Comments on: Lots of people care (or are really nosy) about The Ambassador (William Branch) and his marriage… http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:43:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: yeahwritekelli http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-5111 yeahwritekelli Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:25:28 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-5111 This is the first time I have come across your blog and I have to say, I question why u are blogging about The Ambassador's situation. I'm even debating about commenting...but I wanted to tell u that. I read your first blog about this subject. I don't think it's appropriate for you - as The Ambassador's so-called Christian Brother - to be blogging about such a sensitive subject when you obviously don't know all the facts. You brought up speculation in your previous blog by implying that this so-called moral failure had something to do w/ a person or persons. If memory serves me correctly, you mentioned that you are praying for "the women". Sounds like your saying Duce is hoe'n around, but there has been no official public statement from him or his ministry associates to back up that fact. Read the CMR statement again. The blogs on this subject sound like a gossip session posing as a prayer request. I think we need to be praying for your discernment. This is the first time I have come across your blog and I have to say, I question why u are blogging about The Ambassador's situation. I'm even debating about commenting…but I wanted to tell u that.
I read your first blog about this subject. I don't think it's appropriate for you – as The Ambassador's so-called Christian Brother – to be blogging about such a sensitive subject when you obviously don't know all the facts. You brought up speculation in your previous blog by implying that this so-called moral failure had something to do w/ a person or persons. If memory serves me correctly, you mentioned that you are praying for "the women". Sounds like your saying Duce is hoe'n around, but there has been no official public statement from him or his ministry associates to back up that fact. Read the CMR statement again.
The blogs on this subject sound like a gossip session posing as a prayer request.
I think we need to be praying for your discernment.

]]> By: M.L. Anderson Jr http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-5005 M.L. Anderson Jr Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:00:12 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-5005 As you can see from the original notice, one of the first things Duce did was bring it before his congregation that he was an associate pastor of. Since then it appears he has stepped down from that position seeing that he is no longer listed as part of the Pastoral staff. On a more positive note however, if you go to the Cross Movement's web site you might be please to see that Tonic has since removed the Ambassador Statement form the archive. So again our duty as fellow brethren and sisters in the Lord is to continue to pray for him & interceed on his behalf. GOD Bless -Colosus As you can see from the original notice, one of the first things Duce did was bring it before his congregation that he was an associate pastor of. Since then it appears he has stepped down from that position seeing that he is no longer listed as part of the Pastoral staff. On a more positive note however, if you go to the Cross Movement's web site you might be please to see that Tonic has since removed the Ambassador Statement form the archive. So again our duty as fellow brethren and sisters in the Lord is to continue to pray for him & interceed on his behalf. GOD Bless -Colosus

]]> By: M.L. Anderson JR http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-5004 M.L. Anderson JR Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:59:38 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-5004 In the same way that if a Pastor or Elder, or Deacon fell into sin there would have to be some sort of public acknowledgement, some sort of "stepping down" or "sitting down" or else as it states in scripture: you'll "give great occasion for the enemies of the LORD to Blaspheme" -1 Sam 12:14....and none of us should want to bring shame against our Lords name by our transgressions. But as true men of God they are handling the situation the way scripture would have them handle it: Confession (to GOD) -John 1:9; Confessing our faults one 2 another as well as those we may have sinned against -James 5:16; Matt 18: 15-17 . Therefore our response should be instant forgiveness (assuming there is genuine repentance -which in this case... there most definitely is!) -Matt 18: 21-22; 2 Cor 2: 1-11; Gal 6:1. Ultimately restoration will follow in the Lords timing. In the same way that if a Pastor or Elder, or Deacon fell into sin there would have to be some sort of public acknowledgement, some sort of "stepping down" or "sitting down" or else as it states in scripture: you'll "give great occasion for the enemies of the LORD to Blaspheme" -1 Sam 12:14….and none of us should want to bring shame against our Lords name by our transgressions. But as true men of God they are handling the situation the way scripture would have them handle it: Confession (to GOD) -John 1:9; Confessing our faults one 2 another as well as those we may have sinned against -James 5:16; Matt 18: 15-17 . Therefore our response should be instant forgiveness (assuming there is genuine repentance -which in this case… there most definitely is!) -Matt 18: 21-22; 2 Cor 2: 1-11; Gal 6:1. Ultimately restoration will follow in the Lords timing.

