The Dirty Man. A Call To Action With Abuse Survivor Queen GerVaise Guyton Pt. 1, 2 & 3

My original post, "The Dirty Man...Is Not Hidden, Can't Stop God & Will Be Judged", featured author Queen GerVaise Sarah Guyton and how she survived sexual abuse at the hands of a predator, still yet in the pulpit in Harvey, IL. 

I would like to say, that it is on record that this man confessed to his deeds, saying that he didn't know what he did was wrong. Although this is hardly believable, it does show the extent and depth to which demons and devils in pulpits across the land will go to perpetuate their sexual perversion and deceive the masses. 

My church, COGIC, has come a long way in requiring Pastor's & various ministerial staff to obtain sexual harassment training and background checks, but still has miles yet to go as it pertains to the creation of a truly Safe Church environment as promoted by I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council, this blog and my personal work in ministry within this church.

To Date The Church Of God In Christ Has
 NO VICTIM'S ADVOCACY
PROGRAM OR PLAN! 

Hearing the experience of Ms. Guyton will open your eyes to the urgency of greater accountability within our church and the Christian church in general, and create a greater sense of urgency for victims advocacy. In my opinion, the predatory crimes of these pulpit criminals is a pandemic of epic proportions within our church and must be addressed. 

Although this is election year, and the church is currently "in prayer" for the success of our Holy Convocation, I sincerely believe that GOD is speaking clearly that we must better protect and serve his little ones and the innocent and those who have suffered amongst us. I really don't care for church politics, especially when I see none willing to make a public and open stand for the innocent and most vulnerable and those who have suffered abuse at the hands of predators that we have licensed at one time or another. 

YES...we're back at it and we're making as much noise as we can.

This post features part 1 and 2 of a recent interview done with Queen GerVaise. May the lord grant you strength and courage to stand along with us and a growing number across the country is saying, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and WE MUST SERVE THE HURTING!

Pt. 1

Pt. 2

Pt. 3

Blessed!

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Sexual Abuse...Still Yet An Issue Within The Church

Most of our readers know that this blog and its contents are strongly positioned against clergy and church related sexual abuse and SINS. If you are new and don't know the issues, or are unaware of the issues, please feel free to click HERE to read some of the past articles I have written over the years and from time to time. 

Let me be clear, my issues are not with church transitions, such as the fiasco currently rumbling within the Grand Ole Church as it pertains to the church of deceased Bishop Hutchins and General Board Member Brandon Porter...in short, other than the spiritual welfare and stability of all them involved, I COULD REALLY CARE LESS. I don't care who takes over or who does what, wins what, is appointed to what, or what the national church is doing during the election process either. None of those issues  "float my boat", although I stop short of saying that any of those issues are unimportant. They are important, just not to me and this blog...and I don't care to waste my or your time on those issues, at least, not at this point. 

What Is A Matter Of Importance???

What matters to me is how churches prevent, handle, and respond to clergy and church related abuse and sexual abuse, and even church related crimes such as those alleged by a former COGIC Pastor (notice, most are always known as "former" when their garbage comes out) Bobby C. Smith whose case will finally hit open air next week. If you didn't know about this case, it is a matter of PUBLIC INFORMATION, here is the video in summary on this case from one of the only current voices I respect exposing these devils. You know him as "Dawson Speaks"

I mean this is SAD!!! Dawson said it all, but after digesting that complete and utter FOOLISHNESS and pathetic self exalted and out of control FREAK-COONERY, I guess maybe we can get back to the point of this article....My Lord, that garbage is like getting stuck in a quick-sand tar pit....

A Second Pandemic?

As a result of the primary pandemic of covid-19, there was a second pandemic of child and female abuse as well. There are a growing number of studies and research being conducted on it but it is notable that sexual abuse and abuse in general within society rose to all time high levels.

According to an April 2020 article at NPR:

                 "By the end of March, with much of the country under lockdown, there was a 22% increase                     in monthly calls from people younger than 18, and half of all incoming contacts were from                     minors. That's a first in RAINN's history, Camille Cooper, the organization's vice president                     of public policy, tells NPR.

                 Of those young people who contacted the hotline in March, 67% identified their perpetrator                     as a family member and 79% said they were currently living with that perpetrator. In 1 out                     of 5 cases where the minor was living with their abuser, RAINN assisted the minor in                             immediately contacting police.

                 "As a result of looking at the information that we had from those sessions, it was clear that                     the abuse was escalating in both frequency and severity," Cooper says. "So a lot of the kids                     that were coming to the hotline were feeling pretty vulnerable and traumatized. And it was                     a direct result of COVID-19, because they were quarantined with their abuser. The abuser                     was now abusing them on a daily basis."

According to the United Nations, violence against women during lockdowns was notable all around the world:

"Across the 13 countries surveyed, 2 in 3 women report that they or a woman they know has experienced violence at some point in their lifetime. Nearly 1 in 2 report direct or indirect experiences of violence since the start of the pandemic. 

The most common form is verbal abuse (50%), followed by sexual harassment (40%), physical abuse (36%), denial of basic needs (35%) and denial of means of communication (30%). Seven in 10 women surveyed believe violence against women is common in their community.

Most women believe that COVID has made things worse. Nearly 7 in 10 women think domestic violence has increased during the pandemic, and 3 in 5 think sexual harassment in public has increased. In many cases, heightened demand for shelters and other forms of support has remained unmet due to operational constraints.

For Romela Islam, the abuse by her husband began long before COVID-19. But it was not until December 2020 that she and her 4-year-old daughter were able to escape. Islam found refuge at a women’s shelter, and the two have begun to build a new life. Reduced shelter capacity, however, means many women have not had this same chance."

While much of this abuse and violence took place within the context of families and isolated groups, the church, even though most went online for services and just threw away any biblical and traditional  design for worship for fear of infection or running afoul of the socialist oriented governmental fearmongering (fyi: New Bethel COGIC NEVER closed)..in all of that, sexual abuse still managed to increase, wives and children still managed to be abused, raped and everything else that displays the sin-sickness of society. 

The question is, how did the church expect to escape the same results or similar increases in ungodly behavior since in nearly every category, including this one, the church mimics society?

Is It A Cover-up Or Just Plain Old Silence?

