The weariness of the front line battle faded after a sound night's sleep, and the day break of a new mercy. The encouragement by the Holy Spirit in each person's private devotion was magnified by the morning meetings. The meeting of the pastors was no less encouraging. Dr. Greg J. Dixon led the meeting as usual, and the truth was brought out once again.
For the sake of argument, let us set the case aside and look at the stay order. Judge Sarah Evans Barker made a judgment to seize and sell IBT property before it had it's right to perfect it's appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court. IBT sought a stay of this judgment in order for IBT to perfect its appeal. A stay order is usually routine. Microsoft was supposed to have committed many crimes, and they were given a stay. Last Tuesday, Judge Barker said that all citizens have to pay their taxes. She said this church is an unincorporated association, even though the law cannot support that judgment. IBT hopes to prove that in the highest court, if it gets the opportunity. Now the federal district court is ascribing to IBT a fictitious person. If IBT is a person, then it must pay taxes like everyone else. This actually confirms the principle of dual citizenship in America. The Judge refused the stay in the case of IBT, but granted it to Microsoft.
Again, you should understand why there has been so much venom. By the way, the Indianapolis channel 6
network's website, www.theindychannel.com, is doing a survey asking, "Do you agree with the seizure of IBT?"
As of 1:40 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2000, 557 people (25.5%) had voted "Yes", and 1,626 people
(74.5%) had voted "No". Public opinion is turning our way because up until the stand here, misinformation
and rumors were floating everywhere. The Joseph C. Farah article in "NUVO Newsweekly" said that Dr. Dixon
brought the " lunatic fringe" to the city. Dr. Dixon said, "Only three things in that article are true:
1. My name: Greg J. Dixon
2. The name of the Church: Indianapolis Baptist
Temple (IBT)
3. The fact that I did speak at the Estes Park meeting (although I was not a principle speaker). I went to the meeting, but I was not a principle speaker. I went to the meeting because no one had done anything about the murder of a child and a mother. I went because someone had been murdered in the land and no one was doing anything about it. When a murder happens the elders are called to an inquest. The civil authorities had done nothing about it. Why wasn't Joseph Farah there? Since I was there they asked me to speak. Joseph Farah is just quoting from Morris Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is the nation's richest charity with 90 million dollars in their war chest. Pete Peters was the moderator at the meeting, but the meeting was not billed as a Christian Identity meeting. Morris Dees' people videotaped the meeting, and I preached that every church should have a militia. I make no apology for that. The future may reveal the need for each church to have a militia."
"I've never spoken at a Christian Identity meeting in my life. If I did, I surely would not call Morris Dees and get permission! What constitutional rights am I trying to destroy?"
"Farah lied about the patriot movement. He said, 'The patriot movement harbors some of the most violent extremists in the country.' That is a lie! Look at the broad brush he is painting us with."
Farah wrote in the article, "Others who identify themselves as patriots are opposed to a New World Order government conspiracy. They are the ones who always see black helicopters hovering around them, ready to descend at any time to destroy our way of life."
Dr. Dixon answers, "Who here is opposed to the New World Order?" Many hands are raised. "I have seen black helicopters coming over there and getting so low you could see right inside them. They were trying to intimidate us."
Farah wrote, "Dixon was a founding member of Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority, and served as National Secretary and Indiana State Director."
Dr. Dixon: "So what?" Somebody is going to run things. It should just as well be Christians!"
Farah: "Among their avowed enemies in the American cultural war are communists, secular humanists, gays and lesbians, feminists, pro-choice advocates, and of course, that perennial whipping post, the 'liberal media'".
Dr. Dixon: "I call it Marxist media. These are some good things to be against. Farah talks further about my favoring a resurrection of McCarthy. I say, 'Bring it on!' In the 1950's there were communists working. They stole our atomic secrets. FDR was a socialist. Eleanor Roosevelt was a communist. Farah likens the church to the Spanish Inquisitors wearing hoods. My question is, 'Who is wearing the hoods?' The federal marshals and the BATF are wearing the hoods. Farah mentions Bo Gritz. Well, La-te-da! Bo Gritz is an American who served his country proudly.
