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Showing posts with label idolatry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label idolatry. Show all posts

Monday, August 10, 2026

Hip hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 31 ~ The EXposure Of G Craig Lewis

1-There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 -And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3- I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4-Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5-I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
LUKE 13:1-5

UPDATE 8/12/26: The wrong 2nd video was attached previously, I have corrected that. In addition, this case has evolved dramatically. G. Craig has allegedly been implicated in some very serious activity. I will not gossip on this blog or otherwise, but I will deliver credible and supportable information as it becomes available. 

Thank God For A Temporary Bad Check

Prior to us having G Craig Lewis at our church for what we "thought" was going to be a spiritually enlightening and encouraging event, I was warned personally and directly by a reader of this blog about the personality of G Craig Lewis. I wish to say to that young man, who still is a great friend and brother today, many years later...THANK YOU for the warning, and YOU DIDN'T LIE!

I found out that G Craig was the biggest "diva" I have ever encountered in gospel ministry. From his demand for an SUV for transportation to his demand for FIJI Water (all a certain size bottle) in 40 years of ministry I haven't encountered such an abrasive personality within gospel. I am sure there are more, but this guy takes the cake...As I have written before, issues were revealed when the second part of his honorarium check bounced. He was the most ungodly personality in correcting the error. He wanted the world to know I was trash, garbage, unworthy of being a pastor. He was just N A S T Y!

Yes, I am guilty...I wrote a "transfer check" (a check from an account I needed to transfer money into) and did not promptly or timely enough make the transfer. That was my mistake. Believe me, you-know, I was called immediately, which I certainly understand.

This is not an excuse, but let me give further context...the scenario is this...this man did not connect with 1 member of our church. Most questioned whether he was a minister of the gospel or not because he hardly, if ever, spoke kindly, and had nothing encouraging to say. Before he left, we had a banquet styled breakfast laid out in which we had paid over thousands of dollars to feed guests and attendees of our program. G Craig ordered and ate an expensive breakfast (2 people over $60), charging it to his pre-paid room (paid for by us), refused to come to the breakfast event, choosing to eat with his associate in isolation next door to our event. All this is after having sold countless CD's during the meeting in which there was not $1 of revenue shared or asked for. This is not to mention his demand for donuts and caffeine prior to speaking so he could be on some kind of preaching "high", to help him get the message across. 

ANYWAY...Thank GOD that was all some years behind us...

It seems that since then, G Craig has gone on to Pastor what he calls Adamant Believers Council Church (ABC) and has run into countless issues dealing with sexual impropriety, personal integrity and other issues. 

The following video is Part 1 and 2 of what I call the EXposure of G Craig Lewis. If I didn't know or have had the experience, and if I didn't know him, I would not believe it, because he can act well. Without knowing what he actually teaches as an alleged pastor, I would say, "no, this can't be". However, I can confidently say that G Craig is every bit the complete "Diva" and in my opinion, and "manipulator", that these videos and other evidence present him to be. 

He is the classic "Son of Sceva". Apparently one who has attempted to cast out devils, but who has not been connected to the true and real El-Elyon (God Most High). The devil has asked, "who are you" and allowed him to use the same resources that good people have provided, to perpetuate his sins, lusts and evil ambitions. You may think me to be wrong. That is OK. However, if I am wrong, everyone can't be...especially those of us seeking truth...satan can't deceive us that humble ourselves and call on HIM for our lives. 

Be prepared to be shocked and I hope this minister is prepared to repent, but it seems that as long as he is supported and people come from around the country as if he is some idol, he will not quit his manipulation and will attempt to twist the bible to suit his desire to be worshiped. 

PART 1
    



PART 2


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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

DECEIVED: COGIC and the Shane Perry Implosion

As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. ~ Gal 1:9 (KJV)

When a church cannot discern the message of Christ from the message of "motivation", it should be concerned. 

So it is with the message of alleged pastor and retiree Shane Perry within the Grand Ole church. Dr. Perry, as he is known, took the time to not only announce his retirement, but to say that he hasn't believed in the bible for a number of years and hasn't preached JESUS for over 10 years.

Perry's claim is that the bible is flawed, full of contradictions and Jesus is like any other person of antiquity, and some of the bible is good just like other religious books are good in some places. 

Is this the gospel? Then, what's more, how did he infiltrate the church?...I am sure, more than a few pastors are calling him right now, saying, "Man, we praying for you DOC"..."Doc"...what kind of DOCTOR destroys the object of faith and uses the church, because we are so hungry for such attention, to enter in and help influence people one way or another?

Watch the video and hear this backslidden minister for himself:

We should deal with our desire to be "entertained" as well. Many folk made Perry their favorite preacher because he is a White man, sounding and delivering a message like he was a Black preacher. A person reported to me that everyone in a certain Jurisdiction would stand around saying, "Preach White Boy!" as if they were enthused by his skin color and ability to act. 

Who is PROTECTING THE SHEEP? 

