Are you a follower?

…or a FOLLOWER?

by OneAccord (June, 2008)

Interesting thing about the Bible. You read a word, thinking it means one thing, but it sometimes means something else entirely. Or, a word means one thing in one verse, and means something else entirely somewhere else. That’s the case with the word “follow”. Usually the word “follow” comes from the Greek word “akoloutheō" which means to: 1) to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him2) to join one as a disciple, become or be his disciplea) side with his party.Simply put, to “follow” means to become a disciple. This is what the word means when Jesus said “follow Me”. It means to join Him, to accompany Him, and to be His disciple. Notice how the word “follow” seems almost passive? Do nothing…just follow. And, if we were to stop right there (as people often do), it would seem that Jesus is telling us that nothing is expected of us, nothing is required of us but to follow Him. Just join Him. Just “accompany Him”. Just be “His disciple”.However, elsewhere in the NT, the word “follow” has a different meaning. For example: Rom 14:19 Let us therefore FOLLOW after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Here, the word FOLLOW comes from the Greek word, “diōkō” which means:1) to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away2) to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run aftera) to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goalb) to pursue (in a hostile manner)3) in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest onea) to persecuteb) to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something4) without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone5) metaph., to pursuea) to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquireNotice the difference. Here (and elsewhere in Pauls writings) the word “FOLLOW” is more active. It has a sense of urgency associated with it. The word “FOLLOW” (I use capitals to distinguish “FOLLOW” [diōkō] from “follow” [akoloutheō]. I’m reminded of the words of Jesus (underlined): Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. To be a follower of Christ, we do nothing but follow- but to be a FOLLOWER, we get serious, we run swiftly, we actively pursue, we press in, we seek eagerly, we become hostile in the pursuit of our goals. That’s what it means to really FOLLOW Jesus. What are some things we should actively FOLLOW? What are some things we should “run swiftly after” and actively pursue?We’ve already seen one:Peace and things that edify Rom 14:19Then theres….1Cr 14:1 FOLLOW after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and FOLLOW after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever FOLLOW that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].2Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but FOLLOW righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Hbr 12:14 FOLLOW peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: These are just a few examples of what it means to FOLLOW Christ, rather than merely “follow Christ”. To FOLLOW Christ as Paul spoke requires effort on our part. We think to “follow Christ” requires no effort, no exertion. However, FOLLOWING Christ requires a good deal of effort on our part. Christian characteristics don’t always come easy for the fallen human race. Things like “peace, “charity”, “righteousness” and so on, are things we need to “actively pursue”. We think we have “arrived” when we begin following the Lord, but then God wakes us up to the fact that we shouldn’t just “follow” Him, but we should really FOLLOW Him. Notice: Phl 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I FOLLOW after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. In essence, Paul is saying he “actively pursues, he becomes hostile in his efforts to attain, he presses on, and runs swiftly” after the things of God. What else did Paul say? Phl 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Paul presses on for his goal in a hostile, active manner. Yes, salvation is a free gift. Many secular denominations point to verses that seem to imply that salvation requires no effort on our part whatsoever… just accept God’s free gift of salvation. Nothing is expected of us, nothing is required of us. Sounds great, doesn’t it ? Just follow Jesus. But… that’s just one side of the coin. If we follow Him long enough, we’ll soon discover there's more for us to do to really FOLLOW Him. Multitudes followed Jesus initially, but when they soon discovered that something is required of them, many turned away from actually FOLLOWING Him. Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Notice in this verse how something is required of those who follow the Lord? We do a disservice to our hearers when we paint the walk with Jesus as a “tip toe through the tulips” walk that requires no effort on our part but to follow. We need encourage one another to FOLLOW Jesus. We need to FOLLOW after the things of God which includes HOLINESS. We need to actively pursue peace and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We need to press after righteousness and godliness. The things of God aren’t handed to us on a silver platter. We must be violent and hostile in our quest to really FOLLOW the Lord. So… are we followers of Jesus? Or are we FOLLOWERS of Jesus?

Lola

As I posted a while back, I have been unable to manage this blog as I had hoped to because of my wife's illness. We fought a hard but losing battle with cancer. She was diagnosed in August and underwent surgey for a brain tumor. Radiation and Chemo were not effective. Lola passed away peacefully on Feburary 6, 2008. She was my life. Its been heard to focus on what I need to be, and should be, doing. Being at home is torture, but leaving is worse. I'll always miss her and be thankful for the 13 short years we had together. And I'll always think of her as the best and most valuable part of my life. Here is Lola in the hospital in August with our grandson, Seth. He loves his Gran. And so do I.

