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Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit Last Updated: Jul 19, 2023 - 4:32:10 PM
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Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
The FOG - Aug 13, 2010 - 10:00:33 AM

The
FOG ( Favor of God ) is something that we [mankind] despite how theologically sound we are, and how well we exegete the scriptures will never truly understand and be able dictate as to who is entitled to receive God‘s favor.  For He causes it rain on the just, and the unjust.
  
This word favour is mentioned 70 times in 70 verses in the entire bible: -  In The Old Testament 64 times in 64 verses, and in The New Testament 6 times in 6 verses .

In the Hebrew the word favour is: chen, khane; which has several meanings, i.e. (1) graciousness, (2) kindness, (3) beauty, (4) grace - gracious, (5) pleasant, (6) precious...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
I Surrender ! - Aug 5, 2010 - 4:02:06 PM

Whenever a gunman brandished his weapon at an individual or a group, the most logical thing that a sound thinking person would do; is to lift both hands into the air which shows a sign or state of surrender.  In other words the message that’s been sent to the gunman is this “I surrender my possessions, my rights, and my freedom”

As a Christian Nation, a people who claims to know and loves God; we’ve yet to understand the true concept of totally surrendering our all to God.

Make no mistake about it; we’ve gotten all the church jargon and religious clichés down pack, in so much that we’ve even deceived ourselves into thinking that our various religious acts are pleasing to God.

The surrendering to God is an act of one dying to his will, for that of God’s will...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Which Way is Up? - Jul 25, 2010 - 6:35:59 PM

Prov.14: 12. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

(There is a way): The word Way in the Hebrew is: derek, deh'-rek; which has several meanings as follows: (1) a course of life or mode of action, (2) a custom or culture, (3) a pathway.

There is much cry for leadership that will lead the Bahamas, Upward, Onward and Forward together. But what we’ve got today are people with self-centered agendas that have assumed or have been elected to various positions of leadership.

Here’s a sad, but yet true fact: Everything that’s good and enhances the growth and future development of the Bahamas / Bahamian people evolves around...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
For God so loved - Jul 16, 2010 - 5:02:51 AM

John.3: 16.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

As a people we’ve got to understand that the enemy ( Satan ) is doing everything within his power to disrupt the love relationship that God has with mankind.  It’s during difficult economic times such as these that the enemy gain great advantages over many; as we’re more pruned to focus on our economical status than that of walking in and displaying the God kind of love towards one another.

The global economic recession that we’re experiencing today is a strategic / tactical  move of the enemy that has been carried out by devious, scrupulous men; who sits in key positions in the financial realm and through hook and crook they have manipulated the financial systems...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Independence - Jul 13, 2010 - 10:42:11 PM

The event that took place on July 10th 1973, was the most historical and meaningful event that I’ve experienced outside that of the acceptance of Yeshuwa Messiah (a.k.a. Jesus the Christ) as my Lord and Savior.

As time went on there was a great sense of pride, joy and excitement being displayed both far and wide among the grassroots of our people.  And then something happened that made the significance of July 10th to be viewed by many Bahamians as just another event or day in the life of the Bahamas.

What happened ? I’m glad you’ve asked, and even though you may not agree with me; I’m okay with that and I respect your views.

But nonetheless here we go. The Older Folks had a saying that says “Time is longer than rope”...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Bahamian Politics & Religion - Jun 29, 2010 - 4:36:30 PM

As long as calamity is not knocking at our door; we have a unique way of showing how concern we are for those who are facing some form of tragedy.  In reading this article all I would ask of you “is that for a few moments to please take off  your political  / religious caps, and let’s soberly think as Bahamians”

The two most influential forces in this country (Politics & Religion) has dealt this nation a vicious dividing blow. To the point that the Bahamas is literally falling apart due to crime and corruption which has rendered  these two leading forces powerless and has given a negative view of law and order in the eyes of the people.

How is it that this small, once beautiful Bahamas could have such a high murder rate; whereby 2-3 murders are occurring in a week, in little Nassau...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Lots of Cowboys, Few Shepherds - Jun 21, 2010 - 4:22:34 PM

If you’re familiar with Western / Cowboy Movies you would know that when the cowboys are taking their cattle from one state to another; this process is called “A Cattle Drive”.  Many dynamics takes place in this process to get the cattle moving such as (1) Lot’s of shouting by the cowboys, (2) Gun firing into the air, etc.

Likewise, if you’ve ever seen movies where herds of sheep are involved the moving process is totally different from that of a cattle drive. There is no loud shouting or gun firing as the shepherds skillfully and quietly leads the way and based upon the size of the herd; at times there maybe a sheep dog or two to help.