Since my first article in 2007, which dealt with the absolute embarrassing Freak-Coonery of Junaita Bynum (1 or 2 or whomever she claims to be at present) and Mr. Weeks, with the exception of Dawson, since the disappearance of Eder DL Foster of Witness Freedom Ministries who also started the "Report COGIC Abuse" website (which is no longer a website although information on Elder DL and his actions can be found HERE,) external reports of sexual abuse and clergy misconduct (SIN) that have taken place within COGIC led or affiliated churches have virtually disappeared and vanished from the internet. This is amazing!

Are we to imagine that the church, our church in particularly, which had a case of sexual abuse and pastoral degeneracy on the scene almost every month for a time, is somehow an anomaly and completely free of sexual abuse, pastoral misconduct and other sins? Maybe its a miracle that a church that had, over many years, been confronted with Pastoral sins and abuse, and either excused themselves from more than a few sexual abuse cases, suddenly was healed overnight and now nothing is wrong and everyone healed and made whole???

NO! We know better. If we don't we should. There is simply a tighter lid on things. People are being instructed to be silent and victims still yet being shamed when information is brought forth, so much until others fear to say anything. Fact is that sinful behaviors still and yet exist. 

I never have solicited anyone to contact me or I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council with stories just to have a story. I have never attempted to take my articles to any news organizations or condense contents into a best selling book...although one or two regarding other subjects are on the way...In fact, I have NEVER taken a payment or promise of position for silence on issues or subject matter pertaining to COGIC or any other church, pastor, preacher, teacher or organization...and further will NEVER be engaged in such. 

This is why it is disturbing that if persons such as myself and others don't drive issues, or  bring them up in public, you'll not see issues going anywhere. You'll see business as usual continue as if nothing is wrong. 

Current Actions

Believe me, I love our Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard. He is a very encouraging friend of this ministry and me personally. However, I DID NOT fail to send him a victim's advocacy proposal by parcel delivery shortly after he was inaugurated as our Chief Apostle. As of this writing, I cannot say that I have heard from him regarding my proposal, the information I sent or any other policy regarding this issue, however I cannot say that he is not concerned about the issue as well...I do know this...he is one of the ONLY Bishops in this church that extended his ministry to me, without reservation, when I called upon him some years back regarding unrelated issues. However, the Presiding Bishop is not the King of this church and this is not a "totalitarian church. There are many others, that are aware of these efforts who haven't lifted a hand or finger to assist, promote or develop plans on the issue. I am confident that if this church moves in this area, it will be under his leadership and direction and will move many years into the future to both heal victims and stop church related abuse.  

What Can YOUR Church Do?

Since our initial efforts, the Grand Ole Church has implemented background checks and sexual harassment training and even adopted an impromptu (at that time) written sexual harassment policy (as I found out during a deposition in a pastoral case) While those are at least positive things, there is much more that can and should be done. The good news is that each church does not have to wait for the national church to take positive steps to address the issues. Every Pastoral leader in the country can undertake agenda to make their church a truly SAFE CHURCH environment that will serve and advocate for survivors of sexual abuse.  

First,  I contend and always have believed that the church must first make themselves accountable to teach, and train each congregations on the issue and issues involved. It goes without saying that folk need to be SAVED first, but even in that, many people have been taught wrong views on church leadership, marriage and interaction within the church. For example, a popular bishop in Detroit once taught that a husband and wife shouldn't even kiss, to keep from giving rise to "the flesh". Now, that is a ridiculous sentiment, but how many people may have actually believed and adopted that garbage into their marriages? And how many marriages were exposed to FREAK-COONERY in part because of bad and unwholesome teaching???

Secondly, while this may be embarrassing to some, as a matter of Christian education we cannot function within modern society without knowing this information and the problem. The church must require pastoral and ministry training on issues of sexual abuse on an ongoing basis, and consistently teach leaders and lay-members how to diminish the environmental potential within each church for such sins to occur.  Something as simple as rotating ministry leaders, especially youth leaders, every 6 to 12 months could not only save children from abuse but also save ministries from public embarrassment. Third, setting up internal councils of review and implementing a national victims advocacy (NOT PERP) policy,  and victim focused resolution teams, could allow the church to actually minister to her most venerable and those healing from these sort of sins.

There is a lot more that we must do than have church in every major city, raise money, spend money at hotels, play music and shop, IF our mission and goal is to be like Jesus and HEAL & SAVE The Lost!

This is an issue that is not important until it is you or someone you know at the center of abuse. That is why it is good to lay a foundation now. To set things in order and to do RIGHT before the Lord. No matter how many singers we have, NO SONG washes away the fear, shame and utter helplessness of sexual abuse and church related abuse and misconduct. 

Quick Word: Many of you who have experienced this type of abuse or grooming are too embarrassed to speak up because you don't know how you allowed this to happen. I want you to know, no matter how it happened, it was wrong then and it is wrong now and no matter what, YOU need healing and GOD has healing for you. No minister or church personnel was every authorized by God to abuse and or take advantage of you or your family in any way. There is strength, help, hope and healing and a BALM in GILEAD. Call today (800)730-2990 ext: 802

Blessed!

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Is Your Church Safe Church Certified Against Sexual Abuse?

Start at about 7 Minutes and 20 seconds. 

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IMBKCAC Restoring The Lost & Healing The Broken

Clergy and church related sexual abuse is a devastating plague that according to one insurance company effects over 160 youth per year for over 2 decades. That is over 3,200 youth that have been used, molested or otherwise inappropriately engaged in the context of the church. Where do we go when the institution charged to heal us, becomes defiled and shirks its responsibility and command to love, protect and restore?

I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council exists to bring dignity back to the fight for restoration, justice and the walk of faith. We announce, we're not finished...we've only just begun to fight!  

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"Home-Wrecker" Laws & The Power Of The Innocent Spouse

A question that I have raised in the Jones v Pollard case, is
exactly who is the victim?

Certainly there is a cleric predator, sex addict, preacher, and a manipulated and manipulative woman that have stood up both claiming that they have been treated unjustly. While, from all available evidence, it is clear that the accuser, Ms. Pollard was treated unjustly during her younger and adolescent years, and clearly used as a sex object, by an adult, male pedophile and pervert. What is unclear is the level of abuse that she actually suffered over or during her adult years and just how much she may have contributed toward her condition over that time. Both of them, the abuser and the abused, claim to have been treated unfairly and wrong by one another if noone else. 

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Sexual Abuse Or Sexual Relationship?

