It’s been kind of hectic around the Jones household. Though it’s been over six months, I still haven’t quite adjusted to working five days a week instead of three. Add to that, the fact that I’ve gotten involved with a church that insists we actually develop as Christians, the fact that I re-initiated daily devotion with my wife (and yes, she did come into it kicking and screaming), and the fact that I’m a television addict and a lazy pig, and getting stuff done becomes something of an challenge. However, I’m buckling down and writing this article about R. A. Vernon and his little princess.
You’ve likely heard of R. A. Vernon. He’s a Mand of Gawd out of Cleveland. And the good pastor has a daughter who apparently turned sixteen in the last year. Being the good father he is, the good pastor agreed to give his daughter a Sweet Sixteen birthday party. And being what appears to be the typical pimp pastor, her sweet sixteen party was something to watch.
Here is a video of the preparation for and execution of the party. When you finish, come back here and let’s talk. Click on that hyper link that says “This video only available on MTV.com” and you will be taken to the video of interest. Then you have to come back here. To be fair, I’m not sure how much of the dialog was for the filming and how much was a view into their hearts.
Did you notice the interior of the house that Chanae lives in? Here’s an outside shot.
I suspect that if I was careful enough, I could land a small plane on the property. And I’m not that good at short field landings.
Are we starting to recognize the pattern? The Passah has a house the size of Buckingham Palace. And the daughter, bless her spoiled little heart, gets everything she wants.
If you noticed, she flew to the Museum of Rock and Roll in “my dad’s plane.”
I’m not going to run down a list of observations about the daughter. She is what she is. In all probability (just in all probability) the child is not saved. While she shouldn’t necessarily want to play “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” at her birthday party, should she really have to be told not to play any “get down” music and not to have any wild dancing? Should she be thinking in terms of “show them that a religious person can have a good time”? Why should you have to show the unsaved anything except your character, your compassion, and your…well…your character?
I believe the total for the party was $25,000 – that’s twenty five thousand dollars, just so you can see it in words. The car I bought (on credit and I’m still paying for) cost $21,000. And it was a Saturn SUV. A Saturn SUV!
Of course my thing on this site is to warn you about the pimps, their lavish lifestyles – at your expense - and the generally bad doctrine most of them spew to convince you to support their lifestyles. But in this case, I’m only looking at the lifestyle and giving you an opportunity to see one of the lemmings who posted her own video to demonstrate that she is more than willing to help the man continue to indulge himself, his poor daughter, and the rest of his family.
The following clip allows you to hear what a mind numbed robot (MNR) sounds like. If I could get a couple of hundred of these MNRs to subscribe to my site, I would have my SR22 in no time. I could probably even convince them to pay for the maintenance and insurance.
Give a listen.
Notice that the member went through every one of the MNR defenses you have read on this site. And if you notice, she said them without hesitation. R. A. has done an excellent job of training her.
Accoring to her, hat he did was okay because:
1. He does a lot of good things
2. At least he didn’t buy her a $50,000 car that she can’t use until next year
3. He makes money on his own
4. God has blessed him and he is just blessing his family
5. Don’t be hating
6. You should not touch God’s anointed
Then she condemns us because according to her, people just don’t read their Bibles any more.
You gotta wonder how a woman who worked and thought her way to a Masters degree would decide to switch her brain off when it comes to Christianity and the issues of life and death. But these are the people who keep the pimps and wolves in business. These are the people who make the R. A. Vernons, the John Jenkins, and the T. Dexters possible.
This has to be the worst demonstration of capitalism in the church that I’ve ever seen. First of all, I’ve been to R.A. Vernon’s church, and I was disturbed when I first entered the door. The service begins with strobe lighting flashing like you’re at a club (Yes, I used to club so I know what it’s like). Everything is on cue, the choir, everything. But what made me most uncomfortable was the offering (of course). He begged, pleaded and twisted scripture to get me to empty my working class pockets so that “the church” could buy more property. Needless to say, the sermon was fluff too so I’m not surprised at this video. I just can’t believe he has the audacity to have it on display on MTV! This is sad. During HOLY WEEK, what must Jesus be thinking?!? Also, how can R.A. Vernon justify this type of lifestyle in Cleveland. I was just visiting when I went there, but Cleveland is the poorest city in the United States. The economy there is horrible, and many there live in poverty. The high school graduation rate is low as well. I guess that how he can fool people so easily. I’m not surprised though. After visiting the church, I’m definitely not surprised.
You’re right about the economy in Cleveland. I didn’t catch the location in the video. Now, I’m extra livid.
See, this is the natural second generation outcome of the prosperity Gospel. You think that pimp thought about this when he first started swindling his congregation? The fact that he was going to end up with a selfish, spoiled, unregenerate, worldly child demanding to be put on a throne?
The thing I kept wondering is, didn’t anybody in that congregation look at that ungodly display and say, “Hold up, I can’t afford groceries this month but I gave my love offering… which means that I paid for that ingrate’s self-idolatrous birthday party with my kids’ food.”? Shoot, he must have them brainwashed really good.
