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.

PHOTO: In memory of Evangelist Bill Bowman

The following is a message from a sister on a public forum.
I trust it will bless you as it did me:

Sis. S-------,

That is profound! Powerful! Your bolded statement is what every child of God should learn to do. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. Lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

I was the eldest daughter of parents of eleven children. Before I married I knew how to care for children because I had been "pushed" from the "nest"by those younger than I and helped care for them. As the elder children grew and matured, they helped care for those coming into the family. By the time I was married I had learned how to care for children, cook, do laundry, etc. I received the Holy Ghost just prior to my dad starting a church work. The eleventh child had been born earlier that same year. I had graduated from high school at 17 and helped provide for my little brothers and sisters. I married the next year after Dad started the work for the Lord in our community. As we had our children I was also helping nurture and mother my younger brothers and sisters and also the new"babies" coming into the church. So I learner a lot about mothering and nurturing. I learned first hand.

I heard Joyce Meyer on the radio say that people are always coming up to her and saying, "Joyce, I wish I had what you have". She said,"It's not fair for them to want what I have without going through what I have been through to get what I have". Think about that! Where are the mothers and fathers in Zion (the church) today! The elders!! They have been replaced by those who claim that the elders are the pastors or the ministry. I feel this has put a lot of undue pressure on pastors and ministers to do it all, so to speak. No wonder there are so many burned-out. Everyone is taught that the pastor or pastor's wife should do all the counselling. Paul told young Timothy not to rebuke an elder. When it is assumed that that only applies to the pastor, this puts the pastor into a position where the people in the pew look to one man and that's wherethey go for everything. Paul went on to tell young Timothy not only to not rebuke the older men and women but to intreat them as fathers and mothers, and to treat the younger men as brothers and the younger women as sisters, with all purity. If this was followed, there might be less problems all around. Jesus taught his disciples that they were not to call men "Father" andwe can talk about the catholics all we want. Jesus also told them not to be called some other things also. Perhaps Matthew 23 needs to be re-visited. Perhaps people need to get back into the Bible and out of man-made books. Read it for yourselves. Take the pressure off the men in the pulpits who should be sowing seeds on how to "deliver" spiritual babes.

My sister is going to have gall bladder surgery today. She has survived cancer the past two years. Her cancer doctor is not doing the surgery as that is not his expertise. He did recommend someone he knew was. There are physicians that have general practices but if you are wise you will go to the Specialist for your desperate needs. The Wonderful Counsellor should still be consulted for those things you are desperate or concerned about. Have we consulted HIM lately!We are told to know those that labour among us. Children are gullible.That's why they need good parents. Wise men AND women, (parents) will still seek HIM for those things that are precious to them. This is in no way intended to be offensive toward anyone. But there are some real problems that needs to be acknowledged sometime, some-where, by someone. Like that plumbing problem I have mentioned in other threads, you ignore it and it will show up sooner or later and sometimes much sooner and oh, what a mess.

Just some serious thoughts from a senior sister who been down the road a ways and am glancing back to those behind me, as to warn them, whether they are pastors and wives, saints, whoever, there are perils along the way.There is no greater place to go when we have problems or situations wecan't handle. THE Wonderful Counsellor is well able to take care of it all.Children should go to parents who should teach them early on to trust inthe Lord. But adults SHOULD be taking their burdens, their problems and situations to GOD in prayer and if you are not on speaking terms or do not have a CLOSE RELATIONSHIP with HIM, don't you think it's about time you did!!! HIS NAME IS JESUS!! We don't hear these old songs much anymore but many of them speak volumes.

What a Friend we have in JESUS,
All our sins and griefs to bear;
What a Privilege to carry,
EVERYTHING to HIM in PRAYER.
OH, what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,All because we do not carry,
EVERYTHING to GOD in PRAYER.

Blessings, Falla39

Thank you, Sis Falla39, for your inspiring words.

