Introduction: The Power of Spiritual Agreements
In The Power of Agreement, Arthur Burk and Tiphani Montgomery explore how spiritual agreements shape personal, societal, and generational destinies. The teaching draws from Isaiah 28:15-18, Matthew 18:19-20, and other biblical texts to demonstrate that aligning with truth brings divine blessings, while agreements with lies create strongholds that limit progress.
Burk emphasizes that many Black entrepreneurs, particularly Black women and men, struggle with invisible spiritual agreements that have been historically reinforced through oppression, cultural conditioning, and generational beliefs. He also highlights the role of the descendants of Ham, arguing that this lineage holds a divine calling that has been systematically attacked and misunderstood.
I. The Power of Agreement and Black Women Entrepreneurs
A. The Unique Challenges of Black Female Innovators
Burk identifies Black women as a spiritually targeted group, particularly those who step into innovative entrepreneurial roles. He argues that:
- Societal agreements often position Black women as “too aggressive,” “rebellious,” or “Jezebels” when they take on leadership roles.
- The church historically has struggled to affirm Black women entrepreneurs, often labeling them as having an “independent spirit.”
- These false agreements hinder their ability to walk in their divine calling as leaders, innovators, and creators.
Psalm 139:16 – “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Key Example: The Tuskegee Airmen
Burk illustrates how false agreements affected Black men in the military, particularly the Tuskegee Airmen, who were told they were “mentally incapable” of flying. This systemic lie, backed by government studies, became a societal agreement that was only overturned through legal and spiritual intervention.
The same principle applies to Black women: society has created false agreements about their capabilities. Breaking these agreements requires aligning with God’s truth and rejecting societal lies.
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
II. The Power of Agreement and Black Men as Heads of Households
A. The Attack on Black Male Entrepreneurs and Leaders
Burk shifts focus to Black men, particularly those who take on the responsibility of building wealth, leading families, and shaping communities. He argues that:
- There is a demonic stronghold against Black male success, perpetuating the belief that they are naturally criminals, unfit for leadership, or unable to generate legitimate wealth.
- The lie that Black men cannot be successful without illicit means is a widespread societal agreement that fuels racial profiling, economic exclusion, and spiritual resistance to their growth.
- This lie has led to generational struggles, mass incarceration, and economic instability within Black communities.
Key Example: Greenwood and Black Wall Street
Burk references Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, where a flourishing Black economic district was destroyed by racial violence. The destruction was fueled by false agreements—the idea that Black economic success was a threat rather than an achievement.
Isaiah 43:26 – “Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.”
To break this cycle, Black men must renounce these agreements and claim their divine right to leadership, innovation, and wealth.
Psalm 68:11 – “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those who proclaimed it.”
III. The Role of the Descendants of Ham: Gifts and Responsibilities
A. The Historical Contributions of the Hamitic Peoples
Burk argues that the descendants of Ham have historically been a deeply gifted and innovative people. He references:
- The Sumerians (descendants of Ham) and Their Innovations
- Developed mathematical timekeeping (60-minute hour, 24-hour day)
- Built the first known industrial-scale production methods
- The Egyptians (descendants of Ham)
- Built pyramids with extraordinary architectural precision
- Created early scientific advancements in astronomy, medicine, and engineering
- The Desert Fathers (North African Christian Mystics)
- Preserved and developed deep Christian theology
- Were the intellectual predecessors of Western Christianity
Burk argues that these historical facts prove that the descendants of Ham were not cursed but uniquely gifted.
Isaiah 48:26 – “Put me in remembrance Let us contend together State your case that you may be acquitted.”
IV. Counterarguments and Refutations
A. The “Curse of Ham” Debate
Some theologians argue that Ham’s descendants were cursed (Genesis 9:20-27), often used to justify slavery and oppression. However, this interpretation is widely refuted by:
- Biblical Scholars who clarify that the curse was on Canaan, not all of Ham’s descendants.
- Historians who note that Ham’s descendants built some of the world’s greatest civilizations.
- Theological Interpretations that emphasize God’s equal creation of all races.
B. The Jezebel Stereotype in Church Teachings
Another argument is that Black women in leadership reflect the “Jezebel spirit.” This has been refuted by:
- Scholars who note that Jezebel was condemned for her idolatry, not her leadership.
- Biblical examples of powerful, righteous women like Deborah (Judges 4) and Esther.
V. Practical Steps to Break Agreements with Lies
Step 1: Identify False Agreements
- Are there cultural or familial lies that limit you?
Step 2: Repent and Renounce the Lies
Prayer Example:
“Father, I reject the lie that I am unworthy of success. I agree with Your truth that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Step 3: Declare a New Agreement with God
- Psalm 68:11 – “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those who proclaimed it.”
Bibliography & References
- Arthur Burk, Relentless Generational Blessings
- Genesis 9:20-27 (The “Curse of Canaan”)
- Psalm 139:16 (God’s intentional design)
- Ephesians 2:10 (Divine purpose)
- Tulsa Race Massacre Historical Records
- Books on the Desert Fathers and Early African Christianity
- Historical records on the Sumerians and Egyptians
Conclusion: Reclaiming Divine Agreement
Arthur Burk’s teaching calls Black women, Black men, and the broader African diaspora to renounce false societal agreements and reclaim God’s divine design. By aligning with biblical truth, individuals and communities can break generational strongholds and step into innovation, leadership, and divine blessing.