The Old Black Church

R eader an Arkansas pastor attempted suicide after shooting his wife in their home. The incident happened Saturday, Dec. 30. in the 100 block of Oakland Street, the Helena-West Helena Police Department told FOX13.

R eader I wasn't going to speak on the viral ugly video of the  tumble Kim Burrell took on stage early this month but, since she want to boost and brag about those $1800 dollars boots that most likely was paid for with tithes money from the saints wrapped in swaddling clothing 😂🤣😂 . This is ABSOLUTELY disgusting to me. I was telling hubby last night that it’s scares me to see folk walk in such a dangerous place of pride and arrogance such as this because when God destroys them it’s going to be horrible.  

R eader I am so disappointed by this statement by Bishop Paul Morton😡. Really Bishop???This is a dangerous statement. Sexual assault isn’t about race but power and control. Truth be told we black women suffer in silence. Why? because we are told not to press charges by friends and family especially if the perpetrator is black because enough black men are in jail. Can't believe he posted this! 

R eader the All Nations Worship Assembly Fire Conference is dedicated to the gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit. Its purpose is rooted in the move of God displayed in Acts 2. At this conference, the Holy Spirit is the most valuable player; we are equipped to do the work of ministry and led into a deeper seek of his presence. The FIRE Conference just became a bit more intense with the adding on of Musical Guest Israel Houghton.  allnationswa.com/

R eader shout out to Church Clarity for doing some really great work here, not just on LGBTQ issues, but race and gender as well. Props to Jonathan Merritt for (continued) excellent journalism on this. (You can read about it here)

R eader looking into the world of evangelical televised mega churches is just mind boggling for me. I am blown away that these folks really buy this crap.

R eader Pastor John Gray, who is set to take over at Redemption Church in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2018, responded to criticism of rich church leaders by pointing out that God blessed many people in the Bible with material possessions. "If you work hard and pay your taxes, then you should be able to live where you are able to afford. I think that pastors do have a responsibility to be wise with the things that they have," Gray told The Greenville News, part of USA Today network. "We also understand that the reward in heaven is a mansion, streets paved with gold, gates that are made out of precious stones," he continued. "We also understand God was the one who gifted Solomon with this wisdom, riches and a long life. He did the same thing with David, and there are times when those who serve God will be blessed to have resources. The key is, are they wise with those resources?" https://www.christianpost.com/news/megachurch-pastor-john-gray-on-prosp

R eader I believe Oregon Court of Appeals made the correct ruling in this case. The court has ruled against Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of the Sweet Cakes by Melissa bakery who in 2013 refused to design and bake a cake celebrating a lesbian couple's same-sex wedding. The owners of Sweetcakes by Melissa lost their appeal. On Thursday the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld the Oregon labor commissioner's decision that the Christian bakers must pay $135,000 in damages – not for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex couple, although they did, but for emotional and mental distress.

R eader in my opinion, bad move by 45, Kenneth Copeland is a heretic. I hope that the letter is fake, I have seen Copeland praying over 45 and I know that they have some kind of connections. This should be disturbing to all true white evangelicals...but seeing as they don’t mind the president’s close relationship with heretic and false teacher Paula White, I doubt they’ll see much wrong with this. Feels like biblical discernment is at an all time low 😔. The prosperity gospel is not the gospel at all. Kenneth Copeland posted this on his Facebook page Wednesday:  

R eader Motown Gospel said get ready to see something you've never seen before. Tasha Cobbs Leonard will kick off the new year with Good Morning America. 

R eader it was announced by uGospel today that Bishop IV Hilliard will elevate his daughter, Dr. Irishea Hilliard to Senior Pastor, and President of New Light Church World Outreach and Worship Centers Church Division in Houston TX. In an exciting move for the ministry, Bishop Hilliard will turn over the pastoral leadership to Dr. Irishea in the New Year, as he moves into a larger effort to continue and expand New Light’s global evangelical outreach.

R eader D. Danyelle Thomas at Unfit Christian isn’t surprised that evangelicals have tarnished their brand. But it’s not like any of this is news to her. In fact, evangelicals may want to find solace in the fact that Roy Moore didn’t hurt their credibility because they really had none to begin with. This is a real good read after watching evangelical Christians support alleged child molester Roy Moore at the same level they supported self-incriminating genital grabber Donald Trump, it’s easy to think they’ve lost all credibility.

