DENNIS JOSEPH WEEKLY: Who do you say that I am?

Dennis TDNMotive awaits opportunity.  Jesus the Christ had been messing up the program of the high-ups for three years.  His words touched people and made them think which is dangerous for those holding the reins of power.  They had to shut him down; Jesus had to go.  The motive was clearly established and the leaders now watched for opportunity.

It came when Jesus rode into town riding on a donkey and the grassroots masses had to,   ‘get something and wave for Jesus’  going delirious with their palms hailing him as the new king.  The conspirators seized the opportunity and labeled him a political troublemaker whose aim was to overthrow the rulers.  It was a time of Roman occupation of Israel and so they dragged him before Pilate the Roman governor saying, “We have no king but Caesar” and so “Crucify him.”    Except for the names and a few other changes this same drama still plays out today.

This week we journey the way of the cross.   This cross which should be a symbol of shame has become a symbol of divinity.  Crosses are everywhere; in the churches, hanging from rusty nails, nestling between breasts and that once evil thing is now used to scare off evil things.  The merchants whether they believe in Jesus or not make  serious profits selling crosses of all types  from a few cents to hundreds  of dollars.  At the Council of Nicaea an ancient name for a place in Turkey   under the orders of Emperor Constantine of Rome 325 years after Jesus was crucified, 320 bishops of the Roman Church gathered, and after 72 days or so of debate and sometimes vitriolic arguments, voted 318-2 that Jesus the man on the cross is of the same substance as God and should be worshipped as such.

The result of that seems to be that he was placed as the third person in the Godhead trinity but his image remained permanently affixed to a cross.  These bishops came up with the Nicene Creed (I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ), and they also established what day should be Easter. You may now see from that why there is so much controversy about Jesus.

The  writing skills of Tim Rice and music of Andrew Lloyd Webber combined to produce the ultra successful rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar in which the question is repeatedly asked in chorus, “ Jesus Christ Superstar who are you, are you what they say you are?”   So who is this Jesus who alternately is called God, Son of God and Son of Man, and sometimes all in the same breath and In whose name churches are erected purportedly to save souls for him.  History shows that we know very little about him and really worship him by faith.  All that we know comes from the Bible which includes writings by those who were his disciples though they ran away on the night he was arrested and Peter his top disciple was ready to jump ship protesting “I do not know him.”  The historian Josephus born after his death writes shortly that he did wonderful things and was executed.

There are doubts expressed about his existence at all and his virgin birth.  There is controversy about his death.  According to Jewish law in those times no one could be arrested at night but the Scripture tells us that he was.      The Scriptures tells us that he was crucified on the day before the Special Sabbath or High Day (John 19:31) which I understand is not the regular Sabbath  Day and that has brought forth the argument that he was not crucified on the Friday but on the Wednesday a clear three days and nights before  Resurrection Day.  In the gospel of Mark (8:27), Jesus asks: “Who do men say that I am?”    Scholars claim that Jesus can best be understood as a first century apocalyptic prophet, who fully expected the end of the world was at hand when God would come down and throw out existing corrupt institutions and impose a new order on the earth:  a New Jerusalem; the Kingdom of God.

Whatever and however it is said about Jesus  the fact remains that after his ignoble death  his disciples became lions for his cause   and suffered hardships, cruel torture and slaughter  for his sake.  From their fledging few over centuries rose thousands of churches, elaborate pageantry, holy day feasts,  1.2 billion followers, and yes, wealthy  preachers.  There was a time   in the 13th century when thousands of humans were burnt alive as unbelievers, heretics and witches.

Holy Week is a time for essential remembrance of his passion; his holiness and sacrifice.   Palm Sunday celebrates the proud entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem and people shouting, ‘Hosanna!”   Five days later they were screaming, ‘Crucify him.’  This may be a lesson for all who walk under the shelter of popularity and power today. The washing of the feet of his disciples and his saying that, “Who would be greatest among you must be the humblest” again should give the powerful people pause.

If you would ask me, “Who do you say that Jesus is?”   I would respond that he was not just a meek and mild soft talker but a man of action even to the point of organising his own death knowing it would change the world.   He questioned not only authority but hypocrisy everywhere and anywhere. He advocated truth and proclaimed it is, “Truth that sets you free.”  He represents hope to those who have little of it and a miracle worker for those beyond hope.  Who do you say that Jesus is?  I will answer just like he proclaimed, “The Messiah and Son of God.”  Those who claim to have him in their hearts  and cherish the cross hanging from  their necks knocking themselves out  with emotion whenever they  hear his name should pick up their spiritual cross of  pain and rejection  which those who stand for truth must bear  and go and stand for truth  likewise.    We owe that to Jesus the Christ who we acknowledge died for truth.  The same question, “Who do you say that I am?” applies to us personally this week; in other words what do you fearlessly  and boldly stand for?

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32 Comments

  1. mweh meme
    April 1, 2013

    “I am that I am”, said He. Go figure it out.

  2. Oh No!
    March 30, 2013

    great piece as usual with a deep spiritual petrspective.

  3. Devil's Advocate
    March 30, 2013

    Interesting comments however if we are not too careful the focus on politics and religion will allow us to deviate from the real question; “who do men say I am? Who do YOU think I am” if Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah (and I believe he is) then if he were to take a LIAT flight to Dominica he would no doubt exposé and challenge corruption (sins) that exists at all levels. After all that was the purpose of his first coming in the flesh. Not only to expose the situation but above all to provide guidance to a path of right standing and leadership which is still valid today.

    • Anonymous
      July 8, 2013

      Thought provoking! My friend, the Lord Jesus DOES indeed visit Dominica whenever and wherever His people gather in His name to worship Him accoding to Matthew 18:20 which says “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

      By His Holy Spirit working in and through his servants He is leading and guiding His people on the island of Dominica. In the first century a pastor of that time said in 2 Corinthians 5:20 “…we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:…” Jesus Christ – by His Holy Spirit – through His servants who speak as His ambassadors – is very likely exposing and challenging corruption and sin more than you realize.

      Yes, there are things in Dominica you don’t like. There are wrong things and bad things you would like to eliminate. There are injustices and abominations. But this is a time in the Divine plan and purposes when God is visiting the nations – not in JUDGMENT – but in GRACE! It is not His intention at this time in history to right every wrong. Make no mistakle about it. That day will come! We read in 2 Thessalonians 1;7-10, “…the Lord Jesus shall be rdevealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In faming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who shall be punished with with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.”

      But thank God that day has not yet come! We live now in “the day of grace” when God’s purpose is not to judge, punish, and damn the world. At this time God, according to Acts 15:14, is visiting “…the nations, to take out of them a people for his name.” God’s PRESENT purpose for Dominica (and all the nations) is not to make every wrong right and to eliminate all injustice. His PRESENT purpose is that the gospel will be preached in every nation. Jesus said in Matthew 24:14 “and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and THEN shall the end come.” (Not he end of the world but the end of the age.) God’s purpose at this time is to give all people everywhere an opportunity to hear the good news asnd receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

      “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved.” {John 3:16,17)

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.

  4. March 29, 2013

    Dennis Joseph: Thank you for the timely editorial WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? One may not agree with every opinion you have expressed but the article was easy to read and certainly thought provoking. I hope it will cause many people at this time of the year to ask themselves “Who do I say that he is?” Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) Then he wrote “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, …” (John 1:14) Many other scriptures could be cited from the New Testament to show that the early church from its very beginning believed that Jesus Christ was Divine such as Philippians 2:-11, Hebrews 1:8, and Revelaton 1:8. By the early fourth century a significant controversy had arisen in the church regarding the Person of Christ. A presbyter in the church at Alexandria had been teaching that Christ was not Divine but was a created being. This heresy was spreading. Had it not been contrary to what the Christians had believed from the beginning it would have caused no problem. But clashing as it did with orthodoxy (that which is considered sound doctrine) and striking at the very foundation of the faith – Christ Himself – it threatened the unity of the church. The Emporer Constantine called for a church council in Nicaea to settled the matter which was held in 325 A.D. The council confirmed what Christians had believed from the beginning – that which was based upon the Old and New Testament scriptures – that Christ was God. They produced the Nicene creed to articulate their conclusions so the church would have an “offical” statement to hopefully leave no doubt as to what Christians believed. But to say that the belief in the Deity of Jesus Christ began with the council would be absolutely untrue. Christianity was well established in the first century. The accounts of Christ’s resurrection found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and the account Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 15 (including His post resurrection appearances) were written in the first century. Most of the people who were said to have actually seen Christ after he rose were still living. This included one appearance to more than 500 people at one time! If the written reports had not been true some of these people would have spoke up and discredited them. Not a single written denial has come down to us. It should be remembered that those who testified that they had seen and talked with the risen Saviour were laying their lives on the line! Of the original 12 apostles ten died for their faith because they insisted on preaching that HE IS RISEN! Not one of them broke down and recanted to spare their own lives! The belief in the Deity of Christ and His resurrection from the dead was the faith held by the Christians in the first century. It did not evolve in the centuries that followed. I invite you to visit my website http://www.livinghopeministries.ca and click onto SERMONS. Listen to my sermon on the resurrection of Christ entitled MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS. I will share with you some of the evidence for the resurrection. You will hear the names of modern lawyers who have said the evidence for the resurrection of Christ would stand up today in a court of law! Happy Easter! Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, D.D., Pentecostal Evangelist.

