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A 508(c)(1)(A) Church is a 501(c)(3) Church

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See Church Internal Revenue Code § 508(c)(1)(A) Tax Exempt Status (042814) for more detailed information and also links to other related informative articles.

The title to IRC § 508(c)(1)(A) makes clear that a 508 church is an IRC § 501(c)(3) church. She, like all 501(c)(3) churches, is a spiritual whore. The 508 church is an exception to the requirement for filing for tax-exempt status. She becomes tax-exempt by agreeing (whether she knows it or not) to give IRS acknowledgements for tithes, offerings, and gifts to the donors and by abiding by the other 501(c)(3) rules and regulations.

A church who claims the status, states that she is not a 501(c)(3) church, and does not abide by all the rules and regulations that come with 501(c)(3) is guilty whether she knows it or not. Ignorance of the law is no defense. The wife who commits adultery is guilty whether she gets found out or not. The church, the wife of Christ, who commits adultery is guilty, and she cannot deceive the Lord. Her Husband,  knows and grieves over her harlotry. The church has started to spiritually slide downward. She is also a hypocrite whether she knows it or not and whether the IRS or other government agency takes action or not.

The 501(c)(3) status of the 508(c)(1)(A) church is not hidden because it is in clear view. It is stated in the title to IRC § 508(c)(1)(A). The following statement of the law (in relevant part) can be verified by a simple google search using search terms such as “irs code 508.”

Ҥ 508. Special rules with respect to section 501(c)(3) organizations.
“(a) New organizations must notify secretary that they are applying for recognition of section 501(c)(3) status.
…
“(c) Exceptions. [Emphasis mine.]
“(1) Mandatory exceptions. Subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to  “(A) churches, their integrated auxiliaries, and conventions or associations of churches.”[1] [Emphasis in subsection (A) mine.]

To repeat, the title states, “§ 508. Special rules with respect to section 501(c)(3) organizations.” That should end any argument that the 508 church is not a 501(c)(3) church.

The law simply says that 508(c)(1)(A) churches are mandatory exceptions to the requirement for filing for 501(c)(3) status. It says that churches are excepted from filing for 501(c)(3) status in order to claim that status. That status comes with rules and regulations.

The Internal Revenue Service correctly understands church 508 status. Revenue Publication 1828 states:

“Tax-Exempt Status
“Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, the organization must meet the following requirements (covered in greater detail throughout this publication):

  • “the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific or other charitable purposes;
  • “net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder;
  • “no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation;
  • “the organization may not intervene in political campaigns; and
  • “the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.

“Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status
“Automatic Exemption for Churches
“Churches that meet the requirements of IRC Section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because this recognition assures church leaders, members and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.” [Bold italicized emphasis added].

“IRS Publication 557, Tax –Exempt Status for Your Organization.” states, in relevant part, on page 24:

“Organizations Not Required to File Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ “Some organizations aren’t required to file Form 1023 or 1023-EZ. “These include: “Churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or associations of churches, or integrated auxiliaries of a church, such as a men’s or women’s organization, religious school, mission society, or youth group.
…
“These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of section 501(c)(3). However, such organizations will not appear on the Tax-Exempt Organization Search list of organizations eligible to receive tax-de ductible contributions. These organizations also cannot obtain a written affirmation of their exempt status. To be included in the IRS database of exempt organizations and be eligible to receive a written determination or affirmation of exempt status, these organization must file Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.” [Bold italicized emphasis added].

If a church does not apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or claim 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a 508(c)(1)(A) tax exempt church by complying with the requirements of 501(c)(3); and if she is otherwise organized as a New Testament church, the First Amendment non-taxable status of that church must be honored. A church claims 508(c)(1)(A) status by giving IRS acknowledgements for tithes, offerings, and gifts and by agreeing that she will comply with all the other requirements of 501(c)(3).

A pastor or church member who states, “We are a 508 church, not a 501(c)(3) church” does not know what he is talking about. His church has entered into an shameful relationship with the federal government. His church is being untrue to both the Lord Jesus Christ and to her illicit lover.

501(c)(3) and 508(c)(1)(A) tax exempt status not only come with five government imposed rules, such status also invokes a myriad of regulations. See and read, e.g.,

See Church Internal Revenue Code § 508(c)(1)(A) Tax Exempt Status (042814) for more detailed information and also links to other related informative articles.

