AP: Sinema took Wall Street money while killing tax on investors; COGwriter: West has long had corrupted politics, but there is a better way
The Associated Press reported the following:
Sinema took Wall Street money while killing tax on investors
August 13, 2022
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the Arizona Democrat who single-handedly thwarted her party’s longtime goal of raising taxes on wealthy investors, received nearly $1 million over the past year from private equity professionals, hedge fund managers and venture capitalists whose taxes would have increased under the plan.
For years, Democrats have promised to raise taxes on such investors, who pay a significantly lower rate on their earnings than ordinary workers. But just as they closed in on that goal last week, Sinema forced a series of changes to her party’s $740 billion election-year spending package, eliminating a proposed “carried interest” tax increase on private equity earnings while securing a $35 billion exemption that will spare much of the industry from a separate tax increase other huge corporations now have to pay.
The bill, with Sinema’s alterations intact, was given final approval by Congress on Friday and is expected to be signed by President Joe Biden next week.https://apnews.com/article/sinema-took-wall-street-money-while-killing-tax-on-investors-0c07f73ba6db92f87fa33f1aad8dbeac
It is no secret that American politician regularly take brides that are called campaign donations–and that this influences how they vote and claim to serve the people. Of course, they claim they are not taking bribes, but they really are.
This is a long-standing problem in the USA and in other lands.
The Bible warns against corruption and it is often connected to covetousness:
16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)
4 … corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:4)
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” (Romans 7:7)
The Bible also teaches against those who take bribes:
3 … they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice (1 Samuel 8:3).
9 Do not gather my soul with sinners,
Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes. (Psalms 26:9-10)23 … Everyone loves bribes,
And follows after rewards.
They do not defend the fatherless,
Nor does the cause of the widow come before them. (Isaiah 1:23)12 For I know your manifold transgressions
And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes;
Diverting the poor from justice at the gate. (Amos 5:12)
While many think that the West does not have much of a problem with corruption, this view is wrong.
For example, to be a USA Democratic politician in the 21st century, one almost MUST endorse abortion and the LGBT agenda, hence pretty much all of them have to be corrupted from the start. It is also not much different for Republican politicians.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches:
8 And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous. (Exodus 23:8)
21 Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. (Exodus 18:21-22)
Jesus added:
25 … The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ (Luke 22:25)
One disturbing fact about USA politicians is that these ‘pubic servants’ often end up wealthy. Yes, covetous people are those often placed in office, and many are corrupt in various ways (even if they do not start off with much corruption).
Many in the US are realizing that political corruption is a major reality. Notice the following:
Most Americans Think The Government Is Corrupt
Americans may finally be waking up, even minimally. A majority of those living in the United States believe that the government is corrupt and unaccountable. …
Seventy-three percent of Americans say that elected officials do not face “serious consequences” for misconduct, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.
A closer look reveals that a mere 21 percent of those leaning Democrat and 32 percent of Republicans believe there is some basic justice for delinquent politicians.
This is not the only issue where US liberals and conservatives almost reach a consensus.
Seventy percent of US citizens don’t think the government is “open and transparent,” while 60 percent of both Republicans and Democrats believe that judges aren’t free from the influence of parties and politicians.
However, Americans still think reform is the answer. It’s not. 09/10/20 https://www.zerohedge.com/political/most-americans-think-government-corrupt
No, reform is not the answer, repentance is.
However, as posted here numerous times, since national repentance is not expected, destruction will be the fate of the USA (cf. Daniel 11:39; Habakkuk 2:6-8) but personal repentance is something you can do (see Christian Repentance).
Of course, the government of the USA is not the only corrupt one in the world.
Plus, there are other forms of corruption and oppression.
Many governments, including the USA, do not follow their own rules or constitutions.
Short of national or international repentance, which are not expected in this age, in addition to personal repentance, Christians are to “seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
But why the Kingdom of God?
Because our Creator knows best.
Here is more about why from our free booklet (available in 100 languages at www.ccog.org) The Gospel of the Kingdom of God:
Why the Kingdom of God?
Although humans like to think we are so smart, there are limits to our understanding, yet God’s “understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5).
That is why it will take God’s intervention to fix this planet.
While many believe in God, the vast majority of humans are unwilling to live as He truly directs. Notice the following:
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
To walk humbly with God is not something humankind has truly been willing to do. From the time of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6), humans have chosen to rely on themselves and their priorities, above God’s, despite His commandments (Exodus 20:3-17).
The Book of Proverbs teaches:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Yet, most people will not truly trust in God with all their hearts or wait for Him to direct their steps. Many say they will do what God wants, but do not do it. Humanity has been deceived by Satan (Revelation 12:9) and has fallen for the lusts of the world and the ‘pride of life’ (1 John 2:16).
Therefore, many have come up with their own religious traditions and secular governments, because they think they know best. However, they do not (cf. Jeremiah 10:23) nor will most truly repent.
That is why humanity needs the Kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 24:21-22).
Consider the Beatitudes
One of the most well know series of statements Jesus gave were the beatitudes, which He gave in His Sermon on the Mount of Olives.
