Preaching Points

Spiritual Warfare

Jay Jones — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:37:13 +0000

I had a battle fierce today
Right in the place of prayer.
I went to meet and talk with God,
But I found Satan there.

He whispered, “You can’t really pray;
You lost out long ago.
You might say words while on your knees,
But you can’t pray, you know.”

So then I pulled my helmet tight,
Way down upon my ears,
And found it helped to still his voice,
And helped allay my fears.

I checked my other armor o’er,
My feet in peace were shod.
My loins with truth still girded ’round,
My sword the Word of God.

My righteous breastplate still was on
My heart’s love to protect.
My shield of faith was all intact,
His fiery darts to deflect.

My courage mounted up afresh,
I gripped anew my sword.
“Old Satan, get behind,” I cried.
Oh, Glory! Praise the Lord!

Again his darts came thick and fast.
Faith quenched and put them out.
And while he raised a new attack,
I raised the victory shout.

I called on God in Jesus’ name.
I pled the precious blood.
While Satan sneaked away in shame.
I met and talked with God.

1993 Affirmation Statement Letter from N. A. Urshan

Jay Jones — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:59:29 +0000

January 18, 1993

To All of Our Ministers in the United Pentecostal Church International,

Greetings in the only saving Name, Jesus!

The General Board met in their annual Mid-Winter Meeting at the World Evangelism Center on Tuesday, January 12, through Thursday, January 14, 1993. One of the most important questions of discussion involved the resolution passed at the General Conference held in Salt Lake City. This resolution called our ministerial constituency to affirm their conviction on the matter of our doctrinal position on full salvation and our stand on holiness.

The Executive Board had asked for a delay until the General Board could meet to discuss the time of implementation of the resolution. In the meantime the resolution was printed in the new Manual and in the Forward. There was no intention of the Executive Board to delay it until the next General Conference in Louisville.

The disinformation that went out from the last conference had confused many of the ministry who were not privileged to be in attend to hear the discussion on the floor of the conference. Unfortunately, some of the information was erroneous and considerably exaggerated. The result was [that] a confused fear developed in ministers who were not present at the conference. In the spirit of brotherly kindness and Christian graciousness, every member of the General Board was urged to speak their heart on this matter, and many did speak. The result of this lengthy discussion ended with the following motion made by the General Board and clearly approved, with a vote of 47 to 14.

“Inasmuch as this resolution has been passed out at the conference and published in the Forward and there has been adequate time for it to be discussed and understood by our fellowship, and inasmuch as there is a sixty day period given after receiving the resolution and in view of the fact that further delay will only bring more confusion, be it resolved that this General Board instruct the General Secretary to implement this resolution immediately and that the sixty-day period for return of these declarations of faith begin on February 1, 1993; Ammended that the statement of affirmation cannot be used a basis for any kind of complaint or charge or Judicial Procedure action; Ammended that a cover letter be sent with the statement of affirmation. This letter to contain the fact that the resolution does not give any added powers to officials.”

Following this motion, Brother Becton and I were authorized to write this cover letter. The consummate interpretation and explanation is hereby rendered:

The resolution does not give any added powers to officials. If a minister believes our message, all he must do is sign the annual statement. If he does, no official can take any action against him, except under the provisions of our Constitution and Judicial Procedure that already exist. There is no provision for contesting a signed statement.

The resolution does not allow officials to impose private interpretations of holiness standards. The only person who interprets the statement is the minister himself. If he honestly embraces the principles described in the two sections of the Articles of Faith, then he can and should sign the statement. No one can challenge his signature on the basis of personal interpretations and applications.

Some people have argued that the resolution will impose controversial views on subjects such as long sleeves, wedding rings, hair arrangement, church softball games, facial hair, skating rinks, and so on. Neither the resolution nor the statement, nor the Articles of Faith mention these subjects. The Articles of Faith mention matters such as immodest dress, worldly sports, and unwholesome music, but the specific definition and application of these principles have always been left to the individual pastor and saint.

Moreover, the methods by which a pastor seeks to convert and disciple people who attend his church is in his discretion. Nothing in the resolution changes these prerogatives.

This letter is being sent to comply with the sixty-day period beginning February 1. Your fellowship card will be sent from Headquarters when you answer within a sixty-day period.

Again, the intent of this resolution is to stem the tide of the worldly pressure on the ministry. The United Pentecostal Church has become a beacon of hope for a drowning church world which has disintegrated into “situation ethics and other strange behavior.” This is not inquisitory or cultic in any sense. I trust this letter will give you the encouragement to open a willing door to your heart and life for the continuity of doctrines given to us by God-fearing pioneers of our Apostolic movement.

May the Lord bless and keep you strong in the faith, to the Lord Jesus and doctrinally sound.

Sincerely in Christ, Nathaniel A. Urshan General Superintendent

100 Questions that Jesus asked and YOU must answer:

Jay Jones — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:27:07 +0000

And if you greet your brethren only, what is unusual about that? Do not the unbelievers do the same? (Matt 5:47)
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan? Matt 6:27
Why are you anxious about clothes? Matt 6:28
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye yet fail to perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? (Matt 7:2)
Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matt 7:16)
Why are you terrified? (Matt 8:26)
Why do you harbor evil thoughts? (Matt 9:4)
Can the wedding guests mourn so long as the Bridegroom is with them? (Matt 9:15)
Do you believe I can do this? (Matt 9:28)
What did you go out to the desert to see? (Matt 11:8)
To what shall I compare this generation? (Matt 11:6)
Which of you who has a sheep that falls into a pit on the Sabbath will not take hold of it and lift it out? (Matt 12:11)
How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and take hold of his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? (Matt 12:29)
You brood of vipers! How can you say god things when you are evil? (Matt 12:34)
Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? (Matt 12:48)
Why did you doubt? (Matt 14:31)
And why do you break the commandments of God for the sake of your tradition? (Matt 15:3)
How many loaves do you have? (Matt 15:34)
Do you not yet understand? (Matt 16:8)
Who do people say the Son of Man is? (Matt 16:13)
But who do you say that I am? (Matt 16:15)
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life and what can one give in exchange for his life? (Matt 16:26)
O faithless and perverse generation how long must I endure you? (Matt 17:17)
Why do you ask me about what is good? (Matt 19:16)
Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink? (Matt 20:22)
What do you want me to do for you? (Matt 20:32)
Did you never read the scriptures? (Matt 21:42)
Why are you testing me? (Matt 22:18)
Blind fools, which is greater, the gold or the temple that makes the gold sacred….the gift of the altar that makes the gift sacred? (Matt 23:17-19)
How are you to avoid being sentenced to hell? (Matt 23:33)
Why do you make trouble for the woman? (Matt 26:10)
Could you not watch for me one brief hour? (Matt 26:40)
Do you think I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than 12 legions of angels? (Matt 26:53)
Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? (Matt 26:53)
My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me? (Matt 27:46)
Why are you thinking such things in your heart? (Mark 2:8)
Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed rather than on a lamp stand? (Mark 4:21)
Who has touched my clothes? (Mark 5:30)
Why this commotion and weeping? (Mark 5:39)
Are even you likewise without understanding? (Mark 7:18)
Why does this generation seek a sign? (Mark 8:12)
Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and still not see? Ears and not hear? (Mark 8:17-18)
How many wicker baskets full of leftover fragments did you pick up? (Mark 8:19)
[To the Blind man] Do you see anything? (Mark 8:23)
What were arguing about on the way? (Mark 9:33)
Salt is good, but what if salt becomes flat? (Mark 9:50)
What did Moses command you? (Mark 10:3)
Do you see these great buildings? They will all be thrown down. (Mark 13:2)
Simon, are you asleep? (Mark 14:37)
Why were you looking for me? (Luke 2:49)
What are you thinking in your hearts? (Luke 5:22)
Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I command? (Luke 6:46)
Where is your faith (Luke 8:25)
What is your name? (Luke 8:30)
Who touched me? (Luke 8:45)
Will you be exalted to heaven? (Luke 10:15)
What is written in the law? How do you read it? (Luke 10:26)
Which of these three in your opinion was neighbor to the robber’s victim? (Luke 10:36)
Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? (Luke 11:40)
Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbiter? (Luke 12:14)
If even the smallest things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest? (Luke 12:26)
Why do you not judge for yourself what is right? (Luke 12:57)
What king, marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king marching upon him with twenty thousand troops? (Luke 14:31)
If therefore you are not trustworthy with worldly wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? (Luke 16:11)
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God? (Luke 17:18)
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? (Luke 18:7)
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth? (Luke 18:8)
For who is greater, the one seated a table or the one who serves? (Luke 22:27)
Why are you sleeping? (Luke 22:46)
For if these things are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry? (Luke 23:31)
What are you discussing as you walk along? (Luke 24:17)
Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter his glory? (Luke 24:26)
Have you anything here to eat? (Luke 24:41)
What are you looking for? (John 1:38)
How does this concern of your affect me? (John 2:4)
You are a teacher in Israel and you do not understand this? (John 3: 10)
If I tell you about earthly things and you will not believe, how will you believe when I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3: 12)
Do you want to be well? (John 5:6)
How is it that you seek praise from one another and not seek the praise that comes from God? (John 5:44)
If you do not believe Moses’ writings how will you believe me? (John 5:47)
Where can we buy enough food for them to eat? (John 6:5)
Does this (teaching of the Eucharist) shock you? (John 6:61)
Do you also want to leave me? (John 6:67)
Why are you trying to kill me? (John 7:19)
Woman where are they, has no one condemned you? (John 8:10)
Why do you not understand what I am saying? (John 8:43)
Can any of you charge me with sin? (John 8:46)
If I am telling you the truth, why do you not believe me? (John 8:46)
Are there not twelve hours in a day? (John 11:9)
Do you believe this? (John 11:26)
Do you realize what I have done for you? (John 13:12)
Have I been with you for so long and still you do not know me? (John 14:9)
Whom are you looking for? (John 18:4)
Shall I not drink the cup the Father gave me? (John 18:11)
If I have spoken rightly, why did you strike me? (John 18:23)
Do you say [what you say about me] on your own or have others been telling you about me? (John 18:34)
Have you come to believe because you have seen me? (John 20:29)
Do you love me? (John 21:16)
What if I want John to remain until I come? (John 21:22)
What concern is it of yours? (John 21:22)