Don’t forget the fact that that businesswoman-chick is not an “amateur,” you uneducated swine, she’s a professional… what did she call it? Empowerer? Inspirer? Something. And the relativism… my stars. And the legalism. “As long as you’re living right…”
“When did we stop believing that the Lord sent his beloved son to come in human flesh, fulfill all righteousness, die on an instrument of torture, and rise triumphantly to conquer your salary issues and make you rich? I mean, as long as you live right. Which means if you don’t get rich it’s your fault. But if you DO get rich, you can justify everything you’ve ever done because you now have God’s blessing. Like my pastor who can totally justify keeping people in poverty with his preaching to fund his daughter’s grotesque parties because, I mean, look at his house!”
The daughter needs a butt beating. No way my children act like that! There’s no way i would give my children everything they want. Disgusting!!!!
Hello, Melvin:
As an 0331, Machine Gunner, former Marine, Vietnam Era, you have a M-60 gun at your disposal.
Forget the
Holy Ghostmachine gun nonsense, my M-60 can still lay down a withering field-of-fire for you.I believe I am in need of repentance because my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, demands that I love my enemies (Matthew 5:43-45), but all I am feeling - as of this moment - is enmity toward the pimps.
Perhaps, the Pulpit Pimp Pantheon of Bible Pundits can point me to some verses that can help me to simmer down because this Marine is jacked!
Keep up the good work,
Peter.
Jeremiah 1:10 - this verse might not be a good one to suggest to me right now.
I watched that episode myself and all I could think is that are the members of the church thinking. She got 3 Vespas and I’m sure there are members that ride the bus to their church.
(MN: Well don’t forget, her daddy has mulitple streams of income, which is a very biblical concept that will let you be as filthy rich as he is. Why don’t you stop your hating and learn what the Mind Numbed Robot learned, you uneducated, unprofessional swine you!
)
Yeah that uneducated, unprofessional part was hilarious! See I had a big sweet 16 and it was mostly for my parent’s to network and to compete with their colleagues. My father too had multiple streams of income but he paid taxes unlike Rev. Daddy Warbucks. LOL! People seem to forget that having a wealthy pastor says nothing about your own income. I tend to think I’m pretty successful but it wasn’t because I paid tithes or offerings. It’s because of old fashioned hardwork. These pimps are laying their hands down heavy.
Firstly, as an Englishman of some sort, Buckingham Palace is a little bigger than that LOL. But on a serious note, that is where the hard-earned [NOT!!!] money of the sheeple goes. It worries also that it was featured on MTV. I couldn’t watch the vid for some reason, but c’mon people, it is common sense that it was a show of affluence. Did I hear any Gospel? NO!!! Did I hear any talk of repentance? NO!!! This Reformed Baptist kid is not pleased!!!
hey brother Douglas, we can’t see it outside of the USA for some copyright reasons…
I remember seeing this show a couple of years ago that featured a very wealthy Indian family who’s “Sweet Sixteen’s” father is an oil tycoon. I was HIDEOUSLY turned off then.
I did not bother to watch the video of the current kid on focus here (I could not view the second video); I saw all I needed to see in just the intro alone.
I thought the $(%$*)_^$& with Eddie Long’s “Beyond Tomorrow” was pompous!!
Hello, N’Catina:
By the way, did you happen to see Fast Eddie this past Sunday morning on Fox News?
He was interviewed - for 15 minutes - via satellite from the Georgia Dome prior to fleecing the expected flock of 40,000.
While there was no mention of sin or repentance, Long did speak of the resurrection of Jesus. Alas, even that was diluted in terms of “new beginnings for all men on this Easter Sunday.”
Nevertheless, the Fast One was personable and engaging; he is one slippery eel.
(MN: Do you happen to know what station broadcast the intervies? I’d llike to see it and perhaps work up a posting. Fast Eddie is probably one of the worst of the pimps these days. I could easily see him wandering on off the edge of the Christian planet. In my view, he is destroying the Christian standards in three entire counties. )
Hello, Melvin:
I searched for two hours @ foxnews.com, google.com, ask.com, youtube,com, and could not find anything about Fast Eddie. He was on Fox News at 0700 -0715 EDT on Easter Sunday. I was not hallucinating; in fact, I immediately thought about you and the other members of the Pantheon, when Eddie showed his chicklets.
Perhaps GaryV or IC can turn over some rocks to find the Bishop’s interview.
Paul, are you suggesting I have some familiarity with the underside of rocks??
(MN: Seekerman, it’s going to get posted. But why you want to get me in trouble like this? I’m sitting here, minding my own business and you make this comment. Lord have mercy on my soul! )
I know this may not get posted, and don’t really expect it too, but I just had to sound off on this one here.
