"Deeds Of Darkness"

Although I am not into the minutia of the Church Of God In Christ and her operations and functions in every instance, because one could very well, lose  one's life, mirco-examining any organization, yet alone one this size, I am, however, a member of this church and am familiar with the operations, goings on, and practices within this church over the last 44 years that I have been associated with it. 

Are there injustices within the church? YES. Like anything controlled by men, there are injustices within it. The spiritual church is perfect, however this natural church leaves much to be desired. 

With some subdued notoriety, my efforts have been for and toward advocacy for those who have been victims of sexual abuse within this church through I Am My Brother's Keeper Christian Advocacy Council. I have personally reached out to each Presiding Bishop in leadership over the years, just as I have done twice to our current Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard. 

Partially due to my efforts and others who were vocal on this issue and more, the church responded by implementing an ARC system for clergy background checks and sexual harassment training. Although this is a step in the right direction, the church has stopped specifically and deliberately short of implementing a Victim's Advocacy or a Safe Church Plan. A plan that is a whole path of both prevention of abuse, abusive behavior and conduct, and a vehicle of healing for all those effected by the fallout of such sins. 

How do I know? I know because I am the ONLY member of COGIC clergy who offers such a plan (by the help and grace of God) and there have been no successful effort to sit down and take a plan or organization seriously.  More can be found on this blog by clicking HERE.(2012 Holy Convocation Interview)

The Transition

Digressing from the issues that I have been called to deal with and present through Victim's

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115th Annual Church Of God In Christ Holy Convocation

 Tuesday Nov. 7th through Tuesday Nov. 14th..."Our Mission Made Possible"...

You Tube Live Stream HERE

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Is The JESUS Of Mormonism The Jesus Of The Bible? How Can We Agree In Faith?

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once
for all delivered to the saints.
Jude 1:3

I would like to start this post by saying that I love COGIC Presiding Bishop J Drew Sheard, I consider him to be a friend and very encouraging leader and have reached out to him personally prior to posting this. He is one of the few that have ever volunteered to assist me in ministry and church development and he is a Pastoral leader extraordinaire.  

With that said, I am totally disappointed that out of all the very astute scholars within our church, that  Bishop was seemingly without sound advice or prep in the meeting referenced in the video with leaders of the LDS (Mormon) Church. My question is why? How did this come to be?  

It would seem, and I well may be way off and wrong, but a meeting of this magnitude between two organizational leaders, would have been orchestrated thoroughly FIRST...Statements prepared, agreements solidified and a clear statement of operation, on both sides, issued in preparation for this meeting and resultant actions. While I see nothing wrong with partnering with anyone to better the condition of the community, there is a big problem when we start talking about issues of faith as if they are one in the same or unimportant...

With a Baptist, Methodist or other Christian faith, we can safely say we worship the same JESUS. When I say that I am referring to the JESUS of history, the one who IS God by nature and essence, whose works and mission is thoroughly biblical. 

However, the JESUS of Christian Cults such as Mormonism, and non-Christian Cults such as Jehovah's Witnesses are a wholly different JESUS' than the JESUS of scripture. The JESUS of the Cults is an individual who was a created being, had to come into existence at some point, was and is the exalted "spirit-brother" of Lucifer, Michael and other angelic beings, (as Mormonism teaches) and one who is NOT God in the same nature or essence. The JESUS of the cults has to come into higher knowledge and does not enjoin the eternal uninterrupted hypostatic union (God/Man status). The JESUS of the Cults "becomes" God over time and or through enlightenment or by ordination or appointment. 

While all of those things are not unique to the teachings of Mormonism, there are enough of them that are and this is the problem. We can't agree to have unified faith in two wholly different Jesus' because the implications from that are completely different. To be satisfied that faith in the Mormon JESUS is tantamount to faith in the JESUS of the Bible is NOT how the Saints were told to "earnestly contend". 

As you have followed this blog for years, please know that we will continue to do what we do best...examine the Church in relationship to the culture and seek to apply a Biblical lens to all things. 

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Even In Covid 19 Times, We Are MORE Than Conquerors. Rom. 8:37

As the world is in fear of what is "expected" as a result of this disease, we (Believers) are YET conquerors in all things and the PROMISE of God historically is for us today. 

