The Black Church

When you think of the so called "Black Church", who do you think of & what things run through your mind while imagining or remembering your typical experiences past and present? This question could have various answers depending on who you would ask. If you ask me, I can only speak from my experiences and what I have read. To answer my own questions, I would say I think of a bunch(generally speaking, not for all) ignorant people who specialize in the terrible art of eisegesis and think that they can praise there way through the trials of life. In which they have been told that when trials come, all God wants from you is praise and He will work it out. Here are some others; Give your way out of your storm by sowing gobs of money to your church or TBN or some other insidious apostate pseudo-christian organization. Can we mention any prominent black leaders? Many would say Martin(Michael King) Luther King, TD Jakes, Fred KC Price, IV Hilliard, Creflo Dollar, and the list would go on. All of these men are black and may have done some good things for society, but according to their beliefs and doctrinal statements they would be disqualified from being a Christian from a Biblical standpoint.

I have to be honest and say that this makes me and continues to make my very saddened and angry at the same time. WHY? Simply because we do not hear about Thabiti Anyabwile, Ken Jones, Anthony Carter, Saiko Woods, John E Coleman, or the men from Black and Reformed Churches of America. So when people see me carrying my Bible, they jokingly starting running in circles, doing cart wheels, speaking in tongues, or some type of generalization(a truth typically) of the Black Church.

I think the fact the norm in America and a harsh fact is that Sunday is the most segregated day during any given week. Why do people have such a hard time separating themselves from tradition or what makes your feel comfortable? This was a question I had to come face to face with. At the time I was a 26 year old male(now 27) who God dragged out of my comfortable feeling because I have a God given desire to hear the Word preached accurate and authoritatively. I got to the point where I felt that I was losing my mind because no one spoke my language amongst my own black people. I hated church with a passion and thought, "there is no one in the church who thinks things through logically or anyone who has the guts to tell there pastor that they were wrong."

Where does this begin? Typically we are taught to respect our leaders in the church and nowadays pastors are saying that they hear directly from God and not always from the Bible. So we hold them in a higher regard. Here is the problem. When your pastor starts to say things that do not line up with the revealed will of God(the Bible), at that time you challenge him in a respectful way. If he does not give you an answer backed by scripture, GET OUT!!! Some might differ with me here and say follow the Matthew 18 approach, but I say no. Why? Unfortunately if you are in that church and you go to your brother or sister in that church, they are not thinking like you. If they were they would not be there. This may be a good approach to wake up some people in the church but typically from all of the stories I have heard; it is a rarity. I also say this because sometimes pastors can be very deceptive and manipulative and you may not be prepared to discern his craftiness. Once again this is based off of my experiences and stories I hear all the time, but I would be prayerful in seeking God in how you should handle this.

The intent of my writing & our(me and Lionel's) other site is to sound the alarm for not only black people but all people. I believe reformed theology to be **100% Biblical. Most people in the black church will never hear about reformed biblical theology and will look for black churches only. We want to be that light in this darkness. Get out of the mode of thinking that says, "black church, white church, Asian church, Indian church etc." God's elect are of every tribe and nation. My white pastor is my brother just as much as my black brethren. We are not related by any type of physical lineage but we are tied to together by our Lord Jesus the Christ. Do not be dismayed when you have strife in the home about what God has enlightened you to. Just obey Him and trust Him.

** J. MacArthur made a comment at his 2003 conference concerning that issue and stated, "I embrace reformed theology as long as it is Biblical & where it is not biblical I do not embrace it". He went on further to state, "They [Reformers] got their anthropology right, their harmartiology right, soteriology right, ecclesiology right, but when they came to eschatology, that's when the problem started". Just to clarify, some current Reformed Baptist preachers and former one's had different eschatoligical positions. When I stated Reformed Theology, I am speaking mainly on TULIP & how we are Saved.(i.e. 1 Sola scriptura ("by Scripture alone") 2 Sola fide ("by faith alone") 3 Sola gratia ("by grace alone") 4 Solus Christus ("Christ alone") 5 Soli Deo gloria ("glory to God alone").

