For God's Sake

Last week we explore the origins of the Christmas holiday, but what about the popular Christmas tradition of putting up a Christmas Tree? Even if we could celebrate Christmas, should we skip Christmas Trees and Gift giving?

There are many groups which oppose the celebration of Christmas. One of the most common arguments is that the celebration is pagan and the Bible does not direct us to celebrate it. Is this true? Is the celebration of Christmas contrary to scripture?

There are many Christians who flock to malls so their children can visit Santa, encourage their children to write letters to Santa asking for toys, and insist on perpetuating the idea that Santa is real in their households. All of this seems pretty innocent, but could it be a contradiction to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

If you look around your church, you problem see two main groups: married couples and single women. Where are all the Christian single men? and why are we "shushed" when we ask? In this episode I vented a little about being a Christian single female in a church with very few Christian single men.

Earlier this year I spoke to Rod Reedy, Founder of The Financial Destination about finances, tithing, and tax deductions. Rod first started a blog called The Christian Principle which provided Biblically-based financial device. Now, with The Financial Destination, Rod is looking to expand his influence to include one-on-one consulting and financial recovery. 

Universalism is becoming more and more popular. You may have seen Universalist churches in your area and wondered : What does this church believe? Are these beliefs biblical? In this episode, I discussed the history and beliefs of Christian Universalism.

It's seems that lately Catholic Church is synonymous with abuse, pain, and disappointment. What is behind what seems to be an epidemic of sex abuse cases we've been hearing about? Is it an epidemic at all? and more importantly, why should a non-Catholic Christian care?

This week's interview is with @KissDatingHello! The KDH Squad (or the Kiss Dating Hello Team) started out as a challenge among three marriage-minded friends and grew into a support ministry for Christian singles who feel stagnant in achieving their God given desire for marriage.  The challenge is loosely based off of the book, "How to Get a Date Worth Keeping" by Henry cloud and consists of the mindset shift that the goal of dating is NOT to find a spouse. Participants are expected to intentionally go out and meet 5 new men (or women) a week for a period of three months.  The purpose is to learn about one's own relationship blocks and likes/dislikes in the opposite sex. By faithfully doing this challenge, the participant will encounter breakthrough and experiences that will launch them into a new mindset, and cause self awareness and confidence that can lead them to meeting their mate.  The challenge has been adapted to accommodate the modern, independent, Christian woman but is useful to all marriage minded singles.   Anjuli (@royal_match), Dionne (@thepurposetrainer) and Veronica (@teamspinster) all have a heart for singles and hopes that everyone who feels "stuck" will join in on the challenge!

I've been participating in Operation Christmas Child (OCC) since I was kid and continued participating as a adult. When I considered organization a OCC drive amongst my friends, I gave across information about the program that made me question my involvement. In this episode I explain why I will no longer be sending Christmas shoeboxes to children with Operation Christmas Child. 

Wicca is one of the fastest growing religions in the United States with many variations and combinations of practice. When people hear "Wicca" they think witchcraft, satan, and evil. Then, they may simply run away! But how can Christians approach people within this religion? This week we talk about the history, beliefs, and Biblical approach to the religion of Wicca. 

In 1804, the slaves on the island of Haiti executed a successful slave revolt, creating the second independent American country (after the U.S. in the 1700s). Legend has it, that the success of this revolt is due to power granted by the spirits of Voodoo. Voodoo, a religion from Northwestern Africa, is practiced around the world especially in Haiti and New Orleans. Had this religion been completely misconstrued by Western Media? This week we'll talk about Voodoo, Hoodoo, and the legend of Zombies.

Santeria ("The Way Of The Saints") is an Afro-Cuban religion which is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Today, I talk about about the history of this cultural rich religion and the beliefs of Santeros and Santeras (adherents of Santeria).

