Tag Archives: truth

09.24.14
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The Real About “The Real”

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Inauthentic:  defined as “not in fact what it is said to be; not authentic; lacking full reality.” This is the real about “The Real.”  “The Real”  is a new Fox/BET daytime talk show hosted by Tamar Braxton, Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley, that aired on September 15, 2014 after a successful trial run in July 2013. The five female show hosts discuss their relationships with their husbands, significant other or the person their dating or sexing that week. They also talk recipes, fashions and everything in between. The makings of a good talk show, right? Seemingly so, as its Facebook page has received more than 126,000 likes.

Relationship advice delivered to studio audience and viewers contained these “jewels:”

  • “If you tap this twice, we going out now (meaning going steady).” – Loni Love
  • Sexy Skype: send “sexy” visuals of yourself to your date, partner
  • ‘Trust and Check’- women who say they “trust” their man but still “check up” on what he is doing, check who he’s been talking to
  •  “Have a condom ready just in case, in nightstand drawer.”- Loni Love (referring to a one-night stand)
Hosts of "The Real" daytime talk show

Hosts of “The Real” daytime talk show

But the “real” about “The Real” and shows like it, is this: We can’t expect anything different from a fallen world. People of this nature will always seek to satisfy fleshly desires by embracing vehicles and “solutions” that support their deviant activities, behaviors or desires. They embrace the counterfeit and the inauthentic as a perceived shortcut to the authentic, to the real. They choose not to pursue the authentic paths because the results of the counterfeit appear more promising with presumed quicker rewards. They’ve prostituted themselves by seeking happiness in things that will never fulfill them.

What’s the difference between being inauthentic and authentic? Inauthentic sees only the utilitarian purposes they can get out of someone (how will they benefit me?). Authentic sees how they can contribute to that person’s life, serve them perhaps also spiritually—even if it means some of their own desires are not met. It takes guts and selflessness to be authentic.

It is imperative that Christians discern the truth amidst the onslaught of the fake, the empty, the counterfeit and the fruitless. Authenticity is found in Jesus Christ—the real real.  In a world that embraces the counterfeit, Christians have been called to disperse salt, light and truth where there is confusion and darkness. This is the purpose of ministry: to boldly, compassionately and lovingly awake those with God’s truth who have comfortably fallen asleep with worldly norms.

This is no easy or popular task. For this reason, the laborers are few, but the work/harvest is plenty.

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” –Luke 10:2-3

The world will always celebrate its own (large fan following). Therefore, the message and purpose of Christ confuses today’s wisdom. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.“ (1 Corinthians 1:18-19, New International Version) 

For real talk: Listen to our discussion with campus pastor Bryan A. Sands as we explain  “Why Hookups Are No Hook Up.” 

-Nicole

About Nicole D. Hayes

Nicole D. Hayes is committed to serve as a vessel of compassion, instruction, love and truth for Jesus Christ. Born and raised in Topeka, Kan., she is a member of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, D.C.  Drawn to know Christ in her early childhood and saved at the age of 12, Nicole is a student and applier of God’s Word. She is also a successful public relations professional operating in Washington, D.C., with more than eight years experience of coordinating and delivering strategic communications and media outreach support for nonprofits and small business owners. During her career she has placed several nonprofits and small business owners in national, local and regional media spaces. She operates with a personal and business mantra of “making an investment in people.” Among many things, Nicole is also a motivational speaker. She has been invited to deliver messages to business leaders to not be misguided by the world’s view of success, to direct young people navigating through the world’s challenges, and to remind those who may have lost their way that joyfully, “God Has Not Changed His Mind About You.” Nicole’s purpose in creating “Voices Against the Grain” is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amidst confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

06.07.14
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Winfrey and Angelou: Exchanging Truth for a Lie

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

A poet who might not have known it: there is only ONE way to God.  Unrealistic? Implausible? Yet true.

Today, like many people, I viewed the cable-televised memorial service held for the late author, poet, orator and multi-talented, Dr. Maya Angelou. Her nearly three-hour service held at Wake Forest University’s Wait Chapel, aired in part on CNN and uninterrupted on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Interesting speeches were given, and songs sung. Following the service, OWN aired a Super Soul Sunday “Soul to Soul” interview Oprah had previously with Dr. Angelou. While I admire the writings and exquisite delivery of words whether written or spoken by Dr. Angelou, it was in this interview clip where a heaviness weighed in my gut. The heaviness drove the writing for today’s necessary late-day posting. This post is not to disparage Dr. Angelou or her memory, but to dispel a deception widely accepted and believed, and leading many astray.