Other relevant essays:

  1. Federal government control of churches through IRS Code Sections 501(c)(3) and 508(c)(1)(A) tax exemption (121012)
  2. The church incorporation-501(c)(3) control scheme (121021)
  3.  The Rules and Regulations that Come with Church IRS Code Sections 501(c)(3) and 508(c)(1)(A) Tax-Exempt Status (031722)
  4. Are Churches Automatically Tax Exempt? (040822)
  5. A Biblical and Legal Analysis of the Helping Hand Outreach Publication, “WHY ALL CHURCHES SHOULD BE A 508(c)(1)(a).”
  6. Legal answer to Pastor’s inquiry concerning whether a potential donor of substantial gift an claim a tax deduction under IRC Section 508 even though the church will not give an IRS acknowledgement (123118)
  7. Does a Church Need 501(c)(3) or 508(c)(1)(A) Status? A Biblical and Legal Answer (062324)
  8. Did President Trump Do Away with 501(c)(3) Requirements? (120217)
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Examination of a Moslem Bible Argument: God’s Covenant in Genesis 12:1-3 Was with Abraham, the Father of Three Religions, Not with the Jews

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Jerald Finney
Copyright © January 9, 2026

All Scripture references are from the King James Bible

Americans are becoming aware of the Muslim invasion due to the recent revelations of the vast numbers of Moslems who have immigrated, legally and illegally, to America, the many mosques that they have built and are continuing to build at an accelerating rate, their widespread fraud and other non-Christian actions, and their ever present plans to take over America and the world. Any believer close to my age (seventy-nine) should have seen this coming at least thirty years ago. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, as a relatively new believer, I studied false religions, including Islam, in order to have some understanding of how to try to approach their followers as I went into the world as a soldier for the Lord. Sadly, videos of Christian protests against and encounters with Muslims reveal that most believers have not been trained and equipped with the spiritual armor they need to put on as soldiers for our Lord Jesus Christ. See EN[i] for a very brief explanation, from God’s word, of the believer’s duty to fight a spiritual warfare for Christ and the armor he is to put on. Notice that this warfare is spiritual and not worldly. That said, at least some believers are fighting the good fight, even though lacking; and of course, we all fall short to one degree or another. The better prepared we are, the more the Holy Spirit can use our efforts.

Muslims train their followers to challenge and educate Christians from Scripture. Many times the deceiver prevails over the unstudied believer. This article will briefly give the Christian the knowledge he needs to answer one Muslim argument. Future articles may be published concerning others. The best path of learning is Holy Spirit led study of God’s word, not articles by another believer. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).  However, we can all help one another. Two or more believing heads are better than one working alone, as long as they, in love, seek unity as they search the Scriptures. Caveat: I know many believers who can better explain what I write in this article, but I know others who cannot.

Please keep in mind that Islam is a belief system which combines religion and state—both are to work hand in hand for the same goals. Combining religion and state, unlike union of the true God and state, always produces bad results; this is explained in other resources on this website. Islam teaches Moslems to do and say whatever is necessary to gain the control they desire, but do not have. Lying is part of their repertoire. For example, they will tell Americans that they believe people should be able to follow whatever religion they want, say what they want, do what they want (not to include crimes against one’s fellow man), write and publish what they want, protest, etc. The fact is that they, contrary to Bible principle and American law, do not believe in freedom of religion, conscience, press, association, speech, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Their religio/state is diametrically opposed to the word of God.

When Islam gains control, they, as did their prophet Mohammed, uses whatever means necessary to destroy all opposition. They physically destroy those who will not convert to Islam. That is in their repertoire.

Now, to one of many arguments Muslims present to Christians. See, EN[ii] for an example of an encounter between a Christian and an aspiring “Muslim” who argued that Gen. 12:1-3 refers to the prophet Abraham, who was the father of three religions, not to the Jews. Obviously, the three religions which she has in mind must be Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The Christian was right in his conclusions about that and some other matters (although wrong about some things he said), but made no attempt to educate the lady from the word of God on that issue. God’s word makes clear the correct answer. That answer follows.

God ordained human government and set the boundaries of the nations (Genesis 10; Psm. 74:17). Man rebelled against God at the tower of Babel; God judged that rebellion, confused the languages, and “scatted them abroad from thence upon the face of the earth” (Genesis 11:1-5). Generations later (Gen. 11:10-27), in the midst of almost universal idolatry, God called Abram and made a covenant with him:

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:1-3).

As Scripture goes on to reveal, God’s plan was to call out one nation for specific purposes, the nation Israel. God’s word refers to all nations other than Israel, “Gentile.” Notice that God told Abram he would make of him “a great nation,” not “nations.” “And Terah [Abram’s father] took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran (Gen. 11:31-32). “Sarai was barren; she had no child” (Gen. 11:30). God showed Abram a land and promised, “Unto thy seed will I give this land” (Gen. 12:7).

God confirmed this covenant to Abram three times. See, Genesis 13:14-17, 15:1-7, 17:1-8. Abram told God that he had no seed, and that his heir was someone born in his house (Gen. 15:4). “And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir” (Gen. 15:4). God then showed him that the seed he was referring to would be “a seed that shall be a stranger in a land that is not their’s, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge; and afterward shall they come out with great substance… In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:” (Gen. 15:13-14, 18). This seed was obviously what are now referred to as the “Jews.” This seed could not have been any other seed than the one God promised Abraham.

