The Pilgrim Nazarene

Transcription

1 The Pilgrim Nazarene Volume V No. 1 The Official Organ of The Pilgrim Nazarene Church January 2008 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it Revelation 3:8

2 perspective Brand New Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 W e enter history at the time of Isaiah. Israel was being held captive by Babylon, but Isaiah saw the approaching deliverance. He took quill in one hand and parchment in the other and began to eloquently paint the picture of deliverance for the chosen nation. As he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he challenged the people to think outside of the box when anticipating their future. The Israelite nation had seen many wonders brought about by the powerful hand of God. Many stories had been handed down to them from the good-ole-days. Stories of their heritage. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Joshua These stories were seared into their memories. Isaiah was not telling them to completely wipe the former things from their minds, but when considering tomorrow and the days approaching, they were to expect God to move in a way that had never been heard of or seen before. It is pleasant to remember and talk about the different times God has moved in our life. While we find strength in reflecting on past triumphs in the midst of our current trials, the tendency is to compare then with now. In so doing, we limit our expectations of what God wants to do for us today and tomorrow. The old was good, but it has served its purpose. We no longer have to reminisce, because we can joyfully anticipate what God is going to do for us. It is a NEW THING, that He wants to do for us. We stand on the threshold of a new year A new calendar is set before us. It is full of new seconds, new minutes, new days, weeks, months. But the new calendar also represents new opportunities. Opportunities to declare your devotion. Opportunities to test your faith. Opportunities for God to do something new in your life and your walk with Him. When looking into the year 2008, let s remember not the former things, but rather anticipate a new thing. Isaiah also noted that, it shall spring forth. Just wait it may surprise you! But one thing is sure He will be there to guide you through the uncharted days of this new year, and He has promised to never leave you, nor forsake you. ~SRS January 2008 Volume V No. 1 FEATURES Church News 6 DEPARTMENTS Perspective 2 From the General Superintendent 3 Friends of Missions 5 Truth for Teens 8 Grandma D s Story Time 9 Devotions for Plain Folks 10 Pilgrimaging 11 EDITOR Stephen R. Snodgrass GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Dale N. Hayford GENERAL SECRETARY David E. Taylor GENERAL TREASURER James H. Dunegan GENERAL FOREIGN MISSIONS SECRETARY Stephen E. Robinson CONTENTS Photo Credits: Front Cover photo courtesy of The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. Phone: stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org Web Address: Postmaster: Please send address changes to: The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January 2008

3 From the General Superintendent s Desk The Immutability of Christ Gives Assurance by Dale N. Hayford, General Superintendent I t has been said that no people is ever more than a generation (a generation untaught in the arts of civility, that is) away from barbarism. So far as can be told from the record of history, we are always nearer to the edge of the abyss of decay, decline, and disintegration than it is easy to imagine in peaceful and orderly times. The debate at the Constitutional Convention during the beginning of our nation went on for weeks with no resolution in sight. Some began to despair that anything would ever be worked out. Benjamin Franklin proposed at that juncture that the daily sessions of the convention be opened by prayer. Franklin pointed out that: In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered... And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this... It is well to be reminded of the foundation upon which our great nation was built. Nations, individuals, churches all face the possibility and in some cases likelihood of fading strength. One who once was considered the most beautiful woman in the world is in the sunset of life with wrinkles in her face. A certain man once preached with power warned against false prophets, was fearless in his denunciation of sin. Now sadly he has gone back to the group he once condemned for having lost their message and their way in these apostate times. Such accounts should speak loudly as a caution to all. One individual recounted visiting a camp ground and experienced sadness of heart upon the remembrance of the once full parking lot and the altars that were once lined with seekers. Today, only a few cars were found in the lot and the altar likewise had few hungry seekers after God. A distinct reminder that if God s glory is not carefully maintained, change will be seen in spiritual erosion. Oswald Chambers stated, The remarkable thing in the record of the Ages that have been, and that are, and January 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 3

