P.O.P. Album Review 2008 (courtesy of gospelflava.com) Kierra Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Kurt Carr, Mary Mary, John P. Kee, 21:03, Tye Tribbett & Dorinda Clark-Cole.

Kierra Sheard
Bold Right Life

She is a young woman now; her singing keeps getting better and her vocal range keeps getting higher. She also put on a successful youth conference during the summer. Put all of that together with the maturity as an artist and you’ve got Kierra Sheard.

Back with Bold Right Life, “bold” is surely the word to use for this new one. Sheard enlists the help of Warryn Campbell, kid brother J Drew Sheard, Asaph Ward, PAJAM and Gerald Haddon.

Among the albums cuts are several focusing on her love affair with Jesus. The cleverly fun and upbeat ditty, “My Boyfriend” could be a good theme song for “True Love Wait” campaigns, or for teen girls and women. The title will definitely turn heads, but she is talking about Jesus so do not get it twisted.

Baby Dubb handles production on “Love Like Crazy”, which has chorus and a groove that is mesmerizing.

Sheard’s growth and ability to tackle different styles with authenticity is evident as she wonderfully sings the pop/rock ballad, “Invisible”. Gerald Haddon produces this sure-fire hit while he and his wife Tammi share co-writing duties.

Kiki sings in a more airy tone on “Jesus”, a soothing number that has J. Drew adding his backing vocals and guitar. J Drew is also growing as a producer and a singer. It’s scary to see the strides that the two are making and they are not even 21 yet.

“Like David” is a praise song that one might think would be on mother Karen’s album, but Kiki does a great job all on her own.

For those fans who love the grooves that this artist has quickly become renowned for, rest assured that they are represented well. “Won’t Hold Back” is a banger that is as infectious as it is catchy, while “If It Had Not Been” is a fast-paced dance number with a hint of that Washington DC “go go” style.

Mary Mary guest on “Wave Your Banner”, a progressive dance track that calls for people to celebrate their live in Christ. Just put this on repeat, work out to it or just dance!

PAJAM produces the stripped down lead single, “Praise Him Now”, proving that less is sometimes more. This song of worship is filled with strings, great backing vocals, modulations and that good ole’ singing from Kiki. Another song to check out is the beautiful, “Oh Lord”, produced by Asaph Ward.

This is Kierra Sheard’s most complete project to date, and it deserves a lot of attention. What a way to help close out the year and begin 2009.

Hezekiah Walker & LFC
Souled Out 

Since 1985, the gospel choir scene has had an indelible imprint on it with roots tracing back to Brooklyn, New York. During that time, a young man named Hezekiah Walker made serious moves with his Love Fellowship Crusade Choir to infuse fiery East Coast grooves into choir music.

Some 23 years and now 12 albums later, Walker has created a catalogue of music that has become the stalwart of church choirs everywhere. After a three-year recording layoff, the accomplished pastor and newly consecrated bishop returns to the recorded scene with his established choir on their 13th release titled Souled Out.

Running twelve tracks deep, Walker and LFC return with their trademark New York funk coupled with some new twists and turns. Famed producer Donald Lawrence returns to head the production efforts, handling eleven of the album’s twelve tracks. Walker gets help from other industry friends who lend their talents to the effort.

Labelmate Marvin Sapp and DJ Rogers, Sr. lend their vocals to the urban ballad, “God Favored Me, Part II”. In addition, Tri-City Singer alumni Blanche McCallister-Dykes, Latrice Pace, and DeWayne Woods add their vocals to that of the powerful LFC aggregation.

Yet, the strength of any Hezekiah Walker album is always found in the material and its delivery. Certainly this album delivers.

Walker revisits “It Shall Come to Pass”, originally recorded on the “Live In London” effort, some twelve years ago. This time, Walker adds Shawn McLemore on lead vocals on the song’s reprise, making it another classic recorded moment.

Paying homage to his Tri-State roots, Walker gives a worth cover to the Sunday morning classic, “Oh Give Thanks”, penned and originally recorded by Craig Hayes & The United Voices.

Staying in the Sunday morning vein, is “Triumph (Already Done)”, the upbeat dance cut featuring Suzette Montgomery on lead vocals.

You can’t afford to miss the trademark Walker grooves such as “All of My Help” and the title cut.

New and exciting ground is covered as Walker and LFC move into the pop arena with the infectious and soon to be classic “You’re All I Need”. Another can’t miss is “Moving Forward”, penned by Israel Houghton and Ricardo Sanchez. Sanchez handles lead duties and helps showcase the vocal dexterity of Walker and LFC.

Once again, Walker and LFC deliver another gem of a project. Showing comfort in both the familiar and new areas, Walker and LFC remain leaders within this genre and cement that with this effort. Souled Out is destined to be another sell out at local stores. It’s another definitive add to your musical collection.

Kurt Carr with the Kurt Carr Singers
Just The Beginning 

Few artists in any genre are able to become household names, establish longevity, or develop a signature sound. Even fewer are able to take these ideas into reality. For nearly two decades, Kurt Carr has worked tirelessly to achieve these goals and become one of gospel’s most prolific songwriters, producers, and artists.

Along with the famed Kurt Carr Singers, Carr embarks upon his 6th effort, ironically titled Just the Beginning. The 22-track, double disc effort is the most expansive work in Carr’s career and could easily be heralded as his best work to date.

While Carr’s veteran status would seem to contradict the album’s title, he has made some new moves with this effort, representing a new beginning. For one, the album marks the first on his new imprint, Kurt Carr Gospel. In addition, he’s added several new singers to his arsenal including Michelle Prather, Timiney Figueroa-Caton, and Vonnie Lopez, who join experienced group members Yvette Williams, Troy Bright, and Nikita Clegg-Foxx. The combination doesn’t miss a single beat and adds incredible flair to the trademark Kurt Carr sound.

Known for taking calculated musical risks, Carr continues fusing varying genres with the gospel message while renewing a distinct focus on providing Sunday morning anthems.

Avalon joins Carr on the pop-influenced and infectious “My Shepherd (Psalms 23)”. Anaysha Figueroa joins her sister Timiney Figueroa-Caton on the faith-filled “I Believe God”, which showcases some of Figueroa-Caton’s best vocal work to date.

89-year old newcomer, Narcissus Hinton-Brown makes her mark as lead vocalist on “Introducing Narcissus Hinton-Brown”, where she visits hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and “This Little Light of Mine”.

For lovers of traditional Sunday morning music, Carr does not disappoint. You can go straight into a dancing fit with tracks like “Blessed Be The Rock”, “Right Time Right Place”, and the funky “Spiritual Makeover”.

Other notable gems include the exceptional title cut, “I Am The One”, and “Don’t Let Your Light Go Out”, an inspirational track celebrating the heroism of public servants such as Nelson Mandela, Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

After a four-year recording layoff, Carr and his ensemble have returned with a gem of an album. Focusing on prophetic declarations, Carr takes this project to impart hope, faith, and a fresh outlook into the lives of listeners. From the future of believers to Carr’s own career, he declares emphatically that this is Just The Beginning, and it’s hard to argue with that.

Mary Mary
The Sound  

One would be hard pressed to argue that one of gospel’s most successful artists within this decade is Mary Mary. With four albums (including a Christmas effort) to their credit, the sisterly duo of Erica and Tina Campbell have become a household name within the music industry at large providing funky jams and user-friendly content that inspires listeners across the spiritual gamut.

After a two-year recording layoff, the sisters Campbell return with their fifth release titled The Sound —a concept album of sorts, its entirety fashioned in the sound of a radio station, complete with inter-track drops and station IDs.

The 12-track offering from Mary Mary sees the dynamic duo continue to develop musically and lyrically. They continue their career-long production partnership with Warryn Campbell who handles all production. In addition, both Erica and Tina are avid songwriters and they exercise that gift throughout the effort, as they wrote nearly every song on the effort.

Former Winans Phase 2 members Juan Winans and Marvin Winans, Jr. co-write the wildly creative cut “Seattle”.

Meanwhile, the senior Marvin Winans contributes his writing genius to “It Will All Be Worth It”, which features vocal contributions from an all-star cast which includes Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, Daryl Coley, Andrae Crouch, Rance Allen, Joe Ligon, Karen Clark Sheard, and Dorinda Clark-Cole.

Kierra Sheard lends her vocals to the ultra urban “God In Me”, a street-wise cut that reminds all that it’s God’s light that attracts attention to the life of a believer.

Perhaps the surprise collaboration of the album has the sisters partnering with David Banner on the decidedly crunk “Superfriend”. The impressively transparent nature of Banner’s message is certain to resonate with sinner and saint alike. This collaboration definitely works and is one that is deserving of a sequel.

Mary Mary has always done a fantastic job of presenting a balanced musical set to the masses. This album reaches through an eclectic array of genres to amass a product that is bound to hit everyone. The title cut visits a serious retro Motown vibe while “Get Up” goes straight to an infectious urban dance groove. While each cut displays great musical diversity, they all share the common thread of empowerment, inspiration, and motivation.

From the worship-filled “I Worship You” to the pop-induced “Dirt”, the California-based duo continue delivering Biblical truths with an element of practicality that makes their message easy to both access and digest.

Once again, Mary Mary has delivered an epic body of work. With timeless truths delivered over a fresh new sound, The Sound is slated to make a severe impact on both the gospel and secular arenas alike. Without question, chalk up another bonafide hit for the sisters Campbell. This is a worthy add to your collection.

VIP Mass Choir featuring John P. Kee
Live in Miami (Yes We Can)  

Over the last quarter-century, John P. Kee has been a household name in Gospel. During that time, one of his many impressive contributions has been the VIP Mass Choir. Originally known as the Victory In Praise Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir, the aggregation is birthed from the annual VIP Conference, now in its 17th year in operation.

Kee leads this talented choir in their 8th recording, titled Live In Miami (Yes We Can), a star-studded 12-track project that could easily be deemed the choir’s best presentation to date.

Perhaps no John P. Kee related project has had as much star power as Live In Miami. Continuing the partnership from the Nothing But Worship NLCC project, Kee teams with labelmate Fred Hammond on “The Glory”, an exciting groove that gets a memorable remix at the end of the effort.

In another follow-up to the Nothing But Worship project, Nikki Ross lends her vocal acrobatics to “Our God”. Jason Nelson adds a notable vocal lead to the worship piece “Praises”, worthy of several repeat spins in the CD player or iPod.

Other guest spots include vocalists Lejeune Thompson (“Favor”) and Earnest Pugh (“Just For Me”).

Kee’s aggregations have never been short of talented lead vocalists and this effort continues to reflect that truth. Maranda Curtis lends her standout vocals to “Be Glorified” and the praise groove “I Love You, Lord I Do”, while New Life veteran Lowell Pye joins Kee to reprise “I’m Covered”, originally found on Kee’s The Reunion project.

The infectious leadoff single “Yes We Can”, which also features Kee and Pye, could arguably be the front-runner for the Kingdom anthem of the Barack Obama campaign, which shares the same tag line. Politically, culturally, and spiritually relevant, the track offers hope and empowers the believer to use their power to change their environment.

It would be hard to find another body of work within the VIP Mass Choir catalogue that is this solid, infectious, and memorable. From cover to cover, Live In Miami is a bonafide hit, filled with grooves, ballads, and worship that remind all of the victory found in praise.

Kee and the VIP Mass Choir have again hit the jackpot with this effort.

21:03
Total Attention  

PAJAM presented 21:03 to the world with their debut release and the fellas were able to capture the attention of the jeep generation around the country. The youthful trio has already been through a great deal of triumph and tragedy, but their growth is very evident on their second release, Total Attention. PAJAM produced most of the project, with help from their crew Streetwood and others.

Now ready to minister to a broader audience and with an ability to show more dimensions, the guys (Torrence, Evin and Jo ‘Rel) keep the hard-hitting dance tracks and soulful ballads, but add more pop-edged songs, songs with churchy vamps and small hint of even… Prince.

Praise and worship-filled lyrics are the basis for the pop/electronica midtempo gem, “Holding On To You”. The passion of Evin is obvious as he sings with power and conviction to take the song to the stratosphere. “Free” continues in the vein of the pop realm, with an acoustic feel good theme to it.

For those who wondered if 21:03 could really sing, wonder no more. Sit back and enjoy some tight and crazy harmonies on the remake of the classic “Riverside”. Each singer kills in their own right (read interview).

Infectious and retro, yet innovative, describes lead single “You”, a swingy jam (courtesy producer Aaron Pearce) where the guys take it church as they describe how they made it through various storms.

Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful and J. Moss grace the ballad “Cover Me”. With all the tragedy and potential dangers coming at the church these days, this song is going to be an important staple on radio, both sacred and secular. The fellas bring their songwriting skills to “Everybody Can’t Go” where they explain the painful necessity of letting people go as they move up in their ministries and in their relationship with God.

“Brace Up” is the number that dance enthusiasts will enjoy, with its pulsating drum beats (with a hint of Prince’s “When Doves Cry”), and even a guitar solo reminiscent of the one on the same song. PAJAM’s pda guests to sing and hype up the cut with a deep growl. The dancing continues with the title track and the fun “Talkin Bout”.

It’s no stretch to say that Total Attention is one of the most well-rounded releases of the year. 21:03 continue to show themselves as an industry force to be reckoned with.

 

Tye Tribbett & G.A.
StandOUT 

Few would argue that the fastest rising star in Gospel over the past while has been Tye Tribbett. Along with his equally energetic choir Greater Anointing (G.A.), Tribbett has boldly blazed a path where few Gospel artists have dared to go (but many have chosen to follow). The multi-time Stellar-award winner has garnered cross-generational and cross-cultural appeal through intricate music, relevant lyrical content, youthful exuberance, and a bold message of righteous living.

After two wildly successful releases, Tribbett & G.A. release their boldest project to date, appositely titled StandOUT.

Recorded live in August 2007 at The Rock Church International in Virginia Beach (check out our image gallery of the recording), StandOUT is a fifteen-track album that already breaks new ground in being one of the first single-disk projects to feature 80 minutes of material (the maximum amount of data for a CD is usually pegged at 78 minutes!)

In addition, this serves as the first album in Tribbett’s catalogue that is fully produced by Tribbett and his G.A. camp. Tribbett, along with his brother, famed bassist and SoundCheck music director Thaddaeus Tribbett, and Dana Sorey handle the entire production responsibilities on this effort.

Of course, all of the elements of Tribbett’s stellar band SoundCheck are in place, featuring special guest, the incomparable Melvin Crispell, who sits in on organ for the lion’s share of the effort.

From lyrical substance to musical creativity, boldness has always been the trademark of Tribbett and G.A., and perhaps no musical offering to date has had boldness stamped on it quite like this one, as Tribbett continues to reach into his musical bag of tricks to pull out absolute gems.

From the in-your-face pulsating rhythms of the 80’s pop-infused title cut to the unmistakable classic rock of “Prodigal”, Tribbett takes calculated musical risks that produce great payoffs.

Those risks include partnering with newcomer Jon Owens for the passion-filled worship anthem “Bless the Lord (Son of Man)”, which is bound to become a favorite for all worshippers.

Tribbett revisits the Victory album by expanding the interlude “Look Up” into a full-length groove with Angela White and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard joining him on lead vocals.

Returning for her third appearance on a Tribbett effort is the unrivaled Kim Burrell who ignites a vocal fire on “He Has Made Me Glad”. The incredible moments continue with the memorable worship medley that flows from the mid-tempo “Hallelujah” to the rock-tinged “Let Us Worship” to the full-blown 60’s hard rock vibe of “So Amazing”.

Tribbett takes traditional Sunday morning church through the colander of musical animation with “I Made It Through”, effortlessly visiting numerous musical keys sans modulation. Couple all of this with the bonus hidden track “Good in the Hood”, the album’s lone studio cut filled with more funk and crunk than many may be able to handle.

With the design of promoting Kingdom living and admonishing believers to make a difference, this latest release from Tribbett and G.A. fully lives up to its album title and much deserved hype. This album is guaranteed to StandOUT from the rest, making an eternal impression on all who listen.

Dorinda Clark-Cole
Take It Back 

The Rose of Gospel does it again! On her third solo project, Dorinda Clark-Cole loses no ground, opting instead to gain momentum in continuing the legacy of her late mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and in leaving an indelible mark together with her sisters.

On Take It Back, produced by Alex “Asaph” Ward and a crew of delectable writers that includes the likes of John P. Kee, Carnell Murrell and Shawn McLemore, the magic is evident.

McLemore’s choir-backed “Make Me Real” features a subtle dance between Clark-Cole’s vocal and the guitar voice of Jonathan Dubose. And “Praise Your Way Out”, co-written by Clark and Ward peels the choir back to a small group sound and encourages the listener to not get stuck and press your way through.

