A Real "Game-Changer"???...Lord Help Us All!

Titus 1:10-16 ~ 10- For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11- Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12- One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13- This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14- Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15- Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 -They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

In this world we shall have tribulation!

That statement is no more apparent than when we look at what is perpetrating and passing itself off to be the modern "church".  I suppose it has always been like this. Early on Judaizers were trying to convert believers back into Jewish ritualism for salvation (Acts 15). Later gnostics such as Hymenaeus and Philetus who left the faith, tried to reinvent the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles claiming that either the resurrection had passed or that there was no physical or bodily resurrection because, according to them, the physical body was too evil to resurrect. (2 Tim. 2:18) False teachings were so prevalent until Apostle John warned that we should not "believe every spirit" but "try the spirit" whether it was of God. (1 John 4:1). 

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MegaFest To Mega-Controversy

If controversy was what Bishop T.D. Jakes wanted as a result of MegaFest 2013, then he got ALL that he asked for and then some...

Put T.D. Jakes, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry together in one room, and what do you have? 3 of the wealthiest Black business people in the United States and 3 of the most popular individuals associated with the modern entertainment industry and at least one of which is associated with the gospel and gospel ministry. 

Now, place the same three people at a 3 day MegaFest Conference, add to that by having Tyler Perry lay hands on Jakes,  and Jakes and Oprah share the stage to talk about fatherlessness in America, and top all of that off with Oprah saying, while she's reaching out to God, "I need you"...and what do you have? Probably one of the most controversial and talked about events of the year. 

From pillar to post this event and what happened at the event is reverberating around facebook, google, and every internet venue.  If that was the point of the conference, then on that merit alone, it was a high success.

Why We Are Shocked. 

Many people are shocked because they don't want to believe that any of these people are real. Look at the criticisms, according to them; Tyler is gay, and if he isn't gay, he is unsaved. Look at the reasons why. His
stage presentations are more and more secular and worldly and he dresses in drag to entertain the masses. (which is a shameful thing that most Black actors have been made to do at some point in their entertainment careers) 

Then Oprah, a self proclaimed "Christian free-thinker" who has taken God "out of the box", as we all know, has embraced eclecticism and universalism and what I have called the "many paths" doctrine stating that God can be accessed through many other and various faith paths and beliefs any or all of which have nothing to do with Jesus and some of which are even contrary to the teachings of Jesus. For instance, she has embraced the spiritual deception and ramblings of Eckhart Tolle as I have documented in my series "The New Enlightenment", and teaches that Jesus did not come to die upon the cross, but came to show us the "Christ consciousness" which we all can have just like Jesus did...Oprah has been criticized by some as a modern type of "Jezebel" and a false "prophetess" for all of the aforementioned reasons and more. 

Then T.D. Jakes himself is also controversial. Aside from all that he has done and continues to do to better the plight of humanity through the work of his ministry, the critic says he is not saved because he doesn't understand or teach the trinity and or he too is an "in the closet" homosexual...Well, it is a fact that he tried to suggest that Ruth and Naomi had a lesbian relationship and that David and Jonathon's relationship was suspect as well. In fact here is his exact statement from a message:

“Ruth turns to Naomi and says “I shall not leave thee.” She makes her statement to this woman…that sounds somewhat, somewhere in between poetry, intimacy, and borders on lesbianism. People don’t even know how to explain what Ruth said to Naomi. It makes them uncomfortable. They’re afraid to talk about it. They don’t want to teach on it. Same thing with David and Jonathan…where there were same-sex relationships getting too close, people don’t even know what to say.” ~ [Bishop T.D. Jakes, "Nothing Just Happens" 2001 Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference]

Now, I am yet awaiting anyone who knows whether Bishop clarified or straightened up that statement to let me know...I am awaiting ANYONE who can clarify Oprah's statements and beliefs with additional statements she has made recanting the previous ones to point me toward them also. I certainly don't want to bear false witness. If either of these have corrected their statements, because they are human and may have spoken wrongly, we can promote their corrections just as readily as what was spoken was in obvious error.

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New Babylon Arising ~ "The Knowledge Economy"

Genesis 11:6-9 ~ 6- And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7- Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8- So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9- Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Jew, and self proclaimed atheist, Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook and one of the wealthiest men on earth, announced his "rough plan" to partnership with nearly every internet provider on the planet to provide internet access to the worlds over 7 billion people.

 "I think that connecting the world will be one of the most important things we all do in our lifetimes, and I’m thankful every day to have the opportunity to work with all of you to make this a reality" ~ Zuckerberg Pg. 10 

According to most statistics, only 1/3rd of the world has internet access. The other 2/3rds, approximately 5 billion people, are without access or at the least very limited access. It is Zuckerberg's purpose to change all of that by claiming that internet access for all humans is a "human right". In a post on his Facebook page entitled "Is connectivity a human right?" Zuckerberg delivered the following:

"Before the internet and the knowledge economy, our economy was primarily industrial and resource-based. Many dynamics of resource-based economies are zero sum. For example, if you own an oil field, then I can’t also own that same oil field. This incentivizes those with resources to hoard rather than share them. But a knowledge economy is different and encourages worldwide prosperity. It’s not zero sum. If you know something, that doesn’t stop me from knowing it too. In fact, the more things we all know, the better ideas, products and services we can all offer and the better all of our lives will be. ~ Zuckerberg Pg. 2 

Now, the first thing that jumps out is the baseline description of communism as it pertains to how this "knowledge based economy" should be. As a reminder Dictionary.com defines communism as follows: ~ a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state. It is imminently clear that Zuckerberg ascribes to the communist model to his "knowledge economy" suggesting that knowledge should belong to "all of us" and further stating that the more all of us know the better off all of us will be. The problem here is does any of his statement or aspirations in this hold true? 

Does Knowledge Equate To "Doing Better"?

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Antoinette Tuff: "I Gave It All To God"

Esther 4:13-16 ~ 13-Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. 14- For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? 15- Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16- Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

HERO...Antoinette Tuff, a woman who wasn't even supposed to be where she was. Having just received devastating news herself,  saved countless children and adults from near certain tragedy. How did she do this? it certainly wasn't out of her comforts, nor was it out of some belief that this life is all we have. It was out of her faith in a REAL God. It was out of her love for mankind and it was out of her adversity.

Antoinette, helped some of over 870 children and staff who attend and worked for the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy  in Decatur, GA. The Academy educates students from Pre-K to 5th grade. These are our babies. They depend upon Antoinette and people like Antoinette to care for them, to love them, to protect them, while they are away from their families throughout the day. 

Out of her abundant BELIEF IN GOD, this woman faced down death, looking into the eyes of a man, not on his medication and unafraid to use a semi-arsenal of guns and weapons. Afterwards, Antoinette understood that IF it hadn't been for her pain, and IF it had not been for her FAITH, IF she had not been in that place at that particular time, then DEATH would have been certain, if not for herself, then for others. 

Michael Brandon Hill, a man who also suffers from some form of mental illness, had been arrested in March for making threats to the Sheriff's office. Although he was on prescribed medication, he failed to take any that day. In this incident he showed up with over 500 rounds of ammunition and fired shots to let everyone know that he meant business. This was intensely serious and almost anything could happen.

Antoinette recounts:

"He had a look on him that he was willing to kill — matter of fact he said it. He said that he didn't have any reason to live and that he knew he was going to die today,"

In the video caption above, Antoinette said that her pastor's wife had taught a message "Push Past The Pain" which spoke to her that no matter what condition she was in, that life's adversities couldn't hold her down and keep her from the blessings of God. She additionally recounted that her Pastor had just begun a new series of teachings, that she was studying designed to encourage the members that life was not over and that through Christ they could do anything. As she said, "Thank God for the Word!"

Why Me?

There are some legitimate questions as to why we all go through what we go through at times. we don't have full knowledge and have to trust god at times that things will be allright. However, I have watched people present what is called the "problem of evil" for years. Some of them even going so far as to claim that if God was God he wouldn't allow certain pain and adversity in life. That HE would simply rescue us from all of our pains because he loves us. But look at this, a little lady, with no gun, in the face of a gunman, that had just received devastating news, husband left her after 33 years of marriage, tried to commit suicide herself due to that failed marriage just last year, has a multiply disabled son, and no telling what else is going on, steps UP, shows her love for God and man by living out her faith THROUGH adversity and all the pain that she has suffered. 

All those folk complaining about God and telling HIM how comfortable their life should be...This woman puts YOU to shame. I think many of them are A BUNCH OF WHINING BABIES seeking to serve themselves. 

The fact is that life is not only about US individually. We go through some things for and on behalf of others. From the depth of our experience and sometimes even pain, others are blessed, helped and encouraged. In other words, if one can make it through what one has experienced, then others have confidence that they can also make it through what they are going through. 

PURPOSE Placed In The Middle

It was Jesus who placed himself in the middle on the cross between the wrath of God and the destruction of man in order to redeem man. This woman not only placed herself between the gunman and the kids and fellow employees, but placed herself between the gunman and the police...She was in the way for a PURPOSE, which is one thing that many people cannot and do not understand. There is a PURPOSE to it all, and that purpose is not to introvertly fail or fall into obscurity. The purpose of God through ALL adversity is for those who would believe and trust in him to succeed. 

Psalms 118:17 ~I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Similar to Esther, who knows if THIS was why she went through what she went through in life? Her experiences could have been what were necessary to prepare her for THIS incident. To give her the necessary temperament to look at death and say, although I am afraid, I know a God who is above ALL people and all things. Her experiences could have been to give her the love for children to stand there pleading for the life of all instead of running, which she initially thought to do. 

911 Call

Antoinette Tuff, YOU are a TOUGH Sistah!!!! Thank God for you and may the LORD continue to bless you and may he restore unto you all that has been lost with some extra and abundant interest!

Blessed!

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"Preachers" Of LA

Don't Worry, More Governmental Hearings On The Way!

OK, I don't mean to advertise this show, but I must say that I am in anticipation of just how much MESS can come on TV in the name of the Lord. I'll be short with this one but look:

The Sisterhood...CANCELLED! Preacher's Wives...CANCELLED!

But that doesn't disturb or sway the preachers from doing what they do. At probably more than $5,000 to $10,000 per episode, the preacher's gladly say It's MY TURN NOW!

