Rabbi Ralph Messer who was the featured minister that crowed Bishop Eddie Long in a Kingship ceremony, speaks out on the mounting criticism of his ministry.  The video where Bishop Eddie Long was crowned ‘King of God’s Government’ has ruffled feathers at a sensitive time of negative publicity for the New Birth Bishop.  Rabbi Messer said that the goal of his visit to New Birth “was to encourage a community that had been extremely discouraged.” 

In the hour long video, Messer addresses two separate faiths.  Jews and Christians.  He started with an apology to anyone who felt the Torah scroll was being disrespected.  The apologetic tone was then expressed to Christians at the conclusion of a sermon that focused on forgiveness and judging.

In response to the Jews who were offended Messer had this to say, “I teach Jesus our savior.  I teach the Hebrew roots of the Christian Faith/the torah.  I teach the first 5 books.. In other words I teach Moses.  We are Christians who believe in the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith.  We are not apart of any Messianic groups.”  

Messer goes on to say, “We never attended to make Bishop Eddie Long a King. I can’t make him a King. There is only one King.  Jesus Christ.”

Ralph Messer feels that he was taken out of context, saying that the 14 minute clip that went viral was not representative of what he meant.  He says, “I was referring to the Kingship in all of us, not in one man.”

Roughly one hour later Messer said this to the Christian community.  “I came to simply honor a man that needed to be encouraged.  The news media and the press had slaughtered him.  What’s wrong with encouraging a man of God?  The heart of the offense is judgement against Bishop Eddie Long, rather then mercy and forgiveness.”

Ralph Messer defended Bishop Eddie Long, but was careful to express concern for anyone who has ever been sexually abused.

Since the original Kingship ceremony aired, several church leaders have taken the steps to distance themselves from Rabbi Messer’s ministry.  Pastor Paula White was recently linked to the Rabbi when a video surfaced showing a similar demonstation evolving White.  In it White was wrapped in a Torah, but she was not crowned a queen.  Whites’ people have vehemently denied any connection to Ralph Messars teachings.  Leading some to believe they weren’t as forthcoming with Paula White’s ties to the Rabbi. 

If you want to check out the apology you can look at the video below.  Whether you except the Rabbi’s reasoning are not, I predict he won’t be wrapping anyone else in a Torah scroll for a while.

Recorded live at Passion 2012 and featuring sixstepsrecords artists Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill, along with the voices of more than 42,000 college students at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, PASSION: White Flag will release worldwide on March 13th.

The album will feature some familiar songs while also highlighting brand new music spurred from Passion 2012, including the first single, featuring Chris Tomlin, “White Flag,” impacting radio on February 24th, along with a Bonus Deluxe with three exclusive tracks (full track listing below). White Flag is the follow-up record to Passion: Here For You, which debuted at No. 11 on Billboard’s Top 200 when it released in March 2011 selling over 30,000 units and garnering the No. 1 spot on the Christian Albums Chart. Since the first release in 1998, Passion projects have sold more than 1.8 million albums and introduced the newest and up-and-coming worship songs, including “Better Is One Day,” “How Great Is Our God,” “God Of This City,” “Holy Is The Lord,” “Waiting Here For You,” and in 2010, the #1 radio single “Our God” (from 2010’sPassion: Awakening).

Recently commended by President Obama in his speech (at 12:43) at the Presidential Prayer Breakfast, Passion 2012 helped 42,000 students representing 31 countries and more than 1,700 campuses learn about the horrific realities faced by the 27 million people worldwide who are enslaved as forced laborers, child laborers or trapped within the all- too prevalent sex trade. In total, $3.3 million was given to support more than 20 projects around the world by organizations that are focusing on prevention, rescue, and restoration for the millions of men, women, and children entrapped in modern day slavery.

Not only did students give financially to impact people all over the world, but they also provided enough towels and socks to the homeless shelters in the city of Atlanta to supply them for more than a year. More than 36,000 towels and 150,000 socks were donated.

CNN captured the heart of Do Something Now this year in a story profiling the efforts being made by the students and the heart and purpose behind Passion. Click here to watch the story.

Passion 2012 was a four-day gathering for college students and was led by renowned teachers Louie Giglio, John Piper, Francis Chan, and Beth Moore, among others, as well as lead worshipers Chris Tomlin, David Crowder* Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, and more.

