I have made you a watchman so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me (Ezek 33:6-7).

With 141 cosponsors, Rep. Walter Jones' (R-NC) new bill, the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act, is gaining momentum. H.R. 235 will restore free speech rights to ministers and churches who face a constant threat from the I.R.S. for speaking about political issues.

• Without tax-exempt status a church becomes a taxable entity, subject to federal income tax on tithes, offerings and other income. The I.R.S. can apply sanctions retroactively. Churches and contributors can be required to pay years of back taxes on previously untaxed income. Loss of federal exempt status can mean automatic loss of state and local tax-exempt status.
  
• Rep. Jones' first bill, the Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act (H.R. 2357), which did not pass last year, would have amended the I.R.S. Code to permit churches freely to "engage in political campaigns."
  
• H.R. 235 is weaker, but far more likely to pass. It leaves in place rules that prohibit churches from engaging in political activity, but ascertains that churches will not lose their tax status "because of the content, preparation, or presentation of any homily, sermon, teaching, dialectic, or other presentation made during religious services or gatherings."
  
• The bill is young and lacks a Senate sponsor. With some tweaking and our prayers, H.R.235 will hit its mark.
  

God charges pastors to apply Biblical Truth to current issues and to expose and destroy wolves who prey upon our churches and country. H.R. 235 will help remove the gag the IRS has used to silence America's clergy for 49 years. H.R. 235 will moderate unconstitutional laws that have shackled America's churches for most almost fifty years.

Please Join Us in Persevering Prayer:

·  GRANT H.R. 235 speedy Committee approval & great SUCCESS in the House. Anoint a Senator to wholeheartedly sponsor this bill & persevere to VICTORY!

. CAUSE America's Preachers to fearlessly & effectively PREACH & SHINE the Light of Your Glorious Law & Gospel upon the political process & civil government of our land. In Jesus' Name, AMEN! (Jer 3:15; Ezek 3:17-21; 33:1-6; Ac 4:15-22; 1 Th 5:14)

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