Notes of Faith June 19, 2026

Notes of Faith June 19, 2026

Make every day a better day… start with the Lord!

Feel the Heat

Choose you this day whom ye will serve. — Joshua 24:15 KJV

Southern climes are known for their triple-digit temperatures. Some days are downright hotter than a stolen tamale!

It gets so hot in the South, hot water comes out of both taps!

Did you know that Jesus actually prefers only two extremes in temperature—hot and cold? Lukewarm, not so much. Such was the city of Laodicea whose water supply came from a hot mineral springs about five miles from the city. By the time the water reached them via aqueducts, it was lukewarm, and it smelled like sulfur.

Can you imagine what sweet tea made with sulfur water would taste like? Jesus said of Laodicea that their works were like their water supply, neither hot nor cold. With God, we need to let our yes be yes and our no, no! He gives us free will to either choose or forsake eternal life with Him.

There are some folks who like “playing church” on Sundays and living like the devil the rest of the week. They never really commit their whole heart and their whole life to Him. Jesus finds this lack of commitment as disgusting as a mouthful of smelly, lukewarm sulfur water (Revelation 3:16).

FAITH CHECK

Sitting on the fence will never get you through the Pearly Gates.

Upon the wicked He will rain snares; fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cup. — Psalm 11:6 NKJV

Once Upon a Time

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. — 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

When company shows up and the temperature’s less than scorching, a proper hostess will seat her guests comfortably on the shady side of the porch. She will soon return with a tray of chilled sweet tea and a plate of freshly baked cheese straws. When folks commence to talking, they might just start out with a Southern fairy tale, which usually begins like so: “Ya’ll ain’t gonna believe this...”

In spite of the fairy-tale moniker, most of these stories start out as true-life adventures that somehow become embellished over time. Take fishing tales for example. The “caught fish” gets bigger every time the story is told.

True-life testimonies about what God has done in our lives are bigger than any twisted tale. Can you imagine the Israelites trying to explain to outsiders about the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night? (Exodus 13:21). Or telling folks, “Ya’ll ain’t gonna believe this, but we don’t need to go grocery shopping like you do. God our Father rains down this delicious stuff called manna that falls from the sky and we gather it up in our baskets every day and eat it.”

FAITH CHECK

God is great and He does great things for us. Those who follow Christ know that answered prayers and miracles follow those who believe (Mark 16:17). And that’s no fairy tale.

Excerpted with permission from Sweet Tea for the Soul, copyright DaySpring

I want to fan the flame in my heart for the Lord Jesus Christ! May we, you and I be willing to leave behind the things of the world, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus into the eternity that God has planned for us! Can’t wait to see Jesus and hear, “welcome home!”

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 18, 2026

Notes of Faith June 18, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

November 2, 2003

PRAISING GOD - DO YOU QUALIFY?

Psalm 1

Psalm 150:6 states “let every thing that has breath praise the Lord” so is not everyone eligible to do so? Psalm 14:1 answers this question with a resounding “no!” Although it is God’s desire that all men qualify to praise God, not everyone does as we see in Psalm 1. This psalm presents in sharp contrast two extremes: the truly righteous way of life and the basic wicked way and expands the ramifications of the pursuit of these two ways - the truly right way which brings joy and blessing and the wicked way which results in misery and hopelessness – (Matthew7:13, 14; 7:24-27).

Let’s look first at the Blessed Man and why he qualifies to praise God (verses1-3).

The blessed man recognizes the things that would undermine and erode his walk with the Lord and so avoids them (v. 1). He does not accept the principals of the wicked (1a) but realizes that their ungodly counsel, in terms of ethics, moral judgments and philosophy of life, is destructive to the Christian and therefore is not conducive to praising God.

He avoids participating in the practices of the sinner (1b). Thinking leads to action – as we think - so we act. The blessed man does not think like the world. Therefore, he does not practice the world’s philosophy of life, which brings nothing conducive to praising God.

He avoids joining with those who openly mock God (1c). Thinking like the world leads to practicing the world’s philosophy. This could eventually result in open ridicule of the ways of God. (Note the subtle process of erosion in verse 1. Our path away from the Lord begins with simply walking with the ungodly, then stopping to stand and linger for awhile with them, and finally seating ourselves in their midst.)

