"Deeds Of Darkness"

Although I am not into the minutia of the Church Of God In Christ and her operations and functions in every instance, because one could very well, lose  one's life, mirco-examining any organization, yet alone one this size, I am, however, a member of this church and am familiar with the operations, goings on, and practices within this church over the last 44 years that I have been associated with it. 

Are there injustices within the church? YES. Like anything controlled by men, there are injustices within it. The spiritual church is perfect, however this natural church leaves much to be desired. 

With some subdued notoriety, my efforts have been for and toward advocacy for those who have been victims of sexual abuse within this church through I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council. I have personally reached out to each Presiding Bishop in leadership over the years, just as I have done twice to our current Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard. 

Partially due to my efforts and others who were vocal on this issue and more, the church responded by implementing an ARC system for clergy background checks and sexual harassment training. Although this is a step in the right direction, the church has stopped specifically and deliberately short of implementing a Victim's Advocacy or a Safe Church Plan. A plan that is a whole path of both prevention of abuse, abusive behavior and conduct, and a vehicle of healing for all those effected by the fallout of such sins. 

How do I know? I know because I am the ONLY member of COGIC clergy who offers such a plan (by the help and grace of God) and there have been no successful effort to sit down and take a plan or organization seriously.  More can be found on this blog by clicking HERE.(2012 Holy Convocation Interview)

The Transition

Digressing from the issues that I have been called to deal with and present through Victim's Advocacy, I can acknowledge with some level of confidence that that there are issues within the church not readily or easily resolved and many past issues not resolved properly. One such issue is the handling of property and the remaining congregation at the transition of a Pastor at death. It seems that Moses Tyson Jr. has undertaken this issue to a great degree. 

Although I don't know the full extent of Elder Tyson's commentary, or actually what he is saying that is causing so much disruption and the church to lose membership and money, I can affirm some things regarding this issue. See THIS ARTICLE to read more about his case. Please note that further information on our COGIC Constitution and other issues are well documented and can be found HERE.   

Be clear, the church's position on the transition of a church is that 1- Only a church with a living Pastor can make such decisions. This is especially the case when the local church has a pastor that was appointed by organization (COGIC, either at a Jurisdictional or national church level) and 2- Unless there is agreement, organization and clear direction to the contrary, the national church feels that all property under the name "Church Of God In Christ" is held "in trust for the members of the Church Of God In Christ" with "the members" meaning, not solely and only the members of the local church who have contributed and made the local church a reality, but for ALL the members international of COGIC. This means that even for folk who have never known the late pastor or anyone at the church, nor has ever contributed one dime to the church's support. This is known as the TRUST CLAUSE. The key is that those members are primarily overseen by the Presiding Bishop and General Board when the General Assembly is not in session. Though the actions of the General Board and the Presiding Bishop can be overruled by the General Assembly, by the appropriate vote when in session, their actions are seldomly, if ever altered or reversed. 

This interpretation and implementation of written policy has led to a LOT of issues over the years...Unfortunately there appears to not be enough nerve to correct the misapplications. 

REAL Situations:

Example, one famous Bishop in the church decided that in order for his church to transition as it should at his death, he had to retire and officially install a new Pastor. This resulted in the confidence that the church would not face interference from any member of the General Board or the Presiding Bishop in attempting to install a new leader at the Bishop's death. 

Another famous leader split his ministry allowing all church property to be held in a separately organized non profit ministry with the church, congregation itself organized separately as a recognized COGIC Church perpetually indebted by rent to the non-COGIC organized ministry. The organization worked wonderfully for that Pastor and his surviving family as the church thought to disenfranchise the surviving Pastor's spouse and family to a degree until they found that they would perpetually be under a rental agreement adjusted and controlled by the non-church ministry. THANK GOD!!! Personally, I have NO RESPECT for the fakes, and yes I said FAKES, who attempted to ambush the surviving spouse...some currently serving. 

Upon the death of a particular pastor in Kansas, the local church thought to remain within COGIC, but wanted to change Jurisdictional affiliations. After much dissent, the COGIC Judiciary adjudicated that the church, (who simply wanting to change jurisdictional affiliation) could not do so without a Pastoral leader and had to accept the Pastoral leader, who the church rejected, appointed by the Jurisdictional Bishop from whom they wished to disfellowship. This was a horrible situation which led to the Jurisdiction suing the members and trustees of the local church for tithes and offerings, etc...all this done with the national church's knowledge and evidently, approval.  

