What Happened to Emphasis on the Pentecostal Blessing
Act 10:37-46 that word which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed; (38) how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all those who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with Him. (39) And we are witnesses of all things which He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed Him and hanged Him on a tree; (40) but God raised Him up the third day and showed Him openly, (41) not to all the people, but to witnesses hand-picked before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. (42) And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. (43) All the Prophets give witness to Him, that through His name whoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins. (44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the Word. (45) And those of the circumcision, who believed (as many as came with Peter), were astonished because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the nations also. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
In the above scripture, this is the first time the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out on the Gentile believers. They were receiving the preach Word of God, and they were all baptized with the Holy Ghost, just as those on the day of Pentecost. The early church message was repent and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. We see that Peter preached this on the day of Pentecost and in Samaria. The example above, caused Gentiles to understand the Holy Ghost. It was then the apostle Paul who took up the banner of the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles.
Every example of believers being filled with the Holy Ghost, was followed by the evidence of speaking in tongues. The early church put great emphasis on the Holy Ghost. This just continued the preaching of John the Baptist and Christ. As time passed, the church allowed perversion of the gospel. It was not until the turn of the 20th Century that emphasis on the Pentecostal blessing, picked up steamed. The Azuza Street revival brought great fervor to the church. The church saw a resurgence on the baptism or gift of the Holy Ghost.
However, in todays Pentecostal church, some put all the emphasis on soul winning (which is definitely our agenda), but little emphasis is put on the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. The church in many cases has come so complacint , that they have said that speaking in other tongues is not the initial evidence of the Holy Ghost.
This saddens me. Our young people, are not seeking for the Holy Ghost baptism. We have churches that our addressing other ways to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We have churches that try and teach people to speak in tongues. This is a God orchestrated gift. Man is just the receiver, God does not need our help in baptizing people with the Holy Ghost. We in the church are to be careful, as not to become the church that Paul spoke of in 2 Timothy. The church that has a form of godliness, but denys the power.
May we wake up out of our sleep, and start preaching seek for the Holy Ghost. It will change our whole church outlook.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
My kids have all there toys and presents. Santa came through again. Family and friends call and visit. It's Christmas! I woke up this morning, and told my savior, happy birthday. I can not forget him this Christmas, for as we know he is the reason for the season.
Then this afternoon after hearing some Christmas music, my mind fades to those who are not here. Those who have gone on to there eternal peace. Of course, I must mention my Dad. He stands in the portals of glory, waiting for our reunion. Dad was always a kid at Christmas. He wasn't big on by presents, because he didn't know what we wanted. Most of the time he just give us money. My last Christmas with my Dad was special. I bought him a gun safe and gun cleaning kit. He had to tell everybody about what his boy got him. That was just a small token for all the things he gave me. He gave many material things, but those are not as important as qualities he instilled in me. So Merry Christmas DAD!
I also thing about my Aunt Cleta. Now that we live in Newport, I think about her often. She was always the first phone call I made on Christmas. I loved this special lady. I also loved her bannana pudding.
My buddy, Eugene Carter, he is gone too. He was my best friend. He left too young. My "adopted grandpa" Ken Perkins. I loved him too.
These are just a few of the precious people that our missed this Christmas, however not to far in the future, will I see them all again. When I meet the babe born in the manager, in person.
I get there as fast as I can..........
Steve
Then this afternoon after hearing some Christmas music, my mind fades to those who are not here. Those who have gone on to there eternal peace. Of course, I must mention my Dad. He stands in the portals of glory, waiting for our reunion. Dad was always a kid at Christmas. He wasn't big on by presents, because he didn't know what we wanted. Most of the time he just give us money. My last Christmas with my Dad was special. I bought him a gun safe and gun cleaning kit. He had to tell everybody about what his boy got him. That was just a small token for all the things he gave me. He gave many material things, but those are not as important as qualities he instilled in me. So Merry Christmas DAD!
I also thing about my Aunt Cleta. Now that we live in Newport, I think about her often. She was always the first phone call I made on Christmas. I loved this special lady. I also loved her bannana pudding.
My buddy, Eugene Carter, he is gone too. He was my best friend. He left too young. My "adopted grandpa" Ken Perkins. I loved him too.
These are just a few of the precious people that our missed this Christmas, however not to far in the future, will I see them all again. When I meet the babe born in the manager, in person.
I get there as fast as I can..........
Steve
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Family & Ministry Update
Paula went to her heart doctor yesterday. The downloaded the info from her defibulator. The results were that it almost fired in November and earlier this month (that means she was seconds from having a heart attack). They are talking about sending her to the UK or Cleveland clinic. Just keep her in your prayers, we are still praying for her healing.
Our singing group 2 FOR HIM is starting to get some bookings. We ministered at Rock of Ages in Covington last night. We had a wonderful time with Bishop Jerry McCullah. He has asked us to come back and wants me to preach. I will let you know the date soon.
