When was Eve Created?

On Corey Minor's YouTube channel he reacted to a clip of a sermon given at the 2024 Holy Convocation of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC). I have been in the church all my life and I have never heard of such a terrible heresy over a pulpit before in my life. I agree with Corey. The Bible categorically says Adam was created first and then Eve (see 1 Timothy 2:13-14). Some comments on the video need to be brought up. 

His name is Bishop Jerry Maynard a general board member and the bishop of Tennessee 4th jurisdiction. For a man who is very theologically educated, an elder in age (in his 80s) and has been in the pulpit for decades you would have thought he would know better. SMH  - @keepingitrealandtruthful.5081

I did not recognize him. I do not even know the General Board that much so I appreciated this comment. But what I do not understand is why I he would take this fringe position. 

 Another comment actually defended this craziness:

Hi, with all due respect, the Bishop was correct. This is one of God's mysteries we need the help of Holy Spirit to unravel. The first Man (Adam) possessed all features of Male and Female. What God did in Gen, 2 was separation of male and female but God has to put Adam in DEEP SLEEP before He could operate on Man. Remember Man was made in God's image and likeness, that's Man is capable of remembering events. So God turned off Man's memory so that the operation of separation on Man can never be reversed. I know this is deep, but with the help of Holy Spirit. Think of it, Doctors apply the same principles before operating on Man bcos Man's memory is capable of repeating scene/event playing RAMBO. This is one of deep things of God, but Bishop was correct. -

@samuelagunsoye3594

Nope. Nada. Facepalm. There is a Greek myth that describes the first person in this way and has been trotted out at times to defend transgender identity. But do you know where you won't find this teaching? The Bible. And Bishop Maynard was not trying to refer to this at all. 

One last comment I wanted to highlight. This one attempts to prove Bishop right that Adam & Eve were created at the same time. Several people tried it.  

Genesis 5:1-2 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

Does not work because because it is just doing the same thing Genesis 1:26 does: a summary. Twins and multiple birth siblings are born on the same day but not simultaneously. If Bishop Maynard is indeed referring to Jewish tradition I think it is coming from the medieval Jewish tradition from some fringes that supposes that Genesis Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 are referriing to two separate events instead of Chapte 1 being a general summary and Chapter 2 being a more detailed about the 6th day. He would have been exposed to such an idea in many Seminaries around the world. However the tradition of Historic Christianity (Protestant, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Ethiopian), Judaism, and Islam all hold that Adam was created first and then Eve. 

If Maynard was referring to the the Medieval Jewish thought that Genesis 1 and 2 are talking about two separate events, he neglected to take the idea as far as they did. They go on to postulate Adam having a first wife named Lilith in Genesis 1 and Eve being his 2nd wife in Genesis 2. They conflate a Babylonian myth wand mix it into the story to explain why Adam needed a second wife because Lilith refused to submit to him because she cited that she was coequal. By submission they meant that when they had sex she refused to let him always be on top. So she left him and became the mother of all demons. Some people do like to try to put her in other parts of the Bible and even tie Succubi and Incubi demons as her offspring. It gets crazy and no Biblical basis. I can find no ancient example for this. Meaning I do not think any Jew living in Jesus' time would recognize this. But during the medieval period this story was the inspiration of wearing certain amulets to keep Lilith and her children away. In effect, Lilith is often identified as the first Vampire. I can see why Bishop did not go that far in his sermon.

2017 Pastor Gino Jennings & Minister Smith Debate TRINITY 2017

This Debate with Smith and Gino Jennings shows us what happens when your pastor tell you not to go somewhere and you go anyway. Smith went on his own without his Church's blessing and he lost badly. Not because Jennings is right to reject the Trinity, but because Smith was not prepared.

COGIC Presiding Bishop and General Board Elaborate on Existing Same Sex Policy | CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

Here is my denominations official statement on Same-Sex marriage:

Official Statement
of the
Church of God in Christ, Inc.

