Seven Pillars of Christian Living

A few years ago I wrote a handbook entitled "The Seven Pillars of Successful Christian Living." I will be posting each chapter over the next few weeks. They were written to be geared toward the new convert, but I think everyone can benefit from making sure our lives are built on a solid foundation. I hope and pray they are a blessing to you.

Pillar #1-Prayer

 

This is it. This is the key. You will not have to read this entire series to discover the key to your success. It is here at the beginning of this handbook that you will find the foundation to your Spiritual success. The challenge that we face in talking about prayer is where to start. This is a subject that spans from the first book of the Bible to the last. There have been countless books written on the subject of prayer. Thousands of sermons have been preached about the power of prayer. There are prayer journeys and prayer seminars, prayer rooms, prayer teams, the list is endless. So as I said in the introduction, I will not attempt to make an entire study on prayer, I will hit on the main points of prayer, the first one being that you practice it consistently and faithfully. I encourage you to make a further study on prayer, both in your Bible and by reading books on Prayer. In many instances we spend more time talking about prayer, reading about prayer, and preaching about prayer than we do actually praying. So let me begin by saying that you need to pray.

 

    I have listened to countless sermons in my life telling me what the key to revival is, the key being a variety of things. The key is unity, the key is faith, the key is Home Bible Studies, you get the picture. I do not disagree with these things, they are all keys. However, we must understand to be successful in our walk with God, and to see our Church grow and mature spiritually, there is more than one key. It is actually a key chain with all of these things comprising a part of our success. However, the master key that opens all of the doors is Prayer. It is the single most important endeavor that a Christian can make. All the rest of what we do in the Church must have a foundation of prayer to be successful. In Scripture, the disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them to heal the sick. They did not ask to learn how to walk on water or raise the dead. In Luke 11, they simply asked Jesus, "Teach us to pray." The disciples understood that prayer was the foundation for all that Jesus said and done. They noticed after Jesus spent the night in the wilderness praying he walked into the city the next day with great power.

 

    What is Prayer? In the simplest of terms it is communication with God. It is you talking to God, and God talking to you. It is important to understand that in our fast-paced world God does not operate on the same timetable. There are no shortcuts in prayer. Prayer is communication with God, this means not only do you talk to Him, but also He talks to you. As you develop a walk with God, you will learn to hear the voice of God. One of the things I ask God for almost every time I pray is to let me be sensitive to the Holy Ghost, and let me learn to hear and know His voice. Paul said in I Corinthians 14, "There are so many kinds of voices in the world." We are hearing so many things today, it is vital that we know how to distinguish the voice of God from all the other voices in this world.

 

    So how do I Pray? One of the best things you can do is pray with people who know how to pray. Attend every prayer meeting, and be in the middle of it. As with anything else, be sincere in your prayers. You don't have to sound like anyone else. There is no prayer language except your own language. God isn't impressed by our vocabulary, he wants to hear from our heart. This being said, you must still vocalize your prayers. There is a law of confession in your tongue. Jesus said we have not because we ask not. There are many things in our walk with God we may desire, but if we stop and think about it, we may have never actually asked God for them. Follow the Lords Prayer as an example of how to pray. Begin with praising Him, and then ask Him to cleanse and forgive you for anything that is not right in your life. After this begin to pray for your Church, your Pastor, your loved ones, the list really is endless. There will come a point in prayer that you find the flow of the Spirit and God will guide and direct you in your prayers. Remember you are not alone in this, God is working with you and is on your side. One of the tremendous things about prayer is that it can be difficult to begin a prayer meeting, and then once you get going, it is difficult to stop. Remember the purpose of prayer isn't to "feel" God. It is to feel after God. Just because you do not feel in your emotions like you want to when you pray does not make that prayer any less powerful. There may be times when you feel like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and falling back into the room, but you are touching Heaven.

