2004 Youth Edition

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

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VISIONS

4 Power in Truth: Testimonial

by Author Unknown

6 Overcoming Strongholds: Testimonial

by L.C. Tardy

POEMS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 “Have You Lost Your Hearing”

by Joe Floyd

10 “You’ll Always Be There”

by Joe Floyd

10 “Remembering God’s Love”

by Joe Floyd

13 Serving the Lord’s Army

by L.C. Tardy

19 SPECIAL FEATURE: Pastor Tony Lee Biography

20 Young, Gifted, and Blessed

by L.C. Tardy

23 Love

by Brother Chicago Long

35 You’re On Trial

by L. David Harris

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39 SPECIAL INTERVIEW: King Soloman

Anointed to Succeed

by L.C. T ar dy Tar ardy

by L.C. Tardy

42 BIBLE STORY:BUILDING A HOUSE FOR GOD VISIONS

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Visions Visions Christian Christian Magazine Magazine is available through subscription.

Please give us a call at 202-882-7945 VCM is also available online at visionschristianmagazine.com

L.C. Tardy Publishers President/CEO

Executive Editors Penelope White Writers/Regular Contributors Joe Floyd L. David Harris Chicago Long L.C. Tardy Graphic Designers Chauntika Broggin Photographer Kevin Lucas Print Coordinator TCG Printing/Washington Times

Romans 10:9-10

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,� and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

9

Layout/Production

Chauntika Broggin Front cover picture taken by E. Johnson Bible references are from the KJV and NIV

Main Office Visions Christian Magazine, Inc P.O. Box 7066, Largo, MD. 20792-7066 202-882-7945

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Copyright 2003-2004 Visions Christian Magazine, Inc Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult VISIONS

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Power In Truth Testimonial

by Author, Unknown

was raised Catholic, although there

vere depression. I was also an occassional drug

was little evidence of God in our home.

user, although I didn’t do any “hard” drugs. My

I attended a Catholic school also, and

life was a mess...I took steps to improve it..I went

mass several times a week, as well as confes-

to college, got a degree, participated in self-

sion. I was christened, confirmed, the whole nine

help

yards...but I always felt something was

alcoholism...but nothing seemed to do much

wrong...there seemed to be a foreboding pres-

good...I still felt very unfulfilled. At the age of 32,

I

programs

for

ence of something not quite

depression

and

my boyfriend of 9 years had allowed

at the age of 13

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

when I began to

1P eter 3:15.

1Peter

bored. But since I

right there, and so I was relieved

attend school in

me to become a stay-at-home mom...and I was

was at home all

the public school system. I did not retain any- day, and all the children were in school most of

VISIONS

thing learned of the Catholic religion, and I cer-

the day..I discovered TV...and the one thing I

tainly did not live a godly life...God was some-

discovered on TV was TV evangelism. I don’t

thing very remote in my mind, although I did

really remember much about what these people

believe he existed. I had a child and a failed

had to say...but what I do remember noticing at

marriage at the age of twenty. I became an al-

that point was their joy, their zeal, their peace,

coholic and had another child out of wedlock

and happiness. This was enticing to me. I dug

by age 24. By the age of 28, I was living in an

out an old bible, and began to read...although I

ungodly relationship, had another child, and was

understood nothing of what I read...and my athe-

a full-blown alcoholic who also suffered from se-

ist boyfriend didn’t help much although he was

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tolerant of my curiosity. During this time, people

conclusion it had something to do with God...I

began to cross my path to tell me about God, mean I couldn’t really ignore it anymore.

Jesus, salvation. But I would not hear them...I

Well, here I was...and things were changing

had a very large fear. A fear of being mislead. I

suddenly...I started a business, and was doing

looked around at all the religions, and I knew

well, saving money for my own place to live. One

they could not all be right..for they differed so

day my friend whom I was living with, wanted to

much. Now, the frequency of people crossing

go out...and so I agreed. She drank, I drove:). I

my path was increasing to the point I could not met a man that night that was soon to become even go to the convenience store at 3AM with-

the most influential human being I had known.

out hearing about Jesus! Finally, I decided to

For some reason, I felt I could trust this man,

talk to God..I told God I wanted to know him, but

and although he did some things that eventu-

I didn’t want to be mislead..I wanted truth and ally led to hurt in my life, I will be eternally gratetruth only! Well, my relationship fell apart, I

ful to God for using this man to lead me to him.

moved out, my children were scattered as I

He encouraged me to read, encouraged me to

didn’t really have a suitable place to go. I was

pray...assured me that God heard my

living amidst drug dealers, drug addicts, even prayers..he answered my incessant barrage of though by this point, I had been relieved of my

questions day and night...and he was patient

alcoholism Even in my ignorance...I had prayed

and kind in his guidance. I was able to obtain a

for deliverance from this terrible thing..and God

home, paid for...and restore my family. I was very

was faithful to deliver me.

zealous in my search for God, for his under-

During these times I suffered through many situations...poverty...hunger...emotional

standing, for his truth..and God is faithful to reveal these things to me.

abuse...family separation..sickness...despair..

The first year of my new life, I read as much

but I think the worst thing I suffered through was

as I could..I prayed about everything I read..but

a feeling of hopelessness...

it wasn’t until almost a year later that the under-

I had come to the realization that there must

standing began to come...and it was so

be something better..and I had also come to the wonderful...a feeling I can not describe...I was www.visionschristianmagazine.com

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

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VISIONS

looking through my bible, and all of a sudden it

life...and for this I continue to seek more of him.

was like a great understanding overcame

I am convinced that anyone who is a DILIGENT

me..everything I looked at just seemed to make

SEEKER of God can obtain this and much

sense, come alive, I was leafing through pages

more...for his treasures are endless. I will not

one after another, seeing the truth jumping out

say I have not had trials since my new life be-

at me in blaring reality! And soon after many

gan, but with the love and peace and comfort of

other exciting things began to happen to me in

the Holy Spirit, I have been able to face these

my spiritual walk...I have seen things that have

trials head-on with no fear, no turmoil, no doubt!

awed me, felt things which I have never felt. At-

It is so wonderful to see the goodness of God,

tained spiritual treausures in abundance...God

and experience it’s healing power in your life. I

has come into my heart, my life, my whole

no longer suffer from depression, alcoholism,

being...awakened me spiritually...recreated me! drug addiction, anger, turmoil...these things God Revived me! The peace and joy in having a re-

has replaced with a transformed mind and spirit

lationship with God is awesome...more than I

in me.

could ever have hoped for in my previous

“OVERCOMING STRONGHOLDS” My Testimony

by L.C. Tardy

I

VISIONS

HAVE BEEN POISONING MY sacred and pure to be destroyed. Our breath BODY FOR 32 YEARS, since the and blood are gifts from God, which is why the age of 13. I lived in ignorance as do

devil tries to destroy us. The Bible says in 1

many teenagers and adults of today. The devil

Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your

feeds on our ignorance and attacks us with dis-

adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh

eases and ungodly decisions. The worse thing

about, seeking whom he may devour,”

we can do to ourselves is to allow what is holy,

1 Corinthians 3:16 says: “Know ye not that ye

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For though w e w alk in the flesh, w e do not w ar after the flesh we walk we war For the w eapons o arf ar e ar e not carnal, weapons off our w warf arfar are are but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds 2 Corinthians 1 0:3-5 10:3-5 are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God

tears on that day, and got down on my knees

dwelleth in you?” It wasn’t until I picked up a

with the ashtray in my hand and repented. I ask

magazine called, “Message,” the magazine for

the Lord to take this thing from my blood, and to

virtuous living, (March/April 2001), and read an

remove this dreadful disease, and pain, and to

article in the Healthspan column entitled, “A

heal me. I shouted, “Heal me, Lord, heal me in

Time to Quit,” written by Loma G. Davies-Silcott the name of Jesus.” With tears in my eyes, I that I began to realize what I was doing, and had was determined on that day that I was not godone to my body for so many years. You might

ing to let the devil destroy my life, and take away

say thank God it was only cigarettes and no other

God’s most precious gift _______my breath.

harsh drug. Think again! “Cigarettes are just

I had been saved by the blood of the Lamb,

as deadly___ in fact, even more deadly than

baptized with water, with the Holy Spirit. I

heroin. In Loma G. Davies-Silcott’s article she

couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get over this

stated: “Health officials estimate that more than cigarette habit. Now I understand that I don’t 350,000 excess deaths occur each year as a

have the strength to overcome anything in this

direct result of cigarette smoking. An excess

life without the power of Jesus in me. It is only

death means that the person dies statistically

through the power of God that I have been

earlier than they would have normally, because

saved from the dreadful disease of smoking.

of accident or illness.” After reading about the

Praise God! The thought of smoking has

statistics and what cigarette smoking was do-

entered my mind, but the Holy Spirit steps in

ing to my body, I began to pray, and to ask for-

and kicks it out. In other words, the Holy Spirit

giveness for allowing Satan to take over my

makes intercession for my infirmities (my

body. Then the Lord spoke to my heart, and

weakness) He is the intercessor. (Romans

said, “Your body is the temple of God.” I shed

8:26) When we put our lives in God’s hands,

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VISIONS

the Holy Spirit will not let the devil destroy His

handcrafted by Him. In the name of Jesus,

property. In the name of Jesus I am victorious!

