Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | May 12, 2012

Spiritual hypocrisy in same-sex marriage debate?

Ephesians 5:31 says “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh”. From a biblical standpoint, marriage is between one man and one women and as a believer of the Bible, I agree! However is it lawful for me to turn one particular biblical mandate and make it a mandate for a mixed group of people who may not believe what the bible says concerning marriage? Think for a moment.  Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and any other religion we can name, The Lord Jesus Christ trumps all religions and because GOD said marriage is between on man and one woman, we must accept it.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

When enforcing rules concerning sin, we must be clear of what audience we are addressing this to. Paul is clearly speaking to the Corinthian church. No where do you see him speaking to any governmental official attempting to make all of these sins some type of national law. Lets read:

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,

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

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.

When it comes to doctrine and  a specific set of rules and regulations coupled with complete adherence to the Word of God, the Bible is very specific about who DOES and DOES NOT get to go to heaven. It is 100% factual that those that have not been born of the water and of the spirit clearly cannot and will not enter into the kingdom of God. This is the new birth experience. (John 3:1-7) That being said, we can rest assured that any rule or regulation outlined in the Word of God are only to those that believe, and are NOT for the unbelieving sinner man who has not had their sins remitted in the Name of Jesus and who has no intention of being saved.

Here we have 10 specific sins that are named. All 10 of them will keep you out of heaven. Would you agree? YES! We know this was a saved audience that Paul was speaking to correct? YES! How do we know this, because it says “but such were some of you”. This means that prior to Christ, some of the Saints use to be fornicators and adulterers and thieves etc. We know they are NO LONGER that way because they have been delivered, saved and sanctified, and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Did Paul in any way lead us to believe that he was talking to any other group other than saved individuals???? Just from this scripture alone, is he in a governmental forum or attempting to speak to lawmakers concerning these sins??? The answer is no, this scripture states the names of SIN (remember, this is what sinners do for a living, they sin, so it’s a fact sinners are not going to heaven). Paul is reminding the church not to participate in these sins. Remember, THE CHURCH! He is not reminding the world of their sins. On the contrary, it IS important for us to show sinners their erroneous ways, but in showing them we must provide hope. We that know The Truth know the way of escape from sin can only be found through salvation in Jesus. Lets not forget that. Crying loud and sparing not is still in order!

Ephesians 5:3-7

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Paul also reminds the Church at Ephesus the same thing. So for the second time we see Paul addressing the CHURCH not a group of law makers or a political party.

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul reminds the church at Galatia of the works of th flesh which will keep you out of heaven. So we have Corinth, Ephesus, and Galatia, all churches Paul preached to and admonished them all of specific sins that will keep you out of heaven. Not one time do we see anyone attempting to make “sin” part of governmental laws. Sure, the governments has their own set of rules and regulations and if you don’t abide you are considered a breaker of the law, and yes it just so happens that some of the governmental laws fall into categories that we as Christians do not partake in, but there should be a clear separation between an unsaved entity (the government) versus The House Of God which holds the bible higher than any other man-made rule or regulation.

Let us be reminded today, as a person that is eligible to vote, you have a right to agree with or disagree with anything the government sets out to do. Its your free will. You have a choice to vote on who leads your city, state, and country. You have a choice to vote on congressional amendments and to voice your concern to government officials concerning certain regulations your do or do not agree with. However lets not fall prey to spiritual hypocrisy by picking and choosing some sins to be implemented into our constitution while leaving out all other sin that will cause you to go to the same hell as the others.

Here is how I see it. We can make rules and regulations for every single sin mentioned in the Bible and instead of letting God be the ruler over world, we can replace God with the government and have the government execute judgement for the House of God and for Sinners. But where will that get us? We can then rename the Bible “The US Constitution” and condemn everyone for not following its rules and regulations. But does that really make sense? Oh yeah, homosexuals? We are going to make a governmental rule and force you to adhere to biblical truth. But how is that really going to help? But remember, we don’t want to be spiritual hypocrites and just stop at homosexuality, we must continue go down the list with the thief, the drunkard, the coveter, the liar and so forth and so on. Right??? You see, even though God gives us a choice to serve Him or your flesh, lets use the Bible to make sure no one gets a chance at free will anymore. Right? WRONG! You see, I can vote till Jesus comes for homosexuals to not have marriage rights, but that’s not going to stop them from loving the same-sex. They are still going to participate in homosexual activity. They are still going to find a way to adopt kids. They are still going to be your next door neighbor. It’s after God delivers them that they will be set free from the bondage of sin and no governmental law can take the place of deliverance the Lord Jesus Christ can give. No law can take the place of salvation found in Jesus alone. No law can stop a person from SIN. Only Jesus can. Do you see how out of hand something like this could be if the above scenarios actually were played out by Christians? When you use God to enforce Biblical mandates on a secular entity such as the government, you miss the whole point in someone coming to God using the free will God gave them.

Your focus should be a few things. First make sure you line up with EVERY (and I mean every) sin that will keep you out of heaven. This is pretty simple because when your filled with the Holy Ghost, He will keep you and lead you into all truth. The Holy Ghost is your ticket to staying out of sin. Next, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your life. God tells us what the works of the flesh are, but He gives us a way of escape by telling us to cultivate the FRUIT of the Spirit into our life. In essence, I’ve replaced evil with good. My job is not to stand at the voting poll with my bible in one hand copying scriptures onto the ballot and placing a check mark by it hoping a biblical rule will also become a societal rule for the unsaved. My job is to take that same bible and witness to everyone that I come in contact with admonishing them to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ so they can get saved! The bible is for those that wish to know more about Christ and gain salvation from it, and those who are already saved and want to stay saved by meditating and implementing its truth into their life. The bible is NOT for someone who has rejected Christ and wants no part in God’s kingdom. Yes, sinners will still have their reward in hell because of their disobedience, but its their choice to follow or not to follow the Bible. I can’t force them, I can’t make up  a congressional law forcing to comply with a biblical mandate. The government is NOT SAVED and is going to do whatever they want to do when it’s all said and done. That doesn’t mean you shouldnt exercise your right to vote, what it means is that you cannot put your total trust in the government like you can put your total trust in the Word of God.

Vote because its your right. Vote out of civic duty. Vote because you desire to see certain things come to pass. Lets stop takeing the hypocritical religious “cafeteria” approach and mixing it in with the governments way of doing things.

CHRISTIAN, your passion and desire should be for souls to come into the knowledge of the Truth. You can do this by passing out tracks, knocking on doors, inviting your neighbor and coworkers to church, and giving home bible studies. Your time should not be wasted holding picket signs and being mean to people who don’t see things the way you see them (all you facebook and twitter Saints acting up all over the internet). God can draw all men unto Him through YOU! The holy life you live will allow people to see Jesus in you and cause them to want what you have. The best way to win a sinner is to be a Christian friend to a sinner showing love, compassion, and genuine Christian concern for their soul. You’ll win more souls that way. If we can get sinners to see a need for a saviour like Christ, if we can get them to repent of their sin, get water baptised in Jesus Name, and filled with the Holy Ghost, we would have done our part in winning one more soul to the kingdom of God.

Vote for who and what you want, but the matter was already settled when I voted for King Jesus to be ruler of my life. We might not be able to cause society as a whole to agree with what the Bible says concerning marriage, but we can work while its day and witness to everyone who we come in contact with. Lets not let our “feathers get all ruffled” over one particular sin, our “feathers” should be ruffled concerning ANY subject that will cause someone to be eternally lost. And because I don’t want anyone to be lost, I MUST be about my Fathers business and tackle ALL sin not just one. Saints, this aint no flesh and blood battle, this is spiritual warfare. The good news is WE WIN!!!!! Cause someone else to be a winner too by sharing the gospel with someone today.

Yes marriage is between one man and one woman, but the world cannot receive this simple truth until they are saved. Allow yourself to devout all of your energies concerning this subject into fasting, prayer, witnessing, and conducting home bible studies to win the lost at any cost.

P.S. Now put your picket signs down, stay off facebook and twitter being mean and hateful, and prepare your hearts and minds for an awesome worship service Sunday. While at church, get you some tracks, church cards, and a home bible study kit and start winning some souls for the Kingdom.

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | April 16, 2012

You’ve Gone Through The Wrong Door!

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 19, 2012

27th Annual Stellar Award Results (2012)

The winners of the 28th Annual Stellar Awards were announced on January 14th, 2012 from Nashville, Tennessee.

