If you’re following me on Twitter, you got my blast about this on Saturday. If you’re not, here ya go…
Apparently, The Ambassador has been released from his recording agreement with Cross Movement Records (“CMR“). CMR issued a written statement about his release (click here), citing “moral failure in [The Ambassador's] marriage” as their justification.
1. IF true, I’d be sorry to hear it. Let’s pray for him, his wife and his entire family– that God will, as always, prove Himself as a redeeming God, full of grace.
2. I admittedly do NOT know the many circumstances surrounding all of this, so take this with a grain of salt if you wanna… but I can’t say that I’m particularly thrilled with the way in which CMR made its point known.
In the music industry, labels drop artists left and right… they don’t issue press releases about it. That said, I’m led to believe that the actual intent of the written statement was to air The Ambassador’s alleged slip up, in which case… not so cool. Galatians 6 comes to mind, in which Paul admonishes “if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” This isn’t so gentle…
Again, I won’t front like I have any clue what’s happening in this situation, so maybe I’m wrong. In any case, I do pray that God will be glorified in all things and that the Body of Christ won’t suffer as it’s all sorted out.
Are you prayin’ too?
I sooo agree with you EJ. They shouldnt have release a press release IMO. He could have SAT down without a press release. Who cares what people gonna say? There is always some gossip and accusations. People love sensationalism and expose so they'll talk about what should be done and what not.You cannot please everyone. I am definitely praying for Ambassador that God will restore him. Keep the faith Bro.
I just found out about Ambassador last night. When my husband told me, my heart sunk. This is the second well-known hip hop artist (that I know of) to fall from sexual immorality. I in NO way pass judgement on these brothers. I know it was never their intention for their sin to cause the GREAT rift in the hip hop commuity. We all can get "caught up" if not being filled and led by the Spirit. Now if I'm understanding correctly, there seems to be an offense to some for CMR making a statement. I do NOT agree! CMR is a representation of the church. You must read the Scripture as to what to do with one in sin. To let him remain mars the church and too a record label that represents the church. I'm sure it pained CMR to have to put out such a statement, which was not defamming, but they are bound by the Scriptures to be above reproach! When Ambassador and other hip hop artist choose to sin, they MUST be ready to accept the consequences. And a godly record label must be ready to take a strong stand against sin, even if if with their dear friend. If you listen to their lyrics I don't you will see this statement falls right in line with the lyrics you so love. And I truly believe if you ask these dear brothers, if they are offended, they would say NO! As a wife of a hip hop artist, I can tell you that people get caught up in the music and sometimes forget the man. He needs your prayers. Especially those who are constantly away from home on tour. He needs your prayers to stay humble and not get caught up with the groupies--man and female! They need your prayers to spend even more time bathing in the Scriptures more than their lyrics. They need your prayers to remember their priorities. They need your prayers to stay accountable and to never think they have arrived on any spiritual level of success! Pray for their wives and children. Pray for their churches. People pray for the body...pray for hip-hop! Wife of a hip hop artist.
EJ you are right about this statement release. What's so odd is that they gave a exact reason. I would have thought it was for record sells or contract agreement. He is definitely in my prayers. Man, he stands out in my mind from his interview on 106 and Gospel, very inspiring brotha. Overall he is human, give him and the family strength LORD.
@R. Jones: welcome and thanks for your comments. VERY well put! I have to ask for clarity, however, on your point that "when Ambassador and other hip hop artist choose to sin, they MUST be ready to accept the consequences"... Since we ALL sin, every single day, your point would suggest that press releases should be issued on the regular. I'm not saying that he shouldn't take a break from recording, or that CMR shouldn't cease his distribution, but where is the line drawn between our daily sins (and the fact that we do NOT expose those) and the "bigger" sins (as WE have labeled them)? Just seems a bit heavy-handed without much support for it. I think what's worse is the fact that it does a poor job of "making a statement," in any case. It more closely resembles gossip than a gentle restoration, in my humble opinion, because it leaves a lot of room for misinterpretation and rumors.
@EJ-----I agree that this wasn't handled gently. I don't think it was cool to air his business. I'm taken aback at your statement that 'we ALL sin, every single day'. While I in no way mean to convey that we should perp like we are 'holier than thou', I do want to offer up scripture to refute that statement. 1 john 3:7-10 my key verse is 9 = no one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God' and also magnify the power of the Holy Ghost to keep us in this present world; every day. @RJones---there's no way you want all of your past indiscretions blasted on website! Who does?
@luvgoodsangin: I understood that scripture to refer to prevailing sins in one's life, or sins that a person practices and attempts to justify. In any case, my apologies... maybe it's just me-- I definitely sin on a daily basis. I've placed tons of things before God, as idols, in my heart. I often doubt God and His plans for me. I daily see traces of my selfishness and pridefulness. Daily, I fall short of the righteous standard demonstrated by Jesus Christ because my heart is sinful.
@EJ--- I wonder if the old adage 'sin is sin' applies here? Anywhoo----let me ask you this? What is the purpose of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer?
@luvgoodsangin: That's waaaaaay deeper than my intentions in this post about The Ambassador and what went down with him. And I kinda don't want detract from that topic, so I pray that you'll forgive my not wanting to really pursue this line... To answer your question, though, I believe that the Holy Spirit plays a role in many things, not the least of which are empowerment and sanctification.
@EJ at any rate, Ambassador got a raw deal from his label. If every church put out a written statement every time of the saints 'slipped up'. Oh my! "Who then can be saved" LOL
@ EJ I thought the same thing and then posted you at 11:21 to get back on point. Good dialogue, though. Where is Luda, Ray, Tyrone, Ron and Kiesha? I bet Keisha would have let you have it? LOL
Please I beg you do not take me out of context. Again I would ask that you read the Scriptures as it relates to sexual sin in the body. Yes, we all sin there's NONE righteousness no not one. Ambassador is a public figure in the hip hop scene, there can't be any "let just sit him down". I don't think you are factoring in those people who would be GREATLY offending by CMR acting like nothing has happened, which in essence they would be doing if they had made no statement. They did the right thing, calling sin: sin and at the same time relaying their love for Ambassador. We seem to be very concerned about Ambassador ,which we should be, but what about the trickle down effect this is going to have on the body as a whole, CMR minitries, etc. What about that woman who has to live with her hand in possibly destroying a marriage. And what about GOD! No one has expressed their sorrow for the impact this has made on us being "ambassadors" (pardon the pun) for Christ and His kingdom work... now I understand that the Lord's work will be done with or without one of us...but at the same time our actions can shake and even crush the faith of individuals. There must me a proper perspective on loving any man who falls in sexual sin and at the same time maintaining the purity of the body...we MUST refer back to Scripture. I am truly sorry for this brother and his family and church, but I'm even MORE sorry for the reprecussions of his sins on the body of believers especially concidering he has publicly denounced sexual immorality thoughout his lyrics. And we should all feel this way WHENEVER we sin against a brother in word, deed, or thought! And in closing I would say, if you ask Ambassador, I doubt that he would not have a probablem with the public statement as these record labels have had to it before....unfortunately.
@RJones--what scriptures do you offer to us?
@RJones--I can't understand how GOD benefits from CMR telling the rest of the world what HE already did? This statement serves CMR only. 'blessed is the man whose sin is covered'
@luvgoodsangin I am here, I was wondering where this topic was going . Ya'll are funny, I love it..... @ R. Jones, this matter should be treated like a termination from a business. For anyone that works in mgmt knows that you don't provide reason for the person leaving. You let them know that the person is no longer with the company, great endeavors. Now if Ambassdor lied on CMR for his release, I think this statement is appropriate. I think someone is getting back at the Ambassdor.