The Unity of the Faith

Left: Pastor Aubrey and Sister Lorene Hastings

Psa 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
God desires unity for His people. By all the debate and disharmony so prevalent today, you’d wonder if it is true or not. But, it is. God wants us to be a united people. Jesus prayed for it, the Apostles preached it and died for it. UNITY is the hallmark of the Church of Jesus Christ.
To discuss unity, we have to first discover what unity is and what it is not. Mention the world UNITY and a lot of people think “Ecumenism”. But, the two are worlds apart. Lets differentiate between the two:
ec·u·me·nism
1. A movement promoting unity among Christian churches or denominations.
2. A movement promoting worldwide unity among religions through greater cooperation and improved understanding.
u·ni·ty
1. The state or quality of being one; singleness.
2. The state or quality of being in accord; harmony.
Notice the difference? Ecumenism is a movement that requires effort. Unity is a “state of being” that requires no effort. To illustrate: Sit back, relax, put you feet up, get comfortable. That is ecumenism. An effort or movement to achieve a state . Now: are you relaxed yet? Just enjoy that relaxed state for a minute. See? Once you put forth the effort to relax, it requires no effort, no movement. That is a state of being.
Organizations have sprung up all around us to achieve UNITY. But, all too often they fail because UNITY is not a movement. it’s a state. Organizations have the opposite affect than what is desired. They contribute more to dis-unity than they do to unity. By-laws are written, resolutions are based and doctrinal statements are clearly (well, not always) defined that provides a basis for unity. But, while this serves to promote unity within the group, it creates a fracture with other groups. Just look whats happening around us today. One organization is weakened while another forms. This is ECUMENISM, an effort to achieve a state of unity, but it seems to be a failed effort at best. Because UNITY does not come through our efforts.
UNITY does not require effort, because UNITY is a gift to God’s Church. It is God that brings unity and not our efforts. Human efforts to achieve UNITY have failed from the very onset of human history. In the beginning man communed with God. That’s it… there was no one else to commune with. He walked with God, God talked to him. It was a one on one state of unity between man and His Creator. But, other humans were introduced and man communed, then conflicted, with man. The first effort, the first movement to achieve UNITY was thwarted by God at the Tower of Babel, because it was a human effort. It was ECUMENISM. Human effort that was doomed to fail.
So, peace was taken from the world and since that time to this, unity seems to be, as one writer said “an enduring dream”.
Then Jesus was born. Surely He, the Son of God, they manifestation of God in the flesh could and would bring unity to the land of Israel and, ultimately to the world. But, no, once again, the very Prince of Peace could not achieve what man could not comprehend. Peace. Unity. Like today, UNITY was inconceivable in ancient Israel. How can different cultures, different races, different religions be united as one? He who said “…my peace I leave with you…” was a source of great conflict in the days He walked he walked on earth, and that conflict remains with us to this day. So, from whence does this UNITY come?
To discover the answer, go back to the relaxation exercise. When did that relaxed state come from? From your effort to relax? No, it came from within. Jesus said this: He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Jhn 7:38 . That peace, that serenity you experience doesn’t come from your effort. It doesn’t come from your surroundings, but it comes from within. Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luk 17:21 In Jhn 14:17, Jesus said [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.
The UNITY we all so desperately yearn for doesn’t come through human effort or organization. In a very real sense, it doesn’t come through our doctrinal position. But it comes through the Holy Ghost.
Jesus prayed in the garden: Jhn 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. We look at the work of winning souls for Christ, and we have to ask ourselves: Are we reaching the world with the Gospel? We preach Pentecostal doctrine, yet, by and large, we aren’t achieving the results we should be. Why not? Jesus gave the answer in Joh 17:21; The world will believe when we become one in Christ. As long as the world sees us as a bunch of religious fanatics who can’t get along with each other, why would they give us a second look. We squabble, we argue, we debate over doctrines and procedures and methods, when we should be preaching JESUS! Our doctrines about Jesus and Truth are more important that Jesus and Truth!
Lets look at Pentecost, the very founding of the New Testamament Church. What is the underlying theme presented there? Doctrine? Baptism” Tongues? NO! These are the affects of Pentecost, but the underlying theme is the unity among those gathered in the Upper Room. Notice:
Act 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Act 2:1 ¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.


Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
They were united in PUROSE before Pentecost. They were united in Possession during Pentecost. And they were united in PROFESSION after Pentecost. Their UNITY was not an effort, a movement, but “a state of being” that resulted from the inception of the Holy Ghost into His Church. It wasn’t about doctrines, creeds and manuals, but it was the Acts and Power of the Holy Ghost that brought UNITY to the early church. It was the fulfillment of God’s promise: Eze 11:19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: It is our stony hearts of flesh that causes us to argue and debate doctrine. Paul said strife and divisions comes from carnality and our insistence to walk after the flesh. 1Cr 3:3 . We think UNITY is all speaking the same, doing the same, dressing the same, and believing the same. But that isn’t unity. Unity is believing what God has revealed to us through His Spirit, walking in truth as we understand truth, and, above all else, loving our brother, in spite of the fact that he might see or do things differently.
Some would counter with the verse from 1Cr 1:10 “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” But I ask, where in that chapter does it list all the things we must speak the same? Does this mean, that, in order for us to walk together, we have to believe speak, and agree on, exactly the same thing? Amo 3:3. If so, then we’ll all walk a very lonely walk for its doubtful that any two will agree on everything? But what is the thing Paul tells us to “…all speak the same…”? He first list some things the Corinthian church was divided over, then he tells us exactly what we are all to agree on: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1Cr 1:18. The central message of God’s church- the message we must surely all believe and teach is the message of Salvation that was purchased at Calvary. In Galatians 1, Paul refers to the “Gospel of Christ”. There, in verse 4, he tells us what that Gospel is: Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: That, and that alone, is the Message of Salvation: That Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God willingly sacrificed His life to redeem our souls. Then Paul; says this: If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Our doctrines about baptisms, about “standards” about organizations are NOT the Gospel of Christ. Water Baptism, as the writer of Acts so skillfully points out is the Apostles Doctrine (I.e., a basic and fundamental doctrine of the NT Church,) But the Gospel of the Death, Burial and Resurrection of our Lord is the very foundation upon which Jesus established His church. The revelation that Jesus came as the Son of the Living God to die, be buried, and be resurrected, is THE GOSPEL upon which we must all be in agreement. To preach ANY other thing for the purpose of teaching the way of salvation is to preach another gospel, of which Paul said is no another Gal. 1:6-7.
Paul likens God’s church to a building. There are many components of a structure, but it can have only one foundation. Our foundation is the message of the Cross of Calvary, where the Blood of Jesus was shed for many. Our other doctrines, (Godhead, baptism, standards, etc), however important to the structure are but components. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear in Heb. 6. We place great emphasis on certain doctrinal components and virtually ignore others. We seek to build a building out of our doctrines, but our foundation is faulty at best, or non-existent at worst, because the Message of Calvary has lost its centrality in or theology. What is represented by the Death of Christ (repentance) fits into our theology more than the reason and purpose of this Death. The representation of the Burial of Christ (baptism) is given preeminence over the purpose and plan of His Burial. The purpose of resurrection is placed on the back burner, so to speak, as we haggle over the how’s and the what’s of His resurrection..
As long as our foundation is askewed, we will remain so. We’ll never unite is our petty views, opinions and interpretations. But, through the Holy Ghost we can be united as One in Christ. Paul said this: 1Cr 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Notice how the work of the Holy Ghost takes preeminence over everything else in this Chapter? And, so should the work of the Holy Ghost take preeminence in our lives, as well. I think, sometimes, we lose sight of what the Holy Ghost is and does in our lives. First of all, the Holy Ghost is God’s Spirit. We believe the Holy Ghost is the third of 3 manifestation of One God. I refer to the Holy Ghost as a “He” because HE is God. In us. God in us! Think of it! If that doesn’t make you either want to shout “Hallelujah!”, or fall down before the Lord with a broken and contrite spirit, I don’t know what will. The great God of all creation lives on the insist of your heart! The Holy Ghost, Paul taught, is what baptizes us into the Body of Christ. We who that are filled with His Spirit are all members of His Body. Our doctrines, our baptism, our beliefs, no matter how important to us, do not baptize us into His Body. The Holy Ghost does that. The moment he comes to abide, He welcomes us to the Body (or Church of Jesus Christ). Our organizations do more to divide than to unite. Human effort fails dismally to unite God’s people as history shows us.
But, the simple act of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and walking in the Spirit brings us together in fellowship and harmony simple because of the fact that He has but one Church. A church, I might add, that is without spot, wrinkle of blemish. A church that cannot be prevailed against by all the forces of our enemy. A church that has but one Head, and One foundation- Jesus Christ. A church that is governed by known else than the Word of God. A church that is “fed” by a ministry of five-fold: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. Shepherds and not “lord’s over God’s Heritage”. Servants who care for God’s church, who speak what He speaks. It is through this 5-fold ministry we are brought to the unity of the faith.

Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The word “Endeavor” comes from two words which means “To try” and “Duty” It is “our duty to try” to maintain UNITY in the Body of Christ.
Unity. That is what permeates the true Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is united in prayer. In purpose. In possession. And, in purpose. It is not a movement toward unity, it is unity. It isn’t an effort to unite, it is the state of being united. Only through, and by the Power of the Holy Ghost is this attainable.
Prayer is the key. It was while in prayer that Jesus spoke about the unity of His Church. It was while in prayer that the early church came together as one. It is through and by prayer that we humble ourselves- come down from our lofty perches and submit our selves unto the Lord. Prayer. Try it: Try to be angry or cross with a brother while in prayer. Can’t do it, can you? That’s because when we pray, we enter the very Presence of a Holy Ghost. Division, disagreements, strife, these acts of the flesh cannot enter His Presence. Before the disciples could enter the prayer room to pray that had to put the mixed emotions of the “Judas incident” behind them. They had to let go of the emotions, the anger, the sorrow and the animosity that act of betrayal represented. Once that was dealt with and out away, then they could approach the throne of grace for the much needed Promise of the Holy Ghost. Only by turning loose of the emotions of the flesh could they “be endued with Power from on High”. The unity that was broken by Judas betrayal and subsequent death, has to be restored.
We, I believe, are in for a Revival of Restoration. Joel’s Book speaks of restoration throughout and culminates with the prophecy that God would one day “pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh”. If the Apostolic church ever hopes to see Revival, they will need to set about bringing restoration in the divided Body of Christ. Racial divisions will have to be wiped away. Divisions over doctrine will have to be set aside. Animosity for past wrongs and past hurts will have to be dealt with. Barriers that hinder and forbid fellowship will have to be broken down. In order for the Church to be set in order, the ministry will need to open dialog and find a place where UNITY will be the standard that rallies us. It is the ministry that sets the pace for the church. Divided ministry, divided church. And, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Notice how Jesus said that? Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: He mentions kingdoms first, then houses. If the kingdoms (leadership) is divided, so the house (church) will be as well.
We look at the early church and we say, “See, they were divided!” And, yes, so they were. But see, they were the former rain. We are the latter rain. They were the early church, we are the church of the last days. There must be forward movement- -a progression- for us to be God’s Church. Hag 2:9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. The former hose is a house of peace and unity not debate and division. We mistakenly believe that we must compare to the early church. We think to be the viable Body of Christ then we should mimic the early church. But, just the opposite is true. We are the latter house. Our anointing should be greater. Our results should be greater. But… what’s happening? Instead of doing “greater works” we are content, we actively seek to be like the church of the 1st Century. Why? Because the degree of our harmony, the extent of our agreement, the depths of our unity is all but non-existent. Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Lets not wile away our precious few days of harvest time, looking back, wishing for the days of yesteryear. Let us not hang our harps upon the willows ands weep when we remember the days of Zion’s former glory. As Paul wrote: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phl 3:13. Forget Pentecost. It was a mere Jewish holiday. Forget Azusa Street. Forget the mergers and the splits. By looking back, we lose sight of the vision God has set before us. New opportunities. More souls to reach. More churches to establish. More workers to train. Look ahead, what do you see? Failure? Defeat? Uncertainty? Now… look ahead through the Eyes of Jesus. Now what do you see? Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. Jhn 4:35
He also said, Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Luk 10:2 Do you pray for laborers in God’s Harvest? How do you pray? Do you say, “Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.”, as Jeremiah prayed? Jer 1:6. Or do you answer the call, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” as the prophet Isaiah by saying, “Here am I; send me.” Isa 6:8
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
We’ve tried everything else. Resolutions, affirmations, by-laws, creeds, organizations. But, honestly, what of those things has brought even a measure of unity? In 1945, a brother, writing by inspiration coined a phrase that brought together two relatively small groups into one world wide organization. Now those immortal words are all but lost to history. ‘We shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit until we all come into the unity of the faith, at the same time admonishing all brethren that they shall not contend for their different views to the disunity of the Body‘. Those words, inspired from the very pages of the Bible, should be written on the heart of everyone who is filled with God’s Spirit. L.R Oorten said, “There is no greater need among Spirit-filled children of God today than the unity of the Spirit”. These are not the words of one organization or group. These words were the words of men whose very hearts were set ablaze by the fires of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, who yearned for the day when they could stand shoulder to shoulder in fellowship and unity. The word UNITY stands out boldly in both statements, for if UNITY could bring two doctrinally diverse groups together into spiritual harmony, can not the spirit behind those words bring us all together as ONE IN CHRIST?
To do so, however requires a great number of things, one might think. Not so. It requires but one. 2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Our spiritual landscape will be healed of its fractures, if we’ll but answer the call to pray and humble ourselves before God. The dry and barren land of our churches would be restored to the former glory if we’d but turn from our divisions and doctrinal quarreling and move with God’s Spirit to the UNITY that we can only find in Him. Our strife, our animosity would be swept away by a fresh, invigorating out-pouring of the Holy Ghost.
This is it, folks. We pray for REVIVAL. We yearn for REVIVAL. Then, we must pay the price. Often, we want the benefit, but we don’t want to pay the price. The price is simple, the reward are plentiful. God operates in, not so much an atmosphere of faith, as we are often taught, but in an atmosphere of unity. The Bible speaks of at least one time when Jesus could do no mighty miracles because of unbelief. We interpret that as a lack of faith But, unbelief stems from division. These people were divided in their thoughts and opinions of this Man from Galilee. Who was he? What was He doing? Some thought He was Elijah, some thought: John the Baptist. Until we get a clear understanding of Who and What Jesus is to us, we’ll continue to be mired in division. Its not enough to believe what the Bible says about Him. Jesus said to Peter: But whom say ye that I am? Mat 16:15 We have to know Who and What He is to us. He is our everything: Our God, our Savior, our Healer, our soon coming King. He is our everything because we determine to know nothing else but Him. We live, move and have our being…in Him. He is the source of all we need. From Him comes our unity. In Him we are made one. To those who believe and teach the Apostolic Message, L.R Ooten said, ”If we preach Oneness, it is also necessary for us to practice the same”. The Oneness of the Godhead and the Oneness of His Church go hand in hand. The Holy Spirit alone is the source of the spiritual cohesiveness of God’s Church. Note how the New Testament uses the word “together” in relationship to God’s people:
We have….
“communed together”,
“assembled together”,
“come together”.
“gathered together in [His] name”
We….
“rejoice together”
“live together with him”,
“comfort yourselves together”
The….
“multitude came together”, and “all that believed were together”
We come….
“together to hear the word of God”.
“together with Jesus”,

