KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE issue 2

KINGDOM PRIVILEGE

Magazine THE POWER OF BELIEF

By Elder Linda Queen

LASTMINUTE MIRACLE

BY PASTOR RENEE SMITH

FIVE

Benefits of Fasting

BISHOP

DWAYNE C. DEBNAM $14 US $18 CAN

009

Over 30 Years of Ministerial Excellence!

"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

(Numbers 6:24-26)

TABLE 11

THE FACTS ABOUT ACID REFLUX

18 LAST-MINUTE MIRACLE

BY PASTOR RENEE SMITH

12 THE POWER OF BELIEF

BY ELDER LINDA QUEEN

24 THE BENEFITS OF BIKE RIDING

26 BISHOP DWAYNE C. DEBNAM: OVER 30 YEARS OF MINSTERIAL EXCELLENCE

44 THE REMARKABLE TESTIMONY OF PASTOR GEORGE GANDY

36 MEN SHOULD NEVER WEAR HATS IN CHURCH

38 PREACHERS AND MONEY: WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?

CONTENTS

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6)

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF "Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God." Deuteronomy 32:3

WHY WE CREATED KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE: In the day and age that we’re living in—an age when (my mother and grandmother used to say) men are calling right wrong and wrong right, it is imperative that we make sure the Gospel message (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ), the salvation plan (Acts 2:38) and the Word of God is preached, taught, written and distributed to the world in every capacity. So many Christians today are compromising the principles of the Word of God for money, filthy lucre, notoriety, and more; and the truth is either watered down or not mentioned at all.

KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE was created to join those bold sons and daughters in the Kingdom who fight for the

KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE

standard of holiness and will not back down

Issue 2 kingdomprivilegemagazine.com

or be silent! Sons and daughters who live the words of Jude 1:3 “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Our goal as a Christian publication is to inform, educate, raise awareness, inspire, motivate, encourage and challenge everyone who reads our content to maintain the Christian standard. Because if we can change just one life, then (as the old gospel song goes) our living shall not be in vain!

Kingdom Privilege | 3 | January 2023

Trust In The Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

There is no one more trustworthy than God. Kingdom Privilege | 4 | January 2023

KINGDOM PRIVILEGE MAGAZINE

Two amazing issues with much more to come.

To purchase a printed or digital copy go to: kingdomprivilege magazine.com "

Kingdom Privilege | 6 | January 2023

CONTRIBUTORS

Evangelist Catherine Henry Author of a book of poetry and two children's books: shared the poem "Never Give Up."

Pastor Renee Smith Author of the devotional "SHAMMAH WITH GOD I CAN," shared an article.

page 18

page 22

Elder Linda Queen Author of "The Formula of Prayer" in our first issue, shared a new article.

page 12

Pastor George Gandy After years of multiple experiences, shares a portion of his testimony. Currently working on a book.

page 45 Kingdom Privilege | 7 | January 2023

Literary Works of Catherine Richardson-Henry

Christian Kyle Catherine Richardson-Henry has written and published three amazing books; LIQUID SOUL: Sounds of Freedom, an inspirational book of poetry that has been sold online and in stores, as well as distributed to local schools and libraries. Her other literary works are two interactive children's books: Opposite Oliver and ONE BIG FARM. These two educational projects teach children opposites, rhyming,

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numbers and animals. They also teach children to respect and listen to their teachers.

Catherine's creative nature is drawn from the gift that God has instilled within her, personal experiences, and the people around her. In addition to her three published projects Catherine has several children’s books in the works, another book of poetry and an inspirational Christian book, all due to be released in 2023.

The Bond of aMother and Daughter

"MY MOM TAUGHT ME A WOMAN'S MIND SHOULD BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF HER." SONYA TECLAI Kingdom Privilege | 9 | January 2023

"IF ANY WOULD NOT WORK, NEITHER SHOULD HE EAT." II TIMOTHY 3:10

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THE FACTS ABOUT ACID REFLUX "The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn."

A

According to medical research, one of the leading causes of acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux, which is when the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that controls the passage between the esophagus and the stomach) does not completely close. When this occurs, stomach acid and food flow back up into the esophagus. This backward flow of acid is called acid reflux. Chronic symptoms of acid reflux are called gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Along with the lower esophageal sphincter not completely closing, Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says that too much acid in the stomach and delayed stomach emptying contribute to acid reflux.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR ELIMINATING ACID REFLUX:

Eat slowly and sparingly: When the stomach is full, there is a greater risk that acid will enter the esophagus. Therefore, it might be a good idea to eat a greater number of small meals as compared to a lower number of large ones.

Adjust your diet: As challenging as it is to change our diets, we should be aware of and avoid foods that trigger acid reflux. Mint, fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, and chocolate all contribute significantly to acid reflux.

BE ADVISED THAT THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEANT AS A PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. THE RECOMMENDATIONS PROVIDED ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE BEGINNING ANY COURSE OF ACTION BASED ON THE TOPICS COVERED IN THIS SOURCE.

By Elder Linda Queen

Do we as believers really believe in the unfailing power of God?

T

There is certainly power in what we believe. No one can argue that on a clear sunny day, the sky is blue and the sun is brightly shining. There is no doubt as to what our parent(s) named us; it’s on our Social Security card and birth certificate.

When we lay down to rest every night, we believe we will awaken refreshed. However, when it comes to God, our belief wavers. Do we, as believers, really believe in the unfailing power of God? Let me answer: It depends on the severity and urgency of the need.

