NEW ORLEANS – A white Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have.
Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.
"I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way," Bardwell told the Associated Press on Thursday. "I have piles and piles of black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them just like everyone else."
Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them, he said.
Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.
"There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage," Bardwell said. "I think those children suffer and I won't help put them through it."
If he did an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said.
"I try to treat everyone equally," he said.
Bardwell estimates that he has refused to marry about four couples during his career, all in the past 2 1/2 years.
Beth Humphrey, 30, and 32-year-old Terence McKay, both of Hammond, say they will consult the U.S. Justice Department about filing a discrimination complaint.
Humphrey, an account manager for a marketing firm, said she and McKay, a welder, just returned to Louisiana. She is white and he is black. She plans to enroll in the University of New Orleans to pursue a masters degree in minority politics.
"That was one thing that made this so unbelievable," she said. "It's not something you expect in this day and age."
Humphrey said she called Bardwell on Oct. 6 to inquire about getting a marriage license signed. She says Bardwell's wife told her that Bardwell will not sign marriage licenses for interracial couples. Bardwell suggested the couple go to another justice of the peace in the parish who agreed to marry them.
"We are looking forward to having children," Humphrey said. "And all our friends and co-workers have been very supportive. Except for this, we're typical happy newlyweds."
"It is really astonishing and disappointing to see this come up in 2009," said American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana attorney Katie Schwartzmann. She said the Supreme Court ruled in 1967 "that the government cannot tell people who they can and cannot marry."
The ACLU sent a letter to the Louisiana Judiciary Committee, which oversees the state justices of the peace, asking them to investigate Bardwell and recommending "the most severe sanctions available, because such blatant bigotry poses a substantial threat of serious harm to the administration of justice."
"He knew he was breaking the law, but continued to do it," Schwartzmann said.
According to the clerk of court's office, application for a marriage license must be made three days before the ceremony because there is a 72-hour waiting period. The applicants are asked if they have previously been married. If so, they must show how the marriage ended, such as divorce.
Other than that, all they need is a birth certificate and Social Security card.
The license fee is $35, and the license must be signed by a Louisiana minister, justice of the peace or judge. The original is returned to the clerk's office.
"I've been a justice of the peace for 34 years and I don't think I've mistreated anybody," Bardwell said. "I've made some mistakes, but you have too. I didn't tell this couple they couldn't get married. I just told them I wouldn't do it."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Updates
It has been a while since I posted on my blog.
There have been m,any things going on over the past month.
We have seen a great move of God in two meetings that were conducted last month.
There are many who are still sick and have not received their miracle. Don't delay believe what the Word of God says.
Exodus 15:26 I am the Lord who healeth thee.
Acts 10: 38 healing all who were oppressed of the devil.
There is no sickness or disease that cannot be healed. Jesus heals them all.
There are two more meetings for this year Sunday December 6, 2009 at Temple of Faith in Whiteville Tennessee Host Pastor Bishop Willie Newble. We will be leaving Memphs around 1:30 so call me so we can connect 901-264-9491.
December 8-11, 2009 in Memphis @ Christ temple Christian Center 3576 Chelsea 38108 Host Pastor William Gray
Monday, November 23, 2009
UPDATE.
This past month has been a buzz of activity for me. There were 2 prophetic words spoken over my life that confirmed some things that God had shown me a while before.
Thanks for those who prayed for us during our last Miracle Crusade. We saw a mighty move of God, and many miracles.We are now believing God for video recording equipment, and a duplicator so that you can see the services as they happened, and the power of God move.
With another Miracle Crusade coming up in December I need the prayers of the believers as never before.
More information to come
Thanks for those who prayed for us during our last Miracle Crusade. We saw a mighty move of God, and many miracles.We are now believing God for video recording equipment, and a duplicator so that you can see the services as they happened, and the power of God move.
With another Miracle Crusade coming up in December I need the prayers of the believers as never before.
More information to come
Saturday, November 7, 2009
What Elijah Muhammed Taught About Jesus
Elijah Muhammad taught that two thousand years after the coming of Moses, Jesus came to the Caucasian race to reform them, but they rejected His rule. Jesus was not miraculously born of a virgin, as the Bible and the Qur'an teach. Rather, said Elijah, "The real truth that the Christians hate to confess is that Joseph had gotten the child, Jesus, by Mary while he was married to another woman and at that time had six children by the first marriage. So Master Fard Muhammad (God in Person) has taught me."[22]
Elijah also stated that the angelic prophecy, "He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21), does not refer to Jesus of Nazareth saving His people (in Muhammad's mind, the white people) from sin. Rather, it refers to "a modern-day Jesus," Fard Muhammad, who comes to save the black man.[23] Much of the New Testament was not just reinterpreted by Elijah Muhammad, but totally rewritten.