He has…
“gathered the church together”.
The…
“disciples came together”
We are….
“planted together”
“builded together”
“workers together”
“labourers together with God”
“elected together”
“children together”
“eagles…gathered together”,
“knit together in love”

In Jesus we are…
“glorified together”,
God brings….
“the body together”
We are….
“helping together by prayer”
“assembling of ourselves together”,
“heirs together”
We are His…
“gathering together unto him”
He has…
“quickened us together”
We have…
“one mind striving together for the faith”
And, if we will remain faithful unto Him we will be…
“caught up together”
Is there any room for doubt as to the intention and purpose God has for us? God’s purpose is for a united church, rather than the divided church we see today. His church is described as a “glorious church” a “royal priesthood”, “a chosen generation” that has passed fro spiritual darkness and into His marvelous light. If we abide in Him, and He abides in us, we are THAT church. His church. Spirit-filled, united and standing resolutely in the Name of Jesus

Beyond the Veil

Beyond the Veil
(Exodus 27:1-8; 30:17-21)


I would have loved to be able to enter the Tabernacle of Moses, wouldn’t you? I’m not talking about a reproduction, but the real thing. Seeing the actual seven Tabernacle furnishing would be awe-inspiring.
In the courtyard, we know there were two furnishings: The Brazen Altar and the Brazen Laver, which represents first, repentance, and, secondly, water baptism. Atonement was made for sin at the altar with blood sacrifices. Between the altar (or repentance) and the Holy Place was the laver for washing. This symbolizes water baptism, where the washing of water separates us from the sins we left at the altar of repentance.
Once atonement has been made for our sins at the altar of repentance, and, as priests unto our God (1Pe 2:9) , we are washed with water ( Mar 16:16), we are then ready to enter the Holy Place. God’s Spirit is the Holy Place. We find 5 pieces of furnishing here: There we see the candlestick, representing God’s Church, filled with the Holy Ghost (Act 1:8). We also see the Table of Shewbread, which represents God’s Word, the Bread of Life. Next we see the Altar of Incense which represents the prayers of the saints ascending up to God. (Rev 8:4) Beyond that is a veil.. The entrance to the most sacred of places: the Holist of Holies. Inside are two furnishings: the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s immutable covenant with mankind, and the Mercy Seat, representing the very dwelling place of God
Wouldn’t it be something to see the Tabernacle with these furnishings? As great as that might be, remember this: These furnishings are just “things”. They are objects… tools used in the Lord’s service. Like doctrines, they are not the objects of our worship- they aid in our worship. They may help us to understand God yet, they fall short in revealing God to us. Jesus, God’s Son, was the very manifestation of God in the Flesh. Jesus Christ revealed God in the flesh. All too often, though, people get “hung up” on… things. Doctrines become their object of worship. The Pharisees were like that about the Law. The Law of the Sabbath had become their god. Their doctrines and traditions had become their object of worship. The Law on Tithing took precedence over “weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.“ Mat 23:23. Doctrines are vital…they are important, but doctrines are not to become our objects of worship. What happens when we allow doctrines and traditions to become the objects of our worship? Jesus said we transgress the very Word of God we claim to hold dear to our hearts. Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? Mat 15:3 . A correct doctrine of truth becomes a tradition… a ritual… it becomes an idol, when it becomes central in our worship as was the case of the Pharisees. We spend hour after hour studying and discussing the doctrines of Christ, yet how much time to be spend studying and discussing Christ? Phillip did not preach about Jesus, nor did he preach a doctrine about Jesus went he went to Samaria (Acts 8). He preached JESUS! And miracles, signs and wonders were wrought, because he preached Jesus. His message was of a living Gospel that garnered a tremendous harvest for God’s Kingdom. When doctrines about Jesus takes precedence over Jesus in our worship, our message falls flat. We are preaching a dead religion of ritual and tradition. But when we move past the Tabernacle furnishings…the doctrines of the Gospel…and enter into to that place where the Power of God dwells, then we will preach the Gospel. And God promised when the Gospel is preached, we can expect “… the Lord [to start] working with [us], and confirming the word with signs following.”
I love this doctrine that we call “the Apostle’s Doctrine”. I thank God for the day I repented of my sins while reading a prayer out of a Catholic Prayer Book. I’m glad for the November night in 1970 that I was baptized in water in the Name of Jesus Christ. I Praise God for that night in 1971 when Brother R.W. Schambach laid hands on me and I received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. It was then and there that I entered the Holy Place. I rejoice for that day, sitting in a middle school classroom in Tennessee, when God revealed to me how three (Father, son, and Holy Ghost), are One. And I am grateful for all that He has taught me through His Word, by revelation and by the ministries I have sat under. But…I do not worship those things. They are not the objects of my worship. Should they become so, they become my idols, and I’m serving a dead religion. No, my worship goes beyond the furnishings of God’s Tabernacle.
Jesus, our High Priest, went through the veil beyond the altar of incense, and opened the way for us to enter the Holiest of Holies. There… beyond the prayers of the saints, there beyond the curtain, is the object of our worship. There is our Lord. Our Savior. There is our God. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Mat 4:10
How do we get there? We must pass through the smoke of the incense. We get there through prayer. Study is vital. Its necessary. But to go deeper… to go where God is, we must pray. Jesus said Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Mat 17:21. Prayer humbles our spirit while fasting humbles the flesh. Do we want to go deeper in God? Then we must “present [our] bodies a living sacrifice”.
Hebrews 6:1-2 speaks of “…leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ…”. Abandon doctrines? No… a thousand times NO!. But we can’t stop in our quest for God at the furnishings in the Tabernacle. We cannot allow the furnishings to become our idols. We must move on to perfection, through prayer, and into the very dwelling place of God. We must embrace God’s Covenant and not the Ark and allow Christ rule in our hearts. We must not be content to serve a doctrine ABOUT Him.
Doctrines are vital if we are to gain any understanding about God and His nature. But listen as Paul seems to cry out: That I may know HIM, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Phl 3:10 I love the doctrines about Jesus, but it is Jesus I want to know! He is my redeemer. As wonderful as my repentance was…it did not save me. He did!. Water Baptism did not wash my sins away…Jesus, God with us, did! My doctrine, my belief, they will not raise me up at the last trump. God in me, the Holy Ghost…He will raise us up in the last day!.
“Oh, I want to see Him,
Look upon His Face,
There to sing forever
Of his saving grace
On the streets of glory
Let me lift my voice
Cares all past home at last
Ever to rejoice”
Yes, we must be doctrinally pure. That goes without saying. But, of greater importance is that we remain spiritually pure. My doctrine may be incorrect, but, if the Spirit within me is pure, He will lead and guide me to all truth. I may be absolutely correct in my doctrine, but if I harbor ill will against my brother, I am spiritually unclean. If I speak the truth without love, then my truth is no truth at all. If I gossip, spread rumor, or speak evil of, even my enemies, I am not prepared to go deeper in God. If my doctrinal views causes anger and rancor toward one who disagrees with me, then I am unfit to enter into the Holiest of Holies. If my doctrines, like the Tabernacle furnishings, become the objects of my worship, then I serve a tradition. A tradition that has become “my besetting sin”. Let us not stop at the furnishings “…let us go on unto perfection…” Hbr 6:1 Perfection is where He is. In Him is perfection and, as I strive for perfection, if I am ever to attain it, I must move beyond the Holy Place, and enter “…in heavenly [places] in Christ”. That is where I will find those great “spiritual blessings” that await me there.
Eph 1:3 . I’ll not find them standing outside in court yard. I‘ll not find them debating and striving among the furnishings. No… I’ll have to go deeper into the Tabernacle. Past the doctrines about which Church is right. I’ll have to go beyond the contention over every jot and tittle of the Word. I’ll have to get beyond that and pray and seek the Lords will. I’ll have to rid my self of my spiritual pride and my “excellency of speech of men’s wisdom“, and throw my self on the altar, saying, “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner”. Then, when my spirit is pure…I can enter in and give my worship to Whom it belongs. Then I will join in unity with my brother and sister in Christ, and worship Him who has made us one in Christ. I think of the streets of gold. The walls of jasper. The “Mansions just over the Hilltop” they sing of. But my worship… my praise goes beyond mere furnishings. My worship goes to the Throne. My Praise goes to the One who sits on His Throne… For in him we live, and move, and have our being;… Act 17:28

