Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 29 ~ Has G Craig Lewis Gone Off The Rails?

Now, I've long known that some of the biblical teaching of G Craig Lewis, is highly suspect as I have pointed out. However, it seems that a false biblical understanding has led to an allegedly lascivious and "movie star" lifestyle for the one who has not only condemned such living, but also claimed that nearly everyone that doesn't agree with him regarding the individual's that he criticizes are devils.

Yes, biblical exposition is "part" of the problem. Telling women to stay home and have babies and quit their jobs and even stay in abusive relationships by telling them to "Duck" when they are being assaulted, is more than enough to choke a horse, but in this case, G Craig's issues, are allegedly well beyond biblical exposition. 

HIS Word HIS Way, Pastor Saiko Woods

Seemingly, what started as an innocuous examination of truth has led to the receipt of multiple testimonies alleging that the conduct of Lewis is anything but biblical, godly or in line with his very own teachings. 

In multiple videos and Facebook posts, Pastor Woods takes the time to meticulously outline and examine the alleged acts of G Craig Lewis revealing a sordid tale of what can only be described as "EX Ministries Gone Wild"!

As for me, I don't have to speak in an "alleged" fashion. My dealings with Mr. Lewis go back to 2009 and memories are anything but fond of his ungodly character and demeanor, and desire to control those around him. In fact, in my opinion, at the time he was much, if not all of the things he was preaching against and about, which is something we did not know until after he was here. Nevertheless, I digress... 

At this point, I can only pray that souls will be restored as a result of the fallout, as it has allegedly already begun both in and out of his church Adamant Believers Council (ABC Church) of Grand Prairie, TX. and his para-ministry, EX Ministries. Hopefully this will not totally negate the valuable work that has been contributed over the years, however, there is no room and or excuse for ABUSE, physical, psychological or spiritual or in any form yet alone within the context of the church. 

One thing is certain, God has the last word in all things and in the end, HE will speak. I believe he is speaking now as NO FLESH will glory in HIS presence! (1 Cor. 1:29)

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Embracing SLUTDOM On Netflix

"A side chick is the fun girl. We are a gift to your man when he’s ready to get away from you because you’re giving him a headache. So he comes here and we have a good time and I show him a good time and he shows me a good time in return."

Of all the things that you will teach your son and daughter today, PLEASE teach them how to live, honestly, simply, lovingly and in the fear of God. 

This is probably one of the more unbelievable things I have seen...and to listen to women, who feel that being a "side -chick" is not tantamount to being a prostitute is simply mind-blowing....

A new song, "Don't let your babies (boys or girls) grow up to be SLUTS"!!!

PART 1




PART 2

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"Home-Wrecker" Laws & The Power Of The Innocent Spouse

A question that I have raised in the Jones v Pollard case, is
exactly who is the victim?

Certainly there is a cleric predator, sex addict, preacher, and a manipulated and manipulative woman that have stood up both claiming that they have been treated unjustly. While, from all available evidence, it is clear that the accuser, Ms. Pollard was treated unjustly during her younger and adolescent years, and clearly used as a sex object, by an adult, male pedophile and pervert. What is unclear is the level of abuse that she actually suffered over or during her adult years and just how much she may have contributed toward her condition over that time. Both of them, the abuser and the abused, claim to have been treated unfairly and wrong by one another if noone else. 

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Is All Sin And Reconciliation Of Sin The Same? Pt. 1

Please allow me to shed light on a particular subject. This is for those who are bible believers. I would say that this is not for the general public in the sense of examining what is right or wrong outside of a biblical context. This article has no regard for governmental legislation on court process in determining truth, right and wrong. So if I may...

The Case

Some have taken to task to say that "all sins are the same" and that there is no sin greater or worse than another. Therefore, we should treat all sin and all sinners the same.

Sentiments such as these are invoked in particularly as it pertains to homosexuality within the church. Some say,

"Since we have adulterers and fornicators in the church and some of them are in position, if there is a homosexual, they are no worse off than some others caught in sexual sin and therefore should be allowed to participate in the church and in church leadership like any other person."

Bishop O C Allen &
1st Gentleman
Rashad Burgess

Because of this, some conclude that to exclude homosexuals from opportunities within the church, such as the opportunity to lead congregations and various aspects of ministry, that such restrictions are no more than an arbitrary standard of men where closeted and even open sexual impurities are rewarded while openly gay men and women are discouraged and held down. In fact, some say that at least the open gay is living their truth and to say that they are worse than anyone else, including those perverts hiding behind the pulpit, is simply hateful and from a secular point of view, discriminatory.

Now, at first glance, this argument and the relevant issues, seem to have some merit. We would have to admit that although the sin of homosexuality has been around for quite some time, we have known adulterers, fornicators and other sexually immoral persons among our ranks and some of them fill positions, and some even do their deeds openly. There are pastors and bishops and other church leaders, who have not just simply failed or committed sins, but who actively live and lead lifestyles contrary to biblical teachings. 

Look at the men caught on video and film, having sex with both women and men in recent times. Then, there are baby and even adult child scandal dramas regularly. The Greenleaf series on OWN, the source of much recent controversy, is said to deal with and expose the ultra lavish lifestyle and sins of former COGIC Presiding Bishop J O Patterson, who fathered children outside of marriage and lived opulently while the majority of the church was filled with common and ordinary people dedicated to living godly and holy. As stated some of them are "leaders", caught in open heterosexual sins, aspire and achieve to the highest heights of the church.