@luvgoodsangin: You KNOW they'll be over this post. LOL @R. Jones: I hear you loud and clear, but you've just perfectly demonstrated my point. You've surmised, from the statement "moral failure" that he cheated on his wife with some other woman. "Moral failure," in my mind, ALSO looks like verbal or physical abuse, neglect, whatever... Now, as you're married to someone in holy hip-hop, you may know more specifics about this than I do, but the fact is that CMR has merely alluded to some sort of marital troubles. By so recklessly doing so, it leaves the door open for unnecessary and inaccurate speculation across the board.
If the ambassador had a morals clause in his contract, then so be it. But what made CMR feel that it was necessary to put all of his business out on blast in an official press release?! I don't care if he wasn't faithful in his marriage, that's just mean! This affects his family just as much, if not more, as him. Bad call on their part.
From the press release, it sounded to me like the Ambassador put himself on blast at his own church, and the label didn't know about it until later. And then maybe people were accusing them of trying to cover it up because they hadn't addressed it. I'm all about exposing sin. Sometimes you can't afford to be "gentle" about it, specially when you're dealing with people in leadership positions. Paul told Titus..."Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" (Titus 1:13). When I discipline my son, sometimes I gotta yell at him to get my point across. Not because I'm tryin to be mean, but because I LOVE him.
@Nia You can rebuke a leader sharply and not do it through a national press release! Be careful about being too eager to expose other people's sins. It's like a boomerang effect. The same measure of grace and mercy you show, is the same amount that will be given to you. "You reap what you sow" applies to more than just finances.
@nia---i believe the point here is not that his sin should be disciplined by GOD, but should it be aired for the entire free world to view? If you are posting your son's rebuke on YouTube, than your example would apply.
I can not believe this, I have lost TWO posts because my internet explorer has crashed but anyway. I think in summary before I lose another post is that we allow our sentiment to take authority over Scripture. We are so caught up. I will not play the concordance game, we all KNOW that Scripture clearly speaks to sexual sin and the dealing of it. Also have any of you ever read Cross Movement's mission statement? They represent the church! Therefore must adhere to Scriptural standards. Yes, clearly men are not impressed with their statemnt. But you see CMR does not answer to us, they WILL answer to God Almighty. And the Lord will want to know they they maintain the purity of the Church! They had to put out a statement! And I think some of the post are too making assumptions. We assume that there wasn't a clause that stated how they would handle such incidents. Also you speak as though Ambassador has been greatly offended. He himself is following Scripture by exposing his sin and leaving NO room for the Enemy to further try to defame the church. Well, I think that's it for me! I'm not blogger...lol! I acutally have never been to this site. After my husband told me, I went directly to the CMR site because I knew truth would be there. This site came up on Google. I wish you all well! For me to continue conversing would be repitious on my part, 'cause I think I've stated all that I could say although I'm sure there are tons of other angles of this topic to be dicussed. But one more thing, in exposing sin I do believe it serves as a deturant to future sin of this nature. Our culture takes sin, which is first and formost against God Almighty, way too lightly! No dis to Ambassador, but what about GOD!!!! Peace, until we worship Him in glory!
This is an incredibly controversial topic, and I think it should be approached accordingly and respectfully. EJ, I must admire your honesty, but I can't tell you the last time I heard someone say/write that he/she sins daily; however, for those who are not strong in the faith, I think it should also be stated even more strongly that we REPENT daily. I also found it interesting when you stated rather succinctly that your "heart" is sinful, such an interesting word choice since the Word repeatedly refers to being given a new heart that isn't sinful or the heart of stone. I was having a conversation with an artist regarding this very issue last night, and I find it absolutely imperative that the gospel music exhibit at least some level of sanctification. If we are wearing everything the mainstream artists wear; using their melodies, hooks, and bgv's; sinning openly and not admitting moral failure and unrighteous proclivities, how are we different? What's going to draw someone to Christ beyond us having "Jesus" and "God" in some of the lyrics? Where is the standard? Sure, you sang some good riffs and killed a few conferences, but did you know Jesus? I don't see the accountability that some have had in the past regarding scattering the flock. "Lord, please don't expose this secret issue. I don't want to bring shame to your image--I don't want to cause anyone to question your ability to propel one into holiness." This is about more than personal lives; it's about an integrity those who support you and look up to you. It reminds me of the Noel Jones song: It's Not About You. Your job is to make Jesus look good. He doesn't look good when He fits in totally with mainstream. He's distinct. If you don't wanna live holy, don't sing gospel music. I don't know of any voice out there so wonderful that God wants you to be a mess and still sing for him. And no, I'm not saying that The Ambassador is a mess. I don't know all of the intricate details of the situation, and I don't need to know. But when you mess up outside of your own mind, and it's sin that affects other people, potentially those outside the faith, let's not wash it over and passify you, let's be adults and let it be known that God is not pleased, and sin DOES grieve the Father. Be blessed.
@Jason--gotcha. So you are saying a national press release is the appropriate way to show that we are a peculiar people?
@RJones----thanks for stopping by!
We first need to keep Ambassador and his wife in our prayers. The enemy NEVER wants a marriage to be success and will throw in anything to break apart the home. We could easliy take the time to examine the system of beliefs and spiritual foundation in his life but that is not the case. No matter who CMR released the information to the public we must pray that he is restored spiritually and that The Father will reveal his purpose and position to the Ambassador so that he will flow in the things of God more effectively. I will take the time to say this... The culture and concept of what he surrounded himself with (hip hop) in the spirit of hip hop has influenced and brought about the sinful acts that the enemy enjoys to a believer wrapped up in. The Kingdom is a place of peace and hopefully he will seek after the Kingdom and deny the hip hop culture period. (I meet him and the Crossmovement years ago and have had conversations with them so I sincerely pray for restore fo him and his wife and even the CMR family as well.)
PHEW! @R. Jones: I hate when the computer does that! :-( Thank you for coming to the site. You say you're not a blogger, but I'm grateful for your contribution and I hope it won't be your last go 'round. Your points are well-taken. @Jason: My apologies to you and to anyone else who misunderstood my earlier comment. I was merely acknowledging my own sinfulness, but should have appended my statement with the beauty of God's grace, in that He is faithful to forgive our transgressions and is committed to complete His sanctifying work over the course of our lives.
@luvsgoodsangin No, I did NOT say that. I believe all things involving sin must be dealt with in a biblical, tactful, and respectful manner. I am not certain if CMR was obedient to God's voice; however, it is possible that they were, and it was possible that they were not. I do know that God is sometimes like how my parents were, wherein you were continually warned before they embarrassed you openly, and there are innumerable persons(s) in scripture whom God saw fit to deal with openly, and some in private. If CMR acted unseemly toward God, I'm sure He is sagacious enough to deal with them accordingly. @EJ Thanks for being open and seeing I was not being a cynic.
@Jason---good stuff
@EJ Yes, its just you that sins everyday:-) Effective immediately, I'll be taking over the website until you get your house in order, lol! @luvgoodsangin Sorry I'm late! Ok, they are wrong for putting him on blast, end of story. Either the CEO of Crossmovemnt lost a game of UNO to Ambassador, or Ambassador was married to the CEO's little sister.......cause they didnt have to put him out there like that. So, on one hand they look like modern day Pharisees, on the other hand I commend them for at least trying to be a label of integrity. I wish other labels would confront their artists on their behavior. It doesnt have to be in the public for the world to see, but sin should be addressed nonetheless. Labels seem to only care about if the artist makes money, and is long as their "stuff" stays on the DL, then they are cool. So while I think its wrong for them putting his business out there, I wish more labels, & Pastors for that matter, would care more about the way our artists live, and not just about the music they make.
Ok, so for those of you who thought a press release was too much or was "puttin him out there", I'm interested....if you were head of the label, how would you have handled it?
@Luda. I like your point. I recently heard someone use the metaphor "clown face." It's like saying, "Put on whatever mask you desire as long as you perform for me. I don't care what's underneath."
