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Recently, I’ve been reflecting on Isaiah chapter 3, which presents a compelling portrayal of a society teetering on the edge of divine judgment—a society not unlike our own. It’s a passage that resonates deeply with the challenges and fractures we see in modern society. Far from being a historical relic, Isaiah 3 is a powerful lens through which we can examine our culture and understand the warning signs of potential collapse. The core message, delivered with poignant simplicity, centers around two critical elements: Childish Men and Haughty Women.

The Stay and the Staff: Losing Our Spiritual FoundationThe chapter opens with a chilling image: God taking away “the stay and the staff (Isaiah 3:1)” from Jerusalem and Judah. In King James language, it means removing their supply and support – literally, their bread and water. This isn’t just a physical famine; it’s a spiritual famine. Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Living Water. When we turn away from Him, we become spiritually depleted. And I look around at our culture and see a lot of spiritual hunger masked by material pursuits. Reflect on how many people are chasing after things that will never truly bring satisfaction. How many are caught in cycles of anxiety and despair, because they’re not rooted in something deeper? This spiritual famine is real and a breeding ground for all kinds of societal problems.

In a society where the Bread of Life and Living Water has been forsaken, the spiritual desolation is severe. In contemporary terms, this aligns with a cultural shift away from traditional values and religious adherence, resulting in a moral vacuum and a reliance on fleeting, material pursuits and superficial spirituality. One of the primary concerns Isaiah 3 addresses is the systemic breakdown of godly masculinity and the corresponding uprising of toxic unholy feminism. Whereas God designed men and women to complement and complete one another with their differences, current culture pits them against one another. It does so in two contradictory ways. First, society stirs up grievances between men and women by exploiting their differences and presenting them as incompatible rather than complementary. And secondly, society outlandishly claims there are no differences between men and women. Even pointing out that men might be physically stronger than most women is considered hatefully archaic in many circles. Yet, anyone with a thimbleful of common sense can see how wildly self-contradicting these two societal claims are on the surface.

At an even deeper level of brokenness, a growing segment of society wishes to eliminate the concept of two genders altogether. Again, the thinking appears to run in contrary directions. Some want a genderless world. In contrast, others dream of a world with an unlimited number of phantastic genders. We are far beyond dealing with simplistic gender stereotypes and harmless tropes about men and women—a deep, pervasive spiritual sickness is coursing through the bloodstream of America and most of the modern world.

The Ascendancy of Childish Men: A Leadership CrisisIsaiah 3:2-9 provides a brief, yet fascinating, snapshot of the societal devastation caused by chronic immaturity in masculinity. As men became less godly, they became more childish. Eventually, childish men outnumbered mature men, creating a leadership crisis at all levels of society. Isaiah 3:4 describes the appointment of “children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them.” This is not to be interpreted literally, but as a metaphor for the immaturity and lack of wisdom characterizing those in positions of authority. These “childish” leaders are marked by selfishness, emotional instability, and an inability to exercise sound judgment. Such leadership, whether in political, economic, religious, or social spheres, fosters confusion, oppression, and ultimately undermines the nation’s stability.

Further complicating things, Isaiah 3:6 describes men afraid of taking leadership or exerting helpful authority. They are plagued by feelings of helplessness, inferiority, and despondency and are conditioned to use the language of victimhood. The crisis of masculinity in Isaiah 3 perfectly parallels the conditions and mentalities plaguing men today. By all accounts, boys struggle to become men, and men struggle to understand and fill their proper roles. Generations of stable godly leadership vacuums have left males with role models that are childish, insufficient, and sometimes outright toxic.

At the macro level, men struggle to be good husbands, fathers, and friends. Most don’t know how to lead or accept leadership. Very few men know how to properly measure success, find purpose, or delay gratification for a greater good (what previous generations referred to as “self-sacrifice”). Many men opt out of committed relationships, including marriage and fatherhood. Those who do try are scolded and crushed by waves of societal pressures, contradictory expectations, and constantly evolving rules. Depression is high, self-esteem is low, and a wise man is hard to find.

Flipping the Script: The Rise of Haughty WomenConcurrently, Isaiah identifies the “daughters of Zion” as “haughty,” characterized by pride, arrogance, and a flaunting of material possessions (Isaiah 3:16-24). The prophet observed a societal imbalance wherein women adopted an excessive pride that was in direct opposition to God. Their haughtiness manifested in a disregard for modesty and a preoccupation with outward appearance, symbolized by elaborate jewelry and ostentatious displays. Those outward displays mirrored an internal state of pride that challenged traditional values and disrupted the harmony between genders. Interestingly, while the men are portrayed as poor, the women are described as having an excess of expensive jewels, cosmetics, and clothing. They are materialistic, sensual, and arrogant. These traits don’t exist in isolation. Childish men create space for Haughty Women to dominate and control.

It goes even deeper. Isaiah talks about “the show of their countenance” – the look on their faces, the way they carry themselves (Isaiah 3:9). It testifies against them. Their faces and expressions bear witness against them. It testifies of their guilt and their rebellion against God. Their expressions dare God to do something. “They declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not (Isaiah 3:9).” There’s no shame, no remorse—just blatant defiance.

The Emotional Emptiness of an Isaiah 3 SocietyWhile American culture has been busy celebrating pride and “so-called” liberation from the “shackles” of tradition, an odd thing has occurred. Rather than finding Utopian joy, men and women are more depressed, angry, unfulfilled, and miserable than ever. It turns out that men and women need one another. And we’re finding that faithful, committed relationships, filled with responsibilities and traditional values, ultimately bring fulfillment. Yet, keeping men and women in competition rather than completion is politically expedient for those seeking power through a divide and conquer philosophy. However, the long-term effects of a society that produces and encourages men to be childish and women to be haughty are coming fully into focus. It’s painful to watch, and even more painful to experience.

Isaiah 3 concludes with a poetic description of God’s impending judgment (Isaiah 3:11-26). In the last verse, we see the ultimate consequence of a nation filled with childish men and haughty women, “…empty, she shall sit on the ground (Isaiah 3:26, ESV)”. Emptiness is the result of an Isaiah 3 culture—spiritual, emotional, and relational emptiness. I’m convinced we are experiencing the spirit of Isaiah 3 and reaping its consequences. The conditions described in Isaiah 3 resonate with observable trends in contemporary American society. One such trend is the “flipping of the moral script,” wherein traditional virtues are redefined as vices, and immoral behaviors are normalized or even celebrated. This inversion of values, wherein “good is called evil, and evil is called good,” reflects a departure from established moral principles and a challenge to divine authority. Those who stand for traditional values are lectured and labeled as unloving. Unrighteousness cloaks itself in pride and speaks down to the godly.

Jesus prophesied of forces that will contribute to societal decline. In Matthew 24:7, Jesus said, “nation shall rise against nation,” which translates as “race shall rise against race.” In verse 10, he warns of widespread offense, betrayal, and hatred. Mark 13:12 highlights the breakdown of familial bonds, with “brother shall betray the brother to death,” signifying a disintegration of fundamental social structures. These verses underscore the destructive power of division and the erosion of loyalty within communities and families. All of this leads to a society that’s deeply divided. And that’s precisely where the enemy wants us. Women against men, young against old, race against race. He wants us at each other’s throats because a house divided cannot stand.

Hope Amidst Social DecayAmong the dire warnings, Isaiah pauses to offer a word of hope. “Tell the godly that all will be well for them (Isaiah 3:10).” That promise resonates deep within me. It’s an assurance that even when the world is in decay, God will take care of those who remain faithful.

For me, it’s a reminder that my hope isn’t in earthly kingdoms or political solutions. It’s in the King of Kings, who has promised never to leave or forsake me. And it’s not just a promise for the afterlife. It’s a promise for now. God will bless, protect, and provide for those who walk in His ways.

What Can the Church Do?So, what do we do in the face of all this? Ultimately, the message of Isaiah 3 is a call to repentance and a renewed commitment to God’s principles. The Church can stand in the gap and be a beacon of light in a dark world.

We need to:

• Embrace unity: Reject division and work together in love and peace.
• Be stewards of the vineyard: Protect and nurture the spiritual gifts entrusted to us.
• Stand for truth in love: Speak the truth without intimidation, but with compassion.
• Be a light: Show the world what godly living looks like, even when it’s unpopular.

As the world continues to grapple with division and decay, the Church must stand firm as a testament to God’s love and truth. By recognizing the signs of societal turmoil, like those described in Isaiah 3, we can prepare ourselves to weather the storm and continue to shine the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

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Program TranscriptHello and welcome to Apostolic Voice. I’m your host, Ryan French. And it is my first time trying to do a full-fledged vlog video podcast and we’ll see how it goes. There’s probably going to be a lot of mess-ups today and a lot of mistakes, but I am excited to talk to you about Father’s Day and things that I’ve learned from fatherhood. I love being a father. It’s one of my greatest joys, and having Talmadge and Julia, Talmadge is fourteen now, and Julia is sixteen, and getting to be their dad is one of the greatest joys in my life. And you learn a lot of lessons, some good and some bad. And I’ve got a few things that I want to talk about in honor of Father’s Day this Sunday. So happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there. I hope you’ve got something fun planned. I hope the ladies in your life have planned something fun for you. I know it’s not the same nationally recognized holiday as Mother’s Day. We don’t get quite the fanfare that Mother’s Day gets, but I do want to remind all the fathers out there that the role you play, although sometimes minimized, is one of the most valuable roles in society today. And it’s certainly one of the most valuable roles that God ordained and instituted. You know, God ordained the family even before He ordained the church. It’s an amazing thing when you think about it that way because the role of a father and the role of a mother, the family unit, is the building block of society. It’s the building block of the church. And we know that’s why, of course, Satan fights so hard against the family. He fights fathers. He tries to blur their role. He fights mothers. He tries to blur their role. Because if Satan can destroy families, he can destroy churches. And when churches are destroyed, communities are destroyed, when communities are destroyed, it trickles through all of society, and we see the effects of that right now, all of the craziness that we see in our world.

The Importance of FamilyOf course, we know sin brings that in, but it’s the breakdown of structures like the family that has brought us to the place of lunacy that we see today in modern society. And as apostolic men and women of God, when we can hold our family close and when we can fulfill the roles that God instituted from the beginning, we can bring some measure of peace, some measure of stability back into a broken world and be an example and help others. And, of course, I know that I’m speaking to people right now who are in broken families, part of broken families, have had your family broken. And I want you to know that God can redeem those circumstances. God can redeem those situations. God specializes in taking broken things, broken pieces, gluing them back together with grace, and bringing you back to a place of functionality, a place of peace, a place of joy, a place of productivity. And don’t despair. Sometimes, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any family holiday, if someone has brokenness in their family or in their life, it feels like a judgment on them, but don’t allow yourself to be discouraged. Instead, seek God, seek His plan for your life, and let God restore the things that have been broken. We’re not looking for perfection. We’re not going to find perfection in this world. We’re not going to find perfection in this life, but God takes imperfect things and uses them for His glory. God can do that in your family. In your immediate family, in your extended family, you can break the cycle. You can break the cycle. If there’s anything I could say to a father, a mother, but in particular fathers today, be the one that breaks the cycle of generational curses. Be the one that breaks the cycle of abuse, that breaks the cycle of addiction, that breaks the cycle of mistrust, that breaks the cycle of poor parenting, that breaks the cycle of abandonment, whatever it is, and every story is different. But you can look at your own life and you can see the cycles, you can see the generational curses that have plagued your family. Even if you don’t know them well, you perhaps know the stories. Breaking Generational CursesYou can be the one to break those things and begin a new chapter, begin a new family unit that grows stronger and stronger. And that is the will of God for families, is for generations to grow stronger from father to son, son to son, mother to daughter, daughter to daughter, for those generational strengthenings to take place in our children’s lives. And that’s every good parent’s deepest desire. I know it’s my deepest desire. I want not only for my kids to have more opportunity, more blessings, all of those are good. And I think every loving parent desires for their children to have better opportunities and more tools at their disposal. All of that’s good. But I don’t just want my children to have more opportunities than I had or that I have right now; I also want them to be stronger, healthier spiritually, to have maturity beyond what I had, to where even if they don’t have opportunity, so to speak, they have the favor of God. And the favor of God, the blessings of God, is far more valuable than earthly opportunity. You can have zero earthly opportunity in your life, but if you have the favor of God, God is the one who will open and shut doors. God is the one who will provide and make a way. And that’s my prayer. If we can position our children for the blessing of God so that they walk worthily, so that they walk in a manner, in a fashion that is pleasing to the Lord, then we are positioning them for the blessing of God, the favor of God. And I don’t mean by that some charismatic version of the favor of God where they’re going to be showered with hundred-dollar bills and Mercedes and mansions.

Favor Over OpportunityThe favor of God is far more valuable than just materialistic things could ever be. The favor of God surpasses those things. Sometimes, it might include material blessings, but the favor of God is far deeper, far richer, and far wider than materialistic blessings could or ever would be. And apostolic parents, men and women of God should feel the burden of responsibility to position their children to walk worthily of the deep blessing and favor of God, the anointing. Not just the anointing to be a preacher or a pastor. I think that’s wonderful. And I’m thankful to be a pastor. I’m thankful that God called me into the ministry, into preaching and teaching. But ministry is far deeper than pulpits. It’s far more pervasive than what we typically think of as ministry. God calls every single person into some form of ministry. He wants you as a parent to model that, to demonstrate that for your children, for our children. And then they take that banner, they carry it, and prayerfully, hopefully, our desire is that not only will they pick up the torch of what we are doing for the Lord, but that they will further that, that they will do it with deeper intensity, with greater wisdom, more effectively. That’s my prayer. And it’s my prayer for my children. I hope it’s your prayer for your children. I’m sure that it is. So, Happy Father’s Day to you.

Thanks for Your SupportLet me just say that Apostolic Voice, the podcast, is an extension of the blog at http://www.ryanafrench.com. I’m going to do my best to share this screen with you. Like I said, I’m new to this, so we’ll see how this goes. I’m going to show you here. Here we go. This is Apostolic Voice, the blog at http://www.ryanafrench.com. I invite you to go there. The latest article is a continuation of a series that I’ve been working on called Common Fallacies that Christians Believe. And we just finished this one; well, it was a while ago now, The God Only Looks at the Heart Fallacy. So, I invite you to go check out that article. As always, please like it and share it. If you can, you can subscribe right here. And every time a new article or podcast comes out, you’ll receive an email about it. We don’t send any spam or anything like that. As well, my kids tell me, speaking of Father’s Day, that I need to be pushing my socials more. The only one I spend a lot of time on is Instagram, and you can find me at RevRaf or, yeah, @RevRaf on Instagram. I’d love for you to connect with me there. Also, when you’re there, you can go to the podcast tab here, and you can stay up to date on everything the podcast is doing. And you can donate. There’s a donate tab up here. You can donate and give, but you can also go right here to the podcast tab. And if you click on it, let’s see here. Here we go. Yeah, you can click right here on the donate tab, and you can give .99 cents, $4.99, or $9.99 a month and support this ministry.

Safety First, Happiness SecondHaving gotten all of that out of the way, I want to talk to you about things that I’ve learned from fatherhood. Now, again, I’m going to share this screen with you. For those who are watching and for those who are listening, I apologize, but you can always go check this out. All right, so the first thing that I want to mention from fatherhood that has impacted me over the years, and as my kids are getting older, I’m becoming more nostalgic about their younger years, their more formative years. I just think back, and wow, it’s amazing how time, all of the stereotypes are true. Time really does just fly. You just wake up, and boom, they’re teenagers. And I had this fascinating revelation as a younger parent many years ago because we all want our children to be happy. It starts when they’re a baby, you know, just anything to make them smile, anything to get that laugh, you know. My brothers have very young daughters. Both of them are absolutely adorable. And it’s so fun. Just trying to get them to laugh. Anything you can do. You’re wanting them to be happy. But as your kids get a little bit older, and I know in particular, Julia was my very stubborn child. She was very; you’d never know it now, precious as can be. Although she is, when she puts her mind to something, she’s absolutely gonna do it. And I had to rewire my brain as they got older to recognize, and I think every parent, you, if you’re out there, you know what I’m talking about, that you want them to be safe first and happy second. Because children, especially they get two, three, four, five, they don’t know the things that will hurt them. They’re not able to, I mean, they’ll just, my son, he would just jump off stuff and with no thought to the consequences of what’s going to happen when he hits the ground. And we’ve all had those experiences, don’t touch the stove, and you’re doing everything you can, and you realize as a parent that the safety of your children becomes a much higher priority than their happiness because you know, that if they do A or B, it’s going to make them very unhappy because it’s going to harm them. Maybe in ways that they don’t understand right now. Maybe the pain won’t be immediate. You know, if a child touches a stove, for example, the pain’s immediate. There’s an immediate consequence, and they know I probably shouldn’t do that again. But there are other things in life. And the older we get, the more we recognize these things. That the consequence is not immediate. And so it takes a father, it takes a mother; it takes a caregiver, a parent, a guardian, it takes someone who loves that child to stop them and say, listen. Your safety, your well-being, your continued health, and your continued happiness are going to depend on perhaps your being unhappy right now. You’re not going to be able to continue doing that. Even though you think this makes you happy, it will not continue to make you happy unless you stop. You know, God operates that way in our lives as our Heavenly Father. There are so many times I think as the children of God, that especially in Western Christianity, we’ve become, I believe, obsessed with what I sometimes refer to as the happiness gospel, where we believe, whether it’s intentionally or unintentionally, maybe we’ve been led to believe this, maybe it’s just the materialistic culture we live in, a little of both, but many of us truly believe that the gospel, the Word of God, even church, is supposed to primarily make us happy, bring happiness in our lives. And if we’re unhappy, we feel like the church has failed us, or God has failed us, or the word of God has failed us. Or perhaps we feel like we’re doing something wrong. I know people who teach that, you know, if you’re unhappy, you probably have sin in your life. Well, first, there’s a difference between joy and happiness. We know the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Joy is something that surpasses happiness. Happiness is an emotion that comes and goes. You can be joyful and not happy. You can be happy and not joyful. This is why sometimes people will say, well, that sinner seems very happy. Well, yes, they’re happy, but there’s no joy there. There is a temporary happiness. Happiness is an emotion that is dependent on circumstances. Joy is something that surpasses just our emotions. It’s a state of being. It’s a state of mind. It’s a state of consciousness. And joy comes from the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Jesus never promised endless happiness in this world. In fact, the Word of the Lord teaches us to view eternity as the place of perpetual or eternal happiness. This world is going to create times and seasons of unhappiness. Sin, being in the world, even if we’re not sinning, the sin of others, the sin of others around us, whether it’s strangers or loved ones, it affects us. It brings pain and unhappiness into our lives. Now, for a child of God, those things should not and do not affect your joy, but they will affect your happiness. It’s ludicrous to say that if you receive the report from a doctor that you have terminal cancer, it’s ludicrous to say that you’re going to be happy in that moment. Of course, you’re not going to be happy. You’re going to be intensely unhappy, yet even in that moment of unhappiness, you can have the joy of the Lord. And as a parent, if you’re plugged in, you realize that God operates with us this way as our Heavenly Father. He’s trying to teach us from the early stages of our walk with Him that His first priority is our eternal safety and our spiritual well-being. Yes, I believe God does care about our happiness, absolutely, but that’s not His primary concern.

Just like as a parent and a father, my primary concern is not the immediate temporary happiness of my children. My primary concern is their safety, their well-being, spiritually, physically, all of those things. I remember this is kind of a rabbit trail, I guess, but I have this very vivid memory as a child of being in trouble internally, and I told a lie to my parents. And my parents believed the lie. I don’t remember how old I was, but I had to be very young. But I remember telling this lie, and I knew that it was a sin. I knew that it was wrong. And I was just kind of waiting for the lightning bolt to come, you know, like, okay, the judgment of God’s going to fall. And I’ll never forget the realization dawning on me that I had gotten away with this lie, at least in my mind. I was too young, I think, to recognize that God knows and all of that. And I felt like I’d gotten away with this lie. As I got older, I began to realize that God doesn’t bring consequences, as we know, thank the Lord, immediately into our lives. Sometimes, the consequence comes later. And every one of us has to wrestle with this in some way in our lives. We all have areas that if we’re not careful, we think, well, I’m not receiving judgment from this. And yet, we can prioritize our happiness. See, I told a lie because I didn’t want to get in trouble, of course. That’s why many people tell lies. And what happened was, as time went by, when that came out, I wound up being in more trouble. It would have been much better for me had I just told the truth in the first place. By the way, integrity and honesty will sometimes produce immediate pain and immediate harm to yourself. And yet, honesty and integrity, in the long run, do produce sustained happiness and joy because they produce trust in all of those things. And so, learning this as a parent is a vital thing and seeing how God does this in our lives is so important.

Now, let me take you to Matthew 16:24, and it should be on the screen here for those who are watching. For those that aren’t, I’ll read it. Matthew 16:24. Then Jesus said unto his disciples if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. That doesn’t sound like happiness talk. Verse 25: for whosoever will save his life shall lose it. And whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul, for the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he shall reward every man, and I should add there, and woman, according to his works.” Jesus is teaching us, and in this case, His very new, very fresh, very green disciples. He’s teaching them the lesson that learning to deny yourself. This is a holiness lesson that Jesus was teaching. Learning to deny your flesh, learning to crucify your desires, learning to delay gratification, learning to prioritize the things that matter. And, of course, what really matters in the long term is our eternity, our soul. And Jesus was teaching them that there’s going to have to be some discomfort. There’s going to be some pain. There’s going to be some crucifixion. There’s going to be some repenting. There’s going to be some cutting things out of your life. There’s going to be adding some uncomfortable things to your life, taking some comforts out of your life. It’s going to be a process of crucifixion, thankfully spiritually for us, a spiritual process of crucifixion where sin and flesh and junk and crud are being slowly cut out of our lives. I know for some people, it’s more of an instantaneous process, but the role of sanctification or ongoing holiness is a continued daily crucifixion. That’s why the apostle Paul said, I die daily. It’s a daily commitment to the Lord that I’m going to put myself on this cross and let you remove the things from me that would hinder me from being right with you, that would hinder me from being ready for eternity. And what would it profit, anyway? As a parent, I think this is an amazing, amazing thought for us to put at the forefront of our minds when we’re raising our children.

Yes, we want our kids to be able to work and to have talents and skills. They have to make a living. They have to be productive in society. We want them to accomplish things. We want their grades to be as good and as high as possible. But in the end, all of those things really wind up just being chaff. It’s good. We want them. They have to be able to function in society and contribute. And all of that is well and good. But what would it profit them? What would it profit you? What would it profit me if they were to gain all the things this world had to offer? If they were to break all the records, achieve all of the things they could humanly achieve, and yet lose their soul? I see sometimes, and I’ll just give a gentle rebuke, I suppose, from the heart of a pastor to good Apostolics, parents that love their kids and love God. And I know that they’re not intentionally doing this, but I see this kind of unhealthy emphasis on grades, for example, school. So, we’ll miss midweek. Bible study because of a grade issue or homework, or we’ll skip prayer because school is a priority. Now, first of all, we could get into a long conversation about prioritizing your life and yourself so you can prioritize God because if we don’t prioritize God, how can we expect Him to prioritize us? Of course, that’s another lesson for another day. But this shows me that many parents have what I think of as an earthly focus on the rearing of their children.

Yes, we want our children to make good grades. Yes, they need to be focused and finish their homework. All of that is good. But we’re teaching them to put the house of God, the word of God, the things of God on the back burner. From an early age, I fear that many parents teach their children that sports, grades, and getting enough sleep all of those things are more important than faithfulness to the house of God. And then we assume that as they grow older. They’ll just learn how to prioritize the things of God. And this is a grave mistake. We’re trying to prioritize the things of this world. Ryan, are you saying that we should just let our kids… No, no, no. We have to try to set standards for our children to do well in school and do well in life. But I’m telling you, we can do that and prioritize the house of God and the things of God at the same time. There is a way to do it. So, Jesus is teaching us here that our happiness is secondary to the safety of our souls. In fact, I don’t even know that happiness and this is controversial. I’m not sure that happiness is even in the top five things that God is ultimately concerned with in our day -to -day lives. There are so many things that God cares about. Yes, joy comes in the morning. We have a hope of happiness, and happiness comes and goes. But happiness is not the goal in this world. Yes, we long for those moments, those moments where happiness is poured out on us, and our emotions respond to it. All of that is great, but it is not the official priority in the eyes of God. All right, let me try to take us to our next point. So safety comes first with our kids, and happiness comes second.

Boundaries Don’t Hurt, They HelpSecond point, things I’ve learned from fatherhood. Boundaries don’t hurt us; they help us. Boundaries don’t hurt us; they help us. Now, in order for me to share this point with you, I have to tell you a story about my son Talmage. Many years ago, when he was very young, I think he was probably five, but I could be wrong about that. I think he was five. He liked to play outside, of course, and we have a very long driveway to this day; it’s the same driveway. But it goes out to a subdivision street that’s fairly busy. And a lot of, you know how it is, cars just don’t think, they just whip through there going fast. And so he had this tricycle, and he had all these toys out and he’s playing. And I kept noticing him creep to the road. And he wanted to get out in that street so bad. I don’t know why, but for some reason he just wanted to get out in that street. And I kept having to run, catch him. No, listen, we’re not going out in the street. You’re going to get hit by a car. It’s dangerous. And he just did not want to listen. And so finally, at one point, I put this little tricycle that he had, and I put it a good distance from the road, from the danger. And I told him, listen, do not play past this bike. Don’t go past whatever you do. Don’t go past this bike. If you do, you’re going to be in big trouble. And he said, yes, Dad, and he’s playing. I turned my back for just a few seconds, and I noticed that he was standing in the middle of the street, but the bike was in front of him. And I ran over angrily. And I said, I told you not to play past the bike. And he looked at me with those big eyes like, you know, only a little kid can do. And he said, but dad, I didn’t play past the bike. I moved the bike. Well, he thought he was being very clever. And, of course, I had to explain to him that removing a boundary is almost worse than going past a boundary.

Proverbs 22:28 says this: remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set. Boundaries, boundaries of holiness, boundaries of morality, boundaries that we receive from God, boundaries that we receive through personal conviction, boundaries that we receive as tradition through the church are not there to hurt us even though sometimes it feels like it hurts us. I know for Talmadge, when he was young, in that moment, he felt like that boundary was there to limit him. That boundary was there to keep him from being able to have fun and do what he really wanted to do because he was too young to recognize the danger. You know, we do this as grown-ups. I see ninety-year-old people do this, exactly what he did spiritually. They remove boundaries. They go past boundaries. They say that boundary doesn’t matter anymore. That boundary is no longer important. That boundary is outdated. I know dad put it there, I know pastor put it there; I know elder put it there; I know that was, but we move it. You have to be very careful when you remove a fence. You have to be very careful when you remove a landmark or a boundary, because you may not know the reason it was put there. You might think you know, but you may not really know the spiritual implications and the consequences of taking that protection out of your life.

Depending on how you look at a fence and depending on how it’s built and the reason it was built, a fence can either be a barrier or it can be a protection. It’s either keeping things out or it’s keeping you in. And when God gives us a boundary, it’s to keep evil out. When Satan gives a boundary, it’s to keep you a slave. That’s what addiction is. Addiction is a fence. It’s not a fence of protection. It’s a fence that’s there to keep you in. It’s a lockup. It’s a prison. But when God gives you a boundary, it’s a protection. He’s keeping you from something, whether you realize what it is or not. The best way to respond to boundaries that God places in your life is to say, yes, Lord, be obedient, even if you don’t know why it’s there, and someone might tell you, well, that’s not important. Well, be very, very, very careful with that because they may not necessarily have the wisdom either. All right, Proverbs 23:10-11, Remove not the old landmark and enter not into the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is mighty. He shall plead their cause with thee. Job 24:2 says: some remove the landmarks. They violently take away flocks and feed.

