Volume V. No. 12 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church December, now, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow...

Transcription

1 Volume V. No. 12 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church December, now, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow...

2 the perspective editor s 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. II Corinthians 4:6 There are many attitudes towards Christmas. One, that of hardpressed souls who say, I ll be relieved when Christmas is over! Two, that of business opportunists who try to extort everything they can out of Christmas while it lasts. Three, that of dreamy-eyed creatures for whom Christmas is merely an excursion into a land of makebelieve. What is the underlying weakness in these three attitudes? Simply that these people have missed, somehow, the true meaning of Christmas. We have seen one of the highest and holiest days of the year turned into a secular holiday. Why has our Christian conscience not been outraged by what we see? What are we, as servants of the Prince of Peace, doing to make Christmas a holy day in our communities? We put the Gospel into Christmas when we rediscover the fact of Christmas. When we strip away the holly, tinsel, and evergreen, we come face to face with the fact that something happened over 2000 years ago which has made everything different ever since. No one can read the Old Testament without being convinced that Christmas originated not merely in the stable at Bethlehem, but in the intention of the Father from the very time His creation had gone astray. We celebrate an eternal fact that became real in an historical event, in a person, Jesus Christ. We put the Gospel into Christmas when we rediscover the purpose of Christmas. The first part of the text above tells us of the great fact of Christmas; the last part declares the purpose-to bring the light of God closer to the life of man. At the very heart of Christmas is a God who became man in order to put sense and meaning into life and to tell us the truth about it. We put the Gospel into Christmas when we rediscover the note of sacrifice. Christmas cost something. To take seriously the fact and purpose of Christmas and translate them into daily living will be costly. Emerson wrote, the only gift is a portion of thyself. God so loved the world that He gave. ( John 3:16) Only by giving our substance and ourselves to Him in response to the gift of His Son will His glory be shed abroad this Christmastide. Donald MacLeod (from Pulpit Preaching) CONTENTS December, 2008 Volume V. No. 12 DEPARTMENTS Perspective 2 From the General Superintendent 3 The Great Commission 4 Truth for Teens 8 Grandma D s Story Time 9 Devotions for Plain Folks 10 From my Journal EDITOR Stephen R. Snodgrass 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, 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL Phone: stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org 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 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald December, 2008

3 from the desk of the General Superintendent Rev. Stephen R. Snodgrass are you The excitement is knee deep around our place this time of year. Yours truly is solicited carry the heavy boxes of decorations and trappings of the season. The regular dishes are replaced with Christmas dishes. The old coffee mug that I drink from every morning is replaced with one that either has a picture of a Christmas tree or a likeness of good ole Frosty the Snowman on it. I like my old coffee mug! Not to mention the fact that we have already been listening to Christmas music from a wide variety of singers for almost two months now. It sounds as though I m bitter over the season festivities, but the truth be known, I love it as much as the next person. And let me clear one thing up I have little to do with the decorating but I sure like it once it is all in place. Another thing that goes along with this time of year is the shopping and gift giving. We make lists to make sure that we haven t forgotten anyone. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, children, grandchildren and the list goes on. My daughters have been slipping me notes and gift ideas for my wife, making sure that forgetful dad does not forget anything. Christmas is based on the giving of gifts. Dating back to the visit of the Wise Men who had travelled from the East seeking the newborn Messiah. They came bearing gifts fit for a King-gold, frankincense and myrrh. Little did they realize that they were staring at The Gift. The gift of God to man was His Son. Galatians 1:4 states it well, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from the present evil world, according to the glory and the will of our Father. In our local congregation, we have a family that attends whose daughter died at a very young age-leaving behind a caring husband and an infant daughter. Several months ago, this family was in church and brought a friend and his family with them on a Sunday morning. After the service I learned that the friend had been a dying man with failing kidneys. When their daughter passed away, her organs were donated, and this man is alive today because of her gift. We were a dying people, without hope and without help. But He came that we might have life more abundant. It is a sad fact that many will shop till they drop. They will run from store to store seeking a bargain. The tree will be up, the decorations in place, the gifts will spill from under the tree, and everything will look perfect. But they will forget that very important person from the list. Jesus. So the question remains what are you giving Jesus? May I echo a suggestion from the Roman writer, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Give Him your love. Give Him your honor. Give Him your devotion. Give Him your time. Give Him your heart. There is a song that our young people sang a few years ago in a Christmas service that says: What can I give Him as poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring Him a lamb. If I were a wise man, I d sure do my part. What I can give Him? I ll give Him my heart. What can you give Him? What can you bring? What can you offer that s fit for a King? Bow before Jesus that s where you can start. What can you give Him? Just give Him your heart. Give Him your heart. Give Him your heart. All Jesus wants for Christmas is your heart. SRS December, 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 3

