The Living Stone of Skipper Be Our Sanctuary

Finding Jesus — 1 Peter 2:5-11

1 Peter 2-7-5-11

Now ter you who believe, this stone is precious.

The Living Stone of Skipper be our sanctuary.

Only ter them who reject the Living Stone, such a holy tomb causes folks ter stumble and fall. They stumble on account of they disobey Skip’s message. This be also what they whar destined fer.

But you be a chosen crew, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Skipper’s special possession. Declare the praises of him who called ya out of darkness in ter his wonderful light. Once upon a time ya be not a crew. Now ya be Skip’s crew. Once upon a time ya not receive mercy. Now ya be covered in Skip’s mercy.

Since ya now ‘ave yer stripes and orders, abstain from all desires of the flesh. Such longings war against yer soul. Skipper ‘as warned us ne’er ter follow the teachings of folks who build on any foundation other than the Living Stone that went in ter a tomb dead and come out alive.

Doth not fear what other folks fear. Fear be the child of doubt.

Doth not dread what folks without Skipper’s Holy Ghost of Truth dread. Dread be the child of dead faith.

Regard Skipper as holy. He alone be the one ter fear. He alone be the one ter dread.

Fer us, Skipper be our holy captain. In Skip’s Living Stone we find sanctuary and safety fer our soul. Let us rush in and take a load off our weary bones.

Grow Up on the Pure Spiritual Milk of Skipper’s Good Words

Finding Jesus — 1 Peter 2:1-5

1 Peter 2-1-5Banish all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

Come ter the living Stone, the living Stone rejected by men, but chosen by Skipper ter be a tested stone and a precious cornerstone fer a firm foundation. The one who puts their trust in the living Stone ‘ill never be dismayed, surprised, or put ter shame.

“Hear the word of Skipper, ye scoffers.” (Isaiah 29:14)

“Mockers of Skipper ‘ill disappear, ye may lay ter that.” (Isaiah 29:20)

Grow up! Make it yer task ter crave pure spiritual milk.

Now that ye ‘ave tasted and know Skipper be good and full of love, ye ‘ill do a good work if ye make righteousness the plumb line of yer spiritual house.

  • Banish all malice.
  • Banish all deceit.
  • Banish all conceit.
  • Banish all hypocrisy.
  • Banish all envy.
  • Banish all slander.
  • Banish all boasting.
  • Banish all lying.
  • Banish all falsehood.
  • Banish all mocking.
  • Banish all scoffing.

Build ye self up on the firm foundation of the living Stone and grow up on the pure spiritual milk of Skipper’s good words. 

  • Reflect the holiness of Skipper ter others.
  • Intercede fer others.
  • Represent Skipper ter others.
  • Offer yer bodies ter Skipper.
  • Offer yer possessions, money, time, talents, gifts, services, and always what is good and not evil.

Do this and the things ye done in the name of Skipper ‘ill stand fer all eternity.

Ye Have Been Born Again With Imperishable Seed

Finding Jesus — 1 Peter 1:13-25

1 Peter 1-13-25You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. – 1 Peter 1:23 (1 Peter 1:22-25)

Tha word of Skipper stands fer all time. Through tha living and enduring word of Skipper, ye ‘ave been born from imperishable seed. And if ye ‘ave been born anew with tha seed that comes through tha living and enduring word of Skipper. As such, behave as sound crew.

  1. Ready yer minds fer action, me hearties!
  2. Be self-controlled, like a savvy sailor in the midst of a storm.
  3. Place yer hope fully on the grace of the Son. His grace ‘ill steer ye through treacherous seas.
  4. Don’ be shaped by the evil desires ye had when ye whar ignorant. Back then ye be like a ship lost without a compass. Know ye know the Son’s ways, so set yer sails as such.
  5. Be holy in all yer doings, me hearties! When ye need a good rinsing, pray this prayer:

    “Lord, when I’m not holy, have yer Spirit point out where I be fallin’ short. Change me ter be holy. Give me yer mind. Reshape me into yer image. Amen.”

