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. 

Read more!

Understanding The Fallout & Consequences Of Sexual Abuse

If you've been sexually abused or victimized or are trying to overcome the burden of clergy or church related sexual abuse, call I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC) at (800)728-0352 or email us at Imbkcac@gmail.com for a confidential assessment of your situation and prayer. We know that there is a Balm in Gilead. 

Surprising as it may seem, advocating on behalf of victims of  sexual abuse can be a challenging task. Educating the public that there is a problem and that sexual abuse has a significant and ongoing consequence is more than half the battle. Why? It is because victims of sexual abuse appear to be and function like everyone else. They are Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, Pastors, Teachers, Professors, Bus Drivers, Deacons, Politicians, Business Owners and almost anything else you can name in society. They are religious, non-religious and even atheists. They are gay, they are straight, they are even celibate. They are the highly educated, they are self-driven, they are the educationally illiterate and the most slothful. they are children and in many cases grown folk who have trusted individuals even to their own hurt. There are no distinguishing marks, characteristics or boundaries by which their experience can be known, distinguished or determined. They are those who don't fit the "mold" whatever that "mold" is or might be.   

Distinguishing who they are or who has been abused is one thing. Assessing the damages associated with the abuse is another. For example, recently, I had a conversation with an attorney who has a substantial practice dealing with recovery from auto accidents and product negligence. When I explained a certain situation relating to victims needs as a result of sexual abuse, the first thing they asked was what were the damages? When I explained the mental and emotional trauma and the unwanted sexual advances and the crime in general, the attorney was still hard pressed to see the "damages" that would result in an award. You see, even though this person was trained in legal issues, in their mind, in order for their to be a recovery, there had to be an ongoing physical or visible damage in order to make the claim that one has been harmed. 

Sexual Abuse, "Damages" Not Readily Seen

Fact: "Less than 30% of sex crimes are reported"

Here is a listing of familiar names...

Oprah Winfrey, 

Tyler Perry, 

Queen Latifah,

Donnie McClurkin 

Suzanne Somers, 

Maya Angelou, 

Unless one knew their stories, one would hardly associate any of these people with sexual abuse of any kind because they are the "beautiful people" as the world accounts it. They are popular, successful, rich and famous. Certainly they have no problems, or at least not common problems right? Yet all of them have experienced abuse or some form of sexual crime perpetrated against them. All of them have felt at the end of their lives at a certain point in their life, prayed, and asked why this horrible crime of sexual abuse was done to them. All of them have dealt with feelings, inclinations, and emotions that they didn't ask for, and had to work their way through. Some of them, turned to promiscuity, some turned to homosexuality, some became religious, spiritual, and even highly versed in secular matters. Many others handle this sort of abuse in many different ways. Thank God, that all of these people survived, but stop and ask yourself for a minute, how many didn't make it? Yes, these have all survived, and become highly successful, but what they went through was nothing to envy by anyone not having their experience. To suggest that they hadn't been "damaged" by the actions of their aggressor would be an insult to any intelligent human being and especially to any Christian in touch with Christian moral values in view and in light of the fact that rape is a crime. 

Stigmas 

Read more!

Hadiya Pendleton...Greater Than Tragedy

We stop to mourn the loss of  a bright and beautiful teenager who's untimely death unfortunately represents a reality for many of our families and today's youth. Ms. Hadiya Pendleton, like so many youth, was doing what she was supposed to be doing when tragedy came and sought her out and took her young life. 

Changing The Culture

Chicago has suffered over 43 homicides this year and most of those have been among Black youth. This is a tragedy repeated over and over in our city streets. It simply must stop. 

I have heard that many sociologists believe that when something is believed for about a 25 year duration of time (a generation by many accounts) that there is a paradigm shift in the culture itself so far as beliefs and subsequent behaviors are concerned. The Black community has been subject to the message of "no snitching" and "silence" for so long that there is a new standard of morality that believes that people should simply endure the abuse of criminals in the name of being "Black" and remain silent. 

Let it be clear, people that hurt, harm and endanger your family, neighborhoods, and communities don't care about YOU. They care less about your well being no matter how well you know them or their family. Like Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, they are PUNKS and further, Community Terrorists, that need to be placed in jail or taken off the streets As we will note, there is something that we must do as  church to redeem these before they passed the point of no return. 

Community Hero

Some years ago, I developed the Community Hero program.  Community hero is designed to do one thing, combat the message and image that fighting for our community and turning in criminals is a bad thing and makes one a "snitch". Riding the neighborhood of community terrorists makes you a HERO, not a snitch. You are a HERO for fighting for what is right and sharing the information necessary to liberate your family and community. 

The "no snitch" message has been successful because it was first delivered in 2004 by the gang and drug sales culture through hip-hop music and the hip-hop culture. This is why it has such a stronghold on our youth and on our streets. This message has existed for years based on mistrust of the government and authority. 

The problem is that authorities left plenty of evidence for why the community can't trust them. The "war on drugs" we all know now was no more than a war on Blacks...and that is simply the ugly fact...That so called war, destroyed the family for multiple generations in the Black community removing the men and we can all see the results. So YES...there is a distrust of authority that cannot go overlooked and should be addressed if the intent is to overcome the problem and renew this generation.  

