"The Old Black Church"

Online congregation don't entertain evil. Whatever is good and holy, meditate on those. There is a troubling new report out that found after the debut of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why—based on the aftermath of teen suicide—there was a massive spike in the number of actual teen suicides in the U.S. The report was funded by the National Institutes of Health and was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry this week. It found in March of 2017—the month that followed the show’s release to Netflix—there was a 28.9% jump in the number of suicides by 10-to 17-year-old Americans. As NPR notes, “The number of suicides was greater than that seen in any single month over the five-year period researchers examined.”

Online congregation an American filmmaker and legendary Black man John Singleton died yesterday. If you are one who is committed to addressing issues of race and injustice and you have not seen his films, mainly Boyz n the Hood, Rosewood, Higher Learning, Poetic Justice and Baby Boy, you have some work to do. I believe that the Black community mourns our losses so profoundly because only a handful of artists, thinkers, creatives, philosophers, theologians, teachers, writers, etc... make it through and showcase nuanced and varied expressions of the Black American experience to wide audiences. John Singleton was one such griot, one who represented Blackness in creative and authentic ways. He did not shy away from race conversations and issues of injustice. He was a storyteller and truth teller. He will be missed.

Good Tuesday morning online congregation, the Baylor women's basketball team, 2019 NCAA champions, accepted the idiot in the White House invitation to visit the White House making them the first women's team to have a championship celebration with the idiot in Chief.  The Baylor coach, in my opinion, did her mostly black team a disservice by going to the White House — which is run by a known misogynist racist. This trip was about the coach ego and not her team. She takes an L for this one. Plus, Baylor is a largely conservative college. They would have made their lives hell. Forced patriotism by the coach. The best thing they can do is a fake smile.

Online congregation so, this lady Serene Jones, the PRESIDENT of Union Theological Seminary in New York, rejects some of the essentials of the Christian Faith, including and worst of all that Jesus did not raise from the dead. What?! The PRESIDENT of a "Christian" seminary?! I found it very interesting that she publicly stated her beliefs. For those who attended seminary, would they have a problem with a president or professor who had these type of beliefs? Do you all think it gives way to "free" thinking about the bible/Christianity?  She made the comments in an interview with Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times for an article published Easter weekend.

Good Monday morning online congregation, how do you all handle forgiveness? I thought this was interesting. Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender. We who hold up the banner of Christianity should take a bold step to forgive from our heart everyone that has offended us. Forgiveness is not what you do for someone else. It is what you must do to free yourself from distorted perceptions and judgments that create fear, anger, and hatred. It is what you must do to eliminate internal confusion and conflict. Scripture teaches us to forgive one another as God has forgiven us in Christ Jesus. There are many Bible verses on forgiveness that also emphasize the forgiveness Christ Jesus wrought for us on the cross of Calvary. What yall thoughts on forgiveness?

Online congregation tell me what yall think about what COGIC Bishop Patrick Wooden had to say about yesterday viral video? There's one thing I’ve always respected about Bishop Patrick Wooden and that is he’s consistent across the board. His stance isn’t just this about homosexuality but a lot of things that have gotten way out of hand in the church as a whole including the likes of the pastor out of Greenville. Some say that he’s even been especially vocal in the national organization about stuff. In all honesty, I use to follow Bishop Wooden Sunday night broadcast many years ago, and one of the main reason that I stop following his ministry all together was that I thought he was way too harsh with his stand on certain issues, plus he's a Trump supporter.

Online congregation I'm shouting happy Saturday to everyone.  Today Larry Reid had posted a now-viral video clip of a Gospel artist talking about the experience he and his group had at The Upper Room COGIC church in Raleigh NC. Now I'm in no way trying to say what the church did to this group was right but what I will say is that if he knew anything about Bishop Wooden and the upper room church, he would've known that Bishop Wooden is extremely conservative in his views. Folks need to really do their homework about a church before accepting an assignment.

