June 11, 2003

John,

There is safety in knowing that your pastor is for life. One of my early concerns (or maybe more the concerns of my family) was that the money I gave was simply enriching you the man, John Clark. But at one meeting when Barbara stood up and said that you and she would grow old in this congregation and die in this congregation. Knowing that told me deep inside that here was someone I could trust to take care of his sheep (me too) without having to worry about being taken advantage of and then deserted. And as I continue to learn, I can see that this same commitment is in and the responsibility of the whole body. Now when I hear or think about a "pastor" retiring, I know what I'm really hearing about is just the end of a working career for someone that can now afford to do what they really wanted to do all their life (i.e., be a part of the world).

Praise God!

Gary

Gary:

I had never thought of it that way, but you are right. Retirement for a minister when he is still in good health is simply a pursuit of worldliness. For a servant of Jesus to long for retirement is to long for the world. Home is where the heart is, Gary, and all of us eventually are going to end up at home, no matter how long or hard we try to act as if we don't really live there.

My father told me that as a young man his mother told him that you are going to end up being yourself, no matter how long you pretend to be something else. This is a wise saying, even though at the time she was trying to tell him he had made a mistake by becoming a part of "those holiness people", and that he would someday come to his senses and return to the Baptist Church. She was wrong. In fact, she finally repented and received the holy Ghost herself.

Yes, a pastor sent from God never leaves the flock that God sends him to feed. It is only the "hirelings" who hear the call to greener pastures, abandoning the flock to other shepherds. That is not the way of God, never has been, and it never will be. I thank my God that I am not a Christian, trying to survive in spirit in a religion that is empty of substance and truth, and I am thankful that you understand what I am saying.

Pastor John

June 11, 2003

Bro. John:

Do we REALLY know what a wonderful life we have in Jesus, taking nothing for granted that He has done for us? To awake every morning free from the "groanings of the world" and feeling the "promise of the Lord" within us?

Jesus has blessed us so much, that at times I feel as if I become too comfortable in "green pastures" and forget that there are many out there that do awake each morning feeling the world's groanings (as I once did) and are starving and thirsting for what we have. They just do not know where to find it. They really do not know that there is a life available in Jesus that is free of worry and strife, bitterness and struggle.

My own experience this week in conversations with some whose lives are in total chaos from sin, and then reading the emails on "being perfect" and "pastors," put such a spirit of prayer in me for the people out there who don't know our God. They don't even know that this wonderful life that we have is available. They don't know that they don't HAVE to live the way they are living. They are blind to God's goodness. It just makes me appreciate what God has done for me; for all of us here in the truth. There was a time I did not "know." Now I feel as David did - "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." So many people out there "wanting", and Jesus has put us in pastures of "I shall not want" and a life of peace!

Bro. John, I have heard you say: "This truth is too good for just a few people." Amen! I am feeling my blessings today, and praying that the Lord will show others the way out of a "groaning world" and into His green pastures. What a happy life awaits them if they will follow the Shepherd's voice!

Jesus has been VERY good to us! We have a VERY good and blessed life! A life of "manifold more in this present time," and "in the world to come life everlasting." Thank you, Jesus.

There is no "want" in the Lord.

Sister Sandy :)

"And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting." Luke 18:29,30

June 11, 2003

Bro. John

Sue and I had a wonderful time this weekend. As you were teaching on government, God was showing us government in action. As I listened to you and watched what God was doing, all I could do was sit there in amazement. We are going to submit to God's government, or we are going to submit to God's government!

Loving God and his government in the body of Christ is so much easier than rebelling against it. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE! Thank God you are our pastor.

Little Jimmy

Brother Jimmy:

I had not thought of it exactly like that, but you are right. We are going to submit to God's government, or we are going to submit to God's government. God's government will either save us or damn us. No one is out of the reach of the government of God. Let's submit to God's government now, while it can do us some good.

Pastor John

June 10, 2003

Pastor John,

This is a note to let you know that I received the latest Old Testament Bible Study tapes. I got blessed by so much knowledge of the things of GOD in the Old Testament as recorded in the book of 1 Samuel (chapters 1 to 23). It was blessing to know what gluttony is and its dangers to the body. Nice to be rightly understand what happened between David and Goliath as well as what went on between David, Jonathan and Saul. Like you said, it is all about GOD.

I also listened to two other tapes which I am not sure now are of the 1 Samuel audio tapes. The tapes that has the sub-titled "Shout". I enjoyed the shouts of the saints that followed that was not inspired by man but by the Spirit of our Father. It is right to do something if moved by God though we might not know the reason for that time.

I thank God for the opportunity to have the time to listen to those tapes. I had a couple of tapes that I have not listened to for sometime now because my walkman (2 of them) have been bad. Using my bigger tape sometimes is not convenient to me as my house is always busy with people, and I do not listen to tapes just for the sake of listening. When I get the walkman fixed, I can listen to more tapes to/from work.

JOE,

Lagos, Nigeria

June 9, 2003

John,

I just had a conversation with a lady at work. She is Baptist. She asked me what denomination I belonged to. That started our conversation and I began to tell her about the holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues (which she had never heard of). She was telling me about some little experiences that she had along the way that led her to believe that there is a God. As I was telling her about how the holy Ghost changes you and washes away your sins, she began telling me how her 'pastor' tells them that no one can be perfect. I told her that you can be Perfect with the holy Ghost.

I tried to relay to her that she needs the holy ghost in order to obtain the help she needs to be perfect, but it didn't sink in really. How do you explain to someone that you can be perfect? I know with the holy Ghost, you can live without sin.

When I looked up some scriptures on perfect, I noticed that you can be perfect in peace, righteousness, works, love, knowledge, wisdom...all kinds of things. I ended up just telling her that the most important person to please is God because he was the only one that mattered on judgment day, and that whoever told her she could not be perfect was telling her that because he was not perfect. He was just not telling her the truth. There is more to know about Jesus than what she is being told. She did not understand that when the holy Ghost comes in, it cleanses you from all sin and begins to change old feelings, thoughts, and habits. She was counting on water (being baptized in water) to do that for her.

It sure was sad to me. She told me that her daughter has just recently been baptized in water and she (her daughter) was so excited about it, that she did it again the next night just to be sure that the feeling didn't go away. That made me sad. People really don't know the God that we serve. It's amazing when you come in contact with people and you think they know some of the basic things about Jesus but they really do not know anything.

Amy

Amy:

Any such conversations with Christians will make you sad because you love people. It hurts when we see them deceived, as this woman and her daughter, and yes, especially her pastor, clearly are.

Job said that if he claimed to be perfect, his own lips would prove him to be a liar. On the other hand, God judged Job to be perfect. Who are we going to believe, God or Job? I believe them both. I believe Job was perfect in all his ways before God, as God said he was, and I also believe that perfect men (and women) such as Job do not boast of being perfect, nor do they even claim to be. They leave their judgment in the hands of God.

Job would have taught others, as you did, that they could be perfect before God, just as Jesus and his apostles taught, but none of those holy men ever boasted of being perfect. On the Day of Judgment, God's eternal Judgment will be pronounced upon us all, and in reality, only that Judgment will matter to any of us in the long run. The wise understand that for us to claim anything now is a waste of breath. Paul counseled the body of Christ to "judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God" (1Cor. 4:5).

What are all these Christians going to do, the ones who claim that they are already saved, if on the Day of Judgment Jesus the righteous Judge declares them unfit for salvation? Jeremiah, with many tears, asked his beloved fellow Jews, the ones who were under the same religious delusion that Christians are under, "What will ye do in the day of visitation?'" Oh, God, help us walk in the light of Jesus!

God help us, Amy. We will all stand before the throne of His judgment, and He is no respecter of persons. It makes me tremble to think of it.

Pastor John

June 3, 2003

I totally disagree with your teaching. I believe that Salvation, and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, are two separate and distinct events. Yes, it is possible for both to occur simultaneously or nearly simultaneously in some people, but that is the exception, not the rule.

AS

Dear AS:

Thank you for expressing your views on this important subject. I think what you are trying to say is that Conversion and the baptism of the holy Ghost are two separate events - nevertheless, that cannot be true. (The word "salvation" as you are using it is not biblical or logical - salvation is NOT the same as conversion, as I will explain below.)

Spirit baptism puts us into the body of Christ, as Paul wrote (1Cor. 12:13), "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles." What you are saying, A.S., is that it is possible to be IN Christ (converted), yet NOT be in the body of Christ. Now, does that really make any sense?

