COGIC Member Fought Prop. 8 & Encouraged Gay Marriage

Thank God that in California the citizens, especially the African-American citizens stood up in favor of Proposition 8 and against gay marriage by over 70%.

Californians, thank you for your courage to stand against the flow and the threat of the gay community and for the benefit of both your children and mine. Future generations will laud your courage to stand against debauched and activist Judges who tried to superimpose their will and ignorance on the lives of the citizens of your state.

I also thank you all of you God fearing church goers and bible believers for not being as liberal as some would have us to believe and for being more biblically discerning sometimes than even many of your leaders. GOD BLESS YOU GREATLY AND WE STAND WITH YOU!

Now SAINTS, I have a hard time with this one for obvious reasons.What I couldn't believe is that one of the Proponents of gay marriage was a Church Of God In Christ member. In fact, I though he was a faithful steward and servant of his church, The West Angles Church Of God In Christ pastored by my Presiding Bishop Bishop Charles E. Blake. Not only that, but this gentleman was HIV Infected, obviously as a result of the disease that began within the homosexual community. Further because of his disease he quit his otherwise prolific basketball career. To my surprise I found that according to Marketwatch.com 11/1/2008 that COGIC member and basketball legend Magic Johnson lent his person and personality to the promotion of the defeat of Proposition 8 that has successfully banned gay marriage in the state.

According to the report, Magic's voice was heard in prerecorded phone calls saying :

"This is Magic Johnson calling to ask you to join me and Barack Obama in opposing Proposition 8. Prop 8 singles out one group of Californians to be treated differently - including members of our family, our friends, and our coworkers".... "That is not what California is about. So this Tuesday, vote no on Proposition 8. It is unfair and wrong. Thanks.

This whole thing is especially disheartening to me. I began to wonder, how do we as Pastors handle a member with a message carried outside of the church that is totally contrary to the message of the bible and to the message that we carry within the church? Then I began to wonder...What is the message carried by our Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake? In addition, how was Magic's promotion of gay marriage handled within the church? Remember this was a member who gave over $5 Million toward West Angeles's current building and edifice.

Now this is election year in the Church Of God In Christ and invariably someone will accuse me of trying to sidetrack the Presiding Bishop's chances at re-election. That's certainly NOT the case. He'll be re-elected no matter what I say, of this I am confident. There are at least two reasons that I am concerned.

1- Presiding Bishop Blake has long been committed to increasing the international ministries of COGIC, and has consequently founded "Save Africa's Children," an organization that has raised more than $6 million to assist more than 100,000 children affected by HIV/AIDS. These children by far and large a a result of the rampant disease that has demolished communities and devastated families. Common knowledge is that homosexual activity has contributed to this devastation. How could a leader this concerned about the welfare of these dear children sit silently while a member of his church destroys his work?

2- I do believe however, that it is up to the aged to teach the younger such as myself and I would like to learn so that if I'm ever presented with the same or similar circumstances I will handle the situation biblically.

UPDATE ALERT: GCMWatch has provided an excellet followthrough On Bishop Blake's potential reasons for his silence on this issue and others.

To the Saints at West Angeles Church Of God In Christ, and various individuals that read this blog from time to time, please chime in on what Bishop said about the Proposition 8 issue and especially Magic's involvement in the promotion of the homosexual agenda if you know. From an objective standpoint of view I would like to know more.

All of this becomes very important in light of the fact that California's gay community has currently decided to take to the streets in protest of the MAJORITY decision to repeal gay marriage. Remember, gay marriage WAS NEVER A CONSTITUTION RIGHT, ONLY A COURT IMPOSITION FROM A COURT THAT OVERSTEPPED ITS AUTHORITY.

The Telegraph.co.uk.com 11-6-2008 reports that Lesbian advocate and Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Kate Kendall (Pictured R with her spouse Tori and a man's baby -Zadie), has vowed "We pick ourselves up and trudge on," She also states, "There has been enormous movement in favour of full equality in eight short years. That is the direction this is heading, and if it's not today or it's not tomorrow, it will be soon."

In short, this struggle for the homosexual and lesbian is now about EQUALITY not sexual preference. EQUALITY not gender bending. What happens when the pedophile wants equality? Or the bigamist that wants equality? Or the necrophiliac that wants equality. What will we do? Pass a law or amend the constitutions of the states for them to feel EQUAL under the law?

Further revealing is the NCLR's mission statement which is as follows:

"The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education."

For the homosexual this is a human rights issue, to be recognized and condoned by the state, church and everywhere equally in society as if nothing is wrong with the sexual preference. This will take persistent advocacy as the homosexual agenda for societal inclusion and church inclusion is a persistent fight.

At either rate the church should continue to stand strong against the tide of gay marriage, homosexuality and gender bending. We can do that without discriminating in employment, housing and other liberties that are extended to American citizens. Only we do not wish our children to be indoctrinated into your world view as we believe that it is both, ungodly, unbiblical, and harmful to otherwise healthy families.

Blessed!

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Congratulations To Our First Black President...Let's Talk

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for the 44th President of The United States Of America, President Elect Barack Obama. Not only is President Elect Obama the soon to be 44th President but he is also the First Black person ever in United States history to hold the top political office.

