Pentecostal Herald April 2015 by Pentecostal Life

EDITORIAL BY P. DANIEL BUFORD

A Song in the Night e all have our night seasons. Some are darker than others. Some are longer than others. But we all have our night seasons. As Charles Spurgeon said, “And many a night do we have—nights of sorrow, nights of persecution, nights of doubt, nights of bewilderment, nights of anxiety, nights of oppression, nights of ignorance—nights of all kinds, which press upon our spirits and terrify our souls. But, blessed be God, the Christian man can say, ‘My God giveth me songs in the night.’” I walked with Calvin and Virginia Rigdon through one of their night seasons. Calvin Rigdon, former editor of the Pentecostal Herald, was one of my heroes, but the darkness that visited occasionally had settled upon him. As Virginia and I waited with Calvin in the hospital corridor, I suggested that we pray together. Fully expecting to take the lead in the prayer, I was surprised when Calvin rose to the occasion. Even though he was laying on the hospital gurney, he knelt at the throne of God and prayed with the tone and timing of an orator. And yet, it was not a professional prayer, but one of a desperate but faith-filled child talking to his ever-present father: “Oh Lord, my Lord, how long is my night? Oh Lord, my Lord, how dark is my night? Will the sun ever shine again?” And then he paused, and with a glimmering ray of hope in his trembling voice, he closed his prayer with: “But, I know my Redeemer liveth.” Calvin Rigdon reminded me of Job, who sounded a similar refrain in the dark of his night. “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25-26). The psalmist Asaph sounded his refrain in Psalm77. In Asaph’s times of distress and in the day of his trouble, when his sores ran

in the night and his soul refused to be comforted, he said, “I call to remembrance my song in the night.” At some previous time he had a song in the night and now he called it up again. He remembered his song in the night. In his nights when he couldn’t speak and he couldn’t sleep he asked if God had forgotten to be gracious, would God ever be favorable again, and had God in His anger shut up His tender mercies. Then he responded to his own questions: “This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High, I will re-

that was to become a classic, “God Leads Us Along.” The words of the refrain are tragic but yet hopeful—God gives a song in the night season!

In our dark nights our declarative song of redemption rings with multicultural awareness and unity; in the community of the church we find strength and hope for a brighter day.

One encouraging song for our night is the song of remembrance of God’s ways and works. Remembering the pit from whence we were dug, the times of His miraculous healing, the feeling of the water dripping from the baptismal robe while that wonderfully clean feeling coursed through our spirit, and the “lost in the Spirit” feeling as we spoke in tongues for the very first time can become stanzas of our song in the night. Or, we can look forward to the time of Revelation 5:9 when the refrain of a new song resounds around the throne: “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” In our dark nights our declarative song of redemption rings with multicultural awareness and unity; in the community of the church we find strength and hope for a brighter day. Some glorious day when night is no more and the Lamb is the eternal light, our song in the night will become our song in the light as we sing the song of the redeemed.

member the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” His remembering God’s ways and works became his song in his night. The psalmist expressed great confidence in God: “Yet the Lord will command his loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life” (Psalm 42:8). The song we can recall in our dark nights come from God Himself. In 1903 George A. Young wrote a hymn

Some through the waters, some through the flood, Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.

P. Daniel Buford is the editor of the Pentecostal Herald and an associate editor of the United Pentecostal Church International.

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Fundamental Doctrine The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit until we all come into the unity of the faith, at the same time admonishing all brethren that they shall not contend for their different views to the disunity of the body.

The One True God

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lee Ann Alexander ASSOCIATE EDITOR P. Daniel Buford EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Johnston PRODUCTION MANAGER Larry Craig PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jina Crain CREATIVE DIRECTOR Abraham LaVoi DESIGN SUPERVISOR Tim Cummings GRAPHIC DESIGN Tim Burk, Dennis Fiorini EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kelly Middleton COPY EDITOR Patricia Bollmann

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PENTECOSTAL HERALD EDITOR P. Daniel Buford

VOL. 91, NO. 4.

We believe in the one ever-living, eternal God: infinite in power, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father; through His Son, in redemption; and as the Holy Spirit, by emanation (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28).

APRIL 2015

GENERAL OFFICIALS

GENERAL EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT David K. Bernard* ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Stan O. Gleason* ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Paul D. Mooney* GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURER Jerry Jones* DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MISSIONS Bruce A. Howell* DIRECTOR OF NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS Carlton L. Coon Sr.* EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Johnston GENERAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR Steve L. Cannon GENERAL YOUTH DIRECTOR Michael Ensey SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION Dan Batchelor

Gary Gleason* Aaron Soto* Kevin Borders* Kevin Cox* Keith Sjostrand* Philip Harrelson* Ronnie Mullings* Darrell Johns* Raymond Woodward*

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

J.R. Blackshear, Ernest Breithaupt, W.L. Clayton, B.S. Cole, Daniel Garlitz, Arless Glass, John Grant, Tommy Hudson, David Johnson, James Kelley, Carrol D. Kennedy, Carl Lagow, Roger Lewis, R.J. McIntyre, John D. Mean, James Merrick, Ronnie Mullings, Paul Price, Paul Reynolds, J.M. Russell, Harry Scism, Scotty Teets, T.F. Tenney, B.J. Thomas, Wayne Trout, G.L. Vittitow, Ted Wagner, David O. Walters, R.D. Whalen * Member of the Executive Board

Dennis L. Anderson, Elvin Anthony, G. Terry Brewer, Ronald L. Brown, Steven Carnahan, Steve D. Carrington, Brent Coltharp, Mike Conn, Carlton L. Coon Sr., Kevin Cox, Jack Cunningham, Steven D. D’Amico, J. Stanley Davidson, Devon Dawson, Dean M. Dickinson, Andrew Dillon, Daniel Fleming, Jesus B. Fortaleza, Edward Goddard, Scott Graham, Percel T. Graves, Ken Gurley, John W. Hanson, Arthur E. Hodges III, Gary Hogan, Jerry T. Holt, David Hudson, Wayne Huntley, Darrell Johns, J. Mark Jordan, Ron Lichtle, Arnold MacLauchlan, Daniel McAllister, Richard McGriffin, Scott D. Marshall, Matthew Martin, Mark Morgan, Arthur Naylor, Trevor Neil, Gordon Parrish, Kevin Prince, David D. Puckett, John E. Putnam, Stephen P. Spite, Jay Stirneman, Rick Stoops, Robert Stroup, David Tipton Jr., Jerry Tipton, David Trammell, Marney Turpin, C. Patton Williams, Raymond Woodson Sr., Chester Wright

HONORARY PRESBYTERS

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to visit pentecostalherald.com.

[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION] Columns

8 “Oh, What a Come-down!”

3 | Editorial

10 The Story Behind “I See

P. Daniel Buford

Ann Ahrens

a Crimson Stream of Blood”

7 | The General Superintendent Speaks

23 | Worldline

14 “Thank You for the Blood”

29 | Sunday School

18 When You Find Yourself Low

31 | North American Missions

David K. Bernard Bruce Howell

12 Two Artists . . . Two Songs

Doug Ellingsworth

Carlton L. Coon Sr.

32 | Feedback

Kristin Keller Tiffini Countaway Laird G. Sillimon

in the Grave

Laura Payne

20 Sing to Me

Patricia Bollmann

24 The Alabaster Box

33 | Multicultural Ministries Dan Butler

Janice Sjöstrand

26 The Old Rugged Cross

Cedric T. Austin

35 | Faith & Culture Eugene Wilson

37 | Ladies Ministry Linda Gleason

51 | Last Word

Robin Johnston

Pentecostal

Life

38 | Story of Two Heroes Ellen Franks

40 | The Fine Line Donna Fuller 42 | Heavenly Duet Kaitlyn Norman

44 | Still God in the Valley Terry Gunn

46 | Victory

Traci Jaco

48 Top Ten Reasons To

’

48 | Baptize in Jesus Name Tom O’Daniel

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General 2 0 1 5 Conference - Save The Date -

September 22-25, 2015 Music City Center Nashville, Tennessee O p e n in g Marc h 10, 2015 • Online R egist r at ion • Hot el R eservat ions • E xhibit R egist r at ion

www.upcigc.com

General Conference 2015

THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT SPEAKS BY DAVID K. BERNARD

Pentecostal Worship Part 1

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). entecostals are known for heartfelt, spontaneous, demonstrative worship. We believe worship should be “in spirit”—flowing from our inmost being, engaging our emotions, and following God’s Spirit. Since humans are simultaneously spirit and flesh, the way we experience and express spiritual reality is in and with the body. We also believe worship should be “in truth”— genuine, sincere, authentic expressions in harmony with God’s Word and in submission to God’s will. Corporate worship is important, and participation by individual members is also important. In New Testament times, a typical worship service involved various people and could include prayer, praise, thanksgiving, singing, teaching, preaching, and exercise of spiritual gifts. (See I Corinthians 14:15-17, 26.) In traditional liturgical services, only a few leaders have the opportunity to participate and only in highly structured ways. The congregation is mainly passive or participates only as predetermined by the leaders. Typically the entire service is planned and written in advance with no spontaneous participation by the congregation in word or deed. By contrast, Pentecostal services have an order of worship but tend to be flexible. They allow spontaneous involvement by leaders and congregation as well as the moving of the Holy Spirit. In larger meetings it is necessary to plan more carefully, but even so it is important to facilitate broad participation. For example, personal testimonies of praise and thanksgiving have often been a part of Pentecostal services. In a large congregation it is more difficult to include them, but the worship leader can present victory reports or ask certain individuals to testify about recent blessings.

I learned much about worship while growing up in Korea, where my parents were the pioneer missionaries of the United Pentecostal Church International. Initially, Koreans told my father that they would never accept what they considered to be excessively demonstrative American worship styles, for they were traditional Asians who valued dignity, saving face, and control of emotions. My father replied that America was full of traditional churches with formal, restrained worship and that he was not trying to teach American worship but biblical worship. He taught scriptural forms such as singing, playing of musical instruments, raising of hands, clapping of hands, making a joyful noise, dancing and leaping for joy, kneeling, standing, praying aloud, testifying, preaching, and exercising spiritual gifts. As my parents proclaimed the Word of God, I observed Koreans responding in faith and repentance. They began to receive the Holy Ghost, and they began to worship freely, exuberantly, and wholeheartedly. I learned that wherever people receive the Holy Ghost they worship in spirit and truth according to biblical patterns, which supersede culture. I also learned that some modes of expression are influenced by culture. Since worship is personal and authentic, it involves the worshiper’s cultural identity. The way we sing, play music, dance, and preach is influenced by our culture, just as the way we speak is influenced by our language, region, and education. Many Koreans repented by beating on their chest, which was a cultural sign of sorrow or contrition. When Korean women rejoiced, they sometimes used the movements of traditional folk dances. They danced as led by the Spirit but not like Americans. Since Pentecostal worship promotes individual and group participation, it adapts

easily to all cultures. Most traditional churches emphasize their historic forms of worship, generally taken from European culture. Across the world these churches imitate the worship forms received from their parent bodies. As a result it is often difficult for them to relate to the local culture and to attract and retain converts. By contrast, Pentecostal churches encourage people to respond freely and genuinely according to their own culture and personality. As a pastor I often explained something like this to the congregation: “If you are a visitor, our style of worship may be somewhat unusual to you. However, I would like for you to understand three things. First, our forms of worship are scriptural. We are doing everything in order according to the Bible. Second, our worship is a sincere and heartfelt response to God. As you can see even with the children and youth, we are personally experiencing and welcoming God’s presence. Finally, we don’t expect you to imitate us, but we simply ask you to open your heart and respond to the Lord in your own way as He leads you.” In multicultural churches, such as many of our North American congregations today, it is important to incorporate various styles of worship. For example, while most of the music will probably reflect contemporary American culture, the special singing can include different genres. People enjoy worshiping with their fellow believers and are blessed by their heartfelt worship even if the style of music differs from their own preference. There is a wonderful unity of spirit and truth as we learn to appreciate and participate in various forms of worship.