  6. Live in reverent fear of Skipper. He made the heavens and earth, sea and stars. He made fellers in his image. Ne’er ferget: he gives life and he takes life. He can sweep us overboard with the flick of his finger or a gust of wind.
  7. Obey the truth, fer Skipper’s words are as true as the North Star. The Son is Truth. When ye obey the truth, when ye honor and believe Skipper’s word.The truth in his words purifies ye like a deep dip in the sea and a fresh scubbin of lye soap.
  8. Love all in Skipper’s crew deeply. Love from yer heart. Be real in love. If ye find it hard ter show love ter a feller or lass, pray this prayer:

    “Lord, I’ve been born again by yer imperishable seed. This was done through the living and enduring word of you. Yer word stands forever. Yer words are life. I do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from yer mouth. Place in me the love fer others that you ‘ave fer ’em. Amen!”

Ne’er ferget: ye whar redeemed from yer empty life by tha precious blood of tha Son, a lamb without blemish. Tha Son ne’re broke a one of Skipper’s commands. He be perfect in all he done. Through his Holy Ghost of Truth we kin also live a full life and be perfect as Skipper be perfect.

This be our charge from tha Son: “Go! Be perfect through tha indwelling power of my Holy Ghost of Truth.” (Matthew 5:48)

Go, then, and grow from a holy seed in ter that perfect character of tha Son.

Though We ‘ave Not Seen The Son in All His Glory, We Love Him

Finding Jesus — 1 Peter 1:8-12

1 Peter 1-8-12Though we have not laid eyes on him, we harbor love fer the Son.

Though we haven’ gazed upon him in all his glory, we hold a deep affection fer him.

Though we ne’er heard his audible voice, we put our trust in him.

Though we haven’ touched the nail prints in his hands or felt the wound in his side, our hearts be filled with a joy that surpasses understanding.

Because we believe, we be receivin’ the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls.

What ye believe ‘ll shape the course ye sail. What ye believe ‘ll determine whar ye end up.

Some scallywags be demandin’ proof before they ‘ll believe in the Son. Seekin’ facts may be wise most days, but gatherin’ facts be not the same as gatherin’ faith. A soul who’ll only believe what he spies puts limits on whar he sails. More importantly, it constricts whar he ends up. Such skittish sailing be like refusin’ ter leave port ’cause ye cannot spy what be over the horizon. A scallywag like that never finds true treasure.

The prophets of old placed greater value on faith than facts.

Those prophets trusted Skipper’s words more than the words of men.

The prophets of old knew they were charting a course not only fer themselves but fer future generations. Even the angels longed ter grasp the things those old prophets blabbered ’bout, but the Skipper kept ’em from seein’ and knowin’.

Only now, through the Holy Ghost of Truth sent from heaven, we know the route and Skipper’s grand plan fer us. We’ve been told of these things by those who preach and teach the good news of the Son.

The question be, will we believe, love, and live in the Spirit of the Son? Or will we remain in port, refusing ter take a chance on what lies below the horizon. All go ter Davy Jones, ye may lay ter that. Why not set sail with the Son and see fer yerself if thar be not treasures and paradise greater than any ye can image?

What say ye?

Through Faith in The Son We Be Shielded by Skipper’s Power

Finding Jesus — 1 Peter 1:2-7

Arr, may grace and peace flow in abundance ter ye who be chosen by the foresight of God the Father. The Spirit’s sanctifying work has marked ye as obedient ter Jesus Christ, with his blood sprinkled upon ye.

Dear Mates, we be Skipper’s chosen, the ones marked by the Holy Ghost of Truth. So, in all things, live in obedience ter Skipper’s Son.

In his vast mercy, Skipper grants us new birth into a living hope. This hope springs from the Son’s resurrection, though he ventured down ter Davy Jones, Skipper raised him from the dead. As ye well know, once a feller sinks ter a watery grave, he ne’er swims up alive. But the Son did. We ‘ave the testimony of them who says as much.

Through faith in the Son, we be shielded by Skipper’s power until the coming rescuing of all his chosen ones. Now Skip’s protecting power don’ mean all be smooth sailing. Fact ’tis, sailing and living in obedience ter Skipper and his Son ‘ill bring more squalls than days of smooth sailing, the prince of demons. The devil himself, ‘ill see ter that. Sailing and living in obedience ter Skipper and his Son ‘ill bring howls of mocking laughter from them who ‘ave tha devil’s spirits in ‘em. The protecting power of Skip be of a kind that preserves our faith and that be of greater worth than preserving our body and life. Our faith in the Son be our guarantee of a new full life that ‘ill ne’er end.