During the interview, Oprah asked intently of her longtime mentor and “mother,” “Dr. Angelou, what is your definition of God?” Dr. Angelou replied, “All.” She said, “God is ‘all’ in one word.” (Actually, He’s the Great I AM).  Then Oprah asked, “Is there many ways to get to him?” Dr. Angelou said, “Yes, all roads lead to God.” Oprah then followed up with more conversation that lead her to say,”There’s not just one gate. There are as many gates to God as there are people.”

At Voices Against the Grain, our mission and objective is to provide clarity where there is confusion; to dispel deception by presenting truth, and to instruct truth in love. We would not be thorough in our ministry/service to you by not presenting God’s truth on the topic. The author and perfecter of our faith said it many times, many ways while some have chosen to twist it to appease those intent on finding any other way there but through Christ Jesus. Here it is again for everyone’s review:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

“Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” (1 John 2:23)

Given the gravitas and high regard earned by Dr. Angelou, it’s no surprise how one could support her perspective. We live in a big and diversified world.  Yes—God can meet us in different places. Yet, God’s Word tells us how we get to Him.

God is not a joke or a play thing.  He is GOD Almighty. In a world that would rather exchange the truth of God for a lie, I pray that He lovingly and mercifully remove the veil from blinded eyes and move hearts to draw near to Him. Only in relationship with Christ Jesus will truth be revealed and clarity restored.

“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, New Living Translation)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-19)

 

 

05.14.14
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The Reaping of a Corrupt and Deceived Society

Reader: While many Christians love sharing the good and encouraging portions of Christ’s messages, few will boldly step to the line to dispense God’s Word when it challenges popular worldly activities, behaviors, policies or systems. At Voices Against the Grain joined by other unwavering believers, I am pleased to stand with folks who don’t shy away from delivering God’s Word in truth and in love. In doing so, God’s Word is designed to heal the broken, restore what was stolen, make the crooked places straight, free those who are bound, bring life where there is death and stem the tide of corruption. Pleased to share Ana’s message below.  -Nicole

 

Galatians 6:7-9.  7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (King James Version)

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

We live in a society that consistently sows to the flesh.  I am not here to cast stones but to speak truth.  If we sow to the flesh we will reap corruption, and if you open your eyes corruption is all around us: greed, lust, injustice, etc.  Sexual sin tends to corrupt our country the most, from the porn industry to human trafficking and same-sex marriage being forced upon us. As stated in 1 Corinthians 6:9, “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men.”

Furthermore, abortion is presented as a lifestyle while the reality is that millions of babies have never received the chance to live—and a lifetime of guilt and remorse plague the mothers. According to Planned Parenthood, approximately 3 out of 10 women in the U.S have had an abortion by the time they are 45 years old.  Nearly 80 percent of abortion clinics are specifically placed in minority neighborhoods with African American woman having the highest abortion rate. Since 1973 and the passage of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, more than 55 million “legal” abortions have taken place.

The enemy comes to destroy one’s purposes in their infancy, and too many people have bought into the lies they are being fed.  I am a firm believer in forgiveness through Jesus Christ and that He can restore all that has been lost, but we must repent and turn from our sin.  I encourage you to pray for our Nation and pray for people to wake up and see things for the way they really are; so they may be restored from deception and confusion. We want to preach the love of Christ yet we sometimes forget that when He healed, He also said “go and sin no more” (John 5:14, John 8:11)  We must die to our flesh as stated in (Romans 8:13).  And he said to them all, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  Luke 9:23 (KJV)

Ana

About Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich.  Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home.  Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her.  In her youth she was like the prodigal son.  She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God.  Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding.  She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord.  Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ.  Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”

Ana has served on the Missionary Field, and has served in and led praise and worship, web design, children’s ministry and youth ministry.  Ana’s most recent initiative is Georgia Peach Ministry, a non-profit she founded that serves widows and orphans.  Ana is also on the board of the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship. Ana is a private chef and has worked with professional athletes over the past five years. She is also an entrepreneur and is part owner in an interior design business, a chef placement business, and is entering into the food product industry.

