Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price
There's something strange happening in the 'hood.  Who you gonna call?  Ghostbusters!  Well, not so fast! You might want to try Jesus first.  He ain't afraid of joblessness, high crime rates, low graduation rates, abandoned buildings, and He ain't afraid of no ghosts, either!  The only other time I recall blogging about "ghosts" was in the 2007 post, Imus and The Ghost of Racism On Jesus Saves Live.  Racism still haunts us, that's for sure, but today, I want to blog about so-called "real" ghosts, the one's that are "earth bound" and haven't "crossed over to the other side," at least that's how it was explained to me on the television show, Medium the other day.   

My church sent me and several staff members to an all-day conference about a month ago at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  I took a class listed under the evangelism tract on New Age Spirituality.  The instructor Don Metcalf was teaching a class later in the day on Ghost Hunting and the Paranormal that I could not attend.  I asked him if he would share the course material and he did.  I was surprised to discover that there are over 40 different ghost hunting groups in Kentucky.  There is a popular tourist site right here in Louisville that is supposedly haunted called Waverly Hills Sanitorium.  Check out Don Metcalf's website, http://www.biblical-discernment.com/.  

The following links are from a nifty website called GotQuestions.org. I pray you will take the time to peruse these one-page fact sheets on ghosts and related topics so that you will become better eqipped to defend the faith.  More Christians, it seems, believe in ghost and the paranormal due to all the ghost hunting shows on television, and in the movies and because they just don't know what the Word of God says about this subject.  My bible tells me, absent from the body is present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).  I ain't afraid of no ghosts either.

Answer: Is there such a thing as ghosts? The answer to this question depends on what precisely is meant by the term “ghosts.” If the term means “spirit beings,” the answer is a qualified “yes.” If the term means “spirits of people who have died,” the answer is “no.” The Bible makes it abundantly clear that there are spirit beings, both good and evil. But the Bible negates the idea that the spirits of deceased human beings can remain on earth and “haunt” the living.

Hebrews 9:27 declares, “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” That is what happens to a person’s soul-spirit after death—judgment. The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24). There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a “ghost.” If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.

The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God. Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels, angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, demons masquerade as “angels of light” and as “servants of righteousness.” Appearing as a “ghost” and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.

The closest biblical example of a “haunting” is found in Mark 5:1-20. A legion of demons possessed a man and used the man to haunt a graveyard. There were no ghosts involved. It was a case of a normal person being controlled by demons to terrorize the people of that area. Demons only seek to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). They will do anything within their power to deceive people, to lead people away from God. This is very likely the explanation of “ghostly” activity today. Whether it is called a ghost, a ghoul, or a poltergeist, if there is genuine evil spiritual activity occurring, it is the work of demons.

What about instances in which “ghosts” act in “positive” ways? What about psychics who claim to summon the deceased and gain true and useful information from them? Again, it is crucial to remember that the goal of demons is to deceive. If the result is that people trust in a psychic instead of God, a demon will be more than willing to reveal true information. Even good and true information, if from a source with evil motives, can be used to mislead, corrupt, and destroy.

Interest in the paranormal is becoming increasingly common. There are individuals and businesses that claim to be “ghost-hunters,” who for a price will rid your home of ghosts. Psychics, séances, tarot cards, and mediums are increasingly considered normal. Human beings are innately aware of the spiritual world. Sadly, instead of seeking the truth about the spirit world by communing with God and studying His Word, many people allow themselves to be led astray by the spirit world. The demons surely laugh at the spiritual mass-deception that exists in the world today.

Recommended Resource: The Truth Behind Ghosts, Mediums, and Psychic Phenomena by Ron Rhodes.

Did the witch of Endor really summon Samuel from the dead (1 Samuel 28:7-20)?What does the Bible say about praying for the dead?
What does the Bible say about praying to / speaking to the dead?
What does the Bible say about channeling?

Source:  GotQuestions.org Home

 Remember, it is not Muhammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Are You A Superstitious Christian?