Free Books

Lionel graciously bought some books from John Piper's ministry. I have a couple of copies left from the stash he sent me. If anyone would like a free copy. Please email me with your address and I will send you a copy. God Bless in Christ




tlhorton80@hotmail.com

Good Videos Clips

Apostasy

I remember at at time in my walk with the Lord when I thought that Hebrews chapter 6 and 10 was talking to the believer who had sinned after being saved. I was terrified when reading this and thought I was doomed and had lost my salvation. I thought that my salvation was something that I decided and therefore if I messed up I could lose it. Glory be to God it is not me holding it together. If I made the wrong mistake or slipped I was forever lost. This was before I was introduced to the Biblical doctrines of grace.(i.e. TULIP-Calvinism) I hope you know that for a true believer in Christ it is impossible to lose your salvation. Why? Not because I said it, but because God has said this in His Word. (John 10:27-29, Rom 8:35,38-39, 1 Pet 1: 4-5, & Phil 1:6)

I would like to focus on these two passages.

Hebrews 6:4 For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

In the book of Hebrews the writer starts out building a case for the supremacy of Christ against everyone else prior to his first advent. He proceeds and makes it ridiculously obvious that the Israelites had seen the wonderful works of God and still would not believe in chapter 3. From all of this we are built up to what we understand to be a warning to the apostates. We understand that this could not possibly be talking about the believer simply because we have all sinned prior and after coming to salvation. (1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.) Christ died for our sins past, present, and future.

Many people today and even then in one way or another experience the blessings of God(Romans 1:20). We see the grace of God alone in just life and breathing and others like the Israelites and the people during the life of Christ seen His works first hand. Let us just think of the Pharisees who seen the very hand of God before their eyes and attributed that good to the evil one. To go even further all we have to do is examine the life of Judas and see how he betrayed our Lord after being with the Lord on many more intimate and personal occasions and still turning his back on Christ. In this we see that mere intellectual understanding does not save anyone. Without the gift of faith given to us from God, surely we would all be without hope. The gift of faith(Ephesians 2) coming from the Father is the key that unlocks the shackles that bind us to sin and the evil one. No this does not mean that after salvation we never sin. If you've been through the book of first John he makes it clear that after salvation our affections change and we begin to love what God loves and hate what God hates more and more as we get to know him in our temporal earthly journey. (1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.) ( 1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.) We are to be Christ-like. What does this mean? Well we have to get to the understanding of how badly God hates sin. We simply have to look at the first sin that was committed in Eden to see how serious God is about sin.

I caught of glimpse of this first hand last week at work. My boss simply told all of the people on our team to not do something. I knew that my boss was in a meeting and willfully decided to do it anyway. Immediately the phrase popped in my head, "premeditated sin" and I thought of Psalm 19. Now did I lose my salvation? I certainly hope not!!! We as Christians ought to become so acquainted with the Word of God that sin should not be habitual or permanent in our life.

In Hebrews 10 the comparison is made of the ones who rejected Moses, how much more will they be off when rejecting the one time propitiating blood of Christ and regard it as a common thing. The Greek word used here lets us know that this is not general knowledge but more of a personal "knowing without a shadow of a doubt knowledge."
Epignosis akin to epiginosko, denotes "exact or full knowledge, discernment, recognition," and is a strengthened form of gnosis, expressing a fuller or a full "knowledge," a greater participation by the "knower" in the object "known," thus more powerfully influencing him.

I wanted to make it clear that when Paul says in Romans 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation(damnatory sentence, condemnation) to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. He meant exactly what he said. My question is what sin do you haphazardly let reside in your life and say, "it is only a small sin." Does your sin bother you? What things are you doing to eliminate the sin in your life. I leave with a interesting quote by Spurgeon.