Artist of the Year

  • Kirk Franklin
  • Earnest Pugh
  • Mary Mary
  • VaShawn Mitchell 
  • Song of the Year(Songwriter(s); Song)
  • Kirk Franklin, “I Smile”
  • Darius Paulk, “Nobody Greater”
  • Deitrick Haddon, “Well Done”
  • Wess Morgan, “I Choose To Worship”
  • Male Vocalist of the Year
  • VaShawn Mitchell
  • Earnest Pugh
  • Smokie Norful
  • Israel Houghton
  • Female Vocalist of the Year
  • Beverly Crawford
  • Kim Burrell
  • Martha Munizzi
  • Yolanda Adams
  • Group Duo of the Year
  • Rance Allen Group
  • Trin-i-tee 5:7
  • Mary Mary
  • James Fortune & FIYA
  • New Artist of the Year
  • Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
  • Y’Anna Crawley
  • Todd Dulaney
  • Preashea Hilliard
  • CD of the Year
  • Mary Mary, Something Big
  • VaShawn Mitchell Triumphant
  • James Fortune & FIYA, I Believe
  • Kirk Franklin, I Smile
  • Choir of the Year
  • Chicago Mass Choir
  • Mississippi Mass Choir
  • Shekinah Glory Ministry
  • Ricky Dillard & New G
  • Producer of the Year
  • Kirk Franklin, Hello Fear
  • Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims & Israel Houghton, Love God. Love People
  • VaShawn Mitchell, Daniel Weatherspoon & Rick Robinson, Triumphant
  • Warryn Campbell, Mary Mary, Something Big
  • Contemporary Group/ Duo of the Year  New Artist of the Year 
  • James Fortune & FIYA
  • Mary Mary
  • Trin-i-tee 5:7
  • Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
  • The Soul Seekers
  • Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
  • Rance Allen Group
  • Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year
  • Deitrick Haddon
  • Earnest Pugh
  • Israel Houghton
  • VaShawn Mitchell
  • Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year
  • Keith Wonderboy Johnson
  • Rance Allen
  • Smokie Norful
  • John P Kee
  • Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year  New Artist of the Year 
  • Kim Burrell
  • Preashea Hilliard
  • Y’Anna Crawley
  • Yolanda Adams
  • Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year
  • Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
  • Beverly Crawford
  • LaShun Pace
  • Twinkie Clark
  • Contemporary CD of the Year
  • Mary Mary, Something Big
  • VaShawn Mitchell, Triumphant
  • Deitrick Haddon, Church on the Moon
  • Kirk Franklin, Hello Fear
  • Traditional CD of the Year
  • John P. Kee, The Legacy Project
  • Smokie Norful, How I Got Over…
  • Mississippi Mass Choir , Then Sings My Soul
  • Ricky Dillard & New G, Keep Living
  • Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year(Artist; Song)
  • Deitrick Haddon , “Well Done”
  • Kirk Franklin, “I Smile”
  • Mary Mary, “Walking”
  • VaShawn Mitchell, “Nobody Greater”
  • Music Video of the Year – Short Form
  • VaShawn Mitchell , “Nobody Greater” (VaShawn Mitchell)
  • Christian Heuer, “Walking” (Mary Mary)
  • Martha Munizzi, “Excellent” (Martha Munizzi)
  • Canton Jones, “God” (Canton Jones)
  • Music Video of the Year – Long Form
  • Deitrick Haddon, “Church on the Moon”
  • Jerry Parries, “Bishop Morton Celebrates…)”
  • Mississippi Mass Choir, “Then Sings My Soul”
  • Ricky Dillard & New G, “Keep Living”
  • Contemporary Choir of the Year
  • Lonnie Hunter & Structure
  • Shekinah Glory Ministry
  • Traditional Choir of the Year
  • Chicago Mass Choir
  • Ricky Dillard & New G
  • Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
  • Mississippi Mass Choir
  • Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
  • Moses Tyson Jr, “Music Remastered & Sacred Organ”
  • Harold Rayford, “I Am the Instrument”
  • Todd Ledbetter, “Meditations: Hymns in the Key of Jazz”
  • Winston Stewart, “Season”
  • Special Event CD of the Year
  • John P. Kee, The Legacy Project
  • Shekinah Glory Ministry, Refreshed By Fire
  • Bishop Paul Morton Still
  • VaShawn Mitchell, My Songbook
  • Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
  • Flame, Captured
  • Lecrae , Rehab
  • Viktory, Birth of a Legacy
  • Lecrae, Rehab: The Overdose
  • Children’s Project of the Year
  • Santiago & Claude Deuce, My Destiny Place – My Imagination
  • Teen Pure N Heart, Pure N Heart Live
  • The Velasquez Singers, Ten
  • T-Rep The Young Prayzr, Let’s Go
  • Quartet of the Year
  • Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
  • Rance Allen Group
  • The Soul Seekers
  • Recorded Music Package of the Year[art credit / album ]
  • Christina Jones, Dominionaire(Canton Jones)
  • Denise Trotman & Greg Gilligan, Hello Fear(Kirk Franklin)
  • Martha Munizzi , Make It Loud (Martha Munizzi)
  • Tanner Gary, Triumphant (VaShawn Mitchell)
  • Praise and Worship CD of the Year
  • VaShawn Mitchell, “Triumphant”
  • Earnest Pugh, “Earnestly Yours”
  • Israel Houghton, “Love God. Love People.”
  • Shekinah Glory Ministry, “Refreshed By Fire”
  • Spoken Word CD of the Year
  • Selah, “Look At You Loving Me”
  • Marco the Poet, “Marco the Poet EP”
  • Trupoetry, “Truepoetry”
  • Michael Diallo McLendon, “The Diallo Experience”
Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 13, 2012

What would you do if you saw this church sign?

If I saw this sign, I’d probably go up in a praise while driving and hit a tree (lol…so dramatic) ……

Have a great weekend Saints. (by the way this is a fake sign I created on this website I found).

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 10, 2012

WANTED: Parents who will influence their children

Some parents say, “we will not influence our children in making choices and decisions in matters of religion.” WHY NOT? We can rest assured that the ads in all the media will try to influence our children. So will music, literature, the neighbors, and their friends. We exercise our influence over such small things as flowers and vegetables; shall we ignore our own children? God forbid.

- Courtesy of the Sunday Morning bulletin of First Pentecostal Church Durham NC

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 9, 2012

Building Up Yourselves In Your Most Holy Faith Lesson 1: Consistently Pray In The Holy Ghost

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Since it is the believers sincere desire to be pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ, one must sit down and ask himself the various ways one can please the Lord through faith. We can find this answer in the Word of God.  Jude 1:20 is emphatically clear that we must pray in the Holy Ghost.

Christianity calls for an individual to be spirit filled. This is not an option. Regardless of if you refer to the Spirit of God as The Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit, both terms are one in the same. We are at a big advantage because the Old Testament Saints did not have the Holy Ghost dwelling on the inside of them. We clearly see how hard their lives were. Imagine having to go through rituals year after year, pulling out a big list of do’s and don’t's. Dont eat shellfish, don’t work on the sabbath day, and the list goes on and on. No longer do we have to follow strict Levitical ceremonial laws. Instead, we still follow the moral laws God gave us and added to that the indwelling of the Holy Ghost which allows us to live a morally victorious life of purity sanctified for the Masters use. So to teach against the Holy Ghost is to teach against the Word of God. Now that we have a “well of water springing up unto everlasting life” on the inside of us, we can use this bountiful water to never thirst again. The Holy Ghost indwelling in the lives of the believer allows us to never thirst again. Jude admonishes us that if we pray in the Holy Ghost, we build up our faith. So in other words, when we are faithless, prayer in the Holy Ghost causes us to have faith. When we need that “quicker picker upper” its prayer in the Holy Ghost that guarantees us to get picked up. If you want to please God while simultaneously building up your own holy faith, we must seek to learn how to pray as the Spirit prompts us.

So how do we pray in the Holy Ghost? First we must learn in 2012 that the Lord Jesus Christ is not the pagan god Santa Claus. We don’t make this big grocery list and sit on his lap telling him everything we want and then expect him to say ok. No sir. Here is a quote I found that I feel would be most beneficial to you:

“The best brief statement I have found of what it means to pray in the Holy Spirit goes like this: It means “so to pray that the Holy Spirit is the moving and guiding power.”The key words there are “moving” and “guiding.” In other words, when you pray in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God is “moving” you to pray. That is, he is the one who motivates and enables and energizes your prayer. And when you pray in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God is “guiding” how you pray and what you pray for. So, to pray in the Holy Spirit is to be moved and guided by the Holy Spirit in prayer. We pray by his power and according to his direction.” (Learning to Pray in the Spirit AND THE WORD by Pastor John Piper)

In other words, we must trust God (here is where YOUR FAITH comes in) to give us the Holy Spirit, and in return move us/lead us to pray what we need to pray for through the Spirit that lives within. When we allow God to do this through us, our faith begins to increase. For example, lets say its time to pray and the Spirit leads you to pray for someone in your church that needs a physical healing. You begin to intercede and pray for that person and then the person tells you how God miraculously healed them. Or better yet, its 1:35pm and God has you drop to your knees to pray for someone who might be in trouble. You don’t know this, but while praying at 1:35pm this person is being held up by a gun, and the robber all of a sudden throws the gun one way and runs the other way. Now that’s what I call praying in the Spirit. These are just extreme examples that I’m using. Notice how praying in the Holy Ghost focuses on the need God wants you to focus on and not the selfish needs our flesh tend to crave.

