Volume VII No. 1 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church January, 2010

Transcription

1 Volume VII No. 1 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church January, 2010

2 CONTENTS January, 2010 Volume VII No. 1 Perspective 2 From the General Superintendent 3 Preacher s Meeting Info 5 Home Mission Report 6 Truth for Teens 8 Story Time 9 Devotions for Plain Folk 10 From My Journal 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 The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 1515 Marquette 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 1515 Marquette St. Davenport, IA the perspective editor s Jesus is coming and His coming may be soon. How many think, feel, and sense Jesus return may be soon? Yet, how many are afraid to speak or witness about such a possibility? You say, They have been saying that since my Grandma was a little girl. Remember II Peter 3:3-4 warns us, Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. Hebrews 10:37 says, For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry, How many have been alarmed at what is happening and taking place on the world scene, in the church world, and even in one s own life? Things are changing and changing quickly and there are many more gigantic changes that will shortly take place if we are living as close to the coming of Christ as we may think. In society, we have seen a shift in what our culture believes, or will allow to be believed, ever since the accepting of the toleration doctrine. The toleration doctrine begins with what it will not tolerate; seemingly it does not tolerate absolutes, or belief in God and in Christ. This has polarized the masses into accepting whatever you think, then that is right. Notice how the public is being programmed or directed in a certain direction, and believe me, there is an agenda. A memo put out by Homeland Security director warned that Christians, Bible believing individuals, people that take a stand (such as antiabortion beliefs), 2nd amendment gun rights advocates and even returning military personnel could be national terrorists. After 9-11 remember, Christians were equated with the Taliban, you are being set up; Christians are being put in the cross-hairs. Yet many don t want to face the reality of this. For over thirty-five years eschatology, or the study of the end time events, has been a passion of mine and yet many Christians and preachers are not sure of the doctrine of the return of Christ; some feel there are too many theories and fear to state an opinion, and some feel it is irrelevant and don t study, talk about let alone preach on the subject. It is time as we face a new year to challenge our churches and ourselves individually to make this year, a year of real prayer and Bible study. Enough with the excuses of why not, or procrastination, faith coming by hearing and hearing by the word of God, it is time to stir ourselves with the hope of the ages. Jesus said in Mark 13:34-37, For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in...continued on page 7

3 from the desk of the General Superintendent Rev. Stephen R. Snodgrass Fighting to f i n i s h I h a v e f o u g h t a g o o d f i g h t, I h a v e finished m y c o u r s e, I h a v e k e p t t h e f a i t h: II Timothy 4:7 the gate closes on an old year and we As step into the new, the tradition is to set new goals and resolutions for ourselves in many aspects of life. I have already begun to receive the many advertisements promoting anything from exercise equipment to a new way to organize my garage. Now do not let me lead you to believe that I m against any advancement in the direction to becoming more healthy or organized. I appreciate the many helps that we receive from the retailers. I also appreciate the opportunity to give things a fresh start. The only problem that I see with the many New Year s resolutions is the lack of New Year s resolve. More emphasis is placed on the start and less is placed on the finish. I m very aware that the one must start before he can finish, but we start so we can finish. A builder is not commended on the blueprint that he had drawn up, but rather the finished product once the homeowner takes possession. An artist s work is not fully appreciated, until the last stroke is placed on the canvas and it hangs for the scrutiny of the public eye. The surgeon s job is not complete until the last stitch is tied and the patient is in recovery. The potter s skill is not fully appreciated until his work has come through the fire. The savings account is never fully appreciated, until it is time for retirement. Starting is great, but finishing is the goal. When the Apostle Paul was coming down to the end of his course, he was able to write, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Paul recognized early in his Christian walk that he would have to fight if he were to finish. Before you face the challenges of a new year, you must realize that there will be conflict. When you strive to spend more time in private devotions; know in advance that the devil will do his best to hinder you. When you commit to spending more time evangelizing in your community, be assured that with it will come setbacks. When you resolve to give more for the many worthy causes of the Kingdom, remember there will be times when it will require more sacrifice than what you imagined. But always remember that with conflict, we have a Heavenly Father, who has promised to be by our side in every situation. The Christian life is rightly compared to a hotly contested race in several passages in the New Testament. There is a course that has been set before us. There are no shortcuts in this race. The course must be completed. Do you remember the times when playing with young players on a softball game and they had to constantly be reminded to touch the bases? Many would get caught up in the moment and run from first to third. The crowd and teammates would be screaming for them to go back to second and tag. I have seen Christians try»»»»

