A Disciple of Christ Discusses the Affordable Care Act

Joseph Herrin (11-01-2013)

I have had a number of Christian brothers and sisters write to me to inquire about what a Christian’s response should be to the Affordable Care Act mandate. Those who read my blog postings will understand that I have consistently counseled the saints to be law-abiding citizens in whatever nation they live, paying their taxes, while refraining from becoming politically active. There is a solid Biblical foundation for this counsel which I have followed myself for most of my adult life. (The last election I voted in was when Ronald Reagan was running for President. Around that time I came to discern that both political parties were merely two heads of the same beasts, and there was no free choice or appointment of political office. Whoever got elected from either party would remain firmly a puppet of the global powers that be.)

The following provides a quick summary of a Christian disciple’s responsibilities to the government(s) of the nation/state/county/district/etc. in which they reside.

Christians are aliens and strangers in this world. They are first and foremost citizens of a heavenly kingdom.

Hebrews 11:13-16
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

I am going to insert here a major portion of a writing I posted five years ago under the title Deconstructing Babel - Part One. I encourage you to take the time to hear intelligently what is proclaimed here. It serves as a basis for the counsel regarding the Affordable Care Act that follows.
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In recent blog postings I have spoken repeatedly about affairs of nations, and world politics and politicians. My intent has been to lead the people of God to understand the folly of embracing the fallen systems of this world, or engaging in carnal means of transforming society or nations. In these writings I have not once suggested that Christians should protest, vote, organize boycotts, write to their congressmen, refuse to pay taxes, or any other similar activity. My aim is always to get Christians to examine the common interpretation of things that they might separate themselves from involvement in the affairs of a fallen world and devote themselves to a pursuit of the kingdom of God.

The political systems of the world are a part of this dark world system. The kingdom of God stands altogether separate, and so too should those who are citizens in the heavenly kingdom. From ancient times those who were the people of God considered themselves as a people in exile, sojourners in a land that was not their own.

People of God, you are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. If your identity is bound up in some terrestrial nationalism, then you have not come to understand who you truly are in Christ. Christ is not an American, or British, or Canadian, or Russian, or Chinese. Christ is not even Hebrew. He is the Son of God, and His kingdom is a heavenly kingdom. If you are “in Christ” then you have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness, the kingdom of this world, into the kingdom of God’s Son.

Colossians 1:13
For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son...

Yahshua explicitly declared that His kingdom is not of this world.

John 18:36-37
Yahshua answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm."

As I have recently written articles about Sarah Palin, and other national figures, I have been met with numerous protests from believers who have falsely understood that it is their duty to participate in the political systems of this fallen world system. Many believe the Dominion Theology false doctrine that Christians are to transform the world into God’s kingdom through involvement in the “seven mountains of culture.” They have embraced the idea that they must work to establish a Christian nation, or Christian world order, not understanding that they are aliens and strangers here.

The language the apostle Paul uses in declaring these things is very descriptive. It is as if a person were born in England, and all their life their identity was that of being an English citizen. Suddenly, God takes hold of them. He delivers them from their citizenship in England, and translates them to another realm altogether. What happens exceeds even being transferred to a foreign country, such as China. They have been translated right out of the entire realm of earthly dominion, and have become citizens of a heavenly kingdom. This is why Paul says in Hebrews that a Christian is a “stranger” and an “exile” upon the earth. Let us look at these words.

Hebrews 11:13-14
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
[New American Standard Version]

The word rendered as “strangers” is the Greek word xenos. Vine’s Dictionary defines it this way:

“Strange”; denotes a “stranger, foreigner.”

The word for “exiles,” which the KJV renders as “pilgrims,” is parepidemos in the Greek. Strong’s Concordance gives us the following definition:

parepidemos (par-ep-id'-ay-mos); from NT:3844 and the base of NT:1927; an alien alongside, i.e. a resident foreigner:

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says the following about this word.

One who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives; hence, stranger; sojourning in a strange place, a foreigner.

This present world system has sought to entice the people of God into its embrace. It has been very successful in doing so. Rare is the Christian who does not identify himself as a citizen of this world. Rare indeed is the believer who consciously understands that they dwell here as a resident foreigner, a man or woman without earthly nation, or city, or people, or race. Like Abraham dwelling among the inhabitants of Canaan, we are to understand that this world is not our home. We have a heavenly city to which we look to one day return.

Hebrews 11:13-16
All these (champions of faith) died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Let me use a modern analogy to shed some light. Suppose a Russian citizen came to America on a visit, having no ties to America, no work permit, no educational visa, not speaking English, and was in all ways a Russian citizen. It would be preposterous for this Russian citizen to say “I am an American” just because he was standing on American soil. He is not a citizen of America. He is a foreign visitor. He is nothing more than a resident alien.

If this is true of a citizen from another nation on earth, then how much more is it true of those who have been made citizens of a heavenly kingdom? If you are a Christian in America, then your identity is no longer that of an American. You are no longer even a citizen of the world. You belong to another realm entirely. When you became a Christian you were translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. You are a citizen of the kingdom of God. You are an alien and a stranger in America. America is not your home, you are merely sojourning; you are passing through.

Now as you pass through, like any good alien or visitor to a foreign nation, you should obey the government and laws of the land. Yet you must always remember that you are merely in temporary residence there. This is not your home, nor your identity. You are a child of God, a citizen of heaven, and Yahweh is your Sovereign. Too many Christians are under the deception that they are still citizens of this earthly realm. They are involving themselves in the political processes of nations. They are engaged in the support, or overthrow of regimes. They are rooting for a particular candidate that they believe will best represent their beliefs and morals.

People, you are an alien and stranger here. What have you to do with the affairs of this world?

II Timothy 2:4-5
No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.

Yahshua answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.”

If Christ’s kingdom were of this world He would instruct all of His children to fight to gain control of the kingdoms of the world. He would tell all His disciples to vote, to run for office, to protest, to lobby, to insert themselves into the fabric of national politics and to seek to bring it all under His dominion. But this earth is not His kingdom. America is not His kingdom. He said “My kingdom is not of this world.”

As Christians, God has left us here upon this earth to reside by the side of the natives of this place, but we are no longer native to this place. We are sojourning in a strange place. When we view what is transpiring in this world we should have the perspective of strangers. When we observe national and world events we should always understand that we are sitting in the bleachers of the visiting team. We do not have home field advantage here, for this is not our home.

Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.”

Christ’s kingdom is populated by sheep. They are meek and humble creatures that are gentle and who follow their Shepherd. The world is inhabited by wolves with ravenous appetites. The Spirit within a Christian is as contrary to the spirit of those in the world as light is to darkness.

II Corinthians 6:14-17
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord.

How can a Christian in whom dwells the Spirit of Christ make themselves a political candidate in a fallen world system dominated by Satan and yoke themselves to a running mate who is filled with darkness? Do they not understand that they are running with wolves? Do they not perceive the darkness of the kingdoms of this world and the contradiction of being yoked together with unbelievers?

In various writings I have revealed the Babylonian spirit of America. America is a land of idols, as was Babylon. America is a great merchant empire, as was Babylon. America is ruthless in her treatment of enemy nations, as was Babylon. America has many of the people of God dwelling in her midst, as did Babylon. America is the seat of the United Nations, which stands as a figure of Babel united again after God confused the languages and separated the peoples of the earth. America even occupies and controls Iraq, the location of the ancient empire of Babylon.

As Christians, we are citizens of Zion, which stands in strict contrast to Babylon. Zion is the city of Yahweh as Babylon is the city of Satan. These cities are so foreign to one another in spirit and work and appearance that “strange” seems hardly to convey the distinctions among them. The citizen of Babylon has no place in Zion. They are alien to it. Even so, the citizen of Zion has no place in Babylon. Consider the words of the apostle Paul:

I Corinthians 5:12-13
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges.

