MY RESPONSE TO THE 2018 STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

I have been observing the State of the Union Address ever since the days of President Richard Nixon. One of my first political memories is Nixon's resignation and President Gerald Ford assuming office.

What was my reaction to the State of the Union Address? Weariness and grief. No, not at all because of anything personal regarding President Donald J. Trump. As a matter of fact, my weariness has nothing to do with Trump at all. I guess you could say that I am just sick and tired of the back and forth.

What do I mean? If a Democrat is president, he gives his State of the Union speech, shares the platform of his party, the Democrats stand and applaud the whole time and the Republicans sit there like "bumps on a log." If a Republican is president, he gives his State of the Union speech, shares the platform of his party, the Republicans stand and applaud the whole time and the Democrats sit there like "bumps on a log." And so I have observed this back and forth, all through Presidents: Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush (George H. W.), Clinton, Bush (George W.), Obama and now Trump. I am sure it will continue with the next president, and the next president and so on and so forth.

Last night Trump did a masterful job at presenting the platform of his party. Republicans stand for: small government, 2nd amendment rights, national pride, support for Israel, etc. Once a Democrat is President, he or she will also do a masterful job at presenting their platform: increased wages, environmental concerns, healthcare, etc. But, when will we see a President (or any government official) that is committed to THE PEOPLE and not the platform of their party.

It is not secret that I am a conservative - so I dare anyone to say that I am pushing a liberal, anti-establishment agenda (Note: I did not mention a particular political party). Actually, most black preachers are morally conservative and socially liberal. We believe in obeying God's standard of conduct; while not forgetting "the least of these."

I am sure that most white evangelicals will relish the president's speech as we pushed "God and country." And, there is nothing wrong with pride in your country. I would think that most of us in the United States love our country. As much as people may complain about certain circumstances in our nation; there is not a large exodus to leave here and move elsewhere.

But, we must stay balanced. For example: while the President recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; most evangelical Christians do not realize that Israel is a "secular" state (just check how it was created). Orthodox Jews do not recognize it, Tel Aviv is considered the "gay capital" and "Las Vegas" of the Middle East and many of its citizens are atheists. Ask me how I know? I have been there numerous times and was shocked to learn all of this. So while we should stand for Israel's right to exist, let's stay balanced; we must also recognize and acknowledge the pain and atrocities that many "Palestinians" have suffered. Again, I have been there numerous times. So I am not going on hearsay. I am going on what I have SEEN FOR MYSELF.

We should honor our police and first responders (as the President did). Most police are wonderful citizens. They risk their lives for our safety. It's a blessing to be able to call 911 and get an immediate response. That truly is a blessing. But, ALSO acknowledge the pain that many of our citizens have experienced through police brutality. Why disenfranchise and entire community of your citizens; simply for the sake of your "base" and your party's platform.

No, everyone will not agree on how we honor the flag and what it stands for. It's insulting to some, to see people kneel as the pledge of allegiance is recited. But, you should seek to understand that (1) many of your citizens ancestors were brought here against their will (2) they were NOT in the mindset of the founders of this country (3) the descendants of those ancestors YET experience injustice on a regular basis (this is why the flag and the pledge may have a different significance to some citizens). YES, there is great opportunity in this nation. But, at least ACKNOWLEDGE the pain of a large portion of your constituency.

The greatness of this country's founding of "250 years ago" was mentioned; without any acknowledgment of the millions of natives that lost their lives because of European invasion. Some may say, "get over it." Boy, that sounds very Christian for people that are so committed to God (sarcastic voice).

Yes, this is a great country. But, it should be a great country for all. To be inclusive, the atrocities of the past should not be ignored; as if they never happened. Just like conservatives say that confederate statues are a part of our history (sarcastic voice); the native genocide, slavery, mistreatment of Asians during World War II, etc., are a part of our history as well.