Satan is defeated! The blood of Jesus is

I didn’t have to use nicotron, bantron,

against him. In the name of my Lord and

nicorette, or patches. I am living proof that I

Savior Jesus Christ, I am now smoke-free.

was saved by the blood of the Lamb. He

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me!

protects me, orders my steps, directs my

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou

path. He is my soul source, resource and

mayest prosper, and be in health, even as

provider today. I can breath! I have more

thou soul prospereth.”3 John 2

energy! I’m happier! my skin looks better! I

God orchestrated my deliverance. I found the

Praise the wonderful name of Jesus! Now

Message magazine on the floor in my

when I smell smoke, I know that it is the devil’s

roommate’s garage, and I had a cigarette in

spirit that wants to destroy me, and the pre-

my hand at the time (my roommate didn’t

cious gift of God ____ my Breath.

allow smoking in the house) I took the maga-

If you are experiencing strongholds in your

zine up to my room to read it. Thank God for

life, pray this prayer with me: I (say your

using the hands of Loma G. Davies-Silcott in

name) AS A BLOOD WASHED CHILD OF

a mighty way in the writing of the article “A

GOD, ask in the name of Jesus that Satan be

Time to Quit, “ in the March/April 2001 issue

removed from God’s property. I am not

of Message magazine. Our gifts are given to

Satan’s property. But I belong to God, and I

us to bless others and bring healing to our

am His masterpiece. I am God’s workman-

souls.

ship, made in His image, created and

LIND A C. T ARD Y is an author of two books entitled, “Ripples In the Water,” and “Humility Before Honor,” and president of Visions LINDA TARD ARDY Magazine, a Christian magazine. She writes from Washington, D.C. This article was first published in Message Magazine November/ December 2004 issue.

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CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORES Battles Religious Bookstore

It’s God’s Choice Christian Bookstore

4315 Sheriff Road, N.E. Washington, DC 20019 (202) 398-2366

Walker Mill Square Shopping Center 1454 Addison Road South Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: (301 499-5799 Fax: (301) 499-4558 www.geocities.com/gcchristianbooks e-mail: gcchristianbooks@yahoo.com

For His Glory 10582 Campus Way South Upper Marlboro, Maryland (301) 499-7979 Jesus Bookstore 4823 Allentown Road Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 (301) 735-1100 Potomac Adventist Book and Health Food Store 12004 Cherryhill Silver Spring, Maryland (301) 572-0700

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

John 3:16 Christian Bookstore 7953 Annapolis Road Lanham, MD 20706 (301 459-5999 (301) 459-5699 FAX www.John316books.com e-mail: jhn031@aol.com Monday-Friday 10:00 A.M.- 7:00 P.M. Howard Univ. Giftshop Georgia Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

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VISIONS

Have You Lost Your Hearing Don’t you hear God talking to you?

Or is it that you’re not really listening.

God wants you to know of his love for you, To ignore him you don’t know what you’re missing.

God desires your full attention, Even if it is not what you want you want to hear.

His Holy Word is nothing but the truth, And the truth is nothing you need to fear.

What on earth is more important than God? Why are you trying to tune him out?

God is the source of your salvation, Eternal life with God is what it’s all about.

Never turn your back on God’s Holy Word, Trust that his Word is always true Believe that he will fulfill your every need, And that God will always have a love for you.

Open your ears and hear God’s Word, And be willing to give him your full attention.

God just wants to show you his never ending love, And that is the focus of his intention.

Joe Floyd

You’ll Always Be There

Remember God’s Love

Lord, forgive me for all my sins And help me to do what’s right Protect me from all temptations Provide me a guiding light.

God loves all his children He enjoys to watch them grow Feel safe and know God’s watching Where ever his children may go.

There’s no other power to turn to There’s no one greater than you My faith in you is absolute I trust everything that you do.

Never be afraid of the darkness Because God will always be there You’ll be safe in the arms of God You are truly in the best of care.

I thank you for your many blessings And I thank you for being there for me If I tried to live without you There’s no telling where I would be.

God wants you to love your neighbor Even if you’d been treated wrong Turn it around with a little kindness And just maybe you can get along.

Lord, I love you with all my heart I’m blessed with your loving care I can walk without a single fear Knowing you’ll always be there.

Learn to fight hate with love That is what Jesus taught God loves all his children Always remember that thought.

Joe Floyd VISIONS

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Joe Floyd www.visionschristianmagazine.com

TEEN CHURCH

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”SERVING THE LORD’s ARMY” The Jericho City of Praise’s Mighty Men of Valor

by L.C. T ar dy Tar ardy

T

he Mighty Men of Valor is a pow- And the angel of the Lord appeared erful ministry of Men and Young unto him, and said unto him, The

Lor d is with thee ord thee,, thou mighty man of vvalor alor .” alor.”

Judges 6:12 Valor is Minister Rickey E. Macklin. Minister adults. The Leader of the Men of

Macklin’s mentor and Pastor the late Bishop

ran with the vision. Minister Rickey Macklin

James R. Peebles, Sr., and son, James R. states that this vision has birthed powerful son’s Peebles, Jr. were the visionaries who gave birth of God with integrity, confidence, self-worth, deto the vision for the Mighty Men of Valor. Minis-

termination, discipline and knowledge of the

ter Rickey Macklin and Brother Robert Smith

word of God. This powerful Baby (Mighty Men

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VISIONS

JERICHO’S MIGHTY MEN OF V AL OR VAL ALOR YOUTH GUIDELINES Godly of Valor) is 11 years old now, and increasingly

Obedient

Men of integrity To the divine will of God

growing day by day. Every 1 Sunday at the st

Jericho City of Praise in the Sanctuary the Mighty Men of Valor perform their coordinated

Dedicated Take up His cross daily, and follow Christ Sincere

Filled with the fruit of the Spirit

Godly-steps. The Step performance, although an inspiration to many, is always performed for an audience of One - God of course. Truly Jesus is lifted up and God’s name is exalted!

This group of young men knows how to spread a powerful message from the word of God. The Mighty Men of Valor’s leader, Minister Rickey E. Macklin brings on a Spirit-led powerful source of energy by spreading the gospel to a

“Through it all, I learned to crowd of over 17,000 members in the Sanctutrust in Jesus, learned trust ary at Jericho City of IPraise, while to instructing God, to depend thein Mighty MenIoflearned Valor Step Team – “To Praise upon His Word.”