Paul understood that there are two kinds of people upon this earth. There are the people of God who are here in temporary residence, and there are all others. There are insiders and outsiders. Paul said it was not his place to judge outsiders, yet is this not what political rulers of this world system do? What have you or I to do with judging the kingdoms of this world? We are called to judge those inside the church. “Those who are outside God will judge.”

Understanding this overturns the argument of those who say that the world will suffer terribly if Christians do not take their place in this world government. Did you hear Paul’s words? “Those who are outside God will judge.” Do you think God is incapable of judging wicked men? The history of the Old Testament reveals that God judges the nations. Read the major and minor prophets as they speak forth God’s judgments upon Egypt, Edom, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and a host of other nations. If you will examine these Scriptures you will find that God did indeed do all that He said He would do, and He did not need the assistance of His chosen people to accomplish the judgments.

Do you really believe God’s arm is now shortened where He cannot hold the nations in check today without the help of Christian political activism? Indeed, He is well able. “Those who are outside God will judge.”

I have heard all the arguments based upon human logic. The phrase is often quoted, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing" (Edmund Burke). Believe it or not, this quotation is not found in the Bible. Yet it has probably been preached from more church pulpits than a great many of the sayings of Christ. It certainly ranks ahead of “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, My disciples would fight.”

People of God, I am not advocating that good men do nothing. I am saying Christians belong to another kingdom and their duty is to proclaim that kingdom. If they are involved in battles over the control of the world’s kingdoms, then they have strayed from their calling.

Luke 9:1-2
And [Yahshua] called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons, and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God...

Luke 9:60-61
But [Yahshua] said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God."

Do you understand these words? The spiritually dead of this world can tend to the affairs of the spiritually dead. Christ’s disciples are to proclaim another kingdom. When we come to Christ we are to leave all behind even as Lot left Sodom and was commanded to not look back.

Luke 9:61-62
And another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." But Yahshua said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

Over and over we read that there is a separation from this world system when one becomes a Christian. From the moment of their calling as a disciple of Christ, they must leave all behind and follow Christ wherever He goes. The disciple is given a new allegiance, a new Lord, a new identity. The believer is not to remain as they were, seeking to maintain their place in the world, adding Christianity to their lives as if it were some appendage, or sideline. They must see themselves as no longer a citizen of the earth, a member of earthly affiliations. They have been translated to a new realm and given a new citizenship.

Do you believe that the fate of the kingdom of heaven is bound up in whether America elects a Christian to national office? I tell you it does not matter at all. God’s kingdom will come no matter what the kingdoms of this world do. An hour will arrive when every knee will bow before Christ, and every tongue will confess Him as Lord to the glory of God the Father. And in no way will this event be influenced by who Americans elect to their governmental positions. The kingdom of this world becoming the kingdom of our Lord and Christ will not be quickened in its coming, nor slowed in its pace, through the political workings of man. Its establishment is fixed, and it will arrive at the appearing of the Son of God. It will happen when the angel blows the seventh trump of God.

Revelation 11:15-18
And the seventh angel sounded; and there arose loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, "We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.”

This world system is dark, deceptive, cunning, and corrupt. It will not be reformed. But the citizens of this dark kingdom can be translated out of it into the kingdom of light as the good news of Christ is proclaimed. Let us be about proclaiming the kingdom of God, for it is at hand. It will not be voted in. It will arrive with omnipotent power at the appearing of Christ.

May God grant all His children understanding of their status as aliens and strangers in this world.
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I trust that you have found the preceding words persuasive, a manifestation of “rightly dividing the word of God.” Let us now build upon this foundation to know how a disciple of Yahshua should respond to the requirements of the grossly misnamed Affordable Care Act.

In the preceding writing I underscored the following words:

Now as you pass through, like any good alien or visitor to a foreign nation, you should obey the government and laws of the land.

