainly is not a friend of religion...
Why not call your local stations – secular, and especially Christian, and ask them to call IBT for an interview? Get others to do the same. Remember this is not a tax issue, but a control issue. The question is, “Do we have a government of law = Constitutional Republic; or do we have a government of men = Democracy?”...
DAY 31 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2000
Some of the children wrote the President... (read on for more)
Breakfast time at IBT is always good food and fellowship. For two consecutive mornings, we have eaten pancakes. Can you imagine that? For two consecutive mornings! You know that when pancakes get us excited, we have been narrowed down to one ministry. We have had one agenda for over 30 days. We have eaten, slept, and breathed for one thing. All other ministries have been put on hold. The Battlefront demands a complete surrender to the one overall important issue, which is religious freedom. Our nation was built on freedom. Freedom was the watchword for every man and woman that voluntarily sailed to the New World. It may have meant freedom to make a fortune, or freedom to raise a family, or freedom to honor God through the dictates of ones own conscience. It was freedom for all...
If we do not "hang" together, we will most certainly hang separately. We do not have to believe the same doctrine to fight the same fight. Although the United States of America was established as a Christian nation, the doors have been opened for all who desire religious freedom. It is shocking that some religions in Florida can pull the heads off birds as a religious practice and others in the North can use drugs and still be protected as a privilege under the First Amendment, while IBT, with a sovereign right from God, is not protected as a right under the First Amendment...
Dr. Greg J. Dixon led the pastors morning meeting. In Amos 3:1-15, we read of some who think they are safe. Why they cannot see what is coming, I do not know. "That is just them." Judgment must begin at the house of God……
Some of the children wrote the President. They want him to call off the hounds. The theme of the letters was: "Why were we put out of our buildings?"
Dear Mr. President
I am a student at Baptist Temple. Well, I use to be until all this trouble with the tax issue forced us in a way to leave. I am writing you this letter in hopes that you may intervene and allow us to go back to our school. I know you don't have to, but please consider taking the time to look at our situation. I thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely
C...
Dear Mr. President
I am writing you this letter to ask you to let us back in our building. On November 8, 5:30 p.m. many of the students at IBT found out that our building was going to be seized on the 14th of November. My best friend and I cried for hours that night. We know that God had a purpose for everything that was taking place, but we could not believe that something like this could happen in America. Wasn't it religious freedom that the Pilgrims came to America for and that our forefathers fought for? For the next five days we packed up the things from the Church and school buildings. Words cannot describe the overwhelming feeling I had as I watched years and years of memories being taken down and loaded up on trucks. I thank the Lord that the Church building has not yet been seized, but my heart still breaks whenever I pass by the building...
Day 32 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2000
On C-span Thursday, December 15, 2000, In Washington D.C., Zhang Yuanyuan, Chinese Press Counselor and Embassy spokesman called a press conference on an end of the year briefing on China.
A Question from one reporter asked about the destruction of the churches in China.
Mr. Zhang Yuanyuan's answer: "There is religious freedom in China and it is protected by the Constitution. He stated there were five different religious leaders that recently spoke about religious freedom in China. When you talk about churches, you are referring to church buildings. There are many church buildings in China, but all have to comply with permits and zoning."
In America, we have religious freedom Communist style!
The same idea concerning the freedom of Taiwan is proposed in an answer concerning Taiwan. He stated that he believed America accepted and supported the "One China Principle."
Dr. Greg J. Dixon led the Pastors meeting. The number of pastors had been reduced for a couple of days, but now the number of preachers has increased to resemble what it was at the beginning.
The 10 commandments battle is silent with Commissioners being silent. The compromise of the code of Hammurabi caused Duane Cleghorn to say it would be best if nothing was put up. The ICLU would be willing to have the Laws of Ham with the Law of Moses. It never dawned on a lady opponent that the 10 commandments was our national heritage. She came to the meeting in opposition to us, but left in favor of our issue on the 10 Commandments.
Read Psalms 61:1 Many of these Psalms are literal prayers. I try not to have the Elijah syndrome who said he was the only one.
Some people are getting interesting statements from some of the churches in the area. One said he was on the other side. He was on the side of Caesar. They really realize they are slaves and do not want the others to be free. Is the sinner trying to get people to go to Church? They usually keep people out of Church. Why would these try to keep others from our battle? The woman in the days of Solomon chose death over life. She would rather have a dead baby and nothing, than for her adversary to have anything.