By: Min. Angela Lee Price
Many people are superstitious. They are afraid of black cats, the numbers "666," and Friday, the 13th. They won't walk under ladders, toss salt over their shoulders, and cling to their lucky rabbit's feet, crystals, and good luck charms on Friday, the 13th in hopes of avoiding spells, voodoo hexes, and curses. You may not realize this, but church-going people are more superstitious than you might think. And many, particularly the young and new believers, are engaging in occult practices like never before.

Believe it or not, whenever you forward an e-mail, be it a prayer or what have you, to a specified number of people in order to obtain a "special blessing," you have just engaged in a form magic. And whenever people of God rely heavily on prophets and prophetesses for personal prophecies, instead of on the Word of God for objective truth, they are engaging in a form of witchcraft. And when Christians let their children play computer and card games with witches and wizards, where demon-like characters and monsters cast spells, and do violence, they are out of the will of God and are subjecting their children and their households to demonic attack.

Magic, spells, voodoo, witchcraft and divination belong to the set of practices known as "the occult." Occult practices include visiting palm readers and fortune tellers, ghost hunting, and participating in seances and rituals as a means to contact dead loved ones, spirit beings to obtain supernatural knowledge. God hates these things. The Bible says, "And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10b-12a, NLT).

The Psalmist said, The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)? The Bible says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). So, don't be afraid of witchs, wizards, spells, unlucky numbers, and Friday, the 13th. The Ancient of Days is all you need. He is much more powerful than any black cat, satanist, psychic, magician, unlucky number or day. Pharaoh's magicians couldn't match Moses' power (Exodus 8:19, 9:11), and the King's magicians couldn't interpret his dreams, but Daniel could through God's revelation (Daniel 1L20, 2:27, 4:7ff, 5:7-30). Acts 19:19 describes how the people who had practiced magic gave it up after they trusted Jesus, "And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone" (NASB).

If you'd like a FREE ESV New Testament Holy Bible, or Here's Hope New Testament Bible e-mail me at jesussaves1@insightbb.com and I will send it to you, no strings attached, while supplies last. We would love to read your comments on this blog post.
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves. Jesus saves!


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Bishop Victor Couzens Encourages Men to "Man Up!"

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Men's Day choir processional.  The theme this year was "Man Up."
Bishop Victor Couzens, Pastor, Inspirational Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, was the Men's Day speaker at my home church, St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday, September 12th.

His 11:30 sermon was entitled, While Men Slept, based on Matt 13:24-29. He said, "Whenever and where ever God sows seed there is always a very specific assignment attached to the seed God has sown... You are the salt of the each and light of the world. You are called to penetrate and illuminate.. The devil ought to hate to see you coming because he should know that you will do severe damage to his kingdom," he said.

Pastor Kevin Cosby with Bishop Victor Couzens and Men's Choir.
"We always run the risk of encountering satanic attack. It comes to test and verify who you are... It is time for men to wake up so that God can use you to turn tares into wheat. God has hoodlum unbelievers who are tares, but if we reach them, they will get saved... God is waiting on us to wake up, pray up, sing up, lift up, and man up. Satan is only successful when men sleep," said Couzens.

"Men who won't invest in the stock market, but buy a lottery ticket every Friday are asleep. Men who put on $500 clothes to drive a $40,000 car only to park it in front of a house they are renting are asleep. Men who check their tire pressure before checking their blood pressure are asleep, he told the congregation 

Bishop Couzens called the 11:30 worship congregation to the altar for prayer at the close of service.  To view additional video click here.
Jesus Saves Ministries, celebrating five years of lifting up Jesus Christ.

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Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!

Related Links:
Charles Rice:  Men Who Make Things Women Love
Bishop Victor Couzens:  St. Stephen Men's Day Speaker
Don't Sleep On Your J.O.B!