For quite some time now, brewing under the surface of the shouting, dancing, ecstatic preaching and speaking in tongues that Holy Ghost filled believers do in the Church Of God in Christ, were questions regarding the accusations against Auxiliary Bishop James L'Keith Jones of Albuquerque, New Mexico and allegations of sexual abuse and clergy sexual misconduct.

 Allegedly, it was Jones who at his then age 29 entered into an illicit relationship (of some kind) with a 15 year old church member Ms. Kimberly Pollard. Supposedly, Jones groomed Ms. Pollard and tainted her mind, sweeping her of her feet, and basically making a sex slave out of her not only at the time, but off and on for the majority of the next 20 years all the while continuing in relationship and fellowship with the church. 

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Is All Sin And Reconciliation Of Sin The Same? Pt. 1

Please allow me to shed light on a particular subject. This is for those who are bible believers. I would say that this is not for the general public in the sense of examining what is right or wrong outside of a biblical context. This article has no regard for governmental legislation on court process in determining truth, right and wrong. So if I may...

The Case

Some have taken to task to say that "all sins are the same" and that there is no sin greater or worse than another. Therefore, we should treat all sin and all sinners the same.

Sentiments such as these are invoked in particularly as it pertains to homosexuality within the church. Some say,

"Since we have adulterers and fornicators in the church and some of them are in position, if there is a homosexual, they are no worse off than some others caught in sexual sin and therefore should be allowed to participate in the church and in church leadership like any other person."

Bishop O C Allen &
1st Gentleman
Rashad Burgess

Because of this, some conclude that to exclude homosexuals from opportunities within the church, such as the opportunity to lead congregations and various aspects of ministry, that such restrictions are no more than an arbitrary standard of men where closeted and even open sexual impurities are rewarded while openly gay men and women are discouraged and held down. In fact, some say that at least the open gay is living their truth and to say that they are worse than anyone else, including those perverts hiding behind the pulpit, is simply hateful and from a secular point of view, discriminatory.

Now, at first glance, this argument and the relevant issues, seem to have some merit. We would have to admit that although the sin of homosexuality has been around for quite some time, we have known adulterers, fornicators and other sexually immoral persons among our ranks and some of them fill positions, and some even do their deeds openly. There are pastors and bishops and other church leaders, who have not just simply failed or committed sins, but who actively live and lead lifestyles contrary to biblical teachings. 

Look at the men caught on video and film, having sex with both women and men in recent times. Then, there are baby and even adult child scandal dramas regularly. The Greenleaf series on OWN, the source of much recent controversy, is said to deal with and expose the ultra lavish lifestyle and sins of former COGIC Presiding Bishop J O Patterson, who fathered children outside of marriage and lived opulently while the majority of the church was filled with common and ordinary people dedicated to living godly and holy. As stated some of them are "leaders", caught in open heterosexual sins, aspire and achieve to the highest heights of the church.

Because noone sins alone, there are women, within the church, who feel that they are confirmed and affirmed to live in and out of the bed of individuals to whom they are not married. Some even feel that it is their mission and duty, to seek out men for illicit relationships and then "expose" them for what they themselves have contributed to, and spent a great deal of time creating. Recently a woman, seeking to expose a married Bishop, made a videotape of him in a hotel room naked. Although she created the video, if it wasn't for her voice you would never know she was in the room. Certainly he was wrong, but she was a willing agent in destruction, making herself available for sex with a married man. What I am saying is that neither of them had anything to brag about or be proud of.   

To be frank, the church must admit that we have some nasty, slimy, filthy dogs (both male and female) that make it a sport to go through the church, manipulate both men, women and even children, and keep on moving under the pretense of "serving the Lord" in some fashion. 

What We Know:

I would say that although the act of sin has changed, expanded and gone to new levels of perversion, none of the sentiments regarding perversion within the church is new to the scriptures or the church:

2 Tim. 3: 5-6 ~ 5-Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6-For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 

Phil. 3:18-19 ~ 18-(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19-Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 

In fact, the church has known for years that it has adulterous, fornicating and gay singers, and even other leaders within the church that live immorally. Knowing that sexual immorality and impurity exists within the church does not allow or extend a license in any way for such immorality to continue to exist, thrive or proliferate. God's plan is still one of purity, sanctification and holiness within the life of the believer and ultimately within the context of the church. 

1 Thess. 4:3-8 ~ 3-For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4-That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5-Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6-That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7-For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8-He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

"No need to single out gays and lesbians". Sincere critics, who make this assertion, assume that to single out the gay and lesbian is an act of injustice and man made judgement and therefore not "Christlike" because, "all sins are the same" and heterosexual sin is no better or worse than homosexual sin. 

This is and can be rather complex, and there are some believers who sincerely believe in a holy lifestyle that struggle with this observation and these sentiments. So let's examine this for a minute.

Questions:

Is it unjust to address homosexuality within the church, while being silent about heterosexual sins? Does God view that all sexual sins are the same? Is it not "Christlike" to call homosexuality a sin and exclude homosexuals from service within the church? Should the church be an open field of opportunities in leadership to homosexuals embracing the homosexual lifestyle? These are some major questions and issues within many of our churches today and many leaders are struggling with the issues. 

I will attempt to wade into these waters of church introspection. In a couple of parts, I will address and attempt to answer the following issues:

Bishop Allyson D, Nelson Abrams

I ~ Are there varying degrees of both righteousness, sin and reward, punishment or judgement?

II ~ Is homosexuality from a biblical perspective a sin?

III ~ Is there a difference in the nature of homosexual sin, vs. the nature of sin in general in church and within society?

IV ~ Should the church embrace active homosexuals as leaders within the church?

Section I 

A ~ Are there varying degrees of both righteousness, sin and reward, punishment or judgement? 

B ~ Are all sins the same? 

Rev. 20:12 -14 ~ And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13- And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.14- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Admittedly, there is a lot about judgement that we don't know. Just the unimaginable scene of judgement itself is beyond our capacity to fully understand. However, there is a lot that we do know and are told from scripture. 

For sure all people and sins will be judged. There will be a day when all men will give an account for their sins. The Saint will give an account through and by the grace and mercy of God from a blood-washed condition. His/her sins will be thrown into the sea of forgetfulness, because of their faith in Jesus. Those sins will not be used against us in judgment and will be remembered no more.

According to 1 Cor. 6, the believer will also have part in judgement of angels and will be called to witness against the sins of the world as well. Believers will receive a reward as Jesus referenced in John 14:1.Unbelievers will receive their reward also and will know exactly what and why they are being judged...for rejecting the saving work and power of the Son of God. 

