Bro Epley
One thing we agree on (among many things) is what one MUST do to be saved.
I was preaching a few years ago in southern IL
During the message, I asked a few simple questions.......
#1. HOW MANY HERE TONIGHT WANT TO SEE AN
APOSTOLIC MOVE OF GOD???
The place exploded with "a-mens" and "come on - preach!"
#2. HOW MANY HERE TONIGHT WANT TO HAVE
APOSTOLIC REVIVAL???
More "a-mens" and the tempo continued to rise
I followed this line of questioning for a few minutes until it seemed the entire congregation was pregnant with expectation and desire for a true APOSTOLIC move of the Spirit of God.
An APOSTOLIC manifestation of HIS presence where eyes, ears, legs, minds, are healed... sin filled hearts are cleansed and souls are redeemed.
I then gave them what the Lord had given me.....
GOD HAS NOT CHANGED. (
this may come as a shock to some...)
It is HIS desire - HIS will, that we experience the same things in our churches today, as was experienced in the book of Acts.
We CAN...!
The key is.....
AN APOSTOLIC ATTITUDE.
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren,
what shall we do? KJV
v.40
And with
many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
v. 41
Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized: .......
v. 42
And they
continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
Their attitude was...
TELL ME... INSTRUCT ME... WHATEVER IT TAKES.... I WANT TO BE SAVED.
One of the keys to having a true APOSTOLIC church is: People having an APOSTOLIC ATTITUDE. ,,,tell me, man of God, WHAT SHALL WE DO?????
APOSTOLIC ATTITUDE seems to be a rare commodity today.
People want the blessings..... the euphoria, with-out the commitment to holiness ,, INSIDE and OUT.
Unfortunately, the lack of commitment is a prevailing attitude in our world today.
For example....
The pleasures of marriage,,, WITHOUT COMMITMENT....No responsibility... answer to no one.
This same type of attitude...
I want to FEEL GOOD about myself.... FEEL like I'm saved....
But, I don't want a preacher telling me what he thinks I should or should not be doing.
And when an APOSTOLIC man of God DOES tell it like it really is....
He is labeled as judgmental.... his message - legalism.
BTW
If you ever see me about to step off into a deep hole...
If you ever see me about to step in front of a speeding vehicle...
If you ever see me about to swallow something that can destroy me....
I PROMISE......
if you scream at the top of your lungs at me.. in order to spare me terrible tragedy,,, I will NOT call you JUDGMENTAL !
May God help us to become so hungry for the things of Righteousness, and for a true APOSTOLIC church, that we embrace an APOSTOLIC ATTITUDE.