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Print By Mark Kurtz “Excuse me, I am trying to find the one who is in charge of the positive points, positions, or political stances on living a Pentecostal life dedicated to God. Have you seen this person anywhere?” Has anyone else felt like this? I have been reading about every conflict that could possibly exist in the Apostolic realm, and, of course, how to defend it. I have heard everyone’s stance on holiness and how they perceive it should be in this day and age. I have heard every criticism on how God’s people aren’t acting like God’s people. Granted, some of these articles are written with an attempt to bring a positive spin on the situation, but after reading them, they still leave the reader with “conflict on the brain” syndrome. Has anyone taken the time to look around at all the conflicts in our world today? For thought provoking purposes, “our world” I define as both globally and locally. We have enough wars, natural disasters, political conflicts, and humanity issues to bring even the strongest man or woman to his or her knees. Conflict has become a way of life in our present world. Because of conflict’s overwhelming presence in our world today, conflict has crept into some parts of the church. It’s Even Scriptural! Somewhere between Genesis and Revelation were a few words written which promoted the church to be a sanctuary, a place of refuge. In fact the Psalmist went as far as to say that God and His ways are found in the sanctuary (Psalm 77:13). The sanctuary is not only a place that we visit a few times a week and worship with like believers. Since Jesus bled, suffered, died, and rose again for our sins, the sanctuary is found within. By definition, a sanctuary is “a holy place set apart for worship of God (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986). Aren’t those that have been filled with His Holy Spirit walking and talking sanctuaries and places of refuge? If so, then conflict has no authority in the sanctuary, which is our blood bought life. This having been said, I want to take a moment, jump up on my soapbox and declare that there indeed are men and women in this world today that do hold a positive position concerning our Apostolic life. Though we may live in this time of great conflict and concern, we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God is in control and that He will see us through this life. We are not ignorant to the world around us, but we choose to focus on Jesus Christ and the Word of God and not the things of this world or the conflicts that exist. We are confident that through Him and His Word we will gain all understanding needed to guide us in His will. It’s His grace we see, and His mercy we pray. Trusting in God is our way of life. There will be trials, heartache, and pain that this life will create, but through it all God rules and reigns supreme in our lives. For Him alone and for His glory do we exist. So here is my shout-out to all of the Apostolic Pentecostal men and women who love living this blessed life. I want you to “holla-back” and let the world know who you are. I know you’re out there and it’s time to make some noise. The world needs to know we are alive and well and we love living for Him. The goodness of God is our focus. Let’s show the world love and understanding. There’s no better place on earth than right here in His will, loving our life in Him in the sanctuary of His Spirit. Positive Pentecostal People Wanted!
ninetyandnine.com © 2006, Mark Kurtz ------- Mark Kurtz loves living for God and is priviledged to work for His church through music, preaching, teaching, and any other task needed. He works full time as a production coordinator and is a husband to the greatest wife the world has ever known and the proud father to the best six-year-old boy and most beautiful three-year-old girl. When not buried in his obsession to work his life away, you can find him on the lake or in the woods trying to beat the world’s record of most mosquito bites on one person. |
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