The Community Hero  message needs to be delivered to children first and needs to continue to be perpetuated so that our youth can be affirmed that doing the right thing for others, is the right thing for them as well. 

Responsibility & Accountability

In addition, authorities, have an obligation to protect those who come forth with information. As we mentioned, the business of crime is what it is. A business and there are both clients and managers of it. However, as community advocates we must strive to make our police departments tow the line, no matter how difficult or touchy it may be. Yes it takes some "in your face' conversations in order to help the community as a whole. That we must be committed to do. 

The Sleeping & Self Serving Church

Thank God that we can have a "good time" in fellowship and service with the Lord. However, if we want our neighborhoods delivered of crime and violence, the institution of the church must first become involved and engaged in what is going on in the neighborhoods. Unfortunately, in many of these crime ridden neighborhoods, the church is a sleeping, money collecting giant. Much of the crime occurs wight in the church neighborhood. Some stick their head out to prop up a tent for a few days, feed a few folk every now and then, or may offer clothes or direct towards shelter and bill pay, but what about the more enduring and substantive issues?

A Real Gospel Centered Moral Message 

Rather than giving them what they are trying to rid themselves of, like more hip-hop music and worldly personas, what about changing the minds hearts, and attitudes of the individuals most likely to perpetrate crime and violence and subsequently spend their life in prison or tied to the system? It is certainly more convenient to pass them along and allow the same government, that we distrust, to effect change, but what are we really doing? Beyond Sunday AM,  is the church engaging and challenging the community, advocating for better services, speaking to our young men encouraging and teaching them to be Fathers and speaking to our young ladies supporting them that all is not lost, that there still is  a bright hope for the future? Are we challenging political leaders or simply making as many friends with politicians as we possibly can? 

No, challenging and holding folk accountable, is not profitable monetarily. It won;t make the church overflow with members either. However, it is rewarding to see lives change for the better, but it takes some laborers.   It takes some individuals dedicated to the cause, willing to deal with the same ignorance that once entrapped themselves. BUT it is worth it! Lives will be saved and communities can change as a result.  

Conclusion

Someone along the way could possibly have been the catalyst that saved, if not Hadiya, countless other young ladies and men. Being the one that is in touch with the community may stop some young person or aged person for that matter, from doing something as stupid as shooting in a crowd of people killing and taking an innocent life. That is foolishness, stupidity and WE, the truly empowered church cannot rest. We must do something about what we face and believe me, we will. 

Please pray for Hadiya's family and for the many other countless lives that have been left to suffer in the wake of this modern crime spree. This young lady was much greater than any tragedy and I believe that in her death, she will live on as a motivating force for those of us left to do more than what we have done. 

Pray that those who know who did this will be a HERO and come forward with information to help this family heal. It is time for a change, and it must begin with someone, it may as well be with YOU! 

We believe God can turn around any situation. I still yet trust that he will.

Blessed!      

Read more!

Bishop Wayne T. Jackson Responds

Bishop Wayne T. Jackson has responded to the accusations against him leveled by various individuals across the internet that he was performing a Masonic Rite and that he was performing a homosexual act in front of his congregation.

"It wasn’t a sexual act. But for somebody to take that and try to use that in a perverted way…we pray for them. We walk in love.”

Our previous article on the issue can be found HERE. We believe that the ceremony was in error, but strongly stand with Bishop Jackson against such a vile attack on his character and person. When Christians resort to BLOSSIP and internet speculation, we are like salt with NO savor.  

Fox 2 News Headlines

Read more!

Gay Folk CAN'T Have A Baby...STOP PLAYIN'!!!!!

Every now and then you see something that really makes you scratch your head in utter amazement. This is one of those times...

His gayship, OC Allen, has struck once again taking the ridiculousness of his sexual perversion to completely new heights in order to advance the pretend gospel of homosexuality and normalize evil and perversion among the church community...

bishop O C Allen, the first gentleman
Rashard Burgess & Caylee LaTanya

The leaders of the VisionLESS Cathedral of Atlanta now claim to be proud new parents of "baby Burgess-Allen"... ...Yes, you read it right. Apostate bishop O.C Allen, whom we featured on this blog and youtube some time ago, and his wife/husband, (Rashard Burgess) known as the "first gentleman" (my LORD have mercy!) have seduced someone somehow into giving up their child, claims to be parents of a newborn, and  expects everyone to rejoice because of it...According to sources their confusion is as follows:

"We are proud to announce the birth of a healthy 8.1 lbs. baby, born Thursday January 10, 2013 at 8:23am. The surprise is that it's a little girl! Her name is, Caylee LaTanya Burgess-Allen. She's so precious and we love how she has already brought such meaning to our lives. We are humbled and grateful to have such loving and supportive grandparents, godparents, family, a loving Church, faith community, coworkers and beautiful friends who are committed to us.

Please pray for us as we love little Caylee and support us as we expand our family and complete the adoption process. 

“Welcome home our Princess, little Caylee” 

Your Dads.

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THAT????

Some FAKE garbage! Why do I say that?

To begin with, Georgia doesn't even allow same sex marriage or civil unions of same sex couples. So these folk are not only in homosexual sin, they are in violation of even the laws of the state. So the baby is forced to be in something that is a "pretense", at least at the moment. Her NATURAL parents gave her up and the men that she will be living with are not married according to law and claim to be her "dads". This is a blatant lie! Are they serious???? How can they possibly be???

Secondly, Georgia has no universal ruling on the adoption of children by same sex or gay couples. Since gay relationships are not the law, all that gay "parents" can do is file petition to adopt, which may be granted in certain venues or counties for non-natural parents, but has never been ruled on in the law of the state. The laws are as follows: 

• Same sex couples have the right to file a formal petition to adopt, as the law permits anyone over the age of 25 to submit an application. (GA. CODE ANN. § 19-8-3.)

• There are no express prohibitions against a same sex couple from filing jointly to adopt, however there have been no rulings on the issue.

• There are no express prohibitions against a same sex partner filing to adopt the other partner’s child

As stated, two people, who are BIOLOGICALLY MEN, didn't produce a child. This had to be planned on some level. Since they just didn't happen to pick up a child like a 2 liter soda at the store, how can they say that they experienced anything like "surprise" that the baby was or is a girl??? Did they not check with the real WOMAN who carried the baby for 9 months as to the gender of the child in the HER WOMB?

Being that the law is what it is, it may be a safe assumption that only ONE of them (Allen or Burgess) adopted or otherwise paid for the child. (I wonder will the REAL mother ever speak up, or has she been paid to forever be quiet and just go away?) If one them (Allen or Burgess) already claims to be a woman, (and I can't tell which one that is) then that one, can't be a dad even if he were single. The best he can be is a "male figure" who wants to be a female. So once again, this baby is being introduced to another lie.     

Don't even try to normalize this mess in the context of the church for it is UTTER CONFUSION!!!!! There is lie on top of lie and a precious child in the middle and the expectation is for noone to say anything and all to simply show "love"in the name of "Christianity"? Well, who loves this baby enough to point out that these grown, stank behind people are wrong???? Who loves her enough to say, this mess has to and must stop? 

My Prayer....

I pray that this little girl grows to be a mighty and strong advocate for the word of God and stands firm AGAINST the homosexual confusion that her "pretend dads" and apostate church embraces. Like all the other children coming up through that ministry because of deluded parents who continue to be deceived, I pray that her mind and spirit is protected from all further ungodliness and perversion of the flesh such as what this "minister" and church sets forth and what apostate minds such as these endorse in this day we call the "modern age" or modern era.

This is ridiculously sick from the standpoint of all the lies that it takes to make this have some kind of "appearance" of normalcy and because of the brain washing and emotional and spiritual confusion that this baby is already subject to. May the Lord have mercy upon her and the very best of blessings, and may that blessing begin by helping those closest to her denounce their sins, repent of their evil and come back to God and make a stand for righteousness.

IN JESUS NAME I pray!
Amen!!!!!!

Blessed! 

Read more!

Do You Know What Worship & Reverence Really Is?

There are more than a few comments that have been made in light of the Bishop Jackson ordination controversy. Though I have addressed other aspects of the issue in the previous post, another one of the criticisms is that the Bishop's laying prostrate on the floor was and ungodly act because it was a form of male emaciation, Roman Catholicism or Masonic in origin.

Statements like that not only show a hatred for Catholics, (which I believe is ungodly in and of itself, certainly non-Christian) but also ignorance of scriptures and the act of worship. Simply stated, worship didn't begin neither will it end with the Catholic church, and it is certainly not defined by Masonry and is not an emaciation of men or males. So there needs to be a disconnection between these issues and I believe obscurity exists because the devil is a deceiver and men are more open to being deceived now like never before.  

What Does Worship In Spirit & Truth Look Like?

The bible commands that the requirement for worship is that it must be in Spirit and in Truth.

John 4:24 ~ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

First of all, worship begins in the heart and mind of the individual. That worship must be directed at the ONE who is the TRUTH and that is God himself. The key to this is that worship actually begins long before it can be seen. However, there are things we can do to symbolize our worship and reverence towards God that God respects, honors and encourages. Some of those things outlined in the bible include, raising and clapping one's hands, yelling or shouting, speaking well of HIM and praising his name, dancing and singing, meditating, studying, praying, fasting and the list goes on and on.  

Laying prostrate on the floor as an act or reverence, devotion, yielding and honor is in solid biblical order as well. This is also an act of the deepest humility. Here are just a few scriptures in support of my assertion:

Lev. 9:24 ~ And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

Matt. 2:11 ~ And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Isa. 66:23~ And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. (Many modern translations say "BOW DOWN")

Ps. 95:6 ~ O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. (What does bowing down begin with? KNEELING, bending and lowering one's self...)

Micah 6:6~ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

Rev. 4:10-11 ~ 10-The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11-Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created

Rev. 7:11 ~And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Falling on one's face was an act, one of the most high acts of reverence:

Num. 16:45 ~ Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces

1 Kings 18:39 ~ And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.

1 Chron 21:16 ~ And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

In addition to all of this, in 2 Chronicles 5 we note the the Priests "could not stand" in the presence of the Lord because the glory of the Lord was so strong. In Chapter 1 the Prophet Ezekiel saw the Lord and the heavenly host, couldn't stand on his feet and recorded the following in Ch.1:28:

"As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake." 

As we can see, one of the most solidly affirmed biblical practices is that of falling on one's face, bowing down to God or kneeling in utter humility and submission. 

The Fast Food Christian Generation

Now, this is a "fast food" generation and though it (by way of Christian believers) quote all kinds of scripture to make all kinds of points, I have wondered does this generation really know or have an experience of any  kind with God? We now believe in "fast food" Christianity, which includes the  "God understands me" type living and lifestyle, that simply says what it says, does what it does and claims that "God loves me anyhow"....We live in the generation of them that can tell you a thing or two, but when confronted with the truth and error of their ways, runs to the hills and every mountain for safety and security and agreement. Paul wasn't wrong, this is what they do even under the "guise" of Christian truth:

2 Timothy 4:3 ~For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Well...THESE are the times!!!!!!

Lack Of Personal Experience With God 

This may be offensive to some, of that I am sure, but the problem is, as I see it, a serious lack of any personal experience with the true and living God. 

Judges 2:10 ~ And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

This new generation. has relegated truth and truth seeking to radio blurbs, TV personalities, internet expostulation, blogs, daily rants on Facebook, Tumbler and even Tweets.  Personal experience and reverential worship to God are things of antiquity, lore or folklore. The movement of God and the people to really be responsive to God in public worship has been reduced to "casting out devils" (because many of the same critics can only find devils in the church and believe that everyone but THEM has one...go figure!) and various types of "healings" that many times only they and their adherents attest to or confirm. 

See, I have had my experience in a very real and personal way. I KNOW and have experienced and seen the healing power of God. I have PERSONALLY seen and peered into spiritual things undefined by natural realm or natural processes. So I KNOW beyond scripture that God exists and the scriptures are real. I have been there for myself and given my life to the pursuit of that ever ongoing and real TRUTH. 

Laying prostrate on the floor is an ordinary and even necessary experience for me. When I see a Catholics do it, it is only something that I pray that is blessing them and something by which they receive from God. To demonstrate this form of humility before God blesses me. So far as the rest, (as it pertains to the ordination) our scriptural opinion is clear, but the profane in no way overshadows the HOLY nor the HOLY God we serve. Thank God for that!  

My question to you is, have you been there or do you go?

Blessed!

Read more!

Masonic Ritual, Full Body Covering Or Simply Spiritual Error?

Much attention has been given to this video of Bishop Wayne T Jackson of Great Faith Ministries of Detroit,  consecrating 2 gentlemen to the office of Bishop. As you will note, during the ceremony, Bishop Jackson not only covers up the 2 men in effort to simulate burial, but also lays on the men in prayer in effort to symbolize the men being raised with a new spirit or empowerment for their office. Although it is being removed as rapidly as possible due to much internet chatter on the subject, here is the video:


Bishop climbs onto of men during ceremony part 1 by expozethismess

First, The Error

This is certainly in error. The problem I have is not only that the ceremony is out of order as biblically, we don't see anyone laying on top of another in order to consecrate them to office. Although we do observe within scripture where a prophet (Elisha) laid on a dead person and the young boy was healed, 

2 Kings 4:32-35 ~ 32-And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. 33-He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. 34-And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. 35-Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

Then there is Paul himself that laid on an individual to speak life into his body when he fell dead in a Christian gathering:

Acts 20: 9-12 ~ 9-And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. 10-And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. 11-When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. 12-And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

  

We do not see any association of this type with installation into office or anything similar. 

No one is dead in this scenario, and therefore any biblical example of death and resurrection is misapplied. Of all things, the minister is not a "dead" individual. The scripture says he (the minister) is a "flaming fire" (Ps. 104:4). This represents one who is live and lively and ready for God's use. So at the very least, this is not a representation of one who is "dead" at least in the service of the Lord. So, there is gross error in the representation and the enigma of a minister dying in God's service, yet alone of one laying on another in the service of the Lord.  That type of representation is more akin to baalism than anything else. 

Here are the scriptures dealing with consecration and whether physically or figuratively, 'HANDS" not bodies were supposed to be laid upon the individual to encourage him into office.

1 Timothy 4:14 ~ Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Timothy 1:6 ~ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Second, The Danger Of Christian "Blossip"

Since we can readily see that Bishop Jackson erred, or at the very least, needs space to tell why he did what he did from a biblical standpoint, the greater problem I have is that the Christian community has arisen in the promotion of what only amounts to GOSSIP by saying that this ceremony is wrong because it resembles a Catholic, Masonic or Buddhist rite. Then some are saying that the Bishop was performing a homosexual act. Are you serious????

The fact is that there is NO EVIDENCE that it resembles either of these accusations and what evidence that does exist is spurious and based on conjecture to say the least.  

Listen, this event is wrong simply because it IS WRONG, not because it represents being gay, or because it is Masonic, Catholic or Buddhist. It is simply out of biblical order, wrong and scripturally unsupportable. That is the answer that the church dedicated to truth should give. 

