Daniel Whyte III's Blog, page 3

Read an Excerpt from “Judas Church”

The day I almost died was the day I found new life.

I woke up in the hospital room, bewildered as to why I was there. The room was dark. A curtain was drawn partially on the side in front of my bed and I couldn’t see the door. How did I get here?

Staring up into the darkness, I suddenly became aware of pain in my body — a low, throbbing pain in my head. I shut my eyes again and tried to concentrate. The last thing I remembered was driving very fast along the winding road to a friend’s house. It was raining, but I knew the road so well — I’d driven it many times — that I didn’t bother to slow down. I was on my way to celebrate college graduation with some friends.

I tried to think harder, but I didn’t remember anything after that.

Hours later, when I reawakened, daylight was shining into the room from behind the thin beige curtains that covered the large window to my right. My head still hurt, and, for the first time, I felt the bandage on it. I could hear the beeping sounds of hospital machinery and the sounds of feet and wheels in the hall just outside my room. There was a covered dish on the small table to my right, but I wasn’t hungry, so I let it be. I wished someone would come tell me what was wrong with me.

As if on cue, the door opened and rapid footsteps approached my bedside. A hand appeared and yanked back the curtain around my bed.

“Dude, what happened to you?” Leon said looking down at me, the long, lightning-bolt shaped scar on the left side of his face stood out stark brown against his tanned skin.

“I’m hoping you can tell me,” I said. “The last thing I remember was driving. And aren’t you supposed to be in Indonesia right now?”

“Our flight got canceled. We had to reschedule for later today.” Leon waved his hand dismissively. “Which is good, because you were in a car accident.”

“Oh, man,” I said. “My car.” I had a black, custom-made Spyder Porsche.

“It’s a total loss,” Leon said. “It’s a miracle you got out alive.”

My heart sank. I loved that car.

“Besides, you have bigger problems to worry about than a car,” Leon said his tone growing more serious.

My brow furrowed. “Like a concussion?” I said.

“No. Another vehicle was involved in the accident. The two adults are alive and they’re gonna be okay. But, their little girl…” Leon shook his head. “She’s in a coma… they say she suffered severe trauma.”

“Oh, man…” I shook my head. “I hope she doesn’t die.”

“I gotta ask you something else, Jaidon,” Leon said.

“What?”

“If you had died last night, what would have happened to you?”

I shrugged. “I’d just be dead, I guess.” I was still thinking about the little girl in a coma.

“That’s not what I mean,” Leon said. “What would have happened to you? Where would you have gone?”

I could see where he was going with this. All through my graduate years of study at the University of Maryland he kept trying to talk to me about spiritual stuff. I knew all that he was about to say now: I’m a sinner destined for eternal punishment and separation from God. But, God loves me and he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to save me. If I wanted to be cleansed of my sin and be sure that I would go to Heaven when I died, I had to believe in Jesus Christ for salvation.

“You nearly died, man,” Leon said. “You could be dead right now.” He snapped his finger. “Gone. Out of here. What then? Something happens after that — Heaven, Hell. You don’t just cease to exist.”

I was quiet for a moment before answering. “I see what you mean.”

Judas Church is available now on Amazon.com .

Read the Introduction to “After These Things”

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the seminal event in all of human history. It is the one great anomaly in the records of those who have lived and died since the beginning of time. Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth, lived, died, was buried, and then rose from the dead. Nothing like it had happened before or has happened since. 

Nearly everyone would agree that a man being raised from the dead after three days in a cold grave deserves our attention. It deserves all of the books that have been written, all of the movies and television shows that have been made, and all of the songs written and sung about it. But how can we quantify the effects of the Resurrection on mankind and on history?

The title of this book, After These Things, actually comes from Holy Scripture. It comes from John 21:1 which reads, “After these things [the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ], Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias.”

Examining the aftermath of the Resurrection of Christ as recorded in Scripture, this book discusses eight specific ways the Resurrection impacted individuals, the Church, and the world. We will look at:

* The Power of the Resurrection and the Backslidden Believer
* The Power of the Resurrection and the Faithless Believer
* The Power of the Resurrection and the Depressed, Discouraged Believer
* The Power of the Resurrection and the Might Within Believers
* The Power of the Resurrection and the Work of the Church
* The Power of the Resurrection and the Breaking Down of Racial Barriers Among Believers
* The Power of the Resurrection and Those Who Rage Against Jesus and Believers
* The Power of the Resurrection Which Turns Sinners Into Believers

To paraphrase the popular Christmas hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Jesus Christ was raised to “raise the sons of earth” and to “give us second birth.” The Resurrection matters. After reading this book, you will know how and why it matters to your life here on earth and to your eternal future.

–Daniel Whyte III

After These Things is available on Amazon.

Read the Introduction to “The New Apostles’ Creed”

If you have attended a Presbyterian church, Methodist church, Lutheran church, Episcopal church, or Anglican church, you may have heard something similar to the words which are referred to as the Apostles’ Creed. Now, Baptists (which I consider myself to be), as a rule, do not subscribe to any creed. Coming out of the Protestant Reformation, Baptists decided that, unlike other Protestant denominations, they would be non-creedal. Baptists state that “the final authority for faith and practice is the Bible, not words about the Bible.” I am an ordained Baptist minister and I believe what Baptists believe, however, what I’ve always told people is that there are certain things I like about some of my more formal brothers and the Apostles’ Creed is one of those things. Along with reading the Bible, my family and I have read/recited The Apostles’ Creed in our devotions many times over the past 30-plus years. 

While we should not hold any creed to the level of inspired Scripture, there are elements from church tradition that we can learn from and at least should be aware of. 

The Apostles’ Creed is one of those things. 

What is a creed? According to Merriam-Webster, a creed is a “statement of basic beliefs; an idea or set of beliefs that guides the actions of a person or group.” Thus, the Apostles’ Creed is a statement of what the apostles of Jesus Christ believed. 

Why this book? Why does the Apostles’ Creed need “important revisions and updates for the modern era”? 

First, I believe it is important to increase knowledge about the basic beliefs of Christianity especially in this day and time when secularism, agnosticism, atheism, and non-religion appear to be making a larger footprint in the world. Parents can teach the Creed to their children, pastors can teach it to their congregations, Christian schools (and even public and non-Christian private schools) can teach it to their students as it is a succinct, easy-to-remember summary of the basic beliefs of Christianity. 

The second reason this book is necessary is because although the Apostles’ Creed is not inspired Scripture—it was put together by various men throughout history—it is a near-perfect statement. Even with the revisions and updates presented in this little book, it isn’t perfect. However, unlike God’s infallible Word, when necessary, we should be open to revising man-made statements that were developed under the cloud of human perspectives with all of the faultiness that entails. 

So, let’s take a look at how we’ve updated the Apostles’ Creed for the modern era. 

— Daniel Whyte III 
President, Gospel Light Society International 
Fort Worth, TX

Read the Introduction to the “Letters to Young Black Men” Study Guide

When I wrote the book, Letters to Young Black Men, some time back, I never thought the book would have the kind of impact that it is having. I am thankful to the Lord for how He has chosen to use this little book. I certainly did not think that this book would be expanded into a Study Guide to be taught in small groups and churches across the nation. I am amazed at what God has done. We have received many e-mails and phone calls from people across the nation who have shared with us how the book has not only touched their lives, but changed their lives. I am very humbled by these reports.

As I said, I never thought of the book, Letters to Young Black Men, being expanded into a Study Guide, but since its original release, we have had many pastors to tell us that they are using the book to teach and train their young men. One pastor said that the book has become “curriculum” in his church.

I shared this with some of my close friends and advisors in the ministry, and they told me that a study guide would be perfect for Sunday schools and young men’s Bible study groups. Through this advice, the Lord gave me liberty to do this Study Guide.

Born out of the requests of many from around the nation, the Letters to Young Black Men Study Guide was written in such a way that several men can get together and discuss it, or a young man can do it by himself. The answers are included in the back so that you can check your work and your understanding of the life principles laid down in the book, Letters to Young Black Men. I pray that it would bless your heart and help you along the success journey.

—Daniel Whyte III

The Letters to Young Black Men Study Guide and Leaders Guide are available now on Amazon.

Read My Foreword to “Successfully Raising Young Black Men,” by Kevin D. Barnes Sr.

Some time back, Pastor Kevin Barnes, of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Oakland, California, picked up a copy of my book, Letters to Young Black Men, from a Walgreens store, near his church. He contacted me and told me he read the book in one setting, with tears in his eyes. Later, he invited me to do a major book-signing in his city. When I met him and his family, I was impressed with the fact that his three sons (two of which are grown) were serving the Lord with alacrity. These young men were not being forced to work in the ministry with their father; they wanted to serve in the ministry with their father. This totally blessed my heart, because it is so rare in this day and time, to see grown, young black men who have a loving and warm relationship with their parents and who actually want to serve the Lord.

Some time back, Pastor Kevin Barnes, of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Oakland, California, picked up a copy of my book, Letters to Young Black Men, from a Walgreens store, near his church. He contacted me and told me he read the book in one setting, with tears in his eyes. Later, he invited me to do a major book-signing in his city. When I met him and his family, I was impressed with the fact that his three sons (two of which are grown) were serving the Lord with alacrity. These young men were not being forced to work in the ministry with their father; they wanted to serve in the ministry with their father. This totally blessed my heart, because it is so rare in this day and time, to see grown, young black men who have a loving and warm relationship with their parents and who actually want to serve the Lord.