@nia When you get a divorce, they dont say 'so and so' slept with this person and had a gambling problem. They say "irreconcilable differences". There is just a more professional way they could have worded things to express that he was not with the label, but still protect his families privacy. Now if he wanted to come out and say what exactly happened, that would have been up to him. People break up all the time in regards to business, even in church. We use words as "parting ways", or "transitioning". That way you everyone knows that the person is gone, but at the same time they don't know "everything", nor do they need to know "everything".
@Nia I think it would depend on the situation. Ambassador is not the first gospel artist to deal with sexual infidelity or impurity at one point in his career. It is well documented that Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, J Moss, Michael English, and more have dealt with sexual sin in some form or fashion. Does that mean we automatically put them on the chopping block because "they fell short of the glory of God?" I do think that if an artist is a repeat offender, the label has to make a smart business move and do what needs to be done. I just think that everybody deserves the chance to repent and get themselves back in line.
I'm wondering, did people actually read Tonic's statement, or just what EJ wrote? Cuz it seems like alot of people missed this: "That being said, we also know according to Hebrews 12:6 that “whom The Lord loves He disciplines.” So we know that our beloved brother Duce is under the Lord’s loving care (Hebrews 12:5-11). We at CMR solicit your prayers for him as he begins the uphill climb of restoration through the process of repentance. We also ask that you remember his wife and children in your quiet time with our Lord as well. We are reminded by Galatians 6:1, that we are to work toward the restoration of our dear brother in due season and also to do such in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves lest we also be tempted." The language that Tonic (aka John Wells CEO) uses shows that the intention isn't to put Duce on blast, but to solicit our prayers for his restoration. People makin it seem like CMR is washin their hands of him. That couldn't be further from the truth. If any of you remember, think about when this happened with TRU LIFE some years ago. Dude had continual sin in his lifestyle, they sat him down, and some time later, they BROUGHT HIM BACK. (I know newer/younger fans may not have known) Also, CMR had to release a statement to keep themselves from looking suspect. Duce was already being sat down from his position as pastor of his church, if CMR didn't follow suit, peeps would start screaming cover up.
"I bet Keisha would have let you have it?" Ummmmm..... LOL I agree that this press release was in poor taste of the label. However, I commend them for releasing him from his contract. That was actually most surprising to me. So many times folks get "excused" for their discretion without any accountability from others. More bishops, pastors, and other leaders need to be removed from their post in the pulpit. But so many folks wouldn't dare to do so in protection and idolization of their leader. But that's another topic.
Prophet said, "I will take the time to say this… The culture and concept of what he surrounded himself with (hip hop) in the spirit of hip hop has influenced and brought about the sinful acts that the enemy enjoys to a believer wrapped up in. " Oh here we go again!!! Must be a G Craig Lewis-ite...So um tell me... is every pastor who has had to leave ministry for moral reasons into hiphop? How about G Craig Lewis, inventor of this mythical "spirit of hiphop", who everyone in Houston knows had an affair with one of his former youth and, instead of sitting down as Ambassador has done, left the Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ where he was youth pastor? No public apology, no repentance....instead he toured the globe airing out everybody else's dirty laundry! Dont believe me? Do the study for yourself. Better yet, ask him about it! Despite any so called "spirit of hiphop" I would say that Duece (ambassador) has handled this with more grace and humility than has Lewis. What say ye?
@RJones..well put!!! u can speak truth all day and only a few will truly hear and understand!!! God Bless You!!! **amazing how CHRISTIANS view the word of God** scripture says: Rebuke openly, so that others may FEAR!!! we have slapped ppl on their wrists and told em to go head way too long. So NOW, NOBODY fears God or his word!!! smh When I do wrong, I feel soooooooooooooo bad, and I'm GLAD!!! Never want to get to the place where I have no conscious!!
@t-dub I want to b clear with the "spirit of hip hop". That thing that caused him to do what he did is not the Spirit of God and it maybe the "spirit of hip-hop". CMR and Craig Lewis have gone back and forth and the main thing is that God will reveal the truth no matter what. It is up to us if we receive it or not. I thank you for your feedback. When a man or woman in that position does something of that magnitude they should definitely confess and step down for a time of restoration. He or she needs to go to their spiritual father and be strengthened, encouraged, and comforted. It is indeed a process and needs to be dealt with. CMR could have addressed it and then stated that he would step down for a time but if that is how they wanted to deal with it then "it is what it is" Be Encouraged
I understand what youre saying EJ, however, Cross Movement records was not just label. It was a ministry. With that in mind when you have a label who also operates as an ministry with certain standards that have been made known to those they minister to, and one of the cofoundersof that ministry falls short, rather than just sit and say nothing while the rumor starts up and issues arise as to why the label has not addressed the issue. Having said that, I think the statement my by CMR was perfectly acceptable. We have to hold our ministers accountable for their actions, and this is CMR's way of doing so. It is not unlike the church of old who sat down ministers in times of old, so they can be restored and proven to have reached a point to reclaim their status ministry. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. Maybe if more ministries would do that, we wouldn't have as many offenders and repeat offenders in the church.
CMR was right... Better to give a statement and be transparent, than to keep it a secret and have the issue surface on an Ex-ministries website...IMO. Hate the sin, not the man!!! Pray for his wife and family.
Do you want the real truth? Well.. This isn't all the way true. Cross Movement is about to go under and all of their artists are suffering! They don't even have enough money to produce albums.. they have robbed ambassador and Da truth and Flame (who sued them) etc. Ambassador was leaving the label anyway because he was getting robbed. they are trying to scar his name so that he can't go anywhere else. This was totally handled wrong but that's what CMR is into these days.. Ask this question.. "What was CMR's motive".. they are flat broke and they are trying to stay afloat. They are depending on the new DaTruth album to save them. Trust me, this is true. CMR is trying to sound so "righteous" but their motive for saying this was to get attention and keep money in their camp. Soooo Shady..
@Keisha--LOL. Im just saying........ @Bill. I do understand and appreciate scripture and agree. 'An open rebuke is better than a secret love. ' My issue was how 'open' is too much? An open rebuke could have been a meeting with his church, his entourage and the other artists from CMR. What was the intent behind making a statement on a website? @PhillyBoi---how does CMR look suspect if his church handled it by sitting him down? Can't CMR just say, Ambassador is in a transitition and will take some time for personal reflection and restoration. Did they have to take it THERE?
@somuchso---I don't have any way to validate what you say, but that makes the most sense to sum up the way CMR flipped it.
I think the point is this. If the issue is not brought to the light, then many "Christians" will continue in error. What is worse, the sin or someone telling the sin? If you don't want anyone to know, then don't do it. If you do sin, be the first to admit (in front of all) that you are sorry (i.e., repent). Yes, everybody sins, but at someone point it's no longer a mistake. Too many people are doing the same thing, that's why others keep falling. You have to think about all of the married people whose cheating spouses mislead them. The sin is one thing, but deceiving your family is another. It's unfair to them. If the consequence of this "error" is a press release, that's a whole lot better than "death", the real penalty. Think about the people who were hurt, not the people who are embarrassed. I say yes to making a public statement of dealing with "Christians" who deceive the public. We are the light.
I'm still trying to understand what makes it right to put Ambassador's business out in the street WHEN HE'S NOT THE ONLY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE DECISION?!?! I guess you could more or less make a case for it if he was a single man doing his dirt. He's a man with a wife and possibly some kids (I don't know if he has any) who never consented to their private lives being put on a national level. This has to be a difficult time as it is. I still say CMR's press release was in bad taste.
@somuchso Well, we'll see what's up. In any event I am praying for all involved.
