Hi John,
I love all the scriptures that were read today about what happens at the new birth! I wish every person on this planet with the holy ghost could watch and take in what we saw today. What a wonderful time we could have with all our family if we all only knew what Jesus did for us the day we received the blessing of the holy ghost.
It really is all we need to worship him in spirit and truth, because if we follow the Spirit, it leads us to all truth. Thank you, John, for teaching us what God gives to you. It was beautiful today to watch and feel the love God has for us in His Spirit!
Stuart
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Thank you, Pastor John, for sharing the truth that the Lord has shown you. The message today was about truth, love and hope for all who want to serve God the right way and the required steps to begin. The verses from the bible strongly supported your message. No wonder the Catholic leaders do not want anyone to read the bible. “Trust us” they say. “We will show you the way.” Just not the way of God, is what they don’t tell you.
I was reading in Psalms 115 tonight. The dead idols mentioned fit exactly what I was taught. A rosary in your pocket, scapular around your neck, idol of Mary in the yard, Jesus on the cross on the wall, none of which ever had an answer. I remember as a young child praying, crying out to these idols and never getting relief. The despair it put in my heart knowing there was something wrong with me. Never any hope. Later, when I was 15, I went on a band trip. I was to room at a host band member’s home. My dad had a gift, as he could sometimes just know things. Before this trip he made a comment to me, be sure and make them take you to a Catholic place as there are a lot of holy rollers in that part of the country.
Randy, a Baptist friend, and I were going to stay at the same home. We discussed this and decided not to burden the host family and just go where they did. Boy, was that an eye opening experience. People were shouting, dancing, rolling in the isles. I heard them talking but couldn’t understand a word. But I did feel something was different while there. I asked Randy later and he told me they were speaking in tongues. I didn’t know what that meant and couldn’t ask when I got home, or else. I am glad I didn’t make fun.
This was about the same time I was learning about the crusades and the cruelties used to convert people to Catholicism. These two things caused me to start to secretly question the Catholic belief, which caused me to work harder at being a good Catholic. It took many more years and me going to a place, Jimmy’s, to rescue a lost Catholic soul before I finally heard and felt the truth. I just didn’t realize it was my lost soul that was to be rescued.
I thank Jesus that He loved me before I even knew who He really was! And then a few more years. Because in 2001, when I asked you what was happening, I failed to listen to your advice when you said you were not sure yet but to stand still and see what the Lord was doing. My carnal mind took over and I left, only to wander in the wilderness for 20 more years. I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed me by allowing me to come home!
Sorry I didn’t mean to get so long but reading Psalms for the first time ever has been slow for me, but at the same time a blessing. I have to read many of them over and over. It feels like every Psalm has something that relates to my experiences even when I don’t understand the whole Psalm, maybe only a single verse will I get. But it’s in my heart!
Thank you.
Love,
Mark W.