Deion Sanders: Coaching Colorado Football, Building Men by Samuel Johnson

Today my topic is quite different. Yes different. I am talking sports. I'm talking about the Head Coach Deon Sanders of the Colorado University Buffaloes football team located in the city of Boulder, in the state of Colorado USA. Since the college football Season began in September 2023 Coach Deon Sanders and his Colorado football team has caused an unusual media phenomena and coverage unheard of in almost 20 years. This is happening both on and off the field. Deion Sanders, or Coach Prime as he is called, has upturned the way college football is covered in the media, has sold out all games, a dramatically positive impact on the economy of Boulder and a greater interest in college football especially non-traditional fans. 

What is really going on here? What is behind this phenomenon? And why am I even discussing this topic?

First a brief background. Deion Sanders was a star athlete at Florida State University where he played American football, track, and baseball. He is a former top professional football and baseball player, who was recognized as one of the best athletes to perform and win awards in two professional sports. He coached football at three high schools, then was named the head football coach of Jackson State University, a the historically Black College (HBCU). He dramatically restored the university records, including winning the conference championship and many awards. in 2023Deion Sanders was hired as head coach of Colorado University, becoming one of the few black football head coaches at a major university. 

As head coach, Deion Sanders (Coach Prime) had an immediate impact. It became media mania. Many top high school athletes now want to come to Colorado to be coached by Coach Prime. This has caused a titanic shift in the entire college football system. All the sports television channels covered almost every move of Mr Sanders and his players. Coaches at other colleges have expressed concerns from losing top recruits to Coach Prime, to envy of the attention the media is giving to Colorado. The significant fact is that the Colorado team has had one winning season in the past 20 years. Yes, one winning season in the past 20 years! In 2022 Colorado won one game and lost 11. This is the team Sanders took over. Coach began a turnaround during the 2023 season with 4 wins and 8 losses. So far as of November 16, 2024, their win loss record is 8 wins and 2 loses! This is a shock to the college football landscape!

So what’s going on here? Why is the media flocking? Why is the Colorado games have the highest viewership of all the teams in the nation every week? Why so many young men want to come to Colorado to play football? And Colorado was not even in the top 25 team ranking. Today (November 22, 2024) the Colorado University football team is ranked #16. What’s really happening?

I have watched interviews with football experts, I’ve looked at videos of the Colorado team, listened to press conferences of Coach Prime and examined his speeches and talks to his players. I think that there are several lessons we can learn from this phenomenon, which is more than sports.

First it is noticeably clear that Deion Sanders is a popular personality in the sports and specifically the football industry. He is bold and very self-confident. He is flashy, sometimes over the top for some people. He has declared a vision for the Colorado football team, to dominate the sport. Imagine coming to a losing program, a team with decades of losing and saying he intends to dominate. Many have caught the vision: the University president, the athletic department, the students, the people of the city, Boulder. College football players from other schools, high school athletes, and families all across the country. This is what vision does, it inspires people to another level of thinking about overcoming a mediocre mentality of the past. That’s the mark of a true leader. Generally leaders look to gain followers but true leaders inspire people to a higher pursuit. That is what Coach Deion Sanders has done at Colorado University. 

Lesson No 1. Deion Sanders is a true leader. He has the secret to inspire people to follow his vision more than to follow him. True leaders inspire people to believe a vision, a purpose, an idea with undeniable passion. 

Another great lesson about Coach Prime is that he is not a people pleaser. Since taking the job at Colorado University, Coach Prime has received detractors mainly from rival coaches and sports media outlets. This is normal and no one should act surprised. Criticism does not necessarily mean that people are automatically haters. Some criticize from envy i.e. Why is Coach Prime getting so much media attention? Others are deeply threatened that too many of the top high school players will want to go to Colorado. Another set claim that Coach Sanders has not “paid his dues” to become a head coach of a school like Colorado. What I appreciate is that Sanders has not been moved by most of the critics and has not responded tit for tat with the open “haters.” He understands that haters build you.

Lesson No. 2: You cannot be a great leader, a visionary, and a people pleaser. Let me repeat that - You cannot be a great leader, a visionary, and a people pleaser. Because People pleasers are a distraction to your vision and your destiny. Coach Prime is definitely not a people pleaser. 

Another thing about this Coach Prime phenomenon. This is about business. About money. According to Black Enterprise Magazine, Coach Deion Sanders has been a major asset for the University of Colorado (Boulder). It continues “From  ad deals to celebrity endorsements and increased media coverage, the NFL Hall of Famer has reportedly generated $90.6 million in revenue  for the school according to Yahoo Finance. They also quoted Colorado University Chancellor Phil DeStefano who said “CU Boulder has been the epicenter of the national sports world, which has provided unprecedented exposure for the university across the country. I am impressed by the excitement that has permeated camps which is less quantifiable but certainly as important as record-setting merchandise and ticket sales” Sanders has already helped some of his players to obtain endorsement deals and I am sure more is to come. The colleges and the College Football organizations make millions off these athletes who rarely receive little compensation for their efforts because they were amateur athletes. However the Supreme Court ruling in July 2021 changed all that with a program known by the acronym NIL Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is a term that describes the means through which college athletes are allowed to receive financial compensation. NIL refers to the use of an athlete's name, image, and likeness through marketing and promotional endeavors. Coach Prime is one of the few coaches who have boldly supported the new avenues where players can make money for the use of their images. There is a reward for following your passion without wavering. Never listen to naysayers. Coach Prime has proved that following your passion can bring rewards not only for you but others connected to you. 

