The Old Black Church

R eader, I'm sure we have probably discussed this topic once before here but...should Christians go to nightclubs? The above picture of Worship Leader Israel Houghton and new wife Adrienne Bailon were found on my Facebook feed . The bible refers to partying and clubbing as part of our “sinful nature” and anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.(Galatians 5:18-21).

R eader this debate among Christians will forever be taking place,  Christianity should avoid all appearances of evil. Christians should not be members of a Masonic lodge.  

R eader so the Vice President is being criticized for honoring his wife?  I can't see how this is creepy as some are trying to make it out to be. It's part of his faith and even though I don't agree with Pence I respect any religion. People are trying to pull Jesus into the debate but, don’t understand they are not Jesus, Jesus had no sin, we have a sin nature.

R eader Jesus washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:1–17) occurred in the upper room, just prior to the Last Supper and has significance in three ways. For Jesus, it was the display of His humility and His servanthood. For the disciples, the washing of their feet was in direct contrast to their heart attitudes at that time. For us, washing feet is symbolic of our role in the body of Christ. With that being said please join me in thanking Victory World Church for this beautiful message and illustration. The pastor washes the feet of a young black man and explains why he thinks the saying "Make America Great Again" only applies to one set of people.

R eader, what are your thoughts about the above comment which was posted by a COGIC elder? Do you agree, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake is an example of a servant in leadership who has become a voice to the nations to uphold the standards of holiness?  He is known to many as being an eloquent, compassionate and practical leader, as well as a humanitarian and an advocate with a God-given gift for ministering to the whole man. Thoughts??

R eader, the saints are coming to Nashville, Tennessee.  The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. 102nd Summer Convention is July 30 - August 5, 2017, featuring Bishop Sherman Merritt, Bishop-Elect Gwendolyn Weeks,  Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Presiding Bishop Charles H. Ellis, III, Apostle Darnell Dixon, Bishop Joseph Walker.   https://pawinc.org/

R eader, while church folks are yet talking about Mr. Delivert, Andrew Chad Caldwell he's making money from the church crowd. Someone booked Andrew to host an event this past weekend as part of the Gospel Stellar Award in Las Vegas, which didn't go over to well with some Christians. Check out some of the more elite and famous Gospel names on the flyer. Folks are laughing at him but the church is who's raising him up and paying his bills. I personally like Andrew even though I have never met him in person. Please check out the video below and tell me if you think Andrew was being used to mock the church, as some are suggesting.  A mocking spirit make fun of our God-given identity and purpose in life to limit us! 

R eader there's a downside to having a large social media presence, and a lot of people are finding that out.....once it's out there it's out there. Some Christians have come for Minister Heather Lindsey over a IG post she posted last year.  Tell me what y'all think about the way Minister Heather Lindsey answered the above question?  Some on social media are calling her out for the flipped-way in which she answered the question without giving biblical supporting scripture to back her up.  Others are saying that most pastors like her give their personal opinion on this subject and preach it as doctrine. Instead of being real and saying I'm not really sure because it's not clear in the Bible.

R eader join me in high fiving and congratulating All Nations Worship Assembly, Dr Matthew L Stevenson III and Kamilah Stevenson on literally raising a million dollars in a day. This was done in spite of a  prayer vigil last August calling for the death of Pastor Matthew Stevenson.

R eader, among the teachings of Jesus, the parable of the 10 Virgins, found in Matthew chapter 25, ranks as one of the most notable. In it, the Lord presents a warning, namely that some of those who set out with the best of intentions to find the kingdom of God will not enter it, but will find themselves turned away in the end.

R eader, a recent Barna Group study found that only 4 percent of Americans aged 18 to 29 have a Biblical worldview. Only 4 percent. The shocking truth is that the values of most Millennials much more easily fit into pagan spirituality than they do into most evangelical Christian churches. If you want to sleep around with as many people as possible, that is okay in witchcraft.

R eader, cussing, swearing, and profanity is it a matter of opinion,when it comes to the Christian? Is cussing, swearing, and profanity a sin according to Scripture? While some Christians seems to think it is  no matter what  society says or accepts  why other Christians think not. 

R eader, The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans, believes that the House Freedom Caucus poses one of the greatest threats to our democracy by letting approximately 36-40 individuals to thrust the will of the reasonable majority.

R eader Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Potter house of Dallas were truly proud of the hard work, tenacity and achievement of the 160 individuals who was graduating from T.O.R.I. today.  During the Potter's House Sunday Service they celebrated the achievements of  the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative - TORI.