God has given us many sermons from the battle. We should write a book.
In Psalms 61, the Psalmist's prayer was, "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I".
Two reporters refused to turn over notes of an interview on a murder trial and were fined $40.00 each for contempt. There are some people who will still stand for freedom even though it means sacrifice.
Here are some assignments for each Pastor: Who will deliver packets to Churches?
We must contact the international Media such as the London times and the Japanese Nippon.
God has led us in this battle. If it is the will of God to be here on the first day, then it is the will of God to be here on the 32nd day.
The two o'clock radio broadcast called on all the 501(c)(3) state churches to reject their state entanglements. The Bride of Christ must not be having an unlawful relationship with the state. The Word of God (Law) demands absolute separation between Caesar and the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Church (bride of Christ) must be pure without spot or wrinkle to meet Christ at his coming.
Consider these five facts;
1. A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation is a creature created by the State (Caesar).
2. "Caesar" has been given authority in the church through the 501(c)(3) entanglement. It is a contract for commerce, an alliance for special benefit, a request for legitimacy, and a spiritual adulterous affair when the Church entangles itself. A Para-church organization is distinguished from the New Testament Church. Any and all ministries of the Lord Jesus Christ should be conducted from the hub of the local New Testament Church not from a government creation.
3. A preacher or pastor that is responsible to a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization has certain requirements requiring them not to speak against public policy. (See Bob Jones case 1983)
4. A state corporation is a license. (See Peoples Baptist Church case 1984). 5. The IRS is today telling 501(c)(3) preachers what they can preach and what they cannot preach. (See Tex Marrs case Austin, Texas 1998)
It has become clear since 1983 that (Caesar) has used the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization to silence the preacher from preaching against the lie by telling the truth. It only took fifteen years for the camel to take over the tent. It is clear that if there is no repentance of this adulterous relationship between the bride of Christ and (Caesar). The preacher will be on the outside of the tent, in the cold. It may not take another fifteen years to see that happen. It may only take fifteen more days for the pastor at IBT to be removed into the street because he participated with the 501(c)(3) beast in the past. The beast does not forgive. It only devours. Wake up preachers!! YOU ARE NEXT!!
The scene in the office at IBT resembles a major newsroom's activity of radio talk shows, news broadcasts, Redress of Grievance packet mailings, and phone calls.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon led the 7:00 p.m. service
Pastor Aubrey Vaughan wrote new lines to the Chorus "Don't give up on the Brink of a Miracle"
DON'T GIVE UP!
Don't give up on the brink of a Miracle
Don't give in God is still on His Throne
Don't give up on the brink of a Miracle
Don't give up remember you are not alone.
We can stand for the faith and a miracle,
We can stand when all hope then is gone.
We can stand on the brink of a Miracle
We can stand for we know we're not alone!
We have hope while on the brink of a Miracle
We have hope since our God is on His throne
We have hope in our Christ for a Miracle
We have hope for He said we're not alone!
Pastor Vance Wilett preached from 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
He first read a poem "Preach On"
PREACH ON
If You're preaching from the Bible, well preach on
If you're longing for revival, just preach on.
Preach on sin and condemnation
Preach for sinners, His salvation
Preach to Christian, consecration,
But preach on.
If your sermon's form the Lord, then preach on.
Never mind if some look bored, just preach on.
If the Devil looks down on it
If the critics frown upon it
Many souls depend upon it,
So preach on.
If you step on someone's corns, well preach on
Take the "bull right by the horns", and preach on
Even though we may not like it
Even though some try to fight it
Where there's wrong the Lord can right it,
So preach on.
Let not time be a restriction, just preach on
If a sinner's got conviction, then preach on
Christ can save his soul from Hell
Cleanse his heart and make him well
(Even if it's after twelve,)
Just preach on!
From the Law to Revelation, yes, preach on
Christ for every situation, oh, preach on!
Even if your members doubt it
And say they can do without it
If you've talked with God about it,
Then preach on!
Think of Christ's own message clear, and preach on.
There for all who wish to hear, oh preach on.
All are sinners, they must know
That His blood did freely flow
He can wash them white as snow,
Oh, preach on.
In the Holy Spirit's power, oh, preach on!
He'll reward you in His hour, just preach on.
