Yes, Jesus Is The Way!

The week Jesus was crucified, he told his disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father except through me." Jesus had just finished supper in the upper room with the disciples when he gave us one of His very greatest gospel texts.  

In my sanctified imagination, Thomas must have been overwhelmed and in a daze!  Jesus had already shared so much, that Judas would betray him for 30 pieces of silver; that Peter would deny him three times.  Then, Jesus declared He was going to heaven, and they were extremely concerned.   Yet he tells them to not be troubled and gives three reasons to have peace in their hearts.  First, We can take God at His Word.     When Jesus said, "Trust in God, and trust also in me,"  he was reminding his disciples to trust in God's Word (v.1).  Scripture had spoken of Jesus' impending crucifixion and his resurrection.  Sometimes we miss important information when circumstances become overwhelming.  We must remember that to trust God's word. You can trust God's Word  because as Jesus stated to the disciples as he gave the object lesson about the fig three in Matthew 24:35 , "Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away."  Secondly, We are going to heaven. Heaven is a prepared place personally by Jesus who said, "I am going to prepare a place for you" (v2). Heaven is not a state of mind. Finally,  Jesus is coming back for us.  Notice, Jesus said, "I will come and get you".  Jesus is not merely going to send for us.  He is going to personally escort us to the Father's house!  Isn't that good news?!  The Bible tells us to "encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).  In heaven, there will be no more fear, death, pain, or sorrow.

Thomas caught the tail end of his statement.  Jesus said, You know the way to the place where I am going" (v4).  Thomas must have woke up.  "We don't know where you are going,"  he blurted out, "How can we know the way? (v5)  

Jesus provided answers to three pertinent questions that have continued to be sought out by  the lost, the learned, and the longing down through the ages.  Those questions are "How can I be saved?", "How can I be sure?", and "How can I be satisfied?"

For lost people, Jesus answers the question, "How can I be saved?  He says, "I am the way, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (v6). Jesus clearly explains that the only people who will enter heaven will be those who have accepted him as the way - not those who have performed the greatest number of deeds.  There are no attributes of deity that the Jesus does not possess.  Jesus is the only way to have a relationship  with God (Romans 10:9; Acts 12:4; John 3:16).  The reason we can have relationship with God is Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the Cross.  Jesus died, and rose again which is what Easter is all about.

For the learned, Jesus answers the question, "How can I be sure?"  He says, I am the truth.   Everything that is true of God the Father is true of me.  Jesus replied to Thomas, "he who has seen me, has seen the Father" (v9). You can be sure when you put faith in Jesus Christ. The word "truth" is used in Scripture in two ways:  true as contrasted with false; and genuine as contrasted with unreal.  Although both apply to God, when we speak of the truth of God, normally His genuineness is contrasted with false gods of other religions.  The Scriptures declare Jesus as the one true God (John 1:1-2; John 17:3). 

For the longing who ask, "How can I be satisfied?, Jesus said, I am the life, that is, life in eternity and life on earth.  I am water when you are thirsty, and bread when you are hungry.  In John 10:10, he stated, "I have come that you may have life and have it more abundantly", in other words, until you are satisfied.  

Not only is Jesus Christ the only way to eternal life, He is the only way to abundant life.  Salvation, deliverance, healing, and spiritual growth cannot come any other way except, through Jesus Christ. He is the way!

 

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Bishop Eddie Long Had Fifth Accuser in Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit | Centino Kemp

This is what is trending today on Twitter out of Atlanta.  Wow!  That's all I can say.  The plot thickens.  I am sure Centino is going to get his 15 minutes of fame out of all this.  But what are Christians going to get, and what is the Black Church getting?  No matter what opinions you may have about Bishop Eddie Long and his prosperity message, everybody in the Black Church is adversely affected when something like this has so many ugly twists and turns. 

Bishop Eddie Long Had Fifth Accuser in Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit Centino Kemp

Bishop Eddie Long Had Fifth Accuser in Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Is T. D. Jakes Still A Prosperity Preacher?

I have to ask the question. Is Bishop T. D. still a prosperity preacher? He apparently doesn't think so. He spoke openingly about his position on prosperity preaching, the economy, the recession's impact on the church, President Obama's first year in office, among other subjects, in a November 2009 interview with Larry King. A portion of the transcript of that interview and video excerpt follow.

I will say that lately I have noticed a change in Jake's preaching focus -- much more on Jesus and a lot less on prosperity. His Rags to Riches and From the Cross to Pentecost series, for example, have included some refreshing, balanced preaching. I ain't mad about it. I am glad about it. I have said all along that if some of these prosperity preachers would just preach Jesus and Him crucified, that Jesus being the God He is, would handle the rest. But, does Jake's recent theological shift undo years of prosperity preaching, endorsements of and cavorting with some of the worst of the crew?

