The Old Black Church

Rebecca Scott a born again believer and  by her own testimony a new Christian.  Rebecca Scott  has written a  some what controversial book about the evils that lurks in the darkness of the  music world.  Rebecca have given a very interesting interview to Joy 105 about the new book.   Rebecca states while she was in the music industry she didn't go to church nor did she have a relationship with God. But all that have changed in the last couple of years.  She's  now saved and filled with a lot of  gratitude for how God have spared her life.  And because of what God have done in her life by allowing  her to see all the people before  her that are no longer here from the music industry. She's  willing to try and warn as many artists as possible about the evils in the music world.   Rebecca states that she  intend to live out the rest of her days as a Christian. What I find interesting is what she has to say about Jennifer Hudson family. I have never heard this shocking inform

I remember growing up in the early 70s when black folks didn't have breakdowns!!!  At lest that's what they told us.   Back in the day, If a person in the community or someone you went  to school with parent had suffered  from some kinda of depression like a nervousness  break down. It wasn't talk about! Especially if it resulted  in them being hospitalize, you never heard folks talking about it in school, church or the community. I never understood why the community was mum about depression and break downs within the black community.  I honestly grew up believing that if you're a  Christians and Black you didn't get depressed nor did you have breakdowns.  I can't ever remember my pastor talking about this kinda of illness. It was never address or discuss in my church at all.  The pastor might ask us to pray for the person who was going through hard times but the illness it self was never called out. The word I heard most used to describe a person who struggle

 Since when do you need a tax permit to give stuff away? A Louisiana church last week was ordered to stop giving away free water along Mardi Gras parade routes because they did not have the proper permits. “We were given a cease and desist order,” said Matt Tipton, pastor of Hope Church in Metairie, LA. “We had no idea we were breaking the law. ”They weren't "selling" anything --they were "giving" water and coffee away. Source here!

Photo: Rhymes With Snitch Ms. Carolyn Whigham owner of Whigham funeral home said Friday she's highly up set that  a photo of Whitney Houston  in her open casket appeared on the cover of the National Enquirer. Carolyn Whigham wants fans to know her family-run business did not sell the now notorious image and that she's “horrified” by accusations her close-knit staff is to blame, she told the Daily News. Again, I don't believe Carol Whigham would put her family name and business in jeopardy. She don't appear to be a messy kinda of person.  I read somewhere that here funeral home  had a great reputation and standing in the community. And  that this is a funeral home that has been in the business for over 50 years.  

Today you got more and more young Christians getting tattoos than ever before. You even got some  pastors and priests getting tattoos as well.  I understand there's no sin in getting a tattoo nor is there any honor given  to God in getting one either.    The Bible warns us against tattoos in Leviticus 19:28 (Amplified) which says, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord." So,  why are tattoos  becoming  more accepted in the Christian community today?

Michelle Duggar is catching a lot of flap over her tips for a happy marriage . In the premiere of  her reality  tv show 19 kids and counting.  Michelle Duggar were shown at a Christian women conference where she took to  the stage and spoke to other Christian women about her success story. I'm not saying I total agree with Michelle on her points, but I do understand where she's coming from.  I don't think Christian women submit unto their husband because they think he deserves it, it's because we know it's pleasing to our Lord.

 I don't want to see a picture of a person lying in a casket especially if that picture is one of a love one.   For the life of me I can not understand why any one would want to take a picture of their love one lying in a casket.  What The National Inquirer has done by plastering Whitney Houston body lying in her casket on it's front page  is not nothing new. They are known for their racy stories. They have showed  photos of Michael Jackson on the coroner’s table. They put Elvis Presley in his casket on the front page.  So, why are we so surprise? Now, what's surprising to me and questionable is who was the Judas that took the picture and  betrayed Ms. Houston? Could it have been a family member?If so they have cause her unnecessary pain.  It's bad enough when a stranger betrays you, but when it's your own family or close friends, that make it especially hurtful.  Who among us won't to feel like they have been taken advantage of, deceived, humiliated or stabbe

Lent begins today and is observed for 40 days prior to Easter. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season. Some individuals make an individual sacrifice as an expression of their faith. For others, it’s a day of gathering and unity. In the past I have found Lent to be an incredibly fruitful time of spiritual growth but this year I don’t feel led to do it.  I believe Ash Wednesday represent one of the most important aspects of Jesus Christ’s life, the  extreme sacrifice He made for man kind.

