Paul’s Roman Citizenship

Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned? (A.D. 58; Acts 22:25).

Some believe that passages such as this from the Book of Acts somehow show that Paul was advocating involvement in Gentile politics. However, things are not always as they first appear.

The Nature of the Book of Acts

One must be careful about establishing their doctrine from the Book of Acts. This book was not written by Paul, nor was it written to establish doctrine for the Body of Christ, nor was it designed to be a pattern for our practical living. Instead, Acts is a book that reveals the transitional history of the fall of Israel and the rise of the Body of Christ. To obtain truth for the church, the Body of Christ, one must turn to the epistles of Paul.

What Paul Was NOT Doing

Paul did, on occasion appeal to Roman law, but this can’t remotely be compared with being an active participant in influencing and determining governmental policy. Neither Paul nor Jesus ever tried to reform Caesar or the Roman government.

What Paul Was Doing

To understand what Paul was doing when appealing to Roman law, we need the historical background to understand the passages where Paul brings up the issue of citizenship (A.D. 59; Acts 22-25).

First, let’s realize that all throughout Paul’s earlier 20-year apostolic ministry as recorded in the Book of Acts he is never recorded as having made any such reference to citizenship, even in the face of severe torture. A Roman citizen was protected from such treatment, nevertheless without any apparent appeal from him he received 39 stripes on five different occasions, and was three times beaten with rods (all prior to A.D. 57; II Corinthians 11:24). So why does he suddenly change and make an appeal?

The background of events will provide us with the answer. Paul had for “many years” (Romans 15:23) desired to make a trip to Rome; but he had been “much hindered” (Romans 15:22) because of constant delays caused by persecution from unbelieving Jews. Paul planned to make a trip to Jerusalem to deliver relief that he had been raising for the poor saints there. His plan was then to move on to Rome after that, provided that he is “delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea” (Romans 15:31).

After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome” (Spring, A.D. 54; Acts 19:21).

Paul wrote to the saints at Rome to inform them of his plans to come to them.

For I long to see you [the saints in Rome], that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established. … I have been much hindered from coming to you; but now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, when I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey … But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. … When I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come … And I am sure that, when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. … That I may be delivered from them who do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed (Spring, A.D. 58; Romans 1:11; 15:22-32).

While at Jerusalem heavy opposition broke out against him. Seizing upon an opportunity to be delivered from the unbelieving Jews so that he could finally take his ministry to the capitol of the Roman Empire, he simply inquired, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?” (Acts 22:25).

Paul appealed for the civil authorities to act in accordance with the law which bound them. He appealed to the principle of Roman law, an intervention that delivered him from the hands of the Jewish persecution. With his opposition constrained, Paul now only needed a means to get to Rome. He saw this opportunity in by exercising Roman rights to “appeal [his case] to Caesar” (A.D.59; Acts 25:11). Relatively, the government saw Paul as a Roman citizen, and Paul related to their treatment of him as such – pressing upon them the standard of their own law – and as a result he was able to make his long-desired trip to Rome under Roman authority.

A Greater Revelation

Now, before we assume that statements found in the Book of Acts have some instruction for the believer to become political, we must first be careful not to anticipate revelation. This is a significant concern when reading the Scriptures. We need to recognize that Paul received an abundance of progressive revelations over his some thirty-year apostleship.

I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord … through the abundance of the revelations (Autumn, A.D. 57; II Corinthians 12:1, 7).

It must be remembered that even if Paul intended to advocate an earthly citizenship in the Book of Acts, later, upon receiving greater revelation from the Lord, he clarified the issue entirely. While in a Roman prison God gave him additional revelation which he recorded to the Philippians. This was a revelation of singleness of mind; and a Roman prison was quite an amazing place for such a celestial revelation.

For our citizenship is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (A.D. 62; Philippians 3:20).

Paul did not write, “one of our citizenships is in heaven,” or “we have another citizenship in heaven,” or “we have two citizenships, one of which is in heaven.” Instead he writes absolutely, and plainly of one singular “citizenship.” From his Roman bondage he boldly and without qualification declares this citizenship to be celestial.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
© Daily Email Goodies^™

Influencing Governments

Christianity actively seeks to influence governments “for Christ.” However, God has not called the believer to “influence” governments. Rather, our sphere of divine influence is on the individual level. It is about personal relationships. We do not bring divine light for the purpose of brightening up the “jurisdiction of darkness,” but to contrast its darkness.