David K. Bernard is the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International. APRIL 2015

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[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

“Oh, What a Come-down!” William Booth-Clibborn’s “Down from His Glory” ANN AHRENS

ith a stunning paradox Paul opened the Book of Philippians by rejoicing over his sufferings for the sake of the gospel. Indeed, in verse 1:29 he bluntly reminded his readers they have been “granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (NIV). He went on to write the beautiful hymn found in Philippians chapter 2 where he exulted as he called his readers to become like Jesus Christ, who “being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Centuries later in 1921, a young evangelist, William Booth-Clibborn, grandson of General William Booth, British founder of the Salvation Army, was holding a series of revival meetings in Lodi, California, not far from Stockton. As the weeks passed, many were healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. Given the success of these meetings, Booth-Clibborn and his co-workers, the Berg and Foster families, decided to move south into the Imperial Valley and hold similar meet8

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ings in Holtville, located on the Mexico border. Securing a vacant lot, the group set up their large revival tent, procuring the necessary rental permits and electricity. Everything was set, and with a great deal of energy and anticipation the group began services. But the successes of Lodi were not to be duplicated in Holtville. With attendance of only six to eight visitors over the course of a week, the group became discouraged but decided to persevere, hoping for improved attendance. With no improvement in the second week, they began to worry about how they would pay the promised lot rental and electric bills, which would soon be coming due. Hadn’t God called them to this area to share the gospel message? Why then the struggle and discouragement? With very little income from offerings, where would they find the needed funds? With no money to pay the bills, the group set out to find any kind of temporary labor by which they could earn money. Happening upon a farmer looking to hire several workers to harvest a large field of corn, the group donned overalls and used the last of their money to buy the meager provisions of harvest workers. While the Berg brothers did not find the work too tiring, Booth-Clibborn found himself exhausted before noon, the heavy scythe weighing him down and sapping his energy under the hot sun. How had he gotten himself in this predicament? Hadn’t he felt certain of the Lord’s call to minister in Holtville? With no answers to his questions, his tired body slowly sank down between the tall rows of corn, engulfing and hiding him from view.

Lost between the tall rows of corn he sat with more questions than answers, a preacher unaccustomed to such hard manual labor. All he could think was “Oh, what a come-down! Oh, what a come-down!” With his hands blistered, his back breaking and his heart discouraged, his mind began to drift to Paul’s familiar passage in Philippians, and he asked himself, “Didn’t someone else come down?” He found his heart responding, “Why, yes! He came down. He came down from His glory.” Instantly, his hand found his chest pocket where he always kept a small notepad and pencil, and his hand moved rapidly over the paper as he penned these now-familiar words: Down from his glory, ever living story My God and Savior came, and Jesus was his name. Born in a manger, to his own a stranger, A man of sorrows, tears and agony. As Paul’s heart had exulted centuries ago, so did BoothClibborn’s as he wrote, Oh! How I love him! How I adore him! My breath, my sunshine, my all in all! And then, borrowing from another of Paul’s best-loved passages in Colossians 2:9, he finished the chorus with these unique lines, The great Creator became my Savior.

And all God’s fullness dwelleth in him! Two more verses came quickly, rounding out the message of this beautiful song given in the most unlikely of circumstances, What condescension, bringing us redemption; That in the dead of night, not one faint hope in sight, God, gracious, tender, laid aside his splendor, Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul. Without reluctance, flesh and blood his substance; He took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan. O, glorious mystery, sacrifice of Calvary. And now I know thou art the great “I Am.” With its tune set to the popular Italian song, “O Sole Mio,” Booth-Clibborn’s lyrics have stood as a unique expression of the Oneness Pentecostal message. Booth-Clibborn, who was baptized in Jesus’ name, would go on to join the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and pioneer several churches. He was the pastor of Immanuel Temple in Portland, Oregon, until his death in 1969 at the age of seventy-six. Ann Ahrens serves as associate professor of Music at Urshan College. She attends New Life Center in Bridgeton, Missouri; Aaron Batchelor is her pastor. APRIL 2015

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[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

The Story Behind

“I See a Crimson Stream of Blood” KRISTIN KELLER

n incredible moment takes place when God becomes our defender. The Bible is full of pages etched with stories about heroes of faith: Moses, who took off his shoes to stand on holy ground and receive his charge to go and deliver a nation; David, who ran toward a giant with a slingshot and five stones; Noah, who preached righteousness as he built a boat on dry ground. In all of these instances, these men defended their God and God became their defender. Yet the Bible is not the only place where stories of such heroes exist. If we look at the history of Oneness Pentecostals, we will find heroes of faith there as well. Space would not allow me to write about all the men and women whose stories have impacted history, but I want to take a moment to spotlight one hero’s life, the impact of which we still feel today. Bishop G.T. (Garfield Thomas) Haywood, an African American pastor, evangelist, bishop, editor, gospel songwriter, and author, was one of the most influential leaders in early North American Pentecostalism and a friend of W.J. Seymour, the initiator of the Azusa Street revival. He was born in Greencastle, Indiana, on July 15, 1880, to a poor family who were descendants of slaves. He had a passion for education, and at one point he almost became a professional journalist because of his knack for cartooning. Haywood’s Christian background was primarily Baptist until he received the Holy Ghost in 10

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1908 under the ministry of Elder Henry Prentiss. When God spoke to him saying, “Walk in the Light,” Haywood received the revelation of the need to be baptized in the name of Jesus (The Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization and the Memorial Edition of The Christian Outlook, Volume IX). Haywood’s life-changing Pentecostal experience took place in a small storefront church that was a product of the Azusa Street revival. Despite his own plans for his life, he accepted his call to the ministry and in 1909 he became a pastor. This was the starting point of the Apostolic Assembly in Indianapolis, Indiana. This church was started in the ghetto but in 1924 it moved to the north of the city and became Christ Temple, a multicultural church. Thus Haywood rose from an obscure “jackleg” preacher to the presiding bishop of a large interracial Pentecostal church. He was known as “the walking Bible,” a “mighty sledgehammer in the circles of Christian journalism,” a dynamic preacher, a progressive leader, a friend of outcasts, and a man of tolerance with an infectious smile (The Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization). Haywood was not afraid to defy the cultural norm mandating racism. His decision to pastor a biracial congregation was not popular in those days and despite threats on his life, he continued to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all races from all walks of life. My favorite story about Bishop Haywood is one I remember my father telling across the pulpit: Haywood had received threats from a Caucasian gang that if he did not stop preaching the gospel, they would be waiting for him in the parking lot and after church concluded they would kill him.

When they acted on their threat and showed up, he dismissed the congregation and told them to go home. He sent his family home too. Haywood trusted God to be his defender. After the sanctuary and the parking lot were cleared, he left the church facing the potential of what could be a brutal death for the cause of Christ. He exited the church, locked the door, and then turned to face the gang waiting for him. As he began to walk down the steps in front of the church toward them, gang members dropped their weapons, and took off in a hurry. It wasn’t long before the story of the gang’s experience circulated back to Bishop Haywood. Although he had been unaware of it, when he started down those steps toward the gang two angels had appeared, one on each side of him. G.T. Haywood had defended His God and in that moment his God defended him with two guardian angels. What a hero of faith! Not only was he a hero of faith, he was also a man of prayer and fasting. Another inspiring story about Bishop Haywood is about the week he spent in his office in prayer and fasting. His wife would bring meals and lay them at his office door, only to find them untouched hours later. After this week spent alone with God, Haywood stepped to the pulpit on a Sunday morning and sang the lyrics, “I see a crimson stream of blood; it flows from Calvary. Its waves, which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.” For nearly a century now, the song “I See a Crimson Stream of Blood” has been sung from the hymnals as a song of redemption. There have been moments in my life when gloom and sadness whispered. Yet thank God for the rays of hope He has laid across my path. I often cling to the ray of hope found in

the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” If I am ever going to arrive to the expected end, I am going to need His crimson stream of blood to cover my life every day. G.T. Haywood’s story is that of a man who is an inspiring hero of faith. While writing this article, my mind could not help but wonder what stories have yet to be written about heroes of faith who exist today. Today’s culture is working overtime to write its own definition not only of the church, but of humanity itself. Where are the heroes of faith who are not afraid to stand and defend their God? Who will pray and fast until God speaks something that will transcend time and minister from generation to generation? Being a hero of faith may demand for us to walk the unknown, trusting the plans He has for us. It may require of us to defend our God, even in the face of fear itself. Yet I want to be counted among the heroes of faith, not so that my name can be remembered and my portrait hung in the hallway of heroes, but so I can experience that incredible moment that takes place when the God I defend becomes my defender! Kristin Keller serves as worship leader and promotions director at New Life Christian Center in Lancaster, Ohio. She holds a BA in Music from Indiana Bible College, an MBA from Liberty, and in 2014 she graduated as Dr. Kristin Keller from the Institute for Worship Studies.

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[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

Two Artists . . . Two Songs What is the story behind this song of redemption? T I F F I N I C O U N TAW AY

Artist: Charity Gayle Song: Divine Exchange I wanted to write a song that had purpose and power, one the church could sing with thanksgiving and praise for the sanctifying blood of Jesus. I am daily amazed at the thought that Almighty God became flesh and dwelt among us—sinful, wretched humanity. He sacrificed His perfect life through the cross, His blood, and by that amazing love, grace became ours. I wanted to bring that message to life and sing it at the top of my lungs! So together with my good friends Jennie Lee Riddle (“Revelation Song”) Brandon Collins (“I Stand Before Almighty God Alone”) and Melanie Tierce, we penned “Di-

On the cross hung my pain And the guilt and the shame Jesus bore my suffering To the grave to make me free Oh the blood that was shed It now flows to cover sin It washes clean and purifies In its healing crimson tide Jesus, He took my place in divine exchange Hallelujah, grace is mine 12

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vine Exchange.” As we wrote, I realized “Divine Exchange” would become one of my daily reminders of the gospel. I think of the lyrics “I lay down all lesser things for greater gain. He is alive inside of me,” and joy fills my soul! I have been given life in exchange for my sin! This song ministers to many, including myself. It also serves to help missionary families spread the gospel as all of the profits made from the Divine Exchange single are being donated to Global Missions! I thank God for this song and for His amazing love.

Now I will live by faith for the One who saves He gave all to give me life His Spirit is my present help I’d be lost all by myself He resurrects, He sanctifies He takes His power and makes it mine I lay down all lesser things for greater gain He is alive inside of me

Artist: Jonathan Ensey Song: Willing to Die While sitting in a theology class one day, I was struck by the fact that Jesus was willing to die for our sin. I know that sounds like a very simple concept for us to embrace as Christians, and sure, I had thought about it before, but hearing about the pain and agony He endured and truly thinking about everything He had to suffer—from the lashing and crucifixion to the shame and humiliation of carrying our sins, knowing exactly what fully committing to His role as the sinless sacrifice would entail but still committing anyway—it amazed me that Jesus was willing to die for us. With those thoughts in mind, I just began to tell the story of Calvary. By the time the class was over I had written a couple of verses and a chorus. The paper I wrote it on went into my briefcase unfinished, and over time I forgot about it.

They led Him up a dusty road Crown of thorns on His head They hung Him on a rugged cross For me He suffered and bled He was willing to die just for me Hanging cruelly from that tree He bore my sin, He took my place All because of His love and His grace He was willing to die for me They laid Him in a borrowed tomb Buried among the dead But on the third day He rose again just like He said

Eight years later, I was sitting at my piano trying to work on a couple of songs I was struggling to finish. I decided to take a break and look back through some older lyrics; “Willing to Die” was one of the first songs I saw. When I pulled it out, I was immediately drawn to the message, but after so long I couldn’t remember how I had intended for the melody to sound. I worked on it for about an hour and completed almost the whole song, but I was missing lyrics for the bridge. As I played the song over again a few times, the bridge lyrics of another song I was working on came to mind. Although I had originally written it for another song, I began singing those lyrics over the bridge music I had just written for “Willing to Die”; it fit perfectly. And that’s how I wrote this song that took eight years to finish!

