Youth Edition

www.visionschristianmagazine.
com Youth & Young A

Young dult Edition 2004
Adult 1 VISIONS
TABLE
OF
4 Power in Truth: Testimonial
by Author Unknown
6 Overcoming Strongholds:
Testimonial
by L.C. Tardy
POEMS CONTENTS
10 “Have You Lost Your Hearing”
by Joe Floyd
10 “You’ll Always Be There”

by Joe Floyd
10 “Remembering God’s Love”

by Joe Floyd
13 Serving the Lord’s Army
by L.C. Tardy
19 SPECIAL FEATURE: Pastor Tony Lee
Biography
20 Young, Gifted, and Blessed
by L.C. Tardy
23 Love
by Brother Chicago Long
35 You’re On Trial
by L. David Harris
29 Anointed to Succeed
by L.C. Tar
Tar dy
ardy
39 SPECIAL INTERVIEW: King Soloman
by L.C. Tardy
42 BIBLE STORY:BUILDING A HOUSE FOR GOD
VISIONS 2 Youth & Young A

Adult www.visionschristianmagazine.com
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Romans 10:9-10
Writers/Regular Contributors
Joe Floyd 9
That if you confess with
L. David Harris
Chicago Long your mouth, “Jesus is
L.C. Tardy Lord,” and believe in your
Graphic Designers
heart that God raised him
Chauntika Broggin from the dead, you will be
saved. 10For it is with your
Photographer heart that you believe and
Kevin Lucas are justified, and it is with
your mouth that you
Print Coordinator confess and are saved.
TCG Printing/Washington Times
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Front cover picture taken by E. Johnson Christian Authors

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www.visionschristianmagazine.com Youth & Young A
Young 3
dult Edition 2004
Adult VISIONS
Power In Truth
Testimonial by Author, Unknown
was raised Catholic, although there vere depression. I was also an occassional drug
I was little evidence of God in our home.
I attended a Catholic school also, and

user, although I didn’t do any “hard” drugs. My
life was a mess...I took steps to improve it..I went
mass several times a week, as well as confes- to college, got a degree, participated in self-
sion. I was christened, confirmed, the whole nine help programs for depression and
yards...but I always felt something was alcoholism...but nothing seemed to do much
wrong...there seemed to be a foreboding pres- good...I still felt very unfulfilled. At the age of 32,
ence of some- my boyfriend of 9
thing not quite “But sanctify the Lord God in your years had allowed
right there, and hearts: and be ready always to give an me to become a

answer to every man that asketh you a
so I was relieved stay-at-home
reason of the hope that is in you with
at the age of 13 meekness and fear:” mom...and I was
when I began to 1Peter 3:15.

1Peter bored. But since I
attend school in was at home all
the public school system. I did not retain any- day, and all the children were in school most of
thing learned of the Catholic religion, and I cer- the day..I discovered TV...and the one thing I
tainly did not live a godly life...God was some- discovered on TV was TV evangelism. I don’t
thing very remote in my mind, although I did really remember much about what these people
believe he existed. I had a child and a failed had to say...but what I do remember noticing at
marriage at the age of twenty. I became an al- that point was their joy, their zeal, their peace,
coholic and had another child out of wedlock and happiness. This was enticing to me. I dug
by age 24. By the age of 28, I was living in an out an old bible, and began to read...although I
ungodly relationship, had another child, and was understood nothing of what I read...and my athe-
a full-blown alcoholic who also suffered from se- ist boyfriend didn’t help much although he was

tolerant of my curiosity. During this time, people conclusion it had something to do with God...I
began to cross my path to tell me about God, mean I couldn’t really ignore it anymore.
Jesus, salvation. But I would not hear them...I Well, here I was...and things were changing
had a very large fear. A fear of being mislead. I suddenly...I started a business, and was doing
looked around at all the religions, and I knew well, saving money for my own place to live. One
they could not all be right..for they differed so day my friend whom I was living with, wanted to
much. Now, the frequency of people crossing go out...and so I agreed. She drank, I drove:). I
my path was increasing to the point I could not met a man that night that was soon to become
even go to the convenience store at 3AM with- the most influential human being I had known.
out hearing about Jesus! Finally, I decided to For some reason, I felt I could trust this man,
talk to God..I told God I wanted to know him, but and although he did some things that eventu-
I didn’t want to be mislead..I wanted truth and ally led to hurt in my life, I will be eternally grate-
truth only! Well, my relationship fell apart, I ful to God for using this man to lead me to him.
moved out, my children were scattered as I He encouraged me to read, encouraged me to
didn’t really have a suitable place to go. I was pray...assured me that God heard my
living amidst drug dealers, drug addicts, even prayers..he answered my incessant barrage of
though by this point, I had been relieved of my questions day and night...and he was patient
alcoholism Even in my ignorance...I had prayed and kind in his guidance. I was able to obtain a
for deliverance from this terrible thing..and God home, paid for...and restore my family. I was very
was faithful to deliver me. zealous in my search for God, for his under-
During these times I suffered through standing, for his truth..and God is faithful to re-
many situations...poverty...hunger...emotional veal these things to me.
abuse...family separation..sickness...despair.. The first year of my new life, I read as much
but I think the worst thing I suffered through was as I could..I prayed about everything I read..but
a feeling of hopelessness... it wasn’t until almost a year later that the under-
I had come to the realization that there must standing began to come...and it was so
be something better..and I had also come to the wonderful...a feeling I can not describe...I was

Adult 5 VISIONS
looking through my bible, and all of a sudden it life...and for this I continue to seek more of him.
was like a great understanding overcame I am convinced that anyone who is a DILIGENT
me..everything I looked at just seemed to make SEEKER of God can obtain this and much
sense, come alive, I was leafing through pages more...for his treasures are endless. I will not
one after another, seeing the truth jumping out say I have not had trials since my new life be-
at me in blaring reality! And soon after many gan, but with the love and peace and comfort of
other exciting things began to happen to me in the Holy Spirit, I have been able to face these
my spiritual walk...I have seen things that have trials head-on with no fear, no turmoil, no doubt!
awed me, felt things which I have never felt. At- It is so wonderful to see the goodness of God,
tained spiritual treausures in abundance...God and experience it’s healing power in your life. I
has come into my heart, my life, my whole no longer suffer from depression, alcoholism,
being...awakened me spiritually...recreated me! drug addiction, anger, turmoil...these things God
Revived me! The peace and joy in having a re- has replaced with a transformed mind and spirit
lationship with God is awesome...more than I in me.
could ever have hoped for in my previous
“OVERCOMING STRONGHOLDS”
My Testimony
by L.C. Tardy
I HAVE BEEN POISONING MY sacred and pure to be destroyed. Our breath
BODY FOR 32 YEARS, since the and blood are gifts from God, which is why the
age of 13. I lived in ignorance as do devil tries to destroy us. The Bible says in 1
many teenagers and adults of today. The devil Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your
feeds on our ignorance and attacks us with dis- adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
eases and ungodly decisions. The worse thing about, seeking whom he may devour,”
we can do to ourselves is to allow what is holy, 1 Corinthians 3:16 says: “Know ye not that ye

For though w
wee walk in the flesh, w
walk e do not w
we ar after the flesh
war
For the w eapons o
weapons off our warf
warfar
arfar
aree are not carnal,
are
but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
2 Corinthians 1 0:3-5
10:3-5
are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God tears on that day, and got down on my knees
dwelleth in you?” It wasn’t until I picked up a with the ashtray in my hand and repented. I ask
magazine called, “Message,” the magazine for the Lord to take this thing from my blood, and to
virtuous living, (March/April 2001), and read an remove this dreadful disease, and pain, and to
article in the Healthspan column entitled, “A heal me. I shouted, “Heal me, Lord, heal me in
Time to Quit,” written by Loma G. Davies-Silcott the name of Jesus.” With tears in my eyes, I
that I began to realize what I was doing, and had was determined on that day that I was not go-
done to my body for so many years. You might ing to let the devil destroy my life, and take away
say thank God it was only cigarettes and no other God’s most precious gift _______my breath.
harsh drug. Think again! “Cigarettes are just I had been saved by the blood of the Lamb,
as deadly___ in fact, even more deadly than baptized with water, with the Holy Spirit. I
heroin. In Loma G. Davies-Silcott’s article she couldn’t understand why I couldn’t get over this
stated: “Health officials estimate that more than cigarette habit. Now I understand that I don’t
350,000 excess deaths occur each year as a have the strength to overcome anything in this
direct result of cigarette smoking. An excess life without the power of Jesus in me. It is only
death means that the person dies statistically through the power of God that I have been
earlier than they would have normally, because saved from the dreadful disease of smoking.
of accident or illness.” After reading about the Praise God! The thought of smoking has
statistics and what cigarette smoking was do- entered my mind, but the Holy Spirit steps in
ing to my body, I began to pray, and to ask for- and kicks it out. In other words, the Holy Spirit
giveness for allowing Satan to take over my makes intercession for my infirmities (my
body. Then the Lord spoke to my heart, and weakness) He is the intercessor. (Romans
said, “Your body is the temple of God.” I shed 8:26) When we put our lives in God’s hands,

Adult 7 VISIONS
the Holy Spirit will not let the devil destroy His handcrafted by Him. In the name of Jesus,
property. In the name of Jesus I am victorious! Satan is defeated! The blood of Jesus is
I didn’t have to use nicotron, bantron, against him. In the name of my Lord and
nicorette, or patches. I am living proof that I Savior Jesus Christ, I am now smoke-free.
was saved by the blood of the Lamb. He Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me!
protects me, orders my steps, directs my “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou
path. He is my soul source, resource and mayest prosper, and be in health, even as
provider today. I can breath! I have more thou soul prospereth.”3 John 2
energy! I’m happier! my skin looks better! I God orchestrated my deliverance. I found the
Praise the wonderful name of Jesus! Now Message magazine on the floor in my
when I smell smoke, I know that it is the devil’s roommate’s garage, and I had a cigarette in
spirit that wants to destroy me, and the pre- my hand at the time (my roommate didn’t
cious gift of God ____ my Breath. allow smoking in the house) I took the maga-
If you are experiencing strongholds in your zine up to my room to read it. Thank God for
life, pray this prayer with me: I (say your using the hands of Loma G. Davies-Silcott in
name) AS A BLOOD WASHED CHILD OF a mighty way in the writing of the article “A
GOD, ask in the name of Jesus that Satan be Time to Quit, “ in the March/April 2001 issue
removed from God’s property. I am not of Message magazine. Our gifts are given to
Satan’s property. But I belong to God, and I us to bless others and bring healing to our
am His masterpiece. I am God’s workman- souls.
ship, made in His image, created and
LINDA C. T
LINDA ARD
TARDY is an author of two books entitled, “Ripples In the Water,” and “Humility Before Honor,” and president of Visions
ARDY
Magazine, a Christian magazine. She writes from Washington, D.C. This article was first published in Message Magazine November/
December 2004 issue.

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Adult 9 VISIONS
Have You Lost Your Hearing
Don’t you hear God talking to you? God is the source of your salvation,
Or is it that you’re not really listening. Eternal life with God is what it’s all about.
God wants you to know of his love for you,
To ignore him you don’t know what you’re Never turn your back on God’s Holy Word,
missing. Trust that his Word is always true
Believe that he will fulfill your every need,
God desires your full attention, And that God will always have a love for you.
Even if it is not what you want you want to
hear. Open your ears and hear God’s Word,
His Holy Word is nothing but the truth, And be willing to give him your full attention.
And the truth is nothing you need to fear. God just wants to show you his never ending
love,
What on earth is more important than God? And that is the focus of his intention.
Why are you trying to tune him out?
Joe Floyd
You’ll Always Be There Remember God’s Love

Lord, forgive me for all my sins God loves all his children
And help me to do what’s right He enjoys to watch them grow
Protect me from all temptations Feel safe and know God’s watching
Provide me a guiding light. Where ever his children may go.
There’s no other power to turn to Never be afraid of the darkness

There’s no one greater than you Because God will always be there
My faith in you is absolute You’ll be safe in the arms of God
I trust everything that you do. You are truly in the best of care.
I thank you for your many blessings God wants you to love your neighbor
And I thank you for being there for me Even if you’d been treated wrong
If I tried to live without you Turn it around with a little kindness
There’s no telling where I would be. And just maybe you can get along.
Lord, I love you with all my heart Learn to fight hate with love
I’m blessed with your loving care That is what Jesus taught
I can walk without a single fear God loves all his children
Knowing you’ll always be there. Always remember that thought.
Joe Floyd Joe Floyd

TEEN
CHURCH

Adult 11 VISIONS
”SERVING THE LORD’s ARMY”
The Jericho City of Praise’s Mighty Men of Valor
by L.C. Tar
Tardy
ardy
T he Mighty Men of Valor is a pow- And the angel of the Lord appeared
erful ministry of Men and Young unto him, and said unto him, The
Lor
ordd is with thee
thee,, thou mighty man
adults. The Leader of the Men of
of vvalor
alor.”
alor.”
Valor is Minister Rickey E. Macklin. Minister Judges 6:12
Macklin’s mentor and Pastor the late Bishop ran with the vision. Minister Rickey Macklin
James R. Peebles, Sr., and son, James R. states that this vision has birthed powerful son’s
Peebles, Jr. were the visionaries who gave birth of God with integrity, confidence, self-worth, de-
to the vision for the Mighty Men of Valor. Minis- termination, discipline and knowledge of the
ter Rickey Macklin and Brother Robert Smith word of God. This powerful Baby (Mighty Men

Adult 13 VISIONS
JERICHO’S MIGHTY MEN OF VAL
VALOR
ALOR
YOUTH GUIDELINES
Godly Men of integrity

of Valor) is 11 years old now, and increasingly
Obedient To the divine will of God
growing day by day. Every 1 Sunday at the
st
Dedicated Take up His cross daily, and

Jericho City of Praise in the Sanctuary the follow Christ
Mighty Men of Valor perform their coordinated
Sincere Filled with the fruit of the Spirit
Godly-steps. The Step performance, although
Caring
CaringCompassionate towards your friends
an inspiration to many, is always performed for and your enemies too
an audience of One - God of course. Truly
Helpful Assisting those that are less
Jesus is lifted up and God’s name is exalted! fortunate
This group of young men knows how to spread Involved Stir up your gifts that are
within you
a powerful message from the word of God. The
Mighty Men of Valor’s leader, Minister Rickey Loyal Hold to His word, and cling to
Him – Trusted and Accountable
E. Macklin brings on a Spirit-led powerful
Dependable Be worthy of others complete
source of energy by spreading the gospel to a
confidence – Men of outstanding Character
“Through
crowd it all,
of over 17,000 I learned
members to
in the Sanctu-
Respectful Others as well as yourself -
trust
ary in Jesus,
at Jericho City of IPraise,
learnedwhile to trust
instructing making listening a part of your life and
thein God,
Mighty MenIoflearned to depend
Valor Step Team – “To Praise
prayer
upon His Word.”
God!” In their opening, the step team shouts out Enthusiastic Rejoicing always in Him!
with a loud voice, “We are the Mighty Men of Never Quit Never lose sight of God and
your assignment – Be tenacious and
Valor of the Jericho City of Praise and we come
importune
to Pr-a-i-s-e God! These young men are great
example setters for other young men in the of Valor is to “transform young men into men
church and community as well. The Mighty Men of standard, integrity and Godly character so
of Valor believe that you should never lose sight that God can be glorified and the devil made
of God and your God-given assignment. They a liar.”
are followers of Christ, men of integrity and filled
with the fruit of the Spirit. Minister Rickey Macklin 1) Who are the Mighty Men of Valor?
explains that his ultimate goal for the Mighty Men We are a group that are comprised of sev-

eral different components i.e., mentoring, drill- 6) How big is the Men of Valor Minis-
ing, discipling, tutoring, stepping, outreach and try?
a host of fun activities. Wow! Good question. Hmmmmm…. I hate
2) What is the ultimate goal of the using numbers because that’s not my motiva-
Mighty Men of Valor? tion but for the sake of the record we have over
My desire, by the help of the Holy Spirit, is to a hundred members on the books.
be an instrument used by God to birth undeni- 7) As a Minister, leader, teacher, author,
able and unquestionable relationships between and mentor do you have any personal
God and each man and youth that walks through goals of your own?
our door. You know, my greatest desire is to stay in
3) When the Men Only Sessions take the center of God’s will and as Jesus and the
place, what are the age groups? Apostle Paul would say, to pour out myself and
The age group is 18 and up. I find this to be be an offering for many. Simply stated, my de-
so critical. So many men are hurting and need sire is to leave here empty having fulfilled all
other men to talk to. In these sessions, we God sent me here to do.
“keep it real.” I dare not talk about the many 8) How do you spend your quiet time?
things that we discuss but if men are seeking I spend most of it in meditation and writing.
an avenue for change in a trusted environment 9) You are Co-Leader of the Single’s
“a safe haven” then this is the place to be. Ministry, what are some of the activities in-
4) Where are your mentoring classes volved in this ministry?
presently held? We do a number of activities ranging from
We conduct our mentoring classes in the workshops, to retreats, to cookouts, to plays,
choir room of our main sanctuary to rap sessions and other physical activities with
5) How do you address teen peer-pres- other churches such as volleyball, softball and
sure? bowling.
We address these and all other teen related
issues through videos and rap session

Adult 15 VISIONS
MEN
OF
VALOR
Minister Rickey E.
Macklin is the
leader of Mighty
Men ooff Valor at
Valor
Jericho City of
Praise.