Caring CaringCompassionate towards your friends and your enemies too Helpful fortunate

Assisting those that are less

Involved within you

Stir up your gifts that are

Loyal Hold to His word, and cling to Him – Trusted and Accountable Dependable Be worthy of others complete confidence – Men of outstanding Character Respectful Others as well as yourself making listening a part of your life and prayer

God!” In their opening, the step team shouts out

Enthusiastic Rejoicing always in Him!

with a loud voice, “We are the Mighty Men of

Never Quit Never lose sight of God and your assignment – Be tenacious and importune

Valor of the Jericho City of Praise and we come to Pr-a-i-s-e God! These young men are great example setters for other young men in the

of Valor is to “transform young men into men

church and community as well. The Mighty Men

of standard, integrity and Godly character so

of Valor believe that you should never lose sight

that God can be glorified and the devil made

of God and your God-given assignment. They

a liar.”

are followers of Christ, men of integrity and filled

VISIONS

with the fruit of the Spirit. Minister Rickey Macklin

1) Who are the Mighty Men of Valor?

explains that his ultimate goal for the Mighty Men

We are a group that are comprised of sev-

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eral different components i.e., mentoring, drilling, discipling, tutoring, stepping, outreach and a host of fun activities.

6) How big is the Men of Valor Ministry?

Wow! Good question. Hmmmmm…. I hate

2) What is the ultimate goal of the using numbers because that’s not my motivaMighty Men of Valor?

tion but for the sake of the record we have over

My desire, by the help of the Holy Spirit, is to a hundred members on the books. be an instrument used by God to birth undeni-

7) As a Minister, leader, teacher, author,

able and unquestionable relationships between

and mentor do you have any personal

God and each man and youth that walks through

goals of your own?

our door.

You know, my greatest desire is to stay in

3) When the Men Only Sessions take the center of God’s will and as Jesus and the place, what are the age groups?

Apostle Paul would say, to pour out myself and

The age group is 18 and up. I find this to be

be an offering for many. Simply stated, my de-

so critical. So many men are hurting and need

sire is to leave here empty having fulfilled all

other men to talk to. In these sessions, we God sent me here to do. “keep it real.” I dare not talk about the many

8) How do you spend your quiet time?

things that we discuss but if men are seeking

I spend most of it in meditation and writing.

an avenue for change in a trusted environment

9) You are Co-Leader of the Single’s

“a safe haven” then this is the place to be.

4) Where are your mentoring classes presently held?

We conduct our mentoring classes in the choir room of our main sanctuary

Ministry, what are some of the activities involved in this ministry?

We do a number of activities ranging from workshops, to retreats, to cookouts, to plays, to rap sessions and other physical activities with

5) How do you address teen peer-pres- other churches such as volleyball, softball and sure?

bowling.

We address these and all other teen related issues through videos and rap session www.visionschristianmagazine.com

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

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MEN OF VALOR

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Minister Rickey E. Macklin is the leader of Mighty Men o alor at off V Valor Jericho City of Praise.

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

MISSION STATEMENT

the angel of the Lord spoke into Gideon’s life

(MOV) Mighty Men of Valor

while he was cowardly hiding and called him a

The Purpose of this Ministry is to transform “Mighty Man of Valor”, we believe that regardthe lives of both older and younger men. Our

less of your background or present state you

first obligation is to reach the men through dis- too are a “Mighty Man of Valor,” (Romans 4:17). cipleship, male bonding and accountability and

Our second obligation is mentoring the

consequentially produced the type of men that

younger men. Our desire is to reduce school

are able to assist us with the second aspect of dropout, reduce teen pregnancy, improve acathe ministry.

demic achievement, and improve anger man-

PURPOSE (Two-fold purpose)

agement and other life skills. Furthermore, our

Our vision involves establishing accountabil-

desire is to assist in transforming them into

ity relationships with other men and providing

godly young men by pulling out of them untapped

positive activities that promote self-confidence,

potential, leadership qualities and challenging

self-worth, determination, discipline, and knowl-

them with the word of God to ascertain what

edge of the Word of God in our young men. As their purpose and calling is.

Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/Author. She is the Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine. ○

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JOIN THE MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR Name

________________________________________

Address _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Phone

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PLEASE CHECKALLTHATAPPLY:

I am an interested parent I am an interested youth I am interested in volunteering my time into this program

____________________________

Email Address_______________________ Age

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_____

I am having problems that I would like to discuss with other males I am interested in establishing men accountability relationships

Send To Jericho City of Praise 8501 Bishop Peebles Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785 Telephone: (301) 333-0500 Apostle Betty P. Peebles, D.D. Senior Pastor/Overseer -Assistant Pastor Peebles, Sr. V I S I O N S www.visionschristianmagazine.com Youth & Y oung A dult Joel EditionR. 2004 Young Adult 17

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Minister Rickey E. Macklin Biography Minister Rickey E. Macklin, son of the Rev-

I joined the United States Navy in Oct of 1990

erend and Mrs. Arthur Macklin Sr. of

and gave these great United States of

Camden, S.C., is a graduate of South

America eight years of my life (5 active).

Carolina State University and Jericho

I must say that the experience is one that

Christian Training College, and has his

I will never forget. I had never felt so

Masters in Theological Studies from

patriotic in all my life. Yet, I knew that

National Bible Seminary. Minister

it was only a stepping stone. As I

Macklin serves as leader over Am-

mentioned in my book “God’s

bassadors For Christ Bible Minis-

Whole Armor”, shortly after my join-

tries where the ministry’s primary

ing, the Gulf War started. I learned

purpose is to provide books, bible

such invaluable information regard-

studies and various resources to

ing preparation for war and its suc-

assist Christians in discovering

cess thereof. Well, that was in the natu-

their God-given purposes. Minis-

ral but one day I joined the Lord’s Army

ter Macklin is co-leader of the Jeri-

and I’ll tell you that it’s an experience that

cho City of Praise Singles Ministry,

just keeps on getting better. Like the

and leader of The Mighty Men of Valor

song writer penned it, “I’m on the battle

discipleship and mentoring program.

field for my Lord and I promised Him that

Minister Macklin teaches “Christian

I would serve Him until I die.” After all,

Courtship for Him” at the Jericho

where would I be without Him? What

Christian Training College and

would I have? What would I do? Who else

has produced a book to supplement

has the words of eternal life? You see in

the course entitled “Christian Courtship

Him, I don’t have to worry about about

For Him”. He is the author of “God’s Whole Ar- earthly promotions and awards — they all fade mor”, “Daddy’s Waiting On You.” and his next away. In Him, I have eternal rewards.

Spirit-led masterpiece entitled, “Anointed, But Not Ready”.

Rickey E. Macklin is a Minister at the Jericho City of Praise, and the leader of Mighty Men of Valor at Jericho City of Praise. He is also the author of two books, “Daddy’s Waiting on You” and “God’s Whole Armor.”

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Rev. Tony Lee is the Senior Minister to

computer labs; the development of a summer youth employment program; Young Adults at the Ebenezer African the formation of a college and Methodist Episcopal Church where career resource center; and a he serves under the pastoral distance learning partnership with leadership of the Rev. Dr. the Howard University School of Grainger Browning, Jr. and the Divinity. In addition to his duties at Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning. Rev. Lee is an accomplished speaker and is known the First Baptist Church, he also served as throughout the community for creativity in Director of the Youth Department for the New preaching, teaching and worship. He brings Jersey State Progressive Baptists. cutting edge ministry to the hearts of youth and His theological studies were done at the young adults throughout the community.

Howard University School of Divinity and Union Prior to his role as the Senior Minister to Young Theological Seminary in New York City. He Adults, Rev. Lee served as Ebenezer’s Senior holds a Bachelor of Science from the University Minister to Youth. During his tenure Rev. Lee of Maryland and a Masters of Divinity degree oversaw the development of a wide range of from Union Theological Seminary. youth ministries that engaged youth in a style of praise and worship that embraced their Rev. Lee has received numerous awards and unique styles and interests. These ministries citations. These include recognition from the included nationally recognized scouting and Coalition of Concerned Black Christian Men, rites of passage programs; educational the National Association of Negro Business ministry; clothing design and cartoon ministries; as well as an exceptional persons ministry that focuses on youth with special needs. Young people throughout the community continue to see the bible studies, conferences and praise fests as places to gain the tools to deal with issues relevant to them in an atmosphere that is shaped by youth for youth.

Rev. Lee has also served as the Asst. Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Englewood, New Jersey under the pastoral leadership of Rev. John H. Spencer, Jr. In this position, he was an integral part in the renewal of the Youth Fellowship; the formation of two community

and Professional Women’s Clubs, the Bergen County Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., as well as a resolution from the New Jersey General Assembly. He was also acknowledged in an article on bet.com as one of “The Next Spiritual Leaders to Make History”. Rev. Lee can be heard week nights at 8:30 p.m. in the D.C. Metropolitan area on Heaven 1580 AM’s “Breaking Bread” show offering a “Word for the Day”.