4 Dear Friends of Missions, I trust that this time together finds each one of you serving Jesus with all of your heart! Truly the Christmas season is one of the most wonderful times of the year. I love all of the traditions of Christmas, from Christmas cards, to trimming the tree. From making pies and candy to wrapping the presents. From the excited chatter of the children, to the fervent worship of The Christ in our church services. All of these things and more have a wonderful way of reminding us that God did send His Son to be born of a virgin. It was not a fancy birth and accommodations, but it was a perfect one! Just exactly what you and I so desperately needed to bring peace to a troubled heart. Thank God for His Son Jesus Christ. Because of the change that He made in my heart, and the peace that change has brought, I can get a thrill from hearing Frosty the Snowman to Away in the Manger, for, you see, every one of these songs have a Christmas meaning only because a Christ Child was born in a stable and placed in a manger one dark winter night! Come on, everybody, trim your tree, play your favorite Christmas songs, wrap your gifts, spend time with family, and throughout all of these beautiful times together, remember to be full of joy and laughter so that it runs over on all that you are with! Don t spoil the season by allowing problems and stress to make your words sharp and your mood dark until your testimony is damaged! Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!! Orphanage Building Project - India the Great Commission Orphans with school bags Thank you for the way that you are standing by our work in India! We are having some problems in getting our support dollars there again, but I am working with our bank in finding a solution. I trust that this will be worked out by the time you read this article. The orphans home is just about completed, and the goal is to move the children there right before Christmas. I know that will be an exciting time for 26 boys and girls! The pictures should make your heart glad that you can be part of a church family that is making a difference in the lives of so many people. Keep up the good work! 4 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald December, 2008

5 Brother Steve Snodgrass and I are planning on a trip to India sometime in the middle of January. Bro. Johnpaul is wanting us to dedicate the new orphanage. Help us pray as we make there arrangements. In closing, remember that missions work begins on your street, in your neighborhood, and in your city-not half-way around the world! Get excited about doing something for someone that you can reach out and touch. There is a lost world to be saved all around us! Love and Prayers, Rev. Stephen E. Robinson Rev. Stephen E. Robinson is the General Foreign Missions Secretary of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. He can be reached at (318) or missions@pilgrimnazarene.org. Mrs. Gracie Betts is the General Boxwork Administrator of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. She can be reached at (318) or boxwork@pilgrimnazarene.org. Larry Coltura Evangelist 203 N. Center St. Lockridge, IA Evangelist Slate Larry Pettit Evangelist 4119 S. Lynhurst Dr. Indianapolis, IN Bryan Shields Evangelist & Song Evangelist th Ave. Jasper, AL Brad & Gillian Davis Song Evangelist 145 Linden Dr. Jackson, MO Clindel Harbison Evangelist 601 N. 27th St. Pell City, AL Tony Ross Evangelist 325 Jefferson Lake Charles., LA George Stevenson Evangelist & Song Evangelist 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd. Cordova, AL Kathy Zink Song Evangelist P. O. Box 237 Anton, TX February 17~19, 2009 Shreveport, Louisiana Special Speaker Rev. Walter Hedstrom Conference President Alabama Bible Methodist Conference For more information, contact Rev. Steve Snodgrass (205) , or go to our church website December, 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5

6 A SONG WAS BORN Orchestrated Piano & Organ by Kathy Zink and Terry Gardner $7.00 CHRISTMAS SALE Beautiful Piano Music on CD by Kathy Zink Comfort for the Journey $6.00 Sunday Morning Worship $6.00 My Quiet Hour $6.00 Just One More (Bob Batton s songs) $6.00 Love at Christmas $6.00 Christmas Hymns $6.00 Peaceful Yuletide $6.00 My Dearest Friend (Ladies Trio w/orchestration) $10.00 A PHILIPPINE CHRISTMAS Orchestrated Piano with 2 Filipino Christmas Songs by Kathy Zink $7.00 For orders or bookings, contact: DAYSTAR MUSIC MINISTRIES attn: Kathy Zink P. O. Box 237 Anton, TX zinkkez@hotmail.com SUBSCRIBE NOW... The Pilgrim Nazarene May the Lord bless you and yours as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL Phone: pncherald@bellsouth.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. the Snodgrass family Katelyn, Connie, Stephen, and Tara 6 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald December, 2008

7 December, 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 7

8 Dear Young People and Friends, And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40 It is funny how the spirit of Christmas tends to bring out the child in all of us. We get all excited wondering what will be waiting under the tree. The lights, the bells and the glitter create in most of us the spirit of a child. I love to dream about the first Christmas. I picture the stable, the animals and the stars overhead. I am touched by the story of the shepherds and the wise men. I get frustrated thinking about the inn keepers that had no room. And I think it was ridiculous that Mary had to make that long journey to Bethlehem because their government decided to raise taxes! No matter all the circumstances that surrounded, God looked down on the earth and knew it was the right time for His Son to be born. The world was spiritually as dark as night. There were so many problems and obstacles that had arisen since Mary was chosen to carry God s only Son. But God reached down and led them to a small stable. It was Bethlehem that would hear the first cries of the Messiah. That night was the beginning of the greatest life in all humanity. Not much is said about Jesus through His teenage years. We find the Bible gives us just a shadowed glimpse of the Messiah. But three things are mentioned that let us know that He took the right road. In 20 words, Luke 2:40 sums up the young life of Christ. First, He grew. It would have been a little bit strange had Jesus stayed as a little baby all His life. But he eventually became a man. Second, He was strong in spirit and full of wisdom. In other words, He was a diligent student. Third, and most importantly, God s grace was upon Him. He took the high road morally. Today, your life presents many of the same opportunities as Christ s. You are growing into young adults and getting stronger. Every day you are presented with the opportunity to learn and increase in wisdom. And today, you have the option to have God s grace shine down on your life. You have the chance to take the high road and make something out of yourself. Today, you have the ability to really do something for God if you will let His grace shine through your life. You cannot be sure of tomorrow, and yesterday is gone. You only have today, so make it count for God! Sincerely, Your Friend, Pastor Troy Rev. Troy Truitt is the Sunday School and Youth Evangelism Chairman of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. He can be reached at or youth@pilgrimnazarene.org. 8 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald December, 2008

9 A Snowy Christmas Eve It was a snowy Christmas Eve, and twelve-yearold Jose was trudging along the slippery sidewalk, pulling his little red wagon. What was he doing out on a chilly, wintery night? Why was he not home enjoying this very special night with his family? Mr. Bentley was on the corner selling Christmas trees. Brrr! I think I ll just close up shop and head for home, he said to himself, nothing left here but a few little scrub trees that no one will want anyways. Just then, Jose stopped and looked at the trees, saying to Mr. Bentley, How much do you want for one of those trees? Jose only had three dollars and hoped it was enough to buy one of them. Mr. Bentley recognized Jose. He lived with his mother and three other siblings in the poorer section of town. Jose s father had gone to war, and his plane had been shot down over enemy territory and had not been heard of since. He knew the family was having a hard time making ends meet. Why, Jose, I usually would charge three dollars for one, but seeing it is late and no one will come to buy them now, you just pick out the one you want and you can have it free. Jose thanked him and loaded the nicest of the three trees onto his wagon and quickly started on his way home, whistling as he went. As he passed the dollar store on his way, he noticed it was still open, so he bought two strings of lights to go on the tree. At home, Jose s mother, Maria Sanchez, and the three other children were making colored paper chains to trim their little house to make it look Christmassy. By the time Jose arrived at home, the children were all snuggled in their beds, fast asleep. Jose and his mother set the tree up and strung the pretty lights, along with the paper chains the children had made. Then they sat by the tree, sipping hot chocolate, and wishing they had gifts to place under the tree for the children. They knew how disappointed they would be not to have presents, but thankful for the pretty tree Jose had provided. Then they heard some singing outside. Who could it be? A group of young people from the holiness church on the corner were singing Christmas carols. A gentle knock was heard, and what do you suppose they found when they opened the door? Victor, a boy that Jose went to school with, was with the group and he shouted with the rest, Merry Christmas! One after another of the young people placed boxes of things on the floor inside the house and Victor said, Our youth group from church wanted to do something special for you so we brought these things for you and your family. Then they all shouted, God Bless You! and they were gone. Maria and Jose could not believe their eyes. There were lovely dolls for the two girls ice skates for Jose and his brother along with warm hats and mittens for all. Oh yes, also a beautiful, warm sweater for Maria. What was in the basket there by the tree? Could it be? A turkey with all the trimmings, to make a fabulous, yummy Christmas dinner! The children awoke Christmas morning to the delicious aroma of roasting turkey. Can you just hear their squeals of delight as they spied the trimmed tree, with all the presents under it? Four-year-old Juanita said, Mommy, did Santa Claus really come last night? No, precious one, Santa Claus did not come, but a group of angels from the holiness church on the corner did, replied Maria, with tears in her eyes. The Sunday after Christmas found Maria Sanchez and all her children sitting in a pew together at the church. I have a feeling it wasn t long before they all gave their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. What do you think? Merry Christmas to all my friends who read Grandma D s stories! Mrs. Dorothy Tiethoff is Grandma D. She would love to hear from you! Her address is grandmadt@juno.com. December, 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 9

10 Rev. Larry W. Pettit What are you thinking? Have you ever been asked that? Or have you ever asked someone else that question? I wonder if some one ever asked Mary that question as she perhaps stared off in space. Mary most certainly had some questions when the angel came to her and gave a startling announcement that she, a virgin, was about to give birth to a child that was said to come from God, Himself. Today, we are on this side of the cross, and things look a whole lot different to us as compared to that day. Today we extol Mary, the virgin, the chosen one, the one highly favored with God, but that was not the way with her in her day. We magnify her purity, she pondered a ruined reputation. We see her dedication and obedience, she faced clicks, groups, and whispers as she passed by. We honor her integrity, she heard the grapevine gossip and sensual speculations. She heard, saw, and experienced the unbelievable-the temple elders, chief priest, and people could not believe what they had no idea about; and they had no comprehension of what was truly taking place. The Greek word for ponder means to converse, consult, dispute (mentally) and to combine. No doubt she did this with God, Himself, and in her own mind as this great mystery unfolded before her very eyes. No doubt she tried to tie together the known facts and each prophecy that was fulfilled and events that took place as a non-believing and cruel world observed. This brought some real changes to her life, one can t help but wonder if she ever thought upon all these things and then wondered if she got more than what she bargained for. Being human just like us, no doubt thoughts of uncertainty, question, and total amazement may have at times overwhelmed her. Yet, her obedience and knowledge of the Word of God kept her focused and her soul cast upon God. Imagine the thoughts that ran through the mind of this new mother the night she first held this new born infant. As she gazed into those twinkling little eyes, she was well aware that she was gazing into the eyes of a human baby but most assuredly saw that sparkle of divinity. As she pondered these things, she may have realized God could not redeem fallen mankind Himself, you see, He is divine; and mankind is a mortal soul. And mankind could not save himself, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Beside that, the carnal nature has been passed on to every human being born since Adam. Sinful mankind needed a Redeemer not affected by the sinful carnal nature, and yet a Redeemer who is Divine so as to be able to pay the ransom price for our salvation. That was a lot for a young lady to ponder, to think about, and then live so as to be a blessing to the rest of this world. Ponder that in your heart for a while. LWP Rev. Larry Pettit pastors the Pilgrim Nazarene Church in Indianapolis, IN 10 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald December, 2008

11 From my journal... October 14 November 13 On Tuesday, October 14th, my wife and I arrived at home from being in revival at our Whitehouse, Texas church. It was good to be home after being on the road for two weeks. Awaiting my return was a mountain of mail and many pressing office matters. On Wednesday evening we were in Prayer Meeing at our home church in Pleasant Grove. It was good back with our people, who have been so understanding these last few months. Thursday, October 16th, I spent a busy day in the office and worked on the Herald. October 17th found us back on the road headed to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Since I had just gotten home from being gone for two weeks, we decided that we would take the girls along on this trip and spend some time together. We arrived at the Troy Truitt s home very late on Friday evening. Katelyn and Tara stayed with the Truitts while my wife and I travelled on to Marshfield, Missouri, arriving at the Keith Comfort s home on Saturday evening. Sunday, the 19th, we were privileged to preach to the people in Marshfield. The Lord has blessed them with a beautiful place to worship. It was a Seventh Day Adventist church that was bought by an individual who now uses it as a wedding chapel. Brother David Comfort and his people were worshiping in the church before it was sold and the new owner has allowed them to continue to worship there. Thank you, Brother and Sister Keith Comfort for the wonderful accommodations while we were with you. Also, thank you to Brother and Sister David Comfort for the wonderful meal. We were privileged to meet the new addition to the Comfort family, little Kyron Dwayne Comfort. What a precious baby. The Marshfield church had expressed a desire to be independent of our denomination, so after the evening service, I conducted the vote to disaffiliate from the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. We wish this congregation the very best as they continue to minister to their community. After the service, my wife and I travelled back to Cape Girardeau and to our girls. Monday was a day of relaxation. Brother Truitt, Luke, Tyler, Travis and I went canoeing on the Current River. We canoed about eight miles, and it was a beautiful day for it. Thanks Brother Troy, for asking me to go along. Tuesday, the 21st, we travelled home. Wednesday evening, Brother Jesse Freeman preached for us in Pleasant Grove. It was good to sit in the pew and listen to someone else preach. The Lord helped Brother Freeman as he preached from Revelation 2. I spent the next several days at home getting caught up on honey do s and office work. On Sunday we were back in our pulpit at Pleasant Grove. The Lord s presence was so close that morning. Our Sunday School is growing and our people are really working hard. October 29th, I travelled to Cabot, Arkansas, where Brother and Sister Mike Swearingen are the pastor. We began revival that evening, and the Lord was there from the first. The Lord has blessed the wonderful congregation with a nice piece of property and building to worship in. The Swearingens and their people treated us royally. Thanks, Geoffrey, for giving up your bed for the evangelist. On Saturday, my family joined me and we travelled home together on Monday, November 3rd. November 4th was Election Day, and we were home to vote. Let us pray for our national, state and community leaders in the troubled days ahead. May God continue to bless America. On Friday, November 7th, I travelled with my brother, David, to Autaugaville, Alabama. We spent the night with my dad s cousin, Les Snodgrass and his wife Patsy in their beautiful home. We spent the next day relaxing in God s wonderful world, hunting deer. We had a good time and were back home that evening. I preached in Pleasant Grove on Sunday and we had a good day. Brother and Sister Bryan Shields had dinner with us on Tuesday, November 11th. It was good to fellowship with them in our home. Please continue to pray for Brother Shields that God will give him a full recovery. He has had many setbacks, but the Lord is helping him. We travelled to Greensburg, Indiana, on the 13th, and spent the night in the Bates fifth-wheel. We would be using this as a home-base for several days as we had several stops in the area. As I travel our country, I m thankful for a people called Pilgrim Nazarene. You are an encouragement to me, and I appreciate your prayers. May the Lord richly bless you and your families at this special time of year a time when we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord! SRS Brother Snodgrass contact information: Home Address: 5428 Walnut Drive Sylvan Springs, AL Home Phone: (205) Cell Phone: (765) stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org December, 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 11

12 J o y t o t h e Wo r l d! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart Prepare Him room. And heav n & nature sing, And heav n & nature sing, And heav n, and heav n, & nature sing!