 

    One of the things I encourage you to do is to find a prayer closet. This is not an actual location, but rather a time of prayer where it is just you and God and no one else. I am a big believer in this. It is absolutely vital that you pray with others, attend prayer meetings, and pray around others. But there also must be times when you are alone with God. There are some things you need to talk about and vocalize to God that you will not do when others are around. There are battles and struggles in your life that no one else knows about that you wouldn't dare let someone hear you talk to God about. But they need to be discussed with Him. There may be things that you need to confess to Him, that can only be done in your prayer closet.

Jesus said in Matthew 6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

 

    I would like to give you some final words on prayer. Jesus said that some things don't happen except by prayer and fasting. There are battles that will not be won except by prayer and fasting. There are spiritual strongholds that Satan holds in our cities that will not be defeated unless we pray. There is no amount of singing, no amount of preaching, no amount of giving that will bring us victory in some areas. Prayer must be made always. Paul said "Pray without Ceasing." In other words don't ever stop praying. Pray when you're tired, pray when you're not tired, pray when you're happy, pray when you're sad, but don't ever stop praying. Powerful Churches are praying Churches. Powerful saints are praying saints. People who backslide, or quit living for God are never people who live and walk in the Spirit. The key to your success is walking in the Spirit through prayer.

 

 

Recommended Reading List

In my previous post I talked about the importance of reading. Here are some of my favorite books that have had an impact on my personal life and/or ministry. I realize everyone's interests are different, but these books are in my opinion at the top of the list. Not all of them are by Apostolic authors so I do not endorse any views in these books that may contradict fundamental doctrine. However most of these books written by secular or non-Apostolic authors do not deal with any doctrinal subject matter. I have listed them in no particular order of importance, other than the first book. I will only keep one reading list on this blog, so if I add any books in the future they will appear on this edited post. As always, thanks for reading…

The Family

1. A Father for all Seasons by Bob Welch- This book stands alone to me among all other books besides the Bible. It has impacted my life in ways that I couldn't even describe. My mother bought me this book for Christmas 2001. My son had just turned one year old. I don't know how long it sat on the bookshelf untouched, probably a couple of years. When I started to read it, the book changed my life. There are a lot of parenting books out there that try to teach us how to do it. This book is a man telling us stories about his father and stories about his two sons in a way that only Bob Welch can write. I don't know a lot about the author, other than he is not a preacher but a newspaper columnist from Eugene Oregon. This book is primarily for fathers who are raising their son, but a book that everyone should enjoy reading. I sat in restaurants reading this book and would have to stop reading it because I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. Gentlemen, you owe it to yourself to get this book. It may be ordered online at bobwelch.net .
   
2. Bringing up Boys by James Dobson- A true how to book on parenting, I learned a lot from this book that I could apply to my own role as a parent. Any of Dr. Dobson's books on the family are worth reading.
   

   
   

Bible Study Material

1. Thompson Chain Reference Bible- still hard to beat it for pure study.
   
2. PC Study Bible- I've tried Quickverse, but Study Bible has a much better user interface.
   
3. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Bible Facts
   
4. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
   
5. The Tabernacle by William Brown
   
6. The Pentecostal Home Study Course
   
7. Any of Crawford Coon's Christian Development Course, Pastor John McKinnies introduced me to this tremendous material.
   

Christian Living

1. When Ye Pray by Joy Haney
   
2. Unseen Hands by Nona Freeman
   
3. When Ye Fast by Joy Haney
   

   
   

For the Ministry

1. The Flesh of God by J.T. Pugh- if there is a more relevant book to the ministry today I haven't found it. Bro. Pugh gives us what the Church is and what our Purpose is more clearly than anything I've ever read. A true must read book.
   
2. The Wisdom and the Power of the Cross by J.T. Pugh- this was a hard read for me because it was pretty deep, but it is a must read for every preacher. Both of these first two books should be a required reading for young ministers.
   
3. Effective Pastoring by Bill Lawrence- I don't agree with everything he has to say, the Baptist form of church government differs from ours, but plenty of good solid advice to Pastors.
   
4. The Best of Vesta Mangun- A written version of some of her best messages
   
5. Any of David Bernard's books including- The New Birth, The Oneness of God, God's Infallible Word.
   
6. For Preachers Only by J.T. Pugh
   
7. I being in the Way by Harold Kinney- Written by a missionary, one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read.
   

