Ministering Effectively, Encouragement For EVERY Believer!

For The Believer Seeking To Serve Christ In A Greater Capacity
Order Your Personalized Copy TODAY 

Ebook Upcoming

 

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Ministering Effectively To Be Released November 10th, 2026 Preorder TODAY

FRESH OFF THE PRESS:

Ladies and Gentlemen, readers of this blog know that I have been working on this publication, which is one among "a few" tasks that I have received from the Lord, for quite some time. 

WELL...I am told, that aged wine is the best wine. The LORD has seen fit and made the way for this to happen. In just a few days, a totally updated, dynamic and powerful "MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY" will be here and available to share.

NOT JUST A SALES PITCH:

"MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY" isn't optional — it's essential equipment in every believer's spiritual tool kit: it fuels growth in your walk with God, arms you with courage to stand firm in these dark and dangerous days, and unlocks new dimensions of what it truly means to serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Drawing upon over 40 years of experience in Gospel ministry, "MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY" delivers keen Biblical insight, modern apologetics, and most importantly, spiritual encouragement and direction by the inspiration of the LORD. This book will encourage each reader to yield to our KING in greater service and walk more boldly and confidently through the weeds of this world's deception and greater victory within the Lord's church and HIS Kingdom. 

This book is not a monument nor is it an ode to stale and ineffective leadership, neither is it a shrine to the traps of entrenchment laid through denominationalism and self absorbed hierarchical pursuits. This book is a contribution to all SERVANTS of the Most High, some who consider their own work as mundane and ordinary, but who have and will continue to yield their life to HIS glory.

What does "MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY" examine?

• What it means to be a true servant of Christ
  
• How the church has misstepped by her desire for worldly relevance
• How entertainment has redefined and even eclipsed the Gospel in many cases 
• How preaching the Gospel has become a secondary consideration among many popular leaders
• How service towards HIS Kingdom is anointed, and blessed even outside of the pulpit
• How Christ has equipped us to overcome the trilemma of suffering into greater Service
• How LOVE always wins and hate always loses
• My own personal experience in overcoming some of the most difficult and tumultuous times in life, all to be better equipped to Serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
• Much more...

With over 244 scriptural references, and nearly 1.000 appellations to God and Our Lord Jesus Christ, "MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY" is a Biblical companion firmly centered in the WORD of God and one that you don't want to be without especially in this ever changing world.  

PREORDER TODAY through the website as a slight discount and receive a personally autographed (NOT AUTO-PENNED) copy. With Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, this may be one of the best gifts that you, your fellow Servant in Christ, family member, Pastor or ministerial friend or associate will receive.   

May the Lord richly bless you!

Pastor Harvey Burnett
Ebed El Elyon ~ Servant Of The Most High God

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The Days Of Noah. Ham, Canaan, & Nimrod

Hello and BLESSINGS to all the readers and friends of the Dunamis Word blog. Yes, it has been a little while since I have last posted and believe me, you know, all kinds of things are going on both in and out of the church. From the Supreme Court, to the predator in the pulpit, society is in a sin sick, full bloom and if I posted on everything, I would never leave my computer, nor have time to do the many positive and good things I continue to do, which include trying to be the best Pastor that I can be to my church.

However, with all that is said and done, GOD is STILL A GOOD GOD!!! Yes, he is still on the throne and in control of this world and rules over everything and everyone, even them that don't want HIS rule. I am glad to celebrate America's 250th Birthday and Thank God for my place in it all!

I decided to post a recent article that I did on our In Defense Of The Faith Facebook Forum. Recently, God woke me dealing with me about this information and I have been busy studying pulling various tidbits of spiritual food from what he has been giving me.

In the following examination, I look at Noah, Ham, Canaan and Nimrod and the implication of Nimrod's hatred towards God and his desire to exalt himself above God. He thought he had it all figured out. It is clear, Nimrod thought that he was going to lead a new world in rebellion and, if we look at it, he was well on his way to doing so.

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the 

coming of the Son of Man.

Mt. 24:37 NIV

The following is what I stated on Facebook:

Let me do some statements of Bible facts because we are not as literate in chronology as we "could" be when it comes to this, and I have recited this wrongly before, which is something I hope not to do here...because it matters...

Let's PROCEED:

According to the Table of Nations, Noah's son Ham had 4 sons...Cush, Phut, Mizraim and Canaan. (Gen. 10:6) Mizraim's name by interpretation is Egypt.

Remember, Ham was Canaan's Father, and Mizraim was Canaan's Brother. Yes, both Canaan and Mizraim were the descendents of Ham (eg: Ham's sons) However it was only Canaan who was cursed by Noah.

Nimrod was Cush's son. Canaan was Nimrod's Nephew.

Nimrod was what the Bible called the first city builder, a "mighty one before the Lord" (Gen. 10:9 ~ Heb: "Gibbor" or Tyrant). These appellations played off of titles used for the Nephilim prior to the flood (Genesis 6:5). This is not a celebratory link. This was a definition of evil. Nimrod was a "mighty hunter before the Lord", (Gen. 10.9). It is further known that Nimrod, whose very name means "rebellion", was ruthless, hated God, and hunted men, similar to the Nephilim that preceded him in death...

Nimrod was a killer, one that seemed to hate his history, only being 2 generations away from the great flood that reshaped the planet...He was a murderer and the first to lead whole nations/city states that he established in hate against God. (ref. Josephus & Talmudic Writings)

It was Nimrod who was the founder of Sumeria, (EXTRA NOT IN ORIGINAL POST: the progenitor of all the "ancient astronaut" myths based on texts incorrectly translated and perpetuated by a non-scholar). Nimrod's influence was the foundation of what would be known as Babylon, Assyria, Nineveh and Mesopotamian city States. Nimrod was the initiator of the rebellion against God to begin the Tower of Babel a Ziggurat to reach God and fight him and the angelic host, as he was the King of Babel (v.10) His false religion infected the religions of his Uncle's descendents the Cushites, and Mizraimites or Egyptians and other burgeoning cultures.

Another Twist

LEGEND has it that Cain, yes Adam's Son, who slew Able, survived the flood and taught Nimrod hatred and rebellion against God. Legendary hypothesis also has it that Gilgamesh, a successor of Nimrod, may have been Cain as well. The fact is that Cain's death is unreported within the Biblical text.

While I don't believe Cain was either Nimrod or GIlgamesh, it is clear that the rebellious and murderous spirit in which Cain moved, was prevalent in Genesis 6, survived the flood, and rose again afterwards through Nimrod to once again infect mankind.