4 to get from start to finish without running the full course. They will try to cut a corner on doctrine and take a shortcut on biblical standards, but in the end, they always have to go back to where they deviated if they are going to finish the course. Running the course takes discipline and determination. To finish well, we must wage a constant battle against sin, the world, the flesh and the devil, and win victory by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Recently the song leader of our local congregation, directed us in the Charles Wesley hymn, A Charge to Keep. While we were singing, the words seemed to once again penetrate my soul and give me new and fresh resolve. A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: O may it all my powers engage To do my Master s will! Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live; And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict account to give! Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely, Assured, if I my trust betray, I shall for ever die. If you were to ask me if I have made New Year s resolutions, my answer is, Yes! I have made a resolution to fight the good fight, to finish my course, keep the faith. I resolve to hear words spoken to me by the Father, Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of the Lord. SRS A v e r y s p e c i a l t h a n k y o u to our wonderful Pilgrim Nazarene Church family ~ Thank you so very much for all the cards and gifts given to our family during this Christmas time. Surely we have been blessed by your many kindnesses to us, and most of all by the Lord s presence and His watchcare over us. We love you all. Stephen and Connie Snodgrass Katelyn and Tara Brother Snodgrass contact information: Home Address: 5428 Walnut Drive Sylvan Springs, AL Home Phone: (205) Cell Phone: (765) stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org

5 Jackson, Missouri Special Speaker Rev. Paul Pierpoint Hobe Sound, FL Striving For Excellence in Ministry that ye may approve things that are excellent. Philippians 1:10 Striving for excellence in. Constructing a healthy church Cultivating a worshipful atmosphere Creating a soul-winning church Culturing strong leadership Bro. Pierpoint has fifty years of successful pastoral experience and has been a great influence in the Conservative Holiness movement. We are honored to have him as our speaker this year. Hotel Information for Jackson, Missouri Comfort Inn Drury Lodge Super Holiday Inn Express Drury Suites Hampton Inn For more information, contact Rev. Steve Snodgrass (765) stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org

6 Ho m e Missions Re p o rt By Rev. Larry W. Pettit When we typically think of Home Missions we think of some adventurous, zealous, usually a younger person and their help meet going to a new city to start a new church, hopefully with some sort of a small nucleus. Could I dare to expand our thinking and maybe even our way of life or way of looking at our Christian responsibilities? Jesus said in Acts 1:8, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV) We have heard this used many times for mission advancement, we have heard Jerusalem could represent our home, Judea could represent those beyond the borders of the home, Samaria, those down and outers, despised or neglected ones, and uttermost parts of the earth as the reason for foreign mission efforts. We have all heard the testimonies of those in church that testify saved and sanctified, and that is great; but as a Pastor and as an Evangelist, I have wondered when was the last time that person witnessed for Jesus Christ? Check yourself, if you have been sanctified when was the last time you witnessed for your Lord? Jesus said this, you shall be a witness no ifs ands or buts about it. It really is not just you, but the Holy Spirit in you, that empowers and enables one to be a witness. A witness can take on many different forms and operations for the glory of God. Now, I would like us to look at Home Missions as you being a witness right where you are, at your Jerusalem or your Judea or your Samaria. Don t expect your church to grow and thrive if you are just reliant upon your pastor and what he does for Jesus. Launch out into the deep and be a witness. It is sure to pay big dividends. Here are some ways you or some one assigned or dedicated to this ministry can be a witness for Jesus. 1. Carry and hand out a church card that is an invitation to come to worship at your church. Such a card should include invitation, address, service times, or a small history. 2. Have all your sanctified people carrying these and hand them out where ever they go, hand them out at gas stations, malls, grocery stores, the post office, doctors office, your mechanic and people at work. 3. Hand out the Pilgrim Nazarene Herald at houses with an invitation card. 4. Have a church sign that is big and easily read with services times. 5. A sign with a reader board is a good tool; some people will just pass by to see what new thing the board has to say. They may come to see what is going on. 6. Canvas the neighborhood, other neighborhoods afresh and anew, there are a lot of hurting people that need ministering to. 7. Get the names of new comers to your town from the Welcome Wagon or city counsel and send them a welcome and invitation to your services. 8. Go meet the new comers and take a welcome basket from your church. 9. Start a home Bible Study and invite new people to come. 10. Go to a restaurant or coffee shop and become

7 acquainted with some new people, remember they need Jesus. 11. There are a lot of different ethnic groups in every city, begin an English class for them, you may reach some. Now if that sounds like work, it is. But why are we Christians anyway? Is it just for me and mine? Or am I to share the good news of the gospel? We know the answer, remember the Apostle Paul said, I care to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified. We must not become so occupied with the multitude of things that fill our days and forget our responsibility to be a witness. If we will do that it will put a new light and definition to Home Missions. Rev. Larry Pettit is the Chairman of the Home Missions Committee for the Pilgrim Nazarene Church as well as the pastor of the Davenport, IA PNC. Dear Pilgrim Nazarene Church Family, Thank you so much for granting me the scholarship. It was truly a blessing and very much appreciated. Thank you also for all of your prayers. Your support to me has meant so much and only eternity can reveal the full effect of your unselfish giving. Thank you again for all that you do. Looking unto Jesus, Bradley M. Conner Mt. Pleasant, IA PNC The Pilgrim Nazarene SUBSCRIBE NOW... The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 1515 Marquette 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....perspective continued from page 2 the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. (KJV) Prophecy and the study of prophecy should be important to every Christian. It played a major part in the lives of the Old Testament individuals. Christ s first coming was prophesied and anticipated. A study of the Old Testament prophecies of Daniel tells when Christ was to come the first time (Daniel 9:20-27). No wonder the coming of the wise men from the east stirred all of Jerusalem. Could this not be the reason Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) came to the temple in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah? A study of Micah 5:2 no doubt told the wise men which city to go to when they got their eyes off of the guiding star. A study of Ezekiel chapter 4 has mystified theologians and Bible scholars for years-what did it mean? Lay on your left side 390 days for the iniquity of the house of Israel and 40 days on your right side for the iniquity of Judah a total of 430 days and each day was for a year. Yet these figures did not fit with any captivity or punishment that could be identified, until some further study, revealed in Leviticus 26:18, God warned, And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. Israel and Judah did not hearken and their punishment was multiplied seven times. Now taking those 430 days which represented years minus the seventy years in captivity served, equals 360 years x 7 = 2,520 years to be punished. When this is computed from the time it was given and then when the punishment was fulfilled comes exactly to May 15, This is the year the punishment ended and the exact time when Israel was declared a nation. It is also a prophetic fulfillment of Ezekiel s vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). It s exciting; prophecy is being fulfilled just as God said it would be. He Is Coming! Study, pray, be ready or get ready. The prophetic voice has much to say to us in this day and time in which we live. LWP

8 Tr u t h for teens Take Jesus With You As we are entering into the beginning days of 2010, I hope that each one of you have determined to draw as close to God as you can throughout this coming year. Recently in preparing to speak in our local church, I was thinking about the Christian walk. We often hear about the older saints who have been walking with God for many years, some since they were just a child. As a young person, I can remember wondering, How do they do it? What is the secret to living for God all of your life? What does it take to walk with God for twenty, thirty, forty, or maybe fifty years? The easy answer to these questions is just to say, a person must lead a consistent Godly life. But what is involved in leading a consistent Godly life? A consistent Godly life is not lived all at once, but rather, a consistent spiritual life is made up of single days, hours and minutes. Those days, hours, and minutes are made up of decisions and choices. A consistent spiritual life is the result of making Godly choices through our determined obedience to follow God s will every day, every hour, every minute. This may sound difficult, and attempting it alone is impossible. Young people, it takes God living in our hearts. God working through us every day, helping us to follow His will. That is the answer to living a Godly life. I know that I need Him every minute and every hour of every day. So how are we to make sure that God is on our side? What steps can we take to make sure that we are God s children? First of all we can start by making sure that we take him with us on our life journey. In Mark 4:35, we find Jesus telling the disciples that they should go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Then in verse 36 we find the words they took him even as he was in the ship. This is our answer today. We must take him with us. We must follow his leadership. We must be obedient to his instruction. The only way we can do this is to take him with us every day. The Disciples found out how important it was to have Jesus in the boat when the storm came. They were just about finished, but Jesus was there and calmed the storm. In your life today the devil will try to discourage you, and tell you that it is impossible for you to be a Christian. That you cannot make it. Just let me tell you that you can make it. You can live for God every day. Just determine that you are going to take God with you in 2010, and that means that you will not worry about tomorrow, because you are living for him today, this hour, this very minute and always. God bless, Robert Jones Rev. Robert Jones is the pastor of the Pi l g r i m Na z a r e n e Ch u r c h in Pleasant Grove, Alabama

