Questions & Answers Page 3

Questions and Answers from the 2018 conference.

  • "Can a Christian be right in going to doctors at the least little sign of trouble, or to take “helping” pills at a whim if they truly believe that Christ took the stripes for their healings?"

    First of all let’s be very clear on what the blood of Jesus can do. There is no sickness or disease that has ever touched a human body that the blood of Jesus cannot heal!! The shedding of his blood for our healing was important to Christ. Jesus was present when man was created out of the dust, he saw the toll sin took on Adam and Eve’s bodies that were created perfect. The effects of sin left us with bodies that were going to feel pain and bear diseases that no man could cure. Christ being willing to endure the whipping and inflections of pain were no accident, he did it willingly that his body might bear our pain and afflictions.


    In the Old Testament the word “apothecary” is used when God is instructing Moses on how to make the holy anointing oil for the tabernacle’s furnishings. “Apothecary” means one who prepares drugs for medicinal uses. Obviously the oil that was used in the tabernacle and temple was not to be used as medicine, but the mixing of the herbs and oils were in the “form of” mixing of medicine. This tells us there were forms of medicines used for pain and sicknesses thousands of years ago.


    Most medicines are used for “temporary” relief of pain. When we get to the New Testament some 4,000 years later, Paul instructs Timothy to use “a little wine for thy stomach’s sake”. This WAS NOT an intoxicating type of wine as we know wine to be today, but a non fermented juice. We know

    there was probably no greater man of faith in the New Testament than Paul, but he is ok with telling Timothy to use this medicine for temporary relief when needed.


    When Jesus was giving the parable of the “Good Samaritan” he states the Good Samaritan pours in oil and wine into the beaten man’s wounds, once again a medicine being used for temporary relief of pain. When Peter and John were beaten and placed in jail the Philippian jailer “washed their stripes”, no doubt using an ointment to bring relief to the pain they were feeling.


    Let me now add, our blessings have also become detrimental to our faith. Most have good paying jobs, insurance and conveniences today that we rely on more than we do God. We now do a lot of praying on the way to the hospital or emergency room where there was a time when people truly depended upon God for all their needs, be it physical or financial.


    Jesus stated it very plainly to the blind men he was preparing to heal as he said to them

    “According to your faith be it unto you”. We can also quote “We have not because we ask not”. I would say we live way below our privileges of being a born again Christian. Psalm 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. The Bible does not condemn medicine for temporary relief but Jesus does condemn us for having a lack of faith in him.


    We are living in a society that is getting hooked on prescription medicine to control their depression, anxiety, mood swings, etc... IT IS NOT God’s will for one of his children to be dependent on those types of medication. Christ’s blood gives us power to overcome all depression, anxieties and whatever else that we battle in our mind. Jesus is the Prince of Peace!!!


    I challenge young people to take time and research the statistics on prescription drug abuse. This problem is not limited to the world, but we are facing it in our Pentecostal homes as well.


    -Bro. Doug Phillips



  • “As a young person in my mid teens, I have noticed that as other young people reach their late teens & early twenties, they have a tendency to compromise and leave the church. Why do you think that is and what can I do now to prevent this in my own life?”


    Thanks for your question!

    Oswald J. Smith said, “The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart”. In regards to this question, I think that’s the heart of the answer as well. Each of us have to get an experience with God for ourselves. Get it as soon as possible and get it in your heart!
    Obviously, the ages you are referring to represent a very crucial time in life. Often, young folks are going away to college, launching out into jobs/careers, etc. Many times, their faith is being attacked like never before. They are not under Dad and Mom’s constant watch any longer. Sometimes, they move out of the house. They are no longer being “forced to attend church”. Many of the “Godly restraints” are removed. You can always tell what’s in a persons heart when the restraints are removed. In Acts 4, Peter and John were threatened. They were told not to preach or even speak anymore in the Name of Jesus. However, Acts 4:23 says, “And being let go, they went to their own company”. I love that verse! Peter and John could have went anywhere, but they went back to church. They prayed and “the place was shaken!” “They were all filled with the Holy Ghost!” Let me ask you something, young person. “Where will you go when you’re let go?” (When you are on your own? No longer living under your parents roof?)