The Holy Scripture written in Matthew 17:20 says, “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” In the Holy Scripture, Jesus gave us the antidote to belief. The key word from this passage is YOU having the faith and the power to believe. I realized that, when our urgent need or want does not manifest within the period we desire, it is in our human Kingdom Privilege | 12 | January 2023

Many of us have temper tantrums with God because our mustard seed faith has become obsolete. nature to give up on what we once believed in. Instantly, we become weary and our faith in God lessens. In most cases, we begin to call God at His Word in an indignant way, as if God owes us or we are entitled to the miracle we need God to perform for us.

Many of us have temper tantrums with God because our mustard seed faith has become obsolete. Here is my solution: The moment we begin feeling anxious, nervous, disoriented, and emotional, we must repent. We must understand in all circumstances that God is holy, we are still in our fleshly bodies, and our thoughts are not His thoughts, nor our ways His ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8 KJV). After we repent, we must praise and worship God; we would not address our earthly father the way some of us address God. We give our earthly fathers or our supervisors the utmost respect, yet when it comes to God, respect escapes us.

In closing, we are living in a time when non-believers are challenging our belief in God. We as believers must understand that after the Holy Ghost has come upon us, we shall receive power, hallelujah! Devout followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are POWERFUL. Tap into the ability that God has given us: the power to lay hands on the sick and watch them recover and the power to open our mouths, speak to dead bodies, and watch them rise. God has given us the power to do exploits and make things happen, just by believing in the almighty God and the power He has invested in us. “Jesus said unto him, if thou canst believe all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23 KJV).

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Bible Brain Teaser In Isaiah 43:10-11

First of all, it's

these words are

important to

recorded; "Ye are my

understand that these

witnesses, saith the

words are spoken by

LORD, and my

Yahweh Himself.

servant whom I have

He uses the words

chosen: that ye may

"before me and after

know and believe me,

me," Does this

and understand that I

suggest that there

am he: before me

was a time before God

there was no God

existed, or more

formed, neither shall

importantly will there

there be after me. I,

be a time when He no

even I, am the LORD;

longer exists?

and beside me there is no saviour."

If this is in fact the case then how is Psalms 90:2, 106:48,

The question is drawn

Isaiah 40:28, John

from the latter clause

1:1-3, I Timothy 1:17,

of verse 10; "before

Revelation 22:13 and

me there was no God

several other

formed, neither shall

Scriptures which

there be after me."

declare God's eternal, everlasting and immortal nature explained?

The answer is very simple. Under no circumstances has God ever not existed, neither will He ever cease to exist. As Doug Potter says, He is Pure Actuality, essentially the Uncaused Cause. He causes all things to exist out of His pure and eternal actuality.

The word "before" in Hebrew means face (or presence) which is to say, in God's face, or in front of Him, or in His presence, there was no God formed. The word "before" here does not suggest a time that predates God. The word "after" in

"I AM THE LORD, AND THERE IS NONE ELSE, THERE IS NO GOD BESIDE ME..."

Hebrew means behind (or hinder part). Which means that as our God is from everlasting to everlasting, He will always exist. A time "after Him" will never come, neither will there ever be a God (god) that will follow behind His hinder parts, for He is unmatched and nothing is equal to Him. "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:" Isaiah 45:5 Kingdom Privilege | 15 | January 2023

Death Hath No More

Dominion Over Him. ( Romans 6:9)

"Expect unexpected interruptions to take place."

LASTMINUTE MIRACLE

By Pastor Renee Smith God specializes and God will restore your hope."

G

God is a MIRACLE worker. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you are facing, God is a miracle worker. A FIG TREE destroyed, a Centurion’s servant healed, the blind and dumb demoniac cured, Peter’s mother-in-law healed, A

SEA STORM STILLED ON COMMAND, a woman’s issue of blood healed, Jesus feeding 5,000 “in a desert place,” to name just a few – each of these is a miracle, and so many more are available to you.

God specializes and God will restore your hope. When you are facing a bad situation that gets worse, you’re a candidate for a last-minute miracle.

Luke 7:11-17 is a beautiful picture of a lastminute miracle, here we have a woman who is a widow and has now lost her only son and means of support. Her case looks bad, but God has the final say. Have you passed the point of believing again? Does your future look so dark that you can’t imagine it any other way? Are you caught up in a moment of despair? Has the enemy shown you that nothing is left for you, so you have let go and given up? Last-minute miracles happen when you least expect them. Expect unexpected interruptions to take place. Jesus has compassion for this widow not just because she grieves the loss of her son, but also because his

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"LIFE IS NOT DISRUPTED

BY INTERRUPTIONS. INTERRUPTIONS ARE A PART OF LIFE." When Jesus appears in your picture, every problem finds a solution and every loss is restored." funeral marks death and uncertainty in a significant way in her life. The death of her son means a life of unknown resources and financial calamity. She is now facing great social risk and embarrassment because no one is able to care for her. Without a husband – and worse, without a son – to provide financial support, this widow has found herself at the mercy of her neighbors.

Widows were often victims of cruel economic systems that provided them with few ways to survive. Jesus has great compassion for her and Jesus will have compassion for you. Consider this; Two crowds meet: a widow and mourners, and Jesus and his followers; two only sons meet: Jesus is the only begotten of the Father and the woman’s son is all she has and her heir; two enemies meet: life and resurrection confront death and decay. Jesus visits this woman's dry place with a last-minute miracle called “LIFE.” When Jesus appears in your picture, every problem finds a solution and every loss is restored. Many things you have given up on finishing, starting, or completing are yours for the asking. It’s not too late to be great for God. Use and present to God what you have left. It’s enough! Life is not disrupted by interruptions.