Rev. Lee is the proud son of Orlando W.E. Lee and Nancy T. Lee.

Rev. Tony Lee, Senior Minister to Young Adults outh & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult 7707 AllentownYRoad, Ft. Washington, MD 20744

www.visionschristianmagazine.com Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church

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VISIONS

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hile sitting in the Sanctuary at Jericho City of Praise on Sunday

morning at 11AM service, Pastor Betty P. Peebles introduced one of the youth choir

Young, Gifted and Blessed

by L.C. T ar dy Tar ardy

members, Mark McKinnon, who is a very gifted and talented young man. Pastor Peebles explained that Mark had a vision to write plays.

Mark was called to speak to the young people on this day, and here is what Mark said, “No matter how your circumstance look just keep on believing and trusting in the Lord, because God is a God that cannot lie, and your vision will come to pass.” Wow! Just to here those words coming from a young person really

Mark McKinnon, playwright

blessed my spirit. The Lord spoke to my heart, and said, “Feature this young man and his gifts learned? and talents so that he may bring me the glory! I

The most important thing I have learned dur-

met Mark in the glory hall, and chatted with him ing my walk with Christ is obedience. Obediabout featuring him in Visions Magazine, he ence is the key to the blessings and the favor agreed, and was very excited. Mark is a very that I have received from the Lord. Without obeblessed and anointed young man. The hand dience to His word, I don’t think I would have of Lord is truly resting upon his life. It is so the gifts that He blessed me with. important that we encourage our youth, and

2) What keeps you motivated and de-

keep the word of God pumping in their hearts. termine to accomplish your vision?

What keeps me motivated and determined INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Mark McKinnon 1) During your walk with Christ what

is what God told me in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper

is the most important thing that you have VISIONS

20

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you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Knowing this scripture just lets

4) What is your favorite scripture, and why?

me know that God will prosper my writings and

My favorite scripture is 1 Timothy 4:12,

my acting. What also keeps me motivated is

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because

the Christian friends and the mentor whom I you are young, but set an example for the besurround myself with. They are the ones who

lievers through life, love, faith, purity, and self-

give me God’s word when ever I’m going through

control”. This scripture is my favorite one be-

a situation. They remind me that I have to stay

cause it tells me what I should be doing during

in God’s word in order for Him to use me. Lastly,

my walk with Christ. It also lets me know that I

knowing my mother is praying for me lets me

am and will be an example setter.

know that if I fall, she’s there to help me get back up.

5) Where do you see your vision in the future?

3) You have been a member of Jericho

I see my vision in the future drawing many

City of Praise since 1999, how much have people, especially teens, to Christ. I believe that you grown spiritually and creatively?

God is going to elevate my vision so high be-

Spiritually, I have grown a lot at Jericho City cause He has been blessing me with great faof Praise. Jericho has taught me how to pray

vor now, so imagine what He’s going to do in

and back up my prayers with scriptures because

the future. If I stay faithful to my walk with Christ,

there’s power in God’s word. Through this, my

He’s not only going to bless me, but He’s going

prayer requests have been answered. I have

to bless everyone who takes part in my vision.

learned that God created me to be creative. In

6) Who is Mark McKinnon?

order for me to be creative, I must get closer to

Mark McKinnon is someone who is deter-

God. I get closer to God by reading his word

mine to do anything he gets involved with. It

daily and praying to him constantly. Jericho has doesn’t matter what he does, if he wants to do taught me the importance of getting closer to

it he puts his all into it. Mark is someone who

God and how getting close to him gives me fa-

knows the importance of keeping God in what-

vor.

ever he does. He knows how to call on Him

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VISIONS

anytime. He also puts God first and help his talents of young teens by putting it in a stage play. friends to remember to put God first. Mark is Mark is known for writing skits and plays to help someone who knows he has a big future in front young teens get God’s Word. To kick off the of him and that he can’t be success in anything Teen Drama Production, he is making his first play into a movie. God’s favor is really on Mark unless he keeps God first. because Outreach Ministries, a local production company has offered to help Mark BIOGRAPHY turn his play into a movie. His pastor has also Mark Anthony McKinnon was born October 27, said that she wants her church to help fulfill this 1986, in Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina. Mark vision. attended Westlake High School, and will Besides his mother, Mark’s spiritual mentor is graduate June 2005. Mark McKinnon currently Mr. Dwayne A. Williams, an adult Teen Church lives in Waldorf, Maryland.. Mark was born to Leader. He helps Mark organize the Teen Ms. Jackie Thomas, who has a total of four Drama Production, and also wants to make this children. All together there are three boys and production a very successful one. Mark has one girl. Mark is the second born to developed his love for acting when he entered Ms. Thomas. He has lived in a fatherless home High School. He has participated in his school since he was very young. His mother is the one plays including a leading male role in the stage who brought him up in God’s word. play, “Little Women.” He also played the role This young man attends Jericho City of Praise, of Officer Krupke in “Westside Story.” Mark has located in Landover, Maryland. His Pastor taken theatre classes every year in High isApostle Dr. Betty P. Peebles. Mark is a School. member of Jericho’s Youth Choir. He has been Besides Mark’s love for acting, he is an athlete in the Youth Choir since March 1999. Recently, at his school located in Waldorf. He is the Jericho started a Teen Church that lets the teens captain of his school’s Varsity Basketball who attend receive God’s word at their level of Team. Mark is also going to play varsity football understanding. Mark has been known as one his Senior year. After high school, Mark plans of the leaders at the Teen Church. to go to college to Major in Acting and improve The vision that God gave Mark caught many his knowledge in Acting. With the favor of God, people’s attention. God gave him a vision to Mark has no choice but to live a successful life start a Teen Drama Production. This vision was and help get God’s word to young teens. Mark given to him when he attended T.D. Jakes’ encourages teens to surround themselves with “Mega Fest” in Atlanta, Georgia, the summer friends and people who know and live God’s of 2004. The purpose of the Teen Word.

Drama Production is to expose the many VISIONS

Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/Author. She is the Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult www.visionschristianmagazine.com

22

Love A

By Brother Chicago Long

very powerful subject and action. It

you love initially or responsively you’re walking

raises the eyebrows and jump-starts

in your authority as an authoritative figure in

the hearts of most women; men and

God and letting him be seen in you because he

children who have and have not experience its

is Love. Glory!

truth, bliss and benefits. (Question) Who has

When we love someone God’s way it ex-

the monopoly on Love? What is love in its

presses the deep and constant love and inter-

fullness? Where did it come from? How do you

est of a perfect Being towards entirely unwor-

do it, and what will it cost? Now after reading

thy objects, producing and fostering a reveren-

this I know you’ll want to experience it for

tial Love in them towards the Giver, and a prac-

yourself, if you haven’t already. The real tical love towards those who are partakers of question to you is can and will you give it? (Even

the same, and a desire to help others to seek

when you’re not getting it) Praise God! With out the Giver. A Christian or Christ like love involves further due lets go to the Word of God (The the fruit of Christ’s spirit; which is of course the bible) and find out what has God said about

agape love, Which comes in one size shape

love. Amen!

and color and that’s Unconditionally; Then there is the Joy of the Lord, his peace, longsuffering,

The bible says that God is love and that love is God (GOD =LOVE) and he holds all power; so if in fact God is all-powerful and he is love its safe for me to say that Love is a power or it is powerful. Amen! Lets go a little deeper in this love thing or should I say in God. When you analyze love you’ll clearly see that it can be known only from the actions it prompts; also that when

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Now it takes the love of God to walk in these characteristics. Now I believe these behaviors to be some what the surface and the aggressive side to love; Having said that I also believe that love also has a responsive and defensive side as well; The bible says that love again it suffereth long in spite of the Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

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VISIONS

weight or turmoil coming against it. Love laughs

time.

at the contrary and says bring the fire; and because it’s pure love and it’s from God and it’s