Broken hearts and sins forgiven
Blessings here so freely given
And a crown up there in Heaven,
Oh, preach on!
I want you to imagine five concentric circles. You may think of a target of circles.
1. The circle of faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 the gospel preached is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In vs. 6 this 500 people represent those who have heard the gospel and were born again. These may be those who are saved but there is little works to show their faith. These may be believers who are going through the motions yet are not dedicated. These are believer who are worldly. These are plagued with the besetting sin. These are sins against the body; fleshly sins against the body and soul. These also commit spiritual sins such as prayerlessness, lack of soul wining and love for the saints. We need some real people who understand Romans 6:1-13 and know the old man is crucified with Christ. They need to reckon themselves to be dead unto sin. They need to yield themselves to God.
2. The circle of Service. In Luke 10 the Lord Jesus sent out the 70. These represent a smaller group much like Gideon's 300. God reduced them from 22,000 to 300. Would you have made the cut in Gideon's army? They had to learn to trust the God. They learned that the battle is not theirs but God's battle. If God calls you He will qualify you.
3. The circle of Fellowship. In Mark 3:13 there were two reasons the Lord Jesus called them. In my day I have seen the world change from the outside of the Church house to the inside. Here are the two things: He called them and He sent them. You will know when God has put his hand on you. A conviction, power and presence will be in your life. You will know it.
4. The circle of Privilege. This is an exclusive group. It seems only a few seek after this inner circle. In the New Testament there are three that stand out. They are Peter, James and John. In Matthew 26: 36 the Lord Jesus was in Gethsemane and took Peter, James and John to watch with Him. He went a little father and said not as I wilt but as thou wilt. A real man can be seen here. A real man is one who will lay all the desires of the flesh and the world and lay it on the altar and die to them. One day after I had become a Baptist Preacher, My dad said that a real man would like a good cigar and a glass of whiskey. That hurt me of course, but the real fight is when a person is fighting that stubborn will and he whips it and lays it down on the altar at Jesus feet. These three saw the mount of Transfiguration but they were called the garden. In the valley is where we grow. Only three out of the twelve were in the garden with Jesus during His hour of sorrow.
5. The circle of Love--one man represents this circle. In John 21:20-24 we read of the disciple whom Jesus loved. It was John who testified and wrote these things. It is sad to say that only one was found at the cross. The closer you get to Calvary the less the crowd. In John 13:34 a new commandment was given by Jesus. It was to love one another. Which circle are you in? How about moving into that inner circle.
Dr. Dixon asked for testimonies.
One is given here: Back home my wife went to the mission with the Church group. While there she talked to a man that attended an independent Baptist Church. When she told the man that her husband was at IBT. He remarked, "Why did your husband leave his ministry to go to that hell hole?"
The service closed with prayer around the altar. God seemed to give the Spirit of prayer as the people prayed that God would forgive our sins and heal our land. We cried out to God for mercy. Then we stood and sang "Jesus keep me near the cross." Someone shouted listen to that (prayer and song) in this "hell hole."
"Father forgive them for they no not what they do."
The service closed with the nightly prayer around the altar.
DAY 33 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2000
Dr. Greg J Dixon led the 9:00 a.m. service.
Dr. Dixon said, "God is impressing me concerning the battle. It is an impressing thing to know that God can win this battle with a few and even with one if need be. You must understand; our Church now is without walls. The ministry is scattered. We have always had a men's meeting on Saturday. I saw a man who had not been in the service on Saturday. I told him that I had missed him last Saturday. He said, "I did not think you were going to have it." The very minute a person begins to question, there are going to be problems. The power of a question is phenomenal. The power of the question is a powerful tool. The serpent used the question to create a doubt. "Yea, hath God said." Our whole ministry has scattered. I did not change the time. Who changed the meeting time? It must have been the devil. We are in a battle.
George Washington said, "The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore to resolve to conquer or die."
It is too late in America. The people in America are slaves. They do not understand what it means to be free.
A free Church or a slave Church depends on the army right here. If only one person was left, God is still able to deliver us. Does this Church deserve to have a victory over the most powerful government on earth? No! I don't deserve to go to heaven either. What would you call a victory? If they came in and hauled us out of here, I would get out in that parking lot and shout the victory to the glory of God. The victory is in the stand for righteousness. We are standing!