Join the Jesus Saves Social Network, lift up Jesus Christ with us, and participate in upcoming promotions here. Jesus Saves Ministries, Celebrating Five Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
                                                              
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Friday, September 10, 2010

Charles Rice: Men Who Make Things Women Love

By: Min. Angela Lee Price
I don't know what "season" it is in your church, but at my home church, St. Stephen Church, Louisville, Kentucky, it is Men's Month. No matter what time of the year it is, it is always good when the Christian community takes time to support and encourage hard-working, gifted, Christ-centered young men who are striving to make a difference in the world. It is through our support and encouragement, they they get strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
From all the powerful men of history, to the blessed men that serve the church today, we stand on the shoulders of powerful role models like St. Augustine of Hippo of North Africa, scientist and inventor, Benjamin Banneker, pastor and civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and so any others. These great men have inspired all of us to become workers for the Lord.
I would like to encourage one young brother who is doing it big for the Lord. As you can see, this picture cannot contain his amazing gift of artistry. His name is Charles Rice and he is 32 years old. Charles was featured recently in The Man Issue of Today's Woman Magazine in a section entitled, "Men Who Make Things Women Love." The full article is attached below. In it Charles talks about his passion for artistry and who inspired many of his pieces: his mother. "Most of my work is very spiritual and nurturing," he says. "I had a strong mother, and so I've done a lot of mother and child pieces."
In addition to having his own company, Artbyrice.com, Charles is on staff at St. Stephen Church. His artwork is displayed prominently throughout our church on signs, programs, ministry materials, and websites. What I love about Charles is his humble, gentle spirit. I love that "signature" that his uniquely his, too. I can't describe it. I just know it when I see it, soft and feminine, yet bold and masculine. It speaks to you without saying a word! I praise God that the big gift that is within Charles Rice cannot be hidden under a rock, nor contained within the confines of any canvass.
Jesus Saves Ministries, celebrating five years of lifting up Jesus Christ!

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Thursday, September 09, 2010

Marvin Sapp Loses Wife Malinda to Colon Cancer


Gospel News Now reports that Dr. MaLinda Sapp, wife of Pastor Marvin Sapp died today after a long battle with colon cancer.  Our prayers and condolences go to Dr. Marvin Sapp, his family and the Lighthouse Full Life Center church family.
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Gospel music artist Marvin Sapp has lost his wife and best friend, MaLinda Sapp to colon cancer. Marvin and MaLinda had been married for 15 years and have three children. Marvin and his church, Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, had previously launched a 24 hour prayer campaign for the complete healing of MaLinda. Marvin recently curtailed his travel and recording plans in order to be with his wife during her time of sickness.


MaLinda Sapp was Administrative Pastor alongside Marvin Sapp at their church, Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, MI. According to MaLinda's bio she was a limited licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor and served as a college professor. She also served as manager for Marvin Sapp and had Executive Producer credits on many of his audio and video recordings.

Marvin Sapp was part of the popular Gospel group Commissioned and is best known for chart topping Gospel songs “Never Would Have Made It” and “The Best in Me”.

Please pray for Marvin, his children and the entire family during this difficult time. As details are released by the family we will share more with you.

Social Network:  Jesus Saves Social Network
Remember, it is not Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Age that saves.  Jesus saves!







Hallelujah White Party features Gospel Artist Jason Clayborn

Min. Angela Lee Price

Christian party-goers enjoyed great gospel music, comedy, spoken word poetry, and good food at the Hallelujah White Party on September 3rd at the new Center for African American Heritage in Louisville, Kentucky presented by WLOU Radio and the Buffalo Foundation.  Gospel singer, songwriter, and worship director Jason Clayborn was the headlining artist rendering in song from his new CD, Rhythm & Praise songs "Strength," and "Promises" among others.    Jason has written a number of songs for national gospel artists including the song, "You're All I Need" on Bishop Hezekiah Walker's Stellar-award winning CD, "Souled Out."  Gospel groups, Mashiath, and Totally Dedicated, comedians Slo Your Roll, Stress, spoken word artist, King David offered a variety of contemporary and traditional gospel, comedy and spoken word.

