The Boston Tea Party was a trigger event in the revolution against England which brought about the war for American Independence against despotic government. Taxation without representation was the outcry of the people back then.
Isn't it ironic that today's tax burden has been brought about by creative tax & use programs developed by our representatives... The question of representation is a big one these days. The climate across New Jersey is far from "bliss" as many are struggling under the extreme burden of property taxes as a result of education, the main culprit! Add to that, size of government and all the little municipal pockets (over 600) in the tiny state, and you have a price ticket for running a state that is so high, that no matter who is leading it, there is no real end in sight.
State, county and municipal elected officials as well as administrations and staffs are the cost of government here. Something has to go! Either funding for public schools from property taxation or an arm of NJ Government!
It's not the tea tax, that has New Jersey residents up in arms in 2009. It's "government". One positive note about tomorrow's demonstration is that Gov candidate Steve Lonegon is scheduled to speak to those attending at 3 PM!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Eminent Domain Abuse - Alive & Well in New Jersey
"Not For Sale!" - That was our exclamation from 2002 till now, but unfortunately when it comes to forced sale in designated redevelopment areas in the New Jersey city of Long Branch, you might as well say; "take whatever you want from me, and don't compensate me!"
Our church owned building once was 162 Broadway in the depressed downtown area of Long Branch. We bought it in 1994 when the downtown area was really "needy." So needy, that the only folks congregating there were "needy." Perfect place for a church run for 'Needy people." We took on the enormous undertaking in a political community with meager funds and a whole bunch of faith in God Almighty. We never lost the faith, we just lost the building. I have expressed much of the facts previously and made it pretty clear that the New Jersey statutes make property worthless, when a local government decides to take it from you.
Friday, in a court of law we had another go around with the funds the city had to place on deposit when they filed their affadavit of taking last May 2008. We seem to be finally over the hurdles in the county court, we had to prematurely and with no way to negotiate payments of our debts, pay off all the liens on the property. Now that everyone has their money, one would expect we would get ours. Especially when the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution tells us all, Just compensation shall be paid when you and before you use eminent domain.
Well the city took possession of title May 29, 2008. The transferred it over to the designated developer shortly there after... so they have what they wanted - even though it was against our will! Yet we still do not have a replacement property, nor the money the city gave to the State at that time. The State has it and will most likely keep it even longer as we now have to apply to the State Treasurer for our money. What can I say, we are virtually "out of business" with no continued support or revenue since we were made to leave the building we occupied close to a year ago. This is as close to hell, as I would have ever expected to experience while a Christian minister and on the earth.
I don't mean to cry too much here, I know there are people out there in worse situations and circumstances than we, even me. Yet, I expected the american way of life to be honored and the intent of the founding fathers of this once Great Nation, to be some type of plumb line in all matters pertaining to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and right to own land. Add to that the right for the church to exist free of government interference!
God have mercy.
Our church owned building once was 162 Broadway in the depressed downtown area of Long Branch. We bought it in 1994 when the downtown area was really "needy." So needy, that the only folks congregating there were "needy." Perfect place for a church run for 'Needy people." We took on the enormous undertaking in a political community with meager funds and a whole bunch of faith in God Almighty. We never lost the faith, we just lost the building. I have expressed much of the facts previously and made it pretty clear that the New Jersey statutes make property worthless, when a local government decides to take it from you.
Friday, in a court of law we had another go around with the funds the city had to place on deposit when they filed their affadavit of taking last May 2008. We seem to be finally over the hurdles in the county court, we had to prematurely and with no way to negotiate payments of our debts, pay off all the liens on the property. Now that everyone has their money, one would expect we would get ours. Especially when the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution tells us all, Just compensation shall be paid when you and before you use eminent domain.
Well the city took possession of title May 29, 2008. The transferred it over to the designated developer shortly there after... so they have what they wanted - even though it was against our will! Yet we still do not have a replacement property, nor the money the city gave to the State at that time. The State has it and will most likely keep it even longer as we now have to apply to the State Treasurer for our money. What can I say, we are virtually "out of business" with no continued support or revenue since we were made to leave the building we occupied close to a year ago. This is as close to hell, as I would have ever expected to experience while a Christian minister and on the earth.
I don't mean to cry too much here, I know there are people out there in worse situations and circumstances than we, even me. Yet, I expected the american way of life to be honored and the intent of the founding fathers of this once Great Nation, to be some type of plumb line in all matters pertaining to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and right to own land. Add to that the right for the church to exist free of government interference!
God have mercy.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Christie on 101.5 FM - March 19
I tuned into 101.5 today to hear Mr. Christie. I make it no secret that out of the 2 leading Republican candidates I favored Mayor Steve Lonegon. I met Steve a few times. I even worked on some americans for prosperity campaigns in the past. Most of all I like what Steve has had to say.
Like one of the two hosts on the broadcast I went in leaning to one side strongly. Listening to Chris, and hearing for the first time many things about him I have come away with a better picture of who Chris Christie is, beyond the obvious law enforcement side.