PAJAM puts its certification on the uptempo “Return”. Thick with the patented PAJAM sound and percussion, the song reminds us that we can always come back to God. Sister Karen and cousin J. Moss join in on the background vocals.

The family reunion continues on “It’s OK”. Dorinda’s daughter Nikkia joins in along with nieces Angelyn and recording artist Kierra “Kiki” Sheard on the urban contemporary slow groove.

And continuing on the slow tip is “Yesterday”, written by writer extraordinaire Murrell. Karen and Dorinda stack the background vocals for that Clark Sisters sound. Lloyd Barry’s Nashville String Machine softens the already sweeping song.

Dorinda has always distinguished herself as a preacher, but of course that’s in between or after her signature riffs and scats. On “Faithful” we get a little taste of both.

Take It Back is a great palate of songs with strong production and some of the best musicians in the business, including Maurice Fitzgerald, Tim Mole, Andrew Gouche, Chris Johnson, Nissan Stewart, Rick Watford, Chris Kee, Miche Waller, and Doobie Powell, just to name a few (no really!).

Add to that one seasoned and still fresh voice and you’ve got yourself a winner of an album that will more than satisfy the legion of fans —and kickstart the introduction of more their number.

Apostolic Humor: Dont Worry!

Current Opening: Free Lance Apostolic Writers Wanted (Interview Today!)

The Pope Of Pentecost Blog has a proven Internet presence with thousands of hits per day and multiple search engine results. Over the pass year or so I have had many people with great (and I mean great) writing abilities that I feel would be a great asset to the Body of Christ. I’m looking for a few good Apostolic Men and Women who would like to write an article from time to time for the Pope of Pentecost Blog. The only 2 major requirements that I have is that you must be born of the water (Water Baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ) and born of the Spirit (Have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost with the Evidence of Speaking in tongues). Send me an email to thepopeofpentecost@gmail.com and share with me the following:

• Submit a writing sample
• Share with me your current or most recent church home (for those of you looking for a new church) along with the city and state you reside in.
• And of course, if you have been baptised in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
• Finally, you must show proven dedication to Proclaiming The Power of Pentecost through your writing ability (either about music, secular events, church news, doctrine).

All interviews (which will be very basic) will be conducted via email. Again please email me at thepopeofpentecost@gmail.com to start the interview process in Jesus Name.

I want to do a better job of covering Christian / Apostolic news. If you’ve got the heart to see the varieties of Apostolic news covered (Conferences, key votes, the story-behind-the-stories when Apostolics are make national news) and/or keep The Pope Of Pentecost readers updated on Christian news (via trolling Google), send in your resume with a short cover letter (explaining why you want the job, as well as your church/pastor and ministries you’re involved in) to thepopeofpentecost@gmail.com. This is a volunteer position.

If interested, please forward your resume along with a brief description of your past work experience and present church involvement. Resumes should be mailed to: thepopeofpentecost@gmail.com

Thanks for your interest in volunteering your time and effort into this growing ministry.

Apostolic Doctrine: The Way We Worship!

The Way We Worship

Included in this article:

• Introduction• Biblical Expressions of Worship

Introduction If you have never had the opportunity to be in a Spirit-filled service before, you will discover that Biblical expressions of worship are still practiced today.  Join in with us as we praise God together in spirit and in truth. Biblical Expressions of Worship We pray together aloud because in the Bible we read, “They lifted up their voice to God with one accord” (Acts 4:24). We lift our hands in praise because in the Bible we read, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord” (Psalm 134:2). We sing with all our hearts because in the Bible we read, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth:  make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise” (Psalm 98:4). We play musical instruments because in the Bible we read, “And all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments” (2 Samuel 6:5). We clap and shout unto God because in the Bible we read, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph” (Psalm 47:1). We dance before the LORD because in the Bible we read, “Praise Him with the timbrel and dance:  praise Him with stringed instruments and organs” (Psalm 150:4). We testify publicly because in the Bible we read, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee” (Psalm 22:22). We anoint with oil for divine healing because in the Bible we read, “Is any sick among you?  Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). We allow the operation of the spiritual gifts because in the Bible we read, “When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation” (1 Corinthians 14:26). Taken from the Word Aflame Press tract “The Way We Worship” – #6602

A ‘miracle in progress’ for head of Winans clan

Grammy-nominated gospel singer David “Pop” Winans, patriarch of the iconic first family of contemporary gospel music, is making what doctors consider a miraculous recovery from two strokes, seizures and a heart attack, said his son, the Rev. Marvin Winans, on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with The Detroit News.

“He is a miracle in progress,” Winans said. “Doctors said he should be blind, paralyzed or dead. I’m just amazed because what transpired is beyond medical belief. The doctor said, ‘Now, I believe.’ “

The elder Winans, 74, was admitted to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Sept. 30. “It was a major stroke,” Winans said. “He never had weakness. His mouth never twisted. When they saw the CT scan, they said don’t get our hopes up because it was major. They didn’t look for him to come out.”

The situation became more dramatic when the elder Winans suffered a second stroke on Nov. 3. He wasn’t expected to survive.

Before leaving for a previously scheduled trip to Suriname in South America, Marvin Winans recalled praying, leaning over his father, who was barely holding on in intensive care, and whispering these words in his ear: “Barack Obama is president, and be here when I get back.”

But the pastor of Detroit’s Perfecting Church said he was prepared to lose his father.

“I didn’t want to lose my dad,” Marvin Winans said. “I don’t know how to say it, but it’s OK because I know I’ll see him again.”

David Winans was released from Beaumont Hospital on Tuesday, and spent part of his first day in rehabilitation in orientation, doing a few exercises, wheeling himself around and taking a few steps. He told his wife, Delores “Mom” Winans, “I have to get my strength up so I can get out of here.”

Marvin Winans said his father entertained other patients and medical staff with his praise and worship in the hospital. “He was hollering out, ‘Thank you, Jesus’ and ‘Yes, Lord.’ We told people if he hollers, ‘Yes, Lord,’ don’t get alarmed, just say ‘Yes, Lord.’ “

In all, the Winans family has won 35 Grammy awards. David and Delores recorded as Mom & Pop Winans. They had 10 children, including The Winans: brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and the late Ronald Winans, who died of a heart attack in 2005. Other family acts include Daniel, Vickie, brother and sister BeBe and CeCe, and Angie & Debbie.

You can reach Kimberly Hayes Taylor at (313) 222-2058 or ktaylor@detnews.com.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING From The Pope Of Pentecost!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Poll: What Denomination Are You?

There are so many readers of the Pope Of Pentecost Blog. I just want to know what denominations are represented here. So now is the time to REPRESENT and cast your ballot.

What denomination are you?

Also, tell us how you found out about this blog and why you read the Pope Of Pentecost Blog.

Internet Teen Suicide: DONT BE LIKE Abraham Biggs Jr PLEASE!

On September 4th 2008 I had already written an article on suicide (click here to read) . I had been hearing about a teenager that had literally recorded his suicide by using live video feed from the Internet. Below is a portion of the online article I read:

Abraham Biggs Jr. gained notoriety by regrettable means. He was one of a few people to broadcast their final moments (usually through suicide) live on the Internet. Biggs, who was 19, used Justin.tv to broadcast from his father’s bedroom in Hollywood, Fla. on Wednesday. He talked about suicide, took a fistful of pills and lay down on his bed to die. Of those who were watching some doubted what they saw was real, while others encouraged him. On a personal note, the thought of the latter group’s behaviour provokes a rather vile sensation in the pit of this author’s stomach.

Police found him dead some four hours after the broadcast had started, and 12 hours after he’d announced his suicide on a bodybuilding web forum. (read full article here)

Am I reading this right? Has the world become so tainted with the glory of Satan that one would find it necessary to kill themselves before millions of viewers? Don’tbe fooled into thinking that suicide is the end because its just the beginning of eternal sorrow and damnation FIRST for your soul, then both body and soul will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone to burn forever and ever.

Now granted, I don’t want you NOT to kill yourself out of fear of going to hell, I DON’T want you to kill yourself because life is worth the living just because HE lives. Who is this He that I am referring to? THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! You see, the only Person that needed to die has already done just that FOR YOU! God wrapped Himself in flesh like you and I, was born in a manger and was crucified just for you. Get this, He literally laid His life down for YOU (just so you would not have to kill yourself, as He promises in His Word, He will not give you more than you can bare). Then watch this, He raised Himself up from the dead and now lives forever more. You ask me how I know He lives, well, He lives within ME. How in the world could someone who was 100% God and 100% man live on the inside of me. Good question. He gave me His Spirit (The Holy Ghost) and now I am a brand new creature in Him.

