Servias Ministries Blog

As we walk in Holiness, we will build the “temple” for HIS Glory to manifest in us!

FATHER has provided us with the blueprint to walk in HIS Glory.

This series has been focused on “the doing”!  We are to follow the blueprint:

First, the promise; then the instructions (the commands); then the doing of it; and finally, the Glory manifests.

Most believers will find a promise but will not follow the associated commands.  Then they wonder why FATHER did not manifest the promise.  Claiming a promise from Scripture does not simply cause it to come to pass.  You are to follow the blueprint to receive manifestation.

It is recorded by THE SPIRIT in 2^nd Kings chapter 5:

1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.

2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman’s wife.

3 Then she said to her mistress, “If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.”  (The Promise)

4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel.”

5 Then the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing.

6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy.

7 And it happened, when the king of Israel read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and make alive, that this man sends a man to me to heal him of his leprosy? Therefore please consider, and see how he seeks a quarrel with me.”

8 So it was, when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.”

9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house.

10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” (The Instructions)

The instructions are challenged by “the flesh”:

11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’

12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.

13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”

14 (The Doing): So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean (The Glory manifested).

These steps are repeated over and over in Scripture, yet believers attempt to bypass the commands and doing.  We are to consecrate or “set apart” ourselves unto Holiness as FATHER has commanded.  We are then to walk in Holiness and not allow ourselves to be “desecrated” by the world’s values.  As we do, HIS Glory will manifest Itself in our lives.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in 2^nd Chronicles chapter 7:

1 When Solomon had finished praying, Fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the Glory of the LORD filled the temple.

2 And the priests could not enter the House of the LORD, because the Glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’s house.

3 When all the children of Israel saw how the Fire came down, and the Glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying: “For HE is good, For His mercy endures forever.”

If our temple has been properly prepared to receive HIS Glory, be assured that HIS Glory will fill our individual temples!

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.

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.

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, 2^nd 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.

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!