 Lesson No 3: Sports is a business and Coach Prime is one who shows his players how to profit from their labor. The bible says “A workman is worthy of his hire” I agree. In addition, Coach Prime has hired several e and/or retired NFL players. This will change the supply chain for new football coaches. The “good old—boy” coach pipeline has been challenged by the arrival of Coach Prime and exposed the biased tradition of limiting former NFL players from coaching jobs in college. 

Lesson No 4. is the best lesson I see that Coach Prime is teaching. This is more than playing football, more than winning games and making money. It’s about building men to make a positive impact on society. The fourth lesson to me is the most impactful because it creates a legacy for the next generations. College football is the supply route for the professional football leagues, primarily the National Football League. Coaches focus on building football skills for the players in preparation a professional career. Interestingly only 2% of all college football players ever make it to the professional level. So how do coaches manage this challenge? The major pressure is to win games and the players are the tool they use to maintain a winning record, bowl games, and make money. There is nothing wrong that most coaches are focused on this goal and treat their stars as prima donnas of the teams. Then here comes Coach Prime who has a deeper and well-rounded vision in coaching. Coach Prime stated on many occasions that this is more than playing football, more than winning games and making money. It’s about building men to make a positive impact on society. He recognizes that the overwhelming majority of players would not make the professional leagues. He is about turning boys into men. That is a long-term vision and it frightens many in the college football management including many opposing coaches. This is revolutionary thinking. 

Coach Prime teaches these young men to build wealth, to prepare them for leadership in society. As a Christian, I am glad to see Coach Prime and some of his coaches pray openly for the players. It is simply great. 

I just can’t wait to see what transpires by the end this second season, (December 2024) especially if they face setbacks that will likely come. This is a part of life. How they respond to defeats is a part of growing and maturing into men. Let’s see what happens.

Is it Fair why People must Be Restrained by the Law and Government? by Samuel Johnson

Today I will address the reasons why the law and the government must restrain people. Why society must be restrained must be limited in their actions and their behavior by the law and the government. We are speaking about the restraining hand of government. But we have questions. What about unjust laws? What about a repressive government? What about unjust government officials? Should we pray for a government who breaks or suspends the laws? We will address these questions.

In the past, we spoke about why we have conscience. That is to restrain us, because we need to live based what's right and wrong. You also spoke about parents. Parents are important in the role of restraining children and teenagers from wrong so they can develop the character of doing the right thing. Why the restraint? 

Because the foundational issue is that all humanity is born with a sin nature, with the nature to be independent of God and to do whatever they feel like doing. Hear what the Bible says in the book of Romans 10: 10-12  As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”

So, none of us is good, we are all born with a sin nature. I know that this is hard to hear. Our education system, and those who study human psychology would claim that everyone is basically good. Not true. This means that we all need a restraining force, a restraining rule to keep order, to keep peace so society can develop and grow in an orderly way. 

Now, if we were to allow people to behave the way they want to at any time, in any circumstance, we would have chaos in society. We will have Disorder in society. Hence. The role of law and government. 

Now the originator of law and government is God. We would like to think that humans developed the concepts of law and government. Sorry but was God who established the first moral law to our human parents, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the law of good and evil, the law of right and wrong. God is the ultimate authority and all leaders, all presidents, all rules, and all governments owe their authority to God. 

For example, English common law is the foundation of American law. And the Bible, especially the book of Romans is the foundation of English common law. So, the foundation of American Law can be traced back to the Bible. In fact, the Book of Romans was required reading and study in American Law schools. So, people who prattle that “the Bible is irrelevant”,” the Bible is old fashioned and not needed in our modern society” lack the knowledge about the foundations of our legal system.

This is the ultimate reason Christians are commanded to uphold the laws of the land and to pray for the Government. Many questions will arise from this statement which I will discuss shortly.

First hear what the scriptures say in Romans 13:1 – 7. 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Let’s break this down. The Bible says that we must honor governing authorities – Government and the Laws, the Constitution 

Why? because authority of the Government and the Laws, the Constitution comes from God; These institutions are God’s instrument to reward good and punish evil and rebellion. The scripture says that the governing authorities are God’s ministers.

So, in America, we expect the government to make and uphold just laws. We expect those who disobey the law to be punished regardless of social status, ethnicity, male or female, lifestyle, economic or political position. Those who obey the law should have no fear of the government. That’s what Romans 13 is saying. 

So, what if the government fails to uphold the standards it is authorized by God to implement? This is a challenging question for Christians and also for unbelievers. There are many scenarios that we can address.

How do we manage oppressive government and laws? How about unjust laws? 

It’s interesting that Jesus walked the earth at a time when the Roman government oppressed the people in Israel and other surrounding provinces and nations. Yet there is no documented statement where Jesus called for the removal of the Roman authorities although he had to power to do so. Everywhere, the commandment in the scriptures is that Christians pray for the government and obey the laws. This is why Liberation Theology is contrary to the scriptures, to the Bible and to the Christian faith - Liberation Theology is not focused on saving souls, it is focused on the transfer of civil power to the poor, the oppressed etc. However we find many examples in the last 100 years, that the majority former oppressed become the new abusers of power. Why? Man is basically not good, born in sin and shaped in iniquity. In other words, every person is born with a sinful nature. Only a change in nature can achieve an peaceful extended society. The Bible is clear that oppressors shall not enter the Kingdom of God, and will face the wrath of God. Christians have to trust God who has all authority. 