There is NOBODY who is IN Christ without being baptized by Jesus in the Spirit. Galatians 3:27 says, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." and again, we read in Romans 6:3, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" This is clearly SPIRIT baptism - for we know that a watery baptism cannot put us into Christ - the new birth is a work of God, not men.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

May 31, 2003

John,

The 5-26 TFT brought to mind that glorious day in April '02 when

God touched my soul. Part of what He gave me was a little song about the things of God.

I Believe in Things Invisible

I believe in things invisible,
That love can make you whole,
That the Lord is undeniable,
That the truth shall set you free.

Along with this song came words of things invisible. Love, Truth, Faith, Purity, Kindness, Friendship, Happiness, Holy Spirit, Grace, and others. All of and from God. Amen.

Have a nice day.

Gary

May 31, 2003

Hey John,

I had an IM conversation with a high school student today. We were talking about college and what he might possibly want to study there. I was reminded of hearing you (John) say that God knows a secret about each one of us...a secret only Jesus can reveal, and that is, what it is that each one will do that will make us the happiest. I guess it is really a secret of who we are. From what I remember, you said that young people will find the secret only by continually doing their best, and that Jesus would use even small things to trigger those hidden desires and interests that he had put in their hearts.

As I was talking to this young man about these things, I thought of all the doors that have been closed in my life. Jesus closes doors. He has closed doors to friends, to colleges, to family, to classes, on and on and on. It is overwhelming to think of all the things and people I have loved, have been around, and Jesus closed the door. I wouldn't have ever known which way to go, what path to pick.... I don't know anything. But to see the love of God for me, just in the doors he has closed in my life. It's like looking down a big hallway and all the doors are closed but one. So you just keep on going because that's the one that is open.

I feel more thankful than ever for the things God didn't give me. I thank Jesus for every door he closed! Feeling this is making me more and more thankful for what He has given! Wow. (I can hear Lou now saying...this is BIG ya'll!). :)

Donna

May 31, 2003

Hello,

I want to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Is there someone in my area that can lay hands on me that is filled with the Holy Spirit? I live in Wilkes Barre PA and I want to see God at work in our area. A lot of the churches around here doesn't lay hands on the people, but I see in the Bible that it is an important part of Gods ministry and I want it. I want to do all of what God has pre-ordained me to do. If you can lead me to someone in my area please write back.

Thank you

"May God sanctify you completely, your whole spirit , soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Bob and Sue Jones

Dear Bob or Sue:

I'm sorry that we don't know anyone in the PA area that can "lay hands" on you, but God has people everywhere. That don't know them doesn't mean they don't exist.

While laying hands on people is one of the methods God uses to give them the holy Ghost, it is certainly not the ONLY way! We have many people with us here who have received it in a variety of ways. My wife received in alone in the bathroom. A brother of ours, brother Tom Traughber received it in a recliner in his living room. A couple of weeks ago, our dear friend Margaret received the holy Ghost in my living room, alone with a friend at 3:00 in the morning. Oh the wonder of Jesus! He can do anything - anywhere - any time!

Trust Jesus, and keep coming to Him in faith. Believe in Him. Do all that he tells you to do... for we must complete our repentance to receive. If we can be of any help to you, such as getting you teaching materials on this subject, let us know. We will mail them to you free of charge.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

May 26, 2003

John,

When I read the 5-23 TFT "The Abomination of Desolation", I had so many thoughts and memories. Most of all, I am so thankful for being rescued from the jaws of Christianity.

You wrote, "This is not a fictitious story; neither is it exaggerated. This is the history of every revival God has ever given to his people who partake of the religion of Christianity. Christianity has quenched them all, and it always will."

John, I saw it happen just as you said back in the mid Seventies and early Eighties. Suzi and I were involved in a small Catholic charismatic group that met, of all places, around the main altar in a large catholic church, amid the gold candlesticks and marble fixtures. My parents and I, along with a few friends had just received the holy Ghost and received permission from the head priest to hold Monday night prayer meetings there.

We were innocent babes in Christ trying to survive only from the sweet nectar of the holy Ghost and the joy we felt from each other. There was no real spiritual meat, no anointed pastor nor teachers just a sincere desire to know more about this wonderful new experience.

This experience was a call from Jesus to each one of us to "Come out of her my People". Satan, on the other hand had a different message, "Bloom where you are planted". He knew that if he could get us to compromise and just be good Christians he would succeed in killing any revival. And that is exactly what happened.

The Pope and other leaders at that time acknowledged that what was happening in these small, spirit-filled groups that were springing up across the county was a good thing as long as the doctrines and traditions of the Catholic Church were not forgotten and still practiced.

I tried with all sincerity to do what they said. Jesus had a different plan! One day he drove the "Glory bound train" through town and made a stop. The doors sprung open and he cried "All Aboard"! Thank you Jesus for giving me enough sense to jump on. He refused to allow me to compromise.

Tom

May 21, 2003

Bro. John:

I awoke this morning with "Prophecy is good unto the soul." As I was driving to work, that thought just kept rolling in my heart. I thought, "how can ALL prophecy be good unto the soul?" I remembered just from reading in the scriptures that there are prophecies of destruction and famine, prophecies by God himself against Israel, but also remembered that God's OT prophets spoke of the coming of Jesus! Praise God! And there are many other prophecies too numerous to mention here. But, it caused me to look up some scriptures on "prophecy" and I found this one in Rev. 19 that answered my heart's question.

[10] And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

It felt good, Bro. John. When I read that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" I realized that "prophecy" IS good unto the soul, for it causes the heart, if it is not hardened, to consider the condition of the soul. As we have said before, when the Word of God comes, it judges the hearts. There is an opportunity to repent. But more than that, the "testimony of Jesus" is always right. When He speaks, everything else is irrelevant. Except, "What will you do?" His is the final word.

I love hearing from Jesus. I hope He keeps testifying of Himself through us. There is nothing more precious on this earth than to hear from Jesus, to awake to His words or touch, or to hear His voice speak at any time. He just keeps loving us, and I am thankful. We are blessed.

Prophecy [the Word of God] is good unto the soul.

Prophecy [the testimony of Jesus] is good unto the soul.

Amen!

Sandy :)

May 20, 2003

Dear Pastor John,

Heidi and I feel so blessed to have been able to see the pictures sent from the Louisville meeting in May. That was a kind and much appreciated service to those of us who are living in far away places but whose hearts are yearning to be with you-all and share in the blessings that you are receiving.

My heart is so thankful tonight just thinking of how Jesus has blessed us with life. Without Him, I don't know where we would be. Without the continued support of your testimonies and teaching, where would we be? I pray that He continues to keep us, putting right feelings in our hearts that draw us to Himself and His people. Everyday, we ask Him for help, and we are helped. Everyday is an amazing story of His love to us. He has not forgotten.

Reading in Matthew this week, I'm seeing where we were rescued from, where we came from, how He made a way of escape into an opportunity for fellowship in the light, out of the gates of hell (Xty) and into a knowledge of the truth. Jesus put everything before us that we might see His love for us. He did it all inspite of ourselves. We didn't plan anything. He made us part of His plan.

John, I just want to keep on going, living and growing, and walking through open doors. God help us see you again, and be in a right condition at the end.

Brother Adam

Adam:

Good to hear from you and Heidi, and I am looking forward to your next visit so that you can meet the new babies in Christ. God is blessing us, and we are thankful not only for that but also that you are a part of what is going on with us. Sometimes I have wondered, "Can it get any better than this?", but then, is there any end to how good God can be?

jdc

May 19, 2003

Pastor John,

Some time ago, God gave me a vision, and this weekend in the meeting at your house, He remined me of it and explaned it to me.

In the vision, I saw this beautiful little girl, I guess about the age of 9 or so. In this vision, she came running through the front door of this house where everything was so neatly placed and very extravagant. As she ran through the house, I notice this paper in her hand with a big fat red A on it. In the next scene, she ran in to the kitchen were this tall dark man without a face sat, and she called him daddy. As she ran in there she said "Daddy, daddy, can we put this one on the fridge?"

She seemed so excited about this paper that she had gotten an A on. He just continued doing what he was before she came in and he just coldly answered NO. The little girl ran to her room in tears. As God began to show me around the room, I saw this big pile of papers in a corner in a box with Big red A's on them. As I saw this, my heart began to break even more. To me, it seemed that no matter how hard the little girl tried, nothing pleased her father.

Well, while in the meetings this weekend, God brought this back to me and he began to explain to me how that little girl represents God's children who are out in christianity, and that Man without a face was Christianity.

No matter what God's children do, as long as they are still in christianity's house, the spirit of that religion will never be pleased with those children. No matter what God tells them, if they don't come out and they try to tell the people there what God has said to them, that spirit will only be displeased, as the father was impossible to please in that vision.

