Pastoral Installation Service

amen amen amen amen well I certainly Echo the voices that have gone before thank you everyone for being here thank you fellow preachers and pastors and Ministry for honoring the belongs amen hello again APC you folks are awesome the bottom of our hearts from My Wife and our daughters and their families we love this great church when you consider the impacting circumstances that come into our lives it would be hard for me to measure the value of this great church and its leaders over the years by the Lord's Bountiful Grace and others kindness I've had a chance to speak in in many locations and many venues I've stood behind lots of pulpits looking over that 35-year history I cannot picture any opportunity more special than this one it brings me particular Joy to participate in this service tell you what I enjoy putting together messages and sermons but I don't have a sermon tonight but I do have some things to say and if you're available to what the word of the Lord might speak into this people and into these leaders would you just put your hands in the air and say Lord I'm open my mind my heart my spirit I make myself available right now Lord for the power of your word for the anointing of your holy presence God I make myself available to all that you would speak into me to what you would speak into this people to how you would Empower oh God this leadership team the way that you administer o God is only you can do we're available o God for what you would do tonight can you say in Jesus name in Jesus name you may be seated this week in our local prayer meeting there were lots of children in attendance at our prayer meeting and predominantly they were grade school children parents trying to keep them calm during prayer meeting and after prayer meeting not doing a very good job of keeping them calm but I love the noise of children because it speaks of many young families in the church brother bran Sister Mariah as I looked upon those children Grade School running around in our prayer meeting this week I couldn't help but reflect that when our family met your families y'all were about that age you and our daughters grew up together in this congregation I see brother and sister Sharon over there pretty awesome to be a youth pastor of some pastors children's ministry youth group hyphen classes together Retreats together alter Services together laid out on the floor around this altar together birthday parties graduation celebrations during our years in this congregation we watched you mature and develop and to see you today is is testimony to the perfect plan of God in one generation should pass on to the next generation and that following Generations perpetuate the kingdom of God it is amazing and wonderful to see you carry the kingdom forward in this regard so here we are installing Pastor Bradley and Mariah the long pastors what what moniker are you going to take on Mariah are you going to be part of the past or pastors you're going to be sister Pastor are you going to be mother Shepherd anybody you folks are privileged to follow Bishops Stephen and Becky Williford serving Apostolic Pentecostal Church now I see this transition in the same light as another transition in Scripture Deuteronomy 34 and verse 9. now Joshua the son of none was full of the spirit of wisdom for Moses it laid his hands on him so the people of Israel obeyed him doing just as the Lord had commanded Moses the players here are similar to The Players then Israel Apostolic Pentecostal Church Bishop Moses Williford pastor Joshua de long now for the Bible scholars in the audience already thinking one step ahead of me I know these are not exact comparisons one glaring discrepancy is that Joshua followed Moses's death lucky for us Moses Williford is Alive and Kicking amen we are wonderfully blessed that he remains with this people his wisdom in his history are accessible and he gets to watch and to experience this phase in apc's life cycle I tell you this congregation APC and Bishop Williford are enjoying what Moses and Israel wish they had had Moses came on the scene at a pivotal time for Israel he led them out of difficult times Bishop Williford appeared similarly in apc's history dearly beloved Pastor black passed too soon Pastor Green served just a short time this church needed a leader who would remain who would nurture who would Challenge and journey with them in concluding versus Deuteronomy we read there has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses absolutely true also completely true is that Moses importance and giftings did not diminish Joshua's importance and giftings as Moses Williford served in his day Joshua De Long serves in his day Joshua was reared in Ministry by Moses Joshua was a product of Moses Ministry Joshua's life and Ministry reflects Moses as we witness here so I invite you to join with me and let's take a look and how the Lord transitioned these Ministries in Joshua 1 and verse 1 after the death of Moses the Lord's servant the Lord spoke to Joshua son of nun Moses assistance Pastor DeLong I want you to hear the Lord's change over details he said Moses must serve in his dead therefore the time has come for you to lead these people the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the land I am giving them these people the Israelites APC hear me tonight God's plan is for everyone each individual to move ahead no stragglers no foot draggers no Wanderers into other directions or Dimensions the Lord's declaration is for the body for APC entirely each one moves together as a whole no groups no subgroups left dangling and likewise hear me the land The Possession what is to be grasped is for the congregation for them for the people of Israel I I speak to us this evening to all who count themselves as part of this great conversation congregation I want to speak the word of God to every one of you to the newest attendees to the longest tenured members to the tentative person and to the highly committed disciple to those that are stumbling him and to those that are smooth sailing in the Kingdom the words of the Lord the blessings and Promises of God are for each and every one it's for all at the same time of that General promise and Direction the lord gave Joshua a specific Direction in verse number three of that first chapter the Lord said I promise you what I promised Moses wherever you set foot you'll be on land I've given you from the negative Wilderness in the South to the Lebanon mountains in the north from the Euphrates river in the East to the Mediterranean Sea in the west and including all the land of the Hittites no one will be able to stand against you as long as you live I will be with you as I was with Moses I will not fail you or abandon you Joshua de long and I'm sorry sister Pastor I'm