Since Sarai, Abram’s wife, bare Abram no children, and since they had grown old, Sarai told Abram to go into her Egyptian maid, Hagar, so that perhaps she could “obtain children by her” (Gen. 16:2). Abraham “went into Hagar,” and she conceived (Gen. 16:4). Hagar bare Abram a son, Ishmael, when Abram was eighty-four years old (Gen. 16:15-16). Ishmael, a son of Abram, was a son of unbelief, and not the seed God promised in his covenant with Abram. God said to Abram: “{M]y covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee …” (Gen. 17:21). However, God promised that he would multiply Ishmael’s seed exceedingly and make him a great nation (Gen. 19:20). After Sarah died, Abraham married Keturah. Keturah bare sons for Abraham (Genesis 25:1-4). Nations came from the sons of Abraham. All but one of those nations, the nation Israel, were Gentile.

When Abram was ninety years old, The LORD renewed his covenant with Abram (Gen. 19:1-8). He also changed the name of Abram (or high father) to Abraham (or father of many nations). God made his covenant everlasting (Gen. 17:8). God established circumcision as the sign of the covenant he made with Abraham (Gen. 17:9-14).

God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah (princess) and promised Isaac, in whom the line of Christ runs. “Abraham fell on his face and laughed” because he was one hundred years old and Sarah was ninety. He said, “O that Ishmael might live before thee” (Gen. 17:15-19). “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year” (Gen. 17:19-21). Abraham then circumcised all males that were born in his house, and all the men who were bought with his money (Gen. 17:23).

Three men sent by God (angels) appeared to Abraham. They informed him that Sarah would have a son. Sarah, hearing it, “laughed within herself” because she questioned the statement that she, a ninety year-old woman, could have a son. (Gen. 18:1-12). “And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son” (Gen. 18:13-14).

Sarah conceived and bare a son, whom Abraham named Isaac; and circumcised him when eight days old (Gen. 21:1-4).

“Wherefore she [Sarah] said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac” (Gen. 21:10). Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away, but God promised to make Ishmael a great nation (Gen. 21:9-21). However, Ishmael and the nation that was to come from him, as God has made clear, was not the nation of the covenant God made with Abraham.

The word of God tells us that Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah; Jacob, the son of Isaac; and Jacobs twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel, and the line culminating in the Lord Jesus Christ—the Messiah, the son of God, God himself, who came to lay down his life for my sin and the sins of the world, lived without sin, was rejected as king by Israel, crucified, buried, resurrected, now sits at the right hand of the Father, and will one day return to crush the world powers who come against Israel and set up his millennial reign—all were in the lineage of the seed promised by God to Abraham. See Matthew 1:1-17 for the genealogy of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus. God, the Holy Ghost, was Jesus’ father (Mt. 1:20). See Luke 3:23-38 for the genealogy of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Ishmael was not in that line, since he was the product of Abraham’s unbelief.

Epilogue

Believers should know the basics of this and other matters, even should they not have their Bible with them. I knew the basics of this issue; but, of course could not have, off the top of my head included all that is in this article. With my Bible in hand, I could have thoroughly covered it with a person who was open to an honest Bible study. When I, as a believer, go out to do God’s spiritual warfare, I should have my Bible, if needed, to refer to. Notice that the aspiring Muslim, unlike the Christian who was ill-equipped to speak on God’s behalf and very uneducated in God’s word did refer to her Bible.

Endnotes

EN[i] Born-again believers in Christ are to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3-4; 4:1-4 deal with times of apostasy, and the path of a good Christian soldier during such a time). Eph. 6:10-18 says:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

Notice that truth and “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God” are part of the warrior’s armour. As one goes from his church into the world to preach the gospel, he must be properly equipped and trained. Believers, as God’s spiritual soldiers in the world but are not of the world, and have jobs; one of which is to let the world know that God the father sent Jesus, God the son (Jn. 17, especially verses 13-23). See also Scriptures which affirm that Jesus was God the son: e.g., Psm. 2:6-7, 110.; Jn. 1:1-5, 14, 10:33 (Jesus did not correct them, but pointed out something else—that they were their own gods), 20:28; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 1 Jn. 2:22; Jude 25, , all the cross-references to these verses, and many others, which give a full contextual explanation.

God’s word makes clear that Christians should proceed with knowledge, understanding and wisdom, else they will fail and fall. See, e.g., Proverbs, Hos. 4:6; 2 Pe. 1:3-10.

EN[ii] See, Christians Protest Islamic Capital of Texas, from 19 min. 10 sec. to 32 min. 55 sec. for the entire encounter between a prospective “Muslim” woman (as she revealed earlier in the video) and a “Christian” man. Many issues are presented in this interaction. The Christian is more right than the Muslim; but, overall, he is ill-equipped to take a proper stand for Christ. This only deals with one issue raised in the encounter.

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The Truth about Islam and Sharia Law Is Coming out in America

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Jerald Finney
Copyright © December 30, 2025

Podcasts and articles:

‘Turning U.S into 3rd-world hellhole’: Tuberville’s fiery ‘anti-muslim’ senate speech draws backlash Tuberville is right on!

