The Pilgrim Nazarene. Volume VII No. 7 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church Nov/Dec 2010

Transcription

1 The Pilgrim Nazarene Volume VII No. 7 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church Nov/Dec 2010

2 CONTENTS Nov/Dec 2010 Volume VII No. 7 DEPARTMENTS Perspective 2 From the General Superintendent 3 The Great Commission 4 Tribute, Thanks, Appreciation 6 Activity in Our Local Churches 7 Truth for Teens 8 Grandma D s Story Time 9 Devotions for Plain Folks 10 Announcing Madelyn Grace Snodgrass 11 Voices from the Past 12 EDITOR Larry W. Pettit GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Stephen R. Snodgrass GENERAL SECRETARY Mark Russell Jr. GENERAL TREASURER Michael Covington GENERAL FOREIGN MISSIONS SECRETARY Stephen E. Robinson Printing and Circulation: Country Pines, Inc., Shoals, IN. Photo Credits: Front cover photo courtesy of Jupiter Images. The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published bi-monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 1925 W. 59th St., Davenport, IA Phone: lpetes@att.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 1925 W. 59th St., Davenport, IA the editor s perspective Things Were So Different, Yet They Are The Same I ts Christmas time, and everyone everywhere are gearing up for the coming holiday. Youth groups are practicing their Christmas programs, choirs are practicing their songs. Stewards are preparing and sharing with those in need. The merchants have started their big merchandise sales with Black Friday and protestors are objecting to public displays of manger scenes, Christmas greetings and the holiday in general. With thoughts, mediations, plays and programs the era of the birth of Christ is thought of in a desirously slow paced, rather dreamy setting. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Ever since the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, life has always been hard, unfair, filled with corruption, evil and an animosity to God and His ways. This Christmas season is really no different than long ago when Jesus Christ came to this earth by way of a manger. It began with the startling announcement that Mary was highly favored and chosen of God to bear His son. The news was almost too much for Joseph to believe but thanks to some heavenly persuasion he could see the hand and leadership of God Almighty in their lives. We little imagine the scorn, the ridicule, the shame, the unkind words and calloused looks of those who knew and were involved in Mary s life. But, she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. She knew the truth, and to know the truth is to be set free. When it did come time for the child s birth, there was no room in the inn. This speaks loudly to us today, with the merchandising of His birth yet not willing to see, believe or accept the news of Jesus Christ, Himself. He is a good means of making money but that s as far as it goes in the business world, there is no room for Him as a way of life, principle of conduct and honesty. Let him be relegated to the animal shed, there was no time, interest or concern for the fact that God Himself had taken on the form of a baby destined for a cross to be the sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. Then there was the government, when Herod heard the news, he planned, plotted and executed a murderous scenario that spread tears, grief and sorrowing hearts across the land. It is much like the rejection of Christ and Christians today in so many lands. In nations on...continued on page 11 2 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald November/December 2010

3 from the desk of the General Superintendent Rev. Stephen R. Snodgrass The Light of the World Is Jesus Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:1-6). One of the main attractions of the Christmas season is watching a baby see the lights and tinsel for the first time. I have watched our little Madelyn Grace as she sits in awe of what is playing out around her. She is attracted to the lights and will watch them for hours. The reference of Creation in verse six, whom commanded the light to shine out of darkness, was a reminder to the fact that our God is a God of Light. From the beginning of time light has been associated with God. The star that marked our Savior s birth, has continued to shine into the hearts of men from that time to this. The whole Christian walk is marked by coming out of the darkness that sin brings and entering in to the glorious light of the Gospel. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who said in John 9:5, I am the light of the world. He also preached these words in the Sermon on the Mount, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16) Couple these two passages and they bare the truth that we are to be lightbearers just as He is. Adam Clarke had this to say Matthew 5, Let your light so shine - Or more literally, Thus let your light shine, as the sun is lighted up in the firmament of heaven to diffuse its light and heat freely to every inhabitant of the earth; and as the lamp is not set under the bushel, but placed upon the lamp-stand that it may give light to all in the house; Thus let every follower of Christ, and especially every preacher of the Gospel, diffuse the light of heavenly knowledge, and the warmth of Divine love through the whole circle of their acquaintance. That they may see your good works - It is not sufficient to have light - we must walk in the light, and by the light. Our whole conduct should be a perpetual comment on the doctrine we have received, and a constant exemplification of its power and truth. And glorify your Father - Christians are the children of God - they are partakers of his holy and happy nature: they should ever be concerned for their Father s honor, and endeavor so to recommend him, and his salvation, that others may be prevailed on to come to the light, and walk in it. Then God is said to be glorified, when the glorious power of his grace is manifested in the salvation of men. The great hymnist, Philip P. Bliss, captured this truth and penned it so eloquently when he wrote, The Light of the World is Jesus: The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin; Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in; No darkness have we who in Jesus abide; We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide; Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes; Go, wash at His bidding and light will arise; No need of the sunlight in Heaven we re told; The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold; Come to the Light; tis shining for thee. Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me. Once I was blind, but now I can see. The Light of the world is Jesus. SRS November/December 2010 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 3