The WOLVES are devouring the sheep and the shepherds are asleep...lulled into a stupor by this pied piper. We have allowed a person who doesn't even venerate the object of our faith, according to that persons own words, and welcomed him and his "knock-off" and K-Mart blue light special discount message to infiltrate the church...This man has preached a NON CHRIST centered gospel by his own words and we have eaten it up. Further, we can't wrap our minds around the fact that this man was NEVER saved, but just a pretender getting what he could get while the getting was good...Now we have folk confused. some even defending him and his actions yet calling him, the "anointed" of God that should not be touched...

I am almost willing to guarantee that someone, some pastor or Bishop, even after hearing his complete story and rejection of Christ, will open their pulpit and Jurisdiction to him in the name of "love" and "mercy"...in part, because they are also in the same vein of Perry, unbelievers in the pulpit!

Conclusion

This is my last post on this man unless he repents and finds Jesus, because he is not my idol and just another sinner that needs to be saved, but this is sad for the church, many congregations and believers holding on, and many leaders. 

SAD...DECEIVED...OFFENDED...SET ON OUR EAR...

Next, we will also deal with our continued falling away, displayed by our new reception of the Greek system of Sororities, Fraternities and secret societies in our youth meetings and AIM Convention. Once we (COGIC) were a stalwart against such evil and could distinguish a gospel message from a motivational message of this new generation speaker, but we have lost all discernment. Preachers and magicians such as this, are no longer afraid of COGIC pulpits and we have no discernment. LORD HELP US TURN!

1-Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2-I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3-And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4-Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5-Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6-But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7-He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Rev. 2:1-7 (KJV)

Blessed!

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Monday, December 5, 2022

Kylie Jenner...The Blood Ritual Revised

I recently came across this very disturbing image and VIDEO authorized by Kylie Jenner, daughter of former male Decathlete Bruce Jenner, who now presents as a political conservative living as a woman. 

No doubt the imagery from the picture and video is highly disturbing. What is as equally disturbing is that Kyle, a social media influencer, has over 300M followers on Instagram, evidently the place from which she earns her money.  That this will have an effect on her most ardent followers and individuals that idolize her and everything she does is without question. 

Although this is not exactly new, the question that I have received most regarding this is, "What is she doing?"

Business

Allegedly, she is advertising or developing a teaser for a new makeup line which was released on Halloween 2022, under the name "Kyliecosmetics Nightmare on Elm Street Collection" or something to that effect. So it is certainly a business venture, with a little mysticism, witchcraft and supernaturalism mixed in, as we have seen many adopt as a part of their advertising scheme. Combined with the pedophilic nature of the Nightmare On Elm Street collection or backdrop, one can readily see that the target audience is children. However, what is disturbing is the obvious amount of what appears to be blood in her presentation.  

Beyond Business

What the average onlooker, and even Kylie herself may not realize, is that this alleged cosmetic collection is actually giving homage to or rehearsing ancient blood ritualism dedicated to demonically inspired idols, dating back to BCE times perpetuated by Moabite and Ammonite worship of baal-peor, Chemosh, and Molech. For a greater understanding of this topic, one could go HERE. 

However, there are other aspects of the blood ritual, which I believe was an invitation and open door to demonic influence. Given the reach and scope of this young lady's "influence" I thought it would be good to share and discuss this here for individuals who may need clarity on exactly what is going on. 

I said this to my Facebook audience:

"Roman "Mithras" was a secret religious practice in which the soldiers, apparently before a battle, would douse themselves in blood of a bull as a symbol of sacrifice and acceptance of death in striving for their cause.
I believe, as I have studied, that the sin of "baal-peor" (Num.25) was not only inspired by Moabite worship of Chemosh and Molech, but also a blood ritual involving sex and blood. Similar to the worship taking place in Sodom, blood was used as a sexual lubricant with an effect of enhancing the sexual experience through a heated sensation.
So, even IF she is not taking a blood bath, here she is rehearsing and rehashing a spiritually inspired, ritualistic, worshipful practice that only has one intent, that being deception and entry into the demonic realm."

That this is demonically inspired, is without a doubt. That this is targeted towards youth, is also without question. That the church knows little about this is SURELY correct, however we are not powerless to do nothing about it.  The battle is not against or with Kylie. No doubt she is probably a nice young lady, however it is clear that the god of this world, is using her to "influence" the world to the demonic and against that, we must stand. 

Ephes. 6:12-13 ~  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Blessed!


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Thursday, November 19, 2020

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

Deut 18:9-14 ~  9-When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10- There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11- Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12- For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13- Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 14- For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

Recently, I was brought to the edge of my seat reviewing a story of how multiple and sizeable protests broke out in Warsaw Poland when the Polish Supreme Court ruled against abortion in case of fetal defects. 

Hammered out in 1993 and for the last 27 years, Poles have had the right under law to abortion in case of fetal defect, rape, incest and life of the mother.


I was intrigued because there were over 100,000 protestors, mainly youth, who hit the streets immediately all saying that their "right" to kill a baby with a birth or material defect (which is in essence ableism) should be protected. This has led to multiple and ongoing protests, church vandalization and interruption of church services in many places as most people associate abortion restrictions with the church's position on a baby's right to life and "life at conception" doctrines embraced since Poland became a free country and apart from Communist rule.