No I am not a part of the anti-Trump movement; nor the pro-Trump movement. And I am not a part of the pro-liberal movement either. Christians must stop viewing and referring to the presidents as "men of God," just because they stand for our "pet" issues.

The Democrat party is no more committed to the black community than the Republicans are. The Democrat party just knows that they must have the "black vote" to win. Therefore, they create a few "tokens" and hand out a few "crumbs" (dollars) to make it seem like they care. But, neither party (my opinion) is GENUINELY committed to the good of minorities. They BOTH are ONLY committed to acquiring and maintaining power: THAT'S IT.

It is a crying shame that out of a nation of 323 million people, we only have two parties in power. While there are numerous other parties, none have proven their viability to win major nationwide elections. That is my response: after viewing all this back and forth  (State of the Union), I wish there was some kind of alternative to the Democratic and Republican parties. A party that will stand for the good of the people and not for maintain the platform of the party nor the support of a base (that could care less about ALL of the citizens of our nation).

DO TRINITARIANS BELIEVE IN THREE GODS?

This has been a debate in Pentecostalism for over 100 years. Trinitarians have been accused of believing in three gods. Apostolics (or Oneness Pentecostals) have been accused of being "antichrist" for "denying the Father."

Is there any truth to all of these allegations. Let's go to the pages of God's Word and try to end the debate once and for all; so that we can unite and fight against the real enemy (Satan) and win the World to the One Who is coming again (Jesus Christ)!!!

Be sure to watch this teaching, share it and comment below.

HAVE DENOMINATIONS BECOME IRRELEVANT?

Are denominations a thing of the past? Are they even necessary? Have they lost their original focus? These are many other items are dealt with and addressed in this pertinent teaching. View, share and make some comments!

DOES HOLINESS HAVE A DRESS CODE?

I would think that clothes (and everything else in your life) is affected by your salvation; thus, yes, "Holiness" would have some kind of standard or code. I do not believe that clothes can save you nor send you to Hell. But, if you are saved, yes, there will be an affect on the way you dress.

Yes, many saints have gone to an extreme - and condemned people to Hell for their attire; but that does not nullify the principles of the Word of God. Salvation means to be delivered from sin and its consequences. Holiness means to be separate from sin. 

Before sin tainted humanity; humans were naked (Genesis 2:25). After sin came in; God is the one Who created the first "official" clothes-after humanity's futile attempt with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7). The clothes God created "covered" the man and woman. Thus, (1) creating a principle that clothes are to COVER our nakedness; NOT highlight and expose it. If clothing was never an issue with God, He never would have taken the time to personally create Adam and Eve's clothes:

Genesis 3:21, "The LORD God made clothes from animal skins for the man and 

his wife and dressed them."

Later, in the Word, God designed the clothing of the High Priest. This signified that (2) the clothing of a worshipper should have dignity, modest elegance and bring glory to God; so much so that the priests clothing was called "HOLY CLOTHES!"

Exodus 31:10, "the special clothes-the holy clothes for the priest Aaron and the clothes for his sons when they serve as priests."

For those that would argue that these are Old Testament passages; my only question is, “WHAT BIBLE DO YOU THINK JESUS AND PAUL USED?” The first books of the New Testament were not composed until at least 40 years after the Resurrection! 

So Jesus and Paul never used the “New Testament.” They used Genesis to Malachi. Thus, we CANNOT dismiss the Word and say, “that's Old Testament.” 

Nevertheless the New Testament does address the subject of clothing. (4) Clothing is to be modest. Modest is defined as, “Dressing or behaving so as to avoid impropriety or indecency, especially to avoid attracting sexual attention.” Here's what the Word says (take note that the texts correlate Holiness with adornment):

1 Timothy 2:9, “I want women to show their beauty by dressing in appropriate clothes that are modest and respectable. Their beauty will be shown by what they do, not by their hair styles or the gold jewelry, pearls, or expensive clothes they wear.”