I wish that I could stop there, and simply relish in an accomplishment for which there is no political parallel in the United States.

I wish that I could take the time and encourage all Americans that the United States is still the land of opportunity and that anyone can achieve and strive toward their goal and have success.

I wish that I could stop and simply say that the prayers of generations of individuals and people oppressed have been answered and fulfilled completely and that God in HIS good pleasure has exalted a person that shares the belief and dedication to the same God of the Bible that we know that sustained a race of people tossed to and fro for generations.

Unfortunately, I can take the time to do and say those things like I would like to, because if there is anything that this election has exposed, it is the weakness, misfocus and misdirection of the church at large and the African-American church in particular.

As a minister, this is my primary focus. As a Pastor, placing perspective on current events in light of the word of God is my charge. As a watchman on the wall, looking out beyond common foresight and beneath the surface of superficiality is my burden and gift.

In these days President Elect Obama will have the opportunity to speak to many of the mega-ministries that helped proliferate his success. Although I have no great congregation, or national presence or command of thousands, I am very involved in my family, church and everyday matters of my community. If I were able to speak to President Elect Obama, and if he were to take time with a small grass-roots minister such as me, I'm sure that we would discuss many things. There are a few things however, that have been disconcerting to both myself and many others over this election cycle and period. I probably would not enumerate all things, for fear of sounding like a pessimist, but I would begin with things that are of utter importance to the survival and welfare of America and in particular the Black Community of which the President Elect is a product.

I would do these things because God has called me to do so. In addition, I am at a loss because I have not heard the largest church organizations address you directly on any of the points that I would mention. Unfortunately I have not heard the mega-ministers such as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Marilyn Hickey, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Charles E. Blake, Rod Parsley and or others address these issues with you during this campaign or otherwise. I have not heard organizations such as The National Baptist Convention, The Church Of God In Christ, The Pentecostal Assemblies Of The World, The Methodist Church, The AME Church, The CME Church, The Higher Ground Assemblies, The Assemblies Of God or other organizations with their leaders address you, challenge you and require that you set forth a clear agenda in these areas. Such areas of initial interest include:

"But over the long haul, I think we make a mistake when we fail to acknowledge the power of faith in people's lives -- in the lives of the American people -- and I think it's time that we join a serious debate about how to reconcile faith with our modern, pluralistic democracy." ~ Senator Barack Obama "A CAll To Renewal" Washington DC 6/28/2006

Gay Marriage & Civil Unions:

I would begin by reminding the President Elect that although he has consistently stated that he does not feel that it is in the country's best interest to deny rights of civility upon same sex couples, I would remind you that in our system of representative government that you are constrained and must further listen to the consensus of the People Of The United States.

The people have spoken in during this election in over 7 states and have said that WE DO NOT WISH TO CONFER LEGAL AND MARITAL RIGHTS UPON SAME SEX COUPLES. Although this is challenging and contrary to your platform of gay inclusion, it cannot go without notice that much of your debate was fashioned around what the American people would decide that is right for themselves without CATERING TO SPECIAL INTEREST. We were already confident of the Bible's clear message in both the Old and New Testaments against the practice and sanctioning of homosexuality and same gender unions. Now, the American people have spoken through secular process that they do not wish to be brought under the domination and curse of practices that effect their children, schools and even existing marriages and family structures.

It is my reminder to President Elect Obama that we do not want you to change your fundamental approach by reversing tide and catering to the special interest of the homosexual lobby in the guise of civil rights. Not only would this be disingenuous to your understanding of societal laws and norms but, as persons of color, we should be highly offended at such an attempt to reconcile sexual preference with the color of skin or nationality. Further, the people have spoken that we reject the homosexual lobby's attempt to indoctrinate our children with gender bending psychology and realignment of traditional family values. those traditional values have proven to be the success of America and certainly pleasing to the God of the Bible.

To add further clarity to this argument it should be noted that according to WorldNetDailyNews.com on the same day in which you were exalted to the highest political office in the land, that American Citizens in Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin have all adopted amendments to their States Constitution banning and prohibiting the recognition of gay marriages as an acceptable way of life or an American value. This is in addition to the pending ban by the state of Arizona, the additional 27 states that have already amended their States Constitutions to protect the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman, and the pending reversal of the activist actions of the California Supreme Court who violated the will of California's American Citizens and imposed their morality upon the entire state.

SignonSanDiego.com reports that "In the five months since the state Supreme Court tossed out an earlier ban on same-sex marriage ban approved by California voters eight years ago, about 18,000 couples have been married."..."Spending for and against the amendment has reached $74 million, making it the most expensive social-issues campaign in U.S. history and the most expensive campaign this year outside the race for the White House. A large share of the contributions for the measure came from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

In other words the Mormons were the greatest financial contributors to the fight AGAINST gay marriage in California. THANK YOU LATTER DAY SAINTS FOR STANDING WHEN OTHERS REFUSED TO STAND.