Because noone sins alone, there are women, within the church, who feel that they are confirmed and affirmed to live in and out of the bed of individuals to whom they are not married. Some even feel that it is their mission and duty, to seek out men for illicit relationships and then "expose" them for what they themselves have contributed to, and spent a great deal of time creating. Recently a woman, seeking to expose a married Bishop, made a videotape of him in a hotel room naked. Although she created the video, if it wasn't for her voice you would never know she was in the room. Certainly he was wrong, but she was a willing agent in destruction, making herself available for sex with a married man. What I am saying is that neither of them had anything to brag about or be proud of.   

To be frank, the church must admit that we have some nasty, slimy, filthy dogs (both male and female) that make it a sport to go through the church, manipulate both men, women and even children, and keep on moving under the pretense of "serving the Lord" in some fashion. 

What We Know:

I would say that although the act of sin has changed, expanded and gone to new levels of perversion, none of the sentiments regarding perversion within the church is new to the scriptures or the church:

2 Tim. 3: 5-6 ~ 5-Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6-For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 

Phil. 3:18-19 ~ 18-(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19-Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 

In fact, the church has known for years that it has adulterous, fornicating and gay singers, and even other leaders within the church that live immorally. Knowing that sexual immorality and impurity exists within the church does not allow or extend a license in any way for such immorality to continue to exist, thrive or proliferate. God's plan is still one of purity, sanctification and holiness within the life of the believer and ultimately within the context of the church. 

1 Thess. 4:3-8 ~ 3-For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4-That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5-Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6-That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7-For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8-He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

"No need to single out gays and lesbians". Sincere critics, who make this assertion, assume that to single out the gay and lesbian is an act of injustice and man made judgement and therefore not "Christlike" because, "all sins are the same" and heterosexual sin is no better or worse than homosexual sin. 

This is and can be rather complex, and there are some believers who sincerely believe in a holy lifestyle that struggle with this observation and these sentiments. So let's examine this for a minute.

Questions:

Is it unjust to address homosexuality within the church, while being silent about heterosexual sins? Does God view that all sexual sins are the same? Is it not "Christlike" to call homosexuality a sin and exclude homosexuals from service within the church? Should the church be an open field of opportunities in leadership to homosexuals embracing the homosexual lifestyle? These are some major questions and issues within many of our churches today and many leaders are struggling with the issues. 

I will attempt to wade into these waters of church introspection. In a couple of parts, I will address and attempt to answer the following issues:

Bishop Allyson D, Nelson Abrams

I ~ Are there varying degrees of both righteousness, sin and reward, punishment or judgement?

II ~ Is homosexuality from a biblical perspective a sin?

III ~ Is there a difference in the nature of homosexual sin, vs. the nature of sin in general in church and within society?

IV ~ Should the church embrace active homosexuals as leaders within the church?

Section I 

A ~ Are there varying degrees of both righteousness, sin and reward, punishment or judgement? 

B ~ Are all sins the same? 

Rev. 20:12 -14 ~ And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13- And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.14- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Admittedly, there is a lot about judgement that we don't know. Just the unimaginable scene of judgement itself is beyond our capacity to fully understand. However, there is a lot that we do know and are told from scripture. 

For sure all people and sins will be judged. There will be a day when all men will give an account for their sins. The Saint will give an account through and by the grace and mercy of God from a blood-washed condition. His/her sins will be thrown into the sea of forgetfulness, because of their faith in Jesus. Those sins will not be used against us in judgment and will be remembered no more.

According to 1 Cor. 6, the believer will also have part in judgement of angels and will be called to witness against the sins of the world as well. Believers will receive a reward as Jesus referenced in John 14:1.Unbelievers will receive their reward also and will know exactly what and why they are being judged...for rejecting the saving work and power of the Son of God. 

For both sin and for righteousness, there will be a reward. What is often not considered is that scripture indicates that there will be rewards commensurate to sins and there will be rewards commensurate to righteousness as well. 

We often associate our faith or our level of blessing in heaven with a "reward" or commensurate with what we have overcome on earth. Jesus says as much in Mt. 5 in his sermon on the Mount as he was encouraging those who would suffer persecution for the Lord's sake:

Mt. 5:11-12 ~ 11-Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12-Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

"Great is your reward in heaven" specifically points out that not only will a person be rewarded with heaven itself, but shall be rewarded in a comparatively great manner with additional rewards aside from heaven only. 

In heaven, there are four and twenty elders who sit around the throne. (Rev. 4:10, 5:8, 14, 7:13, 11:16, 14:3). In Mt. 20:20-23 when responding to the request of  the mother of Zebedee's sons, aka the "sons of thunder" Jesus indicated that only God had the power to place anyone on the right and left, indicating the place of great reward, recognition and honor. As Jesus explained this "position" or honor was commensurate with the work of suffering that would be done by the individual and by the will and command of God. 

Jesus responds to Peter's "we have left all" after speaking to the rich young ruler saying: 

Mt. 19:28-29 ~ 28-And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29-And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life

Jesus reveals who at least half of those 24 elders were and would be that sat upon thrones in heaven and on his right and left hand saying that not only would they receive "everlasting life" but also the reward of "an hundredfold" which was Jewish idiom of the day to indicate a great or wonderful blessing.  