Interruptions are a part of life. Jesus can change even the most hopeless situations. It’s never too >

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"THE WORD FOR YOU IN THIS SEASON IS ARISE. YOU HAVE BEEN SITTING TOO LONG, GET UP!" "What you say can set somebody free or seed into their deliverance. Jesus is touching, speaking, and bringing to life what the devil meant for evil."

late for Jesus. If we have faith, Jesus can resurrect areas of our lives that we have written off as dead, gone, over, or impossible. As the funeral processes through town, Jesus happens to be walking by and knows that the widow is all alone. When Jesus says, “Don’t weep!”, he isn’t trying to stop her from grieving. This is her signal that a last-minute miracle is about to take place. Her tears of sorrow are about to be tears of joy. Jesus is about to do the unthinkable and no one has seen it coming. God will bless you just like that, too. The Scripture records: “And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.”

Your miracle is ALIVE and it shall speak! Get ready for your touch and declaration. Jesus is still speaking.

The word is out. Many around you shall stand still in amazement as they see what God shall do in your life.

The word for you in this season is ARISE. You have been sitting too long, Get up! There is power in words. The POWER of ONE word can change your whole life. Your words have a great impact when you speak with the authority of God’s Written Word.

When we consider the force behind the words we

speak, we must be disciplined to speak words that convey respect, gentleness, and humility. Do you think before you speak? Many people don't.

Every word that Jesus spoke was loaded and had a purpose. Today, pause before speaking; consider what to say and how to say it, as well as the effect it will have on the listener. What you say can set somebody free or seed into their deliverance. Jesus is touching, speaking, and bringing to life what the devil meant for evil. Look again. It’s ALIVE. In this season of last-minute miracles, ARISE! Jesus spoke this one loaded word and everything changed. ARISE! "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. So, then, hear the four commands in this Scripture: ARISE into action, SHINE and send out rays of light to dark places. The light has come and you can see, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. The glory is the presence of the Lord. The word “glory” means “radiant beauty” – “Kabod” in the Hebrew tongue. The glory was so important that the Israelites did not move until the glory moved.

God has some last-minute miracles with your name on them. You can get a last-minute pardon

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"RELEASE WHAT’S IN YOUR MOUTH AND WATCH GOD WORK." right position to get a last-minute miracle from the Lord. Hold on, my brother and my sister.

USE what you have left. It can’t be seen because it’s your FAITH. Release what’s in your mouth and watch God work. You’ve been set up for a comeback. There's ONE more WORD in your mouth: SPEAK! and expect your lastminute miracle from the Lord. As you carry your burdens to the Lord, be sure to listen and look.

Jesus will show up and grant you a last-minute miracle. Luke 7:11-17 is a beautiful picture of a last-minute miracle. Get yours.

"A LAST-MINUTE MIRACLE IS OVER YOUR HEAD." if you need it. A last-minute miracle is over your head. This widow needed a God-sized miracle and she got it. It's time for you to SPEAK and ARISE. Stop looking for change in all the wrong places, like new fashions, hairdos, people's approval, popular vacation spots, diets, houses, food, or cars, to name just a few. Have a little talk with Jesus. As she went, she was willing to release, but when Jesus shows up, NOTHING stays the same. I challenge you to say something. SPEAK and activate your last-minute miracle. Tell the devil where to go. What you need is ONE WORD from the LORD! You have to open your mouth and SPEAK and expect supernatural exploits to happen. God is no respect of person. What you're carrying looks like it’s dead and done but what looks dead is in the

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NEVER Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:10 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

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GIVE UP Sad but you can't cry Tired of life but you can't die Can't faint though you feel weak You haven't yet reached your peak You can't give up,

you have to rise

Look past YOUR problem to the prize Let the moon go down so the sun can rise And you can shine like the stars that highlight the sky

Catherine HENRY, copyright 2022 Kingdom Privilege | 23 | January 2023

O

One of the best ways to stay healthy and fit is through daily bike riding.

Studies show that regularly riding a bike reduces the risk of serious diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, diabetes, arthritis, and more.

Cycling is an exercise that people of all ages can enjoy. It keeps the body physically fit and reduces the strain and injuries that other forms of exercise can cause. It builds strong muscles, increases stamina, and raises endurance levels. Plus, one can increase or decrease the intensity based on desired workout needs.

Another great aspect of cycling is that it eliminates seclusion in one location. A cycler is not confined to a gym but has the freedom to explore the great outdoors, choosing the cycle routes and paths most conducive to achieving maximum results. Cycling also saves on auto expenses such as gas, mileage, and vehicle wear and tear.

Cycling improves overall fitness levels as you pedal from one place to the next. Your heart, lungs, and blood flow get a strong workout and increase in strength.

Here are some other benefits of bike riding: Increases cardiovascular health.

Increases muscle strength.

Reduces stress levels.

Increases coordination and balance.

Decreases body fat.

Prevents anxiety and depression.

THE BENIFITS OF BIKE RIDING

BE ADVISED THAT THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEANT AS A PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. THE RECOMMENDATIONS PROVIDED ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE BEGINNING ANY COURSE OF ACTION BASED ON THE TOPICS COVERED IN THIS SOURCE.