He claimed that Jesus died, not by being crucified on a cross, but by being stabbed in the heart by a police officer in Jerusalem with a large hunting knife or small sword. Elijah claimed that Jesus was standing in a spread-eagle position, with His back to the wooden wall of a storefront. The Jewish authorities offered twenty-five hundred dollars in gold to anyone who brought Jesus to them dead and fifteen hundred dollars if He were brought in alive. The officer told Jesus, "They are going to kill you anyway, so why not let me kill you and make the twenty-five hundred dollars as I am a poor man and have a wife and family to care for?" Jesus agreed. He "knew that he would be killed but did not care."[24]
The sword blow through the heart literally pinned Jesus to the wall. The blood stopped circulating so quickly that Jesus' arms were frozen in the stretched-out position. Thus, Elijah corrects a popular misconception: Jesus "died in the form of a cross and not on the cross!"[25] Afterwards, His father Joseph (not Joseph of Arimathea) "mortgaged all of his little land and embalmed Jesus in a liquid in a glass tube. As long as the air does not get to him, he will be there just as he was the day he was killed two thousand years ago. He is buried in Jerusalem."[26] Any talk about Jesus' resurrection is dismissed by Elijah Muhammad as ignorant foolishness.
The six thousand years of white rule was said to have ended in the year 1914 (a year which is also important to Jehovah's Witnesses). However, no visible changes occurred that year. Elijah explained, "A few years of grace have been given to complete the resurrection of the Black man," because "they (so-called Negroes) have been made so completely mentally dead by the enemy (white race) that the extra time is allowed."[27] He did not sayhow much extra time is permitted, but his books (written in the 1960s and early 1970s) state several times that America should be destroyed by the 1970s or 1980s.
Elijah's books read much like those of Jehovah's Witnesses, warning that the total destruction of America and the literal removal of the wicked (for the NOI, the white race) will come any time now. The devils who have overrun America will be utterly destroyed, swiftly and irretrievably. "The black nation and our God, Who is the Originator of the universe, have decided to remove the troublemakers from our planet Earth, as there is no way of the black nations getting along in peace with this wicked, grafted race known as the white race."[28]
Elijah stated that after the white race has been decimated, the black race will resume its former position as world rulers: "The Black man is the true owner of the earth. Now the God of Justice Has Risen up to Deliver the rule back to the Black Man and give him a place in the sun that justifies his ownership."[29]
22. Ibid., 157-158.
23. Elijah Muhammad, The True History of Jesus as Taught by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, compiled by the Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah (Chicago: Coalition for the Remembrance of Elijah, 1992), 20. Note that in this reference, Muhammad wrongly cites Matt. 1:23, which the author correctly refers to as Matt. 1:21.
24. Muhammad, True History, 13.
25. Ibid., 14.
26. Ibid.
27. Muhammad, Our Saviour, 13.
28. Ibid.
29. Ibid., 200.
Christian Response to The Nation Of Islam
Nation of Islam
By Bill Gordon
Official Name: The Nation of Islam (NOI)
Leader: Louis Farrakhan
Headquaters: Chicago, Ill.
Date of Beginning: 1978. The Nation of Islam follows the teachings of W. D. Fard.
Adherents: The Nation of Islam does not release statistics, but there are an estimated 25,000 to 100,000 members. Many more people admire Louis Farrakhan as a national leader. In 1995 he called for a Million Man March and several hundred thousand men answered his call.
History
The NOI was created by Wallace D. Fard, also known as Wallace Fard Muhammad. Fard claimed to come from the Islamic city of Mecca. He began a mosque in Detroit in 1930. He taught that Christianity should be rejected since it was the "slave-master's religion." In 1934 Fard disappeared and was neither seen nor heard from again. Fard was succeeded by Elijah Muhammad (Elijah Poole). Elijah Poole was born in Sandersville, Ga. on October 7, 1898. He changed his name to Elijah Muhammad after joining the NOI. After Fard disappeared, Elijah took over the leadership of NOI.
Malcolm Little was born in 1925. He joined the NOI and changed his name to Malcolm X. He achieved fame in the early 1960s as the spokesperson for Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm was removed as spokesperson because of an inappropriate remark about the assassination of President Kennedy and was severed from the NOI because of his accusations of sexual misconduct between Elijah and female staff members (C. Eric Lincoln, The Black Muslim in America, 3d. ed. [Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994], p. 258). After he left the NOI, Malcolm began the Muslim Mosque, Inc., in 1964. Less than one year later, on February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was killed by assassins.
Warith Deen Muhammad became the new leader of the NOI after his father, Elijah Muhammad, died on February 25, 1975. Warith eliminated from NOI teaching that Fard was Allah. Warith led the NOI to adopt beliefs compatible with traditional Islam. He changed the name from the NOI to the World Community of Islam. Later, he altered the name to the American Muslim Mission but eventually disbanded the organization and his followers became part of traditional Islam. The NOI was resurrected by Louis Farrakhan.
Farrakhan was born Louis Eugene Walcott in New York City on May 11, 1933. He attended college for two years in North Carolina, but left to begin a career as an entertainer. He sang in nightclubs until he joined the NOI. Louis Farrakhan separated from Warith Deen Muhammad in 1978 because of doctrinal disagreements. Farrakhan formed a splinter group using the original name--the Nation of Islam. He reestablished the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and also reinstated the movement's security force known as the Fruit of Islam (FOI).
Beliefs
Several teachings of the NOI are incompatible with Christianity. Many of their beliefs are also incompatible with traditional Islam.