I think we’re living in that generation. We’re living in what I think of as the last day generation and the world is waxing worse and worse. And I see this sadly within the church and certainly within Western so-called Christianity is the violent removal of landmarks, the violent, hostile dismissal of holiness, of fences of protection where people are burning fences down. They’re tearing fences down, and they’re running past, and you know, it always starts with something small and progresses builds into something that is far more dangerous, and when you become comfortable with removing landmarks, you might think I would never I might remove this one, but I would never go past that fence. But once you’ve torn down one, it becomes easier and easier to tear down another and another and another until you have a generation that doesn’t even come close to biblical morality or holiness. It doesn’t even resemble, not even close to being like, Christ. This is a revelation of fatherhood that the Lord showed me as a young father and continues to show me to this day that boundaries don’t hurt us. They help us.

Life Isn’t FairOkay. Let me take you to my third revelation of fatherhood, which is one that every parent knows. Life isn’t fair. I’m sorry if you didn’t know that. If you’re just hearing that for the first time, I’m so sorry to tell you this. Life is not fair. And if you have a child, and certainly if you have more than one child, you spend a lot of time as a parent reminding them that life isn’t fair. My kids, even, well, they don’t really do it as much anymore. They’ve reached a place of maturity where they’re not quite as prone to throw this out, but every parent has heard the endless rants of that’s not fair. And as parents, how many times have we had to repeat the mantra to our kids? Life isn’t fair. It’s just not. And we aren’t promised fairness. We’re not promised fairness from the world. The only fairness that we are promised is when we stand before the Lord. God’s going to judge us the same. He’s going to judge the quick and the dead, and He is going to be the ultimate righteous, fair judge, which is encouraging and very scary at the same time.

Now, let me look at Ecclesiastes 9:11. This is the New Living Translation. I sometimes like the New Living Translation, but not always. It says this: the fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. Why? Because life isn’t fair. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. Isn’t that the truth? And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward, no one thought to thank the poor, wise man. So, even though wisdom is better than strength, those who are wise will be despised if they are poor. What they say will not be appreciated for long. Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king. Better to have wisdom than weapons of war. But one sinner can destroy much that is good.

How unfair is that? It’s true that sin brought so much pain into the world. And one of the greatest tragedies that sin brought into humanity is unfairness, a lack of fairness in life. There’s disruption to unity. There’s disruption to fairness. We have all experienced levels of unfairness that perhaps were life-altering, or perhaps they were just minor and inconvenient and frustrating. But if you can teach your children, and many adults need to learn this as well, and I have to remind myself of this often, when you learn that fairness is not guaranteed, you certainly can’t depend on man. You can’t depend on your fellow human beings for fairness. They’re going to let you down. You can’t depend on politicians for fairness. You can’t even depend on officials that we often trust for fairness. The only place you can go for true fairness is the Lord. That’s the only place. Even parents with the best intentions are going to be unfair at times. Life is unfair. God is fair. God is just. God is good. And when we learn not to be dismayed, there’s a peace. It sounds like I’m being negative when I say that life isn’t fair and you have to figure it out and accept it. And I don’t mean by that we approach life with a fatalism, that we approach life with negativity, but it brings wisdom and peace into our lives when we recognize.

I’m not going to depend on fairness for my success. I’m not going to depend on fairness for happiness or joy. I will not be naive. There’s a certain level of naivety, even in adults, that expects fairness where it’s not going to be offered. Should we try to be fair? Yeah, God wants us to be fair. But we can’t depend on that in this world. And the sooner we figure out that we depend on God and not circumstances, we depend on God and not people; we depend on God and not the economy. We don’t depend on politicians. We don’t depend on our surroundings. We don’t depend on our background or our upbringing. We don’t depend on our resources, whether we have a lot or a little. We depend on God. And God can ultimately take an unfair situation and tip the scales. I mean, that’s exactly the story of David and Goliath. What an unfair fight, seemingly, that a young boy, a shepherd, would be facing a well-trained, well-armed giant. That’s unfair. Just the fact that he would be allowed to do that is unfair. But because God was with him and he came into that unfair situation with an awareness that it’s not by might, it’s not by power, but it’s by the Spirit of the Lord. When the Spirit of the Lord gets involved, he can take an unfair situation and actually completely flip it around and turn it into a victory. I learned that by teaching my children; I learned that as a child, and it’s a lesson that I have to remind myself of because sometimes we look to people; we look to our surroundings for fairness and for advancement when ultimately we should look to God.

Your Brother’s Bad Behavior Doesn’t Excuse YoursAll right, now I’m moving quickly and I love this one, a lesson that I’ve learned from fatherhood. Many, many times I had to say to my daughter and vice versa, but I had to say to my daughter, your brother’s bad behavior, and all the parents are nodding their heads right now, your brother’s bad behavior doesn’t excuse yours. So, well, he hit me, so I punched him back and knocked him down. Or, you know, he broke it, so I broke that. Your brother’s bad behavior and your sister’s bad behavior don’t excuse yours. Just because they did it first, just because they instigated it, doesn’t mean that you’re now excused from bad behavior. And you know, it’s amazing we say that to children and it makes sense, but as adults, it’s amazing how many adults have not learned this lesson. I see this all the time in grown men and women. Well, they did it first. or, you know, I did this because they did that, or, you know, I broke that rule because they broke that rule. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to look at a saint of God and say, their bad behavior doesn’t excuse yours. Well, I don’t worship because, you know, they hurt my feelings. Their bad behavior. I’m sorry they did that to you. That was wrong. They shouldn’t have done that. But their bad behavior, now you’re going to take it out on God? Now you’re going to sin because they sin? No, this isn’t what the Word of God teaches. We don’t receive a license to sin. We don’t receive a license to have a wrong spirit, a license to have a bad attitude because someone else did it first, whether they did it to us or about us or around us or near us, it doesn’t give us a license. And yet, many Christians are crippled, crippled, literally spiritually crippled, because of the bad behavior of a brother, the bad behavior of a sister, and they have let it affect them, and they have allowed it to morph into sin and negativity and a bad spirit, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, disruptive behavior, leaving churches, hurting churches, hurting people, lashing out at others. That’s why the old expression really is a truism: hurt people, hurt people. It’s just a reality of life. But spiritually mature people learn how to control themselves regardless of someone else’s bad behavior.

It doesn’t matter who it is. Someone else’s sin does not give me a license to sin. Someone else’s mistake doesn’t give me a license to make a mistake. Let’s look at Isaiah 31 through 3. This is the English Standard Version. It says, stubborn children, declares the Lord, who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin. Who set out to go down to Egypt without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh, and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt. What an amazing thing that the children of God would want to go back to the place they were delivered from for protection. The place where they were slaves, the place where they were beaten and genocide and atrocities were committed to them, they want to go back there for shelter and protection. Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation. When you add sin to sin, when you say, okay, there’s a sin over there, and so now I can sin or, you know, this sin happened, so now this sin is excused. It will lead you down a path towards worldliness. It will lead you to a path of destruction and shame where you’re no longer seeking the protection of God; you’re no longer seeking after the Lord, but instead, you’re using a fleshly form of judgment, a fleshly mindset that will draw you to things and entice you to places that you would not go had it not been for sin being added to sin. Your brother’s behavior, your brother’s bad behavior, no matter how bad, doesn’t excuse yours. It doesn’t excuse mine.

My greatest pain, and this is a hard lesson for the men and women of God, and many of you have learned this lesson the hard way. You know, the deepest hurt in my life has not come from pharaohs. It didn’t come from worldly people. It didn’t come from rank centers. It came from brothers. It came from sisters that I wanted to trust. Who I should have been able to trust. They harmed me deeply. And we have all, every one of us has fallen short in moments like that where we have allowed something that was done to us to, and we allowed it to change our mind to a place where we could make an excuse for doing the wrong thing. And my brothers, my sisters, please don’t allow that into your spirit. It’s such a dangerous place to be. Whatever someone else does, it doesn’t affect what’s right. Just because they’re doing wrong, it doesn’t mean that we are now allowed to do wrong.

The Love of Our Heavenly Father is BoundlessOkay, the next thing that I’ve learned from fatherhood, and this is the last point I have for this episode, and parents, you know this: the love of our Heavenly Father is boundless. It’s without end. I don’t think I fully understood this until I became a father. When I, even today, when I look at my children, the joy, the love that I have for them is so without measure. My love for them is so boundless, and my parents, yours, is too. And when I look at my children and realize I would die for them, I would sacrifice everything that I have for them. Suddenly, it brings the revelation in a deeper way of the love of God. The love that God has for us is even greater than the love of an earthly father.

The earthly love that parents, that you parents, feel for your children doesn’t even compare to the love that God has for you. Romans 8:15: for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba, that’s a term of endearment, Abba, Father. When we truly recognize the love of God, we’re able to cry out to Him as a child. You can be a ninety-year-old man or a ninety-year-old woman and still cry out to God as your Heavenly Father. Matthew 7:9-10, this is the NIV, which I typically don’t like at all, but I like it here. He said, which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone, or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him? Isn’t that an amazing revelation? God loves us more than we realize. God’s love for us is greater than we often recognize. I sometimes hear people crying out to God and begging for God to do this or that, and I understand that. That’s our humanity, and desperation pushes us. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wept before the Lord in desperation! But you know, in reality, God wants to give us good gifts even more than we want the gifts. God wants to send revival to our cities even more than we want revival. God wants our children to be saved more than we want them to be saved. As desperately as we want them to be saved, God loves them more than we do. God wants us to be saved, I think, often more than we ourselves want to be saved. His love for us is greater than we recognize. And when we can learn to fathom as best as we can in our human abilities, to fathom the love of God, it changes the way we approach God.

Now, as oneness Apostolics, we know that there’s one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Jesus is, in fact, God manifest in the flesh. When you call on the name of Jesus, you are calling on the Father. He said: I and my Father are one. He said: if you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father. We know that Jesus is God, manifest in the flesh. And as oneness Apostolics, I think that we are sometimes loathe to pray to God as our Father because we’re fearful in some way that we’re portraying a Trinitarian mindset when we pray, you know, our Father, which art in heaven. And yet it was Jesus who instructed us to pray thusly, our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Why would we pray thusly? Well, because of the mindset that we invoke when we recognize that God loves us with the deep love of a Father. He is our Creator. He’s our sustainer. He is the Father of all things, the Father of certainly humanity, the Father of the universe. And we’re not acknowledging a false Trinitarian doctrine. We know God isn’t the second or third or fourth part of a Trinity or a pentagram or something like that. We know Jesus is the Father. Yet, when we pray to God as our Father, we are reminding ourselves that the love of God is a fatherly love that even goes beyond our human ability to comprehend. And it deepens our relationship with God. And we learn to approach God with a boldness that only a child can do.

You know, your children, my children, certainly, even to this day, have no problem asking for things. They have no problem pestering me. They have no problem coming to me over and over again about the same. They have no problem talking to me about those things. And when you approach God as your father, you’re not going to be ashamed to say, Lord, I’m coming to you again because I have this need. Lord, I’m coming to you one more time, Dad. Listen, I know we’ve talked about this over and over, but I’m coming to you again. you’re my father, and you love me, and I know that you want what’s best for me. And when you truly believe that He is a loving Heavenly Father who does indeed want to give you good gifts, that is called faith. And that faith moves mountains.

Consider Giving Us a Five-Star ReviewI’m so glad that you’ve been here at Apostolic Voice for our first live podcast. We went live on Facebook and a couple of other streaming services, and then this will also be uploaded post-recording to all of our other media outlets. But thank you for being here. Thanks for putting up with all my glitches and mess-ups. I hope there hasn’t been more than I realized, but there’s no telling. As always, you can find us at iTunes, the podcast, Overcast, as well as Spotify and Google Play. Thank you for listening. Thank you for downloading. Please consider going to iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts and giving us a five-star review. It really helps us in the algorithms and ratings and it encourages me as well. Thank you for being here. God bless you, and until next time, be blessed.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant Apostolic Pentecostal resource that interacts with exciting guests and covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. This program is an extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Ryan is the Associate Pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle (www.aptabupc.com), a revivalistic United Pentecostal Church on the south side of Atlanta. Ryan’s greatest passion is helping people walk confidently in the Apostle’s doctrine and live a book of Acts life in the 21st century. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 77 | Spiritual Lessons I’ve Learned from FatherhoodbyRyan FrenchIn this episode, Rev. Ryan French reflects on the joys and challenges of fatherhood and the importance of the role of fathers in society. He emphasizes the value of the family unit and the impact it has on the church and communities. Rev. French encourages fathers to break the cycle of generational curses and be examples of love, stability, and faithfulness. He also discusses the difference between happiness and joy, and how prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children is more important than their immediate happiness. Rev. French reminds parents to teach their children to prioritize the things of God and not to prioritize worldly achievements. In this conversation, Rev. Ryan French shares four lessons he has learned from fatherhood. First, he emphasizes that the safety of our soul is more important than our happiness. Second, he discusses the importance of boundaries, explaining that they don't hurt us but actually help us. Third, he highlights the unfairness of life and encourages listeners to depend on God rather than expecting fairness from people or circumstances. Finally, he emphasizes the boundless love of our Heavenly Father and encourages listeners to approach God with the boldness of a child.

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Show Podcast InformationRelated posts:1. Church Hurt Doesn’t Excuse Backsliding 2. Don’t Let Where You Are Right Now Keep You From Where You’re Going 3. 9 Things to Remember When You’re Hurting 4. Don’t Settle for an iTunes version of the Gospel (Article + Podcast) 5. Should Christians Drink Alcohol?

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Every effective deception is seasoned with a grain of truth. However, fallacies are particularly challenging because they are constructed on unstable yet persuasive logic. A ‘fallacy’ is a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound arguments, faulty reasoning that renders an argument invalid, or a misleading argument. Fallacies mimic sound reasoning, making them deceptively convincing. Various philosophers have compiled lists of logical fallacies that are pretty fascinating. Studying logical fallacies can undoubtedly aid in swiftly identifying problematic arguments. Some individuals appear to have an innate ability to detect logical fallacies. The Holy Ghost can supernaturally assist us in identifying logical and spiritual fallacies. I believe that’s one practical aspect of the gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). In this series of articles, my aim is to rectify several common theological fallacies that Christians mistakenly consider valid.

The God Only Looks at the Heart FallacyThis excruciatingly common Christian error exemplifies a False Exclusionary Disjunct Fallacy. This fallacy uses something true to affirm a disjunct. A typical example: Charlie is a mammal or Charlie is a cat. Charlie is a mammal, so Charlie is not a cat. Assuming that Charlie can only be a mammal or a cat results in logical unsoundness. Yet, two things can be true at the same time. Because all cats are mammals, Charlie might be a cat. We would need more information to know the answer for sure. The God Only Looks at the Heart Fallacy goes like this: God doesn’t judge outward appearance like humans do. God sees the inward man. Therefore, God cares nothing about our outward appearance. The first two statements are correct. However, we need more information to know whether God cares about some aspects of our outward appearance. Thankfully, we have an entire Bible as our guide.

Maybe the Most Misunderstood VerseOkay. So, 1 Samuel 16:7 might not be the most misused verse in the entire Bible, but I’d put it somewhere in the top ten. I’ve heard more people use this Scripture to justify outward worldliness than I can count. Let’s look at the verse in question:

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Understanding the context is crucial, as it always is in biblical interpretation. The Lord dispatched the prophet Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel after rejecting King Saul. God instructed Samuel to go to Bethlehem and identify a man named Jesse, “…for I have chosen one of his sons to be king (1 Samuel 16:1).” Jesse had seven sons in addition to David. To fully comprehend 1 Samuel 16:7, reading the preceding verse is essential. In essence, Samuel encountered Eliab, and something about his appearance led him to think, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed (1 Samuel 16:6).” The text doesn’t mention specifically what it was about Eliab’s outward appearance that so deeply impressed the prophet. The text seems to indicate that he was tall and strong. Ancient peoples admired those qualities in their kings, who were often called upon to lead in battle. Yet God was interested in more than mere physical strength in Israel’s next king.

Had Samuel not been sensitive to the voice of the Lord, he likely would have anointed Eliab or one of his other brothers to be king because David was in the fields tending his father’s sheep and goats. And that’s the point of the entire story. Samuel identified the right man because he listened to God. Secondarily, this passage teaches us the beautiful truth that God doesn’t hand out anointing based on physical qualities like height, strength, rugged good looks, athleticism, or any other things that often impress humans. That’s great news and very encouraging to someone like me. This lesson is especially relevant in our current climate of celebrity worship, social media perfectionism, and physical vanity. God is not impressed by the vast majority of the things humans find praiseworthy. The apostle Paul addressed this issue in his first letter to Timothy: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life. That now is, and of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:8). Here, Paul echoes the message from 1 Samuel 16:7. It would be far better to have a heart for God and a weak body than an ungodly heart and a powerful body. However, this passage does not say that God cares nothing about what we do outwardly with our bodies.

What Does the Bible Say About the Outward AppearanceThe Bible has a lot to say about our outward appearance. For example, God expressly forbids tattooing our bodies (Leviticus 19:28). A practice that has become popular among Christians in recent decades (for a deeper dive into that topic, read my article Should Christians Get Tattoos? here). God is very serious about modesty in our clothing. Furthermore, God describes nakedness differently than our current culture defines it (for more in-depth writings on the topics of modesty and nakedness, you can read my article The Extraordinary Significance of the Royal Priesthood of Believers here).

In a particularly relevant Scripture, considering our current culture’s obsession with transgendersim, Deuteronomy 22:5 prohibits men from dressing like women and vice versa. 1 Corinthians 11 gives another gender-distinctive command to men and women. Saying, “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him (1 Corinthians 11:14).” We have an example of this in the Old Testament. The Nazarite vow was an act of consecrating oneself to God. It was symbolized by long, uncut hair. This meant that a Nazarite was willing to bear shame for God’s name. Even at that time, men’s long hair was considered shameful. For a man to have long hair is a mark of effeminacy.[1] Paul contrasts that shame with a woman’s glory, “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering (1 Corinthians 11:15).”[2] Nature gives women longer hair than it does men, a difference which usually has, though not universally, been reflected in hairstyles. Some of the ancient Greeks had long hair, for example, the Spartans and some of the philosophers. But generally speaking, men have reflected the distinctions made in nature by using shorter hairstyles than women. This certainly must have been the case in first-century Corinth and the places known to those who lived there; otherwise, Paul could not have couched his appeal in these terms. By contrast, long hair is a source of glory for a woman. The precise length is not specified, and it is not important. Paul simply says it is longer than the man’s, which is accepted as her glory. Nature is hinting at the need for a woman to have her head covered. Indeed, her hair is given to her as a covering.[3]

We know Paul is referring to hair and not veils or hats because of the previous verses. The Expanded Bible translation of 1 Corinthians 11:3-7 says:

Every man who prays or prophesies ·with his head covered [or with long hair; brings shame to his head, meaning shame to Christ, who is the head of the man]. But every woman who prays or prophesies with ·her head uncovered [or no covering (of hair)] brings shame to her head. She is the same as a woman who has her head shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But since it is shameful for a woman to cut off her hair or to shave her head, she should cover her head. But a man should not cover his head because he is the likeness and glory of God. But woman is man’s glory [God’s glory should be unveiled (revealed), while human glory should be veiled].

The same intuitive promptings of nature that make it proper for a man to wear short hair make it appropriate that the woman should suffer hers to grow long.[4] The text refrains from specifying the length of a woman’s hair because it prioritizes the instruction that her hair should be left entirely uncut. Otherwise, Paul warns, it might as well be shaved (1 Corinthians 11:6). Christian men and women should remember that, though God has made them equal human beings, He has made them distinct sexes. That distinction is not to be blurred in their realization that they are mutually dependent (1 Corinthians 11:11)—the man on the woman and the woman on the man. It is also to be observed in their physical appearance (1 Corinthians 11:13-15) so that in worship and in daily life, the woman can be recognized as a woman and the man as a man.[5]

Christians must celebrate and affirm the beautiful God-given distinctions between men and women by maintaining clear, easily recognizable symbols of differentiation between the sexes. That outward obedience expresses the believer’s inward psychology and promotes a healthy worldview of gender distinction. Nearly a century of blurring the lines and ignoring the differences between the sexes in clothing, responsibilities, and mentalities, even within Christian communities, has aided in the massive levels of gender dysphoria plaguing our nation. I would even argue it has played a role in the meteoric rise in our nation’s mental health crisis. Depression among men who can’t find their place in a world that has perverted and downplayed their God-given masculinity. Also, women who are hyper-sexualized, masculinized, and contorted to the twisted standards of a confused culture find themselves increasingly unfulfilled and bursting with angst.

I usually begin discussions about biblical commands concerning outward consecration by examining the tattoo and hair issues, as I’ve done here. I do that because, despite the laissez-faire liberal doctrines espoused by most of Western Christianity, these guidelines are clearly defined in Scripture. To say otherwise is intentionally disingenuous, willfully blind, woefully ignorant, or dreadfully deceived. These are watershed doctrines. Therefore, if a person is unwilling to acknowledge these understandable, counter-cultural commands, they will veer away from nearly every other doctrinal principle concerning our bodies. They certainly won’t want to consider what the Bible has to say about dying hair (you can read more about that in my article Should Christians Dye Their Hair? here), make-up (you can listen to the podcast with Timothy Hadden called The Artificial Face—Cosmetics, Make-Up-Body Modification & the Great Cover-Up here), or jewelry (1 Timothy 2:9, 1 Peter 3:3-4, Ezekiel 23:36-44, Jeremiah 4:30).

Finding Common GroundMaybe you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed because you’ve never considered or been taught what the Bible actually says about outward appearance. Don’t be discouraged. You’re not alone. Facing counter-cultural biblical truths for the first time can be daunting. Study them, pray over them, and, if possible, find honest Christians who won’t just casually dismiss what the Bible says about these things. Keep your heart tender to the leading of the Spirit. And even if you struggle at first to accept what’s been presented in this article, hopefully, we can at least find some common ground in recognizing that God looks at the heart. Still, He sees the outward manifestation of our heart, too.

• [1] Wesley, John. Wesley’s Notes on the Bible. OakTree Software, 1997.
• [2] McGee, J. Vernon. 1 Corinthians—Revelation. Thomas Nelson, 1983.
• [3] Morris, Leon. 1 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 1985.
• [4] Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. OakTree Software, 2006.
• [5] Mare, W. Harold. 1 Corinthians. Zondervan, 1977.

Related posts:1. Should Christians Dye Their Hair? (Article + Podcast) 2. The Pharisee Fallacy 3. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 4. My Response to the Critics – Should We Still Dress Our Best for Church? 5. The Extraordinary Significance of the Royal Priesthood of Believers

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Every good deception is seasoned with a bit of truth. However, fallacies are especially difficult because they are built on unstable, albeit convincing, logic. A “fallacy” is “a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound arguments, faulty reasoning which renders an argument invalid, or a misleading argument.”[i] Fallacies resemble sound reasoning, which makes them dangerously misleading. Various philosophers have constructed lists of logical fallacies that are pretty interesting. Studying logical fallacies certainly helps people to spot problematic arguments quickly. Some people seem to have a built-in sensor for logical fallacies. The Holy Ghost can supernaturally help us spot logical and spiritual fallacies as well. I believe that’s one practical aspect of the gift of discernment (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Logical Fallacies

Mark Twain is noted for saying, “It’s easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled.” That’s often true because it’s hard to admit we’ve wholeheartedly believed a falsehood. Our pride refuses to acknowledge it until the lie consumes us or we become desperate for the truth. I’ll give you a silly example from my life. As a kid, we ate lots of tuna. My mother typically bought the Chicken of the Sea brand of tuna. So, naturally, I assumed tuna came from chickens raised by the sea. I have a humiliating memory of passionately arguing that point with my friends. You can imagine my horror when I realized my error. I had fallen prey to the Hasty Generalization Fallacy, a mistake that we usually call jumping to conclusions without having all the facts.

People do this all the time in one way or another. For example, a man once told me his father smoked five packs of cigarettes a day and lived to be 95. In his mind, therefore, smoking couldn’t be that bad for you. But unfortunately, he used one exceptional case to draw an invalid conclusion. Another prevalent fallacy is the Bandwagon Fallacy. A typical example of the Bandwagon Fallacy is that McDonald’s has sold more hamburgers than any other establishment worldwide. Therefore, McDonald’s must make the best hamburgers in the world. In other words, the Bandwagon Fallacy assumes that majorities are probably right. Or that popularity is the best criterion for assessing worth. However, wise minds know that majorities have been terribly wrong with disastrous results countless times throughout history. That’s why going with the flow and mindlessly accepting common beliefs without testing them is a horrible life policy.

Everyone’s A Theologian

In his book Everyone’s a Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology, the late R.C. Sproul lamented, “Many people react negatively to the word theology, believing that it involves dry, fruitless arguments about minute points of doctrine.” But Sproul argued, “Everyone is a theologian because any time we think about a teaching of the Bible and strive to understand it, we are engaging in theology.”[ii] He was absolutely right. Even those who say the Bible is not true are engaging in theology. Furthermore, our theology, that is, what we believe to be accurate or not accurate regarding the Bible, has consequences. The effects can be catastrophic if our theology is sloppy, careless, poorly studied, or woefully ignorant. Yet, many Christians casually accept fallacious theologies with little to no thought. In this series of articles, I’ll strive to correct several common theological fallacies Christians believe are valid.

The Pharisee Fallacy

If you’re a sincere Christian with any firmly held biblical convictions, you’ve likely been called a Pharisee. Or perhaps you’ve been labeled a “holier than thou.” Maybe you’ve been haughtily referred to as legalistic. And if it hasn’t been said to your face, it’s undoubtedly been whispered behind your back. Of course, the Pharisees famously opposed Jesus’ ministry and eventually helped arrange His death. So, to be compared to Jesus’ chief antagonists is, to say the least, very insulting for a committed Christian. However, to be clear, there are “so-called” Christians who share common traits with the Pharisees of old. But the Phariseeism charge gets tossed around cavalierly without understanding what it means.

Without going into a tedious and lengthy study of the historical context of the Pharisees, it should be acknowledged that much of what they did for Jewish people was good and noble. The pharisaical order began with the best of intentions. Unfortunately, as time passed, they elevated oral teaching to the same level of importance as the law of Moses. But even worse, and what Jesus harshly criticized, was their shameful hypocrisy. The Pharisees faked virtue to gain trust so they could manipulate their followers. And they paraded it when they had genuine virtue to increase their reputations. They were, by and large, insincere, power-hungry virtue signalers. Yet, their purity was only skin deep. As Jesus said:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:27-28).”

Jesus did not denounce the Pharisees for their outward righteousness, attention to religious details, or strict obedience to the law. The problem was that their hidden motives, secret ambitions, and false fronts discredited their outward religiosity. They weaponized the law against others while placing themselves above it in their private lives. Despite all that, Jesus made some often-overlooked comments about the Pharisees:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so; he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17:20).”

Wait! Jesus said our righteousness must “…exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees!” In the above passage, Jesus reaffirmed the salvific value of the Old Testament, outward holiness, strict obedience to the Word of God, and careful attention to biblical religious details. However, when contrasting this passage with His harsh criticisms of the Pharisees in other places, it’s clear that our righteousness must be the same inwardly as it is outwardly. There is no outward holiness apart from inward holiness, and no inward holiness without outward holiness. We don’t get to forsake one and cling to the other as the Pharisees did.

The Flipped Fallacy

Disturbingly, most self-proclaiming Christians today have flipped the Pharisee’s hypocrisy upside down. They embrace almost no outward holiness and separation unto the Lord, claiming that righteousness is an entirely inward condition. They are highly resistant to and critical of any visible manifestations of holiness. This is why we’ve seen an overwhelming influx of high-profile pastors cursing from the pulpit, showing off tattoos, and growing their hair out longer than the average woman’s. Those examples are outgrowths (pun intended) of a problem that has plagued modern mainstream theology throughout my lifetime and longer. Most of Christianity rejects the biblical teachings that righteousness will produce outward fruit. Any earnest resistance to that anything-goes theology is offhandedly rejected as Phariseeistic legalism.

Typically, people who have wholeheartedly embraced the Pharisee Fallacy have convoluted the word love. They might say, “Love is the ultimate outward manifestation of holiness.” This is true. However, they’ve redefined love to mean acceptance, tolerance, and approval. They’re overlooking the simple reality that while love may be the ultimate display of holiness, it is not the only outward expression of holiness that God demands. Tolerance is not always loving. Acceptance isn’t always the best way to love a person. Same with approval. For example, if my child tells a lie, I should correct them with love rather than accepting the lie. Love is often intolerant. Pure love is courageous enough to confront things that are displeasing to God and harmful to self and others.