… In the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).

Take Paul in Rome for instance. He was given by God the opportunity to have influence with Caesar’s relatives. This influence was not an earthly political influence, but a heavenly one – transforming some of them to saints.

All the saints salute you, chiefly they who are of Caesar’s household (Philippians 4:22).

Those in the Body of Christ are “neither Jew nor Gentile.” “Gentile” is, of course, translated from the same word Greek word (ethnos) that is also rendered “nations.” Believers are no longer a part of the “nations” (i.e., “neither Jew nor Gentile”), but a “new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17), the “one new man” (Ephesians 2:15). For the Body of Christ there is no “us” and “them” of nationalism; we are no longer American or Canadian, Virginian or Pennsylvanian, Northerner or Southerner, Democrat or Republican, Conservative or Liberal, for we, “from now on, are acquainted with no one according to flesh” (II Corinthians 5:16 CLNT).

Our brother Frank Kujawa fittingly puts it this way:

Galatians 3 tells us that we are “neither Jew nor Gentile …” So what are we? A new creature in Christ. We new creatures no longer draw lines in the sand. All lines are divisions that cause conflicts. Conflicts can wound another emotionally, and ultimately lead to physical wounds, death and wars. A person in conflict is not free.

Think of it this way: Paul tells us that we are no longer Gentiles. During his time a Gentile was any nationality other than a Jew. So, in essence Paul tells us that we are “no longer of any nationality.” Nations and national leaders are for those who do not know the Truth. The Truth has set us free.

Paul’s instructions related to human governments are limited to our attitude and responsibility toward those who are in authority. There is no record of his instruction toward our influencing, changing or revolutionizing nations. Our instructions are:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (I Timothy 2:1-2).

Paul was not politically active. Take the issue of slavery for example. We do not have any record of Paul advocating, nor campaigning for its abolition. This was not his agenda. He was not an activist for social and political change. However horrible slavery may have been, and no matter how honorable the cause of abolition may have been, such advocacy was actually below his “high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). He had a celestial agenda toward which he pressed, with lesser causes left to lesser callings.

Paul did not lecture governments and leaders on the evils of slavery (or any other cause). Instead, remarkably, he instructed the slaves and their masters directly.

Servants, be obedient to them who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same he shall receive of the Lord, whether he is bond or free. And, you masters, do the same things to them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him (Ephesians 6:5-9).

This passage is truly remarkable, when you stop and think about it; and it is only one example of Paul’s focus. Paul was the celestial apostle, writing to a celestial people, about their celestial calling and citizenship. He instructs them concerning the details of living here on foreign soil as ambassadors of their homeland, for truly we have been delivered, “… from the dominion of darkness” and have been “transferred … into the Kingdom of His dear Son” (Colossians 1:13), having Him as our “only Potentate” (“Ruler,” Darby Translation, I Timothy 6:14), with “our politics [politeuma] being in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Do not settle for less.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
© Daily Email Goodies^™

Zionism

You are not My people, and I will not be your God (Hosea 1:9).

Israel was once God’s “head” among the nations (Deuteronomy 28:13); but as she was warned, she is now the “tail” (28:44). Instead of imparting spiritual light to the nations, Israel is now blinded (Romans 11:25). God’s divorce from Israel was prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah (50:1); nationally they are “Lo-Ammi” – not His people (Hosea 1:9). Israel fell and lost her divine favored-nation status, being temporarily cast away and scattered.

In God’s current dispensation of grace, “the middle wall of partition” between the Jew and the Gentile has been broken down (Ephesians 2:14). There is now, therefore, before God, “no difference between the Jew and the Greek” (Romans 10:12); as “God has concluded them all [all nations including Israel] in unbelief that He might have mercy upon all” (Romans 11:32) and believing Jews and Gentiles are now being “reconciled … to God in one body by the cross” (Ephesians 2:16).

The national vanity of the Gentiles now extends even to the modern-day state of Israel. Zionism is the Jewish practice of nationalism, involving the restoration and support of the Jewish state. There is no spiritual difference between Zionism and the nationalism of any other nation, but sadly many Christians are ignorant of this truth. One does not have to look far to find Christians supporting Zionism. It is not uncommon to see the display of the Israeli flag as some “spiritual” act, or even its display side-by-side with the so-called “Christian flag.” Some Christians actively support Israel, even giving monetarily for the return of Jews to Palestine.

