The Apostolic Voice

First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is often referred to as the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, and letters just to name a few.

Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, tax collectors and others. Most of these authors never knew one another personally.

Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.

Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.

And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.

Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme- God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message- salvation is available to all who obey the Gospel and follow God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!

If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, than I challenge you to a test. I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions.

Impossible you say? It would truly be impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.

The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, “But that’s impossible!” you’ve got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!

is a verb not a noun.

I was speaking with a young man in the Church last Sunday after service and this topic came up. Actually, I brought it up as an example or one of many topics that many Apostolic saints do not agree on and debate.

Concerning our salvation it really makes little difference in the end as to exactly when the blood is applied. As long as we obey the Gospel by repenting, are baptized in Jesus' name and are filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the spirit gives the utterance.

However I believe it is good if we can agree and all speak the same thing. In that endeavor I offer this short study and commentary on the subject.

The entire Bible was in a nutshell was to bring about, reveal and preach the Kingdom of God as mentioned no less than 69 times from the book of Mark to Thessalonians.

The keys to be able to enter the Kingdom of God were give to Peter (Matthew 16:19) which Peter shared with the world and to all that would hear and obey (Acts 2:38).

These keys are "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This is the Gospel that must be obeyed to be able to enter the Kingdom of God (see John 3:3-5, 2Thessalonians 1:18, 1 Peter 4:14).

When we obey the gospel, we obey the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus shed His blood and died on the cross. His blood was shed when he was crucified and died for our sins. To obey His death we don’t have to physically die, but we die to ourselves when we repent. It is in this repentance that the blood is applied which blots out our sin.

To obey His burial we don’t have to physically die, but we are buried by like figure in the waters of baptism in His name (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12).

We then obey His resurrection by being filled with the Holy Spirit (born again).

This is also shown as a type in the tabernacle plan in the old covenant. The bronze altar was the first item as you entered the temple. This is where the blood was shed. The next item was the bronze laver. This is where the priests washed and cleansed themselves before entering the Holy Place where the Spirit of God was manifested.

When Jesus was crucified He died on the cross and shed His blood which now blot's out our sin. His blood is applied when we obey His death and die to ourselves in repentance.

We obey his burial by being buried with Him in baptism (Romans 6:4) Then we are born again as He was raised from the dead when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.

1 John 5:8 says: "And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one."

Can you see the pattern?

Altar, Laver, Holy Place
Death, Burial, Resurrection
Blood, Water, Spirit
Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost

This is why some are filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, before they are baptized in Jesus’ name just as they were in Acts 10:47. It’s Because their sins were blotted out and covered by the blood which was applied at repentance, even though they had not yet been remitted in the waters of Baptism in Jesus’ name.
If the blood was not applied upon repentance there could be no infilling of the Holy Ghost. Without the application of the blood we are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

I can tell you that there is an agenda and systems are being put into place that will indeed succeed in bringing this about.

Irrefutable justification for this identification system is gaining strength on a daily basis. Think of the benefits. We are already virtually in cashless system. I rarely handle cash anymore. Everything is done with checks and debit cards. What if when you got paid you didn't have to obtain a paycheck and go to the bank to cash and/or deposit it? We already have automatic payroll deposits, but what if your employer simply told his bank to credit a specific ID number with an amount that equaled your net pay?

What if this ID number was not only your bank account number, but was also your cell phone number where you could be reached by anyone in the world, to you anywhere in the world? What if this number was also your social security number and also your driver's license number?

What if when you went to the store the cashier simply scanned your hand or forehead for your information that was implanted there in a chip no bigger than a grain of rice? The proper amount would be automatically deducted from your bank account.

Think of it, no one would be able to steal any money or credit cards from you, they no longer exist. They wouldn't be able to rob you as you got cash from the ATM, you wouldn't need any. Stealing your purse or wallet would virtually have no value.

But that's not all, it's gets better. . . . What if when you got injured, paramedics or a doctor or nurse could scan your hand for the medical information such as blood type, allergies, heath problems as well as your name, age, address, emergency contacts and other important information?

It gets better! What if crime could be virtually eliminated because this chip would also contain information regarding your true identity and criminal records?

It gets even better! What if not only could you not by or sell without this mark, but you also could not enter a public building or board public transportation without it because the scanning device at the door would not recognize you and would not let you proceed. Think about it. . . . This would put a real crimp in terrorists and suicide bombers being able to enter public transportation and buildings.

No passports or other identification would be needed. If someone entered a country illegally for terrorist purposes, even if they had the mark, the chip would reveal them as an illegal alien with no visa and not only keep them from gaining access to planes, trains, buses and public buildings such as airports, libraries, government buildings, etc. but also alert law enforcement of the attempt.

Still, that's not all! What if they could pinpoint the exact location of a person with GPS because of this device. Have the mark and you can't hide. Don't have the mark and you can't survive. It's that simple!

No mark and not only will you not be able to buy or sell or enter public transportation or buildings but you will not even be able to vote, drive a car, or even get treated at a hospital. You will be in effect a non-person and eventually be tagged an outlaw that may be eliminated one way or another as it is decided what to do with these problem people. Incarceration? Elimination?

Don't be surprised, they do it now with the unborn! Wouldn't someone without this ID be essentially just another non-person?

Are you ready?

We would admonish all brethren everywhere to not use their ministries, gifts of function in the church as titles attached to their name setting themselves above others. Let us call each other by name or at most brother or sister. Let us refrain from using titles such as Reverend, Pastor, Bishop, Elder, Minister and Deacon.