Let your prayers be shaped by the Word of God. You can guarantee your faith to increase by praying in the Holy Ghost using Gods Word as a manual to victory. “But the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be  uttered” (Rom. 8:26).  The Word of God promises us that the Spirit will make intercession for us. Simply because we are Spirit filled, we can rest assured the Holy Ghost will prompt us and then make intercession for us. To constantly pray in the Holy Ghost simply means to not pray according to your flesh will and desire, but praying according to the prompting of the Spirit in your life. 2012 should be a year for all of us to sit the flesh down once and for all and allow the Holy Ghost to push is into increasing our Faith.

It was my goal to give you a boost in your spiritual walk today. 2011 is gone and 2012 is here. There is still much work to be done. In my view, the only way we can get the job done is by relying on our faith in God. 2011 faith is not enough for us to rely on. We must build  on the faith that we already possess so that we can do greater works for Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Tune in, as next Monday, we will talk about how to stay motivated by keeping ourselves in the love of God. A sure way to build yourself in your most holy faith.

Be blessed this week in Jesus Name.

 

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 8, 2012

9 Year Old Hammond Organist! Simply Amazing.

Just wanted to share these videos with you to put a smile on your face. Amazing! Simply amazing!

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 5, 2012

P.O.P. Music Review: Bishop C.E. White Presents Taking it Back to Church

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE ALBUM

“Join Bishop C. E. White and the St. John Apostolic Church family on this journey down memory lane.  Bishop White sings songs of old that are sure to stir your spirit and put joy in your feet!”

I lived in Atlanta for a total of 7 years, HOWEVER, that was over a 15 year period. (yes, I returned to Atlanta 4 times). While I was in college back in the mid 90s I was a member of St. John Apostolic Holiness Church. Thats actually where I was baptised in Jesus Name long long ago.  I was just 19 years old and a fire-ball.. (Yes, I know I was at Love Fellowship since 14 but we didn’t have a pool for baptism….long story) Bishop White took me down himself in Jesus Name, and you know I came up out the water speaking in tongues and shouting. I sooo remember that day. He told me “Brother, they are gonna call you Jesus Only, but who cares, because it was ONLY JESUS that saved you”.

Now for the album review. I’m floored that there are 2 Praise Breaks on this album. Rightfully so, this church has crazy stomp down church every time they open the doors. I mean the DANCING they do is surreal. While all the songs seem to be in written in the same key, same tune, and same beat, this does not negate the fact that this is not a solid old-time Pentecostal album particularly from the Southern Gospel Region of the United States. I say that because up north in New York City, I didn’t grow up on any of these songs. If you’re looking for that old school Pentecostal Apostolic feel coupled with 2 urban gospel praise breaks, this will surely be the album for you. I’m proud to have once been a part of St. John and look forward to the many positive reviews this album will receive.

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 5, 2012

Building Up Yourselves In Your Most Holy Faith: The Foundation Of Your Faith

 Jude 1:20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Towards the final week of 2011, I felt a desire in the Spirit to start a series that will help build up The Body of Christ for this upcoming new year 2012. By simply asking, the Lord has placed a series on my heart to conduct this month entitled, “Building Up Yourselves In Your Most Holy Faith”. The series will start Monday January 8th with new postings on Monday’s January 15, 22, and 28. It is my earnest desire to add to whatever your Pastor is already preaching. My goal is simply to encourage you in the faith so as to catapult you into your Christian destiny.

The foundation of your faith can be found in the teachings of the Apostles. Your Bible is clear on this. Ephesian 2:20 says “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone” You can never go wrong with an Apostolic foundation. We know this because Jesus Himself co-signed on everything the Apostles did.  We can rest assured the Lord is pleased because He put His stamp of approval on the doctrine by making Himself the Chief Cornerstone. In other words, every teaching that proceeds out of the mouth of God’s man servants (i.e. the Apostles) is built on the teachings of Jesus. We can go back to the day of Pentecost and see that there was no other teachings to be followed but of the teachings of the Apostles. Acts 2:42 is clear when it says ”And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”. This is the foundation of your faith. Throughout this series, you will be able to clearly apply key principles to building yourself up in your most holy faith by relying on the foundation that has already been laid, the foundation of the Apostles which points us directly to Jesus. Notice how Jude personalizes faith by saying “your most holy faith”. No longer is it just “the faith of the church, or the faith of a set of religious people” it is YOUR FAITH. Since we cannot please God unless we have faith, and since our Christian walk is faith-based, it would only seem fitting for 2012 that we all desire to build up ourselves in our most holy faith. I get excited just thinking about it.

To start, I’d like to catapult your faith for 2012 by sharing with you a powerful testimony by DR. ROYCE CORNELIUS:  First Baptist Church of the Apostolic Faith-Chicago, IL. In his testimony, Dr. Cornelius shares his conversion from being a Baptist preacher to being witnessed to about the Apostolic Faith and baptism in Jesus Name. This testimony is sure to be a “quicker picker upper” and serves as a reminder of what the power of God can do when we adhere to The Truth. Be blessed by the YouTube clips and be looking out Monday for Lesson 1 of “Building Up Yourselves In Your Most Holy Faith”.

To my delight, I received a phone call advising me that Greater Refuge Temple will now have live streaming of their Sunday worship services.  According to Bishop Bonners statement on the church website, “You  are invited to join us  at 12:30 pm each Sunday afternoon for our worship  service  streamed live.” To God Be The Glory! What an excellent way to start the new year off.

CLICK HERE For Live Streaming of Greater Refuge Temple Church Sunday Worship Service

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | January 1, 2012

Happy New Year 2012! Another Year Of One God Jesus Name Apostolic Pentecostal Revival

****Disclaimer: If you are easily offended, DO NOT WATCH these videos. My purpose is NOT to offend but to enlighten. In your case it might be more safe to just read the synopsis of each video.****

Unfortunately, year-end reviews really don’t focus on the positive. They tend to focus on who died, who divorced who, who was arrested, who’s on drugs, so forth and so on. Whether in written or video form, you can always expect year-end reviews to be about the latest scandals that plagued the nation right before the new year is ushered in. Sad but true.

I’m going to be honest with you. This year-end review DOES start out pretty negative. For a moment, I want to share with you highlights on how strong evil is running rampant on the earth. Sometimes if we can see the wrong road to take concerning our Christian walk and witness the end result thereof, it becomes easier to make the right decisions concerning staying within the confines of the True Church. It then becomes vitally important to witness to as many souls as possible to come out from false doctrine and bring them into His marvelous light. If you think make up, jewelry, pants, women preachers, divorce and remarriage, facial hair and the like are HOTTT TOPICS that denominations within the Apostolic Faith tend to disagree on, you need to take a look at the following videos to see whats really going on in the so-called church world today. Rest assured, after watching these videos, we will be leaving on a positive note ready to embrace 2012 with the victory. But first, watch these videos.

Did you know that Jesus Christ committed suicide??? SHOCKED??? Me too! But according to mega church Pastor Fred Price out in California, he is teaching his entire congregation this heresy. Dont be surprised. Your bible said this would happen. Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Now do you see why its important to know the Word.

We have Leroy Thompson preaching yet another prosperity sermon. While he preaches, the members are randomly walking up to him putting money in his hands. As if you can pay for the gospel. He explains how this is all divine. Later you will see his members waking to the altar throwing money down. This is the type of church your next door neighbor is going to. Rest assured, if they aren’t doing it now in your neighbors church, their Pastor will be trying to get them to do this very soon. Its called the “monkey see-monkey do” syndrome.

Turn to your neighbor and say F.U.! Yeah I said it. But see Saints, I’m not really cursing because according to Jamal Bryant and some other random mega preacher, F.U. means forgive you. I forgive you for all the wrong you’ve done. Matter of fact, we are even going to sell F.U. t-shirts in the church bookstore. Yup that’s right! F.U. t-shirts. Now you and I both know that F.U. is a CURSE and has nothing to do with Forgive You. Saints, I’m trying to keep you aware of whats going on. This is really happening and spreading in the pulpit. Watch these videos if you don’t believe me.

How about Lester Love who does not want to expound on negative but preach only positive things. By the way, he preaches so much “love” that he takes R&B and Hip Hop songs and converts them to gospel songs. Then he takes those songs and turns his entire sanctuary into a club and in the pulpit where the preacher would normally stand, he replaces it with a DJ while the congregation dances. You don’t believe me, WATCH THE VIDEO!

To wrap up this year-end review, if you though the videos above was something, look at Mega Pastor in Nigeria David Oyedepo who has people kneeling at the altar for what looks like a deliverance service. In it, a woman claims she is a witch for Jesus. This eventually prompts the Pastor to slap her, then tells her she is not set for deliverance and is free to go to hell. YES, I said he SLAPPED her. Watch the video.

After watching these videos, it is clear to see that we that have the Truth cannot sit comfortably in our pews and wait until Jesus comes. Watching these videos should stir the Holy Ghost on the inside of you to witness like never before and help show these people there is a more excellent way. It’s not enough to sit in church with your bedazzled church hat, or your black and white pilgrim missionary uniform on and not have a desire to compel people to Christ. It’s not enough to preach we don’t watch tv and that our women wear long uncut hair and yet sit there and invite no one to hear the Truth coming from a Pastor that preaches The Truth. It’s not enough for you to say we wear cotton stockings and our men shave our face and don’t wear beards. It’s not enough to boast in no women preachers. It’s not enough to just pay your tithes and be complacent in the House of God. God has work for you to do. You hear me. REAL WORK! So what are you going to do now that you really know what goes behind the closed doors of these mega churches. Are you gonna sit there passively and look for Christ to crack the sky, or are you going to work while its day, for when night cometh, no man can work.