4 the Great Commission Dear Supporters of Missions, Over the last few months there have been several changes to your Missions Department. It was with sad regrets that the General Board received the resignation of Rev. Stephen Robinson from his position as the General Foreign Missions Secretary. In 2004, the General Conference elected Bro. Robinson to this position and under his leadership a Missions Program was formed for our church. He Church while serving in this position. We are forever indebted to you for your tireless service. In our recent General Board Meeting, the General Board voted that I work as the acting Foreign Missions Secretary until General Conference We will do our best to maintain the standard of awareness to the needs of missions that Bro. Robinson has set. From the beginning of the Missions Program, Sis. Gracie Betts has been the Helping Hands Coordinator. In February of this year she resigned her position and Steve Harbison Memorial Church Construction has made numerous trips overseas and has been diligent to keep the needs of Missions before us. He is respected on the field and his passion for souls has been contagious to those around him. I had the privilege to accompany him to India last year and witness his burden and genuine love for the people of India. While our Missions Secretary, Bro. Robinson has also stressed the need to be missionaries at home. Thank you, Bro. Robinson for your service to the Pilgrim Nazarene The Edward Robinson Memorial Well, donated by Shreveport PNC the General Board has elected Sis. Shirley Fogleman as her replacement. We want to thank Sis. Betts for her years of service and doing an excellent job of keeping the needs of missions before us. Sis. Fogleman will do a wonderful job and I challenge you to help her in any way that you can. The needs of the field are great and I m confident that the Pilgrim Nazarene people will come through to fulfill those needs....continued on page 7 4 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald November/December 2010

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6 Tribute to Sis. Mary Farr When I received the word that Sis. Mary Farr had passed away, I could not help but think that the Winchester PNC had lost a faithful member. As a neighbouring pastor for 8 years and a close friend of her pastor, I knew that she was one that could be counted on. If we were visiting Winchester church for a service, she would be there. When we would go to camp meeting, she would be there. On those special Muncie/ Winchester Christmas carolling nights, in the cold and snow, Sis. Mary Farr would be there. Bro. Bates has testified many times of her faithfulness to the church and its mission. It seems that many of the faithful members are being promoted to heaven lately. Seeing this fills me with the desire to go there, but it also leaves me with a solemn awareness of the gap that must be filled. May we all be counted as faithful as Sis. Mary Farr. Today, my wife joins me in extending our deepest sympathy to the family. May the God of all comfort surround you, may His love hold you, and may His grace fill you as you grieve this tremendous loss. Stephen R. Snodgrass General Superintendent Pilgrim Nazarene Church Pastoral Appreciation A big thank you to the stewards and people of the churches that used November as a time to show appreciation for their Pastor. One Pastor said he had been a pastor for sixteen years before some one said or showed tokens of appreciation. Being a Pastor can be a thankless job at times, so it is a blessing to be appreciated. Here are some tokens of appreciation shown by the churches: Different families have the Pastor s family over for a meal and fellowship Give them money to go out to eat Give the Pastor and his wife a Bed and Breakfast date Give the Pastor money to purchase a new suit Give the Pastor some books of interest to read The list could go on, may the Lord bless you as you care for your Pastor. Our family would like to thank each of you for your kindness to us this last year. Thank you for your support, generosity and most of all the prayers. The Snodgrass family will be ever indebted to each of you for your faithful friendship. Connie is progressing more each day and we thank the Lord for His touch on her life. We are thankful for little Madelyn Grace, who has been an inspiration in our home these past six months. This Christmas season we are thankful for the Gift, Jesus Christ. Without Him, we would have no hope. It is a privilege to serve the Pilgrim Nazarene Church family. We look forward to a bright future with Jesus as our Guide. May the Peace of God bless each of you this Christmas! Stephen, Connie, Katelyn, Tara and Madelyn Snodgrass 6 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald November/December 2010