In short, there are issues that may not make the church look good...Those processes are tied to rules and regulations adopted by the General Assembly. The General Assembly does not include "rank and file" members of the church. The General Assembly consists of primarily clergy delegates, many of whom are more visible and exude undue influence over policy and the acceptance and rejection of  certain actions. 

Is Moses Tyson Being Truthful?

I have no reason to believe that he is being dishonest and based on what I have heard, I don't doubt his assessments.

Is COGIC right to sue him? 

That depends upon whether one views this from a Biblical or social lens and based on whether one interprets the actions of Tyson as factual or false. Is Tyson a "brother"? Then NO. There is no biblical basis to sue him. That seems to be the most clear thing at this point. 

1 Cor. 6:1-7 ~ 1-Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2- Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3-Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4-If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5-I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 6-But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 7-Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 8-Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

The problem remains that anyone seeing an issue and speaking up about it, is NOT necessarily the evil one. We are not wrong for what we see. Simply because a person sees injustice and speaks about it, doesn't make them unjust. The act of the injustice must come to light and in many cases truth is ugly, especially when what is seen is unbecoming of the Saints. 

From a Biblical perspective, the true prophet, hears from God and speaks regardless of consequences. However, true prophets also use wisdom in the application of their knowledge. 

Is this an occasion where what one knows hasn't been tempered by wisdom? I don't know but one thing is for sure, we're about to find out a lot more about the practices and policy of the Grand Ole Church Of God In Christ and exactly how those practices are viewed in this modern world and society. 

Blessed!       

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The TRUE Sons Of God Revealed

The murder of Charlie Kirk, the near assassination of now President Trump and other threats to murder public officials and near misses, have revealed something, that many of us have known for a long time, but that has been publicly revealed...

No matter how people feel about themselves, their actions and joy over the unrighteous act of murder, proves that they do not belong to God and are not the children of God. 

Let me say it this way...for all those "church folk" (and there were many across the country) who applauded the murder of Charlie Kirk, thinking this was the "righteousness of God" or the occult, "Law of Attraction" at work...Or those claiming to be "Christians" excited for the near murder of President Donald Trump and a twisted sense of satisfaction for the murder of the MN. State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mike and who are happy to sign on to the threat of people's lives because of political differences and views...

We may not know who you are, but we know what you are. What's more, we also know who your real father actually is...

It's right here:

John 8:40-41a ~ "40-But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41a-Ye do the deeds of your father. "

John 8:44a ~ "44a-Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning,"

You, with all your glory, titles and education, and in many cases, your theological degree, you are indeed a murderer and the son/daughter of a murderer aka: satan himself!

WELCOME To Reality

The devil is a "murderer" and was full of murder from his beginning. Evidently he thought this could be hidden from God. He was obviously wrong. His exposure led him into the the "Nino Brown syndrome"..."If I go down, I'm taking everyone else with me too"...

Therefore, because of his murderous intent, he is represented by a name given to him by God. satan or "accuser, one who accuses"...His intent is to bring accusation against God's people and everything that belongs to HIM. To, in essence, "murder us" before God. Those who applaud murder, and this type of destructive disruption, are the children of satan. Those who rationalize murder, are his children of as well.

The murder of Charlie Kirk was not a propitiation for sin, neither was it an appeasement done towards God. It was a self-centered act done in part because demons couldn't stand and or tolerate what he was saying.

The Return Of Jesus & The Actions Of Man

When Jesus was asked what would be the sign of his return, he said the following:

* That many would come in his name claiming to be the Messiah (Mt. 24:5)

[So many performing so many wonders that even the "elect" would be tempted to believe - Mt. 24: 24]

* There would be an excess of wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:6)

* That there would be famines and earthquakes (shakings) in peculiar places (Mt. 24:7)

* That his followers would face persecution (Mt. 24:9)

* Those that follow him would be hated by all nations (Mt. 24:9)

* That there would be an apostasy of faith (Mt. 24:10)

* That there would be a rank hatred that would arise (Mt. 24:10)

* That many false prophets would arise (Mt. 24:11)

* Societal lawlessness will be multiplied (Mt. 24:12)

* Love, care and concern for humanity would wane or fall off (Mt. 24:12)

* The gospel would be preached to all parts of the world (Mt. 24:14)

* That the "days would be shortened" for the perseverance of his elect (Mt. 24:22) [This indicates that the space or time allotted for something to happen and or to take place would be reduced, therefore speeding up the overall process]

Jesus says that all of these things would be happening. I would take it that these event would occur at an unusually notable pace or rate.