Another way many religious people convolute the word love, whether insidiously or naively, is by equating it almost exclusively with niceness or friendliness. This is tricky territory because love is patient and kind, and we should strive to be as friendly as possible to everyone. Yet, sometimes, love should be impatient. If your friend is about to walk off a cliff knowingly or unknowingly, patience is no longer the loving response. Even kindness has its limits. Otherwise, you’d have to believe that Jesus sinned when He flipped over tables and wielded a whip in the temple. Or that He was being a big meany head when confronting and calling out people’s sins, hypocrisies, and errors.

The Danger of Oversimplification

Oversimplifying, misconstruing, and redefining sacred concepts like love, holiness, righteousness, and legalism lead to terribly fallacious beliefs with disastrous consequences. Love becomes little more than wishy-washy feelings, naïve acceptance, or surface-level politeness. Kindness at all costs mutates into compromise. Holiness is relegated to a super mystical, philosophical conundrum with no practical, real-life applications. Legalism morphs into a catch-all term for anything that challenges those one-dimensional suppositions. Ironically, often, it’s the very people levying the Pharisee charge who exhibit Pharisaical traits.

What a Pharisee is Not

To be sure, there are legalistic Pharisees of all stripes out there. But you’re not a Pharisee because you take the Bible seriously, hate sin, or strive to walk in holiness. You’re also not a Pharisee because you keep godly traditions established by spiritual leaders. Paul said, “…brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:15).” In the next chapter, Paul says something similar even more urgently, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us (2 Thessalonians 3:6).”

Definition of a Pharisee

I’ll close by defining a modern-day Pharisee as a religious individual who flaunts outward displays of righteousness for selfish reasons while remaining secretly unrighteous. Pharisees are hypocritical in that they pretend to be something they are not. They add to or subtract from the Word of God for the sake of power, manipulation, political posturing, or spiritual ignorance. Remarkably, they consider themselves above the law while harshly subjugating everyone else to it. Finally, Pharisees wield religious and political authority. They hold offices and positions of influence and power. If that doesn’t define you, you’re not a modern-day Pharisee.

[i] Porter, Noah, ed. Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.7. Springfield: C. & G. Merriam Co., 1913.
[ii] Sproul, R.C., Everyone’s a Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology. Florida: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2014.

Related posts:1. The Extraordinary Significance of the Royal Priesthood of Believers 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. Should Christians Dye Their Hair? (Article + Podcast) 4. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 5. My Response to the Critics – Should We Still Dress Our Best for Church?

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Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with my good friend, Pastor Joe Campetella, to record Ministry Essentials. This was a collaborative episode between Apostolic Voice and Christian Life Broadcast, which is Rev. Campetella’s must-listen-to program. Basically, I asked a lot of questions, and Rev. J.C., in typical fashion, gave profoundly anointed and insightful answers. I hope you will consider listening if you haven’t already. We intentionally tried to keep the topics relevant for all levels of ministry. I’ve received so much great feedback about this episode. Many have asked for a deeper dive into my study recommendations: essential resources, methods, and practices. In this article, I will share the most universally relevant information possible for ministers, preachers, and teachers.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant Apostolic Pentecostal resource that interacts with exciting guests and covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. This program is an extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Ryan is the Associate Pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle (www.aptabupc.com), a revivalistic United Pentecostal Church on the south side of Atlanta. Ryan’s greatest passion is helping people walk confidently in the Apostle’s doctrine and live a book of Acts life in the 21st century. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/apostolicvoice/support

Ep. 75 | Ministry Essentials with Rev. Joe CampetellabyRyan FrenchRyan sits down to discuss ministry essentials with Rev. Joe Campetella (Pastor of Christian Life Center in Palm Coast, FL., International Evangelist, and host of the Christian Life Broadcast). This conversation asks and answers questions regarding levels of dedication, daily devotions, study essentials, best practices, submission, spiritual authority, altar working, battling pride, staying humble, soul-winning, preaching, and teaching. Each topic is relevant to every minister, regardless of age or experience. Stick around to the end for a special edition of Gross-Good-Great featuring dark chocolate peanut butter Skinny Dipped almonds.

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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/apostolicvoice/message
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/apostolicvoice/support

Show Podcast InformationA Few CaveatsBecause I know there will be experience and knowledge gaps in this readership, some information might seem trivial. Some may be more intensive than necessary for your study needs. We all slip into study habits, rhythms, and comfort zones that could likely be improved or tweaked to a certain degree. I’ve certainly not reached the pinnacle of perfection—not even close. I’m constantly looking for resources and tips to rightly divide the Word. If you’re like me, you operate within the boundaries of time restrictions caused by hectic schedules and too many responsibilities to count. So, anything that helps you study more efficiently and effectively is a great blessing. I sincerely hope something mentioned here will help do just that.

Bible Software Program (You Need One)I love books—actual books that you can hold, touch, and write in. There’s nothing like holding a good book in your hands. The musty smell of a well-worn leatherback book is as comforting as the wafting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. However, you need a good Bible software program unless you have unlimited space and hundreds of free hours to scour voluminous libraries. I realize there are many great free online Bible study resources these days. And for the average erudite saint, those resources are probably more than sufficient. I use www.BibleGateway.com and www.BibleHub.com all the time. Also, www.tsk-online.com (The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge) is bookmarked on my Google Chrome search engine. I use it quite a bit when I’m in a hurry. Many people like www.BlueLetterBible.org, www.e-sword.net, and www.bibleanalyzer.com. Undoubtedly, you could have a thriving study life using those free resources. However, because they are free, they come with limitations.

Without being too nerdy, I’ll just say that free resources and the like cannot be fully customized and streamlined. More importantly, you should have a more robust Bible software program because programs like Olive Tree Bible Software, Accordance Bible Software, and Logos are richer in quality resources. For example, the free programs offer a limited number of commentaries, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. They’re usually substandard. You might find one or two decent commentaries in their library. In my experience, most of them offer nothing in the way of systematic theology resources. Neither do they provide access to the wealth of excellent study Bible notes that can be highly beneficial for efficient study habits.

To be sure, quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. Both free and paid software programs boast about their massive libraries. In truth, culling your study resources down to the most helpful and relevant items saves time, money, energy, and brainpower. Not to mention hard drive space. Perhaps you’ve spent countless hours reading unhelpful, trite, blathering, liberal, or pseudo-intellectual commentaries that wasted your time and left you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and frustrated. Every resource, free and paid, can lead you down that rabbit hole if you aren’t careful. However, paid Bible software programs provide access to customizable libraries and resources that, when used correctly, eliminate many of the unsatisfying problems listed above.

As mentioned, the three major paid Bible software programs are Olive Tree, Accordance, and Logos. I suspect they’re all excellent. Because I use Accordance, I can only speak authoritatively about that program (I am not being paid by Accordance or anyone else). However, the three programs seem to be very similar. Most of the differences are technical or aesthetic. Whatever program you choose (if you haven’t already), I suggest starting with the cheapest package and purchasing relevant resources as needed. Even the cheapest options will give you extraneous resources you will never use or need. For example, I think Pilgrim’s Progress is a splendid book, but I don’t want it cluttering my hard drive or clogging up my Bible software program. I’ve deleted things like that from my Accordance library.

Further down, I’ll list what I consider indispensable commentaries, dictionaries, encyclopedias, language helps, study Bible notes and theology works. Of course, you could own all of them in book form. Yet, the convenience of hovering over a Scripture verse or passage and having instant access to your entire study library’s corresponding commentary saves immeasurable amounts of time. You can scan dozens of digital resources in the time it would take to flip through one set of commentary indexes by hand. Word searches, verse searches, lexicons, and cross-references are instantly available at the click of a mouse. Those powerful, customizable resources are worth the financial investment in the long run.

Last, regarding Accordance, the complete theological works of Dr. David Bernard and Dr. David Norris are available for digital download. I sincerely hope that more oneness Apostolic resources will enter the Accordance library. If you are familiar with an online resource or Bible software program I have not mentioned, please list it in the comments below.

List of Indispensable Non-Digital Biblical Studies BooksSome resources are easier to use appropriately in actual, non-digital book format. And while I have most of these in digital form, they are easier to navigate and comprehend in book form. To my knowledge, several books listed below are unavailable in digital format. They’re arranged in no particular order of importance.

• Radmacher, Earl D., et al. Compact Bible Commentary. Nelson Reference & Electronic, 2004.
• Ensey, J. R. New Cyclopedic Theological Dictionary (Definitions and Commentary on Hundreds of Religious Terms; an Essential Christian Resource and Study Companion). Advance Ministries, 1999.
• Habershon, Ada R. Study of the Types. Kregel Publications, 1957.
• Robertson, A. T., and John Albert Broadus. A Harmony of the Gospels for Students of the Life of Christ: Based on the Broadus Harmony in the Revised Version. Harper & Bros, 1950.
• Hill, Andrew E. Baker’s Handbook of Bible Lists. Baker Books, 2006.
• Gleason, Arthur. New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties. Zondervan, 2011.
• Wilson, Walter L. A Dictionary of Bible Types. Baker Books, 1999.
• Habershon, Ada R. Hidden Pictures in the Old Testament (How the New Testament Is Concealed in the Old Testament). Kregel Publications, 1916.
• Willmington, Harold L. The Complete Book of Bible Lists. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996.
• Publishing, Rose. Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Time Lines: Full-Color Bible Charts, Illustrations of the Tabernacle, Temple, High Priest, Then and Now Bible Maps, Biblical and Historical Time Lines. 10th Anniversary Expanded Edition, Rose Publications, 2005.
• Rose Book of Bible Charts. Volume 2. Rose Publishing, 2008.
• Rose Book of Bible Charts. Volume 3. Rose Publishing, 2014.
• Hindson, Ed, and Thomas Ice. Charting the Bible Chronologically. Harvest House Publishers, 2017.
• Hadden, Timothy C. Exodus. Book Crafters, 2017.
• French, Talmadge L. Our God Is One (The Story of the Oneness Pentecostals). Voice & Vision Publications, 1999.
• Norris, David S. I Am (a Oneness Pentecostal Theology). Word Aflame Press, 2009.
• Waldron, Steven. Commentary on Genesis Volume 1. Book Crafters, 2021.
• Waldron, Steven. Commentary on Genesis Volume 2. Book Crafters, 2021.
• Waldron, Steven. Commentary on Genesis Volume 3. Book Crafters, 2021.
• Victor Harold Matthews. Manners and Customs in the Bible (an Illustrated Guide to Daily Life in Bible Times). 3rd Edition, Hendrickson Publishers, 2006.
• Lamsa, George M. Idioms in the Bible Explained and a Key to the Original Gospels. Harper Collins, 2013.
• Treece, M. D. Acts I (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1998.
• Treece, M. D. Acts II (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1998.
• Treece, M. D. Hebrews (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 2001.
• Treece, M. D. I Corinthians (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1998.
• Treece, M. D. Revelation (The Literal Word). Treasure House, 1997.
• Nave, Orville J. Nave’s Topical Bible. Hendrickson Publications, 2002.
• Steele, Rick. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (Key Insights into God’s Word: New King James Version). AMG Publishers, 2015.

List of Indispensable Digital Biblical Studies Books & VolumesAs I mentioned before, you could get these resources in book form. However, it would be far more expensive, take up considerable space, and be very difficult to navigate through them efficiently. If you are just beginning to build your resource library, please don’t be discouraged by the length of this list or the associated cost. It’s taken twenty years for me to build my library. Be selective. You may not want or need everything mentioned here. Building a solid resource library takes time. Enjoy the process.

Study Bible Notes Walton, John H., and Craig S. Keener. NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Zondervan, 2016. * Dennis, Lane T., and Wayne Grudem. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008. * Blum, Edwin A., and Jeremy Royal Howard. HCSB Study Bible: Holman Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2010. * Systematic Theology Study Bible. Crossway, 2017. * Harrelson, Walter J. The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. Abingdon Press, 2003. * Cabal, Ted. The Apologetics Study Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007. * NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Edited by Carson, D. A., Zondervan, 2015. * Stamps, Donald, and J. Wesley Adams. Fire Bible Notes. Life Publishers International, 2009. * Ryrie, Charles Caldwell. The Ryrie Study Bible. Moody Press, 1995. * Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. * Berlin, Adele, and Marc Zvi Brettler. The Jewish Study Bible: Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 2014. * The Jewish Annotated New Testament, Second Edition. Oxford University Press, 2017. * Harrison, Sean A. The NLT Study Bible.* Tyndale House Publishers, 2008.

Bible Dictionaries Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. Brill Academic Publishers & Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999. * The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Eerdmans, 1915. * Easton, M. G., Easton’s Bible Dictionary. Thomas Nelson, 1897. * Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Holman Bible Publishers, 2003. * New Bible Dictionary. University and Colleges Christian Fellowship, 1996. * Mounce, William D., Mounce’s Expository Dictionary (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words). Zondervan, 2006. * Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible.* Eerdmans, 2000.

Hebrew & Greek Lexicons Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996. * Renn’s Expository Dictionary of Bible Words. Hendrickson Publishers, 2005. * VanGemeren, William., New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis. Paternoster Press, 1997. * Strong’s Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary of the Old Testament. Public Domain. * Kohlenberger, John R., and Mounce, William, Kohlenberger/Mounce Concise Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament. Oak Tree, 2012. * Baker, Warren, and Eugene E. Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament. AMG Publishers, 2003. * VanGemeren, William., New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology & Exegesis. Paternoster Press, 1997. * Strong’s Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary of the New Testament. Public Domain. * Beale, G. K., et al. An Interpretive Lexicon of New Testament Greek (Analysis of Prepositions, Adverbs, Particles, Relative Pronouns, and Conjunctions). Zondervan, 2014. * Kittel, Gerhard, et al. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume. Eerdmans, 1985. * Thayer, Joseph. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Coded with the Numbering System from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Public Domain, 2017. * Mounce, William D. The Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Zondervan, 1993. * Baker, Warren, and Eugene E. Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament*. AMG Publishers, 2003.

Bible Commentaries Garland, David E. Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Revised 13-Volume Complete Set). Zondervan, 2012. * Bruce, F.F., Acts Bible Study Commentary, Oak Tree, 2017 * Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Kregel Publications, 1990. * Arrington, French L., and Roger Stronstad. Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary. Zondervan, 2003. * Guthrie, Donald, et al. The New Bible Commentary. Eerdmans, 1991. * Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary (An Exposition of the Scriptures). Victor Books, 1983. * Comfort, Philip W. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2005. * Walton, John H., et al. The IVP Bible Background Commentary Old Testament (Second Edition). Intervarsity Press, 2000. * Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary New Testament. Intervarsity Press, 1993. * Kregel Exegetical Old Testament (Complete 7 Volumes). Kregel Publications, 2000. * Horton, Stanley M. Horton on Acts. Legion Press, 2012. * Anders, Max. Holman Bible Commentary (Old Testament and New Testament). Holman Publications, 2000. * Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (JFB). Public Domain, 1871. * Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Revised 18 Volumes). Baker Publishing Group, 2003. * Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament and New Testament (20 Volumes). Zondervan 2021. * Word Biblical Commentary (61 Volume Set).* Zondervan Academic, 2015.

Systematic Theology Volumes Strong, A.H., Strong’s Systematic Theology. Public Domain, 2020. * Chafer, Lewis S., Chafer’s Systematic Theology. Kregel Publications, 2003. * Horton, Stanley M., Bible Doctrines (A Pentecostal Perspective). Gospel Publishing House, 1994. * Horton, Stanley M., What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit (Revised Edition). Gospel Publishing House, 2005. * Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. Bits & Bytes, 2008. * Thiselton, Anthony C., Systematic Theology. Eerdmans, 2017. * Hodge, Charles, Systematic Theology. Oak Tree, 2023. * Horton, Stanley M., Systematic Theology. Gospel Publishing House, 2007. * Bernard, David, The Oneness of God. Word Aflame Press, 2006. * Bernard, David, Practical Holiness. Word Aflame Press, 2006. * Bernard, David, In Search of Holiness. Word Aflame Press, 2006. * Bernard, David, The New Birth. Word Aflame Press, 2006. * Wilson, Nathaniel J., Apostolic Pentecostal Theology. Insignia Books, 2016. * Geisler, Norman L., Systematic Theology (3 Volumes).* Bethany House Publishers, 2011.

Spit Out the BonesThere’s an old expression that says, “Eat the meat and spit out the bones.” Sadly, most biblical resources aren’t written from an Apostolic perspective. Therefore, keeping the good and spitting out the bad is vital. I hope you’ve found something helpful in this article. If I’ve overlooked something you consider a crucial resource, please mention it in the comments below. I always enjoy a good study recommendation. As always, I pray the Lord blesses your efforts for His Kingdom.

Related posts:1. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 2. The Extraordinary Significance of the Royal Priesthood of Believers 3. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 4. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 5. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast)

View Details

• A Few Pertinent Introductions
• The Mixing of Metaphorical Certitudes
• A Lot of Mixing & Matching
• A Royal Priesthood of Believers
• Similarities Between Old and New Testament Priests
  1. Must Be Born into Priestly Privilege
     1. How to Be Born Again
  2. Must Be Ordained into the Priesthood
  3. Must Be Anointed for the Priesthood
  4. Must Be Cleansed for the Priesthood
  5. Must be Appropriately Clothed for the Priesthood
     1. God Defines Nakedness
     2. The Morality and Righteousness of Modesty
     3. Carnal Garments
     4. Defiled Garments
     5. Keep Your Clothes On
  6. Priesthood is Held to Strict Standards of Obedience
  7. Messengers Calling the Lost to Repentance
  8. Access to God Through the Offering of Sacrifices
     1. The Body as a Spiritual Sacrifice
     2. The Sacrifice of Praise
     3. The Selfless Sacrifice of Love
     4. The Sacrifice of Evangelism
     5. The Sacrifice of Prayer
• The Perversion of the Priesthood & Invention of the Trinity
• Incredibly Amazing Priestly Privilege
• In Conclusion

The apostle Peter makes a somewhat shocking declaration about the Christian life in the second chapter of his first epistle. Well, actually, he makes several fascinating declarations, but for now, we’ll mainly focus on one. With all its implications, contemporary Christians largely ignore this doctrine. The current religious atmosphere of flagrant biblical illiteracy probably explains why most Christians have barely noticed Peter’s inspired proclamations. Yet, the practical applications of this doctrine touch every area of daily Christian life. That little tirade aside, if you’re reading this, you aren’t the average person. Just knowing that you clicked on an article titled The Extraordinary Significance of the Royal Priesthood of Believers, which is like an anti-click-bait title, tells me that. So, thank you for reading and for caring about the things of God.

A Few Pertinent IntroductionsBefore plunging in, remember that the book of 1 Peter is a treatise on holiness. The apostle called Christians to “sanctify Christ as Lord” in their hearts so that believers might live and act as Jesus desires during their short time here on earth (1 Peter 3:14-18). Peter lived alongside Jesus for nearly three years, and during that time, he witnessed the perfect standard of holiness that we should aspire to achieve. But understanding the apostle’s inspired epistles takes a little studying, primarily because of his mixing and matching of metaphorical certitudes. Let’s take a closer look at that for a moment.

The Mixing of Metaphorical CertitudesIf I were to say, “You’re fast like a ninja.” That would be a simile. I don’t know any ninjas, and you’re probably not a ninja. I’m just comparing your hypothetical nimble footedness to that of an actual ninja. Technically, an accurate metaphor declares one thing to be another. It might not be literally accurate, but it is accurately literal. For example, you might describe someone as being “tender-hearted.” Their heart, hopefully, isn’t tender, but in a sense, their metaphorical heart is undoubtedly tender. You might think I’m just playing a bunch of word games, but understanding how the inspired authors used metaphors is vital for a serious student of Scripture. The Old and New Testaments are brimming with the mixing of metaphorical certitudes.

So, when the apostle declared Jesus to be the head of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5), He did not mean that Jesus was like a High Priest but instead that He was the High Priest. Although Jesus was not a Levite nor an officer in the sacrificial altars at Jerusalem, He is literally our final High Priest. From Christ’s resurrection until now, there has never been another legitimate High Priest besides Jesus. Of course, many powerful revelations are attached to Jesus because He was simultaneously the sacrifice and the High Priest (1 Peter 1:18-20). How could that be? Well, He sacrificed Himself as the only unblemished human sacrifice that ever was or could be. He was the sacrificer (High Priest) and the sacrificee (unspotted lamb). The Creator became created so He could save us.

A Lot of Mixing & MatchingWe’re almost ready to reveal Peter’s shocking revelation about the Christian life with all its various nuances and truths. But first, I’d like to acknowledge the significant metaphorical mixing and matching that Peter weaves throughout 1 Peter 2:4-9. He refers to Jesus as the “head cornerstone,” to us as “living stones,” and together we comprise the spiritual house of God or temple (1 Peter 2:8). If you’re counting those mixed metaphors, Jesus is High Priest, sacrifice, and the head cornerstone of the Church. You, I, and every other true Christian who was and is and is to come are living stones built upon and around Christ. That’s five mixed metaphors right there.

The revelation that Christians are living, breathing temples of the Holy Ghost is not unfamiliar in Apostolic circles. Remember, Peter emphasized holiness. Therefore, the implications of conducting ourselves as sacred temples, living vessels, or walking containers of the Shekinah glory of God are staggering. Historically, Pentecostals have instinctively understood that if we are God’s temples, we must carefully guard against defiling our bodies inwardly and outwardly. How hurtful it must be to God when we use our bodies, sanctified for His holy presence, in sinful ways. When sin overtakes a Spirit-filled believer, it is no less devastating to God than when the Babylonians desecrated the temple in Jerusalem centuries ago. However, Peter further stirred the pot by saying believers are “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). Later, in 1 Peter 2:9, he called believers “a royal priesthood.” Therefore, Christians are metaphorically and absolutely a holy royal priesthood of believers.

A Royal Priesthood of BelieversBy the way, that was the big shocking revelation! In a metaphorically literal sense, you and I are (assuming we’re saved) priests. If that doesn’t shock you, it’s probably because you don’t understand all the responsibilities of membership in a royal priesthood of believers. Peter was conveying the great privilege of our priestly duties while also suggesting the seriousness it entails. Jesus is the head cornerstone and the High Priest; we are temples and priests. Therefore, Jesus is below us as our foundation, and He is above us as our High Priest. He supports us from below, inspires us from above, and empowers us from within.

Similarities Between Old and New Testament PriestsIt should go without saying that Peter was a Jew. Jesus, too, was a Jew. Their lives were immersed in the daily importance of the priesthood. One of the tremendous mental dilemmas facing modern Christianity is our slow divorce from our faith’s Jewish roots. Rather than conforming our understanding to the Jewish context of Scripture, we try to squeeze those Jewish contexts into our cultural comfort zones. Sometimes, this tendency causes only minor problems. But it often results in full-fledged gaping black holes of false doctrine. Or it leaves entire Scripture passages to be swept aside as irrelevant. Of course, there is an opposite error where people become obsessed with reverting to pre-Christ rituals and diluting the power of the cross. For example, and these topics can be explored deeply at another time, people who insist on keeping Old Testament dietary restrictions or demanding the Lord’s Day should be observed on Saturday rather than Sunday fall into that category. I’ve seen firsthand the devastating spiritual spirals resulting from those errors. However, I still maintain that our current Christian climate is in far more danger of completely divorcing itself from vitally important Jewish roots. Most people have almost no concept of what Peter meant when he called New Testament believers a “holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5) and a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). We’re going to unpack exactly what that means moving forward. To do so, we will examine several astonishing characteristics shared between the Old Testament and New Testament priesthood. You’ll see that it’s virtually impossible to understand our duties as New Testament priests without an understanding of the Old Testament priesthood. Even though many of these truths might seem strange to our contemporary sensibilities, every early Jewish and Gentile saint understood these inferences instantaneously.

Must Be Born into Priestly PrivilegeIn the Old Testament, the priesthood had no licensing process. It wasn’t an open position that could be filled by anyone interested. God instituted the priesthood, giving Moses strict instructions that only Aaron and his ancestry could obtain the priestly office (Numbers 3:10). Because Aaron was a Levite, only the Levite lineage could participate in the privileged roles of the priesthood. God was serious about this rule. He said, “Anyone daring to assume priestly duties or privileges who is not of the house of Aaron and called of God who even comes near the holy things must be put to death” (Numbers 3:10). Old Testament priests were born into service. They were birthed into ministry and privilege. Like it or not. Fair or not. That was God’s command.

Likewise, Christians must be born into priestly privileges. There’s no shortcut around that requirement. Members of the royal priesthood of believers, which comprises the Church of God, are born into service. Otherwise, God considers you a stranger, an outsider, unworthy of handling holy things. Fortunately, your physical DNA has nothing to do with the birthing process. There isn’t a single human besides Jesus whose bloodline is pure enough to enter the New Testament priesthood. The new era of priests operates on a spiritual level unavailable to the ancient ones. The royal priesthood of believers requires a bloodline untainted by the fallen blood of Adam. Therefore, it would be humanly impossible for anyone to be accepted into the new order of priestly privilege. Unless, somehow, they could be born again.

That’s precisely what Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:1-31. Interestingly, Nicodemus didn’t specifically ask Jesus about salvation. Instead, he expressed a willingness to believe that Jesus was sent from God (John 3:2). Jesus responded to that openness with a more profound revelation for Nicodemus to consider. Jesus affirmed that He was the “son of man” or the Messiah (John 3:13), and as the Messiah, He alone held the key to inheriting eternal life. The first fifteen verses of John 3 can be viewed as a series of questions and answers. Let me paraphrase the first question: “Are you here to bring in the kingdom?” Jesus’ first answer is, “You will never see the kingdom without being born again.”

Nicodemus serves as a warning to us that religious training without spiritual insight is useless. Jesus wasted no time getting to the heart of the problem. He told the teacher he must be born again or from above (anothen), a word which appears again in John 3:7 and John 3:31.[i] Today, even thoroughly secular people are familiar with the phrase “born again.” Pop icons like Rihanna sing the term born again as a stand-in for the idea of starting over. Sadly, when secular culture adopts, or some might say, hijacks, sacred religious terms, they effectively cheapen their intended meanings. The actual words describe a garment torn from top to bottom. Discussing the kingdom is useless unless God changes our hearts from the inside out. All devout Jews connected the Messiah with the kingdom; Jesus drove to the heart of the matter immediately. But for Nicodemus, born again was an unfamiliar, paradigm-shifting term. To belong to the heavenly kingdom, one must be born into it just as one is born into this earthly kingdom.[ii]

How to Be Born AgainWhile the people, timing, surroundings, and circumstances of a baby’s birth might be unique, indubitably, the birth process is the same for everyone. Correspondingly (and Jesus drove this point home several times), there’s only one spiritual birth process. Anyone can claim to be born again, but that doesn’t mean they’ve genuinely undergone a supernatural rebirth. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus described a category of believers who will not be saved even though they do incredible things in His name. They claim the family name but have not been born into it. And in a gut-wrenching crescendo, Jesus declared: I will profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:23).

So, the overwhelming, all-consuming, life-altering, eternity-defining question every human should obsess over is, “How can I be born again.” Finding the answer to that question is the most impactful thing you and I, or anyone else, will ever do. That’s why my brain can’t compute why so many people invest such small amounts of thought, time, and energy into this question. I mean, you need to be sure. Really, sure. But oddly, some folks spend more time studying Pinterest boards than the Bible. Ok. Alright. I digress.

Jesus was prophetically cryptic and intentionally vague with Nicodemus about the “how” aspect of being born again. He said, “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 3:5). In this statement, Jesus echoed the ancient prophecies of Isaiah and Ezekiel (Isaiah 44:3-4, Ezekiel 36:25-27), reinforced the recent prophecy of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), and pointed forward to Peter’s seminal sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). Keep in mind that Nicodemus was a religious leader, well versed in Scripture, and supposedly filled with spiritual insights. The text reads as if Jesus was mildly annoyed at Nicodemus’ lack of spiritual awareness. Because of that, Jesus spoke enigmatically to the doubting Pharisee. However, that doesn’t mean He wasn’t unmistakably clear to us, who benefit from hindsight.