Rep. Emmer on Somalis Committing Fraud: ‘Send Them Home’

Patriots Fight Back Against a MOB Of Angry Democrats! THIS Is the REAL Reason Ilhan COLLAPSES

Son of Hamas Silences Entire Jew-Hating Crowd at Oxford Union!

British Journalist SHOCKS Muslim Crowd With The Brutal Truth About Islam!

Texas Congressman SILENCES The Senate Floor With The SEVERE Truth About Islam!

On another very relevant matter for America. Pastor SPEAKS OUT Against Black Preachers Supporting Democrats NOW:

(79) Texas & Michigan CIVILIANS Fight Back Against a MOB Of Angry Islamists – YouTube

It is proven that Somalis have defrauded American taxpayers of tens of billions of dollars. They came to take, not to make. They came here to convert, not to be converted. To convert to a religion and mindset that produces poverty, injustice, and everything that is Satanic. Islamists operate in Minnesota, Washington state, Ohio, Texas and many other states. They intend to try to force Sharia law into America and take over America. Christians should give them the gospel, of course. But God’s word makes clear why this nation should never accept people into this country who will not renounce Sharia law or any other religion which goes against the word of God, including people who come here to take, not to make.

I lived in  Faribault, Minnesota (population of 23,000) from 2016-2018. I was told that they had 5,000 immigrants from Somalia there already and wanted to bring more in. You could hear their “call to prayer” all over Faribault. In Minneapolis, friends pointed to an area of the city that had tens of thousands of Somali immigrants. I thought, “Don’t they know that many these people, in general, come here to change America, that their religion and beliefs are incompatible with ours (no free speech, freedom of religion, press, etc.).

It is proven that Somalis have defrauded American taxpayers of tens of billions of dollars. Islamists operate in Minnesota, Washington state, Ohio, Texas and many other states. They also intend to try to force Sharia law into America and take over America. Christians should give them the gospel, of course. But God’s word makes clear why this nation should never accept people into this country who will not renounce Sharia law and any religion which goes against the word of God, including people who come here to take, not to make.

After moving back to Texas, I thought about it much anymore until recent newscasts (not any from the mainline media) revealed to me that the chickens are coming home to roost. I have seen many videos online where Moslem leaders, including Ilan Omar, are openly declaring that they came here to change America, to make every American household a follower of Islam, to support the countries they came from and not America, etc. Some Moslems on the video condemn Americans for burning the Koran (punishable by death in many Moslem countries) saying they are peaceful and would never burn the Bible. That is one way they work. They lie, steal, and do or say anything needed to ultimately reach their goals. When they get the power, they give you a choice, convert or die. Many Moslem countries do not allow any other religion and prohibit any religious text other than the Koran or approved Muslim publications and speech, at penalty of death, imprisonment, or some other severe punishment.

If you have not seen them, there are many reports which prove that many Somalian immigrants have used government programs to defraud the government of billions of dollars in Minnesota alone, with the knowledge of the attorney general and governor of Minn. who turned their backs. The Democratic Party of Minnesota depend upon the hundreds of thousands of Moslem votes to remain in power. Other states have the same problems. Our federal government has the same problem, to some extent.

As a believer in Christ, I do not support violence against anyone except in self-defense and defense of others. I am glad that our government is now trying to take a stand to reverse the actions of Biden and Obama regarding mass migration without vetting, especially of those who come here to change America by any means necessary.

Our laws, including the highest law of the land, in agreement with God’s word, support freedom of religion (separation of religion and state, not separation of God and state) and other Biblical values. For proof from God’s word see God Betrayed/Separation of Church and State: The Biblical Principles and the American Application (Online version, downloadable PDF, softback) | Simply Church. It is lunacy to allow immigrants to come to this nation who will not, before coming, prove that they agree with these values and will support these values as well as American law in general when they get here. If they lie about it to get here, and act inconsistently, they should be deported back to their countries.

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Have They Gotten Rid of the “Johnson Amendment” as President Trump Promised?

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Essays and article on federal tax exemption and the rules, including the Johnson Amendment, which comes with tax-exempt status:

  1. Federal government control of churches through IRS Code Sections 501(c)(3) and 508(c)(1)(A) tax exemption (121012)
  2. The church incorporation-501(c)(3) control scheme (121021)
  3.  The Rules and Regulations that Come with Church IRS Code Sections 501(c)(3) and 508(c)(1)(A) Tax-Exempt Status (031722)
  4. Are Churches Automatically Tax Exempt? (040822)
  5. A Biblical and Legal Analysis of the Helping Hand Outreach Publication, “WHY ALL CHURCHES SHOULD BE A 508(c)(1)(a).”
  6. Legal answer to Pastor’s inquiry concerning whether a potential donor of substantial gift an claim a tax deduction under IRC Section 508 even though the church will not give an IRS acknowledgement (123118)
  7. Does a Church Need 501(c)(3) or 508(c)(1)(A) Status? A Biblical and Legal Answer (062324)
  8. Church Internal Revenue Code § 508(c)(1)(A) Tax Exempt Status (042814)

Have They Gotten Rid of the “Johnson Amendment” as President Trump Promised?