Yes, it's their turn to set the record straight. Pastor Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Cheney, Bishop Ron Gibson and Pastor Jay Haizlip...It's their turn to tell the world why they can be expected to live lavishly while anything from mega to average sized churches sport and support their mega-lifestyles.

In this trailer alone, there is more than enough information for anyone who loves the Lord to be disturbed about. from a Bishop claiming that he should be able to obtain worldly possessions similar to demonic entertainers; to another claiming that he believes in the part of the bible that declares that we should "prosper and be in good health" which was simply a 1st century greeting, salutation and doxology; to another that claims that he is a "prize" that should be "won"...

HOUSTON, We have a PROBLEM! And the problem is not God...it's those who want to make God be and approve all the devilment that they like to do...This "expose" could be just what is necessary for the rest of the world to see these gentleman as they really are. I don't know, but I will certainly be watching...and the COMMENTS will be ON!!!!!

Blessed! 

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Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 22 ~Satanism On Your TV

Praise the LORD from whom ALL BLESSINGS flow! Taken a break but I'm back for a minute...But you need to read this:

Theurgy (Magic) - The Operation of Moon - Theurgy translates to "The Science or art of Divine Works." There are two different types of magic, according to Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Apology, completely opposite of one another. The first is Goëtia, black magic reliant upon an alliance with evil spirits (i.e. demons). The second is Theurgy, divine magic reliant upon an alliance with divine spirits (i.e. angels, archangels, gods). In the practice of Hermetic theurgy, these are invoked in order to awaken elemental, planetary, an zodiacal forces in the physical and energetic bodies. Theurgy is the practical aspect of the astrology. Ritual magic and all modern magical traditions ultimately derive from Hermetic theurgy.

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn ~ website

I haven't visited this topic in a while due to other equally as important and exciting ministerial ventures, topics and programs undertaken. In part, my children, bless their hearts, have kept me informed of some of the latest happenings in the music industry, because I am one of those saints who DO NOT listen to R&B, or it's brother hip-hop except to review it's content and when my attention is called to certain points, lyrics or beats. However, as I turn to focus my eyes once again, I find that the modern music industry and most specifically that associated with modern hip-hop, neo soul and R & B, is in a most desperate and continued need of deliverance.

I will focus on a few points delivering information and focusing on the subject from a slightly different perspective than most do. I will also discuss and reference a couple of websites that I believe you may want to link to and keep up with as they have undertaken to thoroughly examine this particular aspect of modern music. That aspect is satanism and the 'devil' in the music. 

I have talked about this trend in bits and pieces in multiple articles previously. What I have found is that producers and sometimes unwitting artists, are producing more and more "mystically centered" garbage in effort to seduce and cast spells on the minds of our children and those who give themselves to the pursuit of fame, association and attention. The church is impacted because it has taken upon itself to mimic the styles and imaginations of these enemies of the cross. As we will point out, these efforts usually occur in the name of "reaching" children. Needless to say, this is a horrible strategy of evangelization and, in my opinion, must cease as a strategy and be thoroughly denounced through and by biblically centered preaching and teaching.

Side Note:

...And I must say I APPLAUD a Mt. Salem BAPTIST church that undertook to remove their pastor as he  by his actions expressed that supporting hip-hop could be reconciled with faith and purity in Christ...It seems that while many of the so called "Saints" (as we were once exclusively called) are running to and fro to find out how much of a partnership and fellowship with the world that we can have and still "resemble"

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"We Have Refused To Honor God..."

Thursday Aug. 1st Darrell Scott, the father of the first victim in the Columbine school shooting, Rachel Scott, testified before the House Judiciary subcommittee. If you didn't hear it reported on the news, that's OK. This is what he said:

"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. 

"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. 

"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent. I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.

Your laws ignore our deepest needs,

Your words are empty air.

You've stripped away our heritage,

You've outlawed simple prayer.

Now gunshots fill our classrooms,

And precious children die.

You seek for answers everywhere,

And ask the question "Why?"

You regulate restrictive laws,

Through legislative creed.

And yet you fail to understand,

That God is what we need! 

"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. 

What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. 

Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.

"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him.

To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!" ~ Darrell Scott

Now I wonder did they really hear what he said? I wonder do the pastors and teachers all across the land hear what he said? May the Lord continue to bless him and the memory of his beloved daughter.   

Blessed!

Link: Dale Yancy blog

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The "Business" Of Church

Matthew 21:12-13 ~ 12- And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13-And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Although there is a healthy debate even among Christians as to whether the "church" as we know it today was ever supposed to be the "church" as we have become used to seeing it, or even whether Jesus came to establish a religion at all, one thing is for sure, whatever the church and religious practice associated with the church once was, it is hard pressed to continue to be that and as a result has lost it's luster in a ever increasing mine-field of church and even secular "alternatives".

In short, the rise of relative moral values, increasing secularism, and the desire for social relevance are among some of the more pervasive issues that the church faces. That doesn't even begin to touch on the ever increasing moral failures of some of the leaders and adherents of the church. All of these things have made the church, the modern physical church, a very difficult landscape for the average person to navigate.