7 Millersburg, Kentucky PNC The Millersburg PNC was closed for more than a year and Rev. Judy Jolly and her husband had a burden that would not go away. The people of Millersburg need to hear the Glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. The first Sunday of November was their first service. They and the people are rejoicing the church is opened once again. Join them in praying that, God would give an increase and precious souls would be saved. The Great Commission Continued from page 4 Bro. Johnpaul Pinapati has provided us with a picture of the latest progress on the Steve Harbison Memorial Church. Construction was delayed due to the rainy season, but workers are back on the job and progress is being made. The Shreveport PNC, sent money for a well to be drilled and placed in memory of Bro. Edward Robinson, the father of Bro. Steve Robinson. That well has been drilled and it is now serving many in that village with good drinking water. So far four water wells have been drilled and our goal is twenty-five more. After being there and seeing this need first-hand, I can tell you that it is a worthy cause. The cost per well is $ In this Thanksgiving and Christmas season, let us take time to reflect on our blessings and give to missions as a token of our thanksgiving. The orphans, the widows, the HIV victims, the lepers, the pastors and Bro. Johnpaul and his family need your prayers and support. May God continue to bless each of you as you help to carry on the Great Commission. Yours for Missions, Stephen R. Snodgrass November/December 2010 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 7

8 Truth Don t Miss Christmas! Have you ever given someone directions to a certain place and then added the words, you can t miss it! Later they call you, lost and confused because they missed it. We all know it is possible to miss something while it is right in front of us. Every year in America and around the world, at Christmas time we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Yet many people who participate in Christmas celebrations are oblivious to the true reality of what and who it is they are celebrating. Jesus is the reason we celebrate this time of year. Recently, I read a humorous story about a man who went into the bus station in Athens, Georgia, to buy a ticket to Greenville, South Carolina. The ticket clerk told him that the bus would be a little late. While he was waiting, he thought he d walk around the station. He spotted a machine that had a sign that read: For 25 cents, I will tell you your name, your age, your hometown, and other interesting information. The man was sure it was a scam, but his curiosity got the best of him and he put a quarter in the machine. A card came out of the machine which read: Your name is Bill Jones. You are 35 years old. You live in Athens, Georgia. You are waiting for a bus to Greenville. The bus is delayed. The man was dumbfounded. How could that machine know these things? He quickly put in another quarter. The card read: As I told you before, your name is Bill Jones. You are 35 years old. You live in Athens, Georgia. You are waiting for a bus to Greenville. The bus is delayed a little longer. The man decided he would try to stump the machine. So he ran across the street to a toy store, where he bought a pair of those funny glasses with thick eyebrows and a mustache. He also bought a wig and a cane. Then he hobbled back to the station. He approached the machine and inserted a quarter. Out came the card and it read: Well, it s you again. Your name is still Bill Jones. You are still 35 years old. You still live in Athens, Georgia and you still want to go to Greenville, South Carolina. But the problem is that while you weren t paying attention, you missed your bus! While this is just a story and we do not support fortune-telling activity, bears home a truth. We can buy gift for our friends and family and still miss celebrating Jesus. We can go to church, participate in the Christmas program, sing Christmas carols in the church and to the shut-ins and still forget why we are celebrating. Don t miss it! Stop right now to reflect on WHY we celebrate! Acknowledge WHO we celebrate and worship Him. Don t look back on Christmas and say, I think I missed it. 8 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald November/December 2010