Third, The Error Filled "Christian" Defense

I can't conclude this without further pointing out that some have arisen to give an apologetic for this act. According to our friends at GCMWatch.com, one named Bishop Corletta J. Vaughn has arisen to say that what the Bishop was doing was preforming what is called a "a full body covering" in effort to "empower" and strengthen the minister into the service of his new office as Bishop. Although she would not allow this practice to be done to her, when she was consecrated (for obvious reasons) she defends the right of the officials or person consecrating. Her statements: 

Bishop Corletta J. Vaughn

"I don’t know if Bishop Jackson’s Consecration service is available, but if you were to see how he was ordained you would understand what is happening on this video. PLEASE do not disrespect the procedure or this Man of God; nor the men who received this new level of leadership. Pageantry is honorable!”... 

When I was consecrated as a Bishop (this is controversial too) My Chief Presider did NOT lay on me! I was asked if that’s the format I wanted and I said NO. Obviously these men agreed and said yes. Its their experience and their elevation. I have NOTHING to say about it being right or wrong.” 

As stated, in my opinion, that is just as much in error as anything else. Any "disrespect" has been demonstrated by the act and actions themselves. This is not a biblically centered ceremony. It is clearly not the fault of the onlooker that these things occurred, so they should not be blamed for assessing what they see. In addition the Bishop refers to "pageantry" of the consecration event being honorable. Where is that written? In some handbook for consecration or in the bible itself? Pageantry, although not evil in and of itself,  is certainly NOT a Christian or biblically centered moral value. That is a humanistically inspired value that has no or at best very little, place in spiritual things.  So it is hard to get a grip on the defense  of the Bishop regarding these things. 

Conclusion

We need not invoke the Masons or some kind of secret rite or ritual to know that Bishop Jackson was in error. The fact is that there is no history of this type of event among Christians. It is not a Catholic ceremony as Catholics don't jump on people on the floor.  Masons that have been consulted, don't find any resemblance to any ritual that they perform and Lord knows about Buddhism. 

So far as the death and burial aspects of this, as Christians we perform baptisms all the time without the inference that we are practicing a Masonic or Buddhist rite. In fact Baptism is representative of the life, death, burial and resurrection to new life that the Christian experiences. So to say that a death and resurrection rite is Masonic is plain old silly. 

If we are critical, at least let us be critical based on TRUTH...not BLOSSIP and GOSSIP. In my efforts of blogging, I can say that I have tried to make sure that every thing that is presented here is indeed fact or is supportable with some credible evidence and most of that is witnessed by more than just myself. My opinions are just that and everyone, including myself, is entitled to them, however, even for that one should usually have some support for as well. 

I would hope that as believers, we could rise to the point that we look for the truth of an issue rather than for a worldly parallel to make a point or an example and all kinds of misstatements of fact. There is no need for false facts. The only thing necessary is factual truths.

John 8:32 ~ And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Blessed!

Read:
Bishop Wayne T. Jackson Response

Read more!

Will You Be A 24%(er) in 2013?

Heb. 10:25 ~ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

In late 2012 The PEW Research Center set forth information regarding church attendance in the United States that suggested that approximately 79 % of Americans claimed that they identified with an "organized" church or religious group, while 45% said they attended service regularly. Quite naturally this lead to the conclusion that most folk, which identify with organized religion, were also church attendees.

In an October 2012 NPR report, science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, took a look at the data and the assumptions drawn from the PEW report. What he found was that there was a difference between what people "say" about their religion and organizations of faith than what they actually do regarding their faith. More specifically, Mr. Vedantam, pointed out that questions regarding religious affiliation usually shift from what one actually does by way of attendance and physical support, toward what one "feels" about their preferred group. In other words, most people feel strongly and have a preferred group of faith, but at the same time, not everyone attends or supports their preferred group with their presence.

The Time Diary Method 

Columbo: Surely, that wasn't you at the golf course because you  were at church the the morning of July 15th 2012 at 11:00 AM...Right?

The "time diary method" is a method of questioning that asks individuals to recount their exact whereabouts at a particular time and moment. Similar to how Detective Columbo (Peter Faulk- for those of us who still remember his screen genius) in a seemingly dumbfounded moment, asked the last question while exiting, to let the criminal affirm what he already knew. In this case, the "time diary method" allowed those that say they support a church an opportunity to expose themselves to through their own actions by following when and how often they actually attended a service with their personal presence.  

This difference in Vendatam's questioning led to the conclusion that on average, only about 24% of all of them that say that they support a certain faith were actually in attendance or physically in support of their church the previous week. In other words some are saying that they believe or in this case, have a church, but are not regular attendees. 

Read more!

Sandy Hook, Free Will & Tragedy. What Is The Relationship?

Since the unfortunate murders of over 26 fellow Americans in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the question has been posed over and over, why God did not stop the killer from killing innocent children and professionals taking care of them? 

We have to acknowledge that this is a valid sentiment and one that makes sense from a human standpoint. However, we also must acknowledge that we may never know many of life's mysteries but because we don't know something doesn't mean that there is no valid reason for it. 