Then there is Paul in 1 Cor. 3: 11-15. Paul here speaks of the works that we do and how some of them would be "burnt up" and others remaining. He indicates that both individuals who present works will be saved, but only the one whose works are not burned up will receive "a reward" (1 Cor. 3:14b). Yes, the ultimate reward is heaven, but there are degrees of gifts that shall be received by each believer. 

On The Flip Side

We often, however, overlook that sins and failure will be met with the same degree of temperament and reward as well. Here is what Luke records:

Luke 12:47-48 ~ 47-And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.48-But he that knew not, and
did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him
they will ask the more.

In Luke, Jesus illustrates that the one who "knew" the will of the lord, but failed in that was beaten with "many" stripes, while the other was beaten with "few" stripes simply because those who had been given much to work with shall have a greater responsibility for their failure in refusing to do what God has said to do (in this case an earthly lord would even be cognizant of this difference). This is a principle that Jesus outlines that cannot simply be overlooked. 

I believe that this is a direct allusion to the varying penalty for sin and wrongdoing. For one, there is "less" of a judgment or penalty to pay, even though there is or has been a violation. For another there is a greater punishment or penalty, because the person, though equipped, refused to prepare and hear. Men appear to be judged according to what they have received or been given.   

David cries that the Lord will reward the wicked according to their own works and evil deeds: Ps. 28:4) Yet other scriptures agree that men shall be paid according to their works (Mt. 16:27, Rev. 20:12,13, 2 Cor. 11:15, Rom. 2:6 (the repetition of Ps.28:4) 

B) Are all sins the same? 

Obviously, what is sin is sin. There is no question about what is wrong being wrong. However, if there are different or varying degrees of reward, punishment and judgement about both righteousness and sins, then not only is every reward the same but neither is every sin is equal. Because of justice neither is every sin rewarded the same.

"Thou shalt not steal" (Ex. 20:15, Deut. 5:19) We all know the command. However, there is a difference between a parent who steals 3lbs. of ground beef from a grocery store to feed his family, and a person who steals from individuals to enrich themselves. 

Yes, both have violated both natural law and the law of God. However, like Jesus' views on the Sabbath, Jesus often views the application of the law through the lens of humanity and human experience. Not that he is soft on sin, but he tempers his judgement with righteousness.

David & The Shewbread (1 Sam. 21:6 & Mt. 12:4)

We all remember David in escaping from Saul along with his men. They became hungry and went into the temple at Nob asking to eat bread that was dedicated to the use and consecration of priestly service. (1 Sam. 21) In this scenario, David was reminded of the Law which restricted the use of the bread. However, the priest after giving a very minimal test regarding holiness, gave to David and he ate the bread along with his companions and was not chastised by the Lord for doing so.

Jesus, in Mt. 12:4, when confronted about doing good on the Sabbath Day, argued that although it was unlawful to eat the bread, the bread served a greater purpose and that was to fulfill the will of God toward HIS people. As a type, the bread actually represented Jesus himself, who by the breaking of his body (bread) would actually sustain the word and allow a new Kingdom to enter the world giving us life by his reign.

In this case, what was obviously a "sin" according to the literal interpretation and rendering of scripture, was not judged as so. The reconciliation of the event was in accord with the purpose and command of God.

By Contrast

Adolph Hitler and many with him were responsible for the extermination and genocide of over 7 million Jews and people who sympathized with the Jewish people in Nazi Germany. Families were destroyed, broken up, children, boys and girls, raped, property stolen and people left to suffer. Even over 70 years removed from the events, the atrocities are yet being revealed.  

Is there anyone willing to argue that Hitler's reward in his judgement will be the same as one who has never murdered or broken up families nor embraced racism? Or the same as a person who has not offended humanity on the scale of Hitler's offense? Certainly Hitler will be made to pay for and be judged according to his sins.  The same with Caesar Nero, Stahlin, Pol Pot and a host of others that have used and abused humanity. They will not escape neither judgment nor the reward of their sins! However, their sins will not be rewarded on the same scale as one who stole a biscuit or a pack of ground beef or steaks because they were hungry.

At this point, I can say with confidence that I don't know how God will judge and adjudicate all situations. However, I can say with confidence that God is a JUST judge and he will judge justly.

Final thought in this section: During the Mt. Olivet discourse, Jesus spoke of adultery. Prior to his missive, people thought that there was a difference between their actions and their thoughts. (Mt. 5:27-28) Theirs was a strict, literal interpretation of scripture's teaching against such sins. However, they missed that an evil heart is ultimately equally as bad as wicked actions. Jesus said that if a man, "looks upon a woman" with intent  "to lust after her" has committed adultery. Those who thought that they can lust inwardly without judgement, were caught in their sins with the realization that God saw them and was a judge of the "intents" of the heart as well as the actions of the flesh. So they would not escape judgement by embracing sin on any level.

However, sin by a man's actions creeps into other parts of a person's life. Sin in the heart is worthy of judgement, but sin acted upon could be even worse. A man thinking about an affair, takes it to a new stage of unrighteous reward by acting out upon his thoughts. A man thinking of murder, may be guilty in his heart, but by acting out takes his unrighteous reward to a new level. Same with any sin. Carrying these things out create and produce a greater level of unrighteous reward. 