@ Mylum Who said he didn't consent? I agree that a personal statement from him would have been a better move. But we can't assume that he didn't know or didn't consent to the press release. We also can't assume that he did. SO the best move is to take your focus off of that and onto the issue at hand. Two families are hurting, a church is hurting, and many other people are affected.
@phillyboi I was talking about the wife and kids consenting. Even if Ambassador wouldn't have minded, I would hope the label would have enough compassion to not put the wife and kids in a more embarrassing situation than it already is.
I just couldn't help myself! i had to come back by and see how the conversation was going. And as I figured there would be so many other angles to touch. @somuchso your comments seem to be very mean spirited, which is the VERY thing they thing CMR is doing. Your comments seem to be hypocrital. Now understand I know NOTHING of the things you spoke. maybe they are true, but the spriti of which you tell all of his was CLEARLY wrong. Love you, but I must say the truth. @phillyboi your 2:59 statement: ditto. And to all I STILL hear NO ONE speaking about what an offense sexual sin is to GOD (wehter by Ambassador or any of us)!! What does the SCRIPTURE say about sexual sin and how should we respond? Forgot Ambassador (no disrespect) but have any of you thought about your holiness before God or more about Ambassadors feelings being hurt. He's not trippin off the statement because as it was pointed out by someone earlier they ALREADY have had to this before with one of HIS friends in the group. He ALREADY knew how the company... ministry or whatever you want to call it was going to respond. We are so man centered! Again I say what about GOD! Sorry for my rambling!
@somuchso I meant to say the very thing you say
The wonderful thing about Matthew 18 is that it applies here on a greater level... I'll explain. It actually further supports the fact that at face value the decision appears contra to the move of God. However, bear in mind that we don't have the full story (and after reading the entire letter for myself I assume there was more to the conversation than we are aware of... at least I hope so) but I digress... This scripture is not a passage of rebuke but one of RECONCILIATION. It is a clarion call to Christians (followers of Christ, not religion), to build community. Our salvific walk is not for the selfish purpose of our own redemption, but rather requires us to then go out and bring others in. When we encounter our brother or sister who is "not in the body of Christ" we have a responsibility to show them the way. If they will not hear us individually, in essence we seek others who may testify and support the move, and eventually the church universal on their behalf. Some will never hear-- in that case we loose them. Now let's deal with loosing/binding. The passage not about rebuking someone's action - not totally. When we seek to build community it is an act of reconciliation. We are binding them into the body of Christ. When we do so, the act is then ratified in Heaven. Hallelujah! When we loose someone-- or reject them (most likely in the event they choose their own way) the act is also ratified in Heaven-- however it is not a clean slate. It means we failed. As a community or body of Christ who are bound in the body we should be grieved. Here's why (and this takes us to the "2 or 3 gathered")... The 2 or 3 is not about a small number of saints who come together and oops there's the spirit. The spirit can be present with just one. I got many rides to work with me and Jesus under my belt to prove it. It is where the two or three are in an act of community building-- engaged in the work of reconciling someone to the body- the Holy Spirit will SHOW UP and enable them to RIGHTLY divide the word of TRUTH... to RIGHTLY interpret scripture toward binding (reconciliation- not with us-- but with GOD)! it is in that "right" that one can be reconciled with God and enter into the body of Christ. if we fail as a community even with just one... we need to be asking what we did wrong because Matthew is suggesting we have more authority here than we usually want to take on. We exercise authority often to put folks out. but we rarely exercise authority to bring folks in. We operate in our own might as opposed to allowing the Spirit to speak based on what we think, assume, believe... whew Now in that context (and I'm sorry for the long written/winded Bible study) do we believe then the record label was right? Well it depends. Did the brother go his own way? That remains to be seen. But we have to remember our authority and clarion call. The problem with "church'" is that we're like this label. We let go. I would encourage Demetrius and others to read the following verses which claim very boldly that forgiveness without grace is a sin! We are not the ones that should issue "punishment." I'm grieved over the line in the letter that claims discipline as a true mark of the church. What church? Our responsibility has always been to love. unfortunately that is absent in so many churches. listen... if you bite the bullet and mess up know this: Our apology is not to people but to God, and our ONLY responsibility as Christians is to do the work of reconciliation to God (not to church and polity and religion). That comes through direct guidance of the Holy Ghost. If you ain't got it-- go get it. You will kill innocent people in the spirit. Remember what I said about the loosing? We loose too quickly. Our "rightly dividing" is muddied by our own initiation of rules and regulations that WE don't even live into 100% of the time. In the real work of reconciliation where the HOLY SPIRIT (not your own spirit) is giving insight and direction NO ONE should be so easily "loosed." His "loosing" from the label is not ratified with me because I just believe (as part of this community) it's not over. One last thought... this wouldn't be a conversation/debate if Matthew 18 was followed. I didn't know the man until I was exposed to that letter and now as opposed to knowing him in the fullness of his anointing, Iknow his sin first. If I Didn't know God, why on earth would I want to based on this? Public shame and humiliation - the slow peeling band aid for his wife and children. I mean no matter what went down we need to refer to Romans 8. There is therefore NO condemnation... I am a parent. When my babies do wrong, I exercise my parental authority and issue a punishment I feel befitting for their action. No one else has that authority. Their responsibility is to talk to ME, the parent about it. Would you let Joe blow discipline your kids? God is the parent. And I hate to shock you but God is not a punisher. What we call punishment is usually consequences that were inevitable based on our actions that we often put on God. Sometimes we get by, sometimes we don't! Why on earth would God want us to do His job? All He asks us to do is demonstrate some responsibility and be the physical witness and conduit of his love and grace. God is love and His GREATEST PROBLEM is his MERCY problem. That's why it is new everyday. We can learn a lot from God! Am I saying he gets off free? No! God forbid... but it is God that will deal with him. Let's stop acting like his ministry is over because of his mistake! God doesn't so we should not either. here we are further perpetuating an egregious situation. Why not start a prayer chain instead of a Gossip column? Wouldn't it be nice if the comments were prayers from the saints instead of debate about a person. he is just that human like you and me and non exempt from making some huge mistakes. think about how YOU grieved God and how God responded to you! In your case God forgives you EVERY single day!!!!!
that all sounds great and most I agree with but again you human sentiment has taken precedence to Scripture once again. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the statement. AGAIN if the brother put himself out their before his church; what's with all the drama from everyone else. AND AGAIN STILL NO ONE TALKS ABOUT WHAT AN OFFENSE OUR SIN IS TO GOD!!!!! We are all caught up in Ambassador!
@R Jones how are grace, mercy, and forgiveness human sentiments? John 8:1-11 tells of how the woman who committed adultery was brought into the public square because of the act. When the Pharisees asks Jesus should they stone her like commanded in the Hebrew Scriptures, He says, "anybody who has never done anything wrong, cast the first stone (Paraphrasing)." If God in human flesh can show a little mercy, why can't we? We can argue what scripture says all day. We know our sins are offensive to God. We know we deserve the penalty for our sins (whether it be in the form of a stoning or "a public press release"). The whole point of Christianity is that with all of our flaws, God knew the human condition and wanted us enough that He would send Himself to redeem us to Himself. Ambassador is dead wrong for disrespecting the sanctity of his marriage. I guarantee God can chastise Ambassador just as much, probably better, without CMR's "religiously correct" press release. In the same breath, God is mercy, love, forgiveness, deliverance, peace, and more. One day, it WILL be our turns in the hotspot. I hope the people around all of us show more understanding and grace than half of us has shown on this message board.
@ somuchso LOL fam. I KNOW you're lying. Nobody made this up. And CMR isn't robbing anybody. Truth is, they've recently gone through their books and made sure to pay any money that they owed. Also, it's not even logical to think that they're going under. They own Issachar studios in Philly and trust me, that studio makes money. They got their own in-house production-and most producers opt to get paid on the back end than charge an advance. Where are you getting your information from? Or are you just trying to start rumors and further hinder God's people?
