STUDY TIME: The Black Church & The Oneness/Trinitarian Divide...

Over the years we have not avoided the issue of Oneness Pentecostalism and the confusion and misinterpretation of scripture as it pertains to the issue of salvation. 

From the "Revelatory Expressions" of Noel Jones, who thought to attempt to "pretend" that he had somehow changed his teaching to that of Trinitarian belief, to the false message that anyone can diminish the meaning of the Cross, and actually gain salvation in a baptismal pool with the proper words said over them, HERE. In addition, we have seen the most dogmatic and error filled person, at least on this subject, Gino Jennings, basically claim that anyone who is not both baptized in his formula, nor believes that the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are all Jesus, are on their way to hell.

RANK STUPIDITY

Believe me, I have seen it all and spoken on the rise of anti-biblical doctrines and characters as they continue to spout heresy. Thank GOD for continuing to raise up a generation of young people who are as adamant and more in standing against the invasion of false doctrine that continues to attempt to choke this generation and remove it far away from truth, through and by manipulation and false teaching.  

Take the time to listen to and study this video. It reaches back over 120 years into the past and outlines the foundation of much of the confusion that exists today as it pertains to Biblical teaching and doctrine on the nature of God and the modern acceptance of Sabellianism, modalism and what we know as the teaching of Oneness (often misnomered and associated with Apostolic doctrine) 

As I have posted in the comments of the video, can a person who embraces Jesus as God, even without an understanding of how he is God, be saved? 

I don't know, but you may wish to chew on that in the comments. Please feel free. 

Blessed!

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Juanita II...24 Years Later, Strikes Again. Lord Help Us

I began this blog years ago, exactly August 25th, 2007 with an article "Get Right Church And Let's Go Home", At the time the ridiculousness and tom-foolery, of Juanita Bynum and her estranged former husband Thomas Weeks was at an all time and exceptionally funky high. It was just simply messy and totally ridiculous to witness. 

Shortly after her marriage to Thomas Weeks dissolved, Juanita showed up at her birthday celebration in a wedding gown, with a sword declaring that she had been changed. She even changed her name to "Juanita Bynum II" and Essence Magazine featured her as she displayed what I feel was a mental or nervous breakdown. I document that in my article, "The Lunacy Continues". Believe me, I felt and still feel sad for her and pray for her because I know that she was a victim and survivor of abuse. She abused herself, her husband and he abused her as well. What she experienced was horrible, but the fact that nobody in her circle called her into accountability for her actions is sad.

So, for 17 years, through this blog and other venues, I have seen and called out what can only be labeled a TRAGEDY, now called Juanita Bynum II, and witnessed what I can only say has been her serious decline and spiritual demise. Believe me, this is NOT a joke and I don't take it in a laughing matter...(except for the sword part...they would have got the message if she started hacking folk up in Jesus name...LOL)

A 24 year Look Back

It was not so when I first experienced Juanita's ministry at one of Bishop G E Patterson's last "Soul Winner's Conferences" It was exactly Oct. 6, 2000 when I heard Juanita. At the time she claimed to have nearly died on the way to the conference. Here is a portion of that video that proves....I was one in the number... First one crying and all that...

In the second video...I am at the altar, (same place) receiving from the Lord. as I was the first one in this conference to make it to the altar that day, I remember it well, and one of the last to leave...I was indeed blessed!

At that time...nearly 24 years ago to the date...Juanita was into holiness heavily...To listen to her, she was certainly committed to the bible, and the righteousness of God and moved in the spirit of God as much as she was able. Although she still couldn't sing, she seemed to have a commitment to God although her prophecies were highly suspect...like most of them that are on stage at that level...

24 Years Ago, Until TODAY

Whatever was left of the original Juanita Bynum has gone completely off the rails...Watch this:

In this snippet, which I am trying to determine where to find the original...Juanita II presents a new emerging heresy that I will term as "the satan blessing doctrine"...As you can hear, Dr. Bynum now claims that satan, not only "prophesied" to Eve in the Garden of Eden, but showed her how to expand her capacity, or enhanced her, so that she can be used of God and a better benefit to humanity...