He was willing to die just for you and me He died to set us free He was willing to die just for you and me Shed His blood on Calvary Gave me the hope of redemption Gave me the freedom of salvation He bore my sin, He took my shame Jesus died in my place He stole the keys to death, hell, and the grave So He could prepare a place. Tiffini Countaway is the web producer for MyHopeRadio. com. She and her husband, Andrew, attend New Life Center in Bridgeton, Missouri.

Music Minister Appreciation Day is April 26, 2015! Downloadable resources are available at www.myhoperadio.com. APRIL 2015

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[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

“Thank You for the Blood”: A Song of Redemption LAIRD G. SILLIMON

hether or not we choose to acknowledge it, there really is a biblical purpose for the songs we sing. It is of the utmost importance that our efforts in providing a genuine musical worship experience for the body of Christ be built on songs that have the type of impact described in the Word of God. Ephesians 5:18-20 declares, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” How? “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I believe Paul was suggesting that songs having an edifying effect cause the believer to encounter the Spirit of the living God and to be gently yet supernaturally moved from one dimension to another. The purpose of these songs is to offer gratitude to the Lord for all things, especially for the work of the Cross. I grew up hearing that the song the angels could 14

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not sing was the song of the redeemed because they had not been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. In the early 1900s, as Oneness Pentecostals were breaking away from Trinitarian Pentecostalism, the movement began to be classified by water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. In Heaven Below Grant Wacker claims, “Oneness leaders like G. T. Haywood” spoke of the “sweet songs of the blood of Jesus,” in reference to “longings too deep for ordinary words.” For Apostolic Pentecostals during this time period, priority was instinctively given to the blood-based atonement for sins. While other movements or denominations were de-emphasizing this atonement to an abstract concept, Pentecostals trumpeted it as absolute in its fundamental nature. Interestingly enough, and far beyond its salvific qualities, it was believed that the blood of Jesus was equally applicable in other areas of need. Terms like “the blood” and “the blood of Christ” were passionately proclaimed as a group of saints in Durham, Maine, testified of how Olive Mills was raised from the dead with no one seemingly thinking it out of the ordinary! The proclaiming of the name of Jesus and His blood was touted as the shield against most common evils and the obstacles confronting early Oneness Pentecostals. Music has been an instrumental tool in Pentecostalism to express praise or gratitude for personal interaction with

Almighty God. Similarly, my experience has been that the fundamentals of the Pentecostal belief system, that is, repentance, forgiveness of sins, water baptism, the blood of Jesus and its redemptive work, and Spirit baptism, are all subjects that can and should have a major impact on the worship experience of individuals as well as a corporate body of believers. In considering songs of redemption we must consider the musical works of Garfield Thomas Haywood (July 15, 1880– April 12, 1931), an African-American pastor and songwriter who served as presiding bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World from 1925 to 1931. Haywood composed many gospel songs including “Thank God for the Blood,” “Jesus, the Son of God,” “I See a Crimson Stream of Blood,” and “Do All in Jesus’ Name.” Known for their Oneness Pentecostal themes, many of his songs were published in The Bridegroom Songs, a publication of Christ Temple, the church Haywood founded. A few years ago, as I pondered the seemingly encroaching disappearance of songs that emphasize the distinctives surrounding the Pentecostal experience, I felt an urgency to encourage myself and other modern-day writers to pen more songs that reflect our belief system. It was along these lines that I was inspired to write the song “Thank You for the Blood.” Most of the songs about the blood of Jesus I was aware of were ballads and very effective in leading worship-

ers into the presence of God. My desire was to pen a song about the blood of Jesus that would lend itself to entering into a spirit of rejoicing and gratitude for that redemptive work. Thus, inspired by “Thank God for the Blood,” I wrote “Thank You for the Blood,” recorded and released in 2000 by Jackson College of Ministries on the project We Walk by Faith. Thank You for the Blood w/m by Laird Sillimon Chorus: Thank You, Lord, Thank You for the Blood Thank You, Lord, Thank You for the Blood Verse: Jesus was beaten, nailed to the cross There He hung, bled and died It should’ve been you and I on that rugged cross Sacrificed His Life; oh, He paid the price Died for all my sins; cleansed me deep within Then He picked me up; helped me drink from the bitter cup Took away all my shame; and I’ll never be the same again Bridge: Your blood saved me Your blood raised me Your blood justified me Your blood sanctified me APRIL 2015

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Oh… Vamp 1: Thank You Thank You Thank You Thank You Vamp 2: Thank You, Jesus Thank You for the blood Thank You, Jesus Thank You for the blood Vamp 3: Thank you for the blood Thank you for the blood In keeping with the premise of the biblical purpose of songs, Colossians 3:16 states: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” How? “Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Having said that, if the chorus “Thank You for the Blood” is the offering of gratitude for the redemptive work of the Cross, then certainly the verse serves to teach us “how” and “why” Jesus shed His blood. The Bible says that Jesus purchased the church with His own blood (Revelation 1:5-6). It’s no wonder that singing about the blood ignites something within the Spirit-filled be-

TOPICS: Inﬂuence behind HIP HOP & R&B Frontlines of Urban Evangelism Deliverance, not Enablement Cross-Cultural Worship Reaching the Urban Generation Community Peace & Stability

liever. Although I tend to be a traditionalist when it comes to genres of music, even in more progressive and contemporary styles, which I also enjoy, there is a special anointing when we sing about the blood and our belief system. It is very interesting to observe the reaction of a congregation when songs are ministered, many times regardless of genre, about the redemptive work of the Cross. Songs have a job to do, a message to communicate, and they should accomplish their task or be discarded. Each generation has a unique responsibility of continuing the message of the gospel of redemption through the blood of Jesus. However, even as musical eras change throughout time and genres morph from one to another, the message of the gospel and the blood of Jesus Christ must never change. If the message of the blood stays the same, then we can also expect that “the blood will never lose its power,” and we will always be able to say “Thank You [Jesus] for the Blood.” Laird G. Sillimon is a native of New Orleans. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University in Washington, DC, and an associate degree in Christian Music from Christian Life College in Stockton, California. He serves as ministry associate and music pastor at the Pentecostals of Alexandria in Alexandria, Louisiana.

PRESENTERS: David Bernard Kenneth Stewart Mike Mitchell Tom Durrance Art Wilson Daniel Davy Laird Sillimon

Building the Bridge Connect Conference Houston, TX // June 24-26, 2015 Host Church: First Church of Pearland Host Pastor: Ken Gurley 16

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More information: Kenneth Stewart 813 817 7288 Kstewart@upci.org BuildingTheBridgeMinistries.com

APRIL 2015

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3/11/15 2:30 PM

[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

When You Find Yourself Low in the Grave: The Story of “Christ Arose” L A U R A PAY N E

t was the spring of 1874, and Easter was approaching. Robert Lowry, a prolific hymn and gospel songwriter, credited with writing nearly five hundred songs including “I Need Thee Every Hour” and “Shall We Gather at the River,” was at home doing devotions. As Lowry considered the story of the Resurrection, he was drawn particularly to the passage in Luke 24:6-7: “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” Lowry was inspired. He jumped up and ran to the old pump organ in his parlor. The song “Christ Arose” poured from his lips and fingers (Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions). At the time he penned “Christ Arose,” Lowry was a well-established pastor at a Baptist church in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Lowry’s influence stretched throughout the East Coast, not only as a pastor but also as a leading voice in church music culture. He served as the music editor for Bigelow Publishing and is often credited with improving the quality of hymns and gospel songs sung in the church. Lowry was said to possess a brilliant imagination that held listeners in rapt attention (William J. and Ardythe Pearson, The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories about 600 Hymns and Praise Songs). This gift for painting word pictures was an extension of Lowry’s love for literature. While in Lewisburg he served as professor of literature at nearby Bucknell University. With a gift for language and an instinct for good music, Lowry tackled the theme of the Resurrection. With just two lines in each verse and a simple refrain, Lowry adeptly leads 18

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us from the darkest moments of death to the glorious triumph of life. His use of key words is poignant and serves as a great testament to the power of choosing words well. Maybe as you read the six lines found in the three verses, you will find yourself in the story as well:

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior

Doesn’t every resurrection story start from this point? That moment when your strength is depleted. The dream has died. The realm of possibility has closed in like a tomb. And you’re stuck. We all want the spirit of resurrection. But none of us want the tomb. Lowry doesn’t shy away from the reality of the story. He is willing to speak first of the grave.

Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord

Waiting. It wasn’t just one day; it was three long days. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about the days between Christ’s death and new life. But consider those days through the eyes of Mary and John and the other disciples. Have you ever come home from the funeral of a loved one only to encounter an empty, quiet house filled with memories and regrets? Calvary’s hill was filled with people. It was noisy and crowded and chaotic. There were open displays of mockery and grief. But like most moments of death, the haunting silence when we come home to a void is almost more painful than the death itself. Lowry felt the pang of waiting for a resurrection.

Vainly they watched his bed, Jesus, my Savior

Mary and the women stood watch outside the tomb, hoping, clinging to the vague promise that the story would not end in death. But Lowry describes a natural response to their vigil. “Go away, disciples! You are watching in vain! Why are

you clinging to subtle suggestions that your Jesus will live again?” Hope is precious. And there is nothing more devastating than to believe our hope has been in vain.

Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord

But wait! The solders are there too, standing across the yard from the women, determined to follow protocol, insisting that the tomb be left untouched, defying the disciples’ hope. But with a single lyric line, Lowry shifts the song from a human perspective to a godly one. The Creator of the universe looked at the strong Roman guards and with a simple “whoosh” rendered their efforts vain.

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior

Lowry uses the literary device of personification to present Death as a predator, a devourer, a stalker determined to kill and destroy. With this lyric he introduces another character into the story: the devil, the ultimate puppet-master in the crucifixion tale who manipulates the Romans, takes advantage of the Jewish leaders’ insecurities, and sows hatred in the hearts of the people. But Death wouldn’t be allowed to maintain control. Not only did Death lose his prey after three days in the tomb, but he continues to lose his campaign to prey on the souls of men. Perhaps Lowry was hinting of the passage that describes Satan as a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). If so, then we are the prey whom Lowry describes. But death cannot keep us in its jaws!

He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord

What a powerful image! Jesus was not released from His grave by a secondary force. He tore away the bars of His own captivity. The force that was and is God Almighty could not

be contained in a tomb, could not be stopped by a mighty soldier, and could not be held in the mouth of the predator named Death. Jesus, of His own strength and power, exploded from the tomb like a man tearing away the bars of his own prison cell! The refrain of this hymn is best understood when it bursts out as the final climax to a vividly written six-line story: Up from the grave he arose; With a mighty triumph o’er his foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, And he lives forever, with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! That’s what Christ’s triumphant resurrection is to us, His people. It is the moment when darkness is overtaken. It is the moment when the imagery of a lying-down corpse is erased by the picture of a rising victor. In one single moment of time, our dreams are brought to life again. The waiting is over. Our grief is assuaged. Our enemies are silenced. The devourer slinks away unsatisfied. I can imagine Robert Lowry sitting at the pump organ in his parlor, jubilantly declaring the final words of the refrain: “He arose!” Perhaps he paused and realized that they deserved to be spoken again. “He arose!” And a final victorious shout: “Hallelujah! Christ arose!” Laura Payne serves as the music and creative arts pastor at Goodlettsville Pentecostal Church pastored by Tim Zuniga. She has a master’s degree in Music Education from University of the Pacific. APRIL 2015

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“

The truth is, God delights in the sound of His bride’s voice.