In sharp contrast with what the blessed man avoids is what he pursues (v. 2). He delights in the Word of God, cultivating a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and contemplating the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Joshua 1:8; Philippians 3:10; Romans 12:1,.2; Colossians 3:1, 2).

The blessed man is described as a strong tree (v. 3), taking its nourishment from the pure water of God’s Word, bearing fruit and being prosperous (Jeremiah. 17:8; Psalm 92:12-14).

In verses 4-6 we see whom I like to refer to as the Blasted Man and why he is unqualified to praise God.

The life of the blasted man is empty and without meaning, like chaff blown away by the winds (v. 4). The unbeliever opposes the things of God, which is the only thing that gives any lasting meaning to life (Jude 11-13; James 1:6; Ephesians 4:17-19).

His future is bleak and hopeless (v.5). The unbeliever will not be in the company of the righteous when the Lord returns (Ephesians 2:12; I Thessalonians 4:13).

The Psalmist sums it all up in verse 6 –

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Revelation chapter 5 gives us a glimpse of the final congregation of the righteous, in the presence of the only One who is worthy to be praised.

In sharp contrast is the frightful picture of the final congregation of the wicked (Revelation 20:11-15). The ungodly are cast into the lake of fire forever and ever. A question here – should not this compel us to share the hope of Christ with others?

How about us? Do we come under the heading of the blessed man or the blasted man? Lets all examine ourselves carefully. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

In a sense, even plants and rocks breathe. They are all affected by the wind and air surrounding them. All things spoken into existence were created by God, proclaimed good, made for an expression of His glory and therefore should praise Him with all that they have and are!

Let us praise the Lord at all times!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 17, 2026

Notes of Faith June 17, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit

May 21, 2006

SUMMARY OF A GODLY LIFE

Conclusion

And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage. and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

In our first pen pulpit on the Summary of a Godly Life, we pointed out first of all that it is highly unlikely that Anna was a mother. However, she was a Godly woman. We discovered that the predominate trait in her life was her faithfulness. We saw that faithfulness is long obedience in one direction. First of all she was faithful in Purity of Life which is evidenced in being faithful to her husband; then in being faithful to her God. In conclusion:

Anna was faithful in her worship life - v. 37.

The temple in those days was the center of worship. “She did not depart from the temple” is a statement stressing the consistency of her attendance in the temple. Here is where she regularly met with her God to worship and serve Him. The Old Testament Scriptures were opened up. She had perhaps the same kind of experience as King David (Psalm 27:4, 5).

Application: Believers don’t go to the temple today. The Church is the corporate temple of God meeting on location (Ephesians 2:19-22). The church has the Word and the Spirit. The Word, the Spirit and a submissive heart are the ingredients of true worship. Therefore, when God’s people begin to develop a trend of neglecting the place where God has ordained that we meet on a regular basis - they are prone to trouble (Hebrews 10:24, 25).

Anna was faithful in her prayer life - v. 37.

True worship leads to prayer. Prayer is that slender nerve that moves the arm of omnipotence. Secret, fervent, believing prayer lies at the root of all personal godliness.

Application: Prayer is a means of serving God. Prayer is God doing a work through the believer and using the believer as a means to release His power and to insert Himself into the situation.

Anna was faithful in her testimony and in her ministry of encouragement v. 38

“Looking for something and waiting” requires the virtue of patience. Waiting tends to discourage unless there is something to keep hope alive – to keep hope burning in the heart. There needs to be constant affirmation that what is hoped for will be realized. Anna was that channel of affirmation to that small band of Godly remnant who anticipated the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan in Messiah.

Are there any Anna’s reading this pen pulpit today? Are you doing what God has called you to do? Whether you are man or woman, young person, middle aged or senior, there is one thing God requires of you: That is to be faithful! Indeed, faithfulness is a paragon of virtues.

It is said that F.B. Meyer, a Godly saint of years gone by, signed many of his letters, “Yours to count on.”

God bless and have a great week.

Pastor Charles Covington

https://youtu.be/MKT5BCmvmq0

Learning what it means to be faithful takes a lifetime. May we come to know and love God who gives us freely all that we are and have…and serve Him, bringing glory to His name, looking forward to being fully alive, as we have not yet known, in His presence forevermore! Amen!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 16, 2026

Notes of Faith June 16, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

November 30, 2003

THE EQUIPPING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Part 4

In this pen pulpit we conclude the study of the permanent spiritual gifts.

