Category: Bible Teaching

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Bible Teaching

Reason, Foundation & Eternity

The Library of Celsus (Getty Images)

A Sure Foundation[1]

The New Testament Church is built on a sure foundation whose reason for existence is that the Creator would have a relationship with His creation, and the final state of that relationship is the eternal communion of Man with God – – Eternal Life. It is imperative for the Church to constantly reassess the integrity of its walls and foundation as it looks forward to everlasting life:

  • 2 Timothy 2:19-21, “(19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.  (20)  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  (21)  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Time unfolds for Man the special arrangement that God has made in continuing the spread of His Word and Gospel, and it has successfully grown in scope and magnitude for over 6,000 years with each dispensation, each covenantal period, adding a particular stone or brick to relevant to its age and purpose with special emphasis on Man’s obedience or disobedience to the plan.

The ending of one dispensation didn’t necessarily indicate a failure, but rather a finishing of a specific step in the continuation and completion of the plan of God that began with the foundation of the World and a Lamb slain for the procurement of eternal life:

  • Ephesians 2:19-22, “(19) Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  (20)  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  (21)  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  (22)  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
  • Revelation 13:8, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

God placed Man into a position where he had complete authority and dominion over all God’s creation on earth and the only way Adam could jeopardize his position in this new structure was by proving himself unfaithful to God’s architectural plan, which he did:

  • “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so” (Genesis 1:26-30).

In the Old Testament you will observe God continually working and establishing a better operation whereby the overall purpose of God could be realized – – reconciliation between Himself and Man.  Since sin is the line of demarcation between Creator and creation a bridge was needed to span that gap, and that bridge is Jesus Christ:

  • Romans 5:12-21, “(12) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  (13)  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  (14)  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.  (15)  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.  (16)  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.  (17)  For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  (18)  Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  (19)  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  (20)  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  (21)  That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The New Testament establishes the plan for mankind and God to be in communion again and reconciled to each other and it is a better in all points than the Old Testament plan.  The writer of Hebrews wrote that this new covenant was just better:

  • 1:4, “Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”[2]
  • 6:9, “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.”
  • 7:7, “And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.”
  • 7:19, “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”
  • 7:22, “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.”
  • 8:6, “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”
  • 9:23, “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.”
  • 10:34, “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
  • 11:16, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
  • 11:35, “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:”
  • 11:40, “God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
  • 12:24, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

Without the organization of this better plan, this better covenant, you would have not received such a super great salvation.  Your obedience and faith is necessary to receive its reward – – eternal life:

Hebrews 2:1-4, “(1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.  (2)  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;  (3)  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;  (4)  God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

The Logos (word, decree, mandate, reason)[3] of God became flesh and when you believe on Him (Jesus Christ) you have the promise of everlasting (eternal) life, and it all started with a plan, an organized plan of salvation that would put Man back in right relationship with His Creator and the creation he was to have dominion over:

  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not…. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-5, 14).
  • “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

It is God’s plan for you to have eternal life by turning towards Him in faith and obeying the blueprint He has established for all mankind – – The New Birth:

  • “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:1-8).
  • “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:37-39).

There is also the necessity of looking after the house and keeping it in proper working order through a life of holiness. To do otherwise will result in the destruction of that house:

  • “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “(19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  (20)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

When you adhere to the plan of God for Man’s salvation; continue building on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, the apostles and prophets; and, move ever closer to your eternal reward while maintaining a holy house, you will know the Word that became flesh and who is in fact “the true God and eternal life,” our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • 1 John 5:13-20, “(13) I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.  (14)  And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.  (15)  And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.  (16)  If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.  (17)  All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.  (18)  We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.  (19)  We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.  (20)  And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.”

[1] Originally written as an assignment for the Church Government course taught by Allen McMillan at Parkersburg Bible College (WV) on 10/6/2001 (“Why Organization Is Important”), edited on 9/3/2005, and revised on 10/24/2023.

[2] Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Savior, the Word of God made flesh, is the only begotten Son of God and therefore “so much better than the angels.”

[3] G3056. Logos. Thayer’s Greek Definitions.

Featured Image: Jesus Christ The Chief Cornerstone (Tyree AME Church, Philadelphia, PA, est. 1870)

Categories
Bible Teaching

Light In Darkness, Manifestation in Chaos

Message begins at 32:25 mark: https://www.facebook.com/apostoliclifecathedral/videos/736172267332492/ 

Text: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:1-5).

John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” (John 9:1-7).