I said to myself, apparently, Bro. Barnes and Sis. Barnes have done some things right in raising these young men for the glory of God. It is one thing to raise a child, and the child turns out okay, and does not get into trouble. But it is another thing, in this day and time, when you see black parents raise children, who not only turn out okay, but actually are excited about serving the Lord. This is easily said, but not easily done. If it were easy, we would have many more parents today, both black and white, doing it.

After some prayer, I encouraged Pastor Barnes to write this book, not because Pastor Barnes is necessarily a writer, but because Pastor Barnes and Mrs. Barnes have actually raised three young black men successfully. Today, we have many people who write books, but they have not done what they are writing about. Well, Pastor Barnes and his wife have done what they are writing about, and I want you to hear what they have to say and take heed to it.

—Daniel Whyte III
Glasgow, Scotland

Successfully Raising Young Black Men is available now on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

Read the Introduction from “From Glory to Shame: The Rise & Fall of Black America (And How She Can Rise Again)”

It is obvious from recent newspaper articles and news reports that many people are concerned about some of the painful problems in the black community of America. And we cannot deny these problems. The black community, in general, has some very serious issues. You know it, and I know it. None of us want to air our dirty laundry, but we must deal with the truth, because as Jesus Christ said, “The truth shall make you free.”

Thankfully, many African-Americans are doing quite well. We know that all blacks are not out there committing crimes such as we hear in the media daily, particularly in our urban areas. But unfortunately, many in our community are doing things that are not only hurting others, but are also hurting themselves, especially among our young people. Yes, these crimes are committed by other races as well, but that is no excuse for what we are doing.

Why are our young people murdering one another and others? Why are they left to themselves? Why isn’t anyone taking responsibility? Why are we allowing the glory that we once enjoyed, to be stripped from us, and our present and future turned into shame? We have serious problems in our community, and it is going to take people who will stand up, acknowledge the problems, tell the truth regarding the problems, and offer solutions to change the terrible state of affairs in Black America.

In this book, From Glory to Shame, I compare the problems in the Black community of America today with the problems the Israelites had in the day of the Prophet Hosea. I deal with the judgment that God brought down on the Israelites for their rebelliousness, “stiff-neckedness,” and foolishness. Then I delineate the issues that we as Black Americans have today that stem from our own rebelliousness, “stiffneckedness,” and foolishness, and the judgement of God that is obviously coming down on our community. I not only discuss the social issues of the Black community, but I also share some insight about the religious and spiritual issues of Black America. Yes, indeed, Black America is religious, but, sad to say, we are not as Biblical as we should be. Lastly, I share Biblical solutions to help us as a race get out of the downward spiral, and start ascending back from “Shame to Glory.”

I am very thankful for the great work that Tavis Smiley spearheaded resulting in the powerful new book entitled, The Covenant with Black America. One of the things that I like about The Covenant with Black America is that after each chapter, it has a section dealing with “What the Community Can Do,” and then “What Every Individual Can Do.” I really love that aspect of this great work because it says we are not just talking here, but we are about doing something.

Well, obviously, it was not the intent of The Covenant with Black America to deal with the spiritual aspect of turning Black America around. But I believe the spiritual aspect is the most important aspect if we are going to see great, positive changes in the Black community of America. And by the end of reading this book, you will know “What the Community Can Do” and “What Every Individual Can Do” to make Black America truly better from the inside out. “So start reading!”

—Samuel L. Madison
Atlanta, Georgia

From Glory to Shame: The Rise & Fall of Black America (And How She Can Rise Again) is available now on Amazon.

Read the Introduction for “God Has Smiled On Me”

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12)

There is a lot said, today, about black fathers not being responsible and staying with their children and taking care of their families. Well, this book is about honoring and paying tribute to those black fathers who, against the odds, have chosen to do the responsible thing and stay in the lives of their children. My father was one of those men.

This little book is a simple expression of appreciation and love for a good and loving father by the name of Daniel White Jr. Although he was not a perfect man, he made the decision to stay with his family no matter what and by doing so, he gave me the great benefits of his presence in my life, and of not making me a child of divorce. It is my hope that this statement does not offend those who grew up not knowing their natural father or not having the benefit of having him in the home. Even though I had a few holes in my soul that needed to be filled while growing up, thankfully, the painful hole that could have been caused by divorce was filled by a loving dad who did the responsible and right thing and who, quite frankly, put up with a lot of disrespect and foolishness to stay with his family.