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”

Sing to Me PAT R I C I A B O L L M A N N

busy evangelist set aside time every Monday evening to pray. During these hours of sweet communion he often sang to the Lord. Soon, though, his schedule became so hectic with meetings on an international scale that he eliminated the singing and stuck to praying. Months went by, and one day while in earnest prayer the Lord stopped him with a question totally unrelated to the topic under discussion. “Jason, why don’t you sing to Me anymore?” The truth is, God delights in the sound of His bride’s voice. In the early 1970s my father, Wendell Gleason, preached a message called “The Midnight Song Giver.” He said when the busy day was done and quiet descended, he would become aware of the thrum of praise melodies in his heart—like a spiritual pulse. He read from Psalm 42:8: “Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” (See also Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.) Singing to the Lord is always appropriate. David suffered through a horrible crisis (Psalm 22). His extreme distress affected him emotionally, mentally, and physically. He felt as if God was turning a deaf ear to his

crying and pleading. He tried to muster hope by calling to remembrance when in times past God had delivered his forefathers, but it didn’t work—he was crushed that God wasn’t doing the same for him. He felt despised, lower than a worm. People were jeering at him for having faith in God. He was sick; his strength had dried up like broken pieces of ancient pottery. Yet out of his anguish he said, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Psalm 22:22 as quoted in Hebrews 2:12). At his lowest point, when the only song he could sing was a song about suffering, if he could just get to church he knew his praise would be revived by singing the songs of Zion with the congregation. David also wrote a song of repentance (Psalm 51): “I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.…Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalms like these lead us to the truth that God not only loves the sound of our song during times of joy and prosperity, but He also wants to hear it during our times of trouble, loss, grief, and mourning. Singing unto Him opens the sluice gate and allows the melodies of hope and encouragement to tumble forth. In Babylon the captive Jews hung their harps on the willows, thinking they might never sing again. Their captors had heard tales of the Jews’ extraordinary worship and demanded a demonstration, but exile in a strange land had doused their APRIL 2015

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joy. Then, unexpectedly, a song emerged from that seemingly song-less devastation. “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down…We hanged our harps upon the willows…[and said] How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” In the end, the Jews did not give up and throw their harps away. Their song was still there in spite of the heartache. Somehow they knew that one day God would recompense Babylon for its cruelty, their joy would be restored, and they’d be singing again. Singing to the Lord was a vital part of many significant events in Jewish history. After Pharaoh and his armies drowned in the Red Sea, the Israelites sang, danced, rejoiced, and praised God for deliverance (Exodus 15). In I Chronicles 15 while preparing to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, David appointed Chenaniah, chief of the Levite singers, to teach the Levites exuberant songs for the occasion, to play instruments, and to lift up their voices to the Lord with joy. At the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, singers and musicians as one made a single sound of praise and thanks to God. The vibrant praises ushered in a glory cloud so thick the priests could not minister (II Chronicles 5). In II Chronicles 20 when Moab, Ammon, and mount Seir came against Jehoshaphat with a mighty horde, the Spirit of the Lord moved one of the Levites to prophesy that the Lord would win the battle. Taking heart, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the charge. “When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments…” After the dust cleared, the astonished Israelites beheld a multitude of slain enemies. At the dedication of the foundation of Zerubbabel’s Temple the Levite choirs sang with loud shouts of praise that resonated for miles. “They sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord.…All the people shouted with a great shout…and the noise was heard afar off” (Ezra 3:11-13). (This is not beyond the realm of possibility. One documented example of the level of noise that can be generated by voices shouting and feet stomping took place in 2011 at CenturyLink Field when the Seattle Seahawks triumphed over the New Orleans Saints. The noise generated by fans registered on seismographs as a magnitude one or two earthquake.) In the Book of Psalms, singing to the Lord is mentioned 22

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more than seventy times. A typical example is Psalm 33:1-3: “Praise is comely for the upright.…Sing unto him with the psaltery…Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.” What are the benefits of God-focused singing? Spiritually, while we’re praising God He refreshes our soul, rejuvenates our spirit, strengthens our resolve, and fills us with joy. But beyond all of this, our praise singing also reaps physical benefits. One voice instructor writes: “When you sing, musical vibrations move through you, altering your physical and emotional landscape. Group singing…is the most exhilarating and transformative of all. It takes something incredibly intimate, a sound that begins inside you, shares it with a roomful of people and it comes back as something even more thrilling: harmony. “The elation may come from endorphins, a hormone released by singing, which is associated with feelings of pleasure. Or it might be from oxytocin, another hormone released during singing, which has been found to alleviate anxiety and stress. Oxytocin also enhances feelings of trust and bonding, which may explain why still more studies have found that singing lessens feelings of depression and loneliness. “It turns out you don’t even have to be a good singer to reap the rewards. According to one 2005 study, group singing ‘can produce satisfying and therapeutic sensations even when the sound produced by the vocal instrument is of mediocre quality.’” So why does God give us a song and ask us to sing it to Him? Singing to Him is comely. It focuses our thoughts. It’s worshipful. It’s repentant. It’s emotive. It brings hope and uplifts the spirit. It’s instructional. It’s unifying and relational. It’s militant. It benefits both the hearer and the singer. But most of all, God loves it. For Patricia Bollmann, singing to the Lord has been a lifelong joy, both at church and in the home where her dad taught his four young children to harmonize. Pat lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where her husband, Tim, is an instructor at Apostolic Bible Institute. They attend First United Pentecostal Church pastored by Gerald Grant.

WORLDLINE BY BRUCE HOWELL

Either Way ither way we win There’s no way that we can lose We’ve put our faith and trust in Him Either way we win If He answers prayer today Or He waits until the end Either way we win Tim Pedigo first sang these lines years ago, but with the passage of time the message still rings true. When we follow the call of God, winning is guaranteed—no matter what the temporary conditions may or may not seem to indicate. Whatever challenge you are currently facing, as a born-again believer you have already been handed ultimate victory. This is the kind of confidence that still shows up in extreme situations, such as David wrote about: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. . . . You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:4-5, NKJV). Let me share with you several recent stories about victory despite persecution from missionaries and national ministers working in three hostile or sensitive places. First, Philip and Twyla Tolstad wrote from Uganda, “In the south at a new church of Sister Nonsanta, we bought land for the church, organized the church to begin construction, and had a two-day seminar on Apostolic doctrine and pastoral training. There has been much persecution from other pastors and churches, but God has given us victory in the area. Four pastors attended and committed to work with Sister Nonsanta after hearing the teaching on the Word of God. Two pastors are being baptized and are applying to join the national church. That Sunday we had twenty-seven receive the Holy Ghost, and several testified of miracles in their lives. One man testified of being healed of AIDS. One lady testified

of having her mind restored, as she had been a mad woman, driven by evil spirits and living in the forest and eating garbage out of the streets. “On Monday we were invited to the Nakivale Refugee Camp, the oldest refugee camp in Uganda. It was started in 1959 and has housed untold thousands of people. Pastor Patrick has started a small church, where we had a great service and God moved in a mighty way. David, who is a twenty-oneyear-old man, was instantly healed. He had not been able to speak for most of his life, but after prayer, he stood and testified. “On a previous Sunday we were in Karugutu with Pastor Patrick Izziro. This is also a new church that has joined the national church. We had a full day of teaching and preaching doctrine, pastoral leadership, and holiness. Many neighboring pastors attended and twenty-eight people received the Holy Ghost.” Second, on another continent, we have seen many come to the truth in a country that we cannot mention due to security concerns. In the midst of great persecution we have seen entire congregations embrace the oneness of God and the plan of salvation, as reported below. “It seems the government has been hitting several of the minority groups we have been supporting. Cameras and motorcycles have been confiscated, and people have been clubbed and beaten. In the last two months, the police hired thugs who have stoned the Bible school several times a week to disrupt school and church. They have destroyed the ground floor that served as a daycare for young children to help pay the bills. On occasion, they entered the building and smashed furniture and equipment, including computers. Some of the students, including young ladies, were slapped around and had bruises on their faces, arms, and legs. “On a positive note I have received reports of several more water baptisms among

church leaders and members. Plus, more have received the Holy Spirit. Churches that are not being persecuted have reported growth and have been reaching out to others, including other minority groups. In another area where people are also being oppressed by the government, a very large group of these people including those from three other denominations have accepted biblical doctrine and have been re-baptized in Jesus’ name.” Third, in yet another continent and next door to one of the most “closed” nations on earth to missionary efforts, there was recently an unprecedented outpouring of the Holy Ghost on people traveling from that hostile nation. A total of 542 attended three services, 202 were baptized in Jesus’ name, and 159 were filled with the Holy Ghost! “Some received the Holy Ghost in the water, even before the actual baptism,” one report said. Another said, “This is the largest recorded outpouring of the Holy Ghost and new births in [this part of the world] in modern history.” I rejoice over these testimonies! Thank God for faithful men and women who are willing to hazard their lives for the gospel in challenging places in the world. We know there is no nation on earth that can truly be closed to the gospel. In fact, as the second psalm declares, the Lord laughs in the face of opposition and then has His way anyway. God’s purpose will prevail in the world, whether or not tribulation is involved. So let me encourage you today. Whether it feels like your mountaintop moment right now or whether you are going through a shadowy valley, God is still on the throne, and either way you win!

Bruce A. Howell is the general director of Global Missions.

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[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

The Alabaster Box JANICE SJÖSTRAND

t was a Sunday morning in 1990 at the Apostolic Bible Church where my father-in-law, a native Minnesotan, had been invited to speak at his home church in Saint Paul. Before he assumed the pulpit, he had asked me if I wanted to sing before or after he spoke; I chose to sing after. I remember sitting quietly while he began to tell the story of the woman with the alabaster box. He noted that while Matthew, Mark, and Luke each described an anointing at the house of a Pharisee, Simon the leper, only Luke identified her as a sinner. John recorded that Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointed Jesus from an alabaster box. Although it appeared that at least two different women had worshiped Jesus in this unusual manner, each was criticized similarly. Jesus’ response to that criticism was the same in every account, including that of John: “Let her alone.” The sermon brought to life the story of this worshiper, long since dead. The price of her worship was expensive: personal vulnerability, public censure, and costly ointment. As my father-in-law spoke, I wondered at the circumstances of the woman’s life that compelled her to such a public display. Clearly something of import had happened to move her to risk herself in such dramatic fashion. As I listened to her story, I pondered all she had to overcome. First, the setting was not conducive to so personal a display. The occasion was entirely social; people were there to eat. To do what she did, this woman had to determine to 24

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take the opportunity she had been afforded, appropriate or not. Second, she couldn’t have been oblivious to the fact that what she was about to do would defy convention. Luke’s account suggested that she was a woman of ill repute, and both she and Jesus were censured—she for being a sinner, He for appearing not to know she was a sinner. Whoever she was, by just being a woman—sinner or not—her action was sure to bring reproach on both of them. She didn’t care. Next, to anoint Jesus she had to be near Him, but she had neither invitation nor permission to approach Him. There was no one to introduce her, no one to prepare the way for her, no one to encourage her to worship. Her action was entirely selfinitiated. Whatever she did, she would have to do on her own, and then she would have to bear the result of that action. In spite of it all, she persisted. Finally, she had to expose even the gift she brought to the scrutiny of those around her. People were bound to have an opinion about its quality and quantity, and she was sure to hear their remarks. She’d have to have thick skin. Her gift was costly, worth a year’s wage, and it provoked reproach. Indeed, in the accounts recorded in Matthew, Mark, and John, some complained because such a gift was “wasted” rather than sold to provide money for the poor. She gave it anyway. Her actions resonated with me as a fellow worshiper. I understood the hunger to be near Jesus, the need to give something precious, and the willingness to be extravagant. I suppose I saw myself in her shoes: steeling herself to come

near, she refused to be daunted or distracted by those who watched. She remained focused on Jesus, the object of her attention. She did not need permission from the host or an invitation from Jesus. She was bent on worship, and nothing else would do. Her unrestrained act of worship in a public place unnerved those present. They were there to eat; she was there to worship. She turned a social occasion into a church service. She broke the rules of decorum, and the whole house was filled with the fragrance of her gift. Her outpouring was in marked contrast to the indifference of those around her. Jesus’ host hadn’t even offered Him the common courtesies of the day, and His own disciples scorned her outpouring. She exceeded them all. I could see and feel the moment; it washed over me with the same longing I had felt in my own personal yearning to pour out myself before Jesus. I remembered my own “alabaster” moments, when my desire to be in His presence overcame my fear of the response, and I simply lost myself in worship and adoration. I became the woman with the box, and her story became mine. As I visualized the scene before me, I realized I had nothing in my repertoire of songs that could capture the emotion and depth of worship that the sermon had so masterfully described. I didn’t want to lose the sanctity of that moment, and knowing the end of the sermon was approaching, I found a piece of paper and began to pen her story. I wrote quickly, fin-

ished as my father-in-law closed his sermon, and went to the piano. Singing the lyrics I had written, I composed the music as I played and poured out the song of the woman with the alabaster box from my own heart. I first sang “Alabaster Box” publicly in 1993 at the Inaugural Prayer Service for President Bill Clinton. It was later recorded by CeCe Winans and won a Dove Award in 2001. Since that Sunday morning in Saint Paul, “Alabaster Box” has gone around the world. It has been played, sung, dramatized, and televised in churches, conferences, and talent shows. I am certain its impact is the result of the promise Jesus made to the woman who worshiped: “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:9). Each time I hear the song, I am moved and reminded of my own testimony and the bond between me and the woman with the alabaster box. Janice Sjöstrand, EdD, ministers with her husband and family at Christian Apostolic Church in Newark, Ohio, and serves on the Urshan College and Urshan Graduate School Board of Trustees.