This is about THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING I HAVE EVER HEARD, aside from the complete, backwards doctrine of inclusion embraced by the late Carlton Pearson and the "Homosexual Acceptance Doctrine" embraced, promoted and lived by OC Allen of Atlanta, GA. One thing is for sure...NONE of the aforementioned are TRUE biblical doctrines and each and every person who is seduced into believing such things, have embraced "another Gospel" and will be "accursed" because of it. 

"8-But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9-As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."
Gal. 1:8-9

Taking This HERESY Apart

Although I can only review the premise she presented in this very short clip, it is chalk full of error...

First, Juanita claims that satan is an agent of God, engaged in "prophesy"...Now, I would think that even the devil would be insulted with that notion. Why? He is far too ambitious to just be a prophet. He loves himself and wants to be worshiped too much to simply be a "prophet"

In addition, what kind of prophecy could he possibly deliver? When Jesus was rebuking the Pharisees for their sin of self exaltation, Jesus said he was a "MURDERER", "DOES NOT STAND IN THE TRUTH" a "LIAR", "THE FATHER OF LIES" and that there is "NO TRUTH IN HIM"...

"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."
~ John 8:44

Second, Juanita claims that because Eve, along with Adam, believed the devil and fell into sin and disobedience, that she is somehow "blessed" with a "gross" capacity of knowledge, as the devil said she would be, and because of this, she is better fit to birth the "savior" into the world (womanhood vicariously) So, in essence, satan, not God, is responsible for the lineage of Jesus into the world, and is responsible for blessing women to come into their greater self. 

Once again, this is a woefully RIDICULOUS notion that is unbelievable to hear from anyone reading the Bible with a modicum of understanding of the nature of satan and the nature of God more importantly.  

What is equally as bad is that she says this to what appears to be a packed house of women who are charged up and eager to hear this false doctrine. I mean, talking about baptizing people in ignorance and doctrines of devils...in this short clip, that is exactly what you have...spiritual seductions, false doctrine and doctrines of demons and devils in just that quip...

"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;"
~ 1 Tim. 4:1

Needless to say, Juanita has embraced, not only false doctrine and teaching, but seducing spirits and teachings directly from the camps of devils and demons. Yes, there are many other false doctrines and demonic utterances outside of this and these circles, but the potential to lead so many astray is so high that it is unbelievable. 

For those who are Junita Bynum fans, PLEASE call her into account for her false teachings. Direct her to this blog and its contents. Please advise her that there is no higher authority than the bible itself and what she is saying will not only lead folk astray, but will also promote satan, and exalts him to the places that he wants to be...God...bringing deliverance to the world through and by rebellion and sin. This is a false doctrine and is fit for the Lake of Fire that has been prepared for the devil and all those that follow and believe him. Disobedience is still sin. Disobedience is an affront to God and God will not bless the disobedient. May the Lord help Juanita to REPENT of her apparent evil. 

Blessed!

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A Look At The "Gospel" Ministry Of Mike Todd

There are many voices within Christianity claiming to represent the message of Christ. There are some that are heretical and teach a totally different Jesus and a false Christ. On the Dunamis word, by history, we have documented many of those so called "teachers" and them engaged in such charlatanism...

However, there is a new generation of alleged Christian leaders, or those who lead within Christian circles that present their message in a controversial style and format, but who, at the end of the day, endeavor to speak truth.

What and who is Pastor Mike Todd and is he one of those persons? 

I can honestly say that I have not followed, neither am I a follower of Mike Todd nor his church, Transformation Church. I do not know his history, other than he is a musician and a music producer, and was a significant part of the music ministry for the late Dr. Myles Munroe. I do not have an axe to grind and nobody is calling me telling me how bad Pastor Todd is or giving me "dirt" on the Pastor. In recent years, my attempt has been to stay from controversial "church-isms" of the day. Why? Because all the garbage that is being presented today, in the name of  "Christ", is far too time consuming and I simply don't have enough time nor the energy to keep up with the TRASH-men and women who pose and present the issues within the Body of Christ.

As I see Todd, I see some commendable things. A young family man, husband, father, one involved in not only his church, but also his community, a bit edgy in ministry (I haven't kept up with his messages) but at the same time I couldn't help but hear how this young man, according to many, is/was gay or at least gay affirming, preached inappropriate messages and was just plainly a misrepresentation of Christ in the pulpit. Now, that is what is commonly said in some circles, and as I stated, I ain't looking for details and information. 