No longer do I have to take pills, slit my wrist or throw in the towel on life. Why? Because I now have inherited eternal life through Christ who giveth both you and I the victory. Remember, the ultimate martyr was Christ Our Lord. He paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice. I am willing to bet if the Internet existed over 2000 years ago you too would have been able to see His death, burial and resurrection just to prove to you that YOU DON’T HAVE TO DIE. Why? Christ paid it all! Now, you can be free to LIVE AGAIN with the power of the Holy Ghost on the inside of you.

Dear teenage brother, my dear teenage sister, DON’T BE LIKE ABRAHAM BIGGS! Instead be like Jesus Christ who has already paid the ultimate sacrifice. Remember, life is worth the living just because He lives (and that He is the Lord Jesus Christ). I am praying for you, the family of Abraham and all those who feel it necessary to go around thinking that all hope is gone.

Obama Rolls Out Economic Team

 

Story Highlights

• NEW: Barack Obama says his team is going to “jolt this economy back into shape”
• NEW: Obama picks Tim Geithner as treasury secretary
• NEW: Larry Summers joins administration as chief of the National Economic Council
• Gov. Bill Richardson, Sen. Hillary Clinton expected to get Cabinet jobs

(CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama said Monday that the country is facing an “economic crisis of historic proportions,” and unveiled the team he has chosen to help get the economy back on track.

Obama said he sought leaders who share his fundamental belief that “we cannot have a thriving Wall Street without a thriving Main Street.”

Obama has tapped New York Federal Reserve President Tim Geithner as treasury secretary and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers as chief of the National Economic Council.

Geithner helped manage Wall Street’s financial meltdown earlier this year, overseeing the acquisition of Bear Stearns by JPMorgan Chase, the bailout of AIG and the collapse of Lehman Brothers. He was appointed as the New York Federal Reserve president in November 2003.

Summers served as treasury secretary in the Clinton administration. He was the chief economist of the World Bank from 1991 through 1993. Prior to his career in government, Summers taught economics at Harvard.

University of California-Berkeley economics professor Christina Romer has been chosen to be the chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

The Council of Economic Advisers is a group of economists –including three who are appointed by the president and need Senate confirmation — that advise the president on economic policy.

Obama also announced Melody Barnes as director of the Domestic Policy Council and Heather Higginbottom as deputy director of the Domestic Policy Council.

Obama’s remarks came just hours after the federal government announced a massive rescue package for Citigroup — which President Bush said he’d spoken with Obama about before it was announced.

Obama on Saturday offered an outline of his economic recovery plan to create 2.5 million jobs by 2011, saying American workers will rebuild the nation’s roads and bridges, modernize its schools and create more sources of alternative energy. Watch Obama outline his economic plan »

Details of the plan are still being worked out by his economic team, Obama said, but he hopes to sign the two-year, nationwide plan shortly after taking office January 20.

The president-elect said Monday that he has asked his newly formed economic team to develop recommendations for his plan and to consult with Congress, the current administration and the Federal Reserve on immediate economic developments over the next two months.

During the presidential campaign, Obama proposed a $175 billion stimulus package over a two-year period, but some of his economic advisers have said recently that the package would need to be much larger.

Obama on Monday declined to speculate about how large the stimulus package would need to be, saying it’s important for his economic team to come back with a recommendation.

“We have to make sure that the stimulus is significant enough that it really gives a jolt to the economy,” he said. “We are going to do what’s required to jolt this economy back into shape,” he said.

Also this weekend, sources told CNN that Obama is expected to pick New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson as secretary of commerce.

Obama aides also have told CNN that Obama is “on track” to nominate Sen. Hillary Clinton as his secretary of state after Thanksgiving.

Obama’s picks mean that at least three former rivals from the Democratic presidential primaries will be in senior posts in the Obama administration: Richardson, Clinton and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. iReport.com: Share your thoughts on Obama’s cabinet choices

The president-elect also met behind closed doors with Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to a U.S. military official with direct knowledge of the talks.

The meeting, which took place in Chicago on Friday, was a “get acquainted session,” the official said.

President Bush personally approved the meeting, and it was also “encouraged” by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, the official said. The approval was not required, but was given because of the sensitivity of having a sitting president’s advisers giving advice to a president not yet in office.

The meeting came as Mullen is reviewing a formal “request for forces” or RFF from commanders in the field for 15,000 to 20,000 additional troops to send to Afghanistan during the opening months of the Obama administration. The president-elect has spoken about his desire to find Osama bin Laden.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Obama spoke to him by phone Saturday and assured him that the United States would send more aid and pay more attention to his war-torn country, according to Karzai’s office, but Obama aides declined to confirm that the call had included specific promises.

2009 NY/CT/NJ Pre-Congress Rally!

Agree To Disagree Agreeably

Did you know that the Apostle Paul had a disagreement with Barnabas? YES, two Holy Ghost Filled baptised in Jesus Name believers disagreed. Lets first look at what the scripture tells us concerning their disagreement (and we will be reading from the New Living Translation). Turning to Acts 15:36-41 After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark.  But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.  Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

What stands out the most with this scripture to me is that there might come a point in time when Christians do disagree for whatever reason that may be. The key to the above scripture is that still, after the disagreement “the churches where still strengtened”.

I write today because of the mixed emotions concerning my decision to go from one organization to another. I have received numerous emails and phone calls most of which have been very supportive. But I wanted to send a message to everyone that NOTHING HAS CHANGED! Even if you disagree with my reasoning’s for leaving the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ and going to the United Pentecostal Church International, I personally still plan on staying completely unapologetically APOSTOLIC! I completely understand that ALL organization’s have problems they go through and am certainly not fooled into thinking the grass is going to be greener now that I am UPC however the bottom line is that we ALL continue to unite in spreading the Oneness message. YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!

Let me assure and reassure you that the Pope of Pentecost Blog is going to continue to stand on the principles of the Apostolic Doctrine with Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief cornerstone. I will continue to report on the things that I see in my travels abroad, I will continue to keep you in the loop of secular events that I feel are necessary for talking about and most importantly I will continue to lead souls to Christ by spreading Apostolic Truth!

-The Pope Of Pentecost-

Pentecostal Perspective: Four Habits Of A Disciple

How can I become a disciple? Colossians 3:9-10:Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

1. TIME WITH GOD’S WORD

John 8:31-32: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

2. PRAYER AND FASTING

John 15:7-8: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciple

3. FELLOWSHIP

John 13:34-35: So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

4. STEWARDSHIP

Luke 14:33:So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

Why did I leave COOLJC and go UPCI? Answers to your mind boggling questions.

Let’s be clear, the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Inc. has always been and will continue to be the greatest African American Apostolic Pentecostal organization on this side of heaven. Bishop Bonner IS a true man of God that is not only blessed but has a passion for souls and for his spiritual children to all make the rapture. However, as we all know, certain regions within the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ adhere to the doctrine more than other regions (mainly North versus South) and there seems to be a shift toward an acceptance of things that are contrary to scripture.  In the Atlanta area, I have not found a Church of Our Lord that meets my spiritual requirements to become an active member (meaning a member that can grow and mature while keeping the outward and inward holiness standards of Our Lord Jesus Christ). I totally disapprove of women in pants, men in skirts, women and men alike in earrings and makeup and jewelry, going to the movies, the wearing of short pants for men and short skirts for women and the lack of evangelizing the whole world not just on paper but starting with ones own neighborhood. Its important to me to be a part of a church that adheres to the beliefs that I uphold so that my witness is not destroyed.

The church that I’ve decided to join is a church that has a mission to lead people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ (evangelism) and develop them into fully devoted followers of Him (discipleship). They promote an atmosphere of Apostolic power and practice that changes lives! More importantly, the church that I have joined promises to build a balanced ministry of the Word and worship, evangelism and discipleship, fellowship and service. THIS is the reason why I have decided to leave the COOLJC and go UPCI. Oh and by the way, the Holy Ghost Himself placed me in this church. So with that in mind, I expect great things and deeper depths in God as my new church develops within me a leader for the purpose of expanding the ministries within the church.

Common Doctrines The Pope Of Pentecost Is Adamant About That Might Be Different In The UPCI

The UPCI believe in women pastors as an organization. Do I believe in women preachers? No! 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Some say the UPCI believe in divorce and remarriage with a living spouse. Do I believe this? NO! Romans 7:2-3 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

The UPCI teach that a women must have long uncut hair. Do you still believe in the prayer veil? Yes, I still believe that a women should wear a hat or prayer veil when they prayer or prophecy. 1 Corinthians 11:5-6 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

Will you shave your mustache if you become active in your UPCI church? Yes, if its required.

Will you give up your television in order to be a minister in the UPCI church? Yes if its required.

Will you stop going to the movies and other activities that might be considered worldly amusements? Yes if its required.

All in all, I will serve in my church in complete obedience to the doctrines and teachings of my Pastor and will not usurp authority.

 

The United Pentecostal Church International Welcomes The Pope of Pentecost

ITS OFFICIAL! The Pope Of Pentecost is now a member of the United Pentecostal Church International.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a multicultural Christian religious organization formed in 1945 by a merger of the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. It is (as of 2008) headquartered in the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood, Missouri. This church is especially distinguished by its adherence to Oneness Theology, its insistence upon baptism in Jesus’ name (as opposed to the Trinitarian formula used in most other Christian churches), and an emphasis upon Holiness living in all aspects of one’s life.

• Since its formation in 1945, the UPCI has been one of the fastest growing denominations in North America, growing from 617 member churches in 1946 to 4,358 churches in 2007 (which includes 4099 autonomous and 258 daughter works).
• The UPCI in North America has 9,085 ministers.
• The UPCI in North America reports a Sunday School attendance circa 650,000.
• The UPCI has a presence in 175 other nations with 22,881 licensed ministers, 28,351 churches and meeting places, 652 missionaries, and a foreign membership of over 3 million.
• Total worldwide membership, including North America, is listed at 4,036,945.

Church structure and worship

The basic governmental structure of the UPCI is congregational; local churches are autonomous, electing their own pastors and other leaders, owning their own property, deciding their own budgets, establishing their membership, and conducting all necessary local business.

The central organization embraces a modified presbyterian system: ministers meet in sectional, district, and general conferences to elect officers and to conduct the church’s affairs. The annual general conference is the highest authority in the UPCI, with power to determine Articles of Faith, elect officers and determine policy. A General Superintendent is elected to preside over the church as a whole; in 2008 this office was held by Kenneth Haney.

The UPCI allows women to serve as pastors and to evangelize. Ministers at all levels are allowed to marry and have children, but homosexual marriage (and homosexuality in general) is forbidden.

Worship at the UPCI is best described as lively, with members often jumping, dancing, singing, shouting, and clapping, as in all Pentecostal churches. Some people run through the church aisles, which is known as “victory marching”. Church services are ofttimes punctuated with acts of speaking in tongues (glossalalia), interpretations of tongues, prophetical messages, and laying on of hands for the purposes of healing. These events can happen spontaneously during the service, with no forewarning or direct guidance by the leader of the service, or more often at massive altar calls where the entire congregation is encouraged to come and pray together at the altar.

UPCI members commonly refer to all Apostolic Christians as “saints”, generally referring to the men as “brothers” and the women as “sisters” (i.e. “Brother Smith” or “Sister Henderson”), in their normal day-to-day speech whether inside or outside of church.

Theological overview

Salvation

The UPCI derives its central theology of salvation from Acts 2:38 and John 3:3-5. It believes that in order to fulfill the Biblical plan of salvation, a person must be spiritually “born again”. This is accomplished by:

• Dying to sin through repentance,
• Being buried with Christ in baptism (“born of water”), and
• Being resurrected through receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (“born of the Spirit”), as evidenced by speaking in other tongues, as the Spirit of God gives utterance.

The UPCI does not recognize the doctrine commonly held by most Evangelical Protestants that says that mere belief or faith in Jesus Christ, or the repetition of a simple “sinner’s prayer” (however sincerely meant), is the sole requirement for “receiving Christ” or “getting saved”. One receives Christ when, after following His commandment to repent and be baptized in water in His Name, they initially receive the Holy Ghost. And only those who “endure unto the end” (Matthew 24:13) in this saving, faithful relationship will be saved. Although many Evangelicals would characterize this as “works salvation” (and thus heretical, according to their doctrine), the UPCI insists that one is saved, not by works, but solely by the grace of God, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His commandment to be “born again” as described in John 3:3-5.

One scholarly work, Our God is One, by UPCI author Talmadge French, has received a great deal of attention from non-Oneness groups. Two other works, The Oneness of God and The New Birth, both by Dr. David Bernard, also explain basic UPCI beliefs on the Godhead and salvation.

Repentance

The UPCI believes that repentance is essential to salvation, as indicated in Luke 13:5. Repentance is defined as a complete turning away from sin and toward God. According to the UPCI, repentance requires the repentant sinner to take the next Biblical steps toward forgiveness and reconciliation to God: water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Furthermore, repentance must be accompanied by “Godly sorrow”. This is not merely regret, but a genuine inward taste of God’s displeasure over one’s sinful lifestyle, which in turn breaks his or her heart and leads to a determination to utterly forsake sin with no regrets or second thoughts.

Repentance is also a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Ghost. UPCI sources emphasize that no one can repent on his or her own power; it requires a supernatural gift of God’s grace. It does not bring by itself the full power of salvation, and unless it is followed up with baptism in water in the name of Jesus Christ (see below) and baptism of the Holy Ghost, it may be lost. Furthermore, the ability to repent is temporary and may only be accomplished while one is alive.

Baptism

Baptism is a second essential component of UPCI doctrine. Members of the UPCI affirm an indispensable need for baptism, as shown in John 3:5 and Matthew 28:19; they point to Matthew 3:13-16 as evidence that even Jesus Himself was baptized. The UPCI mode of baptism is complete immersion in water, completed in the name of Jesus Christ (not that of the Trinity, as in most other Christian churches) for the remission of sins.

This Jesus-Name doctrine is a point of contention between Trinitarians and Oneness Pentecostals such as the UPCI. Like other Oneness believers, the UPCI baptizes “in the Name of Jesus Christ”, while Trinitarians use “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. Both sides utilize Matthew 28:19 to support their claims, with the UPCI holding that the “name” of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is “Jesus”. They insist that the word “name” in the Scripture is singular, and thus that all three titles refer to Jesus. Other Oneness believers assert that Matthew 28:19 was changed to the traditional Triune formula by the Catholic church, using various historical encyclopedias to support their claims.

The UPCI believes that salvation cannot be completed without water baptism, and specifically without the pronouncement of the name of Jesus Christ (and no other name) over the proceeding. This belief originates from Acts 2:38; members corroborate this with Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, and Acts 19:5, claiming that these are the only Scriptures showing how the early Church performed baptisms, and that the Bible authorizes no departure from that formula.

Speaking in tongues

The UPCI embraces the view that speaking in tongues is the immediate, outward, observable, and audible evidence of the initial infilling of the Holy Spirit, and is the fulfillment of Jesus’ commandment to be “born of the Spirit” in John 3:5. As defined by the church, “speaking in tongues” constitutes speaking in a language that one has never learned before, and can be given to all regardless of race, culture, or language. UPCI beliefs on this subject are derived from Acts 2:4, 17, 38-39; 10:46; 19:6; and I Corinthians 12:13.

In UPCI theology, the tongue becomes the vehicle of expression for the Holy Spirit (James 3), and symbolizes God’s complete control over the believer. UPCI doctrine distinguishes between the initial act of speaking in tongues that accompanies one’s Baptism in the Holy Ghost, and the gift of “divers kinds of tongues” spoken of by Paul in I Corinthians 12:10, 28-30. While the former is considered indispensable evidence of one’s baptism by the Holy Ghost (as spoken of in John 3:5; also Matthew 3:11, Acts 1:5, 2:4 and 19:6, according to UPCI doctrine), the latter gift is not necessarily held by all believers, once they have initially spoken in tongues. The incidents of tongues-speaking described in Acts, while the same in essence, are different in operation and purpose than the tongues spoken of in I Corinthians 12-14. The latter are given to selected believers as the Spirit (God) decides.

UPCI doctrine also distinguishes between the “Fruit of the Spirit” as mentioned in Gal. 5:22-23, and the initial act of speaking in tongues. The Fruit of the Spirit takes time to develop or cultivate, and therefore does not qualify as an immediate, outward and identifiable sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. Speaking in other tongues, on the other hand, does serve as that sign, and is therefore considered an insidpensable part of any person’s salvation process.

The Godhead

The UPCI adheres to Oneness theology, teaching that the one God who revealed Himself in the Old Testament as Jehovah (YHVH in Hebrew), revealed Himself in His Son, Jesus Christ. The name “Jesus” in Hebrew is “Yeshua”, meaning “God (YHVH [Lord]) saves”, and is the proper name for describing God in the flesh. Thus Jesus Christ was and is God. For the UPCI, Jesus is the one true God manifested in flesh, “for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9).Oneness teaching asserts that God is a singular Spirit, not a Trinity of persons as in the traditional Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant understanding. The Father and the Holy Ghost are one and the same Person, says this doctrine; “Father”, “Son” and “Holy Ghost” are merely titles reflecting the different manifestations of the One True God in the universe. Jesus is believed by Oneness adherents to be both fully Divine and fully human; His Divine nature is believed to be the Father (Who is also the Holy Ghost), united to Christ’s human nature to form one Person, the Son. Thus the Father is not the Son (this distinction is crucial), but is in the Son as the fullness of His divine nature (Colossians 2:9).^[14]

Although the UPCI belief in the union of the Divine and Human into one person in Christ is similar to the Chalcedonian formula, traditional Chalcedonians disagree sharply with them over their opposition to Trinitarian dogma. Chalcedonians see Jesus Christ as one single Person uniting “God the Son” (a being whose existence is denied in Oneness theology), the eternal second person of the traditional Trinity, with human nature; while UPCI believers see Jesus as one single Person uniting the Father Himself–the one and only true God–with human nature to form “the Son of God”. Unlike all Trinitarians, the UPCI does not believe in the Son’s eternal existence; the Son, say they, only came into being at the Incarnation (Hebrews 1:5).

The UPCI believes their conception of the Godhead is true to early Christianity’s strict monotheism. They contrast their views not only with Trinitarianism, but equally with the Arianism espoused by both Latter-day Saints, who believe that Christ was an entirely separate “god” from the Father and the Spirit, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who see Him as a lesser deity than His Father. The UPC’s understanding of God is similar to Modalism, although it cannot be exactly characterized as such, and is thus the most serious difference between it and other Pentecostals and Evangelicals (such as the Assemblies of God), who have often tended to disparage the UPCI as a “cult”.

UPCI views on the Godhead are examined in detail in UPCI minister Dr. David K. Bernard’s The Oneness of God.

Holiness

The UPCI emphasizes that salvation is accomplished by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, coupled with obedience to His command to be “born of water and of the Spirit” (John 3:5), and not by works (Titus 3:5). No amount of good works or obedience to any laws or rules can save anyone; only faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for sins, coupled with obedience to His commandment to be “born again,” can give salvation.

Nevertheless, the UPCI teaches a code of conduct based upon what it believes to be scriptural teaching, many principles of which were taught in the New Testament by the Apostles themselves.^[17] Inward holiness, such as the demonstration of the Fruits of the Spirit in the Christian’s life, is accompanied by outer signs of holiness, according to the UPCI. These standards include beliefs that women should not cut their hair and should wear dresses or skirts, rather than pants, according to a scriptural mandate to “Not wear that which pertaineth to a man” (Deuteronomy 22:5). Woman and men alike are encouraged to “adorn [themselves] in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety” (I Timothy 2:8-10), and are discouraged from wearing jewelry, biblically defined as “gold, or pearls, or costly array” (I Timothy 2:8-10). The precise strictness to which these standards are adhered to often varies, however.

History

The UPCI emerged out of the Pentecostal movement that traces its origins to the great revival in Topeka, Kansas under Charles Parham on 1 January 1901. This movement, claiming to be a restoration of the original Christianity described in the book of Acts, gained strength while spreading through Missouri, Texas and California, culminating in the Azuza Street Revival in 1906. Rejected by the mainline Christian denominations, Pentecostals began to form churches of their own, one of which was the Assemblies of God, formed in 1914.

Some Pentecostal preachers and evangelists began to embrace and preach the doctrines of Oneness and Jesus-Name Baptism during this time frame, which led to friction within the Apostolic movement. When the Assemblies of God formally affirmed the traditional doctrine of the Trinity at its Fourth General Council in October 1916, Oneness Pentecostals were forced to withdraw from their organization. Two months later, several Oneness ministers met in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and on January 2, 1917, they formed their own Oneness Pentecostal organization, called The General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies.

The General Assemblies of the Apostolic Assemblies merged with another church, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and accepted the leadership of an African-American, G. T. Haywood. This group held the first meeting in Eureka Springs in 1918. This interracial organization adopted the title of The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and remained the only Oneness Pentecostal body until late in 1924. Southern Jim Crow laws, together with other racial and cultural norms of that time period, resulted in many of the white leadership choosing to withdraw from this interracial group, rather than remain under African-American leadership. Many local congregations in the Jim Crow South, however, endeavored to remain interracial, while complying with local segregationist laws.

During 1925, three new Oneness churches were formed: The Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ, The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance, and Emmanuel’s Church in Jesus Christ.

In 1927 steps were taken toward reunifying these organizations. Meeting in a joint convention in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Emmanuel’s Church in Jesus Christ and The Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ merged, taking the name The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. This merger united about 400 Oneness Pentecostal ministers. In 1931, a unity conference with representatives from four Oneness organizations met in Columbus, Ohio, in an endeavor to bring all Oneness Pentecostals together. The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance ministers voted to merge with The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, but the terms of the proposed merger were rejected by that body. Nevertheless, a union between The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World was consummated in November, 1931. The new body adopted the name of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ.

In 1932, The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance changed its name to The Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, reflecting its organizational structure. In 1936, the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated ministers voted to work toward an amalgamation with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Final union, however, proved elusive until 1945, when these two Oneness Pentecostal organizations combined to form the United Pentecostal Church International. The merger of these two Oneness Pentecostal bodies brought together 1,838 ministers and approximately 900 churches. Membership numbers for the UPCI have risen year by year thereafter.^[18]

The current racial climate of the UPCI has improved markedly over earlier decades. For many years, African-Americans ministers were listed in the UPCI manual as the Colored Branch, but in more recent times, the church has developed a Black Evangelism ministry serving under the umbrella of the Home Missions Division. A number of African-American pastors, presbyters and even District Superintendents hold leadership positions in the UPCI today. Multicultural and Spanish ministries also cater to the needs of a wide variety of people, including those of Amish-Mennonite, Filipino, Gypsy, Native American, Korean, Eastern European and Asian extraction

The Importance Of A Multi-Cultural Church

For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

There are two things in America which seemingly remain segregated. One is funeral homes, the other is Church. If you don’t believe me, go to your church this Sunday. If the majority is your skin complexion or ethnicity, you will know that I am telling the truth.

I thank and Praise God for the Bi-Racial/African America president we have elected but that’s not enough. All he can do is make laws for the land. We all know Obama is not making laws for the kingdom of God. If the United States of America can start to show healing within its congressional walls we as Christians need to start showing healing in our Church walls. We are the light of the wold. A beacon in the midst of darkness. If all you can do is invite people to your church that “look” like you, “talk” like you, there is a problem. Granted, I am not saying you should give up your cultural identity, what I am saying is that our churches need to be more welcoming of ALL nationalities and cultures.

We are destroyed because of lack of knowledge and a lot of times its this lack that causes us NOT to understand one another. We must take the time out to learn about other races. Everything is not just BLACK and WHITE . . . the United States of America is a multi-faceted nation with so many tongues its not even funny yet on Sunday, we all separate and go to our own respective churches. No one is reaching out to one another. Instead, our white or Asian neighbors go into their car on Sunday and pass by tons of predominately black churches just to go to a church where people look like them.

So you ask me, HOW? How do I make my church more accepting of other cultures? Do I just start knocking on doors and asking people in the white and black and Latino communities to come to my church? Well, yeah, you can start by that. More importantly, the leadership of the church needs to be more open minded to receiving other nationalities. The worse thing you can do is invite someone to church that is not of your race and then stare at them the entire time as if they don’t belong. Start by training your ushers to NOT have a respect of person. Greet ALL with loving kindness. Remember, with loving kindness have I drawn them saith the Lord. Be prepared to research. Find out more about different cultures by reading literature from your local library and even from the Internet. Finally, pray! Pray that God sends revival for the ENTIRE NATION and that your church WILL have a make up of all nationalities. Remember, heaven is not just a black or white things, its an EVERYBODY thing. Much prayer, much power, little prayer, little power, no prayer, NO POWER! Its going to take the Power of the Holy Ghost to send a multicultural revival through your church, but with the help of the Lord, it can and will be done. Join me in breaking down cultural barriers and winning ALL souls to Christ!

Here are a few of manyBiblical texts that favor multiculturalism.

• Psalm 133:1. The good of dwelling together in unity.
• John 17: especially 11 & 23. Jesus prays that his church may be one, that the world might believe in him.
• Matthew 28:19-20 The great commission – go to all “nations” (Greek, ethnai / ethnic groups)
• Acts 2:5-11 lists fifteen ethnic groups present at the Pentecost event. The very first church gathering was multicultural
• Acts 10:34 After God sends a powerful vision to Peter to correct his racism and encourage outreach to the Gentiles, Peter proclaims that he now sees that God is no respecter of persons, or shows no favoritism.
• Galatians 3:28. “Your are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians. The entire book, the main theme of which is God’s purpose to unite all things in heaven and earth together, the role of the church in this overarching purpose, and the need for all Christians to claim their unity in Christ and dwell together in mutual love.
• Ephesians 4:3-5: Love each other; keep the unity of the Spirit. One body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God.
• Revelation 7:9 describes the multinational church at the end of time gathered before
• God’s throne. This shows God’s desire for how the church should be; and since it will ultimately be this way, it’s good for us to work toward that ideal.

Black Friday Tips For Atlanta’s Shoppers

By NEDRA RHONE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, November 17, 2008

Black Friday is looking kind of blue … for retailers anyway.

Stores such as Best Buy that traditionally draw a big Black Friday crowd lowered earnings forecasts earlier this month, sending shock waves through the retail world. But while sellers may be suffering, Black Friday shoppers who have the funds may get some of the deepest discounts on all sorts of merchandise in recent years.

“Chain store sales were a disaster,” said Steven Platt of Platt Retail Institute, noting the glut of merchandise many retailers now possess thanks to slow back-to-school sales and the influx of holiday items. “You are starting to see 50 percent off sales which at this time of year is crazy.”

Meager 10 percent to 40 percent-off sales no longer have an effect on most consumers, 41 percent of whom said in a recent Maritz Poll survey that they would be shopping on Black Friday.

The annual shopping holiday is known for “doorbuster” sales — huge discounts on key merchandise — and a grab-bag of gimmicks that retailers employ to lure shoppers through the door.

“The reality is when you are seeing these deep discount kinds of items at 60 to 70 percent off … [retailers] lose money on that, but they get a positive lift on other products purchased elsewhere in the store,” Platt says.

Most major retailers offer some type of Black Friday promotion, and some go the extra mile to market their sales. Some stores and local malls such as North Point Mall in Alpharetta are opening at midnight late Thursday to extend Black Friday shopping time. Shoppers who wear pajamas to Prime Outlets in Calhoun will gain midnight entry, and the first 500 will receive a free goodie bag. Best Buy will reward one local winner of a 250-word essay contest with a $1,000 gift card, a limo ride to and from Best Buy and a Flip camcorder to document the event. Earlier this month, Sears began offering pre-Black Friday sales and made layaway available for some of the merchandise.

Still, anyone who has braved Black Friday knows it is about so much more than just a sale. It’s the thrill of shopping in the wee hours. The rush of scoring that coveted product at the lowest price it has been all year. The satisfaction of making a dent in your holiday shopping while your neighbors are still rolling over in a turkey-induced sleep.

 

TIPS:

Follow these tips in our shopping survival guide to keep ahead of the frenzy and ward off the Black Friday blues:

 

How to get a real saleHow do you know if 30 percent off is really a sale? You don’t. It’s pretty much impossible to know a retailer’s markup.

 

However, if you are going for advertised Black Friday “doorbusters,” you’re almost guaranteed to be getting a substantial discount. Stores price these items to attract shoppers and plan to lose money on them, says Michael Brim of bfads.net, a site that gives shoppers an early look at leaked Black Friday ads from places such as Sam’s Club, Staples and more.

Before hitting stores on Black Friday, Brim suggests taking the time to comparison shop. For example, in leaked Black Friday ads, Sears advertised a Panasonic 42-inch plasma TV for $900 that Brim spotted online for $800 at 6th Avenue Electronics (with free shipping). Several retailers including Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club are offering notebook computers in the $300 range. Determine which item has the features you want and which store is closest to your targeted shopping area.

You can also use the site to check the original retail price of an item against the advertised Black Friday price. There is a chance that final Black Friday prices and merchandise will change, Brim says, but you can still begin plotting a shopping strategy before the actual ads hit.

 

Where to shopDepending on the kind of merchandise you’re after and the type of shopper you are, there are any number of metro Atlanta options to get optimal return for your Black Friday time investment. Virtually any major mall in the metro area is within a short driving distance of the specialty chains such as Best Buy, Toys R Us, and Sam’s Club, all of which offer big Black Friday bargains. Here are a few suggestions:

 

• The all-in-one area shopper: Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Target, Best Buy, Toys R Us … and the list goes on. Buckhead is Atlanta shopping central with retailers that range from the big box stores to boutiques and that span the spectrum from mainstream to luxury. That said, it is also very popular, which may mean bigger crowds than other shopping areas.

• The value shopper: Sears and Costco are anchors of Cumberland Mall, which also is home to many of the specialty retailers found at other malls. Best Buy and other large retailers are nearby, but so are a selection of boutiques in Vinings Ivy Walk for the shopper who seeks a more exclusive shopping experience.

• The Black Friday enthusiast: A 12:01 a.m. opening may make North Point Mall an enticing Black Friday destination this season. Anchors include JC Penney, Sears, Macy’s, Dillard’s and Belk while just up North Point Parkway is Best Buy. Sam’s Club is also about a five-minute drive.

• The outlet shopper: Discover Mills in Lawrenceville has some upscale tenants including Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth and Neiman Marcus Last Call. The outlet center is also opening at midnight and it is a mere five miles from Gwinnett Place Mall in case you also decide to hit traditional retailers such as JC Penney, Sears and Belk.

 

Kids or no kids?It’s probably best to leave younger kids at home on Black Friday. Stollers and crowds just don’t mix, though we know a few shoppers willing to use four wheels and a child as a weapon. Younger children may also be seduced by the shopping mania and pitch a tantrum that slows your progress. That said, teens and young adults can be an asset to a divide-and-conquer shopping strategy. And you’ll have someone to help carry the bags.

 

If you can’t find a sitter, Concourse Athletic Club, in the Perimeter Mall area, is offering Black Friday dhildcare from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for children ages 6 weeks and up ($7 per hour for non-members). Call 770-698-2061.

 

What to wearDressing for Black Friday is a bit like dressing for airport security lines. Wear simple, comfortable shoes and dress in easy-to-remove layers, particularly if you are shopping for shoes and apparel. For women, a fitted T-shirt or tank worn under a sweater can help avoid lengthy fitting room lines. In addition, if you’re shopping the outlet malls or other venues that require frequent indoor-to-outdoor movement, a light jacket or vest over your layers will help you keep warm without a lot of bulk.

 

 

What to eatIf you think the stores are crowded on Black Friday, just try the food court around lunchtime. Lines wrap around the aisles and tables are hard to come by. So…

 

1. Eat before you leave home. If you’re the camping-out-‘til-the-store-opens type, take food in disposable containers to eat while waiting in line.

2. Carry energy-providing snacks such as nuts or dried fruit and take bottled water to get you through the major shopping hours.

3. If you must have a meal out, plan to eat on your way home. Avoid restaurants in high-density shopping areas that draw Black Friday crowds.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Moves Ahead with ‘Apostolic Manifesto’

This month, Bishop Horace Smith, presiding prelate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., the oldest Oneness Pentecostal organization, reports on the progress of his ‘Apostolic Manifesto’ initiative, which aims to chart a course for the future of the organization.

Bishop Smith introduced his plan in March 2008, identifying several systemic problems in the organization, including:

1)  The lack of ‘corporate’ vision in the fellowship. 
2)  Strong regionalism that limits organization-wide decision making and hurts the PAW as a whole.
3)  Antiquated and ineffective leadership structure with deficient accountability
4)  The development of “separate, disconnected, siparate, almost antagonistic organizations” that work without national guidelines.
5)  The lack of executive oversight for the separate diocese of the fellowship
6)  Substandard organizational communication and cooperation resulting in lack of consistency and professionalism for the entire constituency.

The manifesto ultimately seeks to revitalize the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World through a stronger, centralized organization and to improve the quality, caliber, and accountability of the fellowship’s international leadership through optimized communication, fiscal responsibility and unified vision and effort.

According to the November update, six committees have been formed:

1)  Structure & Vision
2) Diocese
3) International Missions
4) Critical Issues
5) Finances
6) Leadership

Bishop Smith sees the manifesto as an essential part of rehabilitating the organization and correcting problems that are presently “destablizing the organization at best and is [sic] killing the organization at worst.”

Click here to visit the PAW web site.

Apostolic Doctrine: Divine Healing

Divine Healing

Introduction God is the Great Physician. His knowledge of the human mind and body is complete. He can do more for the sick and the diseased than can all earthly doctors and surgeons combined. He created us; is it not reasonable, then, to believe that He can heal us when we are sick? The Provision of Healing Christ’s suffering and death purchased healing for us-physically, mentally, and spiritually. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows…With his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). This promise definitely includes physical healing, for the Gospel of Matthew says this passage was fulfilled by Christ’s healing of people who were sick: “He cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaiah the prophet, saying, “Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses” (Matthew 8:16-17). (See also 1 Peter 2:24). The healing ministry of Christ did not end with His earthly life; it is part of His work in the church today. He promised, “These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17-18). Listed among the gifts of the Spirit for the present-day church are “the gifts of healing” (I Corinthians 12:9). James 5:14-15 presents God’s plan for divine healing: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” Laying on of hands and anointing with oil usually accompany prayer for healing, in accordance with God’s Word and to focus faith. Faith in the Lord is the key to receiving healing. The Gospels record that Jesus healed people according to their faith. (See Matthew 9:29;13:58; Mark 2:5; 5:34, 36; 9:23-24;10:52.) By the power of God the Apostle Paul was able to raise up a lame man at Lystra because he perceived that the man had faith to be healed (Acts 14:8-10). Prayer for healing, like all prayer, must be offered by faith in the name of Jesus, with proper motives, from a repentant heart, and in submission to the will of God (Acts 3:16; James 4:3; I John 3:21-22; 5:14-15). God does not always answer in the manner and time that we expect, but we must always keep our trust in Him, even when we do not understand circumstances. Moreover, whatever healing or release from handicaps and weaknesses that Christians do not receive in this life, they will obtain in the resurrection, for their mortal bodies will be glorified and given immortality, and death itself shall be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26, 49-57). Healing in Bible Times God gave the first recorded promise of divine healing soon after He brought the Israelites out of Egypt. He told them, “I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26). Psalm 103:3 describes God as One “who healeth all thy diseases”. The Old Testament records a number of miracles of healing and even raising of the dead. For example, God used the prophet Elijah to restore a dead child to life (1 Kings 17:22). Through the prophet Elisha He raised a child to life and brought cleansing to Namaan the leper (2 Kings 4:32-35; 5:1-14). God healed King Hezekiah in reponse to his prayer and added fifteen years to his life (2 Kings 20:5). The New Testament records many healings in the earthly ministry of Jesus, and He performed many that are not individually recorded. “Jesus went about all Galilee…healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23). He gave sight to the blind, unstopped deaf ears, cleansed lepers, made the lame to walk, and raised the dead (Matthew 11:4-5). After Christ’s ascension, He continued His ministry of healing through His apostles and otehr disciples. Working through Peter and John, He healed a lame man who had never walked (Acts 3:6-8). Many miracles occurred in Stephen’s ministry, and many people were healed during Philip’s revival in Samaria (Acts 6:8; 8:7). Through God’s power, Peter raised Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-42). And God worked special miracles of healing in the ministry of Paul (Acts 19:11-12). Comparatively few healings of tha titme were recored, for Acts 5:16 states, “There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” God Heals Today God still heals today. Many contemporary instances are documented in two books published by Word Aflame Press: Miracles in our Day and God Answers Prayer. These examples demonstrate that God’s promise of healing is still being fulfilled. The good that medical doctors and medicines do is to be appreciated, for God is the ultimate source of all healing. It is He who has given doctors skill and intelligence, and it is He who created the substances from which medicines are extracted or manufactured. Doctors and medicines, however, can only assist the human body in renewing the natural healing power invested in it by the Creator. Even when a person receives medical assistance, he can still look to God for divine healing. God can heal with medical help, but He also can and often does heal miraculously without any human assistance. Many people in our churches can testify to beingmiraculously healed by God. And what God has done for others, He will do for you. Whatever your sickness or disease, He can make you whole. Look to Him today for your healing. Taken from the Word Aflame Press tract “Divine Healing” – #1567220835

Prince Going Door to Door With Teachings of Jehovahs Witnesses

 

November 17, 2008 –

YES, that’s Prince going door-to-door in LA to preach the word of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The purple-loving pop star tells this week’s New Yorker that since he joined the Christian denomination two years ago, he’s started leaving his gated community to knock on doors and proselytize. “Sometimes people act surprised, but mostly they’re totally cool about it,” says Prince. The “When Doves Cry” singer adds that he sees his conversion as more of “a realization. It’s like Morpheus and Neo in ‘The Matrix.’ “

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11172008/gossip/pagesix/spread_the_word_139052.htm

Oh Lord, whats next? Cant we get any apostolic celebraties to go door to door with “Why we baptise in Jesus Name” tracts???????? I guess………………. The Pope Of Pentecost (I think its time for another Apostolic Doctrine Class)

Juanita Bynum’s Ex-Husband Bishop Weeks Evicted From Church

DULUTH, Ga. — Bishop Thomas Weeks III, the man who split from televangelist Juanita Bynum in a very public divorce earlier this year, was evicted Friday from his Gwinnett County church. 

EXCLUSIVE PICS: Bishop Weeks Church Eviction

 

Sheriff’s deputies carried out the eviction while a church convocation was in progress at Weeks’ Global Destiny Ministries, located at 4830 Rivergreen Parkway. With congregation members by his side, Weeks was forced to leave Global Destiny Ministries’ Duluth campus. 

“They have been told to leave the property,” said Stacey Bourbonnais, with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. “We will secure the building, inventory the property, then sell up to the judgment amount.” 

Documents filed in state court in Gwinnett County showed Weeks and the church owe $511,842 to the owners of the buildings. 

“It’s difficult in terms of the emotion,” said Weeks. “For almost three years, I have put in 16-18 hour days here on this campus, traveling worldwide, building it for the Kingdom.” 

VIDEO: Bishop Weeks Evicted From Gwinnett County Church
 

The church had been operating out of two suites at the office complex. 

“We’re not the only church going through this financial situation,” Weeks said. 

An hour earlier, Gwinnett County sheriff’s deputies rolled in to serve two eviction notices. 

Weeks explained to Channel 2’s Rachel Kim one of the reasons he believed the operation fell on tough times. “There were some members that left because of a situation well-known in Atlanta. Our congregation went from 3,000 to 300,” said Weeks. 

Bynum and Weeks married in 2002 in an elaborate ceremony. They built Global Destiny Ministries in Duluth together before their relationship fizzled. 

On Aug. 21, 2007, Weeks attacked Bynum in the parking lot of the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta after the couple met to discuss their problems. They had been separated since spring 2007. 

Weeks pleaded guilty in March to aggravated assault in the attack on his wife. He was sentenced as a first offender, given three years of probation and ordered to attend anger management classes and perform 200 hours of community service. 

They finalized their divorce in June of this year. 

Weeks said after the couple’s problems were thrown into the spotlight, church members left and there was no way to pay the bills. 

“At one point, it cost $450,000 a month to run the operation,” said Weeks. “We resized it to about $110,000 monthly,” he said. 

Weeks said he had hoped to stop the eviction. 

“We had several pledges coming in the next couple of days and unfortunately they didn’t arrive so we could go ahead and pay the last of what we needed to pay to stop the process,” he said. 

Weeks asked the community to pray for all church leaders during the difficult economic times. 

“We’re looking forward to making the adjustment and moving to a bigger and brighter day where all of our debt is paid,” said Weeks. 

Weeks said he has three other church locations currently operating debt free in London, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. 

“We’re looking forward to making our Atlanta location debt free as well,” he said.