Dealing with unjust laws is a different issue. Slavery laws, Jim Crow laws, restrictions of voting rights are opposed to scripture and requires the active participation of Christians to change these unjust laws. We must have a clear understanding between unjust laws and the failure to implement just laws in any nation. The occurrences of racial discrimination, racism etc. does not necessarily require actions to remove the government. Replacing one set of sin nature leaders with another set is not the solution. Sure, there must be legal avenues to vote out bad governments within the law. This is the restraining effect of the law. The key endeavor of Christians is to win souls, to change people internally, one person at a time. This is the basic way to change a society not through many diverse types of man-made philosophies and sociopolitical movements. At another time, I will discuss why all man-made philosophies ranging from socialism, communism, capitalism and even democracy have failed, or will fail. Because any man-made system is full of fallen mankind and their systems eventually fail. The coming Kingdom of God 1,000 years rule (See the Book of Revelation chapter 20) will demonstrate how a just society is governed. But I’m getting off topic. 

The bottom line is that the authority all governments and laws (regardless of type), are subject to God’s authority. They are God’s instruments to reward good and punish evil commensurate with just laws. The government and laws are God’s instrument of restraining evil so we can have a peaceful and orderly life. This is why we Christians must pray for the government. We demonstrate our trust in God and His commandments. It is indeed better to share the Gospel is a peaceful society. 

Why Parents are God's Ministers to Restrain Children and Teens by Samuel H Johnson

 HADTRT15b Why People must Be Restrained - Parents

Hello and welcome everyone to another episode of Hear and Do the Right Thing. 

This is the second message in the series – Why People need to be Restrained? Today, the focus is on Parents. Now, what do parents have to do with restraining people? Or more accurately, restraining children and teenagers? They have a lot to do with it. The role of the parents is central in helping to develop a sound moral character. But I’m getting ahead of myself. First, I want you to be clear about what I mean by restraining people. To be restrained means  to be Muted, to be Confined, to be Controlled, to be Boxed in, to Set limitations, to be Led and to be Directed. Most importantly, the key is restraining people from a lifestyle of doing or practicing evil, rebellion and sin. Why? Because all people are sinful by nature. Let me repeat that -  all humanity is born with a sin nature, separated from God, and headed for death, hell, and the grave, never to be reconnected back to God. But God has established a solution for this depraved nature of man. That solution is the in Jesus Christ, by his death on the cross, burial, resurrection, and ascension back to heaven. That unparalleled act presents to all humanity a hope of reconciliation with God, a gift of salvation, and escape the certainty of hell and complete separation from God. So why is restraining important? Because it gives us an opportunity to resist our proclivity, our tendency to rebel and sin and gives us a chance to be saved. 

So parents play a significant role at the beginning of our lives through our teenage years. I know that it’s hard to accept the truth that babies are born with a sin nature, with a selfish nature. They look so cute, so sweet. Right? Have you seen how a baby or toddler behaves when they don’t get their way? They cry, wail, bawl, throw a tantrum. Why is that? They want what they want when they want it. Hungry or not they don’t like being restrained from what they want. 

All are born with a sin nature, and there is no one who is born good, no one who is born righteous. No not one. 

And thank God that babies are little, otherwise they might knock over the parents to get whatever they want. Babies need the restraining hand of parents. 

So parents are the first restraining authority ordained by God. Let me repeat that, Parents are the first restraining authority ordained by God. Parents have the responsibility to train a child to know right from wrong, to restrain their rebellious, sin prone nature. Without the restraining hand of parents, the future of society would be chaos everywhere. Thank God for Parents

Do you remember times when our parents warned us about certain people that we were hanging out with? certain groups that we’re hanging out with? Why do parents do this? Because they already have experience but you are the child; you’re a teenager who thinks that you know better than your parents; and you say, “Oh there’s nothing wrong with this group “ “they are nice people” But deep down inside of your heart you know at least something is wrong. Teenagers listen to this. Do you have any friends who bully people, who undermine others, who cheat on exams, who steal items in department stores and you are silent about it? Why? You don’t want to be a snitch? Did you want to be a part of the group? Did you want to be recognized by others? But you know it is wrong and your parents taught you better, taught you right from wrong! In addition, many of the people in those groups you followed have a tragic end – death, prison, or a troubled life. These are some of the results of the sin nature of human beings. Of course there are exceptions. But it is only by the grace of God that some of us survived. Some people may not believe this but the devil and his fallen angels influence people who rebel and do wrong. Yes, satan is a real personality in the spirit realm. Satan tries to destroy your future early in life. So you and I need to listen to our parents. Their instructions are a restraint against wrongdoing, against evil and against wickedness. This is a God ordained function for parents.

Now the first 7 chapters of the Book of Proverbs in the Bible are an excellent guidelines by which parents can lead their children and restrain their desires to do selfish acts. 

Hear what Proverbs 1: 8-10 says: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent”

That is clear and direct. So, Listen to your parents, Honor your parents. I am an adult and I still listen to my parents because you can’t buy wisdom. God ordained parents for this. 

The restraining hand of parents empowers children and teens to be willing to stand up and say no to wrong things - done by their friends, by their classmates and colleagues; If parents fail to clearly instruct by word and deed good moral standards, then children will fulfill the scriptures which says “bad company corrupts good character” 

Also God provides a blessing for honoring parents. In the Book of Ephesians the first three verses of chapter 6 say:   Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Hear the promise? “It may be well with you and live a long life”

One of the reasons why so many young people are dying early in society today is because of dishonoring this promise by God. In fact, many of us adults realize the value of parental restraint in our lives when we are in our thirties!!! 

Now, there are people who object to my proposal, my presentation of the necessity of parental authority and restraint. They would cite an encroachment on freedom and self-expression of children and teenagers. In other words, children have rights and we should emphasize how they feel about rules. We see this in the open attacks on parental authority from many quarters including the government institutions like the education and child welfare departments; certain social groups and Hollywood. In my view, God gave parents the responsibility for teaching their children the morals standards for life, not the government, not the schools and universities. Morality is not based on what’s popular, on poling data, or what the celebrities and high-profile people do in our society. Feelings are important but do not determine character. We express feelings but we live by principles of truth and discerning between right and wrong. Parental restraint keeps you from sin, protect your life and gives you a solid foundation for life relationships. Sure many rebel, many ignore the restraint, but most to their detriment. God ordained parental authority – to lay the foundation for overcoming our sin nature, a reconciliation back to God through Christ. Parental restraint is a good thing ordained by God. It is the foundation on which the future salvation of children is built. In summary I can conclude that restraint is the guidepost through which God’s calling will be fulfilled in the life of every child. Parents please continue to restrain your children in the obedience and love of God. Indeed, parental restraint is a good thing ordained by God

I want to thank all of you for reading this blog. Please share this information with others, your family, and friends. We hope that the principles we share will help to advance your thinking, especially in the lives of our young people. We would like to hear from you.

And remember that you always need to Hear and Do the Right Thing. Knowledge is powerful, but the wisdom of God is the principal thing.

Until next time.. 

Why People must Be Restrained by Samuel H Johnson

My topic is Why People must Be Restrained. 

Wow. That’s a mouthful  “People must Be Restrained” Restrain means to be Muted, to be Confined, to be Controlled, to be Boxed in, to Set limitations. Someone would probably ask - Bro Sam, Why would you say that People must Be Restrained? After all, this sounds like a violation of my rights. 

On the surface, it may sound like a violation but we must dig deeper. What is the state of humankind today? How are people behaving? How are they treating family, neighbors? strangers? People in the community? How is the behavior of politicians? Business Leaders? Religious leaders? 

Look around and we can agree that sin and rebellion is on the rise in our society. We see crimes at every level of our society today, from top to bottom. Political leaders are in a ruthless binge for power, lying and cheating is becoming normal in politics and business. We see laws implemented that support sinful practices. There is an open attempt to destroy democracy as we know it in America. It’s normal to see when a political party gets into power, it forgets all the ideals they were promoting – equality, concern for the poor and oppressed, justice, fairness for all etc. And it does not matter what ideology they claim to follow. Crimes like tax cheating, murder, robbery, domestic violence are at an all-time high despite charlatans who try to manipulate the statistics to fit their ideology. Family stability is diminishing, being redefined to fit what people feel. Truth and facts are despised for feelings. I even heard someone said that “feelings are more important than the truth.” 

All this reminds me of the recurring statement in the book of Judges in the Bible. It says, “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes” In other words Truth is relative. It’s the me, myself, and I philosophy. It’s the height of selfishness. And, because of this mentality our country, our world is headed for chaos and destruction. 

What is really happening? People put themselves at the center of their morality, their philosophy, their outlook, and their worldview. They just know that they are good. They are fine when others accept them or agree with them; regardless of truth or facts. But if you disagree with them, then that’s judging. But objectively, 

that is idolatry, self-worship. What people fail to realize or accept is that there is no one that is good, no one that is righteous. Only God is good, only God is righteous! Humans will inevitably destroy themselves and the world, if left to do whatever they feel, whatever they want. This is why humans must be restrained, and I will give the reasons later

In the Book of Genesis 6 Verse 5, God had to implement a global flood and save eight people to start humanity again. Why? Verse 5  “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” Let me repeat that clause “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” Yes, evil continually. That’s the heart of man; we are not born good. We are all born with a sin nature, a proclivity to rebel, a tendency to sin, to do wrong, to be selfish. In Genesis 19, God destroyed two cities, Sodom, and Gomorrah, because of blatant sin and iniquity. Yes, the heart of man is desperately wicked and that is why all humans need to be born again, born from above, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sin of all humanity. 

So, God had to set systems in place to restrain humans, so He can complete His plan of redemption before humans destroy themselves and the planet. First, God gave every human a conscience. We all have a sense to distinguish between right and wrong. But many people have dumb-down their conscience, defy and deny the warnings of their conscience when they sin, rebel and do wrong. We hear some people being described as having a cold heart, a hard heart, or no conscience. God gave us that conscience as a warning against evil and sin but most of us rebel. God also gave humans parents, a father, and a mother to restrain us from doing wrong from an early age. He also gave us the law, government, and the church to restrain our human proclivity to sin, our human tendency to do wrong. This indeed is a serious matter, the necessity of restraining humanity. We will look at each restraint next time. We will look at why God gave us parents, the law, government, and the church. So look for the next blog.

