Out to lunch…for now…

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not blogging much anymore.

Not because the pulpit pimps and profiteers have left pulpits across the globe, or because I’ve been stricken with a curse because I dared “put my mouth on the mand/womand of God.”

I’m just tired, and I’m busy in other areas of my life.

Since 2008, I’ve written just about as much as I could to keep you away from false prophets. I’ve warned, investigated, publicly shamed (or attempted to because these wolves have no shame), openly named and challenged all manner of vile perpetrators…and I feel as though I’ve hit the wall.

So, I’m on hiatus until God wills me to drop back in from time to time and share my thoughts as He leads. I encourage you to continue visiting the links to sermons and other blogs that are listed along the right-edge of this blog (and Melvin Jones over at Pulpit Pimps is BACK!!!).

As always, be vigilant and continue to defend this great Gospel…

“For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions…”

Romans 1:26-27 (New American Standard Bible):

 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing[b]indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

I’ve written about homosexuality in the church in the past, especially as it relates to Eddie Long and his evolving stance on the issue, and his subsequent non-admission admission of his own homosexual lifestyle. I’m not an expert on the subject of “gay Christianity” (my brother DL Foster over at Gay Christian Movement Watch does a masterful job of clearly, exhaustively, and soberly addressing the issue), but a friend recently sent over a video that I felt needed additional attention.

The Vision Church is the latest “affirming” church in the Metro-Atlanta area, led by Bishop O.C. Allen III.  Allen is openly gay, and he and his partner (a/k/a “The First Gentleman”…not “First Lady”, get it?) started the church in their living room – and it’s grown to “mega church” status in the last few years. Allen was recently interviewed on The Word Has Nothing To Do With It Network by Lexi (who seems to love interviewing every reprobate and theologically-challenged so-called Christian she can sink her acrylics into). I found myself at a loss for words after viewing Part 1 in it’s entirety (no need for me to find Part 2), and I ask that you review the entire episode before commenting as well:

Let me be explicitly clear: EVERY church should welcome homosexuals (and ALL other sinners) and expose them to the unadulterated Word of God in admonishing them to turn from their sins and follow Christ. NO church should alter and amend the Word of God to suite the lifestyles of parishioners, ESPECIALLY since those same lifestyles run counter to God’s Word. Here’s a reminder about the qualifications of church leadership – as expressed through God-breathed and divinely inspired scripture (my emphasis in bold):

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (New American Standard Bible):

 1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

I’ll leave you to the comment thread to get your thoughts, but please remember that there are lost and confused souls in the world who need access to the TRUE & LIVING GOD – not this malleable and contemporary heresy we see at this “church” and others.

Please pray for those who are (a) caught up in homosexuality and all other manner of sin, (b) deceived by this and other “churches” – affirming or not – who distort the Word of God, and (c) for this “bishop” and those who follow him – that their eyes be opened and they accept/turn to/return to the TRUE Gospel and Christ as their ONLY means of salvation (as the Lord wills).

The Cult of Mormon

As I stated during the last presidential election cycle, I am a political independent – I support people, not entire parties. I was/am not a fan of any politician who trots out their religious-cred to milk the faithful for their support – whether it’s George W. Bush or Barack Obama, both of whom exhibit questionable (if not out-right incredulous) “allegiance” to the Christian faith. And this is not a political blog, although I’m eager to share my thoughts on the exploitation of religion for political gain.

The quote above is attributed to Robert Jeffress, the Dallas pastor (and Rick Perry supporter)  who single-handily thrust Mitt Romney’s religion back into the forefront of presidential politics (yet again).  I won’t expound on my thoughts on the bread and circus of the impending presidential election cycle, but I will take a moment to educate (and remind) you about the tenets of Mormonism, thanks to a recent article from GotQuestions.org (reprinted in it’s entirety, my emphasis in bold):

What is Mormonism? What Do Mormon’s Believe?

The Mormon religion (Mormonism), whose followers are known as Mormons and Latter Day Saints (LDS), was founded less than two hundred years ago by a man named Joseph Smith. He claimed to have received a personal visit from God the Father and Jesus Christ who told him that all churches and their creeds were an abomination. Joseph Smith then set out to begin a brand-new religion that claims to be the “only true church on earth.” The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible. Christians have no reason to believe that the Bible is not true and adequate. To truly believe in and trust God means to believe in His Word, and all Scripture is inspired by God, which means it comes from Him (2 Timothy 3:16).

Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, not just one: 1) The Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.” Which verses are considered incorrectly translated is not always made clear. 2) The Book of Mormon, which was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. Smith claimed it is the “most correct book” on earth and that a person can get closer to God by following its precepts “than by any other book.” 3) The Doctrine and Covenants, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the “Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.” 4) The Pearl of the Great Price, which is considered by Mormons to “clarify” doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and adds its own information about the earth’s creation.

Mormons believe the following about God: He has not always been the Supreme Being of the universe, but attained that status through righteous living and persistent effort. They believe God the Father has a “body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s.” Though abandoned by modern Mormon leaders, Brigham Young taught that Adam actually was God and the father of Jesus Christ. In contrast, Christians know this about God: there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6-8), He always has existed and always will exist (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17), and He was not created but is the Creator (Genesis 1; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 37:16). He is perfect, and no one else is equal to Him (Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 40:25). God the Father is not a man, nor was He ever (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hosea 11:9). He is Spirit (John 4:24), and Spirit is not made of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39).

Mormons believe that there are different levels or kingdoms in the afterlife: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. Where mankind will end up depends on what they believe and do in this life. In contrast, the Bible tells us that after death, we go to heaven or hell based on whether or not we had faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. To be absent from our bodies means, as believers, we are with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Unbelievers are sent to hell or the place of the dead (Luke 16:22-23). When Jesus comes the second time, we will receive new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). There will be a new heaven and new earth for believers (Revelation 21:1), and unbelievers will be thrown into an everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15). There is no second chance for redemption after death (Hebrews 9:27).

Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary. Mormons believe Jesus is a god, but that any human can also become a god. Mormonism teaches that salvation can be earned by a combination of faith and good works. Contrary to this, Christians historically have taught that no one can achieve the status of God—only He is holy (1 Samuel 2:2). We can only be made holy in God’s sight through faith in Him (1 Corinthians 1:2). Jesus is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16), is the only one ever to have lived a sinless, blameless life, and now has the highest place of honor in heaven (Hebrews 7:26). Jesus and God are one in essence, Jesus being the only One existing before physical birth (John 1:1-8; 8:56). Jesus gave Himself to us as a sacrifice, God raised Him from the dead, and one day everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:6-11). Jesus tells us it is impossible to get to heaven by our own works and that only by faith in Him is it possible (Matthew 19:26). We all deserve eternal punishment for our sins, but God’s infinite love and grace have allowed us a way out. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Clearly, there is only one way to receive salvation and that is to know God and His Son, Jesus (John 17:3). It is not done by works, but by faith (Romans 1:17; 3:28). We can receive this gift no matter who we are or what we have done (Romans 3:22). “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Although Mormons are usually friendly, loving, and kind people, they are deceived by a false religion that distorts the nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation.

So, it doesn’t matter how many cool commercials they trot out to prove “we’re just like you”, Mormonism is counter to the Word of God and the Lordship of Jesus Christ…which means it’s a cult.

Recommended Links:

 

 

The “Eddie Long is obviously gay” Open Forum

Life is short, folks. None of us are getting any younger – and none of us knows when the Lord will see fit to calls us back home. My usual dose of minuscule patience is getting even more scarce these days.

As such, I find it necessary to cut through all the bull squeeze and innuendo that many ascribe to their discussions/writings/opinions, and more regarding Eddie Long.

Prayerfully, this will be my last article on Eddie Long and his homosexuality – there’s really nothing new to add here but this is my public way of answering the hundreds of emails I’ve received seeking my opinion. So, you want to know my final thoughts on the matter? OK – here we go…

Unless you’ve been in a cave for a while, you should know that Eddie “I’m going to fight these allegations like David fought Goliath” Long settled the lawsuit brought on by for men who accused Long of sexual coercion (among other things).

Yup – he settled for millions of dollars. Some highly placed sources also say the Eddie was asked to issue a private apology, but he upped the money offer instead and the settlement was agreed upon.

The lawsuit is sealed – and these guys can’t sue Eddie for the same thing again (although some are rumbling about other allegations from other men who could come forward at a later time). I know what the legal implications for a settlement are, and I’ve previously written about my thoughts on what a settlement “looks like” to the layman.

So to me, Eddie Long is a homosexual. Yup – it’s that simple, and that settles it.

He’s obviously gay, otherwise he would’ve vigorously defended himself (and his manhood, frankly) against such heinous accusations.

He would have fought to protect the reputation of his wife and children. He would’ve fought to protect those who still attribute some form of clerical respect and admiration to him (for whatever ungodly reason).

But he didn’t…instead he negotiated with his male “accusers” (I’ll just call them former lovers since I’m in such a frank and honest mood) for 6 months and agreed to seal the deal and never speak of it again. That’s the act of a gay coward who isn’t even man enough to publicly admit what he is.

He tucked his tail between his skin-tight biker shorts and sulked back to his “pulpit” where his evil arrogance won’t even bring him to mention anything about his settlement. In fact, this pimp is so brazen that he announces that he’s expanding his cult to Birmingham and Denver (RUN NOW, CITIZENS OF BIRMINGHAM AND DENVER!!!) – AND he’s even warped enough to seek $500-$1,000 from the few sheep he still has to help in the expansion!

I’ve written at length about all of Eddie’s evil – from his nuclear-level pimp money game to his mind-numb cult followers to his confirmed homosexuality (I won’t even waste time typing “alleged” anymore), so you can click here and re-read my solicitations for Eddie’s public repentance, calls for prayer for him and his followers and more.

Oh – and Creflo Dollar’s “sermon of support” comparing Eddie’s homosexual relationships with young men to a “wreck” did nothing but exacerbate tensions outside of Eddie’s cult:

Yup – the money-grubbing scripture twisting minstrel who thinks you can drill a hole to the center of the earth and hear people in hell actually defends his gay “brother”. I know – I fought my gag reflex while watching the video also.

So, no more scriptures from me concerning Eddie – or admonitions to stay away from his cult (why bother). The Lords will be done concerning him and his followers.

I will, however, surrender this thread to you for your comments, observations, etc. Maybe something you say will resonate more than anything I’ve said in the past. So – have at it, folks!

UPDATE 6/9/11: Well, Creflo had the video of his sermon of support for Eddie Long taken down (you can still Google it and find it out there somewhere). Interestingly, Creflo’s not even man enough to support his gay “brother in the Lord” once his taped message of support goes viral 🙄

Know When To Fold ‘Em, Eddie…

Eddie Long is proving more and more that he doesn’t quite know when to “fold ’em” and slink back under the rock he escaped.

As I’ve said before – this blog is not “all things Eddie Long”, I am simply documenting the dissection of a pulpit pimp before our very eyes…and Eddie seems to want to shine more and more light on his dysfunction on a regular basis.

In late January, Eddie made a YouTube appeal asking an investor to return money to members of his congregation (some of the lemmings left at Club New Birth) that he claimed was mishandled. It was a bizarre appeal (considering Eddie regularly mishandled money culled from his lemmings), and it caught the attention of the local Fox affiliate.

I pretty much ignored the story back then – although I found it difficult to at first. Like many others, I’ve thrown good money after bad at Eddie’s Ponzi schemes during my time of strong delusion at CNB – and I’ve even lost money to the snake-oil sales people he brought before the congregation as well (failed “magazine subscriptions”, “New Birth water”, Mark Hanby’s phony corporate stock purchasing scams, and more).