R eader, do these people have even the slightest idea what Christ embodied? Love, compassion, kindness, charity, humility etc. are the attributes of a truly Christ like person, NOT obliterating the poor to benefit the rich. The hypocrisy is sickening. I would certainly hope they're able to be Christ like one day soon. I'm a Christian, but I believe a lot of so called Christians are just racist bigots in sheep clothing. These people will be held accountable, God is good and sees all. 

R eader, not a fan of the Southern Baptist crowd   for all the obvious reason.    But do with all respect like what Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. had to  say about "The Prosperity Gospel" a couple of years ago. He said it well,  the prosperity gospel is a false and failed gospel, which makes God look like a liar.

R eader, a bad decision or choice can quickly destroy an entire life's brand. Well here we go again with another church scandal that will surely challenge and test our faith. In my opinion, some pastors rise up to fame from within the church and often time do a lot of damage to the flock before they are confronted.  If they do leave, they always take a lot of unsuspecting people along with them who are angry at the church for being so unloving and judgmental. Case in point, some on social media are upset because rumors have it Bishop Jakes sit Pastor Chris Hill Down, for a season. ( You can read about it here ) 

R eader, I'm so not surprised by this church actions to stand behind their pastor even if he might be guilty. Antonio Jones, pastor  of Kingdom Harvest Church International in Roanoke, Virginia, was arrested last week and charged with aggravated sexual battery against two juveniles. The Roanoke Times reports:

R eader, this was not going to be just another photo opportunity, but a serious meeting.....unlike the one's most of these celebrities have done in the last couple of months.  Nope, Nope, not another photo opportunity according to CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond before their meeting yesterday with 45.  Do yall see the blue book on the table? That's the 130-page policy agenda.  

R eader, aren't commencement speakers supposed to give great advice to graduates about their futures and how to succeed? We all know those students want be getting that from 45, he mostly going to talk about himself and how "great" he is, microwave cameras, poll numbers, etc. To think, they consider themselves to be a "Christian University" to let a sexual assaulting, lying, racist narcissistic person like 45 speak there? What a horrible mentor for those young adults.

R eader, Bishop Charles E. Blake, pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, and businessman Earvin “Magic” Johnson are partnering to offer advancement services to equip African American men to succeed in life.

R eader, in a bold and progressive move, the upcoming film Power Rangers - which is a reboot of the beloved '90s children's television show - features both a gay character and a character who is on the 'autism spectrum' according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Superhero movies generally are not known for including LGBTQ characters, but the new Power Rangers film is going in a new direction. Power Rangers Movie director Dean Israelite said the film is saying "all of the kids have to own who they are and find their tribe."

R eader, what do people generally think of when they think about certain high profile teachers of the Gospel like Brain Carn, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, T.D.Jakes, etc? People often times connect these high profile men of God names to a personality and church.  I do believe Prophet Brain Carn is one who now is dealing with that question along with a branding issue.  In the last couple of months, Prophet Brian Carn Ministries,  have been less visible on all social media outlets. And, yes, I did see the scope where Prophet Carn stated that God told him to leave all social media for a season, which seems kind of strange to me, oh well.  His leaving social media is considerable quite noticeable for someone who had built his present day generational following by way of social media. People are noticing the lack of presence. 

R eader, I can not tell y'all the last time I heard a sermon preached like this sermon which spoke directly to my present life situation.  Bishop Jakes Sunday morning sermon title “Arrest Him,” tells the hearers and doers of the word how opportunities are built on accessibility. If you’re not accessible, you will and can lose the opportunities to be used. This message hit me in the heart because I'm starting to lose my faith and sometimes question why God won't' get me out of my  bad situation. I'm feeling like my time is running out. I'm trying not to give up faith or stop worshipping GOD because of my growing bitterness.  The struggle is real. 

Reader the question that was being asked for weeks, should Christians go see Beauty and the Beast? Well here's the answer, many Christians went this weekend making the movie a huge box office hit, breaking records for a PG film.

R eader, serious question: How many of y'all truly believe the earth is flat? Like, I'm really asking. And If so, what's the evidence? Did the flat earth truth leak on accident or is it being revealed on purpose? Are these athletes and celebrities going to be used to take the focus away from legitimate flat earth research?

R eader Sarah Jakes Roberts, the first lady of One Church L.A. chatted with Erica Campbell on her talk show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica. On the show,  they discussed her journey of being a millennial first lady. On if she and husband Toure’ see the growth of women in their church, based on her teaching: 

R eader, I will not allow anonymous comments any longer on my blog.  I'm taking this position because I'm sick and tired of the "TROLLS'. This will stopped anonymous and the trolls from commenting and trying to take over my comment section. I think if  you write something worth reading, it should have a name attach to it.  There is just too much foolishness going on the web and elsewhere to keep giving someone an opportunity to post anonymously.  I thought about moderating, but then, I would be making it my responsibility to sort out the exceptions. From this point on if you want to leave a comment under a post MAN UP and own your comment by using your government name.