   
   

Publications

1. Perspectives Magazine by Indiana Bible College- Usually a feature story on a Church, plus lots of good articles and insight, my personal favorite Apostolic publication.
   
2. The Pentecostal Herald- I would not list it just on the merits of it being the official organ of the UPCI. It has improved tremendously the last few years, and now has great articles in it every month.
   
3. PC World Magazine- If you own a computer, this one is worth subscribing to, lots of tips and downloads to help you keep running smoothly.
   

Success Literature

1. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey- The standard by which all other success literature should be measured. It is a life changing book if you will apply it. Every leader and preacher should read and reread this book.
   
2. First things First by Stephen Covey- It doesn't do the book justice to call this a time management book, but it gives you an idea of what it is about. An excellent book, I recently had a well known and successful pastor from the South tell me this book changed his life, it was enough of an endorsement for me to go out and buy it.
   
3. Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove- Andy Grove is the former chairman of the board for Intel and was the driving force behind what made Intel what it is today. The book centers around Strategic Inflection Points, which you would have to read to understand. He made me a believer that any leader in order to be successful long term must understand Strategic Inflection Points in their particular field.
   

   
   

   
   

   There are many other books that I have enjoyed, but these are a few that I believe can make a difference in your life…
   

The Power of Reading

I am going to in future posts be reviewing and recommending books that have had a powerful impact on my life, and there are several. Before I begin those posts, I want to talk about the power of simply reading. Some may think that in an age where multimedia, High-Def TV, and interactive websites abound, that reading may well be on its way to becoming obsolete. I seriously doubt if this will ever happen. I don't anything more powerful or enjoying than sitting down in a quiet room and simply reading. How many times have you heard someone say, "Yes I saw the movie, but the book was much better." When you a read a book, especially a novel, your imagination goes to work. I've often thought that 10 people could read the same book and the scenery and characters are all different in each person's mind. I try to always be reading a book. I usually will have the book with me in my car and read it in a restaurant, a waiting room, or wherever I find myself with extra time on my hands.

I highly recommend that you have a variety of books that you read. Everyone will be different, but let me give you examples of the kinds of books that I read. First of all, the Bible must be at the center of all your reading. It is not a book, but THE book. My two favorite parts of the Bible to read are the Epistles in the New Testament and the stories in the Old Testament. But you must read all of the areas of Scriptures at some time. It is important to have balance in your Bible reading. Apart from the Bible, I read books on Apostolic Doctrine, Church history, and Church Leadership. I also read motivational books such as Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." I would highly recommend this book, it is life changing. I am currently reading Stephen Covey's book "The Eighth Habit." All of his books are excellent. One of the books on my list to read for this year is Dr. Dobson's book "Bringing up Boys." I will eventually have a post of all my recommended books. Biographies and autobiographies can also be excellent reads. I purchased this week a biography of Andy Grove, who wrote the book "Only the Paranoid Survive", a must read for every leader. I don't read a lot of novels, but have thoroughly enjoyed Louis L'Mour and John Grisham novels.

The thing that I believe makes reading so powerful is that you are tapping into someone elses mind, harnessing and gleaning their wisdom and life experiences. They have thought about what they are going to write, they have revised and edited it many times, and you are awarded the final product of what they consider to be their best. I have tried to listen to books on tape, but have found that my retention rate is much higher when I actually read the book. I believe to be well read is one of the highest achievements of life. It is amazing that if you will simply read the books, how many times in conversation with someone else that you can pull from your mind something that can be added to the conversation. If you are a preacher, this is doubly true. I don't know how many times in my preaching that something will come to me that isn't in my notes that I will use in a message, something that I had in my mind from a book I had read. Starting now, purpose in your mind that you are going to give yourself to much reading. If you have children, encourage and help them to read. It is truly one of life's greatest pleasures.

