All posts by Doug Joseph

See a rich-text bio page (with pics) at: https://www.dougjoseph.net/about/ Doug and LaDonna Joseph recently celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage, and they have four awesome kids. Rev. Joseph is an ordained minister in the United Pentecostal Church International (since 2003), and pastor of Christian Apostolic Church (since 2002). In 2004, the Josephs led CAC to establish Apostolic Christian Academy (K-12 Christian school). Rev. Joseph served on the board of directors of the WV Missions Department (part of the North American Missions Division), as secretary-treasurer from 2004-2012 and as director/chairman from 2012-2013. His term as director was shortened due to having been elected in 2013 to serve as a district presbyter (for Section 1, WV UPCI), but not before he led the district to an all-time record missions offering in the 2012 “Christmas For Christ” annual fund drive. Previously, Rev. Joseph was creative director for the North American Missions Division (formerly known as General Home Missions Division), at the United Pentecostal Church International headquarters in St. Louis, MO, where the Josephs were blessed by the friendship and mentorship of Rev. and Mrs. Jack & Elsy Cunningham. Rev. Joseph helped launch the UPCI’s national Men’s Ministry, and was editor for the Apostolic Man magazine. He oversaw the creation of Ready To Be Free, a sweeping evangelism thrust. Before that, the Josephs served on pastoral staff of North Charleston Apostolic Church (WV), blessed by the leadership of Pastor Billy & Shirley Cole. LaDonna Joseph is a great wife and mom. She is CAC’s first lady, general secretary, school principal, and minister of music. She has served on the board of directors of WV UPCI’s Ladies Ministry. She has also served as the pianist for WV’s All-State Choir. The Josephs helped the Coles to publish their memoirs, entitled “The Life and Ministry of Billy and Shirley Cole” (available at www.amazon.com and www.BillyColeBook.com). Rev. Joseph is also author of “New Immortal” (2009/2013), “Tesseract” (2010/2013), “The Last Bye” (2011/2013), and coauthor of “The Book of Salvation” (2010). All are available wherever great books are sold, including amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorstock.com. LaDonna is a native of West Virginia. Doug hails from Shreveport, LA, and is an adopted, honorary West Virginian. Pastor Joseph’s blog is at dougjoseph.net.
Abortion, Bible, Church, Culture, Culture War, Doctrine, Patriotism, Politics, ProLife, US History, West Virginia

Weaponization of Government and Our Response

As I serve on the state board of West Virginians For Life, and as their treasurer, and also as the board alternate representing West Virginia on the National Right To Life Committee (NRLC), each quarter I am asked to compose a short article for the Life Matters newsletter. Below is my most recent submission for that publication. 

There are alarming reports of the weaponization of government against us, including law enforcement and our judicial system. While truly violent protestors had rioted, burned, vandalized, and stolen with apparently little to no arrests or convictions, it’s alarming to consider that the DOJ under the current administration has arrested pro-life people for visiting an abortion facility and praying and singing while there. Worst case scenario: if they were asked to leave and did not, then it is simple trespassing (not a felony), yet these pro-lifers were tried and convicted as being felons, facing years in prison unless a higher court intervenes. In deference to the court of Heaven, what should our response be? Let’s not give a carnal response of “do unto others as they have done to me.” Certainly we ought to exercise our votes to regain normalcy in government, but we also ought to pray for God’s help. In the Book of Acts, chapter 4, the apostles were arrested for simply preaching truth, and they were threatened repeatedly to stop. They declined to stop, and also prayed afterward for boldness. Consider Acts 4:23-32, especially vv. 29-31: “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” Your donated time, talent, and treasure has perhaps never been more important!

Join us: wvforlife.org/membership
Better yet, step up to Rose Society Membership while you’re there!
Already a member? Give here: wvforlife.org/donate

Software, Technology, Tips & Tricks

SOLVED: how to bulk rename image files with date and time (VikingOSX’s script using ExifTool)

I’m documenting this for myself in the future, and also in case it helps someone else needing to do the same. I will link to not only where I found the script in an Apple Community forum post, but also where I discussed my tweaking and success in the ExifTool forum as well.

First, here is where in an Apple Community forum post, user-member VikingOSX posted their script that I then modified:

Script to rename pictures with date and time

And then here is where I posted my tweaked script along with some explanations on it:

SOLVED: How to modify Mac Automator Script to rename MOV with EXIF date/time?

 

Software, Technology, Tips & Tricks

Quick tech minute: resurrecting a dinosaur, SOLVED: Frontpage cannot open web; the folder isn’t accessible

You’re no doubt here because you googled something like:

frontpage xp cannot open web the folder isn’t accessible

…or perhaps

frontpage xp how to open existing website

…and you found an astounding paucity of help, because Microsoft not only stopped supporting Frontpage, they even deleted all the many support articles and hotfixes.

Sometimes you have to resurrect a dinosaur. I have one client that still uses Frontpage Server Extensions and still needs access via MS Frontpage.

I recently succeeded in getting “Office XP” with Microsoft Frontpage installed on Windows 11 (ARM 64 bit edition). The Windows install is running in a VM on MacOS Ventura 13.6 with the Apple M1 Max chipset.

I had made a disk image of the CD, so I could archive it on my network attached storage drive, and I had attached that image to the CD drive of my virtual machine. The install seemed to go off without a hitch. But, take note, the first time I installed it, it did not require a restart afterward, and it turns out it did not install correctly. It only seemed to.

The first time installed it, launched Frontpage, and then tried to open a web, I ran into the above issue. Instead of being asked for credentials, I was told the web could not be opened.

After careful sleuthing, including multiple searches on the Wayback Machine, I realized the key is the go to the installer file on the CD (SETUP.EXE), right-click on it, select the Compatibility tab, and tell it to “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select “Windows XP (Server Pack 3).”

For extra measure (just in case), I went further by clicking on “Change setting for all users” and doing the same there.

I also previously did the very same for each program icon (Word, Frontpage, etc). But it was doing this with the installer file, and letting it re-run the installation, that made the difference.

After re-installing from the Office CD with the compatibility option set, I was prompted to restart the Windows PC. After doing that, I again launched Frontpage, and when I clicked to “open web” I was asked for credentials, and all works a treat. Screenshots below.

PS: If you’re attempting what I did, you will also no doubt be looking for an installer file for…

Microsoft Agent 2.0

…which I finally located here: https://forum.winworldpc.com/discussion/11699/request-microsoft-agent-2-0

…And that also worked a treat.

I hope this helps someone.

Screenshots:

 

Abortion, Church, Culture, Culture War, Politics, ProLife, West Virginia

Get word out – Pro-Life Voter Guides – both paper and digital (instant) at pac.wvforlife.org/vote

Amy Coney Barrett with President Donald Trump
Amy Coney Barrett with President Donald Trump

With President Trump’s nomination of pro-life judge Amy Coney Barrett for possible confirmation & appointment to the Supreme Court, the American Left is terrified and panicked that Roe & Doe could actually be overturned—wholesale killing of preborn babies would be curtailed, delegitimized. Their response includes a “pull no punches” election cycle. Some on the Left deem false rhetoric and even voter fraud as noble. We’re in a battle for life. We must do all we legitimately can. Every single pro-life voter guide will be essential, whether digital or paper.

Re. paper: Contact your county chapter—wvforlife.org/chapters—to find out how you can help with voter guide literature distribution. In addition to curtailed literature distribution, online/digital efforts are even more essential.

Re. digital: Most major social networks have banned paid ads deemed political. Voter guides that endorse/oppose candidates are political. Thankfully, Facebook has not banned political ads, and it is the largest (by far) with 2.5 billion users. Regular posts anywhere are free, so please SHARE and LIKE—pac.wvforlife.org/vote—However, algorithms limit reach of free posts, and some networks are banning pro-life pages/censoring posts to hinder conservative influence. Twitter has suspended several WVFL chapter pages although the chapters did nothing amiss, and appeals get no reply, even after weeks. Thus, we’re delighted to announce that WVFL has gotten Facebook to accept a paid ad (boosted post) promoting our instant online delivery of pro-life voter guides at: pac.wvforlife.org/vote

Both paper and digital: To promote pro-life candidates for the upcoming general election, WVFL is by necessity using an “all of the above” approach. Please consider joining me in donating at: wvforlife.org/donate

Your pro-life support and vote are needed now more than ever.
Join us: wvforlife.org/membership
Better yet, step up to Rose Society Membership while you’re there!
Already a member? Give here: wvforlife.org/donate

Bible, Church, Culture, Culture War, Patriotism, Politics, Terrorism, Theology, US History

The first pastor arrested, and what happened next…

Quote from Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel:
 
Today I want to share additional details about the first pastor arrested this year for worship. The story is shocking, but also reveals that God can turn evil into good. Read on to learn exactly what happened to the first pastor in America jailed for opening his church. – Mat
 
Police helicopters circled above and marked cars lined the street in front of his home. The pastor grabbed only his driver’s license and a little cash for bail, before answering the door.
 
The pastor opened the door.
 
“ARE YOU PACKING?” the officer asked.
 
“Of course not,” the pastor replied. The police officers cuffed him like a common criminal. His wife watched as her husband was placed in the back of a squad car and driven to the county jail.
 
He was booked, fingerprinted, photographed for a mug shot, and placed in a cell while his wife waited in the lobby. After posting bail, he was released.
 
The Hillsborough County Sheriff made many false statements during a sensational press conference while the arrest was in progress. As a result, Pastor Rodney and The River at Tampa Bay Church received many death threats.
 
On the prior Thursday, March 26, the same Sheriff assured the pastor he could meet on Sunday. Florida had not banned worship, but the local county late Friday night issued new restrictions.
 
On Saturday night, the pastor had an uneasy feeling. He preached the morning service, yet the feeling grew. For the evening service, another preacher held the lectern, and Pastor Rodney attended from home.
 
It turns out the pastor’s unease was well founded, and likely a divine message from the Lord. The same Sheriff who gave the green light had planned an ambush, because of pressure over the weekend from the lesbian mayor.Deputies were sent to the evening service to arrest the pastor in front of the congregation.
 
When the deputies arrived and saw that Pastor Rodney was not there, they left. The next morning this shocking spectacle unfolded. The Pastor was booked on two misdemeanors.
 
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department’s written policy for handling misdemeanors is not to arrest, but to treat such citations like a traffic ticket. But Pastor Rodney was targeted to “send a message,” the Sheriff said. Within days of the arrest, the same Sheriff released over 100 convicted criminals. Tragically, one of them committed murder the next day!
 
Let me tell you a bit about The River at Tampa Bay Church.
 
Inside the church is a self-contained sustainable agriculture center. Tilapia fish and chickens fuel an aquaponic vegetable farm that feeds 900 needy inner-city families each week. The church has received several awards and commendations over the years, recognizing its long history of caring for the community. The River Church had even received a commendation from the Sheriff’s office, honoring the church for daring to go into the most dangerous parts of the city – places where even the police admit they do not go unless they have to go. The church has been credited for reducing crime in the inner city.
 
For a body of believers, “church” is more than music and a message. This church is active, and the people are encouraged through fellowship. For 24 years, this church has been the hands and feet of Christ in the community.
 
On March 30, 2020; Pastor Rodney was the first pastor in the nation to be arrested for exercising his Constitutional right to worship.
 
But this apparent tragedy gave courage to many more around the world, including some pastors we represent.
 
As a result of Liberty Counsel defending Pastor Rodney, two days later on April 1, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared attendance at churches and places of worship “essential activity.” He overrode every local restriction.
 
Following Christ’s example, Pastor Rodney prayed for the Sheriff. Several weeks later he called, seeking forgiveness. The Sheriff recently attended the church where the pastor publicly forgave him.
 
Because of the death threats, Pastor Rodney did not immediately re-open the church for in-person worship. The church met online until May 31, Pentecost Sunday, when it began outdoor services. Each evening, the church has held a four-hour revival for 91 consecutive days, counting today. The revival continues, as does indoor worship. The Stand, as Pastor Rodney calls it, has spawned many similar revival meetings across the country, even in cities town apart by riots. Last week, the church held an all-night prayer meeting for our nation.
 
But along with the rise of more brave pastors and strengthened resolve, so too came a renewed resolve among the tyrants. In the months that have passed since Pastor Rodney was arrested, other governors and local officials have launched their own illegal edicts against churches.
 
Pastors have been arrested – some with criminal charges. Churchgoers have been put on the equivalent of house arrest. And the City of Chicago has threatened to seize and destroy church buildings.
 
All because the brave pastors and their flocks chose to stand on the Constitution and the will of God in their lives.
 
Liberty Counsel is currently fighting for scores of churches against the illegal, unconstitutional restrictions placed against them by the Governors of California, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia and Maine. We also represent about 2,000 pastors and churches in 44 states. We are deeply honored to stand alongside and represent these brave shepherds and believers.
 
We are fighting for the God given, unalienable and Constitutional RIGHT of religious freedom. Our fight for the church is the most important fight we wage. We are assured that the Gates of Hell will not prevail.
 
The church has never belonged to Caesar. The church belongs to God alone. Therefore, any surrender of the church to Caesar is nothing short of treason to the King of Kings.
 
We need your help like never before, to defend the faith in the earthly halls of justice. We anticipate this fight will have to go all the way to the Supreme Court. That’s why I am so honored that a challenge grant has been established to DOUBLE THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATION. We never charge for our services, and these brave pastors need your help now. Please, make your best possible donation today.
 
Mat Staver,
Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel
Abortion, Academic Freedom, Bible, Church, Culture, Culture War, Doctrine, Israel, Marriage, Media, Patriotism, Politics, Pro2A, ProLife, Second Amendment, West Virginia

What kind of candidates should believers vote for? 

What kind of candidates should we vote for? 

Capable, God-fearing, trustworthy, and who hate dishonest gain.

The Bible teaches this: “But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens” (Exodus 18:21).

For a start (for West Virginians), get your free pro-life voter guide for the 2020 General Election at: pac.wvforlife.org/vote

What does it mean to say “I Will Vote My Biblical Values”?

I will vote for the most pro-life candidate, because God hates the shedding of innocent blood
(Proverbs 6:17).

I will vote for the most pro-Israel candidate, because God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who trifle with Israel
(Genesis 12:3).

I will vote for the most pro-debt-reduction candidate, because the borrower is slave of the lender
(Proverbs 22:7).

I will vote for the most pro-work candidate because God’s word teaches that if an able-bodied man won’t work, then let him not eat
(2 Thessalonians 3:10).

I will vote for the most pro-marriage candidate because God is for marriage as defined in
(Genesis 2:24).

I will vote for the candidate who holds most closely that government’s purpose is to reward good & punish evil
(Romans 13).

I will vote based on God’s Word, as closely as I can
(Exodus 18:21; Acts 6:3; 2 Timothy 3:16).

 

Abortion, Culture War, Politics, ProLife, US History, West Virginia

Thank you to all West Virginians who are FOR LIFE

As pro-lifers, we each have our favored candidates. We can have vastly differing views about which pro-lifer is best for an office. Regardless, we ought to be careful not to burn bridges or destroy trust during a primary. The primary will pass and we’ll all still need to work together to make sure we succeed in the soon-coming general election. How do you define “success” in an election cycle? I urge you to not answer with “seeing my candidates elected,” but rather with “seeing pro-life candidates elected.” We aim to get pro-lifers into every office from “county dog-catcher” to U.S. President. I’ll admit that during the previous U.S. Presidential primary, my favored candidate was not selected, and I did not think much of the candidate who was selected. However, I now have to concede that I was mistaken in my forecast of how well he would do. President Donald J. Trump has become the most effective pro-life president since the US Supreme Court mandated abortion on demand for practically any reason through all nine months of pregnancy (back in 1973). If the candidate you favor didn’t get an official endorsement, please don’t shoot down our state’s only grassroots organization for pro-life action and success in West Virginia. Don’t withdraw. Stay in the fight. My sincerest, heartfelt gratitude to all West Virginians who are FOR LIFE. Our namesake really says who we all are: We are West Virginians For Life! Your pro-life support and vote are needed now more than ever.

Join us: wvforlife.org/membership

Better yet, step up to Rose Society Membership while you’re there!

Already a member? Give here: wvforlife.org/donate

Intelligent Design, Patriotism, Technology, Travel, US History, West Virginia

WV and 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing – July 20, 1969

Katherine Johnson

You may not know that a brilliant woman from the State of West Virginia, the genius Katherine Johnson, played a significant role in the NASA project that landed men on the moon (and brought them back home). Read more about her here.  Less than a month ago, a NASA facility in Fairmont, WV was renamed to honor her.