going to include you every time I say this going to get a little wordy well you are an amazingly important part of the package the Longs I want you to hear that the Lord transferred Authority I want you to notice that he also likewise transferred promise and partnership promise and partnership when you guys begin to think the thought crosses your mind probably already has you know what I am not Bishop the families made in this great congregation's audience Promises of previous generations to a peace he promises to Harry Blanding promises to Winfred black promises to Stephen Williford Joshua de long you hear this preacher tonight you are the one who will lead these people and to possess all the land sworn to their ancestors oh understand church tonight this is more than a domino in a line of preachers come and gone to these people you'll possess all the land where's the time to facilitate previous promises to manage earlier prophecies in this era you'll enjoy the miraculous bounty of promises past I come here to say you're the ones Bradley and Mariah you guys are great people but what I'm preaching isn't because you're great people you've got fine spirits that this isn't beginning because of your fine spirits you've been trained by the best that this isn't beginning because that's what's happened you're ready you're ready for this role but this congregation's arriving promises are not simply due to your readiness the promises of God are bigger than Who You Are it's bigger you are an important and valuable part of the package but what I'm preaching about in this era of this congregation is bigger than you as as individuals it's due to promise it's due to your particular place in history it's how you fit in the timing I'm preaching tonight that everything in the history of this congregation has led up to this time to these people and the Lord would speak and say be strong and courageous you're the one who will lead these people to possess all the land sworn to their ancestors would you raise your hands as a body of Believers right now would you say I'm believing that in the name of Jesus I hear that right now is the word of the Lord I receive that right now as a power of God I want to step into the promises now how will this all come about more strength more courage verse number seven be strong and very courageous be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you do not deviate from them turning either to the right or to the left then you will be successful in everything you do study this book of instruction continually meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do be strong and very courageous to study meditate upon and obey the word of the Lord staying true to purpose requires strength and courage perhaps you or some like me in the audience tonight I I enjoy hardware stores every time I go to pick up supplies for a project and I'm getting more amens than I got already I go to the tools section even if I don't need any tools for the project I mean you're at the hardware store why not visit the tools man I think hankies are going to come out here in a minute I I've got to confess you know whether or not I need a tool there's something about perusing the tools I'll get out my phone see how I might use that tool and apply that tool and instructions for that tool but you know what maybe you're like me and there are times when my fascination with the tools soaks up too much of my time and delays the starting and or the completing of the project this is while I'm fascinated with the tools the work's not getting done it can be easy to be busy by the tools paraphrasing One Pastor scholar he wrote this be a minister of the word pastors are ordained to Ministry of the word why because we the people need help in keeping our beliefs sharp and accurate and intact because we the people don't trust ourselves our emotions seduce us to infidelities we know that we are launched into a difficult and dangerous Act of Faith in that strong influences are intent on diluting or destroying it we want you to give us the help we need be a preacher of the word preach in all different parts and stages of our lives in the word in our work and in our play with our children and with our parents at birth and death and celebrations and Sorrows be a minister of the word you're ordained to this it's not optional you got to be vowed to it be a minister of the word it's the pastor's task Pastor Joshua DeLong there are many Ministry tools that might easily busy us and siphon important time and talent leadership management and marketing property development and finance and cultural awareness and group dynamics and the list of tools can go on and on and on ah you know me well and I believe in those tools I use them I've got formal training in them I'm experienced with them but the Lord did not declare be strong and courageous with the tools always be aware that tools can replace the purpose for the Lord's people Pastor Delong always be aware let the Lord make it clear in your mind in your heart and your spirit be strong and courageous in the word of the Lord turn to it lean into its study yet rehearse it talk it teach it preach it live it why because then you will prosper and succeed in all that you do then you will prosper and succeed in all that you do when you're strong and courageous in the word then you will prosper and succeed in all that you do he's strong and courageous verse number nine Joshua 1 the Lord said this is my command be strong and courageous do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you where is wherever what we like to do is read that and assume that wherever is an uncertain destination but we would be very wrong to make that assumption because the Lord made it clear in verse number four of that chapter from the Negev Wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the North from the Euphrates river in the east through the Mediterranean Sea in the west including all the land of the Hittites we cannot be mistaken wherever has a latitude and a longitude wherever is a specified place wherever has God ordained Direction and insight wherever filled with the Hittites APC children of Israel Pastor Joshua Delong can I just take a moment to remind us our mission is not to the easy and the comfortable if that were the case the Lord would have no need to declare be strong and courageous we're not called to the easy and the simple and the being around the like-minded and those who vote like me we've got to understand that that rather the Lord points us to the land of the Hittites and I'm preaching to you Pastor and I'm preaching to this great church we need to ignore those who only see the challenges and the ills of this city we need to turn a deaf ear to those who offer Saint Louis's pain and sorrow as reason to abandon