1 Peter 3:3-5 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands,

Finally, at the close of the age; the saints are to be dressed with Jesus in white. But, the white is only to be worn by those who have overcome the corruption of the world. Thus, (5) our clothing should proclaim that we have come out from the seductiveness, debauchery and lewdness of the world:

Revelation 3:4, “But you have a few people in Sardis who have kept their clothes clean. They will walk with me in white clothes because they deserve it.”

Saints, “KEEP YOUR CLOTHES CLEAN!

CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST REPORTS OVER 67,000 SOULS SAVED IN 2017!

The Church Of God In Christ International Department of Evangelism (of which I am privileged to serve as President) has reported well over 67, 000 souls saved in 2017. This type of reporting can be (admittedly) a little frustrating. 

People will complain that, "instead of raising money, how many souls got saved?" Well, once our department started actually reporting how many souls got saved, then folks started complaining again. The question then was asked, "who does that, taking the time to count how many got saved?" Thus, I have learned that some people are past help. They are just determined to complain no matter what.

But, for those who really are students of the Bible, you do realize that the only reason that we know how many people got saved in the New Testament was because SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME TO COUNT. So we are only following the biblical pattern:

Acts 2:41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

Acts 4:4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.   Acts 19:6-7. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve. 

So those who want to complain about us counting souls; may need to dust off their Bibles and read it every now and then and see what the apostles did. They won souls and COUNTED how many came to Christ. 

With that in mind, here is the report for the year 2017 for the Church Of God In Christ:

2017 SALVATION REPORT:

·        TOTAL SALVATIONS REPORTED FOR 2017: 67,946

·        TOTAL BACKSLIDERS RECLAIMED REPORTED FOR 2017: 5,134

·        TOTAL FILLED (ACTS 2:4) REPORTED FOR 2017: 3,912

·        TOTAL PHYSICALLY HEALED REPORTED FOR 2017: 1,911

·        TOTAL DELIVERED AND MISC: 2,478

·        TOTAL LIVES CHANGED REPORTED FOR 2017: 81,381

To God be the Glory!

IF THE BLACK HOLINESS CHURCH IS AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY; THEN WHY DO SO MANY HOMOSEXUALS SERVE IN POSITIONS THE CHURCH?

I have been asked this question innumerable times, "If you all are against homosexuality; then why do you have them serving in your church, in your choir, etc.?" This is an honest question that deserves an honest answer from the Word of God. It should not be ignored or swept under the rug.

Allow me to be frank and honest; no matter how we try to perform eisegesis or "twist" the Scriptures; the Word is very plain that to be homosexual or effeminate is a sin:

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. ⁹Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men ¹⁰nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

• 1 Timothy 1:9-10. ⁹We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.

• 1 Corinthians 6:9 KJV ⁹Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.

If you notice, all of these passages give a litany of sins (homosexuality is not the only sin listed). However, there has never been such an AGENDA, as there has for the sin of homosexuality. Possibly, with the exception of the Prohibition years in the U.S., you never hear about protests, civic leaders and the entertainment industry supporting: thieves, drunkards, the greedy, etc. You never hear about people "coming out," as a liar, murderer, adulterer or swindler. The Bible teaches that ALL unrighteousness is sin and that we should be ashamed and grieve over our sins (not be proud of or celebrate it):

• Ephesians 5:12. ¹²It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

• 1 Corinthians 5:2. ²And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

I know there are people who would make excuses and say that the same passages that prohibit homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13), also prohibit mixed clothing and shell fish: like crab and lobster (Leviticus 11:12; 19:19). The Bible refers to these as, "foolish and unlearned arguments," (2 Timothy 2:23); because the New Testament Church ALREADY had a council 2,000 years ago and addressed those dietary laws and prohibitions. This occurred when a large number of non-Jews (Gentiles) were becoming a part of the Church (Acts 15:28-29). So the shellfish and mixed clothes argument is null and void.

Can people be born a certain way? According to the Bible, every single human being has been born with a sin nature; or an inclination to rebel against God's standards (Romans 8:7). This is why it is necessary to experience "regeneration," or the "New Birth," also popularly known as being, "Born Again." 1 Peter 1:23, "²³For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."

