Approval

Beloved, the Lord always comes through with a new theme to write unto you. Today’s theme is simply entitled “Approval.” A year after Paul corrected the Corinthian Church in the handling of the case of the young fornicator, he wrote them again, exhorting them to bring back the young man into their fellowship. In his letter, Paul felt led by the Holy Spirit to instruct them, “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to FORGIVE him, and comfort him, lest perhaps [he] should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. [This is why] I [beg of] you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write that I [Paul] might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in ALL things [in other words, that I might know if your dedication to God’s will is “APPROVED”]. - To whom ye forgive any thing, I [Paul] forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, [it was] for your sakes forgave I it in the person [presence] of Christ [and with the “Approval” of Christ]; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us [saints]: for we are not ignorant of [Satan’s] devices [we are not stupid enough to be tricked by the device of unforgiveness that would cause us to sin!]” (II Corinthians 2:6-11). Beloved, every day I ask God to show me, as a pastor, the proof of all our Anointed Harvest Fellowship Church family members also (the ones who are “approved” by God to be delivered to do His will)! Ask yourself the question, “Does my love meet the approval of God?”

Precious Ones, in this same letter, Paul rejoiced that the Corinthian Church had sorrowed to repentance. As he said, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death [which is Pagan suicidal sorrow]. For ... what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all [these] things ye have APPROVED yourselves to be clear in this matter” (II Corinthians 7:10-11). Beloved, here we are given instructions about seven fruits of repentance for those who have failed in the way they are to “approve” themselves before God! “Carefulness (about what they say),” “clearing of themselves (confessing and forsaking),” “indignation (anger at the weakness of their flesh and not at those who judged them),” “fear (of further failure),” “vehement desire (never wanting to fail again),” “zeal (working for God as never before),” “revenge (bringing the flesh and the proud spirit of revenge down in humility).”

Children of God, of course, it takes time to manifest these virtues, but if we seek the “Approval” of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we must strive after them!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then,
I love you all SO very much. Stay encouraged!
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Work of the Advocate (conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of our theme (The Work of the Advocate”), “the Advocate” said of Ephraim (the backslider), “For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early” (Hosea 5:14-15). Beloved, the prophet Hosea agrees with the words of the apostle Paul, “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? [those who are worthy to be excommunicated because of their sins] do not ye [the saints] judge them that are within? But them that are without [rebellious, carnal saints] God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (I Corinthians 5:12-13). Beloved, these scriptures clearly teach us that we cannot bring a person to repentance by ourselves. However, God can certainly influence anyone He chooses to come to repentance. Remember that He knows how to make a person return to His place, acknowledge his/her sin, and seek His face (Hosea 5:15). This teaches us, Beloved, that there are some people with whom you can reason while others can only be persuaded by “the work of the Advocate.”

Precious Ones, when God has brought offenders of the gospel to the place where they acknowledge their offences, our righteous and just Advocate is spiritually ready to bring them to court. In His court God does not sentence one to damnation, but rather shows mercy. Therefore, our Advocate, Jesus Christ, will plead him/her guilty and cast him/her upon the mercy of the court. As it is written, “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). These words were spoken by our Advocate Himself!!! That is what Paul meant when he said, “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins”(Hebrews 10:26). This does not mean that one cannot be restored, Beloved, it means that there is no need for another sacrifice. Our Advocate, Jesus Christ, died for every sin imaginable, for eternity!!! There is no penalty at all for anyone who trusts in His righteousness and believes in the efficaciousness of the blood!

Chosen Ones, in closing let me point out that we owe God praise throughout eternity for “advocating” our pitiful sins. Remember, if God does this for us, we must give our brothers and sisters the same courtesy and believe that God has done it for them as well. Praise Jesus for his “Work as an Advocate.”

Next week I will write from a new theme as God shall guide me.
I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

The Work of the Advocate (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “The Work of the Advocate,” let us remember the words spoken by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as he admonishes the members of the Laodicean Church, “Behold, I [the Advocate] stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Yes, Jesus will continue to knock, and those of us who have let him in our hearts and sense the presence of God, have the right to feel that all is well and all will be right with God’s help. Yet, those who do not have the presence of “the Advocate” in their lives, do not have this luxury!!!

Chosen Ones, it does not take a great amount of intelligence to figure out how to receive the assistance of “the Advocate” in one’s life. All one needs is the attribute of repentance – circumstances by which one feels the need to change! Throughout the ages, repentance has been the key to salvation and will now be the key to restoration. This is why Jesus instructs us, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he REPENT, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I REPENT: thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17-3:4). In other words, Beloved, Jesus cannot “advocate” for a non-repentant individual. Therefore, just because you are a Christian, you are not to be taken advantage of and allow individuals to commit the same act of “trespasses” multiple times!! Notice Jesus said that your forgiveness of their violation is only required when they ‘REPENT’ or change!!

Chosen Ones, surely Jesus did not require us to do something He would not do himself. Jesus taught us that not EVERYONE who needs an “Advocate” for their sins obtained His services. Remember, Jesus said of “THAT WOMAN Jezebel,” “... I gave her space [time] to repent of her fornication; and she repented not” (Revelation 2:20). Therefore, He says, “I will kill her children with death” (Revelation 2:23). Beloved, just as there could be no restoration for her except she repented, let us not restore a violator except he repent. One more thing, Beloved, do not allow anyone to give an excuse for not repenting. The apostle Paul teaches us that Jesus does away with all excuses. Paul said, “... the Goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance” (Romans 2:4). God has been so good to us that there ought to always be room in all of our hearts to change. When a person refuses to repent, “the Advocate” goes on vacation, but he stays busy with a repentant heart!!!

I will write more on this subject next Sunday. Until then, know that it is a privilege to be your Pastor.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy