They offer only superficial help for the harm my people have suffered. They say, 'Everything will be all right!' But everything is not all right! - Jeremiah 6:14 Injustice is not just about racism, classism, or socioeconomic disparities. It's a Kingdom issue. It's something God cares greatly about. He will hold us accountable for injustices we see that we don't address. Here's what He says:
"Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people. But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation." (Jeremiah 22:3-5) Even Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." (Matthew 23:23 NKJV) No Justice. No Peace. Whether its racism, corrupt business practices, inequalities in the legal system, broken educational system, abortion, child slavery, unequal educational resources, neglect and mistreatment of the elderly, and even more, it's our prophetic responsibility as Christians to speak truth to the injustices we see and introduce change through God-inspired solutions. If you don't have any concern for justice, then you will never have peace. READ: What About All the Other Trayvons? Racism. Classism. Sexism. Ageism. And every other "schism" are systems designed by Satan to bring division, fear, and chaos among people. These are all deep-seated issues of injustice. They are very real schemes and have very real consequences. They are not vestiges of a bygone era or something that people should just get over. They don't go away if we try to ignore them or just not talk about them. But like God told Jeremiah 1:10, Christians have been appointed to "uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow" kingdoms of darkness. However, like Jeremiah we have to identify and engage what we are called to destroy. We can't defeat what we won't admit is real. Purposed to Solve Problems Did you know your PURPOSE is connected to a real PROBLEMS in the earth? God placed you here on earth to help fix what's broken with His help. He wants partnership in the planet to bring solutions to the people. But if you're distracted by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life, you will miss your opportunity to help change what's wrong in the world. You will also miss your chance to find DEEP fulfillment in this life. Don't protest or complain about something for which you're not willing to fervently apply your constructive thoughts, time, talents, or treasures (money). Justice issues deserve and require more than just emotional reactions and Facebook posts. It's ok to get mad as long as you're also willing to get mobilized. Otherwise you're just blowing hot air and we don't need any more of that in the atmosphere. LISTEN: Racism. Sexism. Classism. From Paula Dean to the Trayvon Martin Case What are YOU going to do about the injustice you see in your community, city, country, world? The world - and God - are waiting for you to make your calling and election sure. What say you? Thanks for leaving your respectful comments below... For more than a decade I have had a deep desire to create environments that inspire, equip, and empower people to reach their God-given potential. A strong part of this vision was connected to teaching business and entrepreneurship in ways that empower people to maximize their financial potential. That's why I'm super excited to announce a new opportunity that I have to lead an emerging business incubator in South Atlanta called Metro Merge. Launched on MLK Day 2009, Metro Merge is apart of a collective of community development non-profit organizations under FCS Urban Ministries (Focused Community Strategies). FCS was founded by Bob Lupton in 1976 with the mission “to create healthy places in the city where families flourish and God’s shalom is present.” Metro Merge adds its part to this mission by serving as a catalyst to help opportunity and potential emerge in Historic South Atlanta through promoting sustainable enterprises and economic development solutions. Working in partnership with Kingdom Business University, we are developing a full service business incubator and business programming that emphasizes transformational leadership, financial literacy, technological literacy, and social community impact. Learn more at www.metromerge.org. Here is the official press release... WILL YOU INVEST WITH US?Fight Poverty. Grow Businesses. Create Jobs. Metro Merge is a division of FCS Urban Ministries, a non-profit with a 30+ year track record. We’re one of multiple initiatives that all work together with a wholistic emphasis. We rely on ongoing donations to sustain our not-for-profit mission. And we’re working to build a sustainable model to reduce our need for fundraising. Please consider co-investing with us as we join God’s restorative work in the city. Click here to learn more about donating to Metro Merge. "Every problem is a business... The man who solves it becomes an employer!" ~ Dr. Myles Munroe A sure way to achieve success in business is to solve other people's problems profitably. When you produce solutions that help other people or organizations do something better, easier, faster, or cheaper you can just about guarantee that you will be compensated handsomely. Further, when you do it well enough and over a long period of time, your reputation as a problem solver will bring business to your doorstep. Whether you're an employee or entrepreneur, problem solvers are always in demand and never go out of style. No matter what industry you're in or career path you follow, problem solving skills are always at a premium. Regardless of what your job description says, if you're a great problem solver you will be easy to promote and hard to fire. RELATED: Dream B.I.G. in 3D: How to Pursue a Bold, Innovative, God-Inspired Life! The more problems you see the more ideas should be generated in your mind that can be channeled through your job or business. Don't fall into the easy trap of running your mouth with negativity when you really should be focusing your mind on creativity. Just because a bunch of other people are doing it doesn't make it right or profitable. You will separate yourself from the crowd when you refuse to complain about situations and instead focused on producing win-win resolutions. "If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it." ~ Anthony J. D'Angelo With all the problems in the world today, you are never without opportunities to solve problems that can earn you a comfortable income. So if you're struggling financially, look for a problem to solve and ask God for the wisdom to do the job done well and profitably (James 1:5). Leave your comments below... ********************This week on Passion In Action TV we will interview Pastor J. Calvin Tibbs, author of the newly released "Massa's Back But Now He's Black?" In this thought-provoking book the author makes a call to the people of the United States to see the present climate of political dissatisfaction and racial antagonism as a modern expression of the master/slave mentality of America's past. The author sees government-sponsored assistance programs as disguised vehicles by which the assisted trade their liberties for aid and laments the partisanship of both the political Right and Left as having superseded religion and common sense which, the author feels, has substituted popularity for substance and caused a sharp decline in morality and the economy. Pastor Tibbs, a native of Hampton, VA, is currently pastor of Kingdom Dominion Church in Villa Rica, GA.
My guest this week on Passion in Action TV is Lowell C. Pye, Sr., a dynamic gospel singer who grew up in Detroit, Michigan. As the youngest member of the gospel quartet group known as “The Junior Echo’s”, Lowell never knew this humble beginning would pave the way for a lifetime of ministry in the world of gospel music. Lowell gained notoriety when he embarked on his season with John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir in 1990. Though relatively unknown to the masses, Lowell soon became recognized as one the greatest and most distinguishable new voices in the gospel music industry. After singing and traveling with John P. Kee and New Life for four years, Lowell was ready to embark on new beginnings and cofounded the contemporary gospel group, Men of Standard, in 1996. With a string of hits from Men of Standard, the group was able to capture Stellar Awards and several gospel nominations. Though a part of another foursome, Lowell’s ability to harmonize, yet be an individual sets precedence like none other in the gospel industry. For over 30 years, Lowell has been perfecting his gift through ministry. He has toured with industry greats, such as Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and a host of others. With chart topping hits including, “Mighty Long Way” produced by Joe Pace, Lowell has been featured and appeared on more than 25 gospel albums. As an actor in his own right he has shared the stage with the likes of Denise Williams, Peabo Bryson, Morris Day, Debra Morgan, and Dave Hollister; in stage plays across the United States. Lowell currently resides as Worship leader at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. From his early days of traveling and singing with John P. Kee’s New Life Community Choir, to his successful years as one quarter of the Stellar Award winning contemporary gospel quartet group Men of Standard, Lowell Pye has established himself as one of the most soulful male gospel vocalist in the industry. In 2010 Miralex Records and Overflow Entertainment collaborate to present Lowell’s long awaited solo debut project Finally. Produced by the award winning Asaph Alexander Ward, Finally is a blend of Urban inspirational and contemporary worship songs intermingled with a strong influence of traditional gospel. Lowell’s break out radio single is the emotional remake of the Commissioned’s classic hit, “Running Back to You” in which he revisits his Detroit roots and demonstrates his gift to stir an audience and invoke the presence of God. Finally, with guest appearances from Lowell’s friends Pastor Marvin Winans, Rance Allen and Deitrick Haddon, marks a phenomenal milestone in Lowell’s career and establishes his amazing talent as a future legend in gospel music. He now has a new single "I NEED YOU" and prepping for another album. Watch the live stream online this Thursday, March 7th at 7pm ET only on www.passioninaction.tv. You can also watch our previous shows right now. See you Thursday! Check out some of Lowell's powerful music ministry... Revelation 1:6 states, "And hath made us kings and priest unto God…" Dual Domination is a concept in which Christians learn strategies of how to dominate in both the ministry and the marketplace. No more are the days in which we are only good at the ministry or everyone has to go into full time ministry to fill successful. Dual Domination teaches how we can have joint ownership in both realms without anything being watered down. Kingdom Business U. Dual Domination Entrepreneurship Boot Camp focuses on the following areas:
Immediate Benefits:
KBU Facilitators:Paul Wilson, Jr., President of Kingdom Business University, is a "Dream Catalyst" and Marketplace Pastor for leaders and entrepreneurs. He equips leaders with creative, faith-based strategies to flourish spiritually and professionally, while operating from several multi-media platforms, including TV show host, inspirational speaker, and stimulating writer. He is the author of the life purpose igniter “Dream B.I.G. in 3D: How to Pursue a Bold, Innovative God-Inspired Life!” He is also the host of Passion in Action, a motivational and educational faith-based Internet TV show for social entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community change agents. Learn more about Paul at www.paulwilsonjr.com. From the classroom to the boardroom, Alton Jamison, Kingdom Businss U. Chief Operations Officer, is the living embodiment of making it against all odds. Alton’s unique style of speaking, his personal story of triumph, and his innovative presentations separates him from the ordinary motivational speaker. His life models his teachings and he has been on a pursuit to making this world a better place for more than a decade. A former successful engineer in Corporate America, Alton is a now a full time professional speaker and entrepreneur. Prepare to be blown away and experience why Alton is one of the country’s most dynamic speakers. Learn more about Alton at www.altonjamison.com. Teaching specialties include strategic planning, social media, and marketplace ministry. Rev. Perry L. Austin is the Founder and Overseer of W.O.W. Gospel Ministries, Kingdom Technology Alliance, and The Kingdom Culture Connection Movement (KCC Movement). He has been an effective leader for over 20 years within business and ministry. He has a passion for helping people increase their potential by empowering them with biblical principles; as well as concepts and precepts to increase their quality of life. Mr. Austin is a man of many talents and has been successful in many areas of business. Known as a “Team Builder” he has built businesses in the technology and healthcare industries. His first company was a small business called Shore Computers, a Dell authorized dealer, made $100,000 in their first year of business. He currently operates a small consulting firm, named AE Consultants, whose mission is to develop teams in the business marketing arena by helping leaders to focus on the people, not just the money. For more information about the Dual Domination Boot Camp please text "KBU" to 55469.
"If an ax is blunt and the edge isn't sharpened, then one has to use more strength. But wisdom prepares the way for success." - Ecclesiastes 10:10 With all the challenges that entrepreneurs are facing today, we desperately need God-inspired, Biblically-based strategies to continue to grow our businesses. Kingdom Business U. is committed to providing top-notch educational experiences that give Christian entrepreneurs, non-profits, and churches the spiritual strategies and practical tools you need to succeed in spite of what's happening in the economy or community around you. These dynamic Boot Camps will focus on two critical areas for entrepreneurs and non-profits - finances and marketing. Our expert KBU faculty along with some special guests will teach you how to use the most recent innovative concepts and resources in finance and marketing to get maximum results for your business or ministry. Click each of the links below to learn more about the upcoming Boot Camps:
Don't miss these great learning opportunities to exponentially grow your business, ministry, or non-profit!