Right now, many of us may ‘ave ter suffer grief in all manner of trials aboard hard ships. This be happening so each feller’s faith may prove genuine and result in praise, glory, and honor ter the Son.

Buck up.

Hold fast ter Skipper’s words and what ye know be true and right in his Code of Conduct.
Obey the Son in all things.

Ye ‘ill know ye ‘ave new birth through the Holy Ghost of Truth if ye be absolutely certain that ye be in good standing with Skipper.

If ye not absolutely certain that the living hope which never dies be inside ye, drop ter yer knees this second and confess all the vile sins ye ever done. Don’ jest confess, but turn from doing ‘em. Ask the Son ter put his Holy Ghost of Truth in ye. Then go off and be baptized in water as a public confession that ye ‘ave died ter yer old self and now have the Son’s life in ye. Ask some righteous fellers and lasses ter lay hands on ye and anoint ye into the Son’s Holy Ghost of Truth. Once ye done all this, ye be in Skipper and Skipper be in ye, of this ye can be sure.

Skipper’s Righteous Judgment

The Pirate Gospel — Romans Chapter Two

You who pass judgment on someone else and yet do the same things ‘ave no excuse. Skipper’s righteous judgment be just. Ours be judgement of the flesh and born from the union of pride and envy. Man’s be hypocrisy, and our Lord, the Son of Light and Life, made clear those who do not practice what they preach ‘ill roast on the spit.

Warning: The Son Shines on All Sins

Be warned, mates. Skipper’s judgment on those who partake in wicked deeds while preaching his righteousness be not rooted in truth but foul soil. Fer when we, mere simple souls, cast judgment upon others whilst indulgin’ in the same misdeeds, we heap judgement upon ourselves. The Son shines his light on all sins. Ever’ thing done in the dark ‘ill be exposed in his light.

Judge Not!

Instead of judging others, we be commanded by the Son ter show Skipper’s kindness, tolerance, and patience, fer such compassion leads some ter repentance.

If yer heart remains stubborn and unrepentant, you be layin’ up fer yourself a stockpile of wrath ter come on the day of Skipper’s wrath. He ‘ill repay each soul as thar deeds deserve. Ter those who, through dogged perseverance in doin’ right, seek glory, honor, and the promise of immortality, they ‘ll receive eternal life. But fer ’em scallywags who be self-centered and deny his truth while treadin’ the path of wickedness, they ‘ll face the fury and wrath of the Almighty! Thar ‘ill be trouble and distress fer every feller and lass who do evil, you may lay ter that.

Skipper doth not play favorites. Whether we be a sinner without the law or under the law with its rule, the outcome be the same. Those who break the law without knowin’ it ‘ill still meet thar doom.  Those under the law who break Skipper’s Covenant Code ‘ill be held accountable fer thar actions. No one be spared: all face judgement at the end of our earthly passage.

Righteousness Leads ter Holiness

Those who obey Skip’s Covenant Code are declared righteous and his righteousness leads ter holiness. Lawlessness leads ter filthy livin’.

If you put all yer confidence in keeping Skipper’s Covenant Code and brag about knowin’ each and ever’ law, command, and statute . . . If you think yerself a guide for the lost and a beacon in the darkness but doth not sail under the grace and mercy of the Son . . . you be puffed up with pride and yer faith be headed towards rocks and reefs. The Son is Skipper’s Covenant Code and the Word of Skipper. Let the Son be yer righteousness and his Spirit ‘ill grow holiness within you.

In the Covenant Code, we find the very Body of knowledge and truth. The Word came in flesh through the Son of Light and Life. The Word remains with us now through all the Covenant Code and writings of the Son’s apostles.

You, who be instructors of others, do you not teach yourselves? When you preach against stealin’, do you pilfer from yer crew mates? When you say fellers ought ter keep thar pants on and not sleep with a mistress, do you do the same? When you detest idols, do worship gold and silver and gems?

You, who boast in Skipper’s Covenant Code, do you bring shame on Skipper by breakin’ his commands and law?

Keeping to the Code be of value if you in fact keep it, but if you break the Code, you be as if you ne’er heard of Skip’s Code. So, if ’em who doth not know of Skip’s Code follow his Code because any dunderhead with an ounce of common sense knows right from wrong, will they not be counted as keeping ter the Code?