Yes, in an ultimate sense, sin is sin. All sin is unworthy of a holy God. However, there is a difference and additional penalty for those acting out on their sins or lust. A man looks at a woman and has an inordinate desire. The same man pursues the object of his lust, establishes an illicit relationship. Judgment comes. BOTH will be judged in their sins, but God will distribute the reward as well, as he has promised to personally judge "whore mongers and adulterers I will judge" (Heb. 13:4) It is there that God will look at and see the heart, intents and actions and judge righteously. The actions of unrighteousness will not receive a pass, but God will correct and set the record straight.

All sins are not the same. Some are worse than others. Only God will distinguish the difference in judgment and with regard for unrighteous deeds. However, on earth we can obviously see that all evil does not have the same outcome even though all evil is offensive to a holy God. The other problem with sin and evil is when people seek to normalize it and make it seem right or just. This in and of itself is a great evil and a sin. To rationalize sin as righteousness, is an offense! 

Summary

In this part, I believe that I have established from a scriptural perspective that although heaven in and of itself is a reward, there are additional rewards in heaven that will be given based on faithful service and the work of the believer. I have also established that there is a variation of punishment and judgement that will be delivered as well. So on its face, if there is a variation of the punishment of sin as we can see from scripture, all sins are not the same.

The ultimate reconciliation of unrepentant sin is the same. Hell. However, the rewards and degrees of punishment is unequal and based on the depth of sin that a person embraced, even in their unbelief.

In Pt. 2 I will deal with homosexuality and reconcile the actions of a practicing homosexual with the actions of the heterosexual and with those who engage in various types of relationships and answer the questions, "Is homosexuality a sin? Should homosexuals be promoted or encouraged in ministry positions within the church?" and more.

Blessed! 

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Right Relationships & The Restoration Of Marriage Pt. 4

As Continued From My Facebook Series On 5 Things You Must Do For A Fulfilling Relationship In Marriage, Church, And With The People In It.   

#5 ~ SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY, ESPECIALLY ONES OWN SPOUSE AND CHILDREN WITHOUT RESERVATION, INSTEAD OF BEING A PART OF THE LATE NIGHT, RESTAURANT AFTER SERVICE CROWD.

#6 ~ SECONDLY, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT LUNCHES, DINNERS, TRAVEL OR SUCH THE LIKE WITH MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX (MARRIED OR NOT) WITH OR WITHOUT SPOUSAL CONSENT.

This is probably the genesis of most problems within the modern church. Many times individuals, believe that spending time with the "sheep" outside of the service is a good thing. Many times however, the prevailing logic is that it doesn't matter if their spouse is involved or not, because, after all, the "intentions" are good. There is a saying that "the pathway to hell is paved with good intentions!"

ACCESS + TIME = RELATIONSHIP

It is not a good thing when members of the opposite sex have unfettered access to married people. It is even more significant, when in the context of the church, that access infringes on personal and family time. eg: Receiving a call from a member during vacation or a family moment is always bound to kill the moment, especially when one feels "obligated" to answer or address issues. Some say that access is a good thing and part of the ministry and that they are obligated to the people of the church above and beyond normal limitations. I have personally fallen victim to this, and have lived to say that nothing is further from the truth!

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The Black Family, The Black Church & Yes, Adultery IS Wrong!

In the 64th Annual Women's Convention Of The Church Of God In Christ, Presiding Bishop Blake took the time to talk about something that very few expected him to talk about...adultery, sexual immorality, abortion and the condition of OUR church and the Black community. Sounds like a good start to me, but we have a long way to go....Bishop we may want to start with these pedophiles...Sounds like he's been reading some of these blogs on these issues...

Ooh, and could someone please tell President Barack Obama that it seems that "Lame Duck" has officially set in...I certainly hops so...how can we support someone who is against almost all things that we "say" that we are for? 

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Broken Daughters

Jeremiah 8:20-22 ~ 20-The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21-For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22-Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 9:1 ~ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Just when you've thought you've seen it all, a new show called "Preacher's Exes" is getting ready to air "possibly" with the intent of looking at the lives of some of the daughters of Zion who have been hurt and shamed by their so called Ex preacher husbands. I offer no criticism of these ladies. I only offer my prayers and sincere hopes for their restoration and the restoration of others in the same or similar condition. 

“As the preacher’s wife, I felt isolated even in the marriage because no one seemed to care about my pain as the wife who was suffering silently. I did approach my leaders with my issues, but nothing was done. Everyone seemed to care more about us ministering than my home falling apart. This was very difficult for me because I was depressed, misunderstood, and even questioning the God I served and if he really loved me,” ~ Cheron K Griffin II (preacher's ex wife).

Jeremiah 9:17-20 ~ 17-Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunningwomen, that they may come: 18-And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters. 19-For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out. 20-Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation

I am not worried about how this makes the "church" look. I see the modern church and it AIN'T pretty. My prayers are for the hurting and those tempted in the same or similar situations. If you are a hurting daughter, I would love to hear from you and pray for you. There is still victory in Jesus name!

Blessed!

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Mary Mary, Overcoming Adultery & TV

In a June 2013 Ebony Magazine article we learned that Tina Campbell, one half of the dynamic music duo, Mary Mary, had been effected by marital infidelity when her husband Teddy chose to have an affair as Tina traveled ministering and making money through the music group. In the Ebony article Tina Said this:

“Once I became aware [of the affair], I initially wanted to kill my husband,”...“I was considering adjusting the will, the living trust and all that kind of stuff. I did physically try to stab him. Several times…I never got to the point of physical harm, not really, but my words…My words hurt.”