Understanding this vision helped me see how much it discourages and confuses God's children who remain in christianity.

Britney

Thanks, Britney. That is the truth about how Satan, the secret Lord of Xty, controls those who are in his religion. How grateful we are that Jesus has helped us escape his control!

Pastor John

May 15, 2003

Pastor John,

Last night's meeting was a blessing to me in many ways. I see so clearly that doing the will of God brings peace and happiness and a lightness of heart.

I'm conversing with someone at work and she recently responded with her scriptural rationale for the "once saved always saved" doctrine. She quoted Eph. 1:13; 4:30 and John 10:27-30. I'm not asking you to refute these, as she has no case, but last night you made numerous scriptural references that destroyed such a silly doctrine. If you could send me these please, I'd like to share them with her.

I'll see you Saturday. Got lot's of studying to do!

Thanks.

Gary M.

Gary:

Here are the Scriptures from last night's sermon on the necessity of doing good deeds in order to be saved in the end:

Matt. 21:28-31
Matt. 7:21-23
Mark 3:31-35
Rom. 8:26ff
Rom. 11:17-22
Malachi 2:17
2Cor. 5:8-11
Heb. 3:11-14
Heb. 10:38-39
Titus 2:11-12
James 2:19-24
1Peter 1:13-17
1Jn. 2:15-17
Rev. 20:11-15
Rev. 3:1-7

Jesus said to be anxious about nothing. Trust him, and just keep doing what is right, and the outcome has to be good.

Pastor John

May 15, 2003

Pastor John,

Last night's meeting was so good and true. I can testify to how works are what matter to God, because I have had an experience that confirms it.

Not too long ago, I came to a meeting. At this meeting I felt like I was on the outside looking in. I had let my mind do a lot of thinking, yuck! My prayer that night was "God, please don't ever let me NOT feel your spirit, because I just couldn't stand it!", over and over this is what I prayed. It was such a empty feeling, that it was frightening to me! Once you've felt feelings from Him, you don't want anything else! Anyway, on the way home from the meeting that night, the Lord was giving me a "List of things to do" in one week. The Lord told me that it would be a very good thing for me to do these things. I went home and wrote them down on a paper. When I looked the list over, I noticed that they were small things, but immediately realized how very important they were to Him.

I wondered how I was going to do all these things, because for some of them it would take a certain situation to come along. Well, I didn't have to worry about that, because the Lord gave me this list! Throughout the next week, sure enough, God presented an opportunity for everyone of those things to be taken care of by myself. It felt wonderful! By the time the next Wednesday night meeting came, my list was completed. I came expecting something from God, and it felt good. As soon as I walked in the door to the meeting, I mean that very instant, His good feelings were flooding me. At some point during the meeting Sis. Barbara stood up and starting talking about God making choice...boy! that really hit my heart.

While I was praising God, he spoke to me and said "you did very well, and I told you that I would reward you." That was it! The Lord blessed me and blessed me to the point where I didn't think I could physically take any more, word just can't describe how wonderful this felt! But, the best thing about His blessing that night was that deep down inside I could feel Him taking things out, and rearranging things in me. He was making sure His blessing was going to have long lasting effects. He was doing more than one thing!

I can't imagine going through this life without feelings from God. When I first came here I didn't think I could feel anymore. But God has had mercy on me, and has allowed me to feel his feelings. I am so thankful! He has restored LIFE to my soul! I am learning how precious it is to be able to feel the spirit of God, and how I really need Him.

Marleyna

Thanks, Marleyna.

God is blessing so many people now with so much in the Spirit, and physically, that we can hardly keep up! Don't fall behind in giving your testimonies. Make sure you stay "testified up" so that you don't forget anything, and so that Jesus will receive glory from His people.

Pastor John

May 13, 2003

Hi Gary,

Just a note to let you know just how much this past weekend meant to me. Seeing Drew and Maleah get prayed for and being blessed that way was the most beautiful sight! Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could be 'married' that way! And all the other things that happened, Keith getting the Holy Ghost, and all of us who were blessed by it, and to top it all, Sister Margaret getting the Holy Ghost right in your living room! Wow! We have a wonderful life in Jesus! He sure does keep on giving us the pearl, and I just want to continue in His will, and thank Him every day for the help He gives us through the Holy Ghost Baptism!! Even our little ones are being blessed, over and over! Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, Gary, for having us this past weekend! We talked all the way home about what a wonderful time we had.

Love in Jesus,

Sister Mama

Dear Sister Mama:

Thanks for this encouraging note!

It was a pleasure having you in our home, and of course, seeing all the wonderful things Jesus did for everyone. We hope you will come stay again real soon.

How can it get better? I don't know... but Jesus keeps making it happen!

I will see you this weekend, we will have sister Margaret with us. When she received the holy Ghost, I said that I felt like a mother, having a baby born in my very own living room - hey - I'm "'brother Mama!"

Wow - God is so good!

See you Saturday at Pastor John's house.

love,

Brother Gary

May 13, 2003

Hi Pastor John,

What a wonderful TFT (5-10). I loved it. I like what the spirit says. The only way is in spirit and truth; that is the only way that is acceptable in Gods sight because he said so. I never knew what the gates of hell were until now, and I can feel it running up and down inside of me! How thankful I am to be a part of this truth! "Thank you Jesus"

I love the gate that Jesus was at this weekend in the meetings; he gave the holy ghost, and he blessed his people, and he gave testimonies through his people. The Spirit bore witness from him! "amen" The spirit comes with power, not just words. Praise God! I loved every thing I saw this weekend. How wonderful! It is hard to put in to words. Thank you, God!

I can't wait to see every one this week end, Thanks John.

Brother Stuart

May 13, 2003

Dear Everyone,

I have returned to my "home" in California, althought the lines are getting blurry regarding the definition of that term. (!)

As you all know, what we experienced on Mother's Day was an astounding, practically indescribable event, with Keith's birth, the testimonies, Bro. Earl's yielding to the awesome power fo God, the songs, then the marriage of two of the sweeeeetest young people in the world. It was overwhelming.

As Gary said about the demonstration of God's power----"It was an event worthy to be included in the book of Acts. Few people, in our time, have experienced anything like it."

Then, later on, after midnight, as Gary and I stayed awake tending to our "little lambs," Margaret and Jackie, God surprised (and rewarded us) again when Margaret got blessed! Glory to God!!!!

Gary went to bed about 1:45. I went at 2:45. The ladies remained in the dimly lit living room, with good music playing, praying diligently. But Gary and Song were awakened by Margaret's "giggling" in tongues at 3:10a.m. He woke me, and I rushed upstairs. I jumped around with joy saying, "WOW! YYYYYYes! AMEN! This is BIG! Gary, this is BIG!! No---This is HUGE!!!! " Kakakasanamacalllalalalatana!,etc... (you just can't spell God's language).

And we rejoiced with Song and Jackie and Margaret for awhile, laughing and praising Jesus.

Man, it rejuvenated me with such intense strength and LIFE, after such a humbling, exhausting day. Finally, after I stayed up a little while longer, praying to God (for twin girls), I said goodnight about 4 a.m. and left them praying alone together into the wee hours. What sweetness!!!

Well, you all have your new sister Margaret to enjoy for the rest of the week. Let us keep praying for God to draw Jackie nearer and I want to thank you all again for helping me financially, to experience such an awesome weekend. What a privilege! What an honor! I am SO THANKFUL God answered margaret's prayers (and MY prayers) for I now have fellowship in this spiritual wasteland of Calif. It's just what the doctor ordered. !

Love to all,

Bro Brad

May 13, 2003

Gary,

It sure was a pleasant surprise to have received the letters that you sent. What a blessing all you folks are to me. I would ( within myself ) have probably given up many years had it not been for spirit filled bro. and sisters in the body there and N.C. and also to Bro. Brad out in Calif. Also Gary Morgan has been a blessing by his letters.

The letter of Bro. Clark (Pastor John's dad) was good to read. It showed that he had a vision that many people would be coming to the truth soon, and we ha ve seen that beginning to come to pass with all the new people being filled with the Spirit that Jesus suffered so much that who so ever that wants and obeys might have. Praise God I can hardly write this letter for the joy that I feel just thinking about what He did for us unworthy worms. But He made a way for us to come out of the cocoon and fly away with Him one day. Oh, happy day. God help me to be one of the happy people on that day for there's going to be some that aren't going to be. Gary, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write (as compared to my letters) a long and encourging letter. I'm thinking of you all this week-end and am with you in the Spirit. Tell all hello and we sure desire your prayers. How wonderful it is to be a small part of this truth that we have within us. I received Pastor John's sermon tapes "Feelings" and "Phobia" in the mail yesterday and can't wait to be blessed by them. Thank God for you being such a friend and bro. to me all these years and I thank Him for Pastor John and leading us in the way that will one day bring us to Jesus.