The Character, Nature & The Existence Of God Called Into Question

The questions that we hear regarding the Sandy Hook tragedy are age old. It is simply the Problem of Evil or what is called The Epicurean Paradox. Here is a version of it, applicable to this discourse: 

• If God is anything, he must be all powerful and have the ability to do anything including prevent tragedy. 
• If he is God he certainly he could have stopped the gunman, by either saving him then and there on the spot, striking him dead beforehand or even causing his gun to jam or any number of things that would have prevented him from doing what he did BEFORE the killing rampage. 

The final part to this thought is that 

• If God is indifferent, he is not good and therefore not God, or 
• If he is powerless to prevent tragedy, he is not God as he would not be all powerful. 

The deduction here is that God simply doesn't exist. Although the first premise is flawed and invalidates all the others parts to the paradox, I believe that this is one of the primary arguments being levied as it pertains to God and religion in the Sandy Hook case or experience.  

What Can Be Said?

Many things...In reality, I know some people who are saved today because God stopped or redirected a 

Read more!

A "National Conversation" ..."We Can Do Better Than This"

Our hearts of sincere prayer, love and respect go out to all of the families whose children and loved one's were victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school slayings. We are praying for the community and extended family as well. As a parent of 2 children and as one intimately involved in the public school system trying to make it better for all children, my heart is overwhelmed, but we are in expectation of a blessing of comfort from and out of all the pain. 

Last Friday 12/14/2012 morning, a demon possessed man entered a lower grade elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut with the intent on killing as many children and school personnel as he possibly could. Although it was a cowardly act, unfortunately he was successful in taking 26 bright and beautiful lives out of our midst before even more cowardly turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. Authorities are yet searching for answers or the "reason" why a man could do this, especially to children and those otherwise defenseless individuals. In all 20 beautiful children and 6 adults charged with caring for the children lost their lives. It appears that the murderer began by taking his own mother's life before embarking on a killing spree that will always be known as one of the nations worst. Needless to say, countless others and even a whole nation are directly effected by these events. 

The "National Conversation"

These events have sparked a new buzz word among media professionals. It is called the "National Conversation" Using this phrase, and an agenda focused on laws and cultural standards, all kinds of individuals and institutions claim to be framing what America should talk about in light of this tragedy. 

In the effort to come to an answer that can be understood, some have claimed that:

1- We need tighter gun control laws & screening procedures. 

2- We need better funding and services for mental health recipients.

3- We need more and better security at our schools.

I'll add this one...

4- We need more MEN in the school educating our children. (The presence of men itself is good for children and could be a deterrent to illegal activity by itself. It seems that there is currently no national conversation regarding this one, at least as it pertains to this issue.)  

While all of these things may be true, and certainly notable, what, if anything will any of these things do to remove the evil from the hearts of those who think to commit such atrocities? We should also ask, are these things the only things that should be talked about in light of these events?

Read more!

The Freedom & Progression Of Pentecostalism

Dr. Dale T. Irvin, President NYTS
Supt. Harvey Burnett

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) to discuss a number of important issues and educational matters. I also had the opportunity to sit in on and provide input in the Global Pentecostalism class conducted by NYTS President Dr. Dale T. Irvin, Professor Of World Christianity.

I would first like to say that I appreciate NYTS and have become their new fan. Not only is the NYTS staff dedicated to education, they are also dedicated to the mission of Christ and the expansion of Christ's Kingdom aka: the salvation of souls. As I observed on my visit, NY is a ripe and fertile ground for the proliferation of the gospel and the preaching of Christ. So I commend NYTS for their dedication, efforts, and service and pray continued blessings upon them. 

In the Global Pentecostalism class, Dr. Irvin has taken the time to meticulously outline the growth of the Pentecostal movement, not only in America, but around the world, by referencing such works such as "Black Fire: One Hundred Years Of Africa American Pentecostalism" by Estrelda Y. Alexander (InterVarsity Press 2011) and "The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh: Pentecostalism and the Possibility of Global Theology" by Amos Yong (Baker Academic 2005). Dr. Irvin points out that Pentecostalism was not simply a product of the early 1900's Asuza St. Revival, but it was a phenomena that embraced the world through various spiritual events and what became known as organizations even tracing it's biblical roots back to Acts 2 which states in verse 4: 

 v. 4 ~ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Tongues 

Pentecostalism is the fastest growing Christian movement in the world. In shortly over a 100 year span, the number of adherents to Pentecostalism and Pentecostal doctrines, has nearly eclipsed the growth of every major Christian denomination. Though, from a biblical standpoint, there were other elements of the

Read more!

Women In Ministry & Sexism Within The Christian Church Pt. 2

New ~ Women In The Leadership/Ministry PDF 7 Primary Arguments In Favor ~ New

As a result of the original article on the subject entitled "Women In Ministry & Sexism Within The Christian Church" I was able to enter into a discussion/debate with Pastor Saiko Woods on a bolgtalk radio segment called His Word His Way. The entire segment is listed below for your review.

In part of the show, the host implored the use of  1 Tim 3, which many believe is the strongest argument in support of "men only" in church leadership within the corporate and organized Christian church.

