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He Was My Daddy By Sam Balius
The Richest Man In The World By Donald W. Lunsford
The Key To Freedom (Conquering Bitterness) By Dan Betzer
Friendship Evangelism By Dale Tollefson
Someone Took His Place by Roslouise (Yancey) Robinson
The Sabbath- Saturday or Sunday? By George Jeffreys-Williamson
We Took Off Our Masks By Marjorie Barth
It Matters Where We Go To Church By Forrest Smith
Some Do's And Don'ts For Parents By Don Franklin
The Christian Family And Television By Del Tarr
Christian Commitment- What Does It Mean? By Charles L. Ogdon
God's Continuing Creation By Dan Betzer
Checking Our Foundations By G. Raymond Carlson
Evangelizing In The Roaring 1920's By Wayne Warner
Responding To Those In Need By Charles Hackett
What Happened To The Boy? By Faye Lenna
When Your Neighbor Has A Problem By Charles T. Crabtree
Dealing With Sexual Temptation By George O. Wood
Christmas Thief By Betty Swinford
One Week To Live By Mike Clarensau
Overcoming Opposition By Earl Creps
What Color Is Hope? By Joel Kilpatrick
Help Me! Someone, please help me! By David G. Watson
Be Real By Dave Dravecky
Boiled Blessings By Joan Rhoden
"He didn't hold important titles. He didn't have a college education or a high school diploma. He didn't even finish elementary school. But he was my daddy, and I thought he was the smartest man in the world.
He was a baker, working long hours to prepare fresh bread for hundreds of families. His business grew to include several delivery trucks.
When young men were called to battle at the beginning of World War II, Dad closed the bakery and worked with heavy machinery, helping to build a military base in a neighboring city.
He made our home a gathering place for Air Force personnel stationed in our hometown. Often as many as 25 airmen would gather at our home. A few years ago a pastor in Tennessee told me that through Dad and Mom he had become a member of the Assemblies of God.
As soon as world conditions permitted. Dad went back into the bakery business he enjoyed so much. He became known for his pastries, decorated cakes, and French bread. His dedication to his business was strong, as was his commitment to his family and his God.
Dad loved young people. He and Mom often accompanied youth groups on outings. They enjoyed playing pranks on the kids and were good sports when the kids did the same to them. Upon his retirement, Dad made pastries for youth camps. He was known as the "sweetest" man in the camp.
Although he wasn't a pastor or an evangelist, he taught me great spiritual truths. I remember one fishing trip we took along the coastal waters of Biloxi, Mississippi. After rowing to a small island. Dad anchored the skiff. We went our way, eager to gig flounders.
When we returned, the boat was nowhere to be seen. Dad sensed my fears and calmly assured me he knew where the boat was. He told me to wait on the shoreline while he went to get the skiff. As he disappeared into the darkness, a new fear seized me, and I cried out. Dad softly answered and told me not to fear; he would be back soon.
Minutes later he returned with the skiff. He explained that while we were gigging flounders, the tide had come in. Although the boat had remained where it was anchored, the rising tide made it seem farther away.
Through the years that experience has encouraged me during dark days. I hear my dad say, "Don't fear. Son. The boat is where we left it." At those times I realize that Jesus is still with me in spite of the darkness.
In 1959 as I prepared to leave for the mission field with my wife and daughters. Dad gave me a warm bear hug. With tears flowing down his cheeks, he said, "Son, I'm sad, yet glad. Your mom and I dedicated you to the Lord before you were born, so we are glad God has chosen to use you to serve Him. We are sad because we realize we may never see you again on this earth. Know that we love you and will always be praying for you."
Several years ago while serving in Paraguay I received a telegram on Christmas Eve. It stated simply: "Your dad went to be with Jesus this morning at 7:30. Praying for you. Pastor Tommy Lofton."
As I stood in my living room, thousands of miles away from my brothers, sisters, and dear mother, I could not weep. Dad's words when I first was leaving the States came back to my mind.
Today all seven of Dad's children are serving the Lord. Two of us are ordained Assemblies of God ministers. Two of my daughters are serving as missionaries to Latin America. I believe our commitment to God is due in part to Dad's faithfulness to the Lord and his investment in his family.
While Dad left us no material legacy, his faith remains engraved on our souls. Thank God for a righteous man who led the way for his family. He was my daddy."
This article quoted from the
If your faith is not strong enough to change your behavior
"I am the richest man in the world. Why? I have a loving wife of 31 years and two beautiful children who have never given me cause to distrust them. The investment I have made in my family has made me the richest man in the world.
If you have a healthy family relationship in today's society, you have an increasingly rare treasure. It is worth whatever sacrifice you have to make to keep it.
As a nation we have been careless with our stewardship of the family. We are now reaping the results of our neglect. An overindulgent generation, we seem bent on pursuing our own selfish ways.
The permissiveness of the past several decades has spilled over into Christian homes. A certain amount of self-concern is essential to survival, but a healthy marriage requires self-discipline. At times a healthy family will even require self-denial. Many who are attempting marriage and family are finding it difficult to come to terms with these demands.
Materialism is a subtle snare. It leaves many families unaware of what is happening until one day they wake up to find themselves trapped by a standard of living they cannot afford. If we spend all our time working for things, we have little time to nurture relationships with our family.
The desire to have it now drives couples to look for ways to earn more money rather than lower their standard of living. This drive for materialism results in having less time to nurture relationships. The Scriptures warn us about the deceitfulness of riches
Great families do not happen by accident. They are the product of prayer and hard work. My wife and I determined our priorities before we married. God was to be first in our personal lives and ministry. We believe God is first and ministry is foremost. We also believe God wants us to give priority to each other. We resolved not to become so involved in ministering to others that we failed to allow time to minister to our family.
I understand the demands of pressing business, urgent appointments, and deadlines. Since we have had children, Beverly and I have taken 1 week of vacation together each year without the children. Relationships grow out of the time you spend loving, talking, and sharing with each other. You can't build a relationship with someone unless you are willing to spend time with that person.
After our son was born, I had to make some adjustments. I determined that 1 day each week would be devoted to the family. I had to give up golf. I wasn't pro status anyway, so it wasn't a big deal.
After our daughter came along, we began involving the children in the activities of that 1 day each week. We took turns deciding what we would do that day. I did my best to make sure that day wasn't interrupted. When people wanted to involve me in some activity, my reply was, "No, that is my day with my family."
We have not expected more from our children because of who they are— preacher's kids. If we were the ordinary church family, we would live the same way. We would still expect them to be in church with us every service. That goes back to our commitment to put God first.
Both children accepted the Lord as their Savior at an early age. They were both baptized in the Holy Spirit as children. They have shared our ministry. Our son Mark is a senior at the University of South Florida preparing for music ministry. Angela is a freshman at Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God preparing for ministry.
We have determined not to allow the root of bitterness to grow in our spirits from careless and unscrupulous Christians. We have not discredited those people before our children. We try to build confidence in our children for the ministries of the church and its people. Certainly there are counterfeits in the church. There are also counterfeit $20 bills, but I haven't stopped receiving them in the confidence they are real. Focus on the genuine.
How can you become rich? Begin where you are. Value highly the family you have. Determine that your first priority is serving Jesus Christ.
The church holds great treasure for your family. Attend regularly. Don't allow anything to rob your family of this treasure. A loving family that serves God is wealth that cannot be counted in dollars."
Donald W. Lunsford was pastor of First Assembly of God in Clearwater, Florida. At this date he was also assistant superintendent of the Peninsular Florida District.
This article quoted from the
"Give up a grain of sand
"Hollywood cameras couldn't capture a more dramatic moment. The scene is the palace of the prime minister of Egypt. Those in attendance are surrounded by beauty and elegance. The men before the throne are obviously foreigners, but they seem agitated.
The one upon the throne is superbly attired. But he too seems emotionally distraught.
The strangers wonder. Who is this one who has so plotted against us? What does this mighty one have to do with us? The answer is soon forthcoming.
"And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence"
Shock waves go through the men before him. Joseph? It can't be! We sold him into slavery over 13 years ago. He can't still be alive, let alone this paragon of power before us! And how could a Hebrew be a ruler of Egypt?
"Doth my father yet live?"
The men cannot answer.
"Come near to me, I pray you . . .I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. ... it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt"
It is always a dramatic highlight when a man or woman overcomes bitterness and a vengeful spirit, replacing it with forgiveness.
Our Lord looked down from the cross and prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"
Is it unreasonable to assume Joseph received much greater pleasure from his years of fellowship with his brothers than he would have received from sulking in the shadows? He could have ordered their deaths, and the punishment would have been justly deserved. Would that have brought him satisfaction?
Consider his gain when he forgave. He was reunited with his father. Jacob thought he was dead. Now he learned that Joseph lived and ruled over all things. Jacob came to Egypt where he was a blessing to all who knew him. When he arrived at the royal palace, it was he who blessed Pharaoh, not the other way around.