Regarding Same Sex Marriages and Civil Unions

 

The President’s position regarding “same-sex marriage” has set off a “firestorm,” unlike any other debate in our civil society, perhaps, since the civil rights unrest of the mid-20^th century.   The advocacy for same-sex marriage, while in conflict with our nation’s long-standing moral posture, has indeed, created opportunity for the Church to communicate our unequivocal position about God’s design and foundation for humanity, the biblical mandate for heterosexuality through the bonds of matrimony and, the centuries-old understanding of the only acceptable means of procreation, habitation, and the establishment of the family.

The President suggests same sex relationships and male-female relationships committed to by oath before God and/or witnesses, where formal documents are signed before a civil or ecclesiastical figure.  It further implies that both are equally good and valuable.  In addition to this, it suggests that both equally contribute to the good and advancement of a society.  From a fundamental view of scripture, the same word should not be used to describe both same sex and heterosexual relationships.

Fundamentally, traditionally, and historically, marriage has functioned to unite a man and women together in facing the challenges of life, to sanctify sexual involvement, to authorize the conception of children, provide an environment for the protection and development of offspring and to strengthen and sustain the family unit.  Historically, the sexual coming together of husband and wife produces children who are the fruit of both their bodies and are united by blood to their brothers and sisters.  This coming together of husband and wife is the means by which the world has been populated, and the human race sustained.

A husband, wife and children are the bedrock of a society which also mirrors the universal Church as a microcosm, or domestic church, out of which God’s values are modeled, nurtured, and disciplined.  This divinely-inspired family framework, pronounced in Old and New Testament scripture, is without compromise.  To tamper with the foundation is to disrupt the order God intended.  This order is the intended structure by which all humanity is expected to govern their lives.

The human body is designed by God as male and female to anatomically accommodate individuals of the opposite sex in the conception, bearing, and nurture of children; the human body is unquestionably designed to accommodate individuals of the opposite sex, not of the same sex.

The Holy Bible, which is the authoritative Word of God, clearly prohibits sexual relations between members of the same sex.  Though it does not isolate intercourse between individuals of the same sex as the only sin, it designates this and a series of other activities as sinful behavior from which the Christian is to abstain

1 Cor 6:9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. NKJV (See also: Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; and 1 Timothy 1:8).

The Bible indicates that there is nothing that can excuse or eliminate the sinfulness of sexual involvement between individuals of the same sex.  Neither so called “marriage vows”, civil unions, nor homosexual drives or passions are recognized by the Bible as justifications or acceptable excuses or rationale for sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.  Sinful desires and inclinations must be resisted and overcome by the power of God in Christ Jesus, and by power of the Holy Spirit who strengthens our minds and our wills.

Our vocabularies are made up of thousands of words because there are so many distinctive entities and concepts to be referred to.  Each word designates a category of entities which are unique to that word.  Specific words are most useful when they reflect identical images, and when they do not create conflicting or unclear images in the mind of the speaker and the hearer.  The Bible defines marriage as a relationship between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6).  To define marriage otherwise is to dilute and destroy its usefulness as a word which denotes what is highest and best about human society.

While we are committed to proclaim and support the tenants of the Bible, and also to persuade others to do so, we recognize that in a free and democratic society morality cannot be legislated.  We oppose violence and discrimination against individuals or groups because of sexual orientation. We do not feel that it is necessary to legalize same sex marriage to provide the civil benefits and civil rights to all regardless of sexual orientation.

 

We proclaim the value and worth of every human being regardless of sexual orientation.

But, we passionately and unapologetically, defend the right of faith communities to maintain the integrity of their message, mission and identity.  We welcome to the church all people who seek to serve and know God and His Word.

I agree.

COGIC Presiding Bishop and General Board Elaborate on Existing Same Sex Policy | CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

The Dunamis Word: The UN Declares "Homosexual Rights" A Human Right

Before I saw this post from Elder Burnett, I did not know that the United Nations has taken such steps:

This week, in an action specifically linked to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary, France and The Netherlands initiated a proposal aimed at changing the laws of at least 77 countries that outlaw homosexuality, 7 of which require the death penalty as the ultimate punishment for the act. Reuters Reported the following:

"The European Union-backed document, noting that the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was marked this month, said those rights applied equally to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

It urged states "to take all the necessary measures, in particular legislative or administrative, to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention."

Opposition on the council noted the facts that regulation of these issues were associated with member states rights and would have some potentially devastating effects on all human rights process and understanding. See if this doesn't sound familiar:

"But the opposing document said the statement "delves into matters which fall essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of states" and could lead to "the social normalization, and possibly the legitimization, of many deplorable acts including pedophilia."..."We note with concern the attempts to create 'new rights' or 'new standards,' by misinterpreting the Universal Declaration and international treaties to include such notions that were never articulated nor agreed by the general membership," it added. This, it said, could "seriously jeopardize the entire international human rights framework."

The things that bothers me even more is that the leadership of my denomination, The Church of God in Christ, has endorsed the United Nation's Declaration Of Human Rights. Now that it's clear what it is, I cannot see how we can support it yet claim we believe the Bible. I have to say that I agree with Elder Burnett's conclusion:

Question: Now that it is CLEAR without argument or speculation, or obfuscation that the UDHR creates, endorses and defends what are considered to be homosexual rights, including the right to pursue marriage and relationships, will the leadership of the greatest church in the world, the holiness, Pentecostal fire, Church Of God in Christ Inc. of Memphis, TN. withdraw our endorsement of the document?

The question should be rhetorical and the answer should be that we should withdraw the endorsement. Prayer changes everything. We need to pray that we all obey God and seek to please Him and not what other people think.

The Dunamis Word: The UN Declares "Homosexual Rights" A Human Right

The Dunamis Word: In Memory Of Bishop Chandler D. Owens

Wow. I just found out from Elder Harvey Burnett's blog that Bishop Own died today. I hadn't heard that. He was presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ from 1995-2000. Elder Burnett posted some good information about him. I think it's well worth going to Elder Burnett's post and learning more about Bishop Owen. I've known of about 4 people who died in the past 2 weeks. Christians face death in a different way than unbelievers do. The Bible does not tell us not to grieve, but instead we don't grieve the way the world does:

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. ¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Don't get me wrong it can be easy to forget that especially when it is a close loved one and you are experience the pain of the loss, however we still have hope because we know the one who conquered death.

The Dunamis Word: In Memory Of Bishop Chandler D. Owens

Fistbump of the Day #11 - The Dunamis Word: Is Yet Another Church Emerging Out Of The Church Of God In Christ?

I found the following article really informative and necessary reading. Elder and District Superintendent Harvey Burnett has written an article tracing changes in the Church of God in Christ and makes convincing arguments that the church is changing and explains how it has changed over time. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it. Definite fistbump

The Dunamis Word: Is Yet Another Church Emerging Out Of The Church Of God In Christ?

Fistbump of the Day #9 - The Dunamis Word: 103rd Annual Holy Convocation ~ Great God, Good Lord...Say What???

Elder Harvey Burnett has posted some great reflections on the 103 Holy Convocation of the Church of God in Christ on his blog. I agree with him. There are definitely some problems. I love the Church of God In Christ. I've been a member my whole life. I'm greatly perturbed that people like Sharpton and Jakes are (or might) be allowed to speak during the convocation. They both teach contrary to the doctrines and theology of our church. The problems facing us are not just from Homosexuality and Gay marriage, but also from the Word of Faith false teachers, and not to mention Jakes denies the Trinity. I'm not sure if Sharpton knows what the Trinity is either. We need to pray. We need stand against anything that is against what the Bible teaches. Obeying God and staying with what God has revealed is much important!

