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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you ready?]]> General http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=9 Wed, 26 Dec 2007 06:11:39 -0500 http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=6
It is interesting to note that none of the apostles or even Jesus used titles that commanded respect or set themselves above anyone. There is no division in the church, just members in particular (1 Corinthians 12:27) of one body that has different functions.The title "Reverend" for example actually means one who is "worthy of reverence".

1 rev•er•end
Pronunciation: 'rev-r&nd, 're-v&-; 're-v&rnd
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin reverendus, gerundive of revereri
Date: 15th century
1 : worthy of reverence : REVERED

Source: Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary

There is only one who is worthy of reverence and that is our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Paul referred to himself always as "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ" (Romans 1:1). He went on to say that he was “called to be an apostle”, but that is what he did, it was his ministry and gift from God and not a title that he was to wear for the purpose of demanding respect. All of the gifts of the ministry are just job descriptions or functions of the ministry God gave to us. They are not supposed to be titles or badges to add on to ones name to appear as holy, or important, or of high spiritual rank to men.

Many have not removed themselves from the traditions and teaching in denominational churches, and from the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic Church set about to keep the people ignorant and in their place and created this false clergy/laity division that is not Biblical. There is no division in the church and no clergy or laity in God’s Word.

Those that lead many Oneness Apostolic Pentecostal assemblies today prefer to be called Pastor, Bishop, Reverend, Minister, Elder, Apostle, etc. They have yet to shake this man-made tradition.

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant" - Matthew 20:25-27

The word "Pastor" comes from the Hebrew word "ra'ah". It means to pasture, tend, graze, feed. We are servants and are to feed His sheep, to lead His sheep. Not to rule over them. “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed; Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. -I Peter 5:1-4

God never set one man called a “pastor” or by any other title over His church. The ministry of a pastor was a gift God gave to men for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). In fact a pastor is one of the lesser ministries. “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” - 1 Corinthians 12:28. Jesus alone is the head of the church and we as pastors, teachers, evangelists, apostles, profits, are to Minister to the church as servants. Only elders (plural) were set over the church.

We have different ministries and gifts in the church. We can say that I have been called to pastor, or I have been called to evangelize or I am an elder. But let us not use these gifts and functions in the church to set ourselves above one another by using them as titles or positions of honor. Let us work together, each in his calling and our gifts and ministries will make way for themselves.

It is interesting to note that the term pastor was a title or office, was first incorrectly applied by Martin Luther rather than to call their church leaders “Priests” as did the Roman Catholic Church. To this day the church has yet to get away from this false teaching and concept. There can be more than one and in fact several pastors in a local assembly, just as there can be several having other gifts of the ministry or gifts of the Spirit.
]]> General http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=6 Mon, 25 Dec 2006 18:55:56 -0500 http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=5 Authorized King James Version of 1611

My friends my heart is heavy this morning and I am greatly grieved in my spirit. I see so much arguing in the church over doctrines of small issues. There is such diverse traditions among people, that have often become law for some. Many of these laws or rules are imposed upon others in a legalistic fashion often resulting in driving people away from God rather than draw them to God.Men stand firm on many issues. Some will preach and teach a rigid appearance and dress code, others attack other things such as kept holidays. Much of these things that are believed and taught in various assemblies are in error, but they all are condemnation and lack charity and grace toward fellow brethren.

"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." - (Romans 14:1-13) Authorized King James Version of 1611

If we in our personal walk believe that a woman cannot cut her hair regardless of teaching to the contrary, then do this for yourself unto the Lord and do not condemn your brother over it. If you believe that you should have a beard and that there is nothing wrong with it, then do not condemn you brother that remains clean shaven by his own tradition. If you believe that it is a sin to observe a holiday such as Christmas, then do not keep it. Do not condemn not your brother who may keep the holiday for traditions sake or other reasons not known to you.

It is good for us to come together to share in these things and say why we believe what we believe and discuss them without condemnation of the one that keeps or the one that does not keep it.

It is my hope that the things that I write here are received as things that I believe or that God has revealed to me. I share them as a teacher and an elder in the Church of God and not as a condemnation of those that do not keep them.

Nothing that I write here is intended as an attack on any person, assembly or organization. I too am imperfect and will stand before God as all will and give an account.

God has shown me much error in the Church and I feel led to expose that error. Admittedly I am often reluctant to do as I know it will cause brethren to rise up against me. I say these things because I know they are true and am led by the Holy Spirit to say them. I do not say them to attack anyone or any group but I desire to fellowship with all brethren in peace.

I may believe that there is nothing wrong with a man having a beard, but if you believe we should be clean shaven I have no condemnation of you. I may believe there is nothing wrong with keeping a family holiday on the day that the world calls Christmas. But if you believe that has pagan roots and is sin to do so then I accept that for you and have no condemnation of you.

In short, I have no personal interest in keeping the Christmas holiday for my sake, but it is for the sake of my unsaved family members who do. Should I alienate my family driving them further away with such a condemnation toward whom God has not yet saved?

I have seen the much harm that legalism has done in homes. We all as the head of our households need to draw our own line for our families. I as the family patriarch of my family have saved and unsaved alike that still come together as family. On some matters I stand firm regarding many issues in my home. On other things that are small, I give grace that comes from charity.
]]> General http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=5 Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:14:39 -0500 http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=4
I also know that nowhere in the Bible did Jesus celebrate his birthday, nor did he command us to. I also know that the only two people mentioned in the Bible that celebrated their birthdays were Herod and Pharaoh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!
]]> General http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=4 Wed, 6 Dec 2006 17:31:19 -0500 http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=2
Often, I cannot put my finger on it, I just get a sense when things are right and when God is moving greatly, or is about to.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


]]> General http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=2 Sun, 3 Dec 2006 15:33:10 -0500 http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=1 ...Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. - 3 John 1:9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

]]> General http://apostolic-voice.org/index.php?itemid=1 Sat, 2 Dec 2006 01:55:00 -0500