Still,  I had to scratch my head in wonder – why would a wig-wearing alleged homosexual “bishop” choose to remain in the public eye while simultaneously fighting/mediating a civil lawsuit for sexual coercion? It doesn’t make sense – but  not much coming out of CNB does these days.

We all know that Eddie is a metaphorical gambler – he plays “fast and loose” with the truth and rolls the dice when it comes to butchering God’s Word. Thanks to a helpful reminder from my brother IndependentConservative (who is doing well, just taking a VERY LONG blog hiatus), we now know that apparently Eddie is also a literal gambler.

It looks like Eddie encouraged his sheeple to invest in “sweepstakes machines”…yup, the good “bishop” was drumming up participants for a gambling business. Click the link to watch the latest investigative report into the saga heretofore known as Eddie Long, and keep in mind: the men in the story who collectively lost more than $20,000 ARE STILL MEMBERS OF CLUB NEW BIRTH!

I keep wondering why Eddie even still has keys to that building. C’mon Eddie, know when to fold ’em…sheesh.

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“For both prophet and priest are polluted…”

**Scroll down for updated information**

Jeremiah 23:1-2 (New American Standard)

1“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD.

 2Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them; behold, I am about to attend to you for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:9-12 (New American Standard)

9As for the prophets:
         My heart is broken within me,
         All my bones tremble;
         I have become like a drunken man,
         Even like a man overcome with wine,
         Because of the LORD
         And because of His holy words.
    10For the land is full of adulterers;
         For the land mourns because of the curse
         The pastures of the wilderness have dried up.
         Their course also is evil
         And their might is not right.
    11“For both prophet and priest are polluted;
         Even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.
    12“Therefore their way will be like slippery paths to them,
         They will be driven away into the gloom and fall down in it;
         For I will bring calamity upon them,
         The year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

I have written in detail about Bishop Johnathan Alvarado’s proclivity for butchering the Word of God several years ago (go here and here for background information), so there is no need to go into a biographical sketch of a man whom I consider to be a false prophet and intentional butcher of the Word.

Alvarado is a “former son” of Eddie Long, so it’s not surprising to learn of the recent allegations against Alvarado – allegations of sexual misconduct with minors (emphasis bolded below):

DA Looking into Metro Atlanta Bishop

The DeKalb County district attorney’s office confirms that it is looking into allegations against Total Grace Christian Center Bishop Johnathan Alvarado, but would not specify what those allegations are.

The case listing makes reference to possible “crimes against children”.

But according to online records on the district attorney’s office website, a case number has been assigned to the probe, as has an assistant district attorney and an investigator.

The case listing makes reference to possible “crimes against children”.

You can click the title above to read more, and here’s a video of the story shown on local television last night. Alvarado allegedly paid off the families of some of the alleged victims – but the DA was notified because the alleged victims (all believed to be male – although it makes no difference) may all have been under the age of legal consent in Georgia. I won’t speculate any further until I can corroborate with my sources, although the DA is expected to provide more information as the investigation continues.

Of course, at this point Alvarado is only accused of potential “crimes against children”, yet it confirms another apparent connection between those who purport a FALSE gospel and their propensity to live a life in direct contrast to the message of the Cross. Additionally, one can’t ignore Alvarado’s early association with Eddie Long – and Long’s alleged proclivities have been whispered about in the Metro Atlanta area for more than 20 years. 

Continue to pray for those who are negatively impacted by false and salacious prophets who scatter God’s sheep – and pray that the Lord would deal with the wolves according to His Will. He has already made his plan of remediation apparent through his Word:

Jeremiah 23:15; 19-20 (New American Standard)

15“Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets,
         ‘Behold, I am going to feed them wormwood
         And make them drink poisonous water,
         For from the prophets of Jerusalem
         Pollution has gone forth into all the land.'”

[…]

19“Behold, the storm of the LORD has gone forth in wrath,
         Even a whirling tempest;
         It will swirl down on the head of the wicked.
    20“The anger of the LORD will not turn back
         Until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart;
         In the last days you will clearly understand it.

**Update – 3/18/11**

Shaun King, a local Pastor and former assistant/armor bearer to Alvarado was the first person to open speak about Alvarado’s alleged activities – including details as to why he left Alvarado’s church. Here’s a link to King’s blog detailing how he found out about Alavarado’s alleged activities, and what action he took.

Please remember, life isn’t always easy for those of us who escape these cults – you’re labeled a devil, rabble rouser, and all other manner of ilicit titles for daring to “betray the mand/womand of gawd and leave his/her covering.” While most are happy to just quietly walk away – I’m proud that more people are not only fleeing false doctrine, but they are also alerting others.

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Attention Ladies: Eddie Long Wants Your Men…

and their money

Given the wealth of information I’ve shared on this blog about Eddie Long, there’s nothing else I need to say. So, feel free to comment in 3…2…1…

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Studying The Bible: In Context

jpeg courtesy of Relevant Magazine

Gotquestions.org has become one of my favorite resources for asking and answering questions of faith. I saw this article and immediately agreed with its relevancy – and I’m re-posting it in its entirety:

Question: “Why is it important to study the Bible in context? What is wrong with taking verses out of context?”

Answer: It’s important to study Bible passages and stories within their context. Taking verses out of context leads to all kinds of error and misunderstanding. Understanding context begins with four principles: literal meaning (what it says), historical setting (the events of the story, to whom is it addressed, and how it was understood at that time), grammar (the immediate sentence and paragraph within which a word or phrase is found) and synthesis (comparing it with other parts of Scripture for a fuller meaning). Context is crucial to biblical exegesis in that it is one of its most important fundamentals. After we account for the literal, historical, and grammatical nature of a passage, we must then focus on the outline and structure of the book, then the chapter, then the paragraph. All of these things refer to “context.” To illustrate, it is like looking at Google Maps and zooming in on one house.

