Sandy Hathaway – Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Sandy Hathaway of Heritage House Ministries
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Apostle Ball – Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Apostle F. Nolan Ball
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August 19, 2010
Before Yahweh releases His power to affect change, He waits until the government of the Ekklesia is set in place, otherwise that which is intended for our good and His glory will be released into a chaotic situation and the result will be both detrimental and embarrassing.
The operation and release of the gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 14) are not for the purpose of establishing order, and when released into an ungoverned congregation, those expressions of the gifts of the Spirit will only add to the confusion, undermining Holy Spirit’s purpose.
There was a reason why, according to Genesis 2:5, in the beginning there was no plant, because there was no rain and there was no rain because there was no man to till (govern) the ground. This is the same Divine reasoning expressed in I Corinthians 12:28: “…Yahweh has appointed these in the Ekklesia: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”
I dare say that in the history of the Ekklesia there are few records which would indicate that the release of the vocal gifts of Holy Spirit have produced little, if any, beneficial and lasting good. And, that will not change until the offices of the apostle, prophet, and teacher are set in their places. There can be no “after that” until there is a “before that.”
There is a protocol–doing a thing the right (beneficial) way– even the expressions of the vocal gifts of Holy Spirit. Anything less should not be permitted in the assembly.
Now, let us consider some of the points of this protocol.
1. No expressions of any of the vocal gifts should be permitted in an assembly, unless there is present those who are known to be qualified to govern.
2. All of the gifts should be released in the Ekklesia, not just the favorites. Those that are released in any assembly ought to be complimentary to the others being released. In other words, they ought not to be contrary; they should not be divisive.
3. A continuing of utterances in tongues ought not be permitted unless there is an interpretation.
4. Each of us is a part of something bigger than us; it is called “a body.” Therefore, it is essential that all of the parts be together and functioning in harmony with the other “parts.”
5. When all of the parts of the body are functioning, there is no need of nor place for “stars.” The common good for all who are assembled is the goal–not the display of a few “stars.”
For this protocol to work, it must be ordained by and administrated under the hand and voice of an apostle-father. There is no other means by which this thing called “the Ekklesia” (church) can become the witness of Christ in the earth.
I pray that I can help you understand how important you are to the success of the whole and how blessed you are to have been led by Holy Spirit to me and to this house.
As for me, there is no other place and there is no other time in which I would have preferred to live. This is our finest hour! Lay hold of it. Buy it with all of the other treasures you have bought with your life. What profit will it have been, if in the end we wake up to the terrible reality that all we have is wood, hay, and stubble.
A card on which was printed these words, was carried in the billfold of the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, and he read it every day. May you and I live our lives day after day, conscious of this truth.
This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it.
I want it to be a gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure, in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.
read moreAugust 12, 2010
You hear me, from time to time, say that a dictionary is the essential book for the person who desires to be educated rather than being satisfied with just being schooled. In today’s writing, I will consider and write about the word, “protocol.”
In the earliest usage of this word, it was used in reference to one sheet of paper, attached to the first page of a manuscript, on which the outline of the manuscript was stated. Today, we call that the “table of contents.”
In an enlarged understanding of “protocol,” it simply means the right way to relate to both people and circumstances in any particular culture.
Without an understanding and performance of the protocol of each societal group into which our military and other ambassadorial individuals are sent on behalf of the government of our nation, their behavior might be seen as lacking respect for the very people they are trying to assist.
The recent flap between President Obama and military leaders that led Mr. Obama to fire Lieutenant General McCrystal, is a good example of what I am writing.
All the General said was that the President was, at best, indifferent to our military leaders. When they began to see the ineptness of the President to execute a simple but correct salute, that confirmed to every person who had an understanding of a proper salute, that not only did he lack in experience but that he also lacked respect. Every person who has been influenced by the military knows one of the first instructions is how to execute a salute. Had the President cared about the military people, he would have had that same thing taught to himself.
As with other matters, one size does not fit all, nor do the same points of etiquette apply in every society.