The Great flood, in our archaeological record, is thought to be a result of the Younger Dryas a late Ice Age flood, which wiped out the people who rebelled, and destroyed the Nephilim, but did not rid the Earth of their influence and desire to do evil, because evil is bound in the heart of men and mankind. So when we speak of Egypt, we should remember, that the Cushites and the Mizraimites, appear to be closer, or more at unity than Nimrod and his descendents, but it was the false religion of Nimrod that seemed to have gained strength and facilitated the idolatry that arose in Sumer, Assyria, Egypt and Mesopotamia in general...(In other words, Egyptian folklore and religious practice was a distinct extract from the religious systems introduced by Nimrod, rather than a system that flowed from Egypt to other nations and states.) Canaan Though Cursed, Had A Chance:

In order to understand the eventual cure of Canaan, we cannot do so without examining the mercy and relationship that God had with the Canaanites until they wholly turned against him and aborted any hope of repentance.

God's wrath against Canaan did not come without giving Canaan ample time to repent of her sins. During the 400 years of suffering that Israel endured in Egypt, Canaan had that time to repent, but refused. Canaan's issue was not an issue of lineage or ethnicity. Canaan's issue was an issue of sin, stubborness and rebellion. The ministry and scope of ministry of Melchizedek is one reason we know this to be true. 

Melchizedek:

There are 4 trains of thought as to the identity and scope of the works of Melchizedek.

* The first was that he was of Canaanite lineage and heritage, specifically of the Jebusite
lineage. He lived in Jebus, then called "Salem" or "peace", was called the "King of Salem", (Ge. 14:18), did Priestly work, and must have been a man of high repute in his day.

* The second train of thought is contained within Rabbinic traditions of the Jewish Talmud and Midrash, both of which affirm that Melchizedek was actually Shem, the brother of Ham and Japheth.

* The third train of thought is from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Specifically 11Q13 - The Melchizedek Document. This document declares that Melchizedek was a heavenly or angelic figure of righteousness who was a preconfiguration of what would become known as the Messiah and who would fulfill the Messianic promise.

* The fourth train of thought comes directly from the writings of the New Testament (NT) which actually provides a metaphorical relationship between Melchizedek and Jesus. The writer of the NT book of Hebrews builds off of the prophetic utterance found within Psalms 110:4 declaring Jesus to be a Priest "forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 5)

Terah, Abraham's Father, tried to get to Canaan...It is suspected that he was attempting to see Melchizedek during his life, but never completed the trip and died in Haran. (Gen. 11:32)

Later, when Abraham met Melchizedek, it was therefore easy for him to bow down and honor him with tithe and receive his blessing (Gen. 14:20), possibly because:

1- Melchizedek was the man his father wanted to see,

2- Melchizedek was of excellent character and evidently was so full of righteousness that the whole region honored him, and

3- He (Abram) understood God and knew this was a God encounter with a righteous man (possibly a descendent of Noah (Noah's son Shem) and one who would be a precursor of the "King of the Jews" who would be crucified for our sins aka: JESUS!

Although we do not know the lifespan of Melchizedek, as the NT says his Priesthood would be "forever" through Jesus, the ministry of Melchizedek in Canaan was the foundation for the 400 years that God gave Canaan to repent, (Gen. 15) however, as stated previously, they and the other nations of Canaan rejected God and truth. BACK TO HAM

Why is understanding this important?

Because Ham's lineage was cursed for his acts, (not merely seeing his father naked) but his actions or even possibly for the actions of his son Canaan, and either way bringing shame upon his father Noah.

Talmudic legend says that Ham's issue was trying to diminish the character of his father with mockery and public disclosure (Gen. 9:22) and raping or at the very least, seducing, Noah's wife, his own mother. It was because of these acts, and the utter mockery that was placed upon Noah, a man that God had used to save humanity, Ham's seed, Canaan, was cursed.

Genesis records that Noah, after wakening, knew what his younger son, Ham, specifically his "younger son", had "done unto him". (Gen. 9:24). Two things, first no one knows, as the scripture does not share what, aside from telling his brothers and attempting to make a mockery of him, what Ham actually "did" to Moses. Secondly, based on inferences from the text itself, scholars do not agree that Ham was the "younger son" as in "youngest son" of Ham. If anything, it seems that Ham is the middle child of Noah. This led Origen (185 -234 AD) to conclude that it was Canaan who first saw his Grandfather's nakedness, told his father Ham, and Ham responded with ridicule and disrespect towards his father.

Some scholars assert that the pronouncement of the curse upon Canaan was not an immediate pronouncement by Noah, but one that occurred towards the end of Noah's life in which, according to ANE (Ancient Near Eastern) practices, fathers pronounced blessings upon their children as we see throughout scripture.

There are many inferences that can be drawn from these relationships and stories. As a society, we have not left the foundation of sin in the world even through modern conveniences and scientific discovery. None of these conveniences, inventions or discoveries, have solved mankind's heart condition of rebellion, lust, murder, war and desire to kill and even overtake God.

This is the "mystery Babylon" (Rev. 17:5) that the NT describes that persists to exist even to the end of the world and will ultimately be judged and finally cast down. This is also why Jesus asserts when he returns times and conditions will be similar to the times and conditions of Noah. (Mt. 24:34-39)

The question is, will we hold on to our faith, as the Bible affirms that only them who are able to endure to the end will be saved. (Mt. 10:22)

Blessed!

Next: The Religion Of Nimrod & Variations Throughout Mesopotamia See: Molech Renewal Pt. 3 A Biblical Historical Look At Molech Worship In Israel

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Maundy Thursday. Did Jesus Create A New Commandment?

 

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MERRY CHRISTMAS & THANK YOU To All The Dunamis Word Readers

1st Time Here? WELCOME TO THE DUNAMIS WORD!!!

I would like to wish all the readers and onlookers of The Dunamis Word, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Don't be deceived, JESUS IS STILL THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! We have come a long way, and THANK GOD, still have a long way to go.

Although I can't give an individualized gift to everyone, I thought that the best gift that I can give is the WORD of God, as God has given that WORD to me...

Therefore, I have enclosed the links to over 5 hours of teaching through radio and internet broadcasts on The Deity Of Christ and The VIrgin Birth. Links are posted below.

THANK YOU for all your prayers, thoughts and concerns in 2025 and we look forward to even greater blessings in 2026...

May ALL of heaven's blessings continue to be upon you. In Jesus name I pray!

THE DEITY OF CHRIST SERIES:

THE VIRGIN BIRTH SERIES:

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The Foundation Of Spiritual Gifts Within The Church Pt. 1

 

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Charlie Kirk At Cambridge

It amazes me to hear many of my fellow Black ministers attempt to reconcile the murder of Charlie Kirk with God's justice and even more, with the Law of Attraction. It certainly lets me know why the Black church has lost much of her influence in the world and nearly all of her power with God. WE ARE A BACKSLIDDEN CHURCH! Churches led by White ministers and suburban congregations have always had issues, but we have fallen a long way even into the enjoyment of public executions. Seems that we would be the last ones to enjoy or relish over such displays after all that has been done to us, as a Black community even in the post civil war era. Shameful!

The sad part is that some don't even recognize what Charlie Kirk was doing and what his ministry was. Many didn't understand that he not only had a political mission, but that he was also a Christian apologist. Further, many have no clue as to what true community engagement is, or how to preach, teach and stand for the gospel outside of the 4 walls of the church or to them that disagree, and or what the gospel ultimately means. 

Instead, many Black ministers have resorted to a culturally centered and culturally sensitive gospel based on their perception of racism, which has been redefined by them to suit their audience. This type of Black theology, in many instances is led by sinners, who cannot spiritually perceive the door and know little about the gospel and them that delivered it in holy writ. 

I admit. Charlie Kirk cannot be compared to Malcom X, or Dr. MLKing...Why? Because CHARLIE PREACHED THE GOSPEL and was faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ in message and in deed. Certainly many Black ministers preach truth and live the same as well, however the problem is that too many, both ethnic and urban, both Black and White, use the gospel as a means to a personal end. I'll expound on this in my next article. 

Charlie did what Paul did, he went to Mars Hill and preached and helped changed the world and shook the devil from his foundation. These preachers are FREE to speak in disapproval of him as they chose because of people like Mr. Kirk that promoted a free and fair exchange of ideals and values. 

Don't like me and my commentary or assessment? Join the club...you ain't heard nothing yet!

Below, enjoy the debate and effort to do what we should be doing...win the lost (as opposed to preaching to folk who already agree with us or basing what we preach on ethnicity or even gender)

Blessed!

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Analysis Of The Book Of Enoch...A FREE Live Event

What does the Book Of Enoch have to say about "The Watchers", "The Luminaries", God, Heaven and the End Times? Have you ever wondered why the Book Of Enoch is NOT included within what we know as "scripture" either by Judaism or Christianity? This broadcast will seek to give an orderly, simple and understandable analysis of the Book Of Enoch and some of the good things it brings to light as well as some of the problems that it poses. Bring your notebook...this is bound to be a good one.

Click the picture for the link to the LIVE EVENT on OCT. 17th, 2024 at 7:00PM CST

Broadcast REPLAY

Blessed!

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Misquoting Who? Another Ehrman Fantasy Rebuffed Out Of The Gate

New Testament Historian and alleged biblical scholar, Dr. Bart Ehrman, Professor of NT studies at UNC has forged a career and padded his bank account significantly calling into question the entire Biblical narrative of both Old and New Testaments. To be frank, he should be the main person on his knees thanking Jesus and the God of the Bible, because he has made his living solely off of God and his work as recorded within scripture. Ironically, he owes God everything he currently enjoys!

His books are best sellers and referenced by many atheists and Christians. His publisher allows him to promote his works through multiple video casts and podcasts aimed at not only driving sales, but creating interest and stirring as much controversy as possible so he can come in hot and be in the forefront of Biblical and scholarly discussions.

In a videocast promoting his book "Misquoting Jesus" Dr. Ehrman claims that the doctrine and teaching of the "Virgin Birth" was an error promoted by only 2 gospel writers (Matthew & Luke), was not known as being of any importance by NT authors, primarily Paul, and was essentially a later development within the text and in particularly the gospel narratives themselves. He claims that Matthew Chapters 1 & 2 and even Luke 1& 2 were probably inauthentic later insertions to the text to affirm certain theological beliefs regarding Jesus origin over time.

Ehrman, who I have consistently named and given my annual "Anti-Christ Advocate Award" because of the complete fantasies by which he endorses and subsequently dupes the public. He is certainly a "learned" scholar. However, his aim is to deconvert individuals from Christianity, and cause those students, who pay to be in his classes, to doubt their faith and I suppose, become little Ehrmans and go out doing the same for as many Christians as they meet...

For starters, I wouldn't pay this devil a dime to sit in his classes. I would not advise any parent to subject their child to his style of Biblical illiteracy...yes I said "illiteracy"...To expound...Dr. Ehrman, who no doubt, believes what he says, is blind as the devil as it pertains to TRUTH, which can be known with certainty. satan too, knows a lot more than we do as humans, but he is blind and illiterate. While this is not the point of this article, Dr. Ehrman would claim that historical truth cannot be known with certainty, and that supernatural truth can never be established from historical narratives and as history, and as such, any supernatural events, can only, at best, be a matter of faith, which is subjective and less stable and reliable than truths that derive from non supernatural causes...(Yes, that is another article that I can do later) ...These, of course, are my words, but would be an accurate assessment of Ehrnman's basic propositions in Biblical or historic Christian truth in particular.

With all of that said, and I hope you can see that I clearly and plainly disagree with much of what Dr. Ehrman asserts and contends, and certainly his moral rationale of his alleged work, I have however, bought, paid for, and read a couple of his books including the awful, "Misquoting Jesus". Certainly, in order to examine his work and offer commentary, I have to research his work and make sure that I am representing his positions accurately. I certainly wouldn't want to lie on him like he lies on God!

So far as Jesus being "misquoted" and Christianity not promoting the message of Christ, for sure, if we, as Christians, don't know what Jesus said, Dr Ehrman certainly doesn't know... How could he claim to know that something,... anything,... was "misquoted" unless he has the original or is able to work things back to the original? Then who gave him the original, or by what "magic" does he conjure up substantive truths that have escaped Christianity, and the minds of Christians for over 2,000 years but have suddenly come down to him? In other words, everyone in the world and history, were simply of lesser intelligence and ability until he came on the scene...Too bad he was born too late, he could have certainly "corrected" Paul, the Apostles and even Jesus himself and then we would all know the truth for sure!!! What arrogance and utter nonsense in the name of a "friendly" Professor, or someone dedicated to "knowledge". We see the exact same approach of satan (aka the serpent) as he presented his own set of truth to Eve in the Garden. it was satan that was telling the truth while God, by not telling the complete truth, was also telling a lie. Ehrman, moves in the path of "his father"...

I'll leave that alone, but PLEASE!!!!

Nevertheless, Dr Ehrman deals with the concept of "the virgin birth" in his December 2023 video below. Of course, he has the inside track on why Matthew was wrong, why Isaiah 7:14 was a misinterpretation based on a misapplied Greek word and mistranslation from the LXX, and why Mary was not a virgin when Jesus was conceived as Christians believe.

Thankfully, I have already done some of the heavy lifting on the issue and have preserved my thoughts and what I believe is the correct Biblical teaching on the issue in 3 podcasts also below that I did in 2017. Although Dr Ehrman offers no new information in this interview, making it necessary to update or clarify my position, he does give me fodder to expand and build upon the information I present which I will do in a future writing and podcast.

I hope you enjoy these presentations. Even Dr. Ehrman's...I think lies such as those he presents, should be examined in light of the TRUTH that we know and have received from holy scripture.

Blessed!

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Why Do Men Reject Jesus?

 

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FREE Podcast Episodes Still Available

Will be upgrading, expanding and releasing new material in 2024, but AWESOME podcasts are still available. Check them out and become more equipped TODAY! 

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In Defense Of The Faith Forum ~ Are You A Cultural Christian?

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Announcement & Invitation To Live Q & A Sessions On In Defense Of The Faith

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:

For a limited time we will offer a weekly LIVE 1 Hour Question & Answer Session at In Defense Of The Faith ~1 Peter 3:15 Facebook forum.

Our focus will be on Old & New Testament Biblical difficulties, faith, dogmas, doctrines, science & faith, origin, novel speculations, morality and a host of other related topics and issues.

Due to time constraints, questions can be submitted in advance by email at Dunamis1@netzero.com OR by Facebook Messenger. You may also submit question in the comments to this post and I will address them in the live forum. In addition, if time allows, we will also answer real-time questions live also.

START DATE: TUESDAY AUGUST 8th, 2023

TIME: 6:00PM to 7:00PM CST

FORUM: Facebook LIVE

Submit those questions and difficulties TODAY!

Blessings,

Pastor H. Burnett
Founder
New Bethel COGIC 
The Dunamis Word
In Defense Of The Faith ~1 Peter 3:15

Broacast is below:

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Religion. Black Americans. The Church. Is God Just Or Unjust?

The Black community has traditionally been very close to propositions of faith. In particular, the Black Christian church within the United States has been the place that has shaped values, held the community together and been the place from which much community change growth and development has occurred over the years.

To be clear, the abolition of slavery, the creation and promotion of civil rights agenda and many other things that we now enjoy, were direct products and results of religious and bible based concepts with secular ideology in tow. I contend that the proliferation of freedom all around the world would not exist unless it was for religious influence and in particularly that of the Christian religion and religious influence. I further contend that for someone to doubt the benefit of the church within modern society is someone who hasn't taken the time to study, but bury their head in the sand and someone who doesn't know or simply hasn't been taught how to reconcile history...HOWEVER...and that's a huge HOWEVER...the modern CHURCH has done itself no favors with her desire to be relevant, pseudo-spirituality, lust and desire for sin, search for physical and material wealth, and morally debase practices which allows, and in many cases, supports PERVERTS, sexual immorality, and moral & spiritual impurity, in congregations and pulpits all across the nation...

I mean, did you see the HORROR Church movie "Honk For Jesus"??? YES, it was a HORROR FILM, similar to "Friday The 13th" and "Halloween" or better yet "Psycho". From beginning to end this movie it was a complete horror flick, displaying the horrors of big church "showtime" (in many cases and places) and a look at what people will do and allow and promote within the church. Although this movie may have been about and mixed scandalous acts of the late Bishop Eddie Long & his predecessor (spiritual father) the late Bishop Earl(you ARE the father)Paulk. The movie's culprit was not only a sick, debase and narcissistic out of control pastor, but also a complete corrupt accountability and support system, beginning with what appeared to be, at first glance, an innocent/supportive wife, who, along with others, wanted relevance, acknowledgement and material position in this world greater than they wanted God, truth, right and moral and spiritual purity. I could give you a complete synopsis of the movie in the comments, as I was enamored with it, but I digress...

So while the church has her faults, flaws and sins, she is still yet the vehicle that God has used and will use to unite himself to this world. the fact is that no matter how bad it gets or is, the very "gates of hell shall not prevail" against her. (Mt. 16:18)

Sad Result Of The Church's Apostasy

The apostasy of the church, in my opinion, has caused a greater secularization of the Black community. Not only are former servants of the church running from her vowing to never come back, usually because of some church practice based on governmental or hierarchical structure, as opposed to doctrine and or biblical teaching, what cannot be overlooked is that common people who were raised in church and that have benefited from Church and Christian morality in particularly in their own lives, have, in many cases, also hit the door with a promise to not come back to the church. This has also, in many cases, fueled with disdain against church practices and actions and caused many, who's ancestors prayed for their deliverance and freedom to leave and move away from the very institution through which deliverance and freedom was prayed for.

Recently, in a Twitter forum sponsored by an organization named NewsToter, a topic was raised "Has Religion Helped Or Hurt Black Americans?" One question that I was looking to address was the matter of tithes and what has the Black community has received in return...however, I could not and was not able to get to that issue, but short answer, in too many places...WE BEEN ROBBED!!!

My message was that religion, in particular the Christian religion has certainly helped, but that there is a distinguishable difference between the practice of religion and that of spirituality or service to God...

I mean in my opinion, the very question is like a healthy, fed child standing on his mothers lap, with a full stomach questioning, "Is it good that my parents feed me?"...The very question overlooks the fact that you have what you have and are full solely because your parents and their efforts to feed you because you couldn't feed yourself. In this case it is the mother, that has fed you, otherwise you'd still be hungry or hospitalized for malnutrition or even dead leaving your ability to take care of yourself up to you.

With that said, as I was commenting, my phone went out and would not allow me back into the forum, but I was able to hear the recording the next day. After my abrupt mid comment departure, most were very nice, including the host himself, but a gentlemen raised a comment saying that I was a liar and that the God of the bible was responsible for over 266 wars and or conflicts and for some over 2M deaths and suggested that was his reason to reject religion and Christianity. Another also didn't know what the word "novel" meant as it pertained to historical events...It is that commentary, which has been common among many atheists, that I would like to deal with in the balance of this post.

The God Of The Bible...
Is He Unjust?
Has He Caused Over 2M Deaths Within The Bible?
Is Man Better To Men Than God?

Certainly the gentleman stating this erroneous information was not a biblical scholar, but he was also no less of a biblical critic than many of the modern atheists. At this point I will reprint my response to him, that was at least 15 parts on Twitter, with revisions and insertions to add additional information and clear up misinformation.

"...my brother stated after my phone went out last evening (not due to "judgement") that the God of the Bible was responsible for over 266 incidents of violence in which over 2M people were killed. For sure he is incorrect, but for sake of argument, I say he is on point and 100% accurate.

The young man is a good young man that believes in justice, right and equity, I am confident. Let's look at 3 things that displays the inadequacy of that (his) argument when we speak of the implications of religion (aka: Judaeo-Christian Biblical belief)

1- Israel's time in SLAVERY for over 400 years.
We BOTH agree that slavery is/was horrible and needed to be put down. In Ex. 3 God sends Moses to free Israel from slavery. Folk die as a result. (INSERTION: Even 1st born children die in the last plague. The critic says that God kills children. However, without exception EVERYONE'S 1st born could be saved during this plague. Only those who followed the instructions of applying blood to the doorpost and lentil, whether one worshiped and believed in the God of the Israelite's or not, would actually be saved.) Is/was God unrighteous by ending it (slavery) and setting people free?

2- God commanded that Israel enter land he had promised to Abraham & his descendants.
There were only 5 nations that God said should be utterly destroyed [INSERTION: Deut. 20:17, there are 6 nations depending upon how you count nations]. Leviticus 23 (and I meant Leviticus 18) indicates what the inhabitants of the land were doing. (INSERTION: Lev. 18:3 ~ After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances...indicates that that practices, outlined in the chapter, were some of the practices that both Egyptians and Canaanites. v.25 indicates that it was because of these practices, which included baby and child murder and indiscriminate human sacrifice v.21, that God was removing them from the land) Among other things they killed indiscriminately, sacrificed children and totally perverted justice. Raping, pillaging, and denigrating themselves in every possible human way...Molech, a baby murderer was their god. God said they, the Canaanites were spewed out of the land because they defiled it. Would it have been justice to allow those things to go (on)? In other words, is the (Biblical God) unrighteous to STOP injustice? If so, then how are YOU or can you possibly be just or justified? Ie: if God himself can't order and decree evil to be stopped, then under and by who's authority do you "demand" anyone to stop their unjust acts or actions? In other words, to reject the God of the bible and claim some moral superiority is an argument of special pleading and logically inconsistent.

3- Have you ever hear of Pol Pot? (INSERT: 1976-1979) During his lifetime he was responsible for the death of some reported 2M Cambodians by himself.
Nothing to do with God. That was a product of the HUMAN CONDITION...How about Joseph Stahlin? (INSERT: 1929-1953) 6M to 9M people killed (INSERT: By conservative estimates. Some report 20M to 60M plus people killed) No God. in fact anti-God atheist. HUMAN CONDITION. How about Hitler? (INSERT: 1933-1945) over 7M and hated religion especially the Abrahamic faith of Judaism. HUMAN CONDITION.
How about Mau (INSERT: Mau Zedong, 1958-1962) Heard of him? In 5 years they say he starved to death and killed over 20M of his own people. 5 years! (INSERT: 20M is a conservative estimate. Many say the proper amount was roughly 45M people killed in 5 years under this God hating, humanist and secular regime)

You said God ordered the death of 2M through 266 conflicts and that would be over at least 40 to 80 years.

(INSERT: According to the numbers, SECULARISM and perverted concepts of governance through various forms of Marxism, has been responsible for the deaths of over 35M to over 100M people not including those killed through war in under 100 slightly over years)

The EVIDENCE says that INJUSTICES were ended by God as opposed to simply allowing things (INSERT: evil and senseless killings) to go on forever.

RELIGION (INSERT: The Christian faith) teaches that EVIL has an end and that even while evil proliferates, they that trust in God have life here, now and in the future. We have confidence that no tear shed, no striped back, no rape, murder, or other injustice will be without meaning and ultimate reckoning, Our "sky" hears us. YOURS however is simply an ongoing gripe with justice determined by you and for you as it only effects YOU. RELIGION gives us the ability to face injustice and stand up to it, bc (because) we know who and what supports our efforts and we look forward to HIM bringing that reconciliation to us.
As I was attempting to state last night, race based slavery is fairly new (that's what NOVEL actually means) considering history. Slavery occurred historically in spite of race, not because of race. Race based slavery is a newer form of slavery. Blacks and Whites, Arabs and Chinese, every race (INSERT: and ethnicity) has participated in slavery, primarily of their OWN people. You guys want to hear someone blame the victim so bad, you can't see the forest looking at the trees.

Young man, I AIN'T the one to see the tree as bigger than the forest. I also AIN'T the one to look at our current condition with fictition or fantasy, that some white supremacy boogie man, whether real of fictitious, is responsible for all moral evil...that AIN'T the case.

The HUMAN CONDITION (INSERT: SINFUL NATURE OF MAN) is responsible for moral evil and the actual physical evil we experience and our ancestors experienced. That HUMAN CONDITION has tainted (not taunted) ALL of us and if we really want justice, we should render our individual selves first as EVERY ONE is guilty.
Thanks." 

I'll conclude by saying that noone is insulated from the sometimes absolute garbage that happens within the church. However, it is disingenuous and historically incorrect as well as biblically unsupportable to conflate racial hatred and bigotry with the church as a biblical teaching or something ordained by God. Where there was slavery and or injustice, God, through time, eliminated and stopped its ugly grip. The church has been the progenitor of concepts that stop evil, such as the evil of slavery, abuse and misuse and mistreatment of the innocent and support for people to treat one another in a more humane fashion for generations all over the world.

Just as we are not insulated from the evil that has crept into the church, we are also not insulated from the TRUE and real presence of God that we find within the church as well. There is church related hurt, but there is church and god related victory as well. God has not been so bad to any of us that we leave HIM behind, because he has not ever left us behind. It may take something to hold on, but don't be worldly smart and spiritually blind and defenseless. 

David, with all of his faults, ways and inconsistencies yet recorded this:

Ps. 34: 8 ~ O taste and see that the LORD is good: 

blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

 Blessed!

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The Spiritual Blindness Of Abortion

"Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. 

And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
~ Mt. 15:14

Retired Bishop Paul S. Morton recently tweeted the following regarding the newly ratified TX abortion law:

The full TEXT of the new Texas abortion law can be found HERE

For sure, abortion is THE watershed issue of modern times. Debate regarding abortion and abortion rights are full of issues over freedom and individualism of adults, but it seems that too many of those arguments fall short of outlining the rights of the unborn. That is, in part, because some wish to claim confusion over when a life is actually a life and when that life actually has a right to live. 

Abortion has effected the American landscape and society to the tune of an estimated 50 million abortions since 1973 and the SCOTUS decision of Roe v Wade. While abortion in the United States has certainly been horrible and often misinterpreted, other nations, such as China, have done no better and in many cases much worse of the issue of protecting the most vulnerable human beings.  According to a recent report from Al-Jazeera over the last 40 years, forced abortion has led to 336 million abortions or child deaths in China. Currently there are 30 million more Chinese men than women which has caused the government to reassess their child family limitation policy through the combining of its National Population and Family Planning Commission.

The Dunamis Word's View

At the Dunamis word, we are certainly PRO LIFE! From the moment of conception we believe that all human life is honored by God! Our views on abortion can be found HERE in multiple articles. We believe that a baby in the womb, is a PERSON which has a right to LIFE and should be protected throughout the birth process because God is the ONLY creator of life, and as humans, we have been made and created in his image fearfully. In God's call to Jeremiah (Jer. 1:5) God stated that he knew him "before" he was formed. This superceeds the condition of what science has now identified as a "zygote" (a fertilized unattached cell). Therefore we believe that God is the ONLY giver of life and we therefore acknowledge life at conception.

Some Points Of The Texas Law

Aside from this, The TX law partially hinges upon a heartbeat of a fetus which usually occurs, according to most analysis, between 5 to 8 weeks after gestation. In Section 171.205 of the law, a Medical Emergency provision exists, which allows for abortion in the event of a medical emergency that threatens the life of the Mother.  However, under Section 171.204 of the law the following is stated:

b) A physician does not violate this section if the physician performed a test for a fetal heartbeat as required by Section 171.203 and did not detect a fetal heartbeat.

