Yeshua called me to be an Evangelist in 2007 after my wife passed away from a 10 year chronic illness. The following is one of the gems the Lord has shown me. There's a link to my ministry website at the bottom of this page with the full article.
A Call Back to the Pentecost Pattern
Pentecost Foundation
What a New Testament Church Service Should Look Like
Important Clarification Up Front
This teaching is not about “church buildings vs. house churches,” nor is it saying that meeting in a dedicated building is wrong. Our modern cities, cultures, housing, and architecture are completely different from the first-century Greco-Roman world. Most of today’s homes simply cannot accommodate 70–150 people the way a wealthy believer’s courtyard-style domus could. The point has never been the location or the building. The point is the biblical pattern of how we gather: every-member participation under the headship of Jesus, for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body in love (Eph 4:12–16). Whether that happens today in a school hall, warehouse, cathedral, large home, or any other space is secondary. The most important reason to gather together was to give the priesthoodship of every believer an opertunity to operate for the building up of the body of Christ.
What a 1st-Century Church Gathering Actually Looked Like
Most New Testament churches met in the spacious, walled urban homes (domus) of wealthier believers—compounds built around an open courtyard (atrium) that could seat 60–100 or more. The whole church in a city (or the great majority of it) gathered in one place on the Lord’s Day. Slaves sat beside merchants, women beside men, Jews beside Gentiles—all one in Christ.
There was no stage, no pulpit, no sound system, no worship team on microphones (not because these things are prohibited, but simply because they did not exist). When the meeting began, the Holy Spirit Himself led the gathering.
One brother stood and taught from the Scriptures. A sister shared a psalm the Lord gave her during the week. Someone spoke in a tongue; another immediately interpreted. A young man brought a revelation received in prayer. An older woman exhorted from what she saw God do in the marketplace. Someone began a hymn and the whole courtyard joined. Prophecies were given, then openly weighed and discussed by the body (1 Cor 14:29). Gifts of healing and miracles flowed—decently and in order, yet with unmistakable life and power.A Loving Plea to
Pastors and Leaders
Beloved shepherds, many of you long for this but have never seen it modelled. The Lord is asking you to lay down the celebrity model and courageously release the saints. Begin small. Teach 1 Corinthians 12–14 line by line. Train the church to seek the Lord all week and come ready to share. Create space. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead through His many-membered body.
A Loving Plea to Every Believer
Do not sit another year as a spectator—no matter where the chairs are arranged. You are a priest carrying the same Spirit who raised Jesus. Seek the Lord faithfully through the week. Come filled. Come prepared. Come humble. Come expecting Jesus to manifest Himself through every brother and sister.
When we dare to gather this way again—wherever we gather—the world will once again see that Jesus is alive, because His church is alive with the very life of heaven.
Let us repent where we have quenched the Spirit.
Let us return to the pattern of Scripture.
Let us rebuild on the apostolic foundation—not on the location, but on the functioning of every member.
Come, Holy Spirit. Restore Your church to Your original design.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
https://reachnz.org/a-call-back-to-the-pentecost-pattern
A Call Back to the Pentecost Pattern
Pentecost Foundation
What a New Testament Church Service Should Look Like
Important Clarification Up Front
This teaching is not about “church buildings vs. house churches,” nor is it saying that meeting in a dedicated building is wrong. Our modern cities, cultures, housing, and architecture are completely different from the first-century Greco-Roman world. Most of today’s homes simply cannot accommodate 70–150 people the way a wealthy believer’s courtyard-style domus could. The point has never been the location or the building. The point is the biblical pattern of how we gather: every-member participation under the headship of Jesus, for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body in love (Eph 4:12–16). Whether that happens today in a school hall, warehouse, cathedral, large home, or any other space is secondary. The most important reason to gather together was to give the priesthoodship of every believer an opertunity to operate for the building up of the body of Christ.
What a 1st-Century Church Gathering Actually Looked Like
Most New Testament churches met in the spacious, walled urban homes (domus) of wealthier believers—compounds built around an open courtyard (atrium) that could seat 60–100 or more. The whole church in a city (or the great majority of it) gathered in one place on the Lord’s Day. Slaves sat beside merchants, women beside men, Jews beside Gentiles—all one in Christ.
There was no stage, no pulpit, no sound system, no worship team on microphones (not because these things are prohibited, but simply because they did not exist). When the meeting began, the Holy Spirit Himself led the gathering.
One brother stood and taught from the Scriptures. A sister shared a psalm the Lord gave her during the week. Someone spoke in a tongue; another immediately interpreted. A young man brought a revelation received in prayer. An older woman exhorted from what she saw God do in the marketplace. Someone began a hymn and the whole courtyard joined. Prophecies were given, then openly weighed and discussed by the body (1 Cor 14:29). Gifts of healing and miracles flowed—decently and in order, yet with unmistakable life and power.A Loving Plea to
Pastors and Leaders
Beloved shepherds, many of you long for this but have never seen it modelled. The Lord is asking you to lay down the celebrity model and courageously release the saints. Begin small. Teach 1 Corinthians 12–14 line by line. Train the church to seek the Lord all week and come ready to share. Create space. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead through His many-membered body.
A Loving Plea to Every Believer
Do not sit another year as a spectator—no matter where the chairs are arranged. You are a priest carrying the same Spirit who raised Jesus. Seek the Lord faithfully through the week. Come filled. Come prepared. Come humble. Come expecting Jesus to manifest Himself through every brother and sister.
When we dare to gather this way again—wherever we gather—the world will once again see that Jesus is alive, because His church is alive with the very life of heaven.
Let us repent where we have quenched the Spirit.
Let us return to the pattern of Scripture.
Let us rebuild on the apostolic foundation—not on the location, but on the functioning of every member.
Come, Holy Spirit. Restore Your church to Your original design.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
https://reachnz.org/a-call-back-to-the-pentecost-pattern
- Evangelist at Reach NZ Evangelism Network
- Lives in Gisborne
- From Gisborne
- Country New Zealand
- Studied High School at Lytton High
- Male
- Widowed
- 10/20/1959
- Followed by 27 people
Friends 25
Recent Updates
- Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
[18] “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.43.18-19.NIVIsaiah 43:18-19 NIV [18] “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.43.18-19.NIV0 Comments 0 Shares 12 Views2
- The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Why We Believe It, and Why It Matters for You
Todayhttps://reachnz.org/the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ-why-we-believe-it-and-why-it-matters-for-you-today/The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Why We Believe It, and Why It Matters for You Todayhttps://reachnz.org/the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ-why-we-believe-it-and-why-it-matters-for-you-today/0 Comments 0 Shares 15 Views - https://reachnz.org/the-williams-brothers-gods-instruments-in-transforming-maori-hearts/0 Comments 0 Shares 12 Views
- A Call Back to the Pentecost Pattern
https://reachnz.org/a-call-back-to-the-pentecost-pattern/A Call Back to the Pentecost Pattern https://reachnz.org/a-call-back-to-the-pentecost-pattern/0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views - The Apostles Gospel of Grace Alone
https://reachnz.org/the-apostles-gospel-of-grace-alone/The Apostles Gospel of Grace Alone https://reachnz.org/the-apostles-gospel-of-grace-alone/
0 Comments 0 Shares 9 Views - # The Distinction Between the 1st-Century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church
The 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church represent two distinct identities with fundamentally different teachings and practices. Understanding this distinction is crucial for those seeking to align their faith with biblical teachings.
# Rooted in Scripture
The 1st-century New Covenant Church was rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament. Its practices and doctrines were guided by the inspired writings of the apostles, emphasizing salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers.
# Contrasting Teachings
In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church has developed distinct teachings and practices that diverge from biblical teachings. Some key differences include:
1. *Peter as first Pope*: The Bible indicates the "rock" refers to Peter's revelation that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:16-18), not Peter himself.
2. *Purgatory*: Unbiblical concept contradicting salvation by faith (2 Corinthians 5:8).
3. *Salvation by works*: Contradicts biblical teaching on salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift from God, undeserved and unearned (Romans 11:6). If salvation were by works, we would have something to boast about (Ephesians 2:9), but Scripture emphasizes that salvation is solely by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5, Romans 3:24).
4. *Praying to dead people*: Unbiblical, as prayer is to be directed to God alone (1 Timothy 2:5); praying to a dead Mary is particularly problematic since she died like everyone else (Acts 13:36). Moreover, Mary was a sinner like everyone else, declaring her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47) and making sin offerings (Luke 2:22-24). The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God's standards (Romans 3:23), including Mary. She was blessed for giving birth to Jesus (Luke 1:48), but not sinless.
5. *Mary as intercessor*: Scripture emphasizes Christ as our sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
6. *Mary's perpetual virginity*: Unbiblical, as Scripture mentions Jesus' brothers (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3), indicating Mary had other children with Joseph after Jesus' birth. Jesus' half-brothers include:
- James (Galatians 1:19)
- Jude (Jude 1:1)
- Joseph (Matthew 13:55)
- Simon (Matthew 13:55)
7. *Virgin birth*: The virgin birth ensured Jesus wasn't born with a sin nature passed down from Adam through Joseph (Romans 5:12-19). It wasn't about Mary's sinlessness but about Jesus being born without a human father's sinful lineage, making Him sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
8. *Transubstantiation*: Unbiblical concept contradicting Christ's symbolic representation in communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
9. *Papal infallibility*: Unbiblical, as only Scripture is infallible (2 Timothy 3:16).
10. *Latin Mass*: Unbiblical, contradicting biblical teachings on:
- *Understanding and intelligibility*: The Bible emphasizes understanding in worship (1 Corinthians 14:13-17), whereas the Latin Mass was historically inaccessible to many.
- *Communion as a symbolic remembrance*: The Latin Mass implies a sacrificial nature, contradicting Christ's finished work (Hebrews 9:25-28, 10:10-14).
- *Priesthood of all believers*: The Latin Mass emphasizes a mediatorial priesthood, contradicting the biblical teaching that all believers have direct access to God (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 10:19-22).
# Receiving Eternal Life
To receive eternal life, we must obey Jesus' command to be born again (John 3:3-6). This is not achieved by belonging to a church, denomination, or organization but by believing the gospel and placing our faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus emphasized that unless we are born again, we will not see or enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).
# A Choice to Make
Given these fundamental differences, it's clear that the 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church represent two distinct identities. As believers, we must choose between man's religion and biblical Christianity, understanding the eternal consequences of our decision.
# Conclusion
Recognizing the distinction between the 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church is crucial for those seeking to align their faith with biblical teachings. God's Church is not a denomination but is made up of all those who have been born again (John 3:3-6). The body of Christ is not an organization or denomination but a spiritual unity of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 1:22-23). By prioritizing Scripture and understanding the differences between these two identities, we can make an informed decision about our faith and ensure that we're following the teachings of Jesus Christ# The Distinction Between the 1st-Century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church The 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church represent two distinct identities with fundamentally different teachings and practices. Understanding this distinction is crucial for those seeking to align their faith with biblical teachings. # Rooted in Scripture The 1st-century New Covenant Church was rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as recorded in the New Testament. Its practices and doctrines were guided by the inspired writings of the apostles, emphasizing salvation by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers. # Contrasting Teachings In contrast, the Roman Catholic Church has developed distinct teachings and practices that diverge from biblical teachings. Some key differences include: 1. *Peter as first Pope*: The Bible indicates the "rock" refers to Peter's revelation that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 16:16-18), not Peter himself. 2. *Purgatory*: Unbiblical concept contradicting salvation by faith (2 Corinthians 5:8). 3. *Salvation by works*: Contradicts biblical teaching on salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation is a gift from God, undeserved and unearned (Romans 11:6). If salvation were by works, we would have something to boast about (Ephesians 2:9), but Scripture emphasizes that salvation is solely by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5, Romans 3:24). 4. *Praying to dead people*: Unbiblical, as prayer is to be directed to God alone (1 Timothy 2:5); praying to a dead Mary is particularly problematic since she died like everyone else (Acts 13:36). Moreover, Mary was a sinner like everyone else, declaring her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47) and making sin offerings (Luke 2:22-24). The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of God's standards (Romans 3:23), including Mary. She was blessed for giving birth to Jesus (Luke 1:48), but not sinless. 5. *Mary as intercessor*: Scripture emphasizes Christ as our sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). 6. *Mary's perpetual virginity*: Unbiblical, as Scripture mentions Jesus' brothers (Matthew 13:55-56, Mark 6:3), indicating Mary had other children with Joseph after Jesus' birth. Jesus' half-brothers include: - James (Galatians 1:19) - Jude (Jude 1:1) - Joseph (Matthew 13:55) - Simon (Matthew 13:55) 7. *Virgin birth*: The virgin birth ensured Jesus wasn't born with a sin nature passed down from Adam through Joseph (Romans 5:12-19). It wasn't about Mary's sinlessness but about Jesus being born without a human father's sinful lineage, making Him sinless (Hebrews 4:15). 8. *Transubstantiation*: Unbiblical concept contradicting Christ's symbolic representation in communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 9. *Papal infallibility*: Unbiblical, as only Scripture is infallible (2 Timothy 3:16). 