The Proverbial Fork

I went back to the beginning, to show the origin of Blacks. That took us all the way back to Genesis the first book of the bible, the 9th. chapter. Some people might not want to go back that far. Especially those that won't accept the truth. In an effort to bring us closer to reality. As I uncover scripture, I'm going to discuss it here. Here we have something else in the 13th. chapter of Genesis. An issue between then Abram later known as (Abraham), and his nephew Lot. This is labeled as the largest land deal in history. It largely affects world politics today. Here is the covenant the lord made with Abram. Check this out.

5And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
7And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
9Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
10And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Several things took place in these scriptures. First we see Lot, was a follower of Abram. They both were men of means. So much so, they couldn't live together. They each had enough material wealth, to make it on their own. Notice how the Canaanite, and Perizzite have shown up now. I always say anything that ends in "ite", is against God. We were warned about the people of Canaan earlier. Genesis 9:25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. In the spirit of compromise, Abram let Lot have his pick. He chose the richest land, in the exchange . He chose the well irrigated Jordan. Even then we see you couldn't deal with terrorist. They have no respect for what's right.You give them an inch, they want a mile. It was much like Israel and Palestine today.

Ham , The Progenitor Of The Black Race

Someone wanted to know more about my classes I conducted on Ham. The progenitor(forefather) of the Black race. We are all familiar with the story of Moses, and the flood that destroyed the earth. Most people don't bother to see what happens after that. Common since dictates that's not the end. Anything in the bible we find, that's not enticing or inviting. We have a tendency to overlook those things. I have it fresh in my mind, but I didn't write it down. For others to be able to read and contemplate, for themselves. I thought it was interesting, as well as informative. This is my interpretation or understanding, of the scriptures.

Let's start with these verses.

Genesis 10: 6

6And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.

20These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.


If we search the background of certain races inception, we see that Cush was a Black man. He was the brother of Canaan. Therefore we have a connection established, between the two. Are we not our brothers keeper? As we uncover the history of our people. We find some discouraging, and sometimes embarrassing situations. Many of them we simply refuse to acknowledge. Ham was a prankster in his own right. He found it funny and no big deal, that his father had an indiscretion. Leaving him, drunk and uncovered. To be covered by his two brothers, Shem and Japeth. Of the three sons left after the flood, to repopulate the earth. Ham is the one who relinquished, his offspring to servitude. He could have done what was right. Where would his people be then? That was the beginning of things to come. It was prophesied by Noah. The constant refusal to submit to righteousness, has kept his lineage in disarray. The same characteristics that held Ham back, in the beginning. Are the same flaws in character, holding his lineage back today. Using a bit of mother wit if I may. "The apple doesn't fall far, from the tree".



This is where the whole thing started. Let's get this concept down first. This is what happened with Noah, and what he said to his sons. People argue what actually happened between Noah and Ham. That's another story though. The main issue I notice. The pecking order is established here. In the old testament. A father's blessing is of major importance. Once he said something, word was bond. It hasn't and isn't likely to change.

Genesis 9:21-27:

21And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

22And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

23And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.

24And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.

25And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

26And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.

27God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.



Look closely at verses 25-27. What does Noah say about Canaan? When we follow the bloodline of Ham. We run into one immoral person against God, after another. It lends credence to the fact, that Ham's lineage was cursed. They did exactly what was expected of them. This is a study tool I learned. Any race of people that ends with "ite", are Anti-God ;i.e. Amorites, Edomites,Jebusites and etc. Notice the tree, where all these people started from. They began with Ham.

The first notable reference in the bible, of rebellion in the family tree. Is the great hunter Nimrod. He was the leader of the land, where the tower of Babel was built. They thought they could build a tower up to heaven. Thus making Nimrod equal to God. The people of his kingdom could then worship him, instead of God. No matter how good God is to some of us, we still aren't satisfied. After several generations of Ham's lineage. Eventually we ended up, in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah. Probably the most perverse city of it's time. The lord picked it out of all the cities in the world, to be burned to the ground. For those who are not familiar with the story. The city was completely destroyed. The lord was unable to find ten righteous people, in the entire city. We are all aware of who resided there. It is rationed that the men of Sodom, sought sexual pleasures with the angels. Though it is widely disputed by the homosexual community. In order to cover everyone's interpretation. We will just say this. We know the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, congregated outside the home of Lot. To cause some type harm to the Angels inside. The list goes on and on in the old testament, indicating consistent resistance. To the will of God.

