RUMBLE AT THE POTTERS HOUSE IN FT WORTH!

It was brought to my attention that the Potter's House in Forth Worth, TX had an eventful day on Palm Sunday. Since this situation has went "viral," and I have been asked to comment; here are my thoughts.

First, I am almost certain that the Word went forth in the worship service and many people were abundantly blessed. So often we are quick to focus on one (unfortunate) negative occurrence vs the many souls that came to church and received what they needed from God. The Bible admonishes us to focus on the positive and not the negative:

Philippians 4:8. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

Second, even though there is an extensive video clip, we do not know the entire story. We do not know the context, nor the before and after. I would venture to say, of the millions of people who have viewed "the video," probably 99% of the viewers do not know anyone on the video. If we do not know the individuals nor the context; it is hard to develop an opinion:

Proverbs 18:13. Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
Third, I can almost guarantee that 99% of the individuals commenting on "the video" have not prayed for all of the individuals involved. Will you STOP RIGHT NOW AND PRAY for the Bishop, the pastor, the church and all the staff involved in this incident? As the Bible commands for us to pray.

Philippians 4:6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Third, we must allow "the law" (IF they are involved) to do their job and handle the judicial process. This is why we have a judicial system; to handle cases where people feel like they have suffered an injustice. And vice versa, if an organization feels like they have suffered wrong.

Romans 13:1. Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put here by God.

Fourth, this CANNOT be used as an excuse to leave the Church. Already, I have heard the tired, worn out cliché, "see this is why I don't go to church." There are unfortunate instances that happen everywhere (movie theaters, restaurants, sporting events, etc.); but people yet go.
This is not an alibi for not attending Church. And, many times we can speak about being hurt in the church; but have we also hurt other people in life? Instead of fighting one another and making excuses; we should ask God to help us all.
Romans 2:1. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
Finally, we are very quick to comment on social media. But, let us always remember that God is listening in and we will be judged for our words...
Matthew 12:36. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

WHY CAN CHURCH PEOPLE BE SO EVIL?

This is a question that I often hear, why are church people so: mean, evil, cruel, jealous, judgmental, two-faced, backstabbing, etc.? However, I do not feel that church people are any worse than other people. Why is this?

First, we have such a high expectation for Christians. And that is logical; considering the fact that the word “Christian” means to be Christ like or at least to be a follower of His. And, the Bible actually places a high expectation upon Christians:

Romans 1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our LORD Jesus Christ-their LORD and ours:

Second, we often let our guard down when we come among believers. After all, aren’t they the ones that are supposed to pray for us, speak into our lives, encourage us, preach to us, teach us, etc.? But, herein lies the problem.

We must realize that church people are just that: PEOPLE. Church people are not God. We must esteem our brothers and sisters; but we should never place people on a pedestal. They are bound to let us down. This is why church people may seem so “evil,” because we do not expect that kind of behavior. And, that behavior is DEFINITELY WRONG and MUST BE CORRECTED. But, you should never put the same amount of confidence in people that is only reserved for God. God is the only one who will NEVER let you down, NEVER fail you and NEVER forsake you.

Revelation 22:9 But he said, "No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!"

Even in church, you should never just completely let your guard down. This is a recipe for “church hurt.” The Bible always warns us to watch and be cognizant of our surroundings. If we would be more watchful and less naïve then we would not so easily get offended and let down by our brothers and sisters.

1 Corinthians 14:29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Finally, the biblical writers knew that we would have to have a lot of patience with each other (as Christians). If another believer has hurt you or let your down, do not write them off. Do not leave the church because of disappointment. Just like God gives us grace; we must do the same for other Christians.

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

WHY DO YOU HAVE SO MANY DRUNK PREACHERS?

Christianity has always had denominations that believe that it is okay to consume alcohol. Some groups go as far as having fermented wine in their Communion services.

But, Holiness has always been different. Even though you have always had preachers and members that would slip and take a "nip" and even get drunk; it was known that saints do not do such things. And, those exposed were required to repent of their evil ways.

However, now, there are so many people in Holiness churches stating that there is nothing wrong with casual drinking; as long as you do not go to the excess or get drunk. One cleric even made a joke of the Word which says, "not given to wine," by asking, "what if it's given to you?" 

What shall we say to this? Have the standards of Holiness changed? Please be with me online Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 6:00 PM Central Standard Time as I deal with this sensitive topic. Let's see what the Word says. I will be LIVE simultaneously both on Facebook and Periscope. Once I have completed the teaching; it will be archived on my YouTube channel. 

Please spread the word! Whether you agree or disagree; please at least hear out my argument. As I believe that the job of an evangelist is not only do SHARE the faith but to DEFEND the faith. Please join me!

WHO HAS BILLY GRAHAM'S 'MANTLE?'

The late Rev. Billy Graham was an extraordinary evangelist. His commitment to soul winning was second to none. With his recent passing; this had led to many questions of, "who is the next Billy Graham?" Or, "who has Billy Graham's mantle?" While this may come as shocking to some; I would hope that no one has his mantle.

Why would I say something like that? First, the body of Christ must realize that according to Ephesians 4:11 God gives us gifts of men and women of God. But, often we get confused and instead of seeing them as "men of God" we see them as "gods of men." While many men of God have accomplished great and mighty deeds; none of us can come close to the stature of God or His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Second, especially in the Black community, forms of ancestral worship are very common. There is definitely nothing wrong with honoring the legacy, accomplishments and standards of those who have gone before us. But, the ancestors are not are standard; the LIVING CHRIST is!

Revelation 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Third, We have something greater than a mantle. A mantle was a cloak (which functioned as an overcoat) for prophets and those in what we call the "Middle East." In the story of Elijah (the older prophet) and Elisha (the younger prophet); Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9).

Elijah was taken up into Heaven and his mantle fell on Elisha; who ended up working twice as many miracles as Elijah (2 Kings 2:13). However, we have MORE than a mantle. Jesus had more than a double portion. He had the Spirit WITHOUT MEASURE! And, He said we can have EVERYTHING He has!

John 3:34 ³⁴For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

John 14:12 ¹²Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Romans 8:17 ¹⁷Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

1 John 4:17 ¹⁷This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

Finally, God created us to be originals. While we have mentors and those we look up to; we were not designed to be like anyone else. Why follow after another person's pattern; when God can use you to be a pattern? Our prayer should be for the will of God to be done in our lives; not for us to be a copy or imitation of something that has already occurred before (see Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36).

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THE LACK OF LOYALTY AMONG CHRISTIANS

Loyalty is defined as, "A strong feeling of support or allegiance."[1] Ancient Christians had to be loyal to one another; due to the fact that they suffered such intense persecution. Jews saw Christians as a cult and the Romans saw Christianity as an illegal religion. Jesus said this:

Matthew 10:17-22 17Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Matthew 24:9 9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

In the West (the United States and Europe) we do not face persecution of this sort. I theorize that this is one reason for the lack of loyalty of Christians to one another. We have developed a mentality in the Church of, “every man for himself.”

What has contributed to this thought process is a teaching that I have seen creep into the church for about the last 20 years. It goes something like this, “the people that were good for you at one level may not go with you to the next level; and thus, you may have to let some people go.” That sounds arrogant at the least and divisive at the extreme.

Then, in the last 15 years, there has been so much talk about “haters.” Could it be that haters are only responding to the treatment that they have been given (being kicked to the curb)? The Bible lets us know how we are to treat one another:

Luke 6:31 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

I bring up this subject, because my observation is that the body of Christ should be more committed to one another than what I am seeing. Yes, we are to be committed to God; but as a body we are to be connected and interdependent on one another.

·                     Pastors should not be stressed out to the point of taking their own lives; because they       lack a support system in the Church.

·                     Older leaders should not be “kicked to the curb” by younger generations who would         jockey for their offices in the body of Christ.

·                     Older ministers should nurture and commission the next generation; not “kill” their          influence or career.

·                     No one should ever have to leave the Church or Christianity as a whole; because they       have never been accepted by cliques in churches.

·                     Christians should not “blast” each other on social media; while the world sits back,            observes and laughs at us.

The Bible says that a lack of commitment and loyalty is going to be one of the signs of the last days:

Matthew 24:12. 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others.

2 Timothy 3:1-5. 1 You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times. 2 People will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, and disobedient to their parents. They will also be ungrateful, godless, 3 heartless, and hateful. Their words will be cruel, and they will have no self-control or pity. These people will hate everything that is good. 4 They will be sneaky, reckless, and puffed up with pride. Instead of loving God, they will love pleasure. 5 Even though they will make a show of being religious, their religion won’t be real. Don’t have anything to do with such people.

Again, we should never fail in our commitment to God. However, the Church needs to do much better in our commitment to one another. I close with the Words of Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church:

John 13:34-35. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

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[1] https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/loyalty. (Accessed, March 4, 2018).