  Ana

12.16.13
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Myth vs Truth

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Guest Blogger

Titus 1:2- “This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.” (New Living Translation)

(This is for Jason Alexandre who requested this devotional, a bro who is a symbol for the modern-day generation.)

What is a myth? A myth is defined by an invented story or idea. A myth creates a mirage fueled by secret desires we wish to fulfill, but can’t attain. A myth is what Ponce de Leon (an explorer who founded Florida) looked for when he searched for the fountain of youth. A myth is a sighting of the Loch Ness monster.

Thus, what is truth? Truth is the rainbow after a torrential rain. Truth is the rising and setting of the sun. Truth is the bridge God built so we might cross over to have eternal life. Truth is God. So, when walking the line of myth and truth, ask yourself, what am I longing for? Does this world fulfill my desire for significance? Ten times out of 10 it won’t, and there our confidence will be restored in God’s promises. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well  as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C.  At his current age of 24, Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the PureHope advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.

Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye.  He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.

 

10.09.13
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The Kingdom is Inseperable from the Gospel

PLEASE READ. Those who preach the “prosperity gospel” for selfish gain have hijacked God’s Word from its true intention.  Because of this blatant distortion of God’s Word that many have fallen prey to, I am compelled to share the following Freedom Squared blog post written by dear friend, mentor and colleague, Hakim Hazim.  The blog post, “The Kingdom is Inseperable from the Gospel” is part of their Self-Deception Series. In the post he writes, “The gospel is not about health and wealth, it is not an insurance policy from the lake of fire. It is good news for the elect. To focus on anything other than the one who saves is to make salvation a means to an end.”

Thank you Hakim for sharing with us this timely message to successfully discern truth from deception.  Read it below.

Hakim_Bio_Photo_in_Grey_SuitThere has been quite a bit of noise and controversy made in recent decades regarding preaching and doctrine. Perhaps the rapid expansion of the prosperity/wellness gospel and the insurance gospel are not indicators of revival but men’s ability to hijack and distort God’s word. The two spring from the same tree: man’s self-seeking heart.

To be more specific, the health and prosperity gospel are tied to securing benefits in this that alleviate or eliminate physical suffering or deprivation of any type. The insurance gospel rests on the idea that a sinner can say a prayer and be indemnified from eternal judgment, if he is sincere at the moment he says it. These notions of the gospel perpetuate the deception that man can be in charge of his temporal and eternal destiny by sincerity and believing alone. Although these sentiments are understandable from a human vantage point, they fall short of historical, biblical standards. God must give us the faith to believe and purify our hearts so that we can be sincere. These doctrines are made in America and made for Americans, but they are foreign to the sound teaching of scripture.

Election teaches us that God examines, draws and secures the hearts of all who will ever belong to Him. The gospel issues from the sovereignty of God and is but one aspect of governance from His vantage point. We would do well to remember this in a humanistic age.

The gospel is not about health and wealth. It is not an insurance policy from the lake of fire. It is good news for the Elect. To focus on anything other than the one Who saves is to make salvation a means to an end. The Lord despises the misuse of His word for selfish gain, but He is also quick to forgive those who repent of this (We have all done it in some manner or form). The Kingdom is moving and you will move with it or it will move against you. Lay hold of it friend. Lay hold of it.

Here is a good read that amplifies some of the points I have made: http://chalcedon.edu/research/articles/the-gospel-of-the-kingdom-of-god/

About Hakim Hazim

Hakim Hazim, author of several published books and articles, nationally recognized criminality and national security theorist is the co-founder of Freedom², which focuses on believers in America and other free societies. Hakim, who is based near Boise, Idaho, was raised Muslim and is a born-again Christian since 1993. Daniel Jackson, a former youth pastor, is the organization’s other founding member and technology expert with a Fortune 500 company. Other project partners include researcher Charles Holmes, Jr., and Dracy Jenkins. Hakim is also the founder of the Christian-based national security consultancy, Relevant Now, which provides clients with ”timely, insightful and transformative information.” Hakim has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies from the California State University San Bernardino.