Pursuing Holiness- Part 73

July 19th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we should expect to confront those who are perverting The Word for their own unholy intent!

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit what Jesus instructed in Acts chapter 1:

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Jesus, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The ministry began in Jerusalem, then expanded to all of Judea, then Samaria, and finally encompassing the uttermost part of the earth.  This is where Paul’s ministry is focused.  Paul’s primary enemies have the Jews at the front.

In Acts chapter 13:

2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.“

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.

6 Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus (Hebrew name),

7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought (desired) to hear the Word of God.

8 But Elymas (Aramaic name) the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

Sergius wanted to hear The Word of GOD but Elymas attempted to turn him away from hearing The Word.

9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him

10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?

By The Holy Spirit, Paul used the severest of titles in addressing Elymas in a direct confrontation.  Those who stand between men and Truth and, those who stand between men and GOD, will be called out and exposed by The Holy Spirit.

11 And now, indeed, the Hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

The name Elymas is Aramaic and means: an Oriental scientist, magician, a sorcerer, a false prophet.  His intent was to turn people away from the Faith in Jesus Christ.  How would he gain credibility?  By sorcery.

Jesus proclaimed eight woes against those who promoted superficial spirituality as He spoke specifically concerning blindness in Matthew chapter 23:

16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ 17 Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

Elymus wanted to keep his status which surely brought a stream of revenue to sustain him.  His blindness confirmed to the proconsul that Paul was preaching Truth. 

As we confront perversion and the Truth, The Holy Spirit will bring forth judgment to the enemies of Christ.  We are simply the messengers of The Good News.

The opposition of the supernatural and the occult is one of the gravest perils threatening the Christian faith.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Timothy chapter 3:

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the Truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;

9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

Paul warned of the confrontations ahead.  Let us solely rely on The Holy Spirit to deal with these ungodly people.

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 72

July 18th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we should expect to be challenged by sorcerers and others who are under the influence of the adversary as we fulfill our purpose!

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 8:

9 Now, there was a man who lived Samaria who was steeped in sorcery. For some time he had astounded the people of Samaria with his magic, boasting to be someone great.

10 Everyone, from the least to the greatest among them, was dazzled by his sorcery, saying, “This man is the greatest wizard of all! The divine power of God walks among us!”

11 For many years everyone was in awe of him because of his astonishing displays of the magic arts.

Simon had a reputation as a sorcerer with lying signs and wonders.

12 But as Philip preached the wonderful news of God’s Kingdom realm, and the name of Jesus the Anointed One, many believed his message and were baptized, both men and women.

13 Even Simon believed and was baptized (in water)! Wherever Philip went, Simon was right by his side, astounded by all the miracles, signs, and enormous displays of power that he witnessed.

From this passage, we can conclude that Philip did not know how to deal with Simon, the sorcerer as well as ministering the Baptism of The Holy Spirit.  Philip would need some instructions/training in dealing with him.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted God’s message of Life, they sent Peter and John

15 to pray over them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit.

16 For they had only been baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus and were yet to have the Holy Spirit fall upon them.

It is clear that the Baptism of The Holy Spirit was evidenced by speaking in Tongues.

17 As soon as Peter and John arrived, they laid their hands on the Samaritan believers, one after another, and the Holy Spirit fell and filled each one of them!

It was now time to deal with Simon the sorcerer and Peter discerned what to do concerning him:

18 When Simon saw how the Holy Spirit was released through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he approached them and offered them money,

19 saying, “I want this power too. I’m willing to pay you for the anointing that you have, so that I also can lay my hands on everyone to receive the Holy Spirit.”

Wealthy people tend to believe that their money can buy them anything… wrong!

20 Peter rebuked him and said, “Your money will go with you to destruction! How could you even think that you could purchase God’s Supernatural gift with money?

21 You will never have this gift or take part in this ministry, for your heart is not right with God.

22 Repent this moment for allowing such wickedness to fill you. Plead with the Lord that perhaps He would forgive you the treachery of your heart.

23 For I discern that jealous envy has poisoned you and binds you as a captive to sin.”

Peter put the “Fear of GOD” in Simon’s heart.  What a strong rebuke!  Simon became desperate and responded:

24 Simon begged, “Peter, please pray to God for me. Plead with HIM so that nothing you just said over me may come to pass!”

These examples are given for our instruction in dealing with the adversary’s actors who use his devices of deception.  We must not allow ourselves to be passive in dealing with these situations.  Philip was not equipped at that point to deal with Simon the sorcerer, Peter was!