Beating our Dead Horses

Evangelist Jack Coe 1918-1957

We’ve all heard the old saying “Beating a dead horse” which means to has and rehash a subject or issue. Have you ever thought about where the saying came from?

BEAT (OR FLOG) A DEAD HORSE - "Though he supported the measure, British politician and orator John Bright thought the Reform Bill of 1867, which called for more democratic representation, would never be passed by Parliament. Trying to rouse Parliament from its apathy on the issue, he said in a speech, would be like trying to 'flog a dead horse' to make it pull a load. This is the first recorded use of the expression, which is still common for 'trying to revive interest in an apparently hopeless issue.'." From the "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Fact on File, New York, 1997) -http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/5/messages/287.html

Actually, there is Biblical precedence for beating an animal. A mule. And its wasn’t dead, but it probably would have been if the wayward prophet Balaam had his way. We’re all familiar with the story, but, well, maybe not in this particular light. The story is found in Numbers 22. Balaam, whose motive was financial gain, was on his way to prophesy against Israel. Along the way, while riding his mule, Balaam encountered an Angel of God, though, due to his spiritual blindness, he was not aware of the Angel’s Presence. But the mule saw Him. And refused to proceed, but turned into a field. The angry prophet beat the mule to get it to travel in the right direction. It happened again that the mule saw the Angel and could have turned one way to enter a vineyard or into a wall. He turned into the wall and crushed the prophets leg and Balaam “…smote her again”. The mule moved cautiously forward, entering a narrow place where there was nowhere else to turn. So, to avoid the Angel, the mule laid down which sent Balaam into a rage. He beat the mule mercilessly until, miracle of miracles, the mule spoke to him and then, and only then was Balaams eyes opened allowing him to see the Angel which blocked his way.
When we “beat a dead horse” we are discussing an issue to no end. We discuss it, we debate it, and, all too often, we argue about it. Many times, a person becomes so passionate about his position he finds himself out “in left field” all alone. His position takes center field… it becomes a, obsession.