Church, The Business

Then add the "business" of church to the mix. There has always been a business aspect to serving God through the corporate entity called the church. Even within the first church people sold what they had that the needs of the corporate group might be met (Acts 4). Under the Levitical system, sacrifices and offerings cost and had value. In Jesus time, ministry under the Temple System had become big business. Scripture records that Jesus drove out the "moneychanges" at least twice during his ministry (Matt. 21:12-13, John 2:14-15) and reprimanded temple leaders for their excesses. I believe, and have further taught, that Jesus did this at least annually as a symbol of his office and in expectation of what the religious Jew would have understood as the special authority associated with the Messiah who was expected to appear in every generation. By the time of Jesus, to say that the Temple and the people were being abused would have been an understatement. What was being done was not in accordance with what God had commanded and not in line with what he expected from those who would serve HIM. The poor were to be ministered to, not taken advantage of. The very fact that the nickname of the Temple at that time was "Herrod's Temple" indicates that money and evil associations had began to rule the day even in what should have been the most sacred of places.  

Show Me The Money!

From the historical position of Catholic "indulgences" to modern mega church "sacrificial gifts", to $50 million dollar plus places of worship, not to mention $250,000 monthly TV programming budgets. As we already know, on any given Sunday at mini-mega local churches offerings of the faithful can exceed $20,000. Big business exists within and surrounding the modern church. Much of the raised funds are delivered to folk

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Does Black Justice Exist In The Criminal Justice System?

"The popular narrative that emphasizes the death of slavery and Jim Crow and celebrates the nation's "triumph over race" with the election of Barack Obama is dangerously misguided. The colorblind public consensus that prevails in America today-i.e., the widespread belief that race no longer matters- has blinded us to the realities of race in our society and facilitated the emergence of a new caste system. " ~ Alexander, Michelle "The New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness [The New Press, NY 2012}Pg. 12

Although I have tried to refrain from an indepth commentary, and don't plan on spending a lot of time on the subject, because there is far too much work to do within the church when addressing mindsets and stereotypes of victimization and abuse, I couldn't really go without at least addressing some of the issues surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman and Mr. Zimmerman's subsequent not guilty verdict. 

In all that has been said and done over the last year or so and through the verdict of this trial, we have heard some pretty polarizing statements and sentiments on both sides of the issue. We have seen people say that Trayvon should have simply gone home, or that George should not have stalked, yet alone, killed Trayvon (a sentiment to which I agree) and it seems that admonitions on at least what should have happened run along racial and ethnic lines.

In my mind this only further solidifies the understanding that America is divided into casts or sects and that

there are at least two philosophical views of America within the USA. There is an America whose systems and laws are fashioned for the people, and there is an America whose systems and laws are USED against certain of her own people. Although both of these Americas exist together; they even entertain one another, they do not exist in union with one another no matter how much they may appear to do so. Then there is an underlying mistrust, distrust and broken union among many of America's citizens that live in her everyday. This has caused much recent and modern controversy as we all remember the sentiments of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright who instead of saying "God bless America" said, "...God dxxx America, for what she has done..."

Rev. Jeremiah Wright

Can these things simply be written off as mainstream White dominated media wish to do with such sentiments? Can they or should they be simply be disavowed for political and mass social appeal? Are we experiencing a reemergence of ultra-classism, sectarianism and creedalism? Can we as a people stand it, and how should we address it? 

In this article I would like to look a a few pieces to the current puzzle in America. I don't think it is a debate in any other civilized nation that there is something wrong when an adult (or anyone else for that matter) stalks another person who is doing nothing wrong, and ultimately confronts and kills them, that an offence has occurred. But somehow part of America feels that the opinion in favor of death for the Black youth is somehow justified and understandable to whatever degree....      

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Seduced Church: The Prostitution, & Sale Of The Psalmist

Gospel Artists 

Dial 666 To Make A Deal

Matthew 4:8-11 ~ 8-Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9-And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10-Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11-Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

One thing is for certain. as we have already established...the gospel minister is in trouble...we have seen the meltdown and breakdown...In my Hip-hop Idolatry & The Church Series #9,  I have taken a look into the world of music cross-overs. As noted in the post over the years we have seen artists that have gone from gospel to secular music and from secular to gospel music and such the like. As I noted then, it is a tragedy and it still is a tragedy. 

Secularism: When The World Looks Good & Considerations Of God Become Small

The term secularism can be defined in the following manner:

1. Religious skepticism or indifference.
2. The view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education

Our friends at Real Zone allowed a pastor to define secularism highlighting it's spiritual implications as follows:

“Secularism is a movement that opposes God and everything that is associated with God. Secularism promotes independence from God. It removes God from people’s thoughts, the educational system and from programs and policies. It is, therefore, wrong for anybody to criticize or label as secular, an artist that sings a song which is not blasphemous of God or his commandments. “

Secularism is more in line with a culture or a world view. A way of doing things that does not allow the influence of God or Biblical based moral decisions to come into play. The artist or individual is pursuing a "career" using the instruments that belong to God with no consideration for HIM and when there is consideration it is usually a reinterpretation of material facts to suit. 

The problem is further summed up like this...folk that only have a gift and a place because of God, fail to subject and submit that gift to God in favor of money, fame and worldly accolade and career advancement. They have cheapened themselves by using their gifts inappropriately and even against God to favor, honor and support an anti-Christ industry of secularism displayed through music and various forms of entertainment. 