“Of all the sins that can happen to us, perhaps the deadliest of all is that of not being conscious of having any sin. A good old Scotchman used to say that there was no devil in the world so bad as having no devil at all, and that not to be tempted was the worst sort of temptation. So I think, and not to be conscious of any sin is, perhaps, to be at the furthest point from God to which any human being can go; for, the nearer we are to God, the more conscious we are of our own shortcomings, and the more earnestly do we struggle to overcome every atom of sin which we discover to be within our souls.”

Free Inserts for Christmas Cards

My Pastor Jim Elliff and some of his associates have some great Biblical materials for free. I plan on printing some of these out and putting them in Christmas Cards when I send them. Very good material-God Bless

Here is the Link

Above the Clouds

Psalms 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there]. 9 [If] I take the wings of the morning, [and] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee]. 13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

As many of you know, I had the pleasure of attending the 1st Stand Up Conference in Newark New Jersey. I have to be honest here. I hadn't flown since I was 5 years old and at the time I had the pleasure of having my wonderful mother to sit with me and comfort me in my fear. Fast forward 22 years later and I was flying alone. I have the full assurance that the Lord is with me where ever I go just as David said listed above. It is such a blessing when all the head knowledge I have had the pleasure to obtain by the mercies of God come to life before my eyes. What do I mean you ask? Well I understand that God is totally sovereign over absolutely everything. The hard part is believing what He has said in His Word and then when you have to apply it to your life. Understand that the purpose of us having to apply what we believe is not so that God can test us for His knowledge, for He already knows exactly what we possess simply because He is the Giver of all we have. The purpose of us being tested is so that we know what the Lord had placed in us for His glory.

Certainly as stated above I understood that God is in control of every single aspect of my life but even as I took off in the plane I feared. After thinking about this while flying I realized how incredibly stupid(this is how I talk to myself sometimes-I am harsh with me) I was on this topic. I say that I would love to be with the Lord and I am looking forward to spending all eternity with Him and loving him without my human flaws. (1John 3:2)What a pleasure it will be to see him and then be like him. This is my position and I firmly hold to this but I had to think; Do I cherish anything over Christ in my life? What a pleasure to have this desire placed in me. I have absolutely no reason whatsoever to fear death because Christ has already conquered this for the elect.(1Cr 15:55)

Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

After arriving in Newark I literally wanted to kiss the pilot and tell him," next time give me a parachute chump!!" Just joking here. How shallow of me to have the understanding that God is totally sovereign but only apply it when it is convenient or comfortable to me. That is not how it works and I am thankful that the Lord showed this to me. To top it off I had the temerity to talk with Saiko Woods about the sovereignty of God and not even really apply it to certain aspects of my life. It was blessing to hear his sermon about the complete sovereignty of God over everything.

On my flight back the Lord really gave me a peace while flying. I began to cry as I left the conference and cry even more when we took off. I was very joyful to see so many people who adhered to the Word of God and also felt sad that so many where without a body. I know the people who were sitting across the aisle from me wondered why I was crying. During my flight it was snowing and the pilot took us above the clouds and I got a chance to see the Glory of God in a whole new perspective. Some of you who frequently fly might not think this is a big deal. I once again began to cry like a new born baby uncontrollably. In the past year after soaking myself in the Word of God and with the Lord supplying me with a life breathing body of believer's. From going to a person who literally despised the church because I honestly thought church go-ers where the most Biblically ignorant people on the earth. I used to be just a church go-er and God sovereignty started me actually reading the scriptures and studying for myself. Once I did that I realized either I am crazy or you all are not reading your Bible. I am not and was not crazy. I longed for a body of like minded true Christians and the Lord graciously supplied.

In the past year and a half the Lord has changed my heart to the point is all that I see is Him. I could no longer look at the moon the same. I started to see the handy work of God in creation. I began to see my total depravity and God's holiness. I began to deteste what God detested. I began to love what God loves. You see before when I would see a sunrise or a simplistic star, it did not move me. Now I understand more and more every day that the Lord does not and has not saved everyone. For this I am forever thankful. I don''t understand why God saved me nor do I care. He did not see anything in me good and nothing I could ever do to be accepted by Him. I was just like Adam and all other creation after him. But glory be to God for Christ Jesus-The Lamb of God. Worthy Worthy Worthy Is the Lamb that was slain.

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Rev 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Workplace Religion

Hebrews 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

What great joy I find in Jesus the Christ. Here in Hebrews the writer talks about the history of Israel and how they seen all the works of God and still did not believe. Now God has spoken through His Son and if some of Israel did not enter the rest after not believing, how much worse off shall we be if we disregard His Son.

While at work today two people on my team went on a extra long lunch to buy some Christ-mas things to decorate our work area since we are having a contest for tomorrow for "Best Decorated Work Station." The two people who went to gather the materials by mistake bought a statue of Christ being born in a manger. They were going to put it in with the decorations and decided "That would be too religious and might offend someone." An unbeliever who is on my team said, "too religious? how could that be when we are celebrating Christ-mas?" Yes I wanted to say, "PREACH PREACHER!!!!" "WELL WELL!!" "UM MMMMMM"

From here somehow we got into a discussion on the Bible and its legitimacy. Some of the comments said were, "The Bible was written by men and is not reputable now" "King James Version was the only true translation" "God does not judge" Oh and check this one out..."Before you die God gives you a chance to get it right with him"(deathbed conversions) "I hope I just make it in" "I am going to have a long talk with God when I get to Heaven and tell him what is up and why I better get in"

If you know me I started throwing scriptures like I was a world class pitcher. Obviously with those few comments my theological juices were flowing like the Nile. I quickly became the bigot and narrow minded one when I began to speak about the judgement of God and His standards. I made very clear that the only acceptable sacrifice and righteousness that God accepts is His Son-Jesus the Christ-The Lamb Of God.

What bugs me is why do people want to wait to die or until they get close to death to try to figure God out? Why not seek God now when things according to you, seem to be going smooth. After our conversation I felt bad for these people and prayed the Lord would be gracious in opening their hearts for salvation. In the same thought I felt great joy for God saving such a wicked filthy man like me who at one time used to be just like these people who are absolutely blinded to the truth of the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

This year in my christian life, I like never before long to be with Christ. While at the conference in Newark New Jersey and when I listen to Pastor John Coleman I constantly hear him say how he does not fear death and that he like all Christians should do-embraces death. Ephesians 2:3 says-Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

It seems in our culture we naturally view tribulation as the judgement of God or think that we are going through a trial because of sin in our life. Lets look at what James says on this.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing [this], that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Is Jesus Christ your joy. Is there anything or anyone in this world that you find more satisfaction in? This is a difficult question because Jesus says

Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

More Conferences Photos.

This is Steve Lumbley and his wife from Carrolton, Texas. his site is here.
















This brother came from England. His name is Ron Perrott. He plans on moving to the states soon. God willing. Ron says there are not many good churches in London area of England. Keep him and his family in prayer.



Here is Pastor John Coleman on the left and Melvin(the sarcastic apologetic giant)on the right. We never knew that Melvin was so big. They are both great guys standing up for the Truth. Both men are extremely intelligent and gifted from the Lord. These 2 men were the tools GOD used as confirmation for me when I was seeking the truth of God's word. Melvin site is here. John's site is here.

Women Pastors?

I am posting some dialogue from a Pastor and myself. How did we meet? I have never met this gentleman. I put a lot of funny pictures up on my site and I get them from various places. Sometimes google, yahoo, and many others. Long story short I somehow got a picture of his that was copy written by his church and he asked me to take it down. I complied, but I also checked out his site and he had some views that contradicted scripture and if you all know me, you know I had to let him know about his error in a loving but stern way. Here are the questions I asked him and also here is his response. Please leave comments and let me know what you think about his answers. The questions I asked him are the same one's Pastor Saiko Woods asked IV Hilliard but unlike Hilliard this gentleman answered. I got his permission to post his answers-God Bless.

Q. What reliable source(s) (i.e. books, commentaries, etc.) do you have that support the biblical view you have cited regarding 1 Tim. 3:1-7? Does the passage in the original language support such a view?

A. William D. Mounce, vol. 46, Word Biblical Commentary : Pastoral Epistles . (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), 153ff.

Q. What was the historical setting in Gal. 3:28 that prompted Paul to make such a statement? Is he discussing salvation by faith w/o distinction? Or is he discussing the acceptance & approval of women to minister as Pastors?

A. No, Paul is not so much discussing salvation by faith without distinction, as he is discussing that we are all on a level playing field before grace, faith, and in standing before God. He is indeed not discussing specific functions or roles of the body, but he definitely places all the body on the same basis of equality.

Q. If gender is not an issue of concern with God, why would He distinguish the roles of men & women in the home, church, society, etc. (Gen. 1:27; 1 Cor. 11:3)?

A. I did not intend that gender is of complete unimportance. We are not created complete until we are both male and female. Genesis 1:27 says nothing about God creating them for different roles. Mankind is only complete as male AND female. If you pay attention to the Hebrew nuances of the terms for male and female in Gen 2-4, the same applies. Certainly there are different functions in sexual reproduction, yet it is the question of wholeness that applies rather than positioning one over the other. The question of male dominance in chap 3 can be read in terms of “male domination of women is a byproduct of sin.”
As to 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, Paul seems to deal mainly with issues of cultural interpretation and perception. If a culture does not associate head coverings with issues of modesty and propriety, this text will not apply directly to that culture. It will apply in terms of how our actions communicate in the culture within which we live. Paul says we need to respect how the larger society interprets our actions, norms, and manner of dress. Note that Paul refers to women prophesying in this passage. That is essentially the task of preaching—professing God’s word.

Q. If gender is not an issue of concern with God, why does Paul in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 in the original Greek language use the noun for “man or he” in the masculine form & not the feminine?

A. Masculine pronouns can refer to either gender, especially in a sense of a plural reference. John 3:16 also uses a masculine noun for “whoever”. From your question, that would infer that only females will be saved on the basis of trusting God.

Q. What reliable source(s) could you refer that states that 1 Tim. 3:1-7 was a temporary command due to the culture and not a universal command given to all churches for all time as Paul so states under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 3:16)?

A. Thomas C. Oden, First and Second Timothy and Titus (Interpretation, a Bible commentary for teaching and preaching) Louisville: J. Knox Press, 1989). Acts 18 shows that Priscilla taught Scripture alongside if not before her husband. The couple is first introduced as Aquilla and his wife Priscilla. When they go to correct Apollos teaching, however, it is Priscilla with Aquilla in tow. You must reconcile the praxis of the early church along with your interpretation of proof text verses.

Q. If gender is not an issue with God, why should we as Christians discourage the practice homosexuality, lesbianism, & transvestism in society and its consequences? Why not allow them to pursue whatever gender they decide to choose?

A. This question misreads my comments on gender.If gender is not an issue with God, should the wife be allowed to lead the home when there is a husband present? (Please provide scriptural support for your answer)Timothy was raise in faith by his mother and grandmother. There was a father present. What you are asking, however, is a question of culture and tradition. Deborah stood as a judge in her own right. We would assume a husband, but I don’t recall mention of such.Where in Mark’s gospel does it state that Mary preached the gospel to the disciples after Christ’s resurrection? Wouldn’t the writer have made that point clear if that were the case? Why would she have had to preach the gospel to someone who already followed Jesus (Jn. 17:6, 9, 14, 20)?Mark 16:7 they are commissioned to tell the news of the resurrection to the disciples and Peter. They have a specific message of meeting Jesus, yet implicit is the news of the resurrection. This was the first version of the gospel—“The Jesus you crucified is raised from the dead.” The disciples had believed, yet they still had not understood the rest of the story. If they had, they would not have run to the tomb to verify (per other accounts) and still turn away without believing (John 20:4-9).

Q. According to scripture, when does God allow the culture to influence or determine His creative order? (Please provide scriptural support)

A. Irrelevant and not dealt with precisely in these terms. (Slavery is allowed from a standpoint of culture and Scripture. Scripture likewise shows a higher way of living that would rule out slavery and its other forms in economic and oppression. Women in ministry is not so much a cultural issue as it is that society has helped us recognize elements in the gospel that many ignored.)

Q. Where in the Bible does it clearly state that women led churches in the five-fold ministry gifts described in Eph. 4:11? (Please refer to the gender form of each word used in the original language)

A. The gifts in Eph 4:11 are the people who exercise said functions. Acts 18 shows Priscilla in a teaching position, as well as working with Paul in evangelism. Acts 21:9 mentions four prophetesses, the term indicating the professing of God’s truth (what we call preaching). Apostles is not indicated. As to gender, these terms are given in the plural, which makes no specific indication of gender.

Q. Where in the Bible does it state that Phoebe, Priscilla, Mary, Euodia, Syntyche, & Junia ever had pastoral positions of authority in the early church? (Please see the word for “servant” (diakonos) in the original language)

A. Diakonos is not pastor. Neither is episkopos. Pastor as we use the term did not exist in the early church. 1249. διάκονος diákonos; gen. diakónou, masc., fem. noun. A minister, servant, deacon. The derivation is uncertain. According to some it comes from diakónis, in the dust laboring, or running through dust. Others derive it from diákō, the same as dié̄kō, to hasten, related to dió̄kō, to pursue.Also used in the NT as a technical term side by side with epískopos (1985), bishop or overseer (1 Tim. 3:8, 12; Phil. 1:1). The deacons in this sense were helping or serving the bishops or elders, and this is why they were probably called deacons. They did not, though, possess any ruling authority as did the elders.[1] The only passage in which special officials of the church are mentioned is 1 Tim. 3:8–12. In verse eight it speaks of diakónous which undoubtedly refers to male deacons because the adjectives that are used in the verse such as semnoús (4586), grave, are in the masc. pl. and not in the fem.[1]The only possible reference to a woman as a deacon is Rom. 16:1, 2, although the word diákonon may just as well be translated “servant.” In this regard we must note that the story of the early church significantly begins with the inclusion of women in the apostolic meetings for prayer (Acts 1:14). Their presence and activity are clearly illustrated by the references to Tabitha (Acts 9:36), Mary the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12), Lydia (Acts 16:14), Damaris (Acts 17:34), and Priscilla (Acts 18:2). The story of Sapphira (Acts 5:7f.) implies the comparatively independent membership and responsibility of women within the Christian community. Priscilla illustrates their active evangelism (Acts 18:26). Attention is expressly called to the “multitudes” of women converts added to the church (Acts 5:14). In Phil. 4:2, 3 Euodias and Syntyche (both women) are spoken of as fellow laborers of the Apostle Paul, and in 1 Cor. 1:11 Chloe is mentioned as having reported to Paul the condition of the church at Corinth. In Rom. 16:1–3, 6, 12, 13, 15 we have numerous salutations to women. Nevertheless, aside from the normal and expected involvement of women in a wide range of church activities and auxiliary ministries, they are never found to be holding ordained offices or engaging in the work of those positions.

Pliny the Younger’s letter to Trajan denotes the torturing of two slaves women who were deacons of the church. They are mentioned in relation to some recognized position of leadership. By the way, pastors are not ordained in the New Testament. Only deacons and missionaries are ordained. Our use of pastoral ordination comes from Roman Catholic traditional ordination of priests. This does not have NT roots, so much as roots in issues of ecclesiastical, structural authority. The NT speaks of mission and purpose, rather power, position, and authority. (“If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, you must be the servant of all.”) In Jesus’ words, it is the act of serving as a foot-slave that indicates true greatness, not the recognition of ordination.

This pastor wanted me to give this link if I posted this dialogue. So here they are

www.theotrek.org/resources/th/2007_Ecclesiology.pdf

www.theotrek.org/about_us/believe.shtml

My Doggie Bag

MY DOGGIE BAG

More Reflections from the Conference

By Saiko Woods

This past Saturday evening after the conference, my wife and I and several other brothers went to IHOP for dinner to discuss and reflect on what we learned so far from the conference and to fellowship with each other as well. After we finished our meal, one of the other brothers still had some food left on his plate and requested for a “doggie bag” for him to take back to his hotel room where he could later on finish eating what he had left over. The thought came to my mind as my brother Tyris said that. There are so many things that I’ve learned from the conference and was convicted, & challenged to consider as I spent time learning from everyone that I met that weekend that I decided to bring home my own spiritual “doggie bag” that I would like to share with all of you and pray that the Spirit of God will speak to your hearts as you read my thoughts and to apply them in your lives daily as we meet other brothers/sisters in Christ.


Our fight (struggle) is not inside (against one another) but outside! Don’t take petty, non-essential matters personal (Eph. 6:12).

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Strive to keep unity within the body of Christ no matter the cost (Eph. 4:1-6).

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to  walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

Cultivate (learn; practice) ways to show love to one another (1 Cor. 13:4-7; 16:14; 1 Jn. 3:18; 4:20).

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not  arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked,  does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Let all that you do be done in love.

 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

Reflections on the Conference.

This past weekend I attended the first Stand Up Conference and I had a excellent time. I would like to just highlight some of the events from this weekend. I have always been very observant even as a youngster and even more so as a man. I have the tendency to observe peoples words along with their actions to see if they match. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to be ministered to on more than one occasion.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Sean Isaacs(NY):Friday. The conference started promptly at 7pm. Sean Isaacs speaks on the "Fear of God". I have to be honest here and say that I did not expect him to preach well. Typically when a person tells me they have been in over 100 churches in a year; I basically write them off as a unstable church hopper who has dabbled in every wind of doctrine and would coin them as unstable and unsubmissive to church discipline. WRONG!! This brother preached on this topic as if Jesus was coming back tomorrow. Which by the way is how we should preach all the time. Honestly Sean is a learned brother. He unlike most knows about church history and understands the Gospel. I would encourage these brothers to stop playing and start a church or either link up with Vincent Grimsley to assist him in building a church or doing a house church to avoid the cost of maintaining a building. Sean spoke about cultivating a healthy fear of God based on learning about HIM through the Word of God. Scripture highlights from Sean are:Proverbs 1:7, 16:6 Psalms 89:7 Luke 9:51 Hebrews 2, 10:26-27 Deut 31:10-12 2nd Cor 7 Acts 9:31 Phil 2:12

Isa 45:5 I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

Saiko Woods(TX):Friday I know Saiko personally and honestly was expecting him to preach and teach well. This is the kind of brother we need to see on TV. I know good preaching. I have heard Paul Washer, John MacArthur and many others. I am always put in a weird state of mind when I hear a combination of John MacArthur with the heart and passion of Washer. This, to me is how John Coleman preaches and I can now put Saiko in this category too. We rarely hear about Thabiti Anyabwile, Anthony Carter, Ken Jones or any other solid expositional black preachers. Typically when the world or even some of the (so called) church thinks about solid black preachers; they think of heretics(wolves) like Jakes, Dollar, Price, Hilliard, and many others not worth mentioning. I describe Saiko's preaching as an Expositional Charismatic. I know Charismatic is a dirty word nowadays. As a people(blacks) we try to separate ourselves so far from where we have come from and now think that preaching with emotion or speaking with passion is a bad thing. It is not!! From reading the scriptures I cannot believe that the Apostles were light hearted and without passion. I too get passionate about speaking and talking about the Word of God. Emotion combined with sound doctrine is somewhat lacking in the Evangelical church. We cannot speak passively about the truth God has entrusted us with. Saiko spoke on the Sovereignty of God in 1) Creation, 2) Humanity, 3) Suffering-Death-Calamity-Sickness 4) Salvation. What a treat this was!!! Scriptures: Job 42:2 & 7 Psalm 115:3, 50:10-12 Psalm 8:1-9 Gen 1:26 Isa 45:5-7 and many others.

Pastor John(CA) Saturday morning. Pastor John Coleman I have known for about a year now and he is one of the tools that God used to pull me out of the Word of Faith heresy. He taught on a myriad of topics on Saturday morning. I can't say enough good about this man! He has a heart to bring theology to the inner city where it is needed the most. He does not charge to teach and had a wealth of information on is computer and not to mention in his head. Pastor John is 63 years old. With his own money he bought 4 hours of time(from his own pocket) so he could teach us. Keep in mind this was not part of the original conference time. John is not seeking to make friends or make a name for himself. He just simply wants to do what God has instructed Him to do. In 4 hours he taught us many things but what I learn most about PJ is how wise he is. I honestly don't think just because you are old that you are wise, but PJ is older and wiser than most because he stays in the Word. Wisdom comes from God and is not gained with age.

Saiko Woods(TX) Saturday evening. Saiko Woods spoke to the Doctrine of Hell. Scriptures proofs: Matt 3:12,5:29-30, 8:12, 10:28, 13:45 Luke 16:23 Isa 33:14 Rev 20:15 and many others.

Bob Miller(NY) Saturday evening. Rev. Miller spoke on "Pressing Towards the Mark". This was a great emotion filled sermon. Miller preached with fire and stayed true to the text. Miller gave a great historical setting of 1 Corinthians 9:24. Miller spoke on what Paul's intent was on comparing this life to a race. I really enjoyed his preaching and teaching and I am glad that Tim has this brother on the Stand Up Crew!!
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

John Coleman(CA) Sunday Morning. Pastor John taught on "Hermeneutics." He went over the 5 Basic Premises of Interpretation.
1) Literal
2)Grammatical
3)Historical
4)Literary
5)Theological

Pastor John also teaches philosophy at a secular college in the Los Angeles area and did an excellent job in going over this truth and many more for 4 hours.
Lords Supper: One highlight for me in this conference was the Lord's Supper. John stayed true to his duty as a Pastor and warned the people not to partake in the Supper if they are unregenerate. John, Saiko, Bob, and Tim served the congregation after breaking bread(literally sharing one piece of bread) amongst each other. This was a very emotional time for many; seeing the humility in the pastors serving the people. What a treat this was for me and many others.
This was a very emotional weekend for me especially departing back to Kansas City. WHY? Because I seen so many families who were searching for a TRUE BODY and could not find one. A lot have been burned by the churches who are not the true body of Christ but only imposter's. I would encourage those to seek Bible churches who teach sound doctrine and stay true to the Word of God. This may mean venturing out and getting in a position that makes you uncomfortable for a bit. The body of Christ is not just black and white but reflects every nation and tongue.

Rev5 :9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Rev: 14:9 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

More Stand Up Conference Videos

Big Thanks to my older brother in the Lord-Saiko Woods for the Videos

Videos from Conference

This is Steve Lumbley from Apostasy Watch.

*****Big Thanks to my older brother in the Lord-Pastor Saiko Woods for the Videos******

New Site "Black and Reformed Ministries"

Lionel and I decided to put some foot work to our words. The intent of the site is to point those of us blacks who absolutely cannot find any solid black churches in our area. Our aim is to point us to Biblically sound churches regardless of the nationality & regardless of race. We will feature sound churches at least one a week in which Lionel or I will call and speak to the pastors of these churches personally and see if they are sound. Once completed we will put them on our Good Churches list and build from there. We also would like to give out free materials to all people that will help better equip the entire body of Christ. Please let us know if you have any information or would like to assist in equipping the Body of Christ. Thanks.

New Site listed Here.