We had a good time at church tonight. We sang "I Got Here As Fast As I Could". Pastor Woolum, asked us to sing the song again. So I hope we were able to minister and encourage some.
Keep us all in your prayers,
Steve
Our singing group 2 FOR HIM is starting to get some bookings. We ministered at Rock of Ages in Covington last night. We had a wonderful time with Bishop Jerry McCullah. He has asked us to come back and wants me to preach. I will let you know the date soon.
We had a good time at church tonight. We sang "I Got Here As Fast As I Could". Pastor Woolum, asked us to sing the song again. So I hope we were able to minister and encourage some.
Keep us all in your prayers,
Steve
Monday, December 11, 2006
Pastoral Thoughts
I been doing some thinking tonight about pastoral issues. It wasn't that long ago, that I served as a pastor. I have told some of my friends, that I think I could write a book on "How not to pastor a church." You can take all the teaching, training, and seminary learning, and it will never amount to the things you learn from the experiences you face.
Let me state, I am not thinking of pastoring again at this time. I do not feel that this is where God wants me right now. I do believe in the future I will take up pastoring again. When God opens the correct door. Yet thinking this evening, I wanted to take a moment and mention some of the things I have learned from my pastors over the years. Most of the men I will mention have great insight on how to lead a church, and have impacted my life. Most of the men I will mention have years of experience, and have learned how to deal with issues affecting the church.
I must say, over the years I have had several pastors. Please, remember I was raised in church. Some pastors of my childhood I really do not remember, but I will say they have impacted my parents life and that is part of the heirtage I have today.
The first pastor I can remember was Rev. David Denher. He pastored the Covington, Banklick Steet Church of God. He was the man preaching the morning I got saved at seven years old. I remember he loved to joke with me and he always had a smile on his face. He faced a lot of health problems and eventually retired. Years later when I saw him, he had that same smile on his face. When I get to Heaven, I'll be looking for the preacher who always smiled, Bro Denher.
The next pastor I had was Rev. Don Neal. He pastored Taylorsport Church of God. My Dad served as his associate pastored. The thing I remember the most about Brother Neal was everybody was his "buddy". That was his catch phrase. He wanted everyone to feel welcomed and loved. He always tried to encourage every body. He even encouraged a 9 year old boy to start singing in church. He is one of the reasons I sing today. He also faced health problems and eventually retired and died of cancer. Yet he never changed over the years he remained the same, sick or well throught the good time and the bad.
Next was the first pastor who really took the time to encourage this young man to step out. Rev. Lindsey Cornett, pastored the Covington church. Brother and Sister Cornett had a heart for young people, and truly encouraged me. It was at this time I started working in children's ministry, he always encouraged me to keep going. Brother Cornett pastors another church today, but everytime I see him, he still encourages me.
Bro. Donald Combs, also made an impact in my life. I learned to do things in church will integrity, dignity, and excellence. Bro. Combs always pushes for excellence and wants God's people to excell. Bro. Combs became my District Overseer, and presented me with my credentials and asked me to serve as his district youth director. This was a high honor for me, by this special man. He had left the pastorate in Covington and moved to Louisville, yet one phone call and he was there to speak at my Dad's funeral. Brother Combs is truly a pastor. He may tell you like it is, but he really love his people and has a heart of compassion. He taught me to be there when people need you, and when you serve the Lord do it with excellence.
I guess the pastor that had the most influence on me was my Dad. I served under my Dad, Jack Farrell for over 15 years. I learned so much from him, I could never express it. I get my spirituality from him. I get a great deal of my leadership skills from him. If there was one word to sum up my Dad was DEDICATION. My Dad was commited to the church. He tried to be there for everyone. He loved people, even when they didn't love back. He was a giver. He faced many health problems, but never gave up. I pray that I have the dedication and determination that he always had.
Next, I sat under two young men that taught me a great deal, Rev. Shane and Jesse Harris.
These two brothers were sold out to God. I learned so much from my time working with them. They had a heart for people and were bold about it. They were commited to Bible basics....prayer....fasting....witnessing...and genuine faith. I learned what it ment to be close to God during this time. I saw more supernatural moves of God during this time and true genuine miracles.
I did a brief stint as a pastor for about a year and half. My next pastor really took me under his wing. Pastor John Sprouse, East Bank Church of God, didn't know me from Adam, however the time I spent at East Bank prepared me for the next wave of ministry. I learned several things while serving under Bro. Sprouse. He showed me I could be real. He taught me several things about adminstration and compassion. He showed me how to deal with church conflict, without running people off. I owe a debt of gratitude to Brother Sprouse. Brother and Sister Sprouse were such an inspiration to me and Paula, they will never know what they have ment to us.