I am also writing this book for the following three reasons:

To give God glory, praise, and honor for providing earthly dads for us and for being the ultimate Father.To show honor and pay tribute to all the black fathers, both past and present, who stayed with their families and trained up their children in the way they should go. The black community is as strong as it is because of them.To honor and pay tribute to the millions of good black mothers, such as my favorite aunt, Rebekah Credle of James City, North Carolina, who, by God’s grace, after being divorced from an abusive husband, single-handedly successfully raised five boys, who all graduated from college. My hat is off to the millions of black mothers who, down through the years, had to be the “mother and the father” to their children.

Ultimately, the aim of this book is to turn the hearts of all fathers—black, white, red, and yellow—to their children, and to encourage fathers to stay with the children they have and raise them for the glory of God.

—Daniel Whyte III
Dallas, TX

Read the Introduction for “7 Things Young Black Women Do To Mess Up Their Lives”

I really believe that many of the problems our young black women face today can be prevented from happening in the first place. Many young black women have seemingly lost their self-respect, so much so that they have subjected themselves to indignities and disrespect, such as allowing themselves to be called out of their name.

The truth of the matter is, many young black women have never been taught and trained in the right way. Many have never been taught how to carry themselves like ladies—with dignity, class and grace. Many have never been taught how to be tough while at the same time remain humble. Many have never been taught how to be strong-minded and not silly-minded, so they fall apart at the slightest misfortune that comes across their path.

Although I strongly believe, according to the Scriptures, that the older women should teach the younger women, I must unfortunately and sadly admit here, that there are not many older women, or older men for that matter, living according to Biblical principles themselves who can, with authority, teach the younger women how to act and how to carry themselves with dignity and class. With that said, I have included in this book what I believe to be seven things many young black women do to mess up their lives.

The purpose of this book is to help young black women avoid messing up their lives by making these seven common mistakes. I believe that any young black woman, who will read this book, and avoid making these seven mistakes, will live a successful and victorious life; one free of unnecessary pain and hurt, and one that will be pleasing to God.

I encourage you, dear sister, to read it and let it become a part of you; then pass it on to another sister so she, too, can get on the right track and stay on the right track with her life, and thus avoid many of the pitfalls that can cause much hurt, pain, and heartache.

—Daniel Whyte III
Dallas, Texas

7 Things Young Black Women Do To Mess Up Their Lives is available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

Read an Excerpt from “The Life Prayer”

God gave me a prayer that I want to share with you. It is called The Life Prayer because it is a prayer for all of life and a prayer for all times. It goes like this:

God, prepare us for good days and bad days,
prepare us for celebrations and tragedies,
prepare us for weddings and funerals,
prepare us for life and death.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Allow me to share with you what this prayer means as it is a prayer for every day of your life.

Good Days

First, we need to be prepared for good days by acknowledging that good days have come and will come. Too many people have a gloom and doom view of life. But we have all experienced good days, and if we are honest, most of us will admit that most of our days have been good. However, we need to be prepared for good days because people have a tendency to forget God in the good times. God warned the Israelites against this in Deuteronomy 6. First, He described their good days, saying, “The Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; thou shalt have eaten and be full.” However, he warns them, “Beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” We must be prepared for the good days lest we forget God in the days of blessing.

Bad Days

Second, we need to be prepared for bad days. Now, I know we have a group of Christians running around the world claiming that bad days don’t exist, but the truth of the matter is, they do exist. We all can remember a bad day or a series of bad days in our lives, when it seemed as though everything was falling apart. A string of a few bad days cause some to lose all hope and expectation for the future. And, sad to say, a series of bad days have driven some to suicide. Thus, we need to be prepared for bad days. In Romans 8:18, Paul, a man who experienced many, many bad days, tells us the mentality we ought to have when we face bad days. He writes, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” On our bad days, we need to remember that God is using even this for His glory and for our good.

…

The Life Prayer: A Prayer You Should Pray Every Day of Your Life is available now on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

View the List of Sermons in “When Black Preachers Preach, Vol. 3”

When Black Preachers Preach, Vol. 3, includes the following messages:

The Wrath of God, by Pastor Robert AndersonWhy I Still Believe in Soul-Winning, by Dr. Tommy SteeleHow to Rejoice in Suffering, by Pastor F.S. CovingtonBringing Others to Jesus, by Pastor Carl BennettThe Importance of Reaching the Inner Cities, by Pastor Victor RiveraHow to Keep Your Dreams Alive, by Dr. Kevin D. Barnes, Sr. When the Lord’s Bride and the Pastor’s Bride Don’t Coincide, by Dr. Lynwood Davis Waiting On God, by Dr. Tony Smart Hell! Do We Really Believe It? by Daniel Whyte III

When Black Preachers Preach, Vol. 3: Leading Black Preachers Give Direction & Encouragement to a Nation That Has Lost Its Way is available on Amazon.com and wherever fine books are sold.