Greater Union Baptist Church
This Palm Sunday marked our first visit to the church of Pastor Ken Jones; Greater Union Baptist Church. It was great to see brothers and sisters that we had not seen for some time. It was a great experience for my wife and I. We were received with grace and the love of the saints was evident! Once worship began, there was a reading of Scripture and the singing of hymns! We sang Great Is Thy Faithfulness and A Mighty Fortress among others.
The message was delivered with power by the Spirit of God. We looked at Matthew 26:59-68 and Matthew 27:20-26. The message was entitled, The Portrait of Unbelieving Enemy of God. It was outlined as follows:
1. Their determination
2. Their Distortion
3. The denial of unbelief
4. They charge Jesus of blasphemy
5. The defiant and destructive impulse of unbelief
Pastor Ken began by asking what the portrait of evil would look like. We would readily say that the sexually immoral can be identified as such. Murders, rapists, child molesters are people we would agree should be condemned for their actions. Pastor Ken encouraged us to look at the passages of Scripture to see in this case who the evil doers were. It is clearly seen that the religious leaders were the ones scheming to convict the Lord Jesus of blasphemy and ultimately bearing false witness in order to crucify him.
The message caused us to examine ourselves realizing that we are to understand that we should see ourselves as those who stood in the crowd condemning Jesus to death! The Lord performed many miracles healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and giving those who had no use of their legs the ability to walk! Could it be, that those very people were in the crowd? Compelled by the wicked, being wicked themselves, the Jews compel Pilate to crucify Christ.
Pilate attempts to wash his hands of Christ because he knew Jesus had done no wrong. The Jews in their vile wickedness, “the depravity of humanity, at its finest, ” as Shai Linne says in his song, Were You There, demand to have a murderer released to them and sentence Jesus to crucifixion. In their supression of the truth they say, “his blood be upon us and on our children!”
As Easter approaches, it is a good message that causes us to examine ourselves. As Adam was our representative in the garden and as a result of his actions we all sinned, so it goes in the situation there at Pilates court. We tend to think that we would have perhaps done better than Adam in the garden. Meditate of this: We look back and feel sorry for Jesus being condemned to death, the crowd yells crucify him! We look to what those people did, and would dare think, we would not have done it. We must look back and realize that we in fact would be there in that crowd denying Jesus, spitting upon him, and condemning him ourselves! Our faces were there in that day! Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Sometimes it causes me to tremble!
Praise be to the Holy Triune God of Scripture for his grace and mercy! The son was delivered up for us all! It pleased the Father to crush him! There upon the cross, while we were his enemies, he cried, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” and he died for the ungodly! What amazing grace! It was all according to Sovereign Omnipotence, for our ultimate good and His glory! Hear the sermon here: http://gubc.tripod.com/links.html
May the Lord richly bless you this coming Easter!
29 Comments, Comment or Ping
Reformed Mama
Amen, Mario!
Brothers and Sisters, if the Lord moves your heart to do so, I would encourage you to come out and visit Greater Union! The uncompromised Word is being taught and the people are very warm. OvercommiTad and I were blessed to be in such an unlikely place as Compton…yet it felt like “home”.
God’s grace…
Apr 6th, 2009
Rosanna
That was some good Meat! Praise God. Thanks for the Reminder of the message.
Apr 6th, 2009
Reformed Rich
It’s encouraging to know that the are some solid church out there still preaching and teaching the Word. I can’t believe how hard it is to find a Bible believing church in this day and time. It’s so sad. Praise God for Greater Union and it’s flock!!!
Apr 6th, 2009
Jean Cauvin
Hello,
So who’s taking over Faith Defenders Church? Is it simply going to incinerate out of existence?
Respectfully,
Jean Cauvin (Jude 3).
Apr 7th, 2009
Mario Herrera
There never has been a “Faith Defenders Church.”
Respectfully,
Mario Herrera (Psalm 103)
Apr 7th, 2009
Jean Cauvin
Hi Mario,
You are wrong conceptually. Though the term I was using was generic. The term that WAS used was:
“Faith Community Church.”
With that being said I would hope that you would stop acting like a smart ass. : )
I would assume with that comment that “Faith Community Church” is no longer in commission in toto (100%) dead.
Morey always said that he wanted to raised a “successor” so that he doesn’t make the same mistake Walter Martin made. He not only failed (sadly) in the ministry, but it is evident that he also failed in influencing the next generation via leadership and boldness in the Body of Christ. More specifically, raising one man along side of him (he preferred the age of 16) to take over his torch.