We are engaged in a battle older than time itself: Light and Darkness

I come with a message from God to the Church, the prodigal, the hurting, and all those groping in the darkness, entitled:

Light in Darkness, Manifestation in Chaos

Since 1960, and the invention of the atomic clock, the rotation of the earth has been clocked. “The Earth’s 28 fastest days on record all occurred in 2020, with Earth completing its revolutions around its axis milliseconds quicker than average.”[1]

In fact, “this past summer, on July 19, the shortest day ever was recorded—it was 1.4602 milliseconds shorter than the standard.” [2]

Even the earth wanted to get out of 2020!

Sin leads progressively into darkness and chaos.

There is a direct correlation between the treacherous slope of sin and its destruction of nature and civilization.

Adam’s transgression brought decay and death, not only to himself, but also to the earth.

Cain, the first murderer, was afraid of what people would do to him for killing his brother Abel. God, in His mercy, set a mark on Cain so that nobody would touch him.

However, In just a few generations Lamech bragged about his murders, and had no fear of man or God.

In less than 2,500 years the order of God’s creation was once again in a chaotic mess of Flood and water as the earth suffered because of the sin of man.

But, there was an ark built to God’s pattern (a type of the church) by Noah, a man who found grace in God’s sight.

The Church is the only ark of safety Jesus has provided for this world of chaos.

Get in the Church and don’t leave her shelter…

            No matter how smelly or storm tossed she gets…

                        Regardless of how tempting it might seem to leave…

                                    Get in the Church.

                                                Stay in the ark of safety.

Today, we are dealing with a world in chaos and confusion. It is like the days before the creation: “Darkness moved upon the face of the earth.” Then God said, “Let there be Light,” and there was Light. 

Darkness dissipates before the Light, not vice versa: “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5).

Comprehended = “to take eagerly, that is, seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively): – apprehend, attain, come upon, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive, (over-) take.” [3]

What the world needs right now is Jesus.

What the Church needs is to awaken from slumber…

We need to step completely into the role for which we were re-born. Why? “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God” (Romans 8:19).

Manifestation is Light

This world in its present chaos (complete disorder and confusion[4]) is still hoping with expectancy for Light to pierce its Darkness and for salvation to come and shine hope and clarity into their confusion.

Jesus is the Light: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Jesus called us, His disciples, to be the Light of the world:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

It is time to SHINE

It is time to be the Light in Darkness

There are many artificial lights in the world, but there is only one true Light:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:1-9).

We are to bear witness of that Light!

Awake

First, stop your spiritual slumber and wake up.

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:10-12).

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:11-16).

Return

Second, we must return to Him.

To do that we need to get our relationship right with Him: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).

Pray

Seek God’s face and His will in prayer

Be sensitive to His voice (how He speaks to you) and obey Him.

Daily and continual prayer will bring a daily assignment.

When you receive your assignment, obey God and watch the power of the Light in Darkness as those around you see the manifestation of a child of God.

Love = Unity

In this hour, in this chaotic time, we need unity in love and purpose:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalms 133:1-3).

We need to lay our will down and say, like Jesus said, “Not my will but thine be done.”

The world is waiting for the manifestation of Light and the only way they can know that we are children of the Light and true disciples of Jesus Christ is when we manifest that love, first to each other and then to them:

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35).

Praise the Lord

Jesus deserves our total praise.

We would never be content with half-hearted displays of affection, and neither is Jesus. We should guard against tepid praise.

When the Church comes together, there should be an element of celebration and thanksgiving to God for what He has done, will do, and is currently doing:

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalms 103:1-8).

Depression, a broken spirit, is like a funeral shroud covering an individual who from outside shows signs of life, but it obscures a heavy darkness inside.

Some of these pews today carry the burden of depression worn as a garment heaviness by tormented and hurting souls sitting on them.

Good people? Yes!

Born again folk? Yes!

But hurting all the same…and tired, tired, tired of the battle.

This is why when we, the saints of the most high God, enter into this sanctuary, it becomes a sanctuary of praise:

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalms 100:1-5).

Reclaim and lay hold again on the uninhibited praise that springs from our lips, and shakes our hands, and moves us to tears as we sing, shout, and dance with holy abandon in total praise to Jesus Christ.

Not just because we serve a praisable and worthy Savior, but our praise creates an atmosphere where joy springs forth and the river of the Holy Gpirit flows with the healing waters of salvation, comfort, healing, deliverance.