    • April 1, 2013

      @ Rev. Donald Hilla March 29, 2013– “Christ was God”

      Yes indeed Christ is God, for Christ is Eternal Spirit, Almighty God, whom Jesus calls Father. Jesus is the “Word”, this means that Almighty God, Eternal Spirit, Christ spoke the Words which would reproduced His own Nature, which is Love–with the physical Frame which He needed to create the World. And so the apostle John tells us:

      “He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men”. John 1: 2-4

      Light in man represents the Life in Love of in his then awakened soul; man receives that Life by his faith in what Jesus did on the cross for his sake.

      Those words of God Almighty, Eternal Spirit, Christ, was “Let there be Light” Those words of His mouth was not the call for the moon, stars, and the sun, for we read that they were created later on–but those words were the call for Life in an earth that was barren–it would happen through God’s offspring–His only begotton Son in Love. “In Him–the Man Jesus–was Life and the Life was the Light of men”

      The Israelites of the Old Testament usually refered to God Almighty as “Lord”,just as God Almighty referred Himself to Moses–here is an example:

      “Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The “Lord God” of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me” Exodus 3: 16

      Then in the New Testament we read from the apostle Paul to the Phillipians Church: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father Phillipians 2: 10-11

      So Jesus Christ is “Lord” to the glory of God the Father, means that Jesus, the Man, is the Person of God Alminghty, Eternal Spirit, Christ who revealed Himself in flesh and bones.

      That is the reason Jesus told us through His disciples: “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father”. Read this in the Bible at John 14.

      Jesus is Lord means Jesus is God, just Eternal Spirit, Christ, Almighty God is Lord. We cannot separate them for they are One in “Essence”, what most of know better as “Spirit”

  5. Me again
    March 29, 2013

    Excellent piece, brother. Love the pithical observation that, “Except for the names and a few other changes this same drama still plays out today”. Just look at Dominica.

  6. Truth to Power
    March 29, 2013

    George Bush is a born again Christian. Together with other Christians fabricated lies about Iraq had WMD, as an excuse to evade. Muslims fighting Christians. Christians fighting Muslims. Christians fighting Christians. Muslims fighting Muslims. Hindus fighting buddhists. While millions are dying, starving, suffering, they are told to pray, to wait on the saviour for their salvation.

    While the oppressors, exploiters, selfish, greedy, corrupt men and women destroy economies and people’s livelihoods for their own interests, the pastors and priests veer towards their side and preach to the poor people to pray, grovel, beg and God will one day come to their rescue. But say or take no action against those corrupt practices.

    They tell the people that all have sinned, so no one should cast any stones, or criticise the “elite Class”,the Leaders, their politician,not even when they commit crimes against the State or disrespect the constitution or Laws.

    Many are on the side of the corrupt and will not search their consciences. L’argent. Jesus Christ and his sufferings is the last thing on the minds of those who feel they have the power to do wrong. They are well protected in their evil ways. The masses will continue to catch hell.

    • Anonymous
      July 5, 2013

      George W. Bush is not a perfect man (nor am I), but there are reasons to believe He has been born again. I personally heard him say, “…Christ… changed my life.”

      After 9-11 somebody in the USA said, “Thank God George Bush is in the White House.” A collective “AMEN” went up from the Christian community in Canada!

      Regarding WMD: Because they were not found does not conclusively prove they did not exist. The future may yet hold a few suprises. Why do you think the investigators had such a hard time getting into Iraq and such difficulty getting around to do their search?