@ Mylum People always quote when Jesus said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" but always stop before the part where He told the woman "Go and sin no more". We never NEVER see any place in scripture where God condones "living in moral compromise". Your statement about grace and mercy is true, but John 1 (forget the exact verse) tells us that Jesus was full of grace AND TRUTH (emphasis, not yelling) He wasn't just one way or the other. @ luvgoodsangin I agree that maybe it didn't need to be said WHY they weren't promoting him anymore.
@phillyboi Good stuff. This is a HOT topic. @r jones-welcome back. I hope that my comments haven't made you feel that I want to diminish the brevity of sinning against GOD! I think any person that names Christ and breaks his law feels the weight of that. But, I think the way that it's handled should be in a sensitive manner and doesn't have to 'blasted' for the entire world to view.
@phillyboi Yes the rest of the verse says sin no more. I've already said in one of my earlier posts that if this is a reoccuring problem, that the label needed to do what needs to be done. But that still fails to show how a world wide press release adds anything positive to the situation or to help Ambassador. The only thing it did was cover CMR's behind from looking like they were trying to hide something. The press release was unneccesary.
There indeed a difference between speeding and breaking one's commitment to their marriage. One breaks a civil law and the other is moreso within the laws of the church. I'm a little curious to know what would happen to the moral climate of the church as a whole if more believers kept this type of standard. Just curious. Additionally, I'm curious to know that if the church doesn't uphold and govern over the standards of the bible, to which governing institution do we give this responsibility? James 3:1 - Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Again, just curious.
Prayers to The Ambassador and his wife as they deal with this issue. When you decide to make Christ Jesus your Savior. Your held at a certain standard. Yes he made a moral mistake. What matters is how he gets up. We all have sinned in our life. What matters to me is how do you get back up. Doesn't help in society where everything is in the public eye. People are so quick to turn their back on you. I hope they get there marriage back on track. Maybe a testimony will come from this. Because they are not the first marriage to go through this. Let's be real about it. If his music is getting across to people. Don't just throw all that away. People make mistakes. If he is a true man of God. He will pick hisself up again. God will pick him up. Thank God we have a God of 2nd chances. Not One Strike Your Out.
I get the impression that some of you did not read the article. If you want to take issue with whether CMR should have released a statement, do so. But stick to what the article says. 1. Ambassador and CMR are in a public industry. The actions of one could sink the other financially. Maybe CMR was trying to get ahead of the situation. I bet if they had not released a statement, there would be a whole bunch of people saying that it was still shady. 2. CMR takes some of the ammunition away from Christians who were hoping for some kind of failure...by announcing it first. 3. Who said it was sexual immortality? It said moral failure. You can postulate as to what that is but unless you know them, you dont know. 4. CMR feels a responsibility to the many Christians (young and seasoned) who that have shephereded with their music. 5. This info would have leaked out anyway. Guess what the conclusion would have been? 'Why didnt they tell us...or...a statement should have been made... 6. CMR has worked hard not to simply be another industry wh***. I like to think that they believe in accountability, etc. There are countless other Gospel artists that have experienced moral failure and NOTHING is said about it from the artist, the label, management companies or whatever. If these artists claim to be ministers, they should be open to discipline from other Christians and have some kind of accountability team. Look closely at the Gospel music industry and this is clearly missing! Many of these Christian celebrities want to be open and transparent about sin in the world and everyone else's sin but not their own. When they sin, where is the accountability? Instead, many of them go into hiding until people forget about it. I am not suggesting that we sin and heresy hunt. I am saying that moral failure should disqualify many Gospel artists from the industry long enough to allow God and their brethren to help them. After that, maybe there is a possibility of returning. This is rarely the case. This is one reason why I dont listen to alot of CCM. Pray for his family. Pray for healing, reconcilation and pray for how the Body of Christ will speak about it. Why? Because I got this discerning feeling that some are going to use this to continue making a case against hip-hop. This will be their excuse to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
FYI: I have spent a great deal of time around those in the Gospel rap industry at some point. I am not a believer in completely absorbing all of hip-hop culture. There are parts that are problematic...like any culture. But I have no prob with the actual artform itself. I just wish more Gospel hip-hop artists understood what they need to leave behind.
BTW, they released a statement, not a press release. Those are two different things. A press release would have been sent to media outlets. A statement is localized (on the website) although anyone can read it.
All I can say is this issue could have been handled better rather then releasing a public press release on the CMR's website. This is extremely disappointing regardless of the morality issue. It's one thing to correct a wrong...its totally another thing to put a family matter in the public eye. His church has addressed the issue but CMR should have just simply stated the Ambassador is on a sabbatical until further notice. PERIOD!!!! But for some odd reason CMR's approach doesn't surprise me at all.....it's really premature in addressing this issue at its core. SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS..hmmm.... not really sure, but it was definitely handled incorrectly. Keep him and his family in your prayers.
And again...it is a public press release regardless of the terms used.
I am in the advertising/communications field so I am applying industry knowledge when I say it is not a press release. If CMR wanted to thoroughly benefit, they would have sent it to the media first, not fans. I am not definitely opposed to the fact that the wording in the statement could have been different.
On this topic I only have two questions. 1) Did the Ambassador know about the "press release" before it was released? and 2) How does this news really affect the body/hhh community, i.e. does it cause harm or help? Without this info. I don't reserve the right to comment.
lawd ham mercy!!! still talkin bout diz??!!! lol....it became public when Ambassador made a 'public confession and asked for forgiveness at his church!' period...can we move on and juss pray 4 da brutha and his family!!! smh!!!
lawd ham mercy!!! still talkin bout diz??!!! lol....it became public when Ambassador made a 'public confession and asked for forgiveness at his church!' period...can we move on and juss pray 4 da brutha and his family!!! smh!! lets pray 4 restoration and stop worrying bout how dis wuz handled!! Again HE made it public!!
I honestly think most of y'all are more offended by CMR's statement then Ambassador is. He knew it was being posted, it wasn't like CMR just blasted him without telling him or councilng him on it first. And I think you should do a better analsys of what was written and what wasn't written, they stated they didn't want gossip, and like someone else posted, we don't know what moral failure means. When people say pray for all those involved and the other girl, I can only make assumptions that he was having commiting adultery with a younger woman, but all of that was posted on public blogs such as this one, and NOT on CMR's website, so if it was wrong of CMR to release the gentle words they did then how harsh are the words we are using? I stand on defence for hip hop when I say why is this such a big blow to hip hop? Sexual immoarality happens everywhere not just in rap. We are not exhaulting the name of hip Hop, we are exhaulting the name of Jesus, and whichever form that is done we should be blessed with brothers and sisters to hold us accountable. I have total trust and Faith that God will Redeem everything, and make Great out of this situation. David was a man after Gods own heart and he wasn't exactly the most moral at all either. I don't worship Ambassador, and I don't know him on a personal level, but I truely beleive in my heart of hearts, he Loves Jesus and is a man after Gods heart, and when you are that type of man, the pressures are indescribable, and anything like this could happen to anyone of us. I will leave you with this though, the bible says we as followers of Christ should not be so easily offended, Back in the day when the Game was thrown out of G-Unit or whenever artists are dropped from a label it generally just turns into another episode of a soap operah like we would see on the WWE, and everyone just gets entertained by it. It only circulates more records sales and a bunch of filth. At least CMR isn't taking that approach. When a record label reaches out and asks for your prayer for a brother who will not be working with them until genuine repentance has come how much is it burdening your hearts? We should embrace that! What is the original intent of this blog? Is it to slap CMR back in the face for releasing a statement about one of there artists, is it to bring up even more gossip on the situation at hand? Is it to exhault Jesus or just a place to post your opinion on what you would do in that situation? I hope that anyone that creates a blog on this topic or responds any further to this one that they pray before they just start typing, and really seek the Lords will and Jesus heart in this situation. Grace and Peace < SugarFREE
I did not read through all of the comments so I am not sure whether or not this point has been made. I just wanted to point out that the letter does not say that Ambassador was "dropped" from the label. The letter says that they are discontinuing the "forwarding and promotion." In other words, he's being sat down from his public ministry as a rapper to allow time for repentance and restoration to occur in those areas that are most important, namely his relationship with GOD and his family. I checked the CMR website and Ambassador is still listed as an artist which indicates that he may be able to return to public ministry after the LORD has done a restorative work in his heart. I commend CMR for the way they have handled this situation. I think that they are erring on the side of caution. Some things are permissible, but not always beneficial. CMR could allow him to continue ministering, but how would that serve the advance of the gospel with everyone's knowledge of his sin issues? I believe CMR's action is an attempt to prevent further stumbling blocks from being placed in the way of the gospel for unbelievers and believers alike.