Online congregation last night at the T.D. Jakes Pastors and Leadership Conference of 8K delegates, it was announced that T.D. Jakes Ministries is launching the all-new Jakes Divinity School January 2020. Antipas Harris will serve as the President and Dean! Jakes Divinity School will prepare leaders for the future through academic rigor with experiential-learning, spiritual formation, and creative innovation necessary to minister in the Church and society.

Online congregation last week Dr. Matthew Stevenson announced his plans to build an $18 million church compound in Chicago and asked folks to sow into it and believe God they would enter it debt free. Needless to say, his message did not go without challenged by some of the saints. Apparently one of ANWA member's question Dr. Stevenson plans which didn't go too well with Dr. Stevenson...Candice Benbow posted a comment about the exchange on her page which is posted below along with Dr. Stevenson message: Help us pursue our next project and purchase more property on May 5th!!!!!!! We have done ministry for 15 years debt free and we want to continue to buy property to advance The Kingdom! Please join us on May 5th for Paid In Full!!!!! We’re believing for 2,000 to sow $2,000 to reach our goal!!!! Any seed will help!!!!! There is an OIL on this movement for property and when you sow into it, you reap that same dimension!!! I love you! Pray for us!!  

Good Friday morning online congregation what do you all think about this? Kanye West wants to start his own church now, whatever happened to being called to preach God's Word? An insider claims that the Rapper has ambitions to start his own church. “He is extremely passionate about his faith and wants to share it more regularly with people. He spends a lot of time studying and praying, and wants to share his journey.”  They added that West has a heart for those who are hurting and wants to help them overcome as he has. I know for many of you thinking it'd be crazy, here's his quote: " It wouldn’t be the traditional, 3-hymns-and-a-sermon thing. Instead, it would be a way to point people to Jesus through the arts and through a community of people who love and care for each other. "    He also wants his kids to be raised in the faith, and the best way for him to do that is to live out his faith.

Good Thursday morning online congregation, Franklin Graham, one of the country’s most racist, sexist, homophobic evangelical Christians, has called on Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg to “repent” for being gay. Graham, the devil in disguise and the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, called homosexuality “something to be repentant of, not something to be flaunted, praised or politicized,” in a tweet Wednesday.

Online congregation I'm having a bit of an argument online about this. It's apparent to any observer that these "rules" disproportionately impact black women, and the new rule also targets females for how they dress. The principal who initiated the rules is a black woman, and that adds another layer of crazy to the situation. In my opinion, they're shaming women who are poor it's very anti-Black WOMAN. I'm fine with creating a policy, not mad at that, but this is very specific to what Black women wear and it's very clear. Why not create a policy that includes everything that's unprofessional?  I need the policy to say no durags, sweats, tights stuffed in uggs, messy buns, sunglasses, pants sagging, no hats cocked or to the back, no workout gear. I need all of this included since you can't wear torn jeans or leggings. I understand the other stuff to a certain extent, but let's be inclusive here and fair.  This policy is very specifi

Good Wednesday morning online congregation, Kanye West has been throwing his outdoor "Sunday Service" concerts that he calls church services and is now selling expensive merchandise during them. What do you all think about this? $50 "Jesus Walks" socks, and $225 sweatshirts, would you all spend that much money on merchandise?  Apparently, Kanye who is supposedly a Christian man forgot this verse in the Bible. “He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons”. (Mark 11:15) In a place or situation involving worship to Jesus, you do not sell or purchase items at the service you come to praise Jesus nothing more. 

Online congregation let's be honest, is there anything that challenges the belief in God more than the reality of suffering in the world?  I barely ever agree with Steve Harvey, I didn’t see anything wrong with his message, while others did.  I had a somewhat similar experience not too long ago. I don’t know if it was God necessarily, but I felt like I was “pushed” out of something I had trouble giving up. During a break, Steve took a moment to answer an audience member's question. It went in a direction no one - not even Steve - expected. Check out the videos below.