You need, I need, we all need to recapture a spirit of Joy and praise and say, “Bless the Lord, o my soul and all that is within me…”

If you see someone praising God in an uninhibited fashion celebrate with them, you don’t know where God brought them from:

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears….O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalms 34:1-4, 8).

I assure you, as you praise God with all that is within you, you will lose track of time and you will simply see Jesus. Others will join in and the atmosphere will change as the pure unadulterated power of God will be made manifest.

In that atmosphere, the shekinah glory of God, lives will be changed, hearts mended, bodies healed, homes unified.

Go

God is a missionary and we serve a missional God who have given us a mission:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:15-18).

That is the true manifestation of Light in Darkness, of Order in Chaos.

[1] Doyle Rice. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/08/earth-spinning-faster-than-has-decades/6581600002/. Accessed: 1/10/2021.

[2] Bob Yirka. https://phys.org/news/2021-01-earth-faster.html. Accessed: 1/10/2021.

[3] Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. katalambanō (G2638).

[4] Chaos. Oxford Dictionaries.

<Originally preached on January 10, 2021, at Apostolic Life Cathedral>

Categories
Bible Teaching church history

The Promise

Text: John 14:15-18

(15)  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

(16)  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

(17)  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

(18)  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Isaiah 55:10-11, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

The Promise[1]

God keeps His promises.

Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

At no time on earth since Acts 2 has there been a moment when there wasn’t a Spirit-filled believer.

God’s Word is forever settled in Heaven and will accomplish its goal.  There are generally, two types of promises God makes with man in the Bible:

  1. Unconditional – The promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob did not depend on any future action on their part because they were unconditional and would come to pass regardless of anything that these men did or didn’t do:
    • Genesis 12:1-3 [sevenfold blessing], “(1) Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:  (2)  And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  (3)  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
    • Genesis 15:13-18, “(13) And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;  (14)  And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.  (15)  And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.  (16)  But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.  (17)  And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.  (18)  In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:Galatians 3:15-18, “(15) Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.  (16)  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.  (17)  And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.  (18)  For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.”
    • Joel 2:28-29, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
    • Isaiah 28:11-12, “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.  To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”
  2. Conditional – The Bible contains “if…then” statements.  These are requirements that you must meet to receive the promise.  They represent future acts that must be obeyed to receive the full promise:
    • 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
    • Acts 2:37-39, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

Some ask, “Why Tongues?”[2]

  1. God is not accountable to us for what He chooses to so.  He is Sovereign, Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Savior…He is GOD.
  2. Tongues is an initial external sign that must be followed by the continuing evidence of Fruit of the Spirit.
    1. Gal. 5:22-23, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…”
    1. John 3:8, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
  3. It is the consistent pattern of evidence established by God as essential in the New Birth:
    1. 1 Corinthians 12:13, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
      1. Acts 2:4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
      1. Acts 10:46, “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.”
      1. Acts 19:6, “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
  4. The tongue is the most unruly member of the body and when you receive the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues you are allowing God to control the most expressive part of your personality.  Man’s expression of emotion, intelligence, and communication is articulated through the tongue.

T. F. Tenney asked, “Why not tongues?”

Virtually the entire third chapter of James is devoted to admonishing the church to beware of that little member that boasts of great things. James goes on to refer to the tongue as a fire, and says that it is capable of defiling the whole body. Did you ever hear of fighting fire with fire? This is exactly what happens when the fire of God’s Spirit enters a man and gains control of his tongue.[3]

James refers to the tongue as the most unruly and hard-to-tame member of the body. Is there any wonder that God has chosen this sign to indicate complete submission to Him. The overpowering blaze of the Holy Spirit neutralizes the burning embers of the carnal tongue. At last the most unruly member of the body is conquered, and the Holy Spirit declares through it in a language known only to God, that Christ has been enthroned in the heart of the believer.[4]

Supernatural? Of course! But when we rob Christianity of its supernatural impetus, we have destroyed its vitality and passion.[5]

Some say, “It’s just for the Apostles and Early Church…”

            Irenaeus (died 202): “In like manner we do also hear many brethren in the Church, who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages, and bring to light for the general benefit the hidden things of men, and declare the mysteries of God.”[6]

            Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179: “sang in unknown words with such facility and winsomeness that her utterances were known as ‘concerts in the Spirit’.”[7]

            The Waldenses (c. 1217): these followers of Peter Waldo believed in visions and prophecies.[8] Both healing and speaking in tongues were manifested among these heavily persecuted Christians.[9]