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[SONGS OF THE REDEMPTION]

The Old Rugged Cross C E D R I C T. A U S T I N

any contemporary churches have moved on from using hymnals during worship services. Growing up in the church, I remember as a young boy getting excited for church on Wednesday nights just so I could get a hymnal and try my best to remember the page number for every hymn we sang during our worship service. I simply loved to sing, no matter what church song it was. During that time, hymns did not have as much meaning to me as they do now. A few of the most popular hymns were “Heaven’s Jubilee,” “He Set Me Free,” and “Oh, I Want to See Him,” but one of my favorite hymns is “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best For a world of lost sinners was slain.

When I think of the cross, the first thing that comes to mind is the pain, suffering, and humiliation Jesus endured for us. The fact God became flesh, lived among humanity, and 26

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offered His life for us by willingly shedding His blood on the cross for our sins lets me know there is no greater love story. He could have called down twelve legions of angels to set Himself free and avenge His guiltless life, yet He did not. I am reminded, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). A few years ago my wife and I were dining in one of our favorite spots, which also sells unique items. While we were shopping, my wife came across a special edition of a book titled Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan. Within the pages of this book there were one hundred and fifty Christmas, Easter, and All-Time Favorite hymn stories. She knew I would like the book and she was right. While scanning through the book, we came across the inspiration behind the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross.” George Bennard was born in Youngstown, Ohio, shortly after the end of the Civil War. At sixteen he felt the call to ministry, but due to the death of his father and obligations to his family, those dreams were postponed and “eventually George married and began in ministry with the Salvation Army. Later he was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal Church and became a traveling evangelist” (Morgan). In 1912, Bennard had been experiencing a difficult season. His writings explain, “I was praying for a full under-

standing of the Cross … I read and studied and prayed … The Christ of the Cross became more than a symbol … It was like seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form, and act out the meaning of redemption. While watching this scene with my mind’s eye, the theme of the song came to me” (Morgan). Over the course of several months, Bennard began to craft the words to the song we now know. During his work as an evangelist throughout the Midwest, he carried the words with him, honing them and sometimes singing the song in churches where he ministered. When he finally completed the song, he sang the hymn for friends. After the last note, he looked at them and asked, “Will it do?” The rest of the story is, as we say, history. In 1913 his friends helped pay the printing costs and soon the hymn became a standard part of hymnals across North America. Bible verses or songs sometimes don’t resonate with us until we need them. There was a season in my life, while actively engaged in church, when I made numerous bad choices. In my failings I disappointed my family and friends and, to be blunt, myself. My self-inflicted sufferings left me feeling ashamed. I felt as if God could not love me or forgive me even though I knew there were many Scripture verses that state the opposite. I felt unforgiven and thrown away. During this time in my life, I had to learn how to “cling to the old rugged cross.” It became real. I needed to be redeemed. I needed to understand that the cross was the place that allowed the blood

of His sacrifice to wash away my sins and provide my healing. On the cross He understood my shame. It was never truly clear to me what the words of the song meant until I took myself to the foot of the cross, repented of my failures, and accepted forgiveness from a God who had shown His love to us by His sacrifice on the cross. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This verse is a start to understanding the redemptive love of Christ. I am thankful for the love of Christ, and I am blessed to know Him. The song says it best:

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it someday for a crown.

Cedric T. Austin and his wife, Rosalynn, are both licensed ministers. They have two children, Kye-Keyann and Ariel. Cedric is the Hyphen director at The Life Church in Kansas City, Missouri, pastored by Stan Gleason.

APRIL 2015

P E N T E C O S TA L H E R A L D

Download the form at www.sundayschooldivision.com or scan the code below.

Nomination Form

General Sunday School Division United Pentecostal Church International Sunday school teachers are the largest group of volunteer workers in the church, and in some cases, the most overlooked. The Teacher of the Month program is an effort to raise the visibility of Sunday school teachers and to draw attention to the imperative ministry they render to the church. We understand that we cannot determine the best teacher in North America, but this symbolic gesture will help find and acknowledge good teachers. Many teachers will be inspired by the attention given to this ministry and be made to understand the church really cares about them. Do you know a teacher who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and love of ministry? If so, nominate him or her as a Teacher-of-the-Month. The selected teachers will be honored in the Pentecostal Herald magazine. To recommend an exceptional teacher, fill out the nomination application below and email or mail: Teacher-of-the-Month General Sunday School Division 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, Missouri 63042 or email to: lfarnell@upci.org www.sundayschooldivision.org

Teacher’s name (print) ____________________________________________________________________ Teacher’s date of birth ___________ Member of what church _____________________________________ Location of church (city & state) ____________________________________________________________

Teacher

Pastor’s name (print) ___________________________________________ Age level taught ____________ How long a teacher ________________________ Education _____________________________________ Write a paragraph explaining why this teacher is outstanding: _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

of the Month

______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Ted Roemig began teaching first and second grade at a time when male teachers in the lower-level classroom were not the norm. He brought ______________________________________________________________________________________ along his guitar and thrilled the students with live music during worship. ______________________________________________________________________________________ His storytelling kept their attention. Students today still recall how Ted and his wife, Jane, taught them with a firm hand but always with love and Pastor’s signature of approval (required) ______________________________________________________ kindness. Today Ted teaches the adult class. His comment now is that he started with first and second grade so that he could teach them when they Please send recent for portrait (required) camea around their second childhood. Ted was honored as the Teacher of the Year 2015 at New Life Center, where he received a standing ovation as well as a reserved parking spot for the year. His humility and love for God shines through in every aspect. Ted attends New Life Center in Bridgeton, Missouri, pastored by Rev. Aaron Batchelor.

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APRIL 2015

SUNDAY SCHOOL BY STEVE L. CANNON

Planting Good Seed he General Sunday School Division has launched the 2015 theme: “Planting Good Seed.” We have twelve national Save Our Children Crusades planned and have just completed our first Global Crusade for 2015. Teaching and preaching the Word of God is “Planting Good Seed.” The pictures below share the excitement that happened in Guam and the Micronesian Islands with Evangelists Mike and Vickie Oliver of Ohio. Sixty-eight were filled with the Holy Ghost and twenty-three were baptized in these crusades! Ecologists tell us that even trees bestow legacies. A young tree grows better when it is planted among older trees because the older trees create pathways of fungi that

send oxygen underground to saplings. This allows saplings to implant their roots deeply into the soil. In a forest, tree roots actually graft themselves to one another, creating a complex underground highway of nutrients and oxygen. Stronger trees share resources with weaker ones so that the forest becomes healthier. “That’s legacy, an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us,” says Susan Bosak, chairwoman of the Legacy Project. God’s Word commands us to leave a godly legacy for our children. “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You

shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 11:18-20, NKJV). Pray for success in 2015 and give to help us reach our SOC goal, which is $1.4 million—another record goal. Thanks for your commitment and spirit. We look forward to another banner year in the General Sunday School Division. Your gift will allow us to continue to “Plant Good Seed.”

Steve L. Cannon is the General Sunday School director.

APRIL 2015

P E N T E C O S TA L H E R A L D

usic inister

APPRECIATION DAY

APRIL 26, 2015

IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT OF YOUR LOCAL CHURCH AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

Downloadable Resources @ www.myhoperadio.com

NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS BY CARLTON L. COON SR.

New Start North America’s Northwest is one of the most under-churched regions in all the world. People came to the Northwest searching for success and accomplishment. By contrast, in the Northeast, many pioneers came seeking religious freedom. Our Northwest is an opportunity for unlimited impact. District leaders in the region aggressively seek church planters who will start and stay. These leaders also pursue every possible effort for existing churches to plant churches. In partnership with that agenda, for the past three years North American Missions has collaborated for Harvest Northwest. It is a two-night, three-day conference focused on encouraging more effective ministry in this region. Harvest Northwest 2015 will be held in Seattle, Washington, on May 20-22. Speakers include UPCI General Superintendent David K. Bernard, Metro Missionary Scott Sistrunk, Prison Chaplain Doug Lethin, and Stewardship Director Steve Drury.

ason and Tammie Sloan began their own experience in harvesting the Northwest at the first Harvest Northwest conference. Several years ago Jason Sloan was serving as an assistant pastor in Washington. Although he and his wife accomplished important things, there was still the edge of unfulfilled challenge. As a result of Harvest Northwest, they came away with the desire to leave the settled place and start a new church to reach lost souls. Within the next year God opened doors for the Sloans to go to Port Angeles and start New Beginnings United Pentecostal Church. Port Angeles is a beautiful city of 19,000 people in a county of 77,000 people. For those who live in places with perhaps four churches in your county, understand there was no other Apostolic church in the entire area around Port Angeles. The church in Port Angeles could not be built on transfer growth or reaching backsliders. Port Angeles, the county, and other nearby communities were ground not yet broken by any Apostolic plow. It was eleven months after that first Harvest Northwest before the Sloans were on site in Port Angeles. During their first full year of working hard, working smart, and having church they found a ready field. Imagine—it was in a place where only a year before there had been no church be-

cause there had been no planter: • Thirteen people were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. • Five people received the Holy Ghost. • A Sunday school was started to reach unchurched children in the community. • The church started a Bible quizzing team to help disciple young people. • God provided a church van to transport people to church!

number of churches, inside the city limits of Seattle we have only two preaching points. Those two preaching points are a wonderful start, but Seattle deserves to have twenty churches. If you are interested in information about starting a church in Washington, please contact:

Pastor Sloan says, “We are thankful to have found what God was wanting to do and to have moved into it. The best is yet to come!” Each year district events and Harvest Northwest give workers new tools to be more effective. Last year the Sloans traveled to Abbotsford, British Columbia, to be part of Harvest Northwest. Missionaries and soulwinners like Jerald Staten stirred something within. Pastor Sloan said, “We came away with a renewed burden for souls and new tools to use in Port Angeles.” In the State of Washington there are over fifty unchurched communities the size of Port Angeles. These cities and towns await a church planter or for an existing church to start a preaching point. Each week, the North American Missions staff prays for God to send a church planter to Seattle. Although the Seattle metro area has a

Oregon and British Columbia are similarly unchurched. Portland and Vancouver are world-class cities. To learn about opportunities in Oregon and British Columbia contact: Oregon District NAM Director Steven Hanson, stvhan@msn.com, (503) 704-5899

Washington District NAM DirectorClifford Barnett, barnettcandk@gmail.com, (425) 330-6072

British Columbia District NAM Director Philip Lempke, mplemke@icloud.com, (604) 725-2245 If you are interested in seeing the great unchurched reality of the Northwest for yourself, be part of Harvest Northwest 2015 on May 20-22.