As promised, we are going out of the new year with a bang. Here are some videos I found that took place this year that is sure to bless your soul.

Here is a Christmas Day Service where a soul was baptised in Jesus Name at a random Apostolic Church. Thais THIS YEAR, 2011, just a few days ago. What a mighty God we serve.

Here is another clip of an Indian man (by his dress I can tell he was of the Hindu tradition). He is being baptised in Jesus Name.

Apostolics taking it to the street. Oh how I love street services. Here is a clip back in July of 2011 with IPC Church.

Union City Apostolic Praise Team singing at an Altar Call this year 2011. WOW, you can feel the mighty move of God in this church. AMAZING to say the least. See, I told you this post would get positive. This is what YOUR brothers and sisters do every Sunday. I so cant wait to meet all these Saints when we get to heaven. Might I add that is ONE HOTT BAND! I love good music.

Here is another clip of Union City Apostolic Church Choir singing and shouting before the Lord in a great Apostolic service. Lawd I to get to California.

While churches boast 20,000 members in some of these mega churches, we in America can boast in the North American Youth Congress 2011 which drew some 20,000+ youth in Ohio this year. All Oneness Pentecostal believers. All hope is NOT lost I promise you. There are still those holding on to the truth.

The Apostolic Church is visible. Oneness Pentecostal believers still exist and Holiness is still right and being preached in pulpits world-wide. I WILL NOT COMPROMISE THIS MESSAGE IN 2012! Do you hear what I say. NO COMPROMISE! It is still holiness or hell. They come against me all the time saying I preach too much holiness. I will NOT play with your soul. Holiness can be found in all 66 books of the bible so I have a right and you have a right to preach holy, live holy, and BE HOLY for He is holy. Rejoice, because your latter will be greater in 2012. Keep your eyes on JESUS and not these false prophets that seemingly abound. Be blessed in Jesus Name and I look forward to great signs, wonders, and miracles our Lord Jesus Christ will perform through his children come 2012.

Bless you in Jesus Name and Happy New Year!

ONE LORD ONE FAITH ONE BAPTISM

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 25, 2011

Today Is December 25th 2011, Seasons Greetings To All – Glory to God in the Highest -

Bendito sea el Señor!

Me alegré mucho cuando me dijeron: vamos a entrar en la casa de Jehová. Nuestra iglesia tiene un ministerio español. Contamos con servicio de España cada viernes noche para todos aquellos que hablan en español e inglés. Al mismo tiempo que he sido invitado a venir por nuestro pastor español numerosas veces, yo aún no había llegado y comunión con mis hermanos de origen español y las hermanas en un viernes noche. Que todo detenido ayer por la noche! Por primera vez en mi vida, asistí al español culto pentecostal Apostólica servicio donde todo el servicio se realizó en español. Me quedé tan impresionado por la alabanza, la adoración, el cante y el baile. La mayoría de todos, la predicación de la Palabra fue exactamente lo que necesitaba. Una buena forma antigua Sede Apostólica sermón de cómo Dios fue manifestado en carne propia el da nació de la Virgen María y que verdaderamente Jesús es el gran Dios en Cristo.  Y lo mejor de todo es, todo el servicio fue traducida por mí usando este dispositivo Bluetooth al que yo llevaba en mi oído. Qué migty Dios servimos.

“Los hispanos o latinos constituyen el 16,3 % del total población de los Estados Unidos, o 50,5 millones de personas y constituyen el segundo grupo étnico más grande.” es mi firme convicción de que nosotros como anunciaremos comienzan a salir de nuestra zona de confort y comienza a ganar un poco de español las almas para Cristo.

Inglés puede ser el único idioma que usted conoce, pero que no deje usted de ordenar Español extensiones para pasar en la calle durante su testimonio diario. Usted también puede tener un ministerio español en su iglesia. La cosecha está madura Santos, pero los obreros pocos. Ir allí y entrar en el terreno y poner en algunos de los de América Latina las almas. Orar para que Dios envía billingual personas a su iglesia para que puedan ministrar a personas que sólo hablan español.

Creo que todos deberían tener un español extensión de la iglesia local. Las almas más llegamos con independencia de cualquier barrera del idioma, tanto más agradable nos volvemos a nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Im diciendo a ustedes, me quedé alucinando por mis hermanos y hermanas españolas anoche. Yo era cómoda, no me sentí fuera de lugar, y lo más importante es que todos me hizo saber que todos somos unos de la única iglesia y que no había ninguna diferencia. Acabo de tener que compartir esta búsqueda rápida experiencia con ustedes en el nombre de Jesús.

Si usted desea ordenar algunas extensiones apostólica española, aquí es un buen sitio web para usted a comprarlos: http://pentecostalpublishing.com/store/Tracts

Praise The Lord!

I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.

Our church has a Spanish ministry. We have Spanish service every Friday night for all those that speak with Spanish and English. While I’ve been invited to come by our Spanish Pastor numerous times, I had yet to come over and fellowship with my Spanish brothers and sisters on a Friday night. That all stopped last night! For the first time in my life, I attended an Apostolic Pentecostal Spanish worship service where the entire service was conducted in Spanish. I was so amazed by the praise, the worship, the singing, and the dancing. Most of all, the preached Word was exactly what I needed. A good old fashion Apostolic sermon of how God was manifested in flesh the da He was born of the Virgin Mary and that truly Jesus is the mighty God in Christ. And the best part is, the entire service was translated for me using this bluetooth device that I wore in my ear. What a migty God we serve.

“Hispanics or Latinos constitute 16.3% of the total United States population, or 50.5 million people, forming the second largest ethnic group.” It is my firm belief that we as Apostolics begin to step out of our comfort zones and start winning some Spanish souls to Christ. English may be the only language that you know, but that does not stop you from ordering Spanish tracts to pass out in the street during your daily witness. You too can have a spanish ministry in your church. The harvest is ripe Saints, but the laborers are few. Go out there and get into the field and bring in some of those Latin American souls. Pray that God sends billingual people to your church so they can minister to people who only speak Spanish. I think everyone should have a Spanish extension of the local church. The more souls we reach regardless of any language barrier, the more pleasing we become to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Im telling you, I was so amazed by my Spanish brothers and sisters last night. I was comfortable, I did not feel out of place, and most importantly, everyone let me know that we are all about of the One church and that there was no difference. I just had to share this quick experience with you in Jesus Name.

If you would like to order some spanish apostolic tracts, here is a good website for you to purchase them: http://pentecostalpublishing.com/store/Tracts

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 24, 2011

Words To Live By

I’m sad to announce the passing of Apostle Lobias Murray, Apostle over Full Gospel Holy Temple in the Dallas, TX area. You might know him and his grandson, Bishop Herman Murray, current Pastor of the local church in Dallas who preaches on the Word Network. Doctrinally, they are not Apostolic and even though this is an Apostolic website I did want to take some time to show Christian charity by expressing my sincere sympathies to the Full Gospel Holy Temple church in the loss of their leader.

The funeral services for The Chief Apostle Lobias Murray will be

Wednesday, December 28th from 12PM-7PM (Public Viewing)

Thursday, December 29th at 7:00pm (Pastoral Memorial Service)

Friday, December 30th, 2011 at 11:00am  (Funeral Celebration)

@ the Full Gospel Holy Temple World Headquarters.

39727 LBJ Freeway (I-20 @ Hampton Rd.) Dallas, TX 75237

LIVE STREAMING OF SERVICES CLICK HERE

Disclaimer: You are reading an Apostolic Oneness Pentecostal blog posting. We believe in repentance of sin, water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and the in filling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:38). We believe there is ONE God and NOT THREE PERSONS (Deuteronomy 6:4), that God has a Name. We hold firm that Jesus Christ is the Name of Almighty God and no one else (Isaiah 9:6-9, John 1:1, Matthew 1:23, Revelation 22:13). If you don’t know who Jesus is, I invite you to stick around so we can show you The more excellent way.

 

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 20, 2011

Seasonings Greetings

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The Oneness of God can be shown throughout this particular passage of scripture as Isaiah prophecies the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that the son was Jesus, and according to this scripture Jesus is The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and Counsellor (Holy Ghost) along with several other manifestations. While scripture does not support December 25th as the actual day our Lord Jesus Christ was born, it does not negate the fact that his birth shouldnt be commemorated in some way.

We must recognize that in addition to His birth, we can assure our salvation in Him by commemorating His life, death, and resurrection through water baptism in the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38)

For me, Christmas is no longer about trees, lights, and the giving of gifts. For me, it’s a time to reflect on the need for a human saviour to be born. A human that was both God and Man. A human who was born into a world of sin, yet knew no sin. A human that had emotions and feelings just like you and I, yet a God that could forgive sins right on the spot!