To keep up with the Passion movement throughout the year, follow @Passion268 on Twitter, find on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Passion268generation or visit http://268generation.com. To track the freedom efforts visit http://dosomethingnow.com.

African Americans have contributed much to today’s musical landscape. Both genres of Gospel and Jazz have allowed African Americans to express their faith and passion through two different improvisational styles of music. Both genres will be on display on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the famed jazz supper club, Blues Alley, as Inspirational Singer Robert E. Person takes to the stage making his debut at the Washington, D.C. venue. Person will be performing songs from his repertoire, many penned by African American composers. The artist plans to introduce new material as well. Humbled at the opportunity, Robert will be performing at the same venue that artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ramsey Lewis have played. The live concert will be hosted by WEAA’s Marcellus “Bassman” Shepard. Tickets are available for the evening’s two shows, 8PM and 10PM, at www.bluesalley.com.

Joining Person will be the Allyn Johnson Trio. Called “The King of D.C. Jazz Piano” by The Washington City Paper, Allyn Johnson and his exceptionally talented group will be on display on February 16th. The Director of Jazz Studies at University of The District of Columbia, Johnson is a renowned jazz musician and the producer of Robert’s latest release, Soul Sanctuary. The project’s lead single, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, has catapulted the artist to impressive chart placements and national recognition. An award-winning vocalist who has been seen on The WORD Network and at the festivities during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication, Robert is a rising star in the world of Gospel music.

Many in Gospel and Jazz have been raving about the singer. Bob Baldwin, GRAMMY Nominated Jazz Artist and Radio Host says, “Robert E. Person is a new, true, soulful and heartfelt artist on the horizon and deserves your attention!” Harold Rayford, Pastor & Stellar Award-winning Gospel Jazz Saxophonist says, “There aren’t any singers out there today that could even imitate this guy. Honestly, his vocal style and class are only surpassed by the humility and discipline he exhibits in his songs.” Bob Marovich of TheBlackGospelBlog.com says, “Robert E. Person is from Washington, DC but his voice is as big as Texas. His robust style – part gospel singer, part jazz balladeer – can be heard on his third CD, Soul Sanctuary, an indie project with major label personality.” More information about Robert E. Person can be found at www.RobertEPerson.com.

From the eclectic and boundless elements of music evolve a vocalist and a lyricist who convey an inspiring message through hard hitting beats of hip hop, the cutting-edge appeal of alternative, while giving you cool melodic infusion of jazz and R&B. Not restricted to one genre, heartfelt testimonial lyrics penetrate the soul as a musical therapeutic experience, giving you the captivating truth of God leaving you encouraged to be F.R.E.E.

F.R.E.E., Forever Radical Edifying & Exalting, are two young, gifted ladies from San Antonio, TX. While pursuing individual musical adventures, God’s divine intervention would sync these two musical songwriters to accomplish a greater goal for kingdom building and inspiring souls to have the liberty to be set F.R.E.E.

The Lyricist – Shantelle “Eclectic” Thompson – My rap style is one of clear delivery in execution and in message. For those who may listen to rap, not necessarily gospel rap or spoken word, I want the message of Christ to be received by them. As a very ambitious person, I strive to give everything my all and have a sincere passion for the success of people as a whole. It’s very important that everyone understands the lyrics that flow through the mic and for the songs to be appealing so it can catch the ear of the listener who would rather hear the sounds of mainstream. My desire is for all to love the beat and music, but most of all, I want them to leave knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Vocalist – Yvette “Vet” Hardin – People can’t receive you if you’re too “deep”, so I keep my writing style simple, which is sometimes best. I’m a bit quirky and love to laugh. I’m honest, very caring and my vocal style reveals just that. I do what I do because of the love for Christ and his message. Christ + music = my divine purpose. Although some people may consider it cliché, I believe only what you do for Christ will last. As I sing and Eclectic raps, I want our music to be heavily receptive and to inspire people from all walks of life. The Lord made us to all to be individually different. He loves us just as we are regardless of our flaws; it’s time we do the same. Being a Christian is so cool and so much fun! We serve a loving God with a loving message full of deliverance. Offering Christ to people is why I’m here.

F.R.E.E. humbly takes on the roll as the only Hip Hop female duo with a Christian platform.

