I read the article. It does seem very pointed and centered around a particular denomination. Several things came to mind and I'd like to share them with the group.
KCM and Joyce Myers has done what Scripture tells every believer to act and be like in every corner of the world.
Romans 13; 1-3
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
Romans 13; 5-7
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
The Son of God and Man of Son knows what is attempting to be done by this senator. In Matthew 17; 24-26 we have the words of Christ to minister to our outrage and imposition of being wronged.
After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"
"Yes, he does," he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxesfrom their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered.
It should not surprise any of us that those who are in charge would send out spies and attempt to trip us up. Even our Lord and Savior had that going on.
Luke 20; 19-22
The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.
Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
So the spies questioned him: "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
We might want to rejoice in the knowing that these particular ministries or denominations are being attacked because they are reflecting Christ. Has anyoe ever seen the enemy lay low or still when the mighty work of God is being demonstrated. The enemy will do all he can to bring any work for the furthering of our Lord's kingdom to a stop or better yet an end.
Luke 11; 52-54
Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."
When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions, waiting to catch him in something he might say.
What, then, is our recourse of action? First is what Scripture instructs.
Philippians 1;27-29
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be savedand that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
For those of us who are Americans, we should at least know our own bill of rights.
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment XVI
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
If carefully read and studied, which I claim not to be of total knowledge in governmental affairs, however, these three amendments in our bill of rights state something very clear and seperate from the other.
We have the freedom of religion. Amendment I
We have the right to be secure from search and seizure without cause. Amendment IV
Congress has the power to collect taxes on income, from wherever the source is obtained from. Amendment XVI
We, Americans, should also know that we can write our state senators and other senators in protest. We can go in and look at our resources available in order to petition and "show cause" that a specific denomination is being targeted. I am certain there are things that can be done to stand against this, if it truely is just a "witch hunt".
And above these actions we can stand together with prayer and fasting. We can do so much if we want to.
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."