I would not ask you to accept this, or any other statement, on the basis of my own authority. The Scriptures and the Holy Spirit alone carry the weight of divine authority. Therefore, let us look at a couple of Scriptural examples.

Matthew 17:24-27
And when they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter, and said, "Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?" He said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Yahshua spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?" And upon his saying, "From strangers," Yahshua said to him, "Consequently the sons are exempt. But, lest we give them offense, go to the sea, and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a stater. Take that and give it to them for you and Me."

Romans 13:1-7
Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

The principle to be derived from these passages is that although the man or woman who has been born again of the Spirit of Christ is a citizen of a heavenly kingdom, they are to not cause unnecessary offense by refusing to pay taxes, custom, or failing to show honor to the rulers of the nation in which they reside. The Christian’s identity is not terrestrial, nor national, but even as a resident alien would be subject to the laws of the land in which they abide, so too should the Christian be subject to the governing authorities.

There are exceptions to this, however. When the terrestrial authority commands the disciple of Christ to act or speak contrary to the commandment of God, the disciple must obey the higher authority.

Acts 4:18-19
And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge...”

Acts 5:27-29
And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men.”

We can conclude then that as far as a disciple of Christ is able, he is to submit to, and demonstrate honor unto, the government of the nation in which he dwells. The exception is when the governing authorities command the disciple to act or speak in violation of a commandment of God. In the latter instance, the disciple must accept whatever penalty the terrestrial authority demands of him/her.

Acts 5:40-41
And after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Yahshua, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.

Some have written to ask me if I believe the Affordable Care Act, also referred to as Obamacare, is a manifestation of the mark of the beast. Their concern being that if it is, then it is a violation of Yahweh’s will to enroll in Obamacare. Some have suggested that written into the ACA legislation is a requirement for all people to be “chipped.” I have read the passage in question, and this is not what is being stated. There is currently no requirement for individuals to receive an RFID chip to participate in the Affordable Care Act.

As a disciple of Christ, a person must then ask whether registering for the Affordable Care Act violates any commandment of God. This would include either a Scriptural commandment, or a specific instruction Yahweh has given to an individual through the agency of the Holy Spirit. There are some Christian denominations, or churches, who teach that insurance is contrary to the teachings of the Scriptures. Some suggest that insurance is a form of gambling, and is therefore immoral. Others teach that purchasing insurance demonstrates an absence of faith. There are a variety of opinions on these subjects, and I encourage the saints to test these matters for themselves. When you stand before Yahweh to give an account of your life you will bear the responsibility for your actions, so consider your ways carefully.

The government of America has recognized that some have religious objections to paying for insurance, and they have addressed this, albeit imperfectly, in the ACA legislation. Exemptions are available to individuals for a limited number of reasons. Among the reasons that an exemption might be granted is that the individual has “a religious conscience objection to insurance.”

To qualify for this exemption, the following guidelines are listed.

1.    You must be a member of a recognized religious sect.
2.    You have to waive all of your Social Security benefits.
3.    The Commissioner of Social Security must agree that your religion opposes insurance for things like death, disability, and medical care.
4.    The Commissioner must find that members of your religion have made arrangements to provide for their dependent members since they aren’t using insurance as a safety-net.
5.    The sect must have been in existence continuously since December 31, 1950.
[Source: http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/reform/a/Can-You-Get-A-Health-Insurance-Exemption.htm]

I doubt that any regular readers of this blog will meet the above qualifications. I stated that this is an imperfect law, for it does not acknowledge that an individual has a personal relationship to God, and that matters of conscience vary person by person. They are only viewing religious belief as a group phenomena.

I have shared in writing that back in 1998 Yahweh spoke to me and told me to cancel health insurance on myself and my family. At the time I was working as a computer professional at a hospital complex and had excellent coverage on my entire family for $54 a month. Yahweh was calling us to a walk of faith, absent the safety nets of this world system. Step by step He was leading us to embrace a greater degree of vulnerability in this world where we looked to Him to provide whatever was needed for the continuance of our lives. The following year He instructed me to quit my job and to enter into ministry full-time with no money in the bank, no church supporting us, looking only to Him as our provider.