Taking phrases and verses out of context always leads to misunderstanding. For instance, taking the phrase “God is love” (1 John 4:7-16) out of its context, we might come away thinking that our God loves everything and everyone at all times with a gushing, romantic love. But in its literal and grammatical context, “love” here refers to agape love, the essence of which is sacrifice for the benefit of another, not a sentimental, romantic love. The historical context is also crucial, because John was addressing believers in the first century church and instructing them not on God’s love per se, but on how to identify true believers from false professors. True love—the sacrificial, beneficial kind—is the mark of the true believer (v. 7), those who do not love do not belong to God (v. 8), God loved us before we loved Him (vv. 9-10), and all of this is why we should love one another and thereby prove that we are His (v. 11-12).

Furthermore, considering the phrase “God is love” in the context of all of Scripture (synthesis) will keep us from coming to the false, and all-too-common, conclusion that God is only love or that His love is greater than all His other attributes, which is simply not the case. We know from many other passages that God is also holy and righteous, faithful and trustworthy, graceful and merciful, kind and compassionate, omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient, and many, many other things. We also know from other passages that God not only loves, but He also hates.

The Bible is the Word of God, literally “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), and we are commanded to ready, study, and understand it through the use of good Bible study methods and always with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide us (1 Corinthians 2:14). Our study is greatly enhanced by maintaining diligence in the use of context because it is quite easy come to wrong conclusions by taking phrases and verses out of context. It is not difficult to point out places that seemingly contradict other portions of Scripture, but if we carefully look at their context and use the entirety of Scripture as a reference, we can understand the meaning of a passage. “Context is king” means that the context often drives the meaning of a phrase. To ignore context is to put ourselves at a tremendous disadvantage.

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Happy New Year…

I’m grateful to God to be able to look back on another year.

This blog has been in existence since February 2008, and more than 460,000 visits later I’m thankful that God has sent you here to comment, criticize, to be enlightened, to be angered, and to be informed.

Most of all, I thank God for allowing me to continue to speak (or write) His truth.

I’m not particularly nostalgic, nor do I make new year resolutions, so I wish you all Godspeed in 2011 – and God’s best for your lives according to His Will and good pleasure for you.

So (as has been the “tradition” for the past few years) here are the top 20 articles viewed on the blog for 2010:

Article & number of views

“Why Aren’t More Blacks Interested In Reformed Theology?” 5,567
The Black Value System Vs. The Bible 5,377
Studying The Bible: The Topical Method 4,920
Is Hillsong Church A Cult? 3,573
The Cursing Preacher and the $900,000 “Donation” 3,388
Why I Speak Truth 3,307
Are “Armor Bearers” Biblical? 3,203
The Prince Pimp Of Baltimore Endorses Obama 3,050
“Pulpit Pimps”…Too Harsh? 2,914
Pimps – The Gathering 2,513
Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy… 2,159
Another “Spiritual Daddy” Demands “Submission” 2,088
Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop” 1,824
Roman Catholicism Is A False Religion 1,770
Fred K.C. Price…Apostle? 1,492
“Moneeeeeey Cometh…To Me…NOW! 1,398
Surprise, Surprise…Another Gay “Bishop” in Metro Atlanta 1,393
“I’m Still The Man!” 1,381
D.E. Paulk Has Officially Lost His Mind 1,358
You KNOW You’re In A Cult If… 1,342
So, Eddie Doesn’t “Understand” Homosexuality? 1,329

Sola Dei Gloria!

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If it walks like a gay bishop, and talks like a gay bishop…

…then it must be a gay bishop.

Eddie Long (the “bishop” pictured above with “Ms. Sophia”, a well-known transvestite here in Atlanta) is apparently ready to mediate with his accusers and provide them with a financial settlement to make this whole sexual coercion and abuse story go away.

I’m not a lawyer, but I don’t think that people seek mediation to settle a case that alleges heinous activity if THEY ARE NOT GUILTY IN SOME WAY.

I wouldn’t even agree to settle a fender-bender if I wasn’t guilty. If someone accused me of inappropriate sexual contact with boys/young men I “mentored”, then I would demand a jury trial and vigorously depose my accusers to defend my honesty.

I mean, if you’re innocent, wouldn’t YOU fight to clear your good name?

And what happened to “I feel like David against Goliath…I’ve got 5 rocks, and I haven’t thrown 1 yet!”? Did I miss something in 1 Samuel 17 – or did David enter into mediation with Goliath?

In his most recent article for Huffington Post, syndicated columnist Morris O’Kelly wrote:

Mediation of sexual allegation grievances is tantamount to an admission of “some” guilt, “some” form of ministerial misconduct. Innocent folk don’t make deals if the claims against them are baseless and untrue. Mediation for the accused is a forfeiture of the right to ever claim innocence, and readers should be absolutely clear on this point.

Did you hear that?

That was the sound of Long publicly admitting to some degree of guilt when he agreed to mediation. The public wanted Long to thoroughly address the allegations. Well, there you have it. He said it all, you just had to have been paying attention to hear it.

In New Birth’s response to the lawsuit (the accusers sued Long and the church), the church’s attorneys seem to corroborate Kelly’s assertion (and my personal belief) of Long’s guilt. The church “understands that Bishop Long often shared hotel rooms with members of the congregation while traveling,” but would not confirm or deny the allegations made by the accusers.

So…umm…a man who lives in a $1M home, drives a $400,000 Maybach (as well as a Rolls Royce) and owns his own private plane shares rooms with congregants on long trips?

For what…to save money?

Yup – that thud you just heard was the sound of common sense falling to the floor.

Unfortunately, again, none of this matters to the sheeple who worship Eddie Long (and those like him). As I said before, Eddie could do the “Dougie” (Google it) on the way to the pulpit holding hands with his male lover and blowing air kisses while snapping his fingers in “Z” formation – and these people would still stand in line to hear him butcher the Word of God with impunity.

