Ask The Pastor

I have visited Victorious Praise and am aware that you believe in the gift of the holy spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues, but I am curious about your practice and belief in baptism and if it is done in "Jesus" name or the titles of "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"?

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:38:25 -0400

Thanks you for your recent visit. I pray that you were blessed!

Let me answer your questions with the following passages:

Acts 2:38 (AV)38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19 (AV)19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Here we see Peter saying we must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; but we see Jesus saying, to baptize in the name of the Fahter, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Some denominations have made this a point of contention when there should not be one.

When we make a point of which formula to use, I think we miss the point; which is to be baptized! And not simply being baptized by water, but in the fact that Jesus is our Lord and the only path or way to salvation. There was a problem in the early church where some had not accepted Jesus as the savior.

We all should believe in God, and that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ, and that this revelation comes from the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:9 (AV)9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

John 14:6 (AV)6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:26 (AV)26 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.

All this being said, at Victorious Praise Fellowship, when we have formal baptism, we use the actual words of “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; in Jesus Name”!

Pastor, My husband and I are both saved. I pray all the time, I read my word, I am faithful in attending church, faithful in tithing, faithful to god. I am a committed mother and wife, who loves her family very much. My husband seems to be really interested in the word while in church, however I can not get him to pray with me for nothing. It barely see him read hid bible, and I only see him pray when he comes up against a bad situation. I have been begging him to pray with me. What do I do?

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:18:00 -0400

Philippians 2:12 (AV)12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The phrase, “Work out Your Own Salvation”, implies that salvation is something that each of us have to pursue ourselves; nobody can do it for us. As bad as you want you husband to do more, you can’t do it for me.

However, we do play a part in the lives of others around us, and especially our loved ones, and that is shinning a light and being an example for them.

The bible teaches us that we are the light to the world; but we even has a more special place in the lives of our spouses:

1 Peter 3:1–4 (The Message) 1–4 The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition.

The point here is to pray for your husband, and then let your life shine as an example for him. Finally it is important not to get frustrated when you don’t see the change you would like to see.

Galatians 6:9 (AV)9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Hi Pastor, I have a question that the Bible gives two different answers for. When we die in Jesus before the rapture do we merely go to sleep until the rapture or do we go straight to Jesus arms?

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:04:03 -0400

Actually, the bible does not give two different answers. In the two different perspectives you are refering to, one deals with the Human Soul/Spirit, where as the other deals with the Physical Body.

A person who has trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior goes immediately to heaven to be in the presence of the Lord. Though their body is in the grave and decomposes, their soul and spirit (the immaterial part, the real person) goes immediately into the presence of the Savior. At the rapture (the return of the Lord for the church) the dead in Christ return with Him and their bodies are raised so that their souls and spirits are joined with their resurrected, glorified bodies.

The following passage is talking about our Soul or Spirit:

2 Cor. 5:6-8 . “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight, 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

This passage however is dealing with our Physical Bodies:

1 Thess. 4:13-18 . 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Notice that verse 14 says that those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will come back with God; in otherwords they will be with him at the time of the second comming. Then verse 16 refers to their physical bodies rising to a glorious body to be reuited with their Souls!

Hello Pastor, I have a question. I currently work in a ministry at church that God has given me a passion and desire to serve in. I feel I am called to work in this ministry. How do you handle a ministry leader that “leads” in a way if you don’t do as I say you can’t be in this ministry. I feel that if you are over a ministry area that you should be a leader that is trying to help your ministry grow and the people grow in your ministry that God has placed there. Help!

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:45:12 -0400

These type of challenges are always with us; but in ministry and outside of ministry (Family, Work, Business, Careers, …). A couple of years ago I started serveral things at the church to deal with these leadership challenges. It appears that there needs to be teaching a training on leadership, discipleship, relationships, and fellowship.

That being said, out job as Christians is to make sure we are doing our part; that is praying for favor, wisdom, and direction. We can’t change people, and we have no authority over our leaders; so God tells us to pray for them. It is throug pray that God can give us wisdom on how to handle these situations.

Finally, if you really feel that the issues you have with the leader goes beyond a simply disagreement, and is creating problems for the ministry, then I feel it is your responsibility to go to your Pastor!

Why does god let horrible things like what happened today happen to people? This is such a horrible plan laid out for them.