]]> By: M.L. Anderson JR http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-5003 M.L. Anderson JR Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:58:23 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-5003 Now with that being said, we also understand the Ambassador is a founding member which means in all likely hood this was partially his idea for discipline to be carried out this way (or if nothing else he is atleast in agreement with the decision). We are shown in scrtipture that when to or more are gathered in the Lords name He is there in the midst of them (which means the church is meeting on some level -not the building,,, but the body). So again, they operate the ministry like we would operate the local church...accordind to scripture. They all understand, they have been called of GOD to the ministry and given Teaching gifts (among others) and hip hop is the vehicle they have chosen to utilize in expressing those gifts. At the same time that puts them in a position of authority and responsibility to govern them selves accordingly. Now with that being said, we also understand the Ambassador is a founding member which means in all likely hood this was partially his idea for discipline to be carried out this way (or if nothing else he is atleast in agreement with the decision). We are shown in scrtipture that when to or more are gathered in the Lords name He is there in the midst of them (which means the church is meeting on some level -not the building,,, but the body). So again, they operate the ministry like we would operate the local church…accordind to scripture. They all understand, they have been called of GOD to the ministry and given Teaching gifts (among others) and hip hop is the vehicle they have chosen to utilize in expressing those gifts. At the same time that puts them in a position of authority and responsibility to govern them selves accordingly.

]]> By: M.L. Anderson Jr http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-5002 M.L. Anderson Jr Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:56:29 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-5002 I hope we're all praying for our brother, at a time like this that's what he needs more than anything else...there is definitely unspeakable power in truely fervent spirit lead prayer -James 5:16; Eph 6:18 (as we as believers, should already know). But unfortunately I do agree some people are just plain nosy & would rather seek to throw gasoline on a fire and try to stir things up, rather then using water extinguish it. As far as those who would try to accuse Tonic of using poor judge, you have 2 first understand that the Cross Movement 1st and formost is a ministry driven operation. Therefore they operate it as such: meaning they understand it to be Christ centered with a solid Scriptural foundation, dependent on GOD's Grace through Faith, while being solely lead by His Holy Spirit, so at the end of the day GOD gets all the Glory. Go to there website & check out there Statement of Faith. I hope we're all praying for our brother, at a time like this that's what he needs more than anything else…there is definitely unspeakable power in truely fervent spirit lead prayer -James 5:16; Eph 6:18 (as we as believers, should already know). But unfortunately I do agree some people are just plain nosy & would rather seek to throw gasoline on a fire and try to stir things up, rather then using water extinguish it. As far as those who would try to accuse Tonic of using poor judge, you have 2 first understand that the Cross Movement 1st and formost is a ministry driven operation. Therefore they operate it as such: meaning they understand it to be Christ centered with a solid Scriptural foundation, dependent on GOD's Grace through Faith, while being solely lead by His Holy Spirit, so at the end of the day GOD gets all the Glory. Go to there website & check out there Statement of Faith.

]]> By: ElderTodd http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-4639 ElderTodd Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:10:51 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-4639 Wow. I too found this site hoping to see that Amba had been restored to the fellowship and the label, and was really saddened to see Mimi's comment. Following a nasty comment with "I don't mean to be nasty" falls into the category of lying. I'm not a music critic and I don't follow worldly hip hop, but I really enjoyed both Tonic and Phanatik's latest efforts. If Christian hip hop fans fuel divisions like worldly hip hop fans, then the message has yet to get through to them... Keep up the great site, Rick, and I'll join you in praying for Duce and his family. Wow. I too found this site hoping to see that Amba had been restored to the fellowship and the label, and was really saddened to see Mimi's comment. Following a nasty comment with "I don't mean to be nasty" falls into the category of lying. I'm not a music critic and I don't follow worldly hip hop, but I really enjoyed both Tonic and Phanatik's latest efforts. If Christian hip hop fans fuel divisions like worldly hip hop fans, then the message has yet to get through to them… Keep up the great site, Rick, and I'll join you in praying for Duce and his family.