Three Keys to Ministry

Jay Jones — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:23:13 +0000

By Paul Giertz

1. Calling:

Only God calls people into the ministry. Jonah was called but ran. Joshua and Nehemiah were called by circumstance. Daniel, Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah were called by their integrity. The Bible, and life for that matter, is full of men and women whose calling was predicated by different circumstances; whose ministries were destined by God to meet a particular need. Each by submitting to God’s purpose – served his own generation by the will of God.

Consider Namaan’s wife’s handmaiden. Her name is not even mentioned in scripture. Her task was simply to share the light of Jehovah’s healing power by telling her mistress and master about the prophet in Israel.

Think about Jeremiah. He was smack in the middle of God’s will yet did not have one convert. He in stead was abused, tortured, and mocked. By natural standards, one might conclude that his ministry was a dismal failure. We need to seek to be faithful to His calling not chase after another mark on a man-made measuring stick.

2. Character:

Without a doubt one of the most important aspects of ministry is character. 1 Timothy 3:7 reads, “Also, he must be well spoken of by the people outside the church – those who aren’t Christians – so that Satan can’t trap Him with man’s accusations and leave him without freedom to lead his flock.” (TLB)

When it comes to discerning a man’s character, time is our best friend. Faithfulness, consistency, integrity, in essence, character is seen best through the lens of time. People take a long time to tag someone as a “good man,” however; it takes only one slip of the tongue or ill-timed action to mar a reputation. A good name can be destroyed in the proverbial heartbeat. We need to subject our body and spirit to whatever calling God has for us – even if we are not “there” yet. Establishing a name takes time – so it’s time to be conscious of our name.

Brother’s Keepers:

When God asked Cain where Abel was, Cain’s reply was the interrogative, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” I suggest that our response as the church of the living God ought to be a resounding “YES!” One can put a thousand to flight two can put ten thousand. A threefold chord is not easily broken. We need to be knit together with the brethren!

Jonathan mentored a young man who was anointed to take the throne that legally ought to have been his. It is essential that there be people in our lives that can mentor us and shape our character! As well, we need peer level influence that will commit to keep us accountable for our attitudes and actions. It is much safer to travel with someone than try to do it solo. Should you get a little off track, it’s easier for an “accountability partner” to help make some adjustments than it would be to repair and restore after devastation.

Jonathan and David knit their souls together. The ministry has some very dark valleys at times. It makes the trip a little more manageable when we have somebody whose soul is knit together with yours. It is important to have someone with whom you can discuss dreams, successes, frustrations, mistakes, and failures. We need some “Brother’s Keepers” in the ministry.

3. Competencies

effective communication

Preaching – The passionate communication targeting the heart resulting in commitment and challenge – in essence the altar experience.
Teaching – The anointed instructing in the things of God and scripture that produces character growth and maturity.

identifying, articulating, and casting vision
motivating people
coaching and developing people
synthesizing information
persuading people
initiating strategic action
engaging (following through) strategic action
resolving conflict
developing resources
acquiring and selecting resources
delegating authority and responsibility
reinforcing commitment
celebrating successes
decision making
team building
instigating evaluation
creating a viable (working) culture
maintaining focus and priorities
upholding accountability
identifying opportunities for influence
relating everything back to God’s plan
modeling the spiritual disciplines
managing other key leaders
modeling commitment during difficult times

The skills involved in ministry are the easy part. Anyone can learn the “how’s” of ministry functionality. Only God determines the call. Only an individual can submit his will to allow character to be produced.

Isn’t It Strange?

Jay Jones — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:43:31 +0000

Isn’t it strange, that princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common-folk like you and me,
are builders for eternity?

To each is given a bag of tools,
a shapeless mass and a Book of Rules;
and each must make ‘ere time has flown,
a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

R.L. Sharpe, “A bag of tools,” circa 1809

No related posts.