Leave and Cleave

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

(Genesis 2:24) Kingdom Privilege | 25 | January 2023

Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam OVER 30 YEARS OF MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE

Character,” “dedication,” “integrity,” “determination,” and “passion” are all words that have been used in descriptions of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam,

C

“Character,” “dedication,” “integrity,” “determination,” and “passion” are all words that have been used in descriptions of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam, a man called by God, Anointed and appointed to transform lives in this generation.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, he was raised in a Christian home where strong values regarding God and the church were instilled in him from a young age. When he was a young man, Bishop Debnam and his family attended Faith Baptist Church in East Baltimore, where his uncle, Reverend Lorenzo Graves, was the pastor. When Bishop Debnam was a teenager, Faith Baptist Church transitioned into Timothy Baptist Church. Bishop Debnam attended that church until he went to college.

Morning Star Baptist Church.

In existence for 125 years, December 2017 celebrating five years at the Woodlawn campus.

Education and Call: Bishop Debnam received his bachelor of science degree from DeVry Institute of Technology.

Upon returning home to Baltimore, he began attending New Psalmist Baptist Church.

Later, he received his master of divinity degree from Howard University and his doctorate of ministry degree from the Virginia Union’s Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.

While attending New Psalmist Baptist Church, Bishop Debnam was called to the Ministry. Under the mentorship and guidance of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr., he was licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel. In August 1996, after five years of serving as assistant to the pastor, Bishop Debnam became the senior pastor of Morning Star Baptist Kingdom Privilege | 27 | January 2023

Church.

In June 2003, after several years of pastoring and walking in his eternal and prepared destiny, Bishop Debnam was installed as State Overseer for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship of Maryland. In November 2004, he was elevated and consecrated into the office of Bishop. He currently serves as the Bishop of Social Actions for Full Gospel.

Growth and Expansion: God’s hand of favor and blessings unequivocally continued to rest upon Bishop Debnam and the Morning Star family. In December 2017, God blessed them with the dedication of a newly built worship center, a three-building campus located in Woodlawn, Maryland. >

“We’ve served, to date, approximately 150,000 families, Which equates to probably over a half million persons, when you include families with an average size of four individuals."

The main campus comprises staff offices, a boardroom, a chapel, classrooms, an elevator, several rooms for ministries and programs, and much more. It also includes a 1500-seat sanctuary, where three Sunday morning worship services (7:15, 9:15, and 11:30) are held, as well as weekly Bible study and discipleship classes, small developmental groups, children and youth activities, and several other ministry programs. The Ministry also holds a monthly communion service, social media viewings, prayer calls and online streaming opportunities.

The Community Outreach and Educational Center: The Center is the second of the three-building campus and it certainly lives up to its name. It richly serves the community, offering a wealth of services such as Christian education activities and grief, divorce, and addiction counseling (through the Renaissance Center) from experienced and trained professionals. Other offerings include expungement services in conjunction with Baltimore County, job fairs, community baby showers, household item giveaways, twice-a-month food giveaways, the Woodlawn Senior Day Activity Center, and more.

In October 2022, the Outreach Center held a trunk or treat event that over 300 children attended.

The Family Life Center:

Celebrate His goodness.

The Family Life Center is the third building in the threebuilding campus. It offers a community daycare center and is due to expand within the next few months. This expansion will include a new banquet hall, commercial kitchen, and workforce development space opportunities.

My sit-down interview with Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam: “Morning Star has done so much for the community, which is phenomenal. As far as food giveaways, how many people would you say Morning Star has fed?”

“We’ve served, to date, approximately 150,000 families,” Bishop Debnam replied, seated

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Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam

across from me and my wife.

“Which equates to probably over a half million persons, when you include families with an average size of four individuals.”

“Wow,” I said. “That is truly amazing!”

“I’ve heard you mention scholarships in the worship services. How many scholarships does Morning Star offer?”

“The church, a couple of Christian education and discipleship classes, as well as a few individual families sponsor scholarships,” Bishop Debnam said. “So, this past year, between the church, a couple of our classes, and a few families, we’ve distributed approximately $30,000 in scholarships.”

"Besides all of Bishop Debnam’s educational and ministerial successes, his greatest joy is his family."

Praise Him in a Dance.

First Lady Carla Debnam

“That is amazing!” I said.

“Especially since education is so expensive these days. The fact that people in the church can be recipients is just awesome!”

Bishop Debnam nodded in agreement.

“In this society where young people are exposed and have access to so much—I mean, in my generation of growing up in the 70s and 80s, we had

nowhere near the amount of things exposed to us as the youth have today.” I chuckled.

“How do you keep the young people engaged?”

“We keep them engaged by offering programs that are exciting and creative,” Bishop Debnam answered. “Children these days are interested in the arts and technology, so what the church has to do is make sure we’re developing programs that engage them in that way. Not every child is gong to be interested in singing in the choir

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or ushering with the ushers.

There are other interests, so finding their interests and developing programs around those interests is key. One of the big interests in this church is audio-video technology, so we have to create programs that cater to that. One of the things that our youth minister is charged with right now is creating a ministry around the STEMs for the summer.”

Family: Besides all of Bishop Debnam’s >

"We’ve licensed 125 ministers. We’ve ordained some 20, and there are nine who are out pastoring right now." educational and ministerial successes, his greatest joy is his family. He has been married for thirty nine years to First Lady Carla Debnam (who, like Bishop Debnam, has a doctorate in ministry) and they have three successful adult children: Corey, Jewell, and Jared. The Debnams epitomize a great family.