    Bro. Russell Cheek preached a message I have never forgotten. He titled it, “Coat-tail Christianity”. He reminded us that we “Can not ride our Parents, Pastors, or Youth Pastors Coat-Tails to Heaven”. But, He said, “There is Someone’s Coat-Tail you can get a hold of!” Isaiah 6:1 says, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple”. (The Train was “That long, loose flowing robe that monarch’s wore”. Albert Barnes Notes on the Bible). Historians say, “In Old Testament times, when a King conquered, he’d put his foot on the neck of the defeated king and cut off his train. Often, they’d take it home from the battle field and had it sewn or added on to their train. Therefore, the longer the train, the more battles the king had won. The longer the train, the greater the kings power”. The Lord’s Train filled the temple! Bro. Cheek said, “Grab a hold of the Lord’s coat-tail and He’ll pull you through whatever you are facing!”  


    Often times, when we are quizzed by the world and asked, “Why do you live like you do?” “Why do you dress that way?” “Why don’t you go to certain places?” Our answers are usually lacking. We often say, “My Mother and Father make me!” “They don’t believe in that”. That is a cop out! When you are twenty or twenty five years old, that answer won’t work any more. Sooner or later, you will have to say, “It’s my conviction!” “I have some standards that I refuse to let down on!” Get it in your heart       

    now and you won’t have to be a victim of backsliding or compromise. “For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall”. (2 Peter 1:10).


    - Bro. Jerry Pascarella

  • "Why would God allow teenagers to go through things knowing that they will end up quitting church over it?"

    We understand according to scripture that it is Gods will that all of us be saved.


    2 Peter 3:9

    (God) is not willing that ANY should perish but THAT ALL should come to repentance.


    Jo. 6:37

    THEY that come unto me I will in no wise cast out.


    Jo. 3:16

    For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.


    Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, WHOSOEVER believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the Lord shall be saved.


    IN MY STUDYING TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION I HAVE FOUND THE LOVE OF GOD LIKE I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT.


    THREE POINTS I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE:


    • 1. YOU HAVE FREE WILL:

    God does not predetermine our SALVATION OR DAMNATION but DOES INFALLIBLY know who will be saved and who will be lost. 


    THIS KNOWLEDGE IS KNOWN AS GODS OMNISCIENCE. 


    Although God knows from the beginning of the world who will go where, the choice is still with the individual. 


    WE ARE FREE MORAL AGENTS OF CHOICE. 


    GOD OUT OF HIS AMAZING LOVE HAS ALLOWED US TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL, CHRIST AND THE DEVIL, LIGHT AND DARKNESS.


    LOOK AT THESE TWO VERSES FROM THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS:


    Joshua 24:15

    CHOOSE ye this day whom ye will serve. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.


    He. 11:24-25

    By faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. CHOOSING rather to suffer with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.


    SO YOU SEE WE HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE AND GOD LOVINGLY GAVE US THIS CHOICE. 


    • 2. OUR CHOICE AND FAITH WILL BE TESTED:

    The Bible is very clear that our faith will be tried and our choice tested look at these verses:


    2 Tim. 3:12
    Yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution


    1 Peter 1:7
    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than Gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.


    Mt. 24:13

    But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.


    Ro. 8:18
    For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.


    SO WE SEE ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURES OUR FAITH WILL BE TRIED BY FIRE:


    SATAN COMES TO THE TRIAL TO DESTROY US, GOD COMES TO THE TRIAL TO SAVE US AND MAKE US BETTER:


    ONCE AGAIN WE ARE GIVEN A CHOICE TO BE BITTER OR BETTER:


    • 3. GODS  AMAZING  LOVE IN HIS TOTAL OMNISCIENCE:

    There is inherent omniscience, the ability to know anything that one chooses to and can be known.... but God possesses total omniscience the capacity to know all there is to know.


    THE ARGUMENT THAT DIVINE FOREKNOWLEDGE IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH FREE WILL IS KNOWN AS THEOLOGICAL FATALISM. IT IS ARGUED THAT IF HUMANS ARE FREE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN ALTERNATIVES, GOD COULD NOT KNOW WHAT THIS CHOICE WILL BE.


    But today I want to look at this question and except that God ALREADY KNOWS in this room today the eternal destiny of each of us.


    IF GOD KNOWS AND I BELIEVE HE DOES EACH OF OUR ETERNAL DESTINIES NO MATTER OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS SAVED OR LOST AT THIS MOMENT:


    LOOK HOW GOD LOVES US EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS OUR ETERNAL DESTINY. 


    TAKE A LOOK AT JUDAS’ LIFE AND DEATH AND SEE THIS LOVE THAT I SEE:


    Jesus said Judas follow me and Judas made the choice.

    Jesus chose him to be one of the twelve.

    Jesus trusted him enough to make him treasure of his earthly ministry.

    He heard the preaching the teaching saw the miracles.

    Participated in the feeding of the 5000 and the 4000.

    Jesus washed his feet

    Jesus gave him the sop and made him the guest of honor at the last supper.


    WE MAY QUIT ON JESUS BUT JESUS WON’T QUIT ON US.


    JESUS LOVED JUDAS TO THE VERY END. 

    I BELIEVE JUDAS HAD A CHOICE. 


    THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PETER AND JUDAS IS THIS:

    PETER CAME BACK -- JUDAS NEVER CAME BACK.


    If we keep coming back to JESUS we will never be lost!!


    LOOK WITH ME TODAY, AS WE EXCEPT TODAY THAT GOD KNOWS WHETHER I WILL BE SAVED OR LOST:


    Look what GOD has done for me.


    Saved me, sanctified me, filled me with the Holy Ghost and called me to preach the gospel. 


    Blessed beyond deserving, the Revivals, Youth rallies, Youth Camps, Campmeetings. The times he has convicted me, touched me with his love. Let me be in his presence. Blessed me with a wonderful family, friends, and let me weep and be caught up into heavenly places. 


    IF I AM LOST IT IS CLEAR IT IS NOT GODS WILL or CHOICE. IT WILL BE MY OWN CHOICE:


    YES OUR FAITH WILL BE TESTED, BUT HEAVEN AND HELL IS OUR CHOICE. 


    BEST OF ALL LOOK AT THIS AMAZING VERSE THE WORDS OF JESUS:


    LUKE 22:32

    BUT I HAVE PRAYED FOR THEE THAT THY FAITH FAIL NOT. 


    LOOK JESUS HAS PRAYED FOR YOU” YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE IN, GIVE UP OR GIVE OUT. YOU CAN MAKE IT!


    JUDE 24-25 NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING, AND TO PRESENT YOU FAULTLESS BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH  EXCEEDING JOY, TO THE ONLY WISE GOD OUR SAVIOUR, BE GLORY AND MAJESTY, DOMINION AND POWER, BOTH NOW AND EVER, AMEN.


    WITH THIS KIND OF LOVE, YOU AND I DON'T HAVE TO QUIT, NO MATTER WHAT WE FACE IN LIFE.


    When my brother passed away at 42 years of age from kidney cancer. It was a devastating blow to me and Satan sifted me as wheat and he was screaming "quit, quit!" but Jesus was saying I have prayed for you that your faith fail not. And thank God my faith still holds in-spite of the storm. No matter what you face in your life you don’t have to quit!! You can make it!!


    REMEMBER JESUS IS PRAYING FOR YOU!!


    -Bro. Jimmy Millikin

  • "Does God call every individual to a specific ministry?
    What should I do until I hear from Him? If not, what direction should I take."

    Let me answer by giving you some short answers and then expound on them, as well as give you some scriptures to help--


    Yes, God has a specific will for your life. But I think so many in our movement have approached, “the will of God” question as something of more than a curse, we are in fear of missing, rather than a blessing we are able to enjoy.


    We fret, worry, and play “what if” until we almost go into spiritual lock-down simply by trying to do what is right. Let me tell you: God has not given you a Spirit of Fear, even when it comes to this.


    Consider these verses:


    Act 9:3
    And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:


    Act 9:4
    And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

    Act 9:5
    And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.


    Act 9:6
    And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.


    The two greatest questions that need to be asked:

    First, Who are you Lord?