Join me as I expound on this topic and more regarding our current state of affairs or condition. Welcome to The Dunamis Word! 

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Presiding Bishop's Call To "Global Fasting & Intercessory Prayer"

As many in the public, as well as church leaders, continue to die from covid 19 infection, and now even some pastors and religious leaders fined or put in jail because of their conduct in violating orders of local, State and Federal leaders, recently Bishop Charles E Blake, Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, spoke to the members of COGIC and believers everywhere regarding covid 19 calling us to observe a day of Global Fasting & Intercessory Prayer".

This is what he said and wrote:

The Bishop's Letter To The Church and believers everywhere:

Global Call To Fasting & Prayer -Bishop Charles E Blake from Pastor Harvey Burnett

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Praise Break: Just Give Me 15 Minutes!

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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

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Bishop C. H. Mason, Pentecostalism, Magic & Divination. A Response To The Critic

Recently an apparent attack was levied against the founder of the Church Of God In Christ, Bishop C.H. Mason, claiming that he had used the art of Black magic and divination as a method to both divine the Saints of God and deliver the message of Pentecostalism to his followers.

Although Pentecostalism and Mason has had their fair share of critics over the years, this particular attack seemed to have been  inspired in part by the book "Black Magic: Religion And The African American Conjuring Tradition" by Yvonne Chireau University Of CA press 2006.

The book builds upon the assertion that post slavery spiritual ethics revolved around  the use of special material objects as a source of power. As stated in the excerpt, (pg. 111) Bishop Mason would illustrate his sermons by pointing out "earthly signs" and "freaks of nature". What is not discussed as much, is that these "illustrations" were used to deliver analogies in order to support a spiritual point. What was also overlooked was the Jesus often did as much using common and natural objects to illustrate spiritual points or make spiritual teachings. I'll discuss that more specifically toward the end of the article.

Clarifying The Confusion 

Now, the author didn't seem to have studied enough for this compilation of information. Though it wasn't short on information or historical research, it was woefully short on responsible delivery and handling of the information. The author misinterprets the setting of African American response to biblical instructions at the turn of the century, and how biblical commands were carried out within the Black community in general. In addition the author incorrectly classifies all meta-spiritual occurrences  as magic, further exacerbating the problem by lumping all classes of these occurrences together as one or a singular type of event; ie: Black Magic. This is an incorrect and, in my opinion, unscholarly approach set on course by a presupposition which leads to an incorrect examination of the causes that inspired and under girds reported spiritual events, miracles and observations. One can't assume that because mysticism occurred among African cultures that their descendants were inclined to the same type and practices of mysticism. This is a stereotype and a boarder-line insult if not an out right insult on all Black people who hold to and value their spirituality and in particularly their relationship to Christ.

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COGIC 104th Annual Holy Convocation

 NEW, NEW, NEW ------> COGIC Issues Pt. 1 and COGIC Issues Pt. 2 <------NEW, NEW, NEW 
Dynamic Interview With Elder D.L. Foster Of Gcmwatch.com 

As the saints of God converge upon St. Louis, MO. for the 104th Annual Holy Convocation, we are reminded of the precarious times in which we live. There are ISSUES that must be addressed. ISSUES that will be addressed and spiritual blessings that must be delivered. I don't think that there is a better theme delivered for this holy time of reflection among the Saints of God. 

God's Church, God's People, God's Agenda!

Holy Convocation Live Stream Click This Link

We must remember that God hasn't called this church or any individual believer, to be like anyone or everyone else. He has called us, to holiness, without which "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14). The redefinition of holiness within the culture and the church is a challenge of epic proportions. What does it mean to be "Saved, Sanctified, Baptized and Filled With The Holy Ghost" as we once proudly and unashamedly stated? What should the church do about the ever increasing and alarming allegations of Clergy Sexual Abuse and Misconduct (aka: SINS)? -I grow tired of giving ugly and deplorable behaviors good, politically correct and pretty titles-

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COGIC God Said "Convocation" NOT Convention

Exodus 12:16 ~ "And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you no manner of work shall be done in them save that which every man must eat that only may be done of you"

As a special guest of the Bishop Robert R. Sanders during the 16th Annual Holy Convocation of the Illinois Third Jurisdiction Church Of God in Christ, General Board Member and Bishop Of Western Michigan Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Bishop Nathaniel Wells delivered a dynamically tactful, powerful, profound and challenging message which, in part, regarded the Church Of God In Christ Inc., what it has accepted, and the direction in which the church is headed as it pertains to its most holy annual gathering of saints called the Holy Convocation. 