In John 3:8, Jesus said, “The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you don’t know where the wind comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with every person who is born from the Spirit.” The Greek word pneuma means “wind” and “spirit” interchangeably. I’ve read countless weak interpretations of what Jesus meant by that. Unsatisfying explanations that ignore the context of the New Birth. Clearly, Jesus was speaking precisely of the outpouring of the Spirit, which would occur on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Not only is this evidenced by the “sound of a mighty rushing wind” (Acts 2:2) but also by the fact that they were all “filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).

I’ve written several times about how to be saved (here, here, and here). However, I’ve not addressed it meaningfully from the context of the New Birth. There’s a fair bit of bickering over how many “steps” are contained in the New Birth process or the plan of salvation. I usually describe the New Birth as a three-step process for illustration purposes mainly because that is in keeping with the Apostle Peter’s sermon in Acts 2:38: Repentance, water baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. Furthermore, it coincides spiritually with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Repentance is the death, baptism is the burial, and the infilling of the Spirit is the resurrection.

While all that is true, sometimes people are troubled that Jesus only mentioned two steps in John 3: Water and Spirit baptism. Let me tackle that briefly. First, the discourse with Nicodemus was intended to be understood after a period of time. The promise was still coming, and Jesus often used types and shadows in His teachings. Secondly, considering the New Birth in terms of steps is optional as long as the requirements are completed. For example, when Jesus spoke of water and Spirit baptism, He lumped repentance and water baptism into one category (water baptism). Technically speaking, you can’t have one of those things without the other. Just as the process of a physical birth might be categorized academically in a few different ways (labor, delivery, recovery, etc.), as long as the requirements are fulfilled and a baby is born, all is well.

Must Be Ordained into the PriesthoodAnother fascinating shared characteristic between the Old Testament and our new priesthood is the role of ordination. God set apart the ancient priests and consecrated them for sacred service (Exodus 19:6, Exodus 28:1). In John 15:16, Jesus said, “I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go forth and bring forth fruit.” I suspect most folks are a little hazy when defining what it means to be ordained. We know that preachers can be “ordained.” But even at that, most aren’t sure exactly what that means. Most modern Bibles translate the word ordained as “appointed.” Which is almost just as confusing. What does it mean that God ordains us?

To gain understanding, we have to dig into the origins and framework of the word ordained. The word translated “ordained” in John 15:16 is the Greek word tithēmi. Depending on the context, it has a wide range of possible meanings and applications. In its broadest application, tithēmi means literally and figuratively to place in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from others.[iii] That’s how we get various uses of tithēmi: Set apart, consecrated, appointed, established, fixed, ordained, or placed. Therefore, these gradients of the word ordained begin connecting the Old Testament idea of priestly appointment with our new believer-priesthood paradigm. Ordination is God setting us apart to be a holy people and sanctifying us so that we can be used in His service. God is making us holy and calling us to walk in that holiness. That was the hallmark of the Old Testament priesthood. It is ours today as well (Exodus 19:6, Exodus 28:38, Exodus 30:28-30, Leviticus 11:45, Leviticus 20:7, Leviticus 20:26, Romans 12:1, Romans 15:16, 1 Corinthians 9:13, Ephesians 5:27, 1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 Peter 2:5-9, 2 Peter 3:11). There’s a significant symbolism in the idea that by being laid prostrate before God we gain God’s approval. But it’s deeper than the physical act of lying prostrate before God. Although that is good and right, our complete inward submission to God’s will and authority over us pleases the Lord.

There is one more layer to the idea of being ordained by God. An ordained individual is someone sent forth as an authorized representative accountable to the sender. Therefore, New Testament believers are appointed and sent forth by Christ on a specified mission and with His authority.[iv] Similarly, the ancient priesthood was an authorized representative of God and was held strictly accountable to God. It should be intensely humbling to realize we represent the work of God to the surrounding world. Apostolic believers are authorized representatives of Jesus in this present world. With that extraordinary privilege comes the breathtaking reality that we are accountable to God and are specifically ordained to bring forth lasting fruit (John 15:16).

Must Be Anointed for the PriesthoodOld Testament priests were externally anointed for service with blood and oil (Leviticus 8:12-30). New Testament priest-believers are internally anointed with the blood of Jesus and the oil of the Holy Ghost (1 John 2:27). While the anointing was upon ancient priests, it dwells within the new priesthood. While ordination provides authorization, anointing provides empowerment that accompanies that God-given authority. To use an imperfect analogy, ordination is the badge, and anointing is the gun. To give authority without the power to use it would be silly and cruel. That’s why God has enabled and equipped His priests with Apostolic authority to operate in the realm of the Spirit. The oil of anointing covers our frailties, strengthens our weaknesses, enhances our abilities, and breaks yokes (Luke 4:18). Operating without anointing is like going to war without weapons, flying without wings, or singing without sound. It’s dangerous and ridiculous.

Must Be Cleansed for the PriesthoodThere’s a reason the priestly anointing ceremony required oil and blood. As mentioned, the oil represented God’s empowering presence, but the blood represented the ceremonial cleansing of the priest’s sins. A bullock was sacrificed, its blood placed upon the altar’s horns and poured into the bottom of the altar for reconciliation between the priests and God (Leviticus 8:14-15). This should serve as a reminder that the closer a person gets to the presence of God, the more they are required to be cleansed of offending impurities. God did the cleansing. However, the priest was then required to walk worthy of that cleansing.

Contrary to most pop theology today, the New Testament requires the same cleansing and commitment from believer-priests. The blood of Jesus doesn’t give anyone a license to sin. You might say, “Well, grace covers my sin.” But consider what the Scripture says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). So, in that sense, we are saved by grace because it was the grace of God that made salvation possible in the first place. But the passage doesn’t end there. It describes the role of grace in a believer’s life: Grace teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). Now it becomes apparent that the role of grace is that of a teacher or an instructor. It leads and guides us into righteousness and proper conduct before our savior. Titus 2:13 continues, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our savior Jesus Christ.” We should maintain a posture of anticipation as we wait for Jesus to return for His Church. Finally, Titus 2:14 brings all these thoughts together: Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Do you see? God does the initial cleansing, the preliminary purification, pulling us out of this world and making us a peculiar priesthood, and we then must walk in that glorious privilege.

Must be Appropriately Clothed for the PriesthoodGod’s ancient priests were given a very distinctive dress code (Exodus 28:1-43). They were carefully clothed for service. God commanded Moses to make “holy garments” for the priests (Exodus 28:2). Their unique clothing set them apart, made them easily distinguishable from non-priests, and had practical applications. It also kept them appropriately modest, contained typological spiritual meanings, and served as a physical reminder to the priesthood of the sacredness of their duties. God called those garments “glorious” and “beautiful” (Exodus 28:2). Unquestionably, the symbolic aspects of the priestly garments are no longer necessary now that Christ has fulfilled prophesy. However, a timeless moral part of their attire remains in effect today: Modesty.

Modesty matters to God, and therefore, it should matter to us. We see God’s emphasis on modesty due to sin way back in Edan (Genesis 3:21). Modesty permeates the Old Testament, deeply embedded itself into Israelite culture, and was inculcated into the priesthood. Contrary to popular opinion, the moral principles of modesty didn’t die out in the New Testament. Peter understood that perfectly when he, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, referred to believers as a “priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5-9). The nuances and implications of priestly modesty weren’t lost on the apostle. Consider this command to the priesthood in Exodus 28:42: And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach. For the priest, however, it was essential that his “nakedness” not be exposed, particularly when ministering before the people. Carelessness about how priests presented themselves to God would be tantamount to blasphemy.[v] For this reason, God insisted that priestly garments include “breeches” made of linen and covering the thighs for reasons of modesty.[vi]

God Defines NakednessTo understand this better, let’s consider the biblical meaning of the word “nakedness.” In modern contexts, naked means to be completely undressed, totally exposed, and without any covering. Unlike contemporary English usage, nakedness in the Bible can refer to a range of undress from total nudity to being inadequately clothed (Job 22:6, Ezekiel 18:7, Matthew 25:36, 2 Corinthians 11:27). Even the more literal uses of the Hebrew and Greek terms for nakedness are loaded with figurative and symbolic meanings and allusions.[vii] The biblical images evoked by the word naked are many and varied. They include, among other things, original innocence, defenselessness and vulnerability, exposure and helplessness, humiliation and shame, guilt and judgment, and sexual impropriety and exploitation. Each of these nuances needs to be carefully identified in each scriptural context, although there may be some degrees of overlap.[viii]

So, for thousands of years, the Jews and most civilized Christian cultures, until recent decades, defined nudity as anything above the knee. Why? Mainly because that’s precisely how God explained it in Exodus 28:42. This modesty commandment was so vital that God threatened death as punishment if it were to be ignored (Exodus 28:43). Three more words from Exodus 28:42 need expounding on to understand God’s definition of modesty. First is the word “breeches,” from which the English word “britches” is derived. They were garments extending from the waist to or just below the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately. In many ways, they resembled modern trousers or pants.[ix] The word breeches itself contains a root word that means to “hide” or “cover-up.” [x] Second is the word “loins,” which would have already been covered by the priestly robe and tunic. It’s the Hebrew word moṯnayim, meaning waist or lower back.[xi] It refers to the area where you would comfortably wear a belt. And finally, the word “thighs” is crucial in this context. This is the specific area God commands to be covered or hidden from public view. It’s the Hebrew word yarekh, which refers to the portion of the leg from the knee to the hip.[xii]

The text makes the Hebraic assumption that the reader already realizes the necessity of keeping the hips covered for the sake of modesty. Therefore, the relevant lesson for the priesthood and us is that God considers showing anything above the knee to be nakedness and unholy. Furthermore, it should be noted that this standard of modesty was already understood and practiced in Israelite culture. God was dealing with exigent circumstances where nakedness might unintentionally or accidentally be displayed while performing a task, which adds even more gravitas to this standard of modesty because if God cares that much about accidental immodesty, imagine how He must feel about intentional immodesty. Of course, Exodus 28:42 isn’t the only place God defines the exposed thigh as shameful nakedness. God compared Babylon’s downfall to a woman’s shame in having her nakedness exposed when she bares her leg and uncovers her thigh (Isaiah 47:1–3).[xiii] The bottom line is that God gets to define what nakedness (or nudity) is and what it is not. Culture, especially sinful culture, has no authority to determine what is or isn’t modest for called-out believers.

The Morality and Righteousness of ModestyTucked away among the Songs of Ascent is Psalm 132:9: Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. The priests who served in the presence of the Lord were His instruments for dispensing righteousness. Righteousness here signifies more than a relationship with God or some abstract figurative illusion of inward purity. It’s synonymous with salvation (2 Chronicles 6:41). The blessedness of God’s presence was represented by the priests “clothed” in their priestly garments, which resulted in great joy for the saints.[xiv] The outward garments of the priests were a visual representation of God’s moral character, royalty, and righteousness.[xv] To summarize, Old Testament priests were clothed for service in modesty and righteousness, with dignity and distinction, purpose and precision, and they were never to approach their sacred lifestyles casually. We, too, have a responsibility to represent righteousness in our clothing. Modesty is a moral imperative for the believer-priests.

Carnal GarmentsLet’s approach this subject from another angle. Look at Jude 1:23: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. First, notice that we are to “hate even the garment spotted (or stained) by the flesh.” That’s interesting, and we certainly need to know what that means. Jude 1 deals with false teachers and doctrines that “crept in unawares” (Jude 1:4). These ungodly men turned the grace of God into “lasciviousness” (Jude 1:4). Somehow, they made the grace of God sensual or lustful.[xvi] Jude 1:7 mentions the hedonistic sexual sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the next verse, Jude called these false teachers filthy dreamers who defile their bodies with debauchery and wicked imaginations (Jude 1:8). Two more times, Jude mentioned their ungodly lusts and sensuality (Jude 1:18-19). He gave various ways to deal with these backslidden evil teachers (Jude 1:20-23). While closing, he gave the admonition to “hate even the garment (of these teachers) spotted by the flesh (or carnality).” Loath as I am to quote John Calvin, he defines “garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 1:23) as “anything that in any way savors of sin or temptation.” [xvii] The flesh-stained garments in Jude 1:23 are both literal and figurative. Carnal, immodest, flesh-displaying garments are defiling, and Christians should hate those garments.

Fascinatingly, much of the language in Jude 1:23 is direct quotations from Zechariah 3:2-4.[xviii] In that instance, a High Priest was snatched from the fire, and an angel of the Lord exchanged his filthy clothes for a change of clean clothes.[xix] Once again, the imagery evoked in both passages is figurative and literal. When people are saved, they will change how they dress, not because of legalism but because motives, agendas, and behaviors change when the heart and mind are purified. When God changes us, it is a comprehensive inward and outward transformation. It’s worth noting, although I’ve yet to find a commentary that makes the correlation, the imagery of outer clothing being changed by God in Jude 1:23 and Zechariah 3:2-4 also connects hermeneutically back to Genesis 3:21, where God clothed Adam and Eve.

Defiled GarmentsIn the middle of admonishing the church in Sardis, Jesus mentioned a remnant of believers that had not “defiled their garments” (Revelation 3:4). He said, “And they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy” (Revelation 3:4). The city of Sardis was famous for its textile industry yet most of the church had defiled garments.[xx] This is significant in John’s vision. In the Roman world, persons were identified by their clothing. Only the emperor and the patrician class could wear togas with purple. The equestrian class could wear red, and so on. A person’s clothing manifested the person’s nature to the world, and in many ways, it still does. John seems to play upon this feature of his world. A Christian’s “garment” was the outward witness of their faithful discipleship.[xxi] In the pagan religions, it was forbidden to approach the gods in garments that were soiled or stained. Soiling seems to be a symbol for mingling with pagan life.[xxii] The few people in Sardis who had not soiled their clothes were those who had resisted the temptation to accommodate their lives to the heathen customs of their neighbors, which most certainly included the way they dressed.[xxiii] Of course, inwardly, that remnant of believers in Sardis remained undefiled, but the obvious reference to clothing isn’t purely symbolic. Godly people wear clothing that differentiates them from surrounding worldly, carnal, defiled, pagan cultures.

Keep Your Clothes OnIt’s overly simplistic, but I like how the Easy-to-Read-Version (ERV) renders Revelation 16:15:

Listen! Like a thief, I will come at a time you don’t expect. Great blessings belong to those who stay awake and keep their clothes with them. They will not have to go without clothes and be ashamed for people to see them.

The King James says, “Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” (Revelation 16:15). Obviously, the primary notion here is that we are to always be ready for the Lord’s return. However, the subtext is that godly people must make modesty a priority.

Fundamentally, there are at least four essential elements of proper clothing for today’s priesthood of believers. One is modesty, as discussed above (1 Timothy 2:9). However, the remaining three are previously unmentioned concepts that deserve far more attention. Still, for now, they will receive only brief honorable mentions. The second essential element of godly clothing is the clear distinction of genders (Deuteronomy 22:5, Genesis 1:27). Men should dress like men and women like women. Thirdly, believers should avoid displays of vanity or pride in their adornment (1 Peter 3:3-5, 2 Kings 9:30). And fourthly, holiness demands a humility that rejects the wearing of gold and silver ornamentation, jewelry, piercings, and tattoos (1 Peter 33-5, Proverbs 7:10, Proverbs 33, 1 Timothy 2:9, Leviticus 19:28). These moral principles carry over from the Old Testament, find affirmation in the New Testament, and solidify the standard of holy attire for the new priesthood.

Priesthood is Held to Strict Standards of ObedienceAncient priests were held to rigorous standards of obedience to God and the man of God (Moses, Joshua, etc.). They lived under the threat of death if they disobeyed the law intentionally or unintentionally (Leviticus 10:7). Of course, this was also true for people outside the priesthood. As the prophet Samuel rhetorically asked King Saul, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: Your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice” (1 Samuel 15:22)? Without waiting for an answer, Samuel said, “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). New Testament priests are called to that same strict standard of obedience. Jesus affirmed this by saying, “If you continue in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine” (John 8:31). All the spiritual sacrifices in the world will never be an acceptable substitute for simple obedience to God’s Word.

Messengers Calling the Lost to RepentanceYet another shared characteristic of Old Testament and New Testament believer-priests is their mandate to be righteous messengers calling the lost to repentance. Malachi 2:5-7, New Living Translation, describes the ancient priesthood’s mandate:

The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. The words of a priest’s lips should preserve the knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

When you read that alongside the Great Commission, the similarities become striking: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you… (Matthew 28:19-20). I think many Christians have a default tendency to assume the Great Commission is mainly for pastors, missionaries, or evangelists. While it is undoubtedly for them, it is for all believers. Every member of the new priesthood of believers is mandated to be a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We’re called to minister to faltering believers while keeping ourselves free from sin (Galatians 6:1). Teaching, sharing, and studying the Word of God with believers and unbelievers should be an intricate part of our identity and daily lives. Helping new disciples learn, understand, and obey the commands of Jesus is our great privilege and responsibility. Absconding from this obligation is a betrayal of God’s sacred trust.

Access to God Through the Offering of SacrificesThe ancient Israelite priests are best remembered for their sacrificial duties. Every day, they sacrificed animals that could not take away sins (Hebrews 11:1). It was a repetitive, exhausting, bloody job. Thankfully, Jesus was the final sacrificial offering for sin (Hebrews 10:10). Therefore, we no longer must bring animal sacrifices to God. However, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t require spiritual sacrifices from His new royal priesthood of believers. This brings us back full circle to our original text, where Peter referred to us as a “holy priesthood” that should “offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Spiritual sacrifices are acts of worship necessary for those who live in the Spirit—these spiritual sacrifices, as opposed to ritualistic sacrifices of old, transpose worship to a higher key. Whereas the Jewish sacrificial system required the worshiper to offer an animal or produce at the temple, life in the Spirit requires the worshiper to offer themselves. For those who bring something to an altar, the act of worship ends when the offering is consumed; for those who present themselves, the sacrificial act is just the beginning. The Christian is a “living sacrifice,” meaning worship is transferred out of the temple and into the streets. In short, the degree of personal responsibility is heightened for the one who walks in the Spirit instead of according to the law.[xxiv] Therefore, contrary to hyper-grace teachings, New Testament believers, in a certain sense, have more significant holiness requirements than the ancient priesthood.

The Body as a Spiritual SacrificeRomans 12:1 makes this distinctive command, “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” The words “present” and “sacrifice” the Apostle Paul used here are purposefully reminiscent of Old Testament language. Before a priest in Israel could minister on behalf of others, he was obliged to present himself in a consecrated condition, and the sacrifices he offered were to be without blemish (Malachi 1:8-13).[xxv] The sacrificial language of Romans 12:1 also reinforces an earlier contrast made in Romans 6:13 between those who serve God and those who serve sin. The appeal to “offer your bodies” reminds the reader of the earlier injunction in Romans 6:13: “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin… but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life.” The heightened responsibility of the Christian not only involves a life of worship that extends beyond particular times and places of sacrifice but also entails a personal commitment to determine how such a life is to be lived. In contrast to Judaism, where the law prescribes righteous conduct, Christianity requires a greater degree of personal discernment.[xxvi]

God doesn’t compel and coerce a believer into presenting his body. He doesn’t corral him and bridle him like a horse and force him to obey. He implores him. He wants an unbridled sacrifice.[xxvii] Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice represents a complete lifestyle change, involving both a negative and a positive aspect. Paul commanded, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). Living according to the lifestyle of “the present evil Age” (Galatians 1:4, Ephesians 1:21) must now be put aside. Then Paul commanded, “But be transformed (literally, keep on being transformed) by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Greek verb translated “transformed” (μεταμορφοῦσθε) is seen in the English word “metamorphosis,” a total change from inside out (2 Corinthians 3:18). The key to this change is the “mind” (νοός), the control center of one’s attitudes, thoughts, feelings, and actions (Ephesians 4:22-23). As one’s mind keeps being made new by the spiritual input of God’s Word, prayer, preaching, and Christian fellowship, one’s lifestyle keeps transforming.[xxviii]

Alexander Maclaren astutely observed that Romans 12:1-2 provides “an all-inclusive directory for the outward life.” [xxix] The ancient sacrifices gave a sweet-smelling odor, which, by a strong metaphor, was declared fragrant in God’s nostrils. In like manner, the Christian sacrifice is “acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1). The keyword for the life of a Christian is sacrifice. That includes two things—self-surrender and surrender to God. Just like a priest needed to be consecrated before he could offer sacrifices, we, too, must be inwardly consecrated before offering outward sacrifices to God. The Apostle Paul didn’t make the mistake of substituting external for internal surrender, but he presupposes that the latter has preceded. He described the sequence more understandably in Romans 6:13: Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. So, first of all, we must be priests by our inward consecration, and then, since a priest must have something to offer, we must bring the outward life and lay it upon His altar.[xxx]

Christian obedience means imitating God in holiness (1 Peter 1:15).[xxxi] Our holiness is made possible through Christ, who made us holy through His blood (Hebrews 13:12). The Holy Spirit sanctified us by separating us from evil and dedicating us to God when He gave us new life and placed us into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). But that is only one aspect of our sanctification. Paul prayed that God would sanctify us “through and through” or “completely” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). There’s also a continuing aspect of sanctification in which we must cooperate. We must, as we’ve been discussing, present ourselves to God (Romans 12:1-2), and by the Spirit, pursue that holiness (dedication, consecration in right relationships to God and man) because, without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). This is a holiness like the Lord’s, which the Holy Spirit helps us to achieve (1 Peter 1:15, 16).[xxxii] By the Spirit, we must keep putting to death the old life’s impulses and winning victories as we live for Jesus (Romans 8:1-14, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:12-13).

Recently, I read a quote from my friend, Reverend Coley Reese, “Learn to be a living sacrifice rather than an occasional offering.” [xxxiii] Doing that takes more than good intentions. It requires a complete lifestyle makeover. It’s often been quipped, “The problem with living sacrifices is that they keep crawling off the altar.” [xxxiv] That’s why holiness is a daily endeavor, a constant struggle, and incredibly vital. In his influential work What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit, Stanley M. Horton makes this remarkable statement:

The whole work of sanctification is the work of the Spirit, which receives by far the greatest attention in the New Testament. It takes precedence over witnessing, evangelism, giving, and every other form of Christian service. God wants us to be something, not just to do something. For only as we become like Jesus can what we do be effective and bring glory to Him.[xxxv]

As I’ve read and pondered dozens of books and commentaries on the command to “present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable unto God,” I’ve been struck by a collective inclination to gloss over the obvious meanings in the text (Romans 12:1). For example, it goes without saying that presenting one’s body to God includes the whole person, inward and outward. The body consists of the thoughts, intellect, soul, desires, etc. However, while presenting the body includes those somewhat intangible things, it does not exclude the outer elements of the body itself. The commentary by John Phillips, which I often find helpful, is typical of the omission I’m referring to. He mentions how when believers present their bodies as living sacrifices, they are changed morally, mentally, and motivationally.[xxxvi] Yet not once does Phillips mention a practical way the outward man is presented as holy to God. Sadly, Phillips is not unique in his handling of external sanctification.

Considering everything we’ve already examined concerning the priesthood of believers, hopefully, it’s becoming more evident that internal sanctification will produce outward fruits. We aren’t to be conformed to this world like playdough in the hands of a demonic creature (Romans 12:2). We are forbidden to allow ourselves to be fashioned (or patterned) by the fads, opinions, fashions, philosophies, and spiritual darkness of this world. A Spirit-filled believer’s life will not be molded from without but from within. That inward pressure from the Holy Spirit will change our outward fashions, expressions, conversations, operations, actions, inactions, and more. There will be a comprehensive external transformation in the life of a believer-priest. In other words, a consecrated holy lifestyle involves how a believer dresses, what they do and don’t ingest into the body, how they speak, what they watch and listen to, and where they do and don’t go. To suggest otherwise is a gross misrepresentation or misinterpretation of Scripture.

The Sacrifice of PraiseHebrews 13:15 tells us to “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God.” The writer goes on to identify the sacrifice of praise as the verbal praise of God’s name.[xxxvii] Hebrews 13:16 continues this theme of sacrifice, reminding us not to neglect giving, doing good, and sharing with others, for with “such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Included in this topic of sacrifice is the command to “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” (Hebrews 13:17). The reference here is to religious teachers and not civil rulers.[xxxviii] So, Hebrews 13:15-17 lists three generalized areas of spiritual sacrifice for believer-priests: The uttered exaltation of Jesus’ name, the good work of giving, and obedience to spiritual authority. And while the three areas of spiritual sacrifice mentioned in this passage aren’t intended to be comprehensive, they are expounded on throughout the totality of Scripture.

The Selfless Sacrifice of LoveEphesians 5:1 encourages us to work to be like Christ. Then we are told one of the ways to imitate Christ in Ephesians 5:2: Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. We should imitate His sacrifice of love in our lives. The Apostle Paul pivoted from the self-sacrifice of Christ to the very opposite, the self-indulgence of the sinner (Ephesians 5:3–4), from agape love to its perversion, lust; he mentioned three manifestations of self-indulgence and love’s perversion. “Sexual immorality” and “impurity” comprehensively cover every kind of heterosexual (premarital and extramarital) and homosexual sin possible, all of which defile the conscience and destroy love. “Greed” describes the heart’s inner desire for one that is not rightfully theirs. It can also refer to sin in the sexual realm, such as coveting another man’s wife or someone else’s body for selfish gratification (Exodus 20:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:6). These three sins are not even to be mentioned or talked about among “God’s holy people,” so completely are they to be banished from the Christian community.[xxxix] The Bible is clear: Sexual immorality is contradictory to the selfless love of Christ-like people. Therefore, love encompasses more than what we do but also what we don’t do.

The Sacrifice of EvangelismEvangelizing the lost is a spiritual sacrifice. The apostle Paul referred to his ministry to unbelieving Gentiles as a “priestly ministry” and “offering” (Romans 15:15-16). I believe that every action we take on behalf of evangelizing the lost is a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. Everything, no matter how seemingly small, matters, whether it be giving for the sake of evangelism, inviting a stranger to church, teaching an impromptu Bible study, giving your testimony, tarrying with sinners in an altar service, or any number of other practical ways we participate in the sacrificial work of evangelism. For believer-priests, evangelism is a lifestyle and not just a liability.

The Sacrifice of PrayerActs 10:1 tells the story of a Roman army officer named Cornelius, a devout God-fearing man. He gave generously to the poor and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:3-4, New International Version, details how an angel appeared to Cornelius, saying, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” In Revelation 8:3-4 an angel of the Lord is said to be “standing at the altar, holding a golden censor, that he might add incense to the prayers of the saints.” Using language reminiscent of Old Testament ceremonial, priestly duties, the New International Version says, “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand” (Revelation 8:4). That fascinating terminology likens the prayers of believers to incense or memorial offerings that waft like a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord. What beautiful timeless imagery of prayer that evokes in our minds. This helps us to remember that prayer is not only effective but also sacrificial.

The Perversion of the Priesthood & Invention of the TrinityTime and attention spans don’t allow for a detailed dive into the historical perversion of the priesthood. However, it would be neglectful to cover the topic of believer-priests without addressing the elephant in the room – the Roman Catholic Church and its spinoffs. Arguably, one of the most tragic things that ever happened to Christianity was the supposed conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine (306 A.D. – 337 A.D.). While we can be thankful the avid physical persecution of Christians ended under Constantine, the politically motivated doctrinal perversions he ushered in still plague us today. Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion during Constantine’s reign and continued with Theodosius (379 A.D. – 395 A.D.). As imperial largesse transformed Christianity in Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, the view of the priesthood drew on Roman ideas of civic and pagan priesthoods and the pompous ceremonial aspects of the imperial court.[xl] Among the many foul doctrines concocted in the bowels of the ancient Roman Catholic Church, which remains firmly ensconced, is its insistence that an earthly priesthood of men is required to act as a mediator between God and humanity.