We have been called to love. The number

of God and it is God; It never fails, but endures

one commandment says we must love the

all things, bears all things, hopes all things, be-

LORD our God with all our heart mind and soul.

lieves all things and no matter what, its kind. The next greatest commandment says to Love Love is also well behaved it doesn’t act un-

your neighbor as your self. Christ said that the

seemly or out of the character of God, which in world would know that we are his disciples by fact is who your representing or allowing to be

the Love we have one to another, which lets me

seen through you. Amen. Love is not selfish it know that God’s people should be walking in doesn’t allow you to seek your own and forget

Love as Christ Jesus our Lord did when he

The number one commandment says we must love the LORD our God with all our heart mind and soul.

or leave behind another; but love isn’t love un-

walked this planet as our great example setter.

less it’s given. Love is not easily provoked or

Amen. We love him because he first loved us.

irritated and moody. It doesn’t carry excuses;

We love each other and the world because he

again love isn’t love unless it’s given away. Love

commands it and within that he is seen and glo-

is not bossy or boastful it is seasoned with hu-

rified. Apostle Paul shared his opinion about

mility, mercy and grace. Love rejoiceth not in

love and he puts it like this, though I speak with

iniquity but in the truth, it sees things God’s way

the tongues of angels and have the gift of proph-

regardless of what the circumstances appear

ecy and understand all mysteries and knowl-

to be it keeps hope alive. Love is not snotty or edge and have mountain moving faith, on top haughty and it’s not puffed up and angry all the of that he even gives of his goods to feed the VISIONS

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poor etc. Paul said all this doesn’t profit him

Son. I know we can do it because God lives in

anything and it stinks in the nostrils of God if he

us by his spirit. Amen So lets go forth as the

doesn’t have love. Love is the very essence of

light of the world and love people into the king-

God and we are his hands and feet walking and

dom. Lets be imitators of God and serve in love

reaching out to a dying world and his mouth-

as ministers of reconciliation.

piece speaking out to these Godless nations.

The bible says that we should love our neighGod so loved the world that he gave his only

bor and our enemies and bless those that curse

begotten son that whosoever believed on him

us, and do good to them that hate us, and pray

should not perish but have everlasting life. This

for those that despitefully use us and persecute

is how he showed his love to us when we were

us. Amen. It seems like love is always deter-

lost in sin. God called us from out of death

mined to prevail. Lastly; when we love, it cov-

(separation from him) to reconcile us back to ers a multitude of our sins. So let us love that him because he loves us that much. Now we

we may fulfill the commandments of God and

are ministers of reconciliation and we are to

bring him glory and us and others good. So until

reciprocate that same love demonstrated and

the next time, remember love isn’t love unless

given to us from God the Father and God the its given out. Don’t just talk it, but do it.

I love you And God Bless Chicago Garfield Long born and raised in NE Washington, DC. In 1975; He was lead back to the Lord in November of 1997,being deliverd from eight years of drug and alcohol abuse along with stress, oppression and a boat load of issues …even jail time.

Thus far he has stedfastly completed a four year Christian Discipleship program at the Jericho Christian training College and he’s is diligently working as a teacher in the children’s church ministry. He was recently married over the summer of 2003 to the beautiful and anointed Mrs. Michelle Long whom he met at Jericho College and she’s mother of two sons and a daughter; He also brings a son to the marriage, making him a proud step daddy and father of four beautiful children…He enjoys spending time with his family and spreading the gospel through evangelizing and his written work. His goal is to bring God glory in all that he says and he does here on earth.

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VISIONS

MASS CHOIR

PRAISE DANCERS

T E E N VISIONS

26

Jericho Christian Training Center Youth: Classes are Monday thru Thursday from 7:00-9:30 p.m.

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

For more information contact Registrar at (301) 333-0856

YOUTH CHOIR

MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR

C H U R C H Classes available for children, youth, and teens. held in the Jericho Christian Training Center College. www.visionschristianmagazine.com

Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

For more information contact Registrar at (301) 333-0856

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VISIONS

VISIONS

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For more information contact Registrar at (301) 333-0856

Anointed to Succeed Co ver st ory b y L.C. T ar dy Cov story by Tar ardy

“The God who gir ded me with str ength, and made m y w ay safe girded strength, my wa safe..

He made my feet like hinds’ feet, and set me secure on the heights.”

Psalms 18:32-33

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hat a POWERFUL ANOINTING! On Sunday, October 3, 2004 the Spirit of the What a MIGHTY! work the LORD Lord was moving through the body of Christ has done in Assistant Pastor Joel ever so strong. There was a powerful anointing

Peebles, the youngest son of (Dr.) Pastor Betty in the Sanctuary. Pastor Joel preached the 10th P. Peebles, Senior Pastor and Overseer at the

Series of “Anointed to Succeed,” “Don’t Let

Jericho City of Praise. He brings forth a Rema-

Past Pains Cripple Your Success.” Everyone

Word every Sunday morning at 8am service.

became very quiet when Pastor Joel calmly

The moment Pastor Joel enters the Sanctuary spoke the word of the Lord, in Ecclesiastes the congregation stands to their feet applauding

3:11, “ He has made everything beautiful in

this great son of God! He is truly anointed to His time.” In other words, everything is done on succeed. He feeds the flock pure Word. Pastor

God’s time. No matter what your present

Joel guarantees that after listening to the Word

circumstance looks like. God is still working

that the Holy Spirit set in his heart, you will not

on your behalf. He has already completed your

be the same when you leave! Pastor Joel was

vision before the world began. On the faces of

led by the Spirit of God to teach on a series

some hurting Christians pours out an

called, “Anointed to Succeed,” The Spirit of the

abundance of confidence, and we leaped for

Lord has been moving throughout Jericho like

joy, dancing, singing and praising the Lord! The

a tornado that ripped through a city! Only not to

Holy Spirit releases His powerful Word onto the

destroy, but to save souls, transform minds, and Pastor, and it spreads throughout the take back the sons of God. The Lord has divinely

congregation. There’s a strong anointing in the

set a mega-Word in Pastor Joel’s heart, and is air, and the corporate prayer begins to our Lord using him to edify the saved and bring the

& Savior Jesus Christ.

unsaved to Christ in a mighty way. Pastor Joel

Pastor Joel used this quote in the 10th series,

said, “It is no consequence that you are here

“Anointed to Succeed.”

this morning, you were purposed and called,

“It takes two things to blow down a tree: a heavy

divinely setup to be here.”

wind outside and rot and decay inside. So it is with man. The winds of adversity may cause

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states, “As Christians we have the Power of Resilience!

By the time I left the Sanctuary I

was

pumped

with

confidence, and felt “Anointed to Succeed.” I thank God for working so mightily through Pastor Joel. He is truly a Pastor Joel in the Sanctuary, preaching on the series “Anointed to Succeed.”

“POWER HOUSE! Packed with the HOLY SPIRIT, and

him to bend, but if he’s strong and vigorous

“Anointed To Succeed.” And the word of the

within, he will arise and grow to new heights Lord says in after the storm passes.”

Proverbs 24:10 & 16 (NRSV), “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength being small;

John Dobbert

for though they fall seven times, they will rise

Pastor Joel explains, “This is what the enemy

again; but the wicked are overthrown by

wants to do to us.

calamity.”

Using Abraham Lincoln’s life as a example,

On December 5, 2004 the Lord moved mightily

Pastor Joel wrote:

through Pastor Joel. He began preaching a

“From 1831-1858 Abraham Lincoln was

new series called, “Grow Up.” Part 1-”A

defeated for Senate, Congress, speaker,

Season of Self-Examination,” and Part 2-

elector, vice president, legislature, had a

“The Power of Self-Examination.” Part two

nervous breakdown, and failed in business

series is an extension of part one. Every

twice, but in 1860 he was elected president.”

church goer of every church in the world needs

Pastor Joel states that “Adversity makes some to hear this states Pastor Joel. The whole body men break, and others break records.” He

of Christ was thirsty for this Word. He started by feeding us the following “Nuggets.”

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Everything God created has the

•

potential capacity to grow.

the Lord of hosts, consider your ways.” Psalms

God cannot bless you beyond your

•

growth.

violation of its design.