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 71

July 17th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we should expect to be challenged by sorcerers and others who are under the influence of the adversary as we fulfill our purpose!

Be assured that there will be spiritual resistance as we walk in Holiness.  Jesus dealt with it, Paul dealt with it, and others who were called by FATHER.  Moses confronted sorcerers in Pharaoh’s court when he was walking out FATHER’S instructions.

It is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Exodus chapter 7:

1 So the LORD said to Moses: “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.

2 You shall speak all that I command you. And Aaron your brother shall tell Pharaoh to send the children of Israel out of his land.

3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.

8 Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

9 “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.'”

10 So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the LORD commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

11 But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

12 For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

13 And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said.

The sorcerers and magicians accessed the spiritual and manifested serpents in the physical realm.  Neither Moses nor Aaron denied this but rather dealt with it by the Power of the Rod of Authority given to them by GOD.

The second challenge:

20 And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the LORD commanded. So he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

22 Then the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments; and Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said.

The third challenge:

8:5 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.'”

6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt.

7 And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.

The fourth and final challenge:

16 So the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.'”

17 And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

18 Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast.

19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said.

When we are confronted with lying signs and wonders that appear “equal” in power, we must not succumb to them.  The power and authority granted unto us is greater to any power or authority given by the adversary… without exception!

The Holy Spirit will give us discernment in dealing with each spiritual challenge that confronts us.  This is why it is vital that we act according to His instructions and not rely on past experiences in dealing with the adversary’s actors.

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 70

July 16th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we should expect The Hand of THE LORD to manifest HIS Mighty Power as we minister The Gospel!

As you may now realize, the Book of Acts contains many examples of what to expect when we walk in Holiness.  Has FATHER changed in HIS Divine Intent for increasing the Kingdom of GOD on earth since the first century?  NO!

The fruitfulness of those walking in Holiness is accurately described by Luke as he recorded the events and results throughout the land.  Why aren’t we seeing and hearing of such dramatic true spiritual growth in our times?  The problem isn’t FATHER withholding HIS Hand.

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 11:

19 Because of the persecution triggered by Stephen’s death in Jerusalem, many of the believers were scattered. Some reached as far as the coast of Lebanon, the island of Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria, but they were still only preaching The Word to Jews.

20 However, some of the believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, who had come to Antioch in Syria, preached to the non-Jews living there, proclaiming the Message of salvation in the Lord Jesus.

21 The Mighty Power of The Lord was with them as they ministered, and a large number of people believed and turned their hearts to the Lord.

We see that when GOD pours out HIS SPIRIT and HIS Hand is upon the work of the church, the church grows numerically quantitatively hundreds and at times thousands, are added to the community of believers!  Nowadays, some churches use human tactics to build their congregation by soulish means.  Refreshments in the foyer, loud music with smoke and flashing lights, and other devices do not reflect The Hand of THE LORD.

22 News of what was happening in Antioch reached the church of Jerusalem, so the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch as their emissary.

23 When he got there and witnessed for himself God’s marvelous grace, he was enthused and overjoyed. He encouraged the believers to remain faithful and cling to the Lord with passionate hearts.

24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Spirit of Holiness, and he exuded a life of faith. Because of his ministry even more crowds of people were brought to the Lord!

Barnabas walked in Holiness and in faith!  Isn’t that what has been lacking in most ministries today?  In the 1970’s, the focus was on faith, yet many ministries did not emphasize Holiness.  Some were brought down by sex scandals, misuse of finances, and other unrighteous acts.  On the other hand, Barnabas was above reproach.

25 Barnabas left for Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to Antioch.

26 Together Saul and Barnabas ministered there for a full year, equipping the growing church and teaching the vast number of new converts. It was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first revealed as “anointed ones.” (Christians)

Barnabas did not try to exalt himself in any manner.  He sought out Saul (who is Paul) to assist in ministering to the vast number of new converts.  He did not seek out a reputation for himself.  He was a Holy, acceptable living sacrifice unto GOD for the benefit of others.  We are to be the same!  The fruitfulness of our walk in Holiness will be seen by all.

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 69

July 15th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we are to activate the Divine Power given to us as we walk with the Royal Scepter of HIS power and authority!

What good is the Royal Scepter if we don’t use It to overcome the enemy in all areas? 

Moses recorded by The Spirit in Exodus chapter 19:

3 And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:

4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My Voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.