It appears he is making or has made the same mistake Walter Martin made. The only difference between Martin and Morey, is that Martin had a magnificent ministry that is still in session today (by bad leadership), Morey has no ministry for anyone to take over at all, good or bad.
This is very sad to me.
In the world of fantasy magick gaming obsessed by Ruthanne and John which WAS passed down by their father.
GAME OVER!
Respectfully,
Jean Cauvin (Jude 3).
Praying for Dr. Bob.
Apr 7th, 2009
Mario Herrera
Game Over for you Jean! You’ll have to take your emotional hatred to the Lord.
Respectfully,
Mario Herrera (Psalm 103)
Apr 7th, 2009
Becky
Oh cool who are the brothers and sisters you haven’t seen in a long time (besides Rich & Rosanna)? Talking specifically of those who left before FCC closed. I noticed the congregation thinning but didn’t know where they all went. We ran into a few people at G3C.
Apr 7th, 2009
Mario Herrera
Hey Becky! There are brothers and sisters that used to attend Calvary. There are others that I have know for quite a while that I used to work with and do ministry with.
Apr 8th, 2009
Becky
Oh way back reunion. Fun! I love those.
Apr 8th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
All praises to the Triune God…
Mario, I’m an ex-Faith Community Church member and I’m still to this day wondering why we as “The Lord’s people” haven’t honored what said in Matthew 18:15-35? (Discipline, Prayer, and FORGIVENESS)
Hint: Humble yourself in the sight of the YHWH!
Be exegetical and empirical (John 7:24)
I’m also very happy that most of the Congregation members did forgave each other in spite of the so-called decrees of Morey-ism!!!
Apr 12th, 2009
Mario
The Black Spurgeon
The Lord was glorified in our time at Faith Community. The Lord used Dr. Morey in a great manner in our lives along with the body! We love our brothers and sisters. God has now moved us on according to His providence.
Apr 12th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
Mario, I already know that but, there are some unresolved issues that Dr. Bob and others should take responsibilty for. I never wanted this to happened to our church but, when many people were falsely accused as slanders trying to cause division in the church; why wasn’t Matthew 18 instituted?
Hearsay is not a justified reason to put people under church discipline! I thank the Triune God Almighty for the people He placed in my life to understand that God has taken His people out of dry rivers of unfruitfulness. I’m still willing to reconcile with Dr. Bob, if he takes responsibilty for his action…
Ephesians 4 and Galatians 6
Apr 13th, 2009
Mario Herrera
The matter is over Black Spurgeon. You’re coming on here now to say what? Why not use your real name?
Just curious, why do you call yourself “Black Spurgeon?”
“Hearsay is not a justified reason to put people under church discipline! I thank the Triune God Almighty for the people He placed in my life to understand that God has taken His people out of dry rivers of unfruitfulness.”
Explain this please.
Apr 13th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
1. It’s over according to you???? Do you think you have the authority and right to declare this???? You have no right to say this because it doesn’t really involve you! This matter is over because our pastor failed to uphold Matthew 18, Deut. 19 and the Church Consitution and By-laws! (Read if you don’t understand)
2. How can you justify how Dr. Bob handled the situation?
Answer: Kangaroo Court
3. If you what to know why I call myself “The Black Spurgeon,” ask Dr. Bob. Also, if you truly want to understand what I’ve written, contact Javier Villagrin because you and I need to talk. (Matt. 18:15-16)
4. Remember Mario…FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION AND NOT DISUNITY AMONG THE BRETHERN IS MY GREATEST CONCERN.
Apr 14th, 2009
Mario Herrera
1. It’s over according to you???? Do you think you have the authority and right to declare this???? You have no right to say this because it doesn’t really involve you! This matter is over because our pastor failed to uphold Matthew 18, Deut. 19 and the Church Consitution and By-laws! (Read if you don’t understand)
After all this time, you want to speak. You yourself failed to keep Matthew 18. You chose the way you were going to take. This does not involve you either. You have picked up an offense of another. You stepped out and chose to leave.
You left and now you want to talk about unity among the brethren?
You chose the way you wanted to go. This is not the place to talk about gripes you should have taken to the Lord. I chose to serve the Lord as Faith Community OC. My conviction was not to abandon the brethren in that local body.
It really sounds like you’re the one that has to settle issues, my conscience is clear.
This is all silly. I am asking you why you call yourself as you do. You say you and I need to talk, but here you are with pseudo-names…..
Apr 15th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
After all this time, you want to speak. You yourself failed to keep Matthew 18. You chose the way you were going to take. This does not involve you either. You have picked up an offense of another. You stepped out and chose to leave.
Your information you’ve gathered is false! I talked to Dr.Bob personally (by phone and in person) and tried to arrange a meeting under the Church constitution (Article X Section 1) but, he refused and accused me of slander. I was placed under church discipline prior to my resignation. Does this sounds like a pastor trying to evercise what Jesus taught in Matthew 18? I’ve also spoken openly with Dr.Bob even after his deplorable “Operation poison tongue” message to sit and work out the issues he had with them, but to no avail.
If your so exegetical, is church discipline utilized for driving the person away or try to win them back?
Hint: Paranioa-a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others is a poor characteristic.
You stated,”My conviction was not to abandon the brethren in that local body…gripes…and settling issues “???? Who have you personally reached out to for forgiveness and reconciliation or have you been infected by the Morey bug?
(Let me offer you a cure: THE WORD OF GOD and it hasn’t failed me yet!)
This is what exactly others experienced in dealing with Dr. Bob, so since you have taken up the mantle…seek out the truth!
Again, if you want to know who I am, contact Javier Villigran…and by the way, nothing is silly when exhorting the truth given to us by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Apr 16th, 2009
Travis
from an outsider looking into this “arguement” it seems who ever the black spurgeon is, he has a lot of hate towards Dr. Bob, (Id ont want to know details) bitterness decays the bones…. I see no unity ateempt in his posting, sounds like he just has to dump his emotions out.
Apr 16th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
Travis, sounds like you’ve been watching to much Oprah or Dr. Phil…if your an outsider, then stay outside.
Apr 17th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
A question for Travis:
1. In Galatians 2, was Paul happy on how Peter treated the Gentile Christians in the presence of the Jews?
2. Was Paul bitter or did he have righteous indignation to exhort the truth of what Peter did?
Hint: Galatians 2:11
My entire position can be found in Galatians 6:1-10
Apr 17th, 2009
Travis
TBS,
Must of missed the Dr. Phil episode on how to discuss an issue on an OPEN FORUM, YOU made this an outside ordeal, so watch your mouth (or your fingers)
You can be angry all you want no one said anything about having rightous anger as you rightly state, but I dont see rightous anger here, you couldnt deal with this in private so you decide to blast people on an OPEN FORUM. Which I dont nessasairly have an issue with if you follow scriptural guidence, but again I dont see that either.
1Brothers,[a](A) if anyone is caught in any transgression,(B) you who are spiritual should restore him in(C) a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2(D) Bear one another’s burdens, and(E) so fulfill(F) the law of Christ. 3For(G) if anyone thinks he is something,(H) when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one(I) test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For(J) each will have to bear his own load.
6(K) One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. 7(L) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for(M) whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For(N) the one who sows to his own flesh(O) will from the flesh reap corruption, but(P) the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And(Q) let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,(R) if we do not give up. 10So then,(S) as we have opportunity, let us(T) do good to everyone, and especially to those who are(U) of the household of faith.
How do you think you are showing spiritual maturity and gentleness?
I dont see Paul calling any believers out in his letter!
Apr 17th, 2009
The Black Spurgeon
Travis….Travis…Travis….
Read Galatians 2:11 again
Apr 18th, 2009
Travis
You are correct, however, how long has this been going on and how many times do you plan on opposing Dr. Bob to his face or (Blog)?
Apperntly he is unrepented according to you so you should have just cast him to Satan, along time ago, and prayed for him to find truth.
Apr 18th, 2009
Mario
Travis,
I agree with you. Dr. Morey is retired. TBS, you have to let this go!
Before reconciliation can take place, repentance must take place. You had issues with Dr. Morey.
You are attempting to come to me now? I did not leave the church. I did not and do not have gripes against the pastor. I will repeat again, He was an example of a godly man, Father, Husband, Pastor.
TBS, he is gone. He is not here in California any longer. Find peace in your fellowship, your pastor and move on. Scripture forbids that you harbor bitterness, envy, strife.
Glorify God in contending for the faith.
I must say, you were all about Dr. Morey. You were zealous. I never really knew you, personally that is. You really loved showing your reformation shirts……then in a flash…..you were gone…..
Again, I am blessed with what has taken place at FCCOC. That era in our lives in now closed. I did not sin against you or anyone else that left.
Those that left are the ones who have slandered and gossiped. You all want forgiveness and reconciliation? Then first repent of your deeds, and then we can see about restoring fellowship.
As it stands, we will continue to glorify God with our work and the great influence Dr. Morey has had on all our lives through biblical instruction. You know you love his teaching.