God
The Nation of Islam claims that God is a man. "God is a man and we just cannot make Him other than man" (Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman in America, [Chicago: Muhammad's Temple No. 2], p. 6). The NOI teaches that Fard was Allah in physical form (Elijah Muhammad, The Fall of America, p. 236, as reprinted in "The Mother Plane," The Final Call 15, no. 25 [July 16, 1996]: 19). According to Elijah Muhammad, Fard told him, "My name is Mahdi; I am God" (Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, p. 17). The NOI continues to teach that Fard is Allah. The current NOI statement is published in every issue of their weekly newspaper, The Final Call, in an article titled "What the Muslims Believe." It states, "12. WE BELIEVE that Allah (God) appeared in the Person of Master W. Fard Muhammad, July, 1930; the long-awaited 'Messiah' of the Christians and the 'Mahdi' of the Muslims." The NOI denies that God is spirit. The NOI claims that Christians worship an "invisible spook somewhere in space"(Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, p. 5). According to Elijah Muhammad, "God is in person, and stop looking for a dead Jesus for help, but pray to Him whom Jesus prophesied would come after Him. He who is alive and not a spook" (Ibid., p. 3).
Christian Response: The Bible teaches that God is spirit (see John 4:24) and denies that He is a man (see Num. 23:19). The NOI worships a false god. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (see John 3:16). Jesus is unique; there are no other incarnations of God. Jesus, not Fard, is the true Savior of the world (see Acts 4:12; John 1:1-14).
Humanity
The NOI teaches that blacks are gods and whites are demons. The NOI claims that blacks are of the same race as God. According to Elijah Muhammad, "To accept your own means yourself and your kind, your God Who is of you and you are of Him. It was your fathers who created the heavens and the earth, while there is nothing that the white man has created independently. He did not even create himself. The Black Nation is self-created, while the white race is made by one of the gods and scientists of the Black Nation" (Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, p. 42). The NOI claims that one of these black scientists created the moon. They teach that 66 trillion years ago, he decided to destroy the earth. He drilled a shaft into the earth, filled it with high explosives, and then set it off. He failed to totally destroy the earth but he did blow it into two parts. The smaller part became what we now call the moon (Tape of Louis Farrakhan, Dec. 9, 1990, Compton, Calif.).
According to the NOI, a black scientist named Yakub created the white race about 6,000 years ago. They claim that whites are a race of devils (Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, p. 51). According to Elijah Muhammad, "If you understand it [the Bible] right, you will agree with me that the whole Caucasian race is a race of devils (Ibid., p. 23). The NOI claims that Christianity is the devil's religion and was created to mislead blacks (Ibid., p. 11).
Christian Response: Blacks are not gods and whites are not demons. Both races are descended from Adam and made in the image of God. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl or the air, and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Gen. 1:26). "God created the heaven and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). The moon was created by the God of the Bible, not by a scientist 66 trillion years ago (see Gen. 1:16). The Bible warns Christians not to believe cunningly devised fables (see 2 Pet. 1:16).
The Bible
While the NOI often refers to the Bible, they claim it has been corrupted. "The original scripture called 'The Torah'--revealed to Musa (Moses)--was Holy until the Jews and the Christian scholars started tampering with it" (Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, p. 87). Elijah Muhammad taught, "The Bible is not all holy, nor is it all the word of God" (Ibid., p. 89)! Contrary to traditional Islam, the NOI also teaches that the Qur'an has been tampered with. "The enemy has tampered with the truth of both books: for he has been permitted to handle both books" (Ibid., p. 90).
Christian Response: There is no evidence that the Bible has been corrupted as the NOI claims. Jesus promised, "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished" (Matt. 5:18, NIV). There are thousands of biblical manuscripts that support the Bible as being incorrupt.
The Resurrection
The NOI denies the physical resurrection of the dead. Their doctrinal statement proclaims, "WE BELIEVE in the resurrection of the dead-not in physical resurrection- but in mental resurrection; therefore, they will be resurrected first" (Final Call [July 16, 1996]: 39). Despite their denial of a physical resurrection, the NOI apparently believes that Elijah Muhammad is still alive. Every issue of their newspaper carries a statement of The Muslim Program. Included with this statement is Elijah Muhammad's picture and the declaration, "He Lives."
Christian Response: The Bible declares the physical resurrection of the dead (see Pss. 49:15; 71:20; Hos. 13:14; John 5:25; 6:40; 11:25; 2 Cor. 4:14). The dead will rise from the grave. The saved will live forever with the Lord in heaven. The lost will go to hell, a place of everlasting punishment (see Matt. 18:8-9; 25:41-46; Mark 9:43-48; 2 Thess. 1:9).
The Last Judgment
The NOI teaches that a giant spaceship--the Mother Plane--will carry out Allah's judgment. Black scientists will use the same bombs that brought up the "mountains out of the earth" to destroy the white race (Elijah Muhammad, The Fall of America, p. 236, as reprinted in The Final Call [July 16, 1996]: 19). They claim this judgment will not only destroy the white race but also Christianity. Elijah Muhammad asserted, "Armageddon has started, and after it there will be no Christian religion or churches. Jesus was a Muslim, not a Christian" (Elijah Muhammad, Message to the Blackman, p. 22). Louis Farrakhan claims that he was taken aboard the Mother Plane in a vision. While in the giant UFO, he spoke to Elijah Muhammad who had been dead for several years (see Washington Post [September 18, 1995]: D3). Farrakhan also asserts that this giant spaceship follows him when he travels (Tape of Farrakhan, July 13, 1986, Chicago, Ill.).