Love you all.

Ray

May 6, 2003

Brother John,

I am so thankful for your message Saturday night about a phobia being a demon of fear. I know that message was for me. I have always thought I had claustrophobia. Closed-in places would make me go into a panic and I could hardly even breathe.

This past Friday (May 2nd), I had a doctor appointment, and he suggested that I have an MRI, CAT Scan or Bone Scan. He wasn’t sure which would give us the best results but promised to find out and let me know later that day. I told him I had always been claustrophobic and if I had to be put in a “cylinder or tube”, I didn’t think I could do it. He told me that I could be given a sedative prior to the test to help me relax. However, I was still unsure that I could go through something like this. My claustrophobia was real and serious, or so I thought, and nothing to be taken lightly.

God is always on time, and He sent a message from you to me. Well, my doctor appointment was on Friday and the very next night, you began the meeting by telling us that a phobia (fear) is a demon spirit. My whole body began taking in your words. I have been giving in to a spirit/a phobia/a fear all these years and didn’t even know it. I never gave it much thought because it happened on such rare occasions, but still it was very real to me. I don’t ever remember thinking about getting rid of it, guess I just assumed that was me.

Then you mentioned the phobia again on Sunday. It became even clearer to me how foolish all this was and how it had controlled me on several occasions during my lifetime. God is in control of my life, not some other spirit, and an unreasonable one at that. By the time the meeting was over, it all seemed so funny, so foolish, and I began laughing and thinking, "How on earth could I have put confidence in such fear and nonsense?" What harm can a closed-in place do to me?

I wonder how many times I have quoted the scripture II Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. I even taught that scripture to my children when they were very young. I have known for many years that the word "phobia" meant "fear". Well, claustrophobia certainly is a fear, and God did not give it; so who did, and where did it come from??? You certainly answered that one!!! What great light was shed on such a seemingly simple, no-harm, feeling! What great joy it brought to my soul on Sunday, and God blessed me for taking in the truth and loving it. My body was praising God and thanking Him for such a great thing He had just done for me. I had a Thanksgiving unto the Lord!

As I write this email, the words to one of my favorite songs are coming to mind and these words really are special to me now.

What a fellowship what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in the pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear, Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

I know that Jesus really loves and cares about me. He has shown me that in so many ways through the years. Seems like He just keeps on loving me over and over again.

Brother John, I thank you for that wonderful message from Jesus to me!

Sister Sheila

May 3, 2003

Pastor John,

I really enjoyed the TFT on Glorified Bodies. The part I most enjoyed is how we "ask" for a glorified body "by patient continuance in well doing." Patience is a wonderful thing, something that, for me, has not always come easily. I read the tract on "Patience" a couple of weeks ago and decided that I needed to make myself one of those little cards (like the ones on The Goal of The Gospel, etc.....) I have this posted on my bulletin board at work, and I'm hoping that it will get posted in my heart.

"Patience is calm determination to do the will of God regardless of the situation."

I like that. It's good to have it in front of my face.....a lot! :)

Karen B.

Karen:

I like that phrase you made up so that you could read it on your bulletin board. Keep it up, and stay happy!

Pastor John

May 2, 2003

Hey John,

Wednesday night meeting was wonderful. I have never seen our men folk yield to the Spirit the way they did Wednesday night. It was just absolutely beautiful. One right behind the other obeying the Spirit and letting God use their body for His glory. Today is Friday and I am still feeling the effects of it. Rob, absolutely wonderful, Jim Gregory, just breathtaking, Taylor, just glorious, Jimmy T., Earl, Wendell, I could just go on and on. The tape will never do that meeting justice. That was a meeting you had to be there. It was WONDERFUL!!!!!

Little moments just touched my Spirit so much, Carrie going over and hugging her husband Taylor after he obeyed God, soooooo sweet. We all got blessed, even Kathy T. rolling in the floor. I sure do loved my family in God and am so very blessed to be a part of what God is doing in everyone's life.

Sister Lou

Sister Lou:

Wonderful! That is good news! I have been hearing about it ever since I returned. The men in the assembly where I was Wednsday night were also happy in the Lord! Thank you, Jesus, for men that love God!

jdc

May 2, 2003

The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to God and also to heaven and anybody who do not believe in Him will perish. What about the millions of muslim, buddist and many other religions that do not follow Christ? Will God just cast them into hell? If so, why is He called the God of all flesh.

Please clarify this.

Pius Adebayo

Lagos, Nigeria.

Dear Pius.

I think your question can best be answered by the apostle Paul:

Rom 9:16-23: "So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? [What] if God, willing to shew [his] wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory..."

God is God over all, and he has commanded everey knee to bow to Jesus. To fail to do so is a great transgression against the Creator and makes one worhty of eteranal death.

Also, Pius, there are some "vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction". That's just the way God chose to make it. And that is why those of us who have been touched by the mercy of God and given the desire to love Jesus are so thankful. If he chose to love us and give us His Spirit, we are so very blessed. Jesus paid the debt for our sin. He is so very worthy of our praise. To fail to pay that debt is sin.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

April 21, 2003

Good morning!

I have been reading my Old Testament lesson and I am enjoying it so much. Last night, I was going over the reading for this week's OT class, and I was in awe at David. In spite of going through the battles and hardships, being pursued after Saul, and Saul's abuse of him, David's attitude was wonderful. He did not feel mistreated or wronged or bitter, no complaining or murmuring. A wonderful heart he had!

This morning I woke up thinking about David's attitude it has been on my mind since I read the story. Attitude is everything. A right attitude will cause you to be humble and open for correction and willing to listen. David's attitude played a major part in his blessings from Jesus and his love from Jesus and his survival. My prayer this morning was help me have an attitude like David's. A right attitude is so important. I also thought of your Mother when you asked her that time in the hospital what she did that made people like her so, and she responded, "Look for the good in people". What wonderful advice! David knew Saul and would not touch him even when he had the chance and when he saw him he spoke of good things which caused Saul to be sane in his presence for a brief time. David was not blind to the condition of Saul, but yet he knew he was the anointed of God. He showed such respect. Respect and attitude go hand and hand.

When you read such stories as these, you realize the kindness and mercy that God has toward his people. It provokes you to do right! I love David's heart. I always have. I look forward to reading more about him. I know this is just the beginning. Its just wonderful.

Amy

Amy:

This generation is obsessed with being a victim. How refreshing it is to watch a man (David) who has chosen to trust God rather than play the "victim" card! It is a lesson for us all.

Pastor John

April 18, 2003

The description of the gift of tongues is shown in Acts 2:8. It is clear that tongues was given to lead the unsaved to Christ (1Co.14:22). Paul spoke in tongues more anyone (1Co.14:18) because he was the apostle to the gentiles (Ro.11:13). Let the body of Christ be edified (1Co.14:12). Let what is said be understood (1Co.14:13). Otherwise, what you understand is fruitless (1Co.14:14).

John

Dear John:

There is a difference between "speaking in tongues" and the "gift of divers tongues" (as described in 1 Cor.), just as there is a difference between having "faith", and having a "gift of faith".

EVERYONE who receives the real Spirit of God speaks in tongues (or stammering lips) when they receive the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is the "initial evidence" of the baptism of the Spirit, and Spirit baptism is what puts a person into the the body of Christ. EVERYONE who is born again has the Spirit testify (through tongues) that they have been put into the body of Christ (1 Cor.12:13). It is the sign of the "new covenant" (Is 28:11-12).

But not everyone has the gift of "divers tongues", a gift for the edification of an assembly of God's people - an added degree of tongues if you will, to increase and help believers in faith and in experience.

To say that not everyone in the body of Christ speaks in tongues, is to also say that not everyone in the body of Christ has the Spirit - and that, as we know, is a wrong idea about God. "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8:9).

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

April 17, 2003

Pastor John:

The TFT for 4-15 was wonderful. Reading through it twice, I have cried both times. The love and mercy of Jesus has been abundant in my life. The Spirit had me "Thank God for Jesus" just a few weeks after being granted repentence and allowed to live in the Spirit and in the truth. It's all because of Jesus that I'm able to live. He suffered brutal torture, bled and died on that cross, and He's still satisfied with God and the life He had here on earth! It still pleases Him to make intercessions for us and to correct us. He really loves us and is not selfish with His love and mercy. He wants us to make it, pulling for us, not against us.

Yay Jesus! And learning more about Jesus is teaching me who I am now.