The closing statements in the article are noteworthy:
Farah wrote: "When the IBT property is eventually seized for back-taxes, the closing of its doors will really represent the closing of another symbol of intolerance on the Indianapolis landscape. At most, Dixon and the whole Indianapolis Baptist Temple episode will rate a short, negative footnote in the long history of Indianapolis." Dr. Dixon answers: "A fellow named Voltaire of Paris, France, once mocked God and said, '100 years from now, Christianity will lay on the garbage heap of humanity.' 50 years after his death, his home was used by the Swiss Bible Society to print millions of Bibles! Do I hate Farah? No! It sounds like he is the one who hates. I thank God for Joseph Farah. This is just like Doeg in the Old Testament cursing David. As one preacher said, 'Maybe we need a good cussing.' But Balaam said, 'Can I curse someone whom God has blessed?' Am I going to retaliate as some of David's men said? No! God will take care of Morris Dees, Joseph Farah, and all their gang. If we are forced to leave this building, so be it, but when we move back in, I'm going to put this last statement in larger print and put it on the door, and praise God for He still rules and reigns from on High!"
For the morning thoughts, the pastors were encouraged to be not weary in well doing… wait on the LORD and renew your strength. We are seeing the Prosperous Church vs. the Persecuted Church. That is why God says it is better to go to the house of mourning than the house of mirth. The persecuted church may mourn, but it is better than the prosperous Church, even though they sing and rejoice.
Here is something interesting: Two-thirds of the young people in public schools believe in cheating. That is really not too surprising, knowing young people as we do. What is surprising is that the parents did not think anything was wrong with cheating. Look at this: the state destroyed IBT's school where we teach the students the absolute value that cheating is wrong.
One brother said that something good would come out of this battle that will shake the nation.
Dr. Dixon said, "I found out all I had to do to be put on the Southern Poverty Law Center's list of hate groups was the following:"
1. Advertise in the Spotlight!
Dixon Ans. "Well, la-te-da! We never advertised in the Spotlight. Another person advertised and put one of my tapes on the order list. I don't have them under copyright and I did not make anything them. I'm just glad to get the issues out. Someone else advertised, and used my tapes to make a little money."
2. You were the principle speaker at the Estes Park meeting.
Dixon Ans. "I spoke, but I was not the main speaker."
3. Make your church the contact point for the KKK. Dixon Ans. " We have never been a contact point for the KKK. They confused us with some other church down south. As a fact the KKK showed up for this battle, but the pastor would not let them come in.
"The judge believes this lie! Officials believe this lie!"
"This battle goes beyond even the control issue. This is a vendetta against this church, this preacher, this pulpit, and this school. This is a consorted goal to totally destroy and silence this ministry."
"Judge Barker has been fed the Farah type of article. Think of it. Bro. Vaughan is here. The IRS attacked their church for $136,000. Then after 8 years, they went away. The IRS attacked Bro. McCurry's church for $225,000, and went away. Why are they coming after us?"
Again, Farah's article states, "Dr. Greg Dixon has worn the self-imposed mantle of oppressed Christian preacher."
Dr. Dixon's answer: "That is not true. I do the oppressing. I am the oppressor, if anything."
Farah states, "Dixon's actions have attracted the right-wing lunatic fringe to Indianapolis to defend his cause."
Answer: "That is a lie, and completely untrue."
This is why we could not get a stay. The judge believes we are training the next Oklahoma bomber. This is why there is so much venom. People listen to the lie. We are not training bombers. We are attempting to train bold witnesses for the LORD Jesus Christ.
When Judge Barker was a U.S. attorney in Washington D.C., she heard about Dr. Greg Dixon and someone said he was the "Baptist Pope". She, no doubt, thinks Greg Dixon is the Baptist Pope. She said the Baptist Pope is not as good as the Catholic Pope. At least the Catholic Pope cares for his people. This is Judicial Phariseeism. Justice Stevens is the most consistent liberal on the 7TH Circuit Court. He and Justice Rehnquist are pushing the New Doctrine of Neutrality, which means the law is:
1. Neutral on its face
2. Has a secular purpose
3. Is general In its application
This is the problem. There is no such thing as a division of the secular and the sacred for the believer.
D. James Kennedy was reported to say that Judge Rehnquist is a stalwart of the faith. IBT appealed to Judge Barker and she refused. IBT appealed to the 7th circuit, and Judge Stevens refused. IBT appealed to Judge Rehnquist, and he refused. We appealed to another Court much higher than any court on earth, and we are still here 15 days later. We appealed to the Highest Court, and He has given us a 15-day stay.