Interview Excerpt:

KING: We mentioned the fact about Christianity causing the crash. That's a headline from an article in the new edition of "The Atlantic" magazine.

Here's a short part of it. The author writes that: "America's mainstream religious denominations used to teach the faithful that they'd be rewarded in the afterlife. But over the past generation, a different strain of Christian faith has proliferated, one that promises to make believers rich in the here and now. And it's known as the prosperity gospel. Claiming tens of millions of adherents, it fosters risk taking and intense material optimism. It pumped air into the housing bubble and one year into the worst downtown since the Depression, it's still going strong."

We've linked this article to my blog at CNN.com/larryking.

What do you make of that concept?

JAKES: You know, it's a funny thing. I'm old enough to remember when religion focused on the hereafter and that was the total focus. And they were criticized for that. They said that we were so heavenly minded, we were no Earthly good.

There are those that go to extreme views about prosperity. But I thought that the article did not interview the people that it mentioned to get their perspective on it. I was briefly mentioned in the article. And I don't -- I don't consider myself a prosperity preacher. And...

KING: You're not a prosperity gospel? JAKES: No. No. That's not my gospel. My good news is that he rose from the dead.

But I do believe that, to those of us who work with people to encourage them and to give them hope, it's not a negative thing to encourage them to be all that they can be. To say that The Potter's House, for example, focuses on how to make people rich means you don't go there, because if you went to our church, we taught debt management. I wrote an op-ed about unfair practices in banking long before the crash came along. We teach people how to get out of debt. We did encourage people for home ownership. We also encouraged them to go back to school.

KING: Are you offended by the article?

JAKES: Not at all.

KING: No?

JAKES: Not at all.

Check out video of Larry King's Interview with T. D. Jakes

Related Post:

Bishop Noel Jones: Prosperity Gospel Partially to Blame for Economic Crisis

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

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Celebrating Five Years of Lifting Up Jesus Christ!

Is T. D. Jakes A Prosperity Preacher?

I have to ask the question. So many people have said that he is. He apparently doesn't think so and has said so in a November 2009 interview with Larry King. A portion of that interview follows. I will say that lately, I have noticed a change in his focus, much more on Jesus and a lot less on prosperity. This is great! But does six months undo years of prosperity preaching?

Interview Excerpt:

KING: We mentioned the fact about Christianity causing the crash. That's a headline from an article in the new edition of "The Atlantic" magazine.

Here's a short part of it. The author writes that: "America's mainstream religious denominations used to teach the faithful that they'd be rewarded in the afterlife. But over the past generation, a different strain of Christian faith has proliferated, one that promises to make believers rich in the here and now. And it's known as the prosperity gospel. Claiming tens of millions of adherents, it fosters risk taking and intense material optimism. It pumped air into the housing bubble and one year into the worst downtown since the Depression, it's still going strong."

We've linked this article to my blog at CNN.com/larryking.

What do you make of that concept?

JAKES: You know, it's a funny thing. I'm old enough to remember when religion focused on the hereafter and that was the total focus. And they were criticized for that. They said that we were so heavenly minded, we were no Earthly good.

There are those that go to extreme views about prosperity. But I thought that the article did not interview the people that it mentioned to get their perspective on it. I was briefly mentioned in the article. And I don't -- I don't consider myself a prosperity preacher. And...

KING: You're not a prosperity gospel? JAKES: No. No. That's not my gospel. My good news is that he rose from the dead.

But I do believe that, to those of us who work with people to encourage them and to give them hope, it's not a negative thing to encourage them to be all that they can be. To say that The Potter's House, for example, focuses on how to make people rich means you don't go there, because if you went to our church, we taught debt management. I wrote an op-ed about unfair practices in banking long before the crash came along. We teach people how to get out of debt. We did encourage people for home ownership. We also encouraged them to go back to school.

KING: Are you offended by the article?

JAKES: Not at all.

KING: No?

JAKES: Not at all.

Check out video of Larry King's Interview with T. D. Jakes

The Original Preachin' Gangsta, Marjoe The Atheist

Speaking of speaking in tongues, slaying people in the spirit, and prophesying, Marjoe Gortner says in this video,

"If you're going to get into big-time religion, these are the games you gotta play."

This video is must-see material for all who are concerned with protecting the sheep.