For both sin and for righteousness, there will be a reward. What is often not considered is that scripture indicates that there will be rewards commensurate to sins and there will be rewards commensurate to righteousness as well. 

We often associate our faith or our level of blessing in heaven with a "reward" or commensurate with what we have overcome on earth. Jesus says as much in Mt. 5 in his sermon on the Mount as he was encouraging those who would suffer persecution for the Lord's sake:

Mt. 5:11-12 ~ 11-Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12-Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

"Great is your reward in heaven" specifically points out that not only will a person be rewarded with heaven itself, but shall be rewarded in a comparatively great manner with additional rewards aside from heaven only. 

In heaven, there are four and twenty elders who sit around the throne. (Rev. 4:10, 5:8, 14, 7:13, 11:16, 14:3). In Mt. 20:20-23 when responding to the request of  the mother of Zebedee's sons, aka the "sons of thunder" Jesus indicated that only God had the power to place anyone on the right and left, indicating the place of great reward, recognition and honor. As Jesus explained this "position" or honor was commensurate with the work of suffering that would be done by the individual and by the will and command of God. 

Jesus responds to Peter's "we have left all" after speaking to the rich young ruler saying: 

Mt. 19:28-29 ~ 28-And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29-And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life

Jesus reveals who at least half of those 24 elders were and would be that sat upon thrones in heaven and on his right and left hand saying that not only would they receive "everlasting life" but also the reward of "an hundredfold" which was Jewish idiom of the day to indicate a great or wonderful blessing.  

Then there is Paul in 1 Cor. 3: 11-15. Paul here speaks of the works that we do and how some of them would be "burnt up" and others remaining. He indicates that both individuals who present works will be saved, but only the one whose works are not burned up will receive "a reward" (1 Cor. 3:14b). Yes, the ultimate reward is heaven, but there are degrees of gifts that shall be received by each believer. 

On The Flip Side

We often, however, overlook that sins and failure will be met with the same degree of temperament and reward as well. Here is what Luke records:

Luke 12:47-48 ~ 47-And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.48-But he that knew not, and
did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him
they will ask the more.

In Luke, Jesus illustrates that the one who "knew" the will of the lord, but failed in that was beaten with "many" stripes, while the other was beaten with "few" stripes simply because those who had been given much to work with shall have a greater responsibility for their failure in refusing to do what God has said to do (in this case an earthly lord would even be cognizant of this difference). This is a principle that Jesus outlines that cannot simply be overlooked. 

I believe that this is a direct allusion to the varying penalty for sin and wrongdoing. For one, there is "less" of a judgment or penalty to pay, even though there is or has been a violation. For another there is a greater punishment or penalty, because the person, though equipped, refused to prepare and hear. Men appear to be judged according to what they have received or been given.   

David cries that the Lord will reward the wicked according to their own works and evil deeds: Ps. 28:4) Yet other scriptures agree that men shall be paid according to their works (Mt. 16:27, Rev. 20:12,13, 2 Cor. 11:15, Rom. 2:6 (the repetition of Ps.28:4) 

B) Are all sins the same? 

Obviously, what is sin is sin. There is no question about what is wrong being wrong. However, if there are different or varying degrees of reward, punishment and judgement about both righteousness and sins, then not only is every reward the same but neither is every sin is equal. Because of justice neither is every sin rewarded the same.

"Thou shalt not steal" (Ex. 20:15, Deut. 5:19) We all know the command. However, there is a difference between a parent who steals 3lbs. of ground beef from a grocery store to feed his family, and a person who steals from individuals to enrich themselves. 

Yes, both have violated both natural law and the law of God. However, like Jesus' views on the Sabbath, Jesus often views the application of the law through the lens of humanity and human experience. Not that he is soft on sin, but he tempers his judgement with righteousness.

David & The Shewbread (1 Sam. 21:6 & Mt. 12:4)

We all remember David in escaping from Saul along with his men. They became hungry and went into the temple at Nob asking to eat bread that was dedicated to the use and consecration of priestly service. (1 Sam. 21) In this scenario, David was reminded of the Law which restricted the use of the bread. However, the priest after giving a very minimal test regarding holiness, gave to David and he ate the bread along with his companions and was not chastised by the Lord for doing so.

Jesus, in Mt. 12:4, when confronted about doing good on the Sabbath Day, argued that although it was unlawful to eat the bread, the bread served a greater purpose and that was to fulfill the will of God toward HIS people. As a type, the bread actually represented Jesus himself, who by the breaking of his body (bread) would actually sustain the word and allow a new Kingdom to enter the world giving us life by his reign.

In this case, what was obviously a "sin" according to the literal interpretation and rendering of scripture, was not judged as so. The reconciliation of the event was in accord with the purpose and command of God.

By Contrast

Adolph Hitler and many with him were responsible for the extermination and genocide of over 7 million Jews and people who sympathized with the Jewish people in Nazi Germany. Families were destroyed, broken up, children, boys and girls, raped, property stolen and people left to suffer. Even over 70 years removed from the events, the atrocities are yet being revealed.  

Is there anyone willing to argue that Hitler's reward in his judgement will be the same as one who has never murdered or broken up families nor embraced racism? Or the same as a person who has not offended humanity on the scale of Hitler's offense? Certainly Hitler will be made to pay for and be judged according to his sins.  The same with Caesar Nero, Stahlin, Pol Pot and a host of others that have used and abused humanity. They will not escape neither judgment nor the reward of their sins! However, their sins will not be rewarded on the same scale as one who stole a biscuit or a pack of ground beef or steaks because they were hungry.

At this point, I can say with confidence that I don't know how God will judge and adjudicate all situations. However, I can say with confidence that God is a JUST judge and he will judge justly.

Final thought in this section: During the Mt. Olivet discourse, Jesus spoke of adultery. Prior to his missive, people thought that there was a difference between their actions and their thoughts. (Mt. 5:27-28) Theirs was a strict, literal interpretation of scripture's teaching against such sins. However, they missed that an evil heart is ultimately equally as bad as wicked actions. Jesus said that if a man, "looks upon a woman" with intent  "to lust after her" has committed adultery. Those who thought that they can lust inwardly without judgement, were caught in their sins with the realization that God saw them and was a judge of the "intents" of the heart as well as the actions of the flesh. So they would not escape judgement by embracing sin on any level.