So

what

happens

if

I

don’t

like

correction….especially from others! Stated

God has designed your next level of

•

139-23. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts.

Anything that does not grow is in direct

•

wages (to put it) in a bag with holes. Thus saith

promotion to coincide with your growth.

Pastor Joel. Well, the Bible says in Proverbs 3:11-13 My Son, despise not the chastening

Anything that achieves growth by any

of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction;

other means other than self-examination is

for whom the Lord loveth He correcteth: even

painful.

as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

•

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the Pastor Joel started this series, “Grow Up.” By

man that getteth understanding.

stating, “The reason why many in the body of Christ are struggling to live in divine prosperity is because most of us do not stop to examine ourselves. The Bible says in Haggai 1:6&7”Ye have sown much and bring in little; ye eat ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink, ye clothed you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth VISIONS

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Pastor Joel in the Sanctuary, preaching on the series “Anointed to Succeed.” www.visionschristianmagazine.com

Here is how God expects a true born Saint to

harvest of righteousness and peace for those

take correction:

who have been trained by it.

Revelation 3:19 (AMP)

•

Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell

does not believe in the things of God.

their faults and convict and convince and

•

reprove and chasten. I discipline and instruct

life in the middle.

them. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and

•

The natural man – is going to hell. He

The carnal man – is saved but living

The Spiritual man - loves God.

burning with zeal and repent, changing your mind and attitude. So if my attitude is not

WHICH ONE ARE YOU. THE WORD OF

growing in Christ; we need to do what the word

GOD SAYS TO EXAMINE YOURSELVES.

of the Lord says to do: 2 Corinthians 13:5

Pastor Joel Peebles is the Director of the Teen Church at Jericho City of Praise, and teaches class on Tuesday nights at 7:00pm –10:00pm to married couples and singles as well. For more information please contact Jericho City of Praise, Administration Office: 8501 Bishop Peebles Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785 (301) 333-0500.

(AMP) Examine and test and evaluate your own selves. To see whether you are holdilng to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves (not Christ) Do you not yourselves realize and know (thoroughly

by

an

ever

increasing

experience) that JESUS CHRIST is in you –

Biography of

unless you are (counterfeits) disapproved on

Elder Joel R. Peebles

trial and rejected?

There is a benefit of evaluating and making

The young, yet highly anointed, Elder Joel R.

personal change states Pastor Joel.

Peebles, Sr. has dedicated his life to the

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) –

reconciliation of man and the exaltation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This burning

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but

passion ignited his purpose.

painful. Later on, however, it produces a www.visionschristianmagazine.com

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A licensed minister at 21, Elder Joel became

Presently, Elder Joel presides over the 8:00

concerned with the enemies attempt to halt the

a.m. service at the Jericho City of Praise where

Body of Christ from receiving all the benefits of

his weekly attendance is over four-thousand

salvation which were wrought by the death,

(4,000) strong. Elder Joel honors his parents

burial, and resurrection of Christ. Thus, he

who have been shepherds over his life his father,

began ministering at the 5 p.m. services at the

the late, Bishop James R. Peebles, Sr. and his

Jericho Ministries.

mother, Dr. Betty P. Peebles, his pastor and leader.

Elder Joel holds a BA Degree in Journalism and a Minor Degree in Psychology from Bowie

Within the life of a man, there is destiny...a goal

State University. He also hold a MA from Bowie

which must be achieved. This goal is not only

in Counseling Psychology and a MA in Divinity

God inspired and God ordained, but necessary

from the Wilbur Waters School of Divinity.

for preservation and success of the present and the future generation. So let us always

He is an extremely happy husband to his

remember, we are not living for our own benefit,

gorgeous wife Ylawnda Peebles. Their bond

but our achievements are to bless our

has brought 4 beautiful children, Joel, Jr., Janay,

grandchildren.

Jordan, and Jeremiah.

Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/Author. She is the Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.

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Radical Freedom

persecuting you after all, you know and they

The Acquittal

know that you are guilty as charged. What are

O

rder in the Court! All rise! The honor-

the odds of you being acquitted? All eyes are

able Judge Noname presiding. We

on you and the outcome seems certain.

are in a courtroom scene on the set of

In the last article we discussed how Jesus

NBC’s Law and Order. Each of the participants

gives us forgiveness and the power to be victo-

are in place including the tough Executive As- rious over sin in real life situations. In this arsistant Attorney, Jack McCoy along with his

ticle we shift our focus to the heavenly judge-

partners from the D.A.’s office. Also in the court-

ment hall where eternal destinies are deter-

room are Detectives Green and Briscoe with

mined.

Lt. Anita Van Buren. You know that if all of these Bringing You up to Speed folks are there at the same time, this case must

The courtroom introduction above leaves you

be serious. Obviously the judge is there, but

on the edge of your seat doesn’t it? What’s

this judge seems to be biased. You are the one

going to happen to the defendant (accused)?

accused and because you have no money, you

We will now shift our attention to the way court

are stuck with a “bum” public defender instead

was held in the ancient Jewish economy. In the

of a paid attorney who would have your best

courtroom scene would be present the ac-

interest at heart. The case seems hopeless

cused, accuser, judge and advocate. These

because you are on trial for a crime which if

four were the only major players. This is the

convicted you face the death penalty. We don’t way the heavenly pre-second coming judgeeven need to discuss the jury who after McKoy’s

ment is structured. In this case the accused

opening arguments already seemed swayed

has actually committed the crime worthy of eter-

against you. Their facial expressions leave little

nal death. What was the crime? The Bible says,

room for optimism. What is going on? If that is “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of

VISIONS

not enough, the victim’s family, media, and even

God,” Romans 3:23. Further, the Bible says,

your own conscience side with the D.A. to pros-

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of

ecute you which incidentally feels like they are

God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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Romans 6:23. The crime is sin, punishable by

we have one who speaks to the Father in our

eternal death. Since when we receive the gift defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He of salvation, we become God’s children, we

is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only

know that something wonderful must be about

for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

to happen in this case though on the one hand

I John 2:1,2. Jesus Christ the Righteous One

it seems hopeless.

is our defense attorney. An interesting ques-

On Your Side

tion to ask following this description of our ad-

Let’s identify the courtroom players more

vocate is who is the judge? The text we just

closely shall we? We have already said that

read said that Jesus is our advocate with the

we sinners are the accused and we are guilty.

Father, which suggests that the Father is our

The accuser is Satan. “And there was war in judge and in a way He is, however an incredheaven. Michael and his angels fought against

ible shift of responsibility occurs here. “For just

the dragon, and the dragon and his angels

as the Father raises the dead and gives them

fought back. But he was not strong enough, and

life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is

they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon

pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges

was hurled down—that ancient serpent called

no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the

the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world

Son, that all may honor the Son just as they

astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his an-

honor the Father. He who does not honor the

gels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in

Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”

heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and

John 5:21-23. Jesus is also our judge.

the power and the kingdom of our God, and

How does it feel to know that the accuser is

the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of

“hurled down” meaning defeated, the defense

our brothers, who accuses them before our God attorney is your friend and the judge is your day and night, has been hurled down.” Revela-

friend? Does the case still seem hopeless

tion 12:7-10. Who is the advocate or defense

knowing that you are guilty as charged? Check

attorney? “My dear children, I write this to you this out. I neglected to mention that when it so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, www.visionschristianmagazine.com

comes to the judgement, if there is any hope of Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

37

VISIONS

acquittal, somebody has to be punished in or-

heaven’s verdict is that we are innocent. In

der for justice to be served. Well, we have al-

heaven’s eyes we never sinned.

ready read in I John 2:1,2 that Jesus is the aton-

One critical question must be answered in

ing sacrifice for our sins. This means that Jesus

closing, with all this talk about free salvation and

volunteered to take our punishment on the cross,

righteousness, does that mean that it doesn’t

which was equal to eternal death. Knowing that

matter what we do and we will still be saved? I

Jesus is our advocate, judge and the one who

will answer this with a question. If you were

paid the eternal death penalty for us, how does

wearing a brand new full length Sean John

the trial make you feel now? Are you hopeless leather coat or Donna Karan Chinchilla fur, with all odds against you or hopeful because

would you pick the rainiest day to go outside

you are friends with the only one who can ac-

and find the sloppiest puddle to wallow in? I

quit you?

don’t think so. When a person receives the gift

In your spare time read Zechariah 3:1-5.

of Christ’s righteousness, they are empowered

These verses paint a living color portrait of all

to stay far away from the mud puddles of sin

that we have said. They portray an image of

just like Jesus did.

the accused receiving clean garments repre-

My friends, I have chosen personally to re-

senting the free righteousness of Christ in place

ceive the free gift of salvation. I think it would

of the filthy garments representing self-righ-

be a good idea if you did the same, besides, it

teousness. Since Jesus never sinned and we

would not make sense not to. Remember, God

are seen wearing Jesus like a garment,

loves you.

L. David Harris is an award-winning author who has recently published two books entitled, Alive at 5—Victory in

Retrospect, Volumes 1 & 2. More information about his ministry can be found at www.AliveatfFive.com

VISIONS

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www.visionschristianmagazine.com

1) Who gave you the name King AM Heaven 1580 Monday through Friday from Solomon, why the name King Solomon? 7pm to 10pm called Up On The Block w/ King And what is your real name?

My mother actually told me that I would be

Solomon. If I’m not there, I am also Co-CEO of my own production company called Jes-Us Da

an entertainer and that I should use the name Flock (pronounced Just Us Da Flock, look out King Solomon because King Solomon was very wise and because my first is actually Solomon.

for us).

4) Where did you grow up? And where

KING SOLOMAN

2) What do you plan

Interview

to achieve

I was born in

D.C. but I grew up in Seat Pleas-

I want my music to push to

now?

Washington

through your music?

people

are you from

have

ant, Maryland which was just like

a

living in D.C..

closer,relationship with

5) How do you reach

Christ, not to push my per-

young people who don’t

sonal belief on my audi-

know Christ? Where do you

ence. I just want to give

start?

people an insight on my life,

I try to remember the same

my struggle, my victories,

things that reach me before I

my pain, everything that a

knew Christ and I try to put those

Christian goes through but

things in my music. With the

people don’t necessarily

Truth, period.

talk about.

6) Would you briefly de-

3) When you’re not recording music, scribe the meaning behind the name “King what do you do?

I also have my own radio show on WPCG www.visionschristianmagazine.com

Solomon?”

A man that soul desire is to do God’s will Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

39

VISIONS

BIOGRAPHY: KING SOLOMON Solomon L. Johnson, professionally known 7) What church do you attend? as “King Solomon”, entered this world on NoI am currently a member of Refuge Living vember 6, 1977. As a young child, he had a Sanctuary under the anointed leadership of tremendous passion for music. He attended DuVal High School and was a member of the Pastor Mark St. John Carson. school band where Solomon learned to play the 8) When did you realize that God had drums, trumpet, and keyboards. At first, Solomon never took his love for music seriously. called you?

While attending high school, Solomon was faOne year ago when I went in the studio with mously known for rapping the morning ana budget of 2,000 dollars and in one week re- nouncements. It wasn’t until he graduated from corded an album that sounded like I spent high school and received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, did he realize that he had a $20,000. No matter how much talent you have, soufflé of talent and gifts that were given to him, you don’t do something like that without Christ. not only to entertain, but most importantly to uplift Thats when I knew that God was doing this and the Kingdom of God and to usher people to Christ.

NOT ME. and nobody Else’s including his own.

Solomon uses his gifts of comedy, rapping, Thank you so much for this interview King singing, dancing, and entertaining, to grasp the attention of the youth of this generation. God Solomon. You are a blessed son of God. I thank uses Solomon to teach that the youth their talGod for using you so mightily for this genera- ents are from God and are to be used for His glory. tion.

Solomon is an On-Air Personality for I thank you for the opportunity to be heard Heaven 1580AM-WPGC and has shared the and I hope this interview really helps somebody stage with many artists. He has ministered along with Tonex, T-Bone, Hezekiah Walker, in this journey we call life down “The Road Less Trinity 5-7, Mark St. John Carson, Byron Cage, Traveled” (that’s my next album so look out for Marques Houston, Natalie Wilson, Israel and the New Breed, Kem, and Ginuwine. One thing it, It’s Jes-Us Da Flock). that is noticeable about King Solomon’s ministry is that God has an anointing on his life that allows him to go where hardly any other ChrisVISIONS

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Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

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tian artist gets to go. His ministry is one that gospel through many different genres, with the will break the barrier between the Christian in- sole intention of bringing souls back to Christ. dustry and the secular industry.

King Solomon has proven to be a man of great character, integrity, faith, and passion for the King Solomon has now paired up with Kingdom of God. King Solomon is also a lovRayVen-the messenger bird, a local rapper, ing husband, a loving father, and a man that’s and are co-owners and CEO’s of JesUs after his Father’s heart. With these gifts and DaFlock record/productions company. With talent, King Solomon looks forward to that day this ministry at hand, they are truly heading in when he will look the Father in His face and be the right direction in completing and fulfilling able to hear, “Well done, thy good and faithful their purpose. JesUs DaFlock will spread the rapper”.

www.visionschristianmagazine.com

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VISIONS

BIBLE STORY GOD S PROMISES COME TRUE GOD’S

BUILDING A HOUSE FOR GOD

T

he Law which God wanted the Israel-

After Moses brought these Ten Command-

ites to obey was written by him and

ments down from the mountain, and the people

given to Moses on two flat pieces of stone,

agreed to do what God asked them to do,

called “tables of stone.” In those days the people

Moses went up into the mountain again, and

didn’t have typewriters and printing presses.

God told him to build a tabernacle, and how to

They didn’t have paper, either. So every time it

do it. Maybe you never heard that word “taber-

was necessary to write down something that

nacle” before. A tabernacle is the name the

was important to be remembered it had to be

Bible sometimes gives to a building in which

done on flat pieces of stone, or on pieces of

people worship God. It is God’s house.

dried clay.

Of course God doesn’t need a house to live in as we do. God doesn’t sleep, so he doesn’t need a bedroom. He doesn’t need to eat as we do, so he doesn’t need a dining room. God doesn’t get tired, so he has no need for a sitting room. So you see when the Bible tells us about building a house for God we must remem-

They didn’t write with ink, either. The writing ber that it was not like our houses. was scratched or chiseled on the stone or clay.

God’s house, or tabernacle, which Moses

That’s the way the Ten Commandments of the was asked to build, was not made of brick or

VISIONS

Law were written by God. These Tables of the

stone. It didn’t have any floor at all. The sides of

Law were given to Moses by God while he was

the tabernacle were made of wide wooden

up on the mountain called Sinai.

boards which were placed on end. But you

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wouldn’t think they were wooden boards when

was covered with a very pretty curtain of blue,

you looked at them, because they were entirely

scarlet, and purple. This curtain was called the

covered with gold. The gold was very thin, just

veil. One had almost to crawl under it in order

like paper, but it covered the boards so com-

to enter the tabernacle.

pletely that it made them look as if they were

Now I suppose you wonder how big the tab-

solid gold. These boards that looked like gold

ernacle was! It was forty-five feet long, and fif-

were used to form the walls of the tabernacle.

teen feet wide, and fifteen feet high. Inside, it

The tabernacle didn’t have a roof of boards

was divided into two rooms by a large curtain

or shingles, or tar, or anything like that. I guess

which was called the second veil. The curtain

you are wondering how they kept out the rain.

covering the entrance from the outside was

That was done by very large curtains which were

called the first veil or door. The second veil was

thrown over the top of the tabernacle. There

fifteen feet front the far end or rear of the taber-

were four of these curtains. The first one they

nacle.

put on was like a large piece of fancy canvas.

So there were two rooms in the tabernacle.

Then, over the top of this they spread three other

They were not both the same size, though, for

curtains. Two were made by sewing together

the second veil was hung only, fifteen feet from

the skins of different animals—sheep and

the rear end. Now, if you figure that out you will

seals; the other one was made of goats’ hair.

see that the rear room was only half as large as

These curtains were so large that they not only the front room. The front room was called the covered the top of the tabernacle, but also hung

“holy,” and the rear room was called the “most

down over the sides, covering the gold boards.

holy.”