This article should not be construed as anti-Semitic (a prejudice against or hostility towards Jews). Neither the Jews, nor their national state, are intrinsically inferior to that of any other nation; but neither are they above any other nation – having any special national privilege before God as they had before – at this time. Instead, we seek to view them right where God currently has them: where there is “no difference.” For the time being their fall has made them simply one of the nations. Their national status has temporarily been reduced to that of the Gentiles.

Yet make no mistake about it, God is not done with Israel. When He has completed His current work with the church, the Body of Christ, He Himself will restore His “beloved” (Romans 11:28) to her preeminent position as the “head,” and “the nations shall come to [her] light, and kings to the brightness of [her] rising” (Isaiah 60:3). What a glorious day that will be for God’s plan with the earth. To be ignorant of this important truth is to be “wise in your own conceits” (Romans 11:25).

However, in the meantime Israel has been reduced to the vanity of the Gentles – which two thousand years of history clearly demonstrates. Support of national Israel has no more or less spiritual value than the support of national Barbados. Leave it to Christians to try to undo what God in His purpose has done. An understanding of the revelation given to Paul would save Christians from such vain zeal.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
© Daily Email Goodies^™

Giving Thanks for Obama

I exhort therefore, that … giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority … (I Timothy 2:1-2).

God is at the center of all human activity – including human governments – for,

He is a great King over all the earth (Psalms 47:2).

Therefore, whoever has power is whom He has placed in power, for He

Rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will … (Daniel 4:17, 25);

For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God (Romans 13:1).

Not only is whom He has chosen in power, but He directs their very heart as well, for,

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He will (Proverbs 21:1).

Therefore, for example, in the United States Obama is God’s chosen vessel at this time. He is God’s instrument, and our divinely ordained attitude towards him, as with Bush and Clinton before him, is to pray and give thanks for him:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (I Timothy 2:1-2).

Interestingly enough, Paul wrote these words in the context of perhaps one of the most evil, corrupt, brutal rulers who ever lived.

Concerning the Roman Emperor Nero, James Stalker wrote,

He was a man who, in a bad world, had attained the eminence of being the very worst and meanest being in it – a man stained with every crime, the murder of his own mother, of his wives and of his best benefactors. – Life of St. Paul, pages 142-143

H.I. Hester elaborates in his work The Heart of the New Testament (1964) wrote,

Rome had several tyrannical and corrupt emperors but Nero was the worst. He was immoral, vicious, selfish and despotically cruel. He came to the throne in A.D. 54 and ruled for fourteen years … He will go down in history as one of the most despicable men ever to rule over a people …

Historians are generally agreed that it was Nero who burned the city of Rome. He labored under the delusion that he was a genius in music and that his compositions would become immortal if only he had sufficient inspiration. Feeling that a great conflagration would provide the inspiration he had the city set on fire. It is said that he sat on an elevated porch overlooking the city and attempted to play the violin as he watched the city burn. This fire broke out on July 19^th in the year 64 and raged for six days. Much to the surprise of Nero there was a violent reaction among the people and he hastened to attach the blame for this on the Christians. Immediately thereafter serious persecution broke out against these Christian people. It took real courage to be a Christian now as they were granted no protection by the law. These Neronian persecutions were unspeakably horrible. Christian men and women were burned, were cast to wild beasts in the amphitheater to entertain the populace. “Nero lent his gardens for the purpose of exhibiting the tortures of the wretched victims, and at night he illuminated his grounds by the flames of burning Christians” – Foakes-Jackson, Rise of Gentile Christianity, page 50. (page 330)

This was the context of Paul’s remarkable admonition Timothy:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (I Timothy 2:1-2).

Paul was exhorting that the saints give thanks for Nero! Absolutely amazing! Yet, when we think about it, why wouldn’t this be what Paul encouraged them to do, for did not Paul instruct them to give “thanks always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20)? Would this not have included Nero?

Paul clearly presents a spiritual attitude of thanksgiving: not just for “good” things, but for all things – and not just in all things, but for all things. When we understand the great truth that “all things are of God” (II Corinthians 5:18), this is easy. When we embrace the fact that “of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things” (Romans 11:36), then we have no option but to thank Him “for all things.”