When I asked him about his children, Bishop Debnam said, “There is a word we use around here often, and that word is ‘amazing.’”

A Word for open ears and ready hearts.

THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL IS IMPERATIVE FOR THE KINGDOM!

First Lady Carla Debnam

“Yes Sir,” I said, chuckling.

“To see them find themselves, find their footing in life and fulfill their dreams is amazing. And they’re doing it, so we are extremely proud of them and extremely excited that they are finding their path and enjoying their journey.”

“I’ll give you the long story,” Bishop Debnam joked. “We’ve licensed 125 ministers. We’ve ordained some 20, and there are nine who are out pastoring right now. They are doing a phenomenal job. Some are in the city and some are beyond the borders of Maryland.”

“Obviously, you’ve been preaching for several years.

You’ve also been pastoring for several years. How many ministries have birthed out of your ministry?”

Books:

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I asked Bishop Debnam about his book, “Conquering Life’s Hard Lessons.” He stood up, walked over to a shelf along the wall,

One touch from God will change everything.

s i d Goorthy W o be t ised Pra and brought two copies over to my wife and me.

“Awesome!” I said, quickly thumbing through it. “So, I guess the next question would be, is there another one on the horizon?”

“My wife and I are beginning to form an outline of a book on theology and therapy. Theotherapy, a merging between

what she does in therapy and what I do on my end. So, we’re blending those ideas, and we’re starting to think through what that’s going to look like.”

On a personal note, I think this literary project is an ingenious idea. Also, I believe that, upon completion, it will change, impact, and transform many lives in the kingdom.

“Many churches did not survive Kingdom Privilege | 31 | January 2023

COVID-19 but Morning Star did.

How were you able to accomplish that?” Catherine Henry (my wife) asked.

“Well, the thing is, we’re still trying to survive it,” Bishop Debnam answered. “The key for us was to keep the congregation connected. From the earliest days of the pandemic in 2020, our aim was to let the congregation know that their church was here for >

Honor and Glory Belongs to God.

Bishop and First Lady Debnam.

them. So, we did simple things.

We assigned a team of persons to call every member, and they literally did. It was about 40 or 50 persons who took the responsibility of calling every member. We also sent out weekly letters to every member to keep them engaged. We initiated two to three prayer calls a week to keep persons connected. And, of course, we maintained the worship experiences. The key was to let persons know they weren’t going through this by themselves. So, we had to create ministry

When God calls you to do something, we are obligated to do it well and to do it based upon His standards."

opportunities to let them know that they were cared for and that their church family and pastor were praying for them consistently. So, we did those small things. The phone calls, the letters, the prayer calls – I think it went a long way because it kept persons engaged and it kept them connected.”

“Honestly, at such a critical time as that was,” I commented, “what is more endearing than the leadership where you worship to reach out and check on people, especially when so many were being abandoned at that time.”

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“Being lonely was a real issue for many persons during that season,” Bishop Debnam continued. “So, those were things we had to do.”

“So, what’s next? What’s in the pipeline for Morning Star?” I asked, coming to the close of our interview.

“We will be finishing our Family Life Center within the next 12 to 18 months,” Bishop Debnam said. “The Center will house workforce development ministries, a catered kitchen,

Each of these services has persons coming for a fresh, relevant Word from God, and that’s my assignment.”

youth programs, senior day activities, and an outdoor recreation component.”

Bishop Debnam's words regarding his passion for the work of the kingdom: “When God calls you to do something, we are obligated to do it well and to do it based upon His standards. We don’t lower expectations; we don’t lower standards. Our aim is to try and maintain a high standard because what we do is for the kingdom. We’re not just doing this for ourselves. Everything that we do centers around what is the will of God for our lives and what is the will of God for this Ministry. And so, we push ourselves to make sure that God is pleased with what we do and not just nodding or saying okay. We want God to give us His approval, not just a nod saying okay, you did it, but you did it well. And so our aim is to do it well for the kingdom.”

Bishop Debnam’s words regarding his assignment for multiple Sunday worship services: “In each of those services, there are different ears and different hearts in need of something. Those who came at 7:15, I have to minister to them. It’s a new crowd coming at the 9:15 service, who need something also. I can’t do less for them because they have a need also.” The same goes for the 11:30 service. “So, in my mind, each of these services has persons coming for a fresh, relevant Word from God, and that’s my assignment.”

God will meet you where you are.

THE INNUMERABLE Descendants - Not Part of the Promised Line Twelve Sons of Ishmael (Genesis 25:13-15) 1) Nebajoth - "heights" 2) Kedar - "dark" 3) Adbeel - "chastened of God" 4) Mibsam - "sweet odour" 5) Mishma - "a hearing" 6) Dumah - "silence" 7) Massa - "burden" 8) Hadar - "honour" 9) Tema - "desert" 10) Jetur - "enclosed" 11) Naphish - "refreshment" 12) Kedemah - "original"

One

Five Sons of Esau (Genesis 36:4, 5) 1) Eliphaz - "my God is (fine) gold" 2) Reuel - "friend of God" 3) Jeush - "assembler" 4I Jaalam - "concealed" 5) Korah - "bald"

Six Sons of Keturah (Genesis 25:1, 2 ) 1) Zimran - "musician" 2) Jokshan - "snarer" 3) Medan - "contention" 4) Midian - "strife" 5) Ishbak - "he releases" 6) Shuah - "wealth"

SEED OF ABRAHAM Descendants - Part of the Promised Line Son of Promise (Genesis 21:1-3) 1) Isaac - "he laughs"

Twelve Sons of Jacob (Genesis 29:32-35; 30:1-24; 35:16-18)

Family

1) Reuben - "behold a son" 2) Simeon - "heard" 3) Levi - "joined to" 4) Judah - "praised" 5) Dan - "a judge" 6) Naphtali - "wrestling" 7) Gad - "troop" 8) Asher - "happy" 9) Issachar - "there is recompense" 10) Zebulun - "exalted" 11) Joseph - " Jehovah has added" 12) Benjamin - " son of the right hand"

T he Supreme Son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1) 1) Jesus - "Jehovah is salvation" It is through Jesus Christ that every born again believer also becomes the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:28-29).