Showing Mercy (Romans 12:8) –The ability to have compassion for those suffering affliction and to effectively meet their needs. One who has this gift is one whose emotions are generally aroused at the sight of suffering with the desire to do something about it. Such a one will be like a sunbeam in the presence of suffering.

Faith (I Corinthians 12:9) - The unique ability to believe God for great things in the church….to rely upon God for special occurrence.

Discerning of Spirits (I Corinthians 12:10) -The unique ability to discern between the true and the false, with respect to the things of the Spirit within the Body of Christ….the ability to see through people.

Helps (I Corinthians 12:28) - The ability to render assistance to those who have personal needs, to be able to come to the aid of another, to relieve his burden, to render assistance to the Body in time of need.

Government/Administration (I Corinthians 12:28) - The ability to give direction in the practical affairs of the church. The emphasis is upon “giving direction.”

Some of the gifts such as ministry and helps may be exercised in hundreds of different ways.

THE DISCOVERY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

There are various Biblical and logical principals by which one may come to know his/her spiritual gift(s). The following are some of the basic principals:

1. Information - One must have a knowledge of the spiritual gifts as listed in the gift passages – Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12. Note: There is a definite connection between Romans 12:1, 2 – a prerequisite to knowing the will of God, with verses 3-8 – a revelation of the will of God.

2. Acceptance - An understanding and acceptance that you have a spiritual gift. Each believer has one or more spiritual gifts. It is not to be sought after, they are gifts (I Peter 4:10; I Corinthians 12:7,11).

3. Desire - Check your desires along this line. God puts the desires into the hearts of Spirit-filled believers to do what He (God) wills (Psalm 37:4).

4. Observation - Look for the blessing of God upon your ministry (I Corinthians 12:7)

5. Confirmation - (Galatians 2:1-15) What do others say about your strengths?

THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF YOUR SPIRITIUAL GIFTS

Spiritual gifts must be developed and matured. How does one go about developing his/her spiritual gift(s)? The Word of God is very specific in this area. USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT. A body member that does not function does not develop him/herself nor does it profit the body.

1. Concentration - Give yourself to the ministry of your gift. Concentrate in your area of ministry (Romans 12:3-8)

2. Sensitivity - you must be sensitive to the gift(s) you have. This sensitivity could express itself in two ways: (a) There must not be a neglect of your spiritual gift (I Timothy 4:14), and (b) There must be a fanning into flame of your spiritual gift (II Timothy 1:6).

3. Ministry – The Body of Christ needs your ministry. The gifts are for body profit. The only way in which the Body of Christ can profit from your gift is if that gift is ministered to the body. Gifts are developed through use (I Peter 4:10,11; I Corinthians. 12:7).

4. Availability - Be available for service (Isaiah 6:8; Romans 12:1).

Beloved put your Spiritual gift into service for the LORD. God bless.

P.S. As I look back over this past year, I can’t let this Thanksgiving Sunday go by without giving special thanks for so many things – my salvation first of all, my family which includes all of you dear folk, continued healing for my body (I can now walk to the pulpit) and the list goes on and on.

So you see I’ve got a lot to be thankful for this season. Let me challenge each one of you to also look back over the past year. Take a pad and pen and try to list the significant events that have transpired in your life. How do they connect? You know there are no accidents in the Christian’s life. Every event, small or large, is divinely appointed for your good. It is easy to thank God for the blessings expected. It’s a little more difficult to render thanks for those little inconveniences that come to us every day.

Can’t think of much to give thanks for? Try back-pedaling through the year. You will come up with plenty. I guarantee it! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving season.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Every believer and follower of Jesus has been given a spiritual gift or gifts. These are to be used for the benefit of the church and to glorify God. If they are not used the church suffers, the body of Christ is missing the gifting of that person. Eternal rewards are forfeited with the spiritual gift(s) lack of use. May we endeavor to KNOW God, to seek an intimacy that directs and controls our life decisions, actions and words, that our gifts might be USED for the church and the glory of God, leading to our hearing… “well done, good and faithful servant”, when we enter into the glory of God’s eternal kingdom!

The body of Christ NEEDS YOUR gift!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 15, 2026

Notes of Faith June 15, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

November 23, 2003

THE EQUIPPING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Part 3

In our study of the equipping ministry of the Holy Spirit we now come to examine the individual spiritual gifts as taught in the Word of God. There are two categories: The sign gifts and the permanent gifts. First of all:

The Sign Gifts

Note: The confirming gifts were temporary sign gifts confirming the spoken word in the infant church. Note four of them:

1. Healing (I Corinthians 12:9) - The ability to heal supernaturally and instantaneously the bodies of men and women.

2. Working of miracles (I Corinthians 12:10) – The ability to perform supernatural miracles, usually in the physical realm. e.g. raising the dead.

3. Tongues (I Corinthians 12:10) – The ability to supernaturally speak foreign languages without previous study or knowledge of the language.

4. Interpretation of tongues (I Corinthians 12:10) -The ability to understand and interpret foreign languages apart from study or without previous knowledge of the language.

The Permanent Gifts

Speaking Gifts

1. Prophecy (Romans 12:6; I Corinthians 12:10) – The gift of prophecy is the ability to proclaim the Word of God with accuracy and power so as to promote understanding, edification, exhortation and comfort (I Corinthians 14:3).

2. Teaching (Romans 12:7) - The gift of teaching is the ability to communicate and instruct others in divine truth so as to promote understanding and comprehension, and to do it with comparative ease and efficiency.

3. Exhortation (Romans12:8) - The one who has this gift is one who not only responds to a call for help, but is also able to give comfort and consolation and help concerning past/present problems and to exhort and challenge to a course of action.

4. Word of Wisdom (I Corinthians 12:8) - The ability to understand and have insight into life’s situations and people combined with an understanding of what to do and how to do it. The practical application of divine wisdom to situations and people.

5. Word of Knowledge (I Corinthians 12:8) - The unique ability to understand and to systematize the Word of God and related subjects for the benefit of others.

Serving Gifts

1. Ministry (Romans 12:7) – The ability of individual believers to render practical service to other believers, individually or collectively. The ability to render service in the local church (we have beautiful examples of this in our church in those who cared for Ginny Kafka as well as the many others who quietly and faithfully care for the church grounds and building).

2. Giving (Romans 12:8) – The ability to give wisely of one’s possessions (wise discernment as to where the need really is), and to do it with joy and eagerness without any motivation that would benefit the giver. The amount given is not the issue – rather the motive is the important thing. Note: All believers are to give but not every believer has the spiritual gift of giving.

3. Ruling (Romans 12:8) – The ability to lead others in effective endeavors for God. The ability to assume the role of leadership and to function effectively therein.

Next we will take up the remainder of the permanent gifts. God bless.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Charles Covington

There is disagreement about the gifting of the Holy Spirit…whether any were given for the establishment of the church but then ceased or that all are appropriated for the benefit of the church for the entire age of the church.

I will not get into a detailed discussion here but agree with pastor Charles that the “sign” gifts were for the establishment of the church.

God can do all things at all times and therefore we could be wrong in our interpretation but I personally have not experienced a biblical use of any of the sign gifts in my lifetime. This still does not mean that God cannot or will not use them at any time.

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 14, 2026

Notes of Faith June 14, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

November 16, 2003

THE EQUIPPING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Part II

Today we are continuing our study in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in equipping the church for the work of ministry. Many believers feel that their natural talent such as singing, athletics, etc. is their spiritual gift so let’s take a look at the relation of spiritual gifts to our natural abilities.

A natural talent is a natural endowment, an innate ability to do something well while a spiritual gift is a supernatural spiritual ability to do something well. As such we have no authority to claim something as our spiritual gift that is not expressly stated in scripture to be a spiritual gift. When this happens we are moving on assumption. A natural talent that you have before salvation does not become your spiritual gift after salvation, although you still have your natural talent. A natural talent may or may not be the instrument through which a spiritual gift is channeled.

To illustrate – A person with a natural ability for singing may demonstrate the gift of exhortation through his music. Someone with a marvelous ability to speak (gift of gab) may or may not have a speaking gift of teaching/preaching while a man who does not have a natural ability to speak may have a speaking gift

There are two categories of spiritual gifts – serving gifts and speaking gifts which complement each other as seen in the mutual, individual network of spiritual gifts functioning within the body. Just as in our physical body each part has its own, unique, function (eye, hand, heart, etc.) which, when working together makes a complete and well-rounded individual, within the church, when each member uses their gift as God intended, we have an effectual fellowship which is pleasing to God.