Yes, I have seen the clips of teachings associated with his message "Relationship Goals" in which Pastor Todd opined over God's creation of man. In a portion of that message, Pastor Todd suggested that two genders (male and female) were not enough within humanity, further suggesting that there possibly should have been an "in between option" to gender identity. While Pastor Todd presented this in the context of stating that our personal opinion makes no difference to the rules and ruler of the Kingdom of God, he does this while continuously waffling over the issue even saying that if he had been a part of the creation of man, he would possibly have suggested that God do it differently.

Now, as if that weren't enough, he goes on to say that he understood how, in his words, “freakin' unfair” it is to "feel something everyday of your life, and it not line up with the God you love", suggesting that the feelings or love of the homosexual towards the same sex, or feelings of the transsexual being trapped within the wrong body, is some sort of torture from God towards humanity.

Yes, his opinions on this are certainly ridiculous notions to say the least when analyzed. His suggestions are not only heretical, but also fall in line with modern culture which asserts that God is not as "righteous" as man, in this case he (Pastor Todd), has become in our years of existence. The very notion that mankind could have potentially created itself better than the creator, or that man is more understanding and merciful towards his own plight, with no recognition of the impact of sin upon humanity itself, is not only arrogant, but is silly, and at best really stupid. I mean, if anything, that message, or at least the analogies drawn in that part of the message were either a complete mistake, or rooted in spurious doctrine and even false doctrine or notions of God and his nature, which Pastor Todd has gone on to attempt to defend without deference to the life changing power of God in the spirit and the life and lifestyle of those who place their trust, hope and life within him and actually repent from sin. However, with all that said, Pastor Todd is only human and subject to mistakes like all of us. Maybe his assertions in that are a mistake or based on a flawed interpretation of scripture. 

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The Real Duty Of The Preacher

There are so many demands upon the modern day minister. Often the local pastor is not only the pastor of his church, he is also a community activist/leader, business person, social and political lobbyist, mentor, Councillor, community event coordinator, political liaison and a host of other things...

Life is very complex and the people and situations that ministers serve are very complex as well. 

There is a wrangling to position one's self for service in a place where one can get the most done and reach the most. There is nearly always a reconciliation of what remains, vs. what has left. All of this adds up to pressure to conform, modernize, change and be what the flavor of the world may want. 

It is often easy to forget that the main things are the plain things. Might I remind you of the words of Paul to Timothy, a young Bishop, early in his service to the Lord:

2 Timothy 4:1-5 ~ 1-I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2-Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3-For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4-And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5-But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

The Charge:

In the scripture, Paul used the word διαμαρτύρομαι (diamarturomai) is a verb which emphasizes a solemn call or sober, sound, and clear declaration in commitment for service. In other words, a "charge" was to be both given and received with singular and serious hearted dedication and commitment.

PREACH THE WORD

Out of all the things that Paul could have commanded that Timothy take heed to and perform, the preaching of "the word" was at the top of the list. Interestingly, Paul did not commission the preacher to do anything that did not center around that act.

Paul did not tell Timothy to build large buildings, nor did he tell him to wear fine clothes, nor did he encourage him to seek or find social and political status, nor did he tell him to seek to be known in secular observance or to even seek veneration at the street corner or be known for "spiritual" things. 

However, Paul commissioned, Timothy to PREACH THE WORD. Without doubt, it is this word that was able to save men's souls and make them clan as Jesus said in John. 15:3. After his encounter with the risen Christ, Paul said to the Roman church that he was not "ashamed" of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16) Prior to this, the Psalmist said that God had exalted his WORD above all his name (138:2), John shores it up by saying it was the WORD that was there in the beginning (Jn. 1:1), and that that WORD was made flesh (Jn. 1:14), dwelt among us and healed us from our sickness, diseases and sins. 

POSITION, TITLE & SOCIETAL STATUS. 

Out of all the things that can be known, I don't think it is not hidden that the church leaders have decided to venerate everything BUT the PREACHING OF THE WORD. Ooh, don't get me wrong...we have some homiletic dynamos...Some people who can tickle the walls with such a silvery tongue and talk all of your troubles away with a spiritually dynamic display of self contrived promises. Their very presence has been said to make some feel better...