New Jersey needs to remove Corzine!
New Jersey deserves the best government in the world!
As much as I like Chris, I also like Steve... however for the most part Steve has done what NJ needs done in his Executive capacity as Mayor for 12 years. New Jersey also needs to advance the war against corruption as I believe it is a major cost factor in our tax problems...
2009 will be the first time we elect a Lt. Gov along with Governor and a full assembly!
New Jersey deserves the best and someone needs to bump both Steve & Chris "top side of the head." If they run against each other they may give Corzine what he is hoping for, "splitsville" in the opposition.
I am proposing the team of Lonegon & Christie. I would expect Christie to humbly seat himself as Lt. winning by a landslide on the Lonegon/Christie ticket, and in 8 years step up to Gov. This would insure all New Jersey 16 years of a return to stability, profitability and smooth sailing. As long as they stay focused and do what they say they will.
Someone other than me needs to blow a horn!!!
Like one of the two hosts on the broadcast I went in leaning to one side strongly. Listening to Chris, and hearing for the first time many things about him I have come away with a better picture of who Chris Christie is, beyond the obvious law enforcement side.
New Jersey needs to remove Corzine!
New Jersey deserves the best government in the world!
As much as I like Chris, I also like Steve... however for the most part Steve has done what NJ needs done in his Executive capacity as Mayor for 12 years. New Jersey also needs to advance the war against corruption as I believe it is a major cost factor in our tax problems...
2009 will be the first time we elect a Lt. Gov along with Governor and a full assembly!
New Jersey deserves the best and someone needs to bump both Steve & Chris "top side of the head." If they run against each other they may give Corzine what he is hoping for, "splitsville" in the opposition.
I am proposing the team of Lonegon & Christie. I would expect Christie to humbly seat himself as Lt. winning by a landslide on the Lonegon/Christie ticket, and in 8 years step up to Gov. This would insure all New Jersey 16 years of a return to stability, profitability and smooth sailing. As long as they stay focused and do what they say they will.
Someone other than me needs to blow a horn!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Jon Corzine just doesn't get it...
Let's face it, all of them in government are missing the boat big time when they are increasing taxes in this economic crisis. The reason we are at critical mass, on the brink of deeper recession is because government is too big and costing too much. Any elected official proposing higher property taxes, increased income taxes, new taxes on other items needs to be thrown out of office! You want to stimulate the economy, leave more disposable income in the hands of those who "earn" it. Funny side bar to this whole mess is the taxation of taxed dollars. Everything you buy, you buy with dollars left you after taxes. I like many New Jersey residents are sick and tired of expensive government. Is it no wonder that New Jersey is the leading eminent domain abuse state. The government realizes they need to take land away from people so they can increase density raise rateables and tax more. Any candidate looking to fill Corzine's shoes at the next election needs to stop spending, by closing down all areas of government that serve little necessary services, if any at all. Do we really need all the duplicity. State, County & 566 local governments???
I think not. Local committees, councils, elders... you want them... fine, then let them cost nothing. These should be sincere capable people who are ready to be servants of the public good, not career paid employees of the public debt.
New Jersey needs to lead the way, much of the revolutionary was was fought right here in New Jersey, we need to show those who wish to serve in elected capacity we have had enough.
I think not. Local committees, councils, elders... you want them... fine, then let them cost nothing. These should be sincere capable people who are ready to be servants of the public good, not career paid employees of the public debt.
New Jersey needs to lead the way, much of the revolutionary was was fought right here in New Jersey, we need to show those who wish to serve in elected capacity we have had enough.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Jesus The Prophet
JESUS: THE REAL PROPHET
Last week's chronicle talked about Jesus: the real Apostle. This week I want to add that He is also the real Prophet.
There is no place in the Bible that says that the ministry of the prophet was to cease (Heb. 13:8), but that it would operate "till" the Church comes to maturity and the Glorious Church is presented unto Jesus her Husband (Eph. 4:11-16; 5:27). The evil religious tradition of cessassionism thwarts this prophetic purpose-true theocratic order strikes the very heart of denominationalism and democratic church government.
The Greek word for "PROPHET" is prophetes, and it means, "a foreteller, an inspired speaker; one who speaks forth openly, one who speaks for another; the open proclaimer of a divine message; an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things."
A prophet is God's MOUTHPIECE, His spokesman. Prophets are the eyes of the Church, vocalizing, articulating, and revealing the mind, word, and will of God to men.
Deuteronomy 18:18, KJV I will raise them up a PROPHET from among their brethren, like unto THEE (Moses), and will put My words in His mouth; and HE (Jesus the Messiah) shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him.
Acts 3:22-23, KJV For MOSES truly said unto the fathers, a PROPHET shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.every soul, which will not hear that PROPHET (Jesus), shall be destroyed from among the people (cp. Acts 7:37).
Matthew 21:11, KJV And the multitude said, This is Jesus the PROPHET of Nazareth of Galilee (compare Jn. 4:19; 7:40).
