Pentecostal?

How do you define yourself; Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Pentecostal or Christian?
I find myself applying labels of definition when speaking to others about my faith that often are miss-applied, incomplete or just wrong. I think I am "this" or "that". Then I read God's Word and find that my definition does not match. Oops, that just can't be, but it is. We must let God's word be the definer. You Pentecostals that are defining yourself based on your church background are in error and are missing the point. The Holy Ghost makes a person "Pentecostal" not where you go to church.

11-9-2014      Mark 9:1

S.       1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

O.      Jesus declares his power and that after his resurrection some of those with him would live to see God’s Kingdom established on earth.

A.      God’s Kingdom is here on earth and in heaven, on earth in the heart of every true believer, in heaven where god resides.

     P.       Father; soften my heart and lead me into the best your kingdom has to offer. Open the eyes of my understanding                and help me live, teach, declare and be a living testimony of your love and grace. Amen.   

Spirit led

7-21-2014      Acts 21:1-13

S.       1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

O.      Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. He visits with followers of the Christian way as he makes this trip. In most places the Spirit reveals the up-coming difficulty for Paul. Paul declares his faith to all.

A.      The Holy Spirit will prepare our heart for the work of Christ. Why do we try to do this work without the leadership of the Holy Spirit? We must rely completely, trust completely and obey completely the Spirit, lest our labor be in vain and our life a waste.

P.       Father; I empty myself before you this day and I surrender my mind, soul and heart to your perfect will. Fill me with your spirit. Reveal your plan for this day and I will obey. Use me Lord to gather souls. Amen.  

Tongues

7-6-2014         Acts 19:1-7

S.       1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7 And all the men were about twelve.

O.      At Ephesus believers were re-baptized in water and received the Holy Ghost by the hands of Paul. These spoke with tongues (UN-learned language) just as the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost.  Another event where people who were already believers (saved) received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as at the birth of the church. This is a pattern of: first a believer, then a subsequent event of receiving the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues.

A.      I will teach the ones that I am ministering to of this “event” and that when this “event” takes place, speaking in tongues is a part of the event. The Holy Ghost Baptism is accompanied with Speaking in Tongues.

P.       Father; thank you for the simple truth of your word. Help me to teach this truth to as many as possible. Use me as you used Paul. Amen.

What------You Are Seeing Things.

5-24-2014      Acts 12: 12-17

S.       12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

O.      People have trouble believing when God performs a miracle. Peter needed to be persistent at his knocking to enter in and change the minds of the doubters. Peter wanted the message of his deliverance shared with the leaders of the Jerusalem church.

A.      I must never let up in my efforts to spread the gospel message, even when people are walking in un-belief.

P.       Father; give me boldness and help me to endure in the days when so few people believe in you or your miracles. Amen.

God saved us to be his "Church"!

5-19-2014      Acts 11:22-24

S.       22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

O.      The news of what believers were doing came back to Jerusalem and the church leaders sent Barnabas to learn the news in a more perfect way. The term “church” is used to describe the followers of Jesus.

A.      God always looks on his redeemed ones as part of his “church”. God has an open door that is available to all who will enter. Jesus is that door. Once we enter we are grafted into a single body……the church……the bride of Christ.  We have many parts, but we all have the same purpose…..To Love God.

P.       Father; Thank you for inviting me to be your child, for sending Jesus to pay my “sin-debt”, for raising Jesus on the third day, for the Holy Bible to be my guide, for believers that help me to live right, for being with me every day, for the Holy Ghost baptism and for hope. Use me today to be a blessing. Amen. 

5-18-2014      Acts 11:19-21

S.       19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

O.      Holy Ghost filled Gentiles are now preaching to anyone and everyone that will listen. Many are being turned to the faith. Up to this point the message was only being told to the Jews by those fleeing persecution in Jerusalem.

A.      Even when I am in difficult situations the message must be spread. I must look to the Holy Spirit in my problems and difficulties to help me share Jesus.

P.       Father; Fill me to the full today, anoint my mind, hands and voice to preach Jesus. Amen.

Open to all!

5-17-2014      Acts 11:16-18

S.       16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

O.      Peter continues to tell the leaders in Jerusalem of the Holy Ghost outpouring. The leaders accept the Gentiles into the household of believers (church).

A.      This is how God removed the barriers between different cultures and peoples. We come together into a new body of believers…..God calls us his church….We are all made equal in his sight through repentance.

P.       Father; Help me to build my own faith and the faith of others and welcome everyone into your body (church) by repentance regardless of their culture. Amen.   

5-14-2014      Acts 10:23-26

S.       23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

O.      Peter and Cornelius finally meet and the first lesson Peter teaches to Cornelius is that worship is for God and God only.

A.      God uses many people and even angels to minister to us but our worship must be towards God only. I will always appreciate the blessings that come my way through other people but I must never worship any but God. I must not let others place too much importance on me or my ministry.

P.       Father; I bring to you a sacrifice of praise. To this I add myself, body, soul and spirit. Amen.  

Holy Ghost

4-11-2014           Acts 2:37-41

S.            37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

O.           Peter’s preaching revealed the sin of Israel so deeply that the people ask for direction. Peter said “Repent” and be “Baptized” and they too could enjoy the “Gift” of the Holy Ghost. Peter also made it clear that this “Gift” will be available to “All” believers, forever. It must have been a big crowd because three thousand people responded and joined the disciples.

A.           My preaching must be like the preaching of Peter…….not the same words……not the same text…..not the same pattern…..but, the same SPIRIT! Every day our life preaches a sermon. Make your “Sermon” one worth hearing (or seeing). BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST!

P.            Father; thank you for my filling……I ask to be always FULL, full of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Jesus is "The Christ".

4-8-2014              Acts 2:29-32

S.            29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

O.           Peter confirms that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, the Christ! Peter also declares that the people speaking in tongues that day are all witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. These statements are a “legal claim” for Jesus being the long awaited ruler of the Jews.

A.           I too must declare the truth as to who Jesus really is. Jesus is the King; of the Jews, of my heart, over all creation, King! He is my Lord, my Saviour, my Healer, my Friend, my Protector and so much more, more that words are able to explain.

P.            Father; I come to you today to bring my sacrifice of praise, my love and gratitude for all you are, all you have been and all you will be…..forever. Thank you, Father, for accepting me into your kingdom. Amen.

Peter's First Sermon

4-6-2014              Acts 2:12-21

S.            12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

O.           Peter begins his first sermon; defending his brethren against wrong accusations, declaring Joel’s prophesy to be fulfilled and describing the “end of days”. Peter also opens the way to God to “whosoever” through Jesus, The Christ.

A.           Applying these scriptures will require a lifelong effort. I am one of the “whosoever” and very thankful for that. I am filled with the Holy Ghost (1968) and thankful for that. I must be living evidence of these two gifts in a lost and dying world. There is an “end of days” coming and I must be ready, prepare others to be ready, while never breaking fellowship with God.

P.            Father; you fill me with joy, peace and love: I am grateful. Speak to the world through me. I surrender all that I am to you. Amen.           

TONGUES

4-5-2014              Acts 2:5-11

S.            5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

O.           The tongues spoken were actual languages (unlearned) from all around the world. The message, of the tongues, is telling people about God and his wonderful works. All this is coming from Galilaeans, a very small place of very common people.

A.           The filling of believers with the Holy Ghost spreads the message of God.

P.            Father; keep me full of the Holy Ghost, I have a message to share, and I want to share it with as many as I can.                       Amen.