As the close of another year comes, and as the dawn of a new year slowly arrives, lets take the time to be thankful for thinking so much of “little ole me” to come down from heaven and physically save such a wretch like me. That, my dear friend is the true meaning of the Birth of Christ!

HAVE A MERRY DECEMBER 25TH AND A GLORIOUS NEW YEAR

YOUR FRIENDS AT APOSTOLIC ONENESS PENTECOSTALS

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 16, 2011

Words To Live By

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 16, 2011

A Perfect New Years Resolution For 2012: Conquer The Works Of The Flesh!

It’s that time of year where people start to list different New Years resolutions for the upcoming year. Some top new years resolutions I’d assume would be to loose weight, take a long needed vacation, quit drinking, smoking, cursing, and the list goes on and on. What we don’t realise is that the very bad habit that we are attempting to get rid of, 10 times out of 10 can be placed in the category of one of the 16 works of the flesh. You see, “The Works Of The Flesh” are all guaranteed to keep you out of heaven. By no means is this a doom and gloom fire and brimstone post. I’m here to teach HOLINESS and HOLINESS is what you will get. As Holy Ghost filled and Baptised in Jesus Name believers, we need to honestly take a look at this list and see if we can find any of these works of the flesh working against us in our Christian walk.

Tuesday night word and worship was very profound for me. It allowed me to listen to a lesson that was either going to make me a better Christian, or keep me out of heaven all together. Its my goal to keep this post somewhat short, but regardless of the length, I want each reader to hold the mirror up to yourself and examine yourself. As you examine yourself, ask yourself “do I have anything that will keep me out of heaven that I need deliverance from”? If the answer is yes, please keep reading. If the answer is no, keep reading anyway as this will help you be a better witness to someone struggling in these various areas. The flesh is against the Spirit of God and the Spirit Of God works against the flesh. It is a constant battle. It is up to YOU to use the power that comes with the Holy Ghost to conquer everything that is not like God in the believer’s life. (Acts 1:8)

Lets turn to Galatians 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”. To me, this scripture is a promise directly from God. If we walk in the Spirit, we will NOT fulfill the lust (temptations) of the flesh. Stay with me, because the next scripture we are going to go to describes areas of the flesh that need to be conquered. Galatians 5:19-21 says “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Bottom line, if you participate in any of these sins listed and you do not repent, you are guaranteed NOT to go to heaven. God help us all to yield to your Spirit and stop operating in the flesh. Next, we are going to break down what each of these sins are. Yeah, we know what adultery and fornication is, but some of us have NO CLUE what variance, emulation and seditions are. So, lets rightly divide the Word together so we can get a clear understanding.

Adultery

Adultery is when a person has sex outside of marriage. John is married to Sue. Sue has sex with Bob who is NOT her husband. Susan has committed adultery. You get my point? If you are having sex with someone other than your husband or wife or even desiring to have sex with someone other than your spouse, you are committing adultery. Adultery is sin, and if you don’t repent, this sin will keep you out of heaven.

Fornication

Sexual relations while you are single. John is single, he has no wife. However, from time to time, John has sex with various women. John is committing fornication. Fornication is sin, and if you don’t repent, this sin will keep you out of heaven.

Uncleanness

Uncleanness is the very opposite of holiness. This is a failure to live a clean and godly life. Anything that is not pure is sin. Bob tells dirty jokes at work. Sue watches ungodly channels on television and the internet. When Bill is at the local 7-11 he browses the magazine section and looks at xrated books. These as well as thousands of other actions are examples of uncleanness.  These actions are a direct contradiction to the holiness standards God has outlined in the bible. Just remember, anything that is NOT HOLY would fall under the category of uncleanness.

Lasciviousness

Can anyone guess what this word means? I’ll give you a hint. The root word is lust. When you lust, are indecent, lewd, and immoral, you are operating in the sin of lasciviousness. People who cannot control their behavior. Examples like gambling, debating/arguing, gossiping, voyeurism, lying, cheating, stealing, sleeping, tardiness, daydreaming.

Idolatry

The root word is idol. This would include an idol or image. Things like the little Buddha statues, virgin mary statues, crosses that you bow to, rosary beads, pictures of Jesus, pictures of “dead saints”. Lets go deeper and see what the word says about idols. Deuteronomy 7:25 “The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therin: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God.” Your bible says idols (images of gods) need to be burned with fire. Then God says to NOT desire the very jewelry on the idols. He said NOT to even take the jewelry from them because you will be ensnared by it if you do. Then he said this is an abomination (the idol and the jewelry that it wears). Judge for yourself if you should wear earrings, cross necklaces, and rings on your finger. I know there are jewelry wearers that read this blog, I need you to really settle within yourself and see according to scripture if it is befitting for a Christian to wear jewelry. If you reason from the scriptures I believe God will reveal the answer to you. I am not GOD and cannot judge you for the ornaments you might wear, but I can point you in the right direction that will be pleasing to the Lord according to scripture so that you can determine for yourself the actions you should take.

Witchcraft

Christians are not to go to palm readers and fortune tellers even if it’s all for fun and games. Christian children (and adults) are not to play with Ouija boards and have seances. Anyone that uses sorcery and magic powers and practices in the occult is sinning and if you don’t repent will not go to heaven. Harry Potter is a prime example of a character who practices witchcraft. Make sure parents that you DO NOT allow your children to read these books. Exodus 22:18 even tells us that thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. God means serious business when dealing with the sin of witchcraft.

Hatred

This means to have hate or intense dislike towards someone. This also means to have bitter feelings towards someone. The only hatred that you as a Christian are allowed to have is a hatred for SIN!

Variance

This means to have strife. To be contentious. Persons who sow seeds of discord. You always enjoy doing the opposite of what someone else is. For instance, it is clear the sky is blue, a person operating in variance will say the very opposite that the sky is purple. You’ve been around those type of people. No matter what anyone says, they are always going to say the complete opposite on purpose and enjoy doing this. This is sin.

 Emulation

These are people who try to be equal or surpass whatever someone else is doing. They have an attitude of “I can do it better than you”. Wiki even says “to compete or rival with some degree of success, especially through imitation” According to the word, this is sin.

Wrath

Uncontrolled temper. Anger. Fury. Indignation. All of these are examples of wrath.

Seditions

Bottom line, this is a person that incites discontent. This person throws their rocks and hides their hands so to speak. They get people together, incite anger in them, and then stand back and watch the discontent spread like cancer. This is a sin.

Heresies

False teaching, false doctrine. The doctrine of the trinity is a heresy. baptizing in titles is a heresy. Marriage between two men or two women is a heresy. Any false teaching that is contrary to scripture is deemed a heresy.   Its sin and you wont be able to go to heaven operating in false doctrine.

Envy

This is discontent at anthers good fortune. You’re a jealous person. You desire things that don’t belong to you. This is envy and envy is a sin.

Murder

Killing another human being.

Drunkedness

Intoxication, strong drink. This is why the holiness church stands by the teaching to not consume alcohol at all (not in moderation but not at all) so you will not open the door to drunkedness. Its better to abstain all together than to drink in moderation thinking that intoxication door wont eventually be opened. Side note, lets say I never drank but I went to a church that told me I could drink in moderation. I go out and take a sip of alcohol and after one sip I get drunk. I JUST SINNED! You see why the moderation rule WONT WORK! It ultimately will lead to sin.

Revilings

Those that have that “party spirit”  that “lets have a good time and carouse” spirit. We are not talking about clean wholesome parties like birthday dinners and such. A prime example is a recent high school graduate that has one sole purpose of going to college. To have a good time the entire time they are away from home by living it up and partying. This is sin.

…and such like

This is not to be considered a comprehensive list of sins. Rather, the scripture goes on to say that if you do anything “such like” the things mentioned, you will not inherit the kingdom of God.

That said, prayer coupled with reading God’s Holy Word will ensure that you feed yourself a healthy diet of holiness and righteousness. When you eat holiness and righteousness and no other diet, you can rest assured you will not operate in any of these works of the flesh. “In our seeking deliverance from besetting sins such as drunkenness and sexual lusts, we need to submit to God: “Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7.)  (Bob Vincent – How To Conquer Sin In Your Life) After studying all of these works of the flesh, surprisingly I have entertained some of these and immediately asked God to deliver me. I was so glad someone broke these sins down to me because I did not want to live in error and miss out on heaven. Thank God for a Pasto that stands on the holiness principles of the Bible.

Saints, we gotta live holy. I can clearly see why the word says “for without holiness no man shall see the Lord”. The good news is Christ has not come yet, so let us all repent now from operating in the flesh and go into 2012 with 16 new resolutions vowing to never participate in the works of the flesh again so long as I eat a healthy diet of holiness and righteousness while walking in the Spirit.

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 13, 2011

Words To Live By

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 12, 2011

Read This Testimony: The Pentecostals At “The Church Of Christ” Funeral

I was reading Bro. Martyn Ballestero blog  “click here” and came upon this post that I had to share with my readers. All I will say is put your shouting shoes on because there is NOTHING said about this testimony (and if need be, walk awa from your desk at work when done reading and go have yourself a praise break in the bathroom).

