Archive for the ‘Pastors’ Category
Gates Without Fences
Gates Without Fences
A gate without a fence is like having standards in a church without enforcement. Some preachers say that they preach holiness and that they preach against sin, but they never name the sin nor enforce what they preach.
They brag about having a gate. They point at their gate. They might even decorate their little gate. But since there is no fence attached, the people feel they can live for God without any restrictions. Dress like they want. Go where they want. Watch what they want. Do what they want. Live like they want. They easily wander toward whatever worldly thing attracts them… Seemingly without consequence from their leadership.
Fences are built to keep the unwanted out. Fences are necessary for living Godly in an Ungodly World. Why wouldn’t you want a fence?
Advice from an old man? If you choose to put up a gate, make sure you include a good fence.
If you don’t, you will never be taken seriously as a man of God. You will have nothing but a congregation of world-minded members who are comfortable being carnal.
If a pastor is afraid to enforce doctrine and enforce separation from the world, because he may lose some of his members. He is not much more than a hireling in God’s Eyes. He is not pleasing to God. His congregation is trying to survive spiritually on pop-psychology type sermons and may be lost. They sing and preach about a Holy God, without wanting to be Holy themselves.
They Brag about their Gate. But, they don’t have a Fence!
(If You’re Serious About Being Saved. Make Sure You Have A Fence Around You For Protection.)
Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers
Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers
Driftwood was once a strong growing limb connected to a tree trunk. It received its nourishment and source of strength from its roots. But, something happened that forever changed its appearance and characteristics. The harshness of the wind and sea forever marked it as unsuitable for residential or commercial construction. Lumber Yards do not sell driftwood.
Now and then, in coastal areas, a passerby may spot a store that seems to specialize in driftwood.
As a rule, the best that one can expect it to be now is a space filler or maybe an ornament. It can be painted, sprayed, bleached, washed, stained, and overlaid, but it is still what it is.
Most of us look at its unusual formations and decide whether or not it’s something we would like to look at all the time. Occasionally, pieces are picked up by some and taken home. Sometimes, a piece of driftwood is used as decoration on the lawn or flower bed.
If a cottage is located on a beach and a storm brings driftwood on the property, it’s next residing place is the county dump. Or, at best, dried out and used for firewood.
Driftwood dealers are unusual at best. The strangest driftwood dealers of all are the… Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers.
Some Pentecostal Churches seem to have a custom of keeping all the driftwood that appears in their pews. At best, it only fills space.
But, What Do You Expect To Build Out Of Driftwood?
Do those Pentecostal Driftwood Dealers ever wonder or ask where the driftwood came from, or why it detached itself from its source? Do they ever trace its back trail and call the former pastor? No? Why not? Sadly, some Driftwood Dealers play finders keepers.
Driftwood Has Also Been Called:
- Flotsam
- Jetsam
- Debris
- Wash-out
- Wreckage
- Junk
- Trash
- Waste
- Scrap
And, about sixty more names on https://www.powerthesaurus.org/driftwood/synonyms
Pastor… Is This The Material You Expect To Use To Build Your Church?
How can you better your congregation by taking in someone who left their home church because they had a problem with Holiness or Standards?
Why let someone who has a problem Submitting to their Pastor’s Authority influence your congregation?
Warning!!! Their past Moral problems may easily continue.
If you expect driftwood to once again become connected to any root system you will be disappointed. You do know that what floats in, may also float back out? Is it the need for numbers that drive you to take in whatever you can regardless of the cost?
Are you so dishonest and unscrupulous that you never pick up a phone and call their former pastor? Or, even ask for a letter? Your greed for new members cheapens your ministry.
Who was your pastor? Why weren’t you even taught the basics of ministerial ethics? What keeps you from just sending the driftwood back to where it came from or let it continue on its way? Are you happy being known among your brethren as a Driftwood Dealer? Good men will question that about you, and if you persist, they may also question other things about you as well.
Ministerial ethics doesn’t carry any particular color of fellowship card. One is either ethical or not ethical at all. How can you consider yourself ethical when you keep what is not yours?
God Has A Problem With Those Who Keep Their Neighbors Sheep When It Strays Into Their Pasture.
Lev 6:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Lev 6:2 If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour;
Lev 6:3 Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein:
Lev 6:4 Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,
Lev 6:5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.
Lev 6:6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest:
Lev 6:7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.
*If God Required Gopher Wood For The Building Of Noah’s Ark…
*If He Demanded That Acacia Wood Used In The Construction Of The Tabernacle…
*Then Know That The Lord Is Particular And Will Not Build His Church Out Of Driftwood!
God Detests Driftwood Dealers.
Neighbor Pastors Detest Them As Well.
Sir? Are You A Pastor According To God’s Heart, Or Just A Driftwood Dealer?
Do You Obey Your Doctor More Than You Obey Your Pastor?
Do You Obey Your Doctor More Than You Obey Your Pastor?
It seems like people obey their doctors more than they obey their pastor. There is a great disparity of respect in the hearts of society between the two. This is openly demonstrated in the way their advice is treated.
The role of a doctor is greatly honored by our society. A doctor’s diagnosis and his orders are so respected that state laws support him. In extreme cases, some states have been known to incarcerate individuals for their non-compliance to the doctor’s orders.
A pastor is greatly honored as well. The members of the congregation can choose to heed his advice. His words are sometimes received with suspicion or outright rejection. The following fictional scenarios may help describe the difference:
PATIENT 1
The new patient sat anxiously in the examination room while the doctor looked over the file holding all the test results. He made notations every now and then. Without a word, he picked up a thick book and thumbed back to the index. He located the reference he was looking for and made a few notations on the chart.
The doctor then asked a few pertinent questions and checked the patient’s vital signs. He then turned and began to write several prescriptions.
The doctor folded the top cover back over the chart and in his best bedside manner broke the news to the patient and his spouse.
“As you know, your blood work came back and I didn’t like what I saw. So, that’s why I ordered the MRI. The bad news is, you have a mass that concerns me, it’s still contained, but if it is cancer and left untreated, it will be fatal.”
The patient then willingly goes through several months of chemo treatments. They endure more moments of pain and nausea than they wish to remember. They change their eating habits and strictly adhere to the diet the doctor gave them.
They also go back every week or so to the doctor’s office for checkups. The journey to recovery maybe years. They will pay the cost and tolerate every inconvenience just to survive. They brag on their doctor and sing his praises when they go into remission.
The cost of the treatment: It varies, but sometimes runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The weekly office visits aren’t cheap either.
Patient 2
The Holistic Doctor looked at her patient. She told him that the cancer had spread. Her prescription was not written on paper, but she advised her patient to drink nothing but a mixture of carrot and asparagus juice. Eat no solid food, and drink only water and the carrot juice cocktail.
She then sells the patient an expensive juicing machine. The patient goes home and ingests nothing into his body but water and the prescribed juice for one year. Friends shake their heads at the patient’s willingness to follow through with the strict regimen.
Visits are made to the office to monitor his progress. After a year, the results are in. The patient is cancer-free. He testifies openly and brags on the results. The diet worked.
The costs of the doctor’s visits weren’t cheap either. Even though the health insurance wouldn’t pay, he happily refinanced his house to pay for his recovery.
In both scenarios, the patient did whatever was asked of them, and willingly paid for their costly treatment. They had no problem doing weekly or monthly follow-up visits. They love their doctors. They are healed.
Church Scene 1
The pastor sits in the office with a crying young man. He tells the pastor what has happened. He is ashamed.
The pastor had great hopes for him. He had shown so much potential. Now there’s much damage and others will be affected.
When the crying ends, the pastor prays with the man and then says, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to take you off the platform and set you down for a while. I want to help you recover yourself”
“How long will I be set down?”
“We’ll see. It depends on how you do. I want to see you in the prayer room before every service. I don’t want you having anything to do with the people we just talked about. I want to see some evidence of your repentance. You can recover. I will be here for you. Call me anytime if you need me or feel yourself getting weak again. I love you.
When the office visit is over, the pastor/saint relationship is over too. Rather than submit to the pastor’s prescription for recovery, and be set down for a while, the man changes churches.