Remember that you always need to Hear and Do the Right Thing. Knowledge is powerful, but the wisdom of God is the principal thing.

The Origin of Black People by Samuel H Johnson

 What is The Origin of Black People? Where did we come from? This may seem like a ridiculous question, but I am serious about it. This might be a strange topic in 2022 but let’s look at the reality of life in America and how Black people are perceived and portrayed 

When we look at how history is taught in America, it makes sense to ask this question. What is The Origin of Black People? Generally, Black History in America is seen as separate from American History, sometimes even separate from world history in our schools. So why are we surprised when some parents and politicians use this scenario to claim that teaching Black History is contrary to American values? And that teaching Black History is against white people or other nationalities? This is the reality we are living in today. In my opinion, teaching Black History as a separate subject should be for specialization mainly in colleges and universities. 

When history is first introduced to children it must include the histories of all people in that nation as one comprehensive subject. Let me repeat that:  When history is first introduced to children in schools it must include the histories of all people (all ethnicities, all nationalities) in that nation as one comprehensive subject. And it must be grounded in truth - the good history, the bad history, and the ugly history. Why am I saying this? Because we all live in one nation, one country. It’s simple logic. If Black history is 

separate, then the question becomes: Is the origin of Black people different? 

Other questions arise because to this thinking. Are Black people real Americans? What about the original Americans? What about the so-called Native Americans? All this goes to a question of origins. And for me, this goes directly to the question of authority and truth about real history and real origins. 

There are some events in American history that we mislabel primarily as Black History. LISTEN TO THIS – the Civil Rights movement is American History; Jim Crow is American History; Chattel Slavery is American History; Reconstruction is American History; Black Panther Movement is American History; Anti-Slavery Abolition Movement is American History; Black Lives Matter is American History. Why? Because all these events occurred in America – Past and Present! Remember I am dealing with the origins of Black people.

So, what is the origin of Black people? Black history is the same as human history. Glory to God. The origin of Black people is connected to/and a part of human history. The origin of Black people is a part of human origin. 

Education, especially history is central to any people who need to know their origin. A look at world history is relevant to understand where we are today. 

It’s well known that the first global world power was in Africa, specifically Egypt. Their domination lasted about 2,500 years. And they were Africans. Other world powers followed Egypt were Assyria (Mesopotamia), Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece then Rome. Egypt remains the longest ruling world power in human history. And they were Africans. 

Now Greece was the first European world power in the history of humanity. 

In 323 BC the Greek military leader, Alexander the Great, achieved an important victory over the Meado-Persian empire. This event marked the first time a European power gained world dominance in human history. The next world power was the Roman Empire. Each succeeding empire learned from the previous power.  Both Greek and Roman cultures learned and coveted many achievements of Egyptian (African) people, some without acknowledgement. Some tried to make Egypt, a non-African nation while others Europeanized Egyptian achievements. By now, we know that the Egyptian Theorem was renamed Pythagoras’s theorem by the Greeks. This theorem was/and still is the foundation in building construction. However, to coin a phrase, the Greeks practiced “Stolen Legacy” (ref. the book by George G. M. James)

Western culture, including American culture, is based on Greek and Roman philosophy. These two cultures took a lot from Egyptian (African) culture, much without acknowledgement. Unfortunately, it took until the discipline of African or Black Studies began to make its way into our schools and educational institutions that the truth of the origin and contribution of Black people became known in common society. Black history had to correct much of the false and incomplete notions of the origin and history of Black peoples in America, Africa, and the world. This miseducation caused many to conclude that Black people made little contribution to the world and thus their origin was suspect. These facts also influenced much of the Christian church historically and even today. Thanks be to God that many historians have debunked these false, negative concepts of Black people, their origin and history.

So, what about the origin of Black people? First, we have the same origin and roots as every other human being on this planet. All humans came from Adam and Eve as clearly outlined in the Bible, in the scriptures. Humans did not come from apes or monkeys as taught in our schools and universities. This is a falsehood perpetuated by so-called scientists and people of reason.

Now I know that there are those who are against the Bible, and call it outdated fables, yet they accept the “big bang theory” that the earth was created from nothing!! And that all human beings came from apes! Incredible! but that’s another topic - the origin of the earth.

So, all humans came from Adam and Eve, according to the scriptures. To be even more definitive we all came from the three sons of Noah, who lived about 1,100 years after Adam.

Let’s look at the book of Genesis. In Genesis 10:1 (ESV) "These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood"

Note the names of Noah’s sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. In the Bible, names have meanings that explain the person and his/her nationality and origin. These names give clues to a person’s ancestor · forefather · forebear · parent · begetter · primogenitor · procreator ·

These are the three sons of Noah from whom all people descended. So technically, one third of the planet are brothers and sisters and the other two—thirds are your cousins (starting 5,000 years ago). So, what's all this fight, prejudice and racism about among people? 

A study of the names of the descendants of these three sons is a guide to their origin. Middle eastern/ Asian peoples came from Shem. African (Black) people came from Ham and Caucasian white people came from Japheth.