I keep having the same thought, "What if God wasn't a good god?" All the things we have--all joy, all love, all peace, all sweet songbirds, everything that's good--came from God. We can have these things, whether we're believers or sinners! Isn't that a good God? To have them for eternity is even better, not mixed with any trace of misery and pain.

Jehovah lets the sun shine on the just and the unjust. This world is full of God's love and goodness. I'm watching a bird sail on a breeze while writing this! His goodness is all around us. So, I was wrong to think I could ever know what it would be like if God wasn't a good God. He's the Creator, so everything is blessed with His goodness. It's so abundant, that it can be overlooked and taken for granted. Thank you God, for Jesus, and for all of your goodness!

April 17, 2003

John,

I have studied three of your teaching tapes on The Law since Wed night meeting. Thanks so much for the suggestion. It has cleared up so much for me. Don't guess I will ever understand why Jesus is not good enough for people. What is man looking for??

I am so thankful that Rob invited me to your meetings, because you are leading me to the real Jesus who will lead me to his Father. I don't even have to live under the law and crawl through all that the Jews were required to do. Just the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Thank you Jesus for setting me FREE!!

Donald

Donald:

I wish all of God's people everywhere could hear the truth about the Law of Moses and everything else in the Bible. It is a blessing to watch you enjoy it. Thanks.

jdc

April 17, 2003

HEY!

Boy was that a good weekend! On Saturday night, when Pastor John was singing one of the many wonderful songs...one of them said something about God has answered my prayers. Well, when those words were sang, I "happened" to look up and there was Rebekah dancing her heart out in Jesus. There have been many a night and day that I prayed for bekah to do that! WOW!

She was supposed to not be alive right now or at least be in a wheelchair, Brother Gary. All the doctors didn't think she had that long of a life! But like Pastor John says..."What difference does it make what men say about anything!" WooHOOO! This thankfulness just overfilled me when I saw her. I can't imagine my life without anyone, I've needed her encouragement so many times.

And Maleah...boy oh boy! Now that's a miracle too. God can take a broken heart and make a happy, loving person in Him! This is a good life! I just wanted to share that...Good-bye for now!

Ashley

Hi Ashley:

I'm glad you are appreciating the wonderful things Jesus is doing, and has already done for us. The more thankful we are, the more Jesus will keep it coming.

Stay happy in Jesus - I love it for you, and for all our young people... what an opportunity you all have!

love,

Bro. Gary

April 17, 2003

Dear brother,

May these few words embrace you in a victorious mood in Jesus name. I am in the vine of the Lord doing His work as an evangelist; i have been praying to God about the experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit For over four full years, that is, four years ago, i knew about the importance of Its manifestation. I wrote a letter to you last time and you send some guide lines to me. You said you were going to help me in Prayers. Please this note is to remind you that i have not relent my efforts in seeking for it.

Please continue to interceed for me as the Lord takes me through.

I know prayers have no limit when faithfully directed to God in Jesus name. I have much to do for the Lord. Being a youth of 27years, I have to win more youths into the fold. PLEASE JOIN ME IN PRAYERS.

God Bless you in Jesus

Brother Gabriel Hans

Dear Gabriel.

Thank you for your prayer request for the baptism of the holy Ghost (as initially evidenced by speaking in tongues).

In your quest for this experience, it is MOST important for you to understand what it is you are asking for. You are NOT asking for "speaking in tongues" (although that will come, because the Spirit "testifies" when it comes in). You are asking for the holy Ghost, the Spirit of God. You do not have the Spirit of God without being baptized with it, because that is how we receive the Spirit. The holy Ghost baptism is NOT something "extra", as you are supposing. It is the new birth experience. The baptism of the holy Ghost is how Jesus puts us into the body of Christ (read 1 Cor. 12:13). It is how we get "in Christ" (read Gal 3:27).

With that said, here are a few helpful tracts that will move you in the right direction:

http://www.isaiah58.com/tracts/howireceived.html
(How I received the holy Ghost)

http://www.isaiah58.com/tracts/newbirth.html
(The New Birth - the Baptism of the holy Ghost)

http://www.isaiah58.com/questions/q_oftheweek60.html
(What can One Do to Receive the holy Ghost?)

Also Gabriel, I would like to caution you about some other things you said in your e-mail, if I may be so "straight" with you. Someone has puffed you up to make you think that you are "doing things for God." They are even telling you that you are in the family of God without his holy Ghost. You need to understand that "without the Spirit, we are none of his" (yet). The good news is that the holy Ghost is available for YOU! It is admirable to have a desire to tell people about Jesus - but without the holy Ghost we have nothing much to offer.

If you want to do something that will truly prosper your soul, why not do as the apostle Paul said, "study to be quiet"? In other words spend all of your time and thoughts seeking God so that you can have his "life" - the holy Ghost - in you. That will be the beginning of a wonderful and satisfying life for you.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

April 17, 2003

Pastor John,

I have the most exciting and amazing news!! I just found out my brother has the HOLY GHOST!!

I was just talking with my mom earlier and she was telling me that she had been talking with my sister in law about my wife and I, and about my wife speaking in tongues. My sister in law CASUALLY (what an understatement!!) mentioned that my brother Craig speaks in tongues when he prays at home on his own. I jumped for JOY with excitement for my brother!! Then he just showed up at my moms house, and I said, "Put him on the phone!" We talked about it for 30 minutes!!

My 10 year old son listened on another phone for most of the talk we had. What a blessing!! He was even excited and intrigued!!

I couldn't stand it and just had to tell someone!! I tried my wife's cell phone but couldn't get her, so then called her mom!! She and I rejoiced in the news over the phone and the news just made her day too!!!

I wanted to know more, so then I called my brother back on his cell phone, and he told me it began in his late 20's (he's 43 and I'm 40). Two guys from work and his boss would meet after work for a Bible study that they were doing on their own!! One day it JUST HAPPENED....3 of them spoke in tongues but one of them never has as far as Craig knows.

I am SOOO BLESSEDDD to now know that my only BROTHER is in a close walk with God and Jesus!! Sadly, I never knew. My brother is fairly shy and never spoke to anyone about it. He got married 2 years ago and his wife Patti discovered his speaking in tongues as he prayed on his own at home.

I want to find out more details and learn more.

Thank you GOD for my BROTHER!!!

D. V.

D. V.:

As time goes on, you will find that many more people know about/have the holy Ghost than you would have ever guessed. It is not a secret thing; it is just vastly misunderstood and under-valued. I know that it has to be encouraging for you to learn about your brother, and I am happy for you (and him) in that regard. It goes to prove what I have said many time to many people; to wit, we receive the holy Ghost by simple faith, not by knowledge.

I wish all the people who have received the holy Ghost could be told what they have and be fed the truth so that they would appreciate it and tell others about it. When I think about those who receive the Spirit continuing in a Christian sect, it hurts. In general, it is about as exciting to me to hear of someone in Christianity receiving the holy Ghost as it is to hear that another baby has been born in India. Who is going to feed and educate them? What future do they have? Who will love them?

God help us do our part.

Pastor John

April 8, 2003

Pastor John,

I love what God is doing and showing us about praising him. Amy's email and your response was so good. I remember the first time I came to a meeting. I didn't like it because it was too loud (it got on my nerves). The problem wasn't with the loudness of the meeting, the problem was with the condition of my heart. I am so thankful to God for changing my heart. I had been wanting to dance in the Spirit for a long time, but I let the flesh get in the way thinking, "I can't dance like that in the Spirit. I'm not coordinated enough". What I learned Sunday was . . . I don't have to be coordinated, GOD IS. He will help us do things we think we can't do. With God ALL THINGS are possible, even the clumsiest feet can dance. I don't even know how I got out there, but it felt good and clean, and I felt in my heart that I made Jesus and God happy. That's the very best part.

Jesus makes me happy (someone should write a song, haha) and I want to live my life to make him happy everyday.

Love,

Doris

Doris:

I think you and Jesus make lovely dance partners.

Pastor John

April 8, 2003

Reading this TFT made me realise that it"s not my place to try to get my wife to be a beleiver, but it has to be God that lets her see her condition and that it has to take God to put her in the body of Christ. I've quit worrying about her not coming in, for as you say if God doesn't do it what has been accomplished.

I remember when I would go to a "revival" when I was in my teens and how some of the preachers would come out in the congregation and try to get you to "come up to the altar and get saved". They sure did know how to scare you to come up. I'm thankful that I have a pastor that teaches you the truth and knows what we need.

I asked my wife the other day if she had ever heard John ask anyone to come "to church" and she said "no". I said "you never will" either. For you know God is the one that "does the asking".

When He touches your heart you will want to go and be a part. I'm thankful that I can "and anyone" can be a part of the body of Christ, even if I never enter a building. It's good the spirit put us all together. I was blessed to be in the meeting last Wed. night, but thinking about I'm blessed when I'm not in the meetings, so where ever I am I'm blessed. Thank God that He hath put us together.

What are you going to do with all the people that you have never asked to come to the meetings? keep on coming and keep growing and over flow the basement? Well, that's just a small problem for God and He'll solve it when the time comes.

R. L.

P.S. Sorry for the errors I made in this letter but you will be able to know what I mean.

Well, that's just another easy problem for God to solve.

April 8, 2003

John,

It's 4:30 and the Lord just woke me up with something . . . .

You, me, Donna and Sandy were sitting around talking about a meeting . . . (similar to the wonderful one we had today). There were some people who had not liked the meeting. In the dream you said, "Donna what did the Lord say to you today?" Donna didn't have time to respond, for God spoke (talking to the ones who didn't like it) these words very soft; "What is it? Don't you like the LOUD God of Israel?"

And then Sandy spoke up and said, "What they don't like is the finality of God."

The end of dream.

The word "loud" in my dream was not like 'who can shout the loudest?'. It actually reminded me of your song, "They make too much noise for me". I looked up the word "loud" just to see what the Bible said, and there are many scriptures saying ....

"Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a LOUD noise." - Ps 33

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a LOUD noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." - Ps 98

"Praise him upon the LOUD cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals." - Ps 150

"The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a LOUD voice for all the mighty works that they had seen" - Luke 19

And there are many other scriptures that say when Jesus healed he told them "in a LOUD voice" . . . and when he cried, he cried with a LOUD voice. And as for the angels in Revelation . . .

"And (the angels) cried with a LOUD voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" - Rev. 7

"Saying with a LOUD voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters - Rev 14

Today, many people are putting off the thoughts that one day they are going to die. They do not want to face that reality, and when Jesus shows up, or his Spirit is made manifest, some people don't like it. Even the praises of God judge people. It makes them face that reality. It is a matter of life and death and that is a finality. Eternal life or eternal death . . . FOREVER! . . . Either way, it is final.

Amy

Amy,

This is one reason I was so happy to learn a few weeks ago that shouts of joy and praise to God are considered by Him to be sacrifices. That being so, we see that those who do not render to God the shouts of joy and praise that are due Him are failing to keep His Law. This is why your comment is so true that "Even the praises of God judge people." Those who can only watch others praise God are sinning, and the wages of sin is death. That is the final Judgment that is coming.

As I said yesterday in my sermon, how would a reasonable person expect people to behave if the holy Ghost removed all evil from their souls? How should we feel and behave who have found in Jesus the "beginning and end", the "alpha and omega" of all things? That is the "finality of God"; there is nothing after Him, and there was nothing before Him. And that is why proud men whose hearts are impure cannot enjoy seeing people moved by the power of God, and cannot enjoy hearing God praised so powerfully and loudly by His people. They are left out! Yes, we should expect someone that Jesus sets free to offer joyful sacrifices of loud praises to God; they cannot refrain from it!

On the other hand, there were some among God's people in the Old Testament who offered the sacrifices God required, but their hearts were not right with Him, just as their are some today who shout in congregation even though their lives do not please God. Those who are filled with the holy Ghost will worship God loudly at times, but the Lord is neither impressed nor flattered by the disobedient just because they make a loud noise. These are they who "eat and drink unworthily" (1Cor. 11), and they will suffer the punishment that is their due.

I felt this past Sunday that the worship God granted us to offer to Him was clean and acceptable to Him. It certainly left me feeling wonderful in my soul. If He accepts our praise, we should be very, very thankful.

Pastor John

March 28, 2003

Bro. John:

I am still feeling the soberness, somberness, and thankfulness for this day. For this life that Jesus has given us. Early this morning, around 4:00 a.m., the Spirit awoke me to the sound of my own breathing. I was taking a breath. Just a normal breathing in of air. The room was dark and still, no noise but the sound of breathing in. As I took that breath, the Spirit spoke to me and said:

"While you are taking another breath, someone is taking their last."

Bro. John, that feeling went so deep in my chest . . . . . sobering . . . . . and final. As I breathed in, I could feel that someone at that very moment was breathing their last breath. All I could do was start praying in the Spirit and sobbing.

I want to value this life and not take for granted one breath that I am given by God today. Not to waste life. Not to waste my breath. It all belongs to God.

"In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10

Sandy

March 28, 2003

Pastor John,

I hope you aren't too busy to get back with me on this one. It's doesn't require your immediate response. Just sometime in the next day or two would be nice. Anyway, we are having a debate in my NT class here at college. I have chosen/been placed on the team for the affirmative on "Resolved: Paul and Jesus advocated fundamentally different religions."

I was just wondering if you could give me some starting points such as the differences in their views on big topics such as the Law, Salvation, etc. and what you might suggest would be a good argument - for both sides; that way I might be able to anticipate some objections and come up with a good rebuttal.

I think they are looking for me to come in throwing out the salvation by faith argument. Our professor said in class that Paul came preaching that repentance was NOT required - a strong and obviously incorrect statement. You think you could tell me where he got that from? He must have gotten it "out of the Bible, because it ain't in there anymore." ;)

Anyway, just let me know your (very basic) thoughts and suggestions on the matter.

Thanks,

Drew

Drew:

Paul said exactly the same thing that John and Jesus said about repentance (Mt. 3:8; Mt. 4:17 and Acts 26:20.) Paul's view on the goodness and necessity of repentance is clear (Acts 20:21; Rom. 2:4; 2Cor. 7:9-10; 2Tim. 2:25).

Both Paul and Jesus knew the Law was from God to Israel (Mt. 5:17-18 and Rom. 7:12).

Both Paul and Jesus knew that obedience to the will of God was necessary for salvation (Mt. 19:15-22; Jn. 5:28-29 and Rom. 2:5-11).

As for salvation by faith alone, as Martin Luther is reported to have said, Paul never taught any such thing.

The difference between the doctrines preached by Jesus and Paul concerned the necessity of the Gentiles keeping the ceremonial Laws. And we really cannot say that is a difference because it is an issue with which Jesus never dealt.

Jesus was sent only to the Jews, even though he dropped a few crumbs for non-Jews along the way (Mt. 15:21-28). Paul was a Jew, and so could fit in with them as he deemed it necessary, but he was sent to the Gentiles (Gal. 2:6-9) with a gospel designed by God for them. There was no fundamental, internal difference between the gospel of Jesus & Peter for the Jews and the gospel of Paul for the Gentiles. The difference dealt with externals: holy days, Sabbaths, water baptism, feasts, sacrifices, circumcision, and the like. Naturally speaking, that was a huge difference.

In reality, it was external, and being so, it was basically inconsequential.

Let me know if there is more I need to talk about.

Pastor John

March 27, 2003

Dear Gary,

Thank you for answering my e-mail. Its good to hear from you. As you believe that Christianity is not a religion, we also believe this. We believe that Christianity is a personal relation with God almighty. We also speak in toungs and we believe that it is an evidence of Holy Baptism. By the grace of God spiritual gifts like interpretation of toungs, prophecy, healing, miracles and other gifts also operate in our meetings, according to the will of our triune God. . . . Please tell us, how can you help us? In the meanwhile, if you have any question or queries about our faith, working or anything else, please feel free to ask

Yours in Christ,

Pastor N A,

Pakistan

Brother N A:

There are some things we have that can help your spiritual understanding. Specifically, correct teaching on the "triune" god (that is the god of Christianity, but not of the bible and of truth - you'll need to get rid of those ideas which come from men, not God.); and what "Christianity" is. Jesus did not baptize you with the holy Ghost into Christianity. He baptized you with his Spirit into the body of Christ (read 1 Cor. 12:13). When you were baptized with the holy Ghost, you were born of the Spirit (you were "born again") - for it is Spirit baptism that puts us into the body of Christ.

If you would like some literature or cassette teaching tapes, email me your address and I will send them along. Those things will encourage you in Jesus. Until then, keep seeking the power of God!

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

March 21, 2003

Dear Pastor John,

I have been searching the scriptures studying baptism. In Matt 28:19 it says to baptize in the name of the father, son and holy ghost (spirit), yet I have not found any account that it was ever done. Am I missing something. If there is an account that you know of?

Thanks and God Bless

Keith

Dear Keith.

I am fielding internet questions for Pastor John at the current time....

You will not find an account of men baptizing other men using these particular "words" or this "formula" (i.e., saying the words "in the name of the father, and the son, and the holy Ghost") in the Bible. One reason, is because Jesus did not have a "ceremonial formula" in mind when he spoke these words to his disciples. We do not worship now in "ceremony" or in "type" Keith, and water baptism was a ceremony given to John the Baptist, which pointed to the one coming who would baptize them with "the holy Ghost and fire". That one (Jesus) has come!