Evil Communication Corrupts Good Manners (1 Cor. 15:33)

I mean look at it...we have gospel artists and even leaders and administrators of organizational music departments such as pastor Kim Burrell, Assistant International Music Director in the Church Of God In Christ, who has not only said that she wants to "sing with Prince", because she feels that he is "anointed"(what a JOKE!) but has also made career decisions and moves in union with homosexuals such as Krishnar Lewis (Lewis Agency) to not only produce music, and videos, but also the show "Whatever It Takes" The title is all in it as Kim says:

"I'll do 'whatever it takes' to sustain the momentum of my success, as long as I have my dream team" ~ video promo

Unfortunately, Kirshnar now has stage 4 rectal cancer that has metastasized from what has been said in the video, so it is a wonder how long this relationship will continue or go on. We do pray from Krishnar's salvation. In short there will be at least 2 persons whom pastor Burrell will have been around that is in serious need of a move of God, but yet she seems focused on the "momentum" of her "success" as she does not apparently want that hindered in any way and will do anything to keep it going. 

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Does Reconciliation Exist For Jamal H. Bryant?

One of the first things to do is define the term in the title of this post:

Reconciliation: Reconciliation comes from the Greek family of words that has its roots in allasso [ajllavssw]. The meaning common to this word group is "change" or "exchange." Reconciliation involves a change in the relationship between God and man or man and man. It assumes there has been a breakdown in the relationship, but now there has been a change from a state of enmity and fragmentation to one of harmony and fellowship. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul says that before reconciliation we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies; we were under God's wrath (v. 9). Because of change or reconciliation we become new creatures. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ( 2 Cor 5:17 )...Reconciliation is also subjective in that the sinner is spoken of as being reconciled. It is a relationship that comes between man and wife as well as Jew and Gentile. If a person is about to offer a gift at the altar and remembers that he has something against his brother he should leave his gift and be reconciled first to his brother and then come and offer his gift. Reconciliation is something done by the one who offers it; it is not just something that happens to the estranged people. ~ Baker's Online Evangelical Theological Dictionary

Many in ministry today view it as an "inconvenience" when they fail. It is merely a disruption in things that must be "managed". There are PR firms and image management consultants that are hired and go to work to manage and minimize "damage" that has occurred due to sinful behavior.

When all is said and done there is a difference between restoration and reconciliation. There there is a difference between changing because one was "caught" and changing because one is truly sorry. Some instances of reconciliation may take a lifetime. Although we may never know the difference from God's perspective, one thing is for sure, God knows. Certainly we've all made our share of mistakes and committed our share of personal sins, but when one never knows what one is really giving up and what it will take to actually reconcile or be reconciled to God as a result of sins and personal behavior.

Although I will deal with the issue in greater detail in a future post, I wanted to take the time to listen to what Jamal Bryant is actually saying in this video. Is he real? Has he really changed? Did he truly repent or did he repent at all? Please speak on this in the comments section if you can, I am interested to hear commentary on this.    

Remember Jamal's missive to Ebony Magazine regarding their March 2013 "scandal issue" in which he and this incident was named:

"For 67 years, Ebony Magazine has been the drum beat for culture in the African American community. John Johnson its beloved founder dedicated his life to safe guarding our image with great integrity. 

The March 2013 edition has left a hole in my heart. On page 124 they published that it’s alleged I impregnated a 17-year-old member of my church. This accusation is categorically and completely untrue. To publish this with absolutely no source lends itself to reckless endangerment to my children, my congregation and my community.

Ebony is not the National Enquirer. A higher standard is required and the statement jeopardizes my ministry to the youth in my church and community. So it is on moral grounds that a retraction is necessary. 

In 2007 I participated in an extramarital affair that resulted ultimately in the termination of my marriage to my incredible wife Gizelle. NO minors were involved but my minor children have been affected. I don’t want them to have to live through any further unnecessary pain. 

Matthew 18:15 say’s if your brother has sinned against you go and tell him his fault. I solicit your continued prayers for my family, forgiveness for myself and accountability from Ebony magazine. 

Flawed but faithful. I remain, 

Jamal- Harrison Bryant
(A Father and Pastor)

Check Out my post from 2008 that also includes what we know know was accurate information regarding Jamal:  Parlor Tricks & Magic 

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Tragedy...What The Church Must Communicate

Luke 18:6-8 ~ 6-And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7-And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8-I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Our hearts go out to all of those who have suffered and are still suffering due to the tragedy in Moore, Oklahoma, Newtown, NJ,  and  a host of other events in which lives have been taken either senselessly or by natural disaster. These tragedies and tragedies like them have taken a toll on America. 

These tragedies however, demand a response from the church regarding the issues. Although I have dealt with the issue in a 2010 article I did after the Haitian earthquake entitled "Does God Create Tragedy" I thought it would be good to take another look at this issues because sentiments are all across the board and faith of many is being challenged. 

I shared the following in lesser detail on facebook. One thing I would like to preface my comments with in this writing is that America simply cannot continue to shake it's finger in the face of God without impugning herself before God. We cannot continue to deliver ungodly policy to the world and expect God's blessings and protection. Currently the policy from the top office of the country (the Presidency) has done nothing but advance the homosexual agenda, and support baby murder through abortion and in almost every instance. When opportunity has arisen to expound, this President and his representatives have only expounded their commitment to ungodliness over and over in favor of those and other ungodly and practices all in the name of "fairness". 

Our policies have continuously confused the issues and has sought to justify evil and wrongdoing as "equality" and acceptance of sin as "love". Recently our President, aiming to encourage the graduating class of men at the historic Morehouse College, delivered more homosexual affirming rhetoric by saying  this:

President Obama

"That's what I'm asking all of you to do: Keep setting an example for what it means to be a man. Be the best husband to your wife, or your boyfriend, or your partner. Be the best father you can be to your children. Because nothing is more important."

This President, the top representative of our country, encouraged a man to be a "real man" by being the "best husband" they can be to their "boyfriend"? What in the word is that??? sounds like anything BUT a real man to me. (and my sentiments are not a condescension on homosexuals, that is a truth)

Without doubt statements like these are purposeful and not mistaken. Our country has placed many yokes upon itself, and although I am not prophesying gloom and doom, there will be judgement and those responsible for not speaking up against sin, evil and wickedness in this society, especially those who have the commission to do so, will be held accountable.     

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Abortion Prostitution..."As Long As The Patient Had The Cash...He Would Do It"

Kermit Gosnell...Douglas Karpen...Sorry, but I don't have words.

Late term abortionist Dr. Robert Tiller was killed years ago. Do you think his murderer knew this was happening in his practice too? I think so. I am reassessing my position on his murder if he was the type of man to do this without conscience. The ECLA and America itself will stand before God. HERE are pictures of Karpen's atrocities. 

Blessed!

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Sex Slavery...Human Trafficking...In The Church???

Daniel 5:25-27 ~ 25-And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26-This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. 27-TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, 
and art found wanting. 

CNN recently reported that Toru Hashimoto, the Mayor of Osaka, Japan claimed that, although it was "a tragic result of war",  that sex slaves, known as "comfort women" used by Japanese soldiers during WWII,  were "necessary" in order to help the soldiers relieve their stress and tensions pertaining to war and military battle and conquest. In fact the last surviving members of the over 200,000 women that were forced into serving as "comfort women" have never received retribution or compensation from the state for their plight.

This has led many of them in Korea to protest at the Japanese embassy demanding acknowledgement and retribution for the horrible atrocities that were imposed upon this class of unwilling prostitutes  and ultimately their families so many years ago.

What Does Any Of That Have To Do With The Church?  

Initially, one would would ask that question. What do "comfort women" in WWII have to do with anything going on in the church? How about asking this? Does the church or certain individuals within the church have their own form or version of "comfort women" or human trafficking operations? I would say, unfortunately, for some, YES they do. I will go into that but at this point I would like to first state that I will make attempts to speak with these ladies (victims) in effort that they may tell their story in their own words and at that time I will reveal all details associated with this, including the ministers name and church. I will do this IF there hasn't already been a gag order (legal agreement to silence) set in place upon the victims. We'll see.]

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Who Did The Leading Jewish Cleric Think The Messiah Is?

Revelation 22:12 ~ "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

It's really no secret, nor has it ever been one. even Nicodemus came by night to Jesus because he had some questions and beliefs that he didn't want others to be aware of.

Before his death in 2006, the leading Jewish Cleric Rabbi Yitzhak Kaduri claimed to have personally met the Messiah at age 108. Before he passed, he delivered a note to his sons to remain sealed for 12 months. 12 months later...Well, just watch the video:

 Ariel Sharon has been in a coma-like state since 2006. Here is the most current word on his condition:

One thing is for sure, we don't need notes, messages and the death of any individual to know that Jesus shall return, but it is interesting to note all of what is happening and what has been revealed to people even though it seems that they are kicking and screaming in denial of it.

Ready or not, believe him or not JESUS is coming back! Will you be ready?

Blessed!

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The New Enlightenment Pt. 8 ~ TV Talk Shows & The "Prophe-Lie" Trend

Isaiah 8:19-20 ~19 - And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20- To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

It seems that since Amanda Berry has been found alive that people have taken the time to examine many of the "predictions" from the psychic community that were delivered regarding her condition and potential demise.

At the top of the horrible scrap heap of "peep and mutter" is the daytime deceiver and favorite of the former Montel Williams TV talk show,  Sylvia Browne. It seems that in 2004 Brown claimed that according to her spirit guides and messages from the great beyond, that Amanda was dead. During the height of the search for her daughter and dealing with the pain associated with a missing person, Sylvia stated the following to Amanda's now deceased mother Louwana:

"She's not alive, honey,"..."Your daughter's not the kind who wouldn't call." ~ Sylvia Brown 2004 

Sylvia also stated in 2003 that the body of the kidnapped and missing youth Shawn Hornbeck, would be found between "two jagged rocks" of course, dead as well. Well Shawn was found alive too.

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The New "Normal"?...Is Kidnap Pedophilia On The Rise?

Currently, headline news is that Amanda Berry, her daughter, and 2 other captives have been discovered after at least 10 years of being imprisoned by 3 male captors. I don't think that there is any sane or rational person that believes that any of what she or her fellow captives experienced was or is normal in any way, however by all reports on the outside everything appeared to be a "normal" situation in a "normal" home in a "normal" neighborhood.

Thank God for Charles Ramsey, unafraid to help when he saw something wrong! 