Reader, if you were the recipient of this letter, what would have been your reaction?

R eader America will be celebrating The Biggest Day In Gospel and Inspirational Music on Saturday, April 22, 2017. When all roads lead to Atlanta, GA again for The Steeple Awards. 

R eader, some on social media accused Gospel artist James Hall of being in bed with another man after his friend, Bishop Jeffery Thomas from North Carolina, posted this photo to Instagram.

R eader, a suburban St. Louis pastor faces June sentencing now that he's admitted in federal court that he defrauded and filed a false tax return in connection with a million-dollar investment fraud scheme. Fifty-two-year-old Mark Q. Stafford of O'Fallon Missouri pleaded guilty Wednesday in St. Louis. Prosecutors say the minister at New Birth Powerplex Ministries in St. Louis admitted he falsely represented to clients of his Stafford Financial Firm that their funds invested with Quest Financial Holdings or Gain Capital Group.

R eader Suze Orman hasn't until yesterday talked about politics on her Facebook page, until the new proposed BUDGET by 45 administration was made public. Suze Orman has always been about educating people about money & finances. 45 proposed 2018 federal budget has alarmed many, with its drastic cuts to health research, the arts, and programs that aid the poor. And one of the most alarmed is financial guru Suze Orman, who took to her Facebook page to say how terrible this would be. But some of 45 supports and uneducated voters didn't like what Suze had to say on the subject told her to shut up and leave politics along.     So let me get this straight y'all willing to listen to this financial expert UNTIL she goes against the budget the guy you voted for has proposed, and now all of a sudden she's a troll who needs to shut up and stay out of it?!? “The budget that was presented this morning targets the poor and literally takes away vital financial help that ma

R eader, Oprah Winfrey has claimed that her favorite bible verse Psalm 37:4 states that “that if we delight ourselves in The Lord (which is really a sense of goodness, kindness, love, etc) then good things will happen to us". We're not so sure this is right. Do you agree? What do you think it truly means to delight yourself in the Lord?

R eader, Pastor Creflo Dollar of World Changers Church International sets to release a documentary film titled "Uncharted" which will display how the church donations have impacted the people locally and internationally.

Reader, Dr. Tara Jenkins is a graduate of Clark-Atlanta University, Moody Bible Institute, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as the wife of Pastor Charles Jenkins. 

R eader, Pastor, Singer, Songwriter and Producer Montel Dorsey and his collective of young, purposed singers and musicians known as MUniversity have delivered a colorfully candid and musically diverse album LOVE OVER HATE. 

R eader I'm asking about this for a friend who's kinda disappointed that Jekalyn Carr will not be performing in Jacksonville FL, during The Bloody Win tour. 

R eader Gospel recording artist, Tim Bowman Jr. and his wife Brelyn Freeman (Bowman), who married last year has a new show coming to the Word Network in March called, The Tim and Brelyn Show.

R eader today Beauty and the Beast is released in theaters everywhere, but not without push back from the fake christians community. Once again fake christians are up in arms when word leaked out that Disney’s much-anticipated live action retelling of a childhood classic Beauty and the Beast will show its first openly gay character, La’Fou.   Yesterday Pastor John Piper tweeted an article under this tagline: "Do you trust Disney with your kids?"

R eader it saddens me how Trump puts our national security over and above helping the least of these. Scripture tells us that helping these people is helping Jesus himself. I'm glad there are leaders in the Christian community who are willing to speak out on behalf of those in need. Christian Leaders Respond to Trump’s Budget: We Can’t Turn Our Backs on Those in Need

R eader, Apostle Johnson Suleman name is now trending on every social media.  The alleged adulterous affair between the founder and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries,   and 23-year old Canadian-based singer Stephanie Otobo has become news fodder for the last couple of days. What very interesting is that Apostle Suleman has now barred his church members from making public comments on the subject.

R eader "The TD Jakes Show" has been canceled. Won't move forward with the second season, repeats air throughout the spring.

R eader "The PAW's Bishops" are meeting this week in Mobile (AL) for their annual spring meeting. The leadership is meeting with the Alabama District Council, Wednesday, March 15 through Friday, March 17.

Reader, this is an interesting question, what are your thoughts? Is there any indication that Jesus drank alcohol?  The Bible says that "wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling" (Proverbs 20:1).

R eader, if marriage matter to the Christian, then why are there so many divorces among Christians? Some people say experience is the best teacher. I say experience is A teacher, but the Bible is THE best teacher.