6 And you shall be to Me a Kingdom of priests and a Holy nation.’ These are the Words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

The primary purpose of redemption is to bring GOD’S people to HIMSELF!  FATHER’S primary desire is for a personal relationship with each of us.  If we choose another path from Holiness, we cannot have the most important and intimate relationship with HIM.

GOD gave Moses to basic requirements: Obey HIS Voice and keep HIS covenant.  These two requirements have not changed, from the Old to the New Testament.

Jesus spoke in John chapter 10:

27 My sheep hear My Voice (hear), and I know them, and they follow Me (obey).

28 And I give them Eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My Hand.

29 My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s Hand.

30 I and My Father are One.”

Even though sin and satan can delay the outworking of GOD’S purposes, they can never ultimately frustrate them.

Job received this revelation as is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Job chapter 42:

1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:

2 “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”

As mentioned yesterday, Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit referring to Exodus 19 in his Epistle, 1st Peter 2:

9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

There is a notable difference: A ROYAL priesthood.  We are to hold both callings: kings and priests.

John recorded what he heard and saw as he recorded by The Holy Spirit in Revelation chapter 1:

5 from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the dead, and the Ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him Who Loved us and washed us from our sins in His Own Blood,

6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

And in Revelation chapter 5:

8 Now when He (Jesus) had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your Blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”

We are given the Royal Scepter to reign on the earth in Holiness!

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 68

July 14th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we will walk with the Royal Scepter of HIS power and authority to overcome the enemies of Christ!

Jesus is giving those who have embraced the walk of Holiness, the power to overcome the enemy in all areas.  In our hands will be the Royal Scepter of Divine Power.

John recorded by The Holy Spirit what Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 2:

26  To everyone who is victorious and continues to do My works to the very end I will give you authority over the nations

27 to shepherd them with a Royal Scepter. And the rebellious will be shattered as clay pots—

28 even as I also received authority from the Presence of My Father. I will give the morning star to the one who experiences victory.

29 So the one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what the Spirit is presently saying to all the churches.

We must not allow our natural eyes to prevent us from accepting the Royal Scepter of power and authority from On High.  Spiritual power is superior to physical power in every circumstance.

And as it is recorded by THE SPIRIT in Isaiah chapter 11:

1 The Rod of Jesse will sprout, and a fruitful Branch will grow from his roots:

2 the Spirit of YAHWEH will rest upon him,

the Spirit of Extraordinary Wisdom,

the Spirit of Perfect Understanding,

the Spirit of Wise Strategy,

the Spirit of Mighty Power,

the Spirit of Revelation,

and the Spirit of the Fear of YAHWEH.

3 He will find His delight in living by the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord. He will neither judge by appearances nor make his decisions based on rumors.

4 With righteousness He will uphold justice for the poor and defend the lowly of the earth. His Words will be like a Scepter of power that conquers the world, and with his breath he will slay the lawless one.

5 Righteousness will be His warrior’s sash and faithfulness His belt.

The same attributes of Jesus described by Isaiah are meant to describe us who walk in complete Holiness!  Holiness will not be our second nature, it will be our first nature.

Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in his Epistle in 1st Peter chapter 2:

9 But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world.

Our ultimate destination is to the Throne of GOD as HIS royal priesthood.  HE desires us to always be in HIS Presence.  Only those who are Holy are able to go before HIM. 

In the Old Testament, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies.  His responsibility was to offer a sacrifice before GOD.

By revelation, Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 12:

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of God.

In contrast to the sacrifices offered in the Old Covenant that were temporary in nature, we are to offer up ourselves as living sacrifices.  This is our reasonable service.

In other words, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender ourselves to God to be His Sacred, living sacrifices. And live in Holiness so that we experience all that delights His Heart. For this becomes our genuine expression of worship.  

We will stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around us, but we will be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how we think. This will empower us to discern God’s will as we live a productive life, satisfying and perfect in HIS Eyes.

We will then walk with the Royal Scepter of HIS power and authority to overcome the enemies of Christ!

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 67

July 13th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we should expect The Holy Spirit to insert Himself as a direct Sign from Heaven of the Truth we are speaking!

The Holy Spirit had no problem in interrupting Peter as he was sharing the testimony of Jesus Christ to Cornelius and his household.

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 10:

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard The Word.

Notice the word “all” is used just as it was used in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit’s gift is available to ALL who will hear The Word.

