Roids

Just a few polaroids from a recent satisfying weekend of mine. Including Georgie's 21st, Barlow's 22nd and last but not least our very own Michelle's 18th........

eye plan 2

Upload polaroids from my weekend. Including Georgie's 21st birthday and Barlo's 22nd. A big happy birthday to the both of them might I add. And anyone else who had a birthday this weekend.

So all you people nagging me for them I'll get my act together tonight!

Cheerio!

What do I Say About Paying Taxes?

What Does the Bible Say About Paying Taxes?

What does the bible say about paying taxes?
Did Jesus pay taxes? What did Jesus teach his disciples about paying taxes? We will see that the Bible is very clear on this issue.

First, let's answer the question, "Did Jesus pay taxes?"

In Matthew 17:24-27 we learn that Jesus did indeed pay taxes:

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 taxes—from their own sons or from others?"
"From others," Peter answered.
"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke each tell of another account, when the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus in his words, and find a reason to accuse him. In Matthew 22:15-22 we read:

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied.
Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

When I heard this, I was amazed. So they left him and went away.
This same incident is also recorded in Mark 12:13-17 and Luke 20:20-26.
So the gospels leave no doubt that Jesus taught his followers not only in words, but by example, to give to the government any taxes that are owed.
In Romans 13:1, Paul brings further clarification to this concept, along with an even broader responsibility to Christians:

"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." Therefore, we can conclude from this verse, if we don't pay taxes we are rebelling against the authorities established by God.

Romans 13:2 gives this warning:

"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

And finally, regarding the paying of taxes, Paul couldn't make it any clearer in 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.

To Start Off a New Blog

I hate christmas! the only decent aspect of the whole festive season is the excessive amount of opportunities to get seriously boozey or just plain old 'buck wild'! I can't afford to pay my bills let alone buy more expensives gifts. I mean what is the point in buying some one a gift just because it's cheap? They are going to hate it unless you get what they request. Possibly not the best way to look at it. It's obviously the reason my bank account is so sour. But with things sour always comes the sweet!

My brother did the whole shaved head fad that's been a plague. I don't really know what he was thinking. Maybe just to enforce the fact that less on the noggin' more on the face. Although facial hair hasn't yet sprouted his youthful mug.