Good Tuesday morning online congregation, tell me what would you do if you were Pastor John Gray? Black Lives Matter Activist & Christian Pastor Jomo Kenyatta Johnson announced that he has asked megachurch pastor John Gray to take #TheJesusChallenge and give up one possession at a time on a regular basis for a year. Pastor Jomo Johnson of the Church for Black Men & Families in Washington, D.C., has issued #TheJesusChallenge, calling Christians to embrace minimalism for a year. Johnson exhorted multiple Christians (including rapper Lecrae) to participate in the challenge, but the first person he specifically called on was John Gray, pastor of Relentless Church in South Carolina.

Good Monday morning online congregation, in my opinion, TBN is well known for spreading the false gospel all over the world. It has shows that promote Catholicism and universalism, Hillsong regularly promotes new age teachings and word of faith prosperity gospel. Is it such a surprise that they now have come up with a new talk show geared toward white conservative women who are Trump supports? Rumor has it that originally Victory Osteen was to be apart of the show, don't know what happened with that: Christine Caine, Lisa Harper, Laurie Crouch, Holly Wagner, Dee Dee Freeman.

Good Resurrection morning online congregation, without a shadow of a doubt, what makes celebrating Easter significant for the Christian is wrapped up in one word: Resurrection. We the Christian experiences the resurrection each and every day. Each day we celebrate the risen Lord, who sits on His throne after accomplishing salvation for mankind. The whole of Christianity hinges on the fact that Jesus Christ was resurrected on the third day. In my grand mother's voice "HE GOT UP!" Now off to work I go, have a happy day everyone.

Online congregation I wouldn't want my kids where they are not wanted in the first place. An Akron Ohio mother says her kids have been kicked out of a private school because an administrator says she “committed adultery.” They came from different fathers, and their mother isn’t married to her live-in boyfriend — all factors that deemed two siblings unfit to attend Chapel Hill Christian School in Ohio, according to a report from local news station WKYC.

Online congregation Dr. E. Dewey Smith has always been one to push the envelope. Someone said that Dr. Smith is Baptist what did folks expect? They have been cussing and drinking Hennessy for years. Check out the post below from Pastor Robert Hill Sr, and tell me what you think.

Online congregation can a person smoke and still be saved? These and many other questions will be answered on Tuesday Night Live with COGIC Bishop Elijah Hankerson. What does the Bible say about smoking cigarettes?  Is it wrong to smoke marijuana for medical purposes?  Will smoking tobacco or marijuana take you to Hell?  How can habits and addictions be broken? What yall think?

Online congregation what you all think about Actress Charlize Theron revealing that her daughter, 7, is transgender?  The times sure have changed from my coming up days. Back in my, youth we used to call them "Tomboys " and they grew out of it all by themselves.

Good Saturday morning online congregation, there are thousands of nonviolent offenders in jail because they don't have very small amounts of money for bail. They have lost jobs, apartments, etc because they couldn't pay bail. Everyone in jail doesn't necessarily belong there. I am proud of Pastor Bryant and the New Birth church family, for taking a stand.

Online congregation Dr. E. Dewey Smith gotta be kidding me, right. He knows those that preach are judged more strictly 🤦🏾‍♂️ highly disappointed. What yall think about this, the Christian community is going in on Dr. E.Dewey Smith over one of his messages and comments. "I can speak in tongues and then cuss you out in English."   Some say that it's one thing to be transparent they get that. But if in being transparent you cause others to sin, that is the disappointment. So instead of leading people to Christ, he's ultimately leading them to hell, where their blood will be required at his hands.

Online congregation Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper knowing the would deny, betray, and walk away. It was a sign of forgiveness and humility. On Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 prisoners and urged them to serve one another as brothers, as he ushered in the solemn pre-Easter rituals made more poignant this year after the devastation of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral.

Good Friday morning online congregation, the ladies edition of the young preacher's talk aired Wednesday night on the Word Network, it's a hot topic online, I saw a lot of men commenting that powerful women in ministry are single/divorced for a number of reasons, some of which were: Lack of submission Masculinity Homosexuality/Lesbianism Trying to lead too much  The Word Network hosted the panel of 50 predominately African-American female preachers during a special broadcast called, "Young Preacher Ladies Night Edition." The nearly two-hour broadcast, which was also streamed on the network's Facebook page, was hosted by Bishop Greg Davis.  Panelists included women pastors, preachers, evangelists, and business leaders such as Nona Jones, Head of Faith-Based Partnerships for Facebook, Dr. Kellie Lane-Agueze of Warrior Nation Ministries, Dr. Irishea Hilliard, Senior Pastor of New Light Church in Houston Texas, Evangelist LaTrice Ryan and many more.  Th

Online congregation after four years of being off the air, BET’s Sunday Best is returning.  Everyone, meet your judges for this year’s Sunday Best: Erica Campbell, Jonathan McReynolds, and Kelly Price!!! Hosted by Kirk Franklin!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

Online congregation yall remember Ex-Pastor Kevin Wesley? In 2017, he removed himself from the pulpit due to his eyes opening to the truth and becoming conscious, gave up on God because he had no PHYSICAL EVIDENCE of God existence. Well, Well, would you look at this, it looks like the ex-pastor has got himself a new hustle, after leaving Christianity. Ex-pastor once accused the church of robbing us "blind sheep" through tithing and offerings, but it costs HOW MUCH to get into this workshop? Talk about hustling!

Good Thursday morning Online congregation, I so agree with what Pastor Rick Warren had to say in his daily podcast, about salvation in the below clip.  I believe that you are not saved by ANYTHING you do, but by what Jesus did on the cross at Calvary. And at the exact moment of your salvation, Paul tells us in Ephesians that you are SEALED in by the Holy Spirit. Because of these things, a Church Age Christian can NEVER lose their salvation. Paul in Romans 8 gives us a detailed list of everything and anything that might knock a believer out of the game, and finishes by saying that NONE of these things is sufficient to cause a born again child of God to lose their salvation. For some curious reason, many Christians in our day despise this precious doctrine of ETERNAL SECURITY, but don't let them steal it from you.

Online congregation what yall think about this was it inappropriate for the youth? The idea here was for the pastor to re-enact the torture and humiliation Jesus endured in the hours before his crucifixion. Ohio parents were appalled to learn that a Pataskala, Ohio church leader allowed kids in an after-school program to spit on him and cut him with a knife, reports WBNS. In the video, which was posted to social media, the students spit, hit and use a knife to cut associate pastor Jaddeus Dempsey — as he seems to encourage them. He was trying to teach them the meaning of Easter, but the kids and their parents were upset by the violent incident. In an apology video, Dempsey said he crossed the line. “I crossed the line and it was over the top.”

Good Wednesday morning online congregation, last week Pastor Steven Furtick had Bishop T.D.Jakes at Elevation Church to talk about his new book Crushing: God Turns Pressure Into Power and before the interview he had him give a 1 minute sermons, on the fly, based off song titles in the musical Hamilton...what Bishop does next is 🤯 SO GOOD!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Online congregation, I believe this young man had an agenda and it backfired last night on the Larry Reid Live interactive digital talk show...Edward Long, son of the late Bishop Eddie Lee Long....a former minister and elder at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church....let us the fans and followers of the show know exactly why he was not considered for the senior leadership position. From what I saw last night in that interview the church made the right choice in not even considering Edward Long, he ain't ready for the spotlight. Check out the interview below and tell me what yall think?

Online congregation it amazes me that some Christians are all gung-ho when it comes to Christian owned businesses being run according to the owner's wishes. But it appears that attitude differs when a none Christian company does the same thing. Anyhow, the founder of the popular Christian satire site Babylon Bee recently had a post to Instagram comparing abortion to slavery removed by the social media website over claims that it was “hate speech.

Good Tuesday morning online congregation, R&B Singer Janelle Monáe came out as pansexual last year in a Rolling Stone interview, saying, “Being a queer Black woman in America, someone who has been in relationships with both men and women, I consider myself to be free.  In a new interview with THEM, the “PYNK” singer reveals that it took years for her to be honest about her sexuality, partially due to her upbringing in the Baptist Church.

Good Monday morning online congregation, it's amazing to me that people who call themselves patriots find this funny. Minnesota Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar says she's getting more death threats after the idiot in the white house put out a tweet that mixed a speech she gave last month with images from the 9/11 attacks.  Mind you this congresswoman is an American elected representative. “This is endangering lives,” she said, accusing the idiot in chief of fomenting right-wing extremism. “It has to stop. She accused the bigot in chief of encouraging right-wing extremist violence, something White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders denied on the Sunday morning talk shows.

Online congregation what yall thoughts about this? The college will still not allow for the enrollment of transgender women or those transitioning from male to female. The country’s only all-male historically black college will begin admitting transgender men next year will mark a major shift for the school at a time when higher education institutions around the nation are adopting more welcoming policies toward LGBT students. Leaders of Morehouse College told The Associated Press that its board of trustees approved the policy on Saturday. Transgender men will be allowed to enroll in the school for the first time in 2020. Students who identify as women but were born male cannot enroll, however and anyone who transitions from male to female will not be automatically eligible to receive a degree from the institution.

Online congregation here we go again, shame on Prophet JD Bush, especially if what's being reported by his soon to be ex-wife is true. Victoria Bush gave Larry Reid Live an in-depth interview early today, it's posted below. This is a lesson for other young women don’t ever let a man tell you not to work and have something going on for yourself. The man of God has left his wife penniless and without anywhere to go. According to Prophet JD Bush about me page , he's claiming to be an emerging apostolic and prophetic voice for this dispensation and generations to come. He is a father, son, brother, prophet, teacher, preacher, mentor, counselor, advisor and spiritual father to many. Prophet JD is an international and governmental prophetic voice for this set hour.

Online congregation I'm revisiting this question from 2 years ago, can a husband rape his wife? I found the following on my timeline tell me what you think, do you agree? The Scripture says both husband and wife are one flesh and that either body belongs to the other. How comes we, the church, have allowed the ungodly world to dictate that in Christian marriages rape can occur? The issue is if a husband or wife has to take sex from the spouse by force that marriage has failed and is not a marriage? If someone refuses sex ought it not be circumstancial and with reason with concern for the other?

Online congregation this is a good word from Pastor HB Charles, read it and tell me what you think.

Good Sunday morning online congregation, if the music is under the ministry of help, which is to edify the church then why can't it be considered a ministry? One of the many saints I follow online Xavier G. Bailey has a serious problem with Yolanda Adams claiming that she has a music ministry. He said that that mess ain't found in Scripture anywhere.  Check out what he had to say and tell me what yall think:

Online congregation is there no biblical churches left in the black community? Are black pastors failing this generation by not teaching Christ but culture?  What yall thoughts about the below post? I'm still dealing in this space with the fallout from the death of Nipsey Hussle. 

Online congregation what yall think about this? A Pennsylvania university is promoting the concept of men cuddling as a way to help them deal with stress and “redefine masculinity.” Dr. Christopher Liang, a counseling psychology professor at Lehigh University’s College of Education, recently came out in support of a Philadelphia area “Men‘s Therapeutic Cuddle Group,” a function advertised by Lehigh University in a news release. The Meetup.com page for the group currently has 69 members and the group has held 46 events so far. The meetups are held once every other week.

