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"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." —Romans 12:2a
Growing up I learned that the first thing we would say to our guests that came over to visit the family (whether planned or unannounced) was ‘Welcome!”.
So, in that vein, I’d love to welcome all of my previous S&D subscribers (and new ones alike) to the new home of the Serpents & Doves® Newsletter! This is super exciting for many reasons. In that Substack is able to handle multiple avenues of media, this will house all of the content for Serpents & Doves®.
You can look forward to more videos, audio podcasts (which will be exclusive to Substack only), articles and notes.
What’s The Reason For Switching To The Substack Platform?
Some of you may be wondering why the shift and transition to the Substack platform. Well, let me be blunt...
First and foremost, I no longer have to worry about being censored, shut down, shadow banned, or throttled back by onerous and irrational "Community Guidelines" created by none other than those who oppose free speech, thought, and most importantly, the freedom to share Jesus and God's Word! This in and of itself is a BIG blessing!
Many of you know and are aware of the battle I had with YouTube in regards to my original Serpents & Doves® channel as I was really forced to shut it down…delete it from the YouTube platform and start all over from scratch. It was a big setback to the ministry, one that I never truly recovered from. However, God is good!!! At the end of the day, this is His ministry and not mine. He will direct its steps as He sees fit. There’s a lesson to be learned there. None of us really own anything, we’re just stewards entrusted with ‘goods’.
There’s a saying that goes something like this:
“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!”
That’s essentially why I’m moving. To continue putting so much work and effort on a platform that is hostile to the things of God and run the risk of being ‘shut down’ again would be foolish on my part and not a trait of a good steward.
What Can You Expect On The Substack Platform?
I have been asked if I will continue to submit my podcasts to YouTube, Rumble, Apple, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The simple answer is yes! There will be no change...I plan to continue.
But what will change is the ability to do more with this centralized platform. Just a couple things that are a huge benefit here on the Substack platform are:
1. The ability to write "notes" and upload audio-only podcasts. Think of Notes as a built-in Twitter/X. A place where I can upload quick thoughts on whatever is on my mind, maybe share articles with you all, as well as any quick videos (shorts) or a Bible verse that has spoken to me and would prayerfully serve as a blessing to you as well.
The audio-only podcasts will also be part of the offering. I've already recorded the first episode of the Serpents & Doves® audio-only podcasts and plan to upload it soon. However, this will be exclusive to the Serpents & Doves® Substack, nowhere else.
One other thing I wanted to mention is that I plan to have "premium" content on the platform from time to time that will be available to those who have become paid subscribers of the 'Stack'. I'll get to that in a bit.
Please rest assured however that the style, simplicity and plain delivery method I’ve always employed before will remain the same. The only difference is that you’ll now be getting a variety of content.
What Does It Mean To Be A Paid Subscriber?
A paid subscriber is whosoever chooses to pay for extra content that will be offered here on the S&D® Substack. One of the benefits will be the ability to post comments on any content here. Some might be scratching their heads and wondering why that’s a big deal. Well, again, to be upfront, I don’t want to moderate comments that are coming in, and this is why. I had a small Telegram group for a while with a few hundred folks in it and had to have moderators checking in almost 24/7 due to trolls, spam and unfortunately extremely opinionated and rude folks. In the words of George Bush Sr. “Not gonna do it. Wouldn’t be prudent!”
I figure that anyone who is willing to pay for content and commenting will be more unlikely to bring trouble.
Another benefit is the Substack archive section. Though a good portion of the content will be available to all for free, once the article is past the month mark, it will be archived and unavailable to free subscribers. For those that are paid subs, all content will always be available.
I’ve been hounded and maligned at times in the past for taking less than a minute on my podcasts to share how anyone could support the ministry. I was told by a wise man of God, an evangelist and amazing Bible teacher/apologist once that “you have not because you ask not.” Of course that is taken from James 4 which in context is about not being prideful but humble. Let me say that this ministry is definitely a calling and a passion of mine. It’s a labor of love! I plan to continue doing this until I’m called home or the Lord calls us all…in the rapture!
Now, with that said, it does take large amounts of effort, time and financial resources to produce and present the content. I have many ideas of things I’d like to see Serpents & Doves® accomplish. There is a vision for it. I don’t ever want to get stagnant. Forward movement is the key by following the lead of the Holy Spirit. So, as a way to help further the work and bring extra value, there will be premium content for paid subscribers.
I am looking to provide you with as much great content as possible. My philosophy is and always will be…content is king. Meaning? Well, quality over quantity. Simple.
Many are the subjects I’d like to cover. Some of the premium content will include more lengthy podcasts and videos. Exclusive only shows as well with special guests doing deep dives on specific subjects.
What’s The Future For Serpents & Doves®?
My plan is to deliver high quality content using this platform to all. I’ve been told that I’m a dreamer. I’ll own it, I am. I have big ideas of things I’d like to do in the near and far future (should the Lord tarry) for Serpents & Doves®.
One thing I cannot stand is mediocrity from the Christian community. That goes for all areas. I’ve always thought that we should be the leaders in all things. Whether that’s in the area of the arts, health, politics, education, etc. But, unfortunately, too many Christians have used their ‘christianity’ as an excuse for mediocrity.
I will continue to strive to bring the best of my abilities to you and most importantly, before God Almighty! At the end of the day, as it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
So, as I close this “Newsletter” out, I would ask that you please keep me and the ministry in your prayers. For God not only to continue to guide and lead, but that I may have a sensitive heart and spirit to follow Him in His leading. To grow and expand the ministry with new opportunities.
I am in awe of what He’s doing and ever so thankful for all of you! God has truly given me the privilege to come before you all and share what’s on my heart. I pray that the content here will bring you hope and encouragement in these last days and most importantly, share the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many as will listen!
Lastly. What Can You Do?
Easy. Stay tuned for new content. If you haven’t already, subscribe to the Stack. And, please share this with your family, friends and co-workers. We are living on borrowed time and now more than ever we need to be about our Father’s business!
Blessings,
Pablo