Tag: Lord Jesus Christ

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Bible Teaching

The Purpose of Holiness

Text: Daniel 3:13-18

(13)  Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

(14)  Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

(15)  Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

(16)  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

(17)  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

(18)  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

The example of these three Hebrew men – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – tugs at our heart, penetrates our mind, and attaches to our soul because it calls to something greater and nobler within ourselves.

The notion, the belief, the conviction to stand in holiness for Jesus Christ no matter what threats, attacks, and fiery darts, seen or unseen, the adversary brings our way.

These three stood their ground BEFORE the pouring out of the promise of the Holy Spirit, and their example of holiness and faithfulness gives us great hope to stand in this evil day.

Today, we have the added benefit of Holy Ghost empowerment to face, as they did, persecution and martyrdom:

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses [Greek: martus[1]] unto me…” (Acts 1:8a)

“Those who after His example have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death.”[2]

It was their total commitment to God that wouldn’t allow them to compromise their faith and holiness — They Would Not Bow.

Because they refused to set aside their principles of faith and holiness:

  • Nebuchadnezzar got mad – the adversary always gets angry when his plans are thwarted.
  • A fiery furnace was heated up seven times hotter than normal
  • The Three Hebrews were thrown bound into the fiery furnace by the king’s mighty men
  • Those same mighty men died from the heat of the furnace
  • But there still standing, are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego unbound, unharmed, and not alone.
    • Don’t ever think that The Purpose of Holiness goes unseen and unaccounted for by God.
    • He sees, hears, understands and knows all things: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry” (Psalms 34:15).
    • “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death…” (Psalms 33:18-19a).
    • Psalms 147:5, “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
    • Isaiah 40:28, “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
    • Romans 11:33, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!”
    • Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
  • Yes, the LORD saw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stand.
  • Yes, He heard their declaration of faith and their commitment to remain holy, even if they were not delivered.
  • Yes, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9).

They were not alone, the Lord showed up, just in time (Dan. 3:24-28):

(24)  Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

(25)  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

(26)  Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

(27)  And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

  • When you understand The Purpose of Holiness you will know that you can walk in faith and holiness untouched, unharmed, unscathed by the adversary’s attack.
  • You will not be burnt, singed, or even carry the stench of hell on you.

(28)  Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

  • That is the The Purpose of Holiness: The willingness to die, to become a martyr if necessary, rather than serve or worship any god except the Lord Jesus Christ and to become His witness to this world.

The Purpose of Holiness

David K. Bernard on Holiness:

  • “God is holy; holiness is an essential attribute of His nature. With respect to Him, it means absolute purity and moral perfection. With respect to man, holiness means conformity to the character of God. We must be holy because God is holy (I Peter 1:15-16). It means thinking as God thinks, loving what He loves, hating what He hates, and acting as Christ would act.”[3]
  • “The essence of true holiness is to be Christlike, to live as He lived and, in any given situation, to act as He would act.”[4]
  • “Inward holiness will produce outward holiness, but the outward appearance of holiness is worthless without inward holiness. For example, a modest spirit will produce modest dress, but modest dress is of little value if it conceals a lustful heart.”[5]

Righteousness and holiness are inseparable (Romans 6:16-23):

(16)  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

(17)  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

(18)  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

(19)  I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

(20)  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

(21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

(22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

(23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Purpose of Holiness is realized when you allow the Holy Spirit of Christ to abide in you and submit to His influence in your life

Our Jesus lived a life of holiness with the purpose of saving you from being beat down by the self-destructive lifestyle of sin.

He purposed to redeem you from the enslavement of sin by breaking every chain and fetter to it when He condemned sin in His flesh.

The Son’s life of holiness delivers you from the wages of sin (Death) by granting you the gift of God (Eternal Life).

Jesus’ purposeful life of holiness has inexorably, inevitably, and most certainly empowered you to live a holy life, even to the point where the threat of death will lead you so say, as those three Hebrew men of Daniel’s day said to a heathen king:

“…we will not try to defend ourselves. If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then He will. But even if he doesn’t…we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up” (Dan. 3:16-18).

2 Cor. 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Jesus was not just a substitutionary sin offering for you and I, and He certainly did not become a sinful person on the cross.