The cost was nothing to the church member. The pastor gave of himself to no avail. The church lost money, a member and quite possibly, a soul.
Church Scene 2
The pastor stood behind the pulpit, his sermon had been impressed upon him in prayer. The Lord stirred his heart to preach against the things of the world that were in the church.
Signs of worldliness had shown itself here and there in the congregation. He preached the essentiality of Acts 2:38. He said when you get this Holy Ghost experience, your life changes. Your friends change. You dress holy. You don’t do the things you used to do. You no longer go to the places you used to go.
The lack of response from the audience loudly stated their reaction to the sermon. A few members looked sideways at their friends and family to catch their reaction. They mostly just looked at the preacher without a visible reaction.
After service, a few phone calls were made. A private meeting was set up. Then a formal meeting was arranged. The pastor was voted out.
The cost? Whatever it was, the people refused to pay it.
I Am Not Talking About Bad Doctors Or Bad Pastors.
I Am Addressing How Even Good Doctors And Good Pastors Sometimes Get Treated Differently.
There are many people alive today because they followed the good doctor’s advice.
There are also many people spiritually alive today because they followed the advice of their good man of God.
Thank God For Every Saint Who Loves His Or Her Pastor Enough To Obey Him.
Jesus said: John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Do You Obey Your Doctor More Than You Obey Your Pastor?
You Really Need To Say Amen! It Means You Received The Word Into Your Heart!
How Shall They Hear Without A Preacher?
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Disclaimer:
Although I love and support Holy Ghost Radio, I do not represent them in any official capacity. I am not paid by them, neither have I been asked to speak on their behalf.
We Have Many Things To Be Thankful For This Year!
- The Revelation of the Mighty God in Christ.
- The Baptism in the Name of Jesus.
- The Holy Ghost!
- God’s provision and protection.
- Our family and our heritage.
- Our church.
- Our health and our home.
One thing that may not have crossed your mind to be thankful for this year is Holy Ghost Radio! We all love it and have it bookmarked on our computers and have downloaded the app for our cell phones and tablets.
Every week for many years someone has mentioned a sermon or song they’ve heard on Holy Ghost Radio. No other Apostolic Pentecostal resource has been continually more effective in reaching the lost, edifying the body of Christ, and strengthening the church.
Pentecost and the world have been blessed beyond measure by the efforts of Brother and Sister Jeff Hoffer and Holy Ghost Radio.
Reports of listeners receiving the Holy Ghost or receiving the Revelation of the Oneness of God continually pour in. We rejoice with them, upon hearing these wonderful reports.
Twenty years ago, Bro. Hoffer felt led to make Apostolic preaching available to the world. It’s free for everyone to listen to. However, it is a huge expense to keep this service available.
Computers and technical equipment need to be upgraded to keep up with fast-changing technology. Technicians, programmers, and staff are needed to keep HGR on the air.
This Is A Voice That Must Never Go Silent!
While I have not been asked to make a plea for support, Partners In Missions are desperately needed!
Pastor… My Prayer Is That You Make HGR A Part Of Your Missions Giving!
As an individual, I have done a very small part by giving a modest monthly pledge. HGR needs us to show our Thankfulness to them by partnering with them on a monthly basis. (Have you ever noticed how God blesses you when you give to missions?)
Please consider blessing this missionary endeavor. Join me in helping them spread this Gospel around the world!
Click The Link Below.
Make A One Time Donation
I Want To Be A Monthly Supporter
Below Is A Letter From Brother Jeff Hoffer To The Friends Of Holy Ghost Radio
Hello Friends,
Back in 1999, when the Lord directed us to begin a radio ministry, we launched out in faith. Our first conference was in 2002 and we’ve been going strong ever since.
2019 has been a tremendous year for Holy Ghost Radio and we could not have done it without you.
We are streaming Truth 24 hours a day, across the world and love hearing all the testimonies of souls being saved and backsliders praying through!
We’re writing today because we are in need of your help.
We are trusting the Lord to help us keep up with the technology to continue to expand, add new channels, pay for the overhead, the app, website, servers, streams, internet, and upgrade our computers to support all of our streams, add new ones, etc.