45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

46 For they heard them speak with Tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,

47 Peter said, “How could anyone object to these people being baptized? For they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

What a great confirmation of the importance of the Baptism of The Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in Tongues.  Many people today believe that there is difficulty in receiving the Baptism.  Some believe that it was only for the early church.  Some even deny its existence.

What I have observed over that last 52 years is that unbelief is a primary hindrance to receiving the Baptism of The Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in Tongues.

Luke had already recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 2:

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty Wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3 Then there appeared to them divided Tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts chapters 10 & 11 may be two of the most important chapters in the New Testament!

The Disciples received the Baptism of The Holy Spirit first and later, Cornelius and his household experienced the same Baptism… prior to being water baptized.

So, Jews and Gentiles alike are offered this Blessing from Above.

When FATHER wants to remove any question, HE will repeat the importance of what HE is revealing.

Luke again recounts the essence of chapter 10 when he recorded by The Holy Spirit in chapter 11:

1 Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God.

2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him (challenged him),

3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

It was necessary for Peter to recount the events found in chapter 10.

4 But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying:

5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me.

6 When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’

8 But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’

9 But the Voice answered me again from Heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’

Peter challenged FATHER because of his previous mindset.  FATHER gave Peter a triple witness.  This translates to an emphatic command!

10 Now this was done three times, and all were drawn up again into Heaven.

11 At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.

12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house.

Peter was able to hear The Holy Spirit and did not doubt His instructions.  This is critical to our walk as well.

13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter,

14 who will tell you Words by which you and all your household will be saved.’

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.

16 Then I remembered the Word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

The Holy Spirit will bring His Word to remembrance as we walk in Holiness.

17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

Do any of us dare contend or challenge The Word of GOD?

18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to Life.”

The apostles and brethren who were in Judea listened to Peter testify of the work of The Holy Spirit concerning the Gentiles who had also received the Word of God.  This confirmed to them that the Gentiles were included in Jesus’ command to go throughout the world and preach the Good News to ALL MANKIND!  These two chapters set the stage for a true worldwide ministry for all believers.

As we walk in Holiness, let us not be surprised when The Holy Spirit moves unexpectedly in our midst.

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 66

July 12th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we must not impede The Holy Spirit from moving in any aspect of our walk!

I find it interesting how many churches do not emphasize the ministry of The Holy Spirit.  Both Peter and Paul promoted the ministry of The Holy Spirit in their lives and ministries without exception.

Jesus spoke in John chapter 14:

15 “Loving Me empowers you to obey My commands.

16-17 And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Savior, the Holy Spirit of Truth, Who will be to you a friend just like me—and He will never leave you. The world won’t receive Him because they can’t see Him or know Him. But you know Him intimately because He remains with you and will live inside you.

Jesus ministered on earth for 3 ½ years and then commissioned you and me to carry the Gospel throughout the earth for the next 2,000 years, but He did not stop there.  He knew that in order for us to walk in power and authority, we would need Spiritual guidance.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.

26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Jesus knew that the mind would lose Spiritual details over time, and He accounted for that as He promised The Holy Spirit Who would teach us all things and cause us to remember The Words Jesus spoke.  The ministry of The Holy Spirit here on earth is equally important to that of FATHER to the children of Israel, as well as the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ.  Why would we undervalue and limit His ministry when Jesus Himself emphasized His importance?

The ministry of The Holy Spirit should be without limitation or restriction!  It is our choice of what level His Ministry is in our walk.

And Jesus reiterated in John chapter 15:

26 “And I will send you the Divine Encourager from the very Presence of My Father. He will come to you, the Spirit of Truth, emanating from the Father, and He will speak to you about Me.

27 And you will tell everyone the Truth about Me, for you have walked with Me from the start.”

And for the third time, Jesus speaks of the necessity for sending The Holy Spirit in John chapter 16:

5 But now that I’m about to leave you and go back to join the One Who sent Me, you need to be told. Yet, not one of you are asking Me where I’m going.

6 Instead your hearts are filled with sadness because I’ve told you these things.

7 But here’s the Truth: It’s to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away The Holy Spirit (The Divine Encourager) will not be released to you. But after I depart, I will send Him to you.

8 And when He comes, He will expose sin and prove that the world is wrong about God’s righteousness and His judgments.

9 “ ‘Sin,’ because they refuse to believe in Who I am.

10 “God’s ‘righteousness,’ because I’m going back to join the Father and you’ll see Me no longer.

11 “And ‘judgment’ because the ruler of this dark world has already received his sentence.