Ableism & It's Practical Implications

Ableism ~ DISCRIMINATION in favor of those who are able bodied. It is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical physical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require 'fixing' and defines the worth or value of people by their disability

Whether knowingly or unknowingly, these young people were not only promoting death of innocents, but also discrimination in the process. I would venture to say that if asked nearly all of them would  disagree with any form of discrimination. I also venture to say that many of them would also disagree with the killing or murder of any innocent person, but yet they are victims of their own logical inconsistency and irrational belief that children with birth defects such as Down Syndrome, or other physical defects in vitro, are less than human and not deserving of a right to live or exist. This is not only shocking but appalling! The mass appeal to kill babies made me shudder. 

Certainly this is not unique to Poland nor the EU. It seems that all around the world, in many "developed" countries under both Communist and Democratic rule, the right to kill babies is almost a non-negotiable, and in some cases, required part of life. 

For example, in Georgia, Pastor Rafael Warnock, who we have featured in our article,


"Politics, Abortion LUNACY & IGNORANCE" who is also running for Georgia US Senator, claims that the right to abortion, is not only consistent with biblical values, but also American freedoms and freedoms in general and he is willing to fight or that right. 

"I believe that healthcare is a human right, and I believe that it is something that the richest nation in the world provides for its citizens, and for me reproductive justice is consistent with my commitment to that. I believe unequivocally in a woman's right to choose, and that the decision is something that we don't want government engaged in. That's between her, and her doctor, and her minister..."

This man’s statement is much worse than it looks and he, surprisingly, is not ashamed. You mean to tell me that he doesn’t believe that the government should intervene in the murder of babies??? And that, a FATHER, y’u-know a MAN, that FATHERED the baby does not have any decisions in the rights and wellbeing of the child??? That a "doctor", and "minister", somehow become proxy director of the child’s life after fertilization??? 

This is COMIC-BOOK Christianity! Totally unworthy sentiments of a leader committed to the security and wellbeing of the innocents and preservation of the integrity of the gospel!

The good Rev-Rund can't have the spotlight all to himself, however. 

In a puzzling statement that misses the complete picture of the sanctity of life, destroys the biblical texts and that completely distorts facts, more than 5,000 pastors, calling themselves "Pro-Life Evangelicals for Biden" who also “CLAIM”, to be against abortion and abortion politics, took time, prior to the election, to sign their name to their endorsement of Joe Biden.

Be clear, Joe Biden openly and unashamedly embraces not only abortion, but abortion in its most vile form (late term abortion) even up to the point of birth. Their SHODDY statement said the following:

"AS PRO-LIFE EVANGELICALS, WE DISAGREE WITH VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN AND THE DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM ON THE ISSUE OF ABORTION. BUT WE BELIEVE A BIBLICALLY SHAPED COMMITMENT TO THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE COMPELS US TO A CONSISTENT ETHIC OF LIFE THAT AFFIRMS THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE FROM BEGINNING TO END."

In their borderline endorsement of socialism and full rejection of the biblical view of the sanctity of human life, these alleged "ministers" go on to rationalize that since a primary cause of abortion within the United States is associated with "economics" and concerns over financial welfare and wellbeing of the mother, and that since Joe Biden allegedly has a "plan" to address economic security, they felt that their endorsement of him would be well placed, even in disagreement over abortion. 

Not to be overly political here, but I don't know what planet these APOSTATES were living on! Prior to coronavirus, EVERY SEGMENT of America, including Blacks and minorities were at historic levels of employment, income security and financial growth. Under President Trump the country had not experienced such economic advancement and productivity since reconstruction. So, in essence, their narrative was and is a completely false and one undeserving of their title of leaders within the body of Christ.

The State

Then there is the State, that seemingly loves the right to kill children. Look at Massachusetts which has consistently tried to expand abortion law unsuccessfully. Although 62% of MA citizens don’t want late term or expanded abortion to be legalized within their state when given the opportunity to respond. However, the majority liberals within MA legislature are bent on making sure that children can be killed all the way up until they are born by recently proposing to add late term abortion services and finances to the State budget through what is called Amendment 759. Supporting Bills have been presented such as Bill S1209 and Bill H3220. 

The proposed measures allows abortions when:

“the patient is beyond 24 weeks from the commencement of pregnancy and the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or physical or mental health, or in cases of lethal fetal abnormalities, or where the fetus is incompatible with sustained life outside the uterus.” 

Sounds reasonable to many right? However Pro-life advocates reveal the more in-depth issues associated with the Bills: 

“the bill would enable girls as young as 12 to obtain abortions without any adult, except the abortionist, knowing about it,” and would “remove life-saving medical equipment from rooms where abortions are performed, risking the lives of babies, Massachusetts citizens, who survive the procedure.”

 Then there is New Jersey who seeks to do the same using the Affirmation of Amy Coney Barrett, who personally opposes abortion, to the US Supreme Court as an opportunity to make a push to ratify the “Reproductive Freedom Act” which would make abortion at any point through pregnancy and for any reason, a fundamental right within the State.

Governor Phil Murphy recently said:

“As access to health care and the right to choose are under attack at the federal level, we will support, defend, and protect reproductive rights here in New Jersey,”…“The Reproductive Freedom Act will remove barriers to reproductive health, as well as expand access to contraception while reaffirming choice. Together, we stand unwavering in our commitment to work towards reproductive freedom for all New Jerseyans.”
Further and same old problems persist however. Although religious organization exemptions appear to remain in place, under New Jersey proposals the right of conscience that protects medical professionals from engaging in procedures to which they are profoundly opposed, would be repealed. Non-physicians will be allowed to provide or commit abortions, and children aka: minors, will also be able to secure abortions without knowledge or consent of parents. 

The right to kill babies and life in-vitro is seemingly a "right of passage" and option that humanity is not willing to live without.

Licensed To Kill 

Within America, since Roe v Wade in 1972, there have been an estimated over 50 million babies killed through the process of legalized abortion. Her Black community has been so devastated by abortion (some counting to the average tune of 757 children per day since 1973 or 13,000,000). Blacks are now the 2nd leading minority within the United States by sheer numbers and according to the CDC abortions of Black children are nearly 61% of all Black child births annually. Reporting in the most recent year (2018) there were 552,029 total Black individual (adult and child) births and 335,667 total Black (adult and child) deaths (2017). According to most recent available numbers from the CDC (2016) Black child abortions average 377 per day or 137,510 for 2016. Providing that the average number of abortions or trends are consistent, when estimated abortions of Black children are figured in (138,000/yr) Black adult and child deaths are nearly 86% of Black adult and child births at a 473,667 annual average. If these numbers are consistent, the Black community is growing at a net rate of 80,000 individuals per year. Hardly enough to continue as a "leading" minority, and at some point the death rate will eclipse the birth rate. 

This makes it an imperative to look at abortion and its effects upon the community and in this case, the Black community in particular. The slogan has been that “BLACK LIVES MATTER”, however, if we truly value lives within the community, and especially Black lives, and want the community to survive, be healthy and well, this issue cannot be overlooked and go without thorough and adequate examination and a demand for protections for the unborn, and greater care for women and families who decide that they cannot raise and or parent their newborn child. 

Conclusion Pt. 1

In Part 2 of this article, I will explore the theological dynamic of what we are seeing with a demand for abortion and the alleged link to "women's healthcare". We will examine how the practice of killing children pre and post birth has existed for thousands of years, is wholly inconsistent with Biblical Christianity, and has been part of the sin condition of mankind regardless of the governmental system under which these atrocities are regulated. 

Abortion and the murder of the innocents is NOT solely a political problem, nor is it solely a mere social problem. It is a spiritual problem. It is a problem that begins and ends with SIN and the resultant rebellion of man against the image in which he/she was created. The very image of God!

Blessed


Additional Reading:


Full Statement: Evangelicals For Biden


 

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Sunday, August 24, 2014

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 23 ~ The G. Craig Lewis Gospel

I haven't mentioned Elder Lewis in quite some time and they say that even a broke clock is right twice a day-LOL!!! Not saying that he is a "broke clock" but ANYWAY, in this interview our dear friend G. Craig Lewis tackles the questions asked by Gospel Truth Magazine regarding the "Gospel music industry" and the problems that he knows that exist as gospel artists have sold themselves into silence against the culture. On THIS issue, I believe brother is certainly on point and I appreciate his work in that area of ministry.



Now he was 100% CORRECT speaking about not allowing homosexuals to serve in ministry, but around 21:57 he says that homosexuals shouldn't even be allowed in the church...I think he should go back to the drawing-board on that one...As he says he asks others, "Where's that at in the bible?" This is where the "broke clock" comes in. I don't believe you'll find that one or anything that says, block the door of the church for any sinner, that hadn't already been condemned and judged by God. Howbeit, (and I render this in hope that I am correct about his intention) I BELIEVE he was referring to the acceptance and perpetuation of homosexual behavior as being the problem...although that's not what he stated. He stated, they shouldn't be in the church period. So I don't know...All I know is Jesus said this: 

Lk. 19:10 ~ For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

The CHURCH is the only hope for all sinners. If we have POWER, they should be able to come and be delivered and set free. That's the church and what it's about, whether we're comfortable or uncomfortable with what we have to do to not allow their sin to be embraced by others. We can put boundaries around any ungodly activity in church, including the ungodly activity of homosexuality but let ALL sinners come to Jesus and HIS church! Even if they have to sit until they are set free.... 

Anyway, except for that little misstep, I think there are some good questions that can be raised by his commentary.

Blessed!

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 21 ~ Sex Toys & The Gospel

Ephesians 5:11-12 ~ 11-And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12-For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret


Like my friends on Sesame Street taught me a long time ago...one of these things belong here and one of these things do not...

The nations top selling gospel music artist, Dr. Marvin Sapp recently hooked up with business mogul and star of "The Real Housewives Of ATL", Kandi Burress to produce a song called "Prayed Up" which seems to have taken the I-tunes, gospel music world by storm. 

Well, if that were all there was to the story, that would be the end of it. However, the problem is that it seems that two individuals have come together to "praise the Lord" that have two diametrically opposing lifestyles and understandings of God and godly standards all together. 