]]> By: E Robinson http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-4563 E Robinson Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:25:33 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-4563 Anyway, I'm sorry to lose focus of the Amba topic. He has lots of people praying for him and his family and Pastor Duce will land on his feet. Amba did say "give me some pain, somthing-I do need to grow on "Gimme That". Unfortunately his family is suffering as a result. Remember King David sent Bathsheba's husband to the front line to have her to himself and King Solomon served another god in his dealings with his wives. I don't know how badly Amba violated his marriage. Just keep in mind we all have our vices and JESUS would've never came if any of us were perfect. I'm still blessed when I listen to the "Chop Chop" or even "Christology". I understand and respect CM's position. They have maintained a stance for holiness. This is the group that really tore the walls down for Christians such as myself that thought gospel rap was unholy. They fuse the word with relevant things that are happening today and have truly impacted my life. I know this is long, but I pray people will stop sleeping on gospel rap especially CM. This is still the best music brand around. These guys even carries Shachah the rock/rap band who is hot to def. God bless. Anyway, I'm sorry to lose focus of the Amba topic. He has lots of people praying for him and his family and Pastor Duce will land on his feet. Amba did say "give me some pain, somthing-I do need to grow on "Gimme That". Unfortunately his family is suffering as a result. Remember King David sent Bathsheba's husband to the front line to have her to himself and King Solomon served another god in his dealings with his wives. I don't know how badly Amba violated his marriage. Just keep in mind we all have our vices and JESUS would've never came if any of us were perfect. I'm still blessed when I listen to the "Chop Chop" or even "Christology". I understand and respect CM's position. They have maintained a stance for holiness. This is the group that really tore the walls down for Christians such as myself that thought gospel rap was unholy. They fuse the word with relevant things that are happening today and have truly impacted my life. I know this is long, but I pray people will stop sleeping on gospel rap especially CM. This is still the best music brand around. These guys even carries Shachah the rock/rap band who is hot to def. God bless.

]]> By: E Robinson http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-4562 E Robinson Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:24:50 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-4562 Christian rappers can't hold it down? I don't think Mimi has heard Stellar Award winning Da Truth (appearing on Kirk Franklin's cd and Kirk and Tye Tribette appearing on his), Every Process, Flame, R Swift, Lacrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Sho, and This'l just to drop a few. Phanatik is a story teller like Nas. Tonic is producing plus he dropped the hit "No Time" from "The Dash" even though he was sick with diabetes. Yeah Tru Life is old school but is an awesome producer. When I played "Rebel" which is Lacrae's latest cd for a guy who is the biggest Wayne fan (I can't understand nothing Wayne is saying), he compared Lacrae to T.I. I haven't heard secular mixtapes since giving my life to Jesus in 1997, but I'm not impressed much with what I hear on the radio at work. Kanye, Jay Z, Rick Ross and a few others are super talented, yet vain. Not too many more have the combination of meaningful content and killer punchlines such as the artists I named. Christian rappers can't hold it down? I don't think Mimi has heard Stellar Award winning Da Truth (appearing on Kirk Franklin's cd and Kirk and Tye Tribette appearing on his), Every Process, Flame, R Swift, Lacrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Sho, and This'l just to drop a few. Phanatik is a story teller like Nas. Tonic is producing plus he dropped the hit "No Time" from "The Dash" even though he was sick with diabetes. Yeah Tru Life is old school but is an awesome producer. When I played "Rebel" which is Lacrae's latest cd for a guy who is the biggest Wayne fan (I can't understand nothing Wayne is saying), he compared Lacrae to T.I. I haven't heard secular mixtapes since giving my life to Jesus in 1997, but I'm not impressed much with what I hear on the radio at work. Kanye, Jay Z, Rick Ross and a few others are super talented, yet vain. Not too many more have the combination of meaningful content and killer punchlines such as the artists I named.

]]> By: Chose http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-4289 Chose Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:15:52 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-4289 Please allow me to first address Mimi, family I would really encourage you to study the word of God a little more. This brother has obviously made a mistake. Just as king David did in the scripts. (You know, the man after God's own heart.) He repented and was restored. The harsh words towards CMR family is not needed at all. I would encourage you to study church history and structure (13 letters). You'll see that it's order. One of the biggest misconceptions is that these brother's are doing this for entertainment. If this is your belief, you've totally missed the bigger picture. To Ambassador, brother please be encouraged. Just as David did in the scripts, continue to seek God. I'm sure you're familiar with our reformed belief: It's all for His Glory. grace and peace. Please allow me to first address Mimi, family I would really encourage you to study the word of God a little more. This brother has obviously made a mistake. Just as king David did in the scripts. (You know, the man after God’s own heart.) He repented and was restored. The harsh words towards CMR family is not needed at all. I would encourage you to study church history and structure (13 letters). You’ll see that it’s order. One of the biggest misconceptions is that these brother’s are doing this for entertainment. If this is your belief, you’ve totally missed the bigger picture.

To Ambassador, brother please be encouraged. Just as David did in the scripts, continue to seek God. I’m sure you’re familiar with our reformed belief: It’s all for His Glory.

grace and peace.

]]> By: RickwSmith http://rickwsmith.com/blog/2009/07/15/lots-of-people-care-or-are-really-nosy-about-the-ambassador-william-branch-and-his-marriage/comment-page-1/#comment-4133 RickwSmith Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:45:03 +0000 http://rickwsmith.com/blog/?p=1065#comment-4133 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Please continue to pray for Duce and his family. Blessings! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Please continue to pray for Duce and his family.

Blessings!

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