The Unity of the Apostolic Church

The subject of unity in our local churches is consistently stressed and preached as a key to revival and growth. I wholeheartedly agree. Saints must work in harmony and the pew must be in unity with the pulpit in order for a Church to operate the way God intended. It amazes me that the same preachers who stress this in their pulpits are not as concerned about striving for unity with their ministerial brethren. The Oneness Apostolic Church's all across America need to be united and come together like never before. I realize that are some minimum requirements that most of us will demand in order for us to consider a local church or fellowship part of the Apostolic Church. First of all, the church must believe in the oneness of God, rejecting the doctrine of the trinity. The church will preach the new birth experience as necessary for salvation. This includes repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. The final component would be living a separated, Godly life, stressing Holiness as part of their daily lifestyle. I know there are many other beliefs and doctrines that will be part of the Apostolic church, but these are the fundamentals that most of us will agree are the trademarks of the Church.

It is imperative that those of us that are part of the church bind together like never before. A quick search on the internet brought up over fifty oneness organizations and fellowships in the United States. I am not so naïve to believe that there will ever be one all encompassing organization that every Apostolic Church belongs to. However, we all need to view all churches, ministers, and saints, regardless of affiliation, as part of the Church and body of Christ, as long as they are truly Apostolic. When the trumpet sounds, and the bride of Christ is raptured, I doubt there will be angels guarding the gate, asking preacher's for their "fellowship card" to see if they qualify for entrance. Whether UPC, A L J C, independent, etc…, God is looking for men and women who are Apostolic.

 

In large towns and cities it is common and no doubt necessary for there to be more than one Apostolic church. Because of the large population of these areas, there is more than enough work to go around. However, in smaller towns where there is more than one Apostolic church, I hope and pray that these churches will work together in harmony with a unified plan and purpose for their community. The rapture is too close for us to have our own agendas. We are not building our own kingdoms, He is the King, and it's His Kingdom. We are simply "laborers together with Him." When you go to witness to the hurting, the lost, the broken, they couldn't care less about what fellowship you belong to or what group you associate with. This will be a blow to our ego, but chances are, they have never heard of any of our organizations, and frankly, they just don't care. They simply want a Church that cares about them. If you can love people while preaching and practicing the Apostles Doctrine, you will be successful, regardless of your affiliation.

 

Do I believe in organization, you better believe I do. They have been the vehicle for tremendous growth, and every preacher needs a system of accountability in his life. I am thankful for every organized effort that has been successful in spreading the gospel. Regardless of your affiliation, bind together with your brethren and let's have Apostolic revival until Jesus comes.

 

The Decisive and Divisive Issue of 07

2007 was an interesting year for the Apostolic Church. The United Pentecostal Church voted in their General Conference to allow Churches to advertise on television. This issue divided many brethren the last few years, and the decision to allow it was celebrated by many and condemned by probably just as many. A quick search on the internet will produce many blogs and message boards from proponents and opponents of this issue. I am not here to celebrate the decision nor speak against it. As with many issues we face today, both sides no doubt had good points in their argument. I want to state up front that I did not vote on the issue, I am a minister in a UPCI Church, but am licensed with another Fellowship. There are those that believe that TV advertising for a local Church will have tremendous results. Only time will truly tell, but they will probably be disappointed. God has never relied on anything man made to spread the gospel, and He wasn’t waiting on an organization to pass a resolution so He could fulfill His purpose on this earth. That being said, if one soul is won to the Lord because they decided to visit a Church they saw on TV, it would be hard to argue with that soul on Judgment Day that it was a bad idea. This is what I mean about there being two sides to the issue. For those that were so against the resolution because it will be detrimental to the Church, I doubt this will happen either. There may be Churches that have already put ads on TV, but I haven’t heard about them. There will probably be very few Churches who utilize TV ads. For a lot of markets it is just too expensive and there are more attractive advertising opportunities for Churches, such as newspapers and mail outs. In my opinion, the opponents are probably more afraid of where this resolution will lead the UPC than the actual resolution itself. The bottom line, TV ads will probably not have a great impact on the Church either way. I do hate to see so many brethren divided so sharply on an issue that in ten years will be mostly forgotten. There is coming a convergence of Television and Internet, so much of what is being discussed will be irrelevant, we just don’t how long that will be. We need to make sure issues like this do not distract the Ministry from our purpose to reach a lost and dying world, but that will be in another post. Now more than ever, let there be Unity among Jesus name, One God, Holiness preachers.

