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Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Kyrie...Antisemitism or Buck Breaking?

I admit, I had to put this one together...OK...

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." ~ John 8:44

Unlike the philosophical system of the Greeks, which 1st Century Jewish leaders vehemently opposed to various degrees, Jewish leaders were especially pious and eager to distinguish that "they" were true followers of God while all others, with very little exception, were "dogs" deceived, on the outside, and of an evil nature or "satan's children". New Testament Biblical references appear to be consistent with thoughts of the day and even expanded upon these concepts. In short Jewish leaders, who were especially proud of of their Hebrew heritage and unique relationship with God by their historical lineage, were distinctly Jewish and proud to let everyone know of the difference between themselves and others.

Let's be clear, JESUS was not teaching that the Jews, by lineage, genealogy or race, were devils and or satanists. In the specific context of the John 8:44 passage, it was the Jewish leaders who were questioning and criticizing his person and office. Jesus responded to the evil that was in their hearts and minds and revealed the source of inspiration behind their apparent blindness as to who he was in relationship to the purpose and mission of God.

In actuality Jesus could have been addressing ANY group or race of people sharing the same or similar sentiments as those to whom he was confronting. But Jesus was sent to the "Lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt.15:24) to do HIS (John 4:34) work and accomplish the mission according to the promise given to Mary (Gen.3:15) and the covenant promise established with Abraham (Gen.12:3 & 18:18)

The Jewish leaders to whom Jesus was speaking, like anyone else, were sinners, not following God, and in need of repentance. They were following the dictates of their own minds and evil hearts on many issues, and perverting truth into lies and this, as JESUS reveals, was inspired by satan himself.

Point Of Understanding

Unfortunately, in my opinion, many have undertaken Jesus words, perverting them, to support thoughts that the Jewish people are inherently evil, sinners and even satan worshipers. Thoughts such as these have inspired anti-Jewish hate and are not only antisemitic, but are rooted in an unwarranted racist view of Jews and, further, in my opinion, are inspired by satan himself.

It seems that to, on top of this, throw any amount of financial success, whether by honesty or treacherous means, there develops a complete anti-Jewish conspiracy laden with child sacrifice, human trafficking, pizza and human McDonalds burgers....Such sentiments are more than RIDICULOUS and only fodder for the mentally challenged. 

What Do We Have With Kyrie Irving?

Let's attempt to clarify the air here...First, to believe that Black people are descendants of Jews, or who are known as Hebrews, is an assertion worthy of examination and NOT an antisemitic thought or reference. The fact that there are Jews who appear to be White and Jews who appear to be Black is not anti-Jewish nor antisemitic. The fact that there are both White and Black Jews is not antisemitic unless one is given to racism or believes that, in this case, Blacks couldn't possible be Jewish by lineage and or descent. 

Example, clearly there are many Ethiopian Blacks who claim to be of Jewish descent and heritage. Legendary hypothesis has it that former Ethiopian King, Haile Selassie, claimed to be a direct descendant of King Solomon through the "Queen Of Sheba" (1Kings 10:1-12 & 2 Chron. 9:1-13), if true, this would certainly make him Jewish by lineage. Under this example we must note and restate that Black + Jewish by lineage DOES NOT equal nor equate to antisemitism. Once again, only racists would contend to the contrary.

"From HEBREWS to NEGROES"

In a tweet, Kyrie Irving referred to the book and evidently video referenced above. The work itself seems to not only attempt to prove that Blacks were the original Jews, which, once again, is NOT an antisemitic sentiment, but that those claiming to be Jews today are followers of satan and supplanters of the original Jewish (Black) people. [I will not critique the work at this point but I WOULD NOT hang my hopes on the truthfulness of the assertions I have seen...there is much better and accurate information available]

Allow me to quickly assert, there is NOT ONE SHRED OF BIBLICAL NOR HISTORICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE LATER SENTIMENTS. Specifically, THERE IS NO EVIDENCE that Jews are satanists, devil followers or otherwise under satan's direction and influence either in business, life and religious practice...SENTIMENTS TO THE CONTRARY ARE RIDICULOUS AND UNEVIDENTIAL and in my opinion, inspired by satan based on the history of the Jewish people. and their relationship to God.

What we seem to have with Kyrie Irving is a conflation of the two sentiments, 1, that American Blacks are the original Jews and 2, that modern day Jews, many of whom, who live as White, are evil, devils and under satanic influence, based on the acts and actions of some of more successful business persons, who also claim to be of Jewish heritage, descent and lineage...Because Kyrie referenced a book/movie that claimed both assertions to be materially true, and because he referenced such without distinction, he has been and is now labeled as antisemitic, blackballed socially, said to be in need of psychotherapy, has lost endorsements and may be on the trading block and in jeopardy of losing his job.

In my opinion, this label and resultant actions are also problematic, stereotypical and full of racist connotations.

Who's The Real Hypocrite & Racist?

