Archive for the ‘Submission’ Category
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?
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?)
Don’t Bother Praying? Yes, You Heard Me Right… Don’t Bother Praying!
Don’t Bother Praying? Yes, You Heard Me Right…
Don’t Bother Praying!
The Holy Scriptures screams the need for us all to pray. The Apostle Paul even said for us to pray without ceasing. Every pastor encourages his listeners to pray. I certainly agree with the admonition.
- Yes, we know that God is a prayer-answering God!
- He specializes in responding to our needs.
- He specializes in healing our bodies and saving our souls.
- He will hear a sinner’s prayer of repentance.
- He answers all prayers for deliverance, forgiveness, and salvation.
- He encourages us to just to ask, and He says, it shall be given.
But, There Are Times, When The Lord Tells Us It Won’t Do Any Good To Pray!
(Yes, You’ve Read That Last Sentence Right!)
1.) God Will Not Choose To Ignore Your Sinning, And Bless You Anyway…
Don’t Bother Praying!
Isa 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Those who think they can continually gratify their fleshly lusts and ignore God’s Word when they pray are only fooling themselves. God is not in the mood to listen to them. Be warned.
2.) If You Still Want To Hang On To Your Sin…
Don’t Bother Praying!
Psa. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
(NLT) – Psa. 66:18 18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
(ESV) – Psa. 66:18 If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
3.) If You Refuse To Receive Instruction From God’s Word…
(Saying you’re not convicted, e.g.)
Don’t Bother Praying!
Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
4.) When You Ask For What You’ve No Right To Ask For.
Don’t Bother Praying!
James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
(The Message) – James 4:3 And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
5.) If You’re Guilty Of Destroying God’s Men And His Saints With The Sword Of Your Tongue, And With Your Railing…
Don’t Bother Praying!
Isa 1:15 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
6.) When You Mistreat Your Wife…
Don’t Bother Praying!
1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
(NCV) 1 Peter 3:7 …do this so that nothing will stop your prayers.
(The Message) 1 Peter 3:7 …so your prayers don’t run aground.
Every husband must show his wife honor and respect her at all times. If he doesn’t, there is no need for him to bother God by trying to pray. God already has said He chooses not to listen to that man when he prays. No matter who he is.
A man who abandons his wife and family needs to remember that the only prayer God will entertain from him is one of true and complete repentance. He also owes the same repentance to his wife and family.
Sir: Don’t Make God Place A ‘Do Not Answer” Stamp On Your Prayer Request.
7.) If Your Refuse To Forgive
Don’t Bother Praying!
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- God hears the prayer of the humble.
- God hears the prayer of the repentant.
- God hears the prayer of the submissive.
- God hears the prayer of the obedient.
- God hears the prayer of those hungry for Him.
May We All Pray Prayers That God Will Hear!
It’s Come As You Are, Not Stay As You Are!
It’s Come As You Are, Not Stay As You Are!
Come As You Are? Yes.
Stay As You Are? No.
Most churches have promoted an open-door policy to every new visitor. They want everyone to feel welcome to attend. Although the Bible doesn’t actually say, “Come as you are,” churches reach for everyone. Apostolic Pentecostal Churches are no different. (But, it might be amazing to see what some actually are willing to wear to God’s House using the ‘come as you are’ umbrella as an excuse!)
That, however is not the real problem. Some folks not only come to church as they are, they have chosen to stay as they are. They are not willing to change. They ignore how the saints dress, worship and live. They have chosen not to change or to submit.
Living for God is all about change. Completely change. Change is necessary. Change is required. Change is the will of God for everyone. With salvation comes change. With deliverance comes change. Unchanged people have no hope of deliverance, no hope of being a testimony, no hope of being used of God, and no hope of heaven.
How Do We Become A “New Creature In Christ Jesus” If We Don’t Change?
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
How Do We Become “Transformed” If We Don’t Change?
Romans 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.
How Do We Become “Born Again” If We Don’t Change?
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
How Do We Become “Holy” If We Don’t Change?
1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
How Can We Come Out From Among Them And Be Separate, If We Don’t Change?
2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
How Can We Have Christ In Us And He Never Changes Us?
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Do You Mean To Tell Me That When We Repent We Really Don’t Have To Change Anything?
Do You Mean To Tell Me That When We Get Baptized In Jesus Name, We Don’t Change?
Do You Mean To Tell Me That We Can Be Filled With The Holy Ghost And Never Be Changed?
When Jacob Prepared To Go To Bethel, He Changed.
Genesis 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.