The Pentecostals At The Church Of Christ Funeral

The funeral chapel was jammed with about 30 Pentecostals and nearly 100 Church of Christ members.  Evidently this funeral was considered important. Six Church of Christ pastors were in attendance and each one spoke. No Pentecostal preacher had been invited to speak; yet several of us came anyway. I sat close to the back with my brother-in-law Pastor Nathan Yandris and my sister Ramona.

The large framed picture sitting on the closed casket was one of a beautiful middle-aged woman named Phyllis. She had a look of professionalism and class about her. Her brown hair was cut shoulder length. It appeared her make up had been professionally applied for the photo, and her jewelry looked very expensive.

The front row contained a grieving husband and beside him, his redheaded son and daughter-in-law. The son appeared to be the only child. No others sat near, leaving the guests to assume the mourners were alone in this crowd.

The Church of Christ preachers spoke one by one, and each said comforting things that I am sure helped. The final speaker did a superb job, actually. One could tell this was not his first funeral.

At the conclusion of his homily, the minister announced, “It is the wishes of the family that those who wish to say a few words about our beloved sister, should have an opportunity to say a public goodbye. He then walked to the front row and sat down.

One at a time, six middle-aged women walked to the podium and spoke sweet words about the loss of their friend. All of them mentioned that they had met Phyllis at either AA or Al-Anon.

They spoke of her friendship, of her church activities, her help with their lives, and her struggle with addictions and theirs.

After the last one sat down, there was a moment of quietness as all waited for someone else to stand. No one did.

Turning around and giving the crowd a swift appraising look, the redheaded son clutched a new Bible as he stepped to the small podium. His 25 years seemed much older. He was poised. He held the Bible in his left hand up close to his heart.

With a voice that never broke, he thanked everyone for coming. He thanked the ministers that spoke and he thanked his mother’s pastor as well.

With a smile to the women that had come to the front to speak, he thanked them as cherished friends.

That is where his story began!

“Almost 6 weeks ago, I first heard that my mom had cancer.  The doctor said that it was terminal and inoperable. I was shattered. Then they said she only had a few days to live. I was an immediate basket case.

“My mom was young, she was beautiful too,” He said, pointing at her picture.

“I went home that night and sat on my front porch. I was drinking a beer and smoking a cigarette, and was crying my heart out, when this man saw me and stopped.” (He pointed at a large black man on the 2nd row.) “He asked me if I was alright? I told him no.

“When he came up to the porch I told him the news about my mom. He spoke comforting words to me and asked if he could pray for me. I said yes and he did. I felt something I had never felt before.

“Then he sat down beside me and taught me what he called a short Home Bible Study. He showed me about Acts 2:38. He said that I needed to repent, and get baptized in Jesus name and that the Lord would give me the Holy Ghost. He said that Jesus would be my comforter.

“I prayed right there on my porch and asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins. I told him I wanted to be baptized the Bible way, so he took me to his church, Apostolic Tabernacle, and the pastor came over and baptized me in Jesus name. When I came up out of the water, I was speaking in tongues. I got the Holy Ghost just like they did in the Bible!” He said, as he raised and then waved his Bible.

The Pentecostals responded with much noise and many of us stood and clapped our hands. The Church of Christ crowd went silent.

“I was thrilled! I had never been so happy in my life! That night I prayed that God would help me to share this with my mom. I knew she had to have this before she died.

“I prayed that God would help me find a way to speak to her. I knew she was wrapped up in her Church. She had been a lifetime member, and had always been involved in one department or another.

“The first thing the next morning, I prayed before I went over to mom’s house. When I got there, I was surprised to see a Bible lying open on the kitchen table.”

“I asked mom what the Bible was there for, and she said that she was close to dying and didn’t feel saved. She said she was looking for more than what she had.

“I said mom, you been a member of the Church of Christ for 45 years.”

She said, “That’s right, but I’m not ready to meet God. I need more!”

(He turned to the Church of Christ pastor and said, “Sorry sir!”)

The redheaded new convert was filled with Holy Ghost enthusiasm as he told his story. His eyes were red rimmed and watering.

I said, “Mom, let me tell you what had happened to me last night. I told her the whole story. About the beer, the Bible study, the baptism and the Holy Ghost.

“Mom started crying and said son, ‘Tell me what he told you.’

I sat down with her and showed her the same scriptures in Acts that my new friend had told me.

“She got down and began to repent like the Bible said to. When she finished, she said that she couldn’t leave the house to go to church. She was too weak and was attached to an oxygen tank.

“Mom said, maybe we could fill her big Jacuzzi tub up and baptize her in that. Dad helped me and I baptized my mom in Jesus name. She came up out of the water speaking in tongues just like I did. I was so happy, I shouted all over the room.”

(All of us Pentecostals are now on our feet, with our hands in the air, worshipping!)

“My dad said, ‘Baptize me too!’ So I did and he got the Holy Ghost too”

“I sure did,” came a strong voiced reply from the front row. The dad had his hand in the air.

The Pentecostal’s worship was so overwhelming that even some of the church of Christ people started crying by now.

They all knew that a man with an experience is never at the mercies of a man with an argument.

The worship of the small group of saints roared in the ears of opposition. For several minutes it went on. It felt unstoppable.

“All of you Church of Christ members need this Holy Ghost, he went on. “It will do for you what AA can’t. It will do for you what Al-Anon can’t. You need to be baptized in Jesus name to be saved. You need the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues to be saved. If you want to see my mom in heaven, then obey Acts 2:38.

When he walked back to his place, the crowd stood and gave him a standing ovation.

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 12, 2011

P.O.P Music Review: Dexter Walker and Zion Movement

Move II: Bring The Choir BackIf you don’t know by now, I am a choir junkie!!! I love that large choir sound with choir robes and traditional choir music backing up earth shattering vibrato notes that only a skillful singer can sing. I bring to you Dexter Walker and Zion Movement and their album entitled Move II: Bring The Choir Back. If your a fan of the traditional mass choir sound, this album is for you. The album opens up with “No Rock” which is sure to please many Sunday Morning worshipers. Remember when the choir use to march down the aisle with robes and hands clapping exuberantly through the aisle as they marched? This is what this song puts you in the mindset of. (A+) The next song “Spread The Word” is a hand clapping foot stompin song that puts you in the mindset of those old testimony songs that use to be sung before Praise and Worship even existed. A real churchy beat and the lyrics straight up tell you how we need to spread the word that Jesus is coming back. Another favorite that I’ve been bumpin is “Your Latter Will Be Greater”. It almost sounds like a New Direction meets Thompson Community Choir (remember them for all you old choir heads). Great song for a youth choir to learn. All in all this album gets an A+ and I can’t wait till the next album comes out. If you have not purchased this CD, run and get it ASAP.

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 11, 2011

10 Reasons Why I Am Pentecostal (12/11/2011 Morning Worship Message)

The church we are apart of began on the day of Pentecost. Thats right, it did not begin 25, 50, or even 100 years ago. Some have a limited view of Pentecost and feel they can only trace their Pentecostal roots as far back as Azusa Street in Los Angels CA. The church did not begin on Azusa street. It began in Jerusalem as prophesied on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost is not a denomination nor an organization. It is an experience. We are Pentecostal because we have experienced the Pentecostal outpour of the Holy Ghost which filled us within just like it did on the day of Pentecost. We are Apostolic in doctrine. We believe and teach exactly what the Apostles taught from the day of Pentecost and this same doctrine is taught and believed today by thousands. Ephesians 2:20 says “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Our heritage is biblical, sound, and unwavering. I can say without a shadow of a doubt I am proud to be an Apostolic Pentecostal and you should be proud too. Never shy away from your belief. Never be ashamed. We are a part of the original church. Below you will find 10 reasons why I am a Pentecostal as taught by Pastor Johnny Godair Sunday morning 12/11/2011. Yall know I take plenty of notes in church and love reporting back to the Saints everything I learn. Be blessed in Jesus Name.

1. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE THE OLD TESTAMENT CLEARLY SPEAKS OF PENTECOST.

Did you know that even Jewish people, yes Jewish people in the Old testament observed Pentecost. There were 7 major feast that were observed. Passover which was a celebration of the Children of Israel exodus out of egypt. Pentecost which was 50 days after passover. It was a celebration full of jubilation. Feast of Trumpets. Trumpets blow to call God’s people unto repentance, awake from sin and rest. Feast of Tabernacles was to give thanks at harvest time. Feast of dedication was to commemorate the reconstruction of the temple. Feast of Purim was to celebrate the deliverance of the Jews from Haman and finally the feast of new Moons was to celebrate peace and give God a burnt offering. Now that you have a Jewish Old Testament summary of all the different feast, we can clearly see that Pentecost always signified joy. Something how the Holy Ghost is given on this day in the New Testament and with the Holy Ghost you and I both know power and joy unspeakable comes with it.

2. I M PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE THE PROPHETS FORETOLD ABOUT THE DAY OF PENTECOST.

Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.” Stammering lips refer to speaking in tongues. The word “this” refers to the Holy Ghost and how the Holy Ghost gives rest to the weary and it is refreshing.

Joel 2:28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:” Holy Ghost is foretold by the prophet Joel and this came to past on the day of Pentecost.