One one hand there is this:
"I wanna thank @Kandi for sharing her heart through song in a different genre and asking me to be apart of that process..."(Dr. Marvin Sapp)
Dr. Marvin Sapp
Pastor Dr. Marvin(I guess a little gospel is better than no gospel) Sapp, pastor, gospel singer, formerly of the gospel group Commissioned, one that generally has a good reputation as it pertains to lifestyle and belief system. One could clearly call him a Christian by the fruit that he bears and his confession of faith and purity of lifestyle.

Then on the other hand there is this:
"I knew when I decided to do it that I would be criticized. That's to be expected,"..."I am honest about who I am. My great grandfather and my grandfather were Bishops in The Church of God Holiness. I believe in God but I have always struggled with the rules of the church, just like a lot of people." (Ms. Kandi Burress)
Kandi Burress, daughter of a bishop, entrepreneur, secular singer, secular record producer and secular song writer, formerly of the secular group Xscape, never been married, one child and currently lives with a man to whom she is not married ie: SHACKIN'-UP or what can be called "playin' house". One more thing, as you know, Kandi, also owns an internet company that sells, of all things, items geared to enhance one's sexual performance and or pleasure. These things are often called "sex toys".

Controversy & Criticism, Separating The Issues: 
"I took the saying that we say" ("stay prayed up") "and made my testimony with it"
In an impromptu interview on Am 1690, WVON Chicago on Thursday Feb. 21st, Ms. Burress explained her surprise at the recent criticism, primarily from the church, over the fact that she endorses prayer, and claims a spiritual life while she continues in her sins. In the interview Kandi endorsed writing and singing her new gospel single "Prayed Up" as expanding her influence by using her "worldliness" to give her the ability to "reach" more people than those who are less "worldly" or that just sing gospel. In other words her "worldliness" becomes the power of her witness, not the holiness or the power of God. 


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Sunday, April 29, 2012

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 20

Recently, VH1 aired a program called "Planet Rock: The Story Of Hip Hop and The Crack Generation" which uncovered the relationship between drugs, the hip hop culture, rap music, social and political injustice and the resultant high rates of incarceration and addiction within the black community. Here's the trailer for the program:  
After viewing the program I would recommend it to anyone wanting a look at the genesis of many of the problems that we face today within our inner city communities. This program also outlines the politics that occurred to subdue a generation of Black men and women, thwarting and hindering chances for productive, successful and happy families. In short, there has been a wholesale upheaval of nearly a generation of Black people in particular and too many of us have been lulled into sleep not fully understanding that what has happened over the last 40 years have had an acute effect today on both individuals and families all over the United States.

Then, There's The Church  

What is equally as interesting to me is the disintegration of the influence of the church over the same time period. The church has certainly become a more visable part of the landscape, with larger buildings and more grand places of worship, but with less influence to effect change within the effected communities and the community in general. Too many leaders have sold themselves to being "politically correct" and connected through friendships and ungodly associations. However, there has been a great cost to all of those choices. 

Are We Responders?

Although it wasn't what the video set out to do, as I watched I noticed that it clearly displays the church responding to the proliferation of drugs, crime and violence and the rise of hip-hop as an alternative way of expression for young Black youth. Like in all communities when trouble arises, I noticed that community meetings and strategy sessions took place at the church. 

The problem is that God didn't give the church a mission to simply react or be in a reactive mode.  He gave the church a mission to be proactive and take the gospel to the streets and ultimately into the world. Although the church will respond if it has to, the mission is simply this:

Matthew 28:19-20 ~ "19-Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20-Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Thank God for all those who yield themselves as often as possible by rendering their ministries, time and talents to solving and addressing issues that have devastated a whole generation, but Lord help those who have forgotten the mission of Christ and sought after "other gods", such as the gods of money, status, materialism and political associations. 

If it is that being a "friend" to the world is of greater importance than saving the world from its sins, then we have become like the salt that has lost all of its savor...we're good for nothing, but to be trod under the foot of men.

Matthew 5:13 ~ "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
 
Relocation of the church to the suburbs or to areas in which problems such as these aren't readily witnessed, may make us more comfortable, but it certainly doesn't and didn't make us any more powerful or situated to deliver an effective and timely message or display of the power of God that this generation needs to witness.

Blessed! 

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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 18 ~ Nicki Minaj "Roman Holiday" Exposed

PARENTAL CONTENT ADVISORY

Some of the material that I will reference in this post is especially sexually oriented in nature. It is my prayer that parents will go through this material together with their children or minors and that you will understand that what is referenced is referenced in order to reveal some of what has been spoken at a spiritual level in effort to cure our families, neighborhoods and communities. Please reference this material freely and liberally and pray over your home, family and children that these demonic influences will not prevail in their minds. The victory is ours in the name of Jesus!

Nicki Minaj, "Roman Holiday" Grammy Music Awards 2/12/12
In what was one of the most demonic musical presentations in recent memory, entertainer Nicki Minaj  took the 2012 Grammy Awards to an all time  new low calling on her alter ego "Roman Zolan-Ski" to pull her followers into mysticism and demonic activity and to make a statement against religion and Christianity in particular to a world wide audience.  


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Monday, May 23, 2011

"Weaving Spiders, Come Not Here"

2 Kings 21:1-5 ~ 1-Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. 2-And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. 3-For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. 4-And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. 5-And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.