Keep praying for Eddie’s repentance, and the will of the Lord being done at Club New Birth.

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Surprise, Surprise…Another Gay “Bishop” in Metro Atlanta

The man pictured above is Bishop Jim Earl Swilley (yes, that’s his real name) of the Church in the Now here in Metro-Atlanta (Conyers, GA to be exact). Jim Earl is the cousin of Pastor Donnie Earl Paulk (a/k/a D. E. Paulk), the neph-son of the deceased Archbishop Earl Paulk, one of Atlanta’s original pulpit pimps – literally & figuratively (learn more about how “Archbishop” Earl was Donnie Earl’s Unc-Dad).

A few years ago, Donnie Earl completely embraced gay inclusion theology, and lost what was left of his dwindling congregation (forcing him to sell Unc-Dad Earl’s cavernous edifice). Cousin Jim Earl loaned his congregation and his church building to Cousin Donnie Earl last year while Donnie was in-between buildings. Sure, some of Jim Earl’s sheeple were a bit put-off by Donnie’s affinity for unrepentant homosexuality – and they left – but Jim Earl seemed strangely committed to letting Cousin Donnie preach this wickedly false gospel.

Thanks to my brother over at the blog Gay Christian Movement Watch, we now know why: Jim Earl is gay himself:

Via video, a litany of lies from Bishop Jim Swilley

CONYERS, GA  – Bishop Jim Swilley, the nephew of  deceased sexual predator Earl Paulk,  has made his big announcement. There’s so much lying, inconsistencies, propaganda, half truths, false teaching and the likes in the video he released, its stunning.  One thing is sure: satan has planted ministers in the church and they are yoked with an irrevocable agenda to dismantle truth and preach another gospel in its place. The gospel of sensuality.

[…] It doesn’t take a prophetic anointing to know there are hordes of these false leaders like Swilley  just waiting for the right time. They are on satan’s time release program. They are watching and looking to see whether we will fight back or whether we will wax passive and play their deceitful game with them. And literally, lives and souls are in the balance if we stay quiet.

[…] And have you noticed that every time one of these false teachers make their move and publicly vomit out their blasphemy, their supporters immediately began the “love them and don’t judge them” campaign?

Click the title link above to view the video of Jim Earl’s “coming out” – and the love fest that ensued. Then, open your bible and read Jude 1 in entirety. Specifically, pay attention to Jude 1:4-16, because that is exactly what we are seeing today.

Paul was explicitly clear when he wrote:

2 Thessalonians 2:3-7 (New American Standard Bible)

 3Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [the return of the Lord] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

 4who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

 5Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?

 6And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.

 7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.

Well folks, the Day of the Lord is coming soon.

Pray for the Lord’s sheep and those yet to know the saving grace of salvation through Christ alone. And pray that the wolves and hirelings continue to show themselves as true enemies of the Gospel of Christ

Eddie Long is a CEO…NOT a “Bishop”

Please note, this blog is dedicated to exposing false gospels while presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ uncompromised. My goal is to present the true Gospel in such a way that the counterfeiters appear painfully obvious. This is not a blog dedicated to the downfall of Eddie Long, and I look forward to not dedicating so much time in feeding his ego – he just happens to be the wolf-de-jour lately.

That said, when my wife and I joined Club New Birth in 1996, the “theme” for the year was “Putting The House In Order”. This theme was in reference to Eddie Long’s sweeping power grab around 1994-1995. Eddie had been leading New Birth since 1987, and he grew tired of seeking approval from the Deacon Board – after all, he had been the pastor for 7 years…he shouldn’t have to answer to anyone.

Eddie summarily dismissed the entire Deacon’s Board and removed all structure of accountable from CNB – making himself the Chief – and appointed a “board” of minions to rubberstamp his proclamations. More than twenty years later, this board is still rubber stamping Eddie’s narcissistic cravings (even after exposure in a scathing Atlanta Journal-Constitution article from 2005 detailing Eddie’s lucrative earnings from his “non-profit” organization). Eddie revised the church’s constitution making clear that he was/is the Head Negro In Charge.

I clearly remember how Eddie bragged from the pulpit and preened about taking “control away from the Deacon Board” – under the guise of making leadership more transparent. What he did, however, was establish a fiefdom where all power emanated and rested with him and his hand-picked “amorbearers” and hangers-on. Certainly a Deacon Board should not control church operations, but the bible does specifically call for church polity (or government).

Christ is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18 and more…). The Church is to be free from external authority and control (again, Titus 1:5), but two offices were clearly established to help maintain order: Elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:17 and more…) and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6).

In fact, if Club New Birth had any polity, they would deal with Eddie’s alleged sex scandal according to scripture (emphasis added):

1 Timothy 5:19-21 (New American Standard Bible)

19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

 20Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

 21I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.

So according to scripture – you know, the bible…that “thing” that Eddie’s club is supposed to use to govern spiritual matters – Eddie should be protesting his innocence FROM A PEW IN HIS CLUB – NOT FROM THE PULPIT! But what do you expect from an oligarchical pimpistry?

Eddie’s power grab is old history – I saw some of this firsthand.  After reading my community newspaper today recently, however, I was surprised to learn that Eddie revised Club New Birth’s articles of incorporation with the Georgia Secretary of State in 1997 – declaring that the church was now a corporation whose purpose is “to receive and maintain real or personal property”:

No say for New Birth members

Talk this week about whether Bishop Eddie Long might step down from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in the wake of the gay sex scandal that has dominated the airwaves, raises a single question.

If it came to that, who can make Long leave his church?

According to New Birth’s restated articles of incorporation, filed with the Georgia Secretary of State on April 14, 1997 – none of its 25,000 members.

In fact, according to those articles, New Birth, the corporation, has no members, and its purpose is “to receive and maintain real or personal property.”