            Early Quakers: “We received often the pouring down of the Spirit upon us, and our hearts were made glad and our tongues loosed and our mouths opened, and we spake with new tongues as the Lord gave utterance, and as His Spirit led us.”[10]

            John Wesley: People in Wesley’s meetings would be filled with the Holy Ghost while he preached.[11]

                    Thomas Walsh: (one of Wesley’s foremost preachers) made this entry in his diary; “This morning the Lord gave me a language that I knew not of, raising my soul to Him in a wonderful manner.”[12]

                    In England (1830) there was a revival under Edward Irving where gifts of the Spirit were manifested. One member of the congregations writes: “The moment I am visited with the Spirit, and carried out to God in a tongue which I know not… I am more conscious than ever of the presence of God. He and He alone is in my soul. I am filled with some form of the mind of God, be it joy or grief, desire, love, pity, compassion, or indignation; and I am made to utter it in words which are full of power over my spirit, but not being accessible to my understanding, my devotion is not interrupted by association of suggestions from the visible or intellectual world: I feel myself, as it were, shut in with God in His pavilion, and hidden close from the invasions of the world, the devil, and the flesh.”[13]

                    Charles G. Finney: “I received a mighty baptism in the Holy Ghost…No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart.”[14]

                    D. L. Moody: “On the following Sunday night, when I got to the rooms of the Y.M.C.A. I found the meetings on fire. The young men were speaking in tongues and prophesying. What on earth did it all mean? Only that Moody had been addressing them that afternoon.”[15] At a meeting in Los Angeles, Dr. R.A. Torrey told of a service in London where Moody took the pulpit to preach and instead broke into another language. He tried again, with similar results. The third time, after prayer and praise, he was able to preach his message.[16]

                    Charles H. Spurgeon: A British preacher told how Spurgeon once asked his audience to forgive him that when he got especially happy in the Lord, “I break forth into a kind of gibberish which I do not myself understand.”[17]

How Do I Receive this Phenomenon of the Holy Ghost?[18]

  1. Prepare your heart by obeying Acts 2:38 (Repent).
  2. Understand that God wants you to receive His gift as much as you want it…just ask Him for the Holy Ghost: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13)
  3. You must be hunger to receive His Spirit.
    1. Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
    1. James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
  4. Expect to receive: “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied” (Acts 19:6).
  5. Believe to receive: John 7:38-39, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”
  6. Relax!!

Promise of Christ’s Return:

            1 Corinthians 15:51-56, “51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Praying Someone Through to the Holy Ghost[19]

* Instruction in receiving Holy Ghost is NOT teaching someone to speak in tongues. It is the strategic practice of removing common roadblocks that keep people from receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking with tongues. *

  1. You must believe God wants to filled EVERYONE with the Holy Ghost and that God will work through you and confirm your words. Stop worrying about looking foolish. Surrender your fears about ego for the cause of the Gospel.
  2. You must conquer your personal fear…trust that God will come through – Take a risk
  3. Talk clearly and avoid distractions.
    • Do not speak in Christianese.
    • Do not talk too fast.
    • They must understand what the Holy Ghost is and how to yield to it.
    • Don’t spit on them.
    • Make sure you have pleasant breath.
    • Be certain that they can hear you.
  4. Ask them if they would “like to receive the Holy Ghost.”
  5. Explain repentance in simple terms – do not expect the exact result you had.
    • I usually try to connect them with what they are saying WHILE they are saying it. (Come on, _____You’ve got to mean it when you say it…etc)
  6. Stop them and ask if they “meant what they said.” – according to scripture they are “forgiven.”
    • Luke 11:9-10, “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
  7. Explain what happens next…and BUILD THEIR FAITH.
    • “Are you ready to receive the Holy Ghost?”
    • The Holy Ghost is a gift (Don’t beg, plead or even ask…just receive).All you have to do is lift your hands (as a sign of surrender) and begin to say out loud, “thank you Jesus for the Holy Ghost…”
    • There will come a point VERY QUICKLY…that sounds will come to your mind that you will not understand. When that happens you MUST speak out those sounds (sometimes I ask, “will you do that”).
  8. If the individual is not following your instruction, the chances are very low that they will receive the Holy Ghost. Tell them, “I’m going to lay my hands on your head just like they did in the Bible and when I do the same thing that happened then is going to happen to you. You will receive the Holy Ghost….BUT remember YOU must speak out those things that come to your mind. YOU have to speak the sounds out but the Holy Ghost will tell you what to say.” Ask them “When you hear those sounds will you speak it out?” (have them answer verbally…not nodding their head.)
  9. Have them begin “before” you lay hands on them, then lay hands on them.
    • Sidenote: (The practice of “laying on of hands”) – Forehead wrist to elbow. No weird massaging. I rarely lay hands on them until the last possible moment.
  10. Once they receive the Holy Ghost confirm it…almost EVERYONE has doubts.
    • Ask them 1st: “Did you hear yourself speak in tongues?”
    • Then: “So did God just fill you with the Holy Ghost?”
  11. Don’t allow someone to develop a habit of “seeking” for the Holy Ghost. Stop them after 2 or 3 minutes and build their faith.
    • Make sure they’ve really repented.
    • Encourage them.
  12. Close the deal with Baptism – Don’t ask…tell them they need to
    • (politely command).
    • (The disciples weren’t shy about commanding baptism).
  13. *** Be Sure to write down their contact information *** (This is how we begin the crucial process of discipleship).