9 Hi, Pal!! From the first time they met, Amy Jo and Barb were real pals. They went to school together; they went to the same church, so they sat together in Sunday school and many were the nights they spent together at one another s homes. They seemingly were inseparable. One evening during a revival, both girls went to the altar to be saved. After praying awhile, Amy Jo went back to her seat, but Barb stayed on and prayed until she knew her sins were forgiven and she felt the joy in her heart of being a brand new Christian. School was staring right after the revival and the girls (who were now teenagers) were entering high school for the first time. They were excited and yet a little bit nervous about going to the big high school on Prospect Hill. There were so many rooms ~ and ~ well, just so completely different from the little school they had attended down in the valley. The first few weeks went smoothly and then one Friday, Amy Jo asked if she might spend the night at Barb s house. There was something bothering her and she wanted to talk it over with Barb. After the supper dishes were done that evening, the girls took a walk to Crescent Park, where they could feed the ducks in the pond. Barb noticed that Amy Jo was unusually thoughtful and quiet. OK, Amy Jo, spill it. What s on your mind? Barb, we have been friends for a long time, and if anybody understands me, I guess it would be you. Does it ever bother you at school that we dress differently than the other girls? I mean, you know, like not wearing jeans and shorts and all those things. Don t you care when they look at you kinda funny and say things like, Be careful what you say; Amy Jo goes to Sunday school, you know, and the others kinda snicker? Doesn t that bother you, Barb? Amy Jo, everyone has feelings. Sometimes the kids say and do things that make me feel bad, too, and even embarrass me when they snicker, but I don t have any desire to dress or act like them. I have just as much right to be modest and cover my body as they do to be immodest and expose theirs. Also, their language and some of the things they do are not the least bit attractive to me. When they returned to the house, Barb got her Bible and suggested they look there for the answer to the problem. They carefully searched the Scriptures and Barb prayed for guidance, giving God thanks for the guidelines He had given them in His Word to keep them on the straight and narrow path which leads to Heaven. No more was said concerning these things, but Barb noticed Amy Jo was becoming less friendly with her and more and more friendly with the other girls in the school. Barb saw other things, too, that made her think Amy Jo had decided against the way of the Lord ~ and had chosen to go the way of the world. Barb s heart ached for her. One Saturday night, Amy Jo s mom called Barb and asked to speak to Amy Jo. Why, Mrs. Blake, Amy Jo is not here. I haven t seen her since Friday at school. Mrs. Blake was nearly frantic. She had noticed Amy Jo was not herself lately, but did not think she would ever lie to her. It was around midnight when the police rang the doorbell at the Blake residence. The sad story the police told was of a raid they had just made in a home where the parents had gone to a social affair, leaving their two teenagers home alone. The party had been planned, and this was the night they were going to introduce Amy Jo to real living. When the police arrived, the party was in full swing psychedelic lights loud, heavy, rock music blaring in the smokefilled room drugs, and other things the police hesitated to mention. They found Amy Jo in a corner of the room, under the influence of drugs. Amy Jo was one very mixed up girl. She was disappointed and heartsick at what she had found while exploring the things of the world. It certainly had not brought satisfaction to her. It was really pretty rotten pretty disgusting, and she knew in her heart she wanted no more of it. A soft knock came on Amy Jo s bedroom door one evening, soon after this dreadful event, and there stood her faithful friend, Barb. At the sight of her sweet smile and friendly, Hi, Pal! Amy Jo broke down and sobbed and sobbed. Barb put her arm around her and led her to the bedside where they both knelt and Amy Jo prayed her way to God, Who is always waiting to receive the lost sheep back into His fold. Never again will I be ashamed to stand up and be counted for Jesus, Amy Jo said, triumphantly. with love, Grandma D

10 Rev. Larry W. Pettit Old things, new things, we certainly see enough of that as we travel down the highway of life. I have been thinking about that just of late. It seems like we are always looking or needing to replace something that is old. We had to replace the old washer and dryer, after 28 years of use it just became a necessity. Then there are the clothes we wear, they too grow old, faded or torn and have to be replaced. Even the games we play grow old and have to be replaced. When the children were young and we had to travel, to try to keep peace and some sanity in that small car, we would play I spy we had different versions as the children got older. One version, I spy something red, or whatever color the object in the car was. The winner was the one who guessed the object. Then we spied something outside the car, and then there was color bug the slug bug caused too many tears. Then came the new game, we were introduced to Predittle by one of our evangelists. This is how it worked, at night when headlights were coming towards us, the first one to see a car with a single headlight would holler out Predittle and get a point, if it turned out to be a motorcycle, you then lost a point, and the person with the most points at the end of the ride was the winner. Now, Paul tells us that to become a Christian the old things of the sinful life pass away from us. Those things we tried to control and could not, those things we tried to quit and could not, now pass away because of the newness of life in Jesus Christ. When one has their sins forgiven they are then saved. That Greek word in the New Testament for saved means delivered. When we are saved, we are delivered from all our sins, those sins we could not control or quit; Jesus delivers us from them. That is what is meant the old things are passed away the old sinful life becomes a thing of the past and a new life, a Christian life is begun. The old sinful habits are done away and replaced with good Christian habits. Don t be fooled, life and eternity are not games. This is dealing with your eternal welfare. Let Jesus change the old you to the new you. LWP

