The Old Black Church

Pastor Jamal Bryant is a  great promoter of self whom and what he believes in....In 2011 he will begin   a 12 month online mentoring program call Victorious Secrets. The program will help construct the proper balances in leadership where your chara cter is greater than your charisma, your purpose outlasts opinions of people, and your passion is greater than any temptation. Check it out.

After the hurtful and hateful statement by Tucker Carlson the other day.... I can truly understand why Apple Inc.made the decision it did concerning the Manhattan Declaration.....Kudos congratulation, hats off, pat on the back, and praise to Steve Job.....for twice rejecting  an iPhone and iPad app by the hateful Christian right....Steve Jobs corporation says it’s because the app is “offensive to large groups of people,” according to a news release....the  Manhattan Declaration , is the app in question....its a 4,700-word manifesto written in 2009 by James Dobson, Charles Colson, Richard Land and other conservative Christian.

Tucker Carlson  have contradicted his own beliefs!!.. rightwing Christian Tucker Carlson calls for the death of Michael Vick by execution....Carlson claims to be a Christian who believes in second chances, but in the same breath wants to execute Michael Vick.....during a discussion about President Obamas defense of Michael Vick....Carlson said that Vick should have been executed. Vick have paid the penalty for his crime.....society and people like Tucker  should get over it...Vick was given a second chance and up to this point he has taken every opportunity to make good of the second chance....Tucker Carlson statement show that  some folks are ignorant when it comes down to  understanding forgiveness scriptures....the same blood that covers Tucker sins is the same blood that covers Vick's sins...one wonders just what type of Christianity Carlson and the right wing  believes.

I strongly believed that  if African Americans are going to celebrate a holiday it should be New Year’s Eve... I think it should be more important to us as a people than the 4th of July...our history teaches that on December 31,1862 the black community would gather i n churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law....so at the stroke of midnight January 1, all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free.....so when the news was received, there were prayers , shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God.....black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year....historically on Dec. 31, most black congregations, use that services as the start of their devotion service for the year ahead.... Fast forward to today church where the focus have move from God to big name stars

NO! Kwanzaa celebrates African history and culture and has no religious underpinning whatsoever....No other than whatever religious traditions are included in the culture.....Therefore Kwanzaa is not in conflict with Christianity in any manner... It' almost impossible for us to disconnect spirituality from our culture....It's seem as if it's o­ne and the same.... Kwanzaa, a nonreligious holiday created in the 1960s to celebrate African-American culture, is increasingly taking on a spiritual dimension as Christians and Muslims blend Kwanzaa traditions with aspects of their faith. Kwanzaa, is a seven-day celebration that begins Dec. 26 and ends Jan.1....What's silly is when me and  uninformed people think Kwanzaa is a substitute for Christmas...Some black churches are now accepting and celebrating Kwanzaa in harmony with the church.....Some Black churches marked the pre-Christmas season of Advent by walking parishioners through the principles of Kwanzaa...... unity , sel

There's internet chatter and  reports that  Singer, songwriter and Grammy award nominee Teena Marie died today....A story on CNN. com reports the singer died in her sleep..While no cause of death has been released to the public, Marie’s publicist, Lynn Jeter revealed that the singer suffered a seizure last month and was rushed to the Mayo Clinic.....Marie was scheduled to perform in Atlanta this week....She was 54-years-old....Marie is perhaps best known for her collaborations with late Rick James

For a second year in a row Rod Parsley have claim his ministry is under attack from the adversary the chief spirit of evil, Beelzebub, devil, Lucifer prince of darkness ,the tempter etc .....But Satan has denied having his hand in the financial attack.....There's a tweet  from Satan on twitter  in which he has deny involvement in the financial attack on Rod Parsley Ministry.....Instead insisting he's a big fan of the name-it-and claimed it gospel...And he wonder why the pew sitters is not outraged by the insult to their intelligence. Right Wing Watch.

According to Urban Dictionary a 'ride or die chick' is someone who is down for everything and anything. Basically down for both the bad and the good...With that said would you consider Harriet Jinwright   a ride or die chick? Some one ask that question on a message board. According to reports last Thursday night U.S. District Judge Frank Whitney handed down an 8 year sentence to Bishop Anthony Jinwright Pastor of Greater Salem Church in North Carolina....The judge also sentenced  the bishop wife Harriet Jinwright to six years in federal prison. I guess in this case yes.

This is old news but a pastor in Alabama, Gregory Louis Clarke, was sentenced last year to 21 months in prison  for assuming that the love offerings he received from his 6000 member church were gifts to him. But  according to Start Church  what's scary is that under new regulation (Treasury Regulation 53.495), members of the board of directors can also be held responsible for approving love offerings or knowing that they are occurring without being reported on the pastor's W-2 and not doing anything about it.... WARNING to all church board members.

I would like to give a pat on the back and a  shout out of praise to the group Committed who won the second season of the  reality show "The Sing Off"....the group won $100,000 and a Sony Music recording contract.....truth be told I never heard of the show until I heard Michelle Martin mention it on her NPR  show yesterday....The  a capella reality show debuted last December on NBC with host Nick Lachey and judges Ben Folds, Nicole Scherzinger and Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman.  " We really want to have [an album] more on the inspirational side," Pierre says. "That's what we've been putting out … People want to see more inspirational music so hopefully that's what we can give them. "Judge Ben Folds, who calls Committed "harmonically bad-ass," says, "They're best when they're inspired. They should stick by the things that absolutely move them. "

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse of the San Diego-based Ruth Institute   is arguing  that the rainbow is a sign of God's covenant with man...The rainbow appears twice in the Bible, in Genesis and Revelation. Genesis is the most significant appearance. According to the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis, God painted a rainbow across the sky as a promise he would never destroy most of the creatures on the earth again. “We are the real rainbow coalition,” she writes. “The gay lobby does not own the rainbow.” Most gay advocacy groups have used the rainbow flag for 33 years to signify inclusiveness within the gay community...Ms Morse  said conservative should  want  to take back the Christian symbol rainbow. The rainbow and the rainbow flag have represented LGBT issues and gay rights since the 1970s....Who own the rainbow?

Senior pastors Scott and Cindy Thomas the leaders of Without Walls Central Church have announced they will establish an independent congregation at the end of this month....they are leaving the massive 9,000-seat Lakeland sanctuary where they have been worshiping for years.....the former senior pastor of Without Walls International, Paula White's ex-husband Randy White, denounced Scott Thomas in an interview with The Ledger for what he said was breaking an employment contract and violating trust that he and International church leaders had placed in him. " He's making it look like this is with Paula's favor and blessing. What Scott is doing is so unethical," he said....now he's just going to take the congregation and go and leave Paula with a $30,000 a month note " 

As members  of the  Christian community what is your thoughts and reaction to Saturdays senate vote of 65-31, to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell law?" The repeal mean that gays can, should must be openly accepted by the military and should be able to acknowledge their sexual orientation without fear of being dishonorably discharged from the military.....according to The Associated Press , “more than 13,500 service members have been dismissed under the 1993 law” and some estimate it has cost the government over $1.3 billion.

  It's being reported that Bishop Jakes have anointed Steve Harvey to preach the gospel. 

The black church once served as a voice in the wilderness, crying out that equality and justice belonged to all persons, despite race, social status, or lived experience....The black church once operated as a twenty-four hour, full-service institution, affecting change spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially....People from all walks of life recognized that when resources were exhausted, the black church was a place where needs were met and issues addressed......The black minister preached a transformative message of salvation, but also served as a community representative and social activist, preaching a message of social change, equality, and unconditional love. Today in our contemporary society  the black church has become so focused on preaching messages regarding the attainment of economic success and personal prosperity, that it's  losing sight of its foundational calling.....The message of the cross as the changing force of all aspects in life has become silen

According to Dr. Steven B. DavidSon, Senior Ministry leader and executive director of the Association of Christ-based Clergy, Counselors, Educators and Educational System.....Not even the gates-of-hell can prevail against the Church but adultery can cripple the Church.....According to DavidSon  there is a reason for the rash of nationally exposed accounts of sexual impropriety among protestant ministry leaders. Years of hearing about homosexuality and the gay-agenda, or being programmed that “all sin is the same” and “sin is sin” have contributed to what DavidSon calls the marginalization-of-adultery. Dr. DavidSon also reveals some of the secrets of ministry leadership....Apparently, some ministry leaders believe secretly that it is acceptable to have an adulterous relationship as long as the woman is single. DavidSon responds to this perspective, “First, the Pharisees had the same ‘insight’ for hundreds of years. Jesus came to straighten their thinking and conduct when he said, ‘hav

The single independent sister did and interview with pastor Jamal Bryant...During the interview she asked the pastor what he thought about the disconnect between sisters and brothers? “ There are so many levels of disconnect. The African-American culture is the only in the world where you hear a woman say she doesn’t need a man. Asian women don’t say that. Russian women won’t say that. There is no other culture on the planet where you hear that. It’s only African-American women who you will hear say that. The black woman’s over-independence has made black men feel unnecessary or like an accessory. So, men have taken that to mean that a woman is an option, and being part of a woman’s life is optional. Men and women have to need each other, and understand that we’re not options to one another. We’re necessary for our existence, totality and purpose.” I understand what Pastor Bryant is saying but I don't total agree with him....I feel disconnected from  my husband at times....But I