It is interesting to note that none of the apostles or even Jesus used titles that commanded respect or set themselves above anyone. There is no division in the church, just members in particular (1 Corinthians 12:27) of one body that has different functions.

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." - (1 Corinthians 13:1-13) Authorized King James Version of 1611

My friends my heart is heavy this morning and I am greatly grieved in my spirit. I see so much arguing in the church over doctrines of small issues. There is such diverse traditions among people, that have often become law for some. Many of these laws or rules are imposed upon others in a legalistic fashion often resulting in driving people away from God rather than draw them to God.

We celebrate Christmas at our house! It's a tradition that my family has always kept. Yes, I know it was most likely not the actual day that Jesus was born into this world. I also know that the origin of celebrating on that day quite possibly had pagan roots.

I also know that nowhere in the Bible did Jesus celebrate his birthday, nor did he command us to. I also know that the only two people mentioned in the Bible that celebrated their birthdays were Herod and Pharaoh.

If it was just me there would be no Christmas at my house. But I have a family of a wife and six daughters who enjoy the holiday. It's a time the family gathers together. It's a time of celebrating each other and a time of feasting. It's a wonderful family time at my house and because of the that I look forward to it every year. We put up a tree, we decorate, we exchange gifts, all because of a tradition.

We don't do it the celebrate the birth of Jesus, but if you do that's okay. We don't do it to keep some pagan holiday, whether or not someone else ever did. We're not into Santa, my children have always known that there is no such person. We're not into myths in this house.

There is nothing wrong with the keeping family traditions or the keeping of a family holiday. "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days" - Colossians 2:16

I have seen saints go to opposite extremes on this issue. For example we were invited to the home of a very well known Apostolic Pentecostal pastor. I was amazed at his larger-than-life figure of Santa Claus all lit up on his front lawn. I said not a word, even though that's not for me, I cannot judge him.

I have also been given lengthy studies that show how that Jesus could not have been born on Christmas day and how the tree and the holiday had pagan roots. This is all quite possible, but it does not matter to me. I don't celebrate the birth of Jesus on that day (but it would be okay if I did), nor the pagan holiday.

We don't go crazy with expense or decorations, but we do put up a few things in the house, have wonderful family Christmas get-together and dinner, then we enjoy exchanging gifts (my children's favorite part). If you don't want to celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving or any other holiday, that's okay with me. As for me, I greatly enjoy these special days with my family.

Merry Christmas!

I have walked through the doors or many Apostolic Pentecostal assemblies all over the country. Some were very big, most are what most would consider as small. Each has their own personality makeup and a tone and a spirit of the ministry that is discernable.

Often, I cannot put my finger on it, I just get a sense when things are right and when God is moving greatly, or is about to.

As I have often done with churches all over the country, this morning I visited The First Apostolic Church in Biddeford, Maine. I did not know a single soul there, and I did it unannounced.

I came away with the strong feeling that this Church is about to explode in growth! I hope they are not too comfortable in the building they are meeting in. I believe they will need a new one soon.

I believe that they have a pastor/teacher there that is more than just adding a title to his name. He is most definitely a gifted teacher. Not only that, he has caught onto the fact that his job is not to be a lord over God's heritage but to raise other men up in the ministry..

In just one visit I picked up on many things that bore witness over and over that they have broken away from much of the legalism and traditions of men, caring more about the soul of a man than the outside appearance.

Gone were the tightly wound saints all wearing just the right thing like a bunch of Apostolic Pentecostal clones. People came as they were, where they were and they were welcomed and accepted. Well dressed or casual, white or black, young and old, save and unsaved, polished and plain. No noses in the air that I saw. . . . it was wonderful!

If you are in Southern Maine make it a point to visit them. They are currently in a small building at One Apostolic Way in Biddeford, but I don't know how long that will last. You may want to call Bro. David Capotosto first. Home: 207-282-0218, or Cell: 207-468-8545, or visit their website at www.OneApostolicWay.org

If you are in Southern Maine and looking for a home church or need a change, I think you'll be glad you visited!

The First Apostolic Church of Biddeford is an Independent Apostolic Pentecostal Church and is not affiliated with any church organization.

...Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. - 3 John 1:9

The word "preeminence" comes from the Greek word proteuo pronounced prote-yoo’-o. It means to be first, hold the first place.

Unforunately the spirit of Diotrephes is alive and well in the church and is manifested in many ways. There is a great spirit of competition in the Church today between assemblies, even of the same Church organization.

Many pastors are afraid of visiting or associating with other like churches in their area due to the fear that a congregate may like that church better and go there.

Take a look through the many Apostolic Pentecostal Church websites that I list at http://apostolic-pentecostal-churches.net

How many do you see that link to another single Church website? It happens very rarely and then usually only to a daughter work or their Church organization.

I have worked for a long time trying to get Churches that send me their website information, to provide a recipricol link on their site to the Apostolic Pentecostal Churches website.

I cannot seem to make them understand, or they do not care that these recipricol links benefit the Apostolic Pentecostal Church as a whole. The Apostolic Pentecostal Churches site will appear much better in the search engine rankings (like Google) if the site is linked on many church websites. This means that folks looking for a Church in their area will be more likely to find their link.

I have offered bold listings to try to get Churches to do this with very poor results. I have now resorted to not listing the Church at all unless they provide the recipricol line first. Still this is having poor resuilts.

They seemingly desire preeminence on even their websites fearing that someone may get saved somewhere else or pay the tithe elsewhere.