None of its 11 Articles of Incorporation indicate anything about it being a church or propagating Christianity.

That is in stark contrast to the church – Travelers Rest Baptist – that it succeeded in 1984.

As a point of history for all you non-Dekalb County (GA) residents, Travelers Rest became New Birth in 1984 after some members left to follow Ken Samuels, the then pastor (Samuels now leads the gay-leaning Victory Church in Stone Mountain, GA). New Birth hired Eddie in 1987, and the rest is history…

Not much surprises me about Eddie Long anymore – including that dead racoon he now let’s ride atop his skull – yet this revelation blew me away. The article goes on to say:

Article 9 of the restated articles states:

“The purposes for which the corporation is organized are to receive and maintain real or personal property, or both” and “to use and apply the whole or part of income for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes” related to the corporation’s nonprofit status.

Article 6 reads:

“The Corporation hereby elects to have no members.

“Any action which would require a vote of members shall require only a vote of members of the Board of Directors, and no meeting or vote of members shall be required for this Corporation, any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of this Corporation or the Bylaws to the contrary withstanding.

“All rights which otherwise would vest in the members shall vest in the Directors.”

Conversely, other churches in the area include specific language regarding their purpose:

The Ray of Hope Christian Church has members, and no CEO. In its June 24, 1988, incorporation, it states that it is a “non-profit religious organization” formed to “proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Church in faithful response to God’s Will and purposes as revealed; to seek in all persons a faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, to serve the community of which it is a part; and to bring the Gospel message to bear upon society….and in all ways to seek to make known the love of God.”

So we already knew that Eddie Long is NOT a real bishop in accordance with 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, but at least we can confirm that he is officially a CEO – and Club New Birth is nothing more than a company (that enjoys tax exempt status, by the way). Incidentally, this company is artfully skilled at developing managers to spread Eddie’s false gospel in satelite churches, essentially making Eddie a franchise owner-operator. This revelation completely aligns with an article in this weekends Atlanta Journal-Constitution explaining Eddie’s “branding power” and how the sheeple at CNB are more faithful to Eddie than they are to God:

Bishop Eddie Long | Brand pastor built fosters fierce member loyalty

ATLANTA — A billboard near an Atlanta highway reads, “Love Like Him, Live Like Him, Lead Like Him.” The motto refers to Jesus Christ, but the smiling face next to it is that of Bishop Eddie Long.

Long built a humble suburban Atlanta congregation into a giant TV ministry on the strength of his charisma and his interpretation of the Gospels, including the magnetic idea that the faithful will be rewarded with wealth. It’s a doctrine the architect and leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church embodies with his own luxury lifestyle, including a private jet, jewels, a luxury automobile and a mansion.

“It’s like the ‘in’ church to be associated with,” said Terry Belton of Charlotte, N.C., who has attended the New Birth church there with his wife. “You feel like you’re going to prosper by being associated with that church. A lot of people go there because of him. We went … because of him.”

Oh, it get’s better (or worse):

“Eddie Long is the embodiment of their way of life, the pathway to their salvation,” said branding expert Goldie Taylor, who lived for years in the neighborhood where New Birth is located and has watched the church’s phenomenal growth.

“If something happens to negatively impact the power of the brand that is Bishop Eddie Long, you have to ask yourself, where will New Birth be?” Taylor said. “If they can’t believe in him, what can they believe in?”

Now call me stupid – but I thought the point of attending church was to express your belief in God and worship with other believers…oh wait, I forgot – Eddie told the State of Georgia that CNB IS NOT a church…forget what I just wrote. I always knew that Eddie was a master marketer, so the fact that he leads a “corporation” makes more sense to me now.

Now, slowly read this tidbit from Carlton “The Heretic” Pearson – I told you, Pearson and Long run in the same circles (literally and figuratively):

“He’s top of the line, one of the best at it,” said Bishop Carlton Pearson, a friend of Long’s for 20 years. “He’s a tall, muscular, well-spoken, handsome black man with power and influence and authority. It’s very intoxicating, both for him, and for those who drink from that same spiked fountain.”

I’m trying to suppress my inner 3rd grader, otherwise I could crack jokes about Pearson’s attraction to Eddie…I’ll just leave his quote with you for a moment… 

Alas, the sheeple of CNB will more than likely stand by their embattled CEO, as dutiful representatives of a company are apt to do:

Whatever comes of the lawsuits, members of New Birth may be inclined to stand by their leader because of how he transformed their church, which Spelman College professor William Jelani Cobb called “the spiritual equivalent of Yankee Stadium.”

“To say that you’re a member of New Birth has a certain cachet,” Cobb said. “When you see the plain size of the grounds and the campus, if you’re one that believes in this idea of God’s elect, that’s the most compelling argument that they must be teaching a valid gospel.”

So sheer stadium size is an indication that Eddie Long and wolves of his ilk are “teaching a valid gospel”? No, it’s validation that Eddie and his ilk are speaking what the tickling ears want to hear.

Thank God through His Son Jesus Christ that He is exposing this wolf (and other wolves) as true enemies of the Gospel of Christ. I ask that you prayer for the people of CNB and that the Lord remove their delusion long enough for them to flee this “corporation”. 

Related Posts:

“…above reproach…”

 

I was in my early 20’s when I moved to Atlanta in the mid-90’s. I was accustomed to doing community service work through my fraternity, and I wanted to do something significant with my time – beyond just hanging out when I wasn’t traveling for work. I decided to become a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Atlanta because the need was (and still is) very great. I was one of only a handful of black man who applied to be mentors that year, yet the system was full of black boys seeking mentors – and even “father-figures”, if you will.

I knew the demands would be great, but I wanted to make an impact.

In addition to completing a formal application, I sat through extensive behavioral interviews with the Executive Director, Director, and Supervisor of Mentors. They also conducted extensive interviews with my close friends and family members to determine if my character was consistent across my circles of influence. I attended classes, submitted to an extensive criminal background check and drug screening.