Abortion And A Right To Life:

"I may be opposed to abortion for religious reasons, but if I seek to pass a law banning the practice, I cannot simply point to the teachings of my church or evoke God's will. I have to explain why abortion violates some principle that is accessible to people of all faiths, including those with no faith at all."~ Senator Barack Obama "A Call To Renewal" Washington DC 6/28/2006

President Elect Obama, another circumstance that you have been consistent with, is your stance on abortion and abortion rights. While you were a Senator in Illinois you sided in every instance with abortion advocacy groups and even choose to to embrace the most vile form of abortion called Partial Birth Abortion. It is thoroughly documented that you were so firm in your belief that you refused to make an exclusion for the medical care of a child who survived abortion, leaving that living, and breathing child to die in the most inhumane manner ever imaginable.

At Saddleback Church, during this hard fought campaign Pastor Rick Warren asked you at what point does a baby receive human rights? You responded by saying this:

• "Well, you know, I think that whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity, you know, is above my pay grade." Senator (Now President Elect) Barack Obama at Saddleback Church 8/17/2008.

I would simply point out that NOTHING IS ABOVE YOUR PAY GRADE FROM THIS POINT ON, and Pastor Warren's question deserves a clear, and straight forward answer from you. In fact I want you to look at this picture and tell me and our fellow American Citizens when and at what point did your beautiful daughters Malia and Sasha obtain their human rights? Did they have rights and were you protecting of them as humans as soon as you and the soon to be Fist Lady, Michelle Obama found out that she was pregnant with them, or did they ONLY have rights after they were born?

This is a question that I not only want to know but that your daughters and every American young person and adult must hear and know in order to rationalize your past, and know what to expect from you in the future.

I would like to stop there for a minute just to say that although all of America, has been devastated with the bad science and ultimate results of Roe v. Wade, that the community to which you are inextricably attached has suffered the most.

You see, I believe you already know that the Black community has suffered to the tune of 13 Million lost lives since that dreadful decision in 1973, and because of our lack of education, we currently kill our children at the altar of the Pro-Abortionist Lobby to the tune of 1,450 children per day. This has decreased not only the tax base of America in general, but it has reversed the Black population's ability to advance itself in numbers. In fact, it has been said, that the effect of this plague is so devastating that the death rate within the black population will exceed the birth rate for the first time in history in the near future. This translates to an enormous and insurmountable loss of human potential in solving societal problems, tax revenues to sustain our economy, and earnings potential to enrich families of a communities yet struggling from high unemployment and social injustices.

There is much more that I would like to discuss including the phenomenal incarceration rates of young black men that in states such as New Mexico exceed 33% of the black male populous. I would like to talk about the rise in HIV and other STD's among young Black Women in particular, I would talk about the failed education system that is unfortunately run from government central (which it should not be) and that has left our children behind educationally with an inability to compete for jobs in a global economy.

But most importantly President Elect Obama, I would like to remind you that the church belongs to God. It is neither your or mine but it is HIS and HE is the only one that directs it. The church is not meant to be ruled by current or popular opinion or entry or exit polls. It is solely governed by God and HIS WORD. That's why I would remind you of this statement, so we could discuss it and put proper perspective on it:

"Moreover, given the increasing diversity of America's population, the dangers of sectarianism have never been greater. Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers. And even if we did have only Christians in our midst, if we expelled every non-Christian from the United States of America, whose Christianity would we teach in the schools? Would we go with James Dobson's, or Al Sharpton's? Which passages of Scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is ok and that eating shellfish is abomination? How about Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith? Or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount - a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department would survive its application? So before we get carried away, let's read our bibles. Folks haven't been reading their bibles." ~ Senator Barack Obama, "A Call To Renewal" Washington DC 6/8/2006

There is a long list of individuals who forgot exactly who was in charge down through history. From the Pharaohs, to Sennacherib, to Nebuchadnezzar, to Alexander to Antiochus Epiphanies, to Nero, to Napoleon, Karl Marx, to Joseph Stalin, to Hitler to even others that name themselves political and quasi-spiritual leaders, none of their efforts stood against God or HIS church. Please affirm that you will stand with the church and not against the hand and the power of the one who is mightier than all of the Presidents, Kings and Kingdoms of this world both past present and future...The Lord God Almighty himself:

Psalms 24 : "1-The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2-For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3-Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4-He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5-He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6-This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7-Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8-Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9-Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10-Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah."

Ephes. 5:27 ~ "27-That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

Revelation 2:12-17 ~ "12-And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13-I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14-But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15-So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16-Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17-He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

Blessed!

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Are You Travailing In The Spirit?

I received this email in response to my Radio Invitation Post from what I consider to be a very astute responder.(by the way I will place the interview on the blog as soon as I am able) This was the comment:

"Pastor Burnett, is it just my imagination, or has something really serious happened to the church during this election? I have never seen so many mean spirited Saints as now. They use very awful names to refer to other Saints who are not voting for Obama. I actually heard one of our deacons say "in church" that he "can't stand that Palin" - even though she names the name of God just like he does. It is as if the Saints have been "gassed" or something. They refuse to hear ANYTHING negative about Mr Obama, but speak so awful about the others. I've even heard Pastors laughing about how Palin "claims to be some kind of Christian - Did y'all see that picture of her hanging in front of that house? ha ha ha! " Can you please give some perspective on this? I am so burdened by what I'm seeing. I can't help but believe that our leaders are going to pay a big price for some of the things they've done, condoned and said this year. Please address this if you can. Otherwise, I'll try to listen to your radio interview." ~ Corrie Richards Nov. 1st 5:26 PM

To Corrie and others that are feeling, witnessing and experiencing the same or similar things,

Your observations are exactly on point. The Spirit of the spiritual man/woman travails due to what is happening in the land. We are in the middle of a TOTAL paradigm shift of values and cultural change. This is similar to the D-Day invasion of WWII only in this case Christianity and it's principles are being overrun. Make no doubt that the CHURCH will prevail as Jesus promised but there is a sifting among leadership, followers and believers in the land.

John 16: 20-22 ~ 20-Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21-A woman when she is in travail (Tikto-metaph. to bear, bring forth) hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22-And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

The leaders "so called" who have allowed and ushered in the deception of the ages and have also perpetrated lies in secret upon the people will cause our nation to pay the price for their sin, false leadership and indiscretion.

Isa. 9:16-17 ~ "16-For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. 17-Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still."

This has little to do with Barack Obama or John McCain for that matter. It has everything to do with leadership that has allowed the enemy to seduced the minds of the people with their assistance both actively by saying things such as you've witnessed and passively by creating an aura of silence. This has happened to many in the pulpit and to many in the the secular world by the masses. Additionally, so far as the church is concerned exclusively, this has everything to do with the apostasy and heretical teaching that has taken place within the realms and confines of what has traditionally been called "Holy". Our decisions are now being made based on personality, history, relationship, and association. Promises of grandeur, and being or becoming a part of history is often cited as the reasons to promote and stand by ideologies that we know, from minimal biblical reading, are absolutely contrary to the nature and will of God and totally destructive to the community at large and more specifically the black community in particular. The biblical basis for relationship is non-existent in most quarters and has been replaced by what one wishes or chooses to see and be engaged with, rather than by what is TRUTH without compromise.

In my upcoming book, Ministering Effectively, I actually deal with this very subject. As found and explained within scripture and referenced in the book of Revelation, it's called adherence to the "Doctrine Of Baalim" (Rev. 2:4). I wrote this:

"What has arisen is a doctrine of Baalim that is being taught by secular mega-stars and mega-church guru’s. This doctrine places saint and sinner on the same platform and receives from each fountain as it pertains to what "self" needs. This doctrine uses the bible as a means to an end with no consideration for adhering to the standards of it’s message. The doctrine of Baalim, blesses what God has cursed, reaps where it has not sown, and seizes control of spirits and minds by means of smooth talking, personalities that are larger than life promising great associations and fame. One thing is for sure, to follow the doctrine of Baalim ends in hopelessness, despair and utter destruction." ~ Pastor H. Burnett, "Ministering Effectively" 2008 Dunamis Publishing Pg. 22 [manuscript copy]

Similar to the tribe of Dan, (1 Kings 12: 25-33) today's church has erected it's own brand of Golden Calfs to replace the God of the Bible, and has offered sacrifice upon the alter of flesh, pride, arrogance and self-centeredness. The WORD of Truth within the church has become secondary to self-perceptions and social affirmations of the populace. Motivational speaking has replaced the gospel proclamation of truth and righteousness and declarations of "friendship" has become the gauge whereby ministry is judged among men.

So Corrie, you're not seeing things and you're not having some type of mental delusion. You are seeing plainly what many are refusing to see, because they are yet connected to this world, and similar to the "Matrix" would rather live apart from true spiritual reality.

What is interesting here is just like we travail over what is happening, the righteous are coming out with a new determination, a new dedication, and a new fruitfulness that will shape the future of their lives and the life of the community in which we exist. This is true decision time as the truth is being revealed. (read Psalms 91)

The questions are: will we continue to support and be a part of ministries that have allowed themselves to be overtaken and overrun by the enemy? Is it good enough for us to remain a part of apostate ideals and value systems as they have revealed themselves in many of our top leaders? These ideals and commentaries have arisen to reveal and illuminate the righteous as to who is actually a follower of Christ. Because there is a birth at the same time there is pain, those of us who see what is happening and understand what we are witnessing will run on to be the next generation of vessels fit for the master's use.

2 Tim. 2:19-21 ~ "19-Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20-But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21-If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work."

Yes this is a revealing time and Tuesday Nov. 4th will reveal even more than we see now. More so, the next few years will be further reaching and revealing as we experience an agenda that will be crafted by apostates and sealed with secularism.

Luke 22:31-32 ~ "31-And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32-But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

Blessed!

Sorry for an earlier version--I forgot to use spell-check-(LOL)

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When "Gay Day" Comes Your Way ~ The Homosexual Rite Becomes Law

Special thanks to Sister Pat, a regular contributor and reader of the Dunamis Word. Thanks Sister Pat for lookin' out and bringing conditions in California to my attention and may the Lord continue to bless you and the family is our prayer!