Altar & Prayer Instructions[20]

Prayer 1—Focus on Talking to Jesus

Let’s close our eyes and invite Jesus to talk with us right now

<<Pray a simple prayer asking Jesus to speak and touch the hearts of everyone there>>

Jesus is here with us. The Bible says everyone has a bit of faith inside, and we can use that faith to talk to Jesus. Showing Jesus that we have faith makes Him happy.

We need Jesus. Life without Him is not good. We need Jesus to help us. We want Him to fill our hearts with His Spirit. We have faith, but His Spirit gives us the power to overcome.

When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, Jesus lives in our hearts. He gives us direction. He helps us do what is right. We are all special to God. When we worship Him with all our hearts, He can do special things in our lives.

Prayer 2—Repentance Prayer

For Jesus to live inside us, He has to clean out our hearts. Our faith helps us repent. It is time to tell Jesus we are sorry for the bad things we have thought and said and done. We are all going to ask Jesus to help us change and not do those things anymore.

<<After leading in a simple prayer of repentance,

invite children to the altar>>

Now our hearts are clean for Jesus to live in them, and it is time to ask Him to come into our hearts. If you are ready to use your faith and pray that right now, come to the altar

Prayer 3—At the Altar

Let me tell you three simple steps for praying:

  1. Close Your Eyes: First, close your eyes and think about Jesus and how much He loves you. Right now, all that matters is talking with Jesus. We are not going to look around at anyone else. This time is just for Jesus, when you can show Him you have faith and believe He wants to hear you. Just think about Him and begin to talk to Him like you would talk to your best friend. Use simple words that tell Him how much you love Him and how you want Him to be your best friend. Pray out loud; Jesus likes to hear your voice.
  2. Lift Your Hands: Now we lift our hands and reach to Jesus. We want Him to fill our hearts, so we put our faith to work by raising our hands to Him and showing Him we are open to Him. Keep talking to Jesus and telling Him what you want. If you want the Holy Ghost, ask Him for it. It’s like asking your mom or dad for a gift. Jesus wants to give you His gift.
  3. Talk to Jesus: Talk to Jesus in your outside voice. As you talk to Him, you may feel something very special start to happen. You may begin to feel like you are saying words you cannot understand. That is good, because those words are Jesus talking through you with your voice. Just let those words pour out of your mouth as you let Jesus come live in your heart.

Conclude every session with a time of thanks and praise to God. Also affirm children that they have done a good job of praying. Your prayers are very beautiful to God. He loves it when you reach out to Him. Your faith makes Him happy.

Encourage those who wanted to receive the Holy Ghost but did not that God loves them and is working in their lives. We will continue to pray, and God will continue to touch each of our lives as we continue to seek Him.

[1] This is an updated version of a sermon I originally preached on May 15, 2005, in Rockport, IN, to the congregation of Landmark Apostolic Bible Church, which was then pastored by the late and beloved James Denham.

[2] “Speaking In Tongues.” Various Authors. Retrieved 5-15-2005 from http://altupc.com/articles/tongues1.htm.