However, sin by a man's actions creeps into other parts of a person's life. Sin in the heart is worthy of judgement, but sin acted upon could be even worse. A man thinking about an affair, takes it to a new stage of unrighteous reward by acting out upon his thoughts. A man thinking of murder, may be guilty in his heart, but by acting out takes his unrighteous reward to a new level. Same with any sin. Carrying these things out create and produce a greater level of unrighteous reward. 

Yes, in an ultimate sense, sin is sin. All sin is unworthy of a holy God. However, there is a difference and additional penalty for those acting out on their sins or lust. A man looks at a woman and has an inordinate desire. The same man pursues the object of his lust, establishes an illicit relationship. Judgment comes. BOTH will be judged in their sins, but God will distribute the reward as well, as he has promised to personally judge "whore mongers and adulterers I will judge" (Heb. 13:4) It is there that God will look at and see the heart, intents and actions and judge righteously. The actions of unrighteousness will not receive a pass, but God will correct and set the record straight.

All sins are not the same. Some are worse than others. Only God will distinguish the difference in judgment and with regard for unrighteous deeds. However, on earth we can obviously see that all evil does not have the same outcome even though all evil is offensive to a holy God. The other problem with sin and evil is when people seek to normalize it and make it seem right or just. This in and of itself is a great evil and a sin. To rationalize sin as righteousness, is an offense! 

Summary

In this part, I believe that I have established from a scriptural perspective that although heaven in and of itself is a reward, there are additional rewards in heaven that will be given based on faithful service and the work of the believer. I have also established that there is a variation of punishment and judgement that will be delivered as well. So on its face, if there is a variation of the punishment of sin as we can see from scripture, all sins are not the same.

The ultimate reconciliation of unrepentant sin is the same. Hell. However, the rewards and degrees of punishment is unequal and based on the depth of sin that a person embraced, even in their unbelief.

In Pt. 2 I will deal with homosexuality and reconcile the actions of a practicing homosexual with the actions of the heterosexual and with those who engage in various types of relationships and answer the questions, "Is homosexuality a sin? Should homosexuals be promoted or encouraged in ministry positions within the church?" and more.

Blessed! 

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109th Holy Convocation, COGIC IMPACTS & A Safe Church Plan

The 2016 annual Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ (Nov. 7th ~ Nov. 13th) is on the horizon. This year is also an election year within the church with many individuals vieing for position at some level or another.

Schedule For 109th Annual Holy Convocation, click HERE

Current Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake recently unveiled a new church culture initiative called "COGIC IMPACTS" which is bound to be the talk among preachers and church leaders. From the website:

"COGIC IMPACTS is a culture model that will help us build a stronger culture. This model was designed and developed expressly for COGIC and has been introduced by Bishop Blake to COGIC employees and the General Board. COGIC IMPACTS is a deliberate attempt to define our culture and how we will work in tandem."

With the call that "what we do is who we are" COGIC IMPACTS outlines the following regarding the acronym:

Integrity – The quality of being honest and having strong moral uprightness.

Measurable Results – Establishing SMART goals that highlight success.

Passionate – Self-driven attitude about your work that leads to success.
Adaptable – Able to adjust to new conditions. 

Collaborative – Working together to create or produce solutions. 

Timely Manner – Done Expeditiously 

Service Oriented – Providing outstanding service & support to COGIC and on behalf of COGIC.

To enlighten us further on what is being said, the term "SMART" is often accredited to concepts of Time Management and Organizational Objectives produced and presented by Peter Drucker spoken of in 1981 by George T. Doran in an issue of "Management Review". Defining the elements and boarders of good management, the acronym is generally summarized as follows:

Specific

~ Well defined
~ Clear to anyone that has a basic knowledge of the project 

Measurable~ Know if the goal is obtainable and how far away completion is
~ Find out when you have achieved your goal 

Agreed Upon~ Agreement with all the stakeholders what the goals should be 

Realistic~ Within the availability of resources, knowledge and time 

Time-Based~ Enough time to achieve the goal
~ Not too much time, which can affect project performance

In essence, the Bishop is calling for a completely new culture in dealing with church management and administrative issues and moving forward as a church. Rather than view projects with emotion, our Bishop seems to be asking that we now view ministry and the causes within ministry with "intent" and with "purposeful planning". 

Pushback: "That is not a Spirit led"

Some will invariably view this approach as less "spiritual" than times past in which we were "led of the Spirit" to the extent that we solved and addressed issues first and planned later. It is a more cognitive approach than what we have experienced in the past. 

Interfacing "IMPACTS" With Sexual Misconduct & Abuse

While there is very little talk of it in open circles, the 109th Holy Convocation meets us with a host of issues challenging the "I" representing the integrity of many of our leaders. There are some issues regarding sexual impropriety and misconduct among church leaders and even Bishops that have come to the surface. There are some who have decided to live immoral ungodly double-lives. Caught on tape entertaining girlfriends attempting to cover their sins. Still there are others who's personal character is not befitting to leadership, becoming internet trolls, even cussing out individuals who do not agree with them. Then there are yet others who have an ever evolving list and chain of new illegitimate children coming to surface seemingly year after year. In some cases these are the "Eli"(s) who thought that they would not have to answer for their sins, but are sadly confronted with them now like never before. 

Then there is Earl Carter who implemented an all out attack on Presiding Bishop Blake leading and encouraging a host of haters to follow his sins, It seems that Earl Carter, so badly wanted the "attention" of the Presiding Bishop, that he recently went to completely new LOW, and sad level of destruction producing a FAKE "sex-tape" allegedly of our Presiding Bishop even against what appears to be an order for him to refrain from his personal attacks on the Bishop. Initially promising to "take down" the leader, it seems that Carter himself is now on the run, being taken down in some fashion trying to dodge his ultimate judgement which he seems to have heaped upon his own head with his never-ending rantings. 

For the REAL Victims or Survivors

Ministry of the church is what the church is called to do. Managing an organization, while commendable, is not exactly the mission or commission of the church. With that said, we can ask, what of LEGITIMATE cases that deal with our INTEGRITY as a church? If we are leading into the next generation with integrity as a mandate, how do we plan to deal with victims of sexual abuse and clergy misconduct? Do we think that it is essential to implement a SAFE CHURCH PLAN, that will protect our members and support a level of integrity that we seek? 

You see, it is not just good enough to talk about the speed and efficiency at which we do business. We MUST continue to act like and be a CHURCH. In that calling,  it is my firm belief that we must deal with and help those that are the most vulnerable among us and seek to apply the healing salve of Christ to all men, but in particularly to those to whom we have been entrusted to partner with in this spiritual mission

The mission of "I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council" is exactly this. IMBKCAC is an untapped resource, specifically designed to provide a level of INTEGRITY to the way the church protects and heals the most vulnerable among us. . 

What is our average church rating in:

The interface between the Pastor/leader and the congregation?
The interface between the congregation and ministry leaders?
Youth ministry integrity & safety?
Survivor support and path of liberation?
Planned congregational response to issues of sexual integrity & abuse?
Planned path for survivor restoration?
Does a solid network of services designed to heal survivors?
Path of restoration for families?

These are some of the evaluations that IMBKCAC will make in determining if your church, district or jurisdiction is a SAFE ENVIRONMENT. Out of all that we do, if we are not seeking to implement a SAFE CHURCH PLAN, we are falling far short of what we are to do in supporting and creating integrity. In other words, we have undermined the very first part of the acronym of IMPACTS...The "I" or INTEGRITY....

If we are seeking to be a church founded on integrity to biblical values, then we cannot continue to have elections without creating or mentioning a platform that delivers integrity tout every congregation, every district, every jurisdiction and the national church itself. For anyone skeptical of whether we need a SAFE CHURCH PLAN, please listen to these podcasts

COGIC Survivors Pt. 1

COGIC Survivors Pt. 2

COGIC Survivors Pt. 3

If one can hear those broadcasts, and not consider that we should have a sense of urgency in dealing with the issues of victimization in a much better way, then I don't believe that you have the heart of Christ.

In all, I believe that we have some opportunities to serve that we have not previously had or experienced. Will we rise to the challenge of not only an organizational and cultural change of operation, but also a cultural change of how we minister to victims of some of the worst experiences imaginable. I hope so. So far noone says a word. Maybe we will have the opportunity to once again raise the issue.

Blessed!    

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"No culture of accountability"

What does sexual abuse and miscounduct by athletes of Baylor University have to do with sexual abuse and clergy sexual miscounduct in a church? Read on, I'll tell ya:

In an interview with ESPN Sports News, former Baylor University football coach Art Briles explains the legacy that will forever mark his tenure as Baylor head coach because of failure to deal with sexual assault and abuse in a manner that was intense and unyielding. 

To be clear Coach Briles could not possibly stop every choice and action of his players. However, the coach and others in the Baylor system could have done a much better job of responding to sexual abuse allegations and handling the issues that forever shape and change lives of real individuals.

COGIC Election

2016 is the election year in COGIC. For years, I have asked this church to get real and deal with some serious cultural issues as it pertains to how it responds to allegations of sexual abuse and clergy sins. To date, we have done little to make sure that a solid system of accountability is in place and That current offenders are not only reported to legal professionals but are removed from office and positions of responsibility within the church.

While we have candidates that feel that they can lead a church, NONE have said a word about this vitally important issue and the church's standing within the community and the world.

Can COGIC create a "culture of accountability"? Or will it allow the culture to come calling on it and demand better of it? 

Once thing is for sure, similar to Coach Briles, who is an upstanding gentleman by all accounts...if we don't deal with it, it will deal with us...COGIC will not be able to escape based in its name...and you better believe that!!!!

Blessed!

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Speaking To Dr. Earl Carter

Isaiah 33:15-16 ~15-He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; 16-He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure

Reluctantly, I have had to interject into what appears to be a "spin war" of Dr. Earl Carter against COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake. The reason that I must speak is because in one of Dr. Carter's latest videos, he invokes my name at about the 14:40 mark (unless he edits the video as he has done and continues to do in some cases after release). One can hear him issue some statements referencing my name. 

Plainly, some of his statements regarding what I have said are misstatements. Some are mis-attributions of statements that I have allegedly made regarding both homosexuality and sexual abuse in COGIC. Some of Carter's statements in that video, attributed to me, were patently false attributions. This means, that I DID NOT say what Carter leads one to believe that I said regarding COGIC or our current condition. 

For this cause, I have taken the time to point out those misstatements in the comments section of his youtube video. I will recapture the statement in full here just in case my commentary gets deleted. 

I spoke as follows:

This is Pastor Burnett 

About 14:40 in this video carter mentions my name and attributes something to me that I wrote in PART. He then adds on a whole bunch of stuff that I didn't say such as my "confirming" that I said that homosexuality and child molestation is in COGIC and that I was speaking of a $100,000,000 lawsuit and that the "lady" and her son was doing what I said they would do years ago....I have been a vanguard for years for victims advocacy in this church, but that is as much as I have done and will continue to do. I never said anything about a "lady and her son" and or wrote about a one hundred million dollar lawsuit, or mentioned a prophecy that I spoke because god has given me NONE.... 

Dr. Carter, you need to be more responsible with information. I can attest that your's regarding my input into that issue is erroneous. 

Pt. 2:

One more thing. Although I would agree that our church needs a renewed spiritual awakening in many areas, similar to other organizations etc, I am in total disagreement with your resolve in character destruction. On my blog I have referenced COGIC over 78 times, Bishop Charles Blake over 34 times, Homosexuality over 68 times and clergy sexual misconduct and abuse over 90 times. I have placed some tough questions and made some pointed statements directly to our leaders, but I draw the line at character abasement. That is ungodly and I do not believe that destroying a person's character is a way to build anything. We can be hard hitting, truthful and even earth shattering without destroying the person. I led the charge against Bishop Charles Brown who allegedly molested his nieces and others. I have interviews that in my opinion are award winning on the issue. However, I did not destroy the man's character as it speaks for itself. Tell what you think he is doing wrong as far as administration is concerned. That is fair. Tell us the shortcomings and missteps. That too is fair. However, I am against denigrating his person and as I have heard your proof, it is only tabloid worthy. I have heard nothing compelling. 

I do not wish to be an antagonist, but PLEASE do not use my name unless your retelling is accurate and in context. 

Thank you.Supt.  Harvey Burnett The Dunamis Word

Pt. 3 

This link: 

https://bethelburnett.blogspot.com/search?q=church+of+god+in+christ will take you to nearly every story I have done on COGIC on my blog. In these articles I reference Bishop Blake and his missteps and mistakes especially aligning our church with the UDHR. I am no novice in this. This link: http://bethelburnett.blogspot.com/2012/09/fear-to-victory-overcoming-cogic-clergy.html 

Takes you to what I did on the Charles Brown issue, even calling for an investigation after the court threw the issue out because of the statue of limitations. One can speak truth without denigrating a person or becoming the ungodly ugly that we speak against. I hope that can be seen in my work. Dr. Carter, you have a good cause, and that cause is reform of our church. However you methods and methodology is flawed and should cease. I was in STL a couple of years ago with a camera as well. I was not escorted off, but I did not call our leaders gay either, especially at the event. If you know this man is gay, then work on leadership reform, not speculative and sensational approaches to spiritual decorum. The Seven Son's of Sceva saw the problem, recognized it and threw themselves into it. They were powerless and came out bleeding, naked, and embarrassed. DO NOT be one of them. Your skills and talents can be used, but not like this.

Thank you

Supt. Harvey Burnett

The Dunamis Word

My Admonition To Carter & All Who Want COGIC & Blake Destruction

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The Black Family, The Black Church & Yes, Adultery IS Wrong!

In the 64th Annual Women's Convention Of The Church Of God In Christ, Presiding Bishop Blake took the time to talk about something that very few expected him to talk about...adultery, sexual immorality, abortion and the condition of OUR church and the Black community. Sounds like a good start to me, but we have a long way to go....Bishop we may want to start with these pedophiles...Sounds like he's been reading some of these blogs on these issues...

Ooh, and could someone please tell President Barack Obama that it seems that "Lame Duck" has officially set in...I certainly hops so...how can we support someone who is against almost all things that we "say" that we are for? 

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Broken Daughters

Jeremiah 8:20-22 ~ 20-The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21-For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22-Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 9:1 ~ Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

Just when you've thought you've seen it all, a new show called "Preacher's Exes" is getting ready to air "possibly" with the intent of looking at the lives of some of the daughters of Zion who have been hurt and shamed by their so called Ex preacher husbands. I offer no criticism of these ladies. I only offer my prayers and sincere hopes for their restoration and the restoration of others in the same or similar condition. 

“As the preacher’s wife, I felt isolated even in the marriage because no one seemed to care about my pain as the wife who was suffering silently. I did approach my leaders with my issues, but nothing was done. Everyone seemed to care more about us ministering than my home falling apart. This was very difficult for me because I was depressed, misunderstood, and even questioning the God I served and if he really loved me,” ~ Cheron K Griffin II (preacher's ex wife).

Jeremiah 9:17-20 ~ 17-Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunningwomen, that they may come: 18-And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters. 19-For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast us out. 20-Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation

I am not worried about how this makes the "church" look. I see the modern church and it AIN'T pretty. My prayers are for the hurting and those tempted in the same or similar situations. If you are a hurting daughter, I would love to hear from you and pray for you. There is still victory in Jesus name!

Blessed!

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What Really Makes The Church "Look Bad"?

Prov. 14:34 ~ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

In light of our national conference call dealing with COGIC sexual abuse, clergy sexual misconduct, and victim's advocacy, I have taken it upon myself to examine an issue in a much more indepth manner than I have previously. Of a certainty, some think that dealing with the issues which were dealt with during the call should not have been placed on "public display" and should have been dealt with privately and through various church councils and processes. Although we have been there and done that  with no or very little results, I thought that I should address that issue and those sentiments from a more specific biblical view. 

The Problem:

In many Christian circles the thought exists that those who are aware of certain sins in the church should not talk about and or expose those things because the church may "look bad" or be seen in the wrong light by the world. Some say that we should "just pray" and that things will "work out". Some rationalize their lack of response or failure to address serious topics by saying that no business airs its dirty laundry before its customers or clients, so why should it be a practice of people of God to expose the dirty laundry of the church? Others even say that speaking evil or negative of the church or exposing what is going on is a sign of hatred for the church and not a sign of love, because after all, "love covers the multitude of sin and fault". 

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COGIC Sexual Abuse Victim's Advocacy National Conference Call

>>>NEW<<<

COGIC National Conference Call Victim's Advocacy Pt. 1

Conference Call Pt. 2

Conference Call Pt. 3

Conference Call Pt. 4
Conference Call Pt. 5

Supt. Harvey Burnett of the New Bethel COGIC and I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council (IMBKCAC.org) and Pastor D. L. Foster of Report COGIC Abuse (Reportcogicabuse.com) will conduct our first national joint conference call designed to address the current state of clergy sexual abuse and victim's advocacy within the nation's largest Pentecostal denomination, the Church Of God In Christ. This live call is scheduled to take place Saturday April 5th, 2014 at 12:00PM CST.

The call is open to all, but especially to those COGIC members who are concerned regarding clergy sexual abuse, leadership abuse, and its relationship to the mission of the church and what the church is doing if anything to address the fallout of such abuses by ministering to the needs of them affected by such atrocities by way of victim's advocacy. 

There will be a commentary session for the general public that will be moderated and questions will be addressed and an action plan introduced. 

Please pass this on to a friend, we want to saturate the Kingdom of Christ with the seriousness of this issue and what must be done to help the hurting. 

Blessed!

Please see THIS STORY for additional information.  

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COGIC "Blue Light" Report Special

For nearly the last 7 years I have chased the implementation of a solid and strong Victim's Advocacy policy within the Church Of God In Christ, of which I am a member. Consistently, I have been discouraged by the inaction, passivity and excuses that the corporate church has taken in approach towards the issue. 

Full Text Of This Proposal HERE

Bishop L. Wooten

Bishop B. Porter

I have personally placed a copy of my most recent victim's advocacy policy outline in the Presiding Bishop's hands when he was in Joliet, IL. in 2013. I have personally looked General Board Member Brandon Porter in the face asking him to remind the Presiding Bishop of my presence and proposal at the Holy Convocation in Nov. of 2013, even delivering a copy to him for his personal review and asking him to consider all of those who have been affected by the sexual sins of abuse encountered at the hands of perverted and godless individuals claiming to be fellow clergy and overseers of the souls of the people. To which Bishop Porter responded, "Now you tryin' to give ME a job to do." I have sent facebook messages directly to folk like Evangelist Shane Perry, who loves the sensation of crowd appeal at the expense of deeper truths, and General Board Member Lawrence Wooten, reminding him of the terrible injustices that our people are facing without any assistance from the powers that be within this church. 