In Ephesians 4:11-16 we see four gifted men who are the God-given catalysts to the body of Christ. These gifted men have been given the awesome responsibility of equipping the saints into the work of ministry. Let’s look at these four gifted men:

1. Apostles - lit. “sent ones” – special eye witnesses to the resurrection. Divinely appointed leaders in the formative stage of the church. Office now ceased.

2. Prophets – One moved by the Spirit of God and as His spokesman solemnly declaring to men God’s message ----- speaking to the believing church, telling forth the message of God.

3. Evangelists – In a sense evangelism is every believer’s business and responsibility in the great commission (Matt. 28:19, 20). Yet beyond this, certain individuals are given the gift of evangelist. This gift is the unique ability to proclaim the gospel.

4. Pastor/teachers – One with the ability to communicate divine truth so as to promote understanding. A pastor has the unique ability to care for believers which definitely involves spiritual leadership. Shepherding involves feeding, leading and protection. Each pastor should, to a certain degree, be a teacher; but every teacher is not a pastor because the gift of teaching is listed separately.

In following studies, we will begin our study of the individual spiritual gifts so be on the lookout for yours! I would like to see these pen pulpits serve as a guide for further study into your place of service in our fellowship. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Spiritual gifts were used to form the church and are still used to sustain and grow the church! Jesus said that He would build His church and He is still doing that work in and through those that have been chosen from before the foundation of the world to be saved, sanctified and glorified. God, the Holy Spirit, is the One who draws us to Christ, teaches and gives us understanding in truth, and uses us as priests and ministers of God to bring others to Christ. May you use your gift(s) for the good of the body of Christ giving glory to God through the effect of your ministry!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 13, 2026

Notes of Faith June 13, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

November 9, 2003

THE EQUIPPING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

One of the more important ministries of the Holy Spirit is that of preparing the church for ministry. The equipping ministry of the Holy Spirit is centered in the dimension of spiritual gifts, which defines the service of the church. Get your Bibles out and let’s take a closer look at spiritual gifts. First of all, what they are not.

The gift of the Spirit – The gift of the Spirit is not a spiritual gift. The believer is given the Holy Spirit when he/she believes in Jesus Christ as personal savior. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer is proof of salvation. (Acts 2:38; John 14:16,17; 7:37-39; Romans 5:5; I John 3:24; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13) However, when the Spirit takes up His residence within a believer, He brings His gifts with Him.

The fruit of the Spirit – The fruit of the Spirit is the full-orbed symmetrical character of Christ as opposed to the character of Adam; supernatural traits as opposed to natural traits (Galatians 5:19- 24).

Spiritual offices – Spiritual offices (pastor/teacher, elder, deacon) may be desired and have certain well-defined qualifications (I Timothy 3:1, 3:2-12). Spiritual gifts are sovereignly bestowed upon every believer, not just the leadership (I Corinthians 12:7,11,18, 28).

Places of service - Spiritual gifts are not places of service such as working with youth, ushering, Sunday school superintendent, etc. Gifts are used in these strategic areas but are not synonymous with them.

A natural talent or ability - A natural talent is a natural endowment, an innate ability to do something well. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability to accomplish something well. A natural talent that you may have before salvation does not become your spiritual gift after salvation, although you still have your natural talent. Spiritual gifts come with the Holy Spirit and are brand new to the believer. A natural talent may or may not be the channel through which a spiritual gift is used.

Then what exactly are spiritual gifts?

• The Holy Spirit manifesting Himself in a unique way through each believer to accomplish a specific purpose in the Body of Christ.

• The Holy Spirit doing a work through the believer and using the believer to do it (I Corinthians 12:7).

• A God given ability for spiritual service in the Body of Christ.

• A spiritual capacity for service.

• The believer’s spiritual function in a spiritual body – his unique job description in the body. A spiritual gift enables the believer to perform a particular function in the body with considerable ease and efficiency.

Consider some distinctions of spiritual gifts:

• Spiritual gifts = spiritual abilities

• Spiritual graces = spiritual characteristics

• Spiritual offices = A capacity of leadership in the local church.

Spiritual gifts are distributed to everyone (I Peter 4:10, 11). In I Corinthians 12:4-6 we see the relationship of the trinity to spiritual gifts.

The purpose of spiritual gifts is primarily for edification of the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:7). In Ephesians 4:11-16 we see how beautifully this works. The end result of spiritual gifts is seen in I Peter 4:10,11: THE GLORY OF GOD.