Genesis 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:
Genesis 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.
Genesis 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.
When normal people come into the presence of the God, they quickly remember their sins. At that point, they must choose to keep them or confess and forsake them.
God might be merciful and forgiving, yet His word tells every confessor to forsake their sins.
If the God you serve lets you do whatever you want, and live like you want, then your god is you. You became your own god!
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
If We Want God’s Mercy, We Must Not Only Confess Our Sins But Forsake Them!
Mercy comes to those who confess and forsake. That is the change God looks for. Forsaking your old life is what living for God is all about.
1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
- (And Such Were Some Of You!) That Is Change!
Repentance Must Bring Change. If It Doesn’t Bring Change It Wasn’t Real Repentance!
In The Old Testament, God Chose Not To Bless Israel Until They Changed.
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.
- Change Puts Us In The Direct Path Of God’s Blessings.
Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Romans 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Let’s Get Real Plain…
If you see a sinner man and a Holy Ghost-filled man standing together talking, you should be able to tell which one is which.
If you see a sinner woman and a Holy Ghost-filled woman standing together talking, you should be able to see the difference.
When we obey Acts 2:38, (by repenting of our sins, getting baptized in Jesus name, and being filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.) We are no longer the same. We are changed on the inside. What is changed on the inside quickly shows on the outside!
- We don’t do the things we used to do
- We don’t talk like we used to talk
- We don’t go where we use to go
- We don’t have the kind of friends we used to have
- We don’t dress like we used to dress
- We don’t drink what we used to drink
Why?
Because Now We’re A New Creature In Christ Jesus.
How Do We Lay Sin Aside And Not Change?
1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
- (Growth is change, too)
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- Removing things from our life that will keep us from being saved, is change.
If we say we are saved, yet remain unchanged… We are not honest with our soul, with God, or with the truth.
Our Heart Must Change
Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation (our old lifestyle) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Our Speech Must Change
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:29 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.
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Our Outward Appearance Must Change
1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Change Requires Modesty For Men And Woman
1 Timothy2:9 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;
1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Deuteronomy 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.
Hair Care Changes
1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Our Priorities Must Change
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Even Our Furniture Must Change
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
The Things We Love Must Change
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.
We Say We’re A Christian, (Christ-like) And Yet…
- We’ve Never Changed On The Inside Or The Outside?
- We Neither Look Like Nor Act Like An Apostolic Saint?
Who Are We Fooling? Only Ourselves.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
If we balk at Biblical correction and refuse to allow God’s Word to change our life… then we have shown to everyone that we are not a true child of God. We are of illegitimate birth in the Kingdom of God.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Hebrews 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
What’s Missing In Our Lives That Would Keep Us From Allowing God To Change Us?
No Conviction of Sin?
No Fear of God?
No Respect?
No Obedience to His Word?
No Love for His House?
Are we just being Rebellious?
Are we just Clueless?
Are we not able to see that we don’t measure up to God’s Standards?
Are we just Insincere?
How can we come to church for months and even years… claiming to be Spirit-filled, and never change?
Ask Yourself…
If we had a beard and applied for a job at a company that had a ‘no beards’ policy, would we be willing to change?
If we worked for a fancy restaurant that had a no tattoo ‘visible’ policy for its employees, would we be willing to cover ours?
If we got hired by a good paying company but we had to work nights, would we change our sleeping habits?
If our job gave us a promotion, but we had to relocate, would we be willing to change towns?
If the doctor ordered us to change our diet because of cancer, would we?
If our heart doctor wanted us to change our lifestyle to live longer, would we?
If our homeowner’s association didn’t approve of our lawn display, would we take it down?
What if God reminded us in the Judgment of all the changes in our life that we made for man and for money, yet we chose not to make any changes for Him. What will our answer be then?
We Must Allow God To:
Change us like He changes Night into Day, Winter into Spring.
Change us like He changes a Caterpillar into a Butterfly.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
My Old Man Is Crazy!
I’m not saying he’s bipolar.
I’m not saying he has schizophrenia.
I’m not saying he should be in an institution or that he’s stupid.
I’m just saying he’s crazy. He’s very smart, yet he’s really crazy.
My old man’s not right.
I hate him too.
He embarrasses me in front of my friends.
When you tell him how horrible he is, he agrees but doesn’t change.
He even makes me cry sometimes.
He has hurt me so bad that I was embarrassed to tell even my closest friends.
I hate to say this, but I really don’t even like him.
I’ve even told him that I don’t love him and I never will.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
He does stupid and random stuff that truly scares me.