He had fellowship with his brothers. Jesus said there was a sure way men could know we were His disciples: "If ye have love one to another"
Later when the Holy Spirit prompted Paul to write
One of the great gifts of Christianaity is fellowship one with another. We can join the songwriter in the witness, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God!"
He was able to forget the past. All things become new when we find Christ. Old things pass into oblivion. It is a scriptural principle that we are the product of the workings of our minds.
What a blessed gift it is to forget dark hours. When God forgives us of our sins, He also forgets. Our sins are never remembered against us anymore.
God is sovereign. He can obliterate anything He chooses from His memory. We are human. Forgetting is harder for us. We remember our own past mistakes and often accuse ourselves harshly. We remember the errors of others and help them remember them too. But forgiveness begins the forgetting process. It is a healing virtue.
It gave him stature with God. Joseph somehow knew a godly man would forgive the treachery of his brothers, realizing God had meant it all for his own good. Now he saw his brothers as what they actually were— tools in the hands of a sovereign God, molding Joseph into the world leader he was to become.
Now consider the loss bitterness can bring.
The person who harbors a grudge feels terrific inner anger at another. Usually the second party is unaware of it. He or she never feels the venom; the poison takes the first party as the victim.
Bitterness never restores relationships. Bitterness never heals old wounds. It never builds, only tears down. It never adds, only detracts. It never helps, always hurts.
Bitterness requires the full attention of its bearer. There is no time for constructive thinking or action. No time for the beauty of the world. No time for laughter and singing. The flames of vengeful passion require full-time tending. What a colossal waste!
Joseph had no ulterior motives when he forgave his brothers. Years later when their father Jacob died, the brothers were frightened. What if Joseph had only pretended to forgive so Jacob wouldn't be hurt anymore? they wondered. But now, with our father dead, will Joseph turn into an angel of vengeance?
They need not have worried. Joseph didn't exhibit his forgiving spirit for any other motive. He wasn't trying to gain favor from the crowd. He wasn't pleasing the press. He forgave because he wanted to.
Right now you may be shriveling up inside because of bitterness. No one denies your hurt. No one denies the unfairness of the treatment you received. But no one can deny you are dying. And for what?
In the great prayer Jesus taught us to say from our hearts, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors"
Now let's level with each other. Is that offense committed against you so important you are going to give your life for it? Joseph was betrayed by his own family and jailed for a dozen years for something he didn't do. But when he had a chance to get even, he rejected it. He blessed those who had hurt him.
So there is the pattern. You say, "Oh, it's just too hard!" Is it really? Is it as hard as those lonely days and dreary nights you exist through now? Nothing could be any harder than your self-imposed prison. Christ offers you freedom. The key is forgiveness. Come on! Why don't you open that jail door right now?"
Dan Betzer was the speaker on Revivaltime, the radio ministry of the Assemblies of God. This article was adapted from a chapter in his book, The Cross or the Couch?
This article quoted from the
Do your best
"A few months ago I had the privilege of leading a beautiful young couple to the Lord. Impressed with the discipling ministry they received following their conversion, they said to me, "We want to be like you."
I replied, "I want you to be like Jesus."
They then responded, "Yes, but we need a role model."
The world is looking for role models. We are the only type of Christ they can see. The fruit of the Spirit must be evident in our lives in a way that will draw them to Jesus. This dear couple has now led five or six others to Christ, and they have established a weekly Bible study.
The love of God in us draws people to Christ. Everyone needs love. When real Christlike love is displayed, people really respond positively.
The Bible says, "If we lift up Jesus, all men will be drawn unto Him."
In my ministry of teaching the young married couples at Summit Avenue Assembly of God in St. Paul, Minnesota, many areas of friendship evangelism have been utilized, resulting in strong growth. I believe these ideas would work equally well for any church:
1. Take a color picture of the first-time visitors and post it on the bulletin board with some basic information about them.
2. Within the first week the leader should call the visitors and send them a nice personal letter.
3. Within 2 weeks the leader should make a home visit to display Christian love and affirm their relationship with the Lord.
4. A second visit should occur within 30 days. On this visit I select a more mature Christian couple of about their age to accompany me. It works best if this couple lives in the general neighborhood and has other things in common. I want these couples to get acquainted so discipling will continue, freeing me up to move on to the next opportunity.
5. The results are that the new couple has a role model, and the discipler couple has ministry involvement. Both couples have new friendship in each other, and they both grow in the Lord because of this relationship."
This article quoted from the
Where love abides
"Graduation concluded at Hondo Army Air Field in Texas that hot August day in 1944. Wings and bars were pinned, and the newly commissioned Air Force cadets awaited their orders. The procedure: The top three in each graduating class would remain as instructors. The rest would be sent into combat.
Lt. Walter Roessig was third. As he saluted the captain, he asked, "Captain, who is next on the list?"
The captain replied, "Lt. Stewart Robinson is the fourth man."
Roessig and Robinson had become close friends in navigation school. Roessig then asked, "Captain, if I go on to combat, does that mean that Lt. Robinson can remain here at this base as an instructor?" "That is the procedure, Lt. Roessig," the captain answered.
Without hesitation, Lt. Roessig said, "Then place my name on the combat list, Sir. You see, Lt. Robinson is married, and his wife is expecting their first child. I'm single, so I'll go to combat, if Lt. Robinson can stay."
Soon the men said their farewells. They corresponded regularly. Robinson sent news when Stewart Harold Robinson II arrived.
No answer came.
The war ended.
Still no answer.
Then the message came. On the first mission, Roessig's B-24 was hit by a Japanese suicide plane. The plane was destroyed and the crew was lost. Roessig was sitting in the seat where Robinson should have been seated.
Lt. Robinson, my husband, shares this story, knowing that his friend gave his life not only for his country, but for him. And he remembers that 2,000 years ago Jesus gave His life so he could have eternal life.
Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"
This article quoted from the
You are never too bad to come into the church
"What's that man crying for, Mommy?" The stage whisper of the small girl in the pew near us evoked a choked-off titter from her older brother, but it jarred me because it was my husband they were curious about.
We were seated in our quiet, conservative church sanctuary where it just isn't the thing to display any emotion. Norman had just come through a serious illness and wasn't as self-controlled as he normally is, and our pastor's comments on Christ's willingness to go to the cross for sinners had touched a spring.
He and I and all our friends had praised God for his miracle of healing, but I was also privately praising Him for something He had accomphshed through Norm's hospital experience. My husband had lost much of his iron reserve and was far more mellow and open to the Spirit than he had been before. He was not ashamed to let the tears flow now when his heart was moved, and he was quick to acknowledge it when God was dealing with him.
The child's remark hadn't gone unnoticed, and there was some discussion on our way home that day as to what church we should attend the following Sunday. "I don't feel I want to go back there until I'm a little better at hiding my feelings," Norm said rather shamefacedly. "I wish we could spend the next few weeks in California."
I knew what was in his mind. When we visited our friends in Los Angeles last year, we attended a full gospel church they had recently joined. Miracles happened in that church. People were being delivered from vicious sins week after week and were living new lives— and our friends were growing spiritually by leaps and bounds.
It was a revelation to Norm and me to sit in a congregation where people lifted their hands in adoring worship, wept freely when moved, prayed with their arms around each other's shoulders, and in every way showed an unself-conscious, outgoing love for God and for those around them.
What Norm and I needed in our present situation was a church like that where we wouldn't have to hide our emotions, for we saw that we just would not be comfortable at our church for a while.
We quickly found a congregation that didn't stare at Norm as if he were a freak when the tears came; a church where we could clasp hands with the person next to us, pray with them, and share our joys and sorrows. Not that our own church would have turned a deaf ear; they had Christian love, but somehow the atmosphere there wasn't conducive to confiding defeats and sharing victories. Emotions were repressed.
Years of hiding one's feelings (and tears) in order to put on a normal front can seal him off from other members of the Body. If we are sealed in such a way, we find it difficult to open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit.
A friend of ours from our own church called after we'd been absent for a few weeks. I told her where we were attending. "But that's Pentecostal," she objected. "One of those emotional churches."
"It's exactly what we need right now," I explained. "A place where we don't have to wear any masks."
"What do you mean?"
"Our church is great— it stands for the truth, and our people are students of the Word. We couldn't have a finer pastor, a real soul winner. But Norm and I had to find a place to worship where he can cry when he's moved and people won't think he's some kind of a nut. It's as simple as that."
I didn't belabor the point, for I could see that she was admitting (though only to herself) there was a lack at our church. I think she realized that the church would have a greater ministry if folks felt freer to express their emotions.
I have come to feel a real kinship with King David of late. He danced openly before the Lord for joy; he lifted up his hands in supplication; he played his instrument before the Lord, with shouting; and he wept unashamedly.
My husband feels as I do. Perhaps we'll go back to our other church some day; but not until we've run out of tears and are ready to put our masks back on."
This article quoted from the
Attending church services regularly is like making a path in the forest
"I have often said that any person who follows Jesus for 7 days will end up in church. The Son of God left us a clear example of faithfulness in church attendance. "And, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day"
Moreover as New Testament believers we are told we should not isolate ourselves. "Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another, all the more since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming near"
But which church home shall we select? The choice is crucial.
Someone said, "It doesn't matter where you go to church, as long as you go." That's like saying it doesn't matter whom you marry. If that were true, there wouldn't be so many divorces. Never forget it, it does matter where you go to church!
There are many reasons why it matters, but I will deal with only five.
1. It matters because it is of vital concern to God.
It was no coincidence that Solomon's temple was built on the site of Araunah's threshingfloor
Over 800 years before the temple was constructed, God called Abraham to Mount Moriah to offer up Isaac
Following completion of the temple, Solomon sought God in behalf of the nation. God's response is found in
Nothing could be more evident than God's interest in our choice of a place of worship. Jeroboam's thrust away from God's altars following the death of Solomon illustrates the extreme hazards of making a wrong choice in this important matter.
When the 10 northern tribes bolted under his leadership, he provided golden calves in Bethel and Dan for them to worship, in order to separate them from temple worship in Jerusalem
2. It matters because the message of salvation is not preached from every pulpit.
Without the vital preaching of the salvation message, it is unlikely that many will be saved. Evangelist W. S. Barham tells of a pastor with 30 years' experience who accepted Christ in one of his services. Imagine, 30 years in the ministry without a born-again experience!
The late Pastor R. G. Lee once said, "I believe that 85 percent of church members have only believed with their heads. They have not really believed in their hearts."
This must have been what Peter had in mind when he wrote, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
3. It matters because the baptism in the Holy Spirit is not taught in all churches.
We have frequent visitors from other churches in our Sunday morning services. Sometimes one will say, "We just had to come over to get recharged!" I thank the Lord for the flow of the Spirit which makes this possible.
I'm sympathetic with charismatics who are led of God to remain in their churches as witnesses to other members. But I suspect that natural regression moves many back into the status quo they so recently escaped. Inability to move the church toward something resembling spiritual renewal can be very discouraging.
The charismatic who regularly attends a noncharismatic church must keep the Holy Spirit under wraps. It's a little like having a relative you're ashamed of. The Spirit's manifestation is not welcome, lest it alter the traditional direction of the service.
This should be a point of grave concern, in view of Paul's admonition to "quench not the Spirit"
Perhaps I am more deeply committed to personal survival; but if I had a choice, I would homestead the front pew in the nearest church where the river of God is flowing! It makes no sense to drive across town to get recharged when you can move in for a permanent hookup.
4. It matters because divine healing and deliverance ministries are not practiced in every church.
The writer to the Hebrews has reminded us that all men shall die
This article quoted from the
Kindness is difficult to give away
"DON'T crush a child's spirit when he fails. Never compare him with others who may have outshone him.
DO remember that a child is a gift from God. Let him be himself. He is an individual and should not be pushed into the mold of a parent, a brother, a sister, or someone else.
DON'T hand a child everything his little heart desires. Permit him to learn the thrill of earning, the joy of achieving.
DO discipline a child lovingly and firmly, and explain why. If he knows you are fair, he will continue to love and respect you.
DON'T set yourself up as the epitome of perfection. It will be easier to communicate with the child if you admit that Dad and Mom are fallible too.
DO remember that anger and hostility are natural emotions. Help the child find socially acceptable outlets for these normal feelings.
DON'T make threats in anger. Don't make impossible promises when you are in a generous mood. To a child, a parent's word means everything, so never make a threat or a promise you won't keep.
DO present a united front as parents. If you join with your child against your mate, it will create emotional conflicts in the child. It may result in feelings of guilt, confusion, and insecurity.
DON'T smother a child with superficial manifestations of "love." The purest and healthiest love expresses itself in day-in, day-out training that breeds self-confidence and independence. Love can be expressed in denying, as well as permitting.
DO teach a child there is dignity in hard work. Let him know a useful life is a happy life, while a life of ease and pleasure is empty and meaningless.
DON'T protect a child against every little blow and disappointment. Adversity strengthens character and makes us compassionate.
DO teach a child to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Show him that prayer, Bible reading, Sunday school, and church attendance are important. Example is a powerful force. The best gift you can give a child is training that will develop a deep and abiding faith in Christ."
This article quoted from the
An ounce of example
"There are positive ways to use the medium of television intelligently. You can even use it as an effective instrument to teach right values and goals for your family.
The main event
Even though television is a great source of information, its first mission is not to inform. While many things on its screen are very entertaining, television's first mission is not to entertain. Let's look at this issue squarely in television's single eye! Commercial television is a business. It is dedicated to move goods, to round up viewers for the main event— the commercial.
Each day over 700,000 commercials are broadcast to the American people. Experts tell us that the average child in America watches over 5 hours of television advertising a week. By high school graduation time, he or she will have seen more than 300,000 commercials!
A group of concerned Christians at Mass Media Ministries, Baltimore, states that "television commercials have become the most powerful selling medium in America. Enormous power resides in this mass symbol making process. Television advertisers are highly sophisticated in the use of emotion-charged symbols to sell products. Americans help to support this multibillion-dollar television advertising industry by spending 3 to 10 times more for a heavily advertised brand name than for an identical less-known brand."
Thus by buying heavily advertised products the American consumers are subsidizing "free" television. We pick up the annual tab of about $8 billion in advertising costs when we buy those products.
The average American family spent more than $100 extra last year by buying these highly advertised products (not to mention some items that we really didn't need).
A well-prepared, effective television commercial only 30 seconds long often costs over $500,000 to produce (and some cost double that). In addition a big advertiser may spend $1,000,000 or more for 1 minute of air time to advertise during a special network event like the Super Bowl.
Now you may not think television commercials are effective, but obviously the people who make them and air them do! The main event of television is the commercial, and this is where most of the subliminal influences are exerted. How? By hooking their advertising messages to a felt or implanted need in the individual that slips by so subtly the person is not aware of it. These messages get hold of his pocketbook. What is more serious for the Christian, they may appeal to motivations and values that are against his religious standards.
Consider some of the ways commercial television with its appeal to materialism and consumerism represents an attack on solid Christian values.
A world of fake
In the unreal world of the Western a cowboy, jostled up and down on the back of his galloping horse, will shoot and kill a rustler, also on a galloping horse, from a distance of 300 yards. What's doubly amazing is that with one bullet, at that distance and with a wildly moving target, he kills both the rustler and his horse! Have you ever explained to your child the mathematical improbability of that actually happening?
Into our homes come programs of bionic persons of unbelievable strength, of supermen and superwomen for our youth to idolize. Have you ever pondered why such programs have continuing appeal? It is natural to want moments of relaxation and entertainment (and even a little fantasy), but we need a balanced diet and balanced thinking. As a parent, do you pause to bridge the real world where you live and the unreal world of fantasy by talking about the relationship of "souped-up Star Wars thinking" and such problems as Johnny getting an F in spelling?
If we are going to let our family feast on television, we'd better be there with them so we can help interpret that world of fake and compare it to the world where one must work for a living and bury dead people. The media says: "Escape to the world of fantasy." Christians must say, "No, we will not exchange the real world for the media world."
Instant problem solving
All television commercials have two elements in common— they present a problem and a solution. Are you sad? Are you old? Are you lonely? Are you ill? Do you hurt? Are you hungry? Do you seek success? The TV commercial has a solution. The problem is not trivial, but the solution often is. Just buy a soft drink, or a tire, or a certain pain reliever, or mouthwash, or hair coloring, and you can have all the things you ever desired. You can get vitality, intimacy, success, security by simply becoming a good consumer.
Buy it and eat it. Buy it and rub it on. Buy it and wear it. Amazingly the solution can be had in 30 seconds!
Instancy is one of the main teachings of our present information environment. Thus the work of this electronic medium is subliminal in what it is teaching us about instant gratification.
What does this constant bombarding on our consciousness do to the traditional beliefs about long-term planning? What does this do to our belief about perseverance or deferred gratification? Can you as an adult or a parent talk about how "instancy" counteracts or tends to erode our Christian beliefs in the value of hard work and patience and personal submission in enabling one to reach a future goal?
I repeat, I am not saying you should unplug the TV and throw it out on the junk heap. I am saying that television is a potent persuader that must never be left alone as a baby-sitter if parents want the family environment to remain healthy.
Today's commercial TV ignores the main problem. Instead of answering the question, "What must I do to be saved?" its unreal world tries to give answers to "What must I do to be a winner?" or, "What must I do to be accepted?" Jesus talked about self-denial and crosses! He said the last would be first!