We must read 2 Kings 1:1-ff Vs. 3 "…Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron."
Let me ask you the question, "Who is God of America?" Many in the U.S. say America has no God. Actually, America has many gods. America is polytheistic. This is the U.N. idea that all religions must be equal.
I want you to see that every person ruling in this case will die. Notice in this chapter a captain of 50 was sent to get the man of God. The king has said, "Come down". Fire fell and consumed the 50. Another came and said, "Come down quickly". Again fire fell from heaven and consumed the 50. A third 50 came and the captain "fell on his knees before Elijah and besought him, and said unto him, "O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these 50 thy servants, be precious in thy sight." God told Elijah to go and be not afraid.
Judge Barker sent 50. The 7th circuit sent 50. Judge Rehnquist sent 50. The U.S. Marshal may have said, "Wait a minute! Carl doesn't want the ball!"
God sent a stay, so let us just Stay!
In this country, in the old days, we were one family. During a revival meeting, the Methodists helped the Baptists. In another meeting the Baptists helped the Methodists. I tell you, friend, Religious Liberty is everyone's business.
Now, let's get our assignment. Who will picket down at the courthouse? Bro. Bruce answers, "We will. Pickets-are-us!" Other missions were accepted by different pastors, even to clean up details on the inside of the buildings.
12:00 Noon: During the noon meal an interesting problem came up. One pastor called in on one of the many cell phones and reported the phone line's operator said they were going to disconnect the phone lines. Attorney Al Cunningham called to see if this was true. We needed the phones in case of fire or other emergencies. After a long discussion with computers and clerks, one manager assured the attorney that no orders for disconnect were on their screens. 7:00 p.m.: Dr. Greg J. Dixon held Services. Bro. Steve Kukla began the singing with the statement, "Welcome to Day 15 of the IBT Camp Meeting, provided for by the U.S. Marshal's office."
We sang, "Years I spent in vanity and pride; caring not my Lord was crucified; knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary. Mercy there was great and Grace was free; pardon there was multiplied to me; there my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary." Several musical instruments added spice to the normal accapella congregational singing. The congregational singing has been by memory, due to the removal of the songbooks. (See Day 1, click here)
Dr. Dixon greeted the visitors who just came in. He said the ole' timers used to say, "Two more just poured in." "If we could keep the two that keep pouring in, we would have a pretty big crowd. A brother from Bulgaria will give a testimony in a moment, but first, here are some e-mails that have come in":
From Pecos, Texas: "We are folks who care, and are keeping you in prayer."
From Bob: "Judgment day will come and it will be their turn."
From Allen: "Our prayers are with you. We are watching for you on the net."
From Michael: "Rom. 8:28 is a good verse to claim. Also, they meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."
From David: "I am a member of an Independent Baptist Church. I believe your stand to be a Biblical stand."
"A lot of people are not here because they think they can do it better than we can do it. I am grateful that as my son, Pastor Dixon, says, 'Not everyone is against us.'"
Here is another e-mail: "It is a sad day when the government officials are defining a 'legal church'. Maybe now they can define a legal government."
Pastor Aubrey Vaughan led the congregation in the song "Don't Give Up On The Brink Of A Miracle. Don't Give Up, Remember You Are Not Alone".
Pastor Dan Hardin sang his song "An Old-Fashioned Street Preacher".
Pastor Joseph Foreman from Willis, Virginia, introduced Brother Bojidar Marinov who recently came to the States from Bulgaria. Pastor Foreman met him on the Internet. Bro. "Bo" got saved shortly after the fall of the communists in Bulgaria. He was one who rioted in the streets before the fall. He later ran into some of the writings of the Reformation. He said that Bulgaria needs these truths so that it would never go back into communism again. He came here to work in order to get more money so that he can spend his time translating these words into the Slavic language. We need someone from the Eastern block nations to come to IBT to show them how the East can seize churches.