I remember years ago, when the late Rev. Ike, was yet alive (who is venerated in many circles today for his lavish, prosperity centered gospel message) a woman said that she was sick. As she gave her testimony of her healing, she explained how she had taken one of his old publications (as his church group had at least a monthly magazine that was published and sold to the members and general public) according to her, all she had to do was rip the magazines apart and spread the loose pages all over her body. When that was done, she declared that her sickness began to leave her body and that she was instantaneously healed of her "illness".

The GOSPEL or the WORD not necessary, except for in an incidental manner, in which the pages "may" have had scriptures written on them. However the focus was that this MAN had done the work...

Yes, that is silly and certainly displays spiritual delusion and manipulation, by a minister who lived enough to promote that one could not "loose, with the stuff he used"...But this charge, as ugly as it was, had nothing to do with God, even if at one time it may have had everything to do with him. 

Some feel that a new position and or title, is the key. It is that title and or position that somehow opens the spiritual gates and lets demons and other human beings know that they have arrived.

I guess what I am saying is that God's mission, work and calling takes diligent observance. It cannot be shrugged off when one experiences a certain amount of disappointment or success. It must be sought with a singular minded acceptance.

ASK THE QUESTION AGAIN

With all of that said, we must ask the question again, did God call us to build fancy buildings and be, for a lack of a better description, business men in suits, clergy collars and robes?

Certainly the church must conduct business, but did God call the Bishop, and or minister to commit themselves to be a social media manager, or status or relationship agent? Taking a look at many of our churches that is what one would think. So many smiling faces, encouraging one another to connect with one another, but very little encouragement to connect with God. 

SEDUCED

The minister, in may cases, has been seduced by accolade of the world and even more so by accolade of the church. Some only seek the accolade of them in the pews. Being the center of attention is the key for many. Just as satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, with "fame" and self affirmation, many of the nation's largest and even not so large pulpits have fallen to the scheme of the enemy, and have relegated themselves to being an enemy of God.

For instance, who seeks to consecrate as Bishops them who have raped, pillaged the poor, or lived a life of debauchery, adultery and misfeasance while in office, except those that either love sin or have no sense of duty to preserve the church, or Saints of God?

Who is it that will take a moment to question the safety of the children and fidelity of families by recommending the installation of pedophiles, except they also are those who are full of lies and subversion themselves?

For a person, to take an instance and persuade themselves that their actions are simply right without any guide or guidance from scripture, is a person who has lost any similitude of the importance of the charge of God in ministry and or in HIS church.

JUDGEMENT THE GREAT EQUALIZER

Jer. 17:10 ~ I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Of a certainty, there is and will be judgement. Further, when the church is delivered to and driven by them who have cursed God with their life and lifestyle, that church is either under judgement because of its continued backsliding, or has totally turned its back on the truth of the word with no or very little hope of return. 

One thing we find in the Old Testament, is a God that would use the enemy to exact judgment as punishment towards God's people. Because of their consistent sins, the people were sometimes delivered to the rule of evil nations and hard taskmasters. 

When leaders, consecrate and appoint ungodly leaders, it is certainly a sign of the judgement of God and the apostasy of the leadership.

Although I can call the name of organizations who have appointed the ungodly to rule, I can also point to organizations who have also appointed the ungodly adulterer, drug user, financial abuser and a list of other characters to rule or exact judgment over God's people as if nothing was ever wrong. 

What the people want and what God wants is often if not exclusively at odds. In other words, God's heart is certainly not the heart of men. SO when the people are satisfied with sin, they have shown God they are not satisfied with HIM. 

Therefore, it is a wonder that God entertains the thoughts and actions of the modern church in any manner. It is that church that continues to choose Barabbas, rather than Jesus!  

Conclusion:

When the church has lost its way in the high weeds of flesh, self relevance and worldly acceptance, there is yet a cure and a way out...

Revelation 2:5 ~ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

REPENTANCE is in order! It is that ability to assess one's failure, and realign one's self with the true vision of Christ that is in order. As John preached, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand"!

When the world views the church as a bunch of people with the same ungodliness and practices of sin that it has, the candlestick has been removed. There is no light by which men can see truth and God.

When secular rappers can come into the church, make millions, and make no commitment to Christ, the candlestick has been removed. No matter how many crowds there may be or how much the edifice may have cost...if God is not there, and if the integrity of the calling of God is lost, then there is nothing redemptive, nothing salvific, and if there is nothing to save, what are we really doing?