MISSION STATEMENT the angel of the Lord spoke into Gideon’s life
(MOV) Mighty Men of Valor while he was cowardly hiding and called him a
The Purpose of this Ministry is to transform “Mighty Man of Valor”, we believe that regard-
the lives of both older and younger men. Our less of your background or present state you
first obligation is to reach the men through dis- too are a “Mighty Man of Valor,” (Romans 4:17).
cipleship, male bonding and accountability and Our second obligation is mentoring the
consequentially produced the type of men that younger men. Our desire is to reduce school
are able to assist us with the second aspect of dropout, reduce teen pregnancy, improve aca-
the ministry. demic achievement, and improve anger man-
PURPOSE (Two-fold purpose) agement and other life skills. Furthermore, our
Our vision involves establishing accountabil- desire is to assist in transforming them into
ity relationships with other men and providing godly young men by pulling out of them untapped
positive activities that promote self-confidence, potential, leadership qualities and challenging
self-worth, determination, discipline, and knowl- them with the word of God to ascertain what
edge of the Word of God in our young men. As their purpose and calling is.
Linda C. Tardy is a Freelance Writer/Author. She is the Publisher of this magazine, Visions Christian Magazine.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
JOIN THE MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR

Name ________________________________________ PLEASE CHECKALLTHATAPPLY:
Address _______________________________________ I am an interested parent

I am an interested youth
_______________________________________ I am interested in volunteering my time
into this program
Phone ____________________________
I am having problems that I would like
Email Address_______________________ to discuss with other males
I am interested in establishing men
Age _____ accountability relationships
Send To
Jericho City of Praise 8501 Bishop Peebles Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785
Telephone: (301) 333-0500
Apostle Betty P. Peebles, D.D. Senior Pastor/Overseer -Assistant Pastor
dult Joel
EditionR. Peebles, Sr. V I S I O N S
www.visionschristianmagazine.com Youth & Young
Young A
Adult 2004 17
Minister Rickey E. Macklin
Biography
Minister Rickey E. Macklin, son of the Rev- I joined the United States Navy in Oct of 1990
erend and Mrs. Arthur Macklin Sr. of and gave these great United States of
Camden, S.C., is a graduate of South America eight years of my life (5 active).
Carolina State University and Jericho I must say that the experience is one that
Christian Training College, and has his I will never forget. I had never felt so
Masters in Theological Studies from patriotic in all my life. Yet, I knew that
National Bible Seminary. Minister it was only a stepping stone. As I
Macklin serves as leader over Am- mentioned in my book “God’s
bassadors For Christ Bible Minis- Whole Armor”, shortly after my join-
tries where the ministry’s primary ing, the Gulf War started. I learned
purpose is to provide books, bible such invaluable information regard-
studies and various resources to ing preparation for war and its suc-
assist Christians in discovering cess thereof. Well, that was in the natu-
their God-given purposes. Minis- ral but one day I joined the Lord’s Army
ter Macklin is co-leader of the Jeri- and I’ll tell you that it’s an experience that
cho City of Praise Singles Ministry, just keeps on getting better. Like the
and leader of The Mighty Men of Valor song writer penned it, “I’m on the battle
discipleship and mentoring program. field for my Lord and I promised Him that
Minister Macklin teaches “Christian I would serve Him until I die.” After all,
Courtship for Him” at the Jericho where would I be without Him? What
Christian Training College and would I have? What would I do? Who else
has produced a book to supplement has the words of eternal life? You see in
the course entitled “Christian Courtship Him, I don’t have to worry about about
For Him”. He is the author of “God’s Whole Ar- earthly promotions and awards — they all fade
mor”, “Daddy’s Waiting On You.” and his next away. In Him, I have eternal rewards.
Spirit-led masterpiece entitled, “Anointed, But
Not Ready”.
Rickey E. Macklin is a Minister at the Jericho City of Praise, and the leader of Mighty Men of Valor at Jericho City of Praise. He is
also the author of two books, “Daddy’s Waiting on You” and “God’s Whole Armor.”

Rev. Tony Lee is the Senior Minister to computer labs; the development of a
Young Adults at the Ebenezer African summer youth employment program;
Methodist Episcopal Church where the formation of a college and
he serves under the pastoral career resource center; and a
leadership of the Rev. Dr. distance learning partnership with
Grainger Browning, Jr. and the the Howard University School of
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning. Rev. Divinity. In addition to his duties at
Lee is an accomplished speaker and is known the First Baptist Church, he also served as
throughout the community for creativity in Director of the Youth Department for the New
preaching, teaching and worship. He brings Jersey State Progressive Baptists.
cutting edge ministry to the hearts of youth and
young adults throughout the community. His theological studies were done at the
Howard University School of Divinity and Union
Prior to his role as the Senior Minister to Young Theological Seminary in New York City. He
Adults, Rev. Lee served as Ebenezer’s Senior holds a Bachelor of Science from the University
Minister to Youth. During his tenure Rev. Lee of Maryland and a Masters of Divinity degree
oversaw the development of a wide range of from Union Theological Seminary.
youth ministries that engaged youth in a style
of praise and worship that embraced their Rev. Lee has received numerous awards and
unique styles and interests. These ministries citations. These include recognition from the
included nationally recognized scouting and Coalition of Concerned Black Christian Men,
rites of passage programs; educational the National Association of Negro Business
ministry; clothing design and cartoon ministries; and Professional Women’s Clubs, the Bergen
as well as an exceptional persons ministry that County Branch of the N.A.A.C.P., as well as a
focuses on youth with special needs. Young resolution from the New Jersey General
people throughout the community continue to Assembly. He was also acknowledged in an
see the bible studies, conferences and praise article on bet.com as one of “The Next Spiritual
fests as places to gain the tools to deal with Leaders to Make History”. Rev. Lee can be
issues relevant to them in an atmosphere that heard week nights at 8:30 p.m. in the D.C.
is shaped by youth for youth. Metropolitan area on Heaven 1580 AM’s
Rev. Lee has also served as the Asst. Pastor “Breaking Bread” show offering a “Word for the
at the First Baptist Church of Englewood, New Day”.
Jersey under the pastoral leadership of Rev.
John H. Spencer, Jr. In this position, he was an Rev. Lee is the proud son of Orlando W.E. Lee
integral part in the renewal of the Youth and Nancy T. Lee.
Fellowship; the formation of two community
Rev. Tony Lee, Senior Minister to Young Adults
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
www.visionschristianmagazine.com 7707 AllentownYRoad, Ft.
outh & Y Washington,
oung
Young Adult Edition 2004
Adult 19
MD 20744 VISIONS
W hile sitting in the Sanctuary at
Jericho City of Praise on Sunday

Young, Gifted
morning at 11AM service, Pastor Betty P.
Peebles introduced one of the youth choir

and Blessed
by L.C. Tar
Tardy
ardy
members, Mark McKinnon, who is a very gifted
and talented young man. Pastor Peebles
explained that Mark had a vision to write plays.
Mark was called to speak to the young people
on this day, and here is what Mark said, “No
matter how your circumstance look just keep
on believing and trusting in the Lord, because
God is a God that cannot lie, and your vision
will come to pass.” Wow! Just to here those
words coming from a young person really

Mark McKinnon, playwright
blessed my spirit. The Lord spoke to my heart,
and said, “Feature this young man and his gifts learned?
and talents so that he may bring me the glory! I The most important thing I have learned dur-
met Mark in the glory hall, and chatted with him ing my walk with Christ is obedience. Obedi-
about featuring him in Visions Magazine, he ence is the key to the blessings and the favor
agreed, and was very excited. Mark is a very that I have received from the Lord. Without obe-
blessed and anointed young man. The hand dience to His word, I don’t think I would have
of Lord is truly resting upon his life. It is so the gifts that He blessed me with.
important that we encourage our youth, and 2) What keeps you motivated and de-
keep the word of God pumping in their hearts. termine to accomplish your vision?
What keeps me motivated and determined
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Mark McKinnon
is what God told me in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I
1) During your walk with Christ what
know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper
is the most important thing that you have
you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope 4) What is your favorite scripture, and
and a future”. Knowing this scripture just lets why?
me know that God will prosper my writings and My favorite scripture is 1 Timothy 4:12,
my acting. What also keeps me motivated is “Don’t let anyone look down on you because
the Christian friends and the mentor whom I you are young, but set an example for the be-
surround myself with. They are the ones who lievers through life, love, faith, purity, and self-
give me God’s word when ever I’m going through control”. This scripture is my favorite one be-
a situation. They remind me that I have to stay cause it tells me what I should be doing during
in God’s word in order for Him to use me. Lastly, my walk with Christ. It also lets me know that I
knowing my mother is praying for me lets me am and will be an example setter.
know that if I fall, she’s there to help me get back 5) Where do you see your vision in the
up. future?
3) You have been a member of Jericho I see my vision in the future drawing many
City of Praise since 1999, how much have people, especially teens, to Christ. I believe that
you grown spiritually and creatively? God is going to elevate my vision so high be-
Spiritually, I have grown a lot at Jericho City cause He has been blessing me with great fa-
of Praise. Jericho has taught me how to pray vor now, so imagine what He’s going to do in
and back up my prayers with scriptures because the future. If I stay faithful to my walk with Christ,
there’s power in God’s word. Through this, my He’s not only going to bless me, but He’s going
prayer requests have been answered. I have to bless everyone who takes part in my vision.
learned that God created me to be creative. In 6) Who is Mark McKinnon?
order for me to be creative, I must get closer to Mark McKinnon is someone who is deter-
God. I get closer to God by reading his word mine to do anything he gets involved with. It
daily and praying to him constantly. Jericho has doesn’t matter what he does, if he wants to do
taught me the importance of getting closer to it he puts his all into it. Mark is someone who
God and how getting close to him gives me fa- knows the importance of keeping God in what-
vor. ever he does. He knows how to call on Him

Adult 21 VISIONS
anytime. He also puts God first and help his talents of young teens by putting it in a stage
play.
friends to remember to put God first. Mark is
Mark is known for writing skits and plays to help
someone who knows he has a big future in front young teens get God’s Word. To kick off the
of him and that he can’t be success in anything Teen Drama Production, he is making his first
play into a movie. God’s favor is really on Mark
unless he keeps God first.
because Outreach Ministries, a local
production company has offered to help Mark
BIOGRAPHY
turn his play into a movie. His pastor has also
Mark Anthony McKinnon was born October 27,
said that she wants her church to help fulfill this
1986, in Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina. Mark
vision.
attended Westlake High School, and will
Besides his mother, Mark’s spiritual mentor is
graduate June 2005. Mark McKinnon currently
Mr. Dwayne A. Williams, an adult Teen Church
lives in Waldorf, Maryland.. Mark was born to
Leader. He helps Mark organize the Teen
Ms. Jackie Thomas, who has a total of four
Drama Production, and also wants to make this
children. All together there are three boys and
production a very successful one. Mark has
one girl. Mark is the second born to
developed his love for acting when he entered
Ms. Thomas. He has lived in a fatherless home
High School. He has participated in his school
since he was very young. His mother is the one
plays including a leading male role in the stage
who brought him up in God’s word.
play, “Little Women.” He also played the role
This young man attends Jericho City of Praise,
of Officer Krupke in “Westside Story.” Mark has
located in Landover, Maryland. His Pastor
taken theatre classes every year in High
isApostle Dr. Betty P. Peebles. Mark is a
School.
member of Jericho’s Youth Choir. He has been
Besides Mark’s love for acting, he is an athlete
in the Youth Choir since March 1999. Recently,
at his school located in Waldorf. He is the
Jericho started a Teen Church that lets the teens
captain of his school’s Varsity Basketball
who attend receive God’s word at their level of
Team. Mark is also going to play varsity football
understanding. Mark has been known as one
his Senior year. After high school, Mark plans
of the leaders at the Teen Church.
to go to college to Major in Acting and improve
The vision that God gave Mark caught many
his knowledge in Acting. With the favor of God,
people’s attention. God gave him a vision to
Mark has no choice but to live a successful life
start a Teen Drama Production. This vision was
and help get God’s word to young teens. Mark
given to him when he attended T.D. Jakes’
encourages teens to surround themselves with
“Mega Fest” in Atlanta, Georgia, the summer
friends and people who know and live God’s
of 2004. The purpose of the Teen
Word.
Drama Production is to expose the many
Love By Brother Chicago Long
very powerful subject and action. It you love initially or responsively you’re walking
A raises the eyebrows and jump-starts
the hearts of most women; men and

in your authority as an authoritative figure in
God and letting him be seen in you because he
children who have and have not experience its is Love. Glory!
truth, bliss and benefits. (Question) Who has When we love someone God’s way it ex-
the monopoly on Love? What is love in its presses the deep and constant love and inter-
fullness? Where did it come from? How do you est of a perfect Being towards entirely unwor-
do it, and what will it cost? Now after reading thy objects, producing and fostering a reveren-
this I know you’ll want to experience it for tial Love in them towards the Giver, and a prac-
yourself, if you haven’t already. The real tical love towards those who are partakers of
question to you is can and will you give it? (Even the same, and a desire to help others to seek
when you’re not getting it) Praise God! With out the Giver. A Christian or Christ like love involves
further due lets go to the Word of God (The the fruit of Christ’s spirit; which is of course the
bible) and find out what has God said about agape love, Which comes in one size shape
love. Amen! and color and that’s Unconditionally; Then there
is the Joy of the Lord, his peace, longsuffering,

The bible says that God is love and that love
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and
is God (GOD =LOVE) and he holds all power;
temperance. Now it takes the love of God to
so if in fact God is all-powerful and he is love its
walk in these characteristics. Now I believe
safe for me to say that Love is a power or it is
these behaviors to be some what the surface
powerful. Amen! Lets go a little deeper in this
and the aggressive side to love; Having said
love thing or should I say in God. When you ana-
that I also believe that love also has a respon-
lyze love you’ll clearly see that it can be known
sive and defensive side as well; The bible says
only from the actions it prompts; also that when
that love again it suffereth long in spite of the

Adult 23 VISIONS
weight or turmoil coming against it. Love laughs time.
at the contrary and says bring the fire; and be-
cause it’s pure love and it’s from God and it’s We have been called to love. The number
of God and it is God; It never fails, but endures one commandment says we must love the
all things, bears all things, hopes all things, be- LORD our God with all our heart mind and soul.
lieves all things and no matter what, its kind. The next greatest commandment says to Love
Love is also well behaved it doesn’t act un- your neighbor as your self. Christ said that the
seemly or out of the character of God, which in world would know that we are his disciples by
fact is who your representing or allowing to be the Love we have one to another, which lets me
seen through you. Amen. Love is not selfish it know that God’s people should be walking in
doesn’t allow you to seek your own and forget Love as Christ Jesus our Lord did when he
The number one commandment says we must love the LORD

our God with all our heart mind and soul.
or leave behind another; but love isn’t love un- walked this planet as our great example setter.
less it’s given. Love is not easily provoked or Amen. We love him because he first loved us.
irritated and moody. It doesn’t carry excuses; We love each other and the world because he
again love isn’t love unless it’s given away. Love commands it and within that he is seen and glo-
is not bossy or boastful it is seasoned with hu- rified. Apostle Paul shared his opinion about
mility, mercy and grace. Love rejoiceth not in love and he puts it like this, though I speak with
iniquity but in the truth, it sees things God’s way the tongues of angels and have the gift of proph-
regardless of what the circumstances appear ecy and understand all mysteries and knowl-
to be it keeps hope alive. Love is not snotty or edge and have mountain moving faith, on top
haughty and it’s not puffed up and angry all the of that he even gives of his goods to feed the