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Does Reconciliation Exist For Jamal H. Bryant?

One of the first things to do is define the term in the title of this post:

Reconciliation: Reconciliation comes from the Greek family of words that has its roots in allasso [ajllavssw]. The meaning common to this word group is "change" or "exchange." Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul says that before reconciliation we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies; we were under God's wrath (v. 9). Because of change or reconciliation we become new creatures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ( 2 Cor 5:17 )...Reconciliation is also subjective in that the sinner is spoken of as being reconciled. It is a relationship that comes between man and wife as well as Jew and Gentile. If a person is about to offer a gift at the altar and remembers that he has something against his brother he should leave his gift and be reconciled first to his brother and then come and offer his gift. Reconciliation is something done by the one who offers it; it is not just something that happens to the estranged people. ~ Baker's Online Evangelical Theological Dictionary

Many in ministry today view it as an "inconvenience" when they fail. It is merely a disruption in things that must be "managed". There are PR firms and image management consultants that are hired and go to work to manage and minimize "damage" that has occurred due to sinful behavior.

When all is said and done there is a difference between restoration and reconciliation. There there is a difference between changing because one was "caught" and changing because one is truly sorry. Some instances of reconciliation may take a lifetime. Although we may never know the difference from God's perspective, one thing is for sure, God knows. Certainly we've all made our share of mistakes and committed our share of personal sins, but when one never knows what one is really giving up and what it will take to actually reconcile or be reconciled to God as a result of sins and personal behavior.

Although I will deal with the issue in greater detail in a future post, I wanted to take the time to listen to what Jamal Bryant is actually saying in this video. Is he real? Has he really changed? Did he truly repent or did he repent at all? Please speak on this in the comments section if you can, I am interested to hear commentary on this.    

Remember Jamal's missive to Ebony Magazine regarding their March 2013 "scandal issue" in which he and this incident was named:

"For 67 years, Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity. 

The March 2013 edition has left a hole in my heart. On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community.

Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community. So it is on moral grounds that a retraction is necessary. 

In 2007 I participated in an extramarital affair that resulted ultimately in the termination of my marriage to my incredible wife Gizelle. NO minors were involved but my minor children have been affected. I don’t want them to have to live through any further unnecessary pain. 

Matthew 18:15 say’s if your brother has sinned against you go and tell him his fault. I solicit your continued prayers for my family, forgiveness for myself and accountability from Ebony magazine. 

Flawed but faithful. I remain, 

Jamal- Harrison Bryant
(A Father and Pastor)

Check Out my post from 2008 that also includes what we know know was accurate information regarding Jamal:  Parlor Tricks & Magic 

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Lawyer..."She Was A Woman, And She Was A Christian Woman!"

Mark 4:21-23~21-And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22-For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. 23-If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Daystar Television Network Co-Founder's Marcus & Joni Lamb went on secular television to clear the air about marital infidelity and the resulting extortionist threat that they recently experienced. Of course, it would be aired on ABC (About Battering Christianity) News. Well to be fair, I suppose that Marcus Lamb pretty much battered himself more than anything else.  Daystar is the nations second largest Christian Television Broadcasting Network with annual revenues exceeding $75.7Million

According to the Lambs, they were approached by 3 alleged extortioners who wanted $7.5 Million in exchange for silence regarding Marcus's 2007 affair. Although this situation is deftly serious, I couldn't help but notice the attorney's rendering of the affair itself. I think he tried to manage the fallout but created additional fallout by saying that the woman that Marcus had the affair with was a "Christian woman" as if that makes it better...Anyway, you can see it for yourself, thank God for his mercy and Lord help us as believers!

The good news is that at least Mr. Lamb took matters upon himself and had the nerve to go back and try to mend and fix his error and sin instead of invoking this "marriage is for a season" garbage that popular televangelists have invoked in recent times. Secondly, Mrs. Lamb is a stalwart of a woman to work through the painful issues of infidelity in a biblical manner and do it as wonderfully as she has. May God's peace continue to shine upon her.  

The message is this: "We...Church folk...should set our houses in order!" The sin of sexual impurity is not taking any captives, it only seeks to destroy.

To Those On The Fringes:

There is no third party that will provide a godly dimension to your marriage if that third party is not abiding in biblical precepts ministering to both parties of the marriage. Remember, time spent with a woman or a man because you feel like you're in "need" or "lacking an emotional connection", is only a trick of the enemy. If you give yourself to it, only one thing will happen as a result...PAIN!

Blessed!

Update 12/6/2010:

Special thanks to reader Covina, for bringing this to our attention.

Apparrently the Marcus Lamb was not so much of a Lamb in his actions and apparent deceit to the employess of Daystar.  In a suit filed below by one of the plaintiffs, Ms. Jeanette Hawkins, Not only did Mr. Lamb have an affair that lasted more than 5 to 7 years, but alos was engaged in covering the whole mess from employees who depended upon the moral integrity of the Lambs for their ongoing financial security.

It appears that this "Christian Woman" not only appeared on Daystar regularly to "fake da funk" but that after she was exposed was shuffeled off by the Lambs themselves and was given undisclosed amounts of money for her silence. Now the problem is that Mrs. Lamb was also an active part in that particular portion of the coverup?

Now, what do we make of these allegations?

(Either Download or Open file to go to the complete document)
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Sex In Marriage...Is Polyamory Permissable?