Worship In The Grove
One of the ways that Israel violated the law of the Lord was in the worship other gods and idols. The first commandment of the Lord was not to worship or have any other gods before (in the presence of) the Lord himself.(Ex. 20:3, Deut. 5:7)  Since one of the attributes of God is omnipresence, the command was not to have any gods or idols period. What seemed to be a simple command in light of all the power that God had shown and displayed by delivering his people would soon be violated over and over until the idol of an Asherah (Deut. 16:21, 2 Kings 13:6) was placed outside of the temple to signify the cohort (female counterpart, partner or wife) of the God of Israel. In other words no matter how God has blessed the nation to rise from obscurity to a possession, they would trample back over the name of the Lord and even add to their sins through idolatry.


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Friday, January 14, 2011

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 13

The New Age

Act I
Kanye & Jay-Z
In what may be the signal of the accelerated pace of hatred and destruction that the devil wishes to perpetrate upon humanity and women in particular, Kanye "Jesus Walks" West and Jay "I Am Jay Hovah" Z have taken their talents of ungodliness and mysticism to a completely new level portraying the murder and destruction of women as if it were art in his new video called "Monster". To be fair, dark portrayals are sometimes what sells in Hollywood and  this type of dark portrayal of women has taken place and is hailed as an art form by some who love "dark" and sadistic artistic expressions. However, when all things are considered, including statements, symbolism and moral and spiritual implications of the presentation, it is rather disturbing to say the least. Here is one of the scenes from the video. We should ask, is this what we call art?
Released Dec. 30th 2010, "Monster" seems to set the world on edge displaying the mutilation of of women and models, even portraying them being beheaded while Kanye and his number one friend, Jay-Z, dance and rap around the dead corpses while both of them proclaim that "every body know that I am a mutha(***Shut Yo Mouth***) Monster". Now, immediately, individuals revert to the thoughts of a metaphor or contrast to their talent and money being so great that they could be considered "monsters" of the stage. However, what does that have to do with dead women and the dismemberment and mutilation of bodies? Stop and think for a minute, what if they are saying more than just that their ability to make money is superior and that their talents are off the hook? Since it's obvious that these men are under the influence of satan and satanism if only for show, what if the spirit through them is proclaiming much more than meets the eye? We must further ask, since these people are doing these things for fame, money and controversy; is it true that they have sold their souls for it? In addition, what does a truly possessed person look like? We picture the demoniac in Gadara, running wild and crazy in the graveyard with no clothes on, and say certainly "he" was possessed. What about the modern artist that brings the graveyard scenes to life in YOUR living rooms and through music that infects our children and adults by the droves...Could this be what possession in the 21st Century actually looks like??? THINK!  
The Outcry Against Misogyny

Did you read outcry? Well, as stated, an outcry doesn't exist as the video is hailed as being a display of "art" by many within the music industry. Yes, we are aware of freedom of speech and artistic expression, but there is also something called responsibility that comes along with every freedom that we have. These men show absolutely NO responsibility for their whims. It is called being intoxicated with sin and the world itself. Thank God that What About Our Daughters.com has spoken on the issue. They said this:

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 9

The Era And Error Of The Cross-Overs

In modern society music has become such a powerful industry, that even those who know that they are being destroyed by it, yield themselves to it as if it has some sort of controlling power. We would have to admit that music does seem to help set the pace for trends and all kinds of communication and association in the modern world. Within the industry, the fame and popularity along with the mass dollars and accolades can be overwhelming for those who are unprepared yet alone for those who are prepared. Artists often set aside personal commitments, compromising values and complete value systems in pursuit of the fame that the industry has to offer.

From Secular Music To Gospel Music

There has always been those who have left the church to sing and pursue secular music. In fact the foundation of modern secular music is arguably the church itself. What many don't know is that at it's early inception, modern gospel music was the product of of the secular music's desire to "cross-over" into the gospel music arena. Thomas A Dorsey (1899-1993) who was a secular blues musician, stated the following regarding his expansion of musical style into the church:

"When I realized how hard some folks were fighting the gospel idea, I was determined to carry the banner."..."I borrowed five dollars and sent out 500 copies of my song, 'If You See My Savior,' to churches throughout the country.... It was three years before I got a single order. I felt like going back to the blues." ~ Score Magazine "The Father of Gospel Music" 1994  
He indicates the "gospel idea" to display the idea of gospel music being driven by what was then deemed as secular music, rhythms and beats.


From Gospel Music To Secular Music
Known as the original cross over singer, Sam Cooke (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964) received his training at the age of 10 while a part of the gospel Soul Stirrers, led by Rebert H. Harris. After leaving the group for fame, popularity and money Sam would go on to an astounding career but die under very suspicious circumstances at at the age of 33.

Others who would cross-over in pursuit of the same things are names such as Ashford and Simpson who's gospel name was The Followers, Chuck Jackson of the gospel group Raspberry Singers, Wilson Pickett  from the Violinares, Johnny Taylor of The Highway QCs and Bobby Womack of The Womack Singers who signed with SAR Records -[Sam Cook] and were renamed the Valentinos.