What you are doing and others have done is expressly against Scripture and unbecoming of a servants of Christ. You have absolutely no excuse.
Anthony, we remember the fellowship we had with many of those that have gone. We love you all tremendously. Again, You all chose to leave and wrote off the body there. We’ve been serving the Lord and will continue to do so by grace. We have not sinned against any one of you. You now want us to seek reconciliation? Forgiveness? This is your responsibility. We’ll be blessed to see that day!
What is it that you want? Do you want a closer relationship with us? Do you want to contend for faith with us? If so, then repent of your evil speak and then we can see what the Lord does.
Apr 18th, 2009
Jean Cauvin
Hi The Black Spurgeon,
Are you an expert on the NOI? What is your position about Fred Price?
I’m curious, as a black man do you consider yourself to be a conservative politically speaking? Republican or not, conservative via the concept behind the term?
Or are you a liberal nut with Sharpton, MLK, etc? Do you admire Gaudi? That guy who is known for wearing diapers on his head?
It’s rare to find intelligent Christians who are black now a days. This has nothing to do with race at all. This has to do with culture and culture alone.
The Black American CULTURE has Marxist Liberation Theology embedded in virtually all the black communities across the country. As a black man you would have to agree.
If you have indeed escaped the Sharpton, MLK Gaudi orgy of the black culture of BLT/Marxism, I am proud of you and would like to ask you some follow up questions of a political nature.
The Mexican CULTURE, and Black BLT/Marxist Culture, and the cultures of Europe, Asia, and Africa are extremely INFERIOR to the culture of America via its origins. America’s origins had Protestant Christian influences which helped form this great country along with it’s CULTURE.
Remember, this is not about race. Pigmentation has nothing to do with this at all. I am simply talking about culture and culture alone.
So if you are a among the MLK freak crowd, put the pigmentation attacks to rest.
Why are almost all MLK BLVDs across this country some of the worse parts of town? Prostitution, Rape, Drugs, etc. Why? I thought MLK was to free them from the chains?
It’s part of the BLT/Marxist culture which can be demonstrated across the country.
If you fall along the MLK BLVD mindset of “Rev.” Sharpton, then you are an absurd “loon” for calling yourself the “Black Spurgeon.” If you are not of this mindset, then good for you sir. You may have a case for being a Black Spurgeon.
Nevertheless it’s something to think about. A man with a Diaper hat is no idol for me nor should it have been for Martin Luther King Jr. MLK was a heretic non-Christian who is dwelling in “hell” as we speak since he denied the Biblical account of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the requirements needed for it’s assent.
Your Thoughts?
Respectfully,
Jean Chauvin (Jude 3).
Apr 18th, 2009
Jean Cauvin
Hello Black Spurgeon,
If you would like to take this privately. My email is below. If you want to blow me off, that’s fine too.
Respectfully,
Jean Cauvin (Jude 3).
institutio@gmail.com
Apr 18th, 2009
THE BLACK SPURGEON
First, I would like to address Mario and Travis…
I, to this day, have the utmost respect for Dr. Bob but, according to what and how he handled the entire situation was wrong and non-biblical. I attended the church for 3 years, learned alot through Sunday seminary, Monday nights, and the many Christian brothers and sisters who showed their love for God. In Galatians 2, Paul was upset with Peter because of what and how he treated God’s people. So what’s the difference when a Christian brother or sister see the errors commited by Dr. Bob and what to confront him about it? (Matthew 18 and Deut. 19)
For the record, thank you Dr. Bob for mentoring me concerning the ministry but you’re taken in a fault and need to repent and seek out all those who were involved for forgiveness and reconciliation. (Galatians 2:1-6)
Please do not twist my words to conform to your own wisdom…not emotionalism…not mere anger…but it’s the truth.
Secondly, Jean Cauvin I’ll refer to your questions via email or by phone…
Apr 19th, 2009
THE BLACK SPURGEON
Mario, how can you be so onesided in your judgment?
Hearsay can never be a final judgment, YOU MUST HEAR BOTH SIDES IN PERSON AND BEFORE THE CHURCH TO MAKE ANY TRUTHFUL DECESION!!!
The question to you is why this wasn’t done?
Did you ever read in the Church constitution and by-laws Article X Section 1? You never responded in the earlier post
Since you know who I am now, tell Dr. Bob and the others to repent and seek forgiveness!
Apr 19th, 2009
Mario Herrera
I knew who you were the whole time……this is over Anthony. You can’t take up another’s offense. The matter is over. If it did not involve you, don’t pick a dog up by the ears, as the proverbs say…..
Apr 20th, 2009