9 An Old Umbrella In the beautiful land of Scotland, there was a castle where Queen Victoria of England and her family stayed sometimes, many years ago. Edward, their son, was really tired of always having bodyguards with him wherever he went. He wished for just one day to be just plain Edward. He wanted to roam over the Scottish hillside without having someone hovering over him watching his every move. Approaching his mother, he made his request known to her and the young prince was granted permission to do just that. He was delighted! A picnic lunch was provided for him, and he set off for an enjoyable afternoon. How carefree he felt climbing hills wading streams eating his lunch such freedom he had never known before. Unfortunately, young Prince Edward, who was about twelve years of age at that time, had not taken into consideration that the weather in these hills could change quickly from sunshine to rain. He was quite a distance from the castle when he was caught in a great downpour of rain. He was used to having everything planned for him and now he was on his own. What should he do? He did not have anything with him to protect him from the downpour. Oh there! Down that little lane he spotted a small cottage. Hurrying down the lane, he knocked loudly on the door of the little cottage and anxiously waited for someone to answer. He noticed a face peering through a slightly drawn curtain. He knocked again more loudly, and finally an elderly lady opened the door. Edward asked her if he might seek shelter in her home from the storm. The woman grudgingly let him in. He found himself in a scantily furnished cottage so different from his own elaborate home. He noticed two umbrellas in the corner by the door one fairly new and the other so old that some of the ribs were sticking out. May I borrow an umbrella? he asked, promising to faithfully have it returned to her the next day. As the woman looked at the wet, bedraggled boy, she hesitated, but Edward continued to ask. She finally consented, saying, Mind, you bring it back! Which one do you suppose she lent him? The old one, of course The next morning, the woman heard horses hooves on her lane and peering out her window again, what do you suppose she saw? To her amazement, there was a magnificent carriage bearing the royal Crest, drawn by beautiful horses. The driver and footman were dressed in royal uniforms. As the footman took the old umbrella from the carriage and started toward the door, she opened it quickly this time. The footman greeted her politely and said, My young master wished me to return your umbrella, Madam, with his grateful thanks for your kindness in loaning it to him. He also wishes to give you some small token of his gratitude, and thought you would like something containing a portrait of his mother. He placed into her hand a gold coin. As the woman inspected the coin, she saw the portrait of the great Queen Victoria. She whispered to herself, I had in my home the son of the Monarch of my country and I gave him not my best but my worst! And that with suspicion and grudge. As the sound of the horses hooves grew fainter, she felt ashamed as she held the token of her future King. I wonder boys and girls has the King of Kings knocked at your heart s door? Have you willingly invited him in? Author unknown, adapted by Grandma D Mrs. Dorothy Tiethoff is Grandma D. She would love to hear from you! Her address is grandmadt@juno.com. SUBSCRIBE NOW... The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published bi-monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 1925 W. 59th St., Davenport, IA Phone: lpetes@att.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. November/December 2010 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 9

10 Rev. Larry W. Pettit Javelin Throwing And there was a javelin in Saul s hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it (I Sam, 18: 10-11). javelin is like a spear or a lance. Its primary purpose is to A cause harm or death. King Saul had just heard the young ladies singing, Saul had slain his thousands and David his ten thousands in his heart, he imagined what more could it be; but for David to have the throne to his kingdom. An evil spirit imagined and a sinful heart enacted by jealousy causing him to act out his anger and rage, throwing the javelin with the intent to kill David. As a result; a friendship, a confidence and a trust had been shattered. This was not the only time Saul turned to javelin throwing. Only two chapters later, he was enraged at his own son, Jonathan, And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him (I Sam 20:33). Javelin throwing can become a habit or a way of living even though it causes regret and self disappointment. It becomes second nature or seemingly a fixed trait of one s personality. Javelin throwing became a way for Saul to handle his frustrations and to vent his anger. It became impossible for him to have a civil conversation and to be able to control his own emotions and angry out-bursts. Javelin throwing is not something that was just limited to the Old Testament days. Javelin throwers are still around today. I have witnessed javelin throwing in family situations, church settings, on the job and almost anywhere one could imagine. I have seen children, no doubt influenced by what they have seen and heard at home throw javelins of unkind and hurtful words and comments at their siblings and peers or even at their own parents. Husbands and wives have exchanged javelins with demeaning, belittling, derogatory and spiteful words. These javelins of words like King Saul s javelin once they are thrown it is impossible to undo or call them back. Oh, there may be the sorrow and regret after it has been thrown or said and there may even be tearful apologies only to be repeated again and again. Some javelins; are javelins of a get back spirit or attitude, or javelins of always bringing up the past, that are meant as digs, spite, or ones way of a controlling spirit. Either way their design is like King Saul, a javelin thrown that was meant to bring about harm. What is the cause for such an awful condition to be so prevalent and owned by all of the human race in some degree or another? We find the answer coming from the words of Jesus Christ, himself; Mt 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Mt 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Again in Mt. 15:18, Jesus says, But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. The answer is; what is in the heart comes out of the mouth by way of words and also by actions and reactions, attitude and dispositions. The next question is: is there any help or hope for one, who realizes they are captive and controlled by this evil spirit like King Saul? Yes, the answer is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is the sacrifice and atonement for our sins. If we will confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. He then told his disciples to tarry until they be endued with power and as we study God s Word, we see they did just that and on Pentecost their hearts were purified by faith (Acts 15:9) and cleansed from the carnal nature ( I Jn. 1:9). This Divine work of God is also known as sanctification. The javelin throwing in one s life can be brought to a halt. If you realize you are guilty of this, ask offended parties for forgiveness as far as is possible, ask God to forgive you and then ask God to cleanse your heart of this awful carnal trait. If you will pray and seek God with all of your heart, He will hear and answer your prayer and bring a blessed peace and deep heart felt joy. The javelin throwing can cease. Praise His blessed name! 10 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald November/December 2010