R eader as we come to the end of 2017, I've decided to take a look back at some of my most-read articles throughout the year. Below is the 13 most read articles for "The Old Black Church" in 2017. 

R eader when I hear the term Millennials, I sometimes cringe. Usually, something negative comes after it. But here’s some truth: God still loves you. God still wants to use you. Your struggle is not unfamiliar to God. He meets you right where you are and sees you as the finished product. The promises of God were not just for one generation, but for ALL.

R eader what y'all thoughts on this? In my humble opinion it all depends on the cause of his fall. Child pornography or sexual abuse? In those cases HECK NO!

R eader there was never ever a war on Christmas. The “War on Christmas” was a regular centerpiece of Trump’s campaign rallies during the holiday season, and the now mindless president has this year declared victory, tweeting that people are “proud to be saying Merry Christmas again.” The “War” was popular fodder for Faux News under the Obama administration, with its opinion shows regularly pointing fingers that the former president and his liberal friends.

H appy Kwanzaa  my brothers and sisters of the faith. The GOOD NEWS is that we are alive and well and have been given yet another opportunity to BE BETTER!!! Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture and community founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa and most of it's references derive from the Kiswahili language. Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” and adopt some qualities of harvest festivals that are celebrated throughout Africa. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa that are acknowledged from December 26 through January 1.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

  R eader take a moment to listen and tell me what y'all think in the comment section. While I don't agree with everything he said 100% nonetheless I like the poem.  

R eader what y'all think? Many people simply can not reconcile with Jesus's humanity. I think who ever came up with this idea, sincerely miss the point that Jesus was a HUMAN with God's power. Jesus was a BABY once folks. 

R eader, I just read that John Legend will be performing as Jesus in a live broadcast of Jesus Christ Superstar. While I have mix feeling  about his voice and style I am encourage.   Jesus Christ Superstar is the next live TV musical. It's airing Easter weekend and will star John Legend as the Messiah Himself. I can already hear the white evangelicals losing their minds about political correctness. It's "society" depriving them of their beloved white Jesus--you know, not the actual historical or genetic evidence that suggest it's pretty much impossible that Jesus Christ was a caucasian.  www.tvguide.com/amp/news/john-legend-jesus-christ-superstar/

R eader Prophet Brian Carn said after we “Crossover” into 2018 the year of Recovery, Restoration, and Reconciliation, to please join he and the Kingdom City Church for New Year’s Revival 2018. With nightly worship services January 2-5 at 7pm with Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Marvin Sapp, & more. There will be  deliverance sessions with Apostle Ivory Hopkins & Dr. Kim Daniels on January 6 at 9am-5pm. Facebook:

Reader an evangelist was arrested and jailed on last night after those unhappy with his message called the police as he was preaching outside of a “holiday” event in Texas called “A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour.” Those watching his preaching being shut down broke out into cheers. “A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour is a must-see holiday spectacular with your favorite contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race (VH1),” the event description reads. “For one night only, your favorite queens #werk the stage with singing, dancing, comedy and more! The holidays were never this naughty!” http://christiannews.net/2017/12/21/evangelist-arrested-jailed-while-preaching-christ-outside-a-drag-queen-christmas-the-naughty-tour-in-texas/

R eader high five to Lecrae, heck he knew who his base was and wasn't pressed about widening it and now it is what it is. He shouldn’t have to put on a face & deny who he is to appease people. If some were ok with him as long as he kept the truth to himself then they were never fans much less brothers or sisters.

R eader, please join me in congratulating Pastor William Dwight McKissic Sr. on winning the prestigious William Seymour Award.  Apostle Fred Berry CEO of the Azusa Street Mission announced Tuesday that Pastor WM. Dwight McKissic, Sr. was the standout nominee for the prestigious William Seymour award. This award recognizes a pastor or leader in the Christian community that carries the spirit of unity like Pastor William Seymour the founder and leader of the Azusa Street Mission.