Then, the arguing commences. One could turn into a vineyard where the discussion is productive and enlightening. But, more often than not, the discussion goes the other way and one finds himself being crushed against the wall of division. Walls are obstacles to fellowship. Walls separate us from one another, and when we become heated over a subject, we lose all forward progression and are crushed against the walls that undermine our fellowship.

If we insist “we are right and we everyone else is wrong”, our fellowship with each other, and, subsequently, with the Lord, collapses under our own weight. We become victims of our own obstinacies. We become modern day Balaams, stubbornly determined to do what we are bent on doing, stubbornly “…contend[ing] for [our] different views to the disunity of the body”. We lose our way, we lose our fellowship with our brethren when we are blinded by fact that the Word of God stands in our way reminding us to “speak the truth in love” and that our love for one another far outweighs the knowledge we think we possess. 1Cr 13:2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

Two more points:
Num 22:21 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.
As we “beat our dead horses” we must bear in mind the world in watching. Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Beating dead horses may feel good, but in so doing, we cannot proceed further. If we find ourselves debating issues that were being debated in the Bible, then can we honestly say we are moving forward? If issues that divided the early church, like water baptism, are still dividing us can we say we have gone “on to perfection”? Hbr 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Shall we continue “beating our dead horses” or shall we obey the Voice of Gods Word that speaks to us: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace“.

The Heroes of Pentecost

The Heroes of Pentecost

Evangelist A. A. Allen

1911-170

The New Testament is filled with stories of people who were used of God to “Preach the Gospel to every creature” They were instrumental spreading the Gospel to the four corners of the earth. We read of John the Baptist announcing the coming of the Messiah, Peter preaching at Pentecost , and of Paul and Silas singing at midnight in prison. We read of the miraculous ministry of Jesus, John on the isle of Patmos and Paul’s writings to the New Testament Church.And, it doesn’t stop with men. Women, throughout the Bible fulfilled pivotal roles in fulfilling the ministry God had called them to. Priscilla, along with her husband expounded “the way more perfectly unto Apollos“. Act 18:26 In Acts 21, we read of the four unnamed daughters of Phillip “…which did prophesy“. There were many women, some of which are not named, who assisted Paul and served the Lord, in various ways and have, thus, become the “heroines of Pentecost”. In Acts 6, we have the seven men who were chosen to serve as deacons. Acts 7 and 8 tells us about Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian Faith, and of Phillip, who later became an evangelist and was the first preacher to the Gentiles, but what do we know about the other five? Very little it seems. They were the “unsung heroes of Pentecost“. What we do know about them is significant. Evidently, from Acts 6:3, we know the 7 deacons were: 1) men of Good report, 2) full of the Holy Ghost and 3) had wisdom. When you think about it, what better tribute can you give people who give of themselves to the work of the Lord? They weren’t seeking fame and prestige, they were seeking to serve the Lord. While little information is available for these 5 “unsung heroes of Pentecost“, the meanings of the names speak volumes of the character one needs to serve God: And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, (he that presides over the choirs) and Nicanor, (a conqueror; victorious) and Timon, (honoring), and Parmesan (that abides, or is permanent), and Nicolas (the victory of the people), a proselyte of Antioch: Act 6:5 Who is a hero of our faith but one who leads Gods people, who is ‘more than a conquerer through Christ, who abides permanently in the faith, who is a person of honor, and who has the victory for God’s people at heart? These are “the unsung heroes Pentecost“.We read of the exploits of the ministry team of Paul and Barnabas: entire cities came to hear their message of salvation. Act 13:44. Through their united ministry, the Word of God was published throughout the region. Healings and miracles were wrought through the hands of these servants of God Act 14:3 They fasted and prayed and God used them mightily to spread the Gospel. But what about the “unsung heroes of Pentecost” that caused this mighty ministry to break forth. In Acts 13 :1-3 we read: Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Act 13:3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.What about this Simeon, Lucius and Mannaen? We know little if any thing about them. Their names are absent in the annals of history, yet their contribution to the work of the early church in launching the ministry of Paul and Banabbas was instrumental in reaching multitudes of Jews and Gentiles with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are the true “unsung heroes of Pentecost”.In Acts 11, we read of men, whose names are not even recorded, who went to the Grecians to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of them, and of their mission, the writer of Acts declared, “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord“.Act 11:21 These men, whose aim was not for social acclaim and wealth and honor, are some of the Bibles “unsung heroes of Pentecost”. Paul wrote two letters to Timothy, who, Paul refers to as “his own son in the faith”. We know of Timothy's dedicated service to the Lord, of his faithfulness to the church, but what of the two “unsung heroines of Pentecost” that were instrumental in teaching Timothy and who shaped his character.? Timothy’s mother, Eunice, along with Lois, Timothy’s grandmother, was commended for their unpretentious and genuine faith. These were two women, along with scores of others who are the “unsung heroines of the Pentecostal faith”. There are many others: Mary, who was there in the Upper Room to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The unconverted Paul, in his persecution of the early church, committed both men AND women to prison for their faith, which only served to fan the flames of Pentecostal fire. Act 8:3-4. In Philippians 4:3 Paul said, “And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel,… whose names [are] in the book of life. Paul refers to Phebe, another “unsung heroine of Pentecost” as a “servant to the church”, and as his “helper” and advises the church to “assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you” Rom 16:1Who are “the unsung heroes of Pentecost”? These are they who quietly and humbly go about their work for the Lord with little to no recognition. They seek no glory, they receive little or no praise… they serve God, often in the face of ridicule and oposition. Often they pass from this life are soon forgotten. But their legacy, their contribution, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ lives on. They are of whom Jesus said: Blessed are……. the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.…. they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.…. the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.…. they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled…. the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.…. the pure in heart: for they shall see God.…. the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.…. they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-10A sister, many years ago, felt they call of God in her life to preach the Gospel. She encounter much opposition and hardship but she remained steadfast. She obeyed the call she felt God had placed on her heart. For years she labored unceasingly, preaching the Good News of Salvation and praying… always praying for lost souls.One night, in an old abandoned schoolhouse/church buiding, where the sister was conducting a revival attended by a handful of dirt poor farm families, the door opened and in walked a neighborhood trouble maker. He reeked of the stench of alcohol. But the lady evangelist continued preaching and, the altar call was given. Down the aisle walked that dirty roughneck, and kneeling at an altar of repentance, the young man wept his way to salvation and deliverance. Later, that young man, who had never before that night attended church, became an international evangelist. He became a renown tent evangelist, was seen and heard on radio and TV and opened a Bible School that’s trained thousands for the work of the ministry. He authored books and published a monthly magazine that helped this writer, and others, to come to know the Lord. That young man became world renowned. But that lady evangelist that lead him to the Lord has all but been forgotten. She is “an unsung hero of Pentecost”.Do you labor diligently for the Lord without seeking praise or honor? Do you labor on the mission field or in your local church faithfully with little or no recognition? Do you pray that somehow you will reach someone with the Gospel who will go forth and “be strong, and do exploits” for God Kingdom? Dan 11:32. Then take heart… you, too are a “hero or heroine of Pentecost!
__________________

