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Updated: 1:51 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2011 | Posted: 12:31 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2011
LITHONIA, Ga. —
Throughout his sermons he appeared to have a cryptic message for his accusers. “You ain't messin’ with me. I shall rise again and I ain't going through this,” Long said.
His sermon comes just days after Channel 2 Action News learned the embattled megachurch pastor was close to reaching a settlement with four former church members who accused him of using his spiritual powers to engage in sexual activity.
Long never directly addressed the lawsuit or any possible settlement. Instead, he imparted apparent cryptic commentary about his accusers.
“You have to go down there and let the devil know that what they thought was gonna kill you, didn't kill you. What they thought was gonna bring terror to you, didn't bring terror to you and you made the enemies public spectacle,” Long said during one sermon.
On Friday, Dekalb County Magistrate Judge Johnny Panos told our Channel 2’s Tom Jones he jump started mediation between Long and the accusers and that they were close to an agreement.
“Why wait to the summer? Why wait to the fall? Get it done now and what better time to do it that,” Panos said.
Outside the church New Birth members told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik they want to put the suit behind them.
Petchenik: "Are you relieved the lawsuit will be over with the Bishop."
Church Member: "I am."
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