But, He became the Sin-Bearer for all of humanity: you, and I, and all that have lived, are living, and shall ever live.

“He has made Him to be sin for us!”

When we consider Jesus and The Purpose of Holiness:

  • It was “for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8b).
  • “Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem [another word they could have used was purpose[6]] Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But
    • He was wounded for our transgressions,
    • He was bruised for our iniquities:
    • the chastisement of our peace was upon Him;
    • and with His stripes we are healed.
  • All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Doesn’t Jesus deserve your praise right now?

This moment right here is the perfect time for you to lift, or clap, your hands in praise to the One who bore your sins and your iniquity.

Right now, raise your voice in a victorious shout to the One who has healed you, delivered you, and given you peace.

Right now, let the love for the One who is your Savior break forth in a symphony of praise and worship.

Right now, Let’s all praise our Jesus together!

[1] Thayer’s Greek Definitions. G3144.

[2] Ibid.

[3] David K. Bernard. Practical Holiness: A Second Look

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Strong’s. H2803

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Life of Holiness

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 12/12/2023 | 7:00 PM

Categories
Bible Teaching

The Way of Holiness

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 11/28/2023 | 7:00 PM

Text: Leviticus 20:26

(26)  And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.

I have noticed over the years that some topics seem to raise the hackles on the saints, and at the bare mention of certain key words barriers are put in place.

When a preacher begins to address money, submission, or culturally acceptable, but biblically repudiated sins, mental and spiritual walls are raised and the man of God begins to wage a war to penetrate the barrier that separates the Good Word of God from the minds and hearts of the people.

Holiness is such a word. Hebrew: qadosh = a sacred place…dedicated thing…hallowed…holiness…holy…saint…sanctuary.[1]

You see, God intends to have a holy people, and I would be a poor preacher indeed if I preached only the palatable, only the delectable delights, the banana splits, if you will, of the Word of God.

If I simply stand aside and watch the people of God try to walk in holiness by trial and error, it would be a sin for me to hide from them the whole counsel of God.

Especially, when the Word of God is full of holiness teaching.

Especially, when by ignoring that teaching I fail to let you see Jesus in His totality.

Because God is HOLY, and He has commanded us to be HOLY.

1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [behavior]; (16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

He is sacred, pure, morally blameless

Even unclean spirits recognize Him as holy:

Mark 1:23-26, “(23) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, (24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. (25)  And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. (26)  And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.”

And no wonder, sometimes the devils have greater understanding than we do:

James 2:19-20, “(19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (20)  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

It is interesting the role of faith in the life of the believer: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

To have faith for anything that the Bible teaches, including the life of holiness, there must be instruction given from the Word of God.

When you receive that instruction and begin to purposely walk in the way of holiness, you will find the perfect path to God.

  • Is. 35:8, “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”
  • “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 40:3-5).
  • Jesus simply said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
  • Paul identified “The Way” as an identifying name of the early church: “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: (Acts 24:14).

What Way? The way of holiness that Jesus both prepared, exampled, taught and for us.

I’m talking to you about Holiness, and I’m talking about Jesus. He is Holy, He is the Way.

In Acts 4:27, 30 Peter prayed to the Father and referred to the Christ as “thy holy child Jesus.”

Living a clean life relieves the mind, is less stressful on the body, and helps you to maintain a peaceful spirit.

The world needs people who are holy and happy, not more religious people, but more holy people.[2]

Truly holy people are happy people – “We’re a happy people, yes we are…”

Holiness occurs when your faith and obedience to Jesus Christ, allows the power of the Holy Ghost to change you:

Ephesians 4:22-24, “(22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  (23)  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  (24)  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

That change is evidenced when you allow God’s grace to teach you how to walk in holiness in this present world:

Titus 2:11-14, “(11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Peculiar = a people selected by God from the other nations for his own possession.[3]

Holiness identifies you definitively as peculiar: Holy, Sacred, Separate, Apart.

So, Paul continued in his letter to the Ephesian Church (Ephesians 4:23-32):

(23)  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

(24)  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

(25)  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

(26)  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

(27)  Neither give place to the devil.