Evangelist Burkett McCann

Someone asked if the photo in my last entry was of Evangelist Bill Bowman. The answer is yes. I decided that, with every post, I would try to post a photo of a minister who has gone to his reward. I think of these preachers as "Trail Blazers". Men... and women... who endured incredible hardships to pave the way for the younger preachers of our generation. We owe them a debt of thanks for the herdships and sacrifices they endured. All too, often, though, these servants of God pass into history and their memory dims all too quickly. The legacy of these preachers live on in the souls they won for the Kingdom of God.



Bill Bowman
1936 ~ 1981
Reverend Bill Bowman was born July 5, 1936 in Rockingham County, Draper, Carolina. In 1956 he married Barbra Jean Franklin. They have on child, Rebecca Lynn. Brother Bowman started preaching at the age of 20, and spent 13 years in the Church of God as a tinitarian minister. He left the Church of God in 1963 after Jackie Phillips, (his organ player) gave him the tract, "60 Questions on the Godhead."
Brother Bowman first heard the truth in 1967, from Charles Johnson in a tent revival in Hickory, North Carolina. He then went to Ocala, Florida, and studied the tract on the Godhead in his motel-room, which was located on Division Street. He then went to Fairborn, Ohio, and was baptized in Jesus' name on Superior Avenue, on March 13, 1967.
After meeting Herman Maroney in Tyler, Texas in 1967, Brother Bowman was encouraged to go to Fort Worth, Texas to meet Elder C.W. Shew. In 1970, he was introduced to Elder Paul Jordan by Elder R.C. Cavaness in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was also Brother Bowman's introduction to the Apostolic Ministers Fellowship.
On Thanksgiving week in 1970, Brother Bowman went to High Point, North Carolina. He rented a storefront building and started a church. In 1974 he built the Apostolic House of Prayer in Archdale, North Carolina. Among the things that he loved to do, fishing was at the top of his list. He also loved to sing, and compose songs.
Brother Bowmn traveled throughout the United States, preaching camp meetings and conferences. He purchased a tent and was fulfilling his dream to be a tent evangelist, when on October 5, 1981, while preparing to take the pulpit under his tent to preach to a capacity crowd in Topsy, Louisiana, he was fatally shot at short range by a troubled young man. This sudden tragedy and loss of life left an emptiness in the Aposolic Ministers Fellowship, including all who knew him. Brother Bowman was highly respected among his peers! He was loved by many all across the United States of America. He left behind his beloved family, and church, but most of all he left behind a rich Apostolic legacy, and many wonderful memories. Reverend Bill Bowman was inducted into the Apostolic Ministers Hall of Fame in 2002.