Jesus mentioned specific areas included in the ministry of The Holy Spirit:

He will speak only Truth

He will glorify Jesus

He will convict the world of sin

He will convict the world to what GOD’S righteousness is

He will speak forth the Truth of GOD’S judgment

He will empower us to minister the above areas.  There is no reason for us to restrain the ministry of The Holy Spirit in our walk.  We ought to embrace every facet of The Holy Spirit in our own lives so that we can walk in the fullness of His power and authority toward others.

Our walk in Holiness will be impaired unless we fully embrace the ministry of The Holy Spirit!

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 65

July 11th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we will testify of the Power of GOD unto salvation through the Good News of Jesus Christ and Him alone!

We are all called on preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our own testimony is helpful, but it will not save anyone.  Only the Gospel of Christ will bring forth salvation to sinners.  This is what His Life and ministry is all about, reconciling mankind to GOD.

Peter understood this proclamation as he ministered to Cornelius and his household.

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 10:

33 So I (Cornelius) immediately sent my men to bring you here—and you were kind enough to come. And now, here we are, all of us in God’s Presence, anxious to hear the message that God has put into your heart to share with us.”

FATHER has a message for every lost person you and I encounter thus we need to be prepared to share the Message of The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The focus should be on Christ alone, not us.

34 Peter said, “Now I know for certain that God doesn’t show favoritism with people but treats everyone on the same basis.

35 It makes no difference what race of people one belongs to. If they show deep Reverence for God, and are committed to doing what’s right, they are acceptable before Him.

36 God sent His Word to the Jewish people first, announcing the wonderful news of hope and peace through Jesus, the Anointed One, the Lord of all.

37 You are well aware of all that began in Galilee and spread throughout the land of Israel immediately after John preached his message of baptism.

38 “Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with great power. He did wonderful things for others and Divinely healed all who were under the tyranny of the devil, for God had anointed Him.

39 We apostles were eyewitnesses to all the miracles that He performed throughout the land of Israel. Finally, in Jerusalem, He was crucified on a cross,

40 but God raised Him from the dead three days later, allowing Him to be seen openly.

41 He didn’t appear to everyone, but he appeared to us, His chosen witnesses. He actually ate and drank with us after He rose from the dead!

42 “Jesus ordered us to preach and warn the people that God had appointed him to be the judge of the living and the dead.

43 And not only us, but all of the prophets agree in their writings that everyone who believes in Him receives complete forgiveness of sins through the power of His Name.”

44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to The Message.

Peter did not preach a lengthy treatise on the history of Israel.  Neither did he exalt himself by detailing the miracles he had already performed in Jesus’ Name.  He simply presented the Gospel of Christ and The Holy Spirit confirmed the Good News to Cornelius and his household.

It is good to give our testimonies, but don’t confuse our testimony with evangelism.  Our own testimonies are pre-evangelism. My life is not the Gospel, His Life is the Gospel and has the power unto salvation.

If you don’t include the cross, it is not evangelism.  Jesus was raised on the third day and was showed Himself openly to over 500 witnesses.  There is no one else who qualified in this manner to bring forth salvation to the world.  If the affirmation of the resurrection of Christ is absent from your testimony, it is not the True Gospel of Christ.

Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in his Epistle, 2nd Peter chapter 1:

16 We were not retelling some masterfully crafted legend when we informed you of the power and appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we saw His magnificence and splendor unveiled before our very eyes.

17 Yes, Father God lavished upon Him radiant glory and honor when His Distinct Voice spoke out of the realm of majestic glory, endorsing Him with these Words: This is my cherished Son, marked by My Love. All My delight is found in Him!

18 And we ourselves heard that Voice resound from the Heavens while we were with Him on the Holy mountain.

19 And so we have been given the prophetic Word—the written message of the prophets, made more reliable and fully validated by the confirming Voice of God on the Mount of Transfiguration. And you will continue to do well if you stay focused on it. For this prophetic message is like a piercing light shining in a gloomy place until the dawning of a new day, when the Morning Star rises in your hearts.

20 You must understand this at the outset: Interpretation of Scriptural prophecy requires the Holy Spirit, for it does not originate from someone’s own imagination.

21 No true prophecy comes from human initiative but is inspired by the moving of the Holy Spirit upon those who spoke the message that came from God.

Peter, James, and John were all witnesses to the validation coming from GOD’S Voice.  Because I am a believer in Christ, I too have heard GOD’S Voice on various occasions.  The Holy Spirit has validated the Message by manifesting the anointing.  This is why a sinner cannot convince me that the power of the Gospel of Christ isn’t real… it is too late!  Our lives should testify of the Good News of Jesus Christ where people will want to know what causes us such great joy.

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Pursuing Holiness- Part 64

July 10th, 2024

As we walk in Holiness, we will be sought out by those who desire a greater anointing by GOD!

Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 10:

1 At that time there was a Roman military officer, Cornelius, who was in charge of one hundred men stationed in Caesarea. He was the captain of the Italian regiment, 2 a devout man of extraordinary character who worshiped God and prayed regularly, together with all his family. He also had a heart for the poor and gave generously to help them.

3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had an open vision and saw the angel of God appear right in front of him, calling out his name, “Cornelius!”

4 Startled, he was overcome with fear by the sight of the angel. He asked, “What do you want, Lord?” The angel said, “All of your prayers and your generosity to the poor have ascended before God as an Eternal offering.

Cornelius had consistent actions with his prayers to FATHER.  His generosity to the poor was noted and received by FATHER as an acceptable offering.

5 Now, send some men to Joppa at once. Have them find a man named Simon the Rock (Peter),

6 who is staying as a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

7 After the angel left, Cornelius called for two of his servants and a trusted, Godly soldier who was his personal attaché.

8 He explained to them everything that had just happened and sent them off to Joppa.

9 The next day around noon, as Cornelius’ men were approaching Joppa, Peter went up to the flat roof of the house to pray.

Both Peter and Cornelius were given to prayer at different times of the day.

10 He was hungry and wanted to eat, but while lunch was being prepared he fell into a trance and entered into another realm.

11 As the Heavenly realm opened up, he saw something resembling a large linen tablecloth that descended from Above, being let down to the earth by its four corners.

12 As it floated down he saw that it held many kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and wild birds.

13 A Voice said to him, “Peter, go and prepare them to be eaten.”

14 Peter replied, “There’s no way I could do that, Lord, for I’ve never eaten anything forbidden or impure according to our Jewish laws.”

15 The Voice spoke again. “Nothing is unclean if God declares it to be clean.” [16] The vision was repeated three times. Then suddenly the linen sheet was snatched back up into Heaven.

17 Peter was so stunned by the vision that he couldn’t stop wondering about what all it meant. Meanwhile, Cornelius’ men had learned where Peter was staying and at that same moment were standing outside the gate.

18 They called out to those in the house, “Is this where Simon, the Rock, is staying?”

19-20 As Peter was in deep thought, trying to interpret the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Go downstairs now, for three men are looking for you. Don’t hesitate to go with them, because I have sent them.”

21 Peter went downstairs to the men and said, “I believe I’m the one you’re looking for. What brings you here?”

22 They answered, “We serve Cornelius, a Roman military captain, who sent us to find you. He is a devout man of the highest integrity who worships God and is respected throughout the Jewish community. He was Divinely instructed through the appearance of an angel to summon you to his home and to listen to the message that you would bring him.”

You and I don’t need to make things happen in the Spiritual realm, we need to simply respond to what The Holy Spirit is leading us to say and do.  FATHER will orchestrate our walks to minister to those who are ready to hear us speak The Word of THE LORD.

Peter testified of what he heard, saw, and experienced:

38  “Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with great power. He did wonderful things for others and Divinely healed all who were under the tyranny of the devil, for God had anointed Him.

39 We apostles were eyewitnesses to all the miracles that He performed throughout the land of Israel. Finally, in Jerusalem, He was crucified on a cross, 40 but God raised Him from the dead three days later, allowing Him to be seen openly.

41 He didn’t appear to everyone, but He appeared to us, his chosen witnesses. He actually ate and drank with us after He rose from the dead!

42 “Jesus ordered us to preach and warn the people that God had appointed Him to be the Judge of the living and the dead.

43 And not only us, but all of the prophets agree in their writings that everyone who believes in Him receives complete forgiveness of sins through the power of His Name.”

The Holy Spirit then confirmed The Word spoken by Peter:

44 While Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit cascaded over all those listening to his message.

45 The Jewish brothers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on people who weren’t Jews,

46 for they heard them speaking in Supernaturally given languages and passionately praising God.

47 Peter said, “How could anyone object to these people being baptized? For they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

48 So he instructed them to be baptized in the power of the Name of Jesus, the Anointed One. After their baptism, they asked Peter to stay with them for a few more days.

The Holy Spirit will confirm The Word we speak as we walk in Holiness and, we should not be surprised!

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