Then came Jesus Christ, thank God for his son. Often Black believers can't or won't grasp the fact. That the original covenant, was with the Jewish people. The death, burial and resurrection. Extended the covenant to include everyone. Not just the descendents of Abraham. Here a Ethiopian eunuch. Who is only known as someone else's servant. Candace the Ethiopian queen. Makes the ultimate choice for Black Christians. HE decides to choose a saviour. I have my suspicions of why he wasn't named. So in spite of where you heard, we got the Christian religion from. Here is the introduction. It was surely more, than a couple of hundred years ago.

Acts 8:27:

27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

Here is where the Black Man received the holy spirit. The same one given to Paul, the Christian of Jewish decent. Is the same one given to the Ethiopian eunuch. He was baptized in water, like we are today. The Ethiopian did something unlike his predecessors. Notice in verse thirty-three he humbled himself.





Acts 8:33-39:

33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

39And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.



That's where we should be right now, rejoicing in our faith. I heard someone say they were living off the blessings. Stored up for them by their parents, and grandparents. When I first heard it, it didn't register but now it makes sense. The iniquities of the father, are passed down to the third and fourth generation. The word of God instructed us earlier. This we can't get around.

Exodus 34:7
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

In simpler terms "every generation that doesn't get it right, their great-grandchildren pay the price. Every Black person rejecting the gospel because of slavery. Have truly missed the boat, I hate to say. No pun intended. The attitudes and dispositions of our progenitor "Ham". Is evident in many of our behaviors today. We still find everthing funny, and we talk too much. Just like "Ham" did then. It is only through "Jesus Christ" that we become a victor. Everything else only makes you a victim. On the list of far too many Blacks, Jesus Christ is at the bottom. He needs to be at the top. Some things are preordained, there's nothing you can do yourself. If you were born Black, that will always be your race. No matter how long you live. Certain things attributed to your lineage, you cannot change. The only thing you can do is accept God's will for your life. You can accept Jesus Christ, as your lord and saviour. That or remain void of knowledge. Let's shake of the ways of those, that came before us. And focus on doing what's right today.

Mission Statement

WHAT I BELIEVE

Mission Statement

This Blog exists to provide a non-judgmental, relevant atmosphere; to introduce all people regardless of race, sex, or culture, to a personal and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ; to encourage personal growth through teaching, caring, and sharing of our spiritual gifts.

Statement of Belief

I believe both the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, revealing the three Persons of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I believe in the incarnation and virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as true God and true man.

I believe man is redeemed by grace through faith in Christ's vicarious atonement for sins, the shedding of His blood on the Cross.

I believe the gift of eternal life is available to all men; that those who receive Christ by faith are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.

I believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ, His imminent return, and the resurrection of His people.

Humility Is A Virtue As Well

I have found myself at odds, with peoples opinion whom I value. As I have continued to discuss these issues. Something else has been revealed to me. Some things aren't for everybody to know. They won't see it, no matter what you show them. Jesus performed miracles before their eyes. They still didn't believe him. Thank God for insight, beyond average understanding. But even when you're right, if no one wants to listen. What affect does it have on the people around you? I have learned lately. If it doesn't make people want to learn more. It may do more harm than good. Don't bring up something, that may drive them away. And then wonder why, they don't stay around to listen. People like to have their say, even when they're wrong. It makes them feel important. I may very well have a point, about Jesus dying. But what if it only confuses others? Those people that understand what I'm saying. Appear to already be students, of the word. Those aren't the ones, we are necessarily trying to reach. It's those people, who haven't accepted Jesus Christ yet. That we need to catch.

What better calling card,than to have someone die for you? That's someone, that definitely has your back. If you come to the faith, and follow instructions. You will understand exactly what I mean. I have come to learn, that I have been blessed with the gift of discernment. Which is a gift everyone doesn't have. To alienate everyone, that doesn't see things that way. Is being judgmental like the Pharisees were. Sometimes instead of proving them wrong. It might help to point them elsewhere. Arrogance disguised as confidence, is not of God. As a Christian, I must find a way to benefit the kingdom. Take the focus off, of my personal interpretations. It is not my intent to turn people off. While in search of background for something else. I ran across these Chuck Missler Commentaries. The particular commentary in question is highlighted. It make my point much better, than I possibly could. This study is lengthy, but very informative. Some things are better taken, when coming from someone else. Go to the website below:

http://www.blueletterbible.org/tmp_dir/c/1152143521-1348.html

Did Jesus Really Die?

I know this is a controversial question, or statement to say the least. But what better place to ask the question than here? At least try and qualify the question. Don't get the cow by the tail, like many believers have done. Let me first say, "I love God as much as anyone else". This has nothing to do with some new age movement, or "The Da Vinci Code". So the question doesn't come from a rebellious spirit. I am not a heretic, as some might think. This is not blasphemous, it just requires some thought. As Christians we shouldn't label things as wrong, simply because we don't have the answer. I just want to know what the bible has to say exactly. Not what we want to hear, or have been told by others. If you haven't studied the word for yourself. You might not understand this. If you have a prior agenda, you won't like this either. This question isn't conducive to corporate worship. It doesn't fill the pews. When the people understand this, they'll understand some other things as well.Because it requires that you read. If this question shakes your faith. It was shaky to begin with. If it doesn't agree with your spirit. It only gives reason to proclaim your belief. The question isn't what you like, or what you think. I'm not really concerned with that. According to the written word, "did Jesus really die"?

The first thing we need to know is this. We don't receive salvation from Jesus, but his father God. We can only get to the father (God), through his son (Jesus). Jesus was crucified for our sins. As a means of reconciling ourselves with God. We as humans had gone off the deep end, we were out of control. Had it not been for Jesus, today we would be lost. I don't want to underscore the importance of Jesus. He is our deliverer. I don't want young believers to overlook God either. Romans 5:10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! That is so true, but don't forget his purpose. Why he was here to begin with. Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: He serves as our intercessor. Our lawyer of sorts. If we had to go straight to God. We would all fall short. Just like in the court system today. Only a fool has himself as a client, when he goes before a judge. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Therefore God sent his son Jesus, he was our only chance. We couldn't do it ourselves. John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. In all fairness I had to post scripture with the word death in them. I can find as many or more that don't mention that word at all. Just because that's what you always heard doesn't make it right.

I've given you four scriptures to start with. To prove my point is bibical. I usually like to reference the old testament and the new. In this case we only need the new. Since that's when Jesus came into existence. If we only want to talk about the new testament, that's only half the story. God's word wasn't enough, so he sent his son. What about the old? The Old qualifies the new. There would be no need for one without the other. The crucifixion of Jesus marks a new beginning. Does it really signify death, or does it represent life? If we only want to deal with the new testament. Show me where Jesus was dead, by anyone's admission. If God is a spirit, and to a spirit Jesus will return. When he commended his spirit. What exactly took place?

When I posed this question. I received mixed responses. Some people understood, and knew exactly what I meant. Others admitted they had never thought about it that way. They didn't necessarily agree, but they didn't disagree either. All I am asking is that you read it yourself. Then tell me what you think. I'm not proclaiming some new doctrine. I just asked the question. I love my pastor and respect his opinion. But he is a man just like myself. Regardless how many people listen to him. His opinion does not supersede God's word. I must say I was disappointed, with the reaction he had. Even if he didn't agree, he shouldn't just write it off. The immature believer might not be ready to digest this meat, but the mature believer will. Do we not serve a living God? I know I certainly do. And I don't think he talks to a dead Jesus, or ever did for that matter.

If you look through the scripture you won't see where Jesus actually said he died. He doesn't even say he was going too. Of course that's what the Scribes and Pharisees wanted. But were they successful, in their plans? Instead of our faith being dependent on Jesus dying. I think it is sure, because he lives. John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. These are the words of Jesus himself. Does man have the ability to do something Jesus doesn't? Did Jesus himself see death?

All we know is, as per Jewish custom. They went to the tomb on the third day, to embalm him. And Jesus Christ wasn't there. Wouldn't God have been, at least smart enough to know? They would follow Jewish custom. God is all knowing. No one knows, how long he was there. He could have left the tomb immediately. Nobody bothered to look. I would even go along with the physical vs. Spiritual death. To say Jesus died, and he rose and leave it at that. Doesn't take much thinking. It provides for a quick sermon, and a quick plan for salvation. I think the crucifixion on the cross was symbolic. It marked the exit of the old, and the entrance of the new. I know this sounds contrary to all that you have been taught. I understand if you won't hear my explanation. Based on the premise in which the question was asked. The question at least, is deserving of contemplation.

I'm Not Afraid Of You

My pastor preached a sermon on last Sunday, that rings true repeatedly. I notice all these young unwed mothers walking around, like teenage pregnancy is a right of passage. Many times our society subsidizes this type of behavior. You see them in the shopping centers from the 1st, to the 5th of the month. Getting their hair and nails done, and spending their government checks. In our pursuit of equality, we have erased requirements for rewards. People have come to expect something for nothing. They think the world owes them a good living. Whether they do anything to get it or not. This creates a subculture that impedes the well being of others. You shouldn't get a helping hand, for breaking the rules. This isn't exclusive to young ladies. It applies to young men too. They're just not as noticeable. Unfortunately it's not just young people either. There are some older people guilty too.

If you can't read, it's you that can't understand a contract. So when you go to school and don't take advantage. It only hurts you, not those teaching you. If you go to school twelve years, and can't read and write. I'm not afraid of you, but I'll be watching you. I can't trust you, you probably are a thief. If your lawyer is keeping you out of jail. Because you manage to come up with his fee. You're not free, you're just on paper. I'm not afraid of you. Your money will eventually run out. Then you'll go to jail, and we'll be rid of you. After you've help make some lawyer rich. If you bought a new car and paid twenty-one percent interest. That's nothing to brag about. It just means your credit is shot. If you can't walk without, pulling up your pants. That should be uncomfortable. If your radio is so loud. Other people can hear it in their houses. We're not afraid, but we are tired of your lack of consideration. In the future, you won't know it though. You won't be able to hear our complaints. Your hearing will be gone. If you're a parent that gangbangs, with your children. We need to know who you are. Measures are being enacted all over the country, to rid communities of this type resident . Systematically they're being herded up like cattle. Driven out of certain areas. These misguided people don't see the writing on the wall. Maybe it's good they don't. If you are on the wrong side of this equation, or either you're an enabler. It's you I'm speaking about. Don't get it twisted. And start taking our kindness for weakness. I'm not afraid, but I am tired. Based on recent developments, other are as well.

Are Absentee Fathers Cursed ?

This is what happens, when we only get it half right. We perish due to a lack of knowledge. The question was whether or not those men who didn't support their kids were cursed. We heard from the Muslims.They put their usual twist on things. To me it amounts to plagiarism of the word. They don't follow Jesus, but they're always quoting him. I always feel like, I've heard this before. Louis Farakahn can't help but be right, he steals from the bible. They always get part of it right, then as usual they veer to the left. Then we heard from the bible thumpers. The lukewarm Christians, conditional followers of God. I've found them to be the most listened too. Especially those looking for an opening. Either to justify themselves, or vilify others. They know just enough scripture to fool those people, that don't really know. They are only concerned with their own salvation, not anyone elses.That's not a Christian attitude. The gospel is for everyone. Then finally we heard from the single mothers. They have first hand knowledge. They are dealing directly with these deadbeat dads. It would be fair to say these women, usually have a biased opinion. They are just making the best of a bad situation. Let's not mistake their experience, for a viable solution. Their actions somehow put them in this position. Finally there were some people who put their personal feelings aside, and dealt with the truth. In regards to the question that was asked, I totally agree. The thing is the scripture used wasn't talking about children, instead about widows.

First let me post the scripture in question. With two verses before, and two verses after. To help us get a better understanding, of this subject.

Passage 1 Timothy 5:6-10:
6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,[a] 10and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

Here again we have people trying to apply Godly principles, to ungodly things. We understand what it says about the father. But did we miss the part about the mother?Let's discuss verse 6, where it tells us fornication leads to death. Your first obligation is to your wife, not your children. What about your aunts, uncles and cousins? Not to mention your siblings. They're close relatives too. Are we really our brothers keeper? Everything isn't always material or money motivated. Some things are intangible. Regardless of what some people would have you think. It could be the impression you leave behind, or the example that you set. This scripture applies to everyone. We like to skip about in the bible, picking out those things we like. It's like a carburetor on a car. All those hoses have a purpose. If they didn't, they wouldn't be there.

It is such with life. Everything has it's proper place. Are absentee fathers cursed? Yes they are, but no more than those they leave behind.