So why does it seem that "Holiness," "Pentecostal," or "Sanctified" churches, that preach so adamantly against homosexuality; seem to have such open, blatant (or as one person put it "flaming") homosexuality or effeminate men in our midst? And, how do we address this.

FIRST, (this will come as a shock to many) it is important to note that the FOUNDER of the Pentecostal movement was accused (and arrested) for homosexual activity! While Bishop William Joseph Seymour was the CATALYST of the Pentecostal movement, pastor of the "Azusa Street Mission" and launched Pentecostalism around the world; he was NOT the founder. The founder was a "Holiness" preacher by the name of CHARLES FOX PARHAM (1873-1929).

Charles Fox Parham was the originator of the "initial evidence" doctrine; namely, that a person that is baptized in the Holy Ghost, will have the initial physical evidence of speaking with tongues or glossolalia (Acts 2:4; 10:46; 19:6). While people have always spoke with tongues (from the Day of Pentecost to the present day); Parham was the first (with the help of his Bible school students) in 1900, to "coin the phrase" that tongues was the "evidence" of receiving the Holy Ghost. Most "Classical Pentecostal" churches (for example: Church Of God Cleveland, Assemblies of God, Church Of God In Christ, Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Church Of God Of Prophecy, United Pentecostal Church, etc.) teach initial evidence. It is important to remember that while Parham was a questionable character; this does NOT nullify the doctrines of the Word of God, namely the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Nevertheless, Charles Parham had some grievous moral issues: he was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, he was a member of the Masonic Lodge and worse than all, he was arrested around 1907 with the charge of sodomy, or "an unnatural offense." You really do not hear much about this scandal now; due to the fact that Parham viciously attacked his protégé, William J. Seymour, on racial lines (Parham referred to Seymour's church services as a "darkey camp meeting"). Thus, Seymour (thankfully) was forced to distance himself from Parham. Due to the embarrassment of Parham's life (and even questions regarding his mental fortitude); Pentecostalism rarely mentions the name of Parham.

However, these things happened and it would be my admonishment to those of us in the Pentecostal movement to not just "sweep under the rug," the things that happened with Parham; but to ACKNOWLEDGE and RENOUNCE the "stronghold" and "soul tie" of this sin; that I believe planted an ungodly seed within the movement. I have Bible to back me up on this:

• Matthew 13:27-30. ²⁷"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' ²⁸"'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' ²⁹"'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'"

SECOND, (this is NOTHING against females, however) especially in the Black Pentecostal circles; we (most of the time) emphasize the female expression of our faith. If you hear talk of the "good old days," we normally hear talk about the "old mothers." Rarely, do you hear anything at all about the "old fathers." Thus, if the ultimate epitome of spirituality is the female expression; this is what people are going to seek to emulate. To be blunt, you will have men "shouting," praying and expressing their faith in an effeminate manner. The only way for this to change is for MEN TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE and be examples of spirituality. In no way does that take away from females. But, all of us have our role to play in building the Kingdom of God:

• Psalm 107:31. ³¹Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

• 1 Timothy 2:8. ⁸Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

• Luke 18:1. ¹And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

• Judges 7:21 ²¹And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled.

THIRD, In the United States, among the black community, there has been a breakdown of the "nuclear" family. An inept government support system, narcotics and many other factors have lured black men out of the home and away from the children that they have fathered. Hats off to every lady that has had to raise children by herself. However, if the only example a young man has (of what it means to manage a household) is a female; then that is who he is going to emulate. Men, we cannot afford to be silent! We must be involved in our communities and churches; and young men must be a able to observe our example of what GODLY masculinity is really all about.

