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

Notes of Faith June 9, 2026

Notes of Faith June 9, 2026

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

September 28, 2003

THE SEALING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Ephesians 1:13

The sealing with the Holy Spirit, although mentioned only a few times with reference to believers, is nonetheless one of the more significant ministries of God The Holy Spirit. This will become evident as we go along.

The Meaning of the Sealing with the Holy Spirit.

The seal in the Old Testament is the token of the completion of a transaction. When an agreement was concluded, the act completed and the price paid, the seal was affixed to the contract to make it definite (Jeremiah 32:9-11).

Jesus Christ agreed to leave heaven, come to earth and die for the sins of man. When an individual receives Jesus as savior, the Holy Spirit is given to live within the believer. His presence in the Christian is the official seal that an eternal transaction has been completed. The believer is sealed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. This seal is immediate, permanent and eternal.

The Sphere of the Sealing with the Holy Spirit.

The believer is sealed with or in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the substance of the seal – the essence of the seal.

The Scope of the Sealing with the Holy Spirit.

All true believers are the recipients of the sealing with the Holy Spirit.

1. Illustrated in the Corinthians (II Corinthians 1:22).

2. In Ephesians 4:30 the sealing is the basis for exhorting believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit.

3. There is no command nor condition for the sealing with the Holy Spirit.

The Time of the Sealing with the Holy Spirit.

The believer is sealed at the time of his faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (Ephesians 1:13,14). Note carefully the grammatical implications “Having believed … you were sealed.” “Sealed” is the main verb in the sentence. The Greek text indicates that the sealing occurred at the same time as believing. This is the only place in the New Testament were it is grammatically stated that the believer received the Holy Spirit at the time of faith in Jesus Christ.

The Significance or Purpose of the Sealing with the Holy Spirit.

The sealing with the Holy Spirit has several significant features:

1. Ownership by God. We are stamped or branded by God as His property – Romans 8:9; II Timothy 2:19.

2. Security that is permanently guaranteed – Ephesians 4:30.

3. Authority over what He owns.

4. Assurance – because the believer belongs to Jesus Christ by virtue of His work of redemption, the Holy Spirit’s presence as the seal or guarantee of ownership also begets assurance – Romans 8:14-17.

5. The realization of all promised blessings at the day of redemption – Ephesians 4:30.

So you see Christian friends, the sealing with the Holy Spirit is God’s way of sealing you and me into the body of Christ permanently. Let’s praise His wonderful name for His grace and mercy. God bless.

Love in Him,

Pastor Charles Covington

Thought for the day…

Believers must remember, our mission is fishin’!

Thinking about doing a little of both today for my birthday…fishin’ for fish and of course fishin’ for eternal souls to be saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ!

Stand secure and assured in your faith, especially when you fall into sin…for you have been sealed (confirmed, ratified, made certain) that you belong to God for all eternity! Nothing can separate you from the love of God…nothing!

Rom 8:38-39

8 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Just another day to glory God with the life He is giving you…

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 8, 2026

Notes of Faith June 8, 2026

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

September 21, 2003

THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Confusion Concerning the Baptism with the Holy Spirit

The term “Baptism with the Holy Spirit” is like raising a red flag in front of a bull in some circles – for there is no area of the ministry of the Holy Spirit that is more misunderstood today than this one. The reason for this misunderstanding may be traced to several factors:

1. The term “Baptism with the Spirit” is often confused with the filling with the Spirit.

2. The erroneous association of the baptism with the Spirit with speaking in tongues.

3. The misunderstanding of the distinction of this present Church Age.

The Meaning of the Baptism with Holy Spirit

Primarily, the Spirit’s baptism is the act whereby God makes us members of Christ’s body (I Corinthians 12:12,13). Secondarily, but not of lesser importance, the Spirit’s baptism is the act whereby God gives to the believer his position in Christ (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:27).

The Nature of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit

1. It is unique to the Church Age and is never mentioned as having occurred in the Old Testament or in the Gospels.

• The Holy Spirit could not be given before Jesus was glorified (John 7:39).

• As late as the ascension, the disciples were to wait for the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4, 5, 8).

• There was no Spirit baptism until Pentecost.

• Baptism with the Holy Spirit is associated with the Body of Christ which is unique to this age – the age of the Church.

2. It occurred for the first time on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 11:15, 16).

• Jerusalem Pentecost was the fulfillment of promises in the Gospels (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33).

• Jerusalem Pentecost marked the transition point from the old to the new covenant area.

• Jerusalem Pentecost marked the birth of the Christian Church.

• Jerusalem Pentecost was an historic event – never to be repeated (it was the fulfillment of the Old Testament Feast of Pentecost).

• There was no Spirit baptism until Pentecost.

3. It is received only once by each believer upon conversion (Acts 10:44: 11:15,16). Therefore, there is only one Spirit baptism. There is no second Spirit baptism subsequent to conversion.

