THE NEED FOR CHRIST-CENTERED PREACHING

Over the span of this year, I have been doing a hard study and examination of Christ-Centered preaching, and--even more--if my preaching is meeting the objectives that it promotes.

This examination began when I started to listen to the online teachings of my old Seminary Professor, Dr. Warren Gage, and observing how he showed in every passage the Personhood and work of Christ, and how it is at the center of all of Scripture. On top of this, I have recently been in regular contact with Pastor Ken Jones, who is the new Pastor at Glendale Missionary Baptist Church in Miami as well as one of the hosts of the Whitehorse Inn Radio Program. And Pastor Jones has not only been an amazing help in showing me how to develop sermons under this idea, but he also recommended that I read a VERY powerful book on the subject called "Him we Proclaim" by Dennis E. Johnson, which has been an invaluable tool.

And, through the lens of all of these resources, I have come to accept the reality that--not only is Christ-Centered Preaching the best way to interpret Scripture and develop effective sermons--it's the ONLY way!!!!

If we look at passages like Luke 24:13-27 and John 5:39, 46, we would see clearly that Holy Scripture leaves no doubt that we are to interpret it through the lens of Christ. And, this doesn't mean just sticking a reference to Him at the end of a "law-filled" sermon, nor does it mean to use Him as an example by how we can live our lives better. But what Christ-Centered preaching teaches is that we view every passage as a contribution to unpacking the Personhood and work of Christ.

For example if we were to look at Genesis 22, which is the story of Abraham and his offering of Isaac, we would notice--for instance--that when Isaac asked his father, in v. 7 , "where is the lamb for the burnt offering", Abraham tells him in v. 8, "God would provide a Lamb for the burnt offering". However, in v. 13, after Isaac is spared by the Angel of the LORD, Abraham looks over and sees a ram caught in the thickets to which he sacrifices in lieu of Isaac. Now, while the most popular interpretation of this passage has been that "God will always have a ram in the bush" or that the ram represents Christ and how he will eventually die for us, there is actually something deeper located in this text.

Notice what Abraham told Isaac is not what exactly happened. Abraham told Isaac that God would provide a lamb, but instead he sacrificed a ram. Two different types of animals! So, was Abraham wrong? The answer is NO, because God does provide a lamb for the sacrifice. So, we are left asking the question, "Where is the lamb who would be sacrificed in lieu of Isaac"? And, we find this answer in the words of John the Baptist, "Behold, THE LAMB OF GOD who takes away the sins of the world" (John 1:29).

So, Jesus is ultimately the lamb, who will be sacrificed for--not only Isaac--but for all whom God has chosen. Like the burnt offering, He would give His entire body to die, so that believers would be broken from the pangs of sin and death and--more importantly--God's anger towards these things would be satisfied. Thus, while the ram is a symbol of what Christ would do, it is ultimately an incomplete sacrifice and, honestly, not the focus of this passage. But rather, the Lamb is the true focus of the passage because it is His sacrifice that will ultimately take away the sins of the world.

As I continue my study on Christ-Centered preaching, I will post some of my thoughts on this blog, and I pray that it will be a blessing to you as it is becoming to me.

THANK YOU, DEBRA-ANNE!!!!!!!

Today is the six month-a-versary for my darling wife, Debra-Anne and myself and, to be honest, it is hard to believe that this day is already here. Oh, how I wish I could freeze that day when I saw my beautiful wife walk down that aisle and she gave me the opportunity to be her companion, lover, and friend.

And, it is at this time that I would like to thank her for ten things that I have been blessed with, experienced, learned, or are learning in this short period of Holy matrimony.

1. Thank you, Debra-Anne for making me love Christ more: In the six months that I have been with you, I cannot tell how you have made the ministry God has blessed us with better. Your encouraging words, your willingness to do whatever it takes to be successful, and your inquisitiveness is so encouraging, and has done wonders in my own personal relationship with the LORD as well. Quite simply, I love you more because you have helped me love Christ more.

2. Thank you, Debra-Anne for your submissiveness: You were a woman who had a lot when we met, and you have made sacrifices in our relationship that still amazes me to this day. Thank you for loving me for who I am and not what you want me to be.

3. Thank you, Debra-Anne for your care of others: If you remember, this was the trait that led me to marry you in the first place. And being with you on a regular basis, I have seen this trait more widely, which makes my love for you grow more widely.

4. Thank you, Debra-Anne for your caring spirit: From watching your interaction with the kids at church to hearing the direction you give your Mary Kay consultants, you take such a nurturing approach towards everything. If I had to highlight the trait, in which I believe you show Christ the most, it is this--making supreme sacrifices with the goal to make others better.

5. Than you, Debra-Anne for your patience: Quite simply, you have the patience of a moving tortoise--it can be long to see you get to your breaking point, but you will make sure you cover all ground before you get there. What was once a trait that drove me nuts, is one that I am learning more and more to respect everyday, especially in regards to my own life.

6. Thank you, Debra-Anne for loving my faults: I always knew I was a sinner, but in six months I have learned that marriage can show just how bad you truly are. But still--within the scope of all of this--you are still with me. Thank you for loving me just as much in my imperfections as you do in the things that please you about me.

7. Thank you, Debra-Anne for exposing me to the world: In the short time we have been together, we have had the privilege of seeing so much together. From our honeymoon in Belize and Mexico to the Mary Kay Seminar event in Dallas, these are things I wouldn't have seen (nor had as much fun in participating in) in my lifetime, if I hadn't been with you. Thank you for exposing me to new things and new people.

8. Thank you, Debra-Anne for my new family: The joy that I feel in having Ms. Scarlett as a mother-in-law, having Uncle "Horace Winston" and Aunt Hyacinth as an aunt and uncle, as well as Beth, Eric, Andrea, Uncle Larry, Aunt Lyl and the rest of the crew cannot be properly expressed. Quite simply, I am ecstatic that you have been willing to share them with me, so I can grow to love them as much as you do.

9. Thank you, Debra-Anne for your work ethic: In short, you are a WARRIOR! How you put in time at Palm Beach State, then do Mary Kay and make sure that I am taken care of, on a daily basis, is amazing. After seeing this on a daily basis, the very least I can do is take care of the laundry on my day off!!!!! :-)

10. Thank you, Debra-Anne for making me write this blog: Quite simply, if you were not who you are, I could not have written what I have. These things--as well as a litany of others--makes it easy to express my love and thanks towards you. Thank you for being my wife and allowing me to be your husband!!!!

Happy six-month-a-versary, My precious Tulip !!!!!!!

JOHN MACARTHUR ON TBN

No, I did not make a mistake in the title. Yes, John MacArthur was on TBN about a year ago and, if you know anything about MacArthur and his comments in the past about TBN and their "preachers", instantly the two coming together brings thoughts of hell freezing over.

And, much like in his Larry King appearances, MacArthur holds no punches and it was very refreshing to hear a pure Gospel message proclaimed on this network for once. However, on the flipside, this video also sent chills down my spine. Not in what MacArthur says, but from the standpoint of the audience--both in the studio and who faithfully watch TBN regularly. For instance, I sat there wondering how many viewers of this program--who had been going to church for years--were hearing the true Gospel for the first time? I wondered how many people were unaware of the fact that this could be the only time they hear the true Gospel of Jesus Christ? And, finally, I wondered how many people--who are truly not saved but under the impression they are--would go away, not moved at all by the words of the Gospel, and would return to their churches and continue under their false profession, only to find out on the last day they have been duped and will spend an eternity in hell.

Truly, I was very happy to see MacArthur on TBN and blessed by how God used Him. And my prayer is that God will use the seed of this program (and those like Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron's) to draw His elect out of darkness into the marvelous light of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

To see the videos click on below:

MacArthur on TBN 1

Macarthur on TBN 2

MacArthur on TBN 3

THANK YOU FATHER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Without question, this summer has been one of the most fruitful in my ministry career. Not only have I had the opportunity to enjoy the fellowship of so many godly people, but my pastor has given me the opportunity to lead the Wednesday Night Bible Study, in which I am teaching on the Doctrines of Grace and how they line up with the Sixteen Articles of the Primitive Baptist Church.

It has always been my desire to see the Church of Jesus Christ return back to the Reformed roots, especially the predominately African-American Church. And--let me tell you--through this teaching on Wednesday Night, God has been doing an awesome thing!!!!

Our congregation is responding in ways that I never imagined. They are telling their friends what they are learning, many members--who at one time were not coming to the Bible Study--are attending again, many members are desiring to further their Theological education, and--most encouraging of all--many members are enjoying a renewed passion for God and the work of salvation that Christ has done on their behalf.

It is at this time, that I would like to give a public praise to God the Father for being so wonderful in revealing His truth to His people. Truly, we serve a God who is so gracious and merciful and is truly much better to us than we are to ourselves. So, Thank You LORD for your kindness--a kindness that is so amazing and so rich in Your precious love!!!!

CALVIN AT 500

Today officially marks the 500th year of John Calvin's birth. And if you are a passionate believer in Reformed Theology like me, you have celebrated this day beforehand and will continue long after this day ends.

Truly, Calvin was one of the most influential men in the history of Christianity. His teachings on Soteriology, commonly called the Five Points of Calvinism, has been beloved by Reformed Christians for centuries and is at the root of our Theology. Also, his writings in the Institutes of the Christian Religion is one of the best Systematic treatise on Scripture ever produced.

And even though, when it comes to Calvin, there is no "gray area" (people either love him or hate him), no one can deny the impact that Calvin has had or will have on Christianity for years to come.

So, speaking for all Christians who love the unadulterated truth of God's Word, I want to say HAPPY POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY, JOHN CALVIN!!!!!

NOT REFORMED, BUT BIBLICAL????

In my last post, I mentioned a conversation that I had with a fellow Minister in Chicago yesterday. And, within an hour and a half of conversation, we discussed several topics (one being the basis of the article below). But perhaps the most interesting part of our conversation dealt with the need--if any--of Reformed Theology in the church today.

In one of his comments, he mentioned, "that a church does not need to be Reformed, but it can be Biblical". Now, being a Reformed believer and knowing wholeheartedly that Reformed Theology is Biblical Theology, one has to wonder how such a claim can be made?

For instance, if Reformed Theology teaches that God elects men to salvation before the foundation of the world, and Scripture teaches the same (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13), and any other system teaches the opposite--that would make that system unbiblical right? If Reformed Theology teaches that Christ's death was for a particular people, and the Scriptures support that claim (Matthew 1:21; John 10:11) , then wouldn't another system of belief be unbiblical? Finally (because I can go on forever with this), if Reformed Theology teaches that God is Sovereign and the Scriptures do as well (Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:32), then wouldn't anything else be unbiblical?

Now obviously, I may come off as biased here, but I truly believe that Reformed Theology is THE theology of the Bible, and I have the Scriptures and church history to prove it. So, for someone to believe that there are alternate truths out there that can conflict with the theology and still be right, is erroneous, or--dare I say--unbiblical!!!!!!!

NOT RESPECTING TRADITION

Just yesterday, I had a discussion with a fellow Minister in Chicago about my future endeavors in ministry. And--if you know anything about me--you know that when it comes to this topic, I can be extremely direct in some areas--especially when it comes to issues that I find as real problems in the church today. And generally, when I bring up these particular issues (especially when it deals with the state of the black church), they are either met with a hearty "Amen" or with a strong "Anathema".

So naturally, I was not surprised when we discussed issues that I had with the black church today, that it didn't go over very well with him. For example, I mentioned that one of the things that bother me about today's black church today was the "enslavement of traditions" over and beyond the primary foci of the church as a whole. And when I explained to him what I meant, he accused me of not respecting the traditions of the church and said that it would be difficult for me to find a future pastorate with this mindset.

Now, I must admit that when I became Reformed back in 2001, there were some of beliefs within the scope of the black church that I laughed at and ridiculed then that I do not criticize (at least not as much) now. Some of these things include the doctrinal depth of the songs, the devotion service, the anniversaries for every department in the church, and the heavily accepted Charismatic teachings that are so widely accepted amongst our people. However, while I have either softened my stance or see these things from a different angle, I have to honestly admit that my feelings overall have not changed. In short, what I told my fellow Minister yesterday is the same way I felt back then and will feel throughout the duration of my ministry career.

As a black church, we must realize that we must line up EVERYTHING we do against the written Word of God. In short, the Bible must be our guide in all matters of worship. Just because we desire a worship that is more emotional, more social driven, and highlights our cultural identity, does not mean we have the freedom to disregard God's Word in bringing it about. We are not immune to doing things the way God wants just because we have been a people of struggle. So, while I will be the first the state that I see nothing inherently wrong with wearing white on first Sundays, having three of four types of choirs, wearing a robe in the pulpit while preaching, and lining the hymns in worship, if these things become the staple principles for a church in lieu of the solid teaching of God's Word, the right administration of the sacraments, and the practice of self-discipline--the church is in error! No questions asked!!!!!!

So, if Scripture tells us we must teach God's Word with seriousness and careful instruction, then our focus should not be on trying to get the crowd up by "hooping" or"singing" during our messages. If the Bible tells us that one of the qualifications for an Elder is to be"the husband of one wife", we should not go on crusades to ordain women as pastors. In short, we don't get an "out" in our worship practice based on our historical plights or traditions.

And, from a personal standpoint, if these beliefs prevent me from receiving a pastorate in a black church, I am willing to accept the consequences. Because to quote Martin Luther: "My conscience is captive to the Word of God, and to violate conscience is neither right nor safe"!!!!!!

THE REAL VICTIMS

Being a HUGE football fan, naturally over the past few days I have been following very closely the Steve McNair murder investigation. And while it is a tragedy when any person is shot and killed--especially at such a young age like 36--the one thing that I think is not being focused on is the grieving family is left to deal with the complex questions.

To put it bluntly, while the media is focusing on the humanitarian that Steve McNair was, we shouldn't overlook the fact that the man was killed in the surroundings of an adulteress relationship. In short, McNair thought more about himself and his wants instead of being faithful to his family--especially the four children he left behind.

Now it is not my desire to throw stones at McNair in this post (although you might think otherwise), but it does speak volumes when a man is being praised for helping inner-city youth and starting foundations but no one is thinking about a wife who has to tell her children that daddy is not only dead, but has to tell them how he died!!

How does Mechelle McNair tell her children that daddy was having an affair and was killed by his mistress? Equally, how does she properly grieve in finding out this news at the same time as hearing that her husband of 12 years is dead? And finally, how will this situation affect the psyche of his children towards their father as they grow up to become active members of society?

In short, we must come to the reality that tragedies like this do not stop with the people that were directly involved. But rather, this is a incident that could have lasting effects 20, 30, and maybe 50 years from now with the people who are left behind. In short, the real victims of this tragedy are those who become engulfed in the poison that an incident like this can bring.

So while we pray for the families that are involved in this tragedy, let us also pray for the LORD to specifically heal their hearts from the betrayal and hatred that generally come from these ordeals. Unfortunately, nothing can change what happened but what can be prevented is the spread of the pain and suffering that these families now feel towards their loved ones and those on the other side of the fence.

PICS FROM THE WEDDING

Hello Everyone!

It has been a while since I posted (I have been trying to get adjusted both to work and as a newly married man). However, I would like to tell you that the Ebony Puritan Forum is back and possibly stronger than ever.

And to kick off my return, I would like to share with you some of the pics from the wedding. The LORD was pleased to bless me on March 28th in taking the hand of Debra-Anne Lettman as my wife. She is an amazing woman, and I look forward to loving and cherishing her and having her love and support for the rest of our days.

I would like to thank my wife's cousin Andrea and sister Roni for supplying these pics.

So with that said, Enjoy!!!!


The Bridal Party



I am watching Debra dance with her Uncle Larry



Deb and I doing our "surprise" dance


Deb and I cutting the wedding cake


Deb and I sharing a passionate kiss


More to come soon..............................

YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HELL, WE'RE JUST HAVING SOME FUN!!!

Today, I was sent an e-mail of a Church Anniversary service where the people had to dress in a certain color due to their generation. For instance, those born before 1946 are called "Builders" and those, in this congregation who fell under that genre, wore black. Those born from 1946-64 are called "Boomers" and they wore brown, from 1965-83 the people are called "Busters" and they wore gray, and from 1984 until now they are called "Bridges" and they wore red. And the idea this church was promoting was that they minister to all four generations of people.

And while this ministering to various generations should be honored and there is nothing inherently wrong with having the different generations dress in certain colors for such events, what disturbed me about this clip is that the pastor had the people get up and dance to certain songs of their generation like "they did when they first heard the song". So you have people slow dancing in the church and doing modern dances within the worship service. And this leaves me to ask the obvious question: What has happened to the reverence in our worship services?

Would we see this kind of behavior in the days of Moses? How about with Christ? How about the Apostles? Would we see it in the days of Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Spurgeon, or even as recent as 20 years ago? To quote Lance Lewis, the church is not being separated from the world, we are mimicking it and they are laughing at us.

And on top of all this, the Pastor kept saying, "You are not going to hell because of this. We are just having fun". And from a Christian perspective, this is true because our salvation is in Christ. So, a Christian need not be afraid of getting eternally condemned because they dance to "My Girl" in the worship service. But does this statement give us the right to act any way we want when we come into the presence of God? For instance, would we wear sneakers and jeans to a meeting with President Obama because we were certain he wouldn't throw us into federal prison for such? Equally, if we have a high ranking position on our job, does that mean we can blast music and "cut a fool" because there is no fear of being fired? I think not! We give reverence where reverence is due. And if we can put on our best and show respect towards Obama or our bosses, how much more should we show reverence to the very One who gave us life and gave His life for our redemption?

And in a postscript to this Pastor's statement, what about the unbelievers who went to this service and came away with the idea that the church is no more than a big club? What about those people who were desiring to see something that service that would distinguish the church from the world, but saw the same sinful mindsets and ideas that they are always around? And, even worse, what about those who came in as skeptics and felt like their criticisms were justified? In other words, while the statement holds true for believers, it doesn't hold true for the sinner because they are still locked in their sins and this could've been the last opportunity they had to hear the Good News about Christ.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not taking an R.A. Torrey approach and saying Christians should not dance or go to movies. However, when we come together as a Body to worship the LORD, this is not the time to listen and dance to The Temptations or Kanye West. It is a time to humbly honor and praise the LORD of Heaven and Earth through His Son, Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And that is what the church is commanded to do. To exalt the excellence of Christ and to distance themselves from the world. And until or unless we do this, church services like this will slowly swallow the church's objectives into chaos.

To see the video of this service, click here

A QUOTE FROM JOHN DONNE

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I am reading through for the first time, The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper. And in the book, there is an excellent quote by Jacobean poet and preacher John Donne, relating the preacher's heart to the people he preaches to. If you are a minister of the Gospel, does these words reflect your heart:

"What sea could furnish my eyes with tears enough to pour out, if I should think, that of all this congregation, which looks me in the face now, I should not meet one at the Resurrection, at that right hand of God".

I'M STILL ALIVE!!!!!

As some of you know, I am getting married to my amazing fiancee on March 28th. And, due to this, I have not had the time to post on The Ebony Puritan Forum like I want to (in fact, this is my first post of the year--Happy New Year everyone :-) !!!!!

But, as the wedding comes closer and more fires are put out, I will definitely take time to post at least 2 times a week. In short, The Ebony Puritan Forum is NOT DEAD!!!!

So, for all those who enjoy the post on this site, I am truly sorry for my absence and I hope you check frequently on the site for more of my thoughts on the impact of Reformed Theology throughout the African-American Church as well as the world!!!!

THE EBONYPURITAN FORUM'S 100TH POST

It has been over 14 months in waiting, but guess what: THE EBONYPURITAN FORUM HAS REACHED THE CENTURY MARK IN POSTS!!!!!

To all the readers, both casual and devoted, thank you for all your support and comments. And I intend on continuing to give you my thoughts as it pertains to Reformed Theology and the African-American society as a whole!!!!

YOUNG, RESTLESS, AND REFORMED

If there is one thing that blesses my heart outside of seeing my own African-American brothers and sisters come to a knowledge and love of the Reformed faith, it is seeing this same knowledge and love through young people.

I have many friends who are either young adults themselves or older adults with young children, who passionately expresses their joy in the Reformed faith in various ways. And the diversity is amazing in and of itself: On one hand, I know young people who express their Reformed beliefs in listening to LeCrae and Paul Washer and others who express their beliefs in singing hymns and listening to Lloyd-Jones.

But in both cases, they have one major objective: to exalt Christ, promote God's Sovereignty, and uphold the glorious Doctrines of Grace. And while this "youth movement" has caused many older Reformers to become uneasy, I personally believe some good can come from this. Because the LeCraes, the Flames, the Washers are allowing youngsters to enjoy their Reformed beliefs in many nontraditional ways. And let us not forget that there was a time when the Luthers, Calvins, and Spurgeons were once scorned and seen as "over the top" in their society.

So, instead of criticizing this movement, let us build upon it. Because truly, there are a lot of things these young Reformers can learn from older Reformers and there are many things that the older Reformers can learn from younger Reformers as well.

THE HERESY JUST KEEPS ON COMING!!!!

I have to admit that have never been a fan of John Hagee. From his weird interpretation of Revelation to his heretical belief that the Jewish people do not have to accept Christ in order to go to Heaven, he has done a lot to repulse me.

And with his latest book, In Defense of Israel, Hagee goes right over the edge making the argument that Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah, and that the Jews could not be blamed for not accepting him as such. Truly, we must start praying for the health of the Body of Christ, especially for those who follow false teachers such as Hagee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0CyolAOeWQ

THE JONESTOWN MASSACRE: 30 YEARS LATER

If you have been following the news lately, you probably know that this week marks the 30th Anniversary of one of the most tragic events in American History--The Jonestown Massacre.

It was in Jonestown, Guyana where a man named James (Jim) Warren Jones, who was the "pastor" of a "church" called The People's Temple, had over 900 of his followers drink cyanide-laced Flavor-Aid in a successful mass suicide. The Jonestown Massacre is recorded as being the 2nd greatest civil loss of American life at one time in a non-natural disaster next to 9/11.

Ever since I started following this tragedy about 6 years ago, I have been amazed at both the wickedness of humanity (in fact, this tragedy is what really opened my eyes to the truth of Total Depravity) and also how an obsession with "secondary things" can leave one wide open for any type of destruction.

And what I mean by "secondary things" is this: How many self-professed Christians do you know who follow false teachers because they preach a Jesus who wants you healthy, wealthy, and prosperous instead of one who wants us delivered from our sins? How many people have blindly joined churches because it met their physical needs (like food, clothing, or employment), but they fail in meeting their spiritual need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How many people are following pastors who promote ideas like no makeup or pant wearing for women or that there members shouldn't go to movies because they are "sinful" just because the "pastor says so"?

Brothers and Sisters, it is these types of things that caused Jim Jones to grab mind control over 900 people to the point of death, and the sad reality is that--with today's brand of what passes for Christianity--it is very possible this could happen again (God forbid!). This is why we, as the Body of Christ, must learn the discipline of discernment and also learn that nothing is more precious than the gift of Jesus Christ. Because a gracious God, who gave His one and only Son for sinners like you and I, will--without question--take care of the needs of those who are in His flock!!!!

Sadly, the followers of Jim Jones did not understand this. So let us learn from their tragedy and not build upon it.

TRUTH UNDER FIRE!!!

Last week at the Miami Pastor's Conference, I had the chance to meet and hear Dr. Voddie Baucham for the first time, and let me tell you it was a real treat. Dr. Baucham is a man who is on fire for the truth of God, and is not ashamed to stand for it even in "politically correct" arenas. As a point of illustration, click on the clip below and see how he addresses Sarah Palin and the woman's role in the home in a CNN interview.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f14z3cnNzzo

WOW AGAIN!!!!!

Once again, the Miami Pastor's Conference did not disappoint. This year's theme, "What is God saying to and through the Churches" was informative and convicting. Everyone of the Speakers were absolutely amazing and God really moved in this conference.

As usual, there was great fellowship within the participants. It was a real joy to reacquaint with Pastors Ken Jones, Robert Benson, and Anthony Carter. Also, it was a treat to meet and hear Dr. Voddie Baucham this year (and let me tell you, if you haven't heard him preach you are missing a REAL blessing from the LORD). Also, it was nice to see again many other participants from last year like Frank and Irwin, and meet for the first time brothers like Steve Love, James from Southern Baptist Seminary, and Andy Johnson from 9Marks ministry.

Throughout the year, I will give some insights and thoughts about the conference (don't worry Tony and Frank, I WILL keep this promise), so that you can get a snapshot on how God blessed this amazing event.

WE'VE FINALLY GOT A PIECE OF THE PIE!!!!!

Even though I have been very harsh on Barack Obama throughout this election period, I have to admit there is a sense of joy in my heart to see an African-American finally make it to the Presidency of the United States.

When I think just 50 years ago, blacks had to eat in back sections in restaurants, could not drink out of the same water fountains nor use the same restrooms as whites. How 53 years ago, a woman by the name of Rosa Parks was arrested just because she refused to give up her seat on a city bus because she was tired. How 45 years ago, four children: Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Addie Mae Collins, and Carole Robertson were killed by a bomb in their church when they went to the basement to pray. And how 40 years ago, a man named Martin Luther King was assassinated because he wanted to see a nation of equality and harmony, truly seeing this day is a special and landmark moment in African-American history.

And while I have to say this post does not mean that I am turning Democrat (God forbid!) or that I have become a fan of Obama and his beliefs (again, God forbid!), I cannot lose sight in what this day means to my community. Truly, it feels good to be a part of history and it is my prayer that the decision that God has Sovereignly placed before us will bring Him glory in the highest. As the Scriptures say, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God". So while many will be ecstatic about this event and many will be disgusted with it, there is one thing we should keep in mind: This work is of the LORD's doing, and we should submit to it, praise His wisdom in bringing it about, and realize He has not given up His rule on His heavenly throne. And that, brothers and sisters, is the real joy in this event--no matter what side of the fence you stand.

PERSONAL POLITICS

We are only 5 days away from the most historic election since the one which put our first President, George Washington, in office.

And the more I am observing the voting landscape, the more I am seeing people releasing a passion for who they support like never before. All one has to do is look at YouTube and watch the "NObama Girl" video or listen to actor Matt Damon say that the possibility of Sarah Palin being our next president is the equivalent to "a bad Disney Movie", and one will see clearly that this election has taken on a real personal appeal with a lot of people.

But, unfortunately, there are some who have taken this passion to new heights--heights that are uncalled for and ridiculous. To give you an example of what I am talking about, last night I had the privilege of talking with one of my church's most active and faithful members, and she revealed to me that she had been called a "sellout", have had friendships bruised severely, and have even had people step up violently in her face, due to the fact that she is standing by John McCain (which, to my knowledge, is only the third person I met in our congregation who is Anti-Obama). And while she was saying this, you could see her trying not to get so emotional because she made the proper decision not to go along with the crowd and make a decision based on her morals.

So, instead of being praised for not violating her conscience and being independent in her thinking, many people (including those who call themselves Christians) are criticizing her for allegedly "standing against progress".

Now in lieu of all this, one has to ask why? Why do we feel the need to damage relationships and verbally (or physically) hurt people because they choose to look beyond their skin color, economic status, or any other intangible and vote for the man whom they think would bring the most honor to the LORD? Since when has the right to think freely become Politically Incorrect?

Now, if you are a regular reader of my blog, you know it is no secret that I am as "NObama" as it gets. However, NEVER would I verbally or physically attack someone just because they did not see my political point of view. And I believe that people need to separate their political views from their personal relationships. The truth is, there will be many African-Americans who do not support Obama (I'm one of them) and there will be many Caucasians who will not stand by McCain (Matt Damon). And these free choices should not cause damage to relationships that have evolved over the duration of time.

So, in conclusion, realize the fact that whatever candidate you stand by is your choice! And the act of getting in people's faces, calling them names, or breaking off friendships because someone doesn't agree with you is over extreme and repulsive. And to those who are doing such acts, they need to be ashamed of themselves and beg the LORD to have mercy on their souls.