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

MEN SHOULD NEVER WE NO HATS IN THE HOUSE OF GOD

G

Growing up as a church boy, I’ve

a man is always supposed to

particularly from a historical

always known that it is

remove his hat. It might seem a

view, it is considered rude and

customary for a man to remove

little antiquated in this

disrespectful for a man to wear

his hat upon entering a

millennial age but I believe that

a hat indoors. This idea

building. Except for locations

it is still a courteous and

probably originated from

such as sporting events,

respectable practice for a man

medieval times, when a knight

airports, hotel lobbies,

to remove his hat.

failed or refused to remove his

elevators, and a few others,

In western culture, Kingdom Privilege | 36 | January 2023

helmet or lift his visor to

AR HATS IN CHURCH identify himself. This behavior led to fatal consequences for the knight. Eventually, it became commonly known as proper etiquette for a distinguished gentleman to remove his hat while indoors. Men also removed their hats upon being introduced to or greeting a woman or in the presence of royalty.

Interestingly, the church was one of the primary places where a man removing his hat was a non-negotiable.

However, in this day and age, many have lost sight of some of the simplest things (or, more disturbing, have never been taught them). If removing a hat in the presence of a woman or royalty was a sign of respect, then how have we moved to a place where men wearing hats in the house of the Lord is permitted? I find it extremely disrespectful. How do we not honor the highest authority we know: God Himself? How do we enter a place of worship where we revere a sovereign God and not, at the very least, remove our head covering, especially

when we are operating in ministry? Paul explicitly addresses this in I Corinthians 11:3-16, particularly verses 4 and 7: “Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.”; “For a man indeed Kingdom Privilege | 37 | January 2023

ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.”

Perhaps some are not aware of this. If that is the case, then it is up to the leadership to make sure they are well-informed.

PREACHERS AND MONEY: WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?

B

Born in the early 70s and raised solely Pentecostal

business and ministry become so blurred that we

Apostolic, I have found it interesting to see so many

no longer recognize the primary purpose of the

churches transition from traditional to contemporary

church (which is to win souls), we are standing on

in their views and beliefs. Although a few remain

the threshold of great tragedy.

unencumbered by the changing of times, many have

As preachers and pastors in particular, we

shifted their practices to align with the modern-day

must remain cognizant of our charge of spreading

church. The status quo seems to be technologically

the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone, and not

advanced ministries plug into a network of other

become distracted or drawn away by the luxuries

ministries to establish an international brand. This

or popularity that we may obtain along our

changing of the tide is something that we as

ministerial journey. While we cannot control what

believers should, at the very least, stop for a

people give us as ministers of the gospel

moment and take note of. Of course, I’m not

(although some do try to control it), we can

suggesting that churches should not advance as our

determine how we represent ourselves and our

world advances. However, when the lines of

heavenly Father as recipients. Should we receive

Kingdom Privilege | 38 | January 2023

“GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU; GOOD MEASURE, PRESSED DOWN, AND SHAKEN TOGETHER, AND RUNNING OVER…” (LUKE 6:38); gifts/offerings etc. as ministers? Absolutely. But how we conduct ourselves plays a major role as well.

Based on my research, I have found three main ways a preacher receives compensation. One is through love offerings, another is through salary, and another through charging. Let’s see what the Bible says about these three: Love Offerings: The Bible is clear that blessing and caring for preachers who labor in ministry is well in order (Philippians 4:15-18). When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, he expressed his gratitude to those who gave to him, even so much that he firmly proclaimed that he was full and abounded. If people want to give freely to preachers, out of their substance, it is a blessing not only to the recipient but to the giver as well: “The liberal soul shall be made fat” (Proverbs 11:25); “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over…” (Luke 6:38); “…It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35); “…for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7); and the list goes on. The problem is not giving. The problem is preachers who tax, pressure, and guilt saints into giving what they do not necessarily have. Everyone’s financial situation is different. Some people have it to give and others do not. Embarrassing and humiliating people until they give their last, with no regard for them, or declaring that they are faithless Kingdom Privilege | 39 | January 2023

"OBVIOUSLY, TAKING A SALARY FROM A CHURCH THAT CAN AFFORD IT IS NOT WRONG." because they are struggling with giving, is outrageous. Where do we draw the line? People have given all they had, not because they trusted God (which is completely fine) but because they were concerned about being called out by the preacher, pastor, or church leader. At the end of the day, we should be good stewards of what God has given us.

There’s nothing wrong with faith giving but we should also be wise in our giving and not be negatively influenced by those who have only a personal agenda.

Salary: Being in full-time ministry can very well be a fulltime job, although some are in full-time ministry and still work a full-time job. Obviously, taking a salary from a church that can afford it is not wrong.

However, even in this, we should exercise reasonable judgment. It is not a question of whether it’s biblical.