Attention span
Speakers and teachers are finding that an amazing thing has been happening in our culture. No matter how heavy or important their topic is, every 8 to 10 minutes their audience or class subconsciously expects a "station break."
The attention span of the average American audience is shortened. The speaker or teacher unaware of the subliminal need finds his audience drifting after a few minutes. The audience then needs some humorous anecdote or striking illustration to keep it on track and to counteract the tendency to "turn off" when the lesson or lecture takes longer than 8 or 10 minutes.
Test this on yourself. When was the last time you watched a National Geographic special or a film on public television? Did you not notice an uneasiness after a few minutes and an expectation that the program was about to be interrupted for the usual commercial break?
Effective speakers now plan for this and find ways to bridge over the "station break" period in the minds of their audience. Is not the cause of this problem an example of unconscious manipulation?
Cynicism
Many advertising agencies believe that if a commercial lays claim to being true, the product it's selling has a better chance of being accepted and purchased. Truth, after all, is a strong American and Christian value. This is why one continually hears words like best, cleanest, purest, strongest.
The fact is that most of us shake our heads as we watch these commercials, and we discount the gross overstatements generally claimed. We know that toothpaste will not cure loneliness, mouthwash won't really make you the most popular person in the office, buying a new car won't actually elevate your social status to the highest one in town. The effect of such advertising has produced a general cynicism in the public mind. The tendency is to disbelieve everything and everyone.
If the family does not sit down and talk about these untruths, children as they grow up will discover for themselves the falsehood of our electronic environment, and they will be cynical about a lot of things they ought to believe in.
Cynicism leads to a breakdown of all authority and that includes God's authority. I'm not saying that all rebellion against God is a product of television commercials; that would be ridiculous. But I see a connection between the two. I believe there is a relationship between the way we are raising our children and their attitude about authority and truth. If society is teaching them they must add a pinch of salt to everything they read and hear— if for 6.8 waking hours of each day (as an American average) they are watching TV and are obliged to be saying, "Ah now, it's not really that way," isn't there a danger they might filter all incoming information, even from the word of God, with the same cynicism?
I reject the idea that people in the media are evilmongers trying to pervert society. I think rather they are bent on materialism and consumerism for motivations of profit and success. They will try to sell a product at any cost, and the side effects of some of their methods are frightening. We must knowledgeably arm ourselves.
Positive steps and antidotes
For the church to come out with a blanket condemnation of television would be unfortunate, I believe. Electronic media can be great purveyors of good. Think of the great blessing television has been in spreading the gospel. This positive effect will not decrease but increase if the Lord tarries.
Instead of retreating into a negative posture of only enumerating the dangers and pitfalls in television, we must find positive ways to use this tool of our technological society. Here are some things to do:
1. Talk to the family about the world of fake in television and other media. Don't assume that members can distinguish between make-believe and reality. Recent research shows that small children can't even distinguish between the regular content of a program and the commercial breaks.
2. Become aware of the emotional hooks of good feelings that are involved in television commercials. Talk with the family and show them that very few Christian goals can be attained by consumerism. We don't need to "eat" or "apply" or "buy" anything to help us be approved by our Lord and Master.
Decide before a program is watched that at its conclusion the family will shut off the TV and discuss important values as depicted that relate to a man's or a woman's role in society, children's roles in the family and in society.
Ask the children questions about their understanding of the commercials in the program. Don't just tell them what they should think. Ask them what they think. You might be surprised to hear what Mary and Johnny think is actually happening in a television commercial!
3. Show the children how to be selective. Let them see you turn off certain programs and choose to watch certain others. If you wouldn't leave your little youngsters unattended in a running automobile, you shouldn't leave them for hours at an unattended television set. I firmly believe that TV programs cannot damage a child in any way if a concerned and loving adult shares the experience and uses it as an opportunity to talk about feelings and Christian values.
4. Get the whole family involved actively with television and not just watching it passively. To do this, keep a family television log for 2 weeks to find out who is watching television, what they are watching, and how much time is being spent doing it. The whole family can join in writing letters of criticism or encouragement to the producers or proper authorities.
5. Use television (even with all its excesses) to teach Christian values. That's right; in spite of the negative things on TV there are many positive ways it can lead directly to a visual demonstration of what you believe about God, your neighbor, the Scriptures, and eternity.
But to do this you must spend time with the family and the TV set. Spend time discussing such things as emotions, relationships, and materialism. TV can set the stage to discuss "hard-to-talk-about" subjects across the age-gap with teenagers in the home. There is nothing more important to a 16-year-old's self-esteem than to have someone listen to, and respect, his or her opinion (even if they don't totally agree).
Conclusion
The Christian family must arm itself against the subliminal influences of commercial television, and especially of television commercials. Not to speak out on this issue or not to become better informed would be to neglect our moral responsibility.
Happily there is a positive side to this situation. Evangelicals in America are becoming aware that we as citizens do not have to sit and take everything the secular world throws at us. We do represent values that need to be brought to the forefront. We do believe that happiness can be obtained in ways other than by getting material things. We do believe that self-respect does not need to lead to pride. We do believe that the possession of some "things" need not lead to greed."
We can arm ourselves with a little reading and a little understanding and a whole lot of concern and prayerful action. Central to Christian faith is the belief that the ultimate reality of the universe is God who created the world and all it contains, including people. Because we are created in His image, we also have the capacity to create such things as television. The human social systems that shape television need to be influenced by evangelical Christians who, by making their influence felt, reflect their divinely given creativity."
This article quoted from the
Those who stand for nothing
"We speak rather freely of Christian commitment. But if the Lord should ask you, "Have you committed everything to Me?" how would you answer?
The Lord asked me that question. I was in my office praying when the Lord spoke to my heart and asked, "Are you committed?"
Without much thought I responded, "Yes, Lord, I am committed." But as I continued praying, I began to wonder if I truly was.
Finally I arose from my knees, went to a shelf, and reached for the dictionary. What I learned made me search my heart.
I discovered commit has three meanings, among others:
1. IT MEANS to put into charge or trust.
Regardless of what may happen to me, I should not question the Lord as He endeavors to work out His plan in my life. For I have entrusted my life to Him. I have put Him in charge.
Yet I've often questioned the Lord. Just because things didn't go as I wished, I've grown uneasy.
If anyone had occasion to question God, Job had. When all his material blessings had been taken away, he could have complained; but he didn't. His words were, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord"
Then he was smitten with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head, and his wife chided him for retaining his integrity. "Curse God, and die," she urged. But he refused. "Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh," he replied. "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"
When things seem to be going wrong, don't question God. Just be sure your life is committed to Him. If it's in His hands, all will be well. You can rest assured He is in control and that all things will work together for your good, as long as you love Him and are committed to His purpose
2. IT MEANS to consign; to place in custody.
When a person decides to sell his house, he will call a realtor. To put his property in the hands of the realtor he has to sign certain papers. By doing this he agrees to certain terms, such as that he will sell for a certain price, and he won't back out for a certain period of time. Another term is that he won't sell the property himself for a lower figure. In other words, though the property still is his and he still holds the deed, for a period of time the property is in the hands of the realtor who can sell it to whatever buyer comes along. It has been consigned to him!
How many a young man has left home and joined the military services because he chafed under parental restraint! Mom and Dad made certain rules for him to live by as long as he was under their roof and eating their food; so he leaves home expecting to be free to live his own life.
But to his surprise he doesn't find the freedom he expected. Instead he has "jumped out of the frying pan into the fire." His military superiors tell him when to go to bed, when to get up, what time to eat, what to wear, and he decides his life is not his own. Of course it isn't. He has consigned it to the military. He gave up certain rights and privileges when he made the commitment.
And so it is in the Christian life. When you become a Christian, you consign your life to Another. You say: "From now on I will not do as I please. I will do as God pleases." Why? Because you are committed. You have given up your rights. You have put yourself in His custody. You take orders from His Word and from His Spirit.
"Ye are not your own," Paul says. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"
Paul learned the lesson at the very beginning of his Christian life. When Christ spoke to him, he replied, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
3. IT MEANS to hand over for disposal or safekeeping.
This is illustrated in Matthew chapter 26. Jesus prayed, "0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Jesus could have avoided the cross. He could have escaped death; but He knew this was the cause for which He had come into the world. He was committed to the will of His Father. He was obedient to God's plan, even though it led to His death.
Paul made the same commitment. We read in Acts chapter 21 how he came to Caesarea and entered into the house of Philip the evangelist. While he was there, a prophet named Agabus warned Paul that if he went to Jerusalem, he would be thrown in prison. He took Paul's girdle and bound his own hands and feet and said, "Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."
But Paul told them not to weep and feel sorry for him. "I am ready," he said, "not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
He was committed. His life was not his own. He had given it to the Lord for disposal as He saw fit; and whether he lived or died, he was in God's hands.