Notice some of what He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)
It is in the Kingdom of God (cf. Mark 4:30-31), often referred to as the Kingdom of heaven by Matthew (cf. Matthew 13:31), where these blessed promises will be fulfilled. It is in the Kingdom of God that the promise will be fulfilled for the meek to inherit the earth and the pure to see God. Look forward to the good news of the blessings in the Kingdom of God!
God’s Ways Are Right
The truth is that God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and God is NOT selfish. God’s laws show love towards God and our neighbor (Mark 12:29-31; James 2:8-11). The ways of the world are selfish and end in death (Romans 8:6).
Notice that the Bible shows real Christians observe the commandments:
1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:1-3)
All of God’s “commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172). His ways are pure (1 Titus 1:15). Sadly, many have accepted various forms of “lawlessness” and do not realize that Jesus did NOT come to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17), by explaining their real meaning and expanding them beyond what many thought (e.g. Matthew 5:21-28). Jesus taught that “whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19) (the terms ‘Kingdom of God’ and ‘kingdom of heaven’ are interchangeable).
The Bible teaches that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Many claim to follow Jesus, but will not truly believe His teachings (Matthew 7:21-23) and will not imitate Him as they should (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). “Sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4, KJV) and all have sinned (Romans 3:23). However, the Bible shows that mercy will triumph over judgment (James 2:13) as God truly has a plan for all (cf. Luke 3:6).
Human solutions, apart from God’s ways, will not work. In the millennial kingdom, Jesus will rule with “a rod of iron” (Revelation 19:15), and good will prevail as people will live God’s way. ALL the world’s problems exist because societies of this world refuse to obey God and His law. History shows humanity is not capable of solving the problems of society:
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:6-8)
Christians are to focus on the spiritual, and are granted God’s Spirit to do so in this age (Romans 8:9), despite our personal weaknesses:
26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Christians are to glory in God’s plan! We walk by faith now (2 Corinthians 5:7), looking above (Colossians 3:2) in faith (Hebrews 11:6). We will be blessed for keeping God’s commandments (Revelation 22:14).
Why the Gospel of the Kingdom of God?
Protestants tend to feel that once they have accepted Jesus as savior, that they have sought the Kingdom of God. Catholics believe those baptized, even as infants, have entered their church as the kingdom. Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox tend to think that through sacraments, etc., they are seeking the kingdom of God. While Christians are to be baptized, Greco-Roman-Protestants tend to look to the world to solve humanity’s problems. They tend to have an earthly-focus (cf. Romans 8:6-8).
Seeking first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) is to be a lifelong goal for Christians. A goal, not to look to the world for solutions, but to God and His ways. The good news of the Kingdom of God changes our lives.
The Bible says that Christians will rule with Jesus, but do you realize that means that real Christians will actually rule over cities? Jesus taught:
12 “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’
15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ (Luke 19:12-19)
Be faithful over the little you have now. Christians will have the opportunity to rule over real cities, in a real kingdom. Jesus also said, “My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). God has a plan (Job 14:15) and a place (John 14:2) for those who will truly respond to Him (John 6:44; Revelation 17:14). The Kingdom of God is for real and you can be a part of it!
At the start of 2016, the journal Science had an article titled “The power of crowds” that indicated that artificial intelligence and crowdsourcing could solve the “wicked problems’ facing humanity. Yet, the article failed to understand what wickedness was, let alone how to solve it.
Cooperation, apart from following the true ways of God, is as doomed to fail in the 21st century as it was back after the Great Flood when humanity cooperated to build the failed Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9).
Problems in the world, in places like the Middle East (despite expected temporal gains, e.g. Daniel 9:27a; 1 Thessalonians 5:3), will not be solved by humans—we need the peace of the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17).
The problems of international terrorism, despite expected gains, will not be solved (cf. Ezekiel 21:12) by the deceived in the United Nations (cf. Revelation 12:9)—we need the joy and comfort of the Kingdom of God.
The problems of the environment will NOT be solved by international cooperation, as the world’s nations will help destroy the earth (Revelation 11:18), but they will be solved by the Kingdom of God.
Issues of sexual immorality, abortion, and selling human body parts will not be solved by the USA (cf. Revelation 18:13), but by the Kingdom of God.
The massive debt that the USA, UK, and many other nations have will not be solved through international brokering, but ultimately (after destruction per Habakkuk 2:6-8) by the Kingdom of God.
Ignorance and miseducation will not be solved by the United Nations—we need the Kingdom of God. Religious strife will not truly be solved by any ecumenical-interfaith movement agreeing to salvation apart from the true Jesus of the Bible. Sin is THE PROBLEM in the world and for that, we need Jesus’ sacrifice and His return in the Kingdom of God. Modern medical science does not have all the answers for human health—we need the Kingdom of God.
Hunger issues will not be solved by genetically-modified organisms which are putting parts of the world at risk of famine due to potential crop failures—we need the Kingdom of God.