Jesus is the real Prophet-He is the very Word of God (Jn. 1:1,14). Jesus spoke only the words of His Father (Jn. 5:19-20; 12:49; 14:10,24; 17:8), and moved in the ministry of prediction (Lk. 11:49; Matt. 24).
Jesus is the consummate New Testament pattern Prophet, and personifies each of the fivefold ministries (Eph. 4:8-11). Moses was the Old Testament mediator (Jn. 1:17; Gal. 3:19); Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, mediated the New Testament (1 Tim. 2:5). Whoever would not obey the words of "that prophet" (Jesus) would be "destroyed." He who has the Son has life; He who ignores the prophetic Son has no life (1 Jn. 5:12).
Have you heard the voice of the Spirit of God in your spirit? Are you among those who hear and obey His voice (Jn. 10:3-5,16,27; 18:37; Heb. 3:15)? Does Jesus the Prophet speak into your life? Is He, is His Word, alive in your heart and mind?
FURTHER RESOURCE: The Golden Candlestick (the Gifts of the Spirit) in my book, The Tabernacle is Jesus, Volume Two, available at http://www.kvmonlinestore.org/.
Last week's chronicle talked about Jesus: the real Apostle. This week I want to add that He is also the real Prophet.
There is no place in the Bible that says that the ministry of the prophet was to cease (Heb. 13:8), but that it would operate "till" the Church comes to maturity and the Glorious Church is presented unto Jesus her Husband (Eph. 4:11-16; 5:27). The evil religious tradition of cessassionism thwarts this prophetic purpose-true theocratic order strikes the very heart of denominationalism and democratic church government.
The Greek word for "PROPHET" is prophetes, and it means, "a foreteller, an inspired speaker; one who speaks forth openly, one who speaks for another; the open proclaimer of a divine message; an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things."
A prophet is God's MOUTHPIECE, His spokesman. Prophets are the eyes of the Church, vocalizing, articulating, and revealing the mind, word, and will of God to men.
Deuteronomy 18:18, KJV I will raise them up a PROPHET from among their brethren, like unto THEE (Moses), and will put My words in His mouth; and HE (Jesus the Messiah) shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him.
Acts 3:22-23, KJV For MOSES truly said unto the fathers, a PROPHET shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.every soul, which will not hear that PROPHET (Jesus), shall be destroyed from among the people (cp. Acts 7:37).
Matthew 21:11, KJV And the multitude said, This is Jesus the PROPHET of Nazareth of Galilee (compare Jn. 4:19; 7:40).
Jesus is the real Prophet-He is the very Word of God (Jn. 1:1,14). Jesus spoke only the words of His Father (Jn. 5:19-20; 12:49; 14:10,24; 17:8), and moved in the ministry of prediction (Lk. 11:49; Matt. 24).
Jesus is the consummate New Testament pattern Prophet, and personifies each of the fivefold ministries (Eph. 4:8-11). Moses was the Old Testament mediator (Jn. 1:17; Gal. 3:19); Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, mediated the New Testament (1 Tim. 2:5). Whoever would not obey the words of "that prophet" (Jesus) would be "destroyed." He who has the Son has life; He who ignores the prophetic Son has no life (1 Jn. 5:12).
Have you heard the voice of the Spirit of God in your spirit? Are you among those who hear and obey His voice (Jn. 10:3-5,16,27; 18:37; Heb. 3:15)? Does Jesus the Prophet speak into your life? Is He, is His Word, alive in your heart and mind?
FURTHER RESOURCE: The Golden Candlestick (the Gifts of the Spirit) in my book, The Tabernacle is Jesus, Volume Two, available at http://www.kvmonlinestore.org/.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Candidates - Update
Chris Christie seems to be a good man, he certainly did a good job as US Attorney of NJ. However, among all those declared, one stands out based on vision and clarity of message alone. Having previously served three terms as Mayor of Bogota, Steve Lonegan has the experience necessary to manage a State. Even though I still have an interest in running as an Independent Candidate, I recognise the obvious "impossibility" of being elected as I am a "nobody" State wide. So I am thinking very rationally here when I suggest keeping your eye and an open ear on Mayor Steve. Perhaps an Independent Lt. Gov can be elected. Perhaps that position is more obtainable. Thinking, thinking, thinking...
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Republican Side Show
I have been sitting by watching what is going on between the republican candidates for New Jersey Governor, since former US Attorney Chris Christie formally announced last week. Instead of commenting in a knee jerk reaction on either www.electricnews.com or www.longbranch.net - I just decided to wait and see what develops by weeks end.
You may want to see a message I preached while in Kansas available on The Lighthouse Mission's web site. www.lighthousemission.com
Enjoy your day
Rev. Kevin Brown
www.jerseykev.com
You may want to see a message I preached while in Kansas available on The Lighthouse Mission's web site. www.lighthousemission.com
Enjoy your day
Rev. Kevin Brown
www.jerseykev.com
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