BB/BS of Atlanta even made surprise visits to my apartment and searched for illegal/inappropriate content (with my permission and assistance) – just to make sure that my living conditions were acceptable for my future little brother.

Certainly, the implications were great – the agency would entrust the care of a 12-year-old boy to me. This kid came from a single parent household with multiple siblings. BB/BS of Atlanta wanted to be certain that I would represent them (and myself) properly at all times – and that they could trust me.

They wanted to make sure that I was above reproach.

Certainly the requirements for church leadership are even more important – considering the pastor is entrusted with guardianship over the souls of God’s precious cargo:

Titus 1:7-11 (New American Standard Bible…emphasis added)

 7For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain

8but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled,

9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

10For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

 11who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.

This truth is explicitly clear – which is why the video below is even more difficult to watch:

Dale Russell, the investigator from Fox 5 Atlanta news is a dogged investigative reporter who works a story until he gets to the bottom of it – no matter what the results are (here’s a link to Russell’s extensive investigation of Eddie’s mess – content is updated daily). Russell has already interviewed other young men who have been “taken care of” by Eddie Long (who DO NOT claim any sexual activity or coercion from Eddie), yet they still confirm Eddie’s pattern: gifts, money, prestige, access to power – then you’re cut-off.

Eddie took to the podium again Tuesday night (9/28/10) to give his sheeple more of what they want – pacification from him that “everything is gonna be OK”, and “they’re not coming after me, they’re coming after YOU…THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST!:

Sorry, Eddie, but the “whole Body of Christ” didn’t allegedly give Ambien and oral sex to teenage boys and young men. In fact, the “whole Body of Christ” also didn’t provide cash, cars, and extravagant gifts. Wait – the members of New Birth probably did provide those niceties (through the money they lay at Eddie’s feet twice a week).

I contend that Eddie’s newly invigorated “defiant stance” is a call to arms for support from the more unhinged sheeple who still claim him as their “daddy”. This kind of intimidation is nothing new for those of us who escaped the church mafia. We are threatened for exposing dirty secrets (I get death threats over exposing false doctrine – can you imagine if I was a victim of one of these over sexed power-hungry perverts?). The language Eddie is using gives the mind-numb minions license to “lay hands” on ANYBODY who “put’s their mouth on the Mand of Gawd” – even when we KNOW that scripture has been butchered in the past regarding speaking against “God’s anointed”.

And since we’re talking about butchered scripture, the serpent Carlton Pearson had to slither from under his heretical rock to throw his 2 cents in. Since most pastors are afraid to debate him coherently, his apostasy will go unchallenged. I’ve written about Carlton Pearson in the past, and one could surmise that Pearson (along with the sexually deviant and pedophilic demons that haunted Earl Paulk) are almost solely responsible for the heretical mess that has become of Earl’s neph-son D.E. Paulk. Interesting note: Pearson (whose closet door is almost translucent) enjoyed a cozy relationship with Eddie Long (and most of the other big-name alpha pimps out there), and TD Jakes (whose closet is being held closed with duct tape and bubble gum) is Eddie Long’s “spiritual daddy”. Are you starting to see a common thread here? I hope so… 

The bottom line is this: ANYBODY who claims leadership over the Lord’s people (read that line again…I wrote THE LORD’S PEOPLE) should not do anything to bring shame to His name – or theirs. That means being involved in evil, being around evil, being in an ambiguous situation that may cause someone to even assume you’re associated with something ungodly.

Period. Exclamation point.

If the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Atlanta can ensure that their mentors are above reproach – why can’t the sheeple who allow vipers like Eddie to slither into the pulpit do the very same thing?

May God have mercy as He continues to rip the veil off of the foolishness that is purported in His Name…

Related Post:

Manipulation and Spiritual Molestation

This week’s public revelations of Eddie Long’s alleged dalliances brings the topic of manipulation and molestation to the forefront of Christiandom…again.

I intentionally emphasize the word “public” because rumors have swirled around Eddie’s alleged proclivities for years. I saw things I considered strange while I was a drone at Eddie’s club for 6 years – including parades of young men and boys who followed him everywhere he went, ceremonies where congregants pledged their undying allegiance to him, and sheep after sheep quoting Eddie rather than God’s Word through scripture.

As a blogger, I also receive countless emails from people who accuse Eddie (and others) of all manner of illicit evil – claiming to have “proof” of their assertions. I press for the evidence, and they usually stand down. I don’t pass along unsubstantiated  or uncorroborated information, so the rumors remain just that…rumors.

In fact, when Eddie decided to meet with Soulforce (a lobbying group of unrepentant homosexuals) several years ago – later declaring that he “didn’t understand homosexuality” when he preached against it, many (including me) thought someone was blackmailing Eddie to publicly endorse the homosexual agenda. Eddie even offered his church to Soulforce so they could teach courses on human sexuality.

Eddie and his accusers will eventually have their day in court – and the truth will be revealed. Detractors will never believe that Eddie is innocent, and supporters will never believe that he is guilty. Nonetheless, Eddie strode to the podium of his club yesterday in the midst of full fanfare – adoring supporters, swelling music, and “praise” and “worship” hurled in his direction. While reading from his iPad (take that, Jimmy Swaggart – you crybaby), Long didn’t necessarily deny specific allegations – in fact he said “I’m not perfect, but I’m not the man you see portrayed on tv…” – meaning he may eventually cop to some embarrassing revelations during the settlement of the case (while still denying others), and he wanted to blunt a potential future blow.

As I have written in the past, I believe that Eddie is an egomaniac and a master marketer, yet he seemed subdued addressing the sheeple in his club on Sunday. Jamal Bryant could’ve applied the same tact when he addressed his sheeple after revelations of the birth of his latest out-of-wedlock child with a young congregant several years ago. While Bryant manipulated scripture to declare that he was “still the man!”, Eddie sort of tossed out the usual David v. Goliath, Psalms 34:19 references (although a full read of Psalms 34 would make you wonder if someone accused of such troubling allegations really fears the Lord).

In a nod to Jamal, Eddie did throw out a threatning ode to his accusers (“…I’ve got 5 stones, and I haven’t thrown one yet!”), then he gave an omnious stare while putting the microphone down abruptly and walking away…all to the roar of an adoring and approving crowd. 🙄

The bottom line, however, is that these accusations (as well as the flood of litigants waiting to come forward to cast further allegations against Long) continue to illustrate the dangers of power – absolute power – in the mega church.

Eddie Long and his reprobate band of infamous colleagues are spiritual molesters and manipulators. Although the word “molest” generally has sexual connotations, the word also means “to harass, annoy, and interfere”. These minstrels have inserted themselves into the lives of their sheeple for years – with express invitation from those sheeple – and wreaked havoc that takes years to recover from once the victim finally escapes the predator’s clutches.

The video below is a clear example of the effects of spiritual manipulation and molestation (h/t to my brother Pastor Foster over at Gay Christian Movement Watch). How else can you explain the fact that these children are being sent out as lambs to slaughter to defend Eddie Long? Clearly an egomaniac regime would sanction this nonsense:

Did you catch Don Lemon’s revelation of sexual molestation at the hands of a homosexual pedophile? Are you starting to see how serious the parallel is?

Ever since I escaped the church mafia plantation several years ago, I’ve cautioned against the false gospel that these meglomaniacs preach: from complete and total allegiance to them, to ex-communication of former members, to false application of scripture concerning finances and church authority. No matter how egregious these claims may be, there are still mind-numb sheep who will continue to see Eddie Long (and Creflo Dollar, Jamal Bryant, Benny Hinn, Paula White, TD Jakes, and all other manner of charlatans) as anointed doves released directly from God’s palm for their edification.

I do not gloat at these latest allegations (nor the ones soon to come), but I will remind you of a few things:

DO NOT treat your pastor as though he is your “daddy”:

Don’t let your pastor manipulate you into giving – declaring that you’re cursed if you don’t:

Don’t let your pastor manipulate you into leaving your family and friends behind because they don’t understand “the new you”:

Don’t swear allegiance to your pastor!:

Although Eddie has been accused of sexual manipulation, he (and other charlatans) actively apply spiritual manipulation and molestation as a way to persuade their followers that they are extensions of God Himself. I’ll end this public service announcement with the words of the prophet Jeremiah (emphasis bolded):

Jeremiah 17:5-8 (New American Standard Bible)

5Thus says the LORD,
         “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
         And makes flesh his strength,
         And whose heart turns away from the LORD
.
    6“For he will be like a bush in the desert
         And will not see when prosperity comes,
         But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
         A land of salt without inhabitant.
    7Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
         And whose trust is the LORD.

    8“For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
         That extends its roots by a stream
         And will not fear when the heat comes;
         But its leaves will be green,
         And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
         Nor cease to yield fruit.

In fact, a full review of Jeremiah 17 couldn’t hurt. Human beings are designed to yield to the sins of our flesh – it’s the curse that Adam and Eve left us with. This is why you should elevate NO ONE to God-like status…NO ONE.

I believe that Eddie Long is as guilty as sin, but that’s my opinion. Clearly he’s failed the test that qualifies him as worthy of church leadership (emphasis bolded):

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (New American Standard Bible)

1It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

 3)not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money.

 4He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity

 5(but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),

 6and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil.

 7And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Pray for all parties involved in this mess and other past, present, and future scandal. Most of all, pray that the Lord’s will would continue to be made manifest in these last days.

Reverend ‘Stache and the Smoking Holy Books

I’m returning from my Holy-Spirit induced hiatus (just for a moment) to briefly offer my sage wisdom (or snarky observations, if you prefer) about one of the hottest topics floating around Christiandom these days…Rev. Weird Mustache (known by his formal “government name”: Terry Jones) and his attempt at 21st century “evangelism” – burning Qurans (or Korans…or Muslim “holy books”…or whatever).

We can go on and on about how the Quran preaches hate against all non-Muslims (as mentioned more recently in a detailed article posted by the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry), and how “tolerant” most Americans (including the mainstream media) are concerning Islamic matters versus Christian matters. In fact, someone on Twitter recently commented that it’s safer to be a Quran in America than an unborn child (ouch!).

Also, I know my own declarations against the Cult of Muhammad, the Cult of Mary, and other religions that deify anyone other than God through Jesus Christ alone don’t make me the posterchild for religious tolerance. My protestations, however, appeal to the core of the Christian faith: that salvation and reconnection to God our Father can only come through salvation through His Son – and the shed Blood that served as propitiation for our sins.

Which leads me back to Rev. Strange ‘Stache and the case of the (potentially) smoking holy books:

Is this guy glorifying God?

Is he declaring that Christ is the only door to salvation and right relationship with God?

Is he presenting the simple (yet profound) truths of the bible in clear-minded contrast to what the Quran teaches?

Of course not – this nut is simply drawing attention to himself by holding the mainstream media  in limbo with his “will I/won’t I” publicity stunt. This guy is barely above the seeker-sensitive “Jesus is my homeboy” crowd (except he has a ratty rental truck with a cheap sign…and a book of matches).

If you’re going to be near Gatorland this weekend, please tell (or remind) Rev. ‘Stache of how we are supposed to draw attention to Christ – and not ourselves – in proclaiming His Word to the world:

1 Peter 3:15-16 (New American Standard Bible)

15but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;  16and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

Now I know I’m not the most “gentle” and “reverent” defender of the faith here in the blogosphere (or on the street, for that matter), but intentionally seeking to stir controversy by burning books isn’t the best way to draw attention to Christ…unless Rev. ‘Stache is more interested in drawing attention to his small band of “believers” instead.

Hmmm…


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