There are several characteristics of Church members that set them apart as a peculiar people. One of the more unusual actions we take is receiving a new name when we become a Church member.38 Matthew 16:17-18, Acts 13:9 We effectively start over. We are born again.39 John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." The reason for this is probably very similar to what our ancestors did when they fled to America to escape persecution in Europe. They Americanized their names. For exactly what cause and reason they were doing it I'm not sure, but there is something that happens when you do it. You lose your previous identity. You lose your allegiance and loyalty to the former government. These people were leaving one government behind and giving their allegiance to a new government.
The Embassy of Heaven Church has a very similar belief. When we enter into the Embassy of Heaven Church, we desire to start a new life. But the world, being very jealous, will not believe that we have a new allegiance, that we have a new loyalty. The problem is that we still remain within their territory, but we have joined a new government. We have expatriated ourselves from the worldly governments. The State refuses to recognize that we have been translated into the Kingdom of His beloved Son.40 Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. So we are persecuted. To reduce that persecution, not for the purposes of fraud or deceit, but just simply to reduce that persecution, we acquire a new name to separate us from the old.
Here's how it works. God gives me the name of Paul Revere. I begin using my new name in every area of life. Paul Revere has no birth certificate with the world. He has no public education diploma to help him gain employment with the world. He has no marriage certificates with the world. He has nothing that the world can lay its hands on. He starts over. He even gives up his own name to become a part of the Kingdom of Heaven through the Embassy of Heaven Church. He quits partaking of all those voluntary benefits and privileges worldly governments offer. He doesn't qualify for the gifts offered to State residents. He gives up his right to vote in the State elections. He gives up his State driver's license. He converts his vehicles over to the Church and returns the State certificate of titles, registrations and State plates. He labors as God commands him, leaving behind the State privilege of corporate employment.