Although F.R.E.E. has only been a group for only a year, an organic flow and kindred spirit bonds Yvette and Shantelle in music, love and sisterhood. The two met on the campus of Prairie View A&M University while chartering the Lambda Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women.

Through their debut EP, UNRESTRICTED, F.R.E.E.’s infectious music is captivating audiences, but, more so, the lyrical content is being absorbed and piercing the souls of listeners. Yvette and Shantelle are sweet spirited young women, but bring an authoritative and confident presentation to the stage as demonstrated recently when the ladies opened up for the popular MisFits Tour that featured The Ambassador, DaT.r.u.t.h., Mali Music and B. Reith. Their single “Free” is that example of the bold lyrical content and a fresh bangin’ track that resonates with generations of all ages.

While growing in God themselves, their goal is to reach the hearts of youth and young adults who do not have a relationship with Christ and to elevate those who desire a closer walk with Him and for all to dwell in a life that’s 4Ever Free!

Contemporary Gospel Artist/Songwriter Carl Brister releases his inspirational version of the classic hip hop soul track “Love No Limit” as performed originally by R&B Icon Mary J. Blige. The up-tempo urban gospel remake features new inspirational and uplifting lyrics written by Carl Brister. Carl Brister states, “I believe now more than ever, people really need to hear about God’s love and also have a good time. So I re-wrote the lyrics and made it a party song that feels good.”

Carl Brister’s third solo album UNDEFEATED is an uplifting feel-good contemporary gospel CD that crosses over into various elements of Rhythm & Praise, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, and Christian Contemporary music. It satisfies the listener who enjoys a variety of today’s music, yet desire lyrics that feed the spirit and soul. This powerful 12-song disc distinctively displays the vocal, songwriting, and musical growth of this gifted and talented artist.

It’s often stated that most timeless songs have been birthed out of the great extremes of life’s experiences. With many tragedies, triumphs, pains, and celebrations, this new CD clearly showcases Carl Brister’s most enduring collection of songs he has ever written. Each of these songs have all found their place on his triumphant new CD appropriately titled UNDEFEATED.

Carl Brister adds, “I pushed myself to go outside of my box and intentionally worked with a lot of new people who would stretch me as a singer and songwriter in order to grow.” The result is an anointed CD that delivers stand out original and cover songs, which includes the guitar driven contemporary christian worship anthem and title track “Undefeated”.

Carl Brister’s musical accomplishments include being featured on the Sony/Word release A MIGHTY FORTRESS by CD Hawkins and Singers. Past solo credits include two independent solo CD albums entitled THE JOURNEYand FOCUS.

Carl Brister’s sophomore solo effort produced two singles entitled “Pray for Me”and “Determination” which was voted as the #1 most requested song on radio in the Hampton-Rhodes, Virginia market. The music video for the single “Pray for Me” continues to be a favorite on video programs world-wide.

Carl Brister has been seen nationally and internationally with appearances on the NBC daytime drama “Another World”, B.E.T.’s Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel Show, B.E.T.’s Video Gospel, The Word Network, Music Choice, JC-TV, among others.

In lieu of his new CD release, Carl Brister will embark on a “Love No Limit” regional promotional tour during the months of April and May 2012. To book Carl Brister contact Agape Music Works, LLC at 973-325- 0373. For more information visit www.carlbrister.com

Carl Brister resides in West Orange, New Jersey and is married with two children.

After the over-the-top King crowning video of Bishop Eddie Long went viral, another high profile televangelist is taking heat because of their ties to Rabbi Ralph Messer.

Pastor Paula White was rumored to be crowned Queen in a future service.  An allegation that White and her representative vehemently deny.  

Statements were released on Paula White’s website to deflect the connection between White and Rabbi Messer.  Then an anonymous person uploaded a video that shows a torah wrapping demonstration similar to the one performed at Bishop Eddie Long’s new birth church.

White has previously interviewed Rabbi Messer, reportedly a Messianic Jew, on her television show, the statement affirmed. However, the statement also insisted that White has “no ties or affiliation” with Messer and that “she does not endorse him in any way, and she will not be participating in any events with him.” 

Included with White’s statement was a comment her attorney, Daniel Beirute, made to the Florida Courier’s publisher, in which he called the publication’s report a “ridiculous fantasy” and insisted that White “has no ties or affiliation with Mr. Messer. She does not endorse him in any way, and she would never consider participating in any so-called coronation under any circumstances, whatsoever.”