The message of spiritual gifts has many ramifications which are greatly important as we shall see in the days to come. God bless,

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

Spiritual gift(s) are received when a person by God’s grace through faith believes in Jesus and is saved! The gift(s) may be used in a variety of circumstances and roles, relationships, positions, where God is working in and through that person. Over the next few days Charles and I will continue sharing about spiritual gifts. Let us learn to glorify God through our choices, actions and words, therefore, able to more effectively bless others with the spiritual gift(s) that we have been given!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 12, 2026

Notes of Faith June 12, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

October 26, 2003

THE TEACHING MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We would know nothing of God or of the Word of God if it were not for the Holy Spirit’s teaching. Human teachers mean a lot to us. However, human teachers are but instruments used by God, the Holy Spirit. Anything we learn about spiritual truth ultimately comes from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches only those whom He indwells. He indwells only those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior.

Lets define teaching. Teaching is the ability to bring truth into perspective in order that the individual can see and understand the meaning.

1. The Need for His Teaching Ministry (Isaiah 55:8, 9)

Isaiah says that God’s ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts. The extent of that difference is higher than the heavens are above the earth. Therefore, for finite beings to know infinite truth, it requires infinite knowledge and the ability to communicate that truth.

2. The Essence and Nature of His Teaching Ministry

a. Jesus Christ carried on an extensive teaching ministry.

b. The Holy Spirit would replace Him in the lives of His people (John 14:26; 16:12-15).

c. These verses also teach the pre-authentication of the writing of the New Testament.

d. In I John 2:20, 27 we learn three very important truths:

>we have an indwelling teacher

>we have a teacher who teaches the truth of God

>He teaches us how to apply the truth to our life.

e. While reading what has been written we are taught the same things the writers were taught – (Ephesians 3:3,4).

In I Corinthians 2:9-13 we have a summary of our need for the teacher and the nature of His teaching. Verse 9 tells us it is not within the boundaries of the human makeup to perceive nor understand the truths of God. However, in verse 10 Paul tells us that God, through the Holy Spirit, has revealed these things to us – even the depths of God. In verse 11 he tells us the obvious: Only the spirit of a man can know the thoughts of himself. Even so, only the Spirit of God knows and understands the thoughts of God. In order for us to know and perceive the truths of God which has been freely given to us, we have received the Spirit of God in order that we might know the things freely given to us from God. So beloved, anything you truly learn from God’s Word is from the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.

So, stay in the book and allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the truth of God. God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 14:25-26

25 "These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

Believers in Jesus are brought into the community of the eternal triune God-head. God is living in and through you as you submit to His authority, learn and grow through His grace, and become more like Jesus day by day! God living in me is beyond my mental grasp. It seems much easier to believe that evil lives within me as I do battle in my heart and mind concerning earthly and fleshly desires. But God…some of the most precious words in the Bible…knows us, has plans for us, has prepared eternity for us, and by living in us allows us to experience truth and peace and joy, that only those who have this intimate relationship can experience.

Lord, please let the priority of our lives be to seek and know You intimately, to not only possess the mind of Christ but to live accordingly in obedience as He did and still does.

1 Cor 2:14-16

14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but He Himself is not subject to any man's judgment:

16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord

that he may instruct Him?"

But we have the mind of Christ.

Through the Holy Spirit we are given the mind of Christ! If we say that we love God, let us live in obedience to Him and His Word giving Him glory in all things!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 11, 2026

Notes of Faith June 11, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

October 19, 2003

THE FILLING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Ephesians 5:18-20

We’ve considered the work of the Holy Spirit before the salvation of an individual. We have looked briefly at the work of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. In this series of pen pulpits I want us to look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the believers life on a day-to-day basis. We begin with the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Some erroneous concepts of the filling with the Holy Spirit.

1. A certain facet of Christianity interprets the filling with Holy Spirit as the baptism with the Holy Spirit. This is understood to be an external work of the Spirit whereby He totally envelopes and overcomes the believer. A popular term for this supposed work of the Spirit is “Slain in the Spirit.”

2. The filling with the Spirit inevitably produces the experience of speaking in tongues and receiving new revelation from God.

3. To be filled with the Holy Spirit means that the believer can receive more of the Holy Spirit subsequent to salvation.