R eader interesting article ... no I don’t agree with the card idea. We shouldn’t change anything to appease the masses when most of what we are being taught is false anyway. History is so important. The word repeats over and over again not to tamper with those kind of activity. People wonder why we are in the middle of the greatest falling away of church history.   Bethel Church, a California non-denominational charismatic megachurch, has aligned itself with a group that promotes what are essentially satanic tarot cards to perform “readings” on its members. Below  is an excerpt from the article. Among her examples:

R eader join Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, Washington, DC  and First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland,  for New Year's Revival 2018. The line-up includes Pastor Wess Morgan, Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr., Pastor Charles Jenkins, Evangelist Joyce Rodgers, J.J. Hairston and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center, located at 600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and service will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. each night.  

R eader one of my favorite artist 20 year-old independent recording artist, GRAMMY, GMA, Dove, Stellar Award, two-time Billboard Music Award-nominated Jekalyn Carr...... has just announced the release dates for her forthcoming live album ONE NATION UNDER GOD and first book You Will Win.

R eader court documents were made public yesterday that alleged gospel singer James Hall was enjoying sex with 10 men including his secret lover Jeffrey Thomas. With their lawsuit in full swing, Bishop Jeffrey Thomas is not backing down on his claim that he and gospel artist James Hall were in a romantic relationship. Gospel artist James Hall filed the lawsuit against the "jilted" bishop during the summer when he claims the bishop got the wrong idea when he tried to show Christian fellowship. Bishop Jeffrey Thomas went on Larry Reid Live yesterday in an explosive interview.

R eader it's gonna be a few more of these across the country if they investigate hard enough. Especially the ones catching themselves asking parishioners to "sow a seed". 

R eader a Catholic priest on Sunday told his congregation: “I am Greg. I am a Roman Catholic priest. And, yes, I am gay!” He received a standing ovation from his parishioners when he came out.

R eader, I found this on my timeline, tell me what y'all think did Sarah miss it are not? What is grace? What does grace look like as it is applied in the life of sinners? What is the ultimate purpose of grace? Does the Bible say anything about turning our grace into anything or unlocking new levels of grace? In my humble opinion, this is nothing but a whole lot of jibber jabber from Sarah Jakes Roberts. God's Grace is sufficient for us, it tells us in 2 Cor 12:19 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Now Sarah Jakes Roberts got her pew sitters praying for new levels of grace and how they can use their grace for the Kingdom 🙄

R eader I believe Pastor John is on to something here, 45 didn't come up with these banned words; the religious zealots whom he has empowered did. Their and his fascism need to be stopped while we still have a semblance of democracy.  This word list frightens a lot of far-right religious zealots.

R eader what would you have done if you were in her shoes and had gotten word that the FBI was about to come for your spouse?  I hope this young lady does not have to do time. It's unfortunate that she responded in the way that she did, I always say you never know under pressure what you will do until you stand in those shoes. She was charged with obstructing because she called her husband and told him what was just told to her on the phone by the child's foster parent about the text messages between the two of them. She was not accused of sexually assaulting the young lady along with her husband.

R eader interesting, this up and coming church won’t take money from its members and the church will also forfeit tax-exempt status so its leaders can speak on political issues.

R eader shaking my head, I saw this on my twitter feed, I really don't know what to think when I see big churches do things like this. Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Potters House Church family are selling chicken and waffles after Watch night services, Dec 31, 2017. 

R eader my deepest condolences to the family and extended family of Robert Charles "R.C." Sproul, the Reformed theologian, pastor, teacher, and lecturer who founded and chaired Ligonier Ministries and authored close to 100 books, including "The Holiness of God," he met Christ face-to-face Thursday (Dec. 14) . Mr. Sproul was 78. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/12/15/theologian-r-c-sproul-who-influenced-evangelical-beliefs-about-the-bible-dies-at-78/?utm_term=.3e2640ecbac7 R.C. Sproul was known for delivering uncompromising messages on the holiness and sovereignty of God in his writing, video teaching series, and as a regular speaker at Ligonier's national conferences in Orlando, Fla. Ligonier's mission is "helping Christians know what they believe, why they believe it, how to live it and how to share it," he once said.