While Kyrie is free to embrace whatever sentiments he wishes, the business community has withdrawn itself as a matter of association, claiming that it wants no union or relationship with such sentiments. However, if we look at just one sponsor, Nike, for instance, we can see their decision is fraught with bold hypocrisy. Where is Nike in the face of Chinese atrocities dealing with slave labor and Uyghur injustices and imprisonment? His employer has assumed Kyrie's sentiments are hateful, and therefore has withdrawn its support without any distinction as to what Kyrie's actual sentiments are, but his employer, the NBA is equally as guilty of turning its back on the inhumane treatment of people in China with one part owner saying that "Nobody cares", when it comes to making money with over a $10 Billion dollar investment in the Chinese marketplace. But yet, NBA spokespersons are relegating Kyrie to be trained to rethink or relearn his personal beliefs and opinions and get rid of his "racist beliefs".

Is Kyrie claiming that American Blacks are Jews? Or is he claiming that the Jewish people are actually evil and satan? Or is he claiming both? Has anyone asked?

The Danger Of Media Indoctrination

Earlier this week, during the interview, I heard a sports reporter say that because Kyrie had made a tweet asking blacks to "wake up" (this was especially in light of controversy surrounding Kanye West,) with a link to the movie "From Hebrews to Negroes", that Kyrie was "endorsing" the movie and the book. Although Kyrie said that he wasn't "endorsing" anything, but merely making a reference to the movie, the reporter insisted that he was "endorsing" the movie and the information it espoused and went on to suggest vehemently that Kyrie's reference was by virtue of his statements was an "endorsement" after which Kyrie, seeing which way it was going, shut the reporter down. In other words, the reporter insisted that Kyrie had complete union with the movie and all of its contents and assertions. This was wholly made up and fabricated by the media itself. 

Question: Was this a REFUSE TO VACCINATE PAYBACK? I mean Kyrie, refused to jeopardize his health and contribute to the unscientific and disproven notion that the vaccine would stop and or prevent the spread of covid. He chose to sit out rather than cave to the complete mess of the MRNA vaccine pressure. In other words he exercised his freedom, not only as a man, but also as a Black man. Was this too much for those who felt they were "in charge" of him? Although I am not one to cry racism at every corner or twist in the road, but as I will discuss below, we must ask and address the question under this circumstance; was it simply an extension and imposition of RACISM imposed by the reporter? It could have been BOTH!

Noone has called that reporter out for his RACISM! Why? Because they would never see themselves as one who will be used to "Break The Buck" and put him in his place. Was this a BUCK BREAKING MOMENT? 

Yes, this reporter claimed Kyrie to be guilty of antisemitism by association to his reference of a work which he may or may not have agreed with in full or in part. Yet, because, and only because, he was BLACK, did the assumption arise that Kyrie not only agreed that American Blacks were original Jews, but that he also that he believed, by virtue of him being Black, that Jews were evil, and under the influence of satan himself as the movie goes on to assert. 

My friend THAT and THOSE ASSERTIONS in face of the denial of Kyrie's clears statements that he did not "endorse" the movie is either RACISM, rank hatred or sensationalism!!! Take your pick because I believe all are on the table.

To My Black Hebrews  

I want to say, that I have nothing against anyone that believes themselves to be a Black Jew or Hebrew. More power to you...However, from a scriptural and spiritual standpoint you MUST be born again and salvation can only be found in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) I reject Hebrew Israelism just as I reject Judaism and Islam as the methods of salvation. However, if that floats your boat, go right at it, as it is a free country to follow what you believe and see fit to pursue. Continue to seek, and know that your belief in that religious system DOES NOT make you an antisemite nor does it make you a racist. 

For sure, it is clear that freedom of belief in general and in this case, specifically Black autonomy, at all levels within society is under attack. It appears to be open season against those who stand and speak their minds and hearts in open society, and against those who would dare hold out the Bible as a reference and guide for objective moral truth and standard of life and living. 

Yet, we will LIVE with HIM as he has come to give us life, even in the face of those who would dare attempt to compromise our lives. 

Be sure, the TRUTH will stand even if it has to stand unsupported by men and on its own. It is for that truth, that I stand and can only hope that others will stand along with me. 

Blessed! 

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Monday, January 27, 2020

Where Are Our Prayers In Tragedy?


The Dunamis Word joins in mourning and prayers for the families who have suffered loss in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash that took place Sunday morning Jan. 26th, 2020. 

Most notably, NBA Legend Kobe Bryant and his beautiful daughter Gianna were unfortunately taken away from this present world, leaving Kobe's wife Vanessa, oldest daughter Natalia, and younger daughters Bianka, and Capri. 

In all 9 people lost their lives in this event, including Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton who was Gianna's team mate, legendary Orange Coast College Head Baseball Coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and their daughter Alyssa who was also Gianna's team mate, Christina Mauser who was an assistant girls bball coach at an Orange County private k-8 school and experienced and well liked pilot Ara Zobayan.

Transition To Prayer

Like in many issues, the church world seems to be stuck between radical spirituality and interpersonal humanity. Many people I have read and listened to are confused between judgement, comfort and reconciliation. ie: they don't know how to interpret either Kobe's death or what they should do in response to it. 

Why Can't The Church Simply Be The Church? 