I'm disappointed with the situation but I believe CMR handled it with tact and difference. To be honest with you, I cried upon hearing the news of moral failure in the Ambassador's marriage and I can only imagine the level of grief each member of CMR experienced after years of ministering with their brother. However, the bible is clear concerning discipline and restoration; they are partners. Discipline is a gift that helps to restore and bring us back to holiness. Though discipline never feels good at the time , it produces a righteous harvest in the end, not just for the one committing the offense but all within his/her span of influences.
Ambassador is one of the founding members of Cross movement Records, about 15 yrs or so in. That means, he had a hand in shaping and forming their policies. Everyone is bashing CMR for doing what the scriptures say about correction and gentle restoration but NO ONE has considered this: If Ambassador is one of the FOUNDING members of CMR and perhaps helped shaped their policies & has music that distinctly speaks AGAINST compromise, doesn't anyone consider that PERHAPS it is more than likely that he agreed to and saw the need for this action himself? Everyone is bashing CMR and accusing them of doing something negative "to" Ambassador rather than realizing that it is more likely than not, that Ambassador agreed himself. Most people who know the history of Cross Movement records and have been following them since their first release in the mid-nineties know that they have a policy that artists have to commit to a life pleasing unto God. They choose ministry OVER industry. With that said, other artists on the label have gone through similar issues before AND Ambassador himself also stood by past decisions to let other artists go. These artists, though they faced a period of difficulty eventually took the time they needed and still have a positive relationship with CMR (some even recently appearing on the CEO's recent release called The Dash). You can't please people. If CMR HID this and it came out years later, they would have faced heat for sweeping such compromise under the rug and it would have also been featured on this blog but instead for the purpose to call Ambassador out on "hypocrisy." Praise God that there are still people that exist to please Jesus and not people. Correction/discipline is seen as such a negative thing but it actually harms people and is a disservice when discipline is not enforced. Hebrews 12:6 says God disciplines who He loves and we have been called to hold each other accountable as well. Psalms 141:5 says "Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it." and COUNTLESS other scriptures make our duty as Christians clear. The letter was in love, no where in the letter was that not evident. When a child does something wrong, most parents will not just say "oh he's a child, so that bad behavior is normal" and everyone is saying "oh he's human so leave him be" but CMR never negates his humanity, their saying "he's human so we know he needs time away, it is VITAL to his spirituality that he seeks God for the restoration he needs and we love our brother too much to play pattycake with his salvation" Most people just want the God who says, "I will bless you with a car, pay your bills, create a great gospel song to make you feel good and emotional" but hardly anyone wants the Jesus who died on the cross for a reason, to defeat the flesh and our sinful natures in exchange for an abundant life that COMES AT A PRICE. Furthermore, It is appalling to me that the most attention that this Holy Hip Hop artist gets from BET and other popular media is when something of this nature has occurred. This whole ordeal shows such a lack of understanding in the church body. Why should we be so quick to enforce discipline, because that is what sparks true growth and closeness to Christ. Why is Godly discipline done in love seen as anything less when it fosters positive change? So yes, I love Ambassador as a brother in Christ and I too, like the members of Cross Movement Records probably are, am rooting for the restoration of him, his family and all the parties involved.
This is a serious issue for any human. Alot of us if not all of us comitted adultery and fornication already, cause the bible states if we lust within our hearts, its just as performing the act. Think of David and Beersheba,David took the one eul lamb(read the story)...Ambassador I know you are a man of God. Continue to step boldly to the throne of grace, I just want to encourage you. theres no distance in prayer and I am praying for you and your family. In the name of Jesus!
Let's not be SENSATIONALISTS! PLEASE change the title of your blog! The CMR website still lists The Ambassador as an artist. It is best to just restate the fact ("discontinued forwarding and promotion") as opposed to reading between the lines to draw a conclusion. I think some portions of the letter are written intentionally vague. So, there is room for interpretation, but the reality is that it is none of our business what "morale faliure" really means and maybe a formal decision has not yet been made regarding whether Ambassador will be retained to the label or not. Let's err on the side of caution and not lend ourselves to sensationalism, scandal or gossip. PLEASE CHANGE THE TITLE OF YOUR BLOG.
I believe that MOBIGGA said it best when he wrote this.......look My Prayer written by MOBIGGA, May 24, 2009 My Prayer is that we comfort this Man of God and also learn something from this. By me being a minister as well as an artist. I have seen this too many times.I pray that we really examine ourselves and our ministry talents and giftings by the Holy Ghost. I believe that this stuff that we call holding up the standard is somewhat of the religious mindset of the Crusaders. Now read on.....Most of us since we have been saved have been indoctrinated with the do's and dont's of a Christian religion ,but we dont manifest CHRIST nature when we present His gospel.Therefore , without truly obeying the text in Matthew 11:29 (Read it)We allow the anointing of God to take us where our character cant keep us because we have not so learned Christ. I dont think that Jesus is giving God high fives when HE watches us in our religious pep rallies and hear HHH rappers joyfully use metaphors of people going to hell and people living in sin. Most of the people who preach so militantly against sin and the sinners not only are struggling themselves but also dont sincerly intercede for those who are not saved and for each other who are preserving the Faith. I belive that before we preach Jesus and His Principles, lets capture his heart. Read Heb.4:15, I am not trying to water down the Gospel by saying that we dont deal with sin.Look at how Paul dealt with this believer who sinned by sleeping with his Father's wife. Preachers always read the first part but dont study the rest. Read 1 Cor 5.5 the severity of his sin 2Cor 2:1-11 the restoring of the brother. I commend Kirk Franklin for his confession of his struggle and his victory over it.Most of us paint this picture that we are infallible. We sing like it, preach like it and rap like it.But the reality is ....WE are all in our personal transition or process. And thats why the world aint feelin us because we act like were Super Human and WE all know that WE are not! My bible tells you and I in 1 John 3:2 READ THAT ! And remember the same mercy that we put out is what we get back. Dont park in sin and dont compromise .....but in this ....DONT BE A PHARISEE! Ambassador ....when you fell dog we ALL fell. I know that youre sorry for it all . Go back to DAD, climb up in HIS lap and recieve by faith HIS LOVE and MERCY.And when you are restored do this 2 Cor 1 : 4. I love ya Fella ONE MOBIGGA
If you thought the convo should have ended a long time ago.....think again. Head over to DaSouth.com and peep a recent blog entry that just surfaced on this topic. PS Everyone has an opinion, without regards to when and if at all they state it, whether now or in future, or if at all. The convo continues....
Sorry, the site is actually HOLYCULTURE.net
IT WAS NOT SEXUAL IMMORALITY! I attend the church that Duce preached at and it was noted that there was nothing physical. To the person who posted before me... this convo SHOULD have ended a long time ago. STOP GOSSIPING! Leave the man alone, He will repent, God will forgive, his family will continue to love him, he will continue to love them back.