Jerald Finney
Copyright © September 9, 2025

President Trump honors believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and wishes to return the nation to her founding principles.  He is trying to clean up the federal government and rescue America from the Woke Agenda, DEI, government waste, high taxes etc. He is not afraid to confront anyone, including the United Nations assembly, with truth. Many of his appointments and advisers are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember what Kamala Harris told a person at a Democrat rally who said, “Jesus Christ is King?” She, with a condescending tone of voice and silly grin on her face said, “You belong at that smaller rally down the street?” She was letting him know that the Lord was not welcomed by the Democrats.  Thank the Lord that Trump is our President.

This article, in speaking to his statements and actions concerning the “Johnson Amendment,” are not meant to demean our President.

President Trump, early in his campaign for President in 2016, became aware of the “Johnson Amendment.” He stated, in his speech at the Museum of the Bible, that it prohibits all 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations (including churches), to whom contributions are tax deductible, from participating in political campaigns (specifically, supporting or opposing a candidate). In 2016, he promised that they would get rid it.

The “Johnson Amendment” is one of four rules in Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3) which religious organizations who ask for and obtain 501(c)(3) status agree to abide by. The purpose of the rule is to prevent tax-deductible money from being used to support or oppose candidates for public office. The Johnson Amendment does not prohibit all electoral activity, and 501(c)(3) organizations may still actively participate in the election process, but with significant limitations, if enforced. This article speaks to President Trump’s statements and actions concerning the “Johnson Amendment.”

He, after speaking at a board meeting to pastors and rabbis in 2016, asked for their support for president. But they did not respond. After the meeting, he was told about the “Johnson Amendment;” that because of that “Amendment” churches and religious organizations lose their tax-exempt status if “a pastor, minister, rabbi, imam, or anybody says anything about politics, you can lose your tax exempt status.” His response was, “You got to be kidding.” He said that the religious leaders were petrified about it and nobody wanted to talk about it; they became a different group of people. He pledged to them in a later meeting, “If I win, we’re going get rid of the Johnson Amendment.” He then gave an account of how the Johnson Amendment was passed. He gained their support. He recently stated that they got rid of the Amendment. See his comments by clicking here. See, Speech at the Museum of the Bible for the entire speech.

Have they gotten rid of the Johnson Amendment? The short answer is “No (with some caveats).”  I answered this and related questions in a prior article: Did President Trump do away with 501(c)(3) requirements? Published on December 2, 2017. The answers in that article are still applicable.

I am not sure what President Trump believes about the matter of separation of church and state. I do know that he has some advisors who  hold an incorrect view on that issue. The Trail of Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus: Christian Revisionists on Trial; The Christian History of the First Amendment explains the warfare going on in American politics from a Christian and historical perspective. Christian historical and Biblical revisionists have led the political activist fight in American politics and lead the way for Christian political activists. They have revised the true history of religious freedom and soul liberty in America as well as God’s guidelines for their activities.

President Trump does not have the time to do a thorough study of these matters to seek out the truth so that he can determine the truth of what he is told by religious people. He stated in his speech,

  • “I don’t want to hear from a lot of people. We hear from the people we respect” and named some of them. He said, “All of the people that are up here, I want to hear from these people. They come from a different place than me. I come from a business place rough people, bad people, not really religious people; there are some …. That’s why we go to church on Sunday, where ever we are to listen to people of faith. …”

Hopefully, President Trump will not follow bad counseling on the proper relationship between church and state. God, in his word, teaches that he does not wish for church and state to work hand in hand, state over church, or church over state. God’s word does reveal that God wishes both church and state to be under God, but neither to be under, over, or combined with the other. See Part I of God Betrayed: Separation of Church and State: The Biblical Principles and the American Application for explanation. The First Amendment is consistent with God’s plan.

The Trail of Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus: Christian Revisionists on Trial; The Christian History of the First Amendment proves the truth about the true history and meaning of the First Amendment religion clause. It is not a long read and gives citations for all authorities relied upon. Read it and study it out for yourself.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF GOD BETRAYED:

Preface……………………………………………………………….. i
Introduction…………………………………………………………. xi
PARTONE
The Biblical Principles

Section I: Government………………………………………… 1
Chapter 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………….. 3
Chapter 2: The motivation and the goal……………………………………. 9
Chapter 3: Self-government……………………………………………………… 13
Chapter 4: Family government and conscience……………. 19
Chapter 5: Civil government……………………………………………………….. 21
Chapter 6: God desires nations to choose to glorify Him………….. 27
Chapter 7: Israel—the only theocracy ordained by God…………… 31
Chapter 8: God is the God of Israel……………………………………………… 39
Chapter 9: God desires Gentile nations to glorify Him………………. 51
Chapter 10: God judges nations……………………………………………….. 53
Chapter 11: Satan orchestrates the world-system ……………………. 59
Chapter 12: Conclusion……………………………………………………………….. 63