[3] T. F. Tenney. (1975). Pentecost-What’s That? ISBN 0-932581-83-8.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Against Heresies, V,6,1, Ibid., vol 1, p. 531

[7] George H. Williams and Edith Waldvogel, “A History of Speaking in Tongues and Related Gifts,” in The Charismatic Movement, ed. by Michael P. Hamilton, p. 70

[8] R. Kissack, “Waldenses,” The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church, ed. by J.D. Douglas, revised edition, p. 1026

[9] Gordon F. Atter, The Third Force, p. 13

[10] Bresson, Studies in Ecstacy, pp. 48-52

[11] http://www.holyspiritinfo.net/ch_hist.htm

[12] Entry of March 8, 1750, quoted by Frodsham, With Signs following, p. 232

[13] A.L. Drummond, Edward Irving and His Circle, pp. 161-162

[14] Charles G. Finney, Autobiography, p. 20

[15] Boyd, Robert, The Lives and Labours of Moody and Sankey, p. 47

[16] Lennard Darbee, Tongues: The Dynamite of God, p. 24.

[17] Ibid. p.24

[18] Principles of Doctrine: Lesson 11. “Holy Spirit Baptism.” Parkersburg Bible College.

[19] Pastor Rob McKee.  Ministers In Training Class.

[20] VBS Material. Pentecostal Publishing House. UPCI

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Unexpected and the Overlooked

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 9/3/2023 | 10:00 AM
Categories
Bible Teaching

The Bride of Christ

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 8/27/23 | 10:00 AM

Ephesians 5:25-28, “(25) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”

We’re going to a wedding…

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Divine Call for Intercessors

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 8/8/2023 | 7:00 PM

A harvest of souls and spiritual renewal (revival), has always been preceded by, and maintained through, intercessory prayer.[1]

Once the wheels of intercession are set in motion, cause and effect drive that assembly into a season of reaping and multiplication.

There has never been an accidental revival, or an unintentional renewal.

All growth in a Church follows four principles:

  1. Prayer
  2. Preaching
  3. Praise
  4. Personal Evangelism

Tonight, I want to cover that first principle, PRAYER, and specifically The Divine Call for Intercessors in this hour.

1 Kings 18:41-46 

(41)  And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.  (42)  So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,  (43)  And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.  (44)  And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.  (45)  And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.  (46)  And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

James 5:17-18

(17)  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (18)  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 

(1) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  (2)  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  (3)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  (4)  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Intercession is one of the most needed ministries of the last days.

The Church will reach its full level of harvesting power when the intercessors stand in the gap.

Intercessory prayer occurs when we are in perfect agreement and alignment with God, because God is praying through the intercessor.

It is not you praying, but God. You are the channel, conduit, tributary God flows through.

All He requires is that He finds a willing and available vessel.

A Divine Call for Intercessors

Romans 8:26-27 

(26)  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  (27)  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

  • The Spirit maketh intercession. The Holy Spirit of God.
  • Intercession = “interceded in behalf of,” to  make petition, plead with
  • It is the will and mind of God being revealed.
  • With groanings = too deep for words. It is travail of the Spirit of God.
    • “To sigh, murmur, pray inaudibly…“grief, groan, grudge, sigh.”[2]
    • A.D. Urshan to Anthony Mangun: “Hold your belly and groan.”

Those who answer the Divine Call have crucified themselves with Christ:

Galatians 2:20, “(20)  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 5:22-25, “(22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24)  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Notice three things (F.J. Ellis):

  1. It took a crucified body to save and redeem man.
  2. It took a crucified body to reveal God’s resurrection power.
  3. It will take a crucified body (the Church) to consistently pray to the Lord of the harvest.

Prayer is the passionate hope of Jesus.

It was his prayer request to us.

He did not seek for musicians, big buildings, or new programs (those all have their place); But, Jesus simply had one request, “Pray.”

This glimpse in the heart of Jesus Christ heart reveals to us the answer to the need and dilemma of our day.

He is calling you to pray

Matthew 6:5-13

(5)  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

  • Not “if,” but “when.”
  • Not for show or vainglory

(6)  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

  • The true intercessor who responds to the Divine Call will pray in private.

(7)  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

(8)  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

  • We are not to simply repeat this prayer verbatim, but it is a guide to us of to pray.
  • When we simply repeat “The Lord’s Prayer” we run the risk of devolving our time of intercession to vain repetition.

(9)  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 (10)  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

(11)  Give us this day our daily bread.

(12)  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

(13)  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Do you want to align yourself with the will and purpose of God?

PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

1 Timothy 2:1-4, “(1) I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  (2)  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  (3)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  (4)  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

  • “…first of all…prayers…”
  • “Who will have all men to be saved…”
  • Truth is essential, but prayer is the means by which Heaven is made accessible to mankind

2 Chronicles 7:1

(1)  Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house.

