Thoughts from a holiness preacher

Being the first blog that I write, I figure that I should properly introduce myself by sharing some thoughts which will let the reader get a glimpse of my mind. Today the word holiness has been misconstrued by religious groups, the media and academia. Holiness is not a legalistic approach to life, nor is it a lifestyle of bondage. Having a set-apart way of life is liberty at its finest because it reveals the Jesus-controlled life, and he that the Son has set free is free indeed. Unfortunately, there are many religious organizations that no longer esteem the full expanse of holiness as necessary. As a young man, prior to my salvation experience, I had little understanding of the "Way of holiness (Isaiah 35:8)." Following my conversion, I began to understand this "Way" as I drew near to God and He drew near to me. In this day, it is imperative to fully grasp the concept of holiness in order to come where God is. In Exodus, we find Moses approaching a burning bush which is not consumed by the fire. Being intrigued by such a site, Moses ventures off of the path and examines the bush. Next, God speaks from the midst of the bush and before revealing to Moses his calling and purpose, Moses had to first put off his sandals for he was on "holy ground." Before Moses could approach any further, he had to put off the dusty sandals from his feet. Why? God created man's flesh from the "dust" of the Earth and therefore the dust or "flesh" that Moses had built up on his sandals had to be forsaken before he could get any closer to God. Between Moses and God were the "grounds of holiness." When churches and groups reject the message of inner and yes, outer holiness, then they will not be able to hear the "full counsel of God." So, to make a long story short, as a preacher of holiness I believe that in every aspect a believer in Jesus Christ should exemplify separation and distinction and put off the lusts of our flesh and hear what God is saying. Looking different, talking different, and ultimately living different is not an old-fashioned gospel, but it is the ever-present Word of God. For without holiness no one will see the Lord (Heb.12:14). Oh! I want to see Him!