Ogeline, Nayanka, Shawn, and Elin are the hosts of “frontstabberspodcast,” a podcast that helps millennials understand that the struggles they are facing in life are not individually unique, but universally common. The goal of the podcast is to inspire, encourage, and empower millennials to live out their faith in Jesus-Christ by applying biblical principals in their daily life. In this episode, I interview the hosts about their personal journeys to christ, their views on feminism and social media, and their reflections on the challenges of Christian life.  Follow the Frontstabbers Podcast on Instagram at @frontstabberspodcast Listen to the Frontstabbers Podcast on Soundcloud at soundcloud.com/frontstabberspodcast  

How many of us have dreaded that knock on our door from two fervent Jehovah's Witnesses? Many of us are simply annoyed by their teachings and doctrines but feel the organization is otherwise harmless. However, a closer examination of this organization reveals that it may not be just another harmless church after all.   Documentary: Jehovah's Witnesses - History Of The Watchtower Organization - https://youtu.be/1KSLOqqWd2g From JW.org (Watchtower Official Website) - 1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy- https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-teach/1914-significant-year-bible-prophecy/ 1968 Talk given by Charles Sinutko titled "Serving with Everlasting Life in View"  - https://youtu.be/qqjzgYnq5Uo  

Have you seen those videos of people during traffic stops or in court who claim to be "exempt" from laws and/or taxes? Have you heard of people claiming to be "Moors", citizens or a sovereign nation within U.S. Borders? Today we talk about the Moorish Sovereign Citizen movement and its origins. 

There's not much that needs to said about the viciousness of politics these days. Where should Christians be in the battle for political dominance within our country?

It's seems that lately Catholic Church is synonymous with abuse, pain, and disappointment. What is behind what seems to be an epidemic of sex abuse cases we've been hearing about? Is it an epidemic at all? and more importantly, why should a non-Catholic Christian care?

In honor of the #LevelUp Challenge, here's a episode from earlier this year regarding an incident when Ciara encouraged women to "Level Up". She posted a sermon from Pastor John Gray about singleness and marriage and received considerable backlash. In this episode, I talk about the sermon, singleness, and everything in between. 

In this season, I question God a lot about His will and His plans. When I went on a retreat recently, I learned that I'm a lot like Jonah. In this episode, I share some of these similarities between me and him and maybe you and him.

Why does God Care about our clothes?  In this episode, I discuss Biblical modesty, why it matters, and what I can mean to those around us. I also discuss some personal tips that I employ when dressing modestly. 

Last week we went over history, this week we go further in depth on the beliefs of the Nation of Islam. 

The year is 1930 and a man named Wallace Fard begins preaching a message of black separatism, economic independence, and clean living to black residents in Detroit, MI. Four years later, this man disappears as mysteriously as he arrives, leaving an organization of thousands to a man known as Elijah Muhammad. The Nation of Islam forges ahead under Elijah's leadership, bringing the most influential figures of the Civil Rights movement to center stage. but Who was Wallace Fard? Where did he come from? Where did he go?

This is an episode I recorded in 2016 about my struggles with sin and learning about repentance. 

On This episode, I’m interviewing Melanie Williams the founder of “Beauty In The Rough Draft”, a blog and resource site intended to help people discover the masterpiece that God has created within them. Beauty In The Rough Draft includes spiritual encouragement for life’s challenges as well as practical resources to help you live out your purpose. In the first portion of our interview, Melanie talks about her journey to salvation. How she gave her life to Jesus at a young age but rededicated her life back to Jesus in 2016 after a series of life challenges literally brought her to her knees. Melanie feels that her God-given purpose is to help people navigate through life despite their past mistakes or present circumstances. She feels called to lead the broken to Christ but also practically help them find and live out their God-given purpose. Visit BeautyInTheRoughDraft.com or @BeautyInTheRoughDraft on social media to learn more about Melanie’s ministry.  

If you look around your church, you problem see two main groups: married couples and single women. Where are all the Christian single men? and why are we "shushed" when we ask? In this episode I vent a little about being a Christian single female in a church with very few Christian single men.

If you've ever wondered about Mormonism and its differences from orthodox Christianity, this episode is for you! I talk about the 12 witnesses which form the basis of the Mormon's faith and their other beliefs.

We're are so busy these days. Church, school, friends, family, and other responsibilities are very important parts of our lives. But in our hectic lives could we be neglecting the most important relationship of all ? In this episode, I givemy tips for taking a personal retreat to rest, pray, and spend time with the Father.

The Hoteps are as controversial as The Black Hebrew Israelites (or more controversial!). Some are pushing back against them while others are joining their ranks. In this episode I talked about the history and ideas of the Hotep/Kemetic Movement.