Ezekiel 36:27 “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Promise foretold by Ezekiel that the Spirit will be put WITHIN you (referring to the Holy Ghost).

Isiah 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Isaiah tells us th word of the lord would come from Jerusalem. This is the exact place were Pentecost took place. Jerusalem. To confirm this, go to Luke 24:47 where Luke tells us that it will all begin at Jerusalem. John 14:17 tells us that the Spirit of Truth will be IN YOU.

So we have Isaiah, Joel, and Ezekiel who are all Old Testament prophets which point us to Pentecost.

3. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE JESUS SPOKE OF IT.

John 14:17-18  ”Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” I think we can stop right there. Jesus himself foretold to us the day of Pentecost. The Spirit did not dwell within the believers until Pentecost.

4. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE THE APOSTLES EXPERIENCED PENTECOST FIRSTHAND.

Acts 1:13 “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.”

Acts 2:1-4 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

All of this took place as a fulfillment of Gods plan thus the birthday of the Church.

5. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS WAS PENTECOSTAL.

Acts 1:14-15 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)”

Isnt it something how the Catholic Church revere Mary the Mother of Jesus, pray to her, but dont even want the same Pentecostal experience she had. How in the world can you pray to Mary and not experience what Mary herself experienced????? If we are going to honor Mary in any way, it should be because she yielded her will to God’s will and thus SHE experienced Pentecost just like the other 120 in the upper room. If if was good enough for Mary, then it should be goo enough for YOU TOO.

6. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE THE WHOLE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH WAS PENTECOSTAL.

Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (This was the 120 in the upper room which were a part of the first century church).

Acts 10:44 “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” (This was the Holy Ghost being poured out on the Gentiles, now a part of the first century church).

Acts 19:6 “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” These were the disciples at Ephesus now part of the first century church.

Acts 8:14-18 “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” The Samaritans are now a part of the First Century church to when they received the Holy Ghost.

7. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE THE HOLY GHOST CHANGES YOUR LIFE.

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.”

8. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU PEACE OF MIND.

Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

9. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE THE HOLY GHOST WILL GIVE YOU JOY.

1 Thessalonians 1:6 “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost” Holy Ghost joy was given on the day of Pentecost. Jubilation, shouting are all associated with Pentecost.

10. I AM PENTECOSTAL BECAUSE OF ITS KEEPING POWER.

Galatians 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

I pray that you enjoyed my sermon notes from morning worship. My Pastor preaches so intense I can feel the smoke coming from my hands as I rush to write down every golden nugget of truth (and dont tell me to just buy the CD, I love taking notes lol lol lol). Seriously, I really pray you enjoyed this powerful message.

Bless you and enjoy your week as we speed ahead to Christmas and New Years. WOW, another year come and gone. WOW!!!!

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 11, 2011

Did You Know: Help Create Someone’s Testimony For Them

“I was a cashier at a grocery store and a Christian man gave me a tract and invited me to church and that’s how I got saved” “I was at a funeral and my brother was killed in a tragic car accident, as I sat down on the church pew I found a church card not from the church I was currently in but from a Pentecostal church, I was Baptist, what was this Pentecostal tract doing here? I read the tract and decided to visit the church and that’s how I came to Christ”.

I remember at 19 I was attending an Apostolic Church in the Bronx NY. This young woman told me how she received the Holy Ghost at a house party turned shoot out. Prior to that day, she knew about the Holy Ghost, knew about living for God, but decided she wanted to do her own thing. She told me that shots rang out at his house party in the Bronx NY. She was in the bedroom of the apartment hiding and crying with others. She immediately repented of her sins and decided that day she was no longer going to run from the call of Christ on her life. She told me that God filled her with the Holy Ghost right there in a dark bedroom full of people crying, she said she started to speak in tongues as the Spirit gave her utterance. God physically saved her from that tragic shoot out, and from that day she has been serving God. What a testimony. God showed up in someones darkest hour and literally filled them with the Holy Ghost. The onlookers thought she was crazy speaking in tongues, but I believe her testimony helped someone else eventually come to Christ. I’m just crazy enough to believe that. Imagine if you were the person that witnessed to her, and THIS was the outcome of a small seed deposited into a life. What a powerful and victorious testimony you’d have.

On another note, read this quote from the latest Gallup poll that CNN reported on concerning Muslims and their faith.

“Muslims are much more likely than Christians and Hindus to say that their own faith is the only true path to paradise, according to a recent global survey, and they are more inclined to say their religion is an important part of their daily lives.”

“Islam is the world’s second-largest religion – behind Christianity and ahead of Hinduism, the third largest. With some 1.5 billion followers and rising, Islam’s influence may be growing even faster than its numbers as the Arab Spring topples long-reigning secular rulers and opens the way to religiously inspired political parties.” (Richard Allen Greene of CNN http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/03/conflict-theology-and-history-make-muslims-more-religious-than-others-experts-say/?hpt=hp_c1 )

A few things stood out in the above quotes. Islam is 2nd largest religion behind Christianity. Islam has 1.5 billion followers. Muslims will clearly tell you that their religion is the ONLY path to paradise (heaven). Here are the issues I have concerning Christianity. We have given people so many options and roads to take in order to get to heaven and are fearful to tell someone that our faith is only road to heaven. We fight amongst our religious organizations and yet we now know that there are at least 1.5 billion people that are hell bound right now if Jesus was to come back right now. 1.5 billion! Lets not even start to pull the covers off the Apostolic Church who totes we have the full truth, full gospel, and teach a more excellent way to live effective Christian lives. Rightfully so, we do have truth. We do have the message. We do teach the full gospel. My point is not to bash Christianity or the Apostolic Faith. NO NEVER! My point I am making is that its our duty to help create someones testimony. Are you going to stand by the Acts 2:38 sidelines cheering and let 1.5 billion people go straight to hell, or are you going to do something about it?????

Here is what I propose according to the Word of God. Luke 14:23 gives us a direct order that’s not optional. “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” We are to compel them (yup those 1.5 billion plus folk) to come to Christ to be saved.

Matthew 10:7 “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Proverbs 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

It is my prayer that you share in my passion for souls and get to work. Islam is not the answer! There is NO OTHER DOOR to enter the kingdom of God except through Jesus Christ who is God almighty. Let us start the week out with a determination to “help create someone’s testimony” by inviting them to church, giving home bible studies, and showing people the more excellent way, that way being the way of holiness through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Receive ye these words……..

P.S. Being the bold individual I am, I actually did go to a funeral at a Baptist church yesterday for a 25 year old who was killed in a single car accident due to speeding and alcohol. This funeral was yesterday. I just so happen to “purposely” drop some tracks in the back near a stack of bibles. Wouldnt that be just like God that the Pastor gets a hold of the tracts, teaches the church the apostles doctrine, and converts his entire church to holiness. I’m just that crazy to believe God ya hear….. Now don’t you go doing the same thing, they might throw you out the church lol lol, but my point is, be crazy enough to belive God can use YOU to help create someones testimony.

 

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 1, 2011

Just In Case You Forgot…here is a friendly reminder.

Let’s be reminded of some things. Jesus is the Mighty God. (Isaiah 9:6). There is only one God, and His name is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Zechariah 14:9, Ephesians 4:5). The baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38) is the only water baptism by immersion that is acceptable and in line with scripture. The baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:4) with the sign of speaking in tongues is the clear and irrefutable evidence that the Holy Ghost is resident on the inside of the believer. Living a holy life is the scriptural pattern to seeing Jesus and life everlasting with Him. (Hebrews 12:14). The only way for us as a believer to conquer the flesh and not yield to temptation is to walk in the spirit.(Galatians 5:16) Outward holiness is still a requirement for the men and women of God in order to be in line with the New Testament Church teachings on modesty. (1 Timothy 2:9 ). Finally, every Holy Ghost filled believer is called to be a witness of the resurrected Christ. By witnessing I’m referring to living your life as a Christian so men will see your good works (Matthew 5:16, Acts 22:15).

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | December 1, 2011

Preacher Joel Osteen and Gospel Duo Mary Mary To Do Reality TV?? Really??? Im Done!!!

I debated if I even want to talk about this. Not for fear that all the Joel Osteen and Mary Mary fans are going to  come and attack me, but because I wonder if this is even worth mentioning on a holiness blog. I did however promise years ago I’d bring you the latest news on whats going on in the “Christian” realm. I also feel every true believer needs to know when trickery abounds. Well, here is the latest gospel gimmick two entities have come up with.  Pastor Joel Osteen and inspirational gospel duo Mary mary are getting set to do their own reality TV series. All I want to know is who voted to let Joel Osteen and Mary Mary start doing their own reality tv shows??? Really??? Are you serious? I’m reading all over the internet people congratulating them and applauding them for their decision to go mainstream and show us “their” lives on the television. Well you wont be showing me or the rest of the UPCI or WPF cause we dont own TV’s (or do you??? Just showing some humor). This is utter foolishness and if folks don’t wake up, I keep telling yall, they are going to be tricked into worshiping at the throne of the anti christ.