Many of us can remember that it was Aretha Franklin "Soul Sister #1" who forged her career out of the Baptist church of her father Rev. C.L. Franklin. We also know that it was Donnie Hathaway (1945-1979) whose song "This Christmas" written in 1970 that set the standard for Christmas songs all over America during the holiday season. Unfortunately, this former church musician reportedly committed suicide in 1979 over his love and passion for a married woman and co-singer, Roberta Flack. According to the most accurate story, Hathaway threw himself out of the window in front of Flack to demonstrate his love. Not only was this stupid, it was certainly demonically inspired.

The Modern & Recent Resurgence Of Cross-Over

In this segment we wanted to look back at not only the historic trend of how gospel music and musicians have mixed themselves with the world and ultimately the devil, but also look at the impact that a few personalities have had on the modern secular and gospel music industries and ask the question, should gospel even be an industry?

As noted, there have been individuals who have left the gospel to pursue careers within the hip-hop music industry and the impact has certainly been made. however it would seem that the greatest impact upon the culture has come at the hands and perverted gifts of those who once claimed to be children of God.

From Evangelism To Sexual Perversion

In what seems like ancient history for many individuals now in their early to mid 30's, the group called Jodeci offered an appeal that was almost hypnotic to their fans. Combining the rifts and crooning of the streets with a gospel and heart felt tone of soul, the multi-platinum selling Jodeci swept many young people off their feet and ushered in a new era of R & B street and hip-hop combination music. This era (late 80's and early 90's) was known as the "New Jack Swing" era of street music and gave rise to many crossover artists seeking to expand their audience.
The first part of the quartet consisted of Cedric Hailey (K-Ci), 9/2/1969; Joel Hailey (JoJo) 6/10/1971; both brothers born in Charlotte, North Carolina; parents were gospel singers; that formed a group called Little Cedric and The Hailey Singers. Part 2 consisted of Dalvin DeGrate 7/23/1971 and Donald (DeVante Swing) DeGrate, Jr. 9/24/1969 were born in Hampton, VA. Their parents were Donald DeGrate, Sr. and Mary DeGrate and formed the group The DeGrate Delegation who made regular tours throught the country and especially the South. The Degrate Delegation had one of the first gospel music tracks to ever hit Billboard's top 10 dance charts. The song was "I Wanna Be Ready". Jodeci was discovered by rapper Heavy D and signed by Uptown records President, Andre Harrell.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Hip-Hop, Idolatry, & The Church Pt. 6

As continued from
"Can Hip-Hop Be Redeemed?"

Additional Scriptural Insight Pt. 3:
The Removal Of "Curious Arts" From Among The People

Probably one of the most universally overlooked passages of scripture when dealing with this subject is

Acts 19:18-20 "18-And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19-Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20-So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

This passage butresses an event in which the 7 seven sons of Sceva (The Left Hand) try unsucessfully to cast out the town demon (v.16). This demon, possessing a man, beat all 7 brothers naked, but prior to that admits that he is aware of and has a certain honor for both Jesus and Paul. (v.15)

We have looked at the traditions in Ephasus earlier in the previous segment. Quite naturally, because of these events, people understood that there was "real power" in town and because of this there was an uproar to say the least. But something happens here that is quite unusual. The bible says:

"Many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds" (v.18)

Now we can assume that individuals became believers or converted to Christianity as a result of these events, however the scripture is somewhat ambiguous in the nature of the "many that believed". Were these people also "believers" at the time of these events? Or did they become "believers" afterward?

The word in question is "believed" (GK. pisteuo) This word was used to indicate those who came to saving faith like those of Berea in Acts 17:12 and was also the same word used to indicate those who exercised a lifestyle of faith and practice as Christians such as those converted Jews in Acts 15:5. The ambiguity of this scripture is not the primary focus, neither does that ambiguity relinquish the message of the scripture. The results, either way, are…

Over One Million $$$ On The Trash Heap!

No matter how one views this scripture, the result was the same..."Believers" [whether converted at that moment or before hand] who were using "curious arts" became so convinced of the power of God until they came together, confessed their deeds, and got rid of their ungodly items.

There was over a million dollars worth of items that were burned and thrown away. Some of those items, I’m confident, had been in the family for quite some time and were probably very useful in the superstitions society or culture in which these believers lived. Could they not have used these items as a witnessing tool? Surely God could have used even the price of these items to help establish HIS New Testament church? Was there no way that God could have redeemed any of these items?

NONE of those items had any redemptive value.

An Encounter With The Culture:

"An Encounter With The Culture" was the title of the eulogy I preformed at the funeral of my Godson Mario McGee, who was recently killed in a home invasion. When trying to reconstruct Mario’s life, I was surprised to find that he was literally baptized within the hip-hop underground movement with all of the trappings that I’ve stated in this series and then some. Mario was a rapper with a completely and totally non existent sense of biblical requirements as it pertained to hip-hop and hip-hop street inculturation. His personality in no way matched his hip-hop persona.

Known as "Rio" and "King Swagg", the profanity, the gang signs the clothing etc. were all parts of the hip-hop lifestyle that he was enamoured with and by. Even though he was raised in a controlled environment, educated and working full time with a great paying job, hip-hop became his life, and I believe promoted his ultimate death.