4 that are going to be, is that each Age ends in apparent disaster. A small lad, making his way through a graveyard, stopped to read an inscription on the headstone marking a grave. He was intrigued by the following epitaph: Stop, my friend, as you go by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, you soon shall be. So prepare yourself to follow me. The boy stood there for some time thinking. Then, taking a piece of crayon from his pocket, he wrote this message: To follow you I m not content, Until I know which way you went. Unknown. Yes, change is all around us. In spite of that fact, we are comforted in the privilege of knowing a wondrous Christ. He is the changeless One. He is unaffected by time or change. He is peerless. There is no one like Him! This Christ stands changeless. Consider Hebrews 13:7 and 8, Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Jesus Christ being the same is a reference to the leaders mentioned in verse 7. Christ s life is eternal. It is eternal for all those who receive it. His message is eternal. He is the Ancient of Days. Hebrews 1:10 12 speak of this incomparable, changeless One. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. This same Lord has promised to return again. Paul the apostle kept before the people the coming of the Lord, with one hand holding up entire sanctification and with the other the Lord s return to earth. 4 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January 2008 Though society decays, and the church in general apostatizes, we have the promise that our unchanging Christ will supply sufficient grace for all that are faithful to Him. My heart longs to see the One I love and serve. He is coming soon and it will be worth every battle to hear Him say, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: and enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21). DNH BROTHER HAYFORD S CONTACT INFORMATION 504 Valley West Dr. Rogers, AR (479) home (479) cell dhayford@pilgrimnazarene.org The works of righteousness (holiness) shall be peace, and the effects of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. It is not a state in which we do not sympathize with the joy and sorrows of others. It is not a state of exemption from physical or mental suffering. It is not a state of exemption from Christian warfare, or a state of inglorious ease from labor and Christian duty. It is a state of settled and complete satisfaction in God, He being all in all to the soul. From Daily Guide for the Sanctified by J. M. Humphrey

5 The Great Commission ear Friends of Missions, D What a wonderful opportunity you and I have to pray and believe God to help us with a very special need! Our India field has been hit very hard financially since September of this year. Brother Dunegan had been going each month and sending the funds to India by way of Western Union. When he went in September, they refused to send the funds, and began to inquire with questions that he could not answer. Brother Dunegan left there and immediately contacted me. The amount of money that was being sent to India brought a red flag and we became an object of scrutiny. I called the office and tried to work things out with Western Union, but they kept requiring more and more, until I would have had to go back to the very first business session of our new church and bring documented proof of many things. Brother Dunegan feels like it has to do with things tightening up due to 9/11. Brother Ross and Brother Covington had some funds left over after finishing up their preacher's meeting there in India, and left the remaining money with Brother Johnpaul. This was the only funds that they have had until November. Brother Johnpaul wrote to me and told me that he could cash checks as long as they were not over $600. I went to my bank and had them make out 9 checks for nearly $5,400.00, and then I sent them registered mail. I tried to send funds as safely as I possibly could. I went for one month and did not hear a word from Brother Johnpaul. Needless to say, I was tremendously concerned. Unknown to me Saharan, (Brother John s wife) had to go to her village and find a wife for her brother since she was the oldest in the family. There was no phone service there and therefore I did not hear anything. When they got back to their place, Brother Johnpaul made contact with me and let me know where they had been. He had received the nine checks, but was having great difficulty in getting them cashed. I just received an from him on December 18th, telling me that the bank had finally cashed 3 of the checks. They are holding the other 6 checks. Please take this opportunity to really pray and ask Jesus to move upon the heart of the banker to cash the remaining checks. Brother Johnpaul told me about another company called Money. I am going tomorrow and check with them about working with us to get much needed funds to India. Would you join me and ask Jesus to perform a miracle so that the pastors, orphans, and widows will be able to receive their support. I know that God is able! I just received Brother Tony Ross's and Brother Mike Covington's reports of their trip to India. Both of the reports were in great detail and both gave a very promising report. I will give you details of their trip to India in a later article. I believe much was accomplished by their willingness to go! Don't forget that this turn of events gives you and I a great OPPORTUNITY to put God to the test through prayer, fasting, and obedience! God can and will help us find a way to get the necessary funds to our brothers and sisters in India. I believe God! Our foreign mission tour has begun and will be completed in January. Thanks to Brothers Ross, Covington, and Russell for their help in making this tour! Thank each and every one of you who are doing your best to support our foreign missions work! Love and Prayers, Stephen E. Robinson REV. STEPHEN E. ROBINSON General Foreign Missions Secretary (318) srobinson@pilgrimnazarene.org missions@pilgrimnazarene.org GRACIE BETTS General Boxwork Administrator (318) egbetts@pilgrimnazarene.org boxwork@pilgrimnazarene.org FIELDS OF SERVICE INDIA MEXICO SOUTH AFRICA January 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5