One of the most controversial subjects of modern times is homosexual rights. President Elect Barack Obama has clearly and unequivocally stated that although he doesn't believe in homosexual marriage he is a firm believer in "Civil Unions" of same-sex couples. These "Civil Unions" would effectively have all property rights, insurance rights and rights of ownership that heterosexual marriages do today. In effect the term "Civil Unions" only becomes a smokescreen or at best a precursor for same sex marriage. Might I remind you of President Obama's own words regarding his view of scripture on the issue of homosexual unions:

"I am not willing to have the state deny American citizens a civil union that confers equivalent rights on such basic matters as hospital visitation or health insurance coverage simply because the people they love are of the same sex – nor am I willing to accept a reading of the Bible that considers an obscure line in Romans to be more defining of Christianity than the sermon on the mount." ~ Sen. Barack H. Obama

Now, I believe that any number of websites have put together clear arguments on why homosexuality and homosexual marriage is contrary to God's word. I have set forth a clear argument on the subject on our sister site The Dunamis Word 2 under Homosexuality & The New Testament. The Bible is clear on it's message without question and for President Obama to say that any scripture regarding this subject is obscure or limited to Romans is either a misunderstanding of scripture or a total perversion of scripture. As smart as President Obama appears to be I doubt if the scripture has been misunderstood.

Nevertheless, what I want to focus on at this crucial and critical time is the real cost at ground level for allowing this SIN (not to be confused with a Civil Right) to proliferate within the church and community. As science scrambles to find a genetic link to homosexual behavior, there has been a more dangerous and ominous banner that has been carried by the educational system to promote imagery and the acceptance of gay and lesbian lifestyles under the name of "diversity" and "multicultural awareness" programs.

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Special Invitation For Your Feedback As Pastor Burnett Shares His Political Views On Live Radio

Well Saints it's crunch time and no matter what your political views we have a very important decision to make regarding our next President of the United States.

I will be on the radio in a very special panel discussion Saturday November 1st 2008 on radio station AM 1140 WVEL. The time will be from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 CST. You can listen LIVE through the Internet. Click HERE for the live stream. YOU may also call in to discuss these very important issues with us by dialing 1(800)673-1011. If you are able to call in, refrence that you're a reader of The Dunamis Word. I may even have a special gift for ya! This will also be an opportune time for me to hear your voice and for you to be a part of this very important conversation.

Many have asked the question, "Who are you going to vote for?" and although I don't intend to tell anyone who to support I will lay out clear arguments that suggests what bible believing Christians should be interested and concerned about.

The facts are these: Neither the Republicans, Democrats or Independents are chosen by God or the "party" of God's choice. Jesus emphatically stated that his Kingdom IS NOT of this world. However, we are to be informed as to what issues we are faced with. Such issues include:

• The rising tide of homosexuality and the homosexual agenda; who supports it and why?
• Abortion and abortion rights; with all that is at stake, can the Christian, especially the African-American Christian, remain silent on the issue.
• Are constructive homosexual and abortion rights equally as dangerous as leagalization of such rights?
• Black candidacy; does having a African-American in the White House trump all moral and social responsibilities that the church and the believer has?
• Can we expect there to be a political answer for the many problems we face at a grass roots level?
  

Once again, these issues and others have been especially divisive this year. I have seen ministry friends and associates part ways with one another over this election and especially the endorsement or non endorsement of Senator Barack Obama. I have also seen whole organizations and churches become so enthused over personalities that they don't ask the tough questions or examine the real issues. Can we afford to be blinded to the real issues in 2008?

I have not been derelict in my duties and have outlined my views on this blog already on Barack-ing The Gay Agenda~ Can We Really Say Yes To This Change? and The 100% Change Man. With your prayers I will continue to speak as the Lord has called me no matter what doors men close. With preachers running scared for fear of loosing 501(c)3 status and tithes, without saying, this promises to be interesting.

Blessed!

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Holy Hook ----- What?

ONLY On The Dunamis Word 2

NewNewNew----->Is Reformed & Evangelical Theology Biblical? Pt.1 <------NewNewNew

NewNewNew----->Is Reformed & Evangelical Theology Biblical? Pt. 2 <-----NewNewNew

Special thanks to my East Coast Ministry Coordinator Sister Alicia aka Surokoda. Good lookin' out for this brother as always!

Saints, I know this is the last days, and over the last couple of years it seems that we've seen much of what there is to see so far as the worst of men and mankind. Now, we all speculated that our dear Juanita Bynum-Weeks would come out with a new leading lady roll in Hollywood, which she tried to no avail. But for the most part, and to my shame, at least I thought that the Bishop Thomas Weeks III would slowly and surely fade to the background and reconstitute himself with the help of the Lord.

Well I guess that I was a little right and a little wrong as it pertains to our dear Bishop.

Ever since Flava-Flav and the "The Flavor of Love" and psychotic spin-off of Tiffany Pollard's show "I Love New York" have we not seen such degradation, filth and just plain old stupidity as people, (men and women) lined up to fulfill their lust for fame and attention on public stage while simultaneously calling and associating what they are doing and feeling with love.