In other words, it seems that under TX law in certain circumstances, if there is no discernible pregnancy and until pregnancy is detected, procedures that would successfully rid a woman's body of an unwanted pregnancy would be allowed. We are CERTAINLY not attorneys and this point will certainly be challenged but since hearts don't beat from day one, it doesn't appear that this abortion ban is a full on abortion ban. As stated, we don't endorse termination of pregnancy at ANY time, but the law is what it is so far as the law is concerned. 

 The Bishop's Blindness Matches Secular Blindness  

Like all too many claiming to have spiritual insight, Bishop Morton is blinded as to the nature of abortion when it comes to life and rights of the unborn. Pointing out the alleged flaws of the TX law, Bishop Morton complains that the law, penalizes women who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, by not allowing abortion. For the critic, this may sound reasonable as we will discuss, however noone wants the pain of rape or incest exacerbated. However, the Bishop has forgotten that although a rapist may rape and a family member may commit incest (which is another form of rape in our opinion), only GOD can give life.  

The secular world claims that this is an issue which cannot be forgotten or forgiven and that pro-life proponents are unfeeling and unkind because, for some reason, they wish to believe that most abortions are due to rape and incest.

A Word Regarding Rape
Nothing in this article should be construed as downplaying rape. Rape and abortion are two different horrible acts and a rapist is never justified in any manner. Unfortunately rape occurs. According to the US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS report it is estimated that 302,091 women and 92,748 men are raped annually. They also estimate that 32% of women who are raped are raped between the ages of 12 and 17 and only about 1/3rd of women who suffer violent rape ever seek help or treatment. So rape is an issue and a very serious one that we can address in another article, but by far and large, women seeking abortions as a result of rape are few on a comparative scale.  

 

The Abortion Rape/Incest Myth Exposed. Facts To The Rescue

Interestingly both Bishop Morton and the secular critic are pointing towards the same thing. An extremely small amount of annual abortions for which stats are kept "sometimes". You see, if figures are accurate, abortions as a result of rape and incest represent only 1.5% of abortions annually according to most statistics on the subject. 

In our article ABORTION ISSUES & MYTHS, I point out the following:

To the heart of this post and as not to add additional confusion to the fiasco that we are witnessing, it is interesting to note that only 1% of women in the 2004 survey-based U.S. study became pregnant as a result of rape and 0.5% as a result of incest. These statistics are according to Finer, Lawrence B., Frohwirth, Lori F., Dauphinee, Lindsay A., Singh, Shusheela, & Moore, Ann M. (2005). Reasons U.S. women have abortions: quantative and qualitative perspectives. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 37 (3), 110-8. Retrieved 2006-01-18. This information offers startling insight into the myth that a high representative amount of abortions are due to rape or incest therefore condoning abortion.

To place this in perspective, of the estimated 50,000,000 abortions that have occurred since 1973 only 1.5% were due primarily to rape or incest. This would bring the figure to approximately 750,000 abortions in which the killing of a fetus was decided based on morally subjective terms. As it relates to the black community, assuming the same 1.5% rate of rape and incest, (which may be more or less) the numbers would shrink from 13,000,000 since abortion legalization in 1973 to 195,000. The average number of abortions per day would go from it's current level of 1,450 to approximately 22 per day.

A website called Abort73.com examines the state of Florida, which just happens to keep statistics in a more diligent manner. Figures state that in 2018 Florida recorded 70,083 total abortions. Out of that, only .14% were due to rape. Although this is very serious, it only represents about 98 abortions.

So Bishop Morton and abortion law critics are bringing somewhat of a mythical argument to the forefront as if most abortions are due to rape and incest, when solid evidence exists to the contrary. It is clearly a fallacious argument to ENDORSE abortion, as the Bishop is doing whether he believes that he is doing so or not, based on the abortion rape/incest myth. 

Conclusion

I would first agree with the Bishop that rape and incest are serious issues and one that deserves our concern, intervention and prayers. However, I would ask the Bishop, who can be fed if they are killed in the womb? Who can be clothed, if they are murdered before they begin life? Why is the voice of the unborn stymied, and their right to life ignored and overlooked? Is that at all "Christlike"? Would JESUS deny a baby born of rape and or incest their right of life? What has the baby done to deserve death? How and why are the INNOCENT, punished for the sins (rapist) of an abuser or criminal?

I question whether this Bishop's sentiments are at all Christlike in any manner when the complete picture is considered. How can scripture be quoted, while simultaneously sacrificing children at the alter of Molech? Rape is certainly wrong, but how does murder of the innocent make it any better?

This leads me to the conclusion that THIS CHURCH, or this SO CALLED church, has not learned the lesson that covid came to teach it. If we are not valuing EVERY life and seeking to protect the most innocent in a unified fashion, I am not convinced in any manner whether we even know the message of Christ.

I often used to wonder why Christ said:

"And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." ~ Mt. 7:23 

Listening to people who butcher scripture such as this, I know why. To "never know" someone is to not identify them in nature and or demeanor and or agree with them in any manner. Yes we know the woman and man who suffers sexual abuse, rape and incest must be ministered to and healed, but how can we help through and by recommending murder in its place?

This is not merely a matter of a "flaw" or a "fault". This is a total about face from who the person of Christ is. You mean to tell me, that people can preach HIS name and not IDENTIFY with Christ so much and so until Christ says, "I don't know you!"?

After feeding the poor, sacrificing ones body and whole self for HIS cause, it is possible that HE does not know "you". I am convinced that as a minister, if you don't know or care about the quintessential issue of baby murder and further gravitate towards the world in the misrepresentation of facts such as Bishop Morton, CHRIST doesn't know you! How can he? There is no IDENTITY of HIM in your beliefs as you set them forth.

I am sure, some have been faced with things in this presentation and believe me, I am not one to minimize your struggle or situation. However, I am here to declare that GOD is yet in control of all things and the way that is committed to HIM, though it may be difficult, can be trodden with Christ who is WITH us and IN us as the hope of glory. He can heal and he can fix every broken piece.

Blessed!

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Ravi Zacharias, A Legacy No More

1 Cor. 3:13-15 ~ 13 - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 - If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 - If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

The saga that has unfolded in the death of the late Evangelist Ravi Zacharias has been of epic proportions. It is a sad tale that causes everyone to shriek with wonder regarding how a man of such august pulpit character, biblical knowledge and austere demeanor could be addicted to sex so much that he led a secret lifestyle of not only sexual promiscuity, but also a lifestyle of abuse and misuse of those subordinate to him in ministry.  