6 Church News Snodgrass, pastor of Pleasant Grove PNC, preached from Romans 6. The Lord moved in a wonderful way, and several sought His help in the altar service. Brother Bryan Shields, Brother Joseph Owens, Brother Steve Snodgrass O n July 29th, 2007, three churches in the state of Alabama began to combine their services on each 5th Sunday evening. The first service was held at the Pilgrim Nazarene Church in Pleasant Grove. Brother Joseph Owens, pastor of Greater Faith Tabernacle in Tuscaloosa, preached the evening message on the Marriage at Cana. The Lord helped him as he preached to about eighty people who were in attendance. On September 30th, they met at Greater Faith Tabernacle in Tuscaloosa, where Brother Steve They gathered again on December 30th, in Jasper at the Pilgrim Nazarene Church, where Brother Bryan Shields is the pastor. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and rejoicing. Once again we thanked the Lord for His strength and presence in the year of The Lord anointed Brother Owens as he preached on Strive to Enter In at the Strait Gate. Each one left with a fresh determination to strive to enter the Kingdom of God. ~SRS Take a minute to send your church news for this page! PILGRIM NAZARENE CHURCH COMMISSIONED EVANGELISTS Charles Boardman, 805 South Mesa Dr., Mesa, AZ 85210, home , cell Larry Coltura, 203 N. Center St., Lockridge, IA Bobby Davis, 5104 NW Cherry Ave., Lawton, OK 73505, Clindel Harbison, 312 Williamson Dr., Pell City, AL 35215, home , cell David Letts, E. University, #60, Apache Junction, AZ 89220, Larry Pettit, 4119 S. Lynhurst Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46221, Tony Ross, 325 Jefferson, Lake Charles, LA 70605, home , cell Bryan Shields, th Ave., Jasper, AL 35507, home , cell George Stevenson, 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd., Cordova, AL 35550, COMMISSIONED SONG EVANGELISTS Brad & Gillian Davis, 145 Linden Dr., Jackson, MO 63755, Bryan Shields, th Ave., Jasper, AL 35507, home , cell George Stevenson, 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd., Cordova, AL 35550, Kathy Zink, P. O. Box 237, Anton, TX 79313, The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January 2008

7 The Bentonville Pilgrim Nazarene Church announces its 2008 Indoor Camp February 22 March 2, 2008 REV. MARSHALL SMART EVANGELIST REV. DALE HAYFORD EVANGELIST REV. JOHN CONAWAY, SR. EVANGELIST REV. BOB DAVIS EVANGELIST LARRY AND LADONNA THOMAS SINGERS Special Event Church Dedication March 2, 4:00 pm Come and join with us for a time of oldold-fashioned, Holy Ghost campmeeting. A warm welcome awaits you!! For Lodging and other information, contact Rev. Melvin Waters, Pastor Bentonville Pilgrim Nazarene Church 505 N.W. 5th Street Bentonville, AR (479) / (479) January 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 7

8 Truth for teens The Door A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of hearing Rev. Matthew Malloyed preach a message on salvation. He painted a picture of salvation that I have never seen before. He simply made this statement, Salvation is as easy as opening a door. And how true his statement was. REV. TROY TRUITT Sunday School and Youth Evangelism Chairman (573) troytruitt@pilgrimnazarene.org youth@pilgrimnazarene.org Jesus said, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20) How many doors have you opened in the last few moments? You do it without a second thought. Yet, what boggles my mind is how many people refuse to open the door of their heart for Jesus to come in. In Saint Paul s Cathedral in London hangs Holman Hunt s artistic masterpiece, The Light of the World. It is the picture of a cottage that is run down, and bushes and briars have grown up around it. The walkway is covered by weeds and grass, and the hinges are rusty and stained by the elements of nature. 8 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January 2008 Standing at the door, Jesus is holding a lantern in one hand which gives off light to every part of the picture, and He is knocking with the other hand. Most people refer to that picture as Christ Waiting at the Door, or Christ Knocking at the Door, but the artist himself named it The Light of the World. After Hunt completed that picture, a discerning critic said to him, Mr. Hunt, you made a mistake. There is no handle on the door! The artist gently replied, No, my friend, I did not make a mistake for there is a handle. The handle is on the inside. Once a little girl and her father were standing at the cathedral looking at that beautiful picture. They were mesmerized as they gazed upon the picture, and they sought to understand and interpret its meaning. The two stood there in silence for five, ten and then fifteen minutes. The quietness was broken when the little girl in her childlike way asked a very simple question, Daddy, did they ever let Him in? ~TAT