If any brag ’bout the Covenant Code and yet break even one regulation, they dishonor Skipper. Skipper’s name be blasphemed among lubbers and other crews because we teach and preach his Code but live by our own Code of the Flesh. May it not be so! Repent! Stick ter the Code.

Difference Between “Saved” and “Filled With the Holy Spirit”

Can a Christian Be Demon Possessed?

We know the thief on the cross was saved. In Luke 23:43 Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The Eleven were saved before the crucifixion. John 18:9: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” – Jesus. We can assume that from the time of the crucifixion until the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (the thanksgiving for the first fruits of the wheat [bread] harvest) some believers died without receiving the Holy Spirit.

In John 20:22 Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” But the Holy Spirit did not come upon the Eleven or other believers until 50 days later.

In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commanded the Eleven (and possibly other disciples not named), “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The implication is that baptizing them in the name / nature / manner of the Father and of the Son is the baptism of John the Baptist — water. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is, “The Holy Sealing. It is a sacrament through which the believer, through the laying on of hands and the prayer of an apostle, receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. The death out of water and spirit, which was begun in the Holy Baptism with water, is completed through the Holy Sealing.”

I like to explain the two baptisms this way: Water baptism is the wedding. Holy Spirit baptism is the wedding night — the union of ourselves with Christ. Holy Spirit baptism is often a deeply emotional, intimate experience. For me, it was not something I would have wished others to witness. The vulnerability, joy, tears, and warmth, was “holy.” In the same way, sex between a new bride and groom is intimate, receiving the Holy Spirit is the consummation of the covenant between a person and Christ that forever binds us together. The two become one. We go into Christ. He comes into us.

Baptize. Ask. Receive.

Let us look again at the instructions of Jesus:
“Go! Baptize them into the Holy Spirit.”
Receive the Holy Spirit.”
“Your Father in heaven will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13)

In Luke 24:49 Jesus tells us he will send us the Holy Spirit, but in order to receive his Spirit, the Eleven and others were to remain in a certain place. “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; the Holy Spirit. But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

The receiving of the gift was not some mystical, ambiguous event, without date and time and evidence but a historical occurrence for the individual. The Holy Spirit IS the Spirit of Jesus. He is coming INTO us. In the same way the Eleven lived in awe of the power and authority of Jesus, so too when we encounter the Holy Spirit coming into us, we should also be moved in a mighty way.

Jesus makes clear that baptism with water is not the same as baptism of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 11:15–17 Paul recounts how Gentiles were saved: “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

Paul, simply by being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking with power and authority, bestowed (poured out) the Holy Spirit on the audience. For Paul, the Holy Spirit is a gift from God. Jesus confirmed that the Father in heaven gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

Thus, this gift is to be received. And to receive a gift we must be willing to accept the gift. In Acts 8:15-17 we read:

When they arrived, they prayed for the NEW BELIEVERS there that they might receive the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them. No, in fact, they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (saved). Then Peter and John PLACED THEIR HANDS ON THEM, AND THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The gift came by the laying on of hands and pouring out of the Spirit.

There were other occasions where some were saved but had not received the Holy Spirit. In Acts 19:2 Paul asks: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

Here the believers were saved but not filled with the Spirit.

It would appear that unity in spirit comes by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “We were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

This same Spirit allows us to be unified in the body, in thought, in deed. If we do not all share in the same Spirit — if some are saved but still filled with other spirits — then there will be division. We see this today in the modern church and we see such divisions throughout Paul’s letters and in Jesus’ message to the seven churches. Without the Holy Spirit’s leading we will listen to deceiving spirits. 

Until we receive the Holy Spirit we can be both saved and yet weak. Romans 8:26 says: The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

And yet there will be times when even those who do not have the Holy Spirit will testify about Jesus. Such events are New Testament examples of the Old Testament’s temporary influence of the Holy Spirit in someone’s life. In 1 Corinthians 12:3 Paul writes: Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

This is why it is possible for someone who is saved or unsaved to speak words of the Spirit. We see this when Caiaphas says, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” We can assume that Caiaphas was not filled with the Holy Spirit or born again. The Holy Spirit simply prompted Caiaphas to speak God’s word.

If we lack the Holy Spirit we will sin and stray from Christ. Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” “Be filled with the Spirit,” is a command and requires action. The key word is “filled.” Not a single drop of the Spirit. Not a taste, but a complete filling so there is NO ROOM for any other spirits, no wicked thoughts, or influence from the enemy.