The baptism Jesus had in mind in Mat. 28, was one that He and his Father would send because of what Jesus had done. Jesus died and rose from the dead to purchase this baptism, which of course, is the baptism of the holy Ghost (with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.) It is SPIRIT baptism that puts us into the body of Christ (please read 1 Cor.12:13), hence, there is no need for a ceremony in water, or certain words men say to other men when they perform it, which can profit our souls.

There are whole denominations today founded on baptizing with particular "words" (such as "in Jesus' name", etc.) - and they say that if a person does not perform a ceremony with those words, a person cannot be saved in the end! These things amount to lunacy Keith. What difference does it make what MEN say about anything?! Men's "words" cannot sanctify the soul - for that, we need the power of God - Spirit baptism.

Jesus said in John 14:23: "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." How do the Father and the Son come "unto people", and make their "abode" in them? Through the Spirit of course. Jesus and His Father are in heaven - but the Spirit is available to us, if we obey God and repent - and if we do, we will receive a baptism that comes from heaven. The heavenly words that come out of our mouths THEN, are words that really count - for they are saying "Abba, Father"!

I hope that answers your question.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

March 21, 2003

Respected authorities,

Greetings in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.

My name is Nelson and I live in Pakistan. We are a small group of worshipers and I am serving among them as a Pentecostal pastor since last 13 years. We believe in water baptism by dipping a person in water after repentance, baptism of Holy Spirit, gifts of Holy Spirit, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.

In Pakistan, we want great men or women of faith to come and preach the true and uncompromising word of God. Especially the people who are sensitive to Holy Spirit and who can move under His divine guidance. We want a great move of God in Pakistan. So we would like to welcome the people who can say like Paul said in one of his epistles that I will come to you that you may have some more spiritual gifts. Pakistan needs the preachers who can mightily move in healing, teaching, deliverance and prophetic ministry. So kindly let us know what you can do in this regard. We shall be thankful to you.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Nelson Anwer Gill

Dear Nelson:

Thank you for your e-mail above. Jesus has given us a work to do here, and thus, we cannot come at this time. We have been privileged by Jesus to share the good news with God's people (those who have received the baptism of the holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues), that God wants them to "come out" of that religion that bears the name of Christ but is NOT of him. That is, of course, the religion of Christianity. We are "non-christian" followers of Jesus. Oftentimes we are asked, "What do you mean, 'Non-CHRISTIAN'?" or, "How can you follow Jesus and not be a Christian?" Let me explain, and may the Spirit of God open your heart and ears:

A non-Christian servant of the Lord Jesus is one who has rejected the religion of "Christianity" in obedience to the will of God. Christianity claims to be the body of Christ, but upon close examination, the sincere will find that it is not. The body of Jesus Christ consists of members whom God has baptized with the holy Ghost (1Cor.12:13). Christianity is an abomination to God, because its traditions, doctrines, ceremonies, and divisions are contrary to the Spirit of God and contrary to the truth that Jesus teaches to his followers. How does one get into the body of Christ? By being baptized into it through Spirit baptism. How does one get into "Christianity"? By "joining"!

For this reason, God is calling His people (all who have received the baptism of the holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues) to abandon or "come out" of every sect, denomination, and part of Christianity everywhere (Rev.18:1-5). In 1993 we thought we were alone in hearing this "call of the Spirit", but to our own surprise, we are meeting people around the world who are hearing the same call!

We who have obeyed God, and "come out" of Christianity are not rebels. We did not "come out" because we despise government in the assembly. Coming out of Christainity is God's commandment, not an idea of our own. We came out because we are submissive to the leading of the Spirit which Jesus suffered to make available for His people, that they might worship God in Spirit and in truth.

May God bless you and those with you to hear and understand what God is saying to his people.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

March 20, 2003

Hi Brother Gary,

I just finished readying the TFT for 3-19. “Wow!” It was wonderful. The truth is our best friend if that is what we are looking for. It takes power from God to write the things that Pastor John is writing. It is not a small thing. Those words are saying something about who Pastor John is if we are hearing what the Spirit is saying. Like Pastor John said, you cannot preach the Gospel unless God sends you. I love the standard that was raised last night in his sermon here in Louisville; it felt so right!

I always wondered, if two people were married and they both were after God, then why should there be any problem? They have God and each other; what else do they want? If one of them wants a divorce, apparently he doesn't want God because He put them together. Was he wrong? I don’t think so.

I am happy and am looking forward to staying happy for ever! Praise God, what a wonderful life!

Brother Stuart

Amen Stuart! It's a wonderful life.

Bro. Gary

March 20, 2003

Pastor John:

The TFT for 3-19 on "Just Ask" is absolutely wonderful. It was short and simple, but had such a great impact on me. What can I say? The truth is saving me everyday from wrong ideas.

I thank Jesus for giving me a chance to live right and know the truth. Jesus made a way for me to come here and learn of Him. What a wonderful thing!

I just loved the things you taught us this weekend about using the time that God has given you to seek Him. Everyday is very precious, as Amy said the other night, to wake up and be able to open your eyes and take a breath is an awesome thing. I want to be able to realize this everyday for the rest of my life, and appreciate it, and not take for granted the day at hand that God has given me. Every second that my heart beats, and every time I take in a breath is an opportunity for me to know Jesus, do right, and most of all a chance to make it with Him! To think what it would be like in the end if I didn't use my time on this earth wisely, knowing I had time and did not use it for what it was for is a frightening and sobering thought to me. When your time is up, it is up, and one never knows when that will be. This is so serious, I want to make sure I use my time wisely everyday because I want eternal life with Him. Thank you Jesus for every moment I am alive. What a blessing it is for me to be here, I am learning so much.

Love,

Marleyna

Thanks for these comments. Let us soberly and wisely use every moment we have. It is a joyful way to live - one without regrets.

Bro. Gary

March 11, 2003

Bro. John:

I have been thinking of what you said this past weekend - - "What if God stopped talking to us"? and it put a fear and sadness in my heart. For some who have never heard His voice, it would not matter. But to me, it would be a loss and pain far greater than anything I have known in this life. And it would be "leanness into the soul" for the body of Christ. I have known His touch, His voice, His love, His comfort, His mercy and His correction. And to think of being without His presence is an unbearable thought. As Uncle Joe used to say, "there are some things worse than death." When God speaks, His Word can bring love and mercy, or as in the devastation described in Isaiah 24, "The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word."

"I want My people near." Friday night, He spoke these words to me from the most Holy place. But to be near Him is conditional, for He also spoke these words to me: "You will be a most Holy people, for I am a most Holy God." Then, "How MUCH I love you! Listen, My people."

I have sat here today and thought about all the things He has done for us. How we have asked of Him and received. Even some things no request was even made, He just blessed us because He loves us so. I cannot bear the thought of not hearing from Him. I cannot. God, help us to be thankful for YOU. He can teach us His ways, but then we must love them. He can send us His commandments, but then we must say "Amen" and love and obey them. And please, Oh God, don't stop singing to us.

Through the years, I have seen how not esteeming God above everything and everybody, and every other spirit can hinder fellowship, and, the work that the Lord has given us to do. We do not have enough time on this earth to waste when it comes to God and helping His children who are being held captive by Xnty. We need HIS help. He does not need ours. We need HIM. He does not need US.

I pray that He will forgive us for not being more thankful for what He has done. For times of disrespectful behavior in His presence.

"For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." 1Timothy 4 - Paul to Timothy

Thank you, Bro. John, for being a good minister of Jesus Christ. A good commander in the Lord's army. You have been the example of faith and good doctrine . . . . and God's love. May God encourage and keep you strong to continue in His work. I am praying for you. And for us all.

If we have caused God to cry, I hope that we can feel His tears fall on our my faces. I would like to know that He is still that close.

Love,

Sandy

March 11, 2003

Hey Brother Gary,

I just finished reading the Thought for the Day. These last ones (about the Seven Lies that the children of God Believe) are wonderful. As I read them I felt so wonderfully alive! God has let me hear the truth. He has taken these lies away from my heart and given me truth instead. How wonderful! I am alive! Praise God! These Thoughts for the Day are so important. I just want to read them over and over and let them sink deep into my heart.

Donna N.

March 5, 2003

Bro. John:

I had a new "revelation" this morning! :) I called my sister to check on how my aged mother is doing. She turned 92 years old today. Anyway, in the conversation, I was telling her how good God has been to me and that no one really is "happy" without God. Her very curt reply was: "The Bible does not say one word about being happy! We can have joy, but it does not say anything about happy."