One would make the statement, "Pastor Burnett, that's the world...what does that have to do with the church?"

To what am I referring? I am referring to the new soon to be hit/gospel/reality/dating show "Holy Hook Up" where the felony laden Bishop Thomas Weeks III seeks love from a list of wanting, needing and desperately seeking church ladies that want to be the bishop's NEXT wife? Well, if you don't know, now ya know!

The Bishops NEXT Wife?????

Yes, you read it right. The Atlanta Journal Constitution has reported that Bishop Weeks III will try his hand in the ever popular reality TV market place, only this time it will be done "In The Name Of The Lord"...............WHAT?

Believe me...I see a Geico sign and and I ain't happy. In fact, I quit!

This is from the AJC article: "Bishop Thomas W. Weeks IIII has resurrected his new reality show and this time he will search for a God-fearing wife on TV instead of the Internet. Weeks said the Christian dating series, now called “The Holy Hook Up: Who Will Be The Next Mrs. Weeks?” will document his search for a new love as he performs his daily duties as leader of an international ministry" ~AJC 10/07/2008

This has got to be a comedy show. There seems to be no way possible that we're dealing with a spiritual and serious venture.

The article goes on to say this of the Bishop: "The twice-divorced Pentecostal pastor will dole out relationship advice drawing on his experience as an author, minister and a first-time felon who pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on his ex-wife, national evangelist Juanita Bynum" ~AJC 10/07/2008

So now we have a BISHOP, advertising himself to the world, and women (I suppose church women) that will parade on national TV vieing for the twice warmed over and twice removed affection of a church felon, who received his felony for spousal abuse???? Is this REALITY or fantasy? If this is the truth it is stranger than fiction.

What will a person do for fame, popularity and notoriety? Further what will they do in the name of the Lord for fame, popularity and notoriety?

The Weeks-Bynum fiasco's were among some of the reasons that I began this blog over 13 to 14 months ago. At that time I set forth what I knew God was telling me to deliver and I haven't failed in that duty, but as time goes on I wonder, what will it take to stem the tide of filth that has entered the body of Christ? Is there a remnant that delights in the word and ways of God more than the lusts and sins of the flesh?

Celebrity, fame and self-serving at the expense of God and his people has taken center stage. Then yet, there is a following of people that go on as if nothings wrong. What is that? Witchcraft, divination, or just flat out rebellion?

Listen we know the scriptures. the bishop was supposed to have ONE wife...at least I thought. He was supposed to be even tempered, at least so far as I was under the impression. Then I thought that the method of the Saint's was unique and different from the world.

I'll end this without a theological tirade because this garbage is just plain BENEATH the pearls of the sweet and powerful word of God. However I will end with a scripture reading for your spare time:

II Chronicles 7:14

Blessed!

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Clockin’ Doodle Dumb Convocation Dollas’

Special thanks to Terry, a blog entry respondent that appears here regularly, for bringing Bishop Jakes schedule information to my attention.

Well, here we go, Bishop T.D. Jakes is scheduled to preach Sunday night Nov. 9th 2008 during the 101st National Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ. Now, I know I’m not popular with some for the stances that I have taken on certain issues so I might as well add additional fuel to the fire and let this baby BURN!

Could It Be All About Da Benjamins?

Now, for all the Jakes lovers, before you get all "swolle up" and bent out of shape, I know based on those who have contacted the ministry and done pricing research that "Da Bishop" usually charges in excess of $50,000 per appearance. Similarly, I know his appearance generally brings in anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 in general or public offerings depending upon the venue.

I’m not aware of any arrangements that he made with The Church Of God In Christ, but I can say this…based on the information I have received from other sources within the church (WHICH I NAME NONE) when they have spoken in these type of venues, they have generally received $0.00 for their appearance in Memphis. Now there may be some that have received honorariums, so don’t paint with too broad of a brush. All I can affirm is the information I have received. Additionally, IF there are any within COGIC who have received something, I am confident that they haven’t received anything close to $50,000, well maybe outside of the Presiding Bishop, but that’s not today’s topic…I’ll leave it at that for now.

In this case however, I find it hard to believe that Bishop T.D. Jakes is appearing in Memphis, TN. For free or for less than his established fee. Feel free to chime in if you know.

Aside From The Money And More Importantly:

In light of the fact that Bishop Jakes preaches false, abominable and ungodly doctrine as outlined and detailed at GCMWatch, and offers an, at best, spurious, if not down right heretical, interpretation and teaching on the origins of man…I don’t understand why the leadership in our church felt it prudent or necessary in any way to further fund Jakes apostasies and heretical doctrine. His appearance may be good for "da money", but is it good for the soul?

I HAVE PERSONALLY heard Jakes say that when God created Adam he created Eve inside of him. He said that man was created "both male and female". He went on to strongly suggest that men have a sensitivity aka femininity about themselves built into their being. This was on The Potters House broadcast Sunday Sept. 21st 2008. Not only is this a foundation for homosexual and bisexual doctrine and false teaching, it’s just plain heretical and fallacious.