Thanking God for “all things,” surely includes “all men.” This is what Paul told Timothy, that the “giving of thanks [should] be made for all men.” Then, Paul is specific not to exclude, but to include “kings, and all who are in authority.” What does Paul then say that the results of such a disposition of thanksgiving would be?

That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Paul here is not speaking of civil or social peace. The issue here is not that there would be national peace, but that our hearts would be aligned with God and His purpose, thus bringing quietness and peace to our hearts, and to the disposition of our lives.

No matter what national system in which we find ourselves, we can remain calm, peaceful and happy, knowing that Father is in absolute control. This is godly living. This is honest living – living in the truth that Father is completely in charge of all things. This “godliness and honesty” alone allows us to “lead a quiet and peaceable life.”

Many believers live in the turmoil created by the misjudging of the true source of “all things.” Government and politics are no exception. The political pundits agitate their spirits – displacing them from their God-given “quiet and peaceable life.” Do not give way to such a snare!

All Men

Listen to some of what Paul taught concerning “all men.”

• We are to Love “All Men”

The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you (I Thessalonians 3:12).

• We are to be Gentle Unto “All Men”

The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men … (II Timothy 2:24).

• We are to Show Meekness to “All Men”

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men (Titus 3:2).

• We are to Give Thanks for “All Men”

I exhort therefore, that … giving of thanks, be made for all men … (I Timothy 2:1).

Our disposition towards all men really reflects our disposition toward God. Paul could give thanks for Nero. Why not start by give thanks for Obama today? If it is heartfelt, it will bring a change of quietness and peace to your life.

That’s what the verses say.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
© Daily Email Goodies^™

Nationalism

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; holding forth the Word of Life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain (Philippians 2:14-16).

The English word “nation” is a translation of various Hebrew and Greek words (such as gowy and ethnos) which are also use to translate such English words as “Gentiles” and “heathen.” The key to nationalism has to do with understanding its place in God’s plan. When one understands God’s purposes they are better able to know how to relate to them. Nationalism is a divine judgment upon mankind, introduced at Babel’s Tower (Genesis 10, 11), and is His instrument of vanity among the Gentiles, for truly “the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing” (Psalm 2:1; Acts 4:25).

Nationalism is a further tool in God’s hand to subject mankind to vanity (Romans 8:20). Men look to governments for the answer to their problems, and even Christians try in vain to influence the predestined course of the Gentiles. The history of nationalism is one of successive failure. Hopes are raised for a “good” government, only to find that “evil” prevails again: one nation after another, one kingdom overthrowing another, one party defeating another, one cause overpowering another, all in vain cycles. God is at the center of it all, “for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). Pharaoh was God’s servant (Romans 9:17), as well as was Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1).

We must never forget that “… the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will …” (Daniel 4:17, 25), and that “… He does according to His will … among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can restrain His hand …” (Daniel 4:35). It is God Who rules “over all the kingdoms of the heathen” (II Chronicles 20:6).

We know that “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He will” (Proverbs 21:1), and in fact, “… He is a great King over all the earth” (Psalms 47:2).

God rules over all nations, establishing their times and boundaries. The who, how, when and where are all determined by Him for His Own purposes.

[God] has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation (Act 17:26).

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
© Daily Email Goodies^™

Wrapped in the Red, White and Blue

A politicized faith not only blurs our priorities, but weakens our loyalties … The language of our spiritual citizenship frequently gets wrapped in the red, white and blue. Rather than acting as resident aliens of a heavenly kingdom, too often we sound like resident apologists for a Christian America … Unless we reject the false reliance on the illusion of Christian America, [we] will continue to distort the gospel and thwart a genuine biblical identity.

John Seel (1953)
The Evangelical Pulpit (1993)
Pages 106-107

Political Activism

We can’t protect or expand the cause of Christ by human political and social activism, no matter how great or sincere the efforts. Ours is a spiritual battle waged against worldly ideologies and dogmas arrayed against God, and we achieve victory over them only with the weapon of Scripture. The apostle Paul writes,

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:3-5).