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:18:35 -0500

God doesn’t allow horrible things to happen, we are given free will, and when sin entered into the world, it brought evil that results in horrible things.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. 14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

The following is something I shared about evil yesterday!

“How do we process Evil?”

This question came up in a conversation I had with my wife. It was in regards to something wicked that had just happened in our community; but became even more poignant as a result of the horrific evil we experienced at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday.

The point of the question is something our entire nation is wrestling with. It is how do we “process”, comprehend, or understand such evil? The answer is we don’t process evil, we overcome it!

Here’s what Jesus said in John 15:25, “They hated me without a cause.” Evil hates without a cause, steals without a cause, kills without a clause, and destroys without a cause! Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:21, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” The world wants to understand so that it can get help. But, we are not to put our trust in man in which there is no help. Our help comes from the Lord! So, we don’t waste our time trying to process evil. We put our trust in the Lord and overcome evil with good!

Looking for a church is no easy task. How do get past church hurt and how do you know when you have found the right church home? This is very hard.

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:15:00 -0400

Yes, getting past hurt is hard, but fortunately it is not impossibile. I’m sorry that you have experienced church hurt, and appologize on behalf of all Christian churches and pastors becasue this should not have been your experience. We should go to church to be helped and healed; but sometimes that place of healing can become a place of hurt. But God always has help.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (AV)¹³ There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

God knows about the hurt and has already provided a place of help and healing for them. There are two things we must do after we have been hurt.

First we must forgive! When a person of people hurt us, the first step in being healed is to forgive them and let it go. As long as we hold on to the hurt, we can’t be healed. And so we continue to be injured over and over. Jesus told us to pray every day “For give us our tresspasses (debts, sins), as we forgive those that tresspass against us.

Secondly we must use our fruit of the spirit “Patience, Longsuffering, Waiting” so that the healing process can take hold. When you are injured, healing doesn’t happen overnight; but if you give it time you will heal. First it hurts, then it scaps over, and then you are left with a scar; but it nolonger hurts. The scar is simply a reminder of what you’ve been through, but also a testimony to the fact that you got through it.

James 1:2–4 (AV)² My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; ³ Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. ⁴ But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Now how do you find a good church?

1) You need to find a church where the Pastor has a heart like God’s. The bible says God will give us pastors after his own heart. God’s heart is one of giving (He gave his only son); God’s heart is one of Shepherding or caring for the Sheep (The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want); and God heart is a heart of Holiness (Be ye holy for I am holy).

2) You must find a church that practices in fellowship (coming together to help and support each other).

1 John 1:7 (AV)⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

James 5:16 (AV)¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

3) You must find a church where the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Ghost dwells.

4) Finally you must find a church where the Pastor lives the teaches the whole truth of God’s word.

2 Timothy 4:2–5 (AV)² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; ⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ⁵ But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

So if hitler went to hell because he was a terrible person, and the Jews go to hell because they haven't accepted jesus as their lord and savior, isn't that an awkward eternity?

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:59:14 -0400

Yes I suppose so! There will also be those professing Jesus as Lord there as well:

(KJV) Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

(KJV) Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Pastor is it biblical that loved ones that have passed on return in our dreams to warn us about things going on in our lives? If one seeks the Lord in prayer and then have a dream from someone extremely close that has passed away should one assume it was "A Word From the Lord" Maybe a warning or preparation to be on alert?

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:32:36 -0400

Communicating with the dead is strictly forbidden in the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:11 tells us that anyone who “consults with the dead” is “detestable to the Lord.” The story of Saul consulting a medium to bring up the spirit of the dead Samuel resulted in his death “because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance” (1 Samuel 28:1-25; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14). Clearly, God has declared that such things are not to be done.

God has provided His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the mediator between man and God (1 Timothy 2:5). Since Jesus Christ is the mediator between the two parties, we can go through Jesus to God. Since we can go through the Son of God, why would we want to go through a sinful dead individual, especially when doing so risks the wrath of God?

Greetings Pastor bloomed into a flower of , I want to thank you for your prayers and the sharing of your healing for my mother, son-inlaw, and Dog who were all suffering with CANCER as of July 1, 2012. After your prayers joined mine on or about August 8th, the healing blessing was issued and all 3 of them are free of cancer and I too have received a financial blessing. I thank you, Sincerely Patriciera Jones-Bryant your New York/Raleigh member.

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:02:59 -0400

Thanks for sharing this AWESOME testimony!

We just left our church home due to a devastating issue and were faithful givers. What do we do with our tithes? Is it okay to give them to a charity, a homeless person, the sick, or just save it until we join another church (which could be a very long time because of the hurt we just experienced int he ministry--we are in no hurry)

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:01:54 -0400

I’m sorry that you and your family have experienced the hurt that you have in your previous church. Let me personally appologize to you on behalf of that experience and let you know that there are good churches and pastors our there.

As it relates to your tithes, you should not give them to charities or others because that is not where tithes are to go; you give you alms to those in need. The bible is clear about tithes; they are to go to the Lord’s house for the work of the ministry.

Malachi 3:10 (NLT)¹⁰Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

My suggestion is that as the Lord leads you to visit churches, on the week that you are paid, you can pay your tithes to that church; or you can send your tithes to a church that you feel comfortable with.

I personally would not suggests that you hold on to them, as scriptures teaches us that this should be the first thing we should do when God brings us increase. And we don’t want to give the devil an opportunity for us to use them for other needs.

Exodus 22:29 (AV)²⁹ Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me.

Hi Pastor Nichols i am not a member of your church but i need to ask a question i am really in need of help i have been dealing with my son and ex-husband who walk out on our marriage of over 20 years there is ia selfish spirit in his mother and my ex now my son they have this elousion that life is all about them living and not being accountableI have been to your church and yes i love your spirit you are a up right man of Godyes i have a church home and my faith is strongneed prayer worrior

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:21:10 -0400

In dealing with trouble and problems that come from other people, we have to make sure we are praying in the spirit. Most people pray for God the fix the problem, but when praying in the spirit, we really need God to strengthen us for the battle.

Ephesians 6:10–12 (AV)¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

People attack us because they are being influenced by unclean spirits. They are either too weak to overcome the enemy, or don’t have enough faith to trust God. So God needs us to pray and seek him spiritually so that we build up our faith, our peace, our love, and our longsuffering.

2 Corinthians 10:4 (AV)⁴ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

We can’t change other people, and God will not change them against their will; so all we are left with is God strengthening us to endure them until they recognize they need help from the Lord.

Hi Pastor Wil. I was reading revelations about how God hates the Nicolaitanes. Where can I find some legitimate information on them. The info I googled was disturbing to me because it had me thinking that we all have strayed away from God!

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:43:19 -0400

First of all, I do think that many in our churches have turned away from God just as scripture says they would:

2 Timothy 3:1–5 (AV)¹ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

That being said, in revelations the 2nd chapter, the church at Ephesus actually hated the deeds of the Nicolaitanes. For better information on them, seek out a good bible dictionary.

Nicolaus, Nicolaitans:

Nicolaus of Antioch (Acts 6:5) is supposed to have given his name to a group in the early church who sought to work out a compromise with paganism, to enable Christians to take part without embarrassment in some of the social and religious activities of the close-knit society in which they found themselves.

If a person is called to preach and they except their calling but still keep doing things that they know are not right, what should be done. Are they just walking out side their calling at that moment. This could be any leader in the church (deacon, preacher, minister, etc.)

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:41:35 -0400

Salvation is a personal walk for every individual regardless of their call. Any anyone doing wrong as a Christian is in disobedience. And anyone who is in disobedience must repent.

Philippians 2:12 (AV)¹² Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

That being said, as preachers and leaders, there is more expected of them.

Luke 12:48 (AV)⁴⁸ … For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

And the bible teaches us that our leaders have certain requirements:

1 Timothy 3:2–7 (AV)² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ³ Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴ One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵ (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ⁶ Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷ Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

But preacher or not, we are all required to repent of turn from sin.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (AV)¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Pastor... I was studying Jesus' sermon on the Mount in Matthew. I came across a verse that I needed clarity on. Please explain what He was saying in ch. 7:6? Thanks.

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:21:29 -0400

6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs

—these are haters of truth and righteousness.

neither cast ye your pearls before swine

—the impure or coarse, who are incapable of appreciating the priceless jewels of Christianity. Dogs and swine, besides being ceremonially unclean, were peculiarly repulsive to the Jews, and indeed to the ancients generally.

lest they trample them under their feet

—as swine do.

and turn again and rend you

—as dogs do. Religion is brought into contempt, and its professors insulted, when it is forced upon those who cannot value it and will not have it.