11 From my journal... November 14 - December 13 On the morning of November 14th, I took my youngest daughter Tara to the deer woods with me. We started the morning at 2:30am and had a great breakfast at IHOP with Bro. Robert Jones, his son Brandon, Tyler Truitt, my brother David and son DJ and my brotherin-law Dwayne (Bebo) Davis. It was youth day, in our home state of Alabama and these kids were ready for the day! Before the day was out, Tara had harvested her first buck (made her Dad proud with a perfect shot). It was good to spend time with friends and family in the great outdoors. I spent Sunday at my home church and enjoyed the ministry of Pastor Robert Jones. Monday, November 16th, we were back in the woods to see if we could get these kids another opportunity and by the end of the day, Sir Tyler Truitt, had harvested his first deer. Great shot, Tyler! November 22nd, Sunday morning, my family and I attended the Pell City PNC, where Bro. Richard Hill was preaching the revival. Bro. Hill did a wonderful job in warning us against the deceitfulness of the enemy. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and fellowship after the service. Sunday evening I gave a brief report to the Pleasant Grove PNC on my trip to India. I now know why missions services are so long. It is so hard to squeeze a one week, 20,000 mile trip into 45 minutes, but I enjoyed telling them about our work. Sunday afternoon, as I was preparing for the service, I was overwhelmed once again by the whole experience. We were home for the week of Thanksgiving. As I look at my life and the many blessings that God has piled on me, I m amazed at the favor and goodness He has shown me. I m thankful to live in America, a free country. I m thankful for my wonderful wife, two great daughters, amazing parents and family. I m thankful for good health. I m thankful for a church where I can worship God freely and publicly. I m thankful for so many friends. I m thankful for the wonderful spiritual heritage that has been handed to me. The list goes on and on. We are a blessed people. Let us take time to reflect and thank God for the great things He has done! My wife s parents (the Mark Russells) came up from Tampa and we had a good time together. Sunday evening, we attended the fifth Sunday fellowship of the Pleasant Grove, Tuscaloosa and Jasper churches. This month it was at Tuscaloosa and Bro. Robert Jones did a great job preaching and it was good to be with everyone. Just a side note: the pastor of Greater Faith Tabernacle in Tuscaloosa, AL, Bro. Joe Owens has been told by the doctors that he has two tumors on one of his kidneys. Please pray for this brother in Christ. We were saddened by the news that Sis. Harrison of our Lawton, OK, church had passed away. Please pray for her family in the days ahead. On December 2nd, Katelyn and I traveled to Cabot, AR, and I presented our India missions work to the good folks there. It was good to be with the Mike Swearingens. They are always so gracious and made our stay very comfortable. On Thursday, the 3rd, we made our way up to Springdale, AR, were we had a wonderful visit with Bro. and Sis. Watkins. Bro. Watkins is recovering well from surgery. Once again, I went to encourage Bro. Watkins, but came away feeling that I was the one most encouraged. We had prayer together and the Lord came in a wonderful way. Bro. Watkins asked me to thank each of you for your prayers, but to remember when praying for him, that it is God s will that he wants the most. We are believing God for a miracle that His name will be glorified. I was glad my daughter, Katelyn, was with me and could witness, once again, a testimony of someone that is completely surrendered to the will of God. Please continue to pray for Bro. Watkins healing. Following our visit with the Watkins, we spent the night in Branson, MO, and enjoyed a Christmas program. It was good to spend good quality time with my daughter. Friday, the 4th, we met Connie, Tara and my motherin-law, Diana Russell, in Cape Girardeau, MO. We attended a local Christmas program with the Truitts and several of the church family there. Sunday morning, there was a special service for the dedication of the newly remodeled sanctuary of the church in Cape Girardeau. Pastor Troy Truitt preached on the Purpose of the Sanctuary, to eighty-five people. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless the efforts of the congregation there in Cape. Sunday evening, I was privileged to speak about my trip to India and thank them for their support to this worthy field. Thank you, Truitts, for your gracious hospitality and friendship. Monday morning we rolled out very early and arrived home around 2pm. As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, we cannot help but anticipate and long for His Second Coming! Dear church family, be vigilant and be ready! There are great days ahead for those who are watching for His Coming. srs

12 The Pilgrim Nazarene 1515 Marquette St. Davenport, IA The Spirit in the Church Samuel Chadwick The sphere of the Spirit is in the Living Temple of sanctified humanity. He dwells not in temples made with hands. The Temple at Jerusalem was a permitted mistake, as surely as the kingship of Israel. In the New Jerusalem there is no Temple. The Tabernacle was a type of heavenly realities. The Temple sought to give solidity, permanence, and magnificence, to that which God meant to be provisional and typical. God cares nothing for costly buildings, and everything about loving hearts. He seeks men. Immanuel is the first word and the last of the Gospel of grace. In a powerful plea for the life of prayer, E. M. Bounds says: God s plan is to make much of the man, far more of him than of anything else. Men are God s method. The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. He has staked His kingdom on men. He has trusted His Gospel to men. He has given His Spirit to men. The Church is on the stretch for new methods, new plans, new buildings, new organizations, but the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. The Holy Ghost does not come upon methods, but upon men. He does not anoint machinery, but men. He does not work through organizations, but through men. He does not dwell in buildings, but in men. He indwells the Body of Christ, directs its activities, distributes its forces, empowers its members. Those gathered in that Upper Room, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, had been prepared for His coming. They were disciples who acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus. They had realized His saving power, they had been in prayer and for the greater part of three years they sat at the feet of Jesus. When they realized His Sonship He blessed them, and now the promise of the fiery baptism is fulfilled. The Spirit sat upon each one of them; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. He had come to reign over each and all. Jesus Christ had defined His mission, and outlined His program. He was to unify them into one Body, guide them into all truth, and strengthen them for all service. In the Church He is the supreme executive, but he has His seat in the soul. He directs all things from the spiritual center of the inner life. The body prepared for the Eternal son was born of a virgin; the body prepared for the indwelling Spirit is begotten of faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. The Church is the sphere of His ministry, the agent of His purpose and the place of His Presence.