Norton Apostolic Pentecostal Church

12/02/2025

A Visual of the Yoke

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28)

Title: A Visual of the Yoke

Focus: Understanding the concept of the Yoke in Jesus’ teachings.
Introduction: In Jesus’ teachings, the “yoke” symbolizes a gentle invitation to discipleship—where following Him brings rest, not burden. His yoke is about partnership, not oppression. Jesus used this vivid visual to teach the disciples a most important lesson . . . .
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

A yoke is a wooden beam used to join two animals (usually oxen) so they can pull a load together. Almost immediately, both animals realize it is a joint effort and being of the same mind and stride is critical to a successful and pleasant day.
In biblical metaphor, it represents submission, labor, or partnership—sometimes oppressive (as in slavery to the world), sometimes liberating (as in discipleship).

The Yoke in the Old Testament was a symbol of bo***ge and oppression . . . .
Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bo***ge, and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm, and with great judgments: (Exodus 6:6-7)
Egypt was a trap set for the children of Israel; therefore Egypt represents sin.
What seemed to be the quick answer for the moment, turned out to be a yoke of bo***ge for several generations. The Israelites’ captivity in Egypt is a central metaphor for the bo***ge of sin. Just as Israel was enslaved physically, sin enslaves spiritually. Egypt is linked with leaven (a biblical symbol of sin). The Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates Israel’s departure from Egypt, representing Jesus’ call to leave sin behind and not be yoked with it but with Him. Prophets often warned Israel against returning to Egypt, both literally and figuratively, as it meant going back to the yoke of bo***ge rather than trusting God for true liberation.

The Yoke in the New Testament is a symbol of discipleship and submission . . . .
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Being “yoked with Jesus” represents entering into a relationship of discipleship, where believers share His work, learn from His gentle-steady leadership, and experience rest from the burdens of sin and self-effort.

Sin is a heavy yoke that wearies the soul. It is a heavy weight that oppresses the spirit of man, while at the same time insuring eternal bo***ge . . . .
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

To be set free from sin does not mean we quit plowing; it simply means we are now yoked with Jesus and are yoked with Him for the increase of His Kingdom: we are still plowing but in a different field.
The yoke of freedom sets us free from the letter of the Law while allowing a pleasant stride naturally in the principals of the Law . . . .
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (Acts 15:10)

Also . . . .
For Moses described the righteousness which is of the law, (Romans 10:5)

It could rightly be stated that “the *righteousness which is of the law” is the furrow left behind the plow that the seed of obedience might be planted and grow into maturity and sanctification. Taking His yoke means submitting to the principal of His teaching and guidance, walking in step with Him in labor and structured in John 14:15 . . . .
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

Being yoked with Jesus also means we are yoked with our Brother and Sister - Galatians 6:2 . . . .
“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

A heartfelt love and concern for each member of the assembly should manifest itself. We are not only yoked with the Lord, but we are also yoked with each other . . . .
I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)

The fruit of plowing in unison is not only true joy in this life; it is eternal life . . . .
For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)

The fruit of plowing in unison produces spiritual growth . . . .
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

Those led by the Spirit are not under the letter-of-the-law, meaning obedience flows from love and relationship rather than rigid rule-keeping.

The fruit of plowing produces a spiritual transformation . . . .
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

Being yoked with Jesus produces our spiritual identity . . . .
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, “In thee shall all nations be blessed.” 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. (Galatians 3:7-9)

Being yoked with Jesus is not about looking back, but forward . . . .
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (Philippians 3:13-16)

• The Greek word here for – perfect – means mature - τέλειος (teleios)
This passage reveals several key themes:

• Invitation to Rest: Jesus offers relief to those “weary and burdened,” contrasting the heavy yoke of religious emptiness with His gentle leadership and peace.
• Discipleship as Partnership: Taking His yoke means walking with Him—learning His ways, sharing His mission, and receiving His strength day after day.
• Gentleness and Humility: Unlike harsh religious authorities, Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and humble in heart,” making His yoke a source of peace.
• Freedom through Submission: Paradoxically, submitting to Jesus’ yoke leads to freedom from sin and spiritual exhaustion.
A Visual of the Yoke

04/10/2025

03/01/2025

Title: He Means What He Says

The phrase "he means what he says" indicates that the person is sincere and truthful, expressing exactly what they intend without any hidden meanings or deceit. When someone "means what they say," their words align with their actions and beliefs. It implies a level of honesty and straightforwardness, which can be very reassuring in communication.

When we begin to read the Genesis account of creation, we see that God is up-front with Adam concerning their relationship. When God spoke to Adam, there was no hidden meanings or deceit; His words would definitely align with His actions and His communication was clear.
His first words to Adam would be the most important that Adam would ever hear, for He meant exactly what He said . . . Genesis 2:16-17
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

This communication was clear and God speaks it to Adam before He ever makes Eve.

The creation story moves along quickly and there is a lot that is not told. We don’t know for instance how long it was between the time He made Adam, until he made Eve. One thing we do know, is that Adam had no problem with the forbidden fruit until Eve comes into the picture.

Eve was not present when God gave instruction to Adam. Eve didn’t have an opportunity to hear from the mouth of God the sincere and truthful commandment. Eve didn’t hear from God the clear, concise and straightforward consequences of disobedience that Adam had heard. So the obvious question arises . . . how well did Adam convey to Eve that God meant what He said?