Oh, if we as Christians could but realize it, our lives are not our own. We belong to Another. He has bought us with His blood.
Whether I live or die, I belong to the Lord, and it's His decision, not mine. It's not up to me to decide how I should live or what I should do. I don't give orders. I receive them. I don't pity myself, and I don't want anyone else feeling sorry for me. All I ask is for grace to maintain my commitment and let God have His way in my life.
Committed? I really thought I was, until I found out what it means.
No longer do I answer with a confident yes, but rather confess that I am striving to demonstrate my commitment as He reveals to me progressively what His will for my life is.
I find security in doing this, for as long as my life is in His hands, I know it's in safekeeping. I can say with Paul, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day"
This article quoted from the
The one who follows Christ
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth"
God is still in the creating business! It is a part of His eternal nature to make something superlative out of nothing. That's why the gospel is such a positive message. God creates rather than condemns. "God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved"
God never creates anything without a reason. So you have real meaning. You will be able to find that meaning to the extent that you give God control of your life.
To get your attention in this message I have to swim against the current of popular thought. It is called existentialism. It is a philosophy spawned by promoters of helplessness.
Andre Maurois, the French novelist, moaned, "This universe is indifferent. Who created it? Why are we here on this puny mud heap spinning in infinite space? I have not the slightest idea, and I am quite convinced no one has."
Along came Jean-Paul Sartee, who continued to teach despair. He claimed we cannot know who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. The past is meaningless. The future may never arrive. Take the moment. Live it to the hilt any way you choose.
So we have the "now generation." Its theme song is relentless: "Eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die."
But the truth is, you can know where you came from, where you are going, and how you are going to get there. That's the greatest positive message in the world. You have the opportunity to choose between despair and deity.
YOU ARE A CREATED BEING!
You didn't just happen. You are more than a composite of your family's heredity. You were carefully designed by Almighty God. There is no one else on this earth like you. No one looks like you. No one speaks in the manner you do. No one else thinks quite like you.
You are unique— one of a kind. You are an original. That's the way God made you.
But His creative work in you is not complete. There is a second birth that must come in your life— a birth that is spiritual. It happens when you understand that God is real and that there is a world between you and Him that can be bridged only by His loving gift of Jesus Christ. "He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
And even after you are born again, the creative work of God continues in you. God is molding you in this life to be a part of the bride of His Son Jesus Christ, who will one day rule and reign over the universe.
This is what Paul was writing about when he penned: "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose"
The gospel is really the greatest romance this world has ever known. It is the saga of a Prince who came to this world in search of a bride. He found her— the human race. He offered her His love, His very life, promising her a place in His Father's house, where there are many mansions.
He promised to come back to claim His bride. There will be a great "marriage supper," and for all eternity we will be together mutually serving God in perfect mental, spiritual, and moral health.
This is God's great plan, and you are involved in it. It is why you were created.
You are incredibly valuable. Satan doesn't want you to understand that. He wants you to blend into the background of this world's passing mediocrity. But God wants you to step into the light of His Son— to see who and what you really are.
But here is a vital point that you must understand. Remember, God is not through with you. How far will you trust Him to continue His creative work on you?
God may not deal with you in the same way He does another. For example, you may have an acquaintance who has recently been healed of a sickness that also plagues you. God touched your friend, but no miracle has occurred in your life— at least, not yet, as far as you can see. Are you doubting God because of it?
This article quoted from the
One quick glance in God's direction
"We do well to study the Biblical foundations of the Pentecostal Movement. The 20th-century outpouring of the Holy Spirit proves that the principles of the first-century church are valid and operative today.
This is the text of an address given by G. Raymond Carlson, assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, during the seventh annual meeting of the Society for Pentecostal Studies held at Springfield, Missouri, December 1-3, 1977.
"There can be no question among thoughtful people that we have fallen upon an age of widespread and disturbing unbelief. While noted for its intellectual and scientific achievements, our age like Bunyan's Pilgrim has "forsaken the way that is good to tread in forbidden paths."
Our age suffers with a blight of "isms"—
Introspection and reexamination are the "in" thing. Old foundations are examined with an attitude of skepticism. The rapidity with which change occurs boggles the mind. The normal person, perplexed by the jet pace of change, is left in a state of shattering confusion.
All institutions are rocked by change, and the church has not escaped. Doctrines and traditions have come under close scrutiny. Long-time beliefs have been challenged and often discarded. Faith in truth as revealed in the Word of God is regarded in many quarters as nonintellectual. Modern theology has lost God himself.
Moral declension and social confusion are the sad harvest resulting from lack of faith. As established systems collapse, people lose their moorings. Values become blurred. People make their decisions on what they happen to think and insist that one person's thinking is as valid as another's.
Uncertainty prevails and increases. Who has the answer? The politician hasn't solved the problem. Science speaking with pontifical force declares religion obsolete. But science hasn't found the answer. As Stace of Princeton stated, "It is the essence of the modern mind that the universe is meaningless and purposeless." Another declares, "The modern mind has given us knowledge and conveniences— and emptiness."
Clever people are beginning to realize that cleverness is not the answer to the big issues of life. The sinful ego of many is being punctured as they search for truth and do not find the answer.
But God has the answer. And in the midst of all the confusion and lostness, the Holy Spirit is doing a wondrous work. God has given us His answer. He has committed to us this ministry. The Pentecostal Movement of this century proclaims the ministry of the Holy Spirit through Christ's church as the antidote to the work of the satanic forces that strive to captivate and control the human mind.
The study of Scripture brings the inescapable conclusion that the "Pentecostal" pattern of the Apostolic Church should be the normative pattern for the Church until Christ translates her to the glory. The experience on the Day of Pentecost was not for the 120 alone, but it was "to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
From time to time and in every generation we do well to study the Biblical foundations of the Pentecostal Movement. We are not called to be just another denomination. While the movement is comparatively young when compared to the old-line denominations, God has enabled the movement to penetrate to the ends of the earth. Growth has attracted the attention of both the religious and secular world.
Importantly, the genesis of the movement is not built around a new revelation of truth. It is rooted in the same soil of faith in which the Apostolic Church was grounded. The 20th-century outpouring of the Holy Spirit proves that the principles of the first-century church are valid and operative today. Meet the conditions, and the dynamic results recorded in the Book of Acts will be repeated.
The phenomenon of the winds of the Spirit in the major church bodies today is remarkable. Who can fathom what God will do!
Spiritual life and vitality come to the church through two dynamic sources:
In light of the awesome responsibility that is thrust upon us, and in recognition that "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us," it is imperative that we give careful attention. To this end I share five musings with you:
1. The authority of the Word in contrast to philosophy and political thinking.
2. The Lordship of Christ in contrast to the personality of the follower of Christ.
3. The power of the Holy Spirit in contrast to human ability.
4. The majesty of the Kingdom in contrast to the provincial spirit.
5. The centrality of the Church in contrast to the plans of the individual.
One of the most serious battles raging inside and outside the church is the conflict over authority. Rebellion against authority is common in our time. Without a scriptural view by which truth is measured, private opinion becomes the sole authority.
Alleged intellectual problems about the authority of Holy Scripture are often a smoke screen for moral rebellion. The reason many do not accept the edicts of God's Word is simply that they will not. It is not that people cannot believe; it is that they will not. Jesus said, "If any man will [desire to, Amplified] do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God."
The religious leaders in Jesus' days on earth asked, "By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?" The spiritual problem of our day is the same. The man of faith is asked, "Who gave you this authority?"
The dictionary defines authority as the right to command and to enforce obedience, or the power to determine on the ground of knowledge, credibility, or character. When we speak of the authority of the Bible, we mean the quality by which it demands faith and obedience to all its declarations. Our concern is to determine in what matters and to what extent Holy Scripture commands our obedience.
"Who gave you authority?" There are three basic answers given:
(1) The principle of sola Scriptura (a Latin phrase meaning "the Bible as the only authority").
(2) The authority of the church. Proponents of this position teach that the authority of the Book is insufficient; the dogma of the church determines faith and conduct.
But the church is not called to be the judge of God's Word; it is the Word's servant. The church did not bring the Word into existence, but was herself brought into existence by the Word. The Word is forever settled, founded, and enduring
(3) The view of the rationalist who exalts human reason to the throne of final arbitration and rebels against the thought of an authoritative book. He argues that the Reformers replaced the doctrine of an infallible church with that of an authoritative book.
Another fallacious position regarding authority should be mentioned. Some people place so-called spiritual manifestations— unscriptural prophecies, tongues and interpretations, dreams, and revelations— as the voice of God. Unless all such align with the Word, they are fallible.
There is only one supreme court- one authority— for faith and conduct. It is neither in the dogma of the church, nor the rationalism of human reasoning, nor alleged spiritual manifestations; it is the Word of God. Only as the aforementioned align with the Word can they be accepted.