poor etc. Paul said all this doesn’t profit him Son. I know we can do it because God lives in
anything and it stinks in the nostrils of God if he us by his spirit. Amen So lets go forth as the
doesn’t have love. Love is the very essence of light of the world and love people into the king-
God and we are his hands and feet walking and dom. Lets be imitators of God and serve in love
reaching out to a dying world and his mouth- as ministers of reconciliation.
piece speaking out to these Godless nations.
The bible says that we should love our neigh-
God so loved the world that he gave his only bor and our enemies and bless those that curse
begotten son that whosoever believed on him us, and do good to them that hate us, and pray
should not perish but have everlasting life. This for those that despitefully use us and persecute
is how he showed his love to us when we were us. Amen. It seems like love is always deter-
lost in sin. God called us from out of death mined to prevail. Lastly; when we love, it cov-
(separation from him) to reconcile us back to ers a multitude of our sins. So let us love that
him because he loves us that much. Now we we may fulfill the commandments of God and
are ministers of reconciliation and we are to bring him glory and us and others good. So until
reciprocate that same love demonstrated and the next time, remember love isn’t love unless
given to us from God the Father and God the its given out. Don’t just talk it, but do it.
I love you
And God Bless
Chicago Garfield Long born and raised in NE Washington, DC. In 1975; He was lead back to the Lord in
November of 1997,being deliverd from eight years of drug and alcohol abuse along with stress, oppres-
sion and a boat load of issues …even jail time.
Thus far he has stedfastly completed a four year Christian Discipleship program at the Jericho Christian
training College and he’s is diligently working as a teacher in the children’s church ministry. He was recently married
over the summer of 2003 to the beautiful and anointed Mrs. Michelle Long whom he met at Jericho College and she’s
mother of two sons and a daughter; He also brings a son to the marriage, making him a proud step daddy and father
of four beautiful children…He enjoys spending time with his family and spreading the gospel through evangelizing
and his written work. His goal is to bring God glory in all that he says and he does here on earth.

Adult 25 VISIONS
MASS CHOIR
PRAISE DANCERS
T
E
E
N
Jericho Christian Training Center Youth:

Classes are Monday thru Thursday from 7:00-9:30 p.m.
For more information contact Registrar at (301) 333-0856
YOUTH CHOIR
MIGHTY
MEN OF VALOR
C
H
U
R
C
H
Classes available for children, youth, and teens.
held in the Jericho Christian Training Center College.
Adult 27 VISIONS

Anointed to Succeed Cover st
Cov ory b
story y L.C. T
by ar
Tardy
ardy
“The God who gir ded me with str

girded ength, and made m
strength, y w
my waay safe
safe..
He made my feet like hinds’ feet, and set me secure on the heights.”
Psalms 18:32-33

Adult 29 VISIONS
hat a POWERFUL ANOINTING! On Sunday, October 3, 2004 the Spirit of the
W What a MIGHTY! work the LORD Lord was moving through the body of Christ
has done in Assistant Pastor Joel ever so strong. There was a powerful anointing
Peebles, the youngest son of (Dr.) Pastor Betty in the Sanctuary. Pastor Joel preached the 10th
P. Peebles, Senior Pastor and Overseer at the Series of “Anointed to Succeed,” “Don’t Let
Jericho City of Praise. He brings forth a Rema- Past Pains Cripple Your Success.” Everyone
Word every Sunday morning at 8am service. became very quiet when Pastor Joel calmly
The moment Pastor Joel enters the Sanctuary spoke the word of the Lord, in Ecclesiastes
the congregation stands to their feet applauding 3:11, “ He has made everything beautiful in
this great son of God! He is truly anointed to His time.” In other words, everything is done on
succeed. He feeds the flock pure Word. Pastor God’s time. No matter what your present
Joel guarantees that after listening to the Word circumstance looks like. God is still working
that the Holy Spirit set in his heart, you will not on your behalf. He has already completed your
be the same when you leave! Pastor Joel was vision before the world began. On the faces of
led by the Spirit of God to teach on a series some hurting Christians pours out an
called, “Anointed to Succeed,” The Spirit of the abundance of confidence, and we leaped for
Lord has been moving throughout Jericho like joy, dancing, singing and praising the Lord! The
a tornado that ripped through a city! Only not to Holy Spirit releases His powerful Word onto the
destroy, but to save souls, transform minds, and Pastor, and it spreads throughout the
take back the sons of God. The Lord has divinely congregation. There’s a strong anointing in the
set a mega-Word in Pastor Joel’s heart, and is air, and the corporate prayer begins to our Lord
using him to edify the saved and bring the & Savior Jesus Christ.
unsaved to Christ in a mighty way. Pastor Joel Pastor Joel used this quote in the 10th series,
said, “It is no consequence that you are here “Anointed to Succeed.”
this morning, you were purposed and called, “It takes two things to blow down a tree: a heavy
divinely setup to be here.” wind outside and rot and decay inside. So it is
with man. The winds of adversity may cause

states, “As Christians we
have the Power of Resilience!
By the time I left the Sanctuary
I was pumped with
confidence, and felt “Anointed
to Succeed.” I thank God for
working so mightily through
Pastor Joel. He is truly a

Pastor Joel in the Sanctuary, preaching on the series “POWER HOUSE! Packed
“Anointed to Succeed.”
with the HOLY SPIRIT, and
him to bend, but if he’s strong and vigorous “Anointed To Succeed.” And the word of the
within, he will arise and grow to new heights Lord says in
after the storm passes.” Proverbs 24:10 & 16 (NRSV), “If you faint in
the day of adversity, your strength being small;
John Dobbert for though they fall seven times, they will rise
Pastor Joel explains, “This is what the enemy again; but the wicked are overthrown by
wants to do to us. calamity.”
Using Abraham Lincoln’s life as a example, On December 5, 2004 the Lord moved mightily
Pastor Joel wrote: through Pastor Joel. He began preaching a
“From 1831-1858 Abraham Lincoln was new series called, “Grow Up.” Part 1-”A
defeated for Senate, Congress, speaker, Season of Self-Examination,” and Part 2-
elector, vice president, legislature, had a “The Power of Self-Examination.” Part two
nervous breakdown, and failed in business series is an extension of part one. Every
twice, but in 1860 he was elected president.” church goer of every church in the world needs
Pastor Joel states that “Adversity makes some to hear this states Pastor Joel. The whole body
men break, and others break records.” He of Christ was thirsty for this Word. He started
by feeding us the following “Nuggets.”

Adult 31 VISIONS
• Everything God created has the wages (to put it) in a bag with holes. Thus saith
potential capacity to grow. the Lord of hosts, consider your ways.” Psalms
• God cannot bless you beyond your 139-23. Search me, O God, and know my
growth. heart; try me and know my thoughts.
• Anything that does not grow is in direct So what happens if I don’t like
violation of its design. correction….especially from others! Stated
• God has designed your next level of Pastor Joel. Well, the Bible says in Proverbs
promotion to coincide with your growth. 3:11-13 My Son, despise not the chastening
• Anything that achieves growth by any of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction;
other means other than self-examination is for whom the Lord loveth He correcteth: even
painful. as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the
Pastor Joel started this series, “Grow Up.” By man that getteth understanding.
stating, “The reason why many in the body of
Christ are struggling to live in divine prosperity
is because most of us
do not stop to examine
ourselves. The Bible
says in Haggai 1:6&7-
”Ye have sown much
and bring in little; ye eat
ye have not enough; ye
drink, but ye are not
filled with drink, ye
clothed you, but there is
none warm; and he that

Pastor Joel in the Sanctuary, preaching on the series
earneth wages earneth “Anointed to Succeed.”