  • Prayer brought the fire of God.
  • It it was not until Solomon prayed that the fire fell.

2 Chronicles 7:14

(14)  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

  • God is divinely committed to the prayer of His people.
  • His eyes and ears are open to their call (prayer):
    • “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalms 34:15-18).

What happens in intercession?

Intercession is a divine burden that drives you to seek the will of God and pray until the answer comes, or there is a release in the Holy Ghost.

Back to our text:[3] 1 Kings 18:41-46

  • Verse 41 – Elijah heard the voice of God and prophetically spoke the will of God.
  • Verse 42 – The prophet then got on his face alone before God on top of Carmel. Because he knew the will of God, he went to prayer and would not quit praying until it came to pass.
  • Verse 43 – He sent his servant to look toward the sea. He saw nothing. The reality of the invisible did not stop Elijah. He not only kept praying, but also told his servant to go again seven times….until it happens.
    • First he saw a little cloud like a man’s hand
    • Then came a great rain.
    • James 5:16-18, “(16)  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  (17)  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  (18)  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

Don’t be surprised when the level of spiritual warfare you face increases as you answer The Divine Call to Intercede:

Matthew 4:1-11

Mark 1:12-13, “And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.”

[1] Primary Source: F. J. Ellis. Intercession-Key of Spiritual Warfare. (n.d.)

[2] Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. G4726 & G4727.

[3] F.J. Ellis

Categories
Bible Teaching

Being Salt, Being Light

Apostolic Life Cathedral | July 9. 2023 | 10:00 AM

Matthew 5:13-16, “(13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.“

Categories
Bible Teaching

Interrupted Ministry

I highly recommend this three-part series “Interrupted Ministry” regarding Moses and Elijah taught by Pastor Harold Hoffman of First Church (Stirling Heights, MI).

Interrupted Ministry (Lesson 1)
Interrupted Ministry (Lesson2)
Interrupted Ministry (Lesson 3)
Categories
Bible Teaching

Delighting In the Glory of God

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 7/11/2023 | 10:00 AM

Opening Text: Exodus 33:18-19

(18) And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

(19)  And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

Glory = “glory, honour, glorious, abundance, riches, spendour, dignity, reputation.”[1]  “Properly weight.”[2]

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Ancillary Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

(26)  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

(27)  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

(28)  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

(29)  That no flesh should glory in his presence.

(30)  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

(31)  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Delight in God’s Glory[3] = Glory in the Lord

Main Text: Jeremiah 9:23-24

(23)  Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

(24)  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

  1. Lovingkindness: God is always ready to grant both mercy and grace.
  2. Judgment: Because of His loving-kindness, God judged sin and placed on Christ the sin of all humanity at Calvary – “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” (1 Peter 2:21-25).
  3. Righteousness: Without a faith in the righteousness of God – believing that He is always dealing with you rightly and justly – you will never truly learn to love, trust and reverence Him – never knowing what it means to truly delight, glory, in the Lord. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
  4. “…for in these things I delight, saith the Lord…” – John Gill wrote: “…in showing mercy, grace, and favour, to miserable and undeserving men…” Jesus became “an offering for sin…”[4]

The best way to enjoy God forever is by glorifying Him now.

We have begun to delight in God when we determine to use every part of us – “…heart, soul, mind and strength…”[5] – to serve and follow Him.

Jonathan Edwards[6] – To delight in God’s Glory is enjoy a relationship with Him that is so complete that we have a:

  1. Hatred for sin.
  2. Fear of displeasing God.
  3. Hope in the promises of God.
  4. Contentment in the fellowship of God.
  5. Desire for more revelation of Jesus Christ.
  6. Exultation (rejoicing, celebration, joy) in the redemption He gives.
  7. Grief and contrition (godly sorrow) for failures of love. <Sin is a failure to show love properly.>
  8. Gratitude for undeserved benefits.
  9. Zeal (passion, enthusiasm) for God’s purpose.
  10. Hunger for righteousness.

Faith arises from the Principle of Divine Love:

[Love]…Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).

The Principle of Divine Love contains the Power of Perseverance[7]

It bears through all things, believes through all things, hopes through all things, endures through all things.

Not just “IN” all things, but “THROUGH” all things.

When you truly delight in God your loving relationship with Him is so exact and trusting that you know without a shadow of a doubt will get through whatever life brings your way.