So the call is really to them who believe that they have been called...REPENT...HUMBLE YOURSELF and commit to the REAL charge of brooding over the word of God, seeking it daily and in all things for guidance and spiritual direction. 

The REAL DUTY or obligation of the preacher, is to preserve HIS church, through the faithful preaching and unfettered teaching of the WORD of God. No godly, called minister of the gospel has a higher duty or obligation than to stand in the holy place of God and deliver HIS council to the people. It is that council that saves the lost from their sins, heals the sick of their diseases, comforts the downtrodden, and builds up the Kingdom of God. That is how families are changed, sons are saved and daughters brought back home.

A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill:
Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage
To do my Master’s will!
Arm me with jealous care,
As in Thy sight to live;
And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare
A strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray,
And on Thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall forever die.

1762 as inspired by Charles Wesley from Lev. 8:35...

I'm prepared to keep my charge. How about you?

Blessed! 

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Gino Jennings. Cult Leader Or Simple Bombastic Heretic?

If you read Gino Jennings, A False Apostle Teaching Heresy, then you must take a listen to this. More to come!

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Commentary & Notes: Colossians 1:12-20 Debunking Modalism

I have addressed the error of Sabellianism or modalism on this blog in various ways including uncovering the misuse of language that backs the Oneness platform of confusion on the nature of God. Recently, I had the opportunity to display why the particular teachings of a heretic were insufficient and non-biblical, only to find out that many believers, who claim to adhere to trinitarian doctrine, really didn't think it was a "big issue" to believe otherwise because they felt that since "belief" of doctrine wasn't an issue at salvation and that adherence to doctrinal teaching along this line was also not a matter or issue of salvation. 

Sentiments of this can be dangerous and could also be unbiblical. Not that it was the case in this particular situation, but it seems that by far and large the church has abandoned indepth teaching as it pertains to the nature of God and the examination of who God is, what HIS nature means to the world, and why those teachings are relevant to the day to day life of every believer. 

The need and longing to know and explore the nature of God has been replaced by the the sentiments and desires to be "peaceful" and "unified" with all them who claim to be "believers" no matter what those "said" believers actually believe.

This is devastating because the fact is that people gave their lives for what they "believed", in the early church and those beliefs were without compromise. What one believes is of great significance and vitally important to the life and relationship and even fellowship of every believer with Christ. In addition, if one can simply redefine God to meet ones own terms and beliefs, then HE is not the God of the bible nor the God of history. When men invent or create a God that they can readily understand or compartmentalize, then it is questionable whether faith is truly placed within the God who has both defined himself as he is and the faith that we were told to earnestly contend for. (Jude 3) 

What do you say? A case of circular reasoning? Well, I don't think so. I believe it is a demand and persistence to seek and know truth. The truth of the matter is that God the Father and God the Son exist eternally, have never changed hats, are not merely defined by their role, and, though distinct, are yet ONE God. This is what the scripture repeatedly affirms and what the Holy Writ, when examined for what it says, certainly affirms. 

Let's review a portion of the first chapter of Colossians in a verse-by-verse study on the nature of God.

Colossians 

Delivered by Tychicus, the epistle to the Colossians was written by Paul while under house arrest in Rome. Written to the mostly Greek Saints and believers who lived in an area located in what was known as Greater Phrygia which included the cities of Antioch in Pisidia , Colosse, Hierapolis, Iconium, and Laodicea . The church itself, probably founded by Epaphras sat on the river Lycus. 

The aim of the letter was to counter false teaching regarding the majesty, nature, mission and complete redemption of mankind found in Jesus himself. The epistle proved to be a strong and poignant stance against the backdrop of an early and developing gnosticism and theosophy of Judaizers who's mission was to redefine the faith. The letter was a direct assault on novel speculations of the day and false teachings which sought to redefine the Jesus of history and his unique place in all of creation and among mankind. 

In this segment, we will look at a section of Chapter 1 of Colossians (v.12-20) that is strong evidence that Jesus and God the Father acted, moved and operated in in relationship to one another and were not confused by early church believers as being one in the same, although they were certainly ONE God. This teaching itself is ample proof, that the nature of God was an issue of utmost importance within the church and among its most early adherents and should not be compromised.   