Romans 15:13 By the power of the Holy Spirit, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope. “Fill you” so that you may “overflow.”

Romans 8:9 says: If the Spirit of God LIVES IN YOU, you are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit. And IF ANYONE DOES NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, they do not belong to Christ. “Belong to Christ” is to be in His Body, in union with Christ. This makes perfect sense, for in the same way we would not wish to have a cancerous cell in our body, neither does Christ wish to have cancerous cells in His Body.

Here is a description of how cancer works.

Cells mature so that they are able to carry out their function in the body. This process of maturing is called differentiation. Each cell is created for a specific purpose. In cancer, the cells often reproduce very quickly and DON’T HAVE A CHANCE TO MATURE. Because the cells aren’t mature, THEY DON’T WORK PROPERLY.

In 1 Corinthians 12:4 Paul says: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. If we have the Holy Spirit, we are cells in the Body of Christ.

Those who have the Spirit of Jesus are his and — in time — grow to maturity. Over time they grow and carry out their function as His Body dictates. Romans 14:8 says: If we (as cells) live, we live for the Lord (to make the Body of Christ healthy). And if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we (good cells destined for good words) belong to the Lord.

Galatians 2:20 says: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (The Spirit of Jesus lives in us.) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

By faith and with the Spirit of Jesus we live and work, but only IF we have the Holy Spirit. Lacking His Spirit, we are simply saved and  live lives of spiritual poverty. By living OUTSIDE the Body of Christ, we live in our own strength.

How can you tell if someone is FILLED with the Holy Spirit? Look for fruit. Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Always, every day we should evaluate our actions and fruit. If our fruit is hate, apathy toward others, sadness, conflict and division, impatience, cruelty, wickedness, unfaithfulness, harshness, and unbridled emotions, we can be sure that in such times we are NOT FILLED with the Holy Spirit. Saved, perhaps, but not FULL of Christ.

Ephesians 3:17: May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith so you will be rooted and established in love.

Ephesians 2:10: We are created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

Filling of the Holy Spirit starts with baptism IN the Holy Spirit. Then, each day, we are to ask to be filled anew. We do this because in the flesh our earthy vessel leaks. We cannot assume that one filling is enough. In the same way, we daily eat and drink to keep our physical bodies healthy, we must feed on the word of God and drink in the Holy Spirit of Jesus to remain healthy.

Can someone who is saved by Jesus be possessed by other spirits? Yes. In Acts 5:1-11 we find Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who we might think to be saved but not filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter asks, “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 8:18-24 we find Simon the Sorcerer: When he saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, Simon offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

Like many in today’s churches, Simon’s good intentions would have blessed many. Judas seemed to be concerned about the poor and as the one in charge of the money, no doubt, his actions led many to consider Judas a noble, caring disciple of Jesus. But good intentions without the Holy Spirit means we are open to attack and destruction by the enemy.

Peter answered Simon the Socrerer: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” Simon believed Jesus had the power to bring good or ill. Simon believed the Lord answered prayer. And Simon didn’t want to suffer God’s wrath. Is this not the position of many who are “saved” and yet not filled with the Holy Spirit? They believe in Jesus and can even preach and teach his message. But does the Spirit of Jesus live IN THEM? If not, they are, as Simon was, full of bitterness, wickedness, envy, lust, greed, and captive to sin. They leave themselves open to demonic spirits. They do not believe the words of Jesus, the Father, or the Holy Spirit’s inspired message given through all that was spoken by the prophets.

Here is the end of the matter: God through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit created all things, including angels. Satan and demons are fallen angels. The created will never have the power of the Creator. At any time the Creator can exert force on the creation and destroy, cast out, or bind. For this reason, all demons tremble in the presence of Jesus. Demons fear Jesus. The only way a demon can be in full control of a saved believer is if that person does not have the presence of Jesus inside them. But as we have seen, it is possible to be saved and not have the Spirit of Jesus.

If we cannot recall when we were baptized with water, with Jesus’ Holy Spirit, then get baptized. Hold the wedding. Enjoy the honeymoon night. Know in your heart for sure you are living in Christ and he is living in you. Do this and you never need to fear being possessed by any other spirit than that of Christ.

Be filled with the Holy Spirit . . . daily.