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.

MY TRIP TO CANADA

As some of you know, my fiance and I (as well as her mother and aunt) took a trip to Ottawa, ON Canada a couple of weeks back for a wedding and, let me tell you, I had a blast up there!!!

Here are some of the pics from the trip:

The Happy Couple: Eric and Elizabeth (Beth) Dotson

My precious Debra and I

The Beautiful Ladies!!!!!!

The Fellas putting together favors!!!

You don't see this in South Florida