Section II: Church………………………………………………..…..65
Chapter 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………….. 67
Chapter 2: Definition, organization, and purposes of a church……. 71
Chapter 3: Christ, the Bridegroom/Husband/Head of the church…… 79
Chapter 4: Heresy and apostasy……………………………………………….. 85
Chapter 5: Recent accelerated apostasy in the United StateS……. 93
Chapter 6: Apostasy at the end of the church age…………………….119
Chapter 7: The church will reign with the Lord…………………………121
Chapter 8: Conclusion……………………………………………….…………123

Section III: Separation of Church and State……………………………125
Chapter 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………..127
Chapter 2: Definitions………………………………………………………………135
Chapter 3: Dispensational Theology versus Covenant Theology.137
Chapter 4: Distinct differences between church and state……….153
Chapter 5: Render unto Caesar……………………………………………………169
Chapter 6: Romans 13 and I Peter 2.13……………………………………….173
Chapter 7: Christ-church, Husband-wife, Bridegroom-bride…….185
Chapter 8: Conclusion……………………………………………………………187

PART TWO
The American Application

Section IV: History of Religious Freedom in America……….189
Chapter 1: Introduction……………………..………………………………….191
Chapter 2: Secular and Christian revisionism…………………………….197
Chapter 3: The consequences of secular and Christian revisionism 205
Chapter 4: The light begins to shine………………………………………..209
Chapter 5: The Pilgrims and the Puritans in Massachusetts……..215
Chapter 6: The Baptists in Rhode Island………………………………….233
Chapter 7: The Separates and the Baptists in New England………..249
Chapter 8: From New England to the South……………………………..261
Chapter 9: To Virginia…………………….…..…………………………………….265
Chapter 10: To the new nation..…………………………..…………………285
Chapter 11: Conclusion…………………………..…………………………………..289
Section V: Religion Clause Jurisprudence………………………………….291
Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………..………………………………….293
Chapter 2: The 19th Century Supreme Court interpretation
of “separation of church and state” …………………….299
Chapter 3: Application of the First Amendment
to the states: 1868-1947…………………………..……………………….307
Chapter 4: Separation of God and state: 1947-2007………………..313
Chapter 5: Conclusion…………………………..…………………………………..345

Section VI: God Betrayed: Union of Church and State…….349
Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………..……          …..………..351
Chapter 2: Incorporation of churches………………………………………365
Chapter 3: Incorporation of churches in the colonies and the new natioNn……………………………………………………………………………………………………379
Chapter 4: Federal government control of churches through 501(c)(3) tax exemption………………………………………………………………………………..385
Chapter 5: The incorporation-501(c)(3) control scheme…………395
Chapter 6: Spurious rationale for incorporating: limited liability 401
Chapter 7: Spurious rationale for incorporating: to hold property 405
Chapter 8: Spurious rationale for corporate-501(c)(3) status:
tax exemption and tax deduction for contributions………………. 419
Chapter 9: The results of ignoring the biblical principle of
separation of church and state……………………………………………..425
Chapter 10: Conclusion…………………………..………………………………427

Bibliography…………………………………………………………431
Index………………………………………………………………….437
Index of Scripture Verses………………………………………….451

Isaiah 28:14-18 “Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem. Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it.”

 

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Foundation Group Exposed

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Jerald Finney
Copyright © May 17, 2025

The First Amendment to the Constitution and corresponding state constitutional provisions, the highest law of the United States and the highest laws of each state, guarantee religious freedom and soul liberty and declare that churches in America can organize and do things God’s way without persecution or taxation. Many churches are doing just that; they are organizing under their Bridegroom, and Him alone.

Many companies market money-making schemes in which they convince uneducated Christians to organize churches outside God’s principles. Foundation Group is one of those companies. Under their scheme, they teach and implement church incorporation and LLC status. Any kind of legal status for churches, to include incorporation and LLC, grieve our Lord and violate church doctrine given by God in his word, the Bible. Christ is jealous of His Bride and wishes her to remain under Him and Him alone.

The Simply Church Ministry website has books, articles, essays, and video teachings which explain the Bible doctrines of church, state, church and state, and the proper application of those doctrines. Only one who has studied the word of God and various legal forms of organization will understand the lies of Foundation Group. The Simply Church website gives the believer and church all the resources they need to understand God’s church organizational doctrine and His desired relationship between church and state.

Foundation Group is right about some matters. For example, they are correct in teaching that church 508(c)((1)(A) status makes a church a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. They are dead wrong in advising churches to organize as corporations or LLC’s. Both types of organizations are creatures of the state organized under state law, and subject to all the rules and regulations that come with the organization. See, for example, Legal Explanation of Incorporation of Churches | Simply Church. If a church incorporates or gets LLC status, they may as well get 501(c)(3) tax-exempt state as well.