I have highlighted my commentary within the verses and provided 4 notes as supplement to make sure that context remains clear through and regarding what is being taught in this valuable Pauline epistle. 

Colossians 1:12-20

12-Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13-Who (eg: referring to the Father) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:(aka: JESUS) 

14-In whom (eg: the "dear Son" aka: Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15-Who (referring to Jesus) is the image (See note 1) of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (See note 2)

16-For by him (eg: the "dear Son" aka: JESUS) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (All of these are the acts of God Almighty himself)

17-And he is before all things, (eg: everything spiritual and natural can be credited in their existence to God the creator.) [In this case referring to JESUS himself] and by him all things consist.

18-And he is the head of the body, the church: (This is continuing to speak of JESUS) who is the beginning, the firstborn (See note 2) from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.(See note 3)

19-For it pleased the Father (Herein is the distinction) that in him (the "dear Son") should all fulness (see note 4) dwell;  

20-And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Special Notes:

(Note 1) ~ v.15 ~ Image: the Greek word from which we get "Icon". Strong's "1504 (eikṓn) assumes a prototype, of which it not merely resembles, but from which it is drawn" (R. Trench). (eikṓn) then is more than a "shadow"; rather it is a replication (F. F. Bruce, Hebrews, 226; see also Lightfoot at Col 3:10 and 2:21).

Something that is separate, yet drawn "from" something that exists and is in itself tangibly real as from the thing it was drawn from. By virtue of that (the image, eikon) would have to have the same "nature" and "essence" but is distinctly NOT the primary thing spoken of though it is identical in every way. 

(Note 2) ~ "firstborn of every creature". Deal with this in 2 parts.

1- "firstborn" ~ From a word group indicating first to experience or one who is in an pre-eminent position. From Strong's 4416 prōtótokos (from 4413 /prṓtos, "first, pre-eminent" and 5088 /tíktō, "bring forth") – properly, first in time (Mt 1:25; Lk 2:7); hence, pre-eminent(Col 1:15; Rev 1:5).4416 /prōtótokos ("firstly") specifically refers to Christ as the first to experience glorification, i.e. at His resurrection (see Heb 12:23; Rev 1:5). For this (and countless other reasons) Jesus is "preeminent" (4416/prōtótokos) – the unequivocal Sovereign over all creation (Col 1:16). [4416 (prōtótokos) refers to "the first among others (who follow)" – as with the preeminent, glorified Christ, the eternal Logos who possesses self-existent life (Jn 5:26).]

2- "creature" ~  Strong's Cognate: 2937 ktísis – properly, creation (creature) which is founded from nothing (this is also the sense of this term from Homer on); creation out of nothing (Lat ex nihilo). See 2936 (ktizō) and 2939 /ktístēs ("the Creator") for lengthy discussion on "creation-facts."

These phrases combined in this verse do not indicate that Jesus is the "first one made" or "created" among creatures that God made. To the contrary, this verse indicates that Jesus is at the arch-pinnacle of all of creation, or the one to whom all creation and everything (everyone) that is made looks. This contextual understanding can be best understood in the antecedent phrase that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God". From that, if Jesus is the image "eikon" of the invisible God, sharing the same nature and essence of that "invisible God" as the scripture indicates, he could have not, in any manner, come into existence, operation or function whether by being created and or by being born of Mary. Thus Jesus himself precedes Mary tracing existence prior to John 1:1 as God would certainly have existed prior to any "beginning" and would have been present "in the beginning". Further, this concept takes better shape in light of the next verse or V.16.

(Note 3) ~ Strong's 4409 "proteuo" same word grouping as note 2, means to be chief, or to have first place, AS OPPOSED to being first as in a succession. Example, The Supreme Court has who is called a "Chief Justice". This Chief Justice may not be the "first Justice" or "first one" chosen to sit on the court, however he has leading or pre-eminent role of authority on the Court. Thus, as this word is used here, it indicates the one who has the preeminent role, place and authority.     

(Note 4) ~ Strong's  says a Cognate: 4138 plḗrōma – "sum total, fulness, even (super) abundance" (BAGD). See 4130 (plēthō). this word also indicates fulfillment or completion. This would be wholly and contextually consistent with the narrative as v.20 deals with the cross and redemption. Simply put, rather than "fulness" having to do with the embodiment of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in the body and personage of Jesus, as some people contend, this phrase has everything to do with the PLAN of God and what was fulfilled or "finished" by Jesus himself. This verse (v. 19) is rendered as an indicator of the maturity of the plan of salvation contained within Jesus himself. So in this verse, "fulness" and later "fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9) is indicative of the salvation plan, or the highest point at which Heaven (God) speaks and acts in delivering men and mankind from sin and death.  