Christian Response: God, not a giant spaceship, will deliver the last judgment upon the world (see Matt. 25:31-32; 2 Cor. 5:10). God's judgment will not be restricted to one race, but will fall upon all who have not trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior (see John 3:18).
Witnessing to People in the NOI
1. Learn the primary Christian truths about God, Christ, the Scripture, and salvation. Know what you believe and why you believe it.
2. Acquaint yourself with the teachings and arguments of the NOI and be ready to give a Christian response (see 1 Pet. 3:15).
3. Listen to those in the NOI and discover why they joined.
4. Explain why you believe the Bible. If they claim that the Bible has been changed, ask them, "When did this happen?" and "What evidence causes you to believe the Bible has been corrupted?"
5. Define your words. Remember that the NOI redefines many terms. For example, when the NOI talks about God, they mean something very different from the God of the Bible.
6. Tell how to become a Christian. Share your testimony about how Jesus has saved you, and the difference He makes in your life. Center your witness on Christ and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Many NOI followers know about Christianity, but they do not know Christ.
7. Witnessing to those in the NOI may be frustrating. They often need to hear the gospel several times before trusting in Christ.
8. Trust God's Spirit to guide you and to convict the unsaved.
Malcolm Little was born in 1925. He joined the NOI and changed his name to Malcolm X. He achieved fame in the early 1960s as the spokesperson for Elijah Muhammad. Malcolm was removed as spokesperson because of an inappropriate remark about the assassination of President Kennedy and was severed from the NOI because of his accusations of sexual misconduct between Elijah and female staff members (C. Eric Lincoln, The Black Muslim in America, 3d. ed. [Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1994], p. 258). After he left the NOI, Malcolm began the Muslim Mosque, Inc., in 1964. Less than one year later, on February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was killed by assassins.
Warith Deen Muhammad became the new leader of the NOI after his father, Elijah Muhammad, died on February 25, 1975. Warith eliminated from NOI teaching that Fard was Allah. Warith led the NOI to adopt beliefs compatible with traditional Islam. He changed the name from the NOI to the World Community of Islam. Later, he altered the name to the American Muslim Mission but eventually disbanded the organization and his followers became part of traditional Islam. The NOI was resurrected by Louis Farrakhan.
Farrakhan was born Louis Eugene Walcott in New York City on May 11, 1933. He attended college for two years in North Carolina, but left to begin a career as an entertainer. He sang in nightclubs until he joined the NOI. Louis Farrakhan separated from Warith Deen Muhammad in 1978 because of doctrinal disagreements. Farrakhan formed a splinter group using the original name--the Nation of Islam. He reestablished the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and also reinstated the movement's security force known as the Fruit of Islam (FOI).
2. Acquaint yourself with the teachings and arguments of the NOI and be ready to give a Christian response (see 1 Pet. 3:15).
3. Listen to those in the NOI and discover why they joined.
4. Explain why you believe the Bible. If they claim that the Bible has been changed, ask them, "When did this happen?" and "What evidence causes you to believe the Bible has been corrupted?"
5. Define your words. Remember that the NOI redefines many terms. For example, when the NOI talks about God, they mean something very different from the God of the Bible.
6. Tell how to become a Christian. Share your testimony about how Jesus has saved you, and the difference He makes in your life. Center your witness on Christ and how to have a personal relationship with Him. Many NOI followers know about Christianity, but they do not know Christ.
7. Witnessing to those in the NOI may be frustrating. They often need to hear the gospel several times before trusting in Christ.