CBS Atlanta News has found Bishop Eddie Long and another local megachurch leader, Gary Hawkins, are linked to a questionable mortgage venture that is being investigated by the feds. CBS Atlanta was the first to report on Matrix Capital's long list of victims. The company promised to lower people's mortgages for $1,500 upfront. Police say thousands of homeowners paid Matrix money, but according to investigators, most of them ended up in bankruptcy and losing their homes... CLICK HERE to Read Entire Article

The Christian Institute has voiced alarm over how Christina Aguilera appeared on stage with backing dancers wearing nothing but bras, knickers and suspenders. Their provocative dance routine at times simulated sex and has been likened by critics to pornography...the Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said that the lewd performances by US pop stars Rihanna and Christina Aguilera on Saturday night’s X Factor final...the minister said the show were unsuitable for the show’s legions of young fans....the sexualised routines have sparked over 3,000 complaints from viewers....although Rihanna’s skimpily clad performance of “What’s My Name” has caused concern among viewers, the outrage appears to be directed mostly at Aguilera’s performance of her new song “Express”, from the soundtrack of big screen musical “Burlesque”, in which she stars. Simon Calvert, of the Christian Institute, said ITV had made a “catastrophically bad error of judgement” in allowing the production to go out before

You have a dress code at school ,work, court, and some businesses....why haven't the church realize it's time to put a dress code in place?.....we dress appropriately for the places I mention above....why can't we dress our best for God? I'm not saying anyone should be turned away for the way they dress that's not what I'm saying at all.....I also understand  sometimes a person's clothing can be an indicator they need help..... however, I do believe if you are a members of a church body  there should be a standard dress code.....people who have accepted Christ as Lord of their lives should have a higher standard than the world....we are not to be like the world.... After all, when you give your life to God you have agreed to a make over......I also understand  coming from the world, a person  may not know exactly how to dress....that's what a dress code is for....it's a guiding tool to guide the lost in the aspects of how to dress in a godly manner..

Can the "Santa Claus" story cause a child to disbelieve in God? Can a Christian parent become a stumbling block to their own child's faith? Are some parents teaching their children to place Santa Claus in a godlike position  as one who can grant all their requests? I believe it's possible for a child to learn to distrust a parent when they realizes that Santa Claus is a lie.....I believe when we answer "How does Santa get in our house if we don't have a chimney?" or "How can a big fat man fit down that small opening? with a lie when children are old enough to grasp the truth, he or she may think, "Santa's a lie, so the stories about Jesus must be a lie, too."  Mark Driscoll who's one of America's most prominent young Christian voices who describes himself as "a nobody trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody....."Driscoll says Christians have three options when it comes to dealing with cultural

EEW Magazine Buzz editors are reporting that  Queen of  Soul Aretha Franklin is battling cancer and is seeking our prayers and support.....accepting the call to stand in the gap is one of the most important things we will do as a Christian....you HAVE to believe and understand that things happen when Christians stand in the gap....you HAVE to believe that when a Christian prays, things happen....when God touches our hearts and leads us to pray or intercede on behalf of someone else, things happen you HAVE to believe it....we are not here just to live our lives, we are here to impact Influence our families, friends, community, etc....If you don't have any spiritual impact influence , then chances are you're not being impacted  influenced spiritually....when we stand for those who are unable to stand for themselves, we are fulfilling that spark of grace that each of us have been given when we became saved....here's some gap standing people: (1). Queen Esther     (2).Mose

Being a Christian I know beyond a shallow of a doubt that there will be good people in hell....I also know beyond a shallow of a doubt that you will not cannot  find any Christians in Hell..... In Scripture we are encourage to pick careful our battles....When ever a Christian fail to use common sense this is what usual happen.....This is embarrassing for the Kingdom of God.....This idea is so lacking of common sense that it's  not even funny....An anonymous Christian group is working hard trying  to draw attention away from an atheist  billboard that's posted on  four  Fort Worth buses.....The four buses have a banner saying "Millions of Americans are Good without God." But behind one of the buses is a mobile billboard truck with a message reading, "I still love you. -God" The pro-Christian ad is paid for by a group of pastors and businessmen who don't wish to be identified.... Source Here!  

Get ready, Get ready, Get ready He's coming back....Are you ready for Christmas Christ return? The most dangerous lie is not "There is no God",nor  "there is no hell", but the most dangerous lie of Satan is " there is no hurry." Indeed, Christmas is coming soon, but so is Jesus. Jesus promised that His return would come at a time when people lived as they did in the days of Noah.  The days of Noah included an age that disregarded God and lived for the moment. When God sought someone who had a heart for Him, Noah alone stood as a witness to the power of God. The days surrounding the return of Christ will have loose morals and a blatant disregard for God. Whether those days are our days we cannot tell but God would certainly not have to apologize for bringing judgment on our age. Source: Life Way.