But the 2009 video, which has already gone viral on the Internet, clearly shows Messer performing a nearly identical Torah wrapping on the pastor, which have led some to speculate that White’s attorney was not entirely forthcoming in his statement. 

The ceremony involving Long, interpreted as a “coronation” ceremony by observers, is said by Messer to be symbolic of Long being “wrapped in the Word of God,” which serves as protection for the person within the scroll’s folds. Both Messer and Long received harsh criticism from Jewish observers, as the Torah is seen as sacred in Judaism. Following a bashing from the Anti-Defamation League, Long publicly apologized Sunday for participating in the ritual.

Paula Whites Torah wrapping video can be seen below.

What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?, the first book by Dove Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated worship leader Laura Story, will release March 13 by Freeman-Smith, a division of Worthy Publishing. The 30-day devotional is based on Story’s #1 song, “Blessings,” nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.

Comprised of 30 daily devotions designed to draw readers into a deeper understanding of God’s sometimes mysterious gifts, What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops? includes the devotions “He Loves Us Too Much to Give Us Lesser Things”; “When Faith Disappears”; “The Blessed Thorn”; “Giving Endurance a Chance to Grow”; and “How Can We Find Peace Amid Suffering?” Each devotion contains Story’s personal reflections garnered from her own journey, along with prayers, quotes and a journaling page for readers to recount how blessings have impacted their own lives.

Written and recorded by Story, “Blessings” was a #1 hit at Christian AC and Inspo radio last year, in addition to topping the iTunes Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart for 28 consecutive weeks. The song is featured on Story’s critically acclaimed Fair Trade Services recording, Blessings. Her previous recording, Great God Who Saves, garnered a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year and featured the hit single, “Mighty to Save.” In addition, Story penned the popular worship song “Indescribable,” recorded by Chris Tomlin.

Story is involved in music and women’s ministry at Perimeter Church in Atlanta, where she resides with her husband, Martin. She will be on the Girls Night Live Tour this spring with Mandisa and Britt Nicole. For a complete list of upcoming dates, visit www.laurastorymusic.com.

Worthy Publishing, a division of Worthy Media, Inc., is a privately held company whose mission is helping people experience the heart of God. Worthy is an independent voice in Christian publishing, managing editorial, marketing, publicity, sales and distribution from its home offices in Brentwood, Tennessee. Worthy focuses on a boutique list of new books each year, crossing a broad spectrum of genres, including fiction, Bible study, current events, devotionals, biography, leadership, specialized Bibles, as well as spiritual and personal growth.

What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops? ($11.99) will be distributed to retail outlets nationwide by EMI CMG. For a free download of the first chapter, visit www.laurastorymusic.com/free. For further information, visit www.worthypublishing.com.

On the outside this appears to be another sad attempt to get the approval of man.  Bishop Eddie Long recently brought in a guest Rabbi who crowned him King.  Elevating him from a commoner to a kinship.

Many are analyzing the video but you’ll have to see it for yourself to determine whether or not you believe this is kingship in a spiritual sense or a worldly sense.   

Long has recently returned to preaching church services again after briefly stepping down as head pastor from the church due to a sex scandal and subsequent divorce from his wife. This Sunday however, he invited a special guest, Rabbi Ralph Messer. The church televised a very special edition of worship service as the rabbi crowned the bishop as “king”.In this 14 minute-long video clip, Messer reveals to church members a priceless 312-year-old scroll apparently recovered from Auschwitz after World War II. After introducing Long, he says, “He was brought through the slaves, raised up in a city, and God now wants to release a new anointing.”

At around the five-minute mark, Messer wraps an emotional Eddie Long in the scroll. After more prayer and being fully wrapped in the scroll, which is said to be done for kings in Israel as a Jewish ritual, four men from the church proceed to “raise him up from a commoner to a kinship.” Long is paraded around the church stage so that members are able to applaud their new king.  The demonstration seemed to excite the crowd.

 Is this word?  Or worldly?  You decide.