In fact according to Charles Ramsey, when Amanda cried out for help, as he noticed her, she was dressed "normally" and even looking as "normal" as anyone else. Ramsey, a neighbor that lived next door, describes what he witnessed both that day and previously:

Ramsey said that had he known what was going on next door, that he would have killed the captor and caught a case of "triple murder" because he would have gotten involved.  

Looking back we should ask, what is the reason that pedophilia and kidnapping of children appears to be on the rise? Is this the new trend or what we can expect in the future? Is this another "sexual diversity" (perversion) that is seeking a place within society? 

The question is, what will society do to address the issue? Is this just another fledgling sexual diversity on the rise or is this a perversion that should be condemned? Further, how and on what basis should it be condemned?

The reason I ask for the basis upon which these atrocities should be condemned, is because the captives in most of these incidents don't speak up and out right away. For whatever reason, there is usually a time or a period of silence, or even a period where people discontinue a struggle to be free. 

What held Amanda so long and why she stayed can only be discovered in the future and over time. Why was it acceptable to run in that particular moment as opposed to others over the last 10 years? I am sure that there were other times that she was alone in the home. Even in this, we don;t see that the other ladies tried to escape with Amanda at all. We don't know, at this point, actually what happened. 

The only thing that it appears that we can do is pray for the full recovery of these ladies and that justice will be imposed against their captors. For sure, the answers to these and more questions may open many eyes. 

Blessed!

Pray for Charles first that he be saved and secondly that his strength doesn't fail with this media rollercoaster.

US News | Syria News | More ABC News Videos

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Marriage & Forgiveness: What That Means For The "Other Woman" (or Man)

1 Cor. 6:18 ~ "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."(NIV 2011)

I have previously written a post on the biblical position and basis for divorce and remarriage. In that post I specifically dealt with the biblical instructions regarding the institution of marriage and the permissibility of both divorce and remarriage under certain circumstances. While divorce is only a last option when all other forms of reconciliation have failed it is a reality for many and a path that some have had to cross.

I will primarily address how Christians should best respond to the "third party" or the character involved in marital infidelity. This person is usually called "the other woman", and in a growing number of cases it is called "the other man" who now becomes and is the "third party". In some cases it is a whole or complete institution, such as a strip club or some other form of entertainment. I will not deal with the latter in this article.

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Hunt For Terrorists...Were Their Actions A "Test Run"?

The Dunamis Word unites with the rest of the country and even the world in prayer for all of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. May the grace of the Lord and continued strength be upon all. 

The Hunt Is On!

One thing that President Obama can't be criticized for is the fact that when he says, "we will find you and bring you to justice", you can count on it! Yesterday, the FBI released the following video of the suspected Boston Marathon bombers (as they have become known)

Overnight, suspect 1(the one in front) was allegedly killed in a firefight with police that included handheld grenades and an extreme shoot out with certain "unknown" police.  Boston.com reported the following of the eventst:

"The suspect is Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, a government official told the Globe. The Associated Press reported this morning that the suspects came from the Russian region near Chechnya, which has been plagued by an Islamic insurgency.The Globe has also learned that the dead suspect is Tsarnaev’s brother. 

An MIT police officer was killed and an MBTA Transit Police officer, Richard H. Donahue Jr., was wounded. Ten police officers were being evaluated at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton early this morning, according to a source, who said the officers said they were hurt from grenades being thrown from the window of a car during a car chase. The source did not have information about where the officers were from or the nature of their injuries"

So it seems that the terrorists responsible for this activity are cornered and will be brought to justice either by the government or God himself.

Could There Be 3 Or More?

In cases such as this, rarely are things confined to one or two individuals. Although his 26 year old brother is dead, the 19 year old remains on the run (see below for additional info) Usually there is a network of persons and people who have provided input and assistance. I believe that a possible 3rd person is right before our eyes in the video as well. It appears to be a woman with a yellow jacket, with a backpack across both her shoulders, holding a cell phone and following the 2 alleged suspects from somewhat of a greater distance. Do you see her in all the frames of the video? I do. There even could possibly be 4 persons outlined. Until now, I have heard no one mention how 3 individuals following one another in such close company, who primarily have the same equipment, may all be suspect in this case. The focus has been on 2 men, who were initially thought to be Black or of Saudi Arabian descent. 

City On Lockdown, Guns Drawn & Helicopters

Although the President has already made a visit to the city, some say way too prematurely (a sentiment to which I agree) officials in Boston have already told their residents to stay in their homes and that the city is basically closed for business. According to current reports, the younger of the two murderers is trapped in Watertown, MA and may have planted bombs and be ready to fight to the death. The police have responded as swiftly as they could. Yet, terror fills the streets of not only this city, but countless cities all over the country. Could this be a signal to others to step up their efforts? Or could it be a diversion? have you heard of North Korea since this began?  

Test Run?

Since the actions of these individuals evidently passed the ramped up efforts of the Dept. Of Homeland Security and every other agency placed in charge of American overall domestic security and safety, I began to wonder is this was some sort of a "test run" for the new terrorists. 

In a test run of domestic terror, I would believe that criminals such as this would simply test to see how far they can go and what they could get away with and to what point would their actions be stopped. In this case, creating the incident is one thing, watching how officials respond is another.  