Universalism is becoming more and more popular. You may have seen Universalist churches in your area and wondered : What does this church believe? Are these beliefs biblical? In this episode, I discuss the history and beliefs of Christian Universalism.

This is the most downloaded 'For God's Sake' episode to date! In this episode I discuss the history and current teachings of the Black Hebrew Israelites.    

How many times do we set "Alarms" in our life? How many times do we use Birthdays as checkpoints for our accomplishments? If we have our "purpose" why do we still feel "purpose-LESS"? I'm talking about these things and more in this episode of For God's Sake.

In this episode, I share my thoughts on the church's relationship with secular society and the prevalence of Cultural Christianity.    

This Week's Episode Is A Flashback to an episode from last year about 'The Billy Graham Rule'. ---- Vice President Pence received criticism earlier this year when a statement from an old interview surfaced on social media. In the statement, Pence stated that he follows a version of the Billy Graham Rule by refusing to have dinner alone with anyone except his wife. Some Christians said that this rule and others like them are sexist and can limit women in ministry. In this episode, I look at the Billy Graham rule and examine the arguments for and against it.

Did the disciples pull off the most epic April Fool's joke of all time or did Jesus do what he said he would?

Are Christians "allowed" to get a divorce? Many are doing it anyway without even knowing if it's Biblical. This week we discuss the "D" word.

Is it after you get your marriage license? Is it after you say "I Love you"? Is it after your DREAM wedding? When are you considered REALLY, officially married?

I've seen so many TV shows promoting Polygamy and "Group Marriage"! Christians have always been firm that these "marriages" are wrong, but does the Bible back them up?

We've all heard of Fornication, but what exactly is it? Is it still "wrong"? and if so, why?

We've gotten through another Valentine's Day! You may be wondering if God has a "Soul Mate" out there for you. In this episode I talk about the idea of "Soul Mates" and Biblical Teaching about finding a spouse. 

This week I spoke to Rod Reedy, Founder of The Financial Destination about finances, tithing, and tax deductions. Rod first started a blog called The Christian Principle which provided Biblically-based financial device. Now, with The Financial Destination, Rod is looking to expand his influence to include one-on-one consulting and financial recovery.

Recently, Entertainer Ciara received a lot of backlash fro reposting a clip of sermon about marriage. In this episode, I talk the important lessons we can learn from this situation.

Today I’m talking to Alexis Moore, a woman with a passion for volunteering and serving in her community. In this interview, I talk to Alexis about turning back Christ as an adult, being married to a nonbeliever, and why she thinks Millennials are moving away from the church. She also talks about the foundation she is assisting her mother in establishing called ‘House of Roses n Bloom’ which will provide transitional housing to young women who are ageing out of the foster system.  Visit HouseofRosesnbloom.com for information about the foundation and to donate. (Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/houseofrosesinbloom/about/?ref=page_internal)

Think you've got nothing in common with Judas, the betrayer of Jesus? Think again! In this episode, I talked about the warning that Judas' story provide to Christians everywhere. 

There's not much that needs to said about the viciousness of politics these days. Where should Christians be in the battle for political dominance within our country?

Is It 2018 already?!? Here's my recap of the things I did in 2017 and my hopes for 2018.     

When I Read Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend earlier this year, my perspective was completely changed. In this episode, I discuss the 10 Laws of Boundaries from the book.

This is an impromptu episode that I recorded about repentance and my own struggle with understanding the true nature of sin. 

This is a previously unreleased episode of me sharing a few lessons I'm learning in my "single season". The phrase may be worn out. We may be tired of hearing about it. But for most of us, this is where we find ourselves for several years.  Listen and don't forget to give this podcast a five-star rating after you're done!

I've said many times that I would share my journey with you guys and here is one part of it. This week I want to talk about hypocrisy, a subject I am all too acquainted with.

This week I discuss the black counterpart of the 'Christian Identity' Movement. You may have seen them preaching on the street or heard them referenced in a recent rap song. Listen to this episode to hear all about the Black Hebrew Israelites.

It's sad to say but many groups expose hate and violence toward Jews. Surprisingly, some of these same groups claim to be Jews themselves. During this episode, I take a look at the Christian Identity movement which preaches that White Europeans are God's chosen people.