(28)  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

(29)  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

(30)  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

(31)  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour [noise, disorder…brawl[4]], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

(32)  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

That is THE WAY OF HOLINESS

I remember a time in my life that preceded great change, and the Lord dropped this passage in my spirit:

“And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine” (Leviticus 20:26).

Holiness:[5]

  • “separation,” or “setting apart.”
  • “Holiness is a general term used to indicate sanctity or separation from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect.”
  • “It is moral wholeness.”
  • “The term is used with reference to persons, places, and things.”

Holiness and separation are inseparable when walking The Way.

We are separated from the practices of sinful people and the ungodliness of this present world,

and we separated unto the Lord Jesus Christ, who is “the way, the truth and the life.”

So, in closing…

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

(14)  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

(15)  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

(16)  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

(17)  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

(18)  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

[1] Strong’s. Brown-Driver-Briggs. H6918.

[2] Clifton Jones. (2005). Holiness Teaching in Unholy Times.

[3] Thayer. G4041.

[4] Strong’s. G2906.

[5] The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary.

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Consider this...

The Healthy Church Podcast – Spiritual & Practical Sides of Ministry

Episode: The Spiritual and Practical Sides of Ministry (12/09/2023): https://sites.libsyn.com/4474441/the-spiritual-and-practical-sides-of-ministry#

We were recently blessed, in West Virginia, by the ministry of Pastor Alan Hosch, and his wife, Rachel. He has been a senior pastor for 18 years and has served the last 14 years as senior pastor of Apostolic Gospel Church of Harris, Minnesota. The Hosch’s also have three sons and two daughters-in-law.

Alan & Rachel have a beautiful ministry of encouragement, especially for those in pastoral ministry. He is also a missionary to South Asia, a podcaster, a bi-vocational pastor and has recently written a book entitled The Healthy Church.

If you serve in any area of ministry The Healthy Church will be a blessing to you. I appreciate Pastor Hosch for having the burden and vision to write such a book because he is addressing issues that need addressed right now in the the Body of Christ.

As presbyter of section 4 in the West Virginia / Wester Maryland District of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI), it was my honor to host our section’s annual ministers and spouses Christmas banquet. Pastor Hosch and I were reacquainted at General Conference of the UPCI and after we spoke the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask him to be our guest speaker at the event. I am so glad he was able to oblige us because what he shared with over 60 the pastors, ministers and spouses richly blessed and encouraged them as he spoke on the necessity of refusing to allow the enemy to bind them and their ministries with thoughts of inadequacy and condemnation. If you need similar encouragement, read his book!

Pastor Hosch also has a podcast entitled: The Healthy Church Podcast, which contains over 20 episodes where he has interviewed many ministers from a wide variety of ministries and experiences. If you recognize these names then you will want to give the podcast a listen: Raymond Woodward, Aaron Soto, Jerry Dean, Brian Kinsey and others.

I was pleasantly surprised and honored when Pastor Hosch asked to interview me for the episode linked at the top of this page (and below). Normally, I would not be so bold as to post a podcast I’m in and ask everyone to listen to it, but I believe that Alan Hosch has been situated at a strategic time by God to ask questions, open topics and engage in dialogue that needs to be discussed in our movement.

Some questions in the interview:

  • What is the greatest challenge to the practical side and/or administration of the local church?
  • What is the greatest challenge to the spiritual side of local church ministry?
  • How does one use the Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge to understandthe hidden struggles in the church?

So, I hope you will give it a listen: The Spiritual and Practical Sides of Ministry.

You can also find The Healthy Church Podcast on Spotify.

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Categories
Bible Teaching

Sitting at the Well

Apostolic Life Cathedral | 11/19/23 | 10:00 AM

Dwelling in the secret place with Jesus and allowing the living water of the Holy Spirit to flow continuously.

Categories
Bible Teaching

Heart Attack – Harold Hoffman

Another highly recommended series taught by Pastor Harold Hoffman of First Church (Stirling Heights, MI).

Heart Attack | Lesson 1 | Harold Hoffman
Heart Attack | Lesson 2 | Harold Hoffman
Heart Attack | Lesson 3 | Harold Hoffman
Heart Attack | Lesson 4 | Harold Hoffman
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