Here is how God expects a true born Saint to harvest of righteousness and peace for those
take correction: who have been trained by it.
Revelation 3:19 (AMP) • The natural man – is going to hell. He
Those whom I dearly and tenderly love, I tell does not believe in the things of God.
their faults and convict and convince and • The carnal man – is saved but living
reprove and chasten. I discipline and instruct life in the middle.
them. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and • The Spiritual man - loves God.
burning with zeal and repent, changing your
mind and attitude. So if my attitude is not WHICH ONE ARE YOU. THE WORD OF
growing in Christ; we need to do what the word GOD SAYS TO EXAMINE YOURSELVES.
of the Lord says to do: 2 Corinthians 13:5 Pastor Joel Peebles is the Director of the Teen
Church at Jericho City of Praise, and teaches
(AMP) Examine and test and evaluate your class on Tuesday nights at 7:00pm –10:00pm
to married couples and singles as well. For
own selves. To see whether you are holdilng
more information please contact Jericho City of
to your faith and showing the proper fruits of Praise, Administration Office: 8501 Bishop
Peebles Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785
it. Test and prove yourselves (not Christ) Do (301) 333-0500.
you not yourselves realize and know
(thoroughly by an ever increasing
experience) that JESUS CHRIST is in you – Biography of

unless you are (counterfeits) disapproved on Elder Joel R. Peebles
trial and rejected?
There is a benefit of evaluating and making The young, yet highly anointed, Elder Joel R.
personal change states Pastor Joel. Peebles, Sr. has dedicated his life to the
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) – reconciliation of man and the exaltation of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This burning
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but passion ignited his purpose.
painful. Later on, however, it produces a

Adult 33 VISIONS
A licensed minister at 21, Elder Joel became Presently, Elder Joel presides over the 8:00
concerned with the enemies attempt to halt the a.m. service at the Jericho City of Praise where
Body of Christ from receiving all the benefits of his weekly attendance is over four-thousand
salvation which were wrought by the death, (4,000) strong. Elder Joel honors his parents
burial, and resurrection of Christ. Thus, he who have been shepherds over his life his father,
began ministering at the 5 p.m. services at the the late, Bishop James R. Peebles, Sr. and his
Jericho Ministries. mother,
Dr. Betty P. Peebles, his pastor and leader.
Elder Joel holds a BA Degree in Journalism
and a Minor Degree in Psychology from Bowie Within the life of a man, there is destiny...a goal
State University. He also hold a MA from Bowie which must be achieved. This goal is not only
in Counseling Psychology and a MA in Divinity God inspired and God ordained, but necessary
from the Wilbur Waters School of Divinity. for preservation and success of the present and
the future generation. So let us always
He is an extremely happy husband to his remember, we are not living for our own benefit,
gorgeous wife Ylawnda Peebles. Their bond but our achievements are to bless our
has brought 4 beautiful children, Joel, Jr., Janay, grandchildren.
Jordan, and Jeremiah.

Adult 35 VISIONS
Radical Freedom persecuting you after all, you know and they
The Acquittal know that you are guilty as charged. What are
O
rder in the Court! All rise! The honor- the odds of you being acquitted? All eyes are
able Judge Noname presiding. We on you and the outcome seems certain.
are in a courtroom scene on the set of In the last article we discussed how Jesus
NBC’s Law and Order. Each of the participants gives us forgiveness and the power to be victo-
are in place including the tough Executive As- rious over sin in real life situations. In this ar-
sistant Attorney, Jack McCoy along with his ticle we shift our focus to the heavenly judge-
partners from the D.A.’s office. Also in the court- ment hall where eternal destinies are deter-
room are Detectives Green and Briscoe with mined.
Lt. Anita Van Buren. You know that if all of these Bringing You up to Speed
folks are there at the same time, this case must The courtroom introduction above leaves you
be serious. Obviously the judge is there, but on the edge of your seat doesn’t it? What’s
this judge seems to be biased. You are the one going to happen to the defendant (accused)?
accused and because you have no money, you We will now shift our attention to the way court
are stuck with a “bum” public defender instead was held in the ancient Jewish economy. In the
of a paid attorney who would have your best courtroom scene would be present the ac-
interest at heart. The case seems hopeless cused, accuser, judge and advocate. These
because you are on trial for a crime which if four were the only major players. This is the
convicted you face the death penalty. We don’t way the heavenly pre-second coming judge-
even need to discuss the jury who after McKoy’s ment is structured. In this case the accused
opening arguments already seemed swayed has actually committed the crime worthy of eter-
against you. Their facial expressions leave little nal death. What was the crime? The Bible says,
room for optimism. What is going on? If that is “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
not enough, the victim’s family, media, and even God,” Romans 3:23. Further, the Bible says,
your own conscience side with the D.A. to pros- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of
ecute you which incidentally feels like they are God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 6:23. The crime is sin, punishable by we have one who speaks to the Father in our
eternal death. Since when we receive the gift defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He
of salvation, we become God’s children, we is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only
know that something wonderful must be about for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
to happen in this case though on the one hand I John 2:1,2. Jesus Christ the Righteous One
it seems hopeless. is our defense attorney. An interesting ques-
On Your Side tion to ask following this description of our ad-
Let’s identify the courtroom players more vocate is who is the judge? The text we just
closely shall we? We have already said that read said that Jesus is our advocate with the
we sinners are the accused and we are guilty. Father, which suggests that the Father is our
The accuser is Satan. “And there was war in judge and in a way He is, however an incred-
heaven. Michael and his angels fought against ible shift of responsibility occurs here. “For just
the dragon, and the dragon and his angels as the Father raises the dead and gives them
fought back. But he was not strong enough, and life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is
they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges
was hurled down—that ancient serpent called no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the
the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world Son, that all may honor the Son just as they
astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his an- honor the Father. He who does not honor the
gels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and John 5:21-23. Jesus is also our judge.
the power and the kingdom of our God, and How does it feel to know that the accuser is
the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of “hurled down” meaning defeated, the defense
our brothers, who accuses them before our God attorney is your friend and the judge is your
day and night, has been hurled down.” Revela- friend? Does the case still seem hopeless
tion 12:7-10. Who is the advocate or defense knowing that you are guilty as charged? Check
attorney? “My dear children, I write this to you this out. I neglected to mention that when it
so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, comes to the judgement, if there is any hope of

Adult 37 VISIONS
acquittal, somebody has to be punished in or- heaven’s verdict is that we are innocent. In
der for justice to be served. Well, we have al- heaven’s eyes we never sinned.
ready read in I John 2:1,2 that Jesus is the aton- One critical question must be answered in
ing sacrifice for our sins. This means that Jesus closing, with all this talk about free salvation and
volunteered to take our punishment on the cross, righteousness, does that mean that it doesn’t
which was equal to eternal death. Knowing that matter what we do and we will still be saved? I
Jesus is our advocate, judge and the one who will answer this with a question. If you were
paid the eternal death penalty for us, how does wearing a brand new full length Sean John
the trial make you feel now? Are you hopeless leather coat or Donna Karan Chinchilla fur,
with all odds against you or hopeful because would you pick the rainiest day to go outside
you are friends with the only one who can ac- and find the sloppiest puddle to wallow in? I
quit you? don’t think so. When a person receives the gift
In your spare time read Zechariah 3:1-5. of Christ’s righteousness, they are empowered
These verses paint a living color portrait of all to stay far away from the mud puddles of sin
that we have said. They portray an image of just like Jesus did.
the accused receiving clean garments repre- My friends, I have chosen personally to re-
senting the free righteousness of Christ in place ceive the free gift of salvation. I think it would
of the filthy garments representing self-righ- be a good idea if you did the same, besides, it
teousness. Since Jesus never sinned and we would not make sense not to. Remember, God
are seen wearing Jesus like a garment, loves you.
L. David Harris is an award-winning author who has recently published two books entitled, Alive at 5—Victory in
Retrospect, Volumes 1 & 2. More information about his ministry can be found at www.AliveatfFive.com

1) Who gave you the name King AM Heaven 1580 Monday through Friday from
Solomon, why the name King Solomon? 7pm to 10pm called Up On The Block w/ King
And what is your real name? Solomon. If I’m not there, I am also Co-CEO of
My mother actually told me that I would be my own production company called Jes-Us Da
an entertainer and that I should use the name Flock (pronounced Just Us Da Flock, look out
King Solomon because King Solomon was for us).
very wise and because my first is actually 4) Where did you grow up? And where
Solomon. are you from
2) What KING SOLOMAN now?
do you plan I was born in