He then goes on to say this:

Mt. 24:36-39 ~ 36-But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37-But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38-For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39-And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Now, some believe that Jesus has already returned and gone. That sentiment is about the most biblically illiterate position and one that was argued against within scripture. (2 Tim. 2:18) However, individuals are free to believe what they wish, even if it is silly...

Then others believe the events Jesus foretold were specifically regarding the events that took place around and near AD70 when Roman Emperor Titus destroyed The Temple leading to the diaspora of Jews from the Land of Israel. 

While, I believe that past events are shades and shadows of what will happen, I DO NOT believe the events specified by Jesus in Matthew 24 have occurred in their full extent as of yet. There will be an intensity and more of a frequency of all of these things and more. 

Only GOD Knows

From the words of Jesus, we find very interesting additional information. 

1- Not even heaven (the angelic host) know when HIS return will occur. 

2- Men would be doing things similar to what they were doing in "the days of Noah"

3- Because of the deceptions and preoccupation with flesh and materialism, mankind would be oblivious to the coming of the Son of Man and caught totally off guard. 

The "Days Of Noah"

I find it fascinating that Jesus linked his return to the "days" or times of Noah in similarity. In Genesis we find that in Noah's time, the intents, thoughts, and hearts of men was evil continually:

Genesis 6:5 ~ And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."

This indicates that the "age of innocence" had certainly passed. Man, who was now in control of his own aspirations, took it upon himself to be filled with the "intent" to think and do evil. This passage doesn't simply deal with the "thoughts" of men and mankind. It deals with the "intent" of the thoughts. That is most certainly a very deep place that only God can discern.  

Whether inspired by fallen angels or not, in Noah's day man's mind was working in such a fashion that the imagination and invention of evil was his his preoccupation. From scripture, it wasn't the actions of the angels or their offspring, "the Nephilim" that was God's motivation to return and destroy the works and acts of man and mankind. It was the thoughts and intents of men's hearts and their subsequent actions that had become so disturbing and so unnerving that the only course was to destroy the unrepentant and them who refused to hear HIM. 

The people had taken on the character and attributes of the devil himself. They became self centered, murderous, and callous towards the creation of God in their thoughts and actions thus displaying their subservience to "another" kingdom. A kingdom controlled and inspired by satan himself. A kingdom directed by evil intent, and the working out of evil values including sexual impropriety, immorality, scientifically advanced evil, and ultimately murder itself. 

The Return Of The Sons Of God

The ways of the evil in the "days of Noah", are certainly not unique to modern times, however, the inventions of evil and the intent of wickedness has reared its especially ugly head and the proverbial "genie" (djinn aka: evil spirit) has been let out of the bottle. A dimension of evil has been opened and this will not be put out, subdued or overcome in its totality until Jesus returns. 

Rom. 8:19 ~  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

The fallen angels, who rejected the reign and the Kingdom of God, and who were disobedient to the will of God, will never find respite for their rebellious decision. Theirs is an eternal and perpetual appointment with the Lake of Fire which was specifically created for them, which is something that they did not know. (Rev. 20:10)  Those of us, who carry on and carry out the will of God through Christ Jesus have been given the power to become the "Sons of God"

John 1:12 ~ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

While I certainly understand the theological implication of what I am setting forth, I yet believe, that though we will never be in the "angelic" class of being, being a Son of God,  is a complete replacement of those who were previously called the sons of God, and we see the angelic host, throughout scripture, called the "Sons Of God". (Gen. 6:4, Job 1:6, 2:1)

Those angels who rebelled, those demonic entities who now wreak havoc in the earth, and want this realm for themselves, and plague you, your family and all that has been reserved for God, are no longer HIS sons in the biblical sense...Through Christ Jesus WE have been given this ability to overcome the evil one and all of his tricks, and now stand as servants of God ready and willing to do HIS bidding and have access to the power of the Holy Ghost to complete HIS task.