Here is the scripture:

1 Timothy 3:1-7 ~ 1-This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2-A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3-Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4-One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5-(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6-Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7-Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

I have noted (darkened) all the references using male gender specific words. The host basically pointed out that statements such as those in bold above are the key to this argument, and provides, based on grammatical construction, solid evidence that women were excluded from leadership ministry. He also pointed out that the word "Bishop" primarily could mean elder, pastor, or overseer. Therefore,  his conclusion was that women certainly could not pastor or lead in any capacity and to do so was not only spiritual deceit, but also ultimately a sin.

Is This True & Does 1 Tim. 3:1-7 Make The Case For Male Only Leadership In Ministry & Within The Christian Church? 

Quite naturally, when one reads and if all one relies upon are how we use pronouns such as "he" and statements such as "husband of one wife" the case seems to have a punch solidifying the thought  that only MEN or individuals of the male gender are allowed in these type of positions. It sounds good, even appears to be true upon superficial review, but what we actually note from scripture may set the notion that woman are excluded from leadership ministry on it's head.

Read more!

COGIC Issues Pt. 4..."A Man's Church And A Man's World"

I hope and trust that all the Saints of God and readers of this blog had a happy and joyous Thanksgiving and are having a happy and joyous Holiday season.Yes, we all have so much to be thankful for and I am thankful for the service you render to God and your continued prayers!

Sometimes our plans for ministry are altered or changed from the very beginning. There are many things that we don't start off wanting or desiring to do. (step up Jonah and testify) It is always much more easy to comply with the will of men, some of whom are convinced that they hold the key to the personal and spiritual success of others. From a biblical standpoint, we should be reminded that only God grants favor and only he promotes, sets down and raises up, and that is ONLY according to HIS purpose and will as HE deems fit.  

With those things noted, still at times, we are thrust into situations according to God given and God directed convictions on issues. Many of us recognize this constraint toward truth and the fulfillment of purpose as the "calling of God". 

The Call Within The Call

1 Cor. 7: 20-24 ~ 20-Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21-Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22-For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23-Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24-Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

Desiring for individuals to be healed from the dreadful pain and disease of clergy and church related sexual abuse is no less than a calling of God for me. Focusing on the healing of those who have suffered and been victimized as a result of church related and clergy sexual abuse is nothing that I set out to do or accomplish when I acknowledged the call of God in my life some almost 27 years ago. 

Read more!

Is COGIC A "Safe Place" & The 2012 Press Conference

(If YOU or someone you know has been victimized, call I Am My Brother's Keeper (IMBKCAC) or email us at Imbkcac@gmail.com. All  inquiries are CONFIDENTIAL)

Many of our readers know that I conducted a Press Conference on Clergy sexual abuse and victims advocacy at the 2012 Holy Convocation. At least I scheduled a press conference and did manage to do an interview which I will post shortly. In a minute I'll tell you the results of that press conference and what transpired. Until then enjoy this snippet of a message from our Presiding Bishop's address on Official Day.

Now, that certainly sounded like a great message. "I believe that children are the future" sounds so familiar...In fact this is the part of that snippet that especially caught my attention:

"The church has got to be a safety zone for our children. If you are a pedophile, if you are a child molester  if you are a child abuser, if you are determined to pursue sexual misconduct, then either get right or get out!"

Didn't that sound good???

If What He Said Is True, Then Please Tell Me Why...

As I stated in a Press Release regarding COGIC's absentee victims advocacy policy, that I made shortly before the Presidential election, I was on my way to STL to ask church leaders, and the candidates (over 23 of them for the General Board) to undertake the issues of victims advocacy, which is an area that this Grand Ole Church has yet to touch...In other words, the children and adults that suffer from sexual abuse and church or clergy misconduct have NO ONE inside the church or associated with it in any way to help readjust their lives whether spiritually or emotionally and the church does NOTHING to help a victim heal from the atrocity that they have suffered. In many cases they are stepping in to clear themselves of liability or paying settlement funds, but there is nothing in place resembling a victims advocacy plan and neither is there anything considered in spite of my efforts to bring the focus to the issue.

Victim's Advocacy IS NOT A Zero Tolerance Policy. OK, do I have to say once again that a a zero tolerance policy against clergy sexual misconduct and screening of pastors and leaders IS NOT a victims advocacy policy???? It seems like I have to consistently say this especially to people who should know the difference. A "zero tolerance policy" is certainly a step in the right direction, but it is NOT a victims advocacy policy. Do we really not understand the difference between the two? I only ask because most every one I speak to in leadership, either doesn't know the difference or wants me to believe that they don't know the difference. As I tell my kids, "I can't call it", but what I do know is that is the case....That is a sad case, but it is true.

Contacting The Presiding Bishop

Well, out of honor and respect, even though my 2009 proposal faxed to Bishop Blake and the then General Board went unacknowledged, I tried once again to engage our Presiding Bishop by contacting him through his personal assistant by email in STL the night before the conference was to take place seeking to establish a partnership with him seeking to work together in addressing this very important and serious issue. My tone was positive reserving the right to speak truth.