Hey Pastor Wil, my husband lost his due to a DUI charge thats pending. His job has offer him another position at a lessor pay and 2nd shift. He said he dont want them hours or that pay. I keep telling him its not about the pay or the hours but he'll be getting all his benefits back. Before he lost his job we was in the proces of fixing credit to purchase a house but since he's not working all bills fall on me. Am i wrong to be frustrated with him? He's still living with his mother

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:52:23 -0400

It’s nothing wrong with you being frustrated, but I wouldn’t suggest you express it to your husband. Once you express your views and opinions to your spouse, and they don’t want to receive it, you have two things to try and do.

1) See if he will see counsel or advice from perhaps a spiritual leader or mentor that you both trust and agree with.

2) But most importantly, whether he agrees to counseling or not, your must become a prayer intercessor for your husband and family. Read the book “The Power of a Praying Wife”!

And wheter you see results immediately or not it irrelevant. You job is to pray without ceasing and continue to pray without fainting.

Luke 18:1 (AV)¹ And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Hi Pastor, I was seeing a guy for 7 months and I recently found out he is married. I know the bible speaks of us being accountable in adulturous situations. However, in this case I did not know he was married. How does God view my part in this relationship considering I did not know? How will my actions be judged?

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:46:37 -0400

Well if you were sleeping with him, then it doesn’t matter if he was married or not; it wrong to have any sex outside of marriage.

1 Corinthians 6:18 (AV)¹⁸ Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

If there was not sex, but only dating; then the problem is not your but his. The purpose of dating is to get to know the person to see if they are a possible candidate for marriage. And obviously he is not. So all I would suggest is that you pray that God will give you more insite, knowledge, wisdom, and discernment in this area of your life. And then pray that God will deliver that man who is doing this to his wife!

Hello Pastor, I really have been reading and want to understand how do you get a miracle from GOD

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:41:18 -0400

First you must ask for it!

John 14:14 (AV)¹⁴ If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Secondly you must ask according to the will of God, and not your will.

James 4:3 (AV)³ Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Next, You must be in obedience to God’s word of living Holy. How can you ask God for something if you are not first obedient to his Word.

Deuteronomy 28:1–2 (AV)¹ And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: ² And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

Finally, if you don’t get what you are asking for, then you must accept it as the will of God for your life at this time.

Philippians 4:19 (AV)¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

If there is something that you ask for and don’t recieve it, then it is God saying that you don’t need it. And so we must learn to be content in what ever state we are in!

Hi Pastor, I'm the type of person that like to be told if I am doing something wrong especially if it affects the group I’m in. I am a very approachable person but I find people tend to not say anything to help correct my errors. I take and give constructive criticism very well as I work in a leadership position in my church and on my job. For example, I can feel as though I am doing ;say a presentation wrong. Instead of someone telling me I should present it this way they want say nothing.

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:07:26 -0400

What you need to mentors in your life that you can go to directly and ask them. Most people tend to have a social contract that keeps them from offering constructive criticism. What you need to do to find someone that you trust, who has a level of accomplishments, and ask them to mentor you. Then run things past them as you work in ministry and leadership.

Hello Pastor, I'm writting you today because I'm starting to feel discomforted.When you open up your eyes and you start to notice that things around you are changing and not for the good always. And you find yourself in a place were you really don't want to be because you see God is introducing you and placing you with real christians who are on higher levels than yourself in God, and they don't mind sharing Gods word with you. Is it time to move or change your surroundings.

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:02:52 -0400

The answer to moving on is a difficult one. Sometime we try to hang on to things that God is telling us to let go; and other times we quit too soon when God is taking us through to develop us.

The key is to remove yourself out of the equation. Make sure you are not making an emotion decision. The bible says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.” Sometimes when we are tired of a thing, our emotions cause us to direct our own path.

The answer is to 1) Be Patient, 2) Be Prayerful, and 3) Seek Spiritual Counsel. The bible says there is safety in counsel!

Hey Pastor Wil, I'm married but my husband still lives with his mother. For some reason he wont leave and I dont know how much longer I'm be able to stay in this marriage. She doesnt encourage him to move and live with his family not that should have too, but at this point what should I do? I do have a house of my own and im not quite sure why he wont move with us. If you can offer any help i would greatly appreciate. Thanks

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:58:24 -0400

I would suggest that you get spiritual counseling. I can understand if staying with the parents was your only solution because of financial reasons; but when a man marries a woman, they should forsake all others and become one flesh. If this is a situation where he feels more obligated to his mom than he does his wife, then you all need marital couseling.