The Meaning of the filling with the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:4; 4:31; Ephesians 5:18

Contrary to the above teachings, every believer possesses all of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in all believers and in every part of every believer (John 14:16-17, Romans 5:5). The Greek word for “filled” in the following verses is used in a sense which gives certain qualification to its meaning: John 16:6, Luke 4:28; 5:26; 6;11; Acts 3:10. 5:3; 5:17; 13:45; 13:52.

The prevailing concept of control – In virtually every one of these passages the central idea of control is present. The controlling influence in each case extends to the total being including the emotions, the mind, the will and the heart. The result is that THE ACTIONS REFLECT THE INNER CONTROL Therefore, the filling with the Holy Spirit is not the believer getting more of the Holy Spirit, rather the Holy Spirit gaining a greater degree of control over the believer (James 4:5). Therefore, the Filling with the Holy Spirit is not a crisis event that takes place as a result of following some formula. The filling with the Holy Spirit is the normal Christian life. At any moment in the believer’s life you are either filled with the Holy Spirit or with self,

The Manner of the filling with the Holy Spirit (v.18)

>The verb “filled” is in the imperative mode - God commands the believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit because it is essential to living the Christian life.

>The verb is in the present tense - This means that the filing of the Spirit is not to be spasmodic. God has made provision for the believer to be filled with Spirit at all times. The filling with the Spirit is not just for special ministries that demands public functions – but for everyday living.

>The verb is in the plural number – This means that all believers are to be constantly controlled by the Spirit. The filling with the Holy Spirit is not just for preachers, teachers, and missionaries, but for laborers, housewives, all of us as well.

>The verb is in the passive voice – This tells us that the subject is being acted upon. The filling with the Holy Spirit is a work of God in behalf of the believer – not a work of the believer, in tarrying, agonizing praying, etc.

The manifestation of the filling with the Holy Spirit

1. A singing heart – an internal effect (Ephesians 5:19)

2. A thankful heart –A vertical effect (Ephesians 5:20)

3. A submissive heart – A horizontal effect (Ephesians 5:21)

4. Christ-like fruit (Gal.5:22, 23)

5. Boldness in witness (Acts 2:4; 4:8,31: 9:17-20; 13:9,10)

The Maintenance of the Filling with the Holy Spirit Your experience with the Holy Spirit is unique. It is personal. That fellowship must be maintained. The Holy Spirit is not a machine nor a computer. He is a divine Person living in your body. There are certain Biblical principles which outline the procedure for maintaining your fellowship with the Holy Spirit so that He may have His maximum control in your life for your service and joy.

1. Grieve not the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) – Grieving the Holy Spirit is to harbor some attitude or to be involved in some form of conduct that is dishonoring to God and contrary to the nature of the Spirit of God. All sin grieves the Holy Spirit. Note particularly the kinds of sins that grieves Him in the context of Ephesians 4:30.. The remedy is to forsake and confess that sin or those sins.

2. Quench not the Holy Spirit – I Thessalonians 5:19.. Quenching the Holy Spirit is to fail to heed the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is to put a damper on his work.

DISTINCTION

A. Grieving the Spirit would be the believer’s involvement in some consistent attitude that is contrary to the Spirit’s direction.

B. Quenching the Holy Spirit is the believer preventing the Holy Spirit from doing what He wants to do in one’s life

C. Walk by means of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16,25) – Walking by the Spirit is as simple as learning to live life everyday by the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit.

The secret of walking by the Spirit is cooperation. The believer’s life is not a life of quiet existence but a life of active cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The commands in the New Testament are issued to believers – not to the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:4.5,13,14). Walking by the Spirit involves study - lots of study. It means involvement and application of the Word of God. THE WORD OF GOD IS THE LIVING AGENT THAT THE SPIRIT USES TO GUIDE AND CONTROL MY LIFE. AMEN! God bless.

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 14:25-26

"These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

In context, these things were said to the Apostles and particularly those who would author the “God Breathed” Scripture, that had yet to be written. But today, as we read and study the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, living within us, will teach us, and bring remembrance all that the Lord spoke to us through His Word!

Heb 10:14-25

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

16 "THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM

AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:

I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,

AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,"

He then says,

17 "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS

I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."

19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

By God’s grace we are drawn to Him, given the gift of faith to believe in the person and work of His Son, Jesus, to be redeemed from eternal death to eternal life in Jesus, through the power and work of the Holy Spirit given to us at the time of believing. This ongoing work of the Spirit, “sanctification”, continues our entire life-time, until the day we meet the Lord Jesus in the air, or He calls us home through death on earth to eternal life with Him…absent from the body – present with the Lord!