Well, good morning. I had hoped to be able to post more on this blog than I am, but, with all thats going on, its hard to find the time. Actually, I guess it has more to do with having time to formulate a thought or message. But, thats the beauty of blogs... you don't have to formulate thoughts and messages. You can just say whatever you want to.

So, I guess I'll let you in on "whats going on". I know this is suppose to be about "Our Pentecostal Heritage" and all, but, well, right now, something is taking precedence in my life. Did I mention that I am married? Well, I am, and have been for 12 years to a wonderful woman. Shes the jelly in my biscuit. The apples in my pie. She is, in fact, my 2nd wife. My first wife, Rose, passed away in 1988 and Lola and I were married in 1995. We have a great marriage.

But, this past August (Aug 1, in fact), Lola was diagnosed with cancer. She's been through radiation and is due to start chemo this Wednesday. This is a scarry time for us, but, come what may, we hold to God's unchanging hands. and we are grateful for those people all over the country who are praying for us and who offer words of encouragement.

So if my posting here is a little "sporadic", now you know why. I've thought about inviting some "co-bloggers" to help. In fact, I may be posting a very inspiring message from a wonderful sister who has been in the Pentecostal faith for many years. Her words are so uplifting. And, I'm sure she can contribute much to our discussions about "Our Pentecostal Heritage". I'll also be posting some photos from "the days of yesteryear" that may prove interesting.

In the meantime, your prayers are appreciated. God bless you as we continue our journey with Him.

[About the Photo: This is Brother and Sister Ronald Hyde. He was one of my early pastors in Tennessee. A fine brother who was used of God to proclaim the Gospel and who was instrumental in leading many people to the truth of God's Word Brother Hyde has gone on to be with the Lord, but his son continues the work begaun by Elder Hyde, The Landmark Church of Jesus]

I've always liked this picture. Its of Evangelist Oral Roberts from his tent revival days. He is praying for a little girl. I wish I knew more about this picture. Who is the little girl? What was her problem? When (and where) was the picture taken?

The intensity ... the sincerity... the compassion captured here exemplifies what is right about the Pentecostal message. Jesus came to " ...seek and to save that which was lost...". Have you ever felt like something was lost? Maybe you had more joy at one time... or more peace... or... more of something.... but now you seem to have lost it? I know the feeling.

I wonder if that is what this little girl was feeling. Like, maybe, she had lost something. Maybe her health. Well, I don't know... but there is an intensity here that says, "Here, let me help you find it". Jesus promised that if we "seek", we will "find". I wonder, what are you looking for in life? Everyboy is looking for someone. I read about a man who had been adopted as a child. He spent a good part of his life searching for his birth mother. He moved to a certain state and became acquainted with an elderly woman there. As they talked, they discovered... yep, you guessed it. That woman was his mother. So, have you lost something? Something missing in your life? Keep searching. Its there. And, you know what? It may have not been lost at all. Maybe... just maybe, in the hustle and bustle of life, it was you who had lost your way. Maybe its you who needs an encouraging word, the touch of a compassionate hand.

Scariest verse in the Bible

Mar 10:21
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.


Wouldn't it be awful to do everything you know to please the Lord, only to hear:
"One thing thou lackest..."?

Wouldn't it be awful to pray, read the Bible, live the Christian life, only to be told....
"One thing thou lackest..."?

Wouldn't it be awful to live a full life, only to be told on your death bed...
"One thing thou lackest..."?

Wouldn't it be awful to think you are ready to go to heaven, only to find out....
"One thing thou lackest..."?

Wouldn't be awful to give all you have to the poor, only to learn...
"One thing thou lackest..."?

Wouldn't it be awful to do all the Bible says and not love your brother, then hear....
"One thing thou lackest..."?

New name

This Blog is about an hour old and I'm already wondering if I should have named it something else. Indecisiveness...thats what I'm known for. The reason I am questioning it is because this isn't just about "That Ol' Time Religion". Its more about life, in general. To be more specific, its about my life. And, since Pentecostalism has played such a big role in my life... and since it seems to be my biggest interest... I guess "Our Pentecostal Heritage" is as good a name as any. I can always change it (I think), but it'll do for now.

Why Pentecostal? What makes a person become a Pentecostal? Well, I guess the answer to that is as varied as life itself. For me, the Pentecostal Message filled a very big whole in my life at a time when my life was one big hole. My mother had just died... I was living with an alcoholic dad and I was all of 12 years old. Life was not good is all I'll say about that.

It was then that I was first intoduced to religion. Any religion. It just happened to be the Pentecostal religion. Speaking in tongues. Divine Healing. The works. Names, unfamiliar to most, came into play. Names like A.A. Allen and William Branham. Later new words and new phrases were intoduced: Oneness. Water Baptism "in the Name of Jesus Christ", holiness...words we now take for granted to the extent that they have become "watch words" upon which we determine our fellowship with one another.

I guess, in looking back, had I been introduced to the Catholic religion, or the Hindu religion, I probably would have jumped at them as readily. Because any life... or anything that promised a better life...was better than what I had. It just happened to be the Pentecostal faith that snagged me from the life I had been enduring.

As it turned out, the Pentecostal religion was just what I needed. It was, at least to me, a living religion that soothed my hurts and gave me hope...real hope...for the first time in my life. Then I discovered it wasn't just a religion. It was, and is, a way of life. And thats what it is to me to this day... a better, vibrant way to live. Sure...it (like every other facet of life) has its fallings. Its not what it should be... and its not what it use to be, if that makes any sense. It is what it is. And, for me, it offers something I can't find anywhere else. Whats that, you say? Time will tell. But I can say this: Pentecostalism has changed. Thats not a bad thing, really. Times change, people change and, to offer them this vibrant way of living, our message has to change as well.

And thats what scares people witless. Change. Recently, my wife and I have went through some changes... drastic changes. I'll talk more about that as time goes by. But, the point is (thats what I love about "blogs", there really doesn't have to be a point), change isn't something to fear... its not always bad. Thats the thing about God- He can make something we fear...or think is bad... and use it for our benefit. Change doesn't destroy us..our fear of change dooes. But.... change is inevitable. We just have to adapt to it...change with it. So... for now...I'll just encourage you to keep on reading. More to come. Much more.

Welcome!

Welcome to Our Pentecostal Heritage. It seems that, since the early days of the 20th Centry Pentecostal Movement, the movement has gone off in different directions. And it seems that the trend is continuing. This is, in and of itself, a good thing, I suppose, in that message of Pentecostalism is spreading around the world just as Jesus intended.

But, what is the Pentecostal Message? That depends on who you talk to. Or who you listen to. Chances are, if you speak to two or more people, you'll hear two different things. And, I'll probably be one of those voices speaking something you may. may not have, heard. You may agree or disagree with what I have to say. You'll read some standard Pentecostal fare... and you may read things that are... well, different. And maybe...just maybe... you'll learn something along the way.

Who am I? is the first question you might ask. Well, that doesn't really matter. I'm just a man who is trying to find his way through this world of chaos and confusion. I was a preacher at one time. I was saved, baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost at a young age.

Now the labels begin. Am I Oneness? Apostolic? Just call me a Christian. I don't care for labels too much. But, if you are really dying to know what I believe, just keep reading. But, let me say this... WHAT I believe isn't nearly important as WHO I believe. I believe the Lord. I trust His leadership... I trust His Word.

The entire premise of this blog is based on Pauls words: "For by ONE SPIRIT are we all baptized into ONE BODY". As my name implies, I believe in the unity of the Body of Christ. Note I did not say "denomination" or "organization". I said BODY. His Body. The Lord's Body- a group of people, plucked out of the darkness of the world, redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. The Church of the Living God. Want to know more? Keep reading. I'll be posting on occasion. And I look forward to your comments. Oh, and if you are looking to debate or fuss and argue...don't bother. I don't debate. I'm not trying to convert anyone...just postin' my thoughts. God bless you...in Jesus' Name!