Thanks 1800gospel! NBC’s The Voice is featuring two Christian singers this season. Tony Vincent , and Anthony Evans who both have released CDs to the contemporary Christian market.  Mega pastor Tony and Lois Evans are the parents of  Anthony Evans Jr.   Dr. Tony Evans is a well known mega pastor out of  Dallas Texas.  At last night try out Anthony Evans  had the full  support of his parents along with Kirk Franklin and his wife Tammy.    Source here

The secular world have almost destroyed the meaning of Mardi Gras here in America.  Mardi Gras  which  literally mean "Fat Tuesday. The name was given after the Christian tradition of eating rich meals before Lent, which is a Christian fasting season. " Mardi Gras"  has grown in popularity in recent years as a rowdy disorderly sometimes self gratifying  event. Because  the  roots of Fat Tuesday lie in the Christian calendar, Many churches celebrate it before Lent begins on tomorrow, Ash Wednesday. That's why the enormous party in New Orleans, for example, ends abruptly at midnight on Tuesday, with battalions of streetsweepers pushing the crowds out of the French Quarter towards home.

There’s a on going debate on whether churches should use secular music in services to help promote the gospel . Liquid Church have started to include songs from Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” to connect with their preaching’s series “Pop God.” Some claim that the use of secular music lies in “using cultural mediums to transfer sacred messages.” According to Liquid Church spokesperson, Rich Birch the church is trying to redeem the culture. Other songs from artists Foo-Fighter and Cee Lo Green were also included. Article Here!

Boynton Beach, Fla is a community divided over whether to put a mega-church in a local mall. Christ Fellowship Church has a contract and plans to buy the Dillard's at the Boynton Beach Mall.  But first the city commission would have to lift a moratorium that went into effect last November. It doesn't allow non-profit organizations to use retail space because the city is losing too much revenue in property taxes. Article Here!

I never thought I would see the day people would actual throw blows and pass licks inside the church house. The idea of disrespecting the house of worship is becoming the norm in these last and evil days. Take for an example in Phoenix last Friday family and friends had  gathered  for a funeral for a young valley man. But instead of a joyous remembrance of the young man life  a fight broke out inside the church house.  It started when someone at the funeral saw someone who had gotten into a fight with the dead man a few weeks ago. They started fighting each other -- and that's when dozens of other people also got involved and things got out of control.

Has God called Tyler Perry to ministry? Now, I know can't no one answer that question but Tyler Perry. I also  know that all Christians are called to serve the cause of Christ in some kinda of capacity. But God do call certain people to serve the Church as pastors and other ministers. Paul wrote  to young Timothy that if a man aspires to be a pastor, "it is a fine work he aspires to do." [I Timothy 3:1] Likewise, it is a high honor to be called of God into the ministry of the Church. So, how can one know if God is calling them to a higher calling? Is there anything wrong with Tyler Perry aspiring to be a pastor? If so please tell!

Back in the day the hymn  "I'll Fly Away" and the Poem "Don't Grieve For Me For Now I'm Free." Are two of the most recited poem and hymn  sung with-in the black church. Especially during a funeral or home going service.  This is the poem that was read by Dionne Warwick at Whitney Houston home going service yesterday. I like the version of I'll fly away sung in the country and bluegrass style.