God Bless,

The Apostle's Doctrine

John 7:17 - If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine…

This is a compilation of Scriptures that form the foundation of what we believe and why we believe it. It is not meant to be an exhaustive compilation of the scriptures, but rather a condensed list of the Scriptures on the particular subject. There are many more Scriptures pertaining to each subject. I have selected some of the most familiar ones and those that I feel are the easiest to understand without having to study their context. This is an invaluable tool in witnessing as well as a tool in your daily study and devotion. It would serve the reader well to occasionally read through all these scriptures to maintain an understanding of the Pentecostal Doctrine.

Table of Contents

1. The Bible-The Infallible Word of God

2. Sin and Salvation

3. One God-The Mighty God in Christ

4. Christian Living

5. The Church

6. Prophecy

The Bible-The Infallible Word of God

(Deu 6:6) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

(Deu 6:7) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

(Deu 6:8) And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

(Deu 6:9) And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

(Josh 1:8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

(Job 23:12) Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

(Psa 12:6) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

(Psa 19:7) The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

(Psa 19:8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

(Psa 19:9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

(Psa 19:10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

(Psa 37:31) The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

(Psa 40:8) I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

(Psa 119:9) BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

(Psa 119:11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

(Psa 119:12) Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

(Psa 119:13) With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.

(Psa 119:14) I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

(Psa 119:15) I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

(Psa 119:16) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

(Psa 119:72) The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

(Psa 119:89) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

(Psa 119:97) MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

(Psa 119:103) How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

(Psa 119:105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

(Psa 119:130) The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

(Psa 119:140) Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

(Prov 14:23) In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

(Prov 30:5) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

(Isa 30:8) Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

(Isa 40:8) The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

(Hosea 4:6) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

(Mat 22:29) Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

(John 5:39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

(John 15:3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

(John 17:17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(Acts 17:11) These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

(Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

(Eph 5:26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

(Col 3:16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

(2 Tim 2:15) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(2 Tim 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God

, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(2 Tim 3:17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

(Heb 4:12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Heb 8:10) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

(2 Pet 1:19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

(2 Pet 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

(2 Pet 1:21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Sin and Salvation

(1 Sam 15:22) And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

(2 Chr 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

(Psa 51:5) Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

(Psa 51:17) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

(Prov 14:23) In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.

(Isa 28:11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

(Isa 28:12) To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

(Isa 53:1) Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

(Isa 53:2) For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

(Isa 53:3) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

(Isa 53:4) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

(Isa 53:5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

(Isa 53:6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

(Isa 53:7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

(Isa 55:7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

(Isa 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

(Jer 17:9) The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

(Ezek 36:26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

(Ezek 36:27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

(Joel 2:28) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

(Joel 2:29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

(Zec 4:6) Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

(Mark 16:16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

(Luke 19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

(Luke 24:47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

(John 3:3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

(John 3:4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

(John 3:5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

(John 3:6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

(John 3:7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(John 3:8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(John 7:38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

(Acts 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, 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.

(Acts 3:19) Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

(Acts 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

(Acts 8:12) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

(Acts 8:13) Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

(Acts 8:14) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

(Acts 8:15) Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(Acts 8:16) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

(Acts 8:17) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 10:48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

(Acts 17:30) And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

(Acts 19:1) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

(Acts 19:2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

(Acts 19:3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

(Acts 19:4) Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

(Acts 19:5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

(Acts 19:6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

(Acts 20:28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

(Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

(Rom 3:11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

(Rom 3:12) They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

(Rom 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

(Rom 6:3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

(Rom 6:4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

(Rom 6:5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

(Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Gal 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

(Gal 5:20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

(Gal 5:21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

(Gal 6:7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

(Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

(Titus 2:11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

(Titus 2:12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

(Titus 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

(Titus 2:14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

(Heb 9:22) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

(Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

(James 1:14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

(James 1:15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

(James 4:17) Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

(1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

(1 John 3:4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

One God-The Mighty God in Christ

(Deu 4:35) Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.