I believe people are getting fed up with how the black church have been hijacked  by money hungry men and speaking out about it......Men like Milton W. Hinton Jr.who's the director of equal opportunity for the Gloucester County government....He's also  past president of the Gloucester County Branch NAACP.... I found this post via twitter last night: There is increasing evidence that should not be ignored that the black church, historically the cornerstone of the community, is being hijacked by entrepreneurs. Not all, but some religious leaders, particularly those leading mega-churches which take in large amounts of cash, choose to lead a highly visible, opulent life style with no moral barometer. Purchasing million-dollar homes and exotic automobiles, and accepting million-dollar salaries provided by the daily labor of congregants struggling to survive is not just wrong, but immoral. It is past time to speak up about this.... Rest here!!

Minister Robert J. Freeman, who calls himself "Dr. Shine," was indicted on charges of obstructing court proceedings, making false statements and falsifying records in bankruptcy proceedings. Prosecutors said Freeman, 54, used Save the Seed Ministry money to pay for a $1.75 million residence on the Potomac River, a Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and two Lincoln Town Cars that he concealed from the bankruptcy court....Court documents allege that based on the bogus information, a bankruptcy court cleared hundreds of thousands of dollars in back rent and jet airplane lease payments the 54-year-old man owed. Dr.Shine was well-known for his outreach to drug users is now charged with channeling church funds for the purchases of a $1.75 million waterfront mansion and luxury cars and hiding the assets from bankruptcy court, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.....Dr.Shine garnered national attention as a televangelist on The Word Network program . In 2004, Freeman acquired the Pot

The season premiere of VH1′s “Celebrity Rehab”got kicked off Thursday night with one of its newest members being none other than Keyshia Cole’s biological mom Frankie Lons.....Frankie checked herself in to rehab looking for help for her addictions....according to necolebitchie.com , during the show, fans on Twitter decided to tweet @Keyshia  and go off on Frankie  for  her appearance on the show. Instead Keyshia who was raise and reared in a Christian home by Dr. Yvonne Cole and her husband....politely discussed her thoughts on her mother’s addiction: I’d really love for my son to know his grandmother. Thank u for all of ur love and consideration. We can not change the people we love. But maybe the love we have to give can help change them...so glad that u all have seen that no matter the road, U can overcome. U must realize that U R NOT ALONE. Let strength over power ur fears.we hope Frankie gets through this!

I'm following this Wikileak  thing on Twitter and it's causing  me to ask question.....Why is the owner of Wikileaks doing this? Why is he releasing so called classified material knowing that he could /can be assassinated  or discredited for the rest of his life? You have got to ask the question why? Is the owner of Wikileaks holding back on some very damaging stuff and using it as a bargaining chip for his life? According to some people  most of the stuff that was/is  leaked wasn't new it wasn't even any thing that any one  should have been surprised by.....So why is the government up in arms about it? People who don't like and trust each other bad mouth each other all the time.....I was listening to NPR   "Tell Me More " yesterday with Michel Martin and her guest...They were giving their theory about what they think the motive could be....but me thinking after the show....There's more to this thing than what they want us to think....This is just to g

Frederica Wilson is causing a stir for her decision to ask incoming House Speaker John Boehner for a waiver to let her wear her hats on the House floor...Ms.Wilson was successful at changing the no hat rule at the State level but will she be able to do the same in Washington, DC? Article here!   Everyone can't wear a hat (don't look good)but this sista is killing it.  

On February 1, 2011, African American bloggers all over the Web will join together to discuss this important issue....The format will be a synchroblog, or a blogging event in which a number of bloggers all write about the same topic on the same day.....Your posts will be organized in a library on this website with a link back to your blog.... Article Here!

 image from SuperStock  Would you put your baby on a diet? In an extreme case earlier this year in Washington state, a couple was found guilty of starving their baby by putting laxatives in her bottle so she wouldn't gain weight. ABC reports the couple did it out of vanity, because they feared their daughter would grow up to be overweight like her father.... Article at  Parent Dish

Black women dressed up is not a distraction for me....I grew up in this culture and is  aware that Sundays and funerals are mostly the only time you're see southern black women dressed  like this....historically, African-Americans have dressed their best on Sundays for many generation....this tradition has a deep and rich history that dates back to slavery when African-Americans could only dress up on Sundays. The congregations of most black southern churches still dress up today....i see women dressed up often at Bistro's a local restaurant  here in Jacksonville Fl, after church....the ladies wear nice dresses with matching hats and shoes....the men are in suits.....this always brings a smile to my face.... it reminds me of my childhood attending church...Do you dress up for church? Are black women in the South the only one who dress like this for church and funerals?