Oh and you can check DJ WadeO's recent show with the head pastor of Epiphany over at DaSouth.com. The convo is not gossip.
My problem with the way it was dealt with was you don't put your brother or sisters business on the street plain and simple. It should have been handled with more gentleness and respect. You don't even hint as the reason why he was dropped from the label. They should have said because of personal issues he (The Ambassador) is no longer an artist of Crossmovent Records. You don't have to tell the exact reason why unless the artist decides he wants to do so (ie Kirk Franklin) I thought the whole thing was done wrong. You know it's funny nobody knew the reason why Emeniem hadn't recorded an album in so long and it wasn't until he made it known that he had a drug problem and made an album talking about his drug problem that the audience found out about it nobody put his business on the street now don't get me wrong I do believe in rebuke but not to the point where you defame somebody's character in public over a some what private matter. You have to remember he has a family and by you putting his business in the streets you not only involve him but his family see we must be mindful of these things and learn not to be so quick deal with a problem in a way that is correct. Do everything in it's proper context.
I noticed a lot of people throwing the word "sexual" or "sex" around and I wanted to make clear that that was NEVER specified. In fact, I go to his church where it was first announced and we were told plainly and clearly that he fell into immorality, however NOT sexual immorality in that they didn't touch one another. It was emotional adultery. I wanted to warn that you shouldn't run ahead with your imaginations and assume. I admittedly realize that the way the label made it seem, they laid it out so that you would think that but please realize how GENERAL they put things. He didn't have sex with another woman. One might say, he did in his heart but that's between him and the Lord and no one knows that. Please continue to pray for the family. Thank You
Men (women) are still men(women), I am still listening to the music, and hearing the message. I am enriched by it. I just listened to the man talk about his own personal frailties. I think CMR did the right thing. Too many times people are involved in shenanigans, and those around them act as if they are not wrong. They look the other way, and say nothing. If you're wrong, well realize, "whom the Lord loves he disciplines" it all comes out in the light. It's important to acknowledge that, hey, that's not right, we can't support it end of story. We still love you, God still loves you, no more to be seen or said. Now it's up to the person to do whatever. Most importantly, not repeat. I think he is an amazing role model, despite all that has occured, and frankly this makes him more real in my eyes. We all have short comings (not just the pre-saved ones), and frankly it is quite disturbing to me to see the perfect Pastor, Perfect wife, Perfect children. I know they don't exist.
CMR did correctly in issuing a statement. There are young Christians who follow that ministry and they need to see biblical discipline taking place. You mentioned Galatians 6, so did the statement that was issued. As will all things in ministry, I don't think the statement was about Ambassador or CMR, but it was to glorify God. I am glad that I belong to a church that practices loving and gracious but necessary church discipline. Western Christianity is so soft on sin and we take God's grace for granted. I am comforted and secure to listen to other CMR artists because they "fear the Lord". The prayers of the righteous availeth much. The Branch family are in the prayers of many and they will be just fine in His loving hands. We need to pray for ourselves, too!
This is not the first time CM has done this. Years ago, two other members, Cruz Cordero & Tru-Life, were dropped from the group, and a statement was issued regarding their moral failures. The one who issued the statement was, yes you guessed it, the Ambassador. I say this to say that they had already previously set a standard on how they would deal with moral failures. I don't believe it's intent contained any malice. And as many of the CM followers know, when Tru-Life had finished allowing God to work whatever issues out, they welcomed him back with open arms. And if memory serves correct, they made a big to do about his return at 0ne of their album release parties. So basically they have history in both how they discpline and how they accept back.
Marci Garner! I agree! I think we need to get to a place in which he are humble enough to deal with, as well as take church discipline according to scripture. We must consider the costs when it comes to being transformed to the image of Christ! The book of Timothy says a man who cannot rule his own household, should definitely not try to rule over God's people. We all make errors....And he who is given much, much is required. I pray that the Ambassador reconciles with his family, as well as himself! He is a great man, and a great teacher, and the body of Christ need him, and men like him in the mission field! As for us, we should forsake our opinions, and see what the word of God has to say regarding matter such as this! We don't know how long this issue had been occuring, and we don't know what was said and done in hopes to help the Ambassador with this matter....
This is surprising to me, as it is the first time I had heard of a record company issuing this type of statement. That said, I TOTALLY agree with CMR and their stand in this position. This is not just some other business, this is Kingdom Business. CMR as a whole accepts the responsiblity to live the life they sing, rap, talk about. They were very fair (and gentle) is what they said in the statement. They did not blast him, but asked for us to pray for him. What he did (whatever it was, i don't really need or want to know) was against the position as a ministry. There was already buzz about this. If the story wasn't out already, after the statment there would have been speculation. There statement did exactly what is should do for any leader in this situation: 1 tell those watching that CMR does not endorse the behavior; 2 Let us know that they are still in fellowship with him; 3 and incite the church to pray for Him. I believe that if more leaders would be held accountable when they fall, the world wouldn't be so quick to call us hypocrites. To whom much is given, much is required. God has given some a great gift, great annointing, and a large platform. I think that when you are in that position, you have to make it your business to hold up the standard of Christ! Yes you have temptation coming at you from all different angles, but what is your focus? Yes we all sin and war with our flesh, but when you are a leader, supposedly pointing people to Christ, you should show those that hear you that you respect Christ. I believe all leaders are held to a higher standard (as it speaks about in Titus). My focus is not so much on the Ambassador, but for all leaders in the pulpit, or on stage or anywhere. It is time for us to be accountable to God and for the affect that we have on the Kingdom.