In the animal kingdom by their nature sheep’s are known to be; one of the dumbest animals.  As a result of the man’s fall and due to our sin nature, here’s how the word of God describes us.

Isa.53:6.  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
A Daddy or A Father - Jun 17, 2010 - 4:54:02 AM

Who are you? A daddy or a father? 

It’s during these times that religious leaders both near and far seeks to write nice, philosophical articles about the event at hand; thereby displaying to the world their penmanship and supposedly their deep spiritual insights.
Be that as it may, penmanship and religious / spiritual insight is the least of concern to the wayward gun toting young men that’s contemplating a criminal act. The reality is, we’ve got a country that’s in crisis and it’s up to us (Fathers) to get a firm grip on our families; especially our young men.
     
Whiles it is always good to acknowledge and celebrate fathers as they fulfill their duties of fatherhood; we’ve gotten to the point whereby we see no distinction between a father and that of a daddy...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
The Thief - Jun 9, 2010 - 8:38:53 AM

Hosea.4: 6. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:

The above mentioned scripture verse is one of the most quoted scripture within and outside the religious church. Despite this fact; many persons are committed to holding onto their erroneous religious beliefs and teachings even though they‘re being destroyed for the lack of knowledge.

It’s extremely painful to watch as many well meaning saints / God seekers are being taken advantage of by some religious leaders; who themselves might be ignorant to the devices and schemes of the enemy as they carry out his (The Enemy’s) agenda in preaching / teaching a twisted, incomplete gospel.

Then on the other hand there are those who have and are building their personal empires and religious dynasties from the loots, spoils of their teaching and preaching...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Recycled Christians - Jun 2, 2010 - 8:30:53 AM

As a so called Christian nation, our land is filled with what I’ve deemed as Recycled Christians or church hoppers. These recycled Christians are persons who were members of (church A) for a year or two; then shortly thereafter they’re now members of (churches B, C or D).  Or wherever there seems to be an atmosphere of religious excitement and entertainment the recycled Christians will congregate such as: (1) Conferences, (2) Seminars, (3) Concerts, and (4) The appearance of celebrity religious leaders and entertainers.

There are some significant working dynamics in play that contributes to the Recycling of Christians such as follows below...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Lot’s of Entertainment, No Engagement - May 24, 2010 - 11:04:48 PM

As I’ve stated before, so do I again. “As a Pastor, it’s very easy to come into agreement with the religious ambiance of the country; and to preach / teach or echo that of the country’s religious leaders.

One of the most frightening revelations concerning nations and today’s religious churches came to me within hours of writing this article.

During the process of writing another article, I was instructed by the Holy Spirit to shift course and write the following.

As chaos, mayhem and the law of deterioration runs rampant throughout the earth due to the deceptive spirit of religion. The church (the gathering of saints) has been reduced to a gathering of people for religious / emotional entertainments...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Show the Church, to the Church - May 19, 2010 - 10:10:41 AM

Matt.16: 18.  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

There has been and yet are some misconstrue teachings concerning the above passage of scripture; to the point that various religious denominations are formed and in some cases divided.
But, for the purpose of this exercise I beg your indulgence and prayerfully some spiritual discernment as you continue to read this article.       
Watch this !
In the Greek this word church is: ekklesia, ek-klay-see'-ah; which has several meanings such as ( 1 ) group or a community of members,  ( 2 ) a calling out of a people from among a people...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Not Paid to Think - May 10, 2010 - 11:14:54 AM
In listening to various House of Assembly meetings and based upon the deteriorating state of the nation.  I’ve concluded that it’s not fair for me to further judge or to expect the politicians /  Over Grown Children; to prepare the Bahamas for the technology driven generation of tomorrow.
The million dollar questions that I’m constantly asking are these:
1.   How could these supposedly highly educated elected men and women / Politicians, be so ancient in their methods of operation and presentation?
2.   Is it that Bahamians are so backwards and ignorant to the point that they would continually accept the grade one, level of representation and behavior of their elected officials ( especially ) in the place they proudly call “This Honorable House of Assembly?”  Wow...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
My Mother Prayed for Me - May 7, 2010 - 9:45:16 AM
It’s during this time of each year that we ride the waves of tradition and religion in celebrating Mother’s Day.  Might I say to you that’s reading this article “Don’t wait for May 9th, to celebrate Mom, but rather celebrate her everyday”.

Why do we have to religiously wait for a selected day of the month to honor and publicly acknowledge our Mothers?  Are the flowers, cards and dinners cheaper on May 9th ?  What our plans for Mom the rest of the year ?
Whenever one mother is mistreated or set aside the whole essence of the Mother’s Day celebration is a stench in God’s nostrils. 

After all that some mothers went through and had to sacrificed in order that their children would have a better future.  Do you know that there are some children who upon achieving certain status in life...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
So the Preacher won’t have to lie - May 5, 2010 - 7:30:03 PM

Live your life, so that when you die; the Preacher won’t have to lie whiles preaching at your funeral about you being a good, godly person.

I’ve attended hundreds of funeral services of persons who lived life on the wild side; or as reckless and wild as an unbroken stallion.  And as much as my sympathy and heart felt condolences goes out to the bereaved family; I do feel ten times sorry for the Religious Preacher who gets up and preaches a weak, watered down sermon in order to appease the family and friends of the deceased.

Meanwhile, outside on the church’s ground and in the street; friends and others are wearing T-shirts and badges / pins with a photo of the deceased...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
It's Not My Fault, It's Just My Time - Apr 27, 2010 - 6:23:22 PM

2Chron.16:9.  For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.

Warning, Warning !  Don’t you ever judge, condemn or ostracize a person because of their present situation or condition.  For I’m persuaded that with God, there is no respect of persons.

I’ve discovered that as a people it seems as if we all have mastered the art of tearing down and speaking negative of one another. 

Watch this !  We’ve become proficient at tearing down of our brothers and sisters; in that many of us are of the view that we’re doing God and society a favor as we execute our ministry of tearing down others...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
Ninety Plus Years to Go - Apr 20, 2010 - 2:19:49 PM

As the residents of Freeport, Grand Bahama continues to struggle; the question that none of them would ask or seems to be interested in is this. “Who is going to deliver us from the bondage of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement?”

What I find most amazing is that these highly educated, allegedly anointed people are so consumed with their politics and religion; in that the future of their children’s children seems to be of no real importance to them.  I must give props to the initiators of The Hawksbill Creek Agreement for methodically putting a plan of development in place for Freeport, that will perpetually keep a people in bondage for centuries and various governments are powerless to do anything about it.

Here’s a little food for thought:  As it relates to the advancement and lively hood of Freeport, Grand Bahama:   Have you ever wondered or asked the question “How is it that no government (P.L.P or F.N.M) are able to truthfully step in and administratively help the residents of Freeport, the life line of Grand Bahama?”
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
A Clear Path - Apr 13, 2010 - 8:04:05 PM

Prov.14: 12.  There is a way (or path) which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.  
 
{In the Hebrew the word way is: derek, deh'-rek; which has several meanings as follows: (1) a road; (2) a course of life or mode of action, (3) a conversation, a custom or culture, (4) a path or high way.}

John.14: 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way (or path), the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

{In the Greek the word way is: hodos, hod-os'; which has several meanings as follows:  (1) a road; (2) the route, act or distance; (3) a mode or means of a journey (4) a high way.}
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
The First Quarter - Apr 5, 2010 - 8:16:10 AM

Do you remember the last two weeks of December 2009, where everybody was making and talking about their New Years Resolutions?  Now here we are today into the second quarter of 2010, and how many of you can honestly say that you’re still on tract with your resolutions?  Or are those mentioned resolutions were just a bunch of hot air and rhetoric to go along with the atmosphere at the time?


We all know the definition of the word insanity, which is (consistently doing the same things, and expecting different results).


Gone are the days when the view or mind-set was that “The crazy or insane persons are all at Sandilands”  Whereas all one has to do; is to take a good look at the wrong direction in which this country is heading spiritually, morally and economically...
Columns : The Pastor's Pulpit
What about Easter? - Mar 30, 2010 - 11:58:41 AM

Easter was named after “Eostre” (a.k.a. Eastre) she was the great goddess of the Saxon people in northern Europe. Similarly the Teutonic dawn goddess of fertility was known variously as (Ostare, Ostara, Ostern, Eostra, Eostre, Eostur, Eastra, Eastur, Austron and Ausos. Her name came from the ancient word for spring “Eastre” similar goddess were known by other names in the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean and were celebrated in the springtime, some were:

Aphrodite - from ancient Cyprus; Ashtoreth - from ancient Israel; Astarte - from ancient Greece; Demeter – from ancient Mycenae; Hathor – from ancient Egypt; Ishtar – from ancient Assyria; Kali – from ancient India; and Ostara – a Norse goddess of fertility

An alternative explanation has been suggested. The name given by the Frankish church to Yeshuwa Messiah’s (a.k.a. Jesus) resurrection festival included the Latin word “Alba”...

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