Is it me, or does it appear as if black women are getting to overweight and decadent when it comes to food and letting themselves go, at such a young age? When I was in my teens, and early 20’s (which wasn’t that long ago), there were young girls who were “big”, but they didn’t necessarily have pot-bellies, or possess builds of middle-aged women. Too many black women today, especially the younger women, are having builds that are similar to middle-aged women.
I believe in one sense, the decadence of the church, has infiltrated the world and vice-versa, to where certain things have become out of wack. All of this materialism, free-for-all, “undignified praise” type of belief systems out there in the churches, with a come as you are attitude (as it relates to grooming and dress), buttressed by a shallow, materialistic gospel, with a neutered Jesus at the helm-has produced decadent belief systems, and lifestyles you see out there today.
Now mind you, I realize that we all age, and certain things on us, because of gravity, may just drop (this doesn’t apply to everyone, granted), but to be so young-COME ON!
It’s just like the way they develop period. When you live the life of an adult, your brain causes the rest of you to fill out in conjunction with what you are feeding it. That is why people who are mentally retarded have a child-like look - their brains are slower and thus the development of their bodies function in like manner.
As for the weight comment: True, many women seem to be more overweight today than ever before, myself included. But be careful, my brother when you, first of all, make the statement that it is “black women” because the other races are picking up, too. Also be careful because there are many reasons why people in general are overweight. No excuses, but to tell some people to “stop eating” is no different from telling a smoker to just stop – addiction doesn’t always break just because you tell it to. If a person has developed an eating disorder, for whatever reason, they need to either be delivered by the Lord or get help. As we know that most “overweight people” (statistically speaking) fall into the less financially fortunate, these places of help cost money that they don’t necessarily have. One more thing, be sure that you did not cause some trusting young woman to go to McDonalds when you broke her heart. Not saying this is an excuse, but there are many reasons why this happens; not to mention that it is not only women - it’s just that men seem to get away with being overweight more than women (probably because since we mature faster, we are more apt to look at the heart than at the physique – had to get that in), their metabolisms work faster, and needless to say men are more regular than women. All that being said, we all need to get a grip. But I just wanted you to step back and be careful of how you approach such matters. It could be your daughter or your wife one day and you want to train yourself to be a little more sensitive. (I know I’m going to get blasted for this one. But I don’t care. Don’t pick on the sisters; we have enough to battle in life without our men criticizing us instead of encouraging and supporting us – 140 lbs or 300 – we still need our brothers to be on our side.)
Sorry, but this thread is a little too tempting for me to simply let pass.
Seekerman, you made some very valid and true points AND I appreciate the strength in which you delivered them.
We are in a day and age now that there are far too many degenerative diseases (cancers, strokes, embolisms, diabetes, high blood pressure/cholesterol, etc.) that are making themselves known in ones 20s & 30s. The groundwork is laid during the PREBUESCENT AND TEENAGE YEARS!! Drug therapies for such things (and a HUGE de-emphasis on natural remedies and truly healthy eating) exacerbate an already bad problem with dangerous side effects AND huge costs. Keep in mind that not all insurance will pay for all medication. I am speaking from experience working in the sales and marketing office for the number 2 pharmaceutical on the globe. Add to this the FACT that Blacks are consistently topping the lists for too many PREVENTABLE health problems (genetic predisposition aside). With these aspects, we cannot be “light” in our approach that has and continues to have a large impact on health care in this country, with large swaths of the population having NO health insurance. Medicaid is an absolute joke.
To that end, a huge paradigm shift would need to be employed by getting off the couch/computer and start exercising. It can start with something as small as walking (no club membership required). Fruits and vegetables are less expensive and FAR MORE healthy than the processed meats, pastries and other junk that is available. I live in PHL (the land of cheesesteaks, hoagies & TastyKakes and the 400+ shops that sell them), but was able to get away from that in 1994 (praise Jesus!!) and go vegetarian. Having gone this route nearly 10 years ago (along with exercise), I feel better now than I did in my 20s.
Getting healthy is not a far-fetched goal. We need to be very serious with what we do with and to our bodies. We cannot continue to pass off OUR individual responsibility for our health REGARDLESS of what “everyone else” does. It is truly a matter of life and death.
You make some very good points…
Oh, and I only stressed the aesthetic portion, dealing with obesity, as strongly as I did, becaus you trayjay, made it a minor issue.
With that said, my main emphasis is on decadence, and more importantly, decadence within the black church, which this video promotes.
Again, being overweight, is not a sin, neither will being obese send you to hell, but for someone to know that they are a ticking unhealthy time bomb, like certain women in my family, which is in great part due to their weight problems-I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT.
Everyone’s going to possible pick up on weight, and have some flabs, and blubber hanging around somewhere, especially as you age, and despit how much man will work out, or not work out-THAT’S NATURAL! Again, I’m talking about obesity, and especially the rampant obesity and overweight epidemic, rampant amongst today’s black teens and those in their 20’s (especially early 20’s).
Again, I love women, and think that women collectively are beautiful, regardless of their race, even if they are overweight and obese, but COME ON GIVE ME A BREAK!
I mean, someone had to say something.
I hope that your caps don’e mean that you are offended by what I said. That was not my intent. I do appreciate your concern and I don’t take it lightly because obesity is killing us and we don’t need another enemy. I was more concerned that it may have appeared to be that you were picking on black women and wanted to be sure there was some sensitivity on the issue. Yes, we absolutley need to do something about it, and yes, we do need to take it seriously - I totally agree with you on that. I just wanted people to see the other side of it - not to defend it or to see it as minor (I did not make it a minor issue - that is what you took from it), but rather to help people to understand that how we all respond to the person struggling has some impact on their encouragement to lose weight. Me, for example, do much better when I’m not reminded that I need to lose it. Being reminded often makes me subconscious about it. But it’s not just being reminded, but how it is done. My form co-pastor will say to me, “How are we doing on our dietary accomplishments?” That encourages me to be more determined to eat the right things. On the other hand, I had a “friend” who would count the calories in my lunch (no matter what I ate) - that didn’t do a lot for my self esteem. Bottom line, yes, I shouldn’t let people determine how I handle my own weight loss -but let’s be real, things do sometimes have a way of effecting us. Please don’t think I was blasting you, I just want people to see the other side. I don’t know if you’ve ever struggled or not - but there’s so much more to weight loss than eating right and exercise - just wanted people to be aware and cautious when they make comments like you did (though you may not have intended injury, you were a little close). Please forgive if I offended you.
I hear what you’re saying tray, but the type of black women in the church, that I am describing, refuse to lose weight, from a sense of privilege, come as you are, everything hang out, perspective. They feel that they are the king’s kid, and that they are 100% perfect just as they are, even though deep down they may not believe that totally, and even though their health, and to a lesser extent, their appearance, say otherwise. The narcissism inherent in the teachings many of them are receiving in the types of decadent churches I am describing, feeds into their warped view of “self love”, which is very carnal.
But yes I do agree, that sensitivity can be used, and should be used in such a discussion. HOWEVER, some good ol’ fashioned spiritual discernment, can go a long ways, so as to differentiate between those with “issues,” and those with “issues,” of decadence, pride and vanity, or a possible combination of the two.
I can say more on this, but will leave it alone right here…
Tray, let me ask you this question:
Why are you having a difficult time losing weight?
Tray, I will pray for you, as it concerns whatever you’re going through with your weight issues. And even though I don’t believe that obesity will send you to hell, or the types of foods that you eat, are tantamount to heaven and hell issues, just know that your body is a temple of the holy ghost, and that to engage in gluttony, and lack of discipline, when it comes to gorging your temple with the wrong foods, especially if it knowingly compromises your health-one can say that it can be considered as an act of sin: for you know to do right, but do the opposite.
Again, being overweight, and having flab, or blubber on your body, isn’t a sin, or sinful. As I said before, all of our metabolism’s will drop, some more so than others, as we pick up age, and as the Apostle Paul said “bodily exercise profits us little, spiritually.”
HOWEVER, to know that you are inordinately abusing your body, beyond what is necessary, which can lead to obscene weight gain, in the form of obesity, as well as various health risks, well-it probably can say a lot about a person in certain areas of their lives.
Bodily exercise, or watching what you eat, may not profit you a whole lot spiritually, but in one sense, it can be an expression of how you appreciate what God has given you, to where like a gardener, you will tend to it, cherish it, and love it, as best as possible.
Only a deceived person, walking in blindness, “apostolic arrogance,” narcissism and carnal haughtiness, will look at their greatly decayed garden, that is deteriorating rapidly, and call it beautiful, and in healthy shape.
Again, appreciate what God has given you, and realize that no one will have the perfect build, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your weight down, to where you’re in a healthy position.
In some instances (not all, because there are exceptions), a false love of yourself, will tell you you’re perfect, just as you are, whereas true self love, will want you to correct those things on you, so that you can maximize the most of what you have-even this very temple that God has so graciously given us…
(MN: Tray - I want to introduce you to a revolutionary concept. It’s call “paragraphing”. You surely realize that I can’t direct supernatural blessing your way if you don’t use paragraphs. )
Seekerman, I appreciate all of your kind and truthful words. As for my difficulties with losing, it’s a simple case of being so desparate that I’m easily discouraged. Well, not too easily, but it’s too much to go into. I am determined that I will lose it. No matter how many times I “give up” I will always continue to pick it up again (not the weight, but the efforts to lose it). I will admit that for years I didn’t see the big deal about watching what I put in my body because I was so tuned in to what was going on in my life; but here lately, it has become an important issue, which I believe will assist me in sticking to my dietary plans. My greater issue, though, is really being in control of my flesh. I would guarantee you that at least most people who are overweight, especially to the point of obesity, you will find have other areas in their lives where they lack either self-control and/or simple discipline, usually due to feeling worn out from life’s stresses. The weight makes it obvious, but underneath there are surely more areas where a grip is needed. I’m leaning to pray more pointedly in the matter; instead of praying, “Lord help me lose the weight,” I began praying “Lord help me learn to bring my flesh under submission in every area of my life. Help me to remember You when triggers come, and mostly, help me to see myself as Your Home, and not just as me.” Remember, it’s usually not just about eating but most often more about how we handle stress and issues that bring us discomfort. As important as it is to get the eating under control (and yes, sometimes I have to fight the simple urge for a Ferrero Rocher), the real key, I believe, is learning to go the the Word and lean on the Presence of the Lord in response to life’s ups and downs. This doesn’t just touch on eating, but even how we respond in traffic, at work, with our children, bills, etc. Obesity says to the world, I have given my flesh a voice. Controlling the flesh most likely does not begin or end with eating habits, in all honesty, it usually begins with not adhering to God’s Word and will most likely end with the same (for believers, that is). But our eating habits are the most popular vehicles to screaming out. It is convenient and soothing - not something we have to wait for. I can curl up with a bowl of ice cream and feel just fine - for the moment. Prayer, on the other hand, my mean waiting on God to fix something that He isn’t in a hurry to fix. Not saying this is a wise way to look at it, but let’s face it, this mentality is what has many in the church running to mysticism - not wanting to wait on the Lord. We fix this way of thinking, we are on our way to healthier lives - physically and spiritually.
Sorry to be so long winded. But I wanted to share one more thing. When you are over weight, you are actually carrying around with you 24/7 all of the excess. So imagine being 100 lbs overweight - you are actually carrying 100 lbs around with you everywhere you go - even when sleeping. You are tired and get out of breath quickly. Your energy is zapped. The more weight you are over, the more this increases. You deal with the shame of how you look and often times convince yourself that you are really not that big. You feel trapped and all of those feelings compel you to comfort yourself even more. You do not do this intentionally - it is a cycle. What makes this so difficult is that during these cycles, you still have to deal with the issues that prompted your need to comfort yourself in the first place, only now with more of the weight weighing you down. Trust me when I tell you, overweight people are not overweight because they do not care - they are overweight because the challenges that come with carrying around the weight and the shame seemingly leave them no other choice than to convince themselves that they don’t care. If you are going to pray for people who need to lose weight, pray more specifically that the come into the knowledge that it is more about the flesh than their appetite. It is more about their use of the Scriptures than their knowing them. I had to imagine a house the was prepared for Christ being a mess - clothes everywhere and dirty dishes in the sink, bedroom unkempt - before I could appreciate my body being a temple of the Holy Ghost. I have to clean it up. I wouldn’t dare let someone come to my home and catch it unclean - How could I expect the Lord to live in an unclean temple? Anyway - email me if you’d like to talke more. I’ve said too much (Melvin is going to ban me if I don’t shut up.) trayjay.tamar@fuse.net My computer at home died and I’m not sure when I will replace it. For now I can check my emails from work. Have a blessed day and thanks again for your concern.
Sorry, Melvin. I will embrace the concept.
Righter thinks Melvin is wrong for this one! lol
MN: Tray - I want to introduce you to a revolutionary concept. It’s call “paragraphing”. You surely realize that I can’t direct supernatural blessing your way if you don’t use paragraphs. )
Hey Melvin,
I emailed you but didn’t get a response. Is this the correct address-mjones@pulpit-pimps.org?
I also asked about here but didn’t know if you understood what I was saying.
I would like to repond to IC’s last post in regards to a conservation we were having but I cannot find it for the life of me
Can you please tell me what subject it is under?
Or, if you do understand my previous request but feel that a response is not needed, please let me know and I will be more than happy to comply.
Thanks for the consideration
(MN: Sorry for not answering previously. I’m not sure where the post is. Perhaps if you could give me a group of words you remember being in the post, I can do a search. )
Okay thanks-Righter was beginning to think you had kicked her to the curb, again! lol
Okay-let’s see-we started talking about Oprah I think and somehow moved to Jermiah Wright-and then there was discussion regarding racial injustice.
Search string:
Jeremiah Wright is a scapegoat
(MN: Nope. Couldn’t find anything. )
k–thanks–:-)
I’ll continue to look
I have to co-sign on seekerman’s comment. I’m glad it was posted because too many people are not talking about how black women (especially in the church) are getting “bigger and better”. Coming from a family of large black women, I decided to become more conscious about my health and fight it. But during my struggle, a look around the church revealed that my sisters in the Lord were getting larger while whining about when God is going to send their “Boaz.”
It’s sad. Perhaps overindulgence? Lack of self control? What happened to the Bible’s teaching on diligence? I know this is completely off-topic but speekerman started it. Perhaps obesity is just one of the manifestations of the fruit of prosperity doctrine that seeks to indulge the lusts of the flesh?
Psalmetry said:
” Perhaps obesity is just one of the manifestations of the fruit of prosperity doctrine that seeks to indulge the lusts of the flesh?”
My response:
It is, and the young lady in the video is just an extreme example of many symptoms that can be found in a decadent church culture.
Mind you, I’m not saying all black churches, or churches in general are decadent, but I do know that too many are, to where it’s especially becoming culturally aligned with the black church.
In other words, when folks think of the “black church,” images of what you saw in this young lady’s father’s church (which wasn’t all that bad, now that I think about it), but more importantly, the mindset and lifestyles of the christians you saw displayed, is what folks are beginning to view the black church as…
Melvin said:
Seekerman, it’s going to get posted. But why you want to get me in trouble like this? I’m sitting here, minding my own business and you make this comment. Lord have mercy on my soul!
My response:
I hear ya’ man, and I promise I will never do that again. It’s just that…I had to let that one out, within the context of today’s decadent church. Don’t get me wrong, not all churches today are decadent. As a matter of fact, maybe I’m being too optimistic, but I think most churches today aren’t decadent, but are doing the right thing-albeit not perfect.
In other words, I’m not painting all christians, nor all churches a certain way, just some-which are way too many for my tastes.
Oh, and women are beautiful…
Righter is interested in hearing IC’ s reponse to this one! lol
Seekerman, what is “really” going on with you? lol
LOL@ Melvin minding his own business
Whoah, Bruh……..
Nothing wrong with having alot more to share with the world than others/have more meat on their bones. And some of it’s plain genetics.
I deal with that in my rebuttal to T. Trust me, it’s there. You just have to find it…
lol
Seekerman……..learn to duck brother
Add learn to run too….
Though if it makes the others out there feel good, I think thick women are pretty attractive.
You mean like what T.D Jakes said: “Duck and take the kingdom.” LOL!
Seekerman, that comment about black women and their weight hit a bit too close to home for me buddy. I think I want to go and eat a piece, no a whole pie….
Okay, I am sort of joking but really not. You have a point about the relationship between the decadence in the church and how we black women have let ourselves go. I just wish there was another way for you to make your point. That really stung, brother. Oh well, I digress…
Anyone else just love Melanie??
Hey, it ain’t only black women in the church………GaryV just had to drop 25 pounds because I thought “buffet the flesh” meant hitting the Chinese buffet, pizza buffet, dessert buffet……
GV, stop playing a little buffet did not hurt anyone…I mean what else are you supposed to do after church?
But seriously I am making better eating choices as well. Congrats on the weight loss.
hi melanie, i got your message, thank you. i responded to you as well. please drop me an e-mail and we can discuss homeschooling. :o)
I didn’t mean to offend anyone, it’s just I couldn’t say what I had to say, and responded to “T”, without coming on as strong as I did. And trust me, my response to tray, was very cautious from where I’m sitting.
Again, I don’t intentionally want black women, or folks in general, to get “stung” by what I say (I’ve experienced folks intentionally stinging me as a young black man, from without, and from within my own race, to know the distinction), but I realize that if I said what I said, softly, I’d still be criticized.
In other words, the fear that I have in being misunderstood and criticized, will potentially silence me, even if I planned to say what I said, softly and diplomatically. As a result, I decided I just have to grin and bear it, and say what I have to say forthrightly, realizing that no matter how it’s put forth, I will be criticized either way.
You see what I mean.
Again, all women are beautiful. Black women are beautiful, but when I have black women in my family, who are in the late 200 to 300 pound range, suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and the like, with much of that being due to their obesity, and gluttony, again-I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT, ESPECIALLY IF SOME OF THEM ARE IN THEIR 20′S!
As I said before, so say I now and again, forget about looks, and what is aesthetically pleasing to the eye (as I said before, beauty is indeed, in the eye of the beholder) and think about the health consequences, and the decadence that goes along with it…
Hopefully, I won’t have to defend myself on this topic, anymore, for I have plainly stated what I believe overall, and will not budge from it…
SM, calm down. You have nothing to defend. I re- read what I wrote and I guess I can see how you think I was criticizing you. For that, I apologize….
Your comments stung because like I said it hit close to home. It is a cliche but sometimes the truth does hurt which does not mean it isn’t a necessary pain.
Thanks nonetheless because it needed to be said.
I hear ya.’
Seekerman, as long as we all live, there will ALWAYS be someone that will misunderstand or misinterpret your intentions.
Again, what you put forward was great. It was not written with malicious intent; you were stating the very obvious. I know of people PERSONALLY who have suffered a grave illness or who have died IN THEIR 30s as a result of what you raised here. I knew of a morbidly obese man who had a sudden heart attack and died in his sleep back in ‘89. He was only 33. Two other co-workers of mine suffered strokes (one, 32, the other 38) likely from either high blood pressure, cholesterol or both. Both of their conditions are very serious and are still likely in therapy today. Believe and trust, these were my wake up calls to tighten up on what I was already doing.
Cry loud and spare not………
To Seekerman: AMEN! I hear you, Brother (& I’m a sister!) Haven’t posted for some time, but I couldn’t just let this one alone
It’s called LACK OF SELF- CONTROL. It’s is not coincidental that “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” are grouped together when Paul spoke to Felix in Acts 24:25
If we (Black) women then (yes, I went there!), are “doing all things for the sake of the gospel,” are we truly exercising self-control in ALL things—most of all, our “gīnormous” appetites? 1 Corinthians 9:25 states implicitly: “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control IN ALL THINGS”.
Or do we forget that this vessel of clay does NOT belong to us, but is the temple of the Holy Spirit wherein He dwells? We just plain tune Him out when He tells us, “Your stomach is full,” or “Don’t buy that; your body has had enough of that.”
Galatians 5:18-24 lays it out line upon line, precept upon precept and includes self-control as one of the culprits of walking in the flesh—with it’s passions and desires!!!
2 Timothy 3:3 identifies “last-day men” [gender is irrelevant here] who exhibit, among many wicked character traits, lack of self-control.
2 Peter 1:6 speaks to those who have received a faith by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. In this faith we are to supply knowledge, self-control, and perseverance (among other qualities).
In closing, I speak from experience past: If we women wanted to get into a certain outfit by a certain date, or (especially) determined to “hook” a certain someone, we’d do everything in our power to achieve those ungodly goals—AND ACHIEVE THEM!!! Am I right about it? Can I get a witness? Please sisters, allow the fear of God to rest, rule, and abide in you. We want to look good for the sake of the Body of Christ and do not want to be an embarrassment. One of my goals is to look however good Sarah looked when Abraham lied TWICE, saying she was his sister (she was, but that’s another sermon).
AND YES, BEING OUT OF CONTROL IN ANY AREA OF ONE’S LIFE IS A SIN; it’s called walking in the flesh.
Good points, which made me think!
As my grandmother used to say, “If you can’t say amen, say ouch.”
My precious daughter will be 16 this year. She will get a USED CAR from her grandmother that will cost HER $400.00. A birthday party that will not exceed $100.00.
And get her first job-which she has been talking about since age 14. Oh by the way, she is a real christian. Almost everynight we have devotional time in which I read from a grownup bible. (We’re in 2 Peter now) We have a 2 way conversation on what’s being read. How to apply it to our daily living and then prayer. I’m a divorced mom, who believes that it’s my job to get the Word in her, not the church. I must be doing something very wrong not to have a my daughter act like the passor’s daughter. This girl’s parents are ding-bats-and he is not a man of God! He’s a pimp! Wake up people! If my pastor talked about having a plane, new car, big house, I would get up and walk out. This girl is an embrassment to Christan and non-Christans.
I may not get an award for parent of the year, but neither will these two chuckleheads. Did you notice the little pimp in training was sitting in the backseat learning the trade from his sister? This so sad. People are going to hell and she’s having a blow out party????
This is digusting even on a worldy level!!! God forgive us-have mercy on our souls. Daniel prayed a prayer for his nation, we have to continue to do the same.
Keep up the good work bro.
You are doing everything right. May God continue to prosper and bless you in your walk…
Lady D and Seekerman are so right. I dont even have to comment because they have said it all, and very eloquently, might I add. I do not live in Ohio, but I used to watch Vernon sometimes, until he got all braggy about his church, especially the womens conference which he calls “Daddy and his daughters”. See, that makes me so angry, because I guess he thinks that he is “Daddy”. Melvin, you gave them the correct name: MNR’s!!! Keep exposing the pimps!!!
It doesn’t take deep thought or a Theology degree to recognize that what passes for Christianity in America doesn’t remotely resemble the Church/Christianity in the Bible. As if Jesus was blinging (and He very well could have if He chose to); as if the Apostles were living a life of luxury (imagine Peter calling down death on a believer who didn’t give him enough money). At one point in the infantsy of the Church recorded in Acts, the believers had every thing in common (no classism). Not that I’m saying that we need to sell our belongings and distribute the money equally to every one, but the disparity between some of these preachers and the congregation is shameful. And it would be a different thing if they earned the money in an outside career (it still doesn’t justify flaunting it), but to profit as a prophet?
One last thing, I didn’t mean to offend anyone with an earlier post of mine, and I will in the future, keep such things to myself.
Like the old folks say: “Blame it on my head, and not heart.” Whatever that’s suppose to mean-but you get the drift…
I can’t believe she said “When did we stop believing the gospel” and nothing she said was the gospel when she gave her examples. How sad.
WELL DONE MEL
Can you believe they would ALL say how “blessed” she was? Am I in crazy town? Those poor kids whose parents are paying their tithes and offerings paid for that fiasco. YET THEY SAY SHE’S BLESSED?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
How can I get in on that? How can I have people give me their money then I use it to buy whatever I want and then tell them to pray to god so he can bless them too?!?!? What am I missing?
Aren’t Ponzi schemes illegal?
(MN: I’ve been trying to convince the readers here to send me money for no particular reason. But somehow, they are all too thoughtful to send it. I even claimed to be a Mand of Gawd and promised them a hundred - no - a thousand fold blessing. But these people just have no faith and won’t send in a dime to the Melvinite Temple of Fantastic Happenings and Wonderful Events. )
I want to comment on this, I really do. It’s just that I have NO IDEA what to say. I don’t even know where to begin with this mess.
Brother Mark, I’m with you I am truly lost for words
OK… I just watched the video of the “robot”. Now I know what to say.
I am astounded! “The cattle on a thousand hills?” “Touch not God’s annointed?” “God keeps children close to His heart?” She doesn’t REALLY believe that she can defend this foolishnes with scripture, does she? (MN: Yeesss. ) Do people actually believe this? (MN: Yeesss. ) Or, even more frightening, did I talk like this when I believed this “prosperity” mess (which, by the way, was only for a hot minute until I learned contentment and repented of my personal greed)? Then, as a final example of biblical Christianity, she kept going on with this drivel as her baby cried in the background.
As the old folks back home used to say, these people are gonna “bust Hell wide open!”
First of all, this pastor and wife seem to have very little control of this self centered (Matthew 6:24) little princess. She actually wants to show the world that christians can have fun? Yeah, that is what Jesus said to do, go out and show the world how to have fun(wink wink).
Secondly, the young lady that tried to defend this nonsense needs to ask herself this question: When did you START reading the bible?
man i’m tired of this 9 to 5 mess. I need to get an an advance degree in “Divinity”, a backwards collar and become a preacher. I’m going to divise my plan over the weekend and see where this takes me. But, its time to start making some “power moves”. I have plans on getting this house, and the 2008 corvette convertable. *I can see it now*!!!! Money comin, Money comin, Money comin…
(MN: I see you are ready to invest your time and treasure in the Melvinite Ministries “Be a Pastor” correspondence course. You can learn how to maximize your income while minimizing your workday. We teach you how to convince people to give you their money so you can buy cars, airplanes, houses and much more. You’ll learn the phrases that will get people excited, keep them from thinking critically, and encourage them to defend you no matter what you do. For a tuition of $2000, you get a level of training you wouldn’t expect from the best seminaries in the nation. And if you sign up for the $2500 course, we’ll throw in a free purple robe and a genuine Zirconium diamond ring that will make you look like a bishop. )
I actually watched both videos but I can’t even comment. I am left with nothing to say. I am not surprised because really isn’t this the natural evolution of things? When a Pastor preaches a man-centered, wordly gospel (which is not really a gospel) then of course the babies who grow up in this atmosphere will want the same things as the world wants. Of course, Shanae wanted a Rock’nRoll theme Sweet 16 party. I don’t have to be living in her house to know that her father who is supposed to be Pastor does not teach her the word of God at home. And I don’t have to attend her church to know that her Dad does not teach or preach the Word in his church. Melvin has given us Exhibit A –the video clip from the church member. Wait didn’t I say that I had nothing to say….
Another couple of thoughts: (1) To this defender of the Right Rev boasts about what they do in the community, I say this. SO DOES MOST MAJOR BUSINESSES!!! IT IS CALLED PUBLIC RELATIONS or SELF PROMOTION!!! It makes the businnes look good and in this case, make the church look good so they can pull more sheep in. I am sure she is not the only one that boasts about it, So you have your reward.
(2) This sixteen year old is headed down a bad path. It seems she is not getting all the attention from her parents that she needs. I wonder how many times has the good pastor has told her that she is beautiful and he loved her(not saying that he haven’t but I wonder). The reason I wonder is because from everything I saw was her talking about what her friends would think and “they won’t see me” and ME this and ME that. Would you say this pastore is ruling his home well?(1Timothy 3:4-5) Sad, just plain sad.
all of u r HATERS! U MAD CAUSE U DON’T HAVE IT. ITS EASY TO JUDGE AND SAY WHAT U WOULD OR WOULD NOT DO WHEN U DONT HAVE IT . GET IT AND THEN SAY WHAT U WILL DO.
GOD BLESS
Now how do you know what we have or don’t have?
Hey,
I don’t have…….a mansion, multiple expensive cars, a plane, obscene amounts of money, a herd of sheeple….. I don’t have ok?
“Feed the flock, not on the flock.”
You really need to wake up and change your medicine that was a terrible deplay of parenting this kid and the little boy that was in the video will be damage as a result of lack of training they very well may depart from what is reallly true. My prayer is that not only that God cover them but that he open up your eyes. The parents will be held accountable for these actions. Wow R.A. Vernor this is an example of your leadership Wow…….
Did I actually hear him say “as long as you keep it above POOR that it would be ok by him?” I tried to rewind it but it cause problems with my computer and shut the program down. Someone tell me I was hearing things. If I were a pastor I would have never allowed MTV to come into my house and embarrass me, my family or the body of Christ with this nonsense. Unless, I was promoting my churchso that I could become more popular. I mean MTV? What an audience I could pull in.