Technology is expensive and we really need more churches to partner with us monthly, to help us grow, expand, and keep up with the times.
We are extremely thankful for the WPF adding Holy Ghost Radio to its offering list for Global Missions.
Please consider a monthly pledge offering, either personally or through your church, to support Holy Ghost Radio by continuing to fund the gospel to every nation.
You can give online at holyghostradio.com and click donate or send in a check to:
HGR
PO Box 711441
Santee, Ca 92072
Lastly, we’d like to let you know about an increase in our live conference fee, next year to $1,500 plus accommodations and travel expenses effective January 1, 2020.To save you accommodations & travel expenses you can go remote for $1,500
Thank you so much for being a faithful listener and supporter!
Sincerely,
Jeff & Jeannette Hoffer
Holy Ghost Radio
I Would Appreciate It If You Just Wouldn’t Mention Anything About…
I Would Appreciate It If You Just Wouldn’t Mention Anything About…
The car glided quietly down the Texas road. The only noise came from the breeze in the open windows of the car. The fact that there was no air conditioner in the car made it necessary to roll the windows down because of the heat.
“Brother Ballestero, tonight is the first night of our revival and you will notice three teenage girls that are the praise singers. You will notice also that they are all wearing mini-skirts. They have such great spirits. I am working with them on their attire and I would appreciate it if you just wouldn’t mention anything about mini-skirts or short skirts while you’re here.”
He said that while looking straight ahead. I never turned mine to look at him. Here was an icon in Texas asking me to not to say anything about mini-skirts.
“No problem!” I blurted out.
“Oh, thank you!” He said.
“Well, that was easy. If you would, I have a couple here who have just inherited $1,000,000.00 and they haven’t paid tithes yet. If you say anything while you are here about tithes, they will think I talked to you about it, get mad and may not pay tithes at all. So, if you just wouldn’t say anything about tithes while you’re here I will take it as a personal favor.”
“Not a problem, sir,” I said.
“Well then, just one more thing. I have a precious little Assemblies of God couple coming here and I am waiting for the Holy Ghost to reveal the revelation of the Oneness of the Godhead to them. So, if you wouldn’t preach on the Godhead while you’re here. I would take that as a personal favor also.”
“Relax brother,” I said.
“While I’m here, all I’m going to preach is Jesus!”
He looked at me with relief in his eyes and said, “Thank You.”
“The reason that all I am going to preach while I’m here is Jesus is that it sounds like no one here knows Him!” I said flatly while looking through the front window.
(I am not sure why that revival only lasted one night, but I have a good guess.)
The Reason I’m Not Your Friend Anymore.
The Reason I’m Not Your Friend Anymore.
It’s not because you’ve not been nice to me. Over the years you have been very friendly and treated me with kindness. You’re likable, but you have pushed me to the point I had to “Unfriend” you on Facebook. After I thought about that for a moment, I just went ahead and blocked you completely. Then, I unfollowed you on Instagram.
If it had been just a slight, a misunderstanding, or a difference of opinion, this would have never happened. We could have apologized and forgiven each other and gone forward. But not this time. This time it’s different. You’ve put me in this position. I had no choice.
If our paths ever cross, I can’t ever again say, “God bless you.” I once loved you, but now I am not allowed to even pray for you.
I really don’t owe you an explanation. If I were to even give you one, it would not be received well and would only make you defend yourself further. And, that’s part of the problem.
You see…
You’ve left your first love.
You’ve walked away from the Apostolic Doctrine of Acts 2:38.
You’ve lost your revelation of Holiness.
You’ve re-evaluated all of your standards and discarded them all.
You’ve turned your back on the revelation of One God.
You’ve turned your back on your revelation Jesus Name Baptism
You’ve lost your respect for your pastor. The one who first preached the truth to you.
Now, you refer to him as “That old one God preacher.”
Now, you are having people from the church over to your house to try and proselyte them.
Now you text and call your old church friends and talk against everything you’ve been taught.
If I Had Kept You As A Friend, I Would Have Been In Direct Disobedience To Scripture!
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 John 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
I Am Not Even Allowed To Go To McDonalds With You.