God is not calling us to wage a culture war that would seek to transform our countries into “Christian nations.” To devote all, or even most, of our time, energy, money and strategy to putting a facade of morality on the world or over our governmental and political institutions is to badly misunderstand our roles as Christians in a spiritually lost world …

A stance that emphasizes political activism and social moralizing always diverts energy and resources … Such an antagonistic position toward the established secular culture invariably leads believers to feel hostile not only to unsaved government leaders with whom they disagree, but also antagonistic toward the unsaved residents of that culture – neighbors and fellow citizens they ought to love, pray for and share the gospel with. To me it is unthinkable that we become enemies of the very people we seek to win to Christ …

John MacArthur (1939-)
Pulpit Magazine
October 2008

Social Reform

The Body of Christ is not here to reform the world system, solve the problems facing society, inaugurate social justice, etc. While true believers can and should have a powerful impact for good wherever they are, we are not going to improve the world system about us. In fact, part of our task is to testify to the fact that the world is not going to be made acceptable to God but rather as the age progresses will grow worse, morally and spiritually, until Christ comes to put down man’s rebellion and establish His reign.

C. Richard Jordan
Can America Be Saved?
The Grace Journal (Vol. 21, No. 2)

I Am … Who and What God Says I Am! – The Divine Reckoning of the Renewed Mind, Part 18

I Am … Translated

Who … has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13).

I am translated. This is who and what Father says I am.

Many in Christendom are caught up in an earthly citizenship. They are so easy distracted by the crosscurrents of the gentile “elements of the world” (Galatians 4:3), for truly “the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing” (Psalm 2:1; Acts 4:25).

Satan currently has been appointed the “god of this world” (II Corinthians 4:4). God uses him as an instrument to set up and remove the kingdoms and the rulers of the world to fulfill His purpose of the ages.

[God] changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings … (Daniel 2:21).

… The most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will. (Daniel 4:17, 25, 32; 5:21).

It is God Who directs the affairs of this earth, including the political realm, and He uses the instrumentality of the Adversary to accomplish His purpose among the nations, bringing them all to vanity.

Let them be confounded and troubled for the future; yes, let them be put to shame, and perish: that men may know that You, Whose name alone is Jehovah, are the most high over all the earth (Psalm 83:18).

And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and [God] does according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel 4:35).

Thus the Lord Jesus Christ said to Pilate,

You could have no power at all against Me, except it were given you from above (John 19:11).

God, however, has translated me from the vain kingdoms of this world into the glorious kingdom of His dear Son. This world is not my homeland, as I am a citizen of the commonwealth of heaven.

For our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20, KJV margin).

… Our citizenship in the heavens … (Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible, 1868).

… Our citizenship is in the heavens … (Young’s Literal Translation, 1898).

… Our commonwealth has its existence in the heavens … (Darby Translation, 1890).

With thanksgiving I embrace the fact that I have been divinely “transported” into His celestial-domain. Thus, I am a “fellow-citizen with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19) – a foreigner here, a citizen of the high-realm.

J.C. O’Hair (1876-1958) wrote the following in his work Ambassadors of Reconciliation:

The word “conversation” here [in Philippians 3:20] could be translated “citizenship” or even “politics” … The citizenship and politics of every representative of Christ is in heaven … The believer is in the world, but not of the world. Unto him has been committed the Word of reconciliation. To him is given the ministry of reconciliation.

Bill (William) Petri, also adds his voice to this discussion in his work Government, War, and the Christian (2008, p. 11):

The word “conversation” in Philippians 3:20 is an interesting word. It is the Greek word “politeuma” and means “the commonwealth of citizens.” It is interesting that in the English language we take our word politic from this Greek word.

David C. Pack, in Do Christians Vote?, also shares the meaning of the word politeuma and its application to Paul’s use of the phrase “Body of Christ”:

The Greek word for citizenship is politeuma. “Politics” comes from this word! Christians do have a “political agenda,” but it is not of this world.

Paul teaches us that, as members of Christ’s Body we already have a citizenship, and it is in heaven. Our government is there; our King is there; our politics are there.

I do not belong to an earthly kingdom; mine is a heavenly one.

… The Lord … will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom … (II Timothy 4:18).

Earthly rulers are not mine; Christ is my King and only Potentate.

… Our Lord Jesus Christ … Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords (I Timothy 6:14-15).

This celestial kingdom is my calling:

That you would walk worthy of God, Who has called you to His kingdom and glory (I Thessalonians 2:12).

I am who and what Father says I am.

I am translated.

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2010

America Not Founded on Christianity

The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.

– George Washington, Treaty of Tripoli, 1796