New,New,New--->Baptismal Regeneration, Not The Message Of The Cross<---New, New, New

A Must Read If Your Have Been Taught That You Must Be Baptized In Order To Be Saved

A 9pg. PDF of this powerful teaching is available upon request

On To Our Featured Story:

Heb. 13:4 ~"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."

 When The Sin Of Polyamory Overtakes A Pastor & Wife

Pastor Cedric Miller and his spouse Minister Kim Miller made the news recently when Pastor Miller first, decided to go on a anti-Facebook campaign, requiring all his church leaders to delete their accounts due to increased instances of marital infidelity among individuals that he was counseling. According to him, most instances of  marital infidelity over the last year or two shared a common thread in that they were inspired in some way by Facebook. Initially, I thought...OK, that's well and good as I don't spend a lot of time on Facebook quite intentionally, because there does seem to be a difference between what some individuals display and what they say...Posing in provocative clothing and in soft-porn style poses may be a way that some find to share the "good news" but it is highly inconsistent as far as I'm concerned. Then, yes, I have seen some "old flames" get reunited by way of the service. After all, the pastor was was trying to keep people from reverting to their "pre-Jesus" past. However the rest of the story is what caught my attention. Come to find out that this pastor and his wife willingly engaged in a three to four way sexual tryst (that is group sex orgies) regularly for an extended period of time while they were yet saved, sanctified, and leading the church after about 13 years of ministry. In other words, this was before Facebook and after his pre-Jesus past...

To summarize, the pastor (Cedric) said that 13 years into his 23 year pastoral ministry, he and his wife and another couple, also members of the church, indulged in closed door orgies. According to him at times he would watch this particular "church assistant" (adding a whole new ungodly dimension to that title) have sex with his wife and and eventually he would join in. The male church member's  spouse (yes, he was married too) was also encouraged to watch the encounters from time to time, and from what I gather participate on occasion. These orgies took place sometimes after bible studies, Sunday services and Monday nights either before during or after the game. (I suppose)
According to Pastor Cedric's sworn testimony, after much time and many orgies had taken place, there was a sudden break in the action. That came When the pastor's wife (Minister Kim) found that the church assistant (the man with whom she was having regular extra-marital group sex) was also having sex with other women in the church, she then became alarmed and wanted the affair and sex to cease. Again, according to sworn testimony, pastor Cedric initially had no idea why his wife wanted to stop the affair. He recounted:

"My wife found out about it and she just wanted nothing to do with what was going on with us,''..."And I didn't know what it was for awhile. And it wasn't till, as the other women came out publicly, that's when I found out about it. So, at first I didn't know why she just didn't want any part of it.''

Now, that's amazing and this whole story is so fantastic, it's unbelievable, but the other part that amazes me equally as much is that 1- they did all of this while pastoring a congregation without missing a beat, and 2- They (Pastor Cedric) acts as if it really doesn't matter because it's all in the past and everyone has been through something. Plus, they've supposedly already discussed this with their church and the church is OK with everything that has happened.

We will discuss what actually happened here and further discuss sex within marriage in the rest of this article.

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God, Taking His Glory Back From The Philistines

1 Samuel 5: 1-2 ~ "And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod. 2-When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon."

Because of the seriousness of this hour and this post, I will not display any pictures, and I will name names on a limited basis. I will however, speak specifically to what I believe the Lord is giving me to say for all of those who read this blog and who are further in anticipation of God reclaiming HIS church for himself.

Our brother in the Lord, Elder D.L. Foster, of Witness Freedom Ministries has been led of Lord to post one of the most serious and egrigious posts that I have read. It is entitled, "T.D. Jakes Becomes A Conduit For False Homosexual Theology". In the post Elder Foster sets forth Jakes's own false and perverted interpretation of scripture and brings to light the testimony of an individual who has experience with the ministry of Bishop T.D. Jakes. The claims are serious and the church should demand an answer from the minister who was hailed only a short time ago as "The Next Billy Graham"

This serious situation leads me to the thoughts that I will share with you and those who look back on these events in the future. The message is simple and plain:

God Is Taking HIS Glory Back From The Philistines

A tribe of people who had migrated from Caphtor or Crete as it would come to be known, would be the villains of the Biblical story for many years and enemies of the people of God. For a little historical context, these individuals had made their journey through Egypt before Abram was called by God from Mesopotamia. Between the times of Abraham and Joshua the Philistines (as they would come to be known) had changed their quarters, and had advanced northward into the plain of Philistia.

They were initially a peaceful people. They also had great wealth and appeared to be prosperous (Judg. 16:5,18) The had the ability to make and participate in great business ventures and display material wealth. They were strong fighters and defeated the inhabitants of Sidon around 1200 BC. They owned a portion of the promised land and during the life of Joshua, Israel was not able to overcome them:

• Joshua 13:1-3 ~ "1-Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. 2-This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, 3-From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:"

After the defeat of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron in Judg 1:18 the Phillistines quickly retaliated and regained their land. King Saul was later able to accomplish what had not been accomplished previously.

• 1 Sam. 13:3 ~ "3-And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. 4-And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal."

The Philistines had been defeated at Geba but for 25 years the Philistines would rebuild and reposition themselves in preparation to retake what they considered to be their land. During this time they would flex and send forth a champion named Goliath who would utter perverseness against the Lord and would be defeated at the hands of an anointed boy named David.(1 Samuel 17:50) Saul would later loose his life to the Philistines in valley of Esdraelon.