the city and if someone would offer Pastor Delong Saint Louis is going to hell in a hand basket our response has got to be that is why we are here that's why we're here calling of God is not to run from the Hittites it's the run to the Hittites Don't Fear the Hittites preach to the Hittites oh Pastor Delong hear me do not be or rather be strong and courageous if you can't find a reconfrontation don't scare a missionary because it's the very reason that they went there don't be discouraged by any of the aspects of your wherever never allow external influences to move you off the purest path of God's holy writ we can't predict the situations we're going to face but stay true to your wherever the Lord said this is my command be strong and courageous Don't Be Afraid or discourage the Lord your God is with you wherever you go come on clap your hands under the Lord I'm also people with some missionary attitude ought to clap your hands under the Lord some people who love the hit dice somebody needs to grab a hold of what I'm preaching right now hmm be strong then Joshua called together the tribes of Ruben Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh he told them remember what Moses is servant of the Lord commanded you Lord your God is giving you a place of rest he has given you this land verse 14 your wives children and livestock we remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River but your strong Warriors fully armed must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory jumping to verse 16. they answered Joshua we will do whatever you command us we will go wherever you send us we will obey you just as we obeyed Moses may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses anyone who Rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death and look at here so be strong you see Reuben Gad and Hoffman NASA already had received their inheritance they were already living the good life they had land and families and finances and blessings and the great things of God were already being realized in their lives but the purpose of God was greater than their personal gain and security call of God involved all of Israel to possess all of the promise for all of the people so Joshua reminded Reuben gadd and half Manasseh that they were responsible for continued victory he reminded them of their purpose and invited them in the next era and their response so be strong and courageous the people shouted in response we're in we're invested in Kingdom outcomes above our own satisfactions be strong and courageous pastors and says here's what I know about this great congregation there's a lot of people here who are Reuben gadd and half Manasseh you've been serving God a long time your generational disciples that have received you've got inheritance in the Kingdom you've got to land in the Kingdom your finances are blessed you are smooth sailing in the kingdom of God the power and the blessing and the promises of God are already being realized in your life just like Reuben gadd and half Manasseh that you hear this preacher from a Strange Land we need you we need some Reuben Gad and half Manasseh say you know what whatever influence I got I'm going with this church whatever influence I got I've been blessed but I know there are some Hittites who need to hear the word I know there are some others that need this church needs to go forward and with whatever I've been blessed with whatever I've been allowed I am going to support and holler out and pray be strong and courageous are there some Elders are there some long tenured things that will stand right now and say Amen amen will you stretch your hands toward the pastor right now and begin to pray with authority be strong and courageous come on elders come on Reuben Gad and halfman NASA come on pray with some Authority right now amen I'm enjoying some amazing benefits in the Kingdom I'm living and celebrating in my family in my Finance in the richness of God's blessings but I will stand and I will pray and I will declare be strong and courageous Joshua we are with you Joshua we stand behind you Joshua I'm not going to stay home and protect my blessings I'm in on the project I'm in on the future I'm in on the new era Hallelujah ask everyone else to stand with me in the building we're going to pray one more prayer as a congregation verse number 10 in the same chapter and I'm done here's what verse number 10 says Joshua then commanded after he heard the three be strong and courageous from the Lord here's what Joshua does he commanded the officers of Israel verse 11. go through the camp tell the people get their Provisions ready in three days you will cross the Jordan River take possession of the land your God is giving you I don't understand the operations of God and how he works with who he works with and Bishop it seems a little strange to me 40 years labor and effort and struggle highs and lows but then the Lord would say now is the time in three days you said to me at lunch today I know it'll take a while you hear me not if God says in three days in three days you will not be able to comprehend the depth breadth and the vast move of God but if you'll stay humble and realize it's not me but I happen to be fitted in this time when the promises of God through generations are being realized here in three days if you're open to a three-day powerful fulfillment of the promises of God if you want to receive that for this congregation would you raise your hands would you speak in Authority right now would you make declaration God in your power in your some of you need to receive that in your own Spirit right now you're part of the children of Israel you're part of this congregation you've received Promises of God you've received Authority from God it hasn't happened yet it's been years and years why don't you reach out to God right now and say I'm open I'm open to a quick work somebody shout out be strong and courageous come on church say it again how'd you let it well off within your being and Shout It Out be strong and courageous come on holler that again right now with some Authority and meaning would you clap your hands unto the Lord this is a sacred moment right now I want you to just close your eyes and lift your hands to the Lord Hallelujah in the name of Jesus we know the eyes of Heaven are upon this service right now Hallelujah just go ahead begin to lift your praise to the Lord begin to make your availability known to the Lord to walk into whatever God has called you to do Hallelujah there are miracles in the house right now there's faith in the house Hallelujah why don't you just join with somebody that's next to you right now in prayer Hallelujah in the name of Jesus in the name of Jesus somebody could be healed right now somebody could get a word right now from the Lord