R eader here we go again, a well known pastor from an Oak Cliff church was found dead Wednesday afternoon in a motel room,  according to police . The Rev. Darick Favors, 42, was found dead about noon in the 7600 block of South Central Expressway, near Illinois Avenue, police said. The incident is being investigated as an unexplained death. There were no obvious signs of homicidal violence, police said. According to his wife things are being done without her consent and she's asking that the public please show her family mercy.The Dallas County medical examiner's office had not ruled on the cause of death. Investigators say they are awaiting toxicology tests, which could take weeks. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/oak-cliff/2017/12/14/man-found-dead-east-oak-cliff-home-police-say

R eader I swear you can't make this stuff up. So WETV has a new show advertised "Love After Lockup" which apparently follows six couples who have to transition from love behind bars (supervised visits) to the altar after the offender's release. I know as a mother, nothing would make me happier as to know my daughter got to marry the felon of her dreams. SIGH! Lord have mercy, it's shows like this that have totally eroded our national common sense. http://people.com/tv/love-after-lockup-prison-romance-reality-show-exclusive/

R eader if there was any doubt left, it's gone now, white evangelicals have proven that they're the WORST people in America (again). These are the same type of Christians who would have been standing in the door of the school shouting segregation now, segregation forever. The major difference in my home state Tuesday election is that black people voted against him. Not that white people didn't vote or voted against him. People who don't normally vote -- did. Whites -- as usual -- voted party and ignored a complete lack of morals and character. For a group of people who claim moral high ground all the time -- they certainly don't consider that when voting for ANYONE with a R beside their name. Shameful. Interesting read: Roy Moore’s failed run for Alabama’s Senate seat tested white evangelicals’ allegiance to the Republican Party. Would they vote for a candidate who shares their conservative views on social issues even though he was accused of sexual misco

R eader, I wanna know what's this "community" she speaks of? I'm kind of glad she's doing this we need to see the other side of the coin.   Former reality-TV star turned White House staffer Omarosa Manigault today on "Good Morning America "tried to set the record straight on her reportedly dramatic exit from the White House Tuesday and alluded to situations in the White House "that have made me uncomfortable.” 

R eader, former "Apprentice" TV show contestant Omarosa Manigault Newman resigned from her job on Tuesday as the spokeswoman for the Trump administration's Office of Public Liaison to pursue other opportunities, according to the White House.

R eader r emember those three things we're supposed to beware of as Christians? The World, the Flesh and the Devil? Politics is corrupted by all three. It doesn't mean some Christians aren't called to be active politically, but it does mean that worldly power and political influence should never be sought for their own sake. Anyhow, I want to shout out the "REAL MVPS OF ALABAMA" is all the black women and folks of color who made up for the 65% of white women and majority of white men who wanted to go with the alleged pedophile for Senate. 

R eader prominent Atlanta Pastor Charles F. Stanley on Sunday recommended a pastoral succession plan to the congregation of First Baptist Church Atlanta. The plan, which was approved by the congregation, was unveiled at both morning services.  It officially provides for the orderly transition of the title, duties, and responsibilities of the role of senior pastor of the church from  Stanley to Senior Associate Pastor Anthony George at “such time in the future, known only to God, that Dr. Stanley ceases to be the senior pastor of the church,” according to a post on the church’s  Facebook page . Even if I didn't like his treatment of President Obama, I have always liked his teaching style: Very direct, clear and effective; no hoopla, rhetoric, or fanfare. He merely preaches and teaches the Gospel, with no inhibitions, or reservations.

R eader have y'all ever in your life heard a “prophet” speak with such vulgar language when teaching the word??  I use to follow this young man and his wife on Periscope about a year ago. But I stop because he kicked his pregnant wife out on the street. He left her with no food, no money, and nowhere to go. In my humble opinion, he's not a man of God. Stuff like this is an embarrassment to the Kingdom of God.   (Warning do not click on the link if you are easily offended.) 

R eader Ernest Cleo Grant II a contributing writer for "The Witness," a Black Christian Collective wrote an interesting article on Lenard McKelvey, or Charlamange the God misrepresentation of the Scripture . This is a well written article.  The fact that Charlamange is inaccurate most of the time when he handle Scriptures, what I love is this- he is a person of influence, largely to an audience that will never step inside of a church.  he's obviously searching for Truth and answers surrounding Christianity and culture, so he doesn't shy away from talking about spiritual things- I think he is very much conflicted within himself about what to really believe. Good read. Charlamange and the Handling of Scripture

Reader check out the new Instagram message from the Gray family: 

R eader there is a movement in many churches today to always have children separated from adults. Although children should have a children’s church where they can learn and worship God, they also need to regularly be in the main service with the rest of the church body. Do you agree?? https://churchleaders.com/children/childrens-ministry-articles/261362-5-reasons-children-main-service-regularly.html