      WMD may have been the prime reason given for the war. However, was not Iraq also into biological warfare? Were they not a big supporter of suicide bombers in Israel? Their inhumane and criminal treatment of women was unsurpassed in the history of the world.

      We sorrow for innocent lives lost. But many of us do not believe WMD were necessary to jutify the war. We celebrate those brave men and women who served in the cause of freedom and those who gave their lives to bring in a new day for the people of Iraq. We do not believe they served and died in vain.

      It is true there are millions of suffering people throughout the world dying from hunger and disease especially in third world countries. But nobody is doing more to help these people than Bible believing evangelical Christian churches and ministries. It is not the atheists. It is not the militant homosexual organizations. It is not the civil rights groups. It is those who represent Christian churches and ministries – not only paid staff but volunteers – who are on the frontlines of human suffering in Haiti, the nations of Africa, India and around the world. World Vision, (founded by an evangelical Christian and operated on Christian priniples) may be the best known. My own church – the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada – supports workers who live and labor sacrificially year around in these and other places operating schools, orphanages, clinics, and hospitals, and pouring money in to help the needy. Unlike some countries and political organizations (like the UK and UN) WHAT WE DO – AND WHAT WE GIVE – IS DONE AND GIVEN UNCONDITIONALLY irregardless of the political stripe of the people, or their religion, idiology, or their position on same sex relationships or gay laws, etc. We would never think of asking needy suffering people to change their beliefs, customs, or laws before we help them. Also, we do our best to make sure the help freely reaches the people who need it by delivering it ourselves instead of allowing it to fall in to the hands of polititians, government officials, or civil servants who will use it in their own interests.

      There will be no true and lasting peace until the “Prince of Peace” – our blessed Lord Jesus Christ – returns, and the rulers of this world cast their crowns at His feet. In that day “…at the name of Jesus every knee will bow,… And …every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11.)

      Until then the Bible says, “That if thou shalt confess with they mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”(Romans 10:9)

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.

  7. Enlightenment
    March 29, 2013

    Well said and thought provoking, are taking up our cross of humility or the status of Kings. Is he our salvation or our privilage. Who is this Jesus we claim to worship.

  8. truth
    March 29, 2013

    AMEN TO THAT my man.you are troubling the false preachers hearts.Speak your truth.

  9. Anonymous
    March 29, 2013

    “This cross which should be a symbol of shame has become a symbol of divinity”

    Matthew 26:53,54: Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”

    Jesus could have come down from that cross if he wanted, but instead he chose the cross. I would argue that Jesus did not choose the cross because it was a symbol of shame but because of his undying love for mankind. And, inspite of mankinds motives, it is the greatest symbol there is for those who believe.

    • July 9, 2013

      “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

      “For we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.” (1 Corinthians 1:23

      “For I am determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

      Many people venerate the cross without fully understanding all that it represents. Perhaps I am guilty. Could I ever completely understand all that was accomplished there for me?

      The cross reminds me of my sins. The only reason Christ died was to atone for your sins and mine. Had we not sinned the death of Christ on a cross would have been unecessary. It was not the nails – but my sins – that held Him to the cross.

      The cross speaks of God’s love for me. We were totally undeserving. What man would give his son to die for another human being? Yet God loved us when we were not only sinners but in a state of rebellion against Him.

      The cross tells me there is no other way. If we could earn or buy our salvation it would not have been necesssary for God to send His Son. If any other religion on earth could provide a plan of salvation Christ would not have had to die.

      The cross proclaims to me and all mankind that the price has been paid in full for our salvation. The penalty for sin was death. The death of Christ – by the shedding of His precious blood – satisfied the claims of Divine justice!

      The cross makes possible the gift of eternal life for all who receive Christ as their Saviour. The Bible says “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; And he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:11,12)

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.

  10. Anonymous
    March 29, 2013

    Good piece,Dennis!.

  11. March 29, 2013

    Mr. Joseph I normally pass on your writings because as soon I see your headline I know that I would have nothing to say–and I hate to speak negatively.

    But this one of yours, though it is a bit long, captivated my attention because you spoke the language of my mind quite some.

    For example your saying that the big guns wanted to get rid of Jesus–so to speak–is a truth that is clear, even if a person did not read it in the Bible.

