One of the most arrogant and unlearned notions to ever disgrace the lips of a so-called Christian is the unbiblically stated idea that, “I don’t need anyone to teach me”. This lie is often advanced by so-called “Black Hebrew Israelites” as well as unlearned and arrogant church folks.

Jesus himself had teachers; Paul had teachers; in fact, all the apostles were teachers. The book of Hebrews says the Holy Ghost gave us teachers and made us teachers of others. God has given people the gift of teaching, so that we can… teach!

1. To ensure that you are not leaning to your own understanding

Peer reviews ae very important in every area and walk of life. Educators demand that students read peer reviewed journals, People with “real” doctorate degrees must have their dissertations reviewed by professional peers and colleagues. Obtaining a minister’s license means that your doctrinal teachings and views are biblical, orthodox, and safe.

(TO LIVE OUT LOUD FOR JESUS?!)

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) declares, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. While 2 Timothy 1:7 is not a promise given to sinners, I recently listened (intentionally) to a hip-hop song that left me both indignant and, in some ways, impressed.

At the beginning of the song, with the crowd joining in, the rap artist proudly and loudly yelled out, “RAP IS SOMETHING YOU DO, HIP HOP IS SOMETHING YOU LIVE!” Once the song began, he rapped about money, diamonds, gold and surprisingly, his wife.

It has been said that there are two Christmases, one where the body of Christ observes the birth of a savior and one that the rest of the world uses as an excuse to party. Despite this, every holiday season the unlearned and theologically challenged, along with the grinches and scrooges that inspire them, accuse true Christians of “worshipping” God in the same manner that pagans worship their false gods. We do not. For true Christians (followers and worshippers of Jesus) Christmas is not simply a time of worship and praise, for we do that all the yearlong.

After experiencing several of my anti-vaxxer friends and colleagues die from a disease that a simple injection could have cured, I decided it was time to break my silence on an important COVID-19 issue. Recently, I asked a woman had she been vaccinated; her response was a resounding “NO!” She followed up with what she thought was a show-stopping question: “Do you know the long-term effects of the vaccine?” she fearfully said. My response was, “Uh, yeah, as a matter of fact I do, but the long-term effects aren’t as important as the short-term effects which is pretty much, you get the ventilator and sometimes you die!”