 There's a new billboard campaign that was launched in late January highlighting  black atheists, humanists, and freethinkers from history past and present-day.  The billboards have been launch simultaneously in New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Raleigh-Durham. The campaign was designed to coincide with February’s Black History Month.  Read the full story at  Christian Post.com. Let me say this,  there's nothing wrong with doubt it's unbelief that's the problem. Unbelief is the only sin that will keep a man out of heaven.  Not doubt. Nor will  MURDER  keep you out of heaven. Nor being a HARLOT will  keep you out of heaven. Nor, being an ADULTERER will keep you out of heaven. Nor, being a LIAR will  keep you out of heaven.  Unbelief is the only sin that will keep a man from spending eternity with the Father. It’s the only sin that God will not forgive it's the only unpardonable sin. Unbelief is the only sin not covered by the grace

11:30 Central time.

The obituary that is floating around the net is not the actual obituary for singer Whitney Houston.  Memorial Keepsakes out of Memphis, Tn was  trying to provide comfort to Houston’s millions of fans around the world by creating a memorial obituary.

I do not follow professional sports at all but when  I heard about the fuss surrounding Jeremy Lin I had to do some research . All I can say, is what a wonderful come from behind story this is.   And  what I find most interesting about Lin is his love and devotion to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. And When asked by a reporter what he plans to do after his basketball career is over, Lin said: “I want to be a pastor.” The Urban Faith have a great article  here.  And so does the Gospel Coalition. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1

What most folks don't know, including myself and many have tried to cover up, is the fact that Bob Marley converted to Christianity in 1980.  In fact on  November 4  1980 he was baptised and became a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He was buried under Orthodox rites on May 21 1981. Source Here.

 Dr. R.A. Vernon who have become the expert leader in urban church growth in the last decade. And who is also founder and senior pastor of  “ THE WORD ” Church in Cleveland, Ohio is on the cover of Gospel Today's magazine  March/April edition.   I just read that Dr. Vernon is on tour promoting his new book, Dr. R.A.Vernon's 10 Rules of Dating, the One Night Stand. Source here! 

There are reports that Whitney Houston supposedly saw her death coming.  Now,  I don't know if this is true or not but premonition have always been one of those things I just can't grasp.  I have a hard time believing people know when exactly they will be take from the earthly world to one whose form we do not know. I will not lie this idea of one knowing when they will die is hard for me to embrace.  Now,what I do believe in for the Christian is purpose. There's a reason and purpose for being here in the earth at this time. I strongly believe  God have given each and every one a purpose for life.  I think if you have a good relationship with God, walk with Him daily in your prayer and devotional time. You can know when your life purpose have come to an end. The Bible is full of examples of this.   In the  Bible days, godly people who had lived good long lives, somehow knew when their time of departure from this life would be for them because they knew what their purpos

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The National Geographic has a new show called Doomsday Preppers. The show highlights various people, usually families, and their attempts to prepare for the apocalypse they are convinced is just around the corner.  I found out as many as three million Americans now fall into the category dubbed ‘preppers’ – people who are making detailed plans for the end of the world as we know it. Is the Preppers movement being driven by fear?

The heavens will be shaking Friday, Feb.24. When believers in Christ come together to tell their untold stories  testimonies of faith in Hollywood.   TheHELPPPPagency , the first ever “Red-Carpet” event producer in the faith-based community, has partnered with the historical Taglyan Cultural Complex to present GGTH/‘Gospel Goes To Hollywood Awards Luncheon’ celebrating the untold stories of faith in Hollywood Friday, Feb.24, 2012 from 12-3pm.  I'm curious as to why the producer of this particular event would use the word story instead of testimony in the promotion of this event? The believers testimony can be  incredibly strong  for those who do not yet know Him as their Savior.  Yes, Christ has redeemed us, and we should never forget who we used to be and we should be happy to share our testimony about how Jesus "lifted us out" of sin.  I believe when we take our testimony and turn it into a story it loses its power and purpose to convict others of their sin.   Source

Delman Coates, the pastor at Mount Ennon Baptist Church, is among the few black ministers in Maryland who have endorsed same-sex marriage. Because of  Coates support for the bill, it has puts him at odds with the majority in the black community, particularly in his home county of Prince George’s. Article Here.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - R.I.P. Whitney Houston. Update: The Detroit Pistons honored Whitney Houston by playing her '91 National Anthem before the game last night.