8. Trust God's Spirit to guide you and to convict the unsaved.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The 7 Healthiest Weight Loss Foods
The 7 Healthiest Weight Loss Foods |
Written by Patricia Carol Brooks, BDO Contributing Writer | |
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 | |
(BlackDoctor.org) -- Losing weight safely takes a comprehensive as well as realistic approach. This includes changing eating habits and plenty of exercise. A lifestyle based on healthy eating and regular physical activity can help you look and feel better. These top seven weight loss foods do double duty when it comes to losing weight and keeping if off and being important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here's why: all provide some combination of the elements your body needs to run properly. These foods nourish and support cell rejuvenation, help detoxify and eliminate the bad stuff your body doesn’t need. My list only consists of seven but there are so many healthy foods out there: 1. Flaxseeds - Are very high in fiber and this helps to keep weight down in several ways: first, high-fiber foods have what’s called low energy density, which means fewer calories relative to the total weight of the food. Flax helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which makes the energy we get from eating last longer and prevents the “munchies.” Secondly, flax contains high levels of the “good” fat - polyunsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats are an essential part of our diet, and should not be cut out. Consuming the proper amount of polyunsaturated fat, as found in flaxseed, can help to give us that “full and satisfying” feeling. * A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that flaxseed oil capsules providing 3 grams of alpha-linolenic acid daily for 12 weeks-an amount that would be provided by 3 tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day-increased blood levels of EPA by 60% in a predominantly African-American population with chronic illness. 2. Ginger - Traditionally used as a digestive aid. It was the Alka-Seltzer of the Roman Empire. It helps you lose weight by burning calories. In many cultures ginger was given as a digestive aid with meals. Ginger is known to neutralize the stomach acids that cause nausea, diarrhea, cramping and control inflammation. 3. Watermelon - Acting as a natural diuretic, watermelon can help reduce water retention in tissues. One cup of diced watermelon is about 90% water, and contains 50 calories 44 of these calories do come from sugar (this is a natural, healthy fruit sugar). In addition watermelon consumption increases free arginine and citrulline, which can help maintain blood flow and heart health. Add this miracle melon for health and beauty! 4. Kale - High in fiber, this green queen helps create the bulk you need to fill you up and to keep you full for a good amount of time. With a combination of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients, kale is a dieter's dream food. Packed with the highest antioxidant capacity). Don't forget, kale's a member of the cruciferous family, along with broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and collard greens, add green to your diet and you can’t go wrong! 5. Salmon and Sardines - Two of the best sources of omega-3 fats. Omega-3s have a positive affect on heart rhythm. Both contain high amounts of protein and coenzyme Q-10, which is a powerful antioxidant, plus they are rich in dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). Dimethylaminoethanol is a naturally occurring nutritional compound found in some fish. DMAE helps boost energy, fight fatigue and burn fat. 6. Protein (chicken, turkey, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds) - Protein contains the building blocks that your body uses to make hormones and enzymes, but most important protein repair cells. Protein is vital to our survival. It affects insulin's opposite hormone, glucagons - the fat burning hormone. It’s important to know how much protein you need. To figure out your protein needs, multiply your weight by 2. 7. Peppers - Both hot and sweet peppers contain substances that have been shown to increase the body's heat production and oxygen consumption for about 20 minutes after eating. Peppers also have fiber, which makes you feel full faster. Fiber aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. In the end it’s really about making the right decision to change what you are eating, self-regulating energy balance, thereby promoting/maintaining a healthy body weight. Keeping these tips in mind will help you feel better. It’s not about dieting, it’s about eating right!
|
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saving our Communities
I spent Saturday afternoon at a funeral service for a young black man that was murdered in the North Memphis area. This heinous crime was committed at the Boom Boom Room located on Danny Thomas. there was another young black man that was also shot and he is fighting for his life as we speak.
As I looked on the faces of the hundreds of young black youth that attended this memorial service I was amazed at the anger and hopelessness that shown on their faces. Some will not reach the age of 40 because they will fall victim to the streets that will rob them of their lives.
In the 30's- early 70's the fear of many blacks living in the south was murder by the KKK or a white hanging mob. I remember stories that my Father, and other older people told me about the horrors of those times.
Black people would cower in fear when cars would come down the roads in Mississippi late at night. Many times the cars carried white mobs filled with hatred and murder. Many black men were taken for a ride and never seen alive again.
The times have changed cars still ride through the black communities but they are not filled with the KKK, or even a terrorist cell with plastic explosives. These cars are filled with black young men , and women who now have become the new terrorist in our communities. Violent crime has increased among our youth, the music , and the attitude of murder has taken hold of many.
How true the bible is when it speaks about our time
2Ti 3:1 You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time.
2Ti 3:2 People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy,
2Ti 3:3 and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good.
2Ti 3:4 They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God
Our youth are at risk , and we must act quickly to help them.
We have seen that our neighboorhoods have changed , for the worst. New homes are going up all over the "inner city" but the mindset of many has remained the same. We as the Body Of Christ must reach out and claim our communities for Jesus.
I would love to play the blame game and point my finger at white folk, slavery, the government, baby daddies, trifling mothers, preachers, and politicians. Playing the blame game has not worked before and it will not work now.
I believe that in order to get this job done we must began in our homes first. Parents take charge of your homes. Be an example for your children, show them the love of God flowing from you to them. Get back to some old fashioned spanking while they are young. Get up out the bed on Sundays and bring the family to a church in your community.
Don't be afraid to call the police on wrong doers. We sit back and watch crime happen and will not say one word about it until it hits our address then we want the entire neighboorhood to tell everything they know.
If we don't reach our young black men many will die, or find themselves locked up in jail.
What are your thoughts on this
As I looked on the faces of the hundreds of young black youth that attended this memorial service I was amazed at the anger and hopelessness that shown on their faces. Some will not reach the age of 40 because they will fall victim to the streets that will rob them of their lives.
In the 30's- early 70's the fear of many blacks living in the south was murder by the KKK or a white hanging mob. I remember stories that my Father, and other older people told me about the horrors of those times.
Black people would cower in fear when cars would come down the roads in Mississippi late at night. Many times the cars carried white mobs filled with hatred and murder. Many black men were taken for a ride and never seen alive again.
The times have changed cars still ride through the black communities but they are not filled with the KKK, or even a terrorist cell with plastic explosives. These cars are filled with black young men , and women who now have become the new terrorist in our communities. Violent crime has increased among our youth, the music , and the attitude of murder has taken hold of many.
How true the bible is when it speaks about our time
2Ti 3:1 You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time.