1 Cor. 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
The Bible Cautioned Me About Even Talking To You.
Col. 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col. 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily
You Have Departed From The Faith
Your Conscience Is Seared
You Now Believe Doctrines Of Devils
1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Tim. 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron
God Has Turned You Over To A Reprobate Mind
Rom. 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient
God Has Allowed You To Be Filled With A Strong Delusion
2 Thess. 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
2 Thess. 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2 Thess. 2:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness
The Bible Says For Me To Back Away From You
2 Tim. 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim. 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away
Because I love truth, I can’t be your friend anymore.
There will be no recovery for you.
When God turns you over, there is no restoration possible.
God wouldn’t let Samuel pray for Saul because he had crossed the line.
I won’t pray for you either.
I am disappointed in you.
What happened to you?
You know too much to go to hell.
It saddens me to say that I won’t see you in heaven.
I can’t be your friend anymore.
The Bible won’t let me.
You Might Not Be A Saint!
You Might Not Be A Saint!
This Is Strong Meat.
So, I may offend some here. (Sorry)
I have no desire to be harsh or unkind.
I’m Going To Be Straight Forward…
- Like they preached to me when I was young.
- Before anyone heard of being ‘Politically Correct’
A Fact:
Before You Can Be A Saint, You Must Be Born Again.
John 3:3 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.
John 3:5 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.
Acts 2:38 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.
Then, After You Receive The Holy Ghost, You’re Called To Be A Saint.
1 Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
(Side Note: You MUST be a Saint before you can ever be a preacher.)
Being A Saint – That’s Our Calling.
Are You Willing To Accept The Call?
- Count the cost if you accept.
- Count the cost if you don’t accept.
To Accept The Call And Qualify To Be A Saint…
1.) You Must Be Willing To Do Whatever It Takes To Be A Saint.
- I’m talking to everyone.
- I don’t care how long you’ve been a church member.
If You’re Just Going To Church:
- To get your shout on.
- To get your blessing.
- For the loaves and the fishes.
- For the fellowship.
- Because of the great Youth Dept.
Your Actions Describe You More Like A Spiritual Moocher Than A Saint.
If All Church Is For You, Is Just A Place That Gives You Loaves And Fishes…
- Then I can’t help you.
- Because you most likely will never change.
You Don’t Have To Be A Saint…
- But if you choose to be a saint…
- You cannot become a saint on your terms!
“Saints Are Not Born, They’re Made” – My Dad Always Said.
- If you are a saint…
- Or ever become a saint…
- It’s because you listened to your pastor!
If You Are A Saint, It’s Because There Was A Change In Your Life.
- It may be, “Come as you are,”
- But it’s not… “Stay as you are!”
- The Gospel is all about change.
(Do you still want to be a saint?)
If You’re Looking For An Easy Route To Heaven,
- One that you never have to make a change, inside or out.
- One that requires no commitment,
- One That requires no submission…
Then you are just looking for a social group that lets you live like you want.
Isa 30:9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
Isa 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
If That’s You, You Won’t Be Happy In A Real Apostolic Church. You Might As Well Move On Down The Road. Because ALL Of God’s Word Gets Preached In An Apostolic Church.
(Do you still want to be a saint?
Or do you want a compromised and watered-down version of the Word of God
Saints Don’t Argue With The Word, They Submit!
2.) A Saint Always Has A Teachable Spirit.
Jas 3:17 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.
If You Do Not Have A Teachable Spirit, You Don’t Really Have The Holy Ghost.
3.) A Saint Loves Doctrine.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Rom 6:17 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.
2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
If Doctrine Is Boring To You,
If Doctrine Is Irritating To You,
If Doctrine Seems Unnecessary To You,
If Doctrine Is Harsh To Your Tender Spirit,
Then You’re Not Really A Saint.
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
4.) A Saint Is Willing To Submit God’s Correction.
Heb. 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb. 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
All The Sons Of God Receive Correction.
Because They’re Not Perfect.
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
- Remember, you won’t stand in the judgment by yourself!
- Your pastor will be there too. He must give an account of your attitude and spirit.
If Allowing The Word Of God To Correct You Or Your Children Is Unacceptable To You,
Then you’re not really a saint!
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
5.) God Hears The Prayers Of Saints.
Prov. 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
James 5:16… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
If God Doesn’t Hear Your Prayers,
Then maybe you’re not really a saint.
6.) All Saints Worship.
John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
Psa 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
If worship is a problem for you…
You’re not thankful.
2 Tim. 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Tim. 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Tim. 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim. 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Then you’re not really a saint.
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
7.) If You Say You’re Not Being Fed…
It’s because you’re not a saint!
A saint always obeys and is willing.
Isa. 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
8.) If Holiness Is Debatable Or Just Something That Is Only A Personal Conviction To You.
Then you’re not really a saint.
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.
Rom 12:2 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.
Holiness is God’s lowest standard.
1 Pet. 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1 Pet. 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (lifestyle)
1 Pet. 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
If you have a problem with Holiness,
Then you’re not really a saint
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
9.) If Wearing Modest Apparel Is Not Your Style Of Dress And You Refuse To Change…
Then you’re not really a saint.
1Tim. 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
Shamefacedness =
- a sense of shame,
- ability to blush
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
10.) If Your Life Is Wrapped Up In Hollywood, Sports, And Worldly pleasures,
You’re not a saint.
Ball Games
If you go to a sports event, your heart will beat with the heart of the world.
Saints don’t want their heart beating with the world’s heart, only God’s heart.
Hollywood
Saints do not bring Hollywood into their homes, regardless of whatever format it comes in.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
If The Love Of The Father Is Not In You…
Then you’re not really a saint.
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
11.) If A Woman Thinks That Wearing Men’s Apparel Is Not A Problem,
And She Defies The Scriptures…
Deut. 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
Then she is not a saint.
If he wears women’s clothing, then he’s not a saint.
12.) If A Man Thinks It’s Ok To Let His Hair Grow Long,
Then he’s not really a saint.
1 Cor. 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
13.) If A Woman Cuts Her Hair,
Then she’s not really a saint.
1 Cor. 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
1 Cor. 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1 Cor. 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
If You Cut Your Hair, Sister, You’re Not Really A Saint
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
14.) If Jewelry, Ornamentation, And The Wearing Of Gold Is Your World…
Then you’re not really a saint.
1 Pet. 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
(Adorning Definition = World)
1 Pet. 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Every Time Israel Drew Close To God, They Took Off Their Ornaments.
Every Time They Backslid, They Put Them On.
Gen 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
Gen 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Gen 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
Gen 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
Hos 2:13 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.
(The wearing of earrings was associated with Baal worship. That’s why Jacob’s wives gave him their earrings when they surrendered their idols of Baal.)
If keeping your jewelry is your thing,
You’re not really a saint.
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
15.) Real Saints Don’t Rob God.
Mal. 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Mal. 3:9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Mal. 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
If you are a God-Robber, You’re not really a saint.
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
16.) If You Are A Tale Bearer Or Critical, And Say Negative Things About The Church Or The Pastor…
Lev 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
If you’re a gossiper, you’re not a saint.
You will be shunned.
1 Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
If you’re a critic of what your pastor does,
You’re not a saint.
A saint is a pastor’s friend.
If You’re A Railer And Gossiper,
You will be shunned.
Because You’re Not Really A Saint.
17.) If You Think You Are On The Same Level As Your Pastor Then You’re Not A Saint.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
You are not a saint.
(It does not matter the number of degrees you have, you will never be equal to your man of God.)
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
18.) If You Cannot Forgive, You Are Not A Saint.
Matt. 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Matt. 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(So, do you still want to be a saint?)
19.) Saints Love One Another.
Unity cannot happen without loving one another. Without unity, no church can enjoy lasting revival.
If you are unable to love your brother or sister, you’re not a saint.
- If you can’t get past personality differences,
- If you can’t get past everyone’s yesterdays,
- If you can’t get past the past,
- If you can’t get past ethnicity and realize we are one in Christ,
You’re not really a saint.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
20.) Saints Are The Only Ones Going To Heaven.
Eph. 5:27 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.
(So, Are You A Real Saint?)
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 