How could something so outrageous become so dominant? Simply put, the pressure of big government corrupted the official theologies of the Church through the usual suspects of compromise, power plays, intimidation, murder, and political marginalization. Once that powerful engine gained momentum, it just kept expanding until it reached a bloody culmination with the Crusades, governmental coups, serfdom, and religious persecution. Satan turned the so-called “Church” into the murderous regime it had endured in the Catacombs and Coliseums of Rome in the first two and a half centuries after Christ. A reformation was necessary and inevitable. But, the Protestant Reformation didn’t occur until the 16th century.[xli] The Protestant Reformation admirably emphasized and rallied around the biblical teachings of the “priesthood of believers.” Yet, while Lutherans would disagree, reforming all the perverted doctrines, traditions, and influences of the Catholic Church and its ilk took roughly another three centuries. It wasn’t until the emergence of Pentecostalism at the beginning of the 20th century that an authentic reformation began to take shape.

Another of many notable perversions that sprang like a poisonous tree from the soil of Roman Christianity is the doctrine of the Trinity. The dogma developed slowly over 200 years and continued to be refined in how it was explained for hundreds of years. Its development began with an attempt to understand the nature of God in terms of Greek philosophical concepts while rooted in Roman political soil.[xlii] As the lightening rod Presbyterian minister Robert Elliott Speer wrote at the turn of the 19th century: It is an unquestionable historical fact that the doctrine of the Trinity is a false doctrine foisted into the Church during the third and fourth centuries, which finally triumphed by the aid of persecuting emperors.[xliii]A tragic truism is that the same power brokers who conceived and mainstreamed Trinitarianism would have burned most modern Trinitarians at the stake for various perceived heresies. It’s sad to hear and read Trinitarians naively quote theologians (they reverentially refer to them as church fathers) who lived centuries after Christ as if they were just as inspired and inerrant as the Apostles and prophets. Trinitarians cannot legitimately be considered Apostolic, for the Apostles knew not of the nonsensical Trinitarian distinction of persons. Furthermore, the Apostles baptized exclusively in the name of Jesus and not with titles (Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12, Matthew 28:19).

Incredibly Amazing Priestly PrivilegePeople often ask what distinguishes Apostolic Pentecostals from other flavors of Christianity. And, of course, there’s no short answer to that question. However, an excellent explanation to begin with is the reality that the Apostolic Church is the result of continued Church Reformation. We genuinely believe in sola scriptura (Scripture alone). We’re unmoved by post-biblical historical doctrines or their bygone champions. Apostolics emphatically and passionately believe that all truth necessary for our salvation and spiritual life is taught explicitly or implicitly in the Bible. It’s been a hard fight, but the Apostolic Church miraculously reemerged from the ash heap of Church history while effectively, although often imperfectly, struggling to return to the Apostolic doctrines of the first Church founded by Jesus. Furthermore, Apostolic Pentecostals fully embrace their priestly privileges while acknowledging Christ as their final High Priest. With its Levitical priests and continual and inadequate offerings, the Mosaic Law was a shadow of Christ’s coming and once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:1-4).[xliv]

Remember the thick temple veil that separated the most holy place (or holy of holies) from the holy place (2 Chronicles 3:14)? Only the High Priest was allowed to pass through that veil, and then only on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2). At Jesus’ death, the temple veil was ripped from top to bottom, illustrating that Jesus had obliterated the barrier separating humanity from the presence of God (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45).[xlv] A Levitical caste can no longer mediate between the sinner and his Judge. We may come boldly with loving confidence, not slavish fear, directly through Christ, the only mediating Priest. Of course, Jesus is a superior High Priest, or as Zechariah 6:13 prophesied, “a priestly King.” [xlvi] Because Jesus is superior in every way, believer-priests have incredible, unprecedented privileges. We can do something even the ancient High Priests only did once a year and even then, with great trepidation: Boldly enter into the holy of holies any time, day or night Hebrews 10:19-20). We have constant access, communion, and relationship to and with the presence of God. The blood of Jesus made these new priestly privileges possible once and for all.

In ConclusionI’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing about the holy priesthood of believers. The beautifully intricate ways the Old and New Testaments complement and complete one another always astonish me. It’s so elegantly simple yet intensely profound. The perfection of it irrefutably proves the infallibility of the Bible. Each book, prophecy, revelation, precept, and illumination fit together like a hand into a custom-fitted glove. Of course, I know there is a danger of seeing correlations in Scripture where there are none. Still, we must fully integrate correlations into our daily Christian lives whenever they are well-defined. And the Bible is abundantly clear that believers today enter a holy royal priesthood via the New Birth. This new priesthood of believers gives us the ultimate privilege possible: The ability to step into the presence of God and have a personal relationship with Him. However, like all privileges, that privilege comes with significant expectations and responsibilities. Believer-priests must live holy lives separated from the defilements of this fallen world. They must reach, love, preach, and teach the lost. They must do the same for the saved. It’s a lifestyle of relationship with God, separation from the world, and daily spiritual sacrifice. It’s wild and exhilarating, all-consuming, transformative, and extraordinarily significant.

[i] Gangel, Kenneth O. John. B & H Publishing Group, 2000

[ii] Gangel, Kenneth O. John. B & H Publishing Group, 2000.

[iii] Strong, James. Strong’s Greek Dictionary of the New Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.9. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 1999.

[iv] NAS Topical Index. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.1. La Habra: The Lockman Foundation, 2000.

[v] Garrett, Duane A. A Commentary on Exodus. KEL. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.0. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2014.

[vi] Butler, Trent C., Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England, eds. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.0. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2003.

[vii] Cargal, Timothy B. Freedman, David Noel, Allen C. Myers, and Astrid B. Beck, eds. Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Accordance electronic edition, version 3.8. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000.

[viii] Ryken, Leland, Jim Wilhoit, and Tremper Longman, eds. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.2. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1998.

[ix] Wolf, H. J. Orr, James, ed. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.5. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1915.

[x] Wolf, H. J. Orr, James, ed. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.5. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1915.

[xi] Kohlenberger III, John R. and William D. Mounce. Kohlenberger/Mounce Concise Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 3.4. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 2012.

[xii] Easton, Burton Scott. Orr, James, ed. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.5. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1915.

[xiii] Bernard, David K. Practical Holiness. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Hazelwood, Missouri: Word Aflame Press, 1985.

[xiv] VanGemeren, Willem A. Psalms. EBC 5. Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein and J. D. Douglas. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.9. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991.

[xv] NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015.

[xvi] Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Revised, Accordance electronic edition, version 1.3. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 1993.

[xvii] Macalister, Alex. Orr, James, ed. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.5. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1915.

[xviii] Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. 2d; Accordance electronic edition, version 1.0. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2014.

[xix] Walton, John H. and Craig S. Keener, eds., NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.1. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.

[xx] NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015.

[xxi] Mulholland Jr., M. Robert. “Revelation.” Pages 399-606 in James 1–2 Peter Jude Revelation. Vol. 18 of Cornerstone Bible Commentary. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.1. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2011.

[xxii] Johnson, Alan F. Revelation. EBC 12. Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein and J. D. Douglas. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.9. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.

[xxiii] Beasley-Murray, George R. Revelation. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. Edited by D. A Carson, R. T France, J. A. Motyer, and Gordon J. Wenham. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.5. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1994.

[xxiv] Johnson, Van. Romans. Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary. Edited by French L. Arrington and Roger Stronstad. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.5. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.

[xxv] Harrison, Everett F. Romans. EBC 10. Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein and J. D. Douglas. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.9. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977.

[xxvi] Johnson, Van. Romans. Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary. Edited by French L. Arrington and Roger Stronstad. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.5. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.

[xxvii] Phillips, John. Exploring Romans. John Phillips Commentary Series. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.6. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1969.

[xxviii] Witmer, John A. Romans. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.7. 2 vols. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1983.

[xxix] Maclaren, Alexander. Expositions of Holy Scripture. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.3. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 2006.

[xxx] Maclaren, Alexander. Expositions of Holy Scripture. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.3. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 2006.

[xxxi] Packer, J.I. Wood, D. R. W., ed. New Bible Dictionary. 3d, Accordance electronic edition, version 2.5. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

[xxxii] Horton, Stanley M. What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit. Revised; Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, 2005.

[xxxiii] Reese, Coley (2023, November 6). This is a quotation of the entire post [Facebook status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/coley.reese/posts/pfbid02SUknCVgY5KA3KU2349S1wSCXp8uFEU7QtUhUCVm4xGLByUdyRJwyQ4X3w5f9kLaTl

[xxxiv] Harris, W. Hall, ed., The NET Bible Notes. 2nd edition, version 5.8. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2019.

[xxxv] Horton, Stanley M. What the Bible Says about the Holy Spirit. Revised; Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Springfield: Gospel Publishing House, 2005.

[xxxvi] Phillips, John. Exploring Romans. John Phillips Commentary Series. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.6. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1969.

[xxxvii] Dennis, Lane T. and Wayne Grudem, eds., The ESV Study Bible. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.0. Wheaton: Crossway Bibles, 2008.

[xxxviii] Barnes, Albert. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 2.2. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 2006.

[xxxix] Adams, Wesley and Donald Stamps. Ephesians. Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary. Edited by French L. Arrington and Roger Stronstad. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.5. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.

[xl] “Priesthood: Christian Priesthood.” Encyclopedia of Religion. Retrieved October 18, 2023, from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/priesthood-christian-priesthood

[xli] Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopedia (2023, October 29). priest. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/priest-Christianity

[xlii] Berkhof, Louis. The History of Christian Doctrines. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1937

[xliii] Robert Spears, The Unitarian Handbook of Scriptural Illustrations & Expositions. London: British and Foreign Unitarian Association, 1883.

[xliv] Ryrie, Charles Caldwell, ed., The Ryrie Study Bible. Expanded, Accordance electronic edition, version 2.3. Chicago: Moody Press, 1995.

[xlv] Blum, Edwin A. and Jeremy Royal Howard, eds., HCSB Study Bible: Holman Christian Standard Bible. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2010.

[xlvi] Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. 1871, Accordance electronic edition, version 2.6. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 1996.

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I was reasonably sure it was a sinus infection. I get them so often that I’m able to recognize the symptoms. Everything from my neck up felt like it was being hit repeatedly with a hammer. My drab doctor’s office looks like it’s sponsored by the color gray. The fluorescent lights burned my already aching eyes. It was packed with people. I groaned inwardly, knowing the large crowd meant I’d be waiting a long time to see the doctor. I searched in vain for a seat where I wouldn’t have to sit next to another human. Finally, I squeezed into a chair between a man with a necklace apparently salvaged from an 80s hip-hop video and a woman holding a squirming toddler. I closed my eyes and prayed for silence. My prayer was interrupted, “Hey, are you a pastor”? It was the necklace guy. How does he know I’m a pastor? I thought to myself. The toddler screamed.

He didn’t look sick and didn’t seem to notice how miserable I was either. I gritted my teeth and exchanged pleasantries. He was waiting for his mother. “Are you one of those pastors who doesn’t believe miracles are for today?” he asked, giving me a hard look. “Quite the opposite,” I responded. He nodded as if I had just answered the million-dollar Jeopardy question correctly. “My mom has cancer,” he blurted out. And just like that, his tough exterior crumbled. “Would you like us to pray for your mother?” I asked. “Maybe,” he said. That answer surprised me. “First, let me ask you this,” he twisted in his seat to look me in the eyes. “Why do we need to pray if God already knows the answer?” he asked.

Does Prayer Change God’s Mind?Mr. Necklace turned out to be quite the philosopher. I realized right away that he wouldn’t accept canned or trite answers. Somehow, I stumbled through that unexpectedly deep conversation despite my throbbing head and persistent dizziness. And yes. We did eventually pray for his mother. Answering why prayer matters if God already knows requires more than a quick explanation. Essentially the heart of that question is asking if prayer changes God’s mind. And the answer is no; it does not. For example, if every Christian prayed for the Second Coming of Jesus not to happen, it would still occur. However, and this might sound like semantics, prayer does change things. The mind of God does not change, for God does not change. Yet, God has chosen to exercise His sovereign will through secondary means and secondary activities. God, knowing the future, has already factored our prayers and our lack of prayers into the equation. Our prayers change things because God has ordained them to do so. He has intricately woven His actions into the fabric of our relationship with Him. The prayers of a righteous man avail much because God has ordained them to do so (James 5:16). Therefore, prayer does not change God’s mind, but it does change our circumstances.

Didn’t God Repent?Naturally, you might be thinking, what about the Scriptures that say God “repented of” His actions (Exodus 32:14)? Let’s look at that. First, the Hebrew word nacham, which is often translated as “repent” or “to have regret,” can also mean “sorrow” or “to bring comfort.”[i] Genesis 6:6 is the first instance of God’s apparent “repentance.” The King James Version reads: “And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” To suggest that God made a mistake and needed to repent of that mistake implies that God is not perfect, His ways are not perfect, and His decisions are fallible. However, because we know that God’s ways are perfect, it makes sense to conclude that secondary and even tertiary meanings of nacham should apply. For example, here in Genesis 6:6, if we use the secondary definition of nacham, this verse is understood to mean that the wickedness of man brought great sorrow to God’s heart, especially considering what He must do to restore them.

The Gethsemane PrincipleNow that we have established that prayer changes things, let’s examine a common misconception about prayer. Several Scriptures, at first glance and when not adequately contextualized, seem to indicate that if we pray with faith, we will get whatever we want from God (Psalm 37:4, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 21:22, John 14:13, James 5:15-18, 1 John 3:22). Each text deserves its own consideration. Yet, for brevity, I’ve chosen a representative text that is often confusing. In Mark 11:24, Jesus said to His disciples, “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” His statement is, of course, conditioned by His will (1 John 5:14-16). In Matthew 21:22, we have the broad general rule for prayer. The rule is liberal, gracious, and awesome in potential, but it is qualified by just and reasonable limitations explained elsewhere in the Scriptures (James 4:2-3; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Luke 22:42).[ii]

Jesus was absolutely the only truly righteous person to walk the earth. And yet, he prayed very specifically in the Garden of Gethsemane that He would not have to suffer and die (Matthew 26:36-46). His request was denied, not because Jesus was sinful or lacked faith, but because it did not align with God’s will. Therefore, in His perfection, He gave us a template to follow when praying. He prayed, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt (Matthew 26:39).” The Gospel writers did not see this as a divergence from Jesus’ earlier promises that praying by faith produces answered prayer. Instead, they understood that all prayer requests must ultimately be surrendered to God’s will. I think John summed it up best: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him (1 John 5:14-15).

Warnings to the UnrighteousThe Old and New Testaments issue somber warnings to unrighteous people who pray. For example, proverbs 28:9 says, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.” That’s severe language! An abomination is something morally detestable in God’s sight.[iii] The psalmist acknowledged, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18).” That is, if I know sin is there, and I do nothing about it, the Lord will not hear my prayers.[iv] The prophet Isaiah chastised the people on God’s behalf, saying, “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:2).” John’s Gospel declares, “God heareth not sinners (John 9:31).” Peter alerted, “The face of the Lord is against them that do evil (1 Peter 3:12).” And James cautioned that our motives matter when we are praying (James 4:3). These verses serve as a sobering reminder that approaching God with an unrepentant heart invites His wrath.

Why Pray If God Already Knows?We’re still left with the question, “Why pray if God already knows?” Not only does He know what will happen, but He knows if, when, and what we will pray. And yet, prayer is not suggested to us. Rather, it is demanded of us. I will cover several reasons prayer is required of us, but first, let it be acknowledged that if God commands us to pray, that alone is reason enough to pray. There are a great many things God requires of us that, on the surface, seem unreasonable or unnecessary, yet obedience is necessary if we want to be in good standing with the Lord. It is excellent to have understanding, but ultimately, we are not called to understand. We are called to obey.

Prayer Connects Us to the Community of GodDuring Jesus’ most famous teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, He gave an example of how everyone should pray:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil… (Matthew 6:9-13).

Did you catch it? Jesus didn’t say to pray, “my Father which art in heaven.” Instead, He said, “our Father.” And don’t pray, “give me this day.” Instead, pray, “give us this day.” Read the full prayer. Not once does Jesus use singular pronouns except when addressing the Father. Why? Because even in prayer, we must remember that we are part of a community more significant than ourselves. Prayer connects us to the community of God spiritually and emotionally.

Prayer Delights GodProverbs 15:8 says, “The prayer of the upright is his delight.” Asking the question, “Why pray if God already knows?” reveals a profound misunderstanding of the nature of prayer. We were created to have a relationship with the Lord. Communicating with the Lord is an essential part of that relationship. In fact, requesting things from God is just a tiny portion of our daily prayers. As incredible as it may seem, God enjoys it when we pray. When you love someone, you long to be near them and discuss everything with them. The same is true when you love God.

Prayer Reveals Remarkable SecretsJeremiah 33:3 in the New Living Translation says, “Ask me, and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” Ironically, one of the significant advantages of praying to God, who knows everything about the past, present, and future, is that He can and does reveal remarkable secrets to His children. Tremendous revelations and illuminations are received in prayer. For example, during prayer, the Apostle Peter received the vision showing that Gentiles could be saved under God’s new covenant (Acts 10:9-16). Not every revelation is significant to the entire world, but it will be profoundly important for your life.

I’ve been sitting here contemplating personal testimonies of how God revealed secrets to me in prayer, and there are too many to list here. However, narrowing it down to one testimony has been very difficult. But here it goes. Many years ago, I traveled through the Midwest in the dead of a severe winter storm. The interstate was icy, and traffic was heavy. I was in a hurry and impatient to get to my destination. Then, my gas light dinged and glowed the familiar red. So, I pulled over at the nearest gas station. I went through the usual pit stop routine: gas, snack, restroom. And I jumped back into the car, ready to rush back onto the interstate. Suddenly, I felt the urge to pray. I did so, expecting to have a nice prayer meeting while driving (as I often do). But the Lord spoke and said to park the car and wait. I didn’t like that at all. “I’m on a tight schedule,” I argued. “Wait,” He said. After what seemed like a thousand hours, I finally felt the release to drive. I immediately saw the devastating results of a deadly multi-car pileup on the interstate. I undoubtedly would have been part of that collision if the Lord had not stopped me.

Prayer Produces FaithThe Gospels of Matthew and Mark tell the story of a father bringing his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. Evidently, the father encountered the disciples first, and they attempted to cast the demon out themselves, but they could not do it. Eventually, he got his son to Jesus and described how the disciples could not cast out the demon. Then, speaking of the disciples, Jesus said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you (Mark 9:19)?” Then, the father says, “Jesus, help us if you can (Mark 9:22).” Jesus responded sharply, “What do you mean, ‘if I can’?”. Next, Jesus addressed the father’s faith, saying, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).” And in one of the most dramatic and intensely relatable moments in Scripture, the desperate father cried out to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief (Mark 9:24).” The comingling of belief and unbelief, that harrowed father expressed, is something we’ve all experienced. Part of us believes, but another part of us doubts or fears or worries, etc. All we can do is cry out to Jesus to help us have the faith we need. And, thankfully, He gives it to us.

After the boy had been delivered and the disciples had a private moment with Jesus, they asked the question that was surely burning in their minds, “Why couldn’t we cast out that demon (Mark 9:28)?”. Matthew’s Gospel gives a slightly more detailed description than Mark’s:

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit, this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:20-21).

Many people tend to oversimplify this passage, saying something like, “If you’d add fasting to your prayers, the victory will come.” As if fasting itself is the crucial issue at hand. But the real problem Jesus addressed in that story is the lack of faith in the disciples and the father. Faith, not fasting, moves mountains. Faith, not fasting, can cast out stubborn demons. However, some demonic realms are so intense that we can only ensure we have the necessary faith through prayer and fasting. Usually, moments of intense spiritual warfare where extraordinary faith is needed come without warning. Therefore, regular prayer and fasting produce faith. Prayer produces faith, but Jesus indicated that prayer and fasting generate greater faith. Interestingly, the sequence of Jesus’ remarks implies that it takes less faith to move a mountain (the size of a mustard seed) than it does to cast out certain demons.

Prayer Prepares UsThe Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote, “Never stop praying, be ready for anything by praying and being thankful (Colossians 4:2).”[v] Prayer prepares us for anything for all the reasons already covered: It connects us to the community of God, delights God, reveals secrets, and produces faith in our hearts. Prayer keeps us humble because it acknowledges God as the ultimate source of truth and authority. Therefore, we draw closer to God relationally in prayer. God already knows us, but prayer allows us to know Him better. That intimate relationship prepares us for any eventuality that life might bring.

Prayer Strengthens Against TemptationPrayer strengthens us specifically against the hazards of temptation. Jesus encouraged the disciples, “Pray for strength against temptation. Your spirit wants to do what is right, but your body is weak (Matthew 26:41).”[vi] Many times, we keep this command in reverse; we wait until we’re tempted to pray, and while it’s certainly good to pray when we’re tempted, it’s far better to pray for strength before we’re in the throes of temptation. Because not only would we undergo less temptation, but it would also be far less potent when it does attack.

Prayer Reveals God’s WillThe Bible is brimming with examples of people seeking direction, desperately wanting to know God’s will. David begged God for guidance on whether he should pursue his captured family (1 Samuel 30:8). After Joshua died, the leaderless Israelites anxiously asked God which tribe should lead them into battle against the Canaanites (Judges 1:1). Facing the monumental question of who should replace Judas as an Apostle, they prayed for an answer (Acts 1:24-25). Of course, we all have big and small dilemmas where the solution isn’t simple, and we need to know God’s will. Jesus said, “Seek and ye shall find (Matthew 7:7).” Rarely does God show His plan to us without us first seeking it. Instead, the Lord draws us into a deeper relationship with Him by insisting that we spend time in prayer, searching for direction, solutions, and answers.

Prayer Proves GodPrayer is a public testimony of our faith in God. Praying, especially before the watching world, becomes our broadcasted witness. And when our prayers are answered, it proves God. For example, while Paul and Silas languished in prison after being beaten nearly to death, they prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:25). Luke is careful to include the detail, “And all the prisoners heard them (Acts 16:25).” When the earthquake shook the prison doors open God received the glory. That’s why Elijah insisted the prophets of Baal should pray to their lifeless gods, and then he would pray to the one true God (1 Kings 18:24). Then, when the fire fell, it proved God before the skeptics.

My younger brother, Jonathan, suffered from a blood cancer called leukemia as a child. God did several notable miracles for Jon during that painful season. However, you’ll inevitably hear the story of a particularly dark moment in Jon’s sickness if you’re around our dad very much. Jon hadn’t eaten in days, and he was frail, and his immune system was compromised. The doctors were concerned that Jon wouldn’t recover if he couldn’t eat. Nevertheless, our parents felt in prayer to take Jon to a special church service in a nearby town. Our father’s stepdad surprised everyone by agreeing to attend the service. Grandpa Lee wasn’t religious, but he carried his fragile, starving little grandson up to the altar for prayer. Moments after they prayed, Jon whispered into Grandpa Lee’s ear, “I’m hungry.” Later, in the minivan, on the way to Wendy’s, Jon started singing softly, “Look what the Lord has done. He healed my body. He touched my mind. He saved me just in time.” Of course, that song became a French family mantra from that day forward. Grandpa Lee was so moved by that visible answer to desperate prayers that he began seeking the Holy Ghost and eventually received it. Our prayers prove the power of God to a watching world. They may not always respond as they should, but they are not without a witness.

Prayer Causes Angelic InterventionWhen God kept the lions from devouring Daniel, it convinced a pagan king to believe in Daniel’s God. “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22),” Daniel announced to the king.[vii] Again, in Daniel 10, an angel appears to Daniel in a vision as a result of his prayers. The angel said, “From the very first day you decided to get wisdom and to be humble in front of God, he has been listening to your prayers. I came to you because you have been praying (Daniel 10:12)”.[viii] We have incomplete knowledge of how angels operate. As a result, there’s little we truly understand about the spiritual warfare happening beyond our limited scope of human vision. Still, we can be assured that prayer causes angelic intervention on a grand scale. We do not pray to angels, but when we call on the Lord as their commander, He dispatches them on our behalf.

Prayer Ushers Us into the SpiritThe Apostle Paul declared, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14).” Praying in tongues is a supernatural depth of prayer where the Spirit of God assists us as we pray. Praying in the Spirit ushers us into heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Your spirit intercedes in and through the Holy Ghost beyond your earthly ability to pray. Your own spirit prays supernaturally, without understanding, rather than your intellect. You might not know how or even what to pray, but when you are in the Spirit, there is a deep working of the Holy Ghost, empowerment, and a supernatural power between you and God in prayer. The Spirit isn’t controlling your speech but empowers your spirit to pray in the Spirit.

Again, Paul expounded on praying in the Spirit, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).” The New Living Translation accurately renders “…edifieth himself” as “…is strengthened personally.” Praying in tongues is personal, directed to God. Otherwise, it’s a Divine message to the church requiring interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:2). The “unknown tongue” in 1 Corinthians 14:4 is personal prayer. As with all tongues speech, such prayer is viewed as being “in the Spirit.” A personal strengthening (edification) comes exclusively from praying in the Spirit.

To be clear, it’s good to pray with understanding, which means to pray in your native language using your intellect to form meaningful words and sentences. However, a person’s intellect can only take them to a certain point in prayer. Our memories are flawed, our perceptions are skewed, and our comprehension is one-dimensional. We don’t even know exactly which demons have a stronghold in our region. We don’t know which specific powers need to be cast down. But the Spirit knows. We don’t know when an eighteen-wheeler is bearing down on our loved ones in real-time, but the Spirit knows. So, when we pray in the Spirit, the Spirit fills the gaps our weaknesses can’t close. For a deeper look at praying the Spirit, read Praying in Tongues with Dr. Talmadge French, or listen to the podcast Praying in Tongues with Dr. Talmadge French.

[i] Baker, Warren and Eugene Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.2. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2003.

5162. נָחַם nāḥam: A verb meaning to be sorry, to pity, to comfort, to avenge. The verb often means to be sorry or to regret: the Lord was sorry that He had made people (Gen. 6:6); He led Israel in a direction to avoid war when they left Egypt, lest they became so sorry and grieved that they would turn back (Ex. 13:17). The Lord had compassion on His people (i.e., He became sorry for them because of the oppression their enemies placed on them [Judg. 2:18]). While the Lord could be grieved, He did not grieve or become sorry so that He changed His mind as a human does (1 Sam. 15:29). The word also means to comfort or console oneself. Isaac was comforted after Sarah, his mother, died (Gen. 24:67).

The verb always means to console or comfort. Jacob refused to be comforted when he believed that Joseph had been killed (Gen. 37:35). To console is synonymous with showing kindness to someone, as when David consoled Hanun, king of the Ammonites, over the death of his father (2 Sam. 10:2). God refused to be consoled over the destruction of His people (Isa. 22:4; 40:1); yet He comforts those who need it (Ps. 119:82; Isa. 12:1). The passive form of the word means to be comforted: the afflicted city of Zion would be comforted by the Lord (Isa. 54:11; 66:13). In the reflexive stem, it can mean to get revenge for oneself (Gen. 27:42; Ezek. 5:13); to let oneself be sorry or have compassion (Num. 23:19; Deut. 32:36); and to let oneself be comforted (Gen. 37:35; Ps. 119:52).

[ii] Phillips, John. Exploring the Gospel of Matthew. John Phillips Commentary Series. Accordance electronic edition, version 1.6. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1999.

[iii] Strong, James. Strong’s Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary of the Old Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 3.3. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 1999.

[iv] (Psalm 66:18 Amplified Bible)

[v] (Colossians 4:2 Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV))

[vi] (Matthew 26:41 Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV))

[vii] (Daniel 6:22 New King James Version)

[viii] (Daniel 10:12 Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version (ERV))

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant apostolic resource that covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. An extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 70 | Why Pray If God Already Knows? & Twix Popcorn Good, Gross, GreatbyRyan FrenchRyan discusses the question: Why pray if God already knows? Does prayer change God’s mind, and did God need to repent? All taken from the recent Apostolic Voice article, Why Pray If God Already Knows at http://www.ryanafrench.com. French Fam gathers for a fun edition of Good, Gross, Great rating Twix Popcorn.

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Show Podcast InformationRelated posts:1. Praying in Tongues – Article + Podcast 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 4. Prayer, Revival & Spiritual Warfare with Joe Campetella (Article + Podcast) 5. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast

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I gazed across a lush, green, undulating field that stretched as far as my eyes could see. This was somewhere in Wisconsin. I’d been driving for hours when I happened to notice farm signs peppering the little country roads. Growing up in a big city, I’d never seen large herds of… well, anything. So, I made a detour and found a farm. The sheep’s white contrasted sharply with the deep green of the fields. There were so many sheep that my untrained eye couldn’t count them. After a few minutes, a middle-aged farmer in stereotypical overalls and various layers of flannel called out to me with a thick Wisconsin brogue (they never pronounce the “g” at the end of a word). He was friendly and talkative in a quiet, hard-working midwestern way. Eventually, I asked him about raising sheep. “Sheep and goats,” he corrected. I didn’t see goats, so I asked, “Do you keep the goats somewhere else?” “Nah, they’re out there with the sheep,” he said. I squinted into the bright sunlight, still not seeing goats. Then, he added helpfully, “they’re hard to spot from a distance; they just blend in with the sheep.”

They Blend In“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you whom my Father blesses; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world (Matthew 25:31-34).”

A common thread runs through the Old and New Testaments, which likens God to a shepherd and us as His sheep. Surveys show that Psalms 23:1, “the Lord is my Shepherd,” is the most well-known verse in the Bible. Jesus added several layers to this analogy, like ravenous wolves disguised as sheep (Matthew 7:15), people who try to sneak into Heaven without using the sheep’s gate (John 10:1) and introduced the concept of pastoral under-shepherds (John 21:16). All of these are just examples, of course. False prophets aren’t literally wolves, but they are cunning and dangerous like wolves. Nevertheless, the shepherding and animal comparisons Jesus used are remarkably relevant today.

I’ve found that, much like looking over that Wisconsin field and struggling to differentiate the sheep from the goats, from a distance, sheep and goats blend together in our churches too. Eventually, the goats act like goats, or you get close enough to tell, but they can coexist for a long time. Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t have trouble telling the difference, but rather than separating the herd right now, He’s waiting until judgment day. God is content to let the goats play like sheep until the final moment when hearts are revealed at the throne. Until then, our church communities have goats blending in with the sheep. Occasionally, goats paw the ground, show their horns, and reveal their true nature. That can be especially sad if, up to that moment, you believed they were sheep.

You Should Smell Like SheepIf you can forgive a transparent moment, I want to share a story that dramatically impacted my thinking on this subject. Years ago, an individual began attending services regularly, our church was much smaller, and I was far more naïve. He was shy and troubled. It took a long time to get his background story. He already had the Holy Ghost, but his church background was impossible to follow. He’d just been to so many places of every denomination and creed. It’s no exaggeration to say I spent countless hours on the phone counseling, in-person fellowshipping, or teaching Bible studies with him. But, no matter how much time I gave him, it was never enough.

In the beginning, he was incredibly faithful. But a strange cycle eventually manifested of randomly disappearing for months at a time. He’d attend a random church for a few months and then show back up at our church with a story about how badly that other church had failed him. The first several times this happened, I chased him down (figuratively) to check on him and encourage him to get settled here. I called, texted, and even knocked on his door. I quit doing that, however. You see, I realized if he was going to be faithful, it would take a heart change, not just an encouraging word.

One day he showed back up at church and aggressively confronted me, shouting, “You should smell like sheep!” He said, “Jesus left the church to find the lost sheep, and you should too!” I was stunned and hurt. I let guilt wash all over me. Had I been wrong not to keep chasing and chasing and chasing? I mean, Jesus did talk about leaving the flock to find the one lost sheep. I stammered and told him all the sincere things I could think of to assure him I cared about his soul and did indeed want to be a good pastor. I agreed to meet him for coffee very soon. He never returned my calls, and I didn’t see him again for six months.

The evening after that verbal ambush, I spent a good deal of time in prayer about the situation. As pastors do, I replayed everything in my mind over and over again. Did I do enough? Was I approachable? Am I inadequate? How can I duplicate myself so I can give everyone all the time they need? Lord, help me be a better pastor. Lord, how can I meet the insatiable needs and overwhelming demands? Lord, I don’t want to be responsible for lost sheep. And God let me twist in the wind for a good while before gently saying, “your job is to feed sheep, not chase goats.”

Sheep Wander, Goats Run AwayPut aside the fact that the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7) is really a story about winning the lost and not about chasing stray saints. But regardless, good shepherds search for lost sheep and do their best to bring them safely back home. Tragically, sometimes the wolves, the goats, the elements, or all three have already taken their toll when a shepherd locates them. Here’s a little observation the Lord helped me unearth: Lost sheep may wander away and get hurt or lost, but goats run away and resist being brought back to the fold. When lost sheep see their shepherd, they are happy and relieved. Yes, they might be embarrassed or ashamed too. But mostly, they are thankful for the help. Goats, on the other hand, are defiant, angry, and defensive. A goat isn’t going to let you put him on your shoulders and take him home, as Jesus described in the parable.

Grazers & BrowsersGoats have a well-deserved reputation for eating anything in sight. Sometimes they chew it up and spew it out. There’s a classic episode of The Andy Griffith Show where Barney and Andy hilariously deal with a goat that had eaten a crate of dynamite. The last thing they needed was a goat with a belly full of dynamite, headbutting something and going kaboom in the middle of Mayberry. And while that may be ridiculous, it is believable because goats are browsers. They don’t feed on grass or low-growth vegetation like sheep. So, the green pastures mentioned in Psalm 23 aren’t all that exciting to goats. And that is a crucial difference between sheep and goats. Sheep are grazers. They are content with green grass and will follow shepherds who lead them beside “still waters.”

Goats don’t want a shepherd. They’re never full. They leave churches because they “aren’t being fed.” That’s rarely the case. They have an appetite for thorns and thistles. They like faux shepherds who promise something better, something more exciting, more relevant, than godly pastures and still waters. When that gets boring, or they realize how unsatisfying that diet is, they move on to another place. While that’s fine for actual goats, people with a goat nature Jesus described reject living water and the bread of life (yes, I know I’m mixing metaphors). This is partially because goats are discontented by nature. Sheep have learned, as the apostle Paul said:

…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need (Philippians 4:11-12).

Interdependent & IndependentI get that being compared to sheep carries a stigma. We’ve all heard derogatory comments about “sheeple,” “herd mentalities,” and “lemmings.” In America, at least for most of its history, personal independence is sought after and celebrated. And Jesus certainly wasn’t suggesting that we’re all alike or that Christ’s followers are supposed to be robots, mindlessly going with the flow. On the contrary, the Gospel is intensely personal and intimate. Everyone must have a close relationship with the Great Shepherd, so much so that they recognize His voice (John 10:27). If anything, remaining with God’s flock in His pasture takes great individual intentionality, sincere thought, and an extraordinary understanding of the greater good. By the “greater good,” I mean that sheep willingly trade their independence for interdependence. Because, let’s face it, complete independence is a total fabrication. Everyone needs someone or something, and sheep have realized they want and need the Great Shepherd.

But here’s the thing, if you want the Great Shepherd, you must accept that you are also getting His undershepherds and His flock. So, gaining the Great Shepherd gives you exclusive access to His pastures but also excludes you from wandering back to old fields. There will be fences, parameters, and requirements. You may not always understand or even like them, but you trust the Great Shepherd sees dangers you cannot see. Sure, the flock might slow you down or cramp your style, and it might be tempting to wander off and do your own thing for a while. You might misconstrue Christian liberty as freedom from the responsibilities of the flock. The apostle Paul addressed this carnal propensity in his letter to the church in Galatia: For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another (Galatians 5:13, ESV). The apostle Peter described our obligation to the flock this way: Have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind (1 Peter 3:8, ESV).

Goats are all about “my” and “me.” Sheep are focused on community, the “us” and “we.” Goats are constantly looking for advancement for themselves, while sheep look to enhance everyone. That’s why Jesus emphasized things like, “the last shall be first, and the first last (Matthew 20:16).” It’s counterintuitive, but putting others first is the best thing you can do for yourself. Let me show you something people miss who think they can accept Jesus while rejecting His undershepherds and flock. During Jesus’ most famous teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, He gave an example of how everyone should pray:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil… (Matthew 6:9-13).

Did you catch it? Jesus didn’t say to pray, “my Father which art in heaven.” Instead, he said, “our Father.” And don’t pray, “give me this day.” Rather pray, “give us this day.” Read the full prayer. Not once does Jesus use singular pronouns except when addressing the Father. Why? Because even in prayer, we must remember that we are part of a community more significant than ourselves. You can’t accept the Shepherd and reject your role in His flock. Sheep know this to be true.

Faithful & PlayfulEven the flakiest, most undependable Christians take great comfort knowing God is always faithful. I’m the first to raise my hand and say that what I probably love most about the Lord is that He will never leave or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8). In other words, God is never going to flake out on me. Yet, people who claim to be like Christ are often more playful than faithful.

It’s true that goats are more playful than sheep. This is because goats are more adventurous by nature. However, that doesn’t mean sheep aren’t playful. They are. They just don’t prioritize playfulness over faithfulness. Sheep know the ultimate goal is to hear the Great Shepherd say, “Well done my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23). Faithfulness always sounds boring until you need someone to be faithful to you. Likewise, loyalty seems mundane until you need loyalty.

Goats are not dependable. They’re terrible with follow-through. And they lack loyalty when the chips are down. But, oh, yes, they can be a lot of fun. Sometimes they’re a downright joy to have hanging around the sheep. But that playfulness quickly becomes annoying and occasionally destructive when faithfulness is required. Sheep, like having a good time. They need it and crave it. But they know when to take things seriously. They know how to listen for changes in their Shepherd’s tone. They’ve learned that fun at all costs isn’t worth the price.

Amiable & OneryBut, even with all that fun-loving independence, an orneriness lurks beneath the surface of a goat’s facade. The term “stubborn as a goat” exists for a good reason. Goats are indeed stubborn and hardheaded (literally). Goats are notoriously onery and rebellious. It’s their nature. Of course, some are more so than others. My grandfather would have called them cantankerous. Human goats are like that too. This puts them at odds with sheep, in opposition to undershepherds, and in trouble with the Great Shepherd.

While sheep are far from perfect, they have an amiable nature. They’ve learned to “strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14).” If it’s possible, and if they can do anything about it, they try to have peaceful relationships with everyone they encounter (Romans 12:18). This isn’t always easy. Still, it’s the will of the Great Shepherd, so they obey. After all, sheep don’t have to fight their own battles. Their Shepherd fights for them.

Shoats & GeepsMy daughter, our in-house animal expert, informed me that there are sheep-goat hybrids, usually referred to as “shoats” or “geeps.” I kid you not. The Bible never mentions these curious creatures. However, it does describe how every person has a war between two competing natures raging on the inside. You might say we’re all born with a goat nature, and the Holy Ghost gives us a new character. But even after receiving the Holy Ghost, we’re still a sheep-goat hybrid. That old goat nature desperately wants to take back control.

The apostle Paul lamented that the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the wishes of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other (Galatians 5:17). The apostle Peter called this inward struggle a war saying, “the passions of the flesh wage war against your soul (1 Peter 2:11).” Paul homed in on geeps that had transformed back into goats when he said: For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot (Romans 8:7, ESV). The transformation from sheep to goat and vice versa is always a possibility. Therefore, sheep must always be on guard, and goats have no choice but to repent or be lost.

Related posts:1. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. What’s the Difference Between Godly Sorrow & Worldly Sorrow 4. You Can’t Be A Church Leader If… 5. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast

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I’ll always be a poser. A loser at heart. The inside is broken. The outside’s a frame. I do it all in Jesus’ name. Fame brings no fortune. And fortune, no fame. The elements twisting. Aligning the game. Run for the hills in Jesus’ name. I’ve always been homeless. A wandering soul. Jealous of nothing. Yet wanting it all. Find contentment in Jesus’ name. Peace brings no freedom. And freedom, no sleep.The contention still lives.It always remains.Til’ the trump sounds in Jesus’ name.Can you value the future?Surrender the past? Love what’s leftover?Relinquish the masks?Just lay them down in Jesus’ name. Related posts:1. Guard Dog or God’s Chosen? 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 4. Dear Preacher – They’re Rejecting Jesus, Not You 5. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French

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``` Faith is made of sturdy stuff
It doesn’t bend or break or rust
It dares walk on wind and waves
It shan’t forget to watch His face

Fear is made of evil stuff
It doesn’t love or laugh or trust
Never moving past the grave
Hiding joy beneath the dust

Hope is made of hearty stuff
It doesn’t run or stop or quit
Much too strong to just give up
Keeping flames of faith alit

Hate is made of filthy stuff
It doesn’t heal or help the hurt
Over time it just gets worse
Making pain grow in reverse

Love is made of potent stuff
Ever-changing hardened hearts
It’s tenacious, always tough
Holding on because it must

Lust is made of feeble stuff
Formed in muck of wicked minds
Etched on hands drenched in blood
Heartless, sinful, ugly, gruff

Joy is made of ardent stuff
It changes not with passing whims
Nor falls apart when skies grow dim
Always faithful, full of love ``` Related posts:1. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 2. Your Questions Answered (Article + Podcast) 3. Three Trees 4. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 5. Should Christians Dye Their Hair? (Article + Podcast)

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Mississippi District United Pentecostal Church Superintendent David Tipton is passionate about Christians being involved in politics. So much so he’s written a great book called Faith, Freedom & Politics. It was an honor having him on the Apostolic Voice podcast (I’ve linked that episode below). You’ll enjoy that conversation. The topic is important enough to merit being condensed here. So, I’ve abbreviated the highlights of my conversation with Rev. Tipton for those who prefer to read.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant apostolic resource that covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. An extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 69 | Should Christians & Pastors Be Involved in Politics? with David Tipton (MS District UPCI Superintendent), Pumpkin Oreos Good-Gross-Great with the Brocks, Sister Rachel Cole & French FambyRyan FrenchMississippi District United Pentecostal Church Superintendent David Tipton is passionate about Christians being involved in politics. So much so he’s written a great book called Faith, Freedom & Politics. You can read an in-depth synopsis of that book at www.ryanafrench.com. Ryan and Superintendent Tipton discuss why politics matter and practical ways every Christian can make a difference through involvement in local and national politics. Superintendent Tipton gives the incredible testimony of the Mississippi United Pentecostal Church’s participation in the landmark overturning of the abortion law Roe vs. Wade. They also address common concerns regarding becoming too political in the church. Superintendent Tipton makes some exciting announcements for a new United Pentecostal Church International initiative called the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference (NACLC).

Relevant Links:

• The book Faith, Freedom & Politics by David Tipton
• Faith, Freedom & Politics book Synopsis by Ryan French
• www.naclc.org (National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference)

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Show Podcast InformationIn Christ, At ColosseTo the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:2).

Tipton makes the case that, like the church at Colosse, saints are to be in Christ and involved in their region. That involvement should naturally include politics. My father used to say, “don’t complain about politics if you don’t vote.” That impacted me as a young man because our human nature does tend to complain about things we won’t work to fix. Biblically we have good precedents for involvement: Daniel was involved with the King at the highest level of political advisory, Joseph was elevated to the second most powerful political position in Egypt, and Nehemiah governed Judah while maintaining a positive influence with the king of Babylon who held them captive. Paul instructed us to “pray for those in government positions (1 Timothy 2:1-2).” And Jesus urged us to be good citizens and pay our taxes (Matthew 22:17-21). But of course, we have a higher citizenship in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), but that doesn’t excuse us from doing the right thing here on earth.

My Political Affiliation I happily echo what Superintendent Tipton said in our interview, “my loyalties lie with Jesus Christ.” There will likely never be a politician who perfectly represents my biblical worldview. So, I strive to find the closest agreement possible. Like it or not, Christians are usually forced to vote for the lesser of two evils. Red or blue, elephant or donkey, I vote for candidates who are most likely to govern closest to my values. Therefore, my vote is not a full stamp of approval for their every action before or after they are elected. However, Tipton makes a valid point that shouldn’t be overlooked, “building a personal relationship with elected officials will help them remain more sympathetic to your values.”

All Politics Is LocalI’ve noticed that Christians will often become very animated about national politics. Yet, those same people are indifferent to their local elections and legislation. I’ll raise my hand and admit I’ve been that person. It’s easy to get swept into the electrifying current of national politics while simultaneously being lulled to sleep by local policymaking. However, Tipton reminded me that the average person is far more impacted by local policies than by federal ones. For example, COVID revealed much about how important it is for churches to have a good relationship with their mayor, sheriff, and county officials. As Tipton pointed out, “a local sheriff has tremendous power to help or harm.” It stands to reason that we should be active on the local level. If you’re like me, you might wonder, how can I cultivate relationships with local officials? Fortunately, Rev. Tipton gives some great advice on how to do just that.

Be A FriendI’m abbreviating Rev. Tipton’s advice considerably, but this will give you a good overview of developing relationships with your local officials. First, if possible, begin relationships while officials are running for office. Tipton says, “If you only initiate contact after they are elected, you seem like an opportunist.” Look for local luncheons, speeches, prayer breakfasts, book signings, or gatherings where you can introduce yourself to candidates while they are seeking office. Be real. Be genuine. Be kind. Once a local politician has won office, make contact in person by visiting their office. Congratulate them and express your desire to help them wherever possible. Even if you don’t see eye to eye on most issues, try to find some common ground. Treat them like human beings in a frenzied media culture that dehumanizes politicians, and they will be grateful. Politicians are humans like you and me. As Tipton says, “they like to win and hate to lose. They don’t want to be embarrassed or mistreated.”

Once you’ve made that initial contact in person. Write them a letter expressing some kindness and a measure of support. Let them know you are praying for them and that you represent others who are doing the same. If you notice or hear about a situation a local official is dealing with, send them a note expressing concern. Remind them you are available if they need a safe person to talk with. In short, be a friend. It’s vital that you establish this relationship before asking for help, demanding change, or complaining about this or that. You are more likely to get results from someone who sees you as a friend than if they view you as an annoying stranger. Finally, be a person of integrity in that relationship. Please don’t use them for selfies or talk about your conversations with them to others. They need to know you are trustworthy and reliable. They need to know that they are talking only to you when they speak to you.

Issues of Great ConcernYou may not care about or enjoy the American political process. And that’s ok. I get it. But you probably care deeply about the issues facing your family, church, and community. Those issues can only be resolved through the mechanism of politics. For example, the Mississippi District UPCI, under the direction of Rev. Tipton, played a crucial role in the legislation that overturned Roe vs. Wade and changed abortion laws for the better (you’ll want to listen to that testimony here). Religious liberty and freedom of speech are genuinely being threatened. Will we complain about it, or will we do something about it? I can tell you from personal experience that family law needs an overhaul, and public education needs total renovation. Mental health is tragically overlooked and underfunded in our communities. Crime and lawlessness are back on the rise in many sectors. Whether we realize it or not, business ethics and economics impact us all.

Christians care about these things. We detest racism. We’re not just against abortion. We’re for adoption (another area that needs deep reform). These issues and countless more should compel us to get involved as best we can, especially locally. Superintendent Tipton puts it this way:

If the church would be the redeeming force in the world, it must come to the realization that God’s love is for all men. A direct result of this is a deep-seated commitment to action in helping people, even if that means helping politically. It is vital for the church to move into the political process.

National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference (NACLC)Rev. Tipton is a founding leader and staunch advocate of the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference (NACLC). Their website is www.naclc.org. Individuals, churches, and districts can become members for $10.00 per month or $100.00 annually. Membership gives access to regular correspondence, initiatives, and materials relevant to Christian legislation and issues. Additionally, churches, districts, and ministries receive free membership in the Alliance Defending Freedom. The ADF team of nearly 100 attorneys can review documents, advise on related legal matters, and represent you if the case warrants. They focus primarily on protecting religious liberties from encroachment. The stated goal of NACLC is as follows, “to build a unified force of Apostolic Pentecostal organizations and believers that will influence local, state, and national policy.”

Related posts:1. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 2. Unmasked (Cogent COVID Thoughts) 3. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 4. Should Christians Dye Their Hair? (Article + Podcast) 5. Your Past Is Not Your Future with Coley Reese (Article + Podcast)

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I have to admit that the Asbury Revival hasn’t been majorly on my radar. I’m not super active on social media these days. By the way, cutting back on social media has been incredibly freeing for me. I have more clarity, fewer distractions, and more hope for humanity when not witnessing the daily media grime. Anyway, I’d seen a few clips here and there, but I didn’t start thinking seriously about Asbury until individuals began asking for my opinion. In that situation, I did what I often do: read what my friend Timothy Hadden had to say about it. In this case, he’s written two articles, Asbury Revival: A Cautionary Stance for the Church and Asbury Revival: A Follow-Up and Other Insights.

Apostolic Voice Episode 68I was so impacted by those articles that I knew Tim needed to come and talk about it on the Apostolic Voice podcast (I’ve linked that episode below). We had a truly unscripted, from-the-heart, vulnerable discussion about a few concerns we share regarding some Apostolic verbiage surrounding the Asbury revival. I hope you enjoy it. If you’re enjoying Apostolic Voice, please leave us a five-star review on iTunes and give us a little encouragement. It means a lot. God bless.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant apostolic resource that covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. An extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 68 | The Asbury Revival: A Word of Caution (Support Your Local Revival) with Timothy HaddenbyRyan FrenchRyan and Tim discuss the Asbury Revival, and they encourage Apostolics to step back and use a little caution. They discuss some troubling rhetoric coming from Pentecostal circles and push back against the spirit of ecumenicalism. Tim attempts to define true “hunger” from a biblical perspective and push back against the cancel culture that tries to silence all voices of caution.

Relevant Show Links:

• www.alphatav.net
• Asbury Revival: A Cautionary Stance for the Church by Tim Hadden
• Asbury Revival: A Follow-Up and Other Insights by Tim Hadden
• Exodus: A Literary Commentary on the Book of Exodus by Timothy Hadden

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Show Podcast InformationLinks Mentioned in Episode 68 www.alphatav.net * Asbury Revival: A Cautionary Stance for the Church by Timothy Hadden * Asbury Revival: Follow-Up and Other Insights by Timothy Hadden * Exodus: A Literary Commentary on the Book of Exodus by Timothy Hadden * The Development of Vision by Timothy Hadden*

Related posts:1. The Development of Vision (Part One) by Timothy Hadden 2. Support Your Local Pastor’s Wife 3. Prayer, Revival & Spiritual Warfare with Joe Campetella (Article + Podcast) 4. Takeaways from Church Planting (A Walk of Faith) – Podcast Episode 7 5. The Artificial Face (Cosmetics, Make-Up, Body Modification & The Great Cover-Up) – Podcast

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• Three Types of Tongues
• The Relationship Between Praying in the Spirit & Praying in Tongues
• Four Levels of Urgent Prayer
• Prayer & Supernatural Power to Defeat the Devil
• The Importance of Praying in Tongues
• Praying in Tongues for Personal Edification
• In the Spirit & Speaking in Tongues
• Groanings: A Deep Level of Intercession
• Praying with the Help of the Spirit
• Final Thought

This article is an extension of a conversation between Dad and me on the Apostolic Voice podcast. I’ve included a link to that episode below. It’s a revelatory episode. Praying in tongues and praying in the Spirit is life-changing.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant apostolic resource that covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. An extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 66 | Praying In Tongues with Dr. Talmadge French, Ryan Raw & Real (YouTube Kids, Is Coming For Your Kids) with Jonathan FrenchbyRyan FrenchDad French joins the program to explain what the Bible says about praying in tongues. Ryan and Dr. French discuss the five levels of prayer and how they work together in a Christian’s life. Among other things, Dr. French elucidates questions about groaning in the Spirt, praying in the Spirit, the Spirit praying through you, praying with and without understanding, and singing in the Spirit—finally, Dr. French reveals why it is so vital that we pray in the Spirit. Ryan’s brother, Jonathan French, joins in for a Ryan Raw & Real segment. Jonathan hosts a new podcast called Whatever, which deals with various interesting topics. Ryan talks to Jon about his latest episode called YouTube Kids, Is Coming For Your Kids. It’s shocking and disturbing! You need to hear about it. You can catch all the show notes and other great stuff at www.ryanafrench.com.

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Show Podcast InformationThree Types of TonguesMuch of the confusion surrounding talking in tongues comes from a failure to differentiate between the three types (or modes) of tongues described in Scripture. Most Pentecostals are so familiar with these types of tongues that they fail to realize it can confuse the uninitiated. Jesus prophesied about the first type of tongues, so there could be no doubt when it happened on the Day of Pentecost. He said signs would follow believers, and one of those signs is that “they shall speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17).” Of course, that happened in the Upper Room in Acts 2:4. But it happened on many other occasions, too, most notably in Acts 10:46 and Acts 19:6.

This is often called the initial (or first) evidence that someone has received the Holy Ghost. It’s certainly not the only evidence that a person has received the Spirit. Many other confirmations follow (Galatians 5:22-23), but it is always the first indicator that a person has been filled with the Holy Spirit. The second type of tongues is a manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit (or spiritual gifts). The apostle Paul extensively deals with this mode of tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14. This gifting is for the edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 14:5). It’s usually referred to as tongues and interpretation. When it happens, an individual under the inspiration of the Spirit will burst out loudly in tongues. When they have finished speaking in tongues, the Holy Ghost supernaturally gives another individual the interpretation of those tongues, and they say that interpretation out loud to the entire congregation. So, it’s a highly sacred moment to experience in person. The third type of tongues is sometimes called devotional tongues. But as we will see, it’s probably more accurate to call it praying in the Spirit. This third mode of tongues is the primary focus of this article.

The Relationship Between Praying in the Spirit & Praying in TonguesPraying in tongues and praying in the Spirit go together like the shell, yoke, and egg. In other words, each element needs the other to be an egg. Prayer is designed to be done in the Spirit, and praying in the Spirit is inseparable from tongues. It all goes together. Indeed, praying in the Spirit plugs us into the power of God.

Four Levels of Urgent PrayerI exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul calls Timothy and us to four levels of urgent prayer, saying, “I exhort,” which is a serious word meaning to urge strongly. He continued, “therefore, that, first of all,” emphasizing that what he is about to say is the paramount urgency. Then he listed four levels of prayer: “Supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” These four levels of prayer are meant to be interspersed throughout praying in the Spirit with tongues. Together they produce a depth that impacts “all” people – the whole world. Paul insisted that prayer has a supernatural impact on all the people and systems of the world.

For clarity, let’s examine the four levels of prayer a little closer. First, supplication is probably the most familiar level of prayer to the average Christian. It’s our constant, unwavering, repetitive petitioning of God to answer requests or meet needs. This level of prayer is so familiar that our church services have specific times for prayer requests. Sadly, most people stay at this first level without ever moving to the next.

Secondly, Paul mentions “prayers.” The Greek word he used is proseuchomani, a generic word for prayer that carries the connotation of an oratory.[i] Therefore, this kind of prayer includes a lifted voice. It’s also corporate and intended to be done with fellow believers. And while private prayer is undoubtedly biblical, communal prayer is too.

“Intercessions” is the third level of prayer Paul mentions in 1 Timothy 2:1. Intercessory prayer is travail on behalf of another before God. The Greek word enteuxis, translated as “intercession,” means to access with familiarity and freedom, to interrupt with boldness.[ii] Intercessory prayer has the boldness to interrupt a process harming another individual. Those who enter the realm of intercession have liberty and familiarity with God, which produces results.

Fourthly, Paul lists “thanksgivings” as a level of prayer. This can be thought of as praise breaks scattered throughout our interactions with God—prayer without praise profits very little. Praise will often take us to new levels in prayer. It’s good policy to praise God more than we petition God. Why would God answer new requests if we aren’t thankful for what He’s already done? As we give thanks, our faith increases, and we step into the supernatural with greater boldness.

Prayer & Supernatural Power to Defeat the DevilIn prayer, we wrestle against “principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).” A few verses later, Paul describes the kind of prayer that is most effective against these forces of the devil. Not only does he reinforce the concept of prayer “levels,” but he also identifies the fifth level of prayer: Praying in the Spirit. Finally, he says, “Praying always (consistently) with all (using every kind of) prayer and supplication in the Spirit… (Ephesians 6:18).” Praying in the Spirit is powerful to defeat the enemy! Knowing this, we now need to understand what it means to pray in the Spirit.