The authority of Scripture must be recognized before we try to settle inspiration and inerrancy. When the question of authority is settled, we can move on to inspiration— how the Word was God-breathed; and then on to inerrancy— how the Bible was kept from error.
The Bible speaks, and speaks with no less authority than that of the Divine Voice. Its words are the words of men, but its word is the Word of God. It is the Word of God in human language. Infallibility, inerrancy, or veracity do not account for the inspiration of the Bible. These are only understood in terms of inspiration.
We believe the Bible is the final authority. As such it stands
All teaching must be tested in the light of Scripture. Upon this unique authority, and it alone, we build. The choice is simple. We either accept this authority or accept the authority of men with their human understanding and ability. It is one or the other.
The earliest creed of the church is brief but important: Jesus Christ is Lord. It appears that this was the greeting of early Christians.
What does lord mean? Lord is a word of authority, ownership, superiority, sovereignty.
The word "Lord" in the New Testament is equivalent to the name "Jehovah" in the Old Testament. By this term Christ is identified with the God of the Old Testament. The name "Jehovah" (Yahweh) was so sacred to the Jews that they avoided pronouncing it. What Jehovah was to the Jews, Jesus is to the Christians.
Although men think they are masters of their lives, in reality sin and death are the real masters. But Jesus Christ conquered sin and death. He has the right to rule in every area of a person's life, for He has judged sin and death.
Christ's lordship was decreed by the Father: "God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ"
Christ's lordship was testified to by the apostles.
Paul declares that "the Father . . . raised [Christ] from the dead, and set him at his own right hand . . . far above all principality, and might, and dominion, and every name . . . not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church"
Peter states: "By the resurrection of Jesus Christ; who is gone into heaven . . . angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him"
John writes: "Worthy is the Lamb ... to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing"
Christ's lordship is not only declared but also deserved. "He humbled himself . . . wherefore God hath highly exalted him . . . that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"
His lordship results from His exaltation: "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour"
Paul states that Christ "was declared to be the Son of God ... by the resurrection from the dead"
Christ's lordship is not only declared and deserved; He himself desires it. To refuse Him His rightful place is to rob Him of the fruit of His death and to snatch from His lips the cup of joy which is to replace the bitter cup of Gethsemane.
We are prone to receive Him only as Saviour and fail to recognize Him as Sovereign. His work as Saviour is not complete in the life of believers until He is Sovereign in their lives. That right is not based on our recognition of the fact, but on God's recognition of His redeeming work. "God hath made this same Jesus . . . both Lord and Christ"
Christ is Lord of the universe. He is Lord of "things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth"
The course of history can best be described as God's search for man ever since disobedience alienated man from Him. To accomplish this search, the Son suffered the humbling at Calvary. As the Creator and Sustainer of the universe He became obedient unto death. By His incarnate ministry our Saviour earned the right to be Lord, both because of who He is and because of what He has done. His redemptive acts at Calvary and His triumph over the tomb will culminate in the glorious future day when He will be confessed by all as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Christ is Lord of the Church. She is subject to Him in all things. His authority is total and final. As believers we are members of His body, the Church. We belong to Him.
To enjoy His benefits we must surrender to His lordship. For Him to be Lord of our lives we must surrender all— our inner possessions and outer possessions— to Him. He has the right to rule in every area of our lives. He came not only to be our Saviour; He came also to be our Lord.
Look at two men who met Christ in confrontation. Paul was arrested by a blinding light and lay in the choking dust of the Damascus road. As the voice from heaven addressed him, Paul cried out, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" For years Paul had opposed Christ and His followers. Now he discovered the One known as Jesus of Nazareth was also Christ and Lord.
Thomas, often maligned as the doubter, when told of the resurrection said, "Except I shall see . . . the print of the nails ... I will not believe." Imagine his burning shame when Jesus told him, "Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands. . . ." All doubts fled and Thomas cried, "My Lord and my God!"
Paul had denied, and Thomas had doubted, but both were gripped with the lordship of Jesus. Come face to face with the One who is absolute Lord, and you'll not claim to be master of your life.
Paul leaves us three secrets:
(1) "Yet not I, but Christ" (Galatians 2:20). This is the secret of personal holiness.
(2) "Yet not I, but the grace of God" (1 Corinthians 15:20). This is the secret of effective service.
(3) "Yet not I, but the Lord" (1 Corinthians 7:10). Christ's lordship is the basis of authority and leadership. Only those under authority have the right to exercise authority.
Crossing out the first person singular— "not I"— is the threefold secret of a satisfying and fruitful Christian experience."
(end of Part 1)
The year was 1896. An itinerant lay preacher came to the home of my maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H. N. Russum, in the fertile Red River Valley at Grafton, North Dakota. My grandmother met him at the door, and he inquired if he could hold a gospel service.
She responded with joy, for she had been converted in Minneapolis. Grandmother agreed to invite the entire neighborhood to their home.
That meeting continued for 3 days and nights without stopping. My grandfather and many others were converted.
Remarkable things occurred. One young lady, a Miss Gorder, was prostrated in a trance for hours. Suddenly she began to speak in a language that none understood.
The lay preacher listened to the girl and finally said to himself, "This must be that which was spoken by the prophet Joel."
He began to search the Scriptures. Finally convinced, he sought the experience himself and received the baptism in the Holy Spirit 2 years later. That man, C. M. Hanson, became the first superintendent of the North Central District Council of the Assemblies of God.
The above incident is typical of numerous movings of the Holy Spirit in various places around the turn of the century. On January 1, 1901, God poured out His Spirit at the Bethel Bible College, operated by Charles F. Parham in Topeka, Kansas. Miss Agnes Ozman became the first of millions in the 20th century to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It is generally agreed that it was at Topeka that the recipients, through their study of the Scriptures, came to believe that the Biblical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
The record known to us as the Acts of the Apostles has no explanation apart from the fulfillment of the Lord's promise, "I will send another Comforter." The glorious testimony of the coming of the Holy Spirit and His acts in the Apostolic Church set before us a pattern for this century.
Reading the Book of Acts inspires and challenges us. The Day of Pentecost dawned upon a small group of believers, but before darkness fell about 3,000 were added to their number. Thousands more were added in the days that followed, and the "number of the disciples multiplied" until there was a "multitude of disciples."
But, you say, "I'm not seeing victorious experiences such as are pictured in the Book of Acts. We aren't seeing growth like that in our church. I'm not sensing that kind of experience in my own life."
Feelings of inadequacy and inability, lack of training or experience are common to many. Fear of people and of failure, weakness of personality and spirituality hang like albatrosses around the necks of a lot of Christians. Life is filled with difficulties. So often we don't know where to turn, and we feel like "jumping ship."
How clear the message comes— I am in constant need of the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. God's work is accomplished "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
Two things are very plain. First, I need divine help to live the life that pleases God. Second, I can have all the help I need.
The first is demonstrated in experience. The other day a friend said, "A fellow needs to be made of steel to survive in days like these." But who has that quality? We do need help. Like Peter we cry, "Lord, save me."
The second is the crystal-clear promise made by Jesus. God has given us a great Helper to take the place of the visible presence of Christ. Moffatt's translation of
We not only can have help, we can have the Helper himself. How does He help? Paul writes, "The Spirit . . . helpeth our infirmities"
During the cold war following World War II, Berlin was in real trouble. The Russians cut off all food and fuel going into the city. Their objective was to starve and freeze the Berliners into submission, and to cause the Allies, who were occupying the city, to withdraw.
The roads to the city were closed, and the cause of the West looked bleak. But the ingenuity and courage of the Allies hadn't been reckoned with. The Berlin airlift brought supplies from the skies. The Berliners did not starve, nor did they freeze. Neither did they surrender!
Sometimes we, like the Berliners, find ourselves hopelessly surrounded. Defeat seems certain. But then the Holy Helper establishes His spiritual airlift and brings His limitless supply of measureless power. In the trying moment when we need Him most, the Spirit of God is always near to give us help. How can we fail?
But you don't carry the Holy Spirit around in your pocket or strung on a key chain. He is more than a last resort to be used in case of emergency. We don't possess Him to be handed out like a meal ticket. We've got to let Him possess us and use us. It's not a mechanical matter.
On the divine side, "It is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure"
The Holy Spirit operates through us in four dimensions:
1. The upward dimension to make Christ real (John 14:16).
2. The inward dimension to build up our spiritual being (Ephesians 3:16). All who are Spirit-filled have the privilege of being edified— being built up— through the ministry of the Spirit in speaking in tongues
3. The outward dimension to witness for Christ (Acts 1:8).
4. The downward dimension to conquer the devil (Luke 10:19).
God was down-to-earth in Jesus Christ. He is up-to-date by the Holy Spirit. Because of the Holy Spirit, what God did in Christ happens to me today. I read of God's mighty acts as recorded in the Bible, and because of the Spirit they come pouring into my life. Humdrum existence is revolutionized by powerful workings of the Spirit. He is present now and powerful today.