2Ti 3:2 People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy,
2Ti 3:3 and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good.
2Ti 3:4 They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God
Our youth are at risk , and we must act quickly to help them.
We have seen that our neighboorhoods have changed , for the worst. New homes are going up all over the "inner city" but the mindset of many has remained the same. We as the Body Of Christ must reach out and claim our communities for Jesus.
I would love to play the blame game and point my finger at white folk, slavery, the government, baby daddies, trifling mothers, preachers, and politicians. Playing the blame game has not worked before and it will not work now.
I believe that in order to get this job done we must began in our homes first. Parents take charge of your homes. Be an example for your children, show them the love of God flowing from you to them. Get back to some old fashioned spanking while they are young. Get up out the bed on Sundays and bring the family to a church in your community.
Don't be afraid to call the police on wrong doers. We sit back and watch crime happen and will not say one word about it until it hits our address then we want the entire neighboorhood to tell everything they know.
If we don't reach our young black men many will die, or find themselves locked up in jail.
What are your thoughts on this
Friday, October 23, 2009
Oprah Denies Jesus
What are your views on this.
Oprah one of the most recognized face on television, who claims to be a christian has some upsetting views concerning Jesus
Oprah one of the most recognized face on television, who claims to be a christian has some upsetting views concerning Jesus
These Young Preachers
I am amazed at the number of young people who have accepted the call to preach God's Word.
When I was a young preacher things were a little different. Growing up in a "old school" pentecostal church there were certain things that was, instilled in us.
During the early years we were taught how to fast, pray, and live holy lives. Now I know that word holiness scares some people but don't freak out on me.
It was a funny thing being the nephew of the Pastor, and the son of the Assistant Pastor I was raised seeing the trouble of ministry and the accomplishments of it also.
We all had preaching time, we all got a chance to do ministry work, and we all got proper training.
My good friend Elder Tony Leach, and myself would tag team preach...........we would be up do long until the church mothers started singing us down. When this happened Bishop Willie Howard gave us a good old fashioned wood shed heart to heart. Pointing his finger at us he said " you can't tell it all in one sermon, you don't know enough to be up on the floor more than ten minutes" . Being young men who knew we were both called we were very obedient to those who had rule over us.
The point I am making is................young preachers get yourselves properly trained. I know that it may seem other young preachers are passing you and doing great things, and you are stuck at your home church. This is critical time for you. During this time serve at your church, getting all the hands on training you can, develop your time with God, study the word not for a sermon but to feed yourself. Watch out for the performance syndrome........be who God created you. There is only one Bishop Patterson, one Bishop T.D. Jakes, one Rev Frank E. Ray, one Pastor Stephen Brown, and one Pastor Ricky Floyd.
Young preacher you are a terrible somebody else, but are a terrific you.
Remember it is Godly character that people will know you for and not how well you can preach.
It is your willingness to stand by your pastor as Joshua stood with Moses.
It will be those who serve that will become great leaders.
Don't be money hungry, don't search for the spotlight, preach sound messages, and stay away from the sisters.
What God has placed in you he will perfect it so don't walk behind God, don't run in front of him, but walk with him. Agree with the plan he has for you.
When I was a young preacher things were a little different. Growing up in a "old school" pentecostal church there were certain things that was, instilled in us.
During the early years we were taught how to fast, pray, and live holy lives. Now I know that word holiness scares some people but don't freak out on me.
It was a funny thing being the nephew of the Pastor, and the son of the Assistant Pastor I was raised seeing the trouble of ministry and the accomplishments of it also.
We all had preaching time, we all got a chance to do ministry work, and we all got proper training.
My good friend Elder Tony Leach, and myself would tag team preach...........we would be up do long until the church mothers started singing us down. When this happened Bishop Willie Howard gave us a good old fashioned wood shed heart to heart. Pointing his finger at us he said " you can't tell it all in one sermon, you don't know enough to be up on the floor more than ten minutes" . Being young men who knew we were both called we were very obedient to those who had rule over us.
The point I am making is................young preachers get yourselves properly trained. I know that it may seem other young preachers are passing you and doing great things, and you are stuck at your home church. This is critical time for you. During this time serve at your church, getting all the hands on training you can, develop your time with God, study the word not for a sermon but to feed yourself. Watch out for the performance syndrome........be who God created you. There is only one Bishop Patterson, one Bishop T.D. Jakes, one Rev Frank E. Ray, one Pastor Stephen Brown, and one Pastor Ricky Floyd.
Young preacher you are a terrible somebody else, but are a terrific you.
Remember it is Godly character that people will know you for and not how well you can preach.
It is your willingness to stand by your pastor as Joshua stood with Moses.
It will be those who serve that will become great leaders.
Don't be money hungry, don't search for the spotlight, preach sound messages, and stay away from the sisters.
What God has placed in you he will perfect it so don't walk behind God, don't run in front of him, but walk with him. Agree with the plan he has for you.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Those Who Impacted my Life
I sometimes sit back and think about the people who made an impact on my life.
Of course my parents Bishop J.L. Bass, and Mother Lucille Bass played an important part in my life.
I watched as they showed the Love Of God to people that others would have nothing to do with.
My former Pastor Bishop Willie George Howard, it was through those critical years of training as a young preacher that he taught me how to pray, fast, be obedient, and to live holy.
My grandmothers Mother Lucille Morris, and Mother Essie Cooper who taught me how to endure even when the odds are stacked against you.
My aunt Dr. Mattie Brown who showed me how to walk and live by faith. How to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, and how to walk with integrity in the ministry
Apostle Jimmy Horton.......taught me how to flow with God when ministering.
My wife who showed me what forgiveness really is even when others would have walked away from me.
Mother Jimmie Leach showed my how not to talk but pray. I can remember when she was minister of music when things would pop up she would always say "We Got To Pray"
Bishop Aaron Leach when he was called to pastor and many older preachers said "that boy will never make it" well many of those preachers a dead, and some are no longer in the pastorate but True Gospel Church is still going strong, and Bishop Leach and his lovely wife Minister Willie Mae Leach are still preaching.
from him I learned how to hold on
Last but not least a man who was not related to me but I called him grand daddy. This man was a champion of holiness to me, a great preacher of the Gospel who was able to reach across denominational lines and preach JESUS.
When I had walked away from the ministry, and my family I was dogged out by many preachers who I had previously helped build there churches. Many said I would never be preach again, that I was worthless.
I was called by many a back slidden devil who was never fit to preach again.
After I repented of my wrong doings and slowly began to move back into ministry, this man showed my what restoring a brother was all about.
I was 2 years back and he came to a revival service I was conducting. Many people would not come to hear me because of my 2 years out of ministry. This man Elder T. B. Mister looked at me and said you are coming to Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. to run revival.
It was during this 2 week revival that he poured himself into me. He began to speak over my life and my families life.
Among preachers Elder T.B. Mister was a prince of preachers.
Even though Elder Mister and Samuel one of his grandsons has gone on to their reward I still cant help but say Thank You Jesus for those who have sharpened me.
Of course my parents Bishop J.L. Bass, and Mother Lucille Bass played an important part in my life.
I watched as they showed the Love Of God to people that others would have nothing to do with.
My former Pastor Bishop Willie George Howard, it was through those critical years of training as a young preacher that he taught me how to pray, fast, be obedient, and to live holy.
My grandmothers Mother Lucille Morris, and Mother Essie Cooper who taught me how to endure even when the odds are stacked against you.
My aunt Dr. Mattie Brown who showed me how to walk and live by faith. How to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, and how to walk with integrity in the ministry
Apostle Jimmy Horton.......taught me how to flow with God when ministering.
My wife who showed me what forgiveness really is even when others would have walked away from me.
Mother Jimmie Leach showed my how not to talk but pray. I can remember when she was minister of music when things would pop up she would always say "We Got To Pray"
Bishop Aaron Leach when he was called to pastor and many older preachers said "that boy will never make it" well many of those preachers a dead, and some are no longer in the pastorate but True Gospel Church is still going strong, and Bishop Leach and his lovely wife Minister Willie Mae Leach are still preaching.
from him I learned how to hold on
Last but not least a man who was not related to me but I called him grand daddy. This man was a champion of holiness to me, a great preacher of the Gospel who was able to reach across denominational lines and preach JESUS.
When I had walked away from the ministry, and my family I was dogged out by many preachers who I had previously helped build there churches. Many said I would never be preach again, that I was worthless.
I was called by many a back slidden devil who was never fit to preach again.
After I repented of my wrong doings and slowly began to move back into ministry, this man showed my what restoring a brother was all about.
I was 2 years back and he came to a revival service I was conducting. Many people would not come to hear me because of my 2 years out of ministry. This man Elder T. B. Mister looked at me and said you are coming to Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C. to run revival.
It was during this 2 week revival that he poured himself into me. He began to speak over my life and my families life.
Among preachers Elder T.B. Mister was a prince of preachers.
Even though Elder Mister and Samuel one of his grandsons has gone on to their reward I still cant help but say Thank You Jesus for those who have sharpened me.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A Few Scriptures To Start The Day
Read them , write them down on index cards, or place them where you will have easy access to them.
Psalm 35:27 "Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." NOTE - At first glance you may think this scripture refers only to prosperity or wealth. The word in the Hebrew for prosperity here is "shalom" and we know it as the word for peace. However, in the Hebrew this word literally means health, prosperity and peace - wholeness, welfare. So you can clearly see the mind of God who takes pleasure in the health, wholeness, prosperity and peace of we His children! He's excited for us to have it. Once you get ahold of this, praise and adoration will naturally flow forth in pure appreciation for who He is to us and all that He has already done for us. Fear and doubt will no longer have a place in your thinking. What an awesome God
Proverbs 3:7-8 "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." NOTE - The term "fear the Lord" means to reverence and worship the Lord in all things.
Exodus 15:26 "If thou will diligently harken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put (permit) none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee."
Exodus 23:25 "So you shall serve (worship) the Lord your God and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you." NOTE - True worship from the heart is a key to walking in divine health. It brings forth humility of heart and opens the door for His life to flow. Close every door to the devil that you are aware of. Take time each day to worship and love on God from your heart.
Psalm 91:9-10 "Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."