Bottom line, any “inspirational gospel artist” whose music is played in the clubs and on Hip Hop and R&B radio stations need to take a second look at the message they are sending out. (wonders to self why “Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross” is not played in the clubs..i dunno perhaps because of the Name Jesus??? Your guess is as good as mine) Listeners be wary! Mary Mary rarely mentiones the name of Jesus in their music. They use words that allude to Christ, but those same words can be used to sing the exact song to and even allude to another man (lets say a husband or a boyfriend). Their music is now classified as cross over and or inspirational. Songs that make you feel good but don’t cause you to want to give your life to Christ.

Speaking of inspirational, Joel Osteen hasn’t, in the words of my Pastor, “the foggiest clue” of who Jesus is. Yeah he is a Pastor good spearker, yeah its a Sunday Morning workshop worship experience and yes it even appears as though there are power point presentations shown and bibles in the hand of his convention church members. But don’t be fooled, this is yet another ploy to water down the gospel and turn it into an inspiring message that makes you feel good but doesn’t cause true change.

Enough about my thoughts and ideas. Lets just settle the matter and go straight to the Word. What kind of songs are we as Christians allowed to sing? Ephesians 5:19 says “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” So its apparent all Christian songs must be sung to the Lord. By the way, that Lord has a name worth mentioning in every song. Turn to Colossians 3:17 to find out what name you should use in your songs. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” So its safe to say we have settled the subject on the type of songs Christians can sing.

Lets settle the matter according to the Word when it comes to the preached Word of God. Turn with me to II Timothy 4:2. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” I’m thinking a lot of people have no clue this scripture was in the bible because if they did, 30,000 people wouldn’t attend a mega convention church every Sunday to hear an inspirational message. The preached Word must include reproving, rebuking, exhorting, and the teaching of the doctrine. Stop being so blind. You carry your bible EVERY SUNDAY to church and possess the greatest weapon against the trickery of the devil, yet you don’t bother to use it. But that’s ok, you bumped into this blog and I have no problem showing you a more excellent way. I wont beat you up, but I’m willing to work with you right where you are to get you to were you need to be in God.

On the matter of reality TV. Christianity is NOT a reality based belief system. It’s a faith based system. Turn in your bibles to  Corinthians 5:7 says “For we walk by faith, not by sight”. Reality causes you do deal with tangible things that you can “see”. Christianity causes you to walk blindly and rely not on the tangible things that you can see, but the unseen. Its called faith. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

I want to share with you some shocking quotes from a literal religious organization called the Church of Reality. Pay close attention to the belief system:

  • ….The Church of Reality is not based on Christianity, Faith, Jesus, the Bible, Creation, Sin, Heaven, Hell, Satan, or God.
  • …The Church of Reality is Religion 2.0 that is based on reality rather than books containing old stories.
  • … We are not tied to a fixed doctrine that was written in the past and is slowly becoming obsolete.
  • …We can’t promise eternal life in paradise with an omnipotent father figure. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about burning in Hell either. In reality, if you want eternal life, you have to go out and develop the technology to make that happen. (www.churchofreality.org)

I in no way am saying Mary Mary or Joel Osteen belong to this religious organization. What I am saying is “Christian Reality” does exist. Its doctrines are contrary to scripture. Its value system causes an individual to blend “the world with the church” and sooner or later, no one can ever be guaranteed to go to heaven or hell because “in reality” we can’t see those places so the just might not exist. This is the reason why you don’t hear inspirational preachers preach about hell. This is why songs are blended to coincide with worldly ideologies. It’s a ploy from Satan and this has to be exposed. After writing this post, I can see why its important NOT to follow after the ways of the world but to be separate from the world as the bible commands in  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,”

Final thought:

  • Christianity 098 is a remedial course for those that have no clue wh Jesus Is. It tell us who Jesus is and how He can save you from your sins. It’s a basic intro to Christ before you can even be saved.
  • Christianity 101 tells us how to be saved by repenting from your sins, being water baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of you sins, and receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38) But this is foundational.
  • Christianity 201 tells us in Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
  • Christianity 301  tells us according to Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
  • Christianity 401 tells us according to 1 Peter 1:16 “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Now that you know who Jesus is, now that you know how to be saved, now that you know the doctrine you need to follow, now that you know the type of personality a Christian must possess and now that you’ve been living holy, you can graduate.
  • Graduation! Your reward can be found in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 

 In your matriculation as a Christian, you will find that there are thousands of elective courses such as “Name it and claim it”, “Blessing Plans”, “Your Healed”, “Turn The Other Cheek When Someone Offends You”, and the ever popular “Sow a $50 Seed Into The Ministry for a breakthrough” class. All of these classes are great, but not one of them are required for graduation. Matter of fact, if you only take elective courses and expect to earn a degree at the end of “life” you will find the headmaster Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ will say to you according to Matthew 7:23 “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

While the above paragraph was just an illustration using college course numbers as mere examples, I do have one final message for you. LIVE HOLY!

To read the news about Joel Osteen and his new reality show go here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57333690-10391698/joel-osteen-mark-burnett-team-up-on-tv-show/

To read the news about Mary Mary and their new reality show go here: http://soulbounce.com/soul/2011/11/mary_mary_to_join_the_reality_tv_ranks.php

On a final note, you are reading an Apostolic Oneness Pentecostal blog posting. If you don’t know who Jesus is, I invite you to stick around so we can show you the more excellent way. We believe in repentance of sin, water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the in filling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:38). We belive there is ONE God (Deuteronomy 6:4), that God has a Name. We hold firm that Jesus is the Almighty God and no one else Isaiah 9:6-9, John 1:1, Matthew 1:23, Revelation 22:13). If today is your first time here, WELCOME and please come again, and again and watch God show you a more excellent way to serve Him.

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | November 22, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Funeral:
Thursday, November 17th  | 11AM PACIFIC 2PM EASTERN
4303 Christian Life Way

The service will be broadcast live online:
http://www.clministry.com/church/news/bishophaney/#watch

Posted by: Apostolic Oneness Pentecostals | November 16, 2011

I Love The Truth

I’ve noticed some people have been turned off by Apostolic churches. One reason is the doctrine is preached in such a way that causes an individual to feel they are being ridiculed from the pulpit. You cant beat Saints and sinners up with the Word! The Word gives hope for those that follow it and damnation to those who don’t follow it. Any person with good sense already knows they are hell bound if they know the truth and blatantly disobey God. It doesn’t help to beat them up with the Word. Understand this, you have to instill a love for the Truth in the people’s mind. You want to know why churches are backslidden? It’s because they don’t love The Truth. 9 times out of 10 they probably don’t even know what truth is even if you told them (and for those that don’t know, Truth is the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection which we partake in when we repent of our sins, are water baptised in Jesus Name by immersion, and when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost evident by speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance). This is the reason why church’s that are Apostolic in name only can go wayward and in a matter of years loose their Apostolic identity. When worldly customs creep into the church and Truth is replaced with false doctrine, you better believe a great falling away is about to happen.

Truth is God’s word in its totality and I love it. (say to yourself at least once a day “I LOVE THE TRUTH”). Acts 2:38 being the foundation and perfecting Holiness (inward and outward) while witnessing to a unsaved world and winning souls being the finality of what it takes to get into heaven. If we truly love Jesus, love the Name of Jesus, love Jesus Name baptism, we will emulate Him and His Holiness in an apostolic lifestyle fit to please the Lord Jesus Christ who is God Almighty! Holiness, righteousness, sanctification, love, joy, peace, temperance, and the list goes on and on CAN NEVER BE REPLACED with impure teachings, false doctrine, unrighteous living, and fellowship with that which is in the dark.

Pastors, guard your pulpit. Dont let trinitarian preachers come into your church and take over the whole service. If a trinitarian preacher is at your church, it should be because he wants to learn the truth. How can you allow someone whose sins have not even been remitted in Jesus Name preach in your pulpit? How can you allow someone who believes in 3 persons and all 3 are co-equal and co-eternal grace your pulpit and feed your sheep? I keep getting flyers via email with Trinitarians preaching in Apostolic Churches, yet when I go to these trinitarian websites, it is clear they are anti-apostolic in doctrine. I don’t get it. I am all for reaching trinitarian preachers and I support Apostolic Pastors who go to trinitarian churches to preach to them The Truth. I know of many wonderful testimonies where whole churches were converted from the trinity doctrine to the oneness doctrine all because of Truth loving Pastors who showed them the more excellent way. But you see, I know why you invite them to come to your church. It’s about MONEY! Bring a big name trinitarian preacher in and watch the money flow. Well, here is what I want to leave money hungry organizations with:

1 John 2:15-17 Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. (The Message Bible)

I love that Message Bible. It really tells it like it is doesn’t it. In love, in purity, and in all things that are holy, I implore all of my readers to study your Word. Get a love for the Word of God deep down in your heart. The Bible says to meditate on the Word day and night. Write it down on the tables of your heart. Eat the whole book. Enjoy coming out of darkness and walking in Gods marvelous light. If we can do these things, I promise you, God will say on that great day, well done my child, enter into the joy of the Lord. Remember, I’d rather stand for SOMETHING than to fall for ANYTHING.

Stand for The Truth dear Saints.

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