From Form to Reform

By Dr. Ricky Battle Jr.

I believe that there are people who are tired of church as usual, a people who are fed up with religious traditions that are not scripturally related, and are ready go from “Form to Reform.” These are a few pointers that the Spirit of God has revealed to me that helped me bring a Baptist church from tradition to truth, from a monument to a movement, and most of all from a form of godliness to power

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312292024

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From Form to Reform

From Form to Reform

Dr. Ricky Battle Jr.

Battle Books in connection with RBI Ministries

2014

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations and references are taken from the King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by  Thomas Nelson, Inc. Use by Permission. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2014 by Battle Books in connection with RBI Ministries

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2014

ISBN  978-1-312-28392-3 (paperback)

ISBN  978-1-312-29201-7 (deluxe hardback)

ISBN  978-1-312-29202-4 (ebook)

Cover by Diamond Parks

Editing and Proofreading by Terral Jackson

Battle Books in connection with RBI Ministries

Thomson, GA 30824

www.rbiministries.wix.com/rbimin

Ordering Information:

Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, educators, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the above listed address.

U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers: Please contact Battle Books in connection with RBI Ministries Tel: [phone]; visit our website at http://rbiministries.wix.com/rbimin or email [e-mail]

Dedication

This Book is dedicated to:

My wife Markita Ivey Battle whose love, care, and support has initiated one of the most important reformations in my life. Your presence has been the best present a man could ever receive. Thank you for being patient with me and pushing me to become the man I did not know I was capable of being. My love for you is right beneath worship, very close to reverence, but identical to praise.

My covenant brother and best friend Chief Apostle Lemarcus Hudson. Your belief in me, your prayers for me, and your love for me has no doubt been one of the main reasons for my existence. I can never forget all the things you have done for me. God sent you into my life at the right time. Thanks for being the best friend I have ever had.

My son Antrevon Dequavious Johnson. Since the age of two, you accepted me into your life. Who you are has made me mature and made me feel the needed acceptance one needs in order to escape rejection. You are an inspiration to me and I will always love you for giving me the love I did not deserve, the compassion I did not think I was worthy of, and most importantly the title I never thought I would earn, Dad!

My son Jeremiah Jamal Battle whose uniqueness, strength, and drive makes me strive to give you an awesome life. You were not supposed to survive, but you did, and because you did I know I can survive anything. Your love for me and your perception of me is no doubt the reason why I try so hard. I love you more than words can say!

Contents

Acknowledgementsvii

Forewordix

Prefacexi

Introduction

Chapter One: Personal Confession3

Chapter Two: Find Your Father11

Chapter Three: Embrace the Transition!24

Chapter Four: Don’t Be a Hero32

Chapter Five: How to Stay Relevant40

Chapter Six: The Need for Pain49

Chapter Seven: The Need for Healing55

Chapter Eight: Progressively Progressing65

Acknowledgements

One of the things I am certain of is that no one can accomplish anything purposeful unless they have had divine assistance. It is impossible to achieve anything without the help of others. Thinking anything otherwise will no doubt make one arrogant and unaccomplished. Everybody needs somebody; I would be the first to admit it. The matriculation of this process took many sacrifices not only of myself, but to the many people who made this book come to fruition.

I would like to thank my parents Elder Ricky Battle Sr. and Minister Cathy Battle. You have gone through a lot just to raise me, my two brothers, and my deceased sister. You have been the perfect examples of what it says in Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. My upbringing was no doubt challenging but I know it was all because of your desire to protect me and develop me for God’s use. Despite what people say, know that I wear your name proudly.  Thank you for always encouraging me to express