Contact us today at (678) 310-3017 or info@biznovations.com for special group rates for your church or organization. I have received multiple questions about the "Business Pastor" title that I use on my web site and social media profiles. People are intrigued by this interesting combination of terms that on the surface may not seem like they fit together. However, if we dig a little deeper we will find these two terms should actually be used together more often. Before I delve into exactly what a business pastor does, let's look at a few of the Biblical roles of a "church pastor", who is called by God to lead a group of people according to His will:
There are definitely other roles that we can associate with the traditional pastoral role, but these particular functions are key to being a business pastor. Now this term business pastor has a Biblical foundation if you consider that Peter called us a "royal priesthood" in 2 Peter 1:9. So in reality we are both kings and priests, which represents both a secular and sacred calling. Hence, a business pastor isn't very strange after all (I go further in this teaching two of my other articles, Marketplace of Healing and Kings & Priests in Business). The model of a religious leader providing spiritual support to a secular organization is nothing new (I really don't believe in the concept of the separation of sacred and secular, but I will use these terms for the sake of this discussion. That will be another post later :). Corporations, the U.S. military, and even the U.S. Senate have chaplains who serve them in various ways, including some of what I listed above. Unfortunately, what isn't common are those who operate in a chaplain role for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Entrepreneurs face unique marketplace challenges, and it's often hard for them to find people and places where their personal issues and professional difficulties are understood and addressed relevant to their situation. If a person isn't an entrepreneur, it's typically hard for them to put themselves into the mindset of one. This is where I come into the picture (and many others who may not yet know it). I am passionate about caring, praying, discipling, teaching, encouraging, and advising entrepreneurs to maximize their talents, pursue their calling, and find fulfillment so they can build extraordinary businesses. In addition to spiritual support, I also provide strategic consulting solutions built on Biblical principles to address the necessary practical activities needed to grow a profitable business. So in short I assist entrepreneurs professionally, spiritually, and operationally. I don't have a church building, but I'm being the church by providing spiritual and professional support to entrepreneurs and business people who need to be pastored in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs need love and care too! And God has called me to do that for them. Do you need a business pastor? Are in a corporate job and would like a business pastor / chaplain for your company or department? I can do that for you. Let's talk. Recently I wrote a post “7 Great Ways Your Church Can Economically Empower Your Congregation and Community.” This post includes six more practical ideas to help people in ways that complement the spiritual teachings they receive at your church. The key thing to remember about all these ideas is that the pastor doesn’t have to do them all or lead every effort. It’s time to strategically engage the businesspeople and professionals in your church who would be more than happy to share their expertise with their fellow church members and the community. Here are 6 more ideas…
What has your church done to help to economically empower your congregation and community? get your free Copy of Inc. My Dream!Get a preview copy of Inc. My Dream where you will learn how to plan, launch, and grow a profitable and sustainable business that has a social impact in your community by utilizing Kingdom business principles. As an added bonus you will receive one of Paul Wilson's teachings 7 Fundamentals of Christian Business Success (mp3). Download your free copy now!
In case you didn't know it already, being a real Christian business is not as easy as sliding a few words into your mission statement or slapping a fish on your logo. This is real world stuff with real world considerations and consequences. We're playing for a prize that's eternal, not just our next quarterly earnings target. So whether you realize it or not, being a entrepreneur who is committed to representing God in your business will put you in the crosshairs of those who are hostile to Christianity, reject Biblical standards, and want you to conform to societal pressures. "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." ~ Romans 12:2 Unless you've been totally disconnected from the media in the past couple of weeks, you are well aware that recently Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-a, stated in an interview that he supported the Biblical definition of marriage. I'm not sure he could have predicted or was ready for the incredible backlash he is receiving for simply stating what he believed. He has been vehemently blasted by those who support gay marriage. Interestingly, for simply stating his beliefs - not declaring hatred or discrimination against anyone - vitriolic intolerance has been a common response by those who demand tolerance for their lifestyle choices. The treatment he has received really shouldn't be a surprise, because the issue is much bigger than just his position on gay marriage. Christianity as a whole is under attack and marriage is just a part of that. I would even say that the intolerance directed towards Biblical beliefs these days is as much or greater than the intolerance directed towards the LGBT community. But this overall societal response really shouldn't be a surprise to Christians according to John 15:18-21: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me." Attacks are the norm for those who don't understand the "foolishness" of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). In fact, Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:1-12). So how does all this tie into you as a Christian business owner? Many Believers try to compartmentalize their faith and leave it out of their business affairs. They think they must suppress, downplay, or compromise their beliefs in order to make a dollar or grow a successful business. I don't believe that's true. You can stand up for what you believe in and build a successful business. It just depends on whose definition of success you are using, God's or the world's. Let's look at five things Christian entrepreneurs can learn from the Chick-fil-a controversy:
As a Christian entrepreneur when you are willing to make similar choices in spite of the potential opposition you might face from people who are hostile to God's ways, you will hear "well done good and faithful servant." ******************** |
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