Abbreviated Video Description from YouTube.com:

In the 1950's he was known as the youngest ordained minister in the world (officially ordained at just 4 years old). As he grew to manhood, he traveled doing tent revivals, preaching, prophecying and working miracles... but the amazing truth was - Marjoe was a fraud! In fact, he claimed to be an atheist! His general view of "the ministry" was that it was no different than the entertainment business.

In 1972 Marjoe decided to get out of the "ministry" but took one last ride on the tent revival trail... this time with a band of camera men and he exposed his own charade! His self-created documentary ( titled "Marjoe") was made into a feature film and shown all over. Below is a 9 minute clip of him in action, both as a child and as an adult (the file is in Windows Media format).

Today Marjoe is an actor and also a public speaker for social causes he cares about. Foremost among those causes is informing the public about some of the rhetorical techniques that are being used to manipulate their thoughts and emotions. He is still not a Christian, but he visits about 20 colleges a year teaching them how "faith-healers" do their "tricks". People actually still "fall down under the power" in his lectures as he demonstrates how the masters of religion work their "magic."

Remember, it is not Mohmmad, Buddha, Confucius, nor New Ages that saves. Jesus saves!

Post your comments to this video below.

Yo, Jesus! Show Me the Money!

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

Because some preachers are mishandling the Word of God, many Christians think God owes them riches simply because they accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They view God as a genie, butler, chef, maid, and ATM machine. We see them all the time with their hands on their hips, rolling their eyes, and pointing their fingers at God shouting with attitude, "Yo, Jesus! Show me the money!

Beware the prosperity preachers. Their gospel is a distortion of the Word of God. We can't just demand what we want, and expect Him to give it to us. If that were the case, we'd all be rich. Jesus doesn't "owe" us anything, except a beatdown when we're disrespectful. The book entitled When Cultist Ask: A Popular Handbook On Cultic Misinterpretations by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes will help those truly seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to properly interpret the Word of God. I highly recommend this book. I cited it previously in the August 2006 post, I Fold At A Hundredfold.

Below is how Geisler and Rhodes explain, on page 245, the misinterpretation of 2 Corinthians 8:9, the passage often use to prove that God purposed for you to be rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9 – Does this verse indicate that financial prosperity is in the atonement, as Word-Faith teachers argue?

Misinterpretation: Second Corinthians 8:9 says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that through he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich” (NIV). Word-Faith teachers cite this verse in support of their view that financial prosperity is provided for in the atonement.

Correcting The Misinterpretation: If Paul intended to say that prosperity is provided for in the atonement, he was offering the Corinthians something that he himself did not possess at the time. Indeed, in 1 Corinthians 4:11, Paul informed these same individuals that he was “hungry and thirsty,” “poorly clothed,” “homeless.” He also exhorted the Corinthians to be imitators of his life and teaching (1 Cor. 4:16).

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, it seems clear that Paul was speaking about spiritual prosperity, not financial prosperity. This fits both the immediate context in 2 Corinthians and the broader context of Paul’s other writings. For example, if financial prosperity was provided for in the atonement, one must wonder why Paul informed the Philippians Christians that he had learned to be content even when going hungry. (Phil. 4:11-12). One would think he would have instead claimed the prosperity promised in the atonement to meet his every need.

Don't let Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, and their prosperity croonies creep up on you and those you love. Add When Cultist Ask to your library today. This resource will help you to defend the faith.

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

He's 'Long" On Gospel Music

The following is my modified response to Annie Brock's post on the This Old Black Church Blog entitled, Hip Hop and the Church. In the post is a video of an apparent hip hop service at New Birth Church. Annie said it was an example of why she doesn't like hip hop gospel and her belief that it is a tool of Satan (paraphrasing her sentiments)....

I am a former gospel radio announcer. From May 2008-March 2009, I was the morning drive radio personality on WLOU 1350 in Louisville. My husband is well known in this city as a radio program director. We have worked all genres of urban music including hip hop and R&B. We have been gatekeepers in terms of what music gets airplay and what doesn't.

I understand your concern. Satan is the prince of the power of the air, including and especially the air waves. I have been slow in playing a lot of hip hop gospel because a lot of it has no redeeming value- you can't hear the lyrics or the lyrics are shallow with no spiritual depth. Sometimes, it's because the young people behind the music are not skilled in rightly dividing the Word of God, or they are so arrogant that you can't tell them anything.

There are some hip hop gospel artists, Canton Jones, for example comes out of Eddie Long's church, who are getting national airplay. "Stay Saved" was one of his big songs. That song resonated with young, black men--strong, positive message, nice tempo. We need to do all we can to reach them, and many of them have lead hardcore lives.