What kind of "joy" leaves you without being happy?! Well, it just about left me speechless because her tone in replying indicated that she did not have either - - joy or happiness. That is where Xnty has put her - - feeling that she cannot be happy. What oppression! I knew that the Bible DID say something about being "happy" (whew! she should have been in our meeting last night!) and I looked several scriptures up that I am going to send her. But even if the Bible did not have one scripture on being "happy", I know that feeling is possible because I AM! And . . . . the Word of God has come to me twice with "happy" words:

"Happy is the man whose day begins and ends with the Lord"

and

"Happy is the man who IS!"

I searched for "happy" and this is one of the "happy" scriptures that I loved among the ones I read: "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18

We are blessed to have the Spirit and knowledge that God has given to us so that no man can gainsay God! As you have said, Bro. John, it IS important to know the Bible. To know what is there and what isn't.

Well, I just wanted to share this with you. Whew! Thank you, Jesus! I feel like going up in a shout!! I think I will!! Woo Hoo!! Praise God! Thank you, thank you, Jesus!

S S :)

March 5, 2003

Hey,

I have really learned a lot this weekend. Going through Samuel and the lessons we are learning has put a desire in me to want to live right even more. I have been praying...."God, help me be a good child. Help me take in what you are doing."

One of the things I have learned is about being open. A while back when I was in your recording room listening to "The Captive's Song" (the song you wrote for Jimmy Tolle), the Lord spoke to me and said, "You don't know how to love but I am going to teach you how to love". He is doing that for us. He is teaching us how to love one another and one of the ways to do that is being open with one another. Not to harbor feelings or questions that we may have concerning a brother or a sister or maybe even a situation or something that was said that you may not understand. Those feelings lead to bitterness and block fellowship. Learning to be open with each other is loving one another. When you are not open with your feelings, it can be pure torment because you start having all kinds of thoughts and the majority of them are all wrong! The best thing to do is go to that person and tell them how you are feeling. That will open the door and you can finally know the truth! It's better to do that quickly than to brush it off and let it fester. You will always be questioning their intentions and be suspicious of their motives.

Another thing I learned was about attitude. It pays to have a good attitude about everything. Attitude is Everything. There is a way to talk to people that is kind. To watch your tone of voice. That really is a reflection of how you feel. More and more I am realizing what "the Attitude of a Servant" really is. I want to put that into practice and make that a part of my life everyday. Having a good attitude is having a teachable spirit. Being able to hear and to learn. When I was reading Solomon's Wisdom, one of my prayers was "Help me to have a teachable Spirit" because if we do not, we will not move forward with the saints. Jesus is teaching us how to live! and I am excited to know that that is what he wants for us!

I am very thankful.

Amy

March 5, 2003

Hi Pastor John

I had a question ask me today and I did not know how to answer it, it kinda caught me off guard. I had a guy I use to work with ask me what I did for fun? when he first ask me that question I did not give him an answer, and he had his brother with him, and a few minutes later his brother said, you did not answer his question.

Then I said, "Well, I fish and hunt and things like that." And we went on talking about things at work, and then they left. And I thought about that question that he had ask me on the way home from work today. And the reason that question sounded so weird to me, is because I am not looking to have fun. My life is fun; I don't have to be doing anything to have fun. Jesus has made my whole life fun.

I have fun doing my bible study; I have fun reading my e-mails; I have fun at work, at home, in the meetings. My whole life is fun. I am not looking for fun; it is my life! Having fun is not anything you can do in this world, it is what Jesus gives us, that is what makes us happy.

I have fun not sinning; I have fun hearing from God; I have fun learning about God. THAT is fun! So that was a backward thought to me when he ask me what I did for fun. I enjoy everything I do in my life since God has touch me. I don't need to be entertained or doing something to have fun in my life. I am happy with Jesus!! And the next time I have that question asked me, I know how to answer it. "Praise God" The only life there is, is in Jesus.

Brother Stuart

Stuart:

I feel the same way. What's the point of having a hobby when Jesus has made our lives so wonderful? "Fun" is the world's substitute for God's joy in our souls, and if we trade our joy in Christ for the world's fun, we lose.

If you ever get the chance, tell those two men these things.

Pastor John

March 3, 2003

Dear Sir:

Please Help!! I was raised UPC and attend a United Pentecostal Church today. However, I am starting to question some things.

It would be OK to question "some" things in the UPC denomination, but the reality of speaking in tongues is not one of them. The UPC confuses people seeking God with their various traditions and ceremonies which they require (and which Jesus does NOT). So in this, it would be good to look at those traditions and find out whether they are of God, or not. But speaking in tongues is something a sincere person seeking God and truth will desire.

You see I can't seem to speak in tongues.

Good! Now you have understanding to know that it comes from Jesus, and not of yourself. Seek Jesus - believe, repent, and trust Him to do this for you.

I have tried and tried and prayed and ask God for this many times and I just don't know what could be blocking me.

Keep living clean, and keep trusting Jesus. Sometimes it takes perseverance. And ask Jesus to show you if there is anything else you need to do (and do it!)

I certainly believe and have been baptized.

I assume you mean water baptism - and you don't need that. You need Spirit baptism, because that is what puts you into the body of Christ (1Cor.12:13), and now, there is only ONE baptism that is effectual (Eph.4:5). If there is only ONE baptism (as Paul taught), we must understand that SPIRIT baptism is the one we need to have our sins washed away! Water baptism was something given to the Jews to prepare them for the coming of Jesus - and to practice it in any other way is simply wrong.

I know a great number of people today who speak in tongues and they don't believe it is essential for salvation yet they seem to do it freely.

I speak in tongues freely, too. It breaks my heart that God's children don't love the truth after they receive the Spirit. They don't understand that it is essential for salvation. When one repents, Jesus is faithful to give His Spirit. However, that does not mean that His children will walk obedient in truth after they receive - just as our earthly children may not obey what we tell them, even though they should!

I have a question - When the jailor asked Paul and Silas how to be saved, why did they tell the jailor to believe on the Lord Jesus Chist and did not mention tongues are the Holy Ghost?

The jailor was not asking how to be "saved" (meaning "converted"). He did not know anything about Jesus or conversion. He was asking Paul and Silas how to be saved from the earthquake which he perceived to be the wrath of God. Paul told him to believe on Jesus (doing that, he would receive the Spirit). There are many occasions in the book of Acts where tongues is not specifically mentioned - it doesn't mean tongues are not a part of our experience in Christ Jesus.

Why did Phillip the the Ethopian man to just believe and be baptized.

Because he was a Jew. Jews were still submitting to the law in this time, and that included water baptism.

Why isn't tongues mentioned after Acts?

Tongues IS mentioned after Acts. (1 Cor.14, etc.)

Thanks for answering my questions. Renee

You're welcome. Seek the holy Ghost baptism. Jesus died to purchase it for YOU - and don't let anything stop you. If we can be of further help, please let me know.

Best regards,

Gary Savelli

March 1, 2003

Hey Pastor John:

I have been thinking about the Wednesday meeting for two days now. The standard that was set, was so RIGHT. It is the best way that we can keep our children clean and pure. It is like Tom said, it made us feel safe to know that Jesus was taking over the situation. Watching out for his children. It is the best for everyone in the long run. Especially the congregation. These young children that are in the body of Christ can go to places that we might never touch. Because they will be pure from birth to adults. Its "exciting" to even think about it. I hope that I can see some of the places that they go!

Thanks for obeying God

Jimmy P.

March 1, 2003

Pastor John,

Hey! Natalie, Bekah and I just read today's TFT (2-28), and we think it is very beautiful. I'm really glad you wrote this. At school, I told a few people I was getting married soon, and it spread through my school very fast. And I have received many comments - mainly making the pleasure b/w a man and a woman seem filthy. I guess I didn't realize their comments affected on me, until I read your TFT because it just seemed like a breath of fresh air. I love that saying, "To the pure, all things are pure." It feels really good to be pure and have things seem pure. I told Natalie that I just wanted to print out your TFT and place copies all around my school for the young kids to read. I feel very thankful!! =)

Have a good night and I'll be seeing you next weekend =)

Love, Maleah

Maleah:

Go ahead and print it out if you want to. That God can make things clean is a new idea to this sin-sick world.

Pastor John

March 1, 2003

Pastor John:

That TFT on pleasure is AWESOME - oh young people take advantage of the wisdom dripping down from heaven! What you say about the loss that sin causes in this area is so painfully true. I want the children to learn to trust God and obey him, and enter marriage in innocence. I can only imagine that, thankful as I am for what God has now given me. I can feel that there is something much better for those who stay pure.

Damien