The Rt. Rev. Bishop N. Wells
General Board Member
COGIC

In a message entitled, "We Must Keep The Covenant Of The Fathers" Bishop Wells not only delivered a solid and biblically profound exegesis of the Covenant that God established with Abraham and his seed, and ultimately with all believers through Jesus Christ, but he also took time to examine the covenental styled relationship which was delivered to the Church Of God In Christ Inc.by it's founder, the late Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, encouraging us not to forget what has been set before us as a church and what we are to do with it. 

Some COGIC History

"As the Chief Apostle, he (Bishop C.H. Mason) immediately dedicated twenty days, November 25th through December 14th annually as a meeting time for all the followers to fellowship with each other and to transact all ecclesiastical and secular affairs pertinent to the growth of the National Organization. This segment of the year was chosen because the majority of the communicants of the church lived in farming districts of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas. By this time of the year, they had sufficient provisions and financial resources from the harvesting of their crops, to enable them to attend and support a national meeting"  [1973 Official COGIC Manual Reprinted 1991]

Under the original application of the vision of the church, Convocation was to be held at least annually in Memphis, TN. under certain dates and times as specified in the prior statement. This time was dedicated to the Lord and the people were dedicated to the Lord's use. In part, as the statement notes, there was a consideration given to the constituency and makeup of the members of the church in general as to the ultimate location and time of the Convocation. So there was an element of meeting the "natural" need of the people, but there was a greater element of obeying and following the will of God for our church on a corporate basis and level. 

The concept was that there would be a specific place date and time dedicated to the Lord's service according to the concept of "Holy Convocation" found within scripture and the basis of that Convocation was the requirement of the Lord upon HIS people.  

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Todd Bentley ~ "Wild Fire"

Leviticus 10:1-2 ~ "1-And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2-And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD."

What Is This?

Critic, please don't get it twisted. This IS NOT Pentecostalism.  Its certainly not holiness unto the Lord either.

Blessed!

Also Read:

Christian Marriage...I Had To Address Some Issues

Bam, Bam, Bam and It Ain't EMERIL!

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Former COGIC Pastor Now A Catholic Deacon

"It was never about going to heaven or knowing the Lord. Those things were accomplished while I was in the Pentecostal church. It was simply coming into the fullness of the Christian faith."~ Deacon Alex Jones, St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Catholic Community former Pastor Of Maranatha Christian Church Detroit Michigan.

A friend presented a DVD for my review called "No Price Too High, A Dinner With Alex Jones". The DVD centered around a former COGIC Pastor (Alex Jones) turned independent, and eventually turned Catholic. This particular DVD was a conversation over dinner in which there were questions and answers about why he and most of his church changed from a decidedly Protestant/Pentecostal belief system to the world's oldest and largest Christian Church, the Roman Catholic Church.

Deacon Jones' story was especially interesting to me personally because our church, at one time, held services in a Catholic church. It was at that time that we gained the opportunity to meet some of our fellow Catholic believers and established a relationship with many new Catholic friends. I also took the time to study many Catholic beliefs, practices and dogmas and drew my own conclusions as to what the church actually represented. In addition Alex Jones was a former COGIC Pastor which is very interesting in light of COGIC's current dealings and political situations.

This blog post is not about bashing or exposing Alex Jones. There is nothing to bash or expose in my opinion. However, this post is about drawing a sharp and distinguished contrast between Roman Catholic authority, theology and dogma and the rest of Christianity.

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Bam, Bam, Bam, and It Ain't EMERIL!

Leviticus 10:1-7 ~ "1-And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2-And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.3-Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. 4-And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp. 5-So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said. 6-And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled. 7-And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses."

He kicked them in the face and they came....

He kicked them in the stomach, and they still came...

He slammed supposed broken legs on the altar and yet they still came...

He told them that the Lord was telling him to kick some Holy Ghost sense into their spirits and they still came...

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