To follow the origin of Black people, we go to Genesis 10: 6 which says, “The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan”. Let me repeat - 

“The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan”

Now the meaning of these names is very revealing. All you have to find these words in any good Bible dictionary which define the root of words. This discipline is called Etymology, the study of the root or source meaning of words. Cush means Ethiopia. So, Cush was the progenitor of Ethiopia, the African nation. 

According to Strong’s Bible dictionary Cush means black. Strong’s dictionary also says that “Cush is the son of Ham and grandson of Noah and the progenitor of the southernmost peoples located in Africa” 

Friends this is Bible, we are presenting what the scriptures says about the origin of Black people. Everywhere you see Cush, or Cushite in the Bible you are talking about one root of Black people. 

Next Mizriam, the next son of Ham. Mizriam means Egypt, another African people. Bible dictionary Egypt = "land of the Copts" the root of the word Coptic. The definition continues “a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows” 

Remember this is before to beginning of the Egyptian Dynasties.

Look and the next son of Ham, Phut. Phut means Libya, a nation, and people of northern Africa, most likely Libyans.

Look and the next son of Ham, Canaan. He was the fourth son of Ham and the progenitor (ancestor) of the Phoenicians and of the various nations who peopled the seacoast of Palestine

So quite clearly, according to the scriptures, Black people have their origin in the Bible. Also, the Bible identifies many leaders and prominent persons who were Black and the descendent of Ham, through one of his four sons. For example, the Joshua, the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses, had black blood in him. Specifically, remember Joseph, Jacob’s 11th son who became prime minister of Egypt, second in command to the Pharaoh? Read Genesis chapter 41. Joseph married a Black woman of Egypt, Asenath

who had two sons - Manasseh, and Ephraim. The general Joshua in the sixth book of the Bible is from the bloodline of Ephraim. The Bible identified other people who were Black or had black bloodline. These include Rahab, who helped the Israel spies on their reconnaissance mission before the fall of Jericho; Bathsheba, King Solomon’s mother, had direct genealogy back to Ham via Heth (Hittite) see Genesis 10:15. King David and King Solomon both had black bloodline in their genes. The prophet Zephaniah was a Cushite. There are many examples in the scriptures. 

You see, God already knew that people in the 21st century would promote false and misguided information about the origin of Black people. God already knew that so-called Christians would use the Bible to justify

the slavery and negative images of Black people. So, what did God do? God placed the truth plainly in the scriptures. So at least Christians have no excuse. 

So, the bottom line is this. Black history is the same as human history. Glory to God. The origin of Black people is connected to/and a part of human history. The origin of Black people is a part of human origins - so do not separate it. All peoples, all ethnicities, all nationalities have the same origin. 

Thank God for all the historians and biblical scholars who through diligent studies have brought enlightenment to the entire world about the origin and magnificent contributions of Black people to all of humanity. Black History is Human History. Black origins are the same as the origin of all peoples, all nationalities, and all ethnicities. It’s time to teach history in a comprehensive truthful manner. It's time.

 

Jesus is not black or white, Jesus is God by Samuel H Johnson

Now the color of Jesus is not a new topic in our society. This debate about the color of Jesus has ebbed and flowed for a long time in history of Christianity and religion especially in the North America and Western Europe.

It is a controversial topic but we must confront this idea, because it has had a detrimental impact on Christianity. Therefore my topic, my assertion is that Jesus in not black or white. Jesus is God. When we understand who Jesus really is, then we will understand the futility of the discussion about the color of Jesus.  

Why do I make this bold statement? Because the truth of scriptures will show that the color of Jesus is a pointless, shallow evil proposition for many reasons. My primary point is that the people who promote the color of Jesus idea are in one of two camps. Either they are trying to deceive or they really don’t know who Jesus is. And it’s not who Jesus was, but who He is. According to the scriptures, right now Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God in heaven, as the advocate for Christians, for believers.

Then who is Jesus? Some people and religions believe that Jesus was just a prophet who lived a highly moral life and was a good example. Some, especially those who believe in reincarnation, see Jesus as achieving the highest moral state that a human can achieve i.e. Nirvana. Some even believe that Jesus was not a real person who lived on earth about 2,000 years ago (Its January 2022)

 

However there is historical, archeological, and documented evidence that Jesus lived on earth during the time that the Caesars ruled Rome. Any scholar worth their salt can easily find the evidence of a historical Jesus, including His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The Roman form of execution at that time was crucifixion of the most dangerous rebels. And Jesus was considered a rebel against the ruling authorities of that day.

But Jesus is more than that according to the scriptures, according to the Bible. 

According to the gospel of John, Jesus was in the beginning with God before the creation of the earth. John opened his writing in the gospel this way: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God” The Word is synonymous with Jesus. So Jesus was in the beginning with God. Note the Word was with God and the Word was God. These are 2 distinct personalities but one God. Our limited mind cannot understand this, it takes faith in God. 

 Also, we can go back to the first book of the Bible, Genesis, which begins this way “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth and the Spirit of God moved Upon the surface of the earth and God said “Let there be light”; and there was light” So we see God, the Holy Spirit and the Word (which is Jesus) working together in the creation. So we see here again that Jesus is not some prophet or holy person, He is a part of the Godhead (which consists of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost).

So Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity; God the father God the son and God the Holy Spirit and they are three persons but one God. You cannot apply human reasoning to understand the Godhead, it’s by faith in Christ. This is why unbelievers cannot understand this truth, because they do not have the Holy Spirit, who is in us from the time of salvation, being born again in Christ.

 There are many passages in the Old Testament which shows the presence of Jesus. Jesus was in the burning bush that appeared to Moses in the book of Exodus 3 when God chose Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt

This is called a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ

 You see, Jesus did not just appear as a baby to Mary and Joseph in the New Testament. Mary became pregnant through the miracle work of the Holy Spirit. You may say; Wait, if Jesus was born of a woman then He mst have the sin nature. It’s a scientific truth that the blood of the baby does not mix with the blood of the mother. So He was born without the sin nature of human beings. So, only a perfect, sinless person could give their life for the salvation of all humanity. That was Jesus. 

So far we demonstrated that, Jesus was at the creation of the world, He was in the Old Testament and He was perfect, without the sin nature of mankind

That person was Jesus who lived as fully God and fully man on the earth for approximately 33 years. Jesus is not half-god half man like the Greek gods. We read about Greek idols like Zeus and Apollo who are demi-gods. Jesus is fully god and fully man. He is not close to God or hang out with God. Jesus is God.     

Now if Jesus is not God then Christians are in trouble with our worship. It would mean that Christians are worshipping someone who is not God. The conclusion of this scenario would be that Christians are worshipping an idol. That is idolatry. But Jesus is God. 

 

So I have established that Jesus is God, or as the scriptures say, God the Son. And we can understand that people who claim the Jesus is black or white are either deceived or don’t understand the real Jesus of the scriptures.But why the debate about the color of Jesus?

We have seen Jesus depicted as a white man, a slender hippie looking white man with long hair. This is an abomination against the Word of God and the 10 commandments. The second commandment clearly states that we should not make any image or likeness of God. 

Exodus 20:4-5 (NKJV) 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness [of anything] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.“

So any image, any picture, any sculpture, or any drawing of Jesus is a violation of God’s law. And to worship or lift up any such image is wrong. . And God hates it according to the scriptures In my opinion, churches need to take down all such images. 

How did we get here? You see, the origin of Christianity was the Middle East not Europe. However at the time Jesus walked the earth, the European powers (Greece then Rome, otherwise known as the Roman empire) was in control of the entire region. The Caesars tried to eliminate the growth of the belief in Jesus, especially after His crucifixion death and resurrection. However they were unsuccessful. About 300 years later, the Roman  emperor Constantine incorporated Christianity into their pagan religions which eventually became what is known as the Roman Catholic religion. However they also kept most of the pagan practices. It’s under this system that we begin to see paintings of Jesus, the angels and apostles as white Europeans. 

So we can say that Christianity was Romanized and Europeanized. This abomination has had a negative influence on Christianity. Chattel slavery and colonialism have been justified in many quarters by this idolatry including the abominable image of Jesus as white. Christianity has been painted as a white, “a white man’s religion” etc. 

Unfortunately even most church history taught in seminaries are really European church history. The history of the Christian church in Asia , the Middle East and Africa are hardly taught. The historical truth is that Christians were in Egypt, Ethiopia Northwest Africa even parts of west Africa before Islam and the European chattel slave trade. This is neglected by the majority of "Christian" scholars. But that's a whole teaching by itself. No because people paint Jesus as white means it's true. That's abominable and all Christian leaders and churches must expose this lie. No such thing in the Bible, end of story 

The American Civil War was largely influenced by this abomination of a white Jesus, the betrayal of the Reconstruction, Jim Crow period were all influenced by this image of a white Jesus. Fake Christians always tried to justify a white Jesus. However, real Christians like William Wilberforce made great contributions to the abolition of slavery. So that we cannot make generalized statement that Christianity is a “white” religion. The Bible clearly contradicts such a philosophy. Also there is no biblical justification to leave Christianity by saying it’s a “white man’s religion”. This must be addressed because it’s a reason nonwhite people use to reject the Gospel. The church must address it, its roots and sins against God and His Word. 

This philosophy of a white Jesus promotes white superiority. No question about it. Some like to pretend that it’s not relevant to Christians. There are many Christians who battle the sin of racism and prejudice. This philosophy has nothing to do with the Scriptures. In fact, the Bible knows nothing about race the way we define it today Let me Repeat that ]the Bible knows nothing about race the way we define it today]. The Scriptures are clear - there is only one race, the human race. In Acts 17:24-29 the Bible clearly states that all humanity came from one blood, meaning Adam and Eve; we all came from the same ancestor. Race, as we know it is a human construct designed to divide and exploit people for power and financial gain. (Let me repeat that) Race, as we know it, is a human construct designed to divide and exploit people for power and financial gain. Division of people based on “race” or “skin color” is an affront to God and an affront to the Scriptures. It is sad that too many churches today still practice this abomination, this lie, some openly, some subtly. The American church needs to intensify its guard because this philosophy is constantly promoted in almost all areas of our society: in media, in business, in movies, in schools and especially in the home. It is understandable why some people are angry and opposed to a white Jesus image in our churches (including images, written materials for children etc.) 

So, the color of Jesus is hardly relevant to the Bible. The people who promote the color of Jesus idea are Either trying to deceive or they really don’t know who Jesus is. Like I said, Jesus is neither black nor white. Jesus is God and the color of God is irrelevant. Jesus is neither black nor white. He is God. I like how Dr. Frederick Price put it. "We don't need a black Jesus We don't need a white Jesus We need the real Jesus"

Remember that you always need to Hear and Do the Right Thing. Knowledge is powerful, but the wisdom of God is the principal thing.