Bro. Bojidar Marinov gave his testimony:
"In the communist countries, a policeman could stop you and do anything he wanted to do to you. All the churches are registered churches. There are a lot of similarities to Bulgaria here in America. My parents are pagans. My mother was a dedicated Marxist. I learned all about it up to 18 years old. I went to the humanists to find the truth. Later, I went to pagan religions. I knew there was an absolute somewhere. They told me in order for you to know the truth I had to give up freedom. They said there is no such thing as truth and freedom. Then someone said, 'You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' I knew there was an absolute somewhere, and I found out that truth is personal; Truth is a Person. I lost my life at that time, and I am really glad. I lost it to find Jesus. I went to church and they said, "Keep it to yourself." I did not listen to them, and I started preaching in the streets. I have not been arrested as many times as some of you. I have only been arrested twice. It is illegal to preach on the streets in Bulgaria. I will tell you this: One officer told me that if I came back to this corner next Sunday he would arrest me. The prosecutor said I could not preach here. I told the officer that I would be here next Sunday and preach. Where will you be? He did not come the next Sunday ,yet 3 months later the officer fell dead for no apparent reason. There was no visible cause of death. Later, I saw the prosecutor in a store and he turned pale and ran out of the store."
"Pagans understand freedom but not theology. I preach freedom so they can understand theology later. Reformers brought in freest Societies. Freedom comes by a result of their teaching. There is a vacuum in Bulgaria. This is the time for a Protestant truth. You have had the foundation! Why have you lost it? Why have you lost it? In Bulgaria we do not have a theological base. Your nation has more freedom here, We will go back under communism in Bulgaria. The world will be impacted by this battle."
Bro. Steve Kukla did a tremendous job of singing "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need". You should have heard it. Only at the front lines of Revival can you experience the fullness of God in this way.
Dr. Dixon asked for testimonies:
· We had 16 at the courthouse today. 8 out of 9 signed the petition. Poor folks understand what is happening at IBT. Not only is public opinion turning our way, but the preachers are turning, too.
· I'm a truck driver, and I spend a lot of time away from home. I should spend more time here. I heard in Ohio a street preacher was arrested, but even better yet, I heard a street preacher in Wisconsin is suing his city for abusing him.
· Down from my house are 3 Black congregations. They are praying for IBT, and one lady said to keep our stand strong.
· I was on the Stan Solomon show, and I told the people to be present and to bring presents to IBT, especially beans and toilet paper.
· Dr. Dixon said, "I got a blessing today. A man called in today and said he would pay for my short wave broadcasts."
· Bro. "Bo": "Taxes are not Neutral. I hope the preachers learn better than we learned in Bulgaria."
Celesta Anderson sang "Thread of Hope". Some of the words are, "When you're hanging by a thread, still you can climb life's mountain. Though the cliffs are rough and jagged, you can go. If you should slip and reach rope's end, you'll find the hem of His garment.
So don't let go of that last Thread of Hope."
Pastor Dan Hardin preached from the text of 2 Chronicles 20:1-29. Great chapter. It applies to the IBT battle. At the time of this battle Psalm 83 was given to them. During the time of Jehosaphat, God's man, rose up and gave this song to Israel:
Vs. 1-2: The application of these verses reveals the judge legislating hate from the bench.
Vs. 3: Their goal is to destroy the Christian school
Vs. 5: They are against God's people, and they are against God.
They were confederate. Con means around. Federate means government. The government was all around them. Bro. Hardin said, "Our assistant pastor took his little boy to the doctor the other day. The boy had a little cold. The doctor took the boy into another room and began to ask him, 'Are there any guns in your house?' Can you imagine what guns in the house had to do with a cold?" The government is all around us! It seems everyone is watching for Big Brother government just as it was in Germany and Russia, and in China today!
Vs. 6-8: They had no tolerance for God's people. Here you see the ten-fold federation of the enemy.
Vs. 10-12: You can see the seven-fold judgment of God. All these great kings came against God, and God wasted them.
There are a lot of believers in America, but it looks like God is weeding them out. Many do not have what it takes. This is a battle like Gideon. They had only a few men. These men did not wield the sword, but they held up the Light and blew the horn, and God routed the enemy. We are holding up the Light and blowing the horn.
Dr. Dixon gave the invitation for those who have needs. One was being dealt with at that moment. He said, "Come at any time." The midnight band played and sang praised while others prayed. Still others worked into the early hours of the morning keeping an ever-vigilant watch.
For more information on today's events click here.
Dear friend,
We are in desperate need of funds to continue this battle for a free Church and Christian education without state interference. Please send the largest gift possible to Indianapolis Baptist Temple, P.O. Box 11, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206. For all of you who respond we will send you a Scenes From the Battle video. Please help us today if possible.
May God be glorified in each of our lives!
Sincerely,
Pastor Brown
pastorjsbrown@yahoo.con
preacher@link2000.net