Kings and kingdoms are rather rare today. We think in terms of presidents, prime ministers, and dictators, and of republics and nations. We are not accustomed to the king-kingdom concept. The New Testament, however, has much to say about the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven.
A great debate rages in some quarters about the two terms— the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. Are they synonymous or not? My purpose here is not to attempt to settle this theological controversy. Neither will I attempt to deal with those aspects of the kingdom which relate to eschatology, or the doctrine of the last things. It is true that the kingdom, while being a present spiritual reality, is to be consummated at the final coming of Christ when He shall "deliver up the kingdom to God."
I direct your attention to a significant scene recorded in
Nicodemus, the learned man, deeply religious, sincerely ethical, and a recognized spiritual leader, had not found the Kingdom. The yearnings of his soul had not been satisfied. He was in spiritual darkness as black as the night about him.
Eloquently Jesus responded to His inquirer, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Clearly we come to understand that entrance to the kingdom is by birth, the new birth.
"Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel"
There is a real kingdom, and its location is clearly stated in Scripture: "The kingdom of God is within you"
This kingdom is not a religious form. Paul states, "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost"
The kingdom of God is not so much the realm of God, but the reign of God. Realm speaks of geographical boundaries; but there are no frontiers, no boundaries, to God's kingdom. Our Lord's kingdom has no temporal limits; it is forever. The angel said to Mary, "Of his kingdom there shall be no end." The emphasis then is not on a realm, but on a reign, eternal, majestic, and sovereign based on the ruling authority of God.
To seek the kingdom of God, as Nicodemus did, means to put yourself under the royal reign of the King of kings, and Lord of lords. He is to reign in you in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. This reign and rule is manifested in us when we are in Christ and He is in us
The Christian life view is the Kingdom perspective. Basic is the Christian confession that Jesus is Lord.
The Kingdom perspective gives a key place to the church institution but reaches beyond to every zone of life. All that I do, even eating and drinking, must be done to the glory of God
How tragic when we lose sight of the kingdom and see only our little circle of daily circumstances. God grant us renewed vision of the majesty of His kingdom.
Whenever I stand at the hallowed shrines of freedom in our nation, I am stirred with the greatness of our land. I may be disillusioned with a politician. I may be disappointed with an action taken by governmental leaders. I may frustrate with bureaucratic red tape. But America is still a great nation.
Whether it be at Concord or Bunker Hill, at Faneuil Hall in Boston, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, at Gettysburg, Antietam, or any number of shrines, whether it be in the White House or the halls of Congress, my heartbeat quickens as I appreciate my country.
In like manner you and I need to catch the majesty of God's kingdom. How can we be so provincial, so small? Too many live like the man who said, "God bless me and wife, my son John and his wife; us four, no more."
Lift your eyes. Catch a new vision. Let the King anoint your eyes to see. God's kingdom is majestic. Your rights, your personal ego, all the personal and church squabbles fade into nothing in the light of the glory of the King and the majesty of His kingdom.
All of God's purposes center in himself. His purpose preceded His creation. He declares that all things are made for himself
God's dealings with men throughout history have been with purpose. His manifestation of saving grace moves toward a goal. He purposes to have a bride to present to His Son "that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ"
The church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a divine institution. Planned by the Father, founded by the Son, and empowered by the Spirit, the Church is the fellowship of the redeemed.
Christ established the Church when He poured out the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. That was the Church which He purchased with His own blood
Never forget that the Church is divine, not human. It is the creation of God and not of men. Our efforts don't make the Church. We receive and are received into the Church by divine action through the new birth.
The Church, often called "invisible," is the ekklesia or called out assembly. As such it is God's governmental body in the world.
The Church is defined as Christ's body
Another symbol used to describe the Church is that of a bride
Another metaphor from Ephesians (2:20-22) is that of a building. As such it is God's residential address, a temple for Him to dwell in through the Spirit. This special building has no dividing walls. The partitions we recognize are man made.
The Church is also pictured as a family, the household of God
A further designation implied in Ephesians 6:10-17 is that of an army. The Church is to battle sin, the flesh, and the devil. She is God's salvation army bringing the good news to the world.
The Church is called God's master-piece (Ephesians 2:10). The word here translated "workmanship" in the King James translation is very properly translated "master work" or "masterpiece." The Greek word also occurs in Romans where the reference is to God's creation of the world. But the Church is His masterpiece "that in the ages to come he might show [display] the exceeding [surpassing] riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus"
God had three things in focus for the Church to fulfill while awaiting her glorification at Christ's coming:
The Church is an organism. There must, however, be organization to give direction and force to the organism. This is the linking of divine and human forces to form a partnership to fulfill the purpose of God. The Church finds this organization and visibility through the institutional church. The institutional church is made up of members who are corporately organized and subscribe to beliefs and practices as required for membership. An organism is basic, but organization is also a necessary part.
The Church and the institutional church should be in agreement. The latter is the result of man's understanding of the will of God to find expression for the former.
The Bible must be used to find the pattern. Organization followed the welding together of the 120 at Pentecost into a new organic community. The New Testament has much to say about the local assembly— its mission, ministry, officers, membership, support, standards, and discipline.
The church is visible through the local assembly. When a group of believers assemble in worship and mission, they are seen. God's purpose in the lives of His people is accomplished as they function in this visible form.
The church does not save; it consists of those who have found salvation in Christ.
As a believer I have an obligation to work with God as He fulfills His purpose to build His church. I must contribute to building the local church. All other ministry— mass meetings, music, radio, television, the printed page, age group work. Teen Challenge, to cite examples— is only auxiliary.
God's purpose is not just to save people, but to build His church. He fashions that Church in the local church. All that contributes to that goal is purposeful and fruitful ministry.
Jesus made three great promises:
He has sent His Spirit and He is building His church. Soon He will come for that Church. And He says, "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be"
This article quoted from the
Aspire to inspire
"Following the end of the Great War in 1918, the world was looking for a period to bring happiness and prosperity in what became known as the Roaring '20s. Because wars would cease, they thought, happy times were here forever for everyone. Little could they predict that within a decade the country would be plunged into the Great Depression and, within two decades, World War II.
Fortunately, many believers did not buy into the philosophy of the day. They were busy evangelizing and establishing churches across the country and sending missionaries to minister to those who had never heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
So, today, we'll turn the calendar back 80 years for a glimpse of these times from the Pentecostal Evangel.
— Wayne Warner, director
Caldwell, Kansas, 1920
Ladonia, Texas, 1920
Our little band is praying God to send us just the help this place needs, preachers and workers filled with the Holy Ghost and power
Santa Barbara, Calif., 1920
Columbus, Ohio, 1924
At each baptismal service, about 75 were baptized. One man, just from the gambling table, got under conviction and was saved as we made the call, and he jumped into the water and swam about two blocks to where people were being baptized and was also baptized.
This article quoted from the
The smallest good deed
"I struggled for many years as a pastor trying to determine what the biblical response should be to hungry and needy people. For a long time, we did very little to help those who were not a part of our congregation. The rationale was, "If the government, with its billions of dollars, cannot change the economic status of these people, how can we with our few dollars hope to do better?"
Then I had an experience that changed my outlook.
A lady visited our church and was saved. Her husband wanted no part of her newfound faith and, in many ways, made it very difficult for her. In the course of time, he was stricken with cancer and laid off his job. Unknown to us, this family fell into difficult straits — even to the point of having no food to eat.
One morning his wife suggested they pray and ask God for help. Her husband said, "When I see your God put groceries on our table, then I will believe." Five minutes later, a man from our church, feeling prompted by the Holy Spirit, knocked at their door, walked into their house and set a large box of groceries on the kitchen table. A few days later, I was called to this dying man’s bedside and led him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Arrival of a few dollars’ worth of groceries at a crucial time touched his life in a way that nothing else had.
Helping needy people is a scriptural principle that should be taken care of by the church rather than the government. The major difference in the effectiveness of the government’s billions and the limited resources of a local church is Jesus. He said that, if we would give a cup of cold water in His name, we would not lose our reward. If we leave out the Jesus factor, then we become second-class imitators of governmental agencies.
Those who share Jesus on a humanitarian level will be severely criticized from certain segments of the community who are adamantly opposed to mixing religion and helping the needy. Unfortunately, they don’t understand that Jesus and religion are two separate directions in life and that Jesus is an inseparable part of who we are as a church. We cannot and we must not compromise on this core value. It may not be politically correct to say it, but Jesus is still the only way to the Father. If giving away some food and clothing provides a door for someone to find Him, so be it."
By Sam Balius
Sam Balius and his wife Mona were veteran missionaries. For over 32 years they ministered thoughout Latin America and the Canary Islands.