During his career, on Sundays it was time for Kobe to work. He did his job in the NBA for 20 years, delivering and giving his best through good and bad times. He died doing a fatherly duty. Loving his daughter who had expressed her desire to become a basketball player like her Dad, and pouring all the information and knowledge
he had into her life.

See, it seems that everybody is doing their job! 

However, I have just been amazed at how it seems the church has forgotten or lost sight of its job or duty to the world and especially its duty to the community in light of and in response to tragedy. There are people claiming that all talk about Kobe and his family and career is nothing more than idolatry, while others basically claim that Kobe didn't live for God therefore is not worthy of the church's attention (paraphrasing from a conglomeration of very weird and spiritually insensitive posts, I've read)

All of this caused me to place a post on my Facebook addressing the issue from what I believe is a more balanced, biblically centered and human moral value perspective. 

Don;t get me wrong, tragic events occur in our communities everyday, but nowhere do I see God withholding his goodness because of who people "are" as the sun and blessings shine and fall upon the just as well as the unjust. In all actuality if this horrific event never happened, there is enough to pray for and about.

Please excuse my apparent anger but HERE is the post and this is what I said:
"Never seen so many hate filled, insensitive, biblically illiterate and devoid of the nature of God church folk in my life...don't like it? SWIPE UP NOW!!!

Confused...In death we want to examine judgement which is reserved for God himself. Ooh yes, we can be sure that all them that live for God and who are able to display such love will do so. Every tree bears some sort of fruit or nothing at all...so don't be confused about what I am saying however, Fact is SOME of us who "look" or "appear" like we know HIM outwardly really don't know or love HIM inwardly...and the proof is in the pudding or lifestyle lived.

I don't know what Kobe did. Whether he had a confession of faith or not. Whether he called on Jesus for Salvation or not. I didn't know him personally nor did he write me to share..That one is not my call when he can't respond to me one way or another...

However, I can know and do what I am commissioned to do for ALL men, whether they are believers or not...we can COMFORT the living:

Romans 12:15-Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep

"them that weep" NOT "church folk who meet your approval"...further "them" is EVERYONE...one likes to be with them that rejoice, but what of them that weep? Where is your part with them who need comfort?

Here we have a mother ripped from her daughter and husband. Allegedly another mother ripped from her husband and daughter and a father and husband that also lost his wife and daughter...how insensitive can you be to criticize the prayers of the righteous offered for them that remain?

Then some are fighting a battle of righteous indignation and judgement when we should be constructing a covering. Some simply don't know what time it is and don't care what time it is. All you know is what you "think" you know.

But as BELIEVERS we should know the time and be aware if it. What does the WORD say?

Ecc. 3:1-8 - 1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

And sorry, but I say some of you critics don't know the nature of God either. How and why do I say that? Because you seem to be unaware that HE is a God of comfort...

2 Cor. 1:3-4 - 3-Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4- Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

So you mean to tell me that we should be selective of whom we comfort in tribulation? Or that tribulation is only something us "church folk" can experience?

Then answer this...to whom do you preach a message of salvation? To them already saved? Or to them lost and in need of help and direction?

Then, as if it is a mark of superior wit, you ask why didn't we pray for Billy who lost his aunt? (insert your own hypothetical) Was it because we didn't or don't care? Or could it be because neither Billy nor his aunt (God bless her soul) was known by us? Or maybe he nor she was ever a part of our family or household celebrations? Might it be that Kobe was there with our family working as he was paid to do on holidays, most Sundays after church and many other times?

See, we're not God. We can only pray for who we know and for those brought to our attention.

So stop with the comparison nonsense..."we pray for Kobe because he is popular"...PLEASE! We pray for the survivors and community because we and they all need it!

Know this, the devil is the ONLY one who will make you feel bad about praying for anybody...Why? Scripture is clear:

Luke 18:1 - And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Pray that men will understand that death and it's progenitor, sin, is an enemy to ALL men. As a Father and also a coach of my daughter, I pray for the wife, their babies/children who must now live apart from their husband and father. I pray that the many families, school class mates, team members, parents, grand parents and extended family members will be lifted from the bout of confusion, depression, and utter hopelessness that will come as a result of this tragic event and mental trauma.

In short, I pray that people come to DISPLAY the bible and the real sense of humankind of which the bible consists more than the memorized quotes from the bible. I am afraid that one can quote the bible all day and not know a word it says.

Sad, because in tragedy that's when we are to shine...

Matt. 5:16- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven"
 My prayer is certainly for the loved ones dealing with this tragedy both now and in their futures. Kids, who's routines are suddenly changed forever. Parents who's world has been turned upside down by loss. It's OUR turn now, to heal the scars and turn ashes into beauty. It is our job to communicate that death, is NOT the ultimate and final abode, but one day even it will be destroyed and that those of us who love him walk through death into new life.

We pray that these and all the communities and families effected will be ministered to now. Upheld. Carried by God through his vehicle the church and placed safely on solid ground.

I certainly understand this as I will share my experience in a future podcast, but I want it on record that the Dunamis word responds by taking this pain and tragedy to God in prayer. HE HEARS!

Blessed 



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