The massive poverty in parts of Africa, Asia, and elsewhere, while benefiting for a time from end time ‘Babylon’ (cf. Revelation 18:1-19), will not solve the problem of poverty—we need the Kingdom of God. The idea that, apart from Jesus, humanity can bring utopia in this ‘present evil age’ is a false gospel (Galatians 1:3-10).
The millennial phase of the Kingdom of God is a literal kingdom that will be established on the earth. It will be based on the loving laws of God and a loving God as leader. The saints will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 5:10; 20:4-6). This kingdom will include those truly in the Church of God, but no scripture states that the Kingdom of God is actually the Church (Catholic or otherwise). The Church of Rome has opposed the millennial teaching, and later it will more powerfully oppose the Bible’s gospel message as we get closer to the end. This will likely get significant media coverage which may help fulfill Matthew 24:14.
In its final phase, the Kingdom of God will include the “New Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:2) and of its increase there will be no end. There will be no more unrighteousness, no more sorrow, and no more death.
Preaching and understanding the gospel of the Kingdom of God is an important theme of the Bible. Old Testament writers taught about it. Jesus, Paul, and John taught about it. The oldest ‘Christian’ sermon to survive outside the New Testament taught about it. Early second century Christian leaders, like Polycarp and Melito, taught about it. We in the Continuing Church of God teach it today. Recall that the Kingdom of God is the first subject that the Bible shows Jesus preached about (Mark 1:13. It was also what He preached about after the resurrection (Acts 1:3)—and it is something Christians should seek first (Matthew 6:33).
The gospel is not only about the life and death of Jesus. The emphasis of the gospel that Jesus and His followers taught was the coming Kingdom of God. The gospel of the kingdom includes salvation through Christ, but also includes teaching the end of human governments (Revelation 11:15).
Remember, Jesus taught that the end would not come until after the gospel of the kingdom was preached to the world as a witness to all the nations (Matthew 24:14). And that preaching is happening now.
The good news is that the Kingdom of God is the solution to the problems facing humanity. Yet, most do NOT want to support it, nor hear it, nor want to believe the truth of it. God’s Kingdom is eternal (Matthew 6:13), while “this world is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31).
Proclaiming the true gospel of the Kingdom of God is something that we in the Continuing Church of God are serious about. We strive to teach all things that the Bible teaches (Matthew 28:19-20), including the Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14). While we await that kingdom, we need to learn and follow God’s ways and comfort others who want to believe the truth.
Shouldn’t you support the proclaiming of the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God? Will you believe the gospel of the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God is the solution to end corrupt governments and corrupt societies. The Kingdom will replace them with a glorious millennial reign by Jesus and His saints (see also Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism?).
Put your confidence in Jesus and not political leaders in this world.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Should a Christian Vote? This article gives some of the Biblical rationale on this subject. Would Jesus vote for president/prime minister? Is voting in the Bible? This is a subject Christians need to understand. A video of related interest is available titled: Should Christians Vote? Another video is Biden, Trump, and the Bible.
Crime can be stopped…here’s how! This was a booklet that was edited with some updates by Dr. Thiel. Here is a link to a related sermon: Crime and How it Will be Stopped!
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is are links to related sermons: Christian Election: Is God Calling YOU? and Predestination and Your Selection; here is a message in Spanish: Me Está Llamando Dios Hoy? A short animation is also available: Is God Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? Two related sermons about this are also available: Real Repentance and Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Christian courage vs. cowardice As you courageous? What biblically is cowardice? Do YOU really understand this? Two sermons related to this article are available and are titled Courage and Cowardice and Cowardice and Overcoming Fear. A Spanish language article is also available: Valor Cristiano vs Cobardía.
Ten Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear This is a vastly expanded version of a shorter article by the late Dr. Herman Hoeh on getting past fear. Here is a link to a related sermon: Ten Plus Steps to Rid Yourself of Fear.
Faith for Those God has Called and Chosen What is faith? Can faith be increased? Are you saved by faith? What about works? Do Christians need to keep the Ten Commandments? What is the ‘faith chapter’? How do the just live by faith? Is faith one of the weightier matters of the law? How does faith come? Marque aquí para ver el pdf folleto: Fe para aquellos que Dios ha llamado y escogido. In German: Glaube für die von Gott Berufenen und Auserwählten. In French: La Foi pour ceux que Dieu a Appelés et Choisis. Here is a link to a related sermon titled: Faith for the Called and Chosen.and here is a link to another sermon Faith and Courage. Here is a link to shorter version of the written article in Mandarin Chinese N{ÇQsNŽOáNðv„\e‡zà. Here are links to the sermons Christian Faith and Increasing Faith.
Women and the New Testament Church What roles did women play in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles? Did Jesus and the Apostle Paul violate Jewish traditions regarding their dealings with women? Do women have any biblical limitations on their role in the Church? Were there female prophets? Do women have any special responsibilities in terms of how they dress? What does the New Testament really teach about women? Here are links to two related sermons: Women’s Roles in the Church and New Testament Women.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? Two related sermons are available Millennial Utopia and The Millennium.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2030 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to four related sermons: The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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