BISHOP EDDIE LONG APOLOGIZES FOR KINGSHIP VIDEO

“The ceremony was not my suggestion, nor was it my intent, to participate in any ritual that is offensive in any manner to the Jewish community, or any group. Furthermore, I sincerely denounce any action that depicts me as a King, for I am merely just a servant of the Lord,” Long wrote in a letter dated Saturday.

The letter was addressed to Bill Nigut, southeast regional director of the Anti-Defamation League — a Jewish group that fights anti-Semitism.

“While I believe that Rabbi Ralph Messer has good intentions during his message at New Birth, I understand that the ceremony he performed on Sunday, January 29th, caused harm to the Jewish community, for which I am deeply sorry,” Long wrote.

Bill Nigut accepted Long’s apology saying he felt it was sincere.

Rabbi Hillel Norry of Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta said last week the ceremony was “ridiculous.” There’s no Jewish coronation ceremony where someone is wrapped in a Torah and made a king, he said.”We just don’t do that. We treat it with deference,” Norry said of the Torah. “It’s not a shawl, not a crown. Don’t treat it that way.”

 

They say Home is where the heart is and this rings true for the Chicago Mass Choir.

This phenomenal choir bears the name of their famous hometown and as one of Chicago’s Gospel Music staples, they have truly made Chicago proud. Chicago Mass Choir’s musical achievements, including their 2012 Stellar Award nominations will be celebrated by Chicago’s gospel station WGRB Inspiration 1390AM on February 10, 2012.

On Friday, February 10^th, Inspiration 1390 will salute all 2012 Chicago Stellar nominees and winners during the Chicago Stellar Awards Salute held at Christ Universal Temple.  Chicago Mass Choir will be honored along with Vashwan Mitchell, Shekinah Glory Ministries, Todd Dulaney and others.

Chicago Mass Choir’s President, Dr. Feranda Williamson expressed her gratitude, “It was truly an honor to be a finalist for the 2012 Stellar Awards, but an even greater honor to be recognized for our contributions to Gospel Music at home- with other Chicago based winners and finalist.”

The gospel community will also have a chance to hear Chicago Mass Choir perform a few of their hits and new music from their new CD “XV”-Live during the celebration.

It is such a nice treat for Chicago Mass Choir to be celebrated at home and will be one they always remember!

For More Info on the Chicago Stellar Awards Tribute visit: http://www.inspiration1390.com/pages/StellarAwardsSalute/#ixzz1lKfOstQ8

Chicago Mass Choir Presents “XV”-Live CD/DVD is available in stores and online.

For more information please visit: www.chicagomasschoir.com

Chicago Mass Choir Booking info: (773) 925-6755 and info@chicagomasschoir.com

Many small to mid-size churches start to grow by holding church services on weekends at public school facilities. This right is being threatened in New York City, and could start a dangerous precedent world-wide.   According to the Christian Post, some 60 churches may be left homeless as a ban that prohibits worship services at New York City public schools takes effect on Sunday. While churchgoers continue to fight the ban, some are also crying foul over the lack of support from megachurches.

New York’s megachurches have been mostly silent on the issue since the Supreme Court refused to hear the case of a Bronx congregation that tried to secure access to a public school auditorium for Sunday services. Some New York City church leaders wonder why the large churches have not done anything to help.

Pastor Bill Devlin of Manhattan Bible Church has helped lead the Right to Worship protests since the beginning. He told The Christian Post that a steering committee made up of 10 pastors affected by the ban came to him and asked, “Where are these pastors who have these huge churches? They have been absolutely silent.”

Devlin said they have tried contacting large churches that have their own buildings, and the “major response we’ve gotten from big dog churches and pastors is, ‘We’ll pray for you.'”

He has personally approached some megachurch pastors in the NYC area as well. Last December, at the mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, he said he spoke with A.R. Bernard, pastor of the Christian Cultural Center, one of the largest evangelical churches in the city. Devlin told Bernard: “We need your help.”

Bernard responded, “I’m working on the inside,” according to Devlin.

Bernard told The Christian Post that he has been in conversations with both the Chancellor of New York City Schools and the mayor’s office. But he also said that “nothing has changed up to this point. The deadline in their minds is still set for the 12th. They have their reasons.”

Since the Supreme Court decision in December, hundreds have held protests outside schools, City Hall, and the Department of Law against the ban, set by the city’s Department of Education. The deadline banning the use of schools by churches is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Click here to read the rest by the Christian Post.