The fall of man in the Garden brought calamity into the world. Adam and Eve were “driven” from the Garden (Gen. 3:24), and they both realized that God had meant exactly what He said.
So there should be little doubt that when God warns that - if you do this . . . I will do that!

The narrative of Israel's disobedience and its consequences is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. This theme underscores the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the repercussions of disobedience. The cycle of disobedience, punishment, repentance, and deliverance is evident in various books, illustrating the steadfastness of God's words aligning with His actions and that He meant what He said.

God’s love for His chosen people is evident throughout the Old Testament; but so is His words that align with His actions. God was honest and straightforward with them and there was nothing hidden or deceitful . . . Leviticus 26:14-20 ESV

But if you will not listen to me and will not do all these commandments, 15 if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.
17 I will set my face against you, and you shall be struck down before your enemies. Those who hate you shall rule over you, and you shall flee when none pursues you. 18 And if in spite of this you will not listen to me, then I will discipline you again sevenfold for your sins, 19 and I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. 20 And your strength shall be spent in vain, for your land shall not yield its increase, and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit.

Israel's disobedience and its consequences highlight the holiness and justice of God, as well as His mercy and grace. The narrative serves as a warning and a lesson for all believers that God will do what He says, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and the reality of divine discipline. The cycle of disobedience culminated in a promise that if Israel did not repent and turn back to righteousness, severe consequence would result. God promised seventy years of captivity if they didn’t . . . they didn’t and He did! He meant what He said!

02/18/2025

It Is Better Felt Than Told

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38 ESV

Judaic Apostolic Christianity is a unique religion in that its adherents profess to have actually been filled with the Spirit of God, and have a relation with Jesus Christ through the Spirit. A teaching evolved after the death of the apostles that is called – Cessationism. Cessationism is a doctrine that spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing ceased with the apostolic age. The doctrine was developed in the Reformation and is particularly associated with the Calvinists. Obviously, they never sought to receive the gift, therefore they could not tell of the living-water experience.

But to those that have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, there is only one phrase that is adequate . . . Better felt than told! The phrase "better felt than told" is often used to describe experiences or feelings that are difficult to articulate or explain.
Jesus had foretold of the outpouring that would occur at Pentecost after his ascension . . .
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

And a Comforter it is! There aren’t adequate words that can fully articulate the baptism of the Spirit/living water . . . when it happens: reason being, it is not only living water, but also fire . . .
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11)

Jesus had said . . . John 7:38-39
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:38-39

How can one logically explain a vessel full of living water and fire at the same time? All you can say is, “It’s better felt than told”!
But it is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise.

08/29/2023

History Is Written by the Victors

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Introduction: The phrase “history is written by the victors” is a common adage that suggest that the winners of a war or conflict are the ones that write the history books and, therefore, have the power to shape the narrative of what happened: and this is likely the case.

At Calvary, the conflict between good and evil, light and darkness, truth and falsehood; seemed for three days that Satan had won the victory, and, in that case, he would be the one to write the history of the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Word of Jesus’ death spread throughout Judea and Galilee, Satan and the demons from hell rejoicing.

But we know that his victory-lap was cut short from news Jesus had resurrected.
Satan, trying to shape the narrative, uses those who had cried, “Crucify! Crucify!” to spread a lie that the disciples had come and stole Him away . . . Matthew 28:11-15
“Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.”

Though many of the Jews did believe the lie, there would soon be 3120 that would not believe it at Pentecost.

Jesus of Nazareth had risen just like He had said, and He purposely hid Himself from all except His closest disciples. We know from the gospels that He first appeared to Mary Magdaline after the resurrection, and Paul list the others to the Corinthians . . .
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remains unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James, then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:5-8

But it would be His appearance at Pentecost that would cause the conflict; Jesus had foretold what was going to happen . . . John 14:17-20

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Jesus is speaking of Pentecost that would follow the crucifixion: the event that the prophet Joel foretold . . . Joel 2:28-29

And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions:
29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids
in those days will I pour out my spirit.

This would be Peter’s explanation to the unbelieving Jews when they asked, “What meanest this?” Jesus had told the disciples concerning the Spirit of truth . . . “but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.”

The feast of Pentecost after the crucifixion would become the climax for fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy toward the redemptive plan of God for fallen man. Jesus had become victorious over death and now His Spirit was given freely to His disciples, and they were empowered as He had promised . . . Acts 1:8

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The promise of the Comforter had now been fulfilled, first to the 120 gathered, and by the end of the day, 3000 were added to them. We know this because history was written by the victors.

Jesus had proven Himself victorious: now the disciples were about too also!
Luke was a gentile convert, and he would become a member of the disciples and also a close companion to the apostle Paul. Luke was an eyewitness to the church of Jesus of Nazareth as it marched on in the world after its birth at Pentecost.

There are differing opinions on who it was that coined the phrase, “History is written by the victors” . . . but one thing is for sure: the history of the Church of Jesus Christ was written by one of its victors . . . his name was Luke, and his writing is called: The Acts of the Apostles.

07/23/2023

Due to sickness there will not be any service today, July 23. Thank you for your prayers.