It's very uncommon and rare  for me to purchase secular music but I love Adele  voice. Congratulation Adele on your big win last night at the Grammy.

 The grammys should be ashamed for allowing Nicki Minaj to make a mockery of the Catholic Church ,Christianity and the dying music business with her performance at the Grammy's last night.  We should show others respect in their beliefs, rather we agree with them or not.    Source Here!

Death for the Christian is VICTORY! Below is my favorite performance by Whitney Houston.

The 27 annual Stellar Award will air tonight with some of urban music's finest.  Including  Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond,an a Hip Hop collaboration of new superstars Canton Jones, Da' Truth and LeCrae. There will also be  never before seen group performance by Kim Burrell, Le'Andria Johnson, Martha Munizzi and Jessica Reedy who will be performing four of the  music's greatest songs.  Appearances by CeCe Winans, Byron Cage, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, James "JJ" Hairston, VaShawn Mitchell, Kim Burrell, Lucinda Moore, Beverly Crawford, Tina Campbell, Deon Kipping, Shirley Caesar and many more. http://www.watchgmctv.com/stellars

There's chatter on the net that Jacquie Hood Martin, Roland Martin’s wife was/is  wrong for speaking out about the suspension of her husband, Roland Martin.   It look like Jacquie took   to her twitter account the other day and slammed GLAAD and CNN for the firing of Roland. My question is was the sister wrong in tweeting  what she perceive as an injustice against her husband?  

Returning to our first love and experiencing the power of the world to come.

According to a article published in The Journal of Black Psychology. If a weight loss program is through a local church it might be more good and beneficial for black women.  Researchers have determined that black   African-American women beginning a new group weight loss program are more successful if they are less experienced with weight management and if the program meets in a church.  Article Here!  I wonder what's the motivating factor with a church based weight loss programs, that's not found  with a regular weight loss program?  Could it have something to do with the idea of doing something for God? Could it be the same motivation that moves black women to get up every Sunday morning and head to the house of God? Is there some kinda of built in support group within the idea of the church? In the clip below  Ernestine Shepherd states that her great mission in life is to motivate other to be fit and healthy. She is being successful in reaching and teaching women in her c

The first work of the Holy Spirit in a believer life is the conviction of sin.    If we are temples of the Spirit, His presence, His name in us will convict us, and others, of sin.  With that said, it look like Victoria’s Secret might be missing a angel very  soon.  According to reports Model Kylie Bisutti, is turning her back on lingerie modeling because it clashes with her Christian beliefs.  And for Ms. Bisutti to make such a claim public, she getting hammered all over the net for it.  This reminds me of the old saying: you got to give up something if you're going to follow Jesus.   Source Here!

 Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Virginia Beach passed away Sunday after delivering what would be his last sermon.  The fiery preacher with a booming voice delivered a final message from the pulpit Sunday morning.  “You shall live and not die,”   Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood shouted in his signature baritone, exhorting his congregation of more than 2,000 members to squeeze as much as they can from their lives before going to meet their maker.  Thoroughgood, 62, wiped sweat from his forehead as he finished the sermon at New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, sat down on stage, and collapsed in his seat.  Bishop Thoroughgood was also pastor to recording artists Timberland, Pharrell Williams, a Virginia Beach native, and Missy Elliott, who grew up in Portsmouth.    Source Here!

 I believe this is wrong and a waste of time!   Roland Martin love to clown around on his twitter page  and he do say stupid stuff. But it's not worthy of him being fired over.   I hope CNN doesn't cave into the  pressure. Article Here!  

I like this! Randy Travis Country and Gospel singer has apologized for his public drunkenness following his arrest on early Monday morning.  The 52-year old singer, who lives in Tioga, Texas, was apparently celebrating the Super Bowl and after a night of revelry was found drunk in a parked car outside a Baptist church in Sanger, Texas. Travis had an open bottle of wine with him and was in a fight with his girlfriend when a police officer approached him. Travis was cited with misdemeanor charge and was jailed for a few hours. Article Here!

Last week a  9-year-old boy was suspended from St. Stanislaus School  for mimicking Michael Jackson famous groin grad, during a rendition of "Billie Jean" at the school lip-sync fundraiser. The boy’s mother, Mindy Boberg, said her family met with principal Pat Bowlin, the Rev. Richard Colletti and Marsha Stenzel, director of Catholic education in Winona, on Monday morning and was told that her son Lenny’s suspension will be reversed. She said Lenny also will receive an apology and be able to make-up any school work he missed Friday. Article Here!

DOLL Conference 2012 - Dr. Juanita Bynum, Dr. Jamal Bryant and Pastor Paula White Wednesday - Friday after Mardi Gras.

According to firstcoastnews.com  The Black Panther Party don't like the idea that a Jacksonville pastor who confessed to sexual crimes against two young girls is once again preaching. And delivering sermons at Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church on North Davis Street.  Therefore they are planning a protest against the church.  

“Some of yall trying to figure out what I am doing, — stop worrying about me,— cause – if you gone get yours I’m gone get mine” In other words the same God that bless you gone bless me.

I've wondered how people can followed the word of faith movement? The word-of-faith doctrine promises you goods and when you fail to attain to them they say you the problem. I just can't embrace this thinking.

Thanks to Bartholomew's Notes on Religion for pic. In the clip I have posted below it's showing at the 2:13 mark of Pastor Paula White being wrapped by Rabbi Ralph Messer.  In a statement Paula White handles have issued stating that Paula White do not endorse Rabbi Ralph Messer in any kinda of way. Now  if that is true why did she allow Rabbi Ralph Messer to wrap the Torah around her as he did Bishop Eddie Long?

Bishop Eddie Long has apologized for last Sunday's service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church that drew the ire of Jewish groups and religious scholars.    Source Here!

What does it mean to call thing that be not as though they were? Prophesy your future.  I'm  guessing  that's what The New York Giants did Saturday.  The giants  website briefly displayed congratulations to the team for winning Super Bowl XLVI.  They went so far as to have provided links to purchase Super Bowl championship gear and a special championship “badge” for fans to put on Facebook or Twitter. Source Here

I know this is going to rub some folks the wrong way. But according to Florida Time Union, former Jacksonville megachurch pastor Darrell Gilyard is back in the pulpit after less than two months after being release from prison.  Gilyard, 49, said he accepted the late January offer to preach at Christ Tabernacle Baptist Church because he needed money and felt God calling him back into ministry. Being a registered sex offender was making it hard for him to get jobs in prison ministries or working with ex-offenders, he added.     The church have agreed to bar minors from the services and accepted his refusal to perform any kind of marriage counseling or other pastoral work. Source!

Back in the day a choir swaying and singing praises to God as it enters the sanctuary on a Sunday morning,  was a beautiful and  wonderful  thing to behold.  Below I have  posted a clip of a choir in Africa  marching into the sanctuary.  

There are “Real Housewives,” “Mob Wives,” “Basketball Wives” and even “Sister Wives.” TLC the network announced on Tuesday that it’s partnering with True Entertainment, the production company behind The Real Housewives of Atlanta, for a new reality series with the working title Preacher Wives. It will follow the "First Ladies" of Atlanta area churches. Any Christian woman who's a preacher wife that agree to take part in this kinda foolishness should not be expected to be a leader nor to be respected in her church. Article here!