The Importance of Praying in TonguesFor if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14).

Paul’s teaching is even more explicit here regarding praying in tongues. It is a supernatural depth of praying where the Spirit of God assists us as we pray. Praying in the Spirit ushers us into heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Your spirit intercedes in and through the Holy Ghost beyond your earthly ability to pray. Your own spirit prays supernaturally, without understanding, rather than your intellect. You might not know how or even what to pray, but when you are in the Spirit, there is a deep working of the Holy Ghost, empowerment, and a supernatural power between you and God in prayer. The Spirit isn’t controlling your speech but empowers your spirit to pray in the Spirit.

Praying in Tongues for Personal EdificationHe that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church (1 Corinthians 14:4).

The New Living Translation accurately renders “…edifieth himself” as “…is strengthened personally.” Praying in tongues is personal, directed to God. Otherwise, it’s a Divine message to the church requiring interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:2). The “unknown tongue” in 1 Corinthians 14:4 is personal prayer. As with all tongues speech, such prayer is viewed as being “in the Spirit.” A personal strengthening (edification) comes exclusively from praying in the Spirit.

In the Spirit & Speaking in TonguesWhat is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also (1 Corinthians 14:15).

The King James Version’s rendering of “pray with the spirit” is awkward in two ways: First, “spirit” should be capitalized since it refers to the “Spirit” of God. Secondly, the word with isn’t even a possibility in Greek. Therefore, it should state, “I will pray in the Spirit.” With that understood, Paul again parallels being “in the Spirit” and “speaking in tongues.” Praying in tongues, like all speaking in tongues, is referred to as being “in the Spirit.”

Interestingly, singing in tongues is revealed as a supernatural prayer level of joyous song unto God, not to men. This is precisely the same as the supernatural prayer levels mentioned by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1 as distinct types of prayer. Paul meant for each of these levels to be intermixed – supplication, prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving with tongues (in the Spirit) and our native language (understanding).

Groanings: A Deep Level of Intercession26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).

Paul, in Romans 8:26-27, introduced a profound aspect of praying in the Spirit. He said, “the Spirit also helpeth (works with) our infirmities (frailties, weaknesses).” Then he gave the reason, “for we know not what we should pray for as we ought.” Perhaps nothing has ever been more accurate. How often do we pray with limited insight or knowledge? We can’t see the big picture. Many times, we don’t even know what the best outcome would be in a difficult situation. But the Spirit knows. Therefore, Paul said, “the Spirit maketh intercession for us (on behalf or in place of).” That intercession bellows from deep inside us as groanings. The English Standard Version says, “with groanings too deep for words.”

Speaking in tongues is God giving the utterance. However, it’s your voice and tongue (Acts 2:4). So, it is with praying in tongues, the Spirit empowers your spirit to pray (1 Corinthians 14:14). The Spirit doesn’t do it alone, but helpeth, or jointly helps, that is, enables us to do what we can’t do! God intercedes for us through tongues and groanings. Not groanings alone, but tongues “with” groanings.

Praying with the Help of the SpiritTo be clear, it’s good to pray with understanding, which means to pray in your native language using your intellect to form meaningful words and sentences. However, a person’s intellect can only take them to a certain point in prayer. Our memories are flawed, our perceptions are skewed, and our comprehension is one-dimensional. We don’t even know exactly which demons have a stronghold in our region. We don’t know which specific powers need to be cast down. But the Spirit knows. We don’t know when an eighteen-wheeler is bearing down on our loved ones in real-time, but the Spirit knows. So, when we pray in the Spirit, the Spirit fills the gaps our weaknesses can’t close.

Final ThoughtThe enemy desperately wants to eliminate praying in tongues from every believer’s life. And the reason is apparent. Praying in the Spirit brings a dimension of power into our lives that terrifies Hell. There are pressures from without and within the Church to pray in tongues less often. Resist that pressure with every fiber of your being. Be encouraged. Praying in tongues is not an inferior form of prayer. Rather, praying in tongues is a dimension of prayer that should be sought after and cultivated.

[i] Mounce, William D. (Accordance electronic ed.). OakTree Software, 2011.

[ii] (Revised, Accordance electronic ed.). AMG Publishers, 1993.

Related posts:1. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 2. Prayer, Revival & Spiritual Warfare with Joe Campetella (Article + Podcast) 3. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 4. Our God Is One with Dr. Talmadge French (Article + Podcast) 5. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast

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• Get Caught Up
• Passive Aggressors & Energetic Attackers
• Finding Balance & Seeking Reconciliation (Relationslip Tip #4)
• Practical Advice Regarding Reconciliation
• Literalators & Exaggerators
• Instructing Your Mouth (Relationslip Tip #5)
• The Constant Thread My wife, Taylor, is the most intelligent and intuitive person I’ve ever known. She can read people almost effortlessly without them realizing she’s doing it. Residing deep inside her is a wellspring of observational ability that enables her to know a person’s soul instinctively. More importantly, she fights for good relationships with the tenacity of a soldier. She’s like a relationship ninja. It’s pretty cool. I honestly envy those qualities. And while I do most of the talking in public formats, she is the better communicator in our relationship. We learn from each other, but I think I have more to learn than her. I’ve certainly gleaned new insights talking through this series with her for the last several weeks. And I’m incredibly grateful we’re on life’s journey together.

Get Caught UpIf you’re just now joining the conversation, you can listen to Part 1 of our Relationslips podcast here. If you scroll down, you’ll see a link you can’t miss for Part 2 of this series. Also, here’s a link to the first blog entry in this series. It’s worth looking at that article and reviewing the list of book recommendations. We’ve enjoyed responding to your questions and comments. Feel free to send more our way, and we will respond sometime soon.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant apostolic resource that covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. An extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnSpotifyListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 65 – Part 2 – Relationslips with Taylor French, Brief Word from Dr. Talmadge French & Sour Gross-Good-GreatbyRyan FrenchMy wife, the amazing Taylor, joins the program again to discuss relationships and relationslips. We have a lot of fun and believe this will help you grow in all your relationships. Check out the Relationslips blog article at www.ryanafrench.com (lots of excellent links and resources there). French Fam enjoys another Gross, Good, Great featuring extremely sour Mike & Ike’s.

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Show Podcast InformationPassive Aggressors & Energetic AttackersOne common source of relationship friction that causes “slips” is the ongoing war between passive aggressors and energetic attackers. And, of course, Taylor and I are opposites in this area. My natural, carnal, fallen, faulty response to frustrations, anger, feelings of offense, and disappointment is passive aggression. Allow me to define passive-aggressive behavior for those who might be uncertain. Indirect expressions of hostility, including negative attitudes, characterize it. Here are some specific passive-aggressive behaviors I’ve unfortunately struggled to overcome: 1) Resentment and unspoken opposition to demands from others. 2) Procrastination and intentional mistakes in response to others’ requests. 3) Cynical, sullen, or quiet hostility to others near me. 4) Masking my frustrations in complaints, sarcasm, humor, or hints and doing just about anything to avoid confrontation, argument, or outright hostility.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are people I’ve dubbed energetic attackers. Taylor falls into this category. So rather than running away from confrontation, she runs towards it. Sometimes she enjoys confrontation (although not always), but regardless, she isn’t afraid of it. She approaches relationship problems aggressively. She likes all the feelings out in the open. She likes to have all the cards on the table and all the soldiers on the battlefield. And although she never intends to attack people, she wants to attack the problem, which does cause some personalities to feel attacked at that moment. While passive-aggressive personalities can arguably be too patient, energetic attackers have little patience. They’re quick to speak their mind and openly push back when frustrated.

It’s easy to see how these drastically different personalities can “trip” each other up. But, as unlikely as it seems, passive aggressors and energetic attackers have traits that can bring balance. For example, Taylor has helped me recognize the value of confronting things in a timely fashion, and I’ve helped her learn the importance of finding the right time for confrontation. Timing is everything when it comes to healthy confrontations in all of our relationships. I naturally lean too passive, and she leans too aggressive. This personality dynamic creates tension in countless families, workplaces, churches, friendships, schools, and leadership teams.

Timing is everything when it comes to healthy confrontations in all of our relationships.

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Finding Balance & Seeking Reconciliation (Relationslip Tip #4)21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there, remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:21-24, NIV).

The Bible isn’t silent on this issue. Jesus speaks directly to it during the famed sermon on the mount. He began by mentioning an injustice everyone can agree is terribly wrong, murder. Then He swiveled to the topic of anger without even saying whether or not it was justified. Ultimately, Jesus adroitly led the audience to consider how offenses destroy relationships.

Interestingly, when Jesus gave the protocol for dealing with anger, bitterness, insults, and general relational frustrations, He purposefully left a detail out that most of us would want to know. He never mentioned whether He was talking to the offended or the offender. Look at Matthew 5:23 again, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there, remember that your brother has something against you.” If I had been in the crowd, my hand would have shot up so I could ask Jesus, “Wait, does this apply if they have something against me because I did something wrong or because they did something wrong to me?” But Jesus didn’t bother to clarify because it didn’t matter. His instructions in the next verse apply regardless of whether I did wrong, they did wrong, or we both did wrong. Any way you slice it, what Jesus said next applies.

I’m taking a tiny bit of liberty with the text and putting it in today’s context. So, you’re at the altar in church when you remember that (for whatever reason) there’s some bad blood between you and so and so. Instead of pretending everything’s fine, or putting it off another second, find that person while your mind is focused on the Lord and make things right as best you can. You might think, but I’m doing something spiritual right now. I can deal with that later. Not so. Jesus told us that our highest priority should be seeking reconciliation if an offense is “slipping” up a relationship. When we go to that person, our main goal is to mend “whatever” it is that caused the rift.

Jesus told us that our highest priority should be seeking reconciliation if an offense is “slipping” up a relationship. When we go to that person, our main goal is to mend “whatever” it is that caused the rift.

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Practical Advice Regarding ReconciliationYou might be a passive aggressor, an energetic attacker, or anything in between. Regardless, seeking reconciliation prioritizes people above being right, winning, getting everything you want, or having the final say. A reconciliatory attitude is stripped of pride, arrogance, and selfishness. If peace is possible, reconciliation achieves it. I’ve found that most people welcome reconciliation once they realize how much I value my relationship with them.

Seeking reconciliation prioritizes people above being right, winning, getting everything you want, or having the final say. A reconciliatory attitude is stripped of pride, arrogance, and selfishness.

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With that said, here’s some practical advice for leaving your gift on the altar and having the hard reconciliation talk: 1) Calm down before going to that person. This can be especially hard for energetic attackers, but waiting until your emotions are under control is essential. 2) Think the problem through from your side and try your best to see their point of view too. You don’t have to agree with their views, but just putting yourself in their shoes for a little bit can change your perspective. 3) Pray about the situation. Pray for that person, and specifically ask God to help restore that relationship. Seek the Lord for wisdom, self-control, and guidance. 4) Plan a conversation that will bring about peace. A soft answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1), so prepare your mind to speak with a tone that promotes healing, not anger.

Literalators & ExaggeratorsI’m a big-picture guy. Taylor is a detail detective. I’ve learned that when Taylor asks about my day, she doesn’t want an overview; she wants every microscopic detail. I like to ballpark times and numbers. Taylor wants to know the exact milliseconds, pennies, and nanograms. Because I’m a big-picture, ballpark guy, I also tend to exaggerate. Typically, because I genuinely don’t remember the specifics. This can be problematic because if she’s taking everything literally and I’m ballparking, it creates disillusionment and miscommunications.

My father is also an exaggerator, and my mother is a literalator. Dad might say something happened recently that happened a decade ago. He isn’t trying to be dishonest or misleading. He just isn’t super focused on the time aspect of the story. It seems irrelevant to him. My mother can turn a three-minute story into a three-hour treatise on her trip to the grocery store because she feels the need to share every detail, precisely how it happened in real-time. So, you can imagine how literalators and exaggerators might have to work through communication issues and learn to meet in the middle.

Instructing Your Mouth (Relationslip Tip #5)The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips (Proverbs 16:23, ASV).

People with wisdom in their hearts teach their mouths what to say, when, and to whom. I don’t enjoy giving specifics, and I wouldn’t say I like being given too many details. But I love my wife; she likes particulars, so I let wisdom instruct my mouth. She knows I don’t always want to hear the extended version of a story, so she allows wisdom to instruct her mouth. This is called relationship maturity. It’s learning how to communicate with others in a way that is meaningful to them. So, when literalators and exaggerators are together, they have to make concessions for each other in their communications.

Learn how to communicate with others in a way that is meaningful to them.

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The Constant ThreadA constant thread of truth runs through these relationslip tips: Intentionality. Good relationships take time, energy, effort, care, selflessness, and intentionality. Great marriages don’t happen by accident. Lifetimes of friendship don’t just happen. Tremendous parents don’t just stumble on it. Happy workplaces don’t magically appear from nothing. Church unity doesn’t fall from Heaven on a few super-blessed congregations. No. Every meaningful relationship is fraught with protentional slipping hazards that must be carefully navigated. It can be exhausting; sometimes, we feel like giving up on certain people. But the benefits far outweigh the burdens.

Good relationships take time, energy, effort, care, selflessness, and intentionality.

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Related posts:1. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 2. Relationslips (Part 1) with Taylor French – Article + Podcast 3. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 4. 10 Symptoms of Insecure Leadership (Article + Podcast) 5. The Death of Reverence

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It’s been so much fun working on this relation “slips” series with my wife, the amazing Taylor. For those who prefer to listen, you can listen to Episode 64 right now. Also, you can read the poem for JJ featured on the episode here. If you’re new to the series, Taylor and I are wading into the murky waters of relationship difficulties because relationship troubles account for most of our daily frustration, strife, and anxiety. It might be between spouses, friends, coworkers, fellow saints, peers, parents, in-laws, children, or siblings. Regardless, slips in those relationships can be really difficult. However, navigating relationships with wisdom goes a long way in producing peace and joy in our daily lives. It also promotes unity (which promotes revival) in our churches.

Apostolic Voice with Ryan FrenchA relevant apostolic resource that covers biblical topics of interest, ministry, Christian living, and practical insights hosted by Ryan French. An extension of the popular blog Apostolic Voice (www.ryanafrench.com). Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/apostolicvoice/support

Listen OnApple PodcastsListen OnOvercastListen OnPocket CastsListen OnRadioPublicEp. 64 | Part 1 – Relationslips with Taylor French, French Fam Gross, Good, Great & Better (A Poem for JJ)byRyan FrenchRyan & Taylor talk candidly about how to navigate relationship slip-ups. And how to keep from being the one who causes others to slip. They describe how procrastinators and pesternators can find peace and unveil a marriage tip called F.A.N.O.S. (Feelings, Aknowladgement, Needs, Ownership, Struggles) that has helped them tremendously. The French fam clan gathers around the mic for Good, Gross, Great, featuring Mexican Street Corn Cheetos. Ryan debuts a Valentine’s Day-appropriate poem for JJ called Better.

Better (A Poem for JJ)

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Search EpisodesClear SearchEp. 64 | Part 1 – Relationslips with Taylor French, French Fam Gross, Good, Great & Better (A Poem for JJ)February 8, 2023Ryan FrenchLoad MoreSearch Results placeholderPrevious EpisodeShow Episodes ListNext EpisodeShow Podcast InformationAn Occasion to Slip (Romans 14:13)The Amplified version of Romans 14:13 says this: “…let us no more criticize and blame one another but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance or an occasion to slip in the way of a brother.” It’s extremely rare for me to criticize the King James Version. However, the KJV translation falls short of the intended meaning in this instance. It renders the beginning of the verse this way: “Let us not, therefore, judge one another anymore…”. Yet, the context of the verse and the intended meaning of the Greek word krinō is more in line with our understanding of the word “criticize” or “disapproval.”

Having a critical spirit rather than a graceful spirit ultimately becomes a slipping hazard to the people around us. Heaping blame and nitpicking endanger the people nearest to us. So, we must make a deliberate effort in all our actions not to create an occasion to slip in the way of others. For a Christian, this should become a daily mindset and priority. This is a crucial aspect of demonstrating the love of Christ.

Get Behind Me, Satan!But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block [offense, hindrance, snare, obstacle] to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of God, but on things of man (Matthew 16:23, Amplified Version).”

The context of Jesus’ forceful rebuke against Peter is simple. Jesus had just revealed to his disciples that he would have to suffer and die – something they remained stubbornly unwilling to comprehend – but Peter wouldn’t accept it as true. He argued and tried to convince Jesus otherwise. Which, by the way, likely appealed to Jesus’ humanity. I mean, who wants to suffer and die? We know Jesus wrestled with this because of his prayers in the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-56). Peter’s words were becoming a stumbling block, or we might say creating an occasion to slip in Jesus’ path.

I think it’s important to observe that this wasn’t an explosion of temper on Jesus’ part. It was an intentional rebuke designed as an example for everyone. Jesus realized the conversation was becoming dangerous, so he dealt with it immediately. It’s also worth noting that Peter’s intentions weren’t evil. He wasn’t trying to slip Jesus up like the Pharisees or the Sadducees. Peter loved Jesus and wanted what was best for him. Jesus knew that. But he still needed to demonstrate, for everyone’s sake, that you can’t be casual around slipping hazards. Especially spiritual slipping hazards.

Two Relationship RulesI hate to use the word “rules” because I know it will rub some folks wrong. But rules they are, and they are simple (at least conceptually) yet vital. Christians must follow two rules regarding every relationship: 1) Make every effort not to be a source of slipping or tripping for others. 2) Make every effort not to let others become a source of slipping or tripping for you. These two rules should inform our actions, reactions, conversations, silences, decisions, and indecisions with others. Again, the Christian life is filled with intentionality and deliberation. But every relationship is fraught with intentional and unintentional relationslips that cause painful falls resulting in countless emotional and spiritual bruises. My wife and I have worked together to offer a few slip-proofing tips that are both biblically sound and practical.

Pesternators & Procrastinators – Understanding Personalities (Slip-Proofing Tip #1)On the outside, at least, Taylor and I are complete opposites, and we are proof positive that opposites do attract. But, to be clear, we aren’t opposites regarding the big things like serving God, dedication to ministry, work ethic, love for our kids, and loyalty. Also, we both share quality time as our primary love language (if you haven’t read The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, we highly recommend that you do). However, that’s where our similarities end. Taylor’s a major extrovert, and I’m a lifelong introvert. She enjoys talking all day, and I’m quiet and inward. She loves being on the phone, and I have an ongoing fantasy that my phone is lost forever and no replacements are available. She wakes up happy and smiling, and I wake up with all the charm and energy of a tortoise. I can’t imagine wearing a brown belt with black shoes, and I have a lifelong obsession with making sure colors and patterns match. But on the other hand, Taylor believes that all colors and patterns match, and the more, the merrier.

I love our differences. I’m incredibly thankful we’re not the same. Life would be very dull if we were exactly alike. And, for the most part, our differences balance us out. However, at times, our differences create slipping hazards in our relationship. For example, I’m a lifelong procrastinator, and Taylor is a chronic pesternator. You’re probably familiar with a procrastinator. So let me explain a pesternator (our made-up word) first. Put simply. A pesternator is someone who wants things done immediately. It makes them highly effective and immensely productive people. However, one of their predominant weaknesses is impatience. They’re also highly communicative. They resort to pestering if things aren’t getting done as quickly as they’d like. But, of course, they’d be more likely to call it frequent urgent reminders of great importance.

Procrastinators are not necessarily lazy, although pesternators often mistake their delays for laziness. My fellow procrastinators and I simply don’t feel the inner urgency to complete every big and minor task immediately. Instead, we prioritize tasks based on their perceived importance, and we rarely feel the need to finish something that isn’t due for another six months. Pesternators do feel that urgency (almost impulsively). One trait I’ve noticed in procrastinators like myself, we are also perfectionists. Therefore, we don’t like just getting things done in a hurry just to mark them off the list. We want to do it, take our time, think everything through, and do it right. This can be a huge weakness. We often don’t do things we should be doing because we don’t feel we can do them perfectly (like podcasts and blogs).

Procrastinators and pesternators clash daily in homes, workplaces, churches, and schools. Siblings, parents, coworkers, spouses, extended families, students, and colleagues slip one another up because they are wired differently. For example, in our home, we have two procrastinators and two pesternators. My daughter, Julia, and I are procrastinators. And, as you already know, Taylor is a pesternator. Our son, Talmadge, is with Taylor in the pesternator department. So, as you can imagine, the potential for frustration and conflict lurks in the shadows and on To-Do lists. Thankfully Taylor and I entered marriage with another important similarity that I haven’t mentioned yet. We are both fascinated with the study of personalities. And we believe that fascination has helped to slip-proof our relationship. It’s not full-proof, and we’re not perfect, but we believe understanding and appreciating personalities can dramatically help you.

These days, there’s no shortage of free and paid online personality tests you can take. Some aren’t great, but many are very good (we’ve linked several tests and book recommendations at the end of this article). Take several of them for yourself because the first leg in the journey to understanding others is learning about yourself. Be brave enough to face your weaknesses and wise enough to exploit your strengths. Learn what pushes your buttons and why. Before we can interact wisely with others, we must honestly know ourselves. Once you get a grip on your personality, you can determine what makes other personalities tick.

You might think, that’s great, but how does this help my “fill in the blank” relationship? For one thing, you begin to realize that certain people who do certain things that grate on your nerves aren’t purposefully trying to make you go crazy. And, just as significantly, they probably aren’t trying to disrespect or demean you either. So, it’s just two personalities clashing. So, for example, very early in our marriage, Taylor would ask me to do such and such or so and so, and I would absolutely plan to do it, but according to my rambling time frame. Because I hadn’t fully comprehended her personality, I didn’t realize she had an unspoken expectation that I should fulfill that request within 24 hours. To make matters worse, when I didn’t meet that silent expectation, she felt disrespected and unloved. Neither of us wanted to hurt the other, but a lack of understanding created tension. And that lack of understanding stemmed directly from a lack of communication.

F.A.N.O.S. (Slip-Proofing Tip #2)That’s just one personal example representative of hundreds of relationslips that happen between people all the time. Thankfully, in our case, we were given a tremendous marriage tip that has drastically improved our relationship. The acronym is F.A.N.O.S., which stands for feelings, acknowledgment, needs, ownership, and struggles. So, here’s how it works, you and your spouse agree to talk through F.A.N.O.S. once a day. Pick a time of day that works best for your schedule and stick to it. Make sure to do it daily. It might take you longer to get through it in the beginning, but as time goes by, it won’t take you as long to finish. Take turns expressing the five topics (without interrupting each other).

Begin with “feelings”; this is a general opportunity to communicate how you are feeling right now, about the past 24 hours, and the future. Move to “acknowledgment”; here, you verbalize that you acknowledge (and hopefully appreciate) everything your spouse has done for you, your family, your friends, etc. Remember to acknowledge everything you can think of, even if you don’t feel particularly grateful. And here’s why, as you recognize those things out loud, your appreciation for everything your spouse does will blossom. Remember to take turns and reflect precisely on the past day’s events.

The third topic is “needs,” I’m pausing here to insert that this part of F.A.N.O.S. became the primary solution for our procrastinator vs. pesternator problems I mentioned earlier. The needs category allows you both to communicate… well, your needs for the upcoming day (or further out, depending on the circumstances). Taylor and I realized that this was the best moment for her to tell me precisely what she wants from me (emotionally, spiritually, and physically). Knowing she will have the chance to do the “needs” category of F.A.N.O.S. every day alleviates her impulse to send reminders and requests to me while I’m working, resting, and… well, you get the idea. But that only works when I do my part, pay attention, and set reminders for myself. Also, part of that communication process is learning to set realistic expectations. If, for example, I can’t do something within her desired 24-hour window, I must express that to her. However, I must force the procrastinator in me to commit to a reasonable timeframe (He’s still working on me).

After “needs,” take “ownership” for any failures, wrongdoings, and bad attitudes you might have had since the last F.A.N.O.S. Be sure to apologize and be careful not to pass the blame or make trite excuses. Finally, close out by verbalizing any “struggles” you might be facing, feeling, or anticipating. Full disclosure: Taylor and I have typically already expressed our struggles in the first four categories. But sometimes, that category is extra essential to talk through. I know that F.A.N.O.S. sounds overwhelming if you’re an introvert like myself. And all the mega communicators reading this think it sounds magnificent. But I promise, it helps, and it works. And it doesn’t take very long once you get the hang of it, especially if you do it daily.

Relationships Besides Marriage (Slip-Proofing Tip #3)Obviously, you can’t do F.A.N.O.S. with your colleagues, bosses, in-laws, friends, or parents. Although, it might be great to do with your kids (at least occasionally). But the principle of learning to communicate your needs, show appreciation, and set expectations while genuinely understanding another person applies to all your ongoing relationships. It’s a fact that most relationslips result from misunderstandings, poor communication, and perceived disrespect. Before jumping to conclusions and getting offended, take some time to try and figure out if the issue is just two distinctive personalities approaching the same situation with vastly different perceptions. Of course, sometimes conflicts are deeper and drastic interventions are required. But you’d be surprised how simply understanding and learning to respect and work intelligently with other people’s differing personalities will slip-proof relationships.

Nobody Likes Being MisunderstoodTherefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them… (Matthew 7:12).

Jesus’ infamous challenge to treat others how you want to be treated was then, and for many, still is, a revolutionary concept. This commandment seems pretty uncomplicated. And, mostly, it is. However, what are you supposed to do when treating someone how you would like to be treated isn’t how they want to be treated? Perhaps you’re a hugger. Giving and receiving hugs makes you feel loved and appreciated. But someone in your circle of relationships doesn’t like being hugged or even touched, for that matter. You’re showing love the way you want to be loved, but they’re left feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Maybe they will start avoiding you. Not because they don’t like you but because they don’t want a bear hug.

In that kind of situation, the key to obeying Matthew 7:12 is learning to understand other people’s personalities. Nobody likes being misunderstood. You don’t like it when people don’t try to know your likes and dislikes. We all want others to read our body language, pay attention to our signals, and listen to us. And when we’re misread, misunderstood, or ignored, we feel devalued and unimportant. Learning to do what makes others feel valued is the ultimate version of following Matthew 7:12 because that is precisely what we wish others would do for us. When you learn to live this way, the relationship bonus is that as you adjust for others, they will do the same for you. They may never want that bear hug, but they might grow comfortable with a simple, quick hug.

Book, Blog & Podcast Recommendations If you’re interested in growing and learning how you and those around you tick, this list is a great resource to get you started. Before you browse over them, please don’t feel overwhelmed. You absolutely don’t have to read or listen to all this information to grow in this area. If you’re like me, you’ll want all the info you can possibly study. But if you’re like Taylor, you’re probably thinking, give me one or two good resources I can dig into. And that’s ok. One book, blog, or podcast can make a huge impact. So don’t let the length of this list overwhelm you. With that said, I’ll start this list with the first personality-type book I read as a teenager. It’s still my favorite.

Our Book RecommendationsThis short book is a classic.Another LaHaye classic.Short and simple read.Another enneagram personality format book.Tremendous book if you have a hard time saying no, or if your “no” hurts people.This one is pretty in-depth and intellectual.This book approaches personality studies from a self-improvement perspective. Very fun book and comes with a free online personality assessment. The test on this book is very helpful.Listening is a lost art and this book helps bring it back.Another great book on learning to listen, empathize, understand, and relate to others.