Eddie Long has a new CD out that targets a young adult demo called, Bishop Eddie Long & Friends, The Kingdom Vol. 1 Featuring GW's. He's backed by the heavy hitters of contemporary gospel, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, and Dorinda Clarke Cole. Smokie Norful comes out of Long's church. Like it or not, Eddie Long is a force to be reckoned in gospel music. He's "long" on gospel music, I guess you can say.

Even though I don't care for Eddie Long's prosperity theology, the New Birth Total Praise Choir has put out some great music--"Suddenly" and another song on on the Spirit & Truth CD, "Thank You for Your Grace." I admit, I have wrestled with playing the choir because of their association with Long. I think this is the dilemma discerning radio stations and their gatekeepers are up against, not just concerning Edddie Long, but also T.D. Jakes, Noel Jones, and Creflo Dollar who are producing a lot of contemporary gospel. And it is no secret that I love the City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir CD because it's not about us. It's about Jesus, and that is exactly the point.

When I listen to gospel music, I am listening for sound biblical doctrine first and foremost, audible lyrics and strong rhythms. It's not just hip hop gospel that Satan is using. He uses all of it. That's why we must pray about this issue and for our gospel radio stations and church music ministries, the music directors, program directors, and even general managers, owners, ministers of music and worship leaders that "saved," biblically-educated people are in those positions who are watching out for the sheep, and who are doing the will of Almighty God.

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

Bishop Noel Jones: Prosperity Gospel Partially to Blame for Economic Crisis

By: Min. Angela Lee Price

In the May 19th article, Black Church Memberships Increase-Offerings Decrease by Hazel Edney, Bishop Noel Jones, pastor of the 17,000-member City of Refuge Church in Los Angeles makes profound statements concerning the prosperity gospel’s negative effect on the current economic crisis and the decline in church giving. I truly appreciate his comments. I have heard Noel Jones warn audiences on several occasions over the past six years about the negative effects of the prosperity gospel. It was his willingness to do that that helped change how I saw him, eventhough as he has said, he runs in those circles. I have been praying for his ministry. I have said for some time, that if only certain preachers would repent from prosperity preaching, they would make great expositors of sound biblical doctrine. I hope they are listening to their colleague now.

Below is an excerpt from the article:

In addition to scriptures, tangible know-how to correct and add balance to some of what has been taught in churches over the years will be key, says Bishop Noel Jones, pastor of the 17,000-member City of Refuge in Los Angeles, which he says is down only 6-10 percent on income.Jones says unbalanced teachings in the church are partially to blame for the crisis.

“We have endured 25 years of health, wealth and prosperity preaching and the prophet should have told us that we were going to be in this kind of situation and circumstance since they have such prophetic words,” Jones says. “What happens is the church has capitalized the gospel and we have preached Americanism for gospel and ultimately we ended up crashing because there is no credulity and authenticity in the whole presentation.”

He continues, “The only people who were making any real money were those who were expostulating the theology that left the psychology that debilitated the minds of those who were involved. The debilitation is that everybody expected to bring an offering in church and just get rich though nobody participated and partnered with God. Because at the end of the day nobody receives a check in an envelope postmarked from heaven.

It’s your participation that makes it happen…The ministry and the preachers have taken so much money from the church and lived lavish lifestyles. We need to put something back. We need to equip our people. As James puts it, very explicitly, ‘Faith without works is dead’. We co-create, we perpetuate God’s creation by functioning responsibly.”

Jones said many Christians have basically lived on credit and owned nothing.

“So, what everybody was talking about as God’s blessing was people living on credit. And the Bible says that the borrower is subject to the lender. So, Christian America simply joined the capitalistic bandwagon - and in the name of God - articulated a theology that has no credulity.”

Read two of several related posts on this blog:

I Fold At A Hundredfold!
Bishop Noel Jones: Word of Faith Theology Crippling the Black Church

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

Look Who's Playing Hanky Panky With God's Miracles

Rev. Angela Lee Price
You see them everyday on cable television early in the morning and in the wee hours of the night, the prosperity "profits "peddling their miracle products. It seems there is a "free" product for every situation, for every "going through," and it appears handkerchiefs are the stuff miracles are made of this season. There is...

1. Don Stewart and his green "Miracle Prosperity" handkerchief. He says if you make a vow of tithe of $1,000 or $500 and he will get 'Pookie' out of jail. I say that if you had $1,000, you could get 'Pookie' out of jail yourself.
2. The screaming Kerney Thomas and his Personal Prayer Package. His is the red "Blood of Jesus" handkerchief. Hmm...He needs to talk to Don Stewart so that they can get their colors straight. Which is it, the red hanky or the green one? I bet a few Deltas and AKAs could have some fun with this one.
3. Paul Lewis and his Miracle Olive Oil Soap. Won't a bar of pure shea butter soap and a bottle of olive oil do?
4. Peter Popoff and his Miracle Spring Water. Popoff got caught several years ago lying at one of his crusades about personal prophecies. It wasn't God talking to him afterall, but his wife talking to him through a hearing aid concealed in his ear. He is back and on BET. Lie to me once, shame on you. Lie to me twice, shame on me!
   