Carlton L. Coon Sr. is the general director of North American Missions of the United Pentecostal Church International.

APRIL 2015

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[FEEDBACK] Greetings in Jesus’ Name!

I have been receiving your magazine for a while now. It truly is a wonderful blessing that the Lord has provided for me. I have been sharing that blessing with others around me. It has become an ever-present reminder that I am not alone in my walk with the Lord. I have been blessed and refreshed by the articles. I particularly enjoy reading articles by ministers I remember from my youth like Brothers Mooney, Bernard, Bother Gleason, and Gurley. Your magazine has helped inspire hearts and minds to pursue holiness, righteousness, and forgiveness and for that I say a big thank you and am very grateful. It has become part of my ministry and is being used to change lives, reaching out to the lost, the broken, and the hopeless. God Bless. —Joshua Bean

The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power

Love your mag! I believe “The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power” was written by Andrae Crouch, not Bill Gaither as a recent article stated. God bless you all as you are blessing others! —Vicki Leonardson Editorial Response: We have received several notifications regarding this oversight and definitely want to give credit where it is due. Andrae Crouch indeed penned this powerful song. Thank you for writing to us. Send letters for possible publication to: pbuford@upci.org or kmiddleton@upci.org, or Pentecostal Herald 8855 Dunn Road / Hazelwood, MO 63042-2299. Letters may be edited for style, grammar, punctuation, or length.

861612 Dec Herald.indd 1

Subscribe & Save The Pentecostal Herald offers a discount for our bundle subscribers. Visit www.pentecostalherald.com/subscriptions to set up a bundle subscription for your congregation today! 32

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MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES BY DAN BUTLER

All the Children aireon* likely would never know the simple joy of Sunday worship, the community of faith, a mother’s kiss, or a father’s embrace. He seemed destined to family norms of crime, violence, drugs, and incarceration. With both his grandmother and mother incarcerated and his father involved in a broken lifestyle that would lead to gangbanging and incarceration, Daireon would likely be a victim of generational dysfunction, societal failure, and spiritual depravity “without hope and without God” (Ephesians 2:12, NIV). He was abandoned at less than a year old, and compassionate neighbors from run-down government housing in central Oklahoma took him in and provided food and shelter. Daireon’s chances looked bleak, yet, because Jesus loves little children, there appeared a ray of hope. Three decades prior to Daireon’s birth, God had looked into the boy’s dismal future and designed a “way of escape” in the form of a young couple named Pedro and MariaElena who had migrated to America from Guatemala. They had four daughters and were blessed by the benefits of bus ministry from a local church of Chicago. Through an amazing story of conversion from Catholicism to Apostolic truth, MariaElena and all four of her daughters experienced their personal new births, were baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost. Julie, daughter number two, grew up as an Apostolic girl that soon matured into a beautiful, godly lady. Although influenced somewhat by her upbringing amid the East Los Angeles neighborhood gangs, violence, and crime, Julie earned her master’s degree and launched into a career of assisting the released inmates of Los Angeles to reintegrate into society. Amid the gang-infested, cocaine-addicted neighborhood of Long Beach, there was a young man named Duke. His interest in football and photography kept him from

enlisting in a gang. After serving four years in the US Air Force, Duke returned to Long Beach to discover a large portion of young men that he had grown up with were dead or in prison. Several of his family members were taken to early graves in gang warfare. In his grief and desperation, Duke recommitted his life to God at the International Pentecostal Church and experienced his personal new birth. Waging war against gang violence, Duke crafted and produced the award-winning, anti-gang documentary film, The Game Don’t Change, Just the Players (available through DVD), which involves his childhood friend, Calvin aka Snoop Dog. However, God had an additional miracle for Duke that would involve his little cousin Daireon, though the two had never met. Duke fell in love with Julie and they married. The beautiful Apostolic couple gave themselves first to Jesus and His principles, then to one another, and soon emerged as a godly model of a young married couple. Their only grief was the incredibly painful discovery during their first three years of marriage that they likely would never bear children. However, God had put His plan in motion. Just days prior to Duke and Julie’s third wedding anniversary, a sweet, precious African-Hispanic baby boy, descendent of similar immigrant parents as Duke’s and Julie’s, entered a spiritually dead world as a helpless baby victim. But Jesus, who loves little children, had another miracle in store. A year later Duke had to return to Oklahoma on a business trip and to visit some family members whom he longed to see, and some whom he had never seen. One cousin informed Duke of their other cousin Jackie, who had yielded to the generational curse and was on the same destructive path as her mother. Then came the news about twelve-month-old Daireon, Jackie’s African-Hispanic son, Duke’s second-cousin. He was living with the neighbor next door.

When Duke saw the infant clad only in a diaper with a half-eaten hotdog in one hand and a piece of ice in the other, compassion for the infant filled his heart. He couldn’t stand the thought of that baby boy growing up and becoming involved in drugs, crime, and violence as had his parents and grandmother. He saw Daireon as an answer to his and Julie’s prayers for a child. What joy the baby would add to their lives! Thus through Duke and Julie, God saved Daireon from a degraded life of generational curses and insane victimization. Within two days, from inside the prison, Jackie signed papers that granted legal guardianship of Daireon to Duke and Julie. Presently legal adoption proceedings promise that Daireon will continue to enjoy Apostolic Sunday school lessons, preaching, and teaching. Today, at age three, Daireon enjoys the parental love and affection of a Christian home. Yes, Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world, Brown, yellow, black, or white, They’re all precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world. Praise be to God for those who pray for and willingly evangelize all communities in North America! *(Some names were changed in this article.)

Daniel L. Butler, DMin (Fuller Theological Seminary, 2011), has served as pastor of International Pentecostal Church in Bellflower, California, Los Angeles County, for the past twenty-three years. He and his wife, Pamela, have celebrated thirty-five years of blessed matrimony.

APRIL 2015

P E N T E C O S TA L H E R A L D

APRIL 2015

FAITH & CULTURE BY EUGENE WILSON

This Untoward Generation eter, while preaching on the Day of Pentecost, exhorted his audience to save themselves from “this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40). While the term untoward is uncommon, appearing once in the King James Version and used in reference to Peter’s generation, it is an accurate description of our generation as well. Untoward is described in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia as an “obsolete term that probably derived its origin from the idea of the heart that was not inclined toward divine will and teaching.” Merriam-Webster defines untoward as “difficult to guide, manage, or work with; marked by trouble or unhappiness; not favorable.” In describing this generation as untoward, I am saying this generation is difficult to guide and teach and is experiencing trouble and unhappiness.

Empathizing with the Untoward We are to save ourselves from this untoward generation. This means we must embrace instruction, correction, and guidance. In doing so, we will experience favor. But that’s not all. We must also instruct, correct, and guide the untoward—those who are not inclined toward instruction, correction, and guidance. We must minister to those who are difficult to minister to. How do you minister to the untoward? How do you provide guidance or direction to those who are difficult to guide or work with? How do you bestow favor and kindness to those who are unfavorable? An essential aspect in ministering to this untoward generation is empathy. Unlike sympathy, which is to feel for a person, empathy is to feel with a person. Empathy is sharing another person’s pain; it is feeling what someone else feels. The term empathy does not appear in Scripture. However, the

Bible does refer to the characteristic or quality of empathy. Empathy can be seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. For example, in Matthew 9:36 Jesus empathized with the crowd, for they were as sheep without a shepherd.

Empathizing Requires Authenticity How might we display empathy to this untoward generation—a generation without guidance or direction? Interestingly, Jordan, a twenty-three-year-old blogger, suggests our empathy must be rooted in authenticity. In her guest blog, “Why the Church Isn’t Reaching My Unchurched Friends,” she maintains the number-one challenge facing the church in reaching the unchurched is that too much of the church appears to be fake. That is, too much of the church is not authentic. Some think ministering to this untoward generation requires looking cool, fitting in, appearing as though you understand, when in reality the root to effective ministering is inward, not outward. Effective ministry to the untoward is found deep within, in our empathy for them. The greatest challenge is not that this generation resists guidance and instruction; it is within the church. Plainly stated, we cannot fake empathy and expect to make a difference. Jordan writes, “We don’t just want church-goers and pastors to hang up their suits and ties for t-shirts and jeans because its cool. We simply want people to be who they are Monday through Saturday on Sunday, too.” The church must empathize with the untoward if it is going to minister to them. Jordan says, “I desired to be a part of a church that got it. That got my struggles. My sin. My doubts. All I wanted when I entered the doors of church was to find people who would bear my burden and remind me

of who God was, because quite frankly, I wasn’t sure anymore. Unfortunately, so many times, it seemed like the God people were pointing to was one that would want nothing to do with me.” Expressing sympathy is not enough. Ministering to this untoward generation requires empathy. Christians are not immune to trouble, yet they often project this to be so. Jordan describes her perception of the church: “Either everyone was really happy all the time with no problems, or they were being fake . . . and I was in no position to play the Fake Game.” She’s not alone. This untoward generation feels the same. Jordan states, “I don’t think my generation in general wants to play the Fake Game when it comes to their desire to find and know God.” If we want to minister to this untoward generation we must do more than fake empathy. Furthermore, we must move beyond mere sympathy. We must help the untoward find God. Jordan, in speaking to the church, says, “We’ve played the Fake Game enough. The Fake Game surrounds us in advertisements, tweets, and Facebook profiles. When it comes to seeking God, we don’t want to play anymore. We want to find Him.” This untoward generation wants to ask questions, voice their doubts, and explain their struggles and fears. And they want the church to do it with them.

Eugene Wilson is an ordained minister, leadership consultant, and coach. He and his wife live in Dallas, Texas.

APRIL 2015

P E N T E C O S TA L H E R A L D

DO YOUR CHILDREN UNDERSTAND THE ONENESS OF GOD?

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Only an encounter with God manifest in the flesh will convince Brianna that God is one. Join Brianna Elliott, as she and her brother, Seth, travel back in time in their quest to find God. Will she be able to find the One who created the world? Or will He find her? After reading this story, kids of all ages will grow in their understanding of the oneness of God. Pre-order today. Shipping mid-April. 26246 Paperback $11.99

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P E N T E C O S TA L H E R A L D

APRIL 2015

1 (866) 819-7667

LADIES MINISTRIES BY LINDA GLEASON

Joyful others Memorial 2015 is here . . . another opportunity to bless the work of the kingdom worldwide! Our theme, “Joyful,” expresses an attitude of giving near and dear to the heart of God! He loves a cheerful, or could we say joyful, giver. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7). Enjoy a Mothers Memorial DVD presentation by logging on to ladiesministries.com or YouTube (Mothers Memorial 2015 Promotional Video) How well “Joyful” depicts the work of Mothers Memorial. The long arm of this offering reaches into hearts and lives of hundreds of individuals bringing joy, encouragement, comfort, and support to their personal lives and ministry . . . • A warm word of encouragement to a frightened young lady in the military—far from home in the middle of a hostile nation as she reads “Sisters” newsletter • Sounds of rejoicing around the world as miracles result from corporate Ladies Prayer International meetings (newsletter now in seventeen languages) • A Website beacon of HOPE to the broken hearted in the throes of divorce • An article that miraculously answered a secret prayer through “Reflections” magazine • Friends, support, and understanding in the sometimes overwhelming responsibility of a special needs child through ABLE ministries • Clear and godly direction though More to Life studies and PURE Path ministries • Friends to stand alongside the minis-

ter’s widow in the midst of grief with Women of Worth encouraging words and deeds • Support connections for our young ladies who “love God and live right” and have fun with Today’s Christian Girl events and conferences Is it any wonder that so many reach back to Ladies Ministries, and all who faith-

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:7) fully support the worthy cause of Mothers Memorial, with words of gratitude for the blessings? • The North American Missionaries thank you for help in emergencies, for general conference seminars, for multicultural conferences, for literature, and for metro missionary conferences. • Global Missionaries thank you for being able to listen to general conference via internet when far from home, for a refreshing cool drink on a hot, humid day, for foreign student assistance, and for birthday gifts for their children and a special Christmas offering. • A broken young girl says thanks for a place and a plan to put life back together at Haven of Hope. • The defenseless unborn child thanks you for protecting their worth and

•

• •

•

giving them a chance to live through New Beginnings. Our educators, from home school all the way to college level, thank you for a time of connection, learning, sharing, and fellowship at the Division of Education biennial meeting. Prisoners who seek for a life change thank you for a Bible and a Bible study to guide them down a new path. Neglected and abused children say thanks for a safe place to grow up in Tupelo Children’s Mansion. WNOP says thanks for support of their vital ministry and literature needs. My Hope Radio says thanks for helping keep gospel music beamed around the world. UGST says thanks for helping maintain and house a library and for scholarship support. And God says thanks too, for “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). Don’t forget . . . MOTHERS DAY OFFERING May 10, 2015

We appreciate so much your faithful support! Only eternity will reveal the return on your investment in Mothers Memorial

Linda Gleason is the secretary of Ladies Ministries.