I was not yet two year’s old when the lunar landing occurred. So I was alive, but not yet old enough to have any “actual memories” of the  event myself. Just as with many of you, my memories were  cemented by video footage seen much later, along with articles, books, and movies. Today I wept as I watched this excellent, short documentary that Google is featuring as their current Google Doodle (click to watch):

Here’s the googledoodles description of it:

50 years ago, NASA’s Apollo 11 mission changed our world and ideas of what is possible by successfully landing humans on the surface of the moon⁠—and bringing them home safely⁠—for the first time in history. Today’s video Doodle celebrates this moment of human achievement by taking us through the journey to the moon and back, narrated by someone with firsthand knowledge of the epic event: former astronaut and Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins.

For more info behind the Doodle, please visit: https://www.google.com/doodles/50th-anniversary-of-the-moon-landing

Bible, Church, Doctrine, Ministry, Salvation

Wear the Name of the Lord Jesus!

Water baptism in the name of Jesus clothes a repentant candidate with Christ:

“…for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27 NIV).

Biblically, the proper formula for Christian water baptism is to baptize in the name of the one who was crucified for us (I Corinthians 1:11-13)—that is in Jesus name, since Jesus is the one who was crucified for us. Biblically, we’re to be baptized in the name of the Son (Matthew 28:19), and the Son’s name is Jesus (Matthew 1:21). Biblically, we’re to be baptized while calling upon Jesus name (See Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, and Acts 22:16). Biblically, being baptized in Jesus name is the proper way to obey Matthew 28:19. Speaking of Matthew 28:19, some people are confused regarding what the name of the Father is, and what the name of the Holy Ghost is. But the scriptures give guidance:

What is the name of the Father? Since Jesus came in His Father’s name (John 5:43), and since the Father and Son (Jesus) are one (John 10:30), and since it was prophesied that the Lord’s name is to be one (Zechariah 14:9), and since the Son’s name is Jesus (Matthew 1:21), and since God the Father is glorified when we worship Jesus by bowing to Him and confessing Jesus Christ as Lord (Philippians 2:11), then we should recognize that by calling upon the name of Jesus we have access to God the Father, and that, for those of us alive in the New Covenant, Jesus is the person and name by which God the Father desires to be addressed and accessed.

What is the name of the Holy Ghost? The terms Spirit and Ghost are synonymous. The Bible says, “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24). There is every reason to hold that all the prior points, about the name of the Father, should apply. But there is more. Since there is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), and since there is only one Lord (Ephesians 4:5), and since Jesus is the Lord (Philippians 2:11), and since the Word of the Lord says, “the Lord is that Spirit” (II Corinthians 3:17), and since, while He was describing the Holy Spirit’s arrival to dwell within believers, Jesus Christ said, “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you” (John 14:18), then we should recognize that the Holy Spirit is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), and that Christ’s redemptive name for all New Covenant believers is Jesus.

Does this surprise? It should not. As believers who have the one Spirit dwelling in us, as long as we abide in the doctrine of Christ, we have both the Father and the Son (II John 1:9). The man Christ Jesus said Himself that the Holy Spirit would be sent in His name (John 14:26). His name is Jesus. The Spirit is sent in Jesus name. No name other than Jesus could possibly be rightly attributed to the Holy Spirit within New Covenant believers. Thus, the Bible says of Jesus name, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” {37} When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” {38} Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:36-39 NIV).

In the Bible, everyone who was baptized by any of the Lord’s apostles or disciples was baptized in Jesus name (see the Book of Acts and study the epistles).

Have you been baptized in Jesus name? If so, you are clothed with Christ. If not, you need to be baptized in Jesus name as soon as possible!

All United Pentecostal Churches baptize in Jesus name!
To find a UPCI near you, visit www.upci.org

Copyright information: Permission is granted to UPCI churches and/or Jesus-name people for use of this article, provided that credit is given and it is not edited without permission. All other rights reserved. This article previously appeared here.

 

Church, Doctrine, Ministry, Theology

Wisdom from Bishop T.F. Tenney