    Second, “What do you want me to do?”


    The Apostle Paul spend the rest of his life answering those two questions—finding out just who Jesus is and following what Jesus would have him to do. And those are the two questions I want you to ask today.


    Jeremiah 10:23

    O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.


    Simply put: We don't know what's best for us—but God does. God can lead my life!


    It's been correctly said, that God's will comes in three ways:


    First, God's Sovereign Will: That's always done. I cant, and you can't, stop it! There is none that can prevent it. It is mysterious. It is unknown. It is known to God alone.


    Deut 29:29
    The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.


    There are certain things we will never understand until we get to heaven and I'm not so sure we will fully understand them then.


    Secondly, God's Sanctified Will. There are certain things that God says is right and others. Pride is wrong. Honestly is right. This is not going to change for me. There is a fixed standard of right and wrong because God has a Moral or Sanctified will.


    Thirdly, and this is the one we are talking about, —God's Special Will for you.


    He had a particular will for Saul. Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.


    God had a plan for this man. “My plan is that he should be a vessel to the Gentiles.” 


    That works in my life and yours: It was God's Sovereign will that Jesus come to die on Calvary and raise from the dead for the sins of Zane Estis.


    It is God's Moral will that Zane Estis live holy and that I was to marry someone who was and is a holy person as well. The bible said I was not to be unequally yoked together with an unbeliever.. It is God's Special will that Zane Estis be a preacher of the Gospel.


    We are just a fleck of spray in an ocean of existence and yet He knows us and cares. What great love the Master has for His flock! He knows the number of hairs on our heads. Someone said, “God loves all of us." Some one said back, “No....better...God loves each of us.”


    I heard of a little boy, who was learning the Lord's Prayer. He said, “Our Father, which art in heaven, how does He know my name?”


    And just as he promised Saul, just as He promised me and others, He will promise to you guidance!


    However, there are certain provisional that come into play before we can know what God has promised.



    A. Willingness


    Acts 9:6
    And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? 
    Paul is wanting to do what God wants him to do...


    A lot of people don't want God's will, they want their will with a rubber stamp.


    This is the real question, Not, “will God show me His will”, but rather can you truly ask, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”



    B. Meekness


    Acts 9:6
    And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

    Meekness means you are teachable. Like one man said: Some have 25 years of experience others have 1 year of experience 25 times.


    Psalms 25:9
    The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

    If you are not willing and meek, you will never know God's will.



    C. Yielded-ness


    Acts 9:8
    And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

    Acts 9:9
    And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.


    Can you imagine? Here is a man that has taken other people captive and putting their hands in bondage and now, it is he himself who is lead like a docile man. He is yielded. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices. Are you yielded to the will of God. Would you be ready to do what He wants you to

    do, if He showed you what to do?


    Unless there is a willingness, meekness, and yieldedness, you will not know His will. 

    There is some wisdom that God gives you and intents for you to use after He gives it to you.


    Wisdom is seeing life from God's point of view. When you pray you get the wisdom that comes from above. Knowledge comes by looking around but wisdom comes by looking up. Wisdom is having a mind filled with the Word of God and a heart saturated with the Spirit of God. And His promise is this:

    He will guide me with wisdom! 


    Now, while you're pondering this and praying over this, I want to give you some questions that I have given many young men and women in Bible schools. I hope they too give practical guidance to your

    life.


    How can I know myself?

    1. What are my burdens? (What weighs heavy on my spirit?)

    2. What are my motivational gifts? (What is it, when I do it, people are motivated and moral is lifted?)

    3. What are my core values?

    4. What are my dreams and goals?

    5. What are my natural talents?

    6. What are my passions? (That's a mixture of love and hate—Passion)

    7. What are my qualities that others affirm? (What is it that others say about me?)


    Asking good questions, forming good habits: that's a life well lived!


    The way to know the will of God for the rest of your life, is to do the will of God right now. It's hard to steer a ship that's not moving. The way to understand the parts of the bible you don't understand is to obey the parts of the bible you do understand.


    If you're interested in having the will of God in your life, I want you to say what Paul said so long ago: LORD, who are you?

    And, Lord, what do you want me to do?


    -Bro. Zane Estis