"I would like to thank the community for showing their support for the expanded role of gospel music in the gospel community.  We are expanding beyond the boundaries of the church, but solely in the name of Jesus Christ.  You look just right in white tonight," stated WLOU/WLLV Radio General Manger Bill Price in his introductory remarks. 

Jesus Saves Ministries was in the house along with ticket winners from the Jesus Saves Social Network and their guests (top left). I gave away a Jesus Saves Ministries gift basket loaded with all sorts of Jesus Saves items, including all four Jesus Saves Journals, to the oldest person in attendance, a member from Little Flock Baptist Church in Louisville who was 77. "It is a blessing to finally have a heritage center in Louisville where we can tell our story from our own perspective," I told the capacity audience.  It is a place where other cultures can learn of our history and heritage.  We say, 'Hallelujah' and give all praise, honor, and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing the center to exist and for bringing us to this place of celebration tonight," I said.



Find more photos like this on Jesus Saves Ministries



Thursday, September 02, 2010

Annoucing Winners In Hallelujah White Party Drawing!


Participants were asked to post blogs on the following subjects:
  1. Singing Glory Hallelujah for A Center for African American Heritage
  2. Hallelujah, The Highest Praise
  3. The Jesus of My Hallelujah:  Why I Love Him
  4. My Soul Shouts Hallelujah
 Thanks to the Buffalo Foundation and WLOU Radio for partnering with Jesus Saves Ministries in this drawing.
Comment by RaMonica Denise Hughes 1 day ago
"I am shouting Hallelujah for a Heritage Center.  Being that as a young mother, I am now able to allow my children to learn the truth about their heritage. The history books in the schools only taught me, and is currently teaching them, the things that they want us to know, not the things that we need to know. There is so much more about my culture that I want to learn without having the drive all the way to Atlanta and Ohio.
I believe that the Center will prosper greatly with God by its side. I am just proud to say that I will be able to witness this wonderful place."
Comment by Joyce E. Vaughn on August 30, 2010 at 9:28pm
I think it is highly appropriate to sing Hallelujah for the new African American Heritage Center. Its presence is long overdue. I think this Heritage Center will provide education about our people for our people.  It will show the depth of our character, show our past and present. It will exhibit a source of pride for our race, and show how much we have contributed to make our United States great.
This website has helped me to initate more in my studies about the Lord and the Bible. Because of this I wanted to study the word "Hallelujah." The Hebrew meaning of Hallelujah is "Praise Yahweh" or "Praise ye the Lord." Hallelujah's definition is an exclamation of joy, praise, or thanksgiving. Its original purpose was in Temple times as a signal that a congregational response should be given to the Levitical Choir.
It is mentioned 16 times in the Bible mostly in Psalms. It can be found in Psalms 106; 111-113; 135; 146-150 (Psalms 146-150 are known as the "Hallelujah Psalms"). It also appears in the Book of Revelation 19.
Doing God's work is a never ending process, and requires reading and studying the Bible and other sources of God's teaching and word. Being an avid reader, this is very good for me. Preparing myself to be and do what God wants of me requires me to situate myself with others who are Praising the Lord and doing His work. This website has a great deal to do with my preparation.
I give Praise and Honor to God to have given our city this African American Heritage Center. I pray that not only our people but all peoples will take advantage of the center. I am encouraged in my Christian walk that we as a people continue to distinguish ourselves in a positive manner.  I think the center will help to do this, and I intend to make it as place I will attend, and if I have my way, most of my family and friends will attend also.  
Comment by samuel bland on August 30, 2010 at 11:48am
Singing Glory Hallelujah, For an African American Heritage Center.
For most Christians, "Hallelujah" is considered a joyful word of praise to God. In fact it is the highest "Praise " unto God. It is a True Praise in "Spirit and in Truth" because God is a God of Spirit and Truth. That Truth, with a capital "T", is Jesus Christ.
I praise God for the African American Heritage Museum coming to reality. I believe that a culture or a people that do not know their heritage is doomed to repeat most of the ills that have embodied our communities and families of today.
The location of the Heritage Center on Muhammad Ali Blvd. is a testimony to the connection with history and heritage.