Erroneous Unbiblical Doctrine

Just in case you became confused somewhere in your biblical reading regarding this point, be it known that God didn’t create a woman inside of man. He built (banah – established or made a permanent part of creation) woman (Gen. 2:22) and brought her to Adam. This occurred OUTSIDE of man using the same material substance ie; genome of man aka Adam.

Jakes’s confusion comes in when he misinterprets what Adam expresses when he begins to respond to what God had done:

Gen. 2:23 ~ "And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."

The phrases "she was taken" (Laqach) "out of man" (‘Iysh) simply means that she (woman) has been received in contrast or differently or separately from a man. This terminology was descriptive of her relationship to man and the creation and not descriptive of her emotional character nature or essence.

To complete the thought, verse 24 begins "Therefore" or because of this union/relationship based on what man has received, and that God has established "shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" In other words the precedent is set for families and cross gender marital unions and relationship growth between male and female individuals.

This scripture has NOTHING to do with attributes or characteristics or the sharing of those characteristics, be they male or female. It has nothing to do with emotions, he-motions or being "sensitive". Neither does the scripture deal in any way with human emotional tendencies It has everything to do with Adam looking for his "kind", finding none before God’s intervention, and receiving what God built for him which was suitable for him and ultimately cleaving to that.

As I Close:

Since undoubtedly, this blog is read by an array of individuals, some of which are COGIC leaders, I simply would like to pose the following questions:

Question 1~ How can the church that has endorsed and promoted the tradition of holiness as espoused by the late great Bishop C. H. Mason become subject and dumb down to false teaching for money and or association's sake?

I know this is not normal because under the Former Presiding Bishop Chandler Owens, Sung Myung Moon offered the church $1 Million for the Memphis pulpit during convocation. Bishop Owens loudly, clearly and unequivocally responded by stating that the Church Of God In Christ WAS NOT a WHORE and IS NOT for sale. Thank you Bishop Owens.

Question 2~ How can we, at the end of the day silently and monetarily endorse heretical and apostate teachers preaching false doctrines?

Question 3~ Is our ability to rub elbows with "popular" individuals a motivating factor as it pertains to what we allow and disallow?

Question 4~ Can we not find ministers within the church or associated with the church that offer sound and stable biblical exegesis and promote and encourage their ministries?

Question 5~ Is anyone willing to deal with the "machine" of big religious organization and how it works?

Question 6 ~ Is the quality of our service truly more important than the quantity of funds, relationships, or associations that we receive from service?

Question 7 ~ Has anyone considered the implications of allowing the proliferation of false doctrine in our primary venue (or any other venue for that matter)? If we can’t bring false teachers such as Jakes to accountability, then we have no business teaching against any false doctrine.

Rev. 22:10-17 ~ "10-And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11-He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12-And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13-I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14-Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15-For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16-I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17-And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

Blessed!

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When Worlds & World Views Collide

When there are two worlds moving in vastly opposite directions there will be controversy. We have all been made aware of the "watch woman" of the great northern state of Alaska, Vice Presidental hopeful, Governor Sarah Palin.

I wish to stop for a minute to affirm that this blog is not about the choice of political candidates this November. Although I have discussed problems associated with Senator Barack Obama's candidacy, I will not render equal time to Senator John McCain because I believe the problems he poses are far too many to innumerate at the moment. I will say however that he (Senator McCain) should be ashamed for taking what I feel is a good and sincere woman and attempting to use her as a pawn for votes. With that said, I'll get to the point of my article.

The firestorm began when MSNBC TV host/commentator or whatever he claims to be, Keith (Dry Bag-O-Bones)Olbermann decided to "expose the truth" about Vice Presidential hopeful Sarah Palin. In his TV "expose" he suggested that Mrs. Palin was a religious fanatic because she had been blessed by and was excited about a Pastor from Kenya, Africa named Bishop Thomas Muthee.

“We prayed, we fasted, the Lord showed us a spirit of witchcraft resting over the place,” ~ Bishop Thomas Muthee

Under normal circumstances, there would be no problem with any of this as we have noticed consistent religious questioning and supposed revelations on both sides of these campaigns from beginning until now. However, in this case Bishop Murthee, outlined in detail his spiritual views and biblical interpretations regarding his actions within his community.

In summary, the Bishop claimed that in 1989 God led he and his late wife to the town of Kiambu, Kenya where he founded Word Of Faith Church also called The Prayer Cave to address the spiritual cause of mysterious deaths that were occurring. God responded by leading him to a woman called "Mama Jane" and revealed that she was a "witch" divining and controlling the city with her craft. Mama Jane ran a center called the Emmanuel Clinic and made her profit by fortune-telling. He testified that he asked "Mama Jane" to quit her craft and repent to no avail. He then went back to his church continuing in fasting and prayer and verbalized that they as a church were in spiritual warfare against the principality of evil, and "Mama Jane" was the primary instrument that was being used of the devil. In fact the Bishop offered scripture as a foundation and basis for addressing the issue:

Ephes. 6:12 ~ "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Ultimately the church undertook round-the-clock prayer and intercession in the basement of a grocery store and "eventually", says the pastor, “the demonic influence – the ‘principality’ over Kiambu –was broken”, and Mama Jane fled the town.

