Is MA$E Backsliding?

I must admit, I’m (SMH) “scratchin’ my head” on this one but I’m certainly not one to judge.  I understand that Jesus hung around the thugs, the prostitutes, the drunkards, the gamblers, etc.  And speaking of gambling, I’m not ain’t gonna lie and say I’ve never gambled before.  Yeah I played a few slots a few times but can’t stand it.

A few years after my church dissolved I became a little ‘rebellious’ “curious” but never crossed “that line” (thank God) simply because I have too much Word in me, lol.  But my first or second time playin’ a slot machine (a 25 cent slot at that) was about 6 or 7 years ago.  I said, “In the name of JESUS..MONEY COMETH!”  And of course, just like the devil my luck, some $360 worth of coins came tumbling down.

“OMG my prayer worked!” I exclaimed to the person counting off my winnings for me.   And of course, like the fool that I was (yeah yeah I knew better), I went on to spend the remaining night “naming and claiming” only to lose it all.  Don’t like gambling, don’t like losing money, lol–not even 25 cents but that’s just me.  But honestly, I don’t understand what the big deal is about gambling.  If a Christian won the lottery, for instance–the church, the pastor, would certainly take the 10% that’s for sure, you can bet on that!  LOL.  So is that a double standard if the church accepts dem Vegas winnings?  ”You betcha.” (wink wink)

No, the Christian church (unfortunately) has long put man-made stipulations and legalism on its parishioners to the point where they live their lives in constant bondage–which only INCREASES the perception of temptation to simply do wrong or sin in the first place. And where does temptation stem from? God? Certainly not.  No, it comes from man’s own lust–not “the devil.” (James 1:14)

And who glorifies and instigates this lust..increasing your temptation to sin?  The tempter.  And where does the tempter lie?  In the world AND in the church–especially the church.

You supposedly left “the world,” so why would he use that against you?  No, he uses “religion,” “legalism” AND “the church” against the laity.  Slick.  And THIS is the reason many fall by the wayside simply because of the “religiosity” of the church.  This is why you have to have a PERSONAL relationship with God and never put your trust in any man or a building.

Now does this mean you should not go to church?  Certainly not.  Does this mean that churches are evil? Certainly not.  No, all I’m saying is that if you are being taught that “you can’t do this” or “you can’t do that,” “the devil this” or “the devil that” all the time…be careful because that particular church or teaching is actually glorifying the sin and the devil–which in turn gives the tempter or the temptation power over you and you don’t need that in your life.  You’re not free, that’s not freedom.  It’s bondage and unfortunately some churches either intentionally or unintentionally play off  of your “bondage and emotions.”

Now, if gambling is gonna cause you to gamble away your paycheck every week and lose all your savings, then you need to STAY AWAY FROM GAMBLING! That’s YOUR GOD.  That’s YOUR SIN, if you will.

If you get drunk and start acting a fool, drinkin’ and drivin’, beatin’ on your wife, then you need to STOP DRINKING.  That’s YOUR GOD, that’s YOUR SIN.

But the Bible says that it’s not what goes into a man that defiles him, it’s what comes out of him (your mouth, your actions). (Matt 15:11)  Your problem may not be someone else’s problem but just because it’s not your problem does not make you better than them nor does it make them any worse off than you.   Anyway, would like to touch on that subject more but the post is getting long–as usual.  BACK to MA$E!

I understand somewhat about what Mase COULD be going through.  A lot of times when people have that first initial spiritual experience with God (many call this the ‘salvation experience’), they become so alive and zealous that they perhaps go to the extreme of starting a ministry or a church.  I don’t necessarily believe this was the case with me as there is a season for everything.  The only reason why I’m a tad bit confused about Mase’s situation is this.

Maybe take the website down? (site looks very current) or not pursue the ministry right now?  Or does he still pastor the church??  People may get confused of the hypocrisy of it all.  Not sure what’s goin’ but I hope this brother knows what he’s doin’.  I’ll admit, I like the song in the video (song is funky!) but based on what I see on his ministry’s website, it may not be in his best interest (at least for the sake of his church members) to have this video circulating.  Only my opinion.

What do you y’all think?

I encourage you to also check out my companion article here.

Note: this article is subject to future re-edits, typo fixes, etc.

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