11 MADELYN GRACE SNODGRASS Our family has grown by 2 feet!! Born May 15, lbs, 3 oz. She is welcome and loved by: Stephen & Connie, Katelyn & Tara Snodgrass Things Were So Different, Yet They Are the Same Continued from page 2 the continent of Africa, in China, in Egypt, in Iraq, and Muslim nations around the world, Great Briton, France and Spain all are seeing the murder of Christians and other civilians all because of Christianity and those who hold Christian beliefs. Yes, it seems like things so long ago were so different, but in reality nothing much has changed; they are the same. We still see two sides, Heaven s side and an earthly side; spiritual reality and a material reality, a godly culture verses an ungodly culture. Decisions are still being made like long ago, that will affect all of our tomorrows and our eternal welfare and destination. The only thing that is really different is the fact that it is you and I, who are putting our footprints in the sands of time and we are the ones deciding whether we will accept or reject the announcement of the angels to the shepherds on a lonely hill of Judea when they made it known; For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:11-14). What? No Church Sign! Have you ever heard the statement, It could only happen in America? Driving in a couple of different states of America, a very peculiar thing was noticed, and it was noticed only at Holiness Churches. Could that statement be changed to say, It could only happen in the Holiness Church? The noticeable oddity was that there was either no church sign at the church or there was a sign but it contained no information concerning worship times or Pastoral information. Some may say, So what, no big deal since we live in what the media calls a post Christian era, who needs church anyways? Pastor or some layman, please look out front at your church, see if you have a sign and that is well lit and the information on it is up to date. There is still a world that is lost and headed to a real, Hell and people need to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without a sign, I will guarantee most likely not one person will knock on the door and ask, What time are your services? Without a sign, you are telling the public they are not wanted, or it may appear you are a private club and your gathering times are secret. Without a vision, people perish. Without a burden, souls can not be reached for Jesus. Without some common sense, are they just playing Church? November/December 2010 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 11

12 The Pilgrim Nazarene 1925 W. 59th St. Davenport, IA The Christmas Spirit by A. B. Simpson A Christmas spirit should be a spirit of humility. Beside that beautiful object lesson of the manger, the cradle and the lowly little baby, what Christian heart can ever wish to be proud? It is a spirit of joy. It is right that these should be glad tidings for the angle announced, Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. It is a spirit of love. It should be the joy that comes from giving joy to others. The central fact of Christmas is the Christ who loved us and came to live among us and die for us. He or she has no right to share its joy that is living for him or herself alone. Love is always sacrificial, and so the Christmas spirit will call us to a glad and full surrender first to God and then to the joyful sacrifice of what we call our own for His glory and the good of others. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of worship. It finds the Magi at His feet with their gold and frankincense and myrrh. Let it find us there, too. The Christmas spirit is the spirit of missions. Its glad tidings are for all people.