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, JUNE 16, 1991, Number 4023, pages 14-15
It will never change your destiny
By DONALD W. LUNSFORD
(1 Timothy 6:6-10).
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, JUNE 16, 1991, Number 4023, pages 18-19
And gain a mountain"
--An old Chinese proverb
By Dan Betzer
(Genesis 45:3).
(Genesis 45:4,5,8).
(Luke 23:34).
(John 13:35).
1 Corinthians chapter 13, he taught us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit won't work unless they are motivated by love.
(Matthew 6:12). There it is! If you want forgiveness from God, you must be forgiving toward men.
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, JUNE 16, 1991, Number 4023, pages 12-13
And then sleep in peace
God is awake
By DALE TOLLEFSON
(See John 12:32.) Friendship evangelism is loving people to the Lord. The key to true evangelism is not just the "birthing process," but it is in the quality of the loving and caring which follows.
Pentecostal Evangel, AUGUST 21, 1983, page 14.
Dale Tollefson, Woodbury, Minnesota, was the national president of Lifestyle Evangelism and a layman active in Summit Avenue Assembly of God, St. Paul, Minnesota at that time.
God resides
by Roslouise (Yancey) Robinson
(John 15:13)."
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, APRIL 20, 1980, pages 12-14
Or too good to stay out
By Marjorie Barth
Pentecostal Evangel Magazine, MAY 14, 1978, page 3.
The more often you use it
The less obstruction you will find in the way
By Forrest Smith
(Luke 4:16).
(Hebrews 10:25, TEV).
(2 Chronicles 3:1). That plot of ground figured in God's dealings with man for hundreds of years. He apparently selected it for the temple site centuries before the birth of Solomon.
(Genesis 22:2). David later purchased the site to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to stop a plague brought on by his ill-advised census of Israel
(2 Samuel 24:24).
2 Chronicles 7:12-15: "And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. . . . Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."
(1 Kings 12:25-33). Still not satisfied, he ordained a priesthood of men whose spiritual imperception was on a par with his own, and the newly formed Northern Kingdom became a religious jungle.
(1 Peter 4:18).
(1 Thessalonians 5:19). The man who walks in the Spirit must be conscious of the contradiction between his testimony and the program he endorses by his presence.
(Hebrews 9:27). But James indicated that the time and condition of departure may be altered. We are to call for the elders of the church, that "the prayer, of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him"
(James 5:14,15). That's powerful!
Pentecostal Evangel Magazine, MARCH 9, 1980, 4-5.
FORREST SMITH was pastor at First Assembly, Del Rio, Texas, at that time.
Because it keeps coming back
By Don Franklin
Pentecostal Evangel Magazine, June 17, 1979, page 5.
Is worth
A pound of advice
By Del Tarr
The Pentecostal Evangel Magazine, NOVEMBER 8, 1981, pages 15-17.
DEL TARR was Chairman of the Missions and Communications Department, Assemblies of God Graduate School, Springfield, Missouri, at that time.
Are apt to fall for anything
By Charles L. Ogdon
(Job 1:21).
(Job 2:10).
(Romans 8:28).
(1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).
(Acts 9:6). That's the meaning of Christian commitment.
(2 Timothy 1:12)."
Pentecostal Evangel Magazine, FEBRUARY 19, 1978, pages 3-4
CHARLES L. OGDON was an evangelist at that time
Leads the way for others
By Dan Betzer
(Genesis 1:1).
(John 3:17).
(See 1 Corinthians 15:32.)
(John 3:16).
(Romans 8:28).
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, JULY 22, 1979, pages 14-15
Is
All that is needed to make right choices
By G. Raymond Carlson
secularism that reduces all of life to the commonplace;
rationalism that places the human mind upon the throne; and
determinism that believes the nature of man and the course of history are determined by naturalistic forces.
(1) continual moving of the Spirit; and
God has called us to be ministers. He makes us "able ministers of the New Testament." We are warned to give "no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God."
(2) unswerving fidelity to the Word of God.
(Psalm 119:89, 152, 160). As such it is perfect and must not be added to nor diminished
(Revelation 22:18, 19).
(1) supreme over the light of human reason— it does not oppose reason but goes beyond reason by giving revelation,
(2) supreme over the church, and
(3) supreme over tradition. We must not make void the Word of God by the traditions of men
(Matthew 15:3).
(Acts 2:36). His preeminence was declared at His birth: "Unto you is born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"
(Luke 2:11).
(Ephesians 1:17-23).
(1 Peter 3:21, 22).
(Revelation 5:12).
(Philippians 2:8-11).
(Acts 5:31). When He returns, "Every eye shall see him"
(Revelation 1:3), and "He hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords"
(Revelation 19:16).
(Romans 1:4). The gospel is Christ crucified, risen, and exalted. He was exalted to give repentance, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit. His bloody cross speaks of His Saviourhood. His empty tomb is the symbol of His lordship. His death and resurrection are inseparable parts of His mission.
(Acts 2:36). The truth is further stated in Romans 14:9: "For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of the dead and living."
(Philippians 2:10). By Him God "made the worlds," and He "upholds all things by the word of his power"
(Hebrews 1:2, 3). As such Christ is Lord of history.
This article quoted from the
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, FEBRUARY 19, 1978, pages 6-9
CHECKING OUR FOUNDATIONS (Part 2) By G. RAYMOND CARLSON
Evangel Editor's note: "In the first half, published last week. Brother Carlson referred to
(1) the authority of the Word in contrast to philosophy and political thinking, and
(2) the Lordship of Christ in contrast to the personality of the follower of Christ."
John 14:16 reads: "I will ask the Father to give you another Helper to be with you for ever." We can have all the help we need.
(Romans 8:26).
(Philippians 2:13, ASV). On the human side, we must present our "bodies a living sacrifice . . . which is [our] spiritual service . . . [and] be transformed . . . that [we] may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God"
(Romans 12:1, 2, ASV).
(1 Corinthians 14:4).
John chapter 3. A man stood in the very presence of God. A teacher came seeking information. A ruler of the Jews came seeking entrance into another kingdom, the kingdom of God. The man came at night; darkness was around him.
(Mark 1:14, 15). The kingdom was an important aspect in our Lord's earthly ministry. While many who heard Him then looked for an earthly kingdom, He pointed them to a spiritual kingdom.
(Luke 17:21). It is a real kingdom and a real Christ reigns in this kingdom.
(Romans 14:17). The kingdom and entrance into it is not found through ritual or ceremony.
(Colossians 1:13).
(1 Corinthians 10:31).
(Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16, 17). All divine actions find birth in God's will and are according to His purpose
(Revelation 4:11; Ephesians 1:5, 6, 9). God's purposes and acts are for His own glory
(Isaiah 43:7; 60:21; 61:3).
(Ephesians 2:7).
(Acts 20:28). In so doing He was fulfilling His promise: "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"
(Matthew 16:18).
(Ephesians 1:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). This metaphor suggests life. The body is to cooperate with the Head who is Christ and is to be an agent to do God's will in the earth.
(Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 19:6-21;21:1,2), suggesting a relationship demanding love.
(Ephesians 2:19). Little wonder that the most common designation of believers is brother.
(Ephesians 2:7). The Church when complete will be the summit of God's creative genius.
1. That He might have a people to worship Him in Spirit and truth.
2. That the redeemed might be conformed to the image of His Son.
3. That the world might be evangelized through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(1) I will send My Spirit (John 15:26);
(2) I will build my church (Matthew 16:18);
(3) I will come again (John 14:3).
(Revelation 22:12)."
PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL, FEBRUARY 26, 1978, pages 6-9
G. RAYMOND CARLSON was Assistant General Superintendent at that time.
Before you expire
By Wayne Warner
Flower Pentecostal
Heritage Center
The work here has been set in order. We have just been having a glorious meeting: nine saved, seven received the baptism in the Spirit, and the saints have been encouraged to go on into God. We are contemplating the purchase of a church property.
— Pastor J.G. Neal
God is blessing in our regular meetings which are held every other night, besides our Bible school every Sunday morning. The Lord has begun to add souls to His church here again.
(Acts 4:29,30), knowing nothing among men but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
-R.L. Merrill
We have the most blessed baptismal services in the ocean, and many wonderful healings.
— Mrs. M.R. Collins
Mabel Harrell was one of several women who opened new cities for the gospel in the early part of the 20th century.
We pitched our canvas [14,400-square-foot tent] in August. From the first meeting, God came in power and blessed the people. Several hundred would be at the altar each time seeking Christ as their Savior, and multitudes came for prayer for their sick bodies. We had two baptismal services, at each of which the crowds were estimated to be 10,000.
—Evangelist Mabel Harrell"
Pentecostal Evangel Magazine, January 14, 2001, page 29
Is better than
The grandest unfulfilled intention
By Charles Hackett