Help Wanted: Outreach Minister

Jay Jones — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:11:20 +0000

Dear friends,

The Pentecostals of Kentwood is currently looking for a solid ministry couple (or individual) that is talented, self-motivated and creative to lead our Outreach and evangelism ministry. This is currently a volunteer position, and responsibilities would include the following:

Directly responsible for Outreach and evangelism for POK in the Kentwood, MI and surrounding area
Develop outreach programs that are effective in winning souls in today’s generation
Recruit and train new people to assist with the outreach ministry of our church
Develop a group of people who are willing to teach Bible studies
Implement a course to train people in Bible study teaching and evangelism
Oversee all community evangelism campaigns
Plan and execute new outreach programs and ministries

The Pentecostals of Kentwood is an exciting, growing church founded nearly 8 years ago with a heart and focus on reaching the Lost with the saving message of Jesus Christ. We are deeply passionate about personal, lifestyle evangelism, and tremendously hungry for unprecedented endtime revival in our city of nearly 50,000 souls.

Pastor Jay Jones is a leader in personal servanthood, compassion and evangelism, and is willing to invest in and support the efforts necessary to reach our World. We believe with the right attention and the right individual(s) to lead our Evangelism effort, we will see this vision become a reality. http://mypentecost.com/serve/outreach/

If you know anyone who may be interested in becoming part of our team, please help us make the connection (contact form here). While we aren’t able to offer salary at this time, we do have employment and housing connections in the community, and can assist with relocation efforts.

Kentwood is a key city in the Grand Rapids Metro region, contributing to the nearly 3/4 million people who are in need of God.

Links of Interest:

Quoted: Jay Jones on signs

Jay Jones — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:23:01 +0000

We should be less concerned with the signs before us, and more concerned with the signs that follow us. Related Posts Quoted: Jay Jones on Leadership Quoted: Jay Jones on Soulwinning Quoted: Jay Jones on Church Territorialism

Quoted: Jay Jones on Prodigals and Lost Sheep

Jay Jones — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 04:38:06 +0000

Prodigals need to know there’s a home to return to, but generally left alone till they come to their own mind… Lost sheep need someone to chase them. Sometimes we get that backwards… waiting for sheep to find their own way (while they’re begging for someone to help them), and hounding on the prodigal to come home (while they’re begging to be left alone). Related Posts Quoted: Jay Jones on Emergent Theology Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing Quoted: Jay Jones on Beliefs

Poem: I Met God

Jay Jones — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:46:56 +0000

by Ralph Cushman

I met God in the morning,
when my day was at its best.
And His Presence came like glory,
a sunrise in my breast.

All day long His Presence lingered,
all day long He stayed with me…
And we sailed in perfect calmness,
O’er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered;
Other ships were sore distressed.
But the winds that seemed to drive them,
Brought to us such peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind.
When I too had loosed the moorings,
with the Savior left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
learned from many a troubled way…
You must seek God in the morning,
if you want Him in the day.

Collegial Eldership or Leadership in the Church

Jay Jones — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:23:50 +0000

The question was asked of me recently whether I support the concept of Collegial Eldership in the church. To define the term, “collegial”, for those who may not be familiar with it, it denotes having authority or power shared among a number of people associated as colleagues. Specifically in the case of Collegial Eldership, it is a shared role of “pastor” by several people within one congregation. Presbyterian churches, for example, primarily work this way.

I am not staunchly against the idea, and feel that it’s valid in the sense of a mutual purpose, passion, goal, ownership, etc. Collectively, we need joint responsibility in the church. There is a traditional separation between “clergy” and “laity” that stunts the progress and power of the local congregation.

That said, there is also a Biblical precedent of authority structure within the Church. When speaking of collegial leadership, or eldership, it appears that even in the early church there was a distinction between those being served, those serving, and even those ministering (Acts 6). And even among the apostles, though this seemed to be a collegial leadership group, there was a standout leader named Peter who spoke decisively on behalf of the rest of the group.

In 1 Peter 5, Peter addresses “the elders which are among you”. Some say this means plural elders in one congregation, but he opened the letter in ch 1 by addressing “the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappodocia, Asia, Bithynia”, indicating that these are saints and elders in many locations and churches.

Even James, who said, “let them call for the elders of the church” was addressing “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad”. I realize he specifically noted “elders” in a “church”, and I’m fine with that, but we’re not given indication that these elders comprised a collegiate leadership that negated an individual leader among them.

To me, since scripture seems to indicate more in favor of a mutual burden/responsibility in terms of mission among elders but then clearly points to leaders such as Jesus, Peter, Paul, etc., I lean more heavily to not supporting a strong “collegial eldership” (in terms of pastoral leadership) over a church with the absence of a single visionary leader.