APRIL 2015

P E N T E C O S TA L H E R A L D

[ P E N T E CO S TA L L I F E ]

Follow the Man and the Boy with the Red Bandana:

Story of Two Heroes ELLEN FRANKS

hen he was six years old, Welles Crowther’s father gave him a red bandana. When Welles wasn’t wearing it, the bandana was in his pocket. He was twentyfour years old when the planes struck the World Trade Center towers on 9/11. Welles acted as a firefighter that day, sacrificing his life for the lives of others. He led frightened masses down the dark, smokedfilled stairways to safety. Individuals spoke after the fact that Welles climbed three or four times up into the darkness of the stairwell to save more people. Those who couldn’t walk he carried in his arms. His trusty bandana shielded his face that fateful day and people began to scream, “Follow the man with the red bandana!” Though multiple lives were spared that day because of his bravery, Welles perished as the towers imploded in a mountain of smoke and ash. His father quoted John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Welles was a hero! At the age of fourteen Peyton Flanary attended Because of the Times in Alexandria, Louisiana. Red bandanas were distributed among the congregation as Anthony Mangun 38

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shared the story of Welles Crowther and the bravery he displayed on 9/11. Peyton returned home with his red bandana, determined not to forget the amazing life of Welles Crowther. At the age of fifteen, Peyton tried unsuccessfully to start a P7 club at Volunteer High School where he was a student. Across town a young lady named Dierra Salyer, with the assistance of Kevin and Melinda Harper, youth pastors at Christian Life Center where Peyton attended church, had been successful in starting such a group at Dobyns Bennett High School where most of the church youth group attended. When possible, Peyton would leave his school early on Mondays to participate in the P7 club across town. The next year, Peyton tried again to start a P7 Club at Volunteer High. Again, he was denied. Then on November 30, 2013, Peyton was the victim of a terrible automobile accident. Friends and family rushed to the hospital to pray throughout the night. Kevin Harper kept a red bandana in his classroom at the church. He assembled the youth group, anointed the bandana with oil, and they took it to the hospital and laid it across Peyton. But God’s ways do not always match up with our desires, and on December 4, 2013, God called Peyton to his heavenly reward. Peyton’s parents, Jackie and Cindy Flanary, knew their son wished to be an organ donor. Five lives were spared because of Peyton’s choice to gift his organs. Over 1,500 people attended Peyton’s funeral, and it was not a typical funeral. As we Apostolics often say, “We had

church!” It was exactly what Peyton would have wanted for his funeral. Before his casket was closed, Peyton’s younger brothers, Brayden and Cason, placed his red bandana in the casket with him. The following day Peyton’s father buried two of Peyton’s friends in baptism in the name of Jesus! Since his death, Volunteer High, where Peyton was a student, has started a P7 club. But it doesn’t stop there. P7 clubs also sprang up in three Tennessee schools, two Virginia schools, and three Kentucky schools! As of the writing of this article, 50-60 students have been baptized in Jesus’ name and/or received the Holy Ghost as a result of the P7 clubs and the testimony of Peyton’s life. If

you’re looking for someone to follow, then follow the life exampled by Peyton Flanary, the boy with the red bandana. The example he lived for Christ continues to impact the Kingdom even after his death. Ellen Franks is the grandmother of Peyton Flanary. She resides in Mount Carmel, Tennessee, and attends Christian Life Center.

P7ONLINE.COM P7 Clubs provide opportunities for students to participate in a spiritually inspired, relationship oriented, community serving project in their Middle School & High School.

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uring my junior year of high school, I took an art theory class that strangely affected the way I look at worship to this day. One of the paintings I remember so well was Van Goghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Starry Night. We studied this particular piece of art when we discussed the concept of focal points. Our instructor told us that the focal point of a painting is the thing that first draws your attention and stands out from the rest of the work. It is the specific place of visual emphasis. Although everything else is important too, those features maintain only a supporting role to the initial eye-grabber. Another important concept I learned that year was about background and foreground. The foreground of a painting or picture is the part of the scene nearest to or in front of the viewer. It is typically the subject of the piece and everything else is the background. The background provides support, is inconspicuous, and appears farthest from the viewer, attract40

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ing little attention. An example of this would be Leonardo da Vinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mona Lisa. A viewer would hardly notice the landscape of the background for the portrait in front. There comes a time for most musicians and worship leaders that they must make a decision to either become the focal point of a worship service or deflect the glory to another. Talent in our society is celebrated, worshiped, encouraged, and adored. Many people long to be center stage where the crowds are cheering and attention is gathered to a lone shining star with an amazing ability to sing, act, or play an instrument skillfully. At the point in time when all eyes are on one individual, a pressing dilemma unfolds. Will he stay in the foreground and soak up the glory or will he choose the background and allow Christ to be the thing closest to the viewer? Will she move herself into the role of the focal point or will she choose to be the supporting cast for the most important object of praise? The Ten Commandments, laid out in Exodus 20, give two up-front rules that should permeate every worship service. First, there should be no other god before Jehovah. Second, one should not make an idol and bow down to it. Why? God is a jealous God and wants full attention. When musicians

DONNA FULLER

or worship leaders put themselves into the foreground, they become idols seeking worship from others. In this scenario, the audience’s focal point is on the platform where a musician is performing. God is simply thrust into the supporting role instead of being the main character. Isaiah 42:8 explicitly tells us how God feels about His glory being given to another. He doesn’t want to share it with anyone. In the Old Testament, God spoke out many times about idolatry. In fact, the word idol means anything that replaces the one, true God. Celebrity worship robs the glory from the Almighty. It is rooted in self-centeredness and seeks to woo its audience into worship of an idol—a human voice or ability. How does one know if he is courting celebrity worship? When a person comes away from a concert or worship event praising the vocalist instead of the Giver of the voice, celebrity worship might be occurring. When singers and musicians lose the head role in a worship service or particular song and carry an attitude of jealousy or resentfulness, they might be seeking the glory for themselves. When a song set gets changed because of a move of God and vocalists or musicians feel slighted because they lost their time in the spotlight, there

is a good chance they are worshiping themselves instead of the Almighty. True worship is where the musician sings or plays herself into the shadow of the Cross. Although she may start the song as the central figure, when the last note is played or sung, the audience sees only the cross of Christ standing majestically against a pale and muted background. In true worship, the attitude and demeanor of the musician is one of humility and lowliness. The musician realizes who he is in the scheme of who God is. He realizes that he is only the background and the supporting cast to the focal point. The fine line between true worship and celebrity worship is the willingness of the artist to go from foreground to background into the shadow of the One who created music from the beginning. Donna Fuller is an accomplished musician. Her husband, Brian Fuller, is the pastor of Truth Tabernacle UPC, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and also serves as the Sunday School director for the Oklahoma District.

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Heavenly Duet

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K A I T LY N N O R M A N

The deep burgundy drapes drawn back by an old brittle rope used for so many years let the morning sun rays swim around the room with the music. I will never forget to cherish little moments like these.

“The Old Rugged Cross” being played on the black and white keys of the baby grand piano swirl around the old, tired room as I wipe the sleepy from my eyes. I hear that angelic voice start to fill the cold, crisp air along with the notes. Still half asleep, a smile appears on my face and in my heart. I would know this sweet voice anywhere. It was my precious Memaw playing one of her favorite songs on her favorite instrument. It brings back vivid memories of getting piano lessons from her for so many years. As I place my feet on the floor I get chills from the cold tile and her amazing voice all at once. I can already picture the smile on her face as her fingers dance from key to key. She had an innocence while playing, pushing the keys and pedals so softly causing that crème piano to make the perfect sounds. Her voice could project straight to anyone’s heart as she sings: On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. There is another noise now; it is the pitter patter of my small, childlike feet. I am running in sync with the time of her playing, singing along to the words that I know by heart. I hear her sweet, gentle laugh as she continues to sing. She knows I am coming to sit beside her on that old, worn bench just as I have always done. I am slowly walking up now; the tune is so innocent and sweet that I am worried that I might scare it away. The deep burgundy drapes drawn back by an old brittle

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rope used for so many years let the morning sun rays swim around the room with the music. I will never forget to cherish little moments like these. Only a short time after that magical day, I was given such devastating news. My precious Memaw had melanoma, something that had just started out in her arm had now spread to her lymph nodes under her arms, in her lungs, in her back and on her collar bone. How could something like this happen to such a lovely, caring woman? As brittle as that sweet, old lady was, she was still on of the strongest fighters I have ever met. She was strong in her faith and she praised the Lord right until her very last breath never returned to her. She had a strong, passionate love in her heart for her family that I believe still stayed even after the last beat. I am not sure if she can really look down on us, but I know that her spirit still lives in me. Although she has passed, she is still very much alive in the decisions that I make. Now, when I sit at that bench I am the one who plays the tune. However, I still feel that warm presence bringing joy into the song and hear her voice telling me, “Sing, sister, sing.” Kaitlyn Norman wrote “Heavenly Duet” for her English class when she was sixteen years old. She is from Kountze, Texas, and attended the Apostolic Church of Beaumont pastored by Jonathan Elms.

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Still God in the Valley TERRY GUNN

biopsy confirmed that it was malignant. Again? In 2012 one half of my left ear had been replaced in order to remove a malignant melanoma. During the two-year follow-up visit with my surgeon, she found a “marble” in a lymph node located in my neck right below that ear, and instantly my life became a whirlwind of activity. First the biopsy, then the scans, followed by the testing in preparation for removal of lymph nodes from my neck. Thankfully, only the one node out of the fourteen removed was affected. However, as a result of the surgery half my face was partially paralyzed and my left shoulder had very limited movement. I needed help physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. I told my pastors, “I can pray for you, but I am having trouble believing for myself. What’s wrong with me?” I slept in our recliner in the living room for the first couple of weeks in an effort to control the swelling in my face. I can’t tell you for sure how many times I woke in the middle of the night reaching for God through my tears, wondering if I was going to make it through this ordeal or not. The words to a song written by Tracy Dartt, which had been popular in the late 1980s, kept creeping into my mind. I didn’t remember all of the song, but I kept singing the first part of the chorus: “The God on the mountain is still God in the valley When things go wrong, He’ll make them right.” I went into our home office many nights to find the song on YouTube. I didn’t realize how much I was clinging to the message of that old song! I listened to several versions during 44

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those weeks; it didn’t matter to me who was singing it, I just needed to hear the truth of the song over and over again. Then Christmas arrived just a couple weeks after the surgery. I didn’t know it at the time, but my family had been asking my wife, Julia, “Can he play the piano? Can he sing?” Her answer was, “I don’t know.” After dinner, I felt a strong desire to go to the piano in my sister’s living room where we were celebrating Christmas. I could only think of one song to play; I could only think of one song to sing. I sang it to myself. I needed to hear it again: “The God on the mountain is still God in the valley When things go wrong, He’ll make them right.” The family began to gather, tears began to flow, some were speaking in a heavenly language, and many hands were in the air giving praise to the Christ of Christmas. A few weeks later, our church, The Sanctuary, had a singspiration scheduled one Sunday night in January. My dad, my four brothers, one sister, and a niece had been practicing a song to play during the service. The morning of the singspiration I became overwhelmed with urgency and felt compelled to talk to the music ministers, Jeromy and Barbie Hoffee, about singing a solo that night. I wasn’t on the schedule to sing, but I felt so impressed that I needed to sing that song again. It was really awkward for me; I had never requested to be on any program before. I was also very aware of the fresh scar on my neck; I knew how badly my face was swollen and was extremely conscious of the fact that my mouth was not straight and wouldn’t open very wide. But I also knew I had to do this! It was to be a statement of faith and my faith really needed some exercise about then.