“We are in the process of taking down Ravi’s content from our website and social media platforms, including publications, videos, and other forms of content, and we intend to change the name of the organization. Effective immediately, we are also discontinuing the use of “The Zacharias Institute” brand,” ~ Sara Davis CEO and Daughter of Ravi Zacharias

Recently, according to Premiere Christian News, the ministry soon to be formerly knows as RZIM, has committed itself to removing all reference to the minister known as Razi Zacharias, and is evidently intent on removing his name from all material they reference and provide the Christian community, as well as changing the name of the ministry itself, so that there will be no record or reference of Ravi Zacharias in any form.

“We are in the process of taking down Ravi’s content from our website and social media platforms, including publications, videos, and other forms of content, and we intend to change the name of the organization. Effective immediately, we are also discontinuing the use of ‘The Zacharias Institute’ brand.”~ Sara Davis CEO & Daughter of Ravi Zacharias

Struggling with sexual addiction is enough, but when that leads to abuse and maltreatment of others, it displays an even larger problem with character, that is not so easily reconciled or put away as "bad" behavior. 

1 Cor. 11: 27-32 ~ 27 - Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 - But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 - For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 - For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 - For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 - But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

We often and only think of 1 Cor. 11 in light of  a communion ceremony, however the fact is that we have relationship with the Lord (eat his flesh and drink his blood) DAILY as we have a daily communion and fellowship with the Lord as believers. We are to examine ourselves daily and make sure that we are in a repentant posture and willing to forsake and repudiate our sins and evil that makes itself known to us daily. In doing these things, the power over sin is displayed, as no one committed to their sins is willing to report because of them. 

Examination In The Mirror Of Truth!

Truth be told, I have certainly had to look in the mirror of God's word in repentance in my life. What I did not know at the time of the most pain, much of which I inflicted upon myself, and had to learn, was that there is never a time that a leader should look to "leave" or remove himself from the altar of God's redemption. 

See, we have been taught that repentance is a "stage" or a part of salvation and many, including most ministers I know, have laid it out in their soteriology as a "step" in the process of salvation. However, what if repentance is something that God requires of us DAILY? What if, we are to repent and maintain the posture of repentance at all times and that there never is a time when and where we are grown enough, in this life, to leave the altar? 

No, I don't believe that our faith is shaky, or on unstable ground. The bible says that "the FOUNDATION of God stands sure, the Lord knows them that are HIS" (2 Timothy 2:19) but the latter part of that verse says, "And let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from his iniquity"

Them that are "HIS" cannot simply resolve to live with addictions, sins and failures. Repentance, is a LIFETIME proposition and when one thinks that he or she has passed a certain stage and has defeated the enemies that Christ has defeated and given us the tools to maintain victory over, we deceive ourselves and set ourselves up for failure. 

My experience: You see, pre-failure, it was all about me...what I lacked, and or needed and how I was being treated...Post-failure, or Post -VICTORY, I learned it is all about CHRIST, what he desires of us and how we can please and serve him daily and being sensitive to HIS thought and attitude towards what we are doing and what we embrace. 

The trappings of sin tap into our self-serving nature. Our desire to please ourselves and find a "comfort" whereby we are satisfied. The flesh finds comfort in sin and evil to that extent. The only thing that can break the power of sin and addiction is the Cross of Christ. Sadly, when that is not allowed to happens a continuous process, all that is left is frustration, addiction and abuse. Similarly as Amnon "hated" his sister with a equal or greater passion as he had "loved" her prior to raping her (1 Sam. 13), the only thing left after unbridled passion and unrepented for sin  is hatred of self, and that is normally displayed by and through the abuse of others. The key to understanding Amnon was that he hated his sin so much until he mad Tamar, the sister he had violated the object of his hate. Blind rage was the result. That is how sin entangles itself and deceives the flesh. 

We are praying for the Zacharias family. I could not imagine my daughter having to heal my wife and dispose of my legacy and life's work because of the utter shame that it brought to life and living, especially after all the sacrifice to do just the opposite in this world and life. Yep, I certainly am taking heed and I encourage every ministerial leader to do the same. Let's us all learn the message that Dr. Ravi never explicitly taught, but that God is teaching us by example. 

Blessed!

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What Is Man? The Living Soul, Tripartism And Dualism Examined Pt. 1, 2 & 3

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Molech Renewal Pt. 2: The Survival Of Child Murder Through Moab & Ammon

In my previous article, I outlined the political and social pressure that seems to have been renewed and accelerated across the world in the promotion of abortion. This is quite an interesting subject as it pertains to human value and utilitarianism.  

However, there is a theological gem within the mix here that I thought was astounding and something that I have not heard many expositors bring out to any degree as a matter or point of preaching.  So ministers and preachers who "steal" and or "borrow" this information, (just kidding, I know I am not unique here) I would appreciate a reference and believe me, if I hear you, I’ll know where it came from, and also I would encourage you to join me in study on this topic as I believe the Body of Christ will be enhanced greatly by such knowledge.

Ashera (aka: Chemosh) The "Queen Of Heaven" & Molech

When we read the Old Testament and narratives of God calling Israel to sanctity and union with himself, we quickly note that Israel nearly did everything EXCEPT what God commanded her to do. While I do not believe that polytheism was predominant among the “common folk” of Israel, I do believe that idolatry existed, was wide spread and was, many times, endorsed by the State, and was certainly the primary sin by which Israel experienced its diaspora.

My contention is that the people, led by their leaders (aka Kings) were consistently unfaithful and consistently hard hearted and "stiff-necked" towards HIS commands and instructions, and although the very first commandment of God was to "Have no other gods" either before his presence, nor observed in worship (Ex.20:3) Israel soon, within months of their liberation from Egypt,  became like, and in some cases, worse than other nations around them in adopting idols (Ex. 32:7) and other gods.

There were 2 deities however that scholars agree that many in Israel delivered themselves to worship from time to time. Anath or Astarte, or Ashera aka: Chemosh, who also became Ishtar, Aphrodite, Venus was known as "The Queen Of Heaven". She was also a Canaanite goddess of fertility. Her worship was revamped under various names in various ages and in various parts of the continent. In Israel she was represented by a golden pole, known as the wife of Baal among the Canaanites and touted by many in Israel as the wife of Yahweh himself in the name of Ashera.  Among the Moabites, who’s traditions would seem to persist, she was known as Chemosh. This “goddess worship” appeared to have plagued Israel severely bringing the nation into God’s hot disfavor. 

Even though I primarily deal with Israel’s idolatrous acts during the divided Kingdom, please note, that even prior to the divided Kingdom, Israel had a problem with this deity and her cohort Baal as well as the pantheon of gods from Canaan from time to time. Another of my contentions is that this Ashera was not only a product of Canaan, but primarily a product Moab and Ammon, and that the primary influence of idolatry upon Israel was not Canaanite, but of the Moabite and Ammonite culture and idolatrous religious practices.

