The Value Of A Good Lineage & Succession

“Far be it from me to speak adversely of any of these clergy who, in succession from the apostles, confect by their sacred word the Body of Christ and through whose efforts also it is that we are Christians”
~ JEROME (Letters 14:8 [A.D. 396]).

The early church valued what came to be known as "Apostolic Succession". In other words it was important to know not only what was being said, but who was saying it.  Who a leader studied under or what they had received from leadership during the process was important. 

Upon reflection, although I did not have a natural or paternal father that was saved, nor a step-father who was saved, however God gave me a whole host of replacements that have contributed to me both spiritually and naturally and that have not only helped shape me in ministry, but also in Christian character. 

It is these men who have given me a "charge", similar to the one Paul gave Timothy. 

Although I consider myself to still be learning, I am glad that over the years, I have had some pretty influential individuals speak into my life who have a clear line of decendency in Christian circles. 

Like Elisha, I am saddened because my "father's" have departed and seemingly left me...BUT God through them and in other even more direct ways has equipped me for this journey and the duties that he wants me to accomplish. 

Although I am certainly not alone, I am happy for the path that God has taken me and who knows, but God, what the future holds and where it may lead. one thing is certain, there is a sure purpose to all things and I am glad to be in the middle of it!

Truly BLESSED!!!!

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Bishop Robert Sanders IL. 3rd COGIC ~ LYA

Regrettably, I must stop to say farewell to a Spiritual Father, not to mention one of the greatest gospel preachers I have ever known, to whom I am indeed grateful to have served with here on earth.

My service to God through this Bishop and the church extends back some 29 years to a time when he was known as Superintendent Sanders and I as Elder Burnett. We've seen the best of days and the worst of days together. Having honest and open conversation about the church, scandal, personal failure, personal victory, and most of all the word of God and the power of God which is able to heal and make alive. 

Bishop Sanders, as you already knew, I Love You Always!

I am praying for the hearts and minds of the family, all my sisters and brothers, and all of the Saints of Il. 3rd Jurisdiction COGIC. On earth, we are indeed at a loss. Rest well around the throne Bishop, we will have a real reunion soon!

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A Special Tribute "Save A Seat For Me!"

The Dunamis Word and the Pastor and members of the New Bethel Church of God In Christ of Peoria, IL. and the Bethel Epiphany Church Of God In Christ of Detroit, MI. pay a very special tribute to an extraordinarily great woman of God. Mother Earlean Cross-Sanders (August 13, 1939 ~ April 1, 2009), wife of Bishop Robert R. Sanders of Illinois 3rd Jurisdiction Church Of God In Christ, went home to be with the Lord on April 1, 2009. Mother Sanders served faithfully in her multiple duties as Servant of God, Spouse, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Teacher, Friend and Example for all Saints within the body of Christ. Mother Sanders' transition to her new abode makes us realize what we yet wait in earnest to experience.

It is really no surprise that this was a great woman of God, having been born to an outstanding family that labored in the Lord. Her parents, Bishop Moses Cross, Sr. & Mother Priscilla Cross, laid a great foundation for Mother Sanders and their other children. As a result, Mother Sanders was saved at the age of 12. Mother Sanders was a beautiful and exemplary woman of God. She was a blessing to women in Illinois and all over the nation. Mother Sanders stood by her husband in marriage just shy of 50 years (since 4/4/1959). She helped to diligently raise 5 children (Robert II, Dehlia, Tereasa Elaine, Terry, and Rosalind) She ministered to the needs of Saints wherever and whenever opportunities arose for her to do so. Mother Sanders' outward beauty was only eclipsed by her inward beauty and light of the Lord within her life. Her accepting smile and love will be greatly missed as we move foreward in the work that Christ has, by his grace, left us here to do.

Final Thought:

At the homegoing celebration of Mother Sanders, held at All Nations COGIC Joliet, IL. on April 9th 2009, Dr. Marilyn Cross, our Jurisdictional Supervisor and wife of Mother Sanders' brother Supt. Arthur Cross, reminded the women of 3rd Jurisdiction that just as Mother Sanders carried forward the legacy left to her by her Mother (Mother Priscilla Cross) we all have a responsibility to carry on the work that Mother Sanders left with us in mentoring and teaching the next generations in our homes and in the ministry. Mother Jean Booker (spouse of Bishop Ocie Booker ~Illinois 1st Jurisdiction Church Of God In Christ) was called to represent the National Bishop Wives Circle in a special tribute to Mother Sanders. In what I considered to be a highlight of the service, Mother Booker explained how she and Mother Sanders would often talk about their plans at National and International church functions and would always conclude their conversations by encouraging one another to "Save A Seat" just in case they didn't see each other right away. She explained that although they didn't have that final conversation before Mother Sanders transitioned, she knew that Mother Sanders automatically knows to do her best to "Save A Seat" for her.