The Dunamis Word: 103rd Annual Holy Convocation ~ Great God, Good Lord...Say What???

THE INTERSECTION | MADNESS & REALITY: The Greatest Story Never Told: Black Clergy Sexual Abuse

Okay, I'm sure everyone - well most everyone has heard about Bishop Eddie Long being arrested for trying to force another man to have sex with him.  A whole lot of the secrets he has tried to keep hidden have come to light.
When catholic priest do these things, protestants usually look down our noses at them says, "Figures...with the way they don't allow priests to marry. No wonder.That is not in the Bible." So what do we say when this happens in Protestant Churches in general or black churches in particular? It is because of sin pure and simple. It's horrible and its not right. And when Christians see people claiming to be Christians and engaging in sins of any kind, even sexual sins, we have the responsible and mandate to call attention to it. If the sinner refuses to stop and repent, but the sin is not illegal, the sinner should leave the church. If the sinner has committed something illegal the sinner should be reported to the authorities.  It's horrible that such things take place. And I know it takes place in the Church of God in Christ, but not everywhere and not by everyone who has a position of authority abuses it. I don't think that these things can be put at the blame of the Bible and God is most definitely not responsible and definitely not the fault of the victims. It's the fault of the perpetrators and those who allow it.
I like this post I linked to. It does a fair job of pointing out the problem without making it seem like an indictment of black churches. In addition the link that was provided to Report COGIC Abuse makes it clear that these are people who desire only to hold people accountable and protect people not that they hate Christianity.
As a member of the clergy of the Church of God in Christ it is my duty to speak out and say that it is wrong and God does not like it. God promises those who are in position of authority in Churches are held to a higher standard and what is done in the dark comes out. We should all take heed a lives lives of holiness committed to righteousness!

 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. - James 3:1



¹³ Now all has been heard;
       here is the conclusion of the matter:
       Fear God and keep his commandments,
       for this is the whole duty of man.
 ¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment,
       including every hidden thing,
       whether it is good or evil. - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

THE INTERSECTION | MADNESS & REALITY: The Greatest Story Never Told: Black Clergy Sexual Abuse

LIBERTY FOUNDATION GOSPEL MINISTRIES ...::: Home

 It has been brought to my attention that news is coming out of Nigeria that Christians are murdering children because they think that these children are demon-possessed. Do children get possessed? According to the Bible...yes! However the stories coming out of Nigeria are saying that witches and allegedly possessed children are being cruelly and ritually murdered. Is that Biblical? No. Killing witches was for ancient theocratic Israel. Why would Christians do that today? We don't need to. God has given us the power to cast out demons. We have record in the whole Bible of anyone killing someone who was demon-possessed . Instead we are supposed to fast and pray for the possessed to be delivered. I don't think that there is much demon-possession in the United States but in other parts of the world where power miracles mean something, they see more exorcisms and divine miracles. In the west, we are too snooty to trust God enough to see those kinds of things. We trust more in what we have. So God moves differently for us here.

I've been on LIBERTY FOUNDATION GOSPEL MINISTRIES ...::: Home the church of Evangelist Helen Ukpabio who is being blamed for teaching theology that validates the murder of children. I can find nothing on her website that substantiates the claims. However such practices are taking place and the there is no way Christians can sign off on it. It's wrong. This is kind of tricky. We don't focus on exorcism ministries because the devil doesn't move here like he does in Nigeria. He doesn't need to. Therefore I'm not going to say her doctrine or focus is wrong - just the application people are taking. I've talked to more than one Nigerian who has seen and experienced too much to totally ignore the need.

As for the accusations that the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) is responsible because she may or may have been be a member of our church is laughable. There are more pentecostal denominations as well as other persuasions, cults, and religions in Nigeria. The practice of killing children or witches is un-Biblical and I know of no legitimate Christian organization condones such practices!