FOURTH, There is NO EXCUSE for how we have lowered the standards of the Church. Allow me to give you two examples. (A) I had a very popular choir director tell me, "Yes, a lot of these guys in the choir are homosexuals; but they sure make the best tenor section." That is a shame before God! (B) There was a popular minister who received a practicing homosexual into the membership of his large local Pentecostal church. When the minister was warned about this, his response was, "I don't care who he is sleeping with, as long as he pays his tithes." That is corruption at its worst! You cannot exploit people like that; nor lower the standard for personal gain. God forbid!

FIFTH, Admittedly, there is no such thing as a "homosexual detector," that you can place at the door of the Church (as a matter of fact, if you placed a "sin detector" at the door of the Church; Christianity would probably lose 99.9% of its 2.2 billion adherents overnight). The other thing is, (A) there can be a person that "appears" to be a homosexual; but they really are not. Then, (B) there can people that would be the least unlikely to suspect; but they are actually guilty. Thus, the best thing that the preacher can do is preach the Gospel; that is, DELIVERANCE FROM SIN, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and being prepared for His soon return (Romans 1:16). Preaching prosperity, self-help, motivation, positive confession, etc., may help some people "down here," but it will NOT prepare people to make it "up there." Here is what Jesus said:

• Luke 4:18 ¹⁸"The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,

A weak, "watered down," message will not free anyone. I am not saying that you have to badger people from the pulpit (that would be unwise) or "harp" on a particular sin (I have seen that normally when a person "harps" on something all the time; THAT PERSON actually has a problem in that area). For those who do not believe that preaching the Word of God will free anyone; you will have to argue with the Word itself: 1 Corinthians 1:21, "²¹For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."

IN CONCLUSION, Here is how the Bible says that we are to deal with sin "in" the Church:

(A) "Church members" are going to have to be SAINTS and live holy (Hebrews 12:14). Romans 1:7, "⁷To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the LORD Jesus Christ." This will enable ALL sin to be addressed in the Church. Because the argument homosexuals (and other sinners) make is, "How can you correct me when you are: sleeping around, married five different times, have a secret addiction problem, stealing money from the Church, taking bribes, etc." GET RIGHT CHURCH AND LET'S GO HOME!

(B) We must remove this "anti-snitch" culture that has pervaded the church (originating from the "streets" and the U.S. prison system). This is the culture of, "as long as you don't tell on me, I won't tell on you." Or, "I'll cover for you." How can sin be dealt with; if you remain silent? The culture of the world has hurt the Church, with this "don't ask don't tell," mentality. The Bible says we are to come out from the world and be separate (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:17). So we are NOT to be silent in the Church; we are to be ACCOUNTABLE to one another. It's hard to be accountable in this "entertainment," "showmanship," "mega-Church," age. But, the Church was designed to be a tight knit community; that held each other accountable; until Jesus returns:

• Matthew 18:15-17. ¹⁵"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' ¹⁷If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

(C) The Bible lets the saints know how to deal with a repentant "member" of the Church:

• Galatians 6:1. Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

(D) The Bible also says what to do in the case of a person who is non-repentant:

• 1 Corinthians 5:11-13. ¹¹But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. ¹²What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? ¹³God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked person from among you."

The Bible is the "toolkit" that God gave to the saints, to enable us to live this life and address ANY kind of situation that we would face in the Church. If we simply follow what the Scriptures teach; we would be able to deal with the homosexual issue specifically and the sin issue in general. EVERYONE will have to come out of ALL SIN; if they want to be ready when Jesus comes!

WHAT DO YOU DO, IF YOUR CHURCH IS MORE LIKE A CULT AND YOUR LEADER IS ABUSIVE?

Watch this video and comment below. If you know of someone in a situation (like the one described in the title); be sure to have them view this life changing, "freeing" video!

WHAT SHOULD OUR RESPONSE BE TO THIS LADY'S TESTIMONY?

I do not know the lady, nor the church that she is at. I also do not know the minister (I assume he is a minister) who is holding the microphone. This is important; because many times videos go viral on social media, without context or explanation.

The first thing I notice about the video is that that lady said, "Pray for me, I'm a backslider." So, regardless of how things went "down hill" from there; she has already stated where she is in her relationship with God. Thus, (1) we need to pray for her as she has requested. She gave us her name and we should pray earnestly for her. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 says, "As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us..." How should we pray for this lady? The answer is found in Matthew 9:38, "Ask the LORD of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." The hope and prayer is that someone prayed with her at the service and presented God's plan of salvation.

Yes, we have to be VERY careful who we allow to "get the mike." Yes, she used some very offensive and graphic language (but again, she DID make it clear that she was a backslider - a sinner is going to talk like a sinner - no excuse - but it is what it is). But, we must pray earnestly for her. Will you stop for a moment and do that right now? Imagine the power of the thousands that view this blog; praying for this soul.

(2) We do not want to be quick to attack who I would assume was the minister for how he handled the situation. "Hindsight is 20/20." It is easy to say what he could have, would have and should have done. The fact is we were not in his shoes and cannot say what we would do in that situation. There is no context.

THAT was the response. NOW for a teaching moment. What do we the Church learn from this? Years ago, the saints were taught HOW to testify. We were taught how to be orderly. This was not only in "sanctified" churches; but churches of all denominations. You were taught how to give honor to God and do all of the protocol. You were taught to give a testimony and not a "tellamony." You were taught how to testify and not preach a sermon nor give all of your life's details. Testimony service was not the time to "throw off." This is what we were taught.

Unfortunately, in the early 90's my generation (Generation X) said all of that teaching was "religious." They said that we needed to get away from "religion" and "indoctrination." Well, now this is the conundrum that we are in now; people that have no idea HOW to give a testimony in a church service; and people that do not know how to govern themselves as Christians.

God is an orderly God. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." If order and decorum is religious then SO BE IT. A lot of what you see in the church world now is utter chaos. And, we call it being free and Spirit led.

The Church often says that we are "Kingdom," and we are "soldiers in the army." The last time I checked, royalty and the military has a strict structure, protocol and etiquette. How can say we are Kingdom and soldiers and not have any order or protocol?

I am an evangelist from my heart. People will say that you have people coming into the Church that know nothing about "Christianeze." And that we are to leave them alone. So are we to just let them in and let take over with no kind of training? God forbid! We are to TEACH THEM the doctrines of the Bible, how we are to conduct ourselves in the house of God and how to live this Christian life?

To become a United States citizen you must past a test on English (the language) and Civics (history and government). See https://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship. If it takes takes that to be a citizen of the United States (an earthly nation); then shouldn't we learn the language and culture of our Kingdom citizenship? Philippians 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven..."

Jesus did not just say to go and win souls. He told us to TEACH them once we win them. Matthew 28:19-20, "Go ye therefore, and TEACH all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: TEACHING them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." If teaching and NOT having a "free for all" is religious; I'll take the label and gladly be "religious."If"religious" means bringing back order and respect to the house of God; then ,"Give me that old time religion!"

HOW DO WE ADDRESS THINGS LIKE THIS AT OUR COGIC HOLY GATHERINGS?

I have had numerous people to share this photo to me; from the recent (November 2017) 110th Holy Convocation of the Church Of God In Christ in Saint Louis, Missouri. The question goes pretty much, "If you all have so much power and are so holy; then why was this able to take place at your meeting?"

First, (as far as I know) I do not know the person in this photo; nor the circumstances. Since you have so many "church people" that celebrate Halloween now (something the saints never did); I do not know if this is a Halloween costume. At first, I would assume that it is someone "special." I have seen "special" people do things like this before. However, some have told me that it was a warlock and others have said that it is a "flaming homosexual." But, the fact remains that I cannot put a handle on "who" it is, nor the circumstances that would cause this person to adorn themselves in this manner.

Second, I remember in the late 80's when a cultural war got started in the Church. Many said, "let's go back to the old time way." This was exemplified in the last few message of the late Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson, Sr. Others said no; it does not take all of that anymore. This was influenced by the Azusa Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma (which many of us highly esteemed and attended). This conference had a major influence on the Church as I personally heard many say that they were not going to attend the Holy Convocation anymore; they were going to Azusa.

Azusa even began to be scheduled during the April Call Meeting (the annual business meeting of the Church Of God In Christ) and many leaders chose to take busloads to Azusa; rather than go to the April meeting. It was at the Azusa meetings that many of us heard that "it doesn't take all of that anymore." While we appreciated the praise methods of yesteryear; we were told that the old dress codes no longer needed to be enforced. Many people "ate" this up; "hook, line and sinker." My point is (I know that salvation is not in clothes), but if you abolish and fight the dress codes - then don't be surprised when things like this come walking up into the Church. Basically, you can't "have your cake and eat it too" (that is fights the standard; then get mad when people do not keep the standard).

The whole Western culture is, "its your thing, do what you want to do." People are quick to say, "you can't judge me." But, that's not Bible culture. We say we are Kingdom. In a Kingdom, you do not have charge of your life; the King does. The King runs EVERYTHING; including how you are to dress.

The Bible addresses how the saints are to dress, "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes" (1 Timothy 2:9). Again, we all know that salvation is not in clothes; but if male and female would adhere to the PRINCIPLES found in this passage (to not draw unnecessary attention to yourself) then perhaps things like we see in this picture would not feel so bold among us.

Third, you are always going to have the devious to attend the meetings of the saints. I have been attending the International Holy Convocation for well over 30 years. Even back when in Memphis at Mason Temple; I would often see "spectacles" attending our meetings. One man wore a hat that was probably 3 feet tall. Another man drove around with 2 swords sticking out of the back of his car. The Holy Convocation is a large public event. And, just like other events (football games, concerts, etc.) it is a public venue; and unless a person has a restraining order or is disrupting the event, the person can attend. Just because you "attend," does not mean that you are a part; nor does it mean that the Church endorses you. For that matter, God has always had "attenders." Consider the following:

Jesus is the Son of God. But, John 6:70 says, "Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" God is Almighty. However, Job 1:6 says, "One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them." These two passages alone refute the statement, "if y'all really had power this would not show up." Are you going to say that the Son of God has no power? Are you going to say that the LORD has no power? God forbid.

So if this happened in the Bible; it is going to happen in our day. We just have to be vigilant. We must plead the blood against anyone casting spells (Revelation 12:11) and proclaim deliverance to those who have bound minds (Luke 4:18). Take such a person attending the meeting and seat them by some strong evangelistic saints. And let the saints go to work. We often look for the pulpit to do everything (a result of this modern entertainment style church) but Holiness was made great by the power in the pew. God put gifts in the saints (1 Corinthians 12).

Also, some might say that Bishop Mason would "turn over in his grave." On the contrary, HE WENT to the grave because of how the "church people" were conducting themselves back then. Yes, you had MAJOR issues in those days as well. According to Bishop Mason's late daughter "Tiny," the doctors had told Bishop Mason (even in his 90's) that he was extremely healthy and could live "as long as he wants." But, the people had cut up in the Church so bad; Bishop Mason said he would rather "go home" than deal with the people (the church people had sued him, jailed him, called him on the carpet before the General Assembly, accused him of taking all the money, etc.). So there has never been a "perfect time" in the Church (read the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles).

But, what we must strive to do is live holy and come up to God's standard. As we do this and proclaim the Gospel; our light will either draw people or drive them away. But, there won't be any room for in-between. Instead of saying, "somebody ought to do something," or playing the blame game; YOU be the light that will cause people to see and experience the difference. YOU be the example; instead of criticizing everyone else. YOU live holy. In closing, I pray for whoever this is in the picture. I pray against whatever would have their mind bound. And, I also pray for all of us as well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE HANKERSONS!!!!

From Elijah III, Rachel, Elijah IV, Raquel, Matthew and "Mr Grinch" the family cat!