I welcome the opportunity to do a published video debate with a Foundation Group representative. However, I do not believe they would agree to this because it would expose them for what they are. I left a comment on their website challenging them to a debate, but have not heard back from them. I believe they removed the comment. I cannot find it.

The following posts on the Simply Church website give short answers to some important questions with links to more in-depth studies. These short articles will get you started in your study of church organizational matters.:

The New Testament of Jesus Christ: His Executor Named and Empowered

1. Is it illegal for a church in America not to incorporate? Does a church have to be a 501c3?
2. Are churches automatically tax exempt?
3. What is a Spiritual entity?
4.What is a legal entity?
5. Is a church a Spiritual entity, a legal entity, or a Spiritual/legal entity? See also, Spiritual versus Legal Entities
6. Does God Care if our Church is Incorporated?
7. Should a Church Be a 508 Church?
8. Does a church in America need an Employer (Tax) ID Number?
9.What does church, inc. mean?
10. Who Is the head of an incorporated church?
11. What is 501c3?
12. What is 508?
13. What is the history of the First Amendment?
14. What is the History and Meaning of “Establishment of Religion” in America?
15. What is an established church?
16. What is a First Amendment Church?
17. Question from a Church Concerning Church Organization
18. The Bible Answer to the Question, “Is an Incorporated 501(c)(3) or 508 Church a Church of Christ?”

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Urgent Open Letter to Students of Baptist Bible Schools, Colleges and Seminaries

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Dear fellow believers and Bible students,

Can you answer the question in the featured picture above? Can you explain what God’s word says about the church: it’s ordination, goal, organization, and conduct?

Even after you have completed your studies, you will not be able to answer those questions unless you seek and find the answers on your own. Why? Because your studies will not cover God’s Church Doctrine.

Many or most of you love your churches and wish to serve God in those churches. That being true, should not you know what God’s word teaches about the church? Should not every church member have a basic understanding of what a church is supposed to be?

Through time-consuming tedious Bible study, you can learn church doctrine on your own. However, would it not be much easier to follow the Bible studies of someone, a born-again attorney, who has spent the last 20+ years of his 55 years as a believer passionately studying what God says about the New Testament church? If so, take just a few minutes a day going through the short lessons on the Simply Church Ministry website.

The concise lessons are presented in both written and video format. Don’t just believe what is taught there. Check it out in the Bible.

Link to short course: Basic Course | Simply Church

God bless you as you seek to please and glorify our great God and savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!

Feel free to contact me anytime for any reason.

Very truly yours,
Jerald Finney,
Born-again believer
Attorney at Law
jeraldfinney157@gmail.com
512-785-8445
jeraldfinney.com

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8. Church Is To Be the Pillar and Ground of the Truth

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A Publication of Simply Church Ministry

If you miss one part of the puzzle that is being put together in these studies, you will never see and understand the whole picture.

Previous Lesson: 7. Other Bible Descriptors for a Church: Family, Etc.

Next Lesson: 9. How To Recognize a New Testament Church

Click here to go to all lessons on the Bible Doctrine of the Church.

Click here to go to links to all written lessons.

Click here to go to the 5 minute video lectures.

9. Jerald Finney
Copyright © December 18, 2024

As a lead up to the next lesson, “How to Recognize a New Testament Church,” one more matter needs to be understood. A “church of the living God” is to be the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). The church is to support the truth, as does a pillar a building. Truth sustains the church—as does a pillar a building—against all the inevitable assaults foretold in God’s word. It sustains it amidst the war of elements, the natural tendency to fall, and the assaults which may be made on it, and preserves it when it would otherwise tumble into ruin. God entrusted the church to maintain the truth and transmit it to the future.

The ground here is that upon which the church rests, the basis or foundation. ” The church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:22). “Jesus Christ is the truth, and his word is truth” (Jn. 14:6, Jn. 17:7). Thus, truth is to be supported by the church, within and without. Truth makes stable when “systems of error are swept away. Truth makes a church stable and fixed, unchangeable, amidst the storms that surround it.” The stability of an individual, a family, a nation, and a church depends upon the truth, and only the church is equipped to support such a heavy load.

God’s word is truth for individuals, families, nations, and churches. The instructions for individuals and families begins in Genesis 1. Instructions for nations and civil government begins at the end of Genesis 8. God ordained the nations and gave them their marching orders. He picked out one nation for special purposes, the nation Israel. Israel was the only nation he ever ordained as a “theocracy,” a nation where religion and civil government were to be combined under God.  Israel was to be the light of God for all other nations. Israel failed miserably, even though they had God’s truth and even though God told them the consequences of both obedience and disobedience. See, Bible Doctrine of Government.

