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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

From Darkness to Light: Discernment, Redemption, and the Call to a Great Awakening

I had the opportunity to watch Jamie Foxx's stand-up special for the second time, and this time, I approached it with a more critical and prayerful heart. The first time I watched it a few days ago, I focused on the parts that resonated with my personal journey, particularly my ongoing recovery from a stroke. It reminded me of my own struggles and triumphs, and I initially shared mostly positive reflections. However, as a man of God, I felt compelled to listen more carefully, seeking discernment through prayer, and this is what I felt.

Jamie Foxx's performance was raw, emotional, and deeply reflective of a soul grappling with the weight of life, faith, and loss. His fictional dialogue with God struck a nerve, not because of its humor, but because of the deeper cry for deliverance it revealed—a yearning that so many in this world share. Yet, amidst the vulnerability, I couldn't ignore the pervasive profanity and blasphemous undertones that clouded the message. It became evident that what we often consume as entertainment can sometimes carry a spirit of rebellion or rejection against the very God who longs to heal and restore us.

In the midst of Foxx's performance, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 1:21-22:

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."

This scripture speaks to the spiritual struggles of humanity—acknowledging God yet rejecting Him in the very breath that longs for His presence. Foxx’s monologue reflected this tension, as he admitted to rejecting faith while simultaneously expressing feelings of abandonment by God.

As I watched, I felt the Holy Spirit impress upon my heart the reality that God’s grace is still available, even in moments of defiance. Just as the prodigal son in Luke 15:20 was met with compassion and forgiveness, so too does God stand ready to embrace anyone who turns back to Him, no matter how far they’ve strayed. I sensed that Foxx’s words were more than a comedic act—they were the cries of a man who has faced near-death and is wrestling with his need for divine reconciliation.

We are living in a time of great shaking, where spiritual darkness often appears to dominate the landscape. Yet, I believe this shaking is part of what some are calling the Great Awakening—a season where God is calling His people to rise above distraction, to discern truth from deception, and to be light in the midst of darkness. As believers, we must be vigilant and rooted in the truth of God’s Word, remembering the promise of John 1:5:

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

I urge my brothers and sisters in Christ to approach content like this with prayerful discernment. While we may find glimpses of truth and vulnerability in the stories shared by entertainers, we must weigh them against the eternal truth of Scripture. As Jesus said in Matthew 12:36-37:

"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Instead of being distracted or discouraged by the blasphemy and profanity present in media and society, let us fix our eyes on Yahusha, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and stand firm as ambassadors of the Most High. God’s light will prevail, and His love can redeem even the most broken hearts. Let us pray for Jamie Foxx and others who are searching for answers, that they may encounter the transformative power of God’s love and grace.

Let us not be discouraged by the darkness, for as it is written in 2 Corinthians 4:6:

"For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ."

May we remain faithful in our calling and continue to shine the light of truth in every corner of this world.

Eιɖεર Dરε


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About Me

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I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.

MY THEOLOGICAL TRAINING:

It brings to my face a unadulterated smile each and every occasion I am asked, “Elder Dre, What Theological Training do you have?”

My heart beams with joy at the opportunity to humbly give full glory to God as I reflect on on how the prophets, patriarchs and apostles of old would have respond: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, King David, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Matthew, Mark, Peter, James, John and the other disciples, not forgetting the Saviour Himself.

How would they have answered the question: “What theological training do you have?”

The words of the prophet Amos also came to mind: “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:” Amos 7:14

I surely am not impliedly decrying theological preparation, education or training: I consider it essential, but not as much as some think. For the fact is, the Almighty raises up believers according to His own standards.

Educational qualifications, wealth, fame, talent, social standing, outward appearance etc. are useful; but they are secondary in His sight. Qualities like faith, obedience, holiness, humility, honesty, absolute loyalty to one’s spouse, the ability to raise one’s family to fear God and keep His commandments etc.; these are the things the Most High values.

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Only on the Day of Judgment will it be known how truly educated, weighty and effective I have been. That is why I have to smile when the question arise.

The vanity of the question is only matched by the foolishness of my answer.

As the wise man wrote: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1: 2 or as the apostle Paul commented in 2 Corinthians 11:16-30 when rattling off a long list of impressive qualifications “... I speak as a fool.”

Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:14-15 (NLT)

I am a preacher, but most of all, I proclaim that Jesus is the Savior with various applications of that truth in my everyday life. My dear friend, if you are a Christian, you are a preacher also. Whether you have been ordained or not, hired by a church or not, or ever been recognized as a preacher or not is beside the point. All who have God living in them are called to proclaim the Savior to the world. It is a Holy calling, and a demanding one. It will pull you out of your comfort zone, challenge your commitment, and help to develop you into the person God has created you to be.

John spoke as an eyewitness to Jesus' saving power. We speak as heart-witnesses; ones who have not seen Jesus with our eyes, but have experienced Him through personal transformation. I speak, and you speak, as a representative of Christ on earth. The message that we bring is simple, yet profound; that God the Father sent God the Son into the world to save those who are lost to bring them into relationship with Him. As you tell the story, and I tell the story, some will listen and receive the grace that God has sent us into the world to proclaim.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, what a privilege to be a spokesperson for You.

Thank you for stopping by. Stay encouraged and please do come back.