Malachi 4:2-3 "But unto you that fear (reverence, worship) My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. You shall trample the wicked for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this says the Lord of hosts" NOTE - I love this scripture! This verse is a great promise and even tells us when it became a reality for us. "On the day that I do this," was at Calvary. Now the enemy is as "ashes" under our feet and healing and protection belong to us. See Luke 10:19 also.
Know That When You Ask The Lord For Healing, It Is Already His Will And He Hears You And He Agrees. Know He Has Already Settled It In The Atonement Of The Blood Of Jesus Christ - He Says "Yes"!
Psalm 30:2 "O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
Psalm 107:19-20 "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." NOTE - The word "ask" in the Greek has the meaning of insistent asking with a knowing of what belongs to the one making the request. Presenting a solid requisition to God, knowing He longs to distribute what He has to the one in need. Look at James 1:5-8 - we must ask in faith, and faith always knows, it never wishes!
I John 5:14-15 "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." NOTE - The Word of God is the will of God. If you can find it in the Word of God then you can be assured that it is the will of God. The Lord is not trying to keep healing from you, He is trying to get it to you - Just Believe!
2 Corinthians 1:20 "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." NOTE - Notice that according to God all of His promises towards us are "YES" and amen (so be it!) or it is settled! There aren't any "no's" from the Lord toward us when it comes to performing His Word in our behalf. - Now that's good news!
Psalm 35:27 "Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." NOTE - At first glance you may think this scripture refers only to prosperity or wealth. The word in the Hebrew for prosperity here is "shalom" and we know it as the word for peace. However, in the Hebrew this word literally means health, prosperity and peace - wholeness, welfare. So you can clearly see the mind of God who takes pleasure in the health, wholeness, prosperity and peace of we His children! He's excited for us to have it. Once you get ahold of this, praise and adoration will naturally flow forth in pure appreciation for who He is to us and all that He has already done for us. Fear and doubt will no longer have a place in your thinking. What an awesome God
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tonex's Theology
I was searching youtube looking for a song by Lexi. I came across an interview she did with singer, and performer Tonex. The interview amazed me and I want to share it with you
Here are the links watch them and let me know whats on your mind.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=970nMJ_nhIg
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg5EhnbZqkA&feature=fvw
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMbc1pl92Sk&feature=fvw
Here are the links watch them and let me know whats on your mind.
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=970nMJ_nhIg
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg5EhnbZqkA&feature=fvw
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMbc1pl92Sk&feature=fvw
Street Survival Tips For Christians
A lady at my church whom I had known for some years was very faithful.
Every Sunday I noticed that she would drive up on the parking lot, open the door and stick one leg out put her shoe on, and then take the other leg out and put the other shoe on.
She would then get her daughter who is about 7 yrs old out the car and come inside.
Now she would sometimes leave her bible inside the car and would send her daughter out to the car to get it.
Now this was a pattern that happened all the time with her.
I also began to watch other members to see if they also had a repeated pattern of doing things.To my amazement 90% of them were very predictable.
Now For The TIP
Never open a car door and stick one leg out to put shoes on, this leaves you in a very vulnerable position. Never hold your head down where you cannot view your surroundings. Never give a 7 year old child keys to a car,that is a disaster or a milk carton situation waiting to happen.
A car jackers paradise is a church parking lot, because many thieves already know we "believe in non violence" So they feel they can do anything to us they want and we will forgive them and pray for them.
If you cannot drive in heels, get a bag or backpack........place your bible, shoes, pocketbook and whatever else you need inside the backpack. Keep this backpack on the floorboard in easy reach.
When pulling up to the church parking lot......survey the area prayerfully asking for God's protection, unbuckle the seat belts get the child out the car and get inside the church quickly.
Just these few adjustments can mean the difference between tragedy , and safety.
Remember predators are on the lookout for easy prey......remember we are not victims but victors in Jesus.
Until Next Tip
Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Every Sunday I noticed that she would drive up on the parking lot, open the door and stick one leg out put her shoe on, and then take the other leg out and put the other shoe on.
She would then get her daughter who is about 7 yrs old out the car and come inside.
Now she would sometimes leave her bible inside the car and would send her daughter out to the car to get it.
Now this was a pattern that happened all the time with her.
I also began to watch other members to see if they also had a repeated pattern of doing things.To my amazement 90% of them were very predictable.
Now For The TIP
Never open a car door and stick one leg out to put shoes on, this leaves you in a very vulnerable position. Never hold your head down where you cannot view your surroundings. Never give a 7 year old child keys to a car,that is a disaster or a milk carton situation waiting to happen.
A car jackers paradise is a church parking lot, because many thieves already know we "believe in non violence" So they feel they can do anything to us they want and we will forgive them and pray for them.
If you cannot drive in heels, get a bag or backpack........place your bible, shoes, pocketbook and whatever else you need inside the backpack. Keep this backpack on the floorboard in easy reach.
When pulling up to the church parking lot......survey the area prayerfully asking for God's protection, unbuckle the seat belts get the child out the car and get inside the church quickly.
Just these few adjustments can mean the difference between tragedy , and safety.
Remember predators are on the lookout for easy prey......remember we are not victims but victors in Jesus.
Until Next Tip
Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.
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