Here is the part that should be of special interest to every person who is a member of COGIC and otherwise, that has received misinformation and LIES regarding my efforts; this is what I said to the Bishop in a letter to him:

"So that you will know, unlike some of my friends and associates, I am not willing to bash our church. However, I am willing to tell the truth in effort that we can come to greater and higher accountability and implement programs in favor of those who have suffered the greatest among our ranks."

One can read the full email letter that I sent to Bishop Blake and  that he received, by clicking HERE.

What Happened?

Well, the Press conference was delayed due to my late arrival. (about 30 minutes ) Clearly this was not a COGIC press session...COGIC did not call it at all. I,  through I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council,  called the conference and media inquiry, complete with our phone number and email for clarification, questions or concerns.

Unfortunately, some media asked COGIC about the Press Conference. When that happened, COGIC press core evidently had been instructed to inform the media that the press conference, which they had nothing to do with, had been cancelled....WHAAAAAT???? CANCELLED????

This is the interview with Erin Williams of STL. Public Radio regarding the issue. 

Who instructed COGIC Press Core and staff to tell the media that a press conference that I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council had called regarding clergy sexual abuse and the lack of a victims advocacy policy within the Church Of God In Christ, had been cancelled??? Better yet, why would COGIC officials evidently  INSTRUCT the press core officials to tell the media that a press conference,  which implicitly and explicitly deals with the safety of CHILDREN and adults that suffer from church related abuse, had been cancelled???

Is the church really a "safety zone"? Then why are the voices calling for the safety of individuals through advocacy  SILENCED?Why is there obfuscation on the issue???

Now, before one begins to shout and say that "the Lord confused the enemy", which is invariably a certain statement of ignorance and scriptural illiteracy as it pertains to this issue, one should ask, who is the enemy???...Is the enemy the one stifling the victims that have been abused and suffering life changing atrocities, or is the enemy those who speak up for the victims trying to find a way to make their lives better???

The Rest Of The Story

The reason I am taking time to explain this is because many people, and I say many people were praying for this event and praying for some acknowledgement from COGIC over the plight of victims of this type of ungodly abuse at the hand of COGIC personnel. I certainly appreciate all the prayers and support I received for this, but we're not through yet...

Once I saw where this was going I did two things in response. First, I held the Press Conference anyway. 

The full text of what I said in a prepared statement can be found by clicking HERE.

Of course, this was to the dismay of some reporters who contacted my office, complaining that there was no press conference after the fact. When I explained the situation, they (members of the press) finally understood that they should have read and followed the instructions in the release, because none of the press realized that they were entering into the COGIC landmine of obfuscation and excuses for poor service and misdirection...and Yes, I did endorse this message....

The Search

Secondly, along with my my personal assistant who witnessed the entire series of events, I went to the administrative offices to speak with Bishop Blake and Bishop Enoch Perry. After finding their section of St. Louis, I made it known clearly who I was and that I would await for them to meet me, as I desired to speak with them, and had heard that at least Bishop Enoch desired the same. After a brief wait, we were told that they were unavailable due to meetings and that they couldn't speak...Not even their assistants were available to speak with us. 

I thought that funny because only two weeks prior Enoch Perry himself had spoken to my Bishop, Bishop Robert Sanders of Illinois Third, asking him all kinds of questions about me, even having my report payment history in front of him. Go for the MONEY....It seemed that now that I was in his presence, neither he nor any of our Presiding Bishop's assistants could meet with me or discuss any issues of exactly why I was doing what I was doing or even ask any questions pertaining to it at all. 

For The Critic: 

Invariably, there are corporate lovers, and cronies that will see the corporation of COGIC right no matter what is done. That's OK, I am not trying to prove it wrong as a corporation. What I am saying is that there is far too much lip service given to the issues and no impetus placed on those who have lost and had their world turned upside down due to the sins of some, deemed charlatans. 

2012 COGIC Presiding Bishop
& General Board

Why am I talking about the church and officials like this? First, because it is 100% TRUE. Secondly, because it is horrific for our leaders to chase financial improprieties as they do, making those situations high priority looking to find dollars that they think are lost,  while at the same time making very little time for anyone that solely wants to address the value of human life and assist in addressing the plight of victims who have been hurt due to these type of clergy sins and abusive situations...

The question is how can anyone contend that serving victims as we do with utter silence and distribution of checks under the right circumstance is Godly service or according to a biblical mandate? How can the church continue to roll on without a victims advocacy simply because the impression is that this would mean admission of guilt and potentially cost the church more money....

OK, if it costs the church $800,000 per claim of sexual impropriety according to the statements of our Presiding Bishop in the COGIC General Assembly record, and we can trace the loss of jurisdictions, property, not to mention the disheartening of countless souls, how can we simply get by....Let me ask this:

If Penn State University COULD NOT get by, because, in essence, it did not handle victims properly, how can the Church Of God In Christ feel that it will get by if it continues to fall derelict in serving the spiritual needs of those among us who have been damaged by clergy and church abuse? How can we escape if we don;t provide a tangible and real way to help them? Are the new and reappointed General Board members of this church ready to deal with this issue? One thing is for sure...the issue is NOT going away!!!!!

Blessed!

Read more!