Online congregation join Triumph Church family for an awesome Weekend. You will enjoy every minute of your BLESSING!🙏🏽Join Triumph Church on the road to Resurrection, Palm Sunday Weekend (April 13/14) through Resurrection Sunday (April 21) with gospel greats like James Fortune & FIYA, Donnie McClurkin, John P. Kee, official Hezekiah Walker, Tye Tribbett, Richard Smallwood, The Mississippi Mass Choir and Anita Wilson. Pastor Kinloch will preach all services.

Good Saturday morning online congregation, tell me what yall think of this. Music producer Jermaine Dupri has joined the growing chorus of grieving fans worshiping Nipsey Hussle. The music producer, however, caught a lot of heat on social media after he made a statement on Twitter saying, "I believe Nip was Jesus." I am a Christian, I only learned of Nipsey Hussle after his passing! My only thoughts are I highly respect everything he did from what I have recently learned and how he gave in order for others to have better, an I do believe some people have gone to the extreme rather Christian or not during all of this. Nipsey Hussle was not Jesus!! 

Online congregation what yall think about Pope Francis humble gesture yesterday?  In an unprecedented gesture, Pope Francis kisses the feet of South Sudan President Salva Kiir as he prays and begs for peace in that country. Yesterday concluded a two-day retreat at the Vatican for South Sudan's political leaders. The pope begged the leaders to give peace a chance. At right is Vice President Riek Machar. President Salva Kiir and his former deputy turned rebel leader Riek Machar clashed in 2013, resulting in a civil war that left over 380,000 people dead in a country that only achieved independence in 2011. During a spiritual retreat at his residence on Thursday, Francis urged the two rivals and three other vice presidents to respect an armistice they signed last year and commit to forming a unity government next month. The men appeared stunned as the 82-year-old pontiff, who suffers from chronic leg pain, was helped by aides as he knelt with difficulty to kiss the shoes of the

Online congregation if by chance you been in the church world for any period of time then you know this is an old sermon idea. Every preacher does this sermon as if they are the one who came up with it. I don't know who the first one was, all I know is I have seen it about a hundred different times from all different preachers. Last Sunday at his church Award-winning Gospel artist and Pastor Tye Tribbett took a 20 dollar bill and made a powerful point about self-worth.  Check out the clip below and tell me what yall think.

Good Friday morning online congregation, last weekend there was a women’s conference in Dallas called Sparrow Conference 2019. Their website speaks about bringing peacemakers together to be reconcilers. No doubt incredibly important work that the church needs to engage in. Unfortunately, there was some unfortunate news that I read that came out of the conference. One of the speakers, Ekemini Uwan, was interviewed and shared her considerable experience with anti-racism work.

Good Thursday morning online congregation GSS is taking it to a whole new level. On Good Friday, April 19th, Greater St. Stephen will be giving back to the community once again will free gas to first come first served customer. The church has partnered up with local businesses to give away free gas. They will be taking people’s gas tanks from “E to FREE!” The gas giveaway takes place from 9am to 12 noon at these locations: Gentilly-Paris Shell, 2035 Gentilly Blvd; Lighting Oil and Lube; 7007 Read Boulevard and Sterling Express, 1667 Tchoupitoulas St. Be sure to get there early on Friday, April 9th because give-a-ways are limited. They're making an impact in their city and giving back to several communities. 

Online congregation, the seven last “Words” of Jesus Christ from the cross are actually 7 short phrases that Jesus uttered on Calvary that serve as an excellent holy week meditation and service. Almost every black church from across the country does these kinds of services, during this season. But rarely do you see an all women lineup of speakers. From looking at the flyer these are local women, I wish more churches would let women preach and lead the service on Easter Sunday morning since it was actually women who brought the news of the resurrection. By doing this they are cutting out the idea of competition, everyone has a job, and that job is to be impactful, not impressive, and most likely they won't treat the service like it's a competition, and more importantly, they probably won't go over the time limit. They will speak about what they are assigned to do by the church and sit down. Once again kudos to the House Of Hope for recognizing and using the local talent