God is doing a powerful work with this "Dream" that has become reality. We give God the Praise and say" HALLELUJAH, THANKYOU JESUS, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!" We wish the Center and it's administration all the blessings of Jesus as they go forth in bringing a community to a better understanding of the African American experience. Thank you, Praises be unto God.
Comment by Phyllis M. Webb 1 day ago 
My Soul Shouts Hallelujah when I wake up in the morning not on my own power but by the power and will of God Almighty. He's allowed me to live another day, have that 'deep down in my heart' kind of joy..something that man can't take away.
The Heritage Center is truly a blessing for all of us (former writers and reporters) and some have lived to see it come to pass. There was talk of a center of this kind many years ago and now our children, grandchildren and future generations can see the results of hard work, and yes, sweat and tears of those who have come before us. With the continued financial support from the community and other entities, as well as continued positive press coverage, the Heritage Center will be here a long time for all to enjoy! God be the Glory as HE is doing great things! Shout Hallelujah!
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These are additional comments on the Hallelujah themes:
Comment by Therese Warrick 15 hours ago
Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! Jesus Saves Ministries is anointed by the Lord and this ministry has touched so many lives, but most importantly, it has touched my life. I know God directed me to this ministry for a reason, that is, to get me excited about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This ministry has helped me to mature in my Christian walk. Hallelujah, this ministry has blessed not only me but my friends and family here in Kentucky and in Belize. This ministry has afforded me the opportunity to request prayer, to write about God's goodness and mercy and to share pictures and videos. This ministry has afforded me the opportunity to attend many events that I never could have afforded or even knew about, to name a couple, (The Clean Up Woman, The Temple Choir Concert featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker).
This is a hallelujah shout and I pray that God continue to keep and bless Rev. Angela Lee Price and Jesus Saves Ministries.
Comment by samuel bland 22 hours ago
This is truly one of the most innovative and exciting web sites for promoting the "Kingdom of God" on the internet. It is an invaluable source to many and I pray for its continued growth with the power of Almighty God. We celebrate along with you and Praise God for you and your "Chazone" Hebrew for "Vision."
Also "Chazone" is a great book that I am reading for my Practicum. You might want to add it to your library. (Everyone that has a dream and needs inspiration, it's a good read). You have my word on it.
From Angela Lee Price:
My soul is shouting, "Hallelujah!" Morning by morning, new mercies I see! My soul shouts "Hallelujah!" for you, God's keeping power in your lives, and your love and faithful support of Jesus Saves Ministries. In August, Jesus Saves Ministries began celebrating five years of ministry. Jesus Saves Ministries was birthed on August 12, 2005. We began publishing the Jesus Saves Newsletter, our multi-page newsletter on September 24, 2005. In January 2006, we launched the Jesus Saves Ministries Blog at http://www.jesussavesministries.blogspot.com/. To date, we have posted more than 400 blog posts there. Hallelujah! In 2008, we began publishing our one-page e-newsletter, The Net Christian E-Newsletter and launched this social network.
We have self-published four journals in five years:
  1. The Jesus Saves Newsletter Historical Journal, Volume 1
  2. The Net Christian E-Newsletter Supplement, Volume 1
  3. The Jesus Saves Newsletter Historical Journal, Volume 2
  4. The Net Christian E-Newsletter Supplement, Volume 2
By God's grace, Jesus Saves Ministries has partnered with a number of ministries and organizations along the way. And we have met some wonderful, God-fearing people on this social network. I shout Hallelujah for you, for your gifts, your love for God, and His love for you. My soul shouts Hallelujah for your prayers for this social network. We know that God is not through with us yet. Thank you for your continued support! Shout, "Hallelujah!" God is good and His mercies endure to all generations!
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Join the Jesus Saves Social Network, lift up Jesus Christ with us, and participate in upcoming promotions here. Jesus Saves Ministries, Celebrating Five Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!
                                                              
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