That meant, you see, that when the tabernacle

Most people today like to have their houses

was finished the only way to see the gold boards

surrounded by shade trees, and green grass,

that formed the walls was to look at them from and flowers; but God told Moses to stretch a the inside.

long white curtain all around the tabernacle and

God’s tabernacle didn’t have a door, either.

in that way to form a big yard, or open space, in

It had an opening at one end, and this opening

which the tabernacle was to stand. This large

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VISIONS

open space enclosed with white curtains was

really what it was, but it wasn’t called a basin. It

called the “court.”

was called a “laver.” There was water in the la-

The court was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. The tabernacle was placed toward the

ver, and those who served in the tabernacle used it when they washed themselves.

back part of the court with the opening, or first

In the front room of the tabernacle, which

veil, facing the entrance. The entrance into the

was called the “holy,” there were three pieces

court was called the “gate.” This “gate” was also

of furniture. On the right, just as one entered,

a beautiful linen curtain of blue, purple, red, and was a small table. On this table there were two white.

plates of bread, called “shewbread.”

I suppose you are wondering if there was

On the opposite side of the room there was

any furniture in God’s house. There was, but not

a large and beautiful candlestick, or lamp stand.

the kind of furniture we have in our homes, be- It had seven lamps which were kept burning all cause God did not live in his house is we live in

the time. If these lamps were not burning, it was

ours. But it did have what we may call furniture.

very dark in this front room of the tabernacle,

Even outside of the tabernacle, in the court,

because there were no windows.

there were two very important articles of furniture. Near the gate in the court was the “brazen altar.”

You remember that we first learned about altars in the story of Cain and Abel. Abel, you will recall, made in altar on which he offered a sacrifice to God. That is what altars were for; they

And then, at the far end of the holy, or front

were places to offer sacrifice. This large altar

room, directly opposite the entrance, was the

in the court was made of wooden boards cov-

golden altar. This altar was much smaller than

ered with sheets of copper.

the one outside in the court, and it was covered

After passing the altar in the court, one came to what looked like a large water basin. That is VISIONS

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Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

with gold instead of copper. The table and the candlestick were also gold. www.visionschristianmagazine.com

So you see, all the furniture in the front room

a bright shining light was put by God. It must

of the tabernacle was of gold. With the gold fur-

have been something like lightning, only instead

niture the gold boards of the walls, it must have

of being just a short flash of light, it remained

been a very beautiful room, don’t you think?

there all the time. No one had to keep it burn-

In the most holy of the tabernacle, that is, in ing. It was God’s light! the far room, which was entered by crawling un-

This tabernacle was God’s house. Of

der the second veil, there was just one piece of

course, God did not actually live in the taber-

furniture. It was called the “ark of the covenant.”

nacle, but the Hebrews knew that they enjoyed

It was about the shape of a large trunk. It also God’s blessings because the tabernacle was was entirely covered with gold. The cover of this

in their midst. So they thought of God as being

large box was made of solid gold.

in the tabernacle. To them it was the house of God, the place where they could find God. They knew that they could always find God in the tabernacle. Sometimes we can’t find our friends because they are away from home, but God was always at home in the tabernacle.

Extending out of that cover, and made of the

Of course they couldn’t see God. Nobody

same piece of gold, there were two beautiful

on this earth has ever seen God. And when I

statues like angels. They were called cherubim.

say that God was always at home in the taber-

They faced each other, and at the same time nacle and that the people could find him there, I were looking down toward the cover of the ark. mean that it was in the tabernacle that they could This cover was called the mercy seat.

find God’s blessings. But there was only a cer-

There were no windows in the most holy, ei- tain way in which the people could obtain God’s ther, and no lamps such as there were in the

blessing in the tabernacle. The Israelites could

holy. So how do you suppose the most holy was

not walk right into the tabernacle and talk with

lighted? Oh, that was a wonderful thing! Be-

God. Oh, no! There were only certain ones whom

tween the cherubim, right over the mercy seat,

God selected to do this, and even these had to

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VISIONS

come to God in a very special way.

brought to Aaron at the tabernacle to be sacri-

They were called the “priests.” The first priest ficed were not actually valuable enough to take was Aaron, the brother of Moses. He was called

away their sins. The reason God wanted them

the high, or chief priest. Aaron’s sons were also

to bring the sacrifices was to teach a lesson.

priests, but less important ones. They were

The lesson God wants us all to learn is that we

called “under priests.” When the people wanted

can have his blessings only if we come to him

blessings from God they had to receive them

through Jesus, and that this is because Jesus

through Aaron, or whoever the priest was. And,

sacrificed his life for us. Let us try to remember

even then, there was only one way to receive

that, shall we?

blessings, and that was by bringing a sacrifice

It would take too long to tell you about all the

to God. That was the purpose of the large altar

sacrifices of the tabernacle, so I will just tell you

in the court surrounding the tabernacle. The sac-

about the most important one. This main sacri-

rifices were burned on this altar.

fice was offered once every year. This is the

Now why were these sacrifices necessary?

way it was done:

It was because the Israelites were sinful. Like

First, Aaron took a young calf, which the

everyone else in the world, they could not do

Bible calls a bullock. He killed it, and certain

things as God wanted them to be done.

parts of it, like the heart and the liver and the

As you read all these stories of the Bible I fat, were burned on the altar in the court. The want you to remember this lesson, that in order

main carcass of the animal was burned outside

for any of us to receive blessings from God there of the court. The blood of this bullock was taken must first be a sacrifice. Will you try to remem- by Aaron all the way into the most holy and ber that? Because God loves us all he gave his

sprinkled on the mercy seat which covered the

own Son, Jesus, who sacrificed himself for the

ark of the covenant.

whole world. Wasn’t that wonderful? Whenever

On his way to the most holy, the priest

you hear anyone say that Jesus died for us, you

stopped long enough at the small golden altar

will know what it means.

to make an offering of incense. This incense

The sheep and calves which the Israelites VISIONS

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Youth & Y oung A dult Edition 2004 Young Adult

was a sort of powdered perfume which the www.visionschristianmagazine.com

priest sprinkled upon coals of fire brought from

his love.

the altar out in the court. The burning of the in-

I wonder if you still remember that grand

cense caused a sweet-smelling smoke to drift

promise God made to Abraham that he in-

into the most holy ahead of the priest.

tended to bless all the people of the world? Well,

After the bullock was offered in this way,

the lesson of the tabernacle and its sacrifices

Aaron killed a young goat and did the same

is to remind us that these blessings which God

thing with it as he did with the bullock, finally

has promised will come through Jesus. They

sprinkling its blood upon the mercy seat in the

will come true because Jesus died for us.

most holy.

Maybe you are wondering why the priest sac-

Now, as I was telling you, all this is a lesson

rificed two animals, first the bullock, and then

to teach us about something much more won-

the goat. It was because God planned to give

derful than the offering of bullocks and goats.

some of us an opportunity to sacrifice our lives

The Bible tells us that the most holy of the tab-

just as Jesus did. Everyone who has really fol-

ernacle represents heaven itself, which is God’s

lowed Jesus has sacrificed his life, because

real home. When Jesus died upon the cross

he loves other people and wants to help them.

and was raised from the dead, he entered into

All those who do this will have the opportunity,

heaven, and God was so pleased with the sac-

when they are made alive again, as Jesus was,

rifice he had made, that now if we pray to God

to work with him in giving life to the people.

in the name of Jesus we will be heard, and God

Wouldn’t you like to be a follower of Jesus when

will bless us.

you grow up? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to use

That is why the cover of the ark of the cov- all your time in doing things for others? enant in the most holy was called the mercy seat. It teaches us that because Jesus shed his blood for us, God in his mercy will bless us, and give us everlasting life. God has always loved the people, but he wants us to know that there is only this one way that we can be blessed with

Q

U

E

S

T

I

O

N

S

What was the tabernacle? Who built it, and for what was it used?

What were the sizes of the rooms in God’s house, and did they have furniture in them?

What is an altar, and for what purpose is it used?

Who did the work of God in the tabernacle?

Dawn Bible Students Association www.visionschristianmagazine.com

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