9 Grandma D s Story Time Samson the fish & Jonah W ay, way down in the depths of the sea there lived a family of fish. There was Mama Fish, who worked very hard to keep her sea bungalow clean. There was Papa Fish, who took his lunch pail full of worm sandwiches every day as he went to work. There was Itty Bitty Fish with a BIG mouth, Ike and Mike, the troublesome twins, and Samson, the fish who grew bigger than all his brothers and sisters. In fact, he grew so big that they all made fun of him. bigger until He just kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger he could no longer fit through the door of his home. Because of his brothers and sisters laughing and making fun of him, he told his mother he was leaving home. Mama tried to comfort him, Just you never mind how your brothers and sisters laugh at you. God made you special and one of these days God will use you in a wonderful way. But he could not be persuaded to stay. Good bye, Mama Good bye, Papa, and off he went into the vast unknown area of the sea. One day, Samson heard a Voice saying, Samson, I have need of you follow my Voice and do as I command you. Samson somehow knew the Voice was the Voice of his Creator God. So he followed the Voice until he came upon a man thrashing around in the water and yelling at the top of his lungs. The Voice said, Samson, swallow that man. Samson was obedient to the Voice and swallowed him. Once inside the belly of the big fish, this man (Jonah) thought, Now what? He began to pray Oh God, I m sorry I ran away from the call to be Your missionary. If You will give me one more chance, I will obey You. It was foolish of me to think I could run away from You, for God is everywhere. God heard his prayer, and after three days and nights of crying and praying the prayer of repentance, God said to Samson, Go to the shore and spit up the man you have in your belly. Samson obeyed and a very frightened, stinking, slimy, icky Jonah was spit out on the shore. God spoke the second time, Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city. And preach unto it the preaching I bid thee. Here s what happened: 1. Jonah went as fast as he could toward the city of Ninevah. 2. He traveled into the city and cried, In forty days Ninevah will be destroyed if you do not repent. (Ninevah was a very large city.) 3. The people became alarmed. They believed the message from God. 4. The king and all the people put on sackcloth, which was a sign of being sorry. 5. The king told everyone to FAST (go without food) and PRAY! 6. They not only fasted and prayed but stopped their sinning. 7. God saw their repentant hearts and did not destroy their city. What about Samson?? He was so excited to think that God had used him in this special way, he hurried home to tell Mama and he never again felt sorry for himself. God has a special plan for every person. If you follow Jesus, He will show you His plan for you! We can learn from this story that it is best to obey the first time He talks to us! Grandma D Adapted from 30 Fish and God by Annette Keene used by permission. The Pilgrim Nazarene SUBSCRIBE NOW... By Phone: By stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org By Internet: By Mail: Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5428 Walnut Dr. Sylvan Springs, AL January 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 9

10 Devotions for Plain Folk Rev. Larry W. Pettit Pilate saith unto them, what shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, let him be crucified. Matthew 27:22 H appy New Year! The old year is behind and a brand new year stands before us. I always like the New Year time of the year. It is a time for reflection, to look back on my heart and life in this past year. It is a time to draw near to God. It is a time to look ahead, to pray for guidance, direction, and His anointing in our lives. As we do so, I am so glad for Jesus Christ and the difference He makes in my life. This verse stands out to me as I begin a New Year and I face the question, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ. This is really a question we should all ask ourselves. Pilate, unbeknownst to him, was having a meeting of greatest import and magnitude that would shape his eternal destination. It was a direct question, and a disturbing question, an answer must be given. It was a personal question and it had pressing implications both for now and forever. What shall I do with Jesus? Every human being will face this question. Let s look and see what kind of response we could give. We could crucify Him by our indifference to the question, saying it does not apply, or I am not interested. We can crucify Him with our ingratitude, after all He has done for us, (He came to earth to live, die on a cross and rise from the dead that we can have forgiveness of our sins). We could also crucify Him with our positive love for sin, or we can choose to admire His manhood, He is God in the flesh, our Redeemer, our Savior. We can admire His talents and abilities, His character and teachings. We can choose to repent of our sins, accept Him as our Savior and enthrone Him in our hearts as Lord. What can I not do with Jesus? We cannot mistake Him for someone else. He is most unique, John 1:1 tells us, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Verse 14 says, and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. We can not change his terms, He said, 10 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald January 2008 except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3) We can not get along forever without Him. We may do so now and face life s sorrows, life s pains, and may even endeavor to face death without Him. But, then all will face Him for the Bible tells us, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God Romans 14: That brings us to the next question, what have I done with Jesus? Some have repented and accepted Him as Savior and Lord of their lives. What blessings of such a life guilt for sins removed, a life changed by Divine transformation, a hope, peace and love implanted into our hearts. Others, have refused to repent or acknowledge His Lordship over their lives. Some have promised to do so or to do better but have not. Some have agreed that that is what they should do but have not. Some have protested to God s whole plan of salvation or have delayed making a decision to do something for their eternal welfare. Why should I do anything with Jesus? The answer is because of sin in our lives, because of the depth of sin we have gone to and the fact that death and the judgment stand before us. As we face a New Year, consider what that means to ourselves, what it has meant to Jesus, and the possible answers we could give. We could remain indifferent, or reject Him completely or we could choose to love and put our faith and confidence in Him. When should I decide that question? Not yesterday, for that is gone and we won t have it again. Not tomorrow, for that day is not here yet and it may not ever come for us. Today is the time because we have no assurance of another tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation. I look at the New Year and am so glad to reflect, inspect and expect what God has for each one of us in the days ahead. What will you do with Jesus? ~LWP

11 PILGRIMAGING WITH Brother Hayford T uesday, November 6, Sister Hayford and I took two of our grandsons with us to hear a lecture on the creation. The human mind is incapable of comprehending the greatness of God. It seems to me that the design in this incredible universe is irrefutable evidence that there was a supernatural mind behind the existence of this beautiful cosmos. It is wonderful to know Him. Wednesday, November 7, it was my privilege to be the evangelist in a revival effort in our Bentonville, Arkansas church. This is the first revival to be held in the new church. There was an unusual amount of sickness in the beginning of the meeting that hindered, but God did help, and gave us a good closing. Sunday, November 11, God s presence came in a wonderful way. The Bentonville crowd is a wonderful crowd and Brother Melvin Waters is a wonderful pastor. We thank and praise God for His help in this revival effort. Monday, November 12, I spent most of the day picking up leaves with the help of my grandson, Chet. God established the seasons and they are constant reminders of His overshadowing care. I am also reminded that He keeps His promises without failure. Thursday, November 22, the Waters family joined us at our table and we gave God thanks for blessings too many to number as we enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal together. The following Sunday we were blessed of God as we worshiped in our home church and were fed by the ministry of Pastor Waters. We enjoyed a good altar service following the evening message. November 6 December 3, 2007 no better hosts than Brother and Sister Swearengin, and it was a privilege to be able to preach twice on Sunday to the wonderful Cabot people. It was a privilege to have my soul edified and challenged under the Sunday School teaching of Brother Cross. I thank God for pastor and people in Cabot. Monday, December 3, we traveled home and were grateful to God for traveling mercies and all of the blessings He pours upon us so freely. It is good to be a Christian. Thank God for the cleansing blood. We also thank God for the Pilgrim Nazarene people. It is a privilege to serve you. I have had many calls with some who have been victims of serious illnesses and their family members. We praise God that He saw fit to spare Sister Jim Dunegan who came very close to going home to heaven. Keep praying for the Dunegans. The Truitts continue their battle with Andrea s leukemia. Brother Bryan Shields is recovering slowly after surgery for cancer and is still facing some difficult days. Jason Tarter and the Tarter family is still in need of prayer. Of all that are facing these difficult times I have not heard one complaint against God, but only praise to God. The Harbisons and the Everharts are still grieving over the loss of Brother Steve Harbison and Brother Sam Everhart. Of course, those of us on earth are the ones who sorrow. But thank God at the same time we rejoice that these two men have fought their last battle. If we could only see what they are enjoying it would doubtless thrill our hearts. But now we see through a glass darkly. Heaven s pull is stronger. After some profitable days in the office, I was able to spend a full day of relaxation with the family. Saturday, December 1, Sister Hayford and I drove to Cabot, Arkansas, where we were greeted at the parsonage by Brother and Sister Swearengin and Geoff. Yes, Butch, the Boxer, was there too. We spent Sunday with them and their people. There are Sister Hayford and I are looking forward to seeing many of you at Preachers Meeting. May I challenge all to pray for a mighty move of God upon that meeting. Surely the Lord s coming is soon. Let us all heed the exhortation of Jesus and occupy until He comes. Keep looking up and listening for the shout! DNH January 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 11

12 Pilgrim Nazarene Church 1055 Base Road Greensburg, Indiana January 22 24, 24, 2008 (1st Service Tuesday, the 22nd, at 7:30 pm) Special Speaker Rev. Daniel Stetler President of Hobe Sound Bible College Hobe Sound, Florida For more information, contact Rev. Don Bates (812) or (317)