Controlling Our Emotional Beast with Ed Snyder (Article + Podcast)

Special Guest Carlton L. Coon Sr. & Book Review of Light in a Dark Place: Encountering Depression

5 Tips for Introverted Leaders

14 Pastoral Leadership Styles & Personalities – Part 1

Related posts:1. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 2. 14 Pastoral Leadership Styles & Personalities – Part 1 3. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 4. Our God Is One with Dr. Talmadge French (Article + Podcast) 5. 14 Pastoral Leadership Styles & Personalities – Part 2

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Choices are fragile, necessary things.Tantalizing, agonizing little things.Brimming with endless possibilities. Accoutrement laced anticipations. Funneling into careless cessations. The question is asked, “Which way should we go?”The question echoes, “Does anyone know?”Arrogance answers, “Just enjoy the show.”Ignorance answers, “There’s no way to know!”Malevolence answers, “Don’t rock the boat!”Yet, choices are tenacious little things.Creeping through our minds even while we sleep.Twisting and tunneling deep in our souls. Every action straddled with reactions.Consequences lurk beneath distractions.They ask, “Is day any different than night?”I believe that shadows prove the sunshine.My friend, the sun still burns with fervent light.The night knows it has but a little time.And choices we make determine that time. Related posts:1. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 2. Your Questions Answered (Article + Podcast) 3. Controlling Our Emotional Beast with Ed Snyder (Article + Podcast) 4. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast 5. Mass Killings and the Question of Evil

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For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world worketh death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

The Difference Makes the DifferenceIn his second letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul begins chapter seven by launching into a lengthy discussion about how to “perfect holiness” by “cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1)”. Inevitably, this dovetailed into a unique perspective on sorrow and repentance. Paul describes (and we’ll look closer at it in a moment) the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. It’s a vitally important distinction because one leads to spiritual death and the other to salvation. The difference makes the difference. We’ve all got to get this one right.

Called to Stop SinningThe Bible teaches us that the Church is a called-out assembly. God has called us out of sin, and God has called us into holiness. We are supposed to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). That standard is very high because God is supremely holy. You might be thinking that it is impossible to be sinless. And in a way, you’re right. However, the New Testament reminds us repeatedly that we are to be without sin (holiness). In fact, 1 John 2:1 pauses and says, “Stop sinning. Just stop it!”

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not… (1 John 2:1).

If you take the Bible and boil it down to its essence, the central theme is God’s grand plan to get humanity from sinfulness to sinlessness.

Our Response to Sin is the KeyIt’s easy to start sinning, but it’s hard to stop. That’s basically been humanity’s problem from the beginning. For most people, defining what is and isn’t sin is problematic. Sin is so pervasive and normal that we don’t feel horrified by it. And if we don’t feel horrified by sin, we don’t think of it as all that bad. My struggles with sin have taught me that sin’s grip is hard to break. If you’re human, you have your own stories and struggles with sin too. I also know how enticing sin can be from the countless hours I’ve spent trying to help others find deliverance from every sin you can imagine. I’ve noticed through the years that the real issue isn’t that we have sinned (because we have) or if we will sin (because we will).

The question that matters is, what will we do with our sin? How we respond to sin usually helps us stop or causes us to keep on sinning. Godly sorrow over sin produces genuine repentance, which allows the Holy Spirit to step in and empower us. Worldly sorrow leads to lackadaisical repentance, which only perpetuates sin in our lives. Worldly sorrow produces a self-sustaining cycle of sinfulness. Before highlighting the vital differences between godly and worldly sorrow, we must clear up an apparent contradiction in the Bible.

Does God Cleanse Us, or Do We Cleanse Ourselves?Sin is a stain on our lives. God desires to present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Ephesians 5:27). God is deadly serious about His church being holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:27). That’s why we’re all in such desperate need of the blood of Jesus. Only His blood cleanses all the stains of sin. But do we cleanse ourselves, or does Jesus cleanse us? The passages below might be a little confusing at first glance.

…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

To answer this question, we need to identify the context of these two verses. In the previous chapter, Paul clarifies his target audience, “for ye are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16).” Clearly, Paul is talking about repentance to people who have already obeyed the Gospel and are in the Church. He’s referring to the ongoing process of sanctification (holiness), which requires continued repentance. We must skip forward to pinpoint John’s intended audience:

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).

So, it’s clear that John is writing about the initial salvation experience, when we first take ownership of our sinfulness, leading to repentance and obeying the Gospel. At that moment, God covers us with His blood.

God’s Role & Our ResponsibilityAt salvation, something compelling happens; when we repent, our sins are forgiven (1 John 1:9); at baptism, our sins are remitted (Acts 2:38); at the infilling of the Holy Ghost, we are empowered (Acts 1:8). God did the cleansing work at Calvary, and we stepped into that cleansing flow via obedience. However, regarding our continued walk with God, 2 Corinthians 7:1 clarifies that we must “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” In other words, God does the initial work. Then He expects us to put some effort into the process from that moment forward. To be sure, His Spirit comes inside to help lead, guide, comfort, correct, convict, strengthen, and encourage us along the way. But the infilling of the Spirit doesn’t remove our free will. After salvation, God expects us to exercise an often-overlooked fruit of the Spirit – self-control (Galatians 5:23).

Sometimes I hear church folks say, “if only God would give me the power over this ____ sin.” But God has already given us His Spirit. He’s already cleansed us. So now we must cleanse ourselves daily. If we’re not careful, we’ll use God as an excuse for our continued sin. God cleanses us first, and then we are responsible for walking in that cleansing. That’s the process of sanctification or holiness. In answer to the original question: Does God cleanse us, or do we cleanse ourselves? The answer is that God does the major cleanse first, and then we step in and do minor cleansing as we continue our walk with the Lord.

A Simple IllustrationA simple, albeit imperfect illustration, may help clarify this concept. Roughly once a month, I take our family SUV to a full-service carwash. They detail our vehicle inside and out. I do that because they have the equipment, chemicals, and expertise that allow them to do a thorough cleaning that I’m not capable of doing. It’s almost like having a new vehicle when they get done. I didn’t do the cleansing. They did. But if I eat a bagel in the car and crumbs fall everywhere, I must clean that mess myself. Otherwise, I’ve wasted my time and money on that professional cleaning job. They cleaned it first in ways I can’t do alone. But I still have a responsibility to keep it clean. In much the same way, that’s how walking in holiness works.

Problems in the Corinthian ChurchIn Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, he is very forthright with them. The church was super messed up with big-time problems and significant sin issues. For example, a young man was having an affair with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). Even more revolting, rather than the church being grieved. They laughed about the situation like it was a joke (1 Corinthians 5:2). Paul was so angry that he demanded that if the guy refused to repent, they should turn him over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh (1 Corinthians 5:5). That leaven of malice and wickedness would destroy the whole church if they didn’t deal with it correctly (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). All this background is essential because we can now understand 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 and answer the question: What’s the difference between godly and worldly sorrow?

I’m Not Sorry That I Made You Repent8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance… (2 Corinthians 7:8-9).

In the above verses, Paul was trying to let the church know that his first letter (1 Corinthians), with its strong rebuke, was not intended to make them feel sorry but was a call to repentance.

…for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of… (2 Corinthians 7:9-10).

In other words, when you have godly sorrow. It leads to godly repentance, and you don’t have to confess the same sin repeatedly.

…but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things, ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter (2 Corinthians 7:10-11).

The ContrastIn his unique way, Paul carefully contrasts these two types of sorrow. They both lead to outward repentance, but only one is genuine. The result of godly sorrow is a change in behavior and attitude. But worldly sorrow brings death. It certainly brings spiritual death, but in the immediate, it might mean the death of a marriage, a friendship, victory, blessings, spiritual power, or family relationships. Tragically, in extreme cases, it could culminate in an untimely physical death because of sin.

For All That Is in the WorldAnything derived from the world is compromised, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world (1 John 2:16).” Worldly sorrow is derived from either the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the pride of life. So, for example, a person might feel sorrow for their sin because of the pain it produces. They feel that pain in their flesh, and that pain can be intense. It’s real! Emotional and physical pain caused by sin can become unbearable at times. And many people assume the remorse they feel because of their agony is genuine repentance. But if that remorse is a temporary emotion birthed from pain, it’s not godly sorrow.

A second kind of worldly sorrow results from the lust of the eyes. People can be sorry because they see how sin has impacted their life; lost loved ones, broken relationships, wasted moments, embarrassments, and failures. Their kingdom might be crumbling before their eyes like a slow-motion nightmare. Consequences that used to seem so unlikely and distant come crashing into focus. They might think, “I’m going to lose my wife, kids, or job.” But ultimately, their focus is on their kingdom. Many people feel this kind of worldly sorrow and confuse it for genuine repentance. But true repentance is not self-centered. It’s God-centered.

Thirdly, the pride of life produces another type of worldly sorrow. People may feel sorry because they are embarrassed that people can see their sins. They see their reputation going down the drain, their influence waning, or they feel disliked. Perhaps they want to be viewed in a more positive light. But the critical issue is their name. Again, the sorrow is selfishly motivated. Therefore, the resulting repentance is only skin deep.

Me, Myself & IWorldly sorrow always brings the focus on me. It’s all about my feelings. My pain. My reputation. My happiness. But godly sorrow focuses on the fact that my sin has grieved God and others. Ephesians 4:30 warns us not to “grieve” the Holy Spirit. Godly sorrow is acutely aware that my sin has grieved the Holy Spirit. Godly sorrow isn’t just sorry because of sin’s consequences on my kingdom. It’s more concerned with God’s Kingdom. Godly sorrow isn’t worried about the reproach that I brought on my name but with the reproach that I brought on God’s name. As the prophet Nathan said to David after his horrific sin with Bathsheba, “You have brought great occasion to the enemies of the lord to blaspheme his name (2 Samuel 12:14).” Nathan was more concerned with how David’s sin would impact the world’s understanding of God than he was with king David’s reputation.

Seven Characteristics of Godly SorrowPaul doesn’t leave us with a nebulous definition of godly sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:11 describes what godly repentance looks like in action. He lists seven things that accompany godly sorrow. Numbers are significant in the Bible, and the number seven represents completion and perfection. Therefore, it could be said that these seven things signify complete and perfect repentance.

1. CarefulnessCarelessness leads to sinfulness. A careful person is full of care, caution, and intentionality. Godly sorrow produces carefulness where casualness once reigned supreme. Decisions are weighed out and made thoughtfully. Every action is measured according to the Word of God. Godly sorrow refuses to blame sin on ignorance, incompetence, recklessness, or inattention to detail.

2. Clearing of YourselfGodly sorrow doesn’t make excuses. It doesn’t blame other people or circumstances for sin. There’s no hiding, covering, manipulating, shifting, or maneuvering of responsibility. Worldly sorrow keeps things hidden and harbors secret sins and motives behind closed doors. Godly sorrow seeks to clear the air and clean the conscience. It thrives on transparency and always advocates for the truth to be displayed.

3. IndignationGodly sorrow recoils at the thought of past sins. Old lifestyles aren’t viewed as the “good old days.” It doesn’t laugh at sin or find it entertaining. Carnal things that used to seem euphoric become repulsive. The thought of sin and evil produces anger, indignation, and disgust. Godly sorrow views sin as a vile thing to be detested. It doesn’t despise sinners, but it does hate sin. In much the same way as you would hate cancer while loving a cancer patient.

4. FearI’m always nervous when someone repents of a particular sin and says, “I know I’ll never do that again.” I’d much rather someone say, “I’m going to take every precaution possible to make sure I never fall into that sin again because I’m afraid of going back to that terrible thing.” You will take godly precautions when you have a healthy fear of a possibility. Furthermore, a little fear of the Lord is a good thing.

5. Vehement DesireGodly sorrow is fueled by a fervent desire to serve God and avoid sin. Vehement means to show strong feelings. It’s forceful, passionate, urgent, and intense. It isn’t mellow, mild, or casual. Godly sorrow recognizes the seriousness of sin and its desperate dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

6. ZealThe Greek word for zeal is spoudē, found twelve times in the New Testament. The primary meaning of zeal is “haste” or “diligence.” Meaning diligence in the sense of “earnest zeal.” It’s always used in the context of living out godly lives.[i] The idea is that godliness takes ongoing work and tenacious effort.

7. RevengeWhen godly sorrow is in play, everything in your being wishes you could return and fix the things sin has taken from you. So, in a certain sense, you are looking for revenge against the enemy of your soul. That’s why brand-new saints often get so on fire for God. They are avenging what the enemy stole from them when they were under the bondage of sin. Godly sorrow never looks longingly back toward Egyptian taskmasters.

Final Thoughts It’s not hard to receive the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. But if you’ve been around an Apostolic church for a while, you’ve probably noticed that some people seek the Holy Ghost for weeks or even months without being filled. The apostle Peter didn’t say, “repent and be baptized, and you might receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).” He said, “you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).” My experience has taught me that many people struggling to receive the Spirit are actually struggling with repentance. They might be sorrowful and going through the motions of repentance, but their sorrow is worldly and does not lead to life. Gently and lovingly, helping them to decipher the difference between godly and worldly sorrow can lead them to the breakthrough they need.

[i] Renn, Stephen D., ed. Expository Dictionary of Bible Words. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2005.

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``` White picket lines of peaceful persuasion
Cannot undo the cost of invasion
Endless fine lines of baser perversions
Weakened strains of moral conversions
Flawlessly wielding falsified searches
What will become of us all?

Cold, calculating meaningless data
Hiding underneath the smiling strata
Clinging to less fortunate ideas
Laughing, dragging, while dreaming of sions
Intricate veins coursing with curses
What will become of us all?

Meanwhile, one white robed throng preaches the Writ
Tenaciously keeping holy flames lit
Falling valiant, bleeding from vicious slits
Ten thousand swords critically slashing hits
Battered, beleaguered saints climb past ashen fritz
What will become of us all?

One bright light pierces the eastern sky
A triumphant shout falls from mountain highest
One brilliant white horse gracefully flies
The armies of Heaven closely aligned
Every blood-stained voice shouts toward the sight
What will become of us all? ``` Related posts:1. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 2. Should Christians Dye Their Hair? (Article + Podcast) 3. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 4. COVID Carnality (The Cause & Cure) 5. Special Guest L.J. Harry & Book Review of Ten Words: A Practical Look at the Ten Commandments

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The Good BookThe Bible is still the best-selling book of all time. It’s estimated that roughly a billion copies have been sold. That’s probably not entirely accurate. And it doesn’t consider the millions of free electronic editions available to the masses. Ironically, the Bible is more accessible thanks to the internet than ever. Yet, biblical illiteracy increases with each passing decade. Regardless, millions of people have a Bible on a shelf or hidden away in some forgotten drawer. Others treasure their Bible like gold and read it with sacred reverence. Grab ten people off the street, and you’ll get ten opinions about the Bible. However, if it’s not the whole Word of God, then it cannot be a good book.

All or NothingC.S. Lewis famously said that Jesus Christ was either “Lord, liar or lunatic.” Similarly, the Bible makes claims about itself incompatible with the idea of being just a good book of wisdom. The Bible is either the Divinely inspired Word of God or the silly ramblings of misguided delusional men. It’s either entirely true or the longest-running, best-coordinated con job in recorded history. Essentially, the Bible is an all-or-nothing proposition. If it’s genuinely from God, half-hearted attention will never suffice. And if it’s not, it’s the worst form of manipulative evil. No viewpoints in-between those two options are logical or possible.

Divine BlessingsJesus said in Luke 11:28, “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it.” Regardless of race, denomination, or background, if you ask any Christian if they would like to have Divine blessings, they will answer, “yes.” And yet, you’d be hard-pressed to find large portions of them hearing and obeying the entirety of God’s Word. Most Christians have their candy stick verses or their preconceived dogmas. Sadly, most Christians ignore, overlook, or gloss over large portions of Scripture that seem extreme or inconveniently counter-cultural. Sometimes, they miss so many vital doctrines that their salvation is jeopardized. Others might slip into Heaven, but they miss tremendous blessings that otherwise would have been poured into their lives. Complete obedience to God’s Word is the key to accessing Divine blessings. There is no shortcut or substitute.

What Does the Bible Have to Say for Itself?As I mentioned earlier, the Bible is either entirely true or a complete lie. But it’s impossible to remain intellectually honest without acknowledging the miraculous continuity of the Bible. Don’t forget that the Bible was written over a period of nearly 2,000 years by forty authors writing from three continents, and it maintains perfect uniformity of message. All sixty-six books comprising the Bible are united in perfect harmony and point exclusively to Jesus Christ, the true Author. Unlike the famed futurist Nostradamus, the Bible’s fulfilled prophecies are precise and uncanny. Scripture’s flawless internal consistency defies natural explanation. But rather than talking about the Bible, let’s take a close look at what the Bible has to say for itself.

The Bible Lays Claim to Divine Origins20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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. (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Biblical authors were consistent in claiming that their words were not theirs. Holy men of old viewed themselves as vessels filled by God. They emptied themselves of the words poured into them by the Holy Ghost. If the Bible is not God’s divinely inspired Word, it is a fraudulent document filled with dribble. Of course, I believe the evidence proves (including my life interactions with it) that the Bible is true. However, the claims Scripture makes about itself are so radical that they demand complete acceptance or total rejection. Anything in between complete acceptance or total rejection is an intellectual cop-out. Partial approval or shallow half-hearted nods of respect aren’t compatible with the very nature of the Bible. In our culture plagued with near psychosomatic commitment issues, the biblical insistence upon total adherence is difficult to digest. However, it is the essence and the reality of what the Holy Writ requires.

The Bible Lays Claim to PerfectionThe law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7).

It could help to rephrase this claim in more understandable terms. The Bible lays claim to moral perfection. If Scripture is the divine Word of God, and if it is true that God is supremely just, then anything prescribed in His book is perfectly righteous. God’s Word sets the standard of right and wrong, good or bad, and so on. Therefore, even if our human sensibility is offended or confused, it does not make God’s Word imperfect. Humanity is corrupted by sin and does not easily comprehend genuine justice. We don’t perceive evil as precisely as we should. Meaning we are reliant upon the Bible to reveal moral Truths to us. Without the authoritative Word of God, humanity is left to its own misguided inward moral compass. Our understanding of good and evil has been tampered with by sin and by the sins of our fathers. We hide God’s Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) to replace our broken compass with God’s flawless GPS.

The Bible Lays Claim to Sanctifying TruthSanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

Without falling off a theological cliff, sanctification can be described as the process of being made holy. So how can one become holy? By living according to God’s Truth. And that Truth is contained in the Bible. Obedience to God’s Word is the only path to holiness. Anything less falls short of sanctification. All other versions of morality, although containing measures of truth, are not the Truth. Therefore, they fail to make one morally pure in the eyes of the Lord. It’s prudent to remember that God’s holiness is His most biblically acclaimed attribute. Our call to be sanctified through the Word is no insignificant thing. It isn’t just theological jargon or intellectual banter. It is a God-given imperative to be taken seriously.

The Bible Lays Claim to FlawlessnessEvery word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him (Proverbs 30:5).

The word “pure” in the above Scripture comes from the Hebrew word yastsib, which means “true.”[i] However, in the more profound sense of the word here, it means “certain” or “reliable.”[ii] The distinction is important because God’s words aren’t just true at the moment they’re given. They are eternally reliable. This alludes to the prophetic surety of God’s Word. And to Its literal reliability in the past, present, and future. The Bible is eternally true. Its Truth doesn’t morph, degrade, or rescind. So, when the Bible speaks of the past, we can trust that it is true regardless of what current science might say. When the Bible tells of the future, we can believe it shall be so without reservation. When so-called modern “facts” contradict Scripture, rest assured that Scripture will stand vindicated.

The Bible Lays Claim to VitalityFor 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 (Hebrews 4:12).

Admittedly, despite the King James Version being the best English translation, it sometimes creates embarrassing moments for the modern reader. I can’t tell you how many years I took the word “quick” to mean that the Word of God is a fast-moving sword. And while it is true that the Word can and does often move quickly in a person’s life, “quick” is an Old English word for “alive.” The Holy Bible is living. As we interact with the Word, the Spirit of God moves in us and upon us. The Word doesn’t change but progressively reveals things to us as we interact. That’s why you can read the same verse a thousand times, and one day, you comprehend something that previously seemed mundane. As we humbly submit ourselves to the Word, it changes us from the inside out.

The Bible Lays Claim to Salvific Exclusivity13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:13-17).

The Bible is crystal clear in the claim that it holds the exclusive plan of salvation for humankind. No other book, creed, faith, or culture has access to eternal salvation with God in Heaven. Universalism is the deceiver currently working to deceive the very elect. It might be tempting to buy the lie that many paths lead to God. For some, that sounds tolerant and exceedingly loving. However, it is not possible to believe the Bible and hold to universalism at the same time.

Furthermore, for those who like to deny the relevance of the Old Testament in the New Testament era: When Paul declares that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” the New Testament was not yet completed or in circulation among the Church. The apostle was referring to the Old Testament. Indeed, the theological relevance of the Old Testament was affirmed by the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. All of whom referred back to the Old Testament in their preaching, teaching, and correspondence.

The Bible Lays Claim to Unbridled PowerWherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound (2 Timothy 2:9).

Undoubtedly the apostle Paul was a mighty man of God. He walked in power and authority. Yet, he was still just a man. He suffered unending trials and tribulations. Paul was aware that his multiple incarcerations might cause some to doubt the power of God’s Word. He quickly reminded fearful believers that while we might be bound, the Word of God is never bound. God’s Word bristles with unbridled power even in the darkest of times. It’s working even when we can’t see it. It’s moving even when we can’t feel it. There is no thwarting or diminishing the Word of the Lord. A particular comfort comes when we understand that our weaknesses and sufferings cannot bind the work of the Word.

[i] “יציב,” Hebrew-Aramaic Dictionary of the New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance paragraph 3620.

[ii] “י,” The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament 1613.

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Heaven came down without a sound Into a lost world needing foundMajestic angels gathered round Shepherds bowed low onto the groundEven as wise men sought the crownEmmanuel in a manger A single ray of light shown downThe tyrant trembling at the news Assembled swords to slaughter JewsHues of red innocent blood oozed The baby king is dead he musedYet Christ lived on our sins to takeEmmanuel in a manger A single ray of light shown downHeaven came down without a sound The miracle growing in a stableGod in the flesh came to save us A lamb slain from the beginning Glory to God in the highestEmmanuel in a manger A single ray of light shown down Related posts:1. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 2. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 3. Is the King James Bible the Best Translation? 4. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 5. Special Guest Carlton L. Coon Sr. & Book Review of Light in a Dark Place: Encountering Depression

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They twist and turn in the lamplights glow Whether friend or foe we do not know Tomorrow's ghosts above and below They are tellers of yesterday's truths The woven tales are not of their making The chains they clutch hellishly shaking With fingers pointed and backs aching They are tellers of yesterday's truths Consequences near […] Related posts:1. The Gates of Hell – A Poem 2. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast 3. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 4. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 5. The Narcissism of Knowing (Article + Podcast)

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Those that run with swifter feet. Know not the grace of falling leaves. Nor the magic of treasures deep. For they move too fast and do not see. Those they love and things they need. They make their lists and miss the trees. The mystics mourn for living peace. Yet moments pass, and no one […] Related posts:1. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast 2. The Gates of Hell – A Poem 3. Christianity Isn’t Dying (Dead Churches Are Dying) 4. COVID Carnality (The Cause & Cure) 5. The Burden of Truth (A Poem)

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If He is love, then love is good regardless of the pain. Perhaps the good is better once the hurt has filled our veins. Maybe love is worth more than we can explain. God gave us hearts that break. And grace to put them back together again. Related posts:1. Special Guest Carlton L. Coon Sr. & Book Review of Light in a Dark Place: Encountering Depression 2. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 3. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 4. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 5. Better (A Poem for JJ)

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The cultural tattoo fad shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, tattoos are becoming more popular each year. I’m pushing up against forty, which means I remember when tattoos were rare in law-abiding circles. Most Christians were united in their stance against tattoos. It certainly wasn’t a controversial subject or a topic of hot […] Related posts:1. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 2. Should Christians Dye Their Hair? (Article + Podcast) 3. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 4. Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? (Article + Podcast) 5. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast)

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The Beauty of Biblical Symbolism One of the many things I love about Scripture is the symbolism stretched across its pages. It’s everywhere. Of course, it’s all meant to conjure imagery and teach lessons within lessons. Almost every story in the Bible contains a message within a lesson within another moral. I realize we can […] Related posts:1. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 2. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 3. The Beginning of the World (Creation vs. Evolution, Good vs. Evil, Light vs. Darkness, Oneness vs. Trinitarianism) with Steven Waldron 4. Mass Killings and the Question of Evil 5. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast

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An innocent Jew hung unjustly from a tree to the great delight of an onlooking crowd. Only a handful of quietly spoken words crossed his lips before he died. His accusers craved his death long before it occurred. He wasn’t given a fair trial. An actual murderer went free. And history will forever grieve the […] Related posts:1. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. It Filled the House – The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessels with Samuel Vaughn (Article + Podcast) 4. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 5. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast

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Your Opinion Matters We’ve all received an email after visiting a retail or eating establishment titled something along the lines of Your Opinion Matters inviting us to give our feedback. Similar emails and text messages request our all-important answers for special surveys where our opinions are espoused to be desperately needed. I’ve even noticed this […] Related posts:1. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 2. 10 Symptoms of Insecure Leadership (Article + Podcast) 3. You Can’t Be A Church Leader If… 4. Connection vs. Carnality – In Student Ministry 5. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast)

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After reading It Filled the House (The Journey from Tabernacle to Temple to Earthen Vessel), I knew Samuel Vaughn needed to be a guest on the Apostolic Voice podcast. I’ve never met Samuel, but I knew we were like-minded thinkers from how his book was written. Vaughn is a systematic thinker. As the title suggests, […] Related posts:1. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 2. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 3. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 4. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast 5. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast)

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Evangelist Coley Reese is a long-time friend. His ministry is a blessing, and it’s enjoyable talking with him. I knew we could sit down and talk about anything and have a good time, but I precisely wanted to focus on his conversion story. Because we have such different backgrounds, I wanted to learn from his […] Related posts:1. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 2. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 3. Connection vs. Carnality – In Student Ministry 4. If We Want Our Kids To Stay In Church (Here’s Five Things We Need to Talk to Them About) – Article + Podcast 5. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast

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If you are blissfully unaware of the atrocities taking place in Ukraine at the hands of Russia’s totalitarian president, Vladimir Putin, it’s past time to start paying attention. Why? Well, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes would put it, “Something sinister is afoot.” Empires of evil are on the move. Or rather, they’ve always […] Related posts:1. The Death of Reverence 2. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 3. Mass Killings and the Question of Evil 4. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 5. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French

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Life Impact It’s impossible to adequately articulate how Bishop T.L. Craft has impacted my life and ministry. He is best known around the world as the Bishop of First United Pentecostal Church of Jackson, MS. To thousands like my mother, who attended Jackson College of Ministry, he left an indelible imprint as JCM’s founder and […] Related posts:1. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 4. Let’s Be Honest – AV Interview with Jeremy Gove 5. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French

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The slumbering snore baffled the sages. Long tattered rags masked the seismic rage. For eons, scribes waited with bated breath. Ominous groans bolted prophets out of sleep. Fickle throngs belabored on with stopped-up ears. Battle drums beat somewhere in time's vast space, Faintly thumping as if Hell were marching in place. The Great Bear rose, […] Related posts:1. Fiery Evangelism – What Can Elijah Teach Us About Revival Today? 2. Politically Incorrect Prophets (Speaking Truth In an Age of Timidity) 3. Daemonium Avi (Narratio Carmine) – Demonic Bird (A Narrative Poem) 4. What About Hell? – Everything You Need to Know (Article + Podcast) 5. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christ…

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Dear Dr. Peterson Please forgive the gimmicky aspect of this letter. Your immense popularity or repulsiveness (depending on whom you’re talking to) renders you unreachable by normal means. I’m under no illusion that you will see this letter. However, I sincerely hope this reaches you at some point. Allow me to begin by expressing my […] Related posts:1. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 2. Should Christians Drink Alcohol? 3. Oneness Theology, Church History & Where the Church Is Right Now – Podcast Transcript with Dr. Talmadge French 4. Our God Is One with Dr. Talmadge French (Article + Podcast) 5. Christianity Isn’t Dying (Dead Churches Are Dying)

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Called to Be Saints Together When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, he referred to them as “those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2, ESV).” I’m taking a slight liberty […] Related posts:1. Buried Alive (The Gospel According to the Bible) – Article + Podcast 2. COVID Carnality (The Cause & Cure) 3. Radically Apostolic! with Charles G. Robinette (Article + Podcast) 4. The Anatomy of a Failure (A Scriptural Survey of Why Sincere Souls Fail God) – Article + Podcast 5. You Can’t Be A Church Leader If…