Until next time, see you right here. Peace 

The Time for Real Men to Stand Up Is Now by Samuel H Johnson

The Time for More Real Men to Stand Up is Now

I remember when I was a boy, all the men of my community had the authority to correct and discipline any youth when it was necessary. Today it is a different situation. We are living at the stage in the history of mankind where too many young men have no regard for the adults around them and believe that they can and should do whatever feels good. If you travel, you can see and hear the foul language and rude, lawless, and lewd behavior of some youth in the presence of their elders. Even more tragic is that some of this behavior is from young girls! How did this happen? What is going on?

The first typical response is to blame the youth. This is incorrect. We have to first look at the adults, especially the men in our society. Young people see some preachers preach one thing and practice the opposite. They see rich men commit crimes and do not get punished. They hear politicians make promises and never keep them. They see “celebrities” break the law and get a slap on the wrist by our justice system. I did not say all, but it is too much – enough is enough. Children see parents do wrong and tell the child "do what I say and not what I do"; Young people see businessmen use sex and violence to exploit women and youth in movies, television, videos and the internet and call it "just doing business" Young people hear talk show hosts tell people to do whatever feels good and that there is no absolute truth nor right or wrong.

In other words, "Do whatever feels good to you". Sounds familiar?

Indeed, we are in moral decline in our society. Simple behaviors like politeness, like kindness, good manners, common courtesy are in short supply. Some people think foolishly that a display of kindness is a display of a weak person. Children and young people tease their classmates and colleagues who display good manners. If you think kindness, goodness, courtesy, and good manners are for weak people, you are sadly mistaken. You are actually exhibiting is a clear example of a lack of proper human development.

 What many people do not realize is that it takes more strength of character to be mannerly. Any weakling can be rude, obnoxious, and vulgar. It takes more strength to be gentle than to be tasteless.

You see gentleness reflects strength under control. People who use curse words in almost every sentence show a lack of vocabulary words and are almost incapable of wholesome verbal expression. There should be no pride in verbal expressions of foul language; it is actually an example of limited speaking ability. It is an indication that we need to learn and mature as adults. It is indeed necessary for us, the adults, to set the example of moral maturity. We must stop making excuses for rudeness and obnoxious behavior. It all begins with the adults, first in the home, to set proper examples for the younger generation.

More than 2,000 years ago the Bible predicted that these things will happen.

2 Timothy 3: 1-5 says: "You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that"

Surprised? So, you thought that the Bible was an irrelevant book? In the last 30 years, young people have seen this type of behavior from adults more and more. Our youth are the product of the examples set by the adults.

One of the reasons for this moral decline is fatherlessness. Yes fatherlessness. Fatherlessness does not necessarily mean that the father is not in the home. A father could be in the home but not lead their children in honesty, truth, and integrity. Men must operate in their role of father to their children. The role of father cannot be performed by a woman. Fatherhood is a male assignment and motherhood is a female assignment. There are things only a man can impart to a child or youth and there are things only a mother can impart to a child or youth. Some may not agree with this, but we need to understand the difference between identity and function.

For example, the Holy Trinity consists of God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit. Although they are equal, they have different functions. People will just have to agree to disagree with me on this. The lack of a father’s guidance leads to frustration in the child and young person. This impacts on the rounded personality of the child. But despite the moral decline we see in our society there is hope. I want to briefly address the role of men in fostering this hope.

First there is an attack on men who are manly, men who speak boldly to issues that confront our society. We see this negative portrayal of manly men in movies, TV shows where the manliness of men have been deemphasized for the more “sensitive, emotional” male image. I am not saying that men are not sensitive nor emotional, indeed we are but why the attack the manly character? Young girls need examples of strong moral fathers, to compare to potential husbands because two-parent families are still foundational in the life of a child. Again, some may disagree but let us agree to disagree on this too. 

But, there is hope if more men would begin to stand up for truth, holiness, and righteousness instead of worrying about what "society" thinks or what is popular. Popularity is temporary, but holiness is eternal. Popularity is short lived, but righteousness is eternal. Popularity is temporary, but truth is eternal. Popularity is temporary, but kindness, goodness and gentleness are eternal and lasting. It is time for more men to stop seeking power, position, and titles and seek high moral character in leading their children and families. 

This answer is Jesus Christ who is the source of holiness, righteousness, and integrity. I believe, more men need to get to know God through Jesus Christ to mirror these characteristics. The acceptance and knowledge of Christ is necessary to the full development of real men. Real men are kind, and gentle, and bold, and loving, and courteous. Real men are power under control. Real men follow the pattern of Christ by displaying the strength of Christ, the purity of Christ and the love of Christ. Young people would follow such men of integrity, courage, and wisdom.

A few years ago a dear friend of mine gave me a birthday card which said:

• This world needs more real men and fewer pretenders
• More courage, fewer excuses
• More wisdom, less egotism
• More stepping up to the plate and less beating around the bush
• More leaders, fewer players
• More muscle, less beef
• What this world needs is more men of character.

I could not have stated it better myself. Every woman would want such a man for a father, brother, or husband. So, men, let us take up the challenge and fulfill that call.