    But the Bible is clear, that the Jewish leaders–the Sadducees, the Pharisees, the High Priests and whoever else, were afraid of what Jesus was doing among the people of Israel–His own chosen people–but they did not know Him.

    Here is what one of them at their meeting, where they trying to decide what to do about the Man Jesus, stood to say about Him–his name was Caiaphas:

    “And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

    Of course Caiaphas did not know that he had spoken–prophesied– the reason Jesus would die on the cross, for He had to die that the world might live, because of their faith in Him.

    However, I am sure that there are still many Churches in the world who are claiming to be worshiping God Almighty but they do not who the Son is. The question which Jesus asked His disciples “Who do people say I am, and who do you I am” is still left unanswered in the Churches, because they are focused on doing religion.

    Unfortunately God destests the work of religion of which it functions are built on the wisdom and philosophy of the human mind–that state of mind in people is carnal. This carnal mind with its rules and laws of religion does not give God the glory, however God intention for the Life of mankind was that through their physical frame–which is of His image, He would put His Love on display–the Likness of Him, Love, of which Adam and Eve gave up for the taste the fruit of the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden–the poison that killed them spiritually.

    • March 29, 2013

      “The Scriptures tells us that he was crucified on the day before the Special Sabbath or High Day (John 19:31) which I understand is not the regular Sabbath Day and that has brought forth the argument that he was not crucified on the Friday but on the Wednesday a clear three days and nights before Resurrection Day” –Dennis Joseph

      I am so glad to read that other human beings have the same understanding as I do-for I too cannot accept the idea that Jesus died on Friday–the day before Saturday, with Sunday so close behind.

      For that day does not fulfill the sign of Jonah, of which Jesus told the unbelieving Jewish leaders, who ask Him for a sign that they would believe the authority which He claimed even after they had witnessed His works and had heard Him speak.

      “But Jesus answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12: 39-40

      And there is no way Jesus died and was buried on Friday to be resurrected early on Sunday morning–that would not even count to 36 hours based on the time it take to prepare His burial. For the Bible tells us that Nicodemus and a Joseph needed to go to Pilate so to claim His body for the burial. That would take quite some hours of Friday, as the Biblr tells us that Jesus died on the 9th hour–that would mean 9am of that daym when He died

      Also according to the old Testament the Saturday Sabbath is not the only Sabbath there was–there were other Sabbath that happened during the week–like the Sabbath of the Passover week, the week which started on the 14th day of the first month of the year and it lasted for seven days

      The Passover Lamb was eaten on the eve of that Sabbath Day; we know that Jesus ate the passover meal with His disciples and He was crucified on the Day of the Sabbath–outside the city of Jerusalem according to the Law Moses from God Almighty.

      That Sabbath Day would have to be a Wednesday or else Jesus could not have been out of the grave, early on the first day of the week, even if that Day was Monday–because even up to early Monday it would not be 3 days and 3 nights–regardless of what time He was buried on Friday, after His death at 9am in the morning.

      I will always believe that on Friday, Jesus was already in the grave, so that way He would have spent 72 hours in the grave–3 days and 3 nights to early on the first day of the week, which would have to be Sunday–and early Sunday does not count as a Day.

      Now thanks to you, Mr Joseph for this piece of writing it was quite enlightening for me.

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2013

        You know all this but you do not know a simple thing like ” calling sin/wrong or corruption, by it’s rightful name” what a shame!

  12. March 29, 2013

    What I do know about HIM,is that HE IS the one and only true Messiah,the son of GOD.For the bible tells you that HE is now seated at the right hand of GOD the Father.And further,when he walked this very earth HE never hide it,that HE was here to do the will of his FATHER,if you see him you see his FATHER,HE and his FATHER are one.
    In my opinion,the schism is always with men,and not with GOD.
    The holy week.Where do they get that from.Easter there was no such thing back then..Passover which makes a whole lot more sense and is back up by the events that brought it about and is recorded in the Holy book.
    The bible clearly states in Matthew 12:40(For as Jonah was three DAYS and three NIGHTS in the whale’s belly;so shall the SON of man be three DAYS and three NIGHTS in the heart of the earth.)
    And so,how on earth could he have been killed on a Friday afternoon,buried thereafter,and raised on Sunday morning..It just dose’nt add up.
    Back to front,raised on a Sunday,certainly did not die on a Friday.
    Very sad the way how folks just jump head in,and not checking out what they are jumping into.
    My easter,christmas, and all these things that the world is dictating to some in the church to observe,it’s summarised in 1st Corinthians 11:23-26
    That’s what HE said to do and do it in remembrance of HIM.
    Easter,christmas,valentine etc.was created,by the world,they are for the world,and they are off the world.
    Love not the world,neither the things that are in the world.If any man love the world,the love of the Father is not in him.1st John 2:15