• It is described as a one-time event (I Cor.12:13) while the filling is repeated.

• A member of the body cannot be removed from the body and then reinstated through a rebaptism

• Scripture clearly states that there is only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5).

4. Baptism with the Spirit is universal among all believers in this age.

• Scripture plainly teaches that all believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9, I Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27).

• There is no scriptural command to believers to be baptized with the Spirit. We are told that we are!

5. Baptism with the Holy Spirit is non-experiential.

• It is not based on or derived from experience.

• It occurs whether a believer is aware of it or not.

• Believers may experience the results of the baptism but not the act.

• Faith in Christ is the only condition of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; Galatians 3:2, 13-14).

6. The results of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit.

• It makes us members of the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).

• It is the union with Christ in His death making us no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:1-14).

It would be saying too much to infer that the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is the most important ministry of the Spirit. It is, however, one of the most essential for reasons we have explained. This ministry places us in the Body of Christ and gives the believer his/her position in Christ. It also gives us our spiritual gift with which we serve God and one another. Do not allow yourself to become confused with some of today’s theories with this ministry.

Beloved, if you have received Christ as Savior, you have been baptized and filled with His Spirit. Our bodies are His temple. That awareness should be sobering as well as exciting. God bless.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Charles Covington

I am participating in a jail ministry and the men incarcerated shared with me that another visitor such as I, told them that if they did not speak in tongues that they had not received the gift of the Holy Spirit, had not been saved, and therefore were still headed to hell. He said that they were not members of the body of Christ, the church, had no gift(s) to use to glorify God or benefit those in the church. This is a great misunderstanding of Scripture and false teaching. I have been blessed by these men, as they struggle with their choices that led them to prison, seek to be renewed in heart and mind, so that upon being released, that they not return to the old person and sinful habits that put them in jail. There is much praising and worshipping of God. There is great hope in God for their future and how God desires to use them even now. This is the true work of the Holy Spirit, for none of them would care about God or others were it not for His work in their lives. May we recognize the truth and power of the Holy Spirit, GOD living within us, and live each day for His glory and honor!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 7, 2026

Notes of Faith June 7, 2026

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

September 14, 2003

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AT THE TIME OF SALVATION

OR THE SECURING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We came to salvation in Jesus Christ as a result of the Holy Spirit convicting us of our sin and our need of a Savior. Once we have received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we are secure in Him, also because of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He does this through regeneration (a big word for change) and this regeneration places the believer IN Christ. As such his position in Christ is as secure as Christ is in the Father! The believer can never be unregenerated any more than a child born into this world can become unborn. Let’s look then at the relation of regeneration to the security of the believer.

Regeneration (a work of God the Holy Spirit) is the act by which He imparts eternal life to an individual. Regeneration is the instantaneous change from a state of spiritual death to a state of spiritual life (Titus 3:5, Matthew 19:28). Other words used to express regeneration are found in I Peter 1:3, 23; James 1:18; and John 3:3, 7. The essence of meaning contained in these various words is “new beginning, to give birth, born from above,”

Terms used to express regeneration:

• New Birth - John 1:3; James 1:18. This portrays the intimate relation of the child of God to his heavenly father. It also declares the kind of life the believer receives

• Spiritual Resurrection – Romans 6:13; Ephesians 2:5. The believer is completely identified with Jesus Christ, not only in His death, but also in His resurrection. We have His life – Amen?!

• New Creation – Ephesians 2:10; 4:24; II Corinthians 5:17. Regeneration is creative in its nature and results in a fundamental change in the individual. It speaks of a new nature being added with its new capacities.

The work of regeneration:

• The author is God – John 1:12,13; I Corinthians 3:6,7; I Peter 1:3. Man does not possess the ability to communicate life to himself, because men are dead. Only God can give life – any kind of life.

• The agents are the Holy Spirit, the One who facilitates the new birth – John 3:5-8 and the Holy Scriptures, the foundation for the new birth –I Peter 1:23-25; James 1:18 ,21.

The relationship of the trinity to regeneration:

• God the Son paid the penalty for our sins – Romans 5:6

• God the Holy Spirit regenerates and renews – Titus 3:5.

• God the Father becomes the Father of the believer - James 1:17,18.

The results of regeneration:

• A new nature – The new birth brings to the believer a new nature (II Corinthians 5:17). It does not eradicate the old nature nor split the personality. Natures are capacities. The unregenerate person has only one capacity, the capacity to serve sin. The new nature brings with it the capacity to serve righteousness (Romans 6:17-18).

• A new life – The new capacity will bear fruit in the new life (I John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18). The abiding results of regeneration are doing righteousness and not committing sin.