(Deu 6:4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

(1 Ki 8:27) But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

(Isa 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(Isa 42:8) I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

(Mat 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

(John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(John 4:24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

(John 8:57) Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

(John 8:58) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

(John 10:30) I and my Father are one.

(Acts 2:38) Then Peter said unto them, 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.

(Acts 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

(2 Cor 5:19) To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

(Eph 4:5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

(Eph 4:6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

(Col 1:15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

(Col 1:16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

(Col 1:19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

(Col 2:9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

(1 Tim 3:16) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

(James 2:19) Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Christian Living

(Deu 22:5) The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

(Psa 19:14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

(Psa 101:3) I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

(Psa 119:11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

(Isa 34:16) Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.

(Isa 35:8) And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

(Isa 53:5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

(Mat 18:19) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

(John 5:39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

(Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

(Rom 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

(Rom 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

(1 Cor 11:1) Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

(1 Cor 11:2) Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.

(1 Cor 11:3) But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

(1 Cor 11:4) Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

(1 Cor 11:5) But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

(1 Cor 11:6) For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.

(1 Cor 11:7) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.

(1 Cor 11:8) For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.

(1 Cor 11:9) Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

(1 Cor 11:11) Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

(1 Cor 11:12) For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

(1 Cor 11:13) Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

(1 Cor 11:14) Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

(1 Cor 11:15) But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

(1 Cor 11:16) But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

(1 Cor 12:8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

(1 Cor 12:9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

(1 Cor 12:10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

(1 Cor 13:11) 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.

(2 Cor 7:1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(2 Cor 7:14) For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

(Gal 5:19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

(Gal 5:20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

(Gal 5:21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

(Gal 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

(Gal 5:23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

(Gal 5:24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

(Eph 4:11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(Eph 4:12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

(Eph 4:13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

(Eph 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

(Eph 4:15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

(Eph 4:16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

(Eph 4:32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

(1 Th 5:22) Abstain from all appearance of evil.

(2 Tim 2:15) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(James 5:13) Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

(James 5:14) Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

(James 5:15) And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

(James 5:16) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

(James 5:17) Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

(James 5:18) And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

(1 Pet 2:9) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

(1 Pet 3:1) Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

(1 Pet 3:2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

(1 Pet 3:3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

(1 Pet 3:4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

(1 Pet 3:5) For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

(2 Pet 1:4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(2 Pet 1:5) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

(2 Pet 1:6) And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

(2 Pet 1:7) And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

(2 Pet 1:8) For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2 Pet 1:9) But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

(2 Pet 1:10) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

(1 John 1:5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

(1 John 2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

The Church

(Gen 14:20) And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

(Deu 16:17) Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

(Psa 47:1) To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

(Jer 3:15) And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

(Jer 23:4) And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

(Mal 3:8) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

(Mal 3:9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

(Mal 3:10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

(Mat 16:18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

(Acts 2:47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

(Acts 20:28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

(Rom 10:14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

(1 Cor 4:2) Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

(Eph 4:11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(Eph 5:18) And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

(Eph 5:19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

(2 Tim 2:2) And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

(2 Tim 4:3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

(Heb 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(Heb 13:17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Prophecy

(Dan 12:1) And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

(John 5:28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

(John 5:29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

(John 14:1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

(John 14:2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

(John 14:3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

(1 Cor 15:51) Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

(1 Cor 15:52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

(1 Cor 15:53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

(1 Cor 15:54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

(1 Cor 15:55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

(2 Th 2:3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

(2 Th 2:4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

(Heb 11:10) For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

(Rev 13:16) And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

(Rev 13:17) And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

(Rev 21:1) 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.

(Rev 21:2) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

(Rev 21:3) 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.

(Rev 21:4) 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.

(Rev 21:5) 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.

(Rev 21:6) 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.

(Rev 21:7) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

(Rev 21:8) 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.