   

Judging from all I've seen on television lately, it would appear that this is the stuff miracles are made of this season! The cable television "profits" often quote Acts 19:11-12 to support their claims that handkerchiefs can heal you, that handkerchiefs can bring you financial blessings, "God was performing unusual miracles through Paul. Even handkerchiefs and aprons he had used were taken to the sick, and their diseases were driven away, and evil spirits would go out of them."

However, read down a little further in that chapter. You will discover that the seven sons of Sceva tried to do the same thing, but "...the evil spirit said to them 'I know Jesus, and I know about Paul, but you-who are you?' The man who had the evil spirit in him attacked them with such violence that he overpowered them all. They ran away from his house, wounded and with their clothes torn off " (Acts 19: 15-16).

Don't call on the "seven sons of Sceva," and their miracle products. Be careful when preachers tell you that you need certain objects, handkerchiefs, soaps, oils to give you what only God can give. It's a trick of the enemy that diverts your attention away from God and on to man. I'm not saying don't use anointing oil. I am saying it is wrong to use such items as gimmicks and as the sole remedies for healings and miracles.

Call on Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of His Word. Call Him up, as the seniors use to say, and tell'em what you want. He is a miracle worker! He will pick you up, turn you around, and place your feet on solid ground. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths." Turn off the television, open the door to the Word of God, and Jesus will come in.

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

T.G.I.F. and It's the 13th!

T.G.I.F., Thank God I'm Forgiven, and it's Friday, the 13th again! Oh, is the 13th an an unlucky number for you? Many people are running from black cats, avoiding ladders, tossing salt over their shoulders, and clinging to their lucky rabbit's feet, crystals, and good luck charms today 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 popular card games with witches and wizards and where demon-like characters and monsters cast spells, 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, and participating in seances and rituals as a means to contact dead, spirit beings, and 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).

Don't be afraid of witchcraft, wizards, spells and unlucky days. The Ancient of Days is all you need. He is much more powerful than any black cat, satanist, psychic, or magician. The powers of Pharaoh's magicians couldn't match God's powers (Exodus 8:19, 9:11), and the King's magicians couldn't interpret his dreams when Daniel could through God's revelation (Daniel 1L20, 2:27, 4:7ff, 5:7-30). Acts 19:19 describes how the people who had done magic gave it up after then 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, e-mail me at jesussaves838@ yahoo.com and I will send it to you, no strings attached, while supplies last.

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

The Prosperity Gospel's False Promise

Sherman Cox has written a book review on Soulpreaching.com that I think you should check out. It is on the book by Marvin McMickle entitled, Where Have All the Prophets Gone: Reclaiming Prophetic Preaching In America?

In his book review Cox says...
Marvin McMickle, in his work Where Have All The Prophets Gone writes about one of the biggest heresies that has grabbed hold of the church. This one is the idea that Christians are some how immune from suffering, sickness, or pain. McMickle notes that these preachers seem to see an "exemption" from suffering. All you have to do is "plant your seed" and you will be blessed with financial blessing. You will be blessed with a physical cure to whatever ails you.

Read The Prosperity Gospel's False Promise.

Tavis Smiley Hosts 10th State of the Black Union

Rev. Angela Lee Price

There is still a "Hallelujah" in my spirit. Tavis Smiley's mother has just prayed the benediction at the tenth State of the Black Union Symposium in Los Angeles. I watched half the symposium, and the half, as they say, won't be told by me tonight.

I tuned into C-Span at the beginning of the afternoon session. President Barack Obama's taped video address and the second panel's dialogue has me full to overflowing with new information on a variety of subjects. I truly felt President Obama's address was not only a concise recap of his first 40 days in office, but also a healing moment considering the uproar that occurred over Tavis' comments during the presidential campaign. Eventhough I have spported Tavis in the past and I have spoken with him twice on my radio show, I must admit I was upset with him, too, so I almost didn't watch this 10th Union.

Tavis introduced a new book, Accountable: Making America As Good As Its Promise which outlines President Obama's campaign promises. He asked the audience to use it as a checklist for tracking Obama's progress, plus, as with the 2006 bestseller, Covenent With Black America, Tavis is going on the road to several big cities beginning Monday to discuss the book. Louisville is not on the tour this time, at least not in the first set of cities.

Van Jones, Randall Robinson, Lani Guinier, and Erica Willams all shared profound insights on everything from the president's allocation of federal dollars for global warming and the ecology and the impact those dollars could have on blacks in the 'hood in terms of jobs, to exploring news ways of determining intelligence that includes, and not excludes, the African American intellect, to atrocities in African and other countries during the Clinton era. The first black Republican National Committe Chairman Michael Steele was a panelist as was Julianne Malveaux, Cornel West, Na'im Akbar, Jawanza Kunjufu, Danny Bakewell, Sr., and Karen Bass.

The comment that had me shoutin', however, not there was only one, came from Dr. Emily Towns when she said, "I know many of you are not going to like what I'm about to say, but the black church has to stop focusing so much on prosperity and start focusing on the prophetic (speaking truth to powers, not giving personal prophecies)." She said, "Prosperity is about yourself, your family, and those around you....The prophetic is about each and every one of us. If we don't move more into true communal relationship, Barack Obama will have only one term."

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

Dr. Kevin Cosby On "Joy Boy" Preaching and Megafest Theology

Dr. Kevin Wayne Cosby is a man highly favored of God. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on July 15, 1958. He received a clear call to ministry at a very early age. His earliest childhood memories are of his fervent desire to become a preacher. He fondly remembers preaching at the tender age of six, from a small pulpit built by one of the church trustees, at the request of hisgrandfather, Rev. Benjamin James Miller. Dr. Cosby’s pulpit playtime, was the first training ground for his dynamic ”practical living“ biblical teaching ministry.

God’s call on his life later led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

For complete bio on Dr. Cosby visit the St. Stephen Church homepage. Video additonal videos at the end of this clip.

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

Handkerchiefs And The Stuff Miracles Are Made Of

Rev. Angela Lee Price

You see them everyday on cable television early in the morning and in the wee hours of the night, the prosperity prophets peddling their products. It seems there is a "free" product for every situation, for every "going through," and it appears handkerchiefs are the stuff miracles are made of this holiday season. There is...

1. Don Stewart and his green "Miracle Prosperity" handkerchief. He says if you make a vow of tithe of $1,000 or $500 and he will get 'Pookie' out of jail. I say that if you had $1,000, you could get 'Pookie' out of jail yourself.
2. The screaming Kerney Thomas and his Personal Prayer Package. His is the red "Blood of Jesus" handkerchief. Hmm...He needs to talk to Don Stewart so that they can get their colors straight. Which is it, the red hanky or the green one? I bet a few Deltas and AKAs could have some fun with this one.
3. Paul Lewis and his Miracle Olive Oil Soap. Won't a bar of pure shea butter soap and a bottle of olive oil do?
4. Peter Popoff and his Miracle Spring Water. Popoff got caught several years ago lying at one of his crusades about personal prophecies. It wasn't God talking to him afterall, but his wife talking to him through a hearing aid concealed in his ear. He is back and on BET. Lie to me once, shame on you. Lie to me twice, shame on me!
   
   
   

Judging from all I've seen on television lately, it would appear that this is the stuff miracles are made of the holiday season! The cable television prophets often quote Acts 19:11-12 to support their claims that handkerchiefs can heal you, that handkerchiefs can bring you financial blessings, "God was performing unusual miracles through Paul. Even handkerchiefs and aprons he had used were taken to the sick, and their diseases were driven away, and evil spirits would go out of them."

However, read down a little further in that chapter. You will discover that the seven sons of Sceva tried to do the same thing, but "...the evil spirit said to them 'I know Jesus, and I know about Paul, but you-who are you?' The man who had the evil spirit in him attacked them with such violence that he overpowered them all. They ran away from his house, wounded and with their clothes torn off " (Acts 19: 15-16).

Don't call on the "seven sons of Sceva," and their miracle products. Be careful when preachers tell you that you need certain objects, handkerchiefs, soaps, oils to give you what only God can give. It's a trick of the enemy that diverts your attention away from God and on to man. And as much as I disagree with the Catholic faith on some issues, I don't see Catholic priests on television peddling holy water and anointing oil. Praise God for that!

Call on Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of His Word. Call Him up, as the seniors use to say, and tell'em what you want. He is a miracle worker! He will pick you up, turn you around, and place your feet on solid ground. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths." Turn off the television, open the door to the Word of God, and Jesus will come in.

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

It Don't Take All That!: Senate Investigates Six Televangelists

By: Rev. Angela Lee Price

Many Christians have said, "It don't take all that!," - the mansions, Rolls Royces, and jet setting to save souls, and so on Tuesday, November 6th the senate launched an investigation to look into allegations of financial wrongdoing against prosperity preachers Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Paula and Randy White, and Joyce Meyer, Televangelists Under Investigation.

watch video

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is following up on complaints from the public and news reports. He said the allgegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries, housing allowances, and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces, according to an Associated Press story on WSBTV.com. Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, and Kenneth Copeland are all members of the Oral Roberts University Board of Regents.

Oral Roberts, his son Richard, and the Roberts family are being investigated, too, according to the November 9th Louisville, Kentucky Courier Journal Newspaper article, Many saw televangelists' spending. Oral Roberts University is debt-ridden, insiders claim, because the Roberts used university endowments for personal spending. The allegations of improper spending come on the heels of an Octover 2nd lawsuit filed by three ex-professors according to the article.

Pictured above Eddie Long, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, and Kenneth Copeland.

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

Black Liberation Father James Cone on the Black Church and "Success"

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Please take the time to view this seven-minute video clip from Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union IV, The Black Church: Relevant, Repressive, or Reborn? James Cone asserts that the black church has lost its mission and purpose and has become too success-oriented.

State of the Black Union IV is a must-see for those interested in the black church and the perspectives of various nationally-known black bishops, pastors, and theologians. It features Cain Hope Felder, Michael Eric Dyson, Marcia Dyson, Charles Ellis, Cynthia Hale, Noel Jones, Frederick Haynes, Carolyn Knight, Vashti McKenzie, Jeremiah Wright, Charles Adams, Jamal Bryant, Jacquelyn Grant, Cheryl Townsen Gilkes, Kenneth Flowers, Floyd Flake, Barbara King, Paul S. Morton, Eugene Rivers, Al Sharpton, Gardner Taylor, William Shaw, Cornel West, Raymond Brown, Marvin Winans, Wendell Anthony, Carlton Pearson, Johnnie Coleman, and Barbara King.

The entire seven-hour summit is available for viewing free through Jesus Saves Ministries

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

Was Jesus Made Sin and Twice Born?

By: Angela Lee Price

“Herein is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

On Sunday, March 17th, my Sunday School class, Learning About Jesus and I got into a discussion concerning the word “propitiation” in 1 John 4:10 about which I want to elaborate further. The word “propitiation” as defined in our Sunday school book means “to atone or take on the sins and punishment of another.” This means Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin, not that he became sin as Word of Faith preachers Kenneth Copeland, and others claim. I gave an example of one sibling taking a punishment for a second sibling even though the first sibling was innocent. This is what God’s first born Son did for us, His children.

A member pointed out that 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” This is true; however, does it mean Jesus was “made into” sin? No. This is the verse often quoted by Word of Faith preachers to prove that Jesus actually became sin, and was born again in hell. They say Jesus took on the nature of Satan in hell. Word of Faith preachers claim that Jesus was not fully God and fully man while on earth, but that He was a twice-born man. Christians can perform miracles, call things into existence, “name it and claim it” they say because we are the same as Jesus Christ, i.e. twice born beings. This is not true.

Listen to Kenneth Copeland's mis-interpretation of Scripture in this youtube.com video:

Interpreting Scripture requires that we rightly divide the Word of God. This means that one must compare all relevant passages on a subject in order to arrive at the meaning of any one passage. One should also look at the context which which verses are written. Verses in the lesson, Romans 3:24-25, l John 2:2, and l John 4:10, use the word “propitiation” in the King James, or “sacrifice” in the NIV. Another word often used for “propitiation” is “imputed.”

Here now are additional passages that corroborate that Jesus was “without sin” and was not “made sin” while on earth:
Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 4:15
Hebrews 13:8
1 Peter 1:19
1 Peter 3:18

I suggest again purchasing the book, When Cultists Ask: A Popular Handbook On Cultic Misinterpretations by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes. It is a great reference book that lists often-misinterpreted passages in the Bible with explanation of their correct interpretations. On pages 244-45, is a lengthy explanation of 2 Corinthians 5:9. In summary, Jesus did not become sin himself, personally, actually. He paid our sin debt for us substitutionally, and judicially by dying on the Cross.

Concerning Jesus’ unique nature, Colossians l:15 (NIV) declares Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in the heaven and on earth…,” Colossians 2:9 (KJV) says “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily,” and John 1:1-3 (KJV) state, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made.” Jesus is God, and He lived a sinless life on earth. Although we are children of God, we do not possess the same nature as Jesus Christ. We are not "gods" as Word of Faith proponents Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, and Eddie Long propose.

In my next post, I will correct the mis-interpretations of Psalms 82, John 10:34, and Philippians 2:5-8, the "you are gods" passages.