What happened was that some years ago his parents left the church and left God. They didn’t live indecently but they had no living standard whereby to maintain safety and peace of mind and keep a blessing on their home. I had to preach the funeral to over approximately 500- 700 young people from all over the city who were seriously affected by his death. The thing that stood out to me is that death was inevitable within the culture. There was something or someone that had to give without question. There were too many tentacles by which Mario was trapped and entangled. Unfortunately, that something that had to give was his 19 year old life.

To the glory of God, as a result of that funeral, there have been young people saved. At various churches some youth that heard the message decided that life was worth living and that the culture didn’t have to hold them hostage. Thank God!

That’s why I continue to do this, with no or little money ever received, and larger churches not wanting my information to "rock their boats". I do this because I don’t want another young (or otherwise) life cut short or disillusioned because of the promise of the devil through hip-hop or any other culture. Yes, there is Goth, punk rock- and heavy metal cultures that are just as evil and dangerous if not more dangerous than hip-hop, but none of that gives hip-hop a free pass.

All I know is that hip-hop has not offered anything positive to my community ever since I have known it, which was before I got saved, and what positive things it did offer were and are short-lived and too expensive to maintain.. Hip hop cannot be redeemed. It is an inculturation which can only be laid aside and placed in it’s proper place, and that’s under the feet of the Saints along with sin and the devil himself.

Common Questions That I Encounter:
Question: "I have children that listen to hip-hop music. They have reviewed modern gospel and find it no different than the music they listen to. In fact some of the popular gospel artists often have their secular hip-hop icons on their gospel songs. How do I get my children out from under the influence of the hip-hop industry when it's almost everywhere you go?"

Answer: This is a very good observation. Many Gospel artists lace their Gospel music with secular and hip hop artists. All too often this is the "brainchild" of the record company who holds the contract and pulls the strings. There are two things that you want to do and one thing you definitely don’t want to do in this situation. Let’s begin with the later.

1- DO NOT alienate your child or place them on trial for everything hip-hop that they either listen to or enjoy. This by itself will drive them further into the culture and away from your advice as they may feel that you will not or do not understand them.

Instead, Implement The Following Techniques:
  • Make the children investigators of the culture under your guidence? Teach them to begin to think critically and explain what they hear to you. By verbalizing and investigating some of what they hear they are not only becoming accountable to you, but they are beginning to process what they hear differently. If you’re maintaining godly teaching and a moral standard, they will recognize the moral conflict on their own. They will also come to realize that they have a higher and better sense of morality than their icons and will begin to pity then instead of admire them. You want your children to learn and effectively relay information and give you their opinion before you make a value judgement on what they’ve brought to you. Let them take responsibility and they will gain a sense of pride because they are becoming the "expert" on something that not only effects them, but more than likely effects all of their friends too.
2- Model righteousness and a hip-hop free lifestyle in front of them. You can’t expect them to put down hip-hop when you’re wearing "gangsta fashions", promoting hip-hop artists, and banging the music all day long. If you’re not delivered, and you're more excited about what’s going on in the hip-hop culture than your child is, then don't expect them to give up what they do (at least by your example) anytime soon.

Question: "Christmas and Easter were originally pagan ceremonies and festivals but now they represent Christianity. Why can’t hip-hop be used to do the same?"

Answer: This is a question that we often hear. A little research is in order. You can go HERE CHRISTMAS for that. And go HERE EASTER for that. Please be careful because there is MUCH misinformation out there and atheists as well as radical Christians love to confuse people on these issues claiming that their church is better than someone else’s church. One thing to keep in mind, a parrallel DOES NOT a holiday make, Christian or otherwise. In short it can be arguably stated that the secular world sought to eclipse Christian practice by bringing their practice into the church and the church allowed this to flourish. Which is apripos to this complete writing. None of that speaks to the fact that the bible doesn't condone using the world or worldly practices in the service of the Lord. Just because something happened does not mean that God wanted it to be that way. Consequentely, we can't always think that the church tried to emulate the world, sometimes it was the other way around and sometimes there is great confusion as a result.

Question: "What are we supposed to listen to if we can’t listen to "Christian" hip-hop?"

Answer: Are you able to create your own music or center yourself around others who are dedicated to God enough to allow their creative and spiritual talents to flow? Who’s in your circle? Usually people given to prayer and dedication to the Lord will sing a "new song" instead of a revamped 70’s hits with a Jesus wrapper on it. Besides, the greater point is that we identify the message and the encouragement of the music. If what you’re listening to is encouraging you to continue to be a "gangsta in Christ" then how can it be redemptive? That simply reinforces the old lifestyle. Find redemptive music from reputable artists and don't be afraid to do some research. Remember the beat is not so much of a problem as it the presentation and what the song incites.

Question: "Man, it's a financial crunch and I don’t have the money to change my child’s complete wardrobe. What can I do in the meantime?"

Answer: The section on clothing was pretty heavy, and as I acknowledge, some clothes were bought because they were (are) cheap and you didn’t see the emblems and names until you got home or until the kids had already worn them. What you can do now is teach and just like you found those on clearance, find some more, but now look at then with a spiritual eye, discerning the messages that come along with the clothes. The power of the blood of Jesus will cast off any "spell" if there is one so don’t become paranoid. Just live to HIS glory and redeem the dolla correctly next time.

Blessed!

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