Has the Holy Spirit convicted you of your sin of unbelief? If so, has He communicated new life to you? I trust that He has. He got hold of me in August of 1963 – praise His name. God bless,

Love to you all,

Pastor Charles Covington

1 Cor 2:14

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.

1 Peter 2:2

…like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation…

We not only come to faith in Jesus through the power and conviction of the Holy Spirit, but continue to grow in God’s grace and wisdom through the same Holy Spirit.

I was blessed to be brought to the throne of grace to receive mercy and help through the conviction of the Holy Spirit in early 1966. The Holy Spirit has continued to lead, guide and direct my life according to God’s will (of course with the many and varied unholy failings on my part) for all these many years. I am praying for more…to be more intimate with my Lord and Savior, to be used more powerfully for God’s glory while I yet live, and this will all happen through the Holy Spirit.

May you truly know what it means to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith June 6, 2026

Notes of Faith June 6, 2026

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

September 7, 2003

THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

A careful study of the New Testament will reveal that the Holy Spirit has ministries which He performs in the life of a believer (1) in bringing him to salvation, (2) at the time of his salvation and (3) following his salvation. We will call these ministries (1) the convicting work of the Spirit, (2) the securing work of the Spirit and (3) the continuing work of the Spirit.

This week we will look at the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing an individual to salvation or the convicting work of the Spirit (John 16:7-11; I Peter 1:2).

At this point it is necessary to have some understanding of the two aspects of the Grace of God. These aspects are known as common grace and efficacious grace.

Common grace is the unmerited favor of God toward all men as shown in His general, overall care for them. The nature of common grace has special application to the problem of the inability of man to receive and understand the things of God. In this sense it is a ministry of the Holy Spirit which reveals the truth of God to man through whatever channel that truth is proclaimed (reading and hearing of God’s Word, creation, etc.) Common grace is limited in that, although it provides good gifts to all men, it does not, however, provide a direct basis for salvation.

Efficacious grace is the work of the Holy Spirit which effectively moves men to believe in Jesus as Savior. It is accomplished as the Holy Spirit convicts an individual of sin then applies the Word of God to the heart of that person so that faith is forthcoming.

1. The Meaning of Conviction

Conviction, when applied to salvation, is the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing a person to an awareness of his sinful condition as God sees him/her and to a deep sense of need for salvation. It is the work of God impressing upon the heart of an individual the reality of his guilt and just condemnation before a holy and righteous God. Conviction brings heaven’s perspective of sin and its inevitable consequences to the human heart and understanding.

2. The Source of Conviction

Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11). He will convict you of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.

3. The Agency of Conviction

Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of believers “I will send Him unto you (believers) and when He is come He will convict the world” – John 16:7, 8. How? “Through you believers” (II Corinthians 2:16).

4. The Basis of Conviction

The basis of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit is the gospel message –

(I Corinthians15:1-4, Acts 2:22-41 especially verses.23, 24 and 32.) In the sermon Peter preached, the clear facts of the gospel are proclaimed. Then note the response of the people in verses 37-41!

5. The Nature of Conviction

Of sin - of sin because “they believe not on me.” This is a state of sin in which men exist and which holds them in stark and utter unbelief (John 3:18).

Of righteousness – of righteousness because “I go to the Father and you see me no more.” Jesus Christ is the only righteous person who ever lived, and who alone has entered the presence of God in His own righteousness which is contrasted with all false concepts of righteousness that the world has devised. This sets Him apart as being unique above all men. God has evidenced this uniqueness to all men by the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Acts 17:31; Romans 1:3, 4) and by its practical demonstration in the visible lives of His followers. He will provide righteousness to all who believe in Him as their Savior.

Of judgment – of judgment because “the prince of this world is judged.” The Holy Spirit persuades men that the same judgment with which Satan is judged will come upon them if they persist in rejecting Christ.

So you see beloved, you and I are the fingers of God, the Holy Spirit. He uses our testimony to bring conviction to our unbelieving friends. Let’s make sure that we are in fellowship with Him each day of our lives. God bless.

Love to each one of you,

Pastor Charles Covington

John 14:6

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Jesus is the only way to receive salvation, redemption and eternal life with God! The Holy Spirit is the source of conviction and knowledge of God that leads to salvation through God’s gift of faith to believe that Jesus is God, that He died to pay the redemption price for your sin against God, and that He rose from the dead on the third day, as prophesied in the Scriptures, lives to intercede before the Father on your behalf and is coming again to receive you to Himself!

The unbeliever cannot understand the Word of God, nor accept the things that are true of God because these things are spiritually discerned and they are spiritually dead! The Holy Spirit convicts hearts, bringing people one by one to the throne of grace to receive forgiveness, true life, and that eternal, a Savior and Lord to guide and direct their heart, soul and mind.

May we be still and listen often to the Holy Spirit within that we might choose the things that are pleasing to God and do the work that He gives to us on earth and in the age to come after!

Pastor Dale