I want you to hear the End Of The Year Briefing On China 2000.
On C-span Friday, December 15, 2000, In Washington D.C., Zhang Yuanyuan, Chinese Press Counselor and Embassy spokesman called a press conference on an end of the year briefing on China.
A Question from one reporter asked about the destruction of the churches in China.
Mr. Zhang Yuanyuan answer was, "There is religious freedom in China and it is protected by the Constitution." He stated there were five different religious leaders that recently spoke about religious freedom in China. When you talk about churches, you are referring to church buildings. There are many church buildings in China, but all have to comply with permits and zoning. The same idea concerning the freedom of Taiwan is proposed in an answer concerning Taiwan. He stated that he believed America accepted and supported the "One China Principle". (for information on the underground Church http://www.channelonenews.com/feature/2000/12/20001213/index.html)
In America, we have religious freedom Communist style!
If you ask anyone in America, they will say we have religious freedom. You cannot separate the building from the people.
You must have a place to meet and do the work of the ministry. America was not founded on the principle that the government could regulate the land. Land use regulations are a new thing in America. The Communist idea of permitting the Church to exist and do their work would have been rejected 50 years ago.
Bro. Toby Digrugilliers preached from Ecc. 11:4-6 "Some winds that the People of God should avoid"
1. The Winds of Fear. We can have boldness in the day of Judgment because as He is so are we in this world. The scripture says "he that fearth is not made perfect in love." Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle of John. The lineage of our local New Testament Church can be traced back to Polycarp and John. Polycarp was martyred for standing for the Lordship of Christ.
POLYCARP
And while praying he falleth into a trance three days before his apprehension; and he saw his pillow burning with fire. And he turned and said unto those that were with him: 'It must needs be that I shall be burned alive.'
MartPoly 6:1 And as those that were in search of him persisted, he departed to another farm; and forthwith they that were in search of him came up; and not finding him, they seized two slave lads, one of whim confessed under torture;
MartPloly 6:2 for it was impossible for him to be concealed, seeing that the very persons who betrayed him were people of his own household. And the captain of the police, who chanced to have the very name, being called Herod, was eager to bring him into the stadium, that he himself might fulfill his appointed lot, being made a partaker with Christ, while they-his betrayers-underwent the punishment of Judas himself.
MartPoly 7:1 So taking the lad with them, on the Friday about the supper hour, the Zandarms (a soldier acting as a policeman who had authority over civilians) and horseman went forth with their accustomed arms, hastening as against a robber. And coming up in a body late in the evening, they found the man himself in bed in an upper chamber in a certain cottage; and though he might have departed thence to another place, he would not, saying, The will of God be done.
MartPoly 7:2 So when he heard that they were come, he went down and conversed with them, the bystanders marveling at his age and his constancy, and wondering how there should be so much eagerness for the apprehension of an old man like him. Thereupon forthwith he gave orders that a table should be spread for them to eat and drink at that hour, as much as they desired. And he persuaded them to grant him an hour that he might pray unmolested;
MartPoly 7:3 and on their consenting, he stood up and prayed, being so full of the grace of God, that for two hours he could not hold his peace, and those that heard were amazed, and many repented that they had come against such a venerable old man.
MartPoly 8:1 But when at length he brought his prayer to an end, after remembering all who at any time had come in his way, small and great, high and low, and all the universal Church throughout the world, the hour of departure being come, they seated him on an ass and brought him into the city, it being a high Sabbath.
MartPoly 8:2 And he was met by Herod the captain of police and his father Nicetes, who also removed him to their carriage and tried to prevail upon him, seating themselves by his side and saying, 'Why what harm is there in saying, Caesar is Lord, and offering incense', with more to this effect, 'and saving thyself?' But he at first gave them no answer. When however they persisted, he said, 'I am not going to do what ye counsel me.'
MartPoly 8:3 Then they, failing to persuade him, uttered threatening words and made him dismount with speed, so that he bruised his shim, as he got down from the carriage. And without even turning round, he went on his way promptly and with speed, as if nothing had happened to him, being taken to the stadium; there being such a tumult in the stadium that no man's voice could be so much as heard.
MartPoly 9:1 But as Polycarp entered into the stadium, a voice came to him from heaven; 'Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.' And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice. And at length, when he was brought up, there was a great tumult, for they heard that Polycarp had been apprehended.
MartPoly 9:2 When then he was brought before him, the proconsul enquired whether he were the man. And on his confessing that he was, he tried to persuade him to a denial saying, 'Have respect to thine age,' and other things in accordance therewith, as it is their wont to say; 'Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away with the atheists.' Then PolyCarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, 'Away with the atheists.'
MartPoly 9:3 But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, 'Swear the oath, and I will release thee; revile the Christ,' Polycarp said, 'Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?'
MartPoly 10:1 But on his persisting again and saying, ' Swear by the genius of Caesar,' he answered, 'If thou supposest vainly that I will swear by the genius of Caesar, as thou sayest, and feignest that thou art ignorant who I am, hear thou plainly, I am a Christian. But if thou wouldest learn the doctrine of Christianity, assign a day and give me a hearing.'
MartPoly 10:2 The proconsul said; ' Prevail upon the people.' But Polycarp said; 'As for thyself, I should have held thee worthy of discourse; for we have been taught to render, as is meet, to princes and authorities appointed by God such honor as does us no harm; But as for these, I do not hold them worthy, that I should defend myself before them.'
MartPoly 11:1 Whereupon the proconsul said; 'I have wild beasts here and I will throw thee to them, except thou repent' But he said, 'Call for them: for the repentance from better to worse is a change not permitted to us; but it is a noble thing to change from untowardness to righteousness'
MartPoly 11:2 Then he said to him again, 'I will cause thee to be consumed by fire, if thou despisest the wild beasts, unless thou repent.' But Polycarp said; 'Thou threatenest that fire which burneth for a season and after a little while is quenched: for thou art ignorant of the fire of the future judgment and eternal punishment, which is reserved for the ungodly. But why delayest thou? Come, do what thou wilt.'
MartPoly 12:1 Saying these things and more besides, he was inspired with courage and joy, and his countenance was filled with grace, so that not only did it not drop in dismay at the things which were said to him, but on the contrary the proconsul was astounded and sent his own herald to proclaim three times in the midst of the stadium, 'Polycarp hath confessed himself to be a Christian.'
MartPoly 12:2 When this was proclaimed by the herald, the whole multitude both of Gentiles and of Jews who dwelt in Smyrna cried out with ungovernable wrath and with a loud shout, 'This is the teacher of Asia, the father of the Christians, the puller down of our gods, who teacheth numbers not to sacrifice nor worship.' Saying these things, they shouted aloud and asked the Asiarch Philip to let a lion loose upon Polycarp. But he said that it was not lawful for him, since he had brought the sports to a close.
MartPoly 12:3 Then they thought fit to shout out with one accord that Polycarp should be burned alive. For it must needs be that the matter of the vision should be fulfilled, which was shown him concerning his pillow, when he saw it on fire while praying, and turning round he said prophetically to the faithful who were with him, ' I must needs be burned alive.'
MartPoly 13:1 These things then happened with so great speed, quicker than words could tell, the crowds forthwith collecting from the workshops and baths timber and faggots, and the Jews more especially assisting in this with zeal, as is their wont.
MartPoly 13:2 But when the pile was made ready, divesting himself of all his upper garments and loosing his girdle, he endeavored also to take off his shoes, though not in the habit of doing this before, because all the faithful at all times vied eagerly who should soonest touch his flesh. For he had been treated with all honor for his holy life even before his gray hairs came.
MartPoly 13:3 Forthwith then the instruments that were prepared for the pile were placed about him; and as they were going likewise to nail him to the stake, he said; 'Leave me as I am; for He that hath granted me to endure the fire will grant me also to remain at the pile unmoved, even without the security which ye seek from the mails.'
MartPoly 14:1 So they did not nail him, but tied him. Then he, placing his hands behind him and being bound to the stake, like a noble ram out of a great flock for an offering, a burnt sacrifice made ready and acceptable to God, looking up to heaven said; 'O Lord God Almighty, the Father of Thy belie
ved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of Thee, the God of angels and powers and of all creation and of the whole race of the righteous, who live in Thy presence;
MartPoly 14:2 I bless Thee for that Thou hast granted me this day and hour, that I might receive a portion amongst the number of martyrs in the cup of [Thy] Christ unto resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. May I be received among these in Thy presence this day, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as Thou didst prepare and reveal it beforehand, and hast accomplished it, Thou that art the faithful and true God.
MartPoly 14:3 For this cause, yea and for all things, I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I glorify Thee, through the eternal and heavenly High-prost, Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, through whom with Him and the Holy Spirit be glory both now [and ever] and for the ages to come. Amen.'
MartPoly 15:1 When he had offered up the Amen and finished his prayer, the firemen lighted the fire.
2.The wind of World I John 2:16 If you love the world the love of the father is not in you. Ignacious was contemporary of Polycarp. He wrote:
"All the way from Syria to Rome I am fighting wild beasts, on land and sea, by day and night, chained as I am to ten leopards, that is, a detachment of soldiers, who prove themselves the more malevolent for kindnesses shown them. Yet in the school of this abuse I am more and more trained in discipleship, although I am not therefore justified. Oh, may the beasts prepared for me be my joy! And I pray that they may be found to be ready for me. I will even coax them to make short work of me, not as has happened to some whom they were too timid to touch. And should they be unwilling to attack me who am willing, I will myself compel them. Pardon me - I know very well where my advantage lies. At last I am well on the way to being a disciple. May nothing seen or unseen, fascinate me, so that I may happily make my way to Jesus Christ! Fire, cross, struggles with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs, crunching of the whole body, cruel tortures inflicted by the devil - let them come upon me, provided only I make my way to Jesus Christ."
"Petition Christ in my behalf that through these instruments I may prove God's sacrifice. Not like Peter and Paul do I issue any orders to you. They were Apostles, I am a convict; they were free, I am until this moment a slave. But once I have suffered, I shall become a freedman of Jesus Christ, and, united with Him, I shall rise a free man. Just now I learn, being in chains, to desire nothing."
"I am writing while still alive, but my yearning is for death. My Love has been crucified, and I am not on fire with the love of earthly things."
Do not have Jesus on your lips and not on your heart.
3. The wind of Dissention - Psalms 119:165 "Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend them." Let your motivation be that God has called you and not the congregation. Ecclesiastes 3:14 teaches that whatever God does it shall be forever.
Dr. Greg J. Dixon led the 7:00 p.m. service.
Pastor Aubrey Vaughan moderated a message in song. He started off reading from the following scripture passages:
Romans 5:10 - For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Ephesians 2:2 & 3 - Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others
Pastor Aubrey Vaughan said, "We were enemies of God, yet God loved us. It is hard to love your enemies. God tells us to love our enemies. For me, it is impossible without the grace of God. Here, God loves those who are his enemies." Then he sang "But Still He Loves Me".
He then read the following scripture passages:
Luke 7:38-50 - And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
After a few comments on Mary's love and devotion, he sang "O Glorious Love".
He then read from 1John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. After commenting on the victory through Jesus Christ, he sang "Because He Lives".
Pastor Vaughan then spoke on the cross, and then called on Charles Holloway, who sang "When I See the Cross". After singing, Charles Holloway spoke of how he really enjoyed the story of the raising Lazarus from the dead. He told how that the Jews believed that when a person died the spirit would hover around the body for three days. As long as the spirit was around they believed there was still hope of life returning to the body. But after the third day there was no hope of life returning. Jesus tarried four days before traveling the roughly one-half day's journey to Bethany. Charles Holloway spoke of when things are impossible Christ shows up on the scene and performs the impossible. After making these comments Charles Holloway attempted, and I say attempted because the tape would not co-operate - it kept stopping, to sing "Four Days Late". Pastor Aubrey Vaughan then commented on the storms of life that we all go through and then asked Charles Holloway to sing "'Till The Storm Passes By".
Pastor Aubrey Vaughan said that once God helps you through the storm, it gives you faith and helps you to grow. Steve Kukla then sang "Speak The Word Lord" and "Higher Than I've Ever Been".
Celesta Anderson then sang "Under His Wings" and "He'll Do It Again"
Pastor Vaughan quoted part of a poem: "When things go wrong as they sometimes will, and the road you're traveling seems all uphill, and the funds are low, and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh; when care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don't quit!"
Steve Kukla to conclude with "Don't Give Up". Steve asked the congregation to join him on the chorus.
Dear friend, We are in desperate need of funds to continue this battle for a free Church and Christian education without state interference. Please send the largest gift possible to Indianapolis Baptist Temple, P.O. Box 11, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. For all of you who respond we will send you a "Scenes From the Battle" video. Please help us today if possible.