Now, of course, this is way too much for the uninitiated and the unregenerate to digest. In fact most scriptural fundamentalists shy away from the thought that God will "speak" and give instructions according to HIS spiritual leading and that we actually ARE in war with spiritual and unseen forces and powers. The antisupernaturalist and metaphysical naturalist "supposedly" only believe what they can see and measure through scientific methodology. These events however, have made Governor Palin suspect in the minds of the naturalist and theistic fundamentalist and guilty of spiritual delusion by association. What association?

Well, it just so happens that Bishop Murthee gave about 10 sermons at governor Palin's church. At The Wasilla Assembly of God on June 8 this year, Mrs Palin described how Bishop Thomas Muthee had laid his hands on her when he visited the church as a guest preacher in late 2005, prior to her successful gubernatorial bid. He prayed for her finances and her success in obtaining the position and she was encouraged to proceed against the odds and won.

The problem is that because the Bishop is not ashamed of the bible and its message he has suffered at the hands of critics. Sarah Palin, no doubt at the pressure of political advisers, has disassociated herself from her church and claimed up regarding bishop Murthee. What is astounding is that many of the critics also claim salvation. One thing is certain, most if not all of the critics don't know about spiritual warfare in countries similar to Africa. Bill Donohue said,

"Witchcraft is a sad reality in many parts of Africa, resulting in scores of deaths in Kenya over the past two decades. Bishop Muthee’s blessing, then, was simply a reflection of his cultural understanding of evil. While others are not obliged to accept his interpretation, all can be expected to respect it. More than that—Muthee should be hailed for asking God to shield Palin from harmful forces, however they may be manifested. And for this he is mocked and Palin ridiculed?"..."We know that many cultural elites have a hard time embracing religion, but is it too much to ask that they at least show some manners when discussing subjects which most Americans hold dear?”~ Bill Donohue The Catholic League

Secondly, too many individuals, Christian and non-Christian, don't have a clue as to what the bible teaches about witches, diviners and mediums:

Deut. 18:9-14 ~ "9-When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10-There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11-Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12-For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13-Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 14-For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do."

Third, there are individuals and groups that operate in principalities that rule and govern certain areas and communities many claiming to have communion with Christ. Isaiah speaks against those that use the WORD of God as a validation for their evil practices:

Isa. 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."

I have my own personal experience in addressing the Principalities that exist in certain communities. (Pastor H. Burnett of New Bethel COGIC & Pastor Bob Randle of Higher Dimensions Worship Ctr. pictured)

In 2007 in the City of Peoria, Illinois the murder rate was on pace to set a city record. per capita, the rate was higher than the much larger city Chicago and the year was not half way over. The Lord instructed me to organize a community march and rally against violence with one exception that was different than any other effort taking place. I was to gather the Pastoral community and ask them to lead the community in this march and rally and in prayer representing taking the lead in spiritual warfare.

The week of June 25th 2007 there were 3 murders in the city. That Saturday June 30th, Christians from all over the city met at 8:30 AM in front of City Hall. The Mayor, City Councilpersons, and other city administrators were present voluntarily. Before we marched, we had prayer and scripture reading and I made certain declarations and proclaimations as follows:

• We declared the Liberty and freedom from the oppression of the spiritual power that was endangering our children and causing fear within the community.
• We declared that the power of the enemy displayed through crime and violence would be brought under subjection and stamped out.
• we declared that the Christian community would gain strength, and rise to combat the enemy


• We declared that we would march as representative to taking back our community from the hands of the devil himself.


• I read this scripture: James 5:16 ~ "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

I was in recognition that we were dealing with a principality that wanted to destroy our community. Even though no single individual was responsible for the problems, we looked beyone the natural to see what we were dealing with spiritually. We addressed the problem directly. I still believe in pulling down and destroying "strong holds" Our event led to other events some of which which we sponsored. Additionally the city gathered themselves in prayer vigils throughout the community culminating in a 40 days of prayer celebration led by various churches and groups. Those prayer meetings yet continue to this day.

Result:

To THIS DAY, there has never been another week like the week of June 25th 2007 in Peoria, IL. In fact, crime in most categories is more that 60% LESS than it was last year. The murder rate has decreased by 75% and is not even potentially what it was previously.

What happened? To the skeptic, it's all coincidental. However to those of us who know better and have open eyes to the battle that we really fight, we dealt with and gained the victory over a principality, power and spiritual wickedness that tried to choke out our community. Plain and simple. To the religious critic I simply ask who's side are you really on? To criticize an individual for applying the bible and biblical instruction to an area where obvious spiritual warfare is essential is similar to a Sadducee in Jerusalem on the Passover---You just refuse to participate...But I ask this:

Exodus32:26 ~ "Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him"

I gladly clash with the culture to be on the Lord's side. The secular critic can criticize all he or she wants but the proof is in the metheod, which is the WORD, the events which destroy yokes off of the lives of the people and the results, which change communities, families and restores hope. All the natural programs in the world won't change the heart of an individual, only God can do that, and he does it by the power of HIS Spirit. Jesus is Lord!

Blessed!

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