As I thought on these things, I thought of the greatness of glory that Mother is experiencing at this very moment. I simply wish to say, thank you Mother Sanders for setting a wonderful, great and biblical example for all to follow. Thank you for showing that the trials of Pastoral ministry are not an inhibitor to a strong family and beautiful children. Thank you because the people of God, myself and my spouse included, have been blessed by your mere presence. I join Mother Booker in saying "Save A Seat For Me Too!"

With Love, Respect & All Humility

Supt. H. Burnett

Blessed!

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Exposing DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

1 Timothy 4:1-2 ~ "1- Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2- Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Please See my Study On Homosexuality & The New Testament For Additional Information

Invariably, some will read this title and think that I am calling people related to this topic devils. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am merely stating that the following scriptural interpretations are inspired by the "Prince of Darkness" or the devil himself. Therefore this is his doctrine spreading as if it were truth of the Word of God.

Recently I was made aware of a certain conversation in which a "supposed" COGIC Elder set forth an unscriptural argument and dropped a few names in effort to give himself credibility in his statements. Here is an excerpt taken from that particular web site conversation:

"I am HAPPILY married to the very happy & satisfied Evangelist Katherine Woods; we have three very bright children and lead a much fulfilled life. I am also an ordained Elder, anointed by our late Presiding Bishop, Bishop Louis Henry Ford. Not all Elders in our great churchare bigots, that believe those who are different than us are bound to hell. Now that you've been invalidated concerning my personal affairs, allow me to continue.

David, the great psalmist and writer who was "after God's own heart" was a homosexual.Allow me to present two scriptures as spiritual backing and to interpret into modernity.

"And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." I Samuel 18:1-3

AND

"I am distressed for thee my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." II Samuel 1:19-27

"…what MAN do you love more than you love your wife? What man do you have so close to your heart that the love for a woman is overshadowed by that of a man? Presuming you have noman in your life that you love more than your wife (if you're married, kind sir)…., Is there a Man you know that is married, (knit to a woman) yet loves a man more? Of course not! Because David loved Jonathan with all he had. David and Jonathan were homosexuals. Discredit me scripturally, or shut up and save the personal attacks for someone who's inept.How many psalmists, artists, musicians, and artistic individuals do you know who practice homosexuality? What's your reasoning…Oh wait, allow me to assume (as you have) what your response might be…you're probably saying "THAT OLD DEVIL JUST PICKS ON THE ARTSY FOLK" huh? I think not. The next time you want to rebut in a way that is as disrespectful as you did, please come with evidence and not just attack. You give me so much fuel to continue my quest in educating the saints of their sons and daughters who happen to be same-gender loving."

I'm sure your next rebuttal will be full of Greek and Hebrew which you have no real interpretation of. However, please note that I am well versed in both. Medicine isn't the only thing I've studied; I also happen to be an Elder who was taught to study the scripturefor its full intent and not for what has been taught through our ignorance of scripture.

Either way, I'm ready.

Dr. Elijah Woods, M.D

First, I would like to say that this gentleman also left his phone number on the message board which HAS NOT checked out. In fact I personally called the number to the hospital that he left and there was no current record of him. He could have been an employee in December of 2007 when this message was made but he IS NOT there now.

In addition I have spoken with Bishop Robert Sanders of Illinois Third Jurisdiction COGIC concerning the identity of this gentleman. Bishop Sanders was previously one of Bishop L.H. Ford’s (Pictured Right) Administrative Assistants and Security Chief in Illinois 1st Jurisdiction. Bishop Sanders has traveled extensively with Bishop L.H. Ford and was familiar with most individuals that Bishop Ford Ordained especially late in his ministry. Not only that, but he is a long time resident of Chicago, Illinois and knows most of the COGIC Elders there. Although the name sounded familiar he could not connect a face.

Further Bishop Sanders suggests that this gentleman produce a certificate of Ordination with Bishop Ford’s signature in order to confirm his identity and credibility. Further the Bishop states the following:

"Anyone preaching and using those scriptures or any biblical scriptures as a pretext in favor of homosexuality is not a scholar of any kind and does not represent the Church Of God In Christ with a message as such." Bishop Sanders further stated that, "There is no way that a knowledgeable person could take those scriptures and even suggest what he’s suggesting…He doesn’t know what he’s talking about." ~ Bishop Robert R. Sanders 9/9/08 (Pictured Left)

We have received information that this gentleman (Dr. Elijah Woods) serves under a Bishop in Wisconsin. We are trying to confirm this information.

It is noteable that the message of this poster is irrely similar to the message of Bishop T.D. Jakes regarding the same and similar subject matter. Elder D.L. Foster has done an outstanding job of exposing his fallacious doctrine HERE.

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