Of course, the government authorities of America will not recognize such individual guidance by the Holy Spirit. Currently, however, this does not bring me into conflict with the U.S. government, for one of the other reasons that an exemption may be granted to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act is as follows:

Have a small enough income that you’re not required to file income taxes
How much income can you have before you’re required to file income taxes? For 2012, individuals could earn $9750 before they had to file, and couples could earn $19,500. But, it changes every year. If you’d like to know the filing threshold for any particular year, it’s found in IRS publication 501 for that year, which you can get from the IRS Forms & Publications webpage...

If your exemption is due to having a small enough income that you don't have to file federal income taxes, you don't actually have to apply for the exemption; it's automatic.
[Source: Same as above]

I have worked intermittently since 1999 at the Father’s direction. My last employment was with the Macon Rescue Mission from 2005-2008. Yahweh directed me to leave the mission and return to full-time ministry, and a complete dependence upon Him to meet my needs, in February of 2008. Since then I have had no taxable income. I have not been required to file a tax return in the past four years. This qualifies me for an automatic exemption. Personal gifts received from individuals are not considered taxable income.

By following the Spirit’s leading, rather than the pattern of the world that so many ministries follow today, I have been led to a life that is atypical for the common citizen of America, and even for the majority of Christians. To a large degree I have come out of Babylon as I follow the Holy Spirit while looking to Yahweh to sustain me. I have not filed as a 501c3 non-profit. I have nothing to sell. My websites do NOT include a store where tapes, videos, books, or other materials are sold. I never require speaking fees, nor have I even asked that an offering be taken up when I have gone places to speak. Yet, for the past 5 years Yahweh has met every need, even when I was led to travel across the nation several times to speak to small groups in homes. Yahweh has assured me that if I will follow wherever He directs, He will be the guarantor and surety for all of my needs.

Matthew 6:31-33
“Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”

There are some who read this blog who have similarly been guided by Yahweh to look to Him to supply all their needs as they follow the Spirit wherever He leads. These ones may not be required to file tax returns with the IRS due to having income that falls below the reporting guidelines. The majority of readers, however, will find that this is not currently the situation in their lives. I do believe, however, that in coming days an increasing number will find themselves being directed by the Holy Spirit to embrace such a life of faith and obedience.

Another way to qualify for an exemption to the ACA is to participate in a Health Care Sharing Ministry. My daughter is currently looking into this option to meet her own needs.

Are a member of a health care sharing ministry
Health care sharing ministries are religion-based groups of people who assist each other with paying medical bills. You can learn more about health care sharing ministries from The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries. Your membership won’t make you exempt from the individual mandate unless your sharing ministry has been in existence since 12/31/1999. Additionally, the ministry's yearly accounting audits must be available to the public.
[Source: Same as above]

My daughter lives in a Mennonite community and a significant number of them participate in a health care sharing ministry. The business my daughter works at is currently looking into switching from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to a Health Care Sharing Ministry. Following is some information on what a Health Care Sharing Ministry is.

What is a Health Care Sharing Ministry?

A health care sharing ministry (HCSM) provides a health care cost sharing arrangement among persons of similar and sincerely held beliefs. HCSMs are not-for-profit religious organizations acting as a clearinghouse for those who have medical expenses and those who desire to share the burden of those medical expenses.

•    HCSMs receive no funding or grants from government sources.
•    HCSMs are not insurance companies. HCSM do not assume any risk or guarantee the payment of any medical bill. Twenty-five states have explicitly recognized this and specifically exempt HCSMs from their insurance codes.
•    HCSMs serve more than 210,000 people, with participating households in all fifty states.
•    HCSMs’ participants share more than $180 million per year for one another’s health care costs.
•    HCSMs strive to be accessible to participants regardless of their income, because traditionally shares are a fraction of the cost of insurance rates.