Your relationship with God demands a faith – a persevering faith

The initial act of believing faith was a seed.

The continual act of faith is perseverance – letting the seed grow and mature in and through all things.

“…He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Our faith and delight in the glory of God is realized completely when we no longer glory in ourselves, but entirely on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then we will delight in what He delights in:

  • Lovingkindness = mercy, “goodness, kindness, faithfulness.”[8]
  • Judgment = “justice, right, rectitude [integrity, goodness, morality].”[9]
  • Righteousness = “justice, truthfulness, rightness, moderately [judiciously].”[10]

[1] H3519. Kâbôd. Brown-Driver-Briggs.

[2] H3519. Kâbôd. Strong’s.

[3] John Piper. (2015). The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker.

[4] Jeremiah 9:24. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible.

[5] Mark 12:30

[6] Notes from the writings of Jonathan Edwards.

[7] John Piper. (2015). The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker. ISBN: 978-0801017087.

[8] H2617. Chesed. Brown-Driver-Briggs.

[9] H4941. Mishpâṭ. Brown-Driver-Briggs.

[10] H666. Tsedâqâh. Brown-Driver-Briggs & Strong’s

Categories
Bible Teaching

Wisdom from Above

James 3:13-18

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Earthly, Sensual, Devilish Wisdom / Spirit of Jealousy[1] (vs. 14-16):

  1. Strife – The heated and often violent dissension between rivals.  Caused by a lack of agreement and a desire for discord.
  2. Criticism – disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings.  Shun negative people.
  3. Envy – To so begrudge another on account of their success, possessions, position, and so on, that you’d consider them an enemy and desire to ruin them at any cost.
  4. Greediness / Covetous – To have such a vehement and selfish desire for something that one would gain it even by defrauding another.
  5. Backbiters – To use false statements as a means to assassinate the character (reputation) of another.
  6. Emulation – To have such a fervent apprehension of a perceived rival that it would affect one’s happiness and cause one to strive to equal that rival solely for the sake of malice. Jealous rivalry!
  7. Selfish / Lovers of Their Own Selves – Caring supremely or unduly for one’s self; regarding one’s own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others.
  8. Bitterness – To be full of such resentment that you find yourself in a state of enmity to God.  Bitterness will eventually lead a person to apostasy.  Bitterness is also characterized by these qualities: implacableness; resentfulness; severity; keenness of reproach or sarcasm; deep distress, grief, or vexation of mind.

The earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom, which is contrary to the Wisdom from Above, is like an octopus living beneath the surface.

It will tend to protect the pride and ego of an individual (their treasure), by wrapping its various tentacles around what it desires to have by earthly, unspiritual or demonic means.

This particular spirit needs to be CAST OUT of the individual and at times even the Church itself.

Mural: Jewel City Seafood (Huntington, WV)

Opposite of Jealousy is Edification (to build up, establish, or strengthen a person).

Wisdom from Above (vs. 17):

  1. Pure – reverenced and considered sacred.  Clean and pure from carnality, infidelity, immodesty.
  2. Peaceable – to bring peace with or to love peace.  Freedom from dispute, strife, violence, or disorder.
  3. Gentle – patient, moderate, equitable, fair, mild, considerate, or amiable.
  4. Easy To Be Entreated – easy to work with or petition.  Approachable!
  5. Full of Mercy – kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.
  6. Full of Good Fruits – good and honorable results that follow from the rendering of mercy.  The measure of a person is the fruit they leave behind.  What follows you?
  7. Without Partiality – not doubtful, ambiguous, uncertain, or vacillating, but clear headed, decisive, and sure. 
  8. Without Hypocrisy – unfeigned, undisguised, sincere.

It takes humility to be able to admit when one has wronged another through jealousy, but this wisdom from above will bring peace to the lives of such people.

It will also produce the fruit of righteousness because the wisdom from above key to living a righteous life.

James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Remember this American Proverb: “A full ear of corn bends its head; an empty ear will stand upright.”

[1] Frank & Ida Mae Hammond. Pigs in the Parlor. p. 31. Accessed: 6/22/2023. https://ia601006.us.archive.org/8/items/PIGSINTHEPARLORByFrankIdaMaeHammond/PIGS%20IN%20THE%20PARLOR%20by%20Frank%20%20%20Ida%20Mae%20Hammond.pdf

Picture Credit: Tarik Tinazay / AFP – Getty Images file

Originally compiled on May 25, 2006.