Category Archives: Holiness

Church Attendance

SmallChurchAZ“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” (Psa 122:1 KJV)

Church attendance is a must for the Spirit filled Christian. The Christian who seeks to develop a healthy and mature relationship in Christ will seek to attend every service possible in order to edify and nurture not only themselves, but to help others to grow, and to be examples and witnesses to their own families.

Church attendance out of a sense of duty is dead spiritually speaking. Church attendance should be a joyous occassion in which the mature saint will look forward to every time the sanctuary doors are open.

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:23–25 KJV)

We, as Christians, should seek to build and edify the church. One of the most effective ways is through encouragement by example. We are all called to be a Saint. In our calling, we should profess God in our mouth and in our action. A person who has trouble attending church usually derives no joy from it, but merely attends out of his or her sense of duty. This kind of attendance only leads to feelings of resentment.

Requirements of Spiritual Leadership

Scripture gives us a clear model on how to become an effective and a mature leader. The following is a quote from 1st Timothy chapter three.

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.” (1 Tim 3:1–12 KJV)

The requirements for true, Spirit led leadership were given under influence of the Holy Ghost by Paul to Timothy, a young pastor. 1 Timothy 3:1-12 lists these qualifications as the requirements for a bishop, or pastor, but they are good principles to apply in every leadership capacity you may find yourself in.

  • Blameless- innocent of wrong doing or correcting wrong.
  • Husband of one wife- holding to a morally pure lifestyle doing things after God’s heart rather than seeing what you can legally get away with.
  • Vigilant- Alert full, always on the watch, consulting the Word as our measuring stick while we stand guard over that which God has given us.
  • Sober- having a sound mind to correctly assess and discern correct choices when confronted with problems.
  • Good behaviour- Having good behaviour means you are leading in a compassionate and loving way. It is a characteristic of the love described in 1 Cor 13.
  • Hospitality- No one can effectively lead if they have no sense of hospitality.
  • Apt to teach- As a leader, you must be willing to invest time and energy into training the next generation. In the Navy, we have a saying: ‘Train your relief’. In other words, you will eventually die or move on to another area of ministry or leadership, and a true leader must be responsible enough to train the man or woman who will fill their position when they are gone. Immature leaders do not do this.
  • Abstaining- You must display self control as a leader.  If you are addicted to anything, that displays a lack of self control, and the good leader will recognize these problem areas and correct them in his/her life.
  • Non-violent- A violent personality is not an acceptable trait in leadership. You must be able to build up and edify as a leader. A leader who leads by fear is no leader at all, but a dictator.
  • Not greedy- A greedy person is self centered and does not care about the whole. As such, the greedy person cannot effectively lead due to his/her clouded vision. A good leader will put aside their own greed and plant seeds of generosity in their charges to see the community they lead grow.
  • Patient- A good leader must be patient, prayerful and willing to wait on God rather than make hasty decisions which they might regret later on. It seems time helps to develop patience as young leaders seem more susceptible to hasty decisions than those leaders who have spent some time leading. Of course this should also not be an excuse for inaction when the time is right, or in times of true crisis. At these infrequent times, the leader must be flexible enough to act decisively.
  • Self-control- Not a brawler. If a leader is hot-headed, his/her ministry will become stagnant. An effective leader should not fly off the handle at the least little bump in the road.
  • Not a coveter- A good leader will refuse to covet another’s ministry, possessions, or place / status in life. An effective leader will use the principles found in scripture to benefit their own and other’s ministries.
  • Rules his own house- A leader must understand enough of the principles of leadership to effectively rule his/her own family before they can hope to lead outside of their immediate families. Ruling their own house also includes a basic understanding of the functions or roles God has ordained in scripture for the man and woman in the home.
  • Not prideful- Pride has been the downfall of many would be leaders. Satan was ordained to be the leader of the angels whom worshipped God in heaven. Unfortunately for Satan, he let pride be his downfall. A good leader will not let his/her ego become inflated, nor will they place others on a pedestal. An excellent leader will lead by example, ensuring his or her pride will not become their downfall. We would do well to take pride in our families, in our appearance, in the people we lead, but puffing ourselves up is the pride of life which leads to our ruin.
  • Reputation- How our reputation is perceived by those we lead, and our peers, and our superiors, tells a lot about our moral character and how developed our leadership skills are.  A great leader will strive to be trustworthy and protect his/her name from all filthiness which could do harm to their reputation.
  • Steadfast- Are you, as a leader, steadfast in your commitment to the Word of God? A steadfast leader is one who is unwavering in their belief in God and in His promises.

These are the requirements for effective, Spirit led leadership which the Apostle Paul sent to Timothy. No matter what role of leadership you find yourself in, you must do your very best to assimilate these principles from the Word of God into your leadership tool bag. Doing so will see your ministry and leadership role grow; and your commitment to the things of God will deepen in the effective employment of these principles.

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The Word is Infallible

While reading Understanding God’s Word by David K. Bernard, the following statements are made in its opening pages which I find valuable enough to repeat here.

The Bible Is God’s Word

The Bible asserts its unique status as the Word of God, and it speaks with self-vindicating authority. The prophets and apostles who wrote the Bible testified that the Spirit of God moved upon them as they wrote. Jesus Christ endorsed the Old Testament as Scripture, and He commissioned the writers of the New Testament to proclaim His message. Thus, if we accept Jesus Christ as Lord, we will accept the authority of the Bible.

We can establish that the Bible is God’s Word by carefully examining its claims, character, historical and scientific verification, and impact upon human society. The fulfilled prophecies of the Scriptures are an amazing testimony to its supernatural origin. Finally, we can demonstrate the truth of the Bible by applying it to our lives, receiving its promises, and experiencing its dynamic power personally.

The cumulative effect of these points is to establish overwhelmingly, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Bible is God’s Word. God has challenged us to prove His Word; when we do we will find it to be true in every way. The Bible then becomes the standard of truth by which we measure all things.
(from Understanding God’s Word, Copyright © 2005 David K. Bernard. All rights reserved.)

How so very true. God’s Word is are yardstick for Christians everywhere. It is what we should measure our lives against. The fact that the Holy Scriptures really are God’s word to mankind is testified to in numerous accounts, the like of which David Bernard goes into great depth exploring. For a shortened version: know that the word of God as found in the sixty six books of the bible is what you need to live your life pleasing before God. Examine His Word, live its principles, and you will find joy and peace amongst any storms that come into your life.

Our help comes from the Lord

Remaining Calm in the knowledge of Jesus Christ

Even though life seems to throw its curve balls at us, we must remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is our strength and our Saviour.  In times of need we are instructed to take our burdens to the Lord by prayer and praise to Him.  Consider the following verses of scripture. First in the King James Version, followed by the Amplified Version of the Scriptures.

 

Philippians 4

 

King James Version (KJV)

 

6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Amplified Bible (AMP)

6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [e]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.

The Amplified Version seems to clear up some of what Philippians is talking about.  We should not worry, but take everything to God in prayer while giving thanks to Him.  His mercy endures forever and we can place the burden we’ve been carrying around on His shoulders.  1 Peter and Matthew help to amplify the meaning of Paul’s words in his letter to Phillipi.

1 Peter 5:7

King James Version (KJV)

7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 6:25

Amplified Bible (AMP)

25 Therefore I tell you, stop being [a]perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?

As can be clearly understood in the previous verses, we need not be anxious or overly concerned with the struggles we encounter in life.  If you have obeyed the Scriptures, have repented, been baptized in Jesus’ name, and recieved His Holy Spirit with the initial sign of speaking in an unknown tongue, then you are a child of the King.  You can cast your burdens on Christ and rejoice for you are free!

 

 

The PIT

Avoid the PIT that traps you on Monday. All to often, after feeling the burden being lifted by connecting with Jesus on Sunday we lay down in defeat on Monday. THE PIT is post-service intimidation tirade which is a favorite technique used by the devil in beating saints down.
One of the best ways to avoid the PIT is through a consistent prayer life.
Another way is through the meditation on God’s Word.

This was a great thought from an excellent message by our Connecticut District Superintendant, Bishop Hanson.

Holiness

Heb. 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Holiness is the separation of sin and worldly pursuits and the dedication to God and godly pursuits.

1Pet. 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

There is no neutral ground in the spirit realm.  You are either in God’s will or Satan’s will.  One is a Holy family, a royal priesthood.  The other is an unholy family, an unregenerate people.

Rom. 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Pray without ceasing

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing; New American Standard Bible (NASB)

  • προσεύχομαι:  To pray to God, supplicate, worship
  • ἀδιαλείπτως:  uninterruptedly, without omission.

We should always strive to pray and worship our God without breaking the stream.  To give God honor and praise is to continually think on Him not only in our thoughts, but also in our actions.  What Paul was teaching is that everything in our lives should be Holy and pleasing to God.

When we are on the job or at school, we should do our work as if we were doing it for Jesus.  When we are at home, we should take care of our homes as if we were going to be entertaining Jesus this night.  In everything we do give thanks, and worship/pray without ceasing to give God the glory!

The Unforgivable Sin

Gen 25:29-34 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.

Jacob was 15 years old when his grandfather, Abraham died. Jacob was preparing a soup of rounded lentils for the seudat havra’ah. Esau, belligerent and not regarding tradition left for the fields going to and fro in them. Eventually tiring of his travels, Esau came back, saw his brother preparing the food for their grieving father and mother, expected Jacob to serve him for he was too tired to prepare anything for himself, and had no respect for the meal of mourning.

Esau proceeds to show his utter disregard for God and his denial of God’s power and authority by scorning his birthright. Genesis 25:34 record’s Esau’s contempt for his position and inheritance given by God. The Levital priesthood could be contrasted with Jacob as their role as priests started in this fashion as the people were given over to idolatry and worshipped the golden calf. Exodus 32:25-29 records the deeds of the sons of Levi and Numbers 8:18 records the inheritance they received when the firstborn of all of Israel failed to obey God’s vessel.

Enter a new covenant!

Jesus tells us the following statements:
Mar 3:28-29 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: The phrase ‘never forgiveness’ is translated from four Greek words which are ‘ou aphesis eis aion‘ which literally means ‘absolute negative, freedom, into, this age or world’. In other words, those who blaspheme (speak evil of or rebel against) the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) have their freedom (or figuratively birthright) taken away from them for the rest of this age.

Just as Esau rebelled against God and sold his birthright (or favor with God), disrespecting his family in the process, so to those who rebel against God in this age, attributing the works of God to the devil (glossolalia comes to mind) stands in judgment of losing their place as a royal priesthood called out by Christ Jesus (1Pe 2:9). What is the unforgivable sin? Simply denying God’s existence. To do that, we become hated by God as was Esau (Malachi 1:1-3; Romans 9:13). This of course means more than having a doubt as to God’s existence, but rather it means seeing the power of God, knowing God exists, but yet making the willful choice to turn our backs to God and curse Him. For that choice, one marks his or her own fate.

What is an Apostolic Pentecostal?

When I think of the myriad of ways that people use those two adjectives, it makes me wonder what other people consider to be Apostolic Pentecostal.I know my definition, which I’ll share here in a few minutes, but what is your definition? What do you think an Apostolic Pentecostal should be? I would wager most oneness churches do not have a strict code of thou shalt bes in order to be a member in the congregation, but I expect most would want their saints to eventually mature in to stable God-fearing saints who produce a lot of fruit.

So here is what I define as an Apostolic Pentecostal. Some may lok at this list and think that I have cut and pasted most everything out of the United Pentecostal Church International’s (UPCI) statements of what they believe. That is not true however; I had these beliefs even before I knew that the church I attended in Okinawa Japan (The church I was baptized and received the Holy Ghost in) was a member church in the UPCI. Well, without further ado, here is what I mean when I talk about Apostolic Pentecostal, and what I base most of the articles on this blog about.

  • A belief in one God and a denial of the Trinity as a false doctrine that has spread through the church like a viral infection
  • Baptism by complete immersion invoking the name of Jesus during the baptism
  • Baptism by the Holy Ghost (Spirit) with the evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue
  • Living a holy lifestyle which includes:
  • bridling the tongue (cussing excluded from vocabulary… learn new adjectives!)
  • Dressing modestly to include skirts and dresses on women and full length pants on men
  • Praying included in daily routine
  • Devotional Bible reading
  • Showing evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit in your life

Well, as you can see, that is some of what I consider important in being defined as an Apostolic Pentecostal person. A devotion to God and His Word is paramount in being a Christian, and with the help of the Holy Ghost in your life, none of these things are impossible. In fact they are down right easy when you walk and talk them every day! This post is dedicated to Apostolics everywhere who believe and teach the same.