After leaving West Virginia, I started Oasis and this lasted a little over a year. This was pastoral boot camp. The last year, I have attended Newport Church of God and my pastor is M. M. Woolum. In the short time I have served under Brother Woolum, I have learned how to be postive and always encourage and uplift. I also have learned how to bring humor into the church. Brother Woolum has also faced severe health problems, but has stayed commited.
These men have imparted so much into my life. I pray that I can take the good qualities of these men and use them in my ministry. Pastoring is a hard job, I know I've done it.
Scripture teaches we must build ourselves up on holy faith and to stir up the gift of God that is within us. May we continue to follow HIS path.
Just on my soapbox,
Steve
Let me state, I am not thinking of pastoring again at this time. I do not feel that this is where God wants me right now. I do believe in the future I will take up pastoring again. When God opens the correct door. Yet thinking this evening, I wanted to take a moment and mention some of the things I have learned from my pastors over the years. Most of the men I will mention have great insight on how to lead a church, and have impacted my life. Most of the men I will mention have years of experience, and have learned how to deal with issues affecting the church.
I must say, over the years I have had several pastors. Please, remember I was raised in church. Some pastors of my childhood I really do not remember, but I will say they have impacted my parents life and that is part of the heirtage I have today.
The first pastor I can remember was Rev. David Denher. He pastored the Covington, Banklick Steet Church of God. He was the man preaching the morning I got saved at seven years old. I remember he loved to joke with me and he always had a smile on his face. He faced a lot of health problems and eventually retired. Years later when I saw him, he had that same smile on his face. When I get to Heaven, I'll be looking for the preacher who always smiled, Bro Denher.
The next pastor I had was Rev. Don Neal. He pastored Taylorsport Church of God. My Dad served as his associate pastored. The thing I remember the most about Brother Neal was everybody was his "buddy". That was his catch phrase. He wanted everyone to feel welcomed and loved. He always tried to encourage every body. He even encouraged a 9 year old boy to start singing in church. He is one of the reasons I sing today. He also faced health problems and eventually retired and died of cancer. Yet he never changed over the years he remained the same, sick or well throught the good time and the bad.
Next was the first pastor who really took the time to encourage this young man to step out. Rev. Lindsey Cornett, pastored the Covington church. Brother and Sister Cornett had a heart for young people, and truly encouraged me. It was at this time I started working in children's ministry, he always encouraged me to keep going. Brother Cornett pastors another church today, but everytime I see him, he still encourages me.
Bro. Donald Combs, also made an impact in my life. I learned to do things in church will integrity, dignity, and excellence. Bro. Combs always pushes for excellence and wants God's people to excell. Bro. Combs became my District Overseer, and presented me with my credentials and asked me to serve as his district youth director. This was a high honor for me, by this special man. He had left the pastorate in Covington and moved to Louisville, yet one phone call and he was there to speak at my Dad's funeral. Brother Combs is truly a pastor. He may tell you like it is, but he really love his people and has a heart of compassion. He taught me to be there when people need you, and when you serve the Lord do it with excellence.
I guess the pastor that had the most influence on me was my Dad. I served under my Dad, Jack Farrell for over 15 years. I learned so much from him, I could never express it. I get my spirituality from him. I get a great deal of my leadership skills from him. If there was one word to sum up my Dad was DEDICATION. My Dad was commited to the church. He tried to be there for everyone. He loved people, even when they didn't love back. He was a giver. He faced many health problems, but never gave up. I pray that I have the dedication and determination that he always had.
Next, I sat under two young men that taught me a great deal, Rev. Shane and Jesse Harris.
These two brothers were sold out to God. I learned so much from my time working with them. They had a heart for people and were bold about it. They were commited to Bible basics....prayer....fasting....witnessing...and genuine faith. I learned what it ment to be close to God during this time. I saw more supernatural moves of God during this time and true genuine miracles.
I did a brief stint as a pastor for about a year and half. My next pastor really took me under his wing. Pastor John Sprouse, East Bank Church of God, didn't know me from Adam, however the time I spent at East Bank prepared me for the next wave of ministry. I learned several things while serving under Bro. Sprouse. He showed me I could be real. He taught me several things about adminstration and compassion. He showed me how to deal with church conflict, without running people off. I owe a debt of gratitude to Brother Sprouse. Brother and Sister Sprouse were such an inspiration to me and Paula, they will never know what they have ment to us.
After leaving West Virginia, I started Oasis and this lasted a little over a year. This was pastoral boot camp. The last year, I have attended Newport Church of God and my pastor is M. M. Woolum. In the short time I have served under Brother Woolum, I have learned how to be postive and always encourage and uplift. I also have learned how to bring humor into the church. Brother Woolum has also faced severe health problems, but has stayed commited.
These men have imparted so much into my life. I pray that I can take the good qualities of these men and use them in my ministry. Pastoring is a hard job, I know I've done it.
Scripture teaches we must build ourselves up on holy faith and to stir up the gift of God that is within us. May we continue to follow HIS path.
Just on my soapbox,
Steve
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