Those of us who believe that the ground around the Cross is level and are also of the “I’ll Fly Away, Oh Glory,” mind set, tend to resist the protocol of liturgical churches. However, we need to be aware of and familiar with the protocol of how to behave in the house of God. That protocol, strangely enough, was given to congregations very much like us, rather than today’s liturgical congregations. The protocol given to the early Believers was not to stifle either Holy Spirit or the saints, but was given to release both, to the benefit of all and for the glory of our Head–Christ.
Consider and follow these points of protocol that ought to be our guide as to our behavior in our participation with other Believers, and especially when we are gathered together in Christ.
I Timothy 3:14-15 – These things I (Paul) write to you (Timothy) so that you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of Yahweh, which is the Ekklesia of the living God.
Hebrews 10:19-29 – Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Yahshua, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
By this scripture, I understand that when a Believer chooses to absent himself from the gathering of Believers, it is a sin (trespass) against Christ and the Believers to whom he is joined. And, if we willfully do so, we should expect judgment and fiery indignation that devours. When we do so, we become guilty of trampling the blood of Christ underfoot and despising Holy Spirit.
Strong stuff, indeed.
read moreAugust 5, 2010
It used to be that every school boy or girl could quote Patrick Henry’s words: “Give me liberty, or give me death.” But, few of us know anything about what Mr. Henry said before those famous words were uttered. I think it is good that we all learn “the rest of the story.”
The following is the entirety of that American Patriot’s fiery speech given at the Virginia Convention in March of 1775. He spoke passionately, without notes and without a teleprompter. Here is the speech, in its entirety.
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No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.
This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.
Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?
For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth — to know the worst and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House?
Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation — the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motives for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?
No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing.
We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer.
Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament.
Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.
If we wish to be free — if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending — if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!
They tell us, sir, that we are weak — unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.
The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, “Peace! Peace!” — but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! –Patrick Henry – March 23, 1775
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Patrick Henry died on June 6, 1799. Along with his last will, he left a small envelope that contained a single sheet of paper on which he had copied his Resolutions against the Stamp Act. On the back, Patrick Henry left a message that he knew would be read after his death. This excerpt was taken from that message:
Whether America’s independence will prove a Blessing or a Curse, will depend on the use our people make of the Blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a Nation. Reader! whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy Sphere, practice Virtue thyself, and encourage it in others. P. HENRY
Amen, Patrick.
read moreApostle Ball – Wednesday, July 14th 2010
Apostle F. Nolan Ball
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July 22, 2010
I have told myself that so long as I am the apostle leading The Rock and am in authority, I will not be party to leading any more meetings that resemble something poured into a mold and turned out, one after the other, never changing.
Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and Son to the Ekklesia on its day of birthing, and to me on my day of spiritual birthing into Christ’s Kingdom, is too awesome to be falsely represented by dull, dry, and irrelevant services.
That which prophets had long prophesied and for which Yahshua died would have been dead on arrival had Holy Spirit not breathed the breath of life into it. And had not its leadership been baptized into the Ekklesia by that same Spirit, there would have been a celebration of death, with the dead burying the dead from then until now. But God!
Come, help me change everything that needs to be changed–from glory to glory.
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There are any number of things that the average congregation does in its effort to effectually evangelize people, most of which are almost impossible to assess at the conclusion of the exercise. One such exercise is Vacation Bible School.
Except for the time when Johnnie (my sister) and I attended Sunday School in Gulf Hammock, we basically grew up un-churched. In the summer when I would have been fourteen or fifteen, some of the parents in Gulf Hammock raised enough money from amongst themselves to have a nice young lady associated with the Methodist Church (before it became the United Methodist Church) to come and conduct a two week V.B.S. for the boys and girls in Gulf Hammock.
For me, it was a fun time of games, songs, and Bible stories. It was my first memorable spiritual experience. What stands out to me were the Scriptures we memorized. When I committed my life to Christ, those were the only Scriptures I knew.
How could any of us have known that because of the concern of those parents in Gulf Hammock, Holy Spirit laid a foundation of the Scriptures in a young boy’s life who would spend his life giving all the Scriptures to thousands of people?
To Pastor Jeff, who again took the responsibility to schedule and plan this year’s Kids’ Camp, and to all who assisted him: “Thank you!”
Years from now, someone will give his/her life to Christ, and the angels will remember that you laid the foundation for what their life will produce.
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