I am ashamed for him to be around me.
He lives in denial and keeps justifying all his craziness.
He likes things he shouldn’t.
He really needs help, but no one can help him.
He’s read up on his condition and says he knows what he needs to do.
But, I don’t think he is making any progress.
He really needs to stop and consider his horrible actions.
My old man is not loved by anyone.
His craziness pushes everyone away.
They all roll their eyes when he shows up.
His so-called friends just shake their heads in dismay and disappointment.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
He does things he shouldn’t.
He says things he shouldn’t.
He is very good at rationalizing and justifying himself.
He’s crazy, I’m telling you.
Some would like to see him dead.
I know some would even come to his funeral just to make sure he was really dead.
He’s just that bad.
He is so bad that God doesn’t like him.
I hate everything about him.
He’s horrible.
I loathe him.
He’ll never change.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
No self-help book has a remedy for him.
No prescription can help.
Therapists can’t fix him
Warnings and threats don’t seem to work.
And it’s driving me crazy too.
I wish he was out of my life.
I can’t tell you how happy I would be just to know my old man is graveyard dead,
My old man is crazy.
I told him he is not welcome in my house.
I told him to leave my family alone.
I told him that I cannot allow his influences in my life.
I told him to go away, I never wanted to see him again.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
I told him I am sick and tired of putting up with his mess.
I want my old man to be forever gone.
Judge me if you must,
I want my old man dead.
My old man makes me cry.
His actions are corrupt.
His words are deceitful, and his life is a sham.
I hate everything he does.
He wants attention.
His life is all about him and no one else.
No one can tell him what to do.
He hates that.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
My old man was always there.
He was there when I was born.
He’s been there for every event of my life.
Good times or bad, he was there.
That’s not even a good thing.
He gets all up in my business.
He meddles in every area of my life.
He messes up some of the most wonderful moments of my life.
I got to the place I had to tell my old man he was going to have to die.
He resisted and argued loudly with me.
But I wouldn’t budge, or back down.
He said he wouldn’t die willingly.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
So, I told him to prepare to be buried alive.
I forced him to his knees and kept him there.
I reminded him of every horrible thing he had done to me and my family.
My old man said he felt so dirty and ashamed, but I wouldn’t stop.
He cried and asked for mercy and forgiveness.
That’s when my old man died.
I started smiling for the first time in years.
My old man was dead.
“What shall we do with him?” Someone asked.
“Bury him,” I said.
Several gathered around to help bury my old man.
The Preacher buried him in water in Jesus Name.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
I shouted all over the church when my old man died.
The heaviest weight of my life was lifted.
My friends and family rejoiced with me.
I even told my neighbors that my old man was dead, and I smiled a big smile.
My life became peaceful and serene when my old man died.
I put a marker on his grave.
For all the world to see.
“Here lies My Old Man… Flesh”
(You’re not going to believe this.)
Some days later, I got the shock of my life.
I wanted to scream in horror.
I almost died from fright.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
There standing at my door was my old man.
He just grinned and pushed his way in.
This can’t be happening!
This is unreal!
But there he stood anyway.
My family cringed in fear.
How could this be happening?
My old man was like some un-earthling who could come back alive.
My mother told about a man named Paul.
He had a similar problem with his old man,
And he had to make him die every day.
Every day? E-V-E-R-Y DAY? Oh, No!
My Old Man Is Crazy!
I took him to church.
I needed some help.
I couldn’t let him live in my house anymore.
He couldn’t move back in.
I told him to pray.
I told him to fast.
I told him to deny himself.
I told him I want him to die again.
He doesn’t make going to church a priority, he’s not faithful.
He won’t pray like he knows he needs to.
He doesn’t like the subject of tithes.
He doesn’t read his Bible.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
He’s a rebel.
He hates standards.
He hates preachers.
He makes fun of holiness
My Old Man Is Crazy!
He gets defensive when the preacher said corrective things to him.
Like a macabre nightmare, sometimes he seems dead, then comes right back alive again.
I wish he’d stay dead.
He’s so bad, even God even wants him dead.
The preacher is tired of him, too. He won’t stay dead.
Many preachers have tried to get him to change but without any success.
The church family has tried to tolerate him.
His whole family has about given up on him.
As long as my old man is alive, my life is spent in vain.
As long as my old man is alive, I’ll never be saved.
As long as my old man is alive, I’ll never please God.
As long as my old man is alive, my inheritance is at risk.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
So now it’s a daily routine.
When I wake up in the morning and start my day.