What We Have Seen In This Case? 

We have seen a President far to eager to come into a hot crime scene to personally encourage victims. This is a problem. Not one criminal had been apprehended when he arrived and nobody knew who was responsible for these events. What if there was a second "sleeper cell" ready to make a play and attempt to kill the President and officials?  As stated, we have seen a Homeland Security Dept. that had no idea that a threat was eminent. So this establishes a pattern for other to follow. How did they do it? What devices and systems did they use to bypass all efforts to intercept terrorist activity? We have seen the public deliver misinformation initially claiming that the suspects were Black men or dark skinned Arabs. We have seen local police deliver conflicting and in some cases wrong information. We have seen a time frame of piecing together evidence so extended until any potential criminal could have long been gone from the scene and region IF they didn't want to get caught or reach more havoc. 

There is suspicion that these individuals also laid low in small town USA. On the same day in Quincy, IL. there was a raid on a home in which pipe bombs were being manufactured and this was reportedly after someone had set a bomb off in an open area of town. Could terrorists be testing the method of delivery of their terror and a way to byass authority to deliver their evil directly to the public?

The Trust & Rising Faith Of The Saints

Ps. 91:5 ~  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Terrorists are enemies of righteousness and even more enemies of God. They are spineless cowards that must hide behind threats and destructive actions, living a fake and pretend life to be successful. They are inspired of the devil himself. It is evil men that have allowed themselves to be used in this manner. Plain and simple. 

Of a certainty, these are the times and days in which our soul is being tried. These are perilous times. However, as believers, our trust must remain in the Lord. He and he only he is our keeper and is a very present help even in the face of terror and terrorism. God and trust in HIM is the antidote to all fear. Yes, we may walk "the valley of the shadow of death"  but HE is with us with a rod and a staff that comforts us.(Ps. 23). 

Saints and believers around the country can unite with those in Boston in an even greater way. Unite in prayer, because in spite of what the critic thinks, prayer changes things. God yet responds to believing prayer and petition. Survivors must be comforted and encouraged that this life is not the end of things. That there will be an ultimate justice and ultimate price that every terrorist will pay to a just and upright God. In God's eyes, ever life is important and every one means something. If there is no God, then everything is all meaningless. but because HE lives, we can all face tomorrow. 

Criminals will get caught, Boston will heal and we will get better in the name of the Lord and with the help of Christ. I know that to be truth!   

Blessed!

CBS Boston
Terrorist Caught. Update 4/20/13:

Boston Police Dept.        ✔ @Boston_Police

CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won. Suspect in custody.

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Bart D Ehrman's Latest Apostate Hits (or Misses!)

Recently BAR magazine delivered the teachings of Dr. Bart Ehrman to light as he did an expose on how Jesus  the man became venerated as deity. 

Building on and reaffirming his self proclaimed "agnosticism" the American New Testament scholar, currently the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,  took about 45 minutes to make his case, beginning with a 2 minute presentation of a parallel called "One remarkable Life" based on the life of Apollonious of Tyana, who was said to have many of the same appellations of Jesus, claiming that there were "many" son of God myths during that time, flying around the pagan (non-Jewish) world.

In his diatribe he claims that Apollonious of Tyana was an incarnation, born of a virgin, was a miracle worker, suffered at the hands of Romans, and experienced resurrection...in other words, Apollonius's life was parallel to Jesus life during the same historical time, therefore the recorded events of Jesus life and even Jesus himself was not specially unique for the time. The peanut gallery asks:  Is any of this true? Well some is and some isn't, and what isn't makes the total difference.  

Unraveling The Tangled Web Of Deception

Unfortunately, Dr. Ehrman continues to persist in partial and half truths to make and promote whole and complete lies. In the Facebook group In Defense Of The Faith, I took the time to outline Dr. Ehrman's flawed starter argument in the following manner:  

"In this discourse Dr. Ehrman sets out to prove how Jesus became the "Christ" or how he became divine. He, like Robert Price, are building off a discredited hero thesis by English folklorist Lord Raglan who claimed that all hero myths of antiquity shared 22 traits. Price claims that Jesus had all 22 and therefore was nothing more than a hero myth.

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Bishop TD Jakes, The "Hollywood Spirit" & Preachin' Fame...Hmmmmm!

As comedian Arsenio Hall used to say...in life there are some "things that make you go Hmmmmm" This is simply one of those things...

In a recent interview with EEW, from rags to riches preacher, entrepreneur and HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PRODUCER Bishop T D Jakes said the following regarding the "Hollywood spirit":

“I am so sick of this Hollywood spirit that has overtaken the church!”...  

“We do not have to have big names to have a big move of God.”... 

“I was saved for years and didn’t see anybody who was on TV,”...  

“We gotta put this Hollywood spirit out of the church and go back to moving in the power of the Holy Ghost."

What Bishop Jakes refers to as the "Hollywood spirit" is the star and super important mentality that he has in part been responsible for delivering to the doorsteps of the modern church. I'll speak more on that later, but this is also the same "Hollywood spirit" that Juanita Bynum (now Juanita II) declared to be dead in 1999 at the last Soul Winner's Conference held by the late Bishop G E Patterson in Memphis, TN. (before she became all the way Hollywood oriented herself) 

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