It is Kingdom of God vs. Typical American Christianity......... Church discipline was designed by God to help perfect believers! In order for us to be perfected, we must die to self! "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Prov. 27:17 As embarassing as The Ambassador's actions were for him, his immediate family, and CMR, it was still an opportunity to make CMR, an even stronger, and more effective ministry! It is a shame the church, the American church any way, that we delight in rumors; delight in knowing details(such as the incident between Juanita Bynum, and Thomas Weeks); but we have such a strong opinions against church discipline! I personally believe that it is partially because of the lack of church disclipline in U.S. churches, are the reasons behind segregation, homosexuality, fornication, and the teaching of heresies in U.S. churches. I also personally believe that it is because of our lack of love, that we don't excercise church discipline in many U.S. churches. Many Christians cannot exercise church discipline, because they are self-righteous, and unloving..... Religion does a couple of things: Some recognize the splinter in another's eye, but don't recognize the rafter in their own eye! So they are self-righteous, and hypocrites....While others operate in fear; And because their is fear, and torment in fear, when you are operating in the flesh, many are operating out of religion(flesh), and are afraid to exercise church discipline. Now, the word of God tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.....and the first question, I had to ask myself, was rather or not my level of humility would enable me to handle this type of discipline? Unfortunately, my answer was "no"! And from the looks of some of these comments from people who has a problem with how CMR handles sin within their ministry, goes to show that many believers in the U.S. are further back than they would like to admit, when it comes to developing Christlikeness!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY! 1.) We have all sinned and fallen short of GOD's glory. 2.) Everything done in dark will be brought to light. 3.) God's mercy and grace covers us and provides us with another chance of redemption, but to repent (means to change, to come away from sin.) 4.) Galatians 6 1 has to be read more thouroughly, In truth stating that meekness & humbleness (Jesus Ministry) taken into effect the fruits of the spirit (Love (must be Christ like, and God said without it Hes nothing and your nothing), Joy (Spiritual happiness that endures through hard times (Strength), Peace (The ability to Surpass even the human understanding, remaining clam and at rest in mind body and soul) , Longsuffering (enduring patience), Kindness (enduring action of goodness), Goodness (doing what is morally good unto the least as well as the greatest) Gentleness (the restoration tool), Faithfulness( believing in truth (Jesus) and remaing loyal to it) Self-Control (the power to sustain the fleshy man). I said that to say this (Jesus) this is who He is, His father is, and the Holy spirit. No man is greater than this (are righteousness is nothing, but filithy rags.) Galatians says don't think of yourself as something when your nothing. Who called Ambassador? God did, you have to be careful of who you put your mouth on if you don't have anything good to say then shut up (Be quiet would have been used, but a more authoriative command needs to be used) (Ain't nobody mad, but the devil and the ones who hang out with him). (Forreal people) (David sinned, but look how God still used him?) Moses sinned, but look how God still used him). The list goes on. Are we here today? yes that means you still have time to get it right (God is allowing that time, for He doesn't want anyone to perish.) We are Christians, who are suppose to be Christ like, are we there yet? No we are not, are we going to get there yes, but it takes time. To say you'll never sin is foolish, we have been born and shaped in it! So it is already a lose lose situation without GOD. ( I'm telling you'll that we are redemeed people) God will heal Ambassador and His Family in due time for now Ambassador will suffer, but if he hold HIS peace God will restore Him (He's not done with him yet.) The light has shinned on the darkness so whatever happenend was revealed. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! now watch what God do for CMR and Ambassador+ his family, and for all the nay sayers and judges (Pharisees shall I say) Like my Lord Jesus said (Let he who is without sin cast the first stone)! CMR GOD bless them I pray they continue to serve and remain an pure and holy Christian group unto GOD . And remember TO GOD BE THE GLORYand devil you a LIE! (Free Style Prophet Out) www.myspace.com/theyoungprophetjovanstone
wow... I am amazed at the gossip, and downright lies that people have posted here (@somuchso). The reason CMR had to handle it this way is because it WAS dealt with personally at Epiphany (his home church) as well as at CMR in rebuking the brother and allowing him to repent. He not only refused to repent but continued booking engagements under the CMR name during his time of separation as though nothing happened. Please, his family, his church and his friends are going thru more than enough hurt and pain because of this. We have cried many nights. Do not allow your speculations to add to the grief. We are praying that Deuce comes to his senses and repents and is able to be reconciled to his family, church, and ministry. But in the meantime... if you do NOT know whats going on... as brothers and sisters in the faith... please don't spread your lies, speculations and gossip. It pours salts in very fresh wounds.
This is a shocker..very disappointing and hurtful. However, I think its important that people seek to understand the consequences of Ambassador's actions on both his church and the work of CMR. CMR has been labouring to spread the gospel of Christ and things like extra marital affairs can be very damaging to their work. If not handled properly all their efforts can be undone by Amba's one act of sin. In their statement, CMR makes it clear that the news was announced in Ambassadors church even before CMR knew about it and I think as a christian its good to be open minded. I mean, lets face it, a loving relationship does not developed in a single moment. It takes a lot of time. So what does that tell us? This man has been in sin for a long time. The bible says that when someone sins we should talk to them and try to restore them. However, if they are unrepentant we should talk to them in the presence of someone else. And if the situation continues we should address it in the company of a pastor. If still the sin continues they should be excommunicated from church. CMR is like a church spreading the gospel of Jesus. If they tolerate sin just because its committed by Ambassador then their efforts will be undone. They should treat sin in the same way. By announcing the news and stopping the artist from recording and promoting his music is very appropriate. They made it clear in Paragraph 2 of their statement that they will be working towards the restoration of the brother. Lets not be critical just because CMR has taken a strong stance against sin. It doesnt matter who commits it. Sin is sin and Ambassador has errored. A lot of people have been injured by his actions. Some members of his church have been injured to a point where they will never go back to church. Have people considered that??? His marriage might fall apart and alot of people will be hurt because of this. This is serious. Even the damage done to his church will be serious. This is similar to Tonex and Tikk Tokk [gospel gangstaz] actions. its very damaging. If we behave like heathens how can we preach to them? How can we ask them to live purely when we are living in sin. We cant afford to be hypocritical
The Ambassador will return with one of the most powerful marriage ministries to ever hit the planet Earth... I eagerly await the sequel. tOObiz
I gotta say that I may be one of the few that are quite pleased with the actions of CMR and exposing not one but two of their artist indescretions. If they didn't say something people would say they were trying to hide it. Furthermore, The reason for the press release was not to be harsh, but, to bring light to an issue contrary to the gospel in which these men stand before the people of God proclaiming and to request strength through our collective prayer...For CMR, the artist and especially the wives and families who are no doubt the ones betrayed and hurting the most in these situations. The bible says "it is better to openly rebuke, than to secretly love." (Proverbs 27:5), Likewise it also says "...he that confesses and forsakes his sin shall have mercy." (Proverbs 27:13) I'm praying for all of our leaders in the body of Christ.
@Chris.... A correction...a statement of moral failure was not issued on me. The statement was about differences in ministry approaches.
Very sad for Deuce and the church family at Epiphany. We are praying for Deuce and his family, that God will heal. Stay strong, Hip-Hop Nation, we don't need to be tearing each other apart over this. The enemy would love for the minsitry to stop. Well, let's trust God and continue to spit serious rhymes. Peace out.
CMR is a Business!!!! Not a church!!! Stop it!!! No sex was involved!!!! Please stop distorting this!!! Vengence is mine says the Lord I will repay.... be careful if you are playing God trying to get back at others.... the Bible tells us we are all given the Ministry of reconciliation... is anyone going to follow that scripture? Restore that Brotha in Jesus name... live the Word don't just sing it!!!
We all fall short of the glory of GOD, which means WE ALL SIN! but we have an advocate with the FATHER who stands in the gap on our behalf. The LORD JESUS! Who tempted on all points yet was & is without sin. So when we confess our sins he is faithful to forgive us our sins and cleanse us fromm all unrighteousness. We repent and turn away from that sin and never go back to it but instead we head GOD-WARD. So when we see aa Brother who is over taken by a sin we restore him in the spirit of meekness because we understand it could be very easily us! So restore him and toss the era in the sea of forgetfulness to be remebered no more! AMEN!!
The gifts of GOD are irrevocable! Ambass has a purpose in Gospel Hip Hop with his gift to help young people relate to a older church. If we are not careful we can throw out the baby with the bath water. If every one of our Gospel Hip Hop Artist were to commit a quote more serious sin as we call it, where would our Hip Hop Culture Be? Would we be as hard on someone if they smoked a blunt, got cought on porno, went to a strip club etc... my point is please do not allow a self-righteous heart to become the judge over a person no matter what you see them do or hear they did. We need ambass just like he needs us and since we are all part of the body it would not be wise to cut off one of our hands because it got a little dirt on it, you just help clean it off! AMEN!!
The issue of this statement does not in anyway imply that there was not a spirit of gentleness. Rather it is issued to address his absence from their ministry. Cross Movement is a contextualized Ministry using Hip-Hop as a medium to the lost and the saved. Before we judge their actions as without discretion, we must remember these men and NOT just artist but ministers who are held at a standard of LEADERSHIP. As those who Have been commissioned to lead Gods people and expound the Gospel to the lost, while leading by example, the church should act accordingly in the degree of the misrepresentation of Gospel leadership. I do not doubt there was any grace issued to him but what I am disturbed by is when the body expects their to be no consequences to this matter. The removal of these men do not indicate the absence of mercy. They are still the body of Christ but the sanctity of ministry must be upheld. Read 1 Tim 3. The removal from office does not indicate a lack of grace but reverence for the call of leadership. I for one applaud their willingness to deal seriously with this matter. If such thing were done more often, perhaps we would foster stronger leadership. However, I'm glad that he is back now. His music has blessed me, but in the absence of men, donkeys talk. :)