He’s sitting on the edge of my bed.
Very much alive.
My daily routine now includes the unimaginable.
I have to figure out a way to make my old man die every day.
It’s not always easy to do
But it must be done.
My crazy old man.
My flesh.
Must die.
Everyday.
My Old Man Is Crazy!
_______________________________________
Joseph asked his brethren this question about his earthly father.
He called him, “the old man.”
Gen. 43:27 And he asked them of their welfare, and said, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?
Today, I Ask This Question Of Your Flesh… Is Your Old Man Alive?
Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation* the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
*lifestyle
Paul Said That His Old Man Had To Die Every Day. 1 Co 15:31
Is Your Old Man Still Alive?
Your Performance Interview With God Is Coming!
Your Performance Interview With God Is Coming
What if God called you on the carpet? What if He asked you some personal questions about your conduct… spiritual and otherwise?
Employees of many companies are given performance interviews on a scheduled basis. Some of the questions asked by the interviewer are similar to some of those I once found at www.jobinterviewquestions.org.
Performance Interview Questions
- Tell me about your last position and what you did.
- Tell me about the last time you made a mistake and how you corrected it.
- If you don’t leave your current job, what will happen there? How far can you advance?
- Of all the work you have done, where have you been most successful?
- I see you were unemployed for a period of time. Tell me about it.
- Give me an example of when you’ve demonstrated your customer service skills.
- How do you define continuous improvement? What is the last new procedure you integrated into your job?
- What makes you stand out among your peers?
- What have you done to reduce your department’s operational costs or to save time?
- What would your current supervisors say makes you most valuable to them?
- If I asked your boss to evaluate your performance, what would he or she say?
- Have you held positions similar to this one? If so, tell me about them.
- What is the most important thing you learned at a previous job?
- What did/do you enjoy most/least about your last/present job?
- If there were two things you could have changed about that job, what would they be?
- How did your job change while you held it?
- What qualifications do you have that make you successful in this field?
- What have you learned from previous jobs?
- Describe a typical day at work.
- How have your previous positions prepared you for this one?
- What parts of your job do you consider most important?
- What job tasks do you feel most successful doing?
- What special skills or knowledge have you gained to help in this job?
- Describe an important project you worked on.
- You have a lot of experience. Why would you want this job?
- What do you consider your greatest strength?
- What is your most significant professional accomplishment?
- What was the last job-related book you read?
- What was your favorite job? Why?
As 2017 comes to a close, so does another year of living for the Lord. If He were to ask us about our performance in His Kingdom this year, how would we do? Could we answer His questions easily? Would our heads have to drop after the Lord asked us a direct question? Here is a list of possible questions He might ask:
The Lord’s 2017 Performance Interview Questions
- What if He asked about the Spirit and Attitude we manifested this year?
- What if the Lord asked us about our obedience or our Submission?
- If the question of Soul-Winning came up, how would we score?
- If questions about our involvement in Worship were asked, what would the answer be?
- What would happen if the Lord asked us about our Prayer Life in 2017?
- Would the answer be favorable to you if there were questions about paying your Tithes
- and giving in Offerings?
- Faithfulness in church attendance is sure to be asked. How would you do on that one?
- Surely, a question about any unwillingness to Forgive will be asked.
- Would He ask about the display of the Lusts of our Flesh?
- Would Jealousy or Envy be mentioned?
- A lack of Brotherly Love, or not Preferring One Another, will not sit well with Him.
- What if the Lord asked us about our lack of Sacrifice in service, or in giving?
- Would any questions about our involvement in Gossip put us in a bad light?
- What if the subject of Tale Bearing came up?
- If we were asked about Criticizing our Pastor, what would the answer be?
- Surely the Lord will act questions about our showing any signs of Loving Pleasure More
- Than The Things Of God.
- What is He asked us about our Love of the World?
- Do you think He might ask us why we had a problem with Holiness?
- Would there be any questions about Loving Our Neighbor?
- What if He asked us if we Love Him with All Of Our Heart, Our Soul, And Our Might, And
- Our Strength?
I pray that you do well in your Interview with the Lord. (He already knows the answers, before He asks.)
If you’ll pardon me, for a while… I think I’ll have a talk with Him right now. I need to before He talks to me later!
There is coming a Day when we shall all stand before Him, as we are judged. That Interview will be both an Entrance Interview for some, and an Exit Interview for others!
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
(May your Performance Interview of 2017 end with Joy, and not with Grief!)
Join me in pledging to do better and do more for Him in 2018! May we all hear Him say in that day, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
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 