Needless to say, Shane Perry, quickly deleted my messages (after which I deleted him as a contact) while my response from Wooten was to DE-FRIEND me on Facebook as soon as he was elected to the General Board...Thanks Bishop...I didn't vote for you anyway!

Even more, as I have documented on this blog, I have tracked down Al "Keepin' It Real" Sharpton, speaking to him and his assistants and various other top ranking COGIC officials on live open air radio (found HERE) only to experience REAL AVOIDANCE and obfuscation of truth as it pertains to how we are conducting ourselves towards victims of sexual abuse...

In Amazement I Gaze

With all of those unresponded to efforts, (and I do have our Presiding Bishop's cell phone on me as I speak but I WILL NOT become or be perceived as a stalker), I am utterly amazed to find that the 2014 COGIC theme is as follows:

"We Are Called To Minister To And Witness To A Deeply Distressed And Troubled World" 

Acts 26:15-18 

(Remember Me? I'm Still Saying...)

WHAT???

Are You Kidding Me???

Before I tackle that why I am amazed, please let me tackle this:

The 2014 COGIC 2 For One "Blue Light" Report Special  

It goes like this...With all the efforts that I said went unresponnded to, well, there was kind of a response...The response was to implement a background screening process for COGIC Clergy. The background screening process was to include a 100% "Zero Tolerance" Policy against sexual abuse and sexual harassment, that the Presiding Bishop was to implement along with the approval of the General Board and that was to filter down to both mean and women who desire to take up a microphone within this church. ...I said, well that's good news...not exactly victim's advocacy...but a good start....a way to self regulate...

2014 Background Check Suspension Memo...

Yes, you read that right...For 2014, and for all those elders, ministers, Saints and friends who failed to pay their 2013 reports, for ONE TIME and supposedly ONE TIME ONLY (Yea right!) the criminal background checks will be SUSPENDED...This means that anyone paying both the current and last year's report this year, will not have their credentials subject to background and criminal history screening....

In an episode from "Pedophiles and Crooks Gone Wild" COGIC has opened their door to any and every charlatan who has been exposed over the last year or so, all without any questions, comments and or concerns...JUST PAY IF YOU WANT TO PLAY!!!!

I know, as I have said before, whatever ministry I had in the rank and file, (just gotta follow my leader at all cost, no matter how ridiculous things may sound church) is over with...to which I say...You weren't having me or this ministry at your church anyway...So I haven't lost a thing!!!

But my heart is certainly burdened to know that SOMEBODY, evidently with little to NO spiritual insight and or concern for those hurting at low levels (and some at higher levels) in this church, either don't care about them that are hurt or are like Eli, devoid of any spiritual discernment, yet with title. 

IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE!

To allow potential crooks and pedophiles and even potential rapists to embrace our pulpits without accountability all because of the ability to "catch up" on money that they may owe, is without any resemblance of the Spirit of God. Has anyone considered that the reason that some of these folk are not paying their reports, is because they KNOW they can't pass a criminal background check?

Has ANYONE stopped to think, that perhaps those who try to avoid the criminal background check, may have a criminal history, and many of them may still and yet be engaged in criminal activity? Then there is this: 

Sexual Abuse Settlements Continue

Yes, though swept under the rug and tried to hide, COGIC continues to settle cases of sexual abuse with gag orders and special arrangements to make sure that those who have been victimized will not speak openly about their cases or the arrangements under which they were settled. Such settlements include those like the recent case of Donald Barrett, former Administrative Assistant in Illinois 3rd Jurisdiction,  who was accused of wanton sexual acts with at least 2 women, admitting in his own words to inappropriate activity and actions with the women. Although his former ministry and church settled openly for $300,000, (insurance policy limits) COGIC and Southern California 2nd (General Board Member McKinney) who were also parties to the lawsuit, after some time, settled in an undisclosed manner with a gag order on the claimants to not disclose anything. The door is open for Barrett to now come back, pay his money and proceed as if nothing had ever happened!

SHAMEFUL!  

Yes, the door is open to folk who either sleep with women (and in some cases men), and commit criminal acts to continue in their criminal enterprise. 

The door is open for those who have been exposed by molesting the vulnerable to come right in, pay your report, and continue in a position of authority all without question and or concern...

The door is open, for those fiscal charlatans who steal from the church, mishandle and misappropriate funds, and have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar, to simply CONTINUE their sins and unlawful enterprises, under the name Church Of God In Christ, Supt. Elder, Bishop, Evangelist,  and or Missionary all with the approval of inept and disassociated policy and exceptions approved at the highest levels within this church.

This is to our SHAME and to the utter disgust of those of us who know that this church deserves a much better standing and position in this world than what we are seeing and experiencing. 

COGIC, WE are deeply distressed and troubled by these actions and this lack of insight from those promoting policy! 

COGIC WE are troubled by this lack of concern for those who have been truly victimized and suffered at the hands of charlatans!

COGIC WE need to be ministered to if we think that promoting protections for clergy who have defiled themselves with the rudiments of this world and who make sport of manipulating the minds of the people, are anything that God is pleased with and that can be used by HIM in this last day!

Matthew 7:5 ~ Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Larry Stockstill was introduced to an auditorium of nearly 5,000 COGIC clergy at the 2013 Holy Convocation for a singular purpose. That purpose was to promote the message of his book, "The Remnant, Restoring The Call To Personal Integrity" and to reach COGIC clergy calling them to greater integrity and accountability. On pg. 15 of his book he says:

"The world looks upon the church's abuse of authority and the lack of accountability as the ultimate hypocrisy."

We know that nobody and no organization upon the Earth is perfect. We and they all suffer from some malady. However, those of us who know Christ and claim to be HIS, have an obligation to Jesus to protect the flock of God, care for souls above all other things and to live what we preach. We MUST do much better than what we have done. We have no excuse for this mess, what we have allowed and what we are promoting now!

To allow, the potential that the ungodly will sneak in or continue to abide by their ungodliness, and stand in our name and pulpits with some sort of credibility is without conscious. It is the highest impiety possible to open the door to the fold, placing wolves in the middle of the flock and then closing the door, saying that "this is good for the sheep!"

Those are not the actions of the caring or those commissioned to Christ. Those are the actions of men who love their own bellies and are full of the fat of their sins!

May the Lord have mercy upon HIS people and the Remnant of this church!

Blessed!

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