I humbly tell you that I have experienced the anointing of the Holy Ghost while singing a song many, many times in my life, but that night was special. I had pulled my collar up as high as I could to hide my scars. When I began to play the introduction, I forgot about my crooked mouth and the swelling in my face. I felt a flood of the presence of God to the point where, in my mind, none of that even existed. At that moment it was not just a song to me, but I was able to minister to others with a confidence backed up by what I had experienced during the weeks prior to that service. The presence of God filled the auditorium and I know other people were touched that night, but I was touched as well. In the midst of it all I began to realize that God was going to receive glory from all this. Until then I couldn’t see how much good could possibly come from it, but it was a powerful awakening to understand that these weren’t just words in a song. I was really able to testify that “The God of the good times is still God in the bad times And the God of the day is still God in the night!” I would never have chosen the path I have been walking, but I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude when I hear God has used all of this to touch others. I can’t tell you how many messages I have received since that night from people who were touched and strengthened. It’s humbling. I am just now figuring all this out, but God knew from the beginning of the ordeal what the outcome would be. He always knows the end from the beginning. I still have a way to go on this journey, but I keep singing to myself, “Don’t lose hope, you are never alone!” I told Pastor Graham, “If God wants me to live, there’s

not a disease that can take me, and if God wants to call me home, there’s not a doctor or a drug that can keep me here on earth!” It is so exciting to express faith in that manner, but it’s an entirely different thing to live it. While you are in the valley your faith is put to the test, and those who are on the mountain have to do the praying and the believing. Thank God there are always folks ready and willing to step up and do that. I’m not on top of the mountain yet, but neither am I down in that dark valley any longer. I am someplace in between. It has not been an enjoyable journey to say the least, but here I am. This is a chapter in my life. And since I am here it’s my turn now to use this experience to benefit the kingdom of God, to pray for others who cannot pray for themselves, to believe for some struggling individual whose faith is being tested, and to encourage others to hang in there. Life happens. Things change. But this will never change: “The God on the mountain is still God in the valley When things go wrong, He’ll make them right.” Terry Gunn puts the “minister” in the minister of music. He has ministered to thousands as he served as music director for Bible colleges and minister of music at churches, traveled from church to church to conventions with groups, and taught the art of playing gospel music. He attends The Sanctuary in Hazelwood, Missouri.

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TRACI JACO

tories of great victories are woven through the pages of the Bible. While reading through the Book of Daniel and seeing the marvelous things that God did for Him, the three Hebrew boys, and even pagan kings, I was struck with this thought: We see the victory, the outcome of the difficulties that these faithful children of God received, but what did it really look like before the victory? I fear at times we forget while reading these great accounts that the people we are reading about had no guarantee of the outcome of their situation. We feel disconnected from the pain and suffering because we see the end result and almost forget the great amount of trust that was involved to achieve victory. Daniel’s pre-victory story was captivity and having to take a stand to not eat the king’s meat. It was praying to His God when the law prohibited such an action upon pain of death. It was submitting his whole life to the will of God and seeing visions that made him fast and weep and left him physically weak. For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, it also included captivity. Their devotion, trust in, and love for God motivated them to be able to look death in the face, square their shoulders, and proclaim they would not worship anyone but the one true God. They did not know the outcome would be a divine rescue from the fire, but they trusted that God was able to deliver them. They were so steadfast in their loyalty to God that they said, “Our 46

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God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace … but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). The woman with the issue of blood had exhausted her resources in the pursuit of healing. She had no guarantee that after touching Jesus her life would be forever changed. But that didn’t stop her from pressing through the crowd. For the widow, it was making a meal for the man of God with the very last of her food, knowing it was likely that she and her son would perish. It took a step of faith to see the victory of provision. The Shunammite mother with a dead son at home said, “It shall be well,” trusting that her son would live again (II Kings 4:23). Samson had faith that God would grant him strength and use him again. Their stories are stories of famine, sickness, death, bondage, betrayal, and failure. Their stories are stories of trust. What did the lives of these biblical heroes look like before their victory? They looked like your life and mine. For me it was an overwhelming spirit of fear. It was anxiety and depression. “Pre-victory” had me getting a CT scan of my brain because of dizzy spells, a “hot spot” on the top of my head caused by nerves, and the absolute confidence I had in the

fact that I was going to die before my thirtieth birthday. My life before victory was postpartum depression, once again believing the lie that I was going to die and not be able to enjoy my miracle baby boy. It was feeling as though I was losing my mind and believing the lies of the enemy. Life before victory was real and it was rough, but on December 6, 2010, God changed my story. On my son’s third birthday, I found myself in the ER with a tubal pregnancy. I had been bleeding internally and was unaware of the danger of my situation. By the time my emergency surgery was complete, I had bled at least three liters internally. The thing I had feared for so long was upon me; I was going to die. Yet God stepped in and rescued my life. God spoke to me days later and said, “This is how I shut the mouth of your lion.” The lion of fear was defeated. The lie of the enemy that at one time had almost devoured me suddenly had no power over me. I learned that God was in absolute control of my life and that I could trust Him. Yes, one day I will die, but it will not be until He says it is so! I am resting in His perfect love that shatters fear. You, my friend, may still be on the pre-victory side of your story, but hold on! God is not finished! For Jesus, pre-victory looked like betrayal by a close friend and an illegal trial. He was denied by the very one who had said, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” A merciless Roman scourging with a cat o’ nine tails, a crown of thorns, nails,

humiliation, a cross, and death were all part of what He suffered. But His pre-victory had a purpose that would span generations before and after the cross. He suffered with you and your victory in mind. He knew you needed a Savior. When His suffering was finished, He took a walk through Hell for you, took possession of some keys for you, and rose on the third day for you. His victory over death, Hell, and the grave was the ultimate victory! His victory makes your victory possible. Without the Cross and the Resurrection, we would live continuously on the pre-victory side of every sin, heartache, disease, and trial. When I celebrate my victory over the spirit of fear, I am celebrating His victory over death! Every time we celebrate a victory in our lives, we are celebrating His triumph over the Cross! Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Celebrate! Rejoice! Because of His victory, you have victory today! Traci Jaco is the wife of Pastor Jeff Jaco of The Sanctuary of New Castle in New Castle, Indiana. She serves as a sectional Ladies Ministries director for the state of Indiana. Traci is a speaker, blogger (tracijaco.com), and mommy to Jay and Hope.

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Top Ten Reasons To

TOM O’DANIEL

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everal years ago I taught a class in Ghana, West Africa. The class was titled “Acts of the Apostles”; its participants were from various denominations. My approach to the class was there were no doctrines. We would simply study the Book of Acts and discover what our doctrines should be. I distributed a “Scripture Salvation” chart with columns titled with categories such as repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, baptism in the titles, receiving the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues, faith, etc. . . . The students were instructed to write the reference in the applicable column each time we came across a passage of Scripture involving salvation. About half way through the series of classes, a non-Apostolic pastor stood up and asked, “Brother O’Daniel, are you telling me I should be baptized in Jesus’ name?” Since we had established there would be no doctrines taught in the class I asked him, “Pastor, what do you think?” The man sat down—but only momentarily. A few minutes later he stood again and said, “Brother O’Daniel, will you come and baptize my church in Jesus’ name?” Without hesitation I accepted the invitation! As Apostolics we have some doctrines that are distinct from mainstream Christianity. Baptism is one of those doctrines. While many denominations deny the necessity of baptism, Apostolics believe is it a necessary mandate supported in Scripture. Apostolics also believe baptism should be done in Jesus’ Name. Here are my top ten reasons why I believe this is essential.

10. It is how sins are remitted.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).

9. Samaritans were baptized in Jesus’ name.

“For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were

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baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 8:16). Some feel the reason those in Acts 2 were baptized in Jesus’ name was because they were Jews who had rejected Jesus and baptism was their way of identifying with Him. Samaritans were Jews and Gentiles intermarried, not solely Jews. Yet here in Acts 8 they are instructed to be baptized—not just Jews who had rejected Christ.

8. P eter commanded baptism in Jesus’ name to the Gentiles who had already received the Holy Ghost.

“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days” (Acts 10:48). In verse 33 of this same chapter, Cornelius wanted to hear all things commanded of God. Cornelius was in the Roman army. He lived by commands. Commands were not suggestions; they were to be carried out.

7. Paul rebaptized people in Jesus’ name who had already been baptized another way.

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:4-5). The fact of rebaptism here is significant. The act of a previous baptism was not enough. Jesus’ name is so important to every tongue and nation, that rebaptism was required.

6. Our sins are washed away as Paul’s were calling on the name of the Lord.

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

Some will use this scripture as an example of Jesus’ name not being used in baptism. Paul’s use of words in this verse does not negate baptism in Jesus’ name. Recall his conversion on the way to Damascus in Acts 9. When the question was asked, “Who art thou, Lord?” the reply was, “I am Jesus whom thou persecuteth. . . .” (verse 5). Paul had special understanding of the name of the Lord!

5. We are baptized into Jesus Christ and buried with Him.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).

4. The name of Jesus is above every other name.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

3. We are supposed to do everything we do in word or deed in the name of Jesus

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

2. You can receive salvation in no other name.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Peter’s reply was not simply a direct answer to their question. He used it as an opportunity to reaffirm Jesus’ name brings far more than healing. It brings salvation and is the only name that can.

1. Satan does not want you to use Jesus’ name.

“And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18) “Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (5:28-29). Notice the disciples were not asked to cease speaking in tongues or to refrain from healing. The rulers just didn’t want Jesus’ name spoken or taught. Why? Because of the power it invokes! It truly is the name above all names. The students of my class in Africa must have found that the Book of Acts provided clarity to the necessity of baptism in “none other name” as well. I never had a student complete the class that was not either baptized in Jesus’ name or scheduled to be baptized in Jesus’ name. If you’ve been baptized another way, I challenge you to take a fresh look in the Book. Its words are clear—and forever settled.

Tom O’Daniel is the program director and professor of the Organizational Leadership at Urshan College. He resides in Florissant, Missouri, with his lovely wife, Teri, and attend, The Sanctuary in Hazelwood.

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The average church only has 52 hours a year committed to systematic teaching.

How are you using your time strategically to instill Apostolic values and shape the life-long discipleship of every age demographic in your church?

Valueof52.com 50

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THE LAST WORD BY ROBIN JOHNSTON

Setting Affections lthough all the Gospel writers rushed their stories to get to the Passion Week, John got there fastest. He barely made it past the halfway marker of his Gospel before he began to recount the events of the week of Jesus’ crucifixion. And he told more of what happened in the days immediately after these climatic events than Matthew, Mark, or Luke. From John we learn Mary Magdalene encountered the risen Jesus in the garden and of the events that forever attached the adjective “doubting” to Thomas’s name. In chapter 21, John recounted the story of a number of disciples who, at least temporarily, had returned to their previous vocation, fishing. The risen Jesus visited them on the banks of the Galilee and reclaimed those disciples for ministry through a series of events and conversations. The approach of Jesus in this situation is instