Praise Paul, Screw Jesus

Well, it's Sunday and I've been mulling as to, "should I write this, should I not?" Well, since we're all entitled to our opinions on any subject matter, I might as well talk about an issue that many people don't think about. For any scholar in the literary field across the world, and for any practicing "minister" (which I think they need to change to servant due to the over-abundance of pimping in the American church system), Paul of Tarsus known as the probably the greatest apostle ever, wrote the majority of the New Testament. This is true. The man wrote a lot of stuff dealing with various issues. Adultery, the true characteristics/qualifications of being a leader (in any field/career in life), money (but discouraged the blasphemous notion of tithing), and the list goes on. Many preachers, especially in the Bible and in overall Christian music love quoting Paul. From Romans, Ephesians, Hebrews (especially 10:26-which by no means is about anyone going to a stupid building faithfully every week to get spoon fed "word of faith" teachings that have nothing to do with reality), Corinthians, Colossians, and Philippians (I picked these because they're the most used). Why do people always talk about the writings of Paul than the writing Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote about every one's "supposed" Lord and Saviour" Jesus the Christ? Why do we hear and see people quote more about Paul than about the Christ himself? Better yet, why do people love to quote the old testament and Paul most of the time than the stories about Jesus and the other writers of the new testament? Hmmmm.... I want you people to think about this and let this lil' dude from Raleigh North Carolina "take you on a voyage." Many people who are "saved" or "go to church" regularly say they love Jesus. You see there lil' statuses on Facebook, Twitter. You see their lil' videos on YouTube giving thanks to God for all their blessings or fan favorite, "I love Jesus" quotes. You see these people in the malls, outside of Walmart (selling plates of course, well that's what they do in Central Texas) "witnessing" to people on "the God they serve." Yeah, they might use John 3 in their little witnessing (hustling) campaigns, but guess who's quoted the most, especially in the "tracks" they give to people? Paul of Tarsus; probably the less used words from the "man of Galilee." Now, here's where the heart of my opinion is expressed. I believe the reason why Paul, the old testament, and other writers are quoted more than the words of Jesus is from people using these words to solidify themselves in the eyes of men. We see with a lot of big named and local preachers. They do this to pimp the people out of knowing what "salvation" is all about. They twist and tangle these writers to control and manipulate the minds of the people; common sense and the use of comprehension be damned. They claim this is the "work of the Holy Spirit" but the last time I read, this supernatural force "opens the eyes of the blind." Yes, people talk about Jesus all the time but nobody really knows the guy. Yes, they quote stories like the Gethsemane, the trip on the lake during a tempest, spooky "revelations" of the last days, sometimes the stories of him feeding thousands of people (mostly to subvert the true principle of the story to solidify the notion of tithes/offerings), and a few other stories. But if you really ask these people about some of the most fundamental things found in "the gospels" that shaped the writings and opinions (oh yes, there are a lot of opinions in Paul's writings although he was "divinely inspired") of Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and John, these people couldn't tell you. The story Jesus told about the widow with the last mite that destroys the notion of tithes and offerings. The multiple chapter escapade found (primarily) in Matthew and Luke destroying Pharisee/Sadducee (church) leadership and "soul pimping." Or what about the teaching He alone is the Good shepherd, not these self pronounced pastors, bishops, and apostles.... What about divorce, the true nature of angels, and my favorite, how the "sinners" of the world like Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, and Perez Hilton have a 90 to 100% chance of beating 90 to 100% self proclaimed "christians" to heaven? Paul is used as a tool to "pump up" christian ideologies. Jesus is the scapegoat to draw the people into a life filled with delusions, confusion, and lies. To correctly quote Paul, to be damned (condemned for they don't believe in Christ but men), never coming to the knowledge of the real truth (which is a exposition of John 3-how you like me now?). Before I close this blog full of "sacrilege", I'd like to mention another favorite people love to talk about, Matthew 7 and 24. These two are giving us the same principle, "know the truth and it'll set you free" (one also quoted by Mr. Farrakhan) from the current "intellectual black plague" infecting the "spiritually redeemed." As I said before, as Peter said about Paul's writings, people use them to lie to imprison the minds of men because they are "unlearned and unstable" themselves. They are, in principle, continuing the "apostolic and prophetic" left by Paul and the old testament, only using Jesus to make it "a holy work of God" (to all my history buffs, doesn't this remind you of the Catholic Church before, during, and after the dark ages?). In the meanwhile, Jesus isn't getting "the short end of the stick" but in Mr. Vincent K. McMahon's term, "getting screwed." Who else gets it? The people following these "christian movements" of lies. Thank God I'm not about of it. So, this will probably be one of the few times in my blogs I'll quote Paul but only to show Paul's true intent, which many of these people preaching, teaching, dancing, singing, and rapping don't share (of course, in my very own instigating way), knowing God for yourself:

Paul asked a question, "why are you people bickering about who or who not has the truth about God? Don't you idiot see this is causing confusion, envying, strife? Some of you are saying, I'm of Paul or this other guys. Don't see we are just men doing are part, not to have you follow us like we're gods ourselves, but to know God for yourself?" - you look it up yourself and as Jesus said, "see if you really have this eternal life you say you have?

All I'm saying is, read the writings about the accounts of Jesus than move on to Paul and the others. But I warn you, you won't be the same again because your blood will be boiling every time you people speak from a twisted form of "God."

Well my friends, if I haven't made this clear enough, I tried. Plus, I'm only one man, there are millions of people who probably have a better opinion than I do on this. Hell, probably an atheist does...only God knows. Hahaha....

Til next time, Mr. dGWo........

The Erroneous Use of Hebrews 10:25

I've been wanting to write about this scripture for a while since I've left the crack epidemic called "church." Since I've been in the "detox program",  I've ran into many people who've heard our story and the first thing they say to me is, "You should come to my church. I think you'll really like it. You know what the Bible says in Hebrews, 'Forsake not the assembly..." I've heard this, in a percentage rate, of 95.7% of my conversations with people who are obviously suffering from CTSD (Church Traumatic Stress Disorder). For some of us who don't know what Hebrews 10:25 says, let me help you:

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Of course, a lot of these people forget what Hebrews 10:23-24 and Matthew 18:20 (the words of Jesus by the way) say but that's neither here or there. Throughout the 20th and 21st century (thanks to the Azuza Street Revival that unleashed the plague of religion), people have used this scripture to "guilt" people from missing church or to attend church if they are "fellowshipping with the Lord" on their own (i.e. - at home reading the Bible, etc.). When people use this scripture as they talk to me (not with me), the mind frame they are coming from is that their pastor "has what I need." I know, I used to the same thing to others. They believe the "level of the their pastor's anointing" will free me from whatever I'm going through and what I'm thinking. They believe "fellowshipping with saints" is restricted to coming to a church building "whenever the doors of the church are open." They believe that people should be an open book (i.e.-accountable to "leadership), in various parts for their life. People live others who are not attending church aren't growing in God or if they are doing things in "ministry" that they are moving "illegally in the spirit" without a "covering (a pastor)." It's funny how people are so seduced by these points and many more I can't put in one blog. These points I've mentioned and more are just regurgitated bull---- statements made by people throughout the ages to keep people locked up in the penitentiary of religion (which people call a part of the grace of God). Let me tell you people what Paul meant when he wrote Hebrews 10:25. He was referring to Matthew 18:20. He was referring to Proverbs 18:24. The relationships between David and Jonathan, Abraham and Sarah, Ruth and Naomi, Peter and Silas, and the list goes on. Did any of these people gather in a building all the time to hear the middle man give them a word? Or to be encouraged? Or to worship God? Even with the worship of God, do we have to go to certain place to meet God and to hear him speak to us? If that's the truth, then why in the hell did Jesus die for to "break down the middle wall of partition between us and God (Ephesians 2:14/Matthew 27:51)?" I recently read Ja Rule's new book "Unruly" and in one of the chapters about his mother, he notes seeing how to this very day how his mother won't attend church. You want to know why? Why should we have to go to church to hear the middle man (the pastor) give you a word when you can open up your Bible and get one for yourself.... Some of these people (I think most of 'em) are lazy and go to church for their weekly fixes of word and worship that have nothing to do with how we should live our daily lives (notice how much of these powerful words from God are always about the spiritual realm instead of how to treat your fellow man). Here's my take on Hebrews 10:25, especially to you folks who keep quoting that scripture incorrectly. It's about maintaining relationships with people who believe in the same God as you do. Not always agreeing with each other (for it's common for people in God reality to agree to disagree) but helping each other stay on the "right path" in this thing we call life. So, when the next person tells me I "need to come to their church" and uses Hebrews 10:25 to "guilt me into going back to church", I'm just going to say hell no. Keep your church. To all those who are taking this approach on people who don't go to church, let me give you something, matter of fact someone better to reference them to instead of referencing them to church, Jesus.

Well, that's going to piss some people. Good.

Til next time.......

Listen To The Old Schools

I'm glad for the jobs I've worked in my recent work history. I've had the pleasure of taking in a lot people whom I refer to as the old schools. What are old schools? These are people both men and women who experienced things a newer generation hasn't. They have a lot of wisdom, insight, retrospect, and intellect new schools don't have. They go another route when they see danger rising rather than a younger dude who's inquisitive will keep on and get maimed. From handling finances, to treating your family right, to beating you down at the pool hall to help increase your acumen; they are priceless. Solomon said it best that we should never take down the landmarks our predecessors set. We are to look on them and listen to them even when it feels like they are telling us what's wrong with us instead of our accomplishments. This is what they are hear for to tighten our shot group and make us better. They are our groomers and shapers. I think many of us avoid being around them because they're always teaching us about some aspect of life mainly from their own experiences. Life on life as J'son would say. However, these are teachable moments we need to grasp because in these times we're living in, they are few, few, and in between. They can teach us a thing or two about how to be better husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, business people, students, etc. Me, even in my thirties, I'm around a lot of old schools. When I talk to my dad he'll spend about 2 hours telling me what and what not to do in my family life. My godfather will always tell me to take pictures because every part of life is precious and time is something we don't get back. My first and one year ahead of me cousin always tells me to live life to the fullest the way God instructs you to do. Even old schools at my job will share with you some jokes that most won't get but see hilarious! We need to stop stopping our ears to what they are saying and listen. Get our heads out of our third point of contact and listen. Whether they cuss like sailors or respectful in all their manners, dig through the coals to find the diamonds they hold. God is the giver of all wisdom and knowledge and He uses many people to store them. Let's not be like Balaam who refused to listen to a dumb donkey trying to keep us from doing something stupid. Let's not be like Rehoboam who listened to his peers rather than his elders concerning important issues. Let's be like Paul who sat at the feet of Gamaliel and learned many things about life from him. Let's be like Moses when his father-in-law Jethro was spitting game to him on how to structure leadership within the people of Israel. Let's be like Solomon who sat by the bedside of his dying father David to hear his experiences, wisdom, and the need to love God before anything or anyone else. These are the treasures of the old schools still hear today. They may walk a little slower than us and may be a bit frugal, but we will learn how to live well and long as them. They may seem strict and old fashioned in how they handle situations but look at the respect many give them. Some of them may be in the gutter but the pearls they hold inside and share with us will make our lives smooth as butter. They may walk with a gangster lean or tell dry jokes but I assure you they'll bless your life beyond measure. They are our mentors and warn us that history repeats itself; that those who experience will not get lucky if they don't listen to their instructions. So much to say about them. I thank God for the old schools in my life. You should be thankful, too. If you don't have any, well, I know what to ask God for concerning you. We need wisdom because it's the principal thing, ya heard?! Listen to the old schools, my friends. TRUST!!! snap, snap (rich Valley girl voice)

Special thanks to William "Dad O" Overton, Kevin Holt, Pastors "Q & C" Scott, Al McAllister, Jermaine "Lavar" Carmichael, My parents and Pastors "A&A" Scott, Starnes & Starnes, Beenie Freeney, Big Sam, and my music teacher William "Bassman" Mayo. You all have impacted my life in a major way.

Til next time, dgwo

Reference:
Exodus 18
Numbers 22:22-35
1st Kings 2:1-4
1st Kings 12
Proverbs 22:28
Acts 22:3

The Risk Takers

Today, I wasn't going to do a blog today but my boss was spitting some knowledge on to me today. She said this,
"I love humanity in this world because there is so much diversity among us. We have two types of people I see, the risk takers and the cautious ones. The risk takers are those who push pass their fears and venture out. They are ready for the journey before them and are the trendsetters. The cautious ones are those who don't like situations being out of their control. They are planners and think first before they act."

Usually, I'm always talking about us humans being cautious but today, this blog is about us taking risks. Risk takers are those who take chances to become successful no matter what the cost may be. They ride on the hills of hope and faith, not in themselves or their own abilities, but in the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. They allow the hand of God to pull them to fresh and new dimensions and will give up whatever and whoever to achieve this plateau. Risk takers go down in history as people who change the very course of mankind. There are many risk takers today but very few who are taking risks in the name of Jesus Christ. Even Himself was a risk taker and did all the Father had put in His heart to do. He was determined, motivated, and only had desire to see His Father's will accomplished (John 4:34). However, most of us aren't there yet. We're very reserved and worry about what other people will think of us once we step out on the boat. To become successful in this life, we're going to have to be like Peter and we will fall at times, but Jesus is right there to pick us back up. The beautiful thing about taking risks is that it pulls us out of our comfort zone. We learn not to be satisfied with the condiments of complacency and normalcy. We get tired of the same ole same searching the very heart and mind of God for what's new on His horizon. This is the beautiful thing about the Lord and what separates Him from every one and everything else. He pushes us to go forward and not backwards; to do great exploits that will honor Him as well as accomplish His perfect will in our lives. When we purpose in our hearts to become risk takers, we won't half step but we will give it all we've got. Paul is probably one of the most exhilarating men in world history. No matter what he faced or what challenges came his way, he take risks. When people said he would be chained and even die for what he purposed in his heart to do, he just said bring it on. This is the beautiful thing about being a risk taker. Risk takers go all the way in. They place their lives in God's hands and go for the gold. Even if they don't accomplish what they seek after, they have made the path straight for those after them to walk in the path and do what they couldn't (Moses to Joshua). As risk taker, we have to be wise in every decision we make but we don't let the fear of tomorrow nor the regrets of our past hold us down. Oh no, we've got to keep moving (sorry, I'm an 80's baby!). I hope these words of our good friend Paul stirs something within us to what God has called us to do:

Philippians 3:14:

I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

No turning back my friends, it's time for us to move forward.

Til Next Time, dgwo

References:

2nd Samuel 7:3
John 4:34
Philippians 3:14