You can find this information, and much more about HCSMs at the following website:

http://healthinsurance.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=healthinsurance&cdn=health&tm=331&f=00&tt=65&bt=3&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.healthcaresharing.org/hcsm

To get an idea of the cost of joining a HCSM I am providing the following chart from two of the most widely used HCSMs, Samaritan Ministries, and Medi-Share. Both of these companies were started prior to 1999, which is a requirement of the ACA.

(Click on Image to View Larger)

To find out further information on costs, and how medical expenses are shared among members, visit the following link:

http://www.healthcaresharing.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Health-Care-Sharing-Ministry-Comparison-Summer-2013.pdf

To be granted an exemption based on religious reasons, hardship, or because you are a member of a HCSM, you would need to apply with your state’s health insurance exchange. They will make the eligibility decision and issue an exemption if you qualify.

Some other reasons that exemptions may be granted are that you are a native Alaskan, or member of a Native American Indian tribe; you are in jail or prison; you aren’t in the United States legally; or coverage costs more than 8% of your income.

The last reason listed above is based on financial hardship. An exemption may be granted if you simply cannot afford coverage. The government has criteria to establish whether they believe you can afford it, or not.

Can’t afford coverage
To be considered unaffordable, your contributions toward job-based coverage must be more than eight percent of your household income. For health insurance from your state’s health insurance exchange to be considered unaffordable, your contribution toward the annual premium of the lowest cost bronze plan available in the individual market must be more than eight percent of your household income.
[Source: Same as above]

Of course, you will have to register, and provide all types of personal financial and health information BEFORE the government will tell you what bronze coverage will cost for you. Then you can contact your state’s health insurance exchange to see if you qualify for an exemption.

One option I have not yet covered is that you may opt to enroll in one of the government health exchanges, you can afford it, or you have insurance that meets the government guidelines that is provided by an approved health insurance provider.

What if you do not qualify for an exemption and due to conscience, or financial reasons are unable to register with one of the new health exchanges? What penalties may be assessed against you? The answer to this question can be found at the following website:

http://healthinsurance.about.com/od/reform/a/What-Is-The-Penalty-For-Not-Having-Health-Insurance.htm

People of God, I cannot say which option is for you. Yahweh has His people walking in many different paths at this time. It is the responsibility of every saint to diligently seek to know the will of God for your life. Life as a disciple of Christ is by necessity a Spirit directed life. Where He says we are to go, we must go. What He says we are to do, we must do.

I am personally persuaded that the Affordable Care Act is NOT what it has been advertised to be. This program was NOT instituted to make health insurance available to more Americans. Currently, millions of Americans are receiving notices from their insurance providers that their policies are being canceled due to not meeting the minimum coverage guidelines of the ACA legislation. Millions of others are finding that the cost of switching to new qualifying policies is exorbitant, pricing healthcare coverage out of their reach.

One of the actual goals of this legislation is to advance the policies of the New World Order by gaining control over the lives of all people. Knowing that the authors of this legislation have the ultimate enslavement of all humanity as their goal, however, does not negate the possibility that Yahweh would lead some of His sons and daughters to enroll in the system, or lead others to seek legitimate exemptions that they might abide by the laws of the nation in which they reside.

I foresee an hour coming, however, when government legislation will violate the will of God for His people. A day is coming when the true disciples of Christ must choose to obey God rather than man, and many will suffer as a result. This day has already arrived for some, and it will be the experience of many more going forward. I encourage every believer to consider the cost of following Christ and to decide now whether they will yield their lives fully to follow Yahshua, or whether they will shrink back. Discipleship is costly, and the cost will become increasingly unavoidable as Satan carries forth his plan for the establishment of a New World Order.


Heart4God Website: http://www.heart4god.ws    

Parables Blog: www.parablesblog.blogspot.com    

Mailing Address:
Joseph Herrin
P.O. Box 804
Montezuma, GA 31063