Interview
to achieve Washington
through your music? D.C. but I grew up in Seat Pleas-
I want my music to push ant, Maryland which was just like
people to have a living in D.C..
closer,relationship with 5) How do you reach
Christ, not to push my per- young people who don’t
sonal belief on my audi- know Christ? Where do you
ence. I just want to give start?
people an insight on my life, I try to remember the same
my struggle, my victories, things that reach me before I
my pain, everything that a knew Christ and I try to put those
Christian goes through but things in my music. With the
people don’t necessarily Truth, period.
talk about. 6) Would you briefly de-
3) When you’re not recording music, scribe the meaning behind the name “King
what do you do? Solomon?”
I also have my own radio show on WPCG A man that soul desire is to do God’s will

Adult 39 VISIONS
and nobody Else’s including his own. BIOGRAPHY: KING SOLOMON
Solomon L. Johnson, professionally known
7) What church do you attend?
as “King Solomon”, entered this world on No-
I am currently a member of Refuge Living vember 6, 1977. As a young child, he had a
Sanctuary under the anointed leadership of tremendous passion for music. He attended
DuVal High School and was a member of the
Pastor Mark St. John Carson.
school band where Solomon learned to play the
8) When did you realize that God had drums, trumpet, and keyboards. At first,
called you? Solomon never took his love for music seriously.
While attending high school, Solomon was fa-
One year ago when I went in the studio with
mously known for rapping the morning an-
a budget of 2,000 dollars and in one week re- nouncements. It wasn’t until he graduated from
corded an album that sounded like I spent high school and received Jesus Christ as his
Lord and Savior, did he realize that he had a
$20,000. No matter how much talent you have,
soufflé of talent and gifts that were given to him,
you don’t do something like that without Christ. not only to entertain, but most importantly to uplift
Thats when I knew that God was doing this and the Kingdom of God and to usher people to
Christ.
NOT ME.
Solomon uses his gifts of comedy, rapping,

Thank you so much for this interview King singing, dancing, and entertaining, to grasp the
attention of the youth of this generation. God
Solomon. You are a blessed son of God. I thank
uses Solomon to teach that the youth their tal-
God for using you so mightily for this genera- ents are from God and are to be used for His
tion. glory.
Solomon is an On-Air Personality for

I thank you for the opportunity to be heard Heaven 1580AM-WPGC and has shared the
and I hope this interview really helps somebody stage with many artists. He has ministered
along with Tonex, T-Bone, Hezekiah Walker,
in this journey we call life down “The Road Less
Trinity 5-7, Mark St. John Carson, Byron Cage,
Traveled” (that’s my next album so look out for Marques Houston, Natalie Wilson, Israel and
it, It’s Jes-Us Da Flock). the New Breed, Kem, and Ginuwine. One thing
that is noticeable about King Solomon’s minis-
try is that God has an anointing on his life that
allows him to go where hardly any other Chris-

tian artist gets to go. His ministry is one that gospel through many different genres, with the
will break the barrier between the Christian in- sole intention of bringing souls back to Christ.
dustry and the secular industry. King Solomon has proven to be a man of great
character, integrity, faith, and passion for the
King Solomon has now paired up with Kingdom of God. King Solomon is also a lov-
RayVen-the messenger bird, a local rapper, ing husband, a loving father, and a man that’s
and are co-owners and CEO’s of JesUs after his Father’s heart. With these gifts and
DaFlock record/productions company. With talent, King Solomon looks forward to that day
this ministry at hand, they are truly heading in when he will look the Father in His face and be
the right direction in completing and fulfilling able to hear, “Well done, thy good and faithful
their purpose. JesUs DaFlock will spread the rapper”.

Adult 41 VISIONS
BIBLE STORY
GOD S PROMISES COME TRUE
GOD’S
BUILDING A HOUSE FOR GOD
T
he Law which God wanted the Israel- After Moses brought these Ten Command-
ites to obey was written by him and ments down from the mountain, and the people
given to Moses on two flat pieces of stone, agreed to do what God asked them to do,
called “tables of stone.” In those days the people Moses went up into the mountain again, and
didn’t have typewriters and printing presses. God told him to build a tabernacle, and how to
They didn’t have paper, either. So every time it do it. Maybe you never heard that word “taber-
was necessary to write down something that nacle” before. A tabernacle is the name the
was important to be remembered it had to be Bible sometimes gives to a building in which
done on flat pieces of stone, or on pieces of people worship God. It is God’s house.
dried clay. Of course God doesn’t need a house to live
in as we do. God doesn’t sleep, so he doesn’t
need a bedroom. He doesn’t need to eat as
we do, so he doesn’t need a dining room. God
doesn’t get tired, so he has no need for a sit-
ting room. So you see when the Bible tells us
about building a house for God we must remem-
They didn’t write with ink, either. The writing ber that it was not like our houses.
was scratched or chiseled on the stone or clay. God’s house, or tabernacle, which Moses
That’s the way the Ten Commandments of the was asked to build, was not made of brick or
Law were written by God. These Tables of the stone. It didn’t have any floor at all. The sides of
Law were given to Moses by God while he was the tabernacle were made of wide wooden
up on the mountain called Sinai. boards which were placed on end. But you

wouldn’t think they were wooden boards when was covered with a very pretty curtain of blue,
you looked at them, because they were entirely scarlet, and purple. This curtain was called the
covered with gold. The gold was very thin, just veil. One had almost to crawl under it in order
like paper, but it covered the boards so com- to enter the tabernacle.
pletely that it made them look as if they were Now I suppose you wonder how big the tab-
solid gold. These boards that looked like gold ernacle was! It was forty-five feet long, and fif-
were used to form the walls of the tabernacle. teen feet wide, and fifteen feet high. Inside, it
The tabernacle didn’t have a roof of boards was divided into two rooms by a large curtain
or shingles, or tar, or anything like that. I guess which was called the second veil. The curtain
you are wondering how they kept out the rain. covering the entrance from the outside was
That was done by very large curtains which were called the first veil or door. The second veil was
thrown over the top of the tabernacle. There fifteen feet front the far end or rear of the taber-
were four of these curtains. The first one they nacle.
put on was like a large piece of fancy canvas. So there were two rooms in the tabernacle.
Then, over the top of this they spread three other They were not both the same size, though, for
curtains. Two were made by sewing together the second veil was hung only, fifteen feet from
the skins of different animals—sheep and the rear end. Now, if you figure that out you will
seals; the other one was made of goats’ hair. see that the rear room was only half as large as
These curtains were so large that they not only the front room. The front room was called the
covered the top of the tabernacle, but also hung “holy,” and the rear room was called the “most
down over the sides, covering the gold boards. holy.”
That meant, you see, that when the tabernacle Most people today like to have their houses
was finished the only way to see the gold boards surrounded by shade trees, and green grass,
that formed the walls was to look at them from and flowers; but God told Moses to stretch a
the inside. long white curtain all around the tabernacle and
God’s tabernacle didn’t have a door, either. in that way to form a big yard, or open space, in
It had an opening at one end, and this opening which the tabernacle was to stand. This large

Adult 43 VISIONS
open space enclosed with white curtains was really what it was, but it wasn’t called a basin. It
called the “court.” was called a “laver.” There was water in the la-
The court was 150 feet long and 75 feet ver, and those who served in the tabernacle used
wide. The tabernacle was placed toward the it when they washed themselves.
back part of the court with the opening, or first In the front room of the tabernacle, which
veil, facing the entrance. The entrance into the was called the “holy,” there were three pieces
court was called the “gate.” This “gate” was also of furniture. On the right, just as one entered,
a beautiful linen curtain of blue, purple, red, and was a small table. On this table there were two
white. plates of bread, called “shewbread.”
I suppose you are wondering if there was On the opposite side of the room there was
any furniture in God’s house. There was, but not a large and beautiful candlestick, or lamp stand.
the kind of furniture we have in our homes, be- It had seven lamps which were kept burning all
cause God did not live in his house is we live in the time. If these lamps were not burning, it was
ours. But it did have what we may call furniture. very dark in this front room of the tabernacle,
Even outside of the tabernacle, in the court, because there were no windows.
there were two very important articles of furni-
ture. Near the gate in the court was the “brazen
altar.”
You remember that we first learned about al-
tars in the story of Cain and Abel. Abel, you will
recall, made in altar on which he offered a sac-
rifice to God. That is what altars were for; they And then, at the far end of the holy, or front
were places to offer sacrifice. This large altar room, directly opposite the entrance, was the
in the court was made of wooden boards cov- golden altar. This altar was much smaller than
ered with sheets of copper. the one outside in the court, and it was covered
After passing the altar in the court, one came with gold instead of copper. The table and the
to what looked like a large water basin. That is candlestick were also gold.

