Wray

Why We Do Not Serve on Jury Duty

Our Citizenship

As a Christian our citizenship is first and foremost in heaven (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:13). In that respect we are to be acting as an Ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20) from that foreign country serving as an appointed (John 6:44) representative (Romans 8:29; Galatians 3:27) of God who is the Head of State for His Kingdom.

We are not to be involved in the matters of the this world which is ruled by Satan (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 2:13), but rather we are to come out it and not be a part of it (John 15:19; 17:16,18; 18:36-37) in much the same way that diplomatic visitors cannot participate in this and similar activities.

During our temporary stay here on Earth we are to act commensurate to our commission (1 Peter 2:11-12; Hebrews11:13) and demonstrate conduct becoming of God (Matthew 5:16-18; 1 Peter 1:17).

Letter vs Spirit of the Law

In the court of this land it is mandated that only the letter of the law be considered when adjudicating a case. As a keeper of God’s law, we are to judge righteously (John 7:24) as outlined in the Bible (Matthew 4:4). A significant part of His Way also allows for repentance (Acts 2:38; 3:19), forgiveness (Luke 17:3; Matthew 6:14), mercy (Matthew 23:23) and conscience (Romans 14:23) which the modern judicial system rarely allows for or takes into account.

Judicial Processes

There is often a conflict in how the Bible states that we are to go about judging a matter versus how we would be expected to assess it in court. For instance, God says that two or more witnesses are needed to convict someone and if they perjure themselves they are subject to the penalty of the crime at hand (Deuteronomy 19:15-20; Matthew 18:16). In the court system one witness may be acceptable and the consequences of perjury may be tantamount to a slap on the wrist, if anything at all.

There are still a broad spectrum of other issues such as: the omitting of evidence, acceptance of laws that are against the clear Word of God, working on a Sabbath, sentencing that does not fit the crime, instructions contrary to the Bible, acting against one’s conscience, etc. that would put the Christian in an ungodly predicament in the court room.

Christ’s Example

We are to pattern our behavior after Christ (1 Peter 2:21) and when asked to judge a civil matter (Luke 12:13-14) He opted out. Also Paul who admonished us to follow him as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) stated he had no business judging those outside of the church (1 Corinthians 5:12).

God’s Law Before Man’s

Although we are to pray for the leaders of the nation (Titus 3:1–2; 1 Timothy 2:1–2) and “give to Caesar the things of Caesar” we can not be remiss in giving “to God the things of God” (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7).

So the summation of the matter is that we can not participate in jury duty as we must put God’s ways before man’s (Acts 5:29) even if there are consequences to go with it (Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 4:12-13).

In accordance with all the above, the Greater Church of God, has stated on its web site from its inception that we “do not participate…in jury duty” as a matter of our faith. It should be noted that this belief has been held sincerely through previous organizations dating back more than 40 years.

Categories Q&A

Who are You?

I would like to begin today’s message by asking you a very simple question or so it seems at face value, yet one that maybe one of your most difficult and ongoing questions that you will ever have to answer.

Who are You?

If you are asked that question could you describe with a high degree of certitude exactly who you are?

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An End and a Beginning

Going forward, the decision has been made to change the Signs of the Times from its previous form to a video format.

Due to proprietary nature of an increasing number of news sites as well as ongoing questions to the veracity of what is being reported, the determination was made to communicate prophetically significant news in a commentary that would be unique in its composition.

In addition to this, the new format can be more readily distributed to the world in accordance with our stated goal in Matthew 29:19-20.

We hope that you enjoy the new direction!

The Prophecy of Psalm 83

The Psalms are a veritable treasure trove of information and insight into God and His ways.  Psalm 83 is no exception.  In fact it is prophetic in nature and shows that a confederation of Middle Eastern countries are still to come together, along with the Beast Power, against the nation of Israel in the end time.

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Merkel Warns EU Against Kneejerk Reaction

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday warned EU member states against drawing hasty conclusions about Britain’s decision to quit the bloc, as that risked further splitting Europe.

“We take note of the British people’s decision with regret. There is no doubt that this is a blow to Europe and to the European unification process,” she said.

But “what the consequences of this would be… would depend on whether we — the other 27 member states of the EU — prove to be willing and able to not draw quick and simple conclusions from the referendum in Great Britain, which would only further divide Europe,” said Merkel.

Member states should “calmly and prudently analyse and evaluate the situation, before making the right decisions together,” said Merkel, who will host talks with French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and European Council president Donald Tusk in Berlin on Monday.

Source: Merkel warns EU against kneejerk reaction to Brexit