The Scriptures support the idea that laborers in the ministry should be taken care of, both in traveling and in the local assembly (Ezekiel 44:30, Luke 10:3-9, I Timothy 5:17, 18). The most familiar biblical passage supporting this truth however, is

"BEING IN FULLTIME MINISTRY CAN VERY WELL BE A FULL-TIME JOB,

I Corinthians 9:7-14. In these verses, Paul makes several points regarding the preacher’s compensation. It is essentially irrefutable: “muzzle not the ox that treads out the corn,” Moses first made this statement in the law, Jesus confirmed the

ALTHOUGH SOME ARE IN FULL-TIME

statement in the gospels, and Paul supported it in his

MINISTRY AND

first letter to Timothy.

Let's also look at two other verses; “If we have sown

STILL WORK A

unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal (material) things?” vs … 11, “Even so

FULL-TIME JOB."

Kingdom Privilege | 40 | January 2023

hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” vs ... 14.

One of the biggest problems in the church today however, is people’s perception of what is given and how it is spent. There are two ways to view this. The first is when a preacher/pastor takes a salary and desires to live a certain lifestyle but the members of the congregation do not have the means to support it. Yet the preacher/pastor demands it anyway, even threatening hell’s fire as a recompense for the congregation’s so-called rebellion or disobedience.

This could not be more wrong. Furthermore, if people become angry because they are essentially giving under duress, then their hearts are not pure in their giving. Paul explicitly speaks against giving grudgingly (II Corinthians 9:7). The second view is that the church members love their leader and give freely out of their substance. They want to see their Kingdom Privilege | 41 | January 2023

leader blessed and living well. A strong biblical reference is Exodus 36:3-7, in which the people freely gave so much for the work and service of the sanctuary that Moses had to tell them to cease giving. Under these circumstances, if the preacher/pastor is blessed to live a certain lifestyle, then it is by the grace of God. No one should accuse or criticize the leader for misusing or abusing what the people have freely given.

Charging: It is one thing to receive a love offering; it is another thing to be on salary. Charging for ministry is an entirely different thing. A love offering is understandable, a salary is understandable, but charging a fee before accepting an engagement is not. In Matthew 10:7, 8, Jesus was very clear when He sent His disciples out to minister: “…freely ye have received, freely give.” If salvation is free and the gospel by which we receive salvation is also free, then we should preach it without charge. Paul made that clear as well in I Corinthians 9:18: “…I may make the gospel of Christ without charge…”

“…I MAY MAKE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHOUT CHARGE…”

“…FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE.”

Five Benefits of Fasting According to research there are several kinds of fasts: The total fast-consisting only of water.

The Daniel fast-consisting only of vegetables and other healthy whole foods.

The juice fast-consisting only of 100% juice and water.

The partial fast-consisting only of specific foods (as according to the leading of the Lord).

The non-food fast-refraining from entertainment, hobbies, distractions etc.

1

Fasting brings great deliverance and defeats the most wicked of spiritual enemies: Mark 9:28, 29; Isaiah 58:6.

2

Fasting prepares and equips for the work of the ministry: Acts 13:25,14:23.

3

4

5

"Fasting cleanses the body from built-up chemicals, metals, and other toxins.

When you fast, your cells, tissues, and organs dump out the accumulated waste products of cellular metabolism as well as chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents. Fasting revitalizes you in every way: mentally, physically, and spiritually. It also allows the overburdened liver to ‘catch up’ on its detoxification work." —Don Colbert, MD

Through fasting we conquer temptation, as Jesus demonstrated for us: Matthew 4:1-11.

Fasting will turn the heart of God and cause Him to withhold judgment: Jonah 3:4-10.

Fasting provides protection for the believer, scatters and destroys the enemy and positions us to receive direction from God: Esther 4:16, Ezra 8:21-23, II Chronicles 20:1-25.

Kingdom Privilege | 43 | January 2023

THE REMARKABLE TESTIMONY OF PASTOR GEORGE GANDY Rearing and Upbringing: “I was born in the church and raised apostolic under the mentorship and tutelage of my great-grandmother, the late Reverend Martha Finn, in Monticello, New York. Not only were we the first African American family in Monticello, but Reverend Finn built the first African American church in Monticello (Bethlehem Temple, which stands to this day).

“Reverend Finn was a tough lady, hardcore. She made sure that if you professed to be saved under her ministry, you were gonna make it to heaven,” Pastor Gandy shared during our interview.

“Reverend Finn’s son, my grandfather, the late Henry McCoy, married my grandmother Anna Mae Wright, who became the late Missionary Anna Mae McCoy. My dad, the late Pastor AV Gandy, met and married my mother, the late First Lady Leslie Octavia Gandy. And just like that, all 13 of us (11 girls and two boys, of whom I’m the eldest) were born through this union.”

Introduction and Deliverance from Alcoholism: “I always had a curious nature. In fact, people used to call me ‘Curious George.’

My grandfather had a jazz bar that sat at the foot of the hill from the church. When I was a young man, I would walk by the bar, watching my uncles and the people inside. The parking lot was filled with Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, Grand Marquis, and everything with a convertible top.

That intrigued me. The persona back then was sharkskin suits, gators, slick hair,

Kingdom Privilege | 44 | January 2023

and pinky rings. My grandfather never let me hang around the bar. He would send me back up the hill to church. I’d sit in the back of the church so I could listen to the jazz music. I felt like that life was calling me.

“In 1972, my grandmother Madea, my dad’s mom, died while visiting her children in Monticello. We had a small service at the funeral home. Madea wore a very pretty dress and laid in a beautiful coffin; these points are significant.

“The entire Gandy and Walker family went to Alabama for the funeral. Now, back in that day, when somebody died in Alabama, the body was taken to the house for viewing. Three days earlier, in New York, Madea was in a casket and dressed up, but in Alabama, she was in an all-white nightgown and propped up in a bed. When my sisters and I saw our grandmother lying in her bed like that, we ran out of the house shook up. This was when I found out that my grandfather’s family business was not only farming but moonshine as well. Because I was so shaken, one of my uncles took me into the woods and gave me a glass of white lightning right out of the tap to calm me down. It messed me up for three days. I couldn’t see or walk and could barely talk.

“My uncle panicked and left me out in the shed for three days. He lied to my parents and told them he’d taken me to his girlfriend’s house to hang out with her kids down in the Spanish Fort area of Bay Minette. He checked on me periodically.

Finally, on the third day, I was able to see and walk. While I was recovering, my uncle gave me another drink to straighten me out. As circumstance would have it, it did. And the seed of alcoholism was planted. Later that year, we had communion the old-fashioned way, with the big gold cup and the actual broken

matzah cracker. I tried to guzzle the entire cup.

“My great-grandmother, Mother Finn, made the communion wine. My sisters and I would help smash the grapes. She let it ferment and then she put it in big green jugs. A couple of my uncles and neighborhood friends would break into her basement and steal a jug of the wine.

That’s why, when we had communion, I was so anxious to drink the wine. When I finally got it, I turned it up and drank it so fast, it was running out the sides of my mouth and dripping down my shirt. Mother Finn looked at my parents and said, ‘Watch him, he’s got it,’ meaning the drinking problem that my grandfather and my uncles on both sides of my family had.

Some still have it to this day.

“So many other things about alcohol happened over the years, but I thank God that He delivered me. Today I am over 30 years clean and sober.”

"MY GRANDFATHER’S FAMILY BUSINESS WAS NOT ONLY FARMING BUT MOONSHINE AS WELL."

Kingdom Privilege | 45 | January 2023

“That’s phenomenal!” I said.

Delivered from a Life of Drug Dealing and Addiction: “I went to school in Albany, New York.

Before God delivered me, I perpetually drank, smoked marijuana, partied, and messed around with women, primarily throughout my entire first year. In my second year, I met some guys from Harlem who taught me how to hustle and sell marijuana. Eventually, we took over the marijuana business in Albany, New York.

“After I got my associate’s degrees in occupational science and accounting, I got a job, met a girl, and moved into a building with college students and senior citizens. We had four apartments in the building. Two were for selling drugs and the other two were where we lived. For 10 years, my life consisted of work and selling drugs. During this time, I met a Colombian kid who showed me how to sell cocaine, and money became my god. I was making tons of money and was able to buy and pay for pretty much anything I wanted. I sold drugs without incident for nearly eight years – no problems from the police or rivals.

“One day, a buddy and I met up with a bigwig who loved cocaine. We ended up in the backseat of his partner’s Rolls-Royce.

It was there that I was introduced to freebasing cocaine. The bigwig said to me, ‘Young blood, be careful because this will change your life.’ He was right. From that very first hit, my life was never the same.

The people I worked for had grown their drug business into a powerful organization with many powerful people involved. But because freebasing had become part of my life, I started to make mistakes. I was missing meetings, messing up packages, having issues with people on the street, etc. Going into 10 years, I ended up owing those people nearly $70,000. I went to Florida with

"MONEY BECAME MY GOD. I WAS MAKING TONS OF MONEY AND WAS ABLE TO BUY AND PAY FOR PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING I WANTED." some guys who had a plan to rob my distributor, but he found out about it and got rid of the guys. For some reason (we know now it was God), the guy could not dispose of me, so he threw me in a hole and left me there for three days with a pack of cigarettes and three bottles of water. I made my peace with God. I asked Him to look after my kids and my parents, and I repented for not living the life I was supposed to. Then I went to sleep. On the third day, they threw a bucket of water on me. When I woke up and saw the sun, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

The people said that for three days the dog wouldn’t stop barking, their mother walked the floor, the baby and his wife kept crying – everything was unsettled.

Even the guys who worked for the boss said that they could not kill me because I was family. I took care of their families

Kingdom Privilege | 46 | January 2023

The boss took me to Miami, bought me a suit, put money in my pocket, and bought me a oneway ticket back to New York. when they visited New York.

“The boss took me to Miami, bought me a suit, put money in my pocket, and bought me a one-way ticket back to New York. He made it known that I needed help; and, that they were to get me help. When I got there, the people I worked for met me, along with my mother and one of my sisters. They took me to see my then-wife and my kids. Four days later, I went into rehab.

“There is so much more to the story, and one day it will all be told in a tell-all book. Look for it. Thanks be to God, today I am over 33 years drug and alcohol-free.”

“Wow, praise God!” I said. "That is a great testimony."

"THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THE STORY, AND ONE DAY IT WILL ALL BE TOLD IN A TELL-ALL BOOK. LOOK FOR IT."

Kingdom Privilege | 47 | January 2023

Before Time and Space In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:1-4)

1) In the beginning. 2) Existence of a supreme Creator before anything else. 3) Light always overshadows darkness.

God Existed in Eternity In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

(John 1:1-5)

1) In the beginning. 2) Existence of a supreme Creator before anything else. 3) Light always overshadows darkness.

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