The fact is that Israel was warned not to take up Ashera worship specifically:

Deut. 16:21 ~ “You shall not plant any tree as an Asherah beside the altar of the LORD your God that you shall make. (ESV)

However, it is clear that Israel severely disobeyed God and worshipped Ashera as a cohort to Yahweh and were judged for the very act and more. In fact, even during the course of their judgement her worshipers, particularly women, in Jeremiah’s day DEFENDED Ashera worship and pouring out libations to her, claiming that while they worshipped her, they were better off: 

 v. 17 ~ “for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.”

So this worship system, over generations, had its defenders even against the word of God which was clear on the subject. People did not care, they saw this system of idolatry which included libations to false gods and even child murder as an acceptable part of society and life.

Fear Of Societal Backlash

Many are surprised to understand that “cancel culture” is not a modern day invention. The ultimate way to get one “cancelled” and lose one’s life, was to speak against and campaign against the popular idols of the day, even in Israel. Before there was a Kingdom, though Gideon was a “mighty man of valor”, his father however, was a worshiper of Baal and Asherim (plural form of Ashera possibly indicating multiple types of cohort or female deities), and his community seemed to be so steeped in this type of idolatry that Gideon was afraid to obey the voice of God openly and tear down the alters made to the false gods during the daytime when he could be publicly seen. The bible says that Gideon snuck and tore down the alters and destroyed them at night according to the word of the Lord. (Judges 6:25-27). Clearly societal “cancel culture” was the reason that even Gideon, commissioned by God, would do such a thing where he could not be openly seen.

The Valley Of ben Hinnom & Tophet

The word “Hinnom” is of unknown origin. It is believed, that Hinnom, refers to a person and possibly the evil acts and or actions of a person or a group of people. For example, this could be similar to the phrase “son of belial” (Deut. 13:3, Judges 19:22, 1 Sam. 1:16) where it is clear that belial refers to “the devil” or “evil one” or those who are “worthless” and or “debase”. Without speculation we know that the place called “the valley of Hinnom” refers to death and evil, and all that is negative. This phrase is synonymous to the “Valley of Death” or “the place of burning”. In context it appears to be a derivative of actions performed there in the name of false gods and deities, and in particular Molech worship where, as stated, children are to “pass through the fire” or be sacrificed to false gods and deities. 

Tophet which literally also means “the place of burning” refers to not only the extreme southeast part of the “Valley of Hinnom”, and is a term used to name the place where heinous child sacrifice was done. Tophet is not mentioned as a literal city in the New Testament but appears to be synonymous with Gehenna or HELL or death in word play used by the ancients. Hinnom was the place where garbage and that which was unwanted was taken to burn and be consumed by fire and a Tophet was the place where children would be sacrificed to the fire. Interestingly, Gehenna is a transliteration of the Aramaic form of the Hebrew word Hinnom. The “fire” associated with Gehenna, never ceases (Mark 9:43-44) and the fire consumes ones “body and soul” in judgement. (Matthew 10:28)

The concept of “passing through the fire” was known from Old Testament to New Testament, the Tophet was the place where baby and child murder took place and neither were an appealing circumstance, but was known as a literal reality.

Details Of Molech "The Child Killer"

Although the bible leads us to believe that that Molech was an Ammonite pseudo-spiritual deity, language however displays that Molech (mlkm in Hebrew text translated as "their king") could have also been a kingly leader's title or epithet for someone who was fully human, but given divine attribution. (see 2 Sam. 12:26-31) This was not uncommon among ANE leaders as exampled by Egypt, who held their Pharaohs to be “divine” men with divine powers, invoking fear among people, even in their deaths.

Although it is not clear whether the Molech deity originated or was solely created by the Ammonites, it is clear that Molech, was at least a main or primary god among the Ammonites and was worshipped to whatever degree. This worship, under various names, even the name of Baal, predated 900BCE and ran through 2nd Century ANE as referenced by Justin Martyr in his treatise to Trypho. So it would seem that the Ammonite people continued to survive and thrive for generations. So although the origin of this deity is effectually unknown history the customs regarding it is much  more widespread and longer lasting than originally thought. 

One may ask why and how did this deity and the other female deity associated with Molech, thrive? Well remember The Moabites, who seem to have popularized “Asherah” worship and the Ammonites, who seemed to have popularized Molechian and Baalistic worship, were cousins of Israel by blood and descendants of Lot by incestuous and dastardly plot of Lot’s daughters to continue “his seed” after they had been delivered from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Gen. 19:30-38) It seems that the daughters of Lot ignorantly “thought” that ALL men had been destroyed when Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed and sought a plot to preserve mankind. Nevertheless, the older daughter bore Moab who would found the Moabite people and the younger daughter bare Ben Ammi, who would go on to found the Ammonite people.

Molech  & Chemosh Survived

Although neither the Moabites, nor the Ammonites were friendly or supportive of Israel nor her plight (Jg. 10:9, 2^nd Chronicles 20, and remember Balaam who was hired to curse God’s people but could not [Numbers 22-24]) God decreed that Israel was NOT to destroy them:

God’s Command Concerning Moab:

Deut 2:9 ~ And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession

God’s Command Concerning Ammon:

Deut. 2: 19 ~ And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.

From the evidence of scripture, God’s people WERE NOT to destroy and or take for a possession of any of the land of either Moab nor Ammon. Interestingly, God did not say to vanquish their worship systems, he merely said to NOT practice their worship not be intermingled in marriage with them. This is contrasted to the 6 Nations (and the 7th being Amalek) of Canaan that God commanded Israel to “utterly destroy” which would include destroying and vanquishing their gods and idols.

Deut. 20:17 ~ But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:

Known as Milik, Muluk, Milcom, Milkom, Adad, Adadmelek, Adrammelech, Baal-Hadad, Shamash, and even Baal, with a root word of "sacrifice" and "their king", the deity was worshipped by either one of 2 ways as argued by modern scholars:

1-     By delivering the 1st born child to the priest of the cult for service to ultimately intermarry with other individuals or what would be considered pagans (this is a form of what we would call child trafficking today as found in the Book of Jubilees 30:7ff) or

2 - By literally and physically killing a child and or young person, again a required first born to be placed in literal fire, therefore sacrificing the child to this alleged god (or king leader) for whatever purpose. 

We believe that the scripture is clear. Child murder was demanded by Molech and possibly even Ashera or Chemosh as well, and that the murder of children was a way to worship these idols. 

In part 3 of this study, I will sum up the discussion as well as expand on the implications made in these articles as it pertains to the world's lust to murder children under the certain confusion of concepts of freedom and women's health, which abortion has nothing in the least bit to do with. 

Blessed!

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Other Parts Of This Series:

Molech Renewal Pt. 1: Ableism Drives Protests & Laws For The Right To MURDER Babies

Molech Renewal Pt. 3: A Biblical Historical Look At Molech Worship In Israel

The Tophet & How It Was Used In Ancient Israel

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