Acts 1:8 ~  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The obedient servant of God is exactly who the creation, the earth, and everything in this vast universe anticipates to destroy the order of evil that entered creation and break the stronghold that the enemy has upon humanity and creation itself.  satan seeks an greater grip, and would have such if we, the true sons of God, would abdicate our responsibility, shut up, go away, and give up the fight for the redemption of our family, our communities and the church itself.    

But, NOT SO...we are STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS POWER and ready for battle. 

I will not be deceived as so many have been. We have been truly let down and disappointed by those whom we never anticipated would be a part of the devil, sin and evil in any way, yet alone enthusiastic, melancholy or even enthusiastic about murder and the destruction of God's creation. 

However, should we really be surprised? When we have pulpits and leaders silent about pedophilia, abortion and the murder of babies, encouraging the mutilation and defiling the image of God through gender bending transexual surgeries, and alleged advanced medical treatment and the defilement of humanity and corruption of moral values and corruption of Christian values. 

Behind the true and uncompromising church, we have a weak church, which is at times more visible than the true church, led by those who encourage, if not endorse, hate, evil and murder and find a way to rationalize anti-biblical morality and have no conscience remorse or regret about their actions. Who would think that anyone could ever criticize notions of Christian nationalism, and reframe it as a call to "White Supremacy", while at the same time accepting notions of Sharia and Sharia Law found within radical and even basic interpretations of Islam? 

This is the problem and what we see in Jesus words regarding the false prophet and deception. It is the dumbing down of righteousness, true holiness and the true Kingdom of God. 

Blessed!

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The Unjust Social Justice Of Bishop Talbert Swan II...Things That Make Us Go...Hmmmmm

The Dunamis Word has been at what we do for quite some time. We have answered our call and taken our place to hold up the light of truth against the ever dim and dark culture of both the church and the world.

 

As I have stated in a previous posts, outside of continuing to encourage my church, the "Grand Ole" Church Of God In Christ, to adopt a true Victim's Advocacy Plan and policy, taking the healing and restoration of survivors of sexual abuse seriously, I am not obsessed in the least with what goes on in this church, or with who is doing what. 

But This Caught My Attention...

In 2015, under former Presiding Bishop Charles E Blake, Bishop Talbert Swan II was appointed the leader of COGIC Social Justice and operates through the COGIC Office Of Public Policy. During the 117th Annual Holy Convocation Bishop Swan was seemingly reaffirmed as the head of "Social Justice" by current Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard.

A quick look at his BIO, it is clear to see that Swan is very outspoken on the internet, television appearances, radio, which is not bad, IF he actually represented positions that a holiness church could be proud of. 

For example, not only is he the National Chaplain of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc, a secret society, which, at least in my 40 plus years of being associated with this church, we decried...but he is also one that seems to follow the path of blaming those who see abuse for abuse...I mean he railed against every Youtuber and others who see the inequities they see and discuss it over the internet.  

After listening to him and reading some of his commentary on issues invarious forums in which he appears, it is obvious that Swan is a politically left leaning liberal and advocates for positions that most left leaning liberals advocate including railing against MAGA, Conservatism and pro DEI, abortion and many of the more popular socialist and Marxist inspired ideas and values that exist today.

Social Justice...Liberalism vs Conservatism 

What we need is a fairness and clear direction as it comes to "Social Justice", since we are evidently seeking to be in that space as a church. We should come to an agreement with an approach that includes both liberal and conservative voices, views and issues because this church does not represent one side of the spectrum of perceived and real "justice" by its racial makeup.  

• Some of us believe that the abortion of babies is unjust...
• Some of us believe that overlooking them that have suffered at the hands of pedophiles and sexual abuser's within our church is unjust...
• Some of us believe that the illegal immigration and those that fight for such and against the efforts of ICE and enforcement agents is unjust...
• Some of us believe that the church's assault and policy to strong-handedly confiscate churches at the death of a Pastor is unjust...

Does our Office of Social Justice exist to advocate for or against for any of those things?  Does COGIC Social Justice represent ALL the church or just part of the church? 

Like many, it seems that in his effort to silence those of us who are vocal about what we see within the church, and unafraid to speak to the issues, that Talbert Swan has opened the door for many to take a more close and more meticulous look at him and what he is actually saying to represent the church and those of us who do not agree with many of his positions. 

Blessed! 

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