In the New Testament, God revealed something new, the church. The Holy Spirit disclosed the mystery of the church “unto his holy apostles and prophets,” a mystery which was not made known unto men before (Ep. 3.5-6). That mystery was that “the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.” A church, is “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Ep.2.22). A church may know “the manifold wisdom of God,” God’s “eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ep. 3.10; see also, 1 Cor. 2:5-8).”

God’s plan for every new believer in Christ is that they become a member of a local church (Ac. 2:41-47). Within the church, individual believers are “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph. 2:22). A church body consists of born-again believers (See, I Cor. 12-14, Eph. 4). Only the person who has trusted Christ as Saviour can know and understand God’s truth (See, e.g., 1 Cor. 2).  How can a new believer know the truth if he is not taught it? How can he teach it if he does not know it? A church is to teach new believers, and all members of the church are to work together as a spiritual body “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till “the church all come in unity of the faith…” See Eph. 4.

Within, the church is to know, understand, and teach all God’s revealed truth, including that for individuals, families, nations, and churches. Churches and church members are to apply individual, family, and church truth. Members of a church body are to assemble “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till [they] all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12-13). “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (See Eph. 4:16).

Without, believers are to be “the light of the world,” and they are to let their “light shine before men, that they may see your good works, ad glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16). Christ prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world” (John 17:17-18). In the world, God’s children are to “walk as children of light,” “having not fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,” “but rather [reproving] them” (Ep. 5:8). Without, church members are to proclaim and apply God’s truth for individuals, families, nations and human government, and churches.

For both within and without, the church is instructed: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness sin high places.” “Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth” (Ep. 6:14). Believers are to stand against the darkness of this world, and the truth which girts their loins holds all the pieces of armour together. The spiritual weapons of the church and the child of God “are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”

A believer who is not in a church or who is in a church which has not prepared them for spiritual warfare both within and without will do much harm to the cause of Christ, either by omission or commission. Millions of believers in America, having not been grounded in the truth, are failing in their God-given goal of glorifying God because they know not God’s truths. Christian political activists come out of churches who are not right with God, expecting to get America right with God. It will not work. Their work has proven counterproductive. “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways” (Hebrews 3:10).

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Video: “Pastor LOSES IT Over Explosive House Church Growth – What’s Really Going On?”

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This is an excellent video exposing a false teaching on the home church. The link to it was sent by a dear pastor and friend. You may not agree with every jot and tittle of the exposure, but it makes some very good points from God’s word.

“Pastor LOSES IT Over Explosive House Church Growth – What’s Really Going On?”

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World Video Bible School (WVBS) Teaching on Separation of Church and State

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I came across this Youtube World Video Bible School (WVBS) teaching on Separation of Church and State on November 2, 2024.  Sadly, many Christians continue to be misled by Christian Revisionism, much to the detriment of themselves, their families, their churches, and the nation.

I added the following comment below the video:

“Comment by Christian attorney whose life work is church organization and the relationship of church and state. The true history of the First Amendment reveals that it not intended to separate God and state. However, it was intended to separate church and state. Christian revisionists and Christians in general, do not understand this. For explanation, including the documented true history of the First Amendment, see https://jeraldfinney.com/36346-2/god-betrayed/books/the-trail-of-blood-of-the-martyrs-of-jesus/ or see https://jeraldfinney.com/36346-2/god-betrayed/books/god-betrayedseparation-of-church-and-state-the-biblical-principles-and-the-american-application/.

“The Everson decision added a new twist to the First Amendment which has been used by the Court to remove God from practically all civil government matters, even though the Court also incorrectly declared that the First Amendment was meant to separate God and state. Christian political activists who do not fully understand this have done great harm to the cause of Christ since they have worked tirelessly to reform America or save America for God, all the while, their churches being bound to the state through incorporation, 501(c)(c) or 508(c)(1)(A) federal “tax-exempt” status, or in some other way. The base their efforts on the Biblical and historical lies of men such as David Barton and William Federer. For that reason, and because their churches are not right with God, their efforts have been counterproductive. America is sliding, at an accelerating rate, into spiritual apostasy and moral depravity.

“As a Christian political activist in the Republican Party, I once followed the Christian revisionism  of men such as David Barton and William Federer. So much so that they were heroes of mine, until, through many years of study, I found that they revised history (selected facts out of context to promote the views and desires of their false theology). The first book linked to above explains this.”

My comment was quickly removed.

The local church sanctified and cleansed by the washing of water by the word——————–A ministry of Charity Baptist Tabernacle of Amarillo, Texas led by Pastor Ben Hickam. "Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:1-3). ————————————Jerald Finney, a Christian Lawyer and member of Charity Baptist Tabernacle, having received this ministry in the Lord, explains how a church in America can remain under the Lord Jesus Christ and Him only. "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11; See also, Ephesians 4::1-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-25). "Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it" (Colossians 4:17). "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church" (Ephesians 1.22; See also, e.g. Colossians 1:18).