Blessed!

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FOR ALL THE "FIRE-BREATHERS" WHAT SPIRIT ARE YOU OF?

BROUGHT DOWN AND EXPOSED HUH?

In my article, "What God Through TRUE Repentance Can Do" I noted the following:

"Prior to 1988 Pastor/Evangelist Jimmy Lee Swaggart, known by millions simply as "Brother Swaggart" was preaching all over the country and traveling overseas conducting what we now call mega conferences. He was pastoring over 7,000 members at his church, Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, LA. (then a part of the Assemblies Of God), bursting at the seams with a thriving Christian bible college, and receiving donations, from an estimated 8 million weekly American TV audience, (over 500 million viewers world wide) Donations were estimated to be in excess of $150,000,000 annually (that's over $500,000 per day). He was achieving all of this while preaching against sin in all forms from the White House to skid row."

What I did not mention in the article was that when Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart stated that Jim Bakker was a "cancer" in the Body Of Christ that needed to be "cut out", it wasn't long before Swaggart himself was caught with prostitutes not just once, but twice. This exposure led to a scene of repentance on a national TV broadcast that was so heavily broadcast that stations interrupted their regularly scheduled programs to televise Swaggart's repentance live.

Though Bakker went to jail for atrocities centering around financial mismanagement, he lived to repent and wrote a book called "I Was Wrong" and explained the sinful details of his own life. Currently, Bakker is thriving with a completely different ministry and approach, and still repairing the damage of his sins. 

Swaggart, having repented, is still moving on strong as well. His TV and radio networks are expanding and he has a new message singularly focused on redemption through the cross which is a good thing. He certainly preaches against sin and sinful activities and behaviors, but there is no vitriol in his messages.   

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Could Mormon "Apostles" Control A President?

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly."

(The LDS 8th Article Of Faith)

One thing that is clear: the Presidential election of 2012 will be as historic as the Presidential election of 2008. For the first time in our nations history either a Black (ultra liberal "Christian") man will be reelected as President or a Mormon will be elected for the first time. Although we could write a book on that by itself, the election offers and interesting mix of polar diversity such the like I have never seen before.

Although the Mormon church aka The Church Of Jesus Christ Of The Latter Day Saints or simply the LDS Church has existed within America since 1823 when the supposed angel "Moroni" visited a 14 year old boy named Joseph Smith to tell him about a "record of ancient inhabitants of the America's which had been hidden in a nearby hill", the Mormon church has been delivering a version of testimony that it calls "another  Gospel of Jesus Christ" which claims to "restore" the true believer to a true faith and belief, as all other churches and beliefs, beginning with the Catholic Church and the Protestant reformations that followed, are  apostate and deceived.

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CFR Exposed On Word His Way

Listen to internet radio with HisWordHisWay on Blog Talk Radio

Pastor Harvey Burnett will be one in a panel of featured guests on the Word His Way Blogtalk Radio broadcast, hosted by Pastor Saiko Woods on Thursday July 19th 7:30 PM CST.  Click the Blogtalk Radio link above to hear the program right now...

The show will be open to guests and callers, and Dunamis readers are welcomed and encouraged to attend. The call in number is 858.365.5507.

Sounding The Alarm!

The topic is "Churchfolkradio Exposed Pt. 2 ~ The Saga Continues". The discussion will be a followup to a previous  conversation regarding an internet group called Church Folk Revolution, which among other things, in recent days, promoted sex outside of marriage as a viable behavior for believing Christians. 

In fact, speaking in the context of sexual purity, in a broadcast entitled, "Saved, Single, And Having Sex" 6/4/2012, one of their primary and most vocal teachers claimed that God spoke to him saying, 

"You can't pray away what you're supposed to hump away"

This is simply the tip of the iceberg. Pt. 1 of this conversation was conducted by Pastor Tetaun Moffett of Exministries on The Moment Of Truth Internet broadcast. I will post a link to a portion of that conversation when one is available.

Blessed!   

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