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

"Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves..."

Be sure to read these related articles posted on Jesus Saves Ministries Blog:

It's All About the Dollar: Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
Why Jesus Called A Man A Fool
Word of Faith Movement: Snakes On A Plane!
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes Takes Survey On Black Church
I Fold At A Hundredfold!
Bishop Noel Jones: Word of Faith Theology Crippling the Black Church
Prophetic Or Pathetic
Are You Letting Yourself Down?
The 50 Most Influential Christians In America
Ease On Down the Road...to Heaven?

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

I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Last week in our lesson, I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, my Sunday school class, Learning About Jesus, and I discussed the troubled heart, the trusting heart, and the triumphant heart. How is your heart today? Are you troubled and trippin’ about your situation, relying on psychics, fortune tellers, horoscopes, crystal balls, and prosperity preachers for answers, or are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ to be your burden bearer?

Jesus says in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.” There is no trouble too hard for God, no heartache, disease, nor difficulty. Study His Word and take your troubles to Him in prayer. He is able turn your troubled heart into a triumphant heart and set you free.

Jesus told his disciples in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the father but through me." Not only is Jesus Christ the only way to eternal life, He is the only way to abundant life. Salvation, deliverance, healing, and sanctification cannot be found in Mohammad, Buddha, Confucius, nor the Jesus of the New Age Movement. Those things can only be found in Jesus Christ. He is the way.

Finally, Jesus says in John 16:33 what prosperity preachers won't tell you, "...In this world you will have trouble." Too many Christians are troubled today because they are falling for the distortions of prosperity preachers who say once you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you won't get sick and riches are yours for the asking. "God's got a blessing with your name on it. Send us a special 'Get Back Devil' seed offering, and claim that thing!," they say charismatically. The next time you hear that lie, hollar back, "You made that up!," and rest on the conclusion of verse 33 where Jesus says, "...take heart! I have overcome the world."

Be sure to read these related articles posted on Jesus Saves Ministries Blog:
It's All About the Dollar: Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
Why Jesus Called A Man A Fool
Word of Faith Movement: Snakes On A Plane!
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes Takes Survey On Black Church
I Fold At A Hundredfold!
Bishop Noel Jones: Word of Faith Theology Crippling the Black Church
Prophetic Or Pathetic
Are You Letting Yourself Down?
The 50 Most Influential Christians In America
Ease On Down the Road...to Heaven?

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

Show Me the Money!

By: Angela Lee Price

Because some preachers are mishandling the Word of God, many Christians think God owes them riches simply because they accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They view God as a genie, butler, chef, maid, and ATM machine. We see them all the time with their hands on their hips, rolling their eyes, and pointing their fingers at God shouting with attitude, "Yo, Jesus! Show me the money!

Beware the prosperity preachers. Their gospel is a distortion of the Word of God. We can't just demand what we want, and expect Him to give it to us. If that were the case, we'd all be rich. Jesus doesn't "owe" us anything, except a beatdown when we're disrespectful. The book entitled When Cultist Ask: A Popular Handbook On Cultic Misinterpretations by Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes will help those truly seeking knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to properly interpret the Word of God. I highly recommend this book. I cited it previously in the August 2006 post, I Fold At A Hundredfold.

Below is how Geisler and Rhodes explain, on page 245, the misinterpretation of 2 Corinthians 8:9, the passage often use to prove that God purposed for you to be rich.

2 Corinthians 8:9 – Does this verse indicate that financial prosperity is in the atonement, as Word-Faith teachers argue?

Misinterpretation: Second Corinthians 8:9 says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that through he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich” (NIV). Word-Faith teachers cite this verse in support of their view that financial prosperity is provided for in the atonement.

Correcting The Misinterpretation: If Paul intended to say that prosperity is provided for in the atonement, he was offering the Corinthians something that he himself did not possess at the time. Indeed, in 1 Corinthians 4:11, Paul informed these same individuals that he was “hungry and thirsty,” “poorly clothed,” “homeless.” He also exhorted the Corinthians to be imitators of his life and teaching (1 Cor. 4:16).

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, it seems clear that Paul was speaking about spiritual prosperity, not financial prosperity. This fits both the immediate context in 2 Corinthians and the broader context of Paul’s other writings. For example, if financial prosperity was provided for in the atonement, one must wonder why Paul informed the Philippians Christians that he had learned to be content even when going hungry. (Phil. 4:11-12). One would think he would have instead claimed the prosperity promised in the atonement to meet his every need.

Don't let Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, and their prosperity croonies creep up on you and those you love. Add When Cultist Ask to your library today. This resource will help you to defend the faith.

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