God blessed David to be able to subdue the Philistines. They would continue to serve under Solomon's Empire. However the Philistines would later gain liberation once again by aligning themselves with Syria, Assryia, and Egypt. Through all the ups and downs the Philistines seemed never discouraged in planning their next uprising. Even when Israel was taken into captivity, the Philistines were evil hearted towards Israel and had what God called "old hatred" toward Israel. This ultimately represented sinful man's hatred towards God.

• Ezekiel 25:15 -17 ~"15-Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred; 16-Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. 17-And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them."

Now that you have a full sense of the rift between the Philistines and the Israelites, we can look closer at the text.

Our text places events around 1116 BC. Israel was in a serious battle with their Canaanite enemy, the Philistines. The difference was that Israel was suffering from a lack of integrity among their spiritual leadership. The Priest sons Hophni and Phineas were lascivious men who were stealing sacrifice from the Lord, taking advantage of the people by not rendering godly service, and using the women of the temple as prostitutes and personal cohorts.

• 1 Samuel 2:12 ~ " 2-Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD

These Priest had no relationship or fellowship with the Lord, but they were in the position as a servant to the people and as one of spiritual authority. They had found a way to have popularity, materialistic wealth and control over people. Eli, the high Priest had already been warned his sons of the problem but failed to end the situation only speaking to this children and telling them that they shouldn't behave that way.

• 1 Samuel 2:22-25 ~ "22- Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23-And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 24-Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress. 25-If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them."

The Battle For The Glory

The conditions were ripe. This was the prime opportunity for the devil to do what he wanted to do from the beginning, steal the Glory of God:

• Isaiah 14:12-16 ~ "12-How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13-For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14-I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15-Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16-They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;"

During the initial charge against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4, Israel was disappointed and turned back. The defeat caused the Elders of Israel to call for the "Ark Of The Covenant". Previously, when the Ark appeared things happened. The Jordan parted (Jos. 3:17), and cities fell (Joshua 6). The dimensions of this box or Ark were about 45in. by 27in. by 27in. (Gen. 50:26) This was a powerful and small package because all hopes were dependent upon God. However:

The Ark Was Never Meant To Be Used As A Charm

The Ark Of God wasn't powerful because of itself...it was powerful because of the Glory Of God. The Church is not powerful because it grows, looks good and has a lot of cars parked around it. It is powerful IF it belongs to God and is controlled and directed by God.

Part of the problem was that the People of God did not know or respect what God respected. God respected purity, righteous and true holiness. The people respected their ability to gain, achieve and defeat enemies without a commitment to serve God. Therefore they called upon God wrongly and out of their own lusts.

This battle was different. After carrying the Ark to the battle Israel was surprised that the aggression of the Philistines was worse and even more surprised when the Philistines defeated them in battle and took the Ark. Thus one of the worst days in Israel's history is recorded:

• 1 Sam 4:19-22 ~ "19-And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. 20-And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. 21-And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. 22-And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."

After all the years of victory someone other than the people of God were in possession of the GLORY of the Lord. The Philistines were deeply imbued with superstition: they carried their idols with them on their campaigns, 2 Sam. 5:21, and proclaimed their victories in their presence. 1 Sam. 31:9. The gods whom they chiefly worshipped were Dagon, Judges 16:23; 1 Sam. 5:3-5; 1 Chron. 10:10; 1 Macc. 10:83, Ashtaroth, 1 Sam. 31:10; Herod. i. 105, and Baalzebub. 2 Kings 1:2-6.

The Glory Was Taken Over By Those Who Had No Right To It, And Didn't Know How To Use It Or Honor It.

At this point I could give more history and theological and Biblical information, but I must cut to the point.

Because of unrighteousness, the church has been given to Homosexuals, Pimps, Jezebels, Adulterers, & Money Changers. They have possessed the Glory of God by possessing the Church. They have acted as if they were acceptable with God all the while creating a scheme, and perpetrating a scam of the worst sort in eternity upon God's people and HIS church, BUT THEY ARE BEING REVEALED AND THE DAYS OF THEIR KINGDOMS ARE NUMBERED!

Jude 4:4 ~ "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."

They have sang us into a gospel stupor and persisted to live with see under cover, their gay lovers, sometimes singing with them on stage and pretending to be one of the Holy children of God while the innocent sit and watch sometimes unknowingly being entertained with perverseness.

They have preached us to heaven and back, sold DVD's and books many times telling us what we wanted to hear about ourselves encouraging us to create our world with metaphysical constructs, yet we support their homosexual, lesbian and inordinate desires with tithes and offerings because they are seem to be "nice people"

They have raped and molested our daughters and sons and yet we attend their churches, supporting the very actions we say we hate, but yet living on every action and jumping through every hoop they ask us to because we don't want to be the one sowing "discord"

They have broken up families, under the guise of counseling, while they separate wives and husbands for their own perverted sexual desires.

They have bought TV and Radio air time claiming to preach, while sending messages to their illicit gay lovers, and using the ministry to promote themselves and their evil desires, challenging the righteous to speak against them in any way.

They have used the people of God, bleeding them financially, claiming prosperity and healing as a cliche, even hijacking the words and terminologies of the Saints while redefining anointing and revising the text of God's WORD.

They have stopped preaching the Gospel because they are afraid of it's power, and have become motivational and self-empowerment coaches teaching "how too's" but never "what Christ desires of"

They are the sort that pick up transsexuals and homosexuals and prostitutes late and night in strange cars, get caught and tell the church they were just giving people rides to certain locations. What are they taxi cabs?

They have set out to intimidate the righteousness threatening them with letters, and blinding other weak leaders by telling them to close their pulpits to righteous ministries that call people to repentance and to salvation.

They pretend to be concerned about the the church and the people but will not entertain the questions and concerns of the people because their theology is shallow and only centred on how they can angle the WORD of God to their own personal benefit.

They refuse to offer protections to the very ones they supposedly serve. In fact they expose the youth to perversions through the ungodly individuals, singers and musicians that they parade in the church as roll models.

They have stolen the Glory of the Lord because the people wanted everything BUT Righteousness and true holiness. Singers and musicians were given salaries when they should have been given the altar for repentance.

Prayer was replaced with player. Church leaders have given the Glory to the Philistines to PRETEND and carry on, making things look nice because we have assessed ourselves as weak and have been made ineffective by our flesh.

In Canaanite mythological texts Baal is sometimes called the son of Dagon. Dagon (Judg. 16:23; 1 Sam. 5:2–7; 1 Chr. 10:10) was the chief god of the ancient Philistines, a grain and fertility god whose most famous temples were at Gaza and Ashdod. Dagon continued to be worshiped by the Canaanites up to the time of Christ. In the Apocrypha mention is made of a temple of Dagon at Azotus in 147 b.c. (1 Macc. 10:83–84). Azotus was a later name for Ashdod, one of the five chief Philistine cities.

During the time of our text Dagon was worshipped. He was the God of fertility and celebration. He was the God of seasonal prosperity. Represented as a man with the tail of a fish, he was celebrated by dance, music, and perverted sexual activity.

The Ark Of God was set in the house next to Dagon.

The modern false apostles have taken the Glory of God, set it next to their idolatry and now DARE you to say anything against it and them. They dare you to say anything if you want to be a singer because they control the stage and unless you're willing to give them the Glory of God on your life they will try to hold your gift hostage.

They dare you to talk about the earrings in their ear. At that point they say their stage is greater than yours and there's nothing that you can do because they have the minds and hearts of the people.

They know the people won't believe that they offer perverted and non-biblical doctrines, twisted biblical interpretations, and a string of homosexual and lesbian lovers and lifestyles that display excess.

They DARE the people of God because they have positioned themselves to control the church and change it's message.

But They Forgot That They Can't Handle The Glory

The problem is that the Phillistine does not know that what they want will kill and crush them because they aren't qualified or chosen to handle it. First the idols of the people must come down:

1 Samuel 5: 3-5 ~ "3-And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. 4-And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. 5-Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon’s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day."

The first lesson to the Phillistine is that you are not greater than God. No matter how much material you posess or how many people you pack in on Sunday morning, or how many auditoriums and churches you fill. Ypu are not Greater than God and He will, with a small, powerful recepticle filled with the Glory of God, bring you to a place where you are broken and flat on your face. The Phillistines are falling by the way side as soon as they build churches, houses and proliferate the message Dagon is falling under and because of the Glory and presence of the Lord.

I Samuel 5:6-12 ~ "6-But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof. 7-And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. 8-They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. 9-And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the LORD was against the city with a very great destruction: and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. 10-Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people. 11-So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his own place, that it slay us not, and our people: for there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12-And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

The next thing that God did was affilct the Phillistines in their "secret parts". These are symbolic of those places that are supposed to be kept from public light and review. However it's made manifest when we see Pastors and Ministers of Music murdered and find they they had homosexual lovers and adulturous reltionships in addition to their ministries. The secret part are revealed when we find leaders going to the clinic being treated for STD's (SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES) that they've contracted while serving in the ministry. The secret parts are further revealed when we hear messages of how GOd will keep the mind in perfect peace, while a review of their medicine cabinet reveals Prozac, venlafaxine, duloxetine, nefazodone and mirtazapine to name a few.

They sent the Glory back after 7 months and 57,000 lives and plagues from place to place and city to city. God fought himself for his people and in the end what had been taken from Israel was restored by God:

I Samuel 7:13-17 ~ "13-So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14-And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 15-And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16-And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. 17-And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD."

What of those who had posessed the Glory? What of those who thought they could exalt themselves and get away with it without the judgement of the Lord?

Matthew 7:21-29 ~ "21-Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22-Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24-Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25-And- the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26-And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27-And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28-And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29-For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."

Many have never known HIM. Nice stages, but never have known HIM. Material prosperity, but never have known HIM. Book writer, but never have known HIM. Miracle worker, but never have known HIM. Beautiful church, but never have known HIM.

If they knew HIM they would repent. If they knew him they would confess their deeds. If they knew him they would insure that thier idols are destroyed and chopped up into a million pieces. If they knew him they would stop their silliness, stop their sins and present themselves to God and the people. If they do that they will have a chance to correct what is right and help a new generation that has been the victims of the worst type of spiritual crime in history.

Psalms 51:17-18 ~ "17-The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18-Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem."

As we witness God removing HIS Glory from the Phillistines, please keep in mind that God must first judge his house and he must first deal with them that have assumed leadership over God's people. Thank God for deliverance, for we must find the true and the Living God and worship him in the beauty of holiness.

1 Peter 4:17-19 ~ "17-For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18-And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19-Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."

Blessed!

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