So you see, all the furniture in the front room a bright shining light was put by God. It must
of the tabernacle was of gold. With the gold fur- have been something like lightning, only instead
niture the gold boards of the walls, it must have of being just a short flash of light, it remained
been a very beautiful room, don’t you think? there all the time. No one had to keep it burn-
In the most holy of the tabernacle, that is, in ing. It was God’s light!
the far room, which was entered by crawling un- This tabernacle was God’s house. Of
der the second veil, there was just one piece of course, God did not actually live in the taber-
furniture. It was called the “ark of the covenant.” nacle, but the Hebrews knew that they enjoyed
It was about the shape of a large trunk. It also God’s blessings because the tabernacle was
was entirely covered with gold. The cover of this in their midst. So they thought of God as being
large box was made of solid gold. in the tabernacle. To them it was the house of
God, the place where they could find God. They
knew that they could always find God in the tab-
ernacle. Sometimes we can’t find our friends
because they are away from home, but God
was always at home in the tabernacle.
Extending out of that cover, and made of the Of course they couldn’t see God. Nobody
same piece of gold, there were two beautiful on this earth has ever seen God. And when I
statues like angels. They were called cherubim. say that God was always at home in the taber-
They faced each other, and at the same time nacle and that the people could find him there, I
were looking down toward the cover of the ark. mean that it was in the tabernacle that they could
This cover was called the mercy seat. find God’s blessings. But there was only a cer-
There were no windows in the most holy, ei- tain way in which the people could obtain God’s
ther, and no lamps such as there were in the blessing in the tabernacle. The Israelites could
holy. So how do you suppose the most holy was not walk right into the tabernacle and talk with
lighted? Oh, that was a wonderful thing! Be- God. Oh, no! There were only certain ones whom
tween the cherubim, right over the mercy seat, God selected to do this, and even these had to

Adult 45 VISIONS
come to God in a very special way. brought to Aaron at the tabernacle to be sacri-
They were called the “priests.” The first priest ficed were not actually valuable enough to take
was Aaron, the brother of Moses. He was called away their sins. The reason God wanted them
the high, or chief priest. Aaron’s sons were also to bring the sacrifices was to teach a lesson.
priests, but less important ones. They were The lesson God wants us all to learn is that we
called “under priests.” When the people wanted can have his blessings only if we come to him
blessings from God they had to receive them through Jesus, and that this is because Jesus
through Aaron, or whoever the priest was. And, sacrificed his life for us. Let us try to remember
even then, there was only one way to receive that, shall we?
blessings, and that was by bringing a sacrifice It would take too long to tell you about all the
to God. That was the purpose of the large altar sacrifices of the tabernacle, so I will just tell you
in the court surrounding the tabernacle. The sac- about the most important one. This main sacri-
rifices were burned on this altar. fice was offered once every year. This is the
Now why were these sacrifices necessary? way it was done:
It was because the Israelites were sinful. Like First, Aaron took a young calf, which the
everyone else in the world, they could not do Bible calls a bullock. He killed it, and certain
things as God wanted them to be done. parts of it, like the heart and the liver and the
As you read all these stories of the Bible I fat, were burned on the altar in the court. The
want you to remember this lesson, that in order main carcass of the animal was burned outside
for any of us to receive blessings from God there of the court. The blood of this bullock was taken
must first be a sacrifice. Will you try to remem- by Aaron all the way into the most holy and
ber that? Because God loves us all he gave his sprinkled on the mercy seat which covered the
own Son, Jesus, who sacrificed himself for the ark of the covenant.
whole world. Wasn’t that wonderful? Whenever On his way to the most holy, the priest
you hear anyone say that Jesus died for us, you stopped long enough at the small golden altar
will know what it means. to make an offering of incense. This incense
The sheep and calves which the Israelites was a sort of powdered perfume which the

priest sprinkled upon coals of fire brought from his love.
the altar out in the court. The burning of the in- I wonder if you still remember that grand
cense caused a sweet-smelling smoke to drift promise God made to Abraham that he in-
into the most holy ahead of the priest. tended to bless all the people of the world? Well,
After the bullock was offered in this way, the lesson of the tabernacle and its sacrifices
Aaron killed a young goat and did the same is to remind us that these blessings which God
thing with it as he did with the bullock, finally has promised will come through Jesus. They
sprinkling its blood upon the mercy seat in the will come true because Jesus died for us.
most holy. Maybe you are wondering why the priest sac-
Now, as I was telling you, all this is a lesson rificed two animals, first the bullock, and then
to teach us about something much more won- the goat. It was because God planned to give
derful than the offering of bullocks and goats. some of us an opportunity to sacrifice our lives
The Bible tells us that the most holy of the tab- just as Jesus did. Everyone who has really fol-
ernacle represents heaven itself, which is God’s lowed Jesus has sacrificed his life, because
real home. When Jesus died upon the cross he loves other people and wants to help them.
and was raised from the dead, he entered into All those who do this will have the opportunity,
heaven, and God was so pleased with the sac- when they are made alive again, as Jesus was,
rifice he had made, that now if we pray to God to work with him in giving life to the people.
in the name of Jesus we will be heard, and God Wouldn’t you like to be a follower of Jesus when
will bless us. you grow up? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to use
That is why the cover of the ark of the cov- all your time in doing things for others?
enant in the most holy was called the mercy Q U E S T I O N S

seat. It teaches us that because Jesus shed his
What was the tabernacle? Who built it, and for
what was it used?
blood for us, God in his mercy will bless us, and
What were the sizes of the rooms in God’s
give us everlasting life. God has always loved
house, and did they have furniture in them?
the people, but he wants us to know that there
What is an altar, and for what purpose is it used?
is only this one way that we can be blessed with
Who did the work of God in the tabernacle?
Dawn Bible Students Association
Adult 47 VISIONS
Adult 49 VISIONS
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www.visionschristianmagazine.

com Youth & Young A

10 “You’ll Always Be There”

10 “Remembering God’s Love”

13 Serving the Lord’s Army

19 SPECIAL FEATURE: Pastor Tony Lee

20 Young, Gifted, and Blessed

by Brother Chicago Long

42 BIBLE STORY:BUILDING A HOUSE FOR GOD

VISIONS 2 Youth & Young A

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I was little evidence of God in our home.

I attended a Catholic school also, and

life was a mess...I took steps to improve it..I went

yards...but I always felt something was alcoholism...but nothing seemed to do much

ence of some- my boyfriend of 9

right there, and hearts: and be ready always to give an me to become a

when I began to 1Peter 3:15.

attend school in was at home all

VISIONS 4 Youth & Young A

moved out, my children were scattered as I He encouraged me to read, encouraged me to

many situations...poverty...hunger...emotional veal these things to me.

abuse...family separation..sickness...despair.. The first year of my new life, I read as much

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being...awakened me spiritually...recreated me! drug addiction, anger, turmoil...these things God

lationship with God is awesome...more than I in me.

could ever have hoped for in my previous

I HAVE BEEN POISONING MY sacred and pure to be destroyed. Our breath

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am His masterpiece. I am God’s workman- souls.

ship, made in His image, created and

VISIONS 8 Youth & Young A

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You’ll Always Be There Remember God’s Love

There’s no other power to turn to Never be afraid of the darkness

Joe Floyd Joe Floyd

VISIONS 10 Youth & Young A

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Godly Men of integrity

Dedicated Take up His cross daily, and

of God and your God-given assignment. They a liar.”

are followers of Christ, men of integrity and filled

VISIONS 14 Youth & Young A

ing, discipling, tutoring, stepping, outreach and try?

a host of fun activities. Wow! Good question. Hmmmmm…. I hate

be an instrument used by God to birth undeni- 7) As a Minister, leader, teacher, author,

our door. You know, my greatest desire is to stay in

4) Where are your mentoring classes volved in this ministry?

presently held? We do a number of activities ranging from

We conduct our mentoring classes in the workshops, to retreats, to cookouts, to plays,

We address these and all other teen related

issues through videos and rap session

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VISIONS 16 Youth & Young A

the ministry. demic achievement, and improve anger man-

JOIN THE MIGHTY MEN OF VALOR

Address _______________________________________ I am an interested parent

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