  13. March 28, 2013

    Dennis I really admire your writing ability.You have such a gift with words and your ability to make it make sence is amazing.That was a thought provoking piece.I just want to affirm my faith in God my rock and my salvation and I am going forth in faith.
    Jah bless.

  14. Good ole days
    March 28, 2013

    ….’Nuff respect for that one Dennis….. all true “Christians” should read that and “wayflayshee”.. :-?

  15. Oh yes
    March 28, 2013

    Great expression put together in words from a spiritual perspective. Dennis has varied writing prowess; very good.

  16. I DIE NU
    March 28, 2013

    Very inspiring..Food for thought!

  17. True or false.
    March 28, 2013

    We have no king but Skerrit” and so “Crucify Eddie Ron , John et AL.” My interpretation of “let hunt them like Obama send drowns after them.Or Bush would say let’s smoke em out. Here are the names and a few other like teir lawyers some extremely poor in the,70’s, 80’s and 90’s present us with this same drama today.
    Mitchel have something I want now Mitchel wants to do what Medard has done sell passports to all who can pay criminal, mafia, sex offenders toutes mondes. Mitchel might choose to sell his for $25KUS less to steal his friends thunder.
    Waiting on news from my G/dian brothers and siters. by summer Grenada going to have millioneers like China.

    This week we journey the way of the cross. This cross which should be

  18. AA
    March 28, 2013

    Papa of Heaven!!!

    All that a man have to do just to see if one day he can get an invite to be in a cocktail party.

    It really takes all kinds to make this world go round. Yes I. Satan correcting sinnnnnnnnnn.

  19. Reader
    March 28, 2013

    Very powerful and thought provoking piece! Thank you for inspiring me with your writing

  20. Rasben
    March 28, 2013

    This is a thought provoking piece. If people believe that accepting Jesus as their God and saviour is the key to a better life then that is their prerogative; however, from my observation this has done nothing for people of African descent. How many times have nations used religion to dominate and exploit? Give the Europeans back their nonsense. When will we stop believing that someone is going to “SAVE” us?

  21. rama
    March 28, 2013

    Just glossing over Nicaea can be misleading. There is much more required to put the Council in historical perspective. For instance, what was Constantine seeking to accomplish when he asked the Church to rule on the issue of Christ’ s divinity?

  22. Frenz
    March 28, 2013

    DJ I compliment you on this editorial. I expect that many people will get emotional and label you the anti Christ or blaspheming
    I too admire the work of Jesus, just like I admire the work of Martin Luther King, Ghandi, mother Teresa etc.
    One thing that I know for sure s that if Jesus would catch a LIAT flight and get into Dominica today he would not be quiet about the behavior and conduct of the ruling class. That is not to say that he would not also hammer the opposition for their hypocrisy and desire to assume power only to do the same darn thing. ( I hope we never have to experience another era with such a corrupt government system). Getting back to my point- Jesus would be all over Dominica preaching about corruption, lies, deceit, fornication, sexual abuse in offices of authority etc. he would no oubt be fully aware of the goings on be it through The media, blatant occurrences or Devine instinct . I can picture the Religous leaders rallying with Jesus , even Lennox Lawrence would join in. I can see Astor BJ, Peter Augustine, Lizavier4jesus/Truth and Justice, maybe even Levi Peter the son of a pastor might jump across like Mary Magdalyn and ask Jesus to wash his feet. I can hear father Thomas and Peter Augustine preaching against boots on the ground and at the same time heavily criticizing The done attack on those who cry corruption. As for Antony – just think Pontius Pillate
    What is fascinating is that as soon as Jesus board that LIAT flight back To hs place of abode the hypocrites will return to their various litte sanctuaries where they will resume their hypocrisy- some cheering on corruption, making excuses for corrupt and criminal behavior, some will continue in Ilene while blatant malfeasance and thievery continue among the authorities. Most disgracefully some wil return to the Ryan’s f Pontius Pilate and even persecute those who cry corruption and foul play.
    I am not sure whether Jesus is willing to spend that money to come to Dominica , especially in this hard economic era. Nevertheless Jesus need not come to ominica to prove te level of hypocrisy that so exist cause week after week the so call followers go to church on Sundays , even three times during the week and as soon as they leave the church they are back to diminishing and opposing the very same doctrine that Jesus upholds – that is truth, honesty, sincerity, kindness and all the little goodies of beatitudes.
    I am no Religous fanatic however I share this fr my own spiritual upliftment. I only hope that the kindred Christians especial my good friend Lizavier4jesus can find something in what I said to be a holy week keeper.

    • March 29, 2013

      @Frenz March 28, 2013

      You always have to mention me in your nonsenses. for that is exactly what you are speaking here and everywhere you write as Frenz Tutut and the other names you use. Read this one below and go back and read the rest of it everywhere in that comment of yours above.

      You are simply making a spectacle of yourself, as usual–I have told you about that before, and those thumbs up from the people with you are just the same as you are:

      “I am not sure whether Jesus is willing to spend that money to come to Dominica, especially in this hard economic era”. Frenz

      What kind of foolishness is that here? My son from the time he was ten years old would laugh aloud about that stupidness above.

      You are claiming “spiritual uplifting”, I agree that this message of Mr, Joseph was full of the “Truths” for I know them by the teachings of Holy Spirit and through my study of the message of Life in the Holy Bible.

      However, to me you have no “Spiritual sensitivity” whatsoever; for if you did, you would also be aware that Jesus is speaking to the world today, by His words in the Holy Bible and through the Power of Holy Spirit–His Supernatural Influenced by whom He connects to us through conscience.

      I am telling you that Jesus is speaking against whatever humans beings in this world is doing that is not glorifying Love–which are the attitude and conducts that He displayed when He walked this world as a Man in flesh and bones.

      But the world is still in darkness with a carnal state of mind–that would include you and your friends, who have agreed with your stupidity above. For this carnal minded world cannot perceive the “Light” Jesus came to His own but His own did not know Him. Nonetheless He gave those who believed and accept the right to become children of God Almighty, Christ who lives in Him.

      If you were one of God’s children through Jesus Christ, you would claim that He is living in you, and you would not be writing all of these nonsense that you wrote above–you do not realize that you put a stain on this beautiful piece of Mr. Joseph–I am sure he will agree with me you did not do him a favor, with whining about me and the others–are you jealous of us?

      This Holy week why don’t you stop and pray that God might fill that empty mind of yours with Spiritual wisdom and understanding, so will come to know that He wants to have a personal Love relationship with you–and to get rid of that “religion thing” from your mind–God does not want you, if you will not stop thinking religion; because through religion you are blind, deaf, and naked–all of that would mean you are dead from head to toe. “God is not the God of the dead”

      And one more thing! Don’t call me friend–I don’t want to be your friend–you miserable lady–and you know that I know who I am talking to as well.

      • Frenz
        April 1, 2013

        Poor Lizavier4jesus. I am not who you think I am Liz . Here is a hint I am all man with a pir of balls and and a dip stck. So please leave that woman you hate so much alone. You are such a hypocrite. You and father Thomas need to do some penance

      • April 1, 2013

        @Frenz April 1, 2013

        I have no hate towards no one–you are the hater!

        And why do you think I would accept your hint–that is the easiest thing to say about yourself–since no one can see you.

        Also there is no man whom I know that would behave the way you are doing–unless, of course you are a she-man. I do not know any of those either but I know they exist–nonetheless you are bluffing, one of those days you will regret it.

        And now I am through with you–if what you are doing here gratifies you self esteem, I pity you.

  23. Lapin
    March 28, 2013

    Thank you Dennis for that thought-provoking piece.Particuarly for your mention of that Council of Nicaea.

    If one really studies the way that Christianity developed we will realise that religion, all religion, is a “cultural construct” put together over time by human beings.

    Dont talk about the way it was imposed on the people of the Caribbean and the way that powerful pastors and priests still use it to their own ends to control and have power over people.

    But religion gives people comfort and a crutch to rest on, so if it makes them happy and gives their life some meaning, let them enjoy it. Jesus and the middle eastern desert god he represents can be interpreted and used in so many ways. Amen.

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