Let us praise God and give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit that continually works, without rest, day and night, for the chosen children of God, that we might be made like Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 10, 2026

Notes of Faith June 10, 2026

Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: The Holy Spirit in Today’s World

October 12, 2003

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES SPIRITUAL GIFTS

I Peter 4:10,11

Now we come to the final aspect of the work of the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. Maybe this is not His final work in sequence, but for the purpose of this pen pulpit we will treat it as final. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are really identified with the Baptism with the Spirit. As the baptism with the Holy Spirit places you and me into the body of Christ and gives us membership in that body – the Gifts of the Holy Spirit give us our job skills and description in the body.

I don’t think I have to remind this congregation of the importance of serving God in the church. Not just in CGBC Long Beach, but in the Body of Christ. But what exactly is serving God? Serving God is putting your spiritual gift(s) to work. Using your spiritual gift is God doing His work through you and using you to do it (I Corinthians 12:7).

We read in I Peter 4:10,11 “As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever - Amen.”

Peter discusses three major movements –

The first is the NATURE of Spiritual Gifts within the Body of Christ – he emphasizes six truths:

1. Gifts are universal within the Body of Christ. Everyone has received at least one spiritual gift. This is soon discovered when a member of the body ceases to function. Everyone is important and no one is more important than anyone else.

2. Gifts are a present possession. Everyone in the body has received a spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts are not given upon the attainment of a level of spirituality. In I Corinthians I:6,7 we read, “Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so you are not lacking in any gift.” The reception of gifts is not based upon spirituality, rather upon regeneration. When a baby is born, that little one is born with all his parts intact. So a spiritual gift comes with the Spirit when we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Gifts are Functional within the body. They are to be used to minister to others. Do not sit idly by and admire your spiritual gift. It is not meant for your benefit but for the benefit of others. Use your gift. The function of your spiritual gift contributes to the edification of others. To withhold your gift is to withhold what the body needs. The word “minister” indicates a regular consistent basis for our service. Timothy admonishes us not to neglect our gifts (I Timothy 4:14) and to “kindle afresh” those gifts (II Timothy 1:6).

4. Along with the gifts comes responsibility. Believers are stewards of the gifts. We do not own them – we only manage them for God. The word “steward” implies one who manages the affairs of another. This concept should eliminate pride regarding gifts.

5. Gifts are diverse within the body. There are many gifts in the body and none is more important than another. Gifts are VARIED – (Romans 12:4,5) “Just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ. And individually members of one another.”

6. Gifts are undeserved. They are grace gifts. No one deserves the high and holy honor of serving Jesus Christ. It should be counted as the highest of all privileges to serve Him. But at the same time don’t make light of that privilege as though it were nothing. In I Corinthians 15:9 Paul writes “for I am the least of the apostles, who am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”

The CLASSIFICATION of Spiritual Gifts within the Body of Christ (v.11a). There are two categories:

1. The Speaking Gifts – All speaking gifts are to have the Word of God as their curriculum. This is their qualifying factor. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” The pattern of Paul revealed the speaking gifts as very evident in His life and ministry. Acts 28:30, 31 reveals Paul’s faithfulness in using these gifts.

2. The Serving Gifts – The second category of spiritual gifts. The qualifying factor of the serving gifts is the power or ability supplied by God. “ If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies.”

The PURPOSE of Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ (v.11b) “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.” God is to receive the glory in everything that is accomplished in the Church.

SOME FACTS TO REMEMBER:

1. We are HIS people

2. These are HIS gifts.

3. It is HIS Word we speak – and

4. It is with HIS ability we serve - And all so that HE may receive the glory.

Beloved, let’s remember this as we serve Him day by day. God Bless.

In His matchless grace,

Pastor Charles Covington

I do not plan to make comment about cessation of some gifts, (such as tongues, or healing), in this devotion, as some believe and even I have taught. Let’s focus on God and His power and authority to do mighty works even through His weak human vessels…us. God’s power is limitless and He can and will do what He desires for and through His creation. Let us live to glorify Him in everything we do! Pray that even in your sleep, that your dreams and any other thoughts might be pure and holy, planning how to serve the Lord when you wake!

Pastor Dale