10. *Latin Mass*: Unbiblical, contradicting biblical teachings on: - *Understanding and intelligibility*: The Bible emphasizes understanding in worship (1 Corinthians 14:13-17), whereas the Latin Mass was historically inaccessible to many. - *Communion as a symbolic remembrance*: The Latin Mass implies a sacrificial nature, contradicting Christ's finished work (Hebrews 9:25-28, 10:10-14). - *Priesthood of all believers*: The Latin Mass emphasizes a mediatorial priesthood, contradicting the biblical teaching that all believers have direct access to God (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 10:19-22). # Receiving Eternal Life To receive eternal life, we must obey Jesus' command to be born again (John 3:3-6). This is not achieved by belonging to a church, denomination, or organization but by believing the gospel and placing our faith in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus emphasized that unless we are born again, we will not see or enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). # A Choice to Make Given these fundamental differences, it's clear that the 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church represent two distinct identities. As believers, we must choose between man's religion and biblical Christianity, understanding the eternal consequences of our decision. # Conclusion Recognizing the distinction between the 1st-century New Covenant Church and the Roman Catholic Church is crucial for those seeking to align their faith with biblical teachings. God's Church is not a denomination but is made up of all those who have been born again (John 3:3-6). The body of Christ is not an organization or denomination but a spiritual unity of believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 1:22-23). By prioritizing Scripture and understanding the differences between these two identities, we can make an informed decision about our faith and ensure that we're following the teachings of Jesus Christ
0 Comments 0 Shares 24 Views1 - _Translated into the Kingdom of Light: Understanding Our New Identity in Christ_
As believers in Jesus Christ, we often hear the phrase "born again." But what does this truly mean? The Bible teaches that when we put our faith in Christ, we are not only forgiven of our sins, but we are also translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13).
_No Longer of This World_
As born-again believers, we are no longer citizens of this world. Jesus Himself said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). We are now citizens of heaven, with our eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance that awaits us (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Peter 1:3-5).
_A New Creation_
When we were born again, our old culture and way of life passed away. We became new creations in Christ, with a new identity and a new purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24). Our old self was crucified with Christ, and we are now alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:6-11).
_Grafted into the House of Israel_
As Gentile believers, we have been grafted into the House of Israel, becoming part of the commonwealth of Israel (Romans 11:17-24, Ephesians 2:11-22). This grafting is not a replacement of Israel, but rather an inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God (Romans 11:25-32).
_Hebrews 8 and the New Covenant_
The book of Hebrews teaches that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, one that is superior to the old covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13). This new covenant is based on the promise of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 8:10-12).
_Conclusion_
As born-again believers, we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His Son. We are no longer of this world, but citizens of heaven. Our old culture and way of life have passed away, and we have become new creations in Christ. We have been grafted into the House of Israel and are part of the new covenant, with Jesus as our mediator. May we live out our new identity in Christ, with our eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance that awaits us._Translated into the Kingdom of Light: Understanding Our New Identity in Christ_ As believers in Jesus Christ, we often hear the phrase "born again." But what does this truly mean? The Bible teaches that when we put our faith in Christ, we are not only forgiven of our sins, but we are also translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). _No Longer of This World_ As born-again believers, we are no longer citizens of this world. Jesus Himself said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). We are now citizens of heaven, with our eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance that awaits us (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Peter 1:3-5). _A New Creation_ When we were born again, our old culture and way of life passed away. We became new creations in Christ, with a new identity and a new purpose (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24). Our old self was crucified with Christ, and we are now alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:6-11). _Grafted into the House of Israel_ As Gentile believers, we have been grafted into the House of Israel, becoming part of the commonwealth of Israel (Romans 11:17-24, Ephesians 2:11-22). This grafting is not a replacement of Israel, but rather an inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God (Romans 11:25-32). _Hebrews 8 and the New Covenant_ The book of Hebrews teaches that Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, one that is superior to the old covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13). This new covenant is based on the promise of forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 8:10-12). _Conclusion_ As born-again believers, we have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His Son. We are no longer of this world, but citizens of heaven. Our old culture and way of life have passed away, and we have become new creations in Christ. We have been grafted into the House of Israel and are part of the new covenant, with Jesus as our mediator. May we live out our new identity in Christ, with our eyes fixed on the eternal inheritance that awaits us.
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