REVIVAL: BENEFITS FROM; STEPS TO.

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

REVIVAL BENEFITS AND STEPS

BENEFITS

Aside from evangelism, revival services produce various blessings for those who have been saved, including:
1- Backsliders are restored to a right relationship with God and others:
2- Believers make total commitment and become entirely sanctified;
3- Vision is renewed and enlarged;
4- People are called to the ministry (domestic and foreign).

True revival comes when parishioners focus on God in an exceptional way. Remember, "revival" implies a need to re-focus and re-commit. These 4 things should be happening during regular services. But in any case, "Keep On Keeping On."

STEPS

Here are three easy to remember steps to Revival (renewal, restoration). These three steps are found in Christ's words to the churches in Revelation (chapters 2-3).

1- Remember what God has done. Remember where you were with God.

2- Repent, change your direction, you mind. Quit looking to sin, Satan and self, instead, look unto Jesus, the Author and finisher of faith. Whatever is good, think on those things.

3- Repeat your commitment, believe, surrender, obey, praise.

ALL THINGS NEW

FEBRUARY 26, 2012

ALL THINGS NEW

Recently, while I was teaching about the coming conflagration, I was asked, "Why will the world be destroyed by fire?" One of the thoughts that has come to my mind is the problem of vermin and pestilence. God will cleanse the universe with fire, so that the New Heaven and New Earth will be without any creatures that thrive on, and contribute to death and decay, along with all bacteria, viral infection and all other effects of sin. Take a few moments to read the following passage. God will make all things new, and the corruption of sin will all be gone. Praise the Lord.

Revelation 21:1-8

(1)  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

(2)  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

(3)  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

(4)  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

(5)  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

(6)  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

(7)  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

(8)  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE IS BEAUTIFUL

FEBRUARY 25, 2012

CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE IS BEAUTIFUL

One of the beautiful facets of being a child is their innocence. I realize they are born with a sinful nature, but they have not been exposed to the harsh and polluting influences of a sinful culture. They love, trust, confide and inquire with a less cynical and more honest intent.

Woe to those who introduce them to "the real world" by violating them, physically, morally, mentally, spiritually or relationally.

The best environment for children is a holiness home and church.

PASSAGE...
Matthew 18:3-7
(3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
(6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
(7) Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

HOMESICK AND HOMEFOLK

FEBRUARY 24, 2012

HOMESICK AND HOMEFOLK

Have you ever been away from home, family and friends? When you are in a foreign land you can have spells of homesickness. Then, after weeks of separation from all that is familiar and precious, you receive a letter from a loved one, or special cookies in a "care package," or a person from "back home" (even a stranger) visits, and your heart is warmed and your spirit is lifted. There is even more comfort and encouragement when you live among like minded fellow sojourners.

God has given us the Church (the local body of believers), to ease the pain of, "Homesickness." When the fellowship is vibrant and constant, it is like heaven on earth.

SCHEDULING FOR SUCCESS (3/1/12)
Sometimes we are not able to get together with our local church for worship, study, fellowship and ministry, because of sickness, uncontrollable events or travel. This is why we need to make every effort possible to gather when we can, with an eager, submissive and loving spirit. We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity to obtain all we can from God when the body gathers. We need it, others are depending on us and God is worthy of our best.

We should align our week and set our schedule in order to give our full attention to the services we attend. Worship, study, fellowship and ministry times should be given highest priority, since God has arranged these times for us to praise, learn, grow and serve. Be on time, be alert, be hungry for His word, be submissive, be eager. Come with open head, heart and hands and all the more as the day of His return approach (He. 10:25).

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

A friend recently was singing the praises of TV evangelists and the service they provide to shut-ins. What a shame, what an indictment, that a church would neglect or abandon its own people, who are incapacitated, and give them into the hands of strangers.

The Church not only provides the atmosphere for Christians to grow in grace and knowledge, it also provides service to people in need, like people who are shut in and the elderly. It is a shame when a church neglects the needy and shuns its responsibility to do the work God called it to do.

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

WHY THE FIRE?

FEBRUARY 26, 2012
WHY THE FIRE?

CONFLAGRATION
Recently, while I was teaching about the coming conflagration, I was asked, "Why will the world be destroyed by fire?" One of the thoughts that has come to my mind is the problem of vermin and pestilence. God will cleanse the universe with fire, so that the New Heaven and New Earth will be without any creatures that thrive on, and contribute to death and decay, along with all bacteria, viral infection and all other effects of sin.

SCRIPTURE... (especially vss. 7, 10-13, 17-18)
2 Peter 3:7-18
(7) But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
(8) But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
(9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
(11) Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
(12) Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
(13) Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
(14) Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
(15) And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
(16) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
(17) Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
(18) But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Launch Out and  Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould

CHILDREN ARE A TREASURE

FEBRUARY 25 & 27, 2012
CHILDREN ARE A TREASURE

CHILDREN ARE A TREASURE (2/27/12)
The majority of people have been given a treasure, greater than pleasure and beyond measure. Though it demands great care, time and sacrifice, the return is of infinite value. God gives children to parents, to raise them for Him, to teach them about Him, to lead them to Him. Sadly, very few children get the needed investment from their parents. Children are often left to blaze their own trail, but they usually follow other young people who are confused and lost. When parents do offer guidance, it is usually away from a life that is consistent with Biblical godliness. How sad to throw away such a treasure. It can be eternally sad.

OFFEND NOT THE CHILDREN (2/25/12)
One of the beautiful facets of childhood is their innocence. I realize they are born with a sinful nature, but they have not been exposed to the harsh and polluting influences of a sinful culture. They love, trust, confide and inquire with a less cynical and more honest intent. Woe to those who introduce them to "the real world" by violating them, physically, morally, mentally, spiritually or relationally. The best environment for children is a holiness home and church.

PASSAGE...
Matthew 18:3-7
(3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
(5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
(6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
(7) Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Launch Out and Hold Fast,
Pastor David L. Gould

THOUGHTS ON SANCTIFICATION

FEBRUARY 22, 27 AND MARCH 3, 2012

THOUGHTS ON SANCTIFICATION

This is a compilation of thoughts I posted concerning Entire Sanctification.

PURITY, TRUE AND FALSE... (3/3/12)

Do not be robbed of true PURITY of heart and life, just because there is a false form of purity. After all, you would not trash a true treasure just because it has been counterfeited.

Purity Of Heart Required And Provided

There is a Purity of heart that God provides to those who trust Christ. True purity is provided by the gracious work of God's salvation, through Christ. In fact it is a purity of heart that is required if we want to spend eternity with God. I will share a few verses from the Bible that address this subject.

Required

Psalms 24:3-5

(3) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

(4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
(5) He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Provided

Acts 15:8-9

(8) And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

(9) And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

FALSE PURITY

But first let me mention that there are people who who have the false hope that they can have a right relationship with God, based either on the erroneous belief that they are inherently good or on the false notion that works of righteousness can make them acceptable to God. The fact that there is a false purity of heart does not mean there is not a true purity of heart.

Proverbs 30:12

(12) There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

Erroneous Belief In Inherent Goodness

1 John 1:8

(8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

False Notion Of Self Righteous Works

Proverbs 20:9

(9) Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

TRUE PURITY (Redemptive Work Of Salvation)

However, there is a purity (holiness, righteousness, perfection) that God provides for those who trust Christ to deliver them from all sin. God has spoken of this atonement purity in several places. Notice that these verses address the question of, "Purity." There are other verses that address, Holiness, Righteousness, Perfection.

Old Testament
Psalms 18:26

(26) With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.

Psalms 73:1

(1) ...Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. (Same Hebrew word as found in Ps. 24:4).

Proverbs 15:26

(26) The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

New Testament

Matthew 5:8

(8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

John 15:2

(2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

1 Timothy 1:5

(5) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

2 Timothy 2:22
(22) Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Titus 2:14

(14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

James 4:8

(8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

1 Peter 1:22

(22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1 John 3:3

(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

I realize there are renowned Christian teachers that deny personal purity for believers. They offer long explanations on why these verses do not mean what they say. I have not taken the time to explain God's word. However, if you are confused by the teachings of men on this issue, I will be glad to share with you why God meant what he said.

ARGUE OR ACCEPT... (2/22/12)

I have been reading what some well known apologists, theologians and other Christian leaders have written against the doctrine of holiness (purity) of heart (Entire Sanctification) and holiness of life (Abiding and Walking In the Spirit). It is sad, because they build their arguments against non issues and they lead people away from the "fullness of the blessing" and the "fullness of God." Just as there are false claims and claimants to justification, there are false claims and claimants to holiness of heart and life, but the false does not negate the true. Sadly, most people would rather fight against this doctrine than honestly investigate it.

WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART... (2/27/12)

So, would you rather have God actually deliver you from all sin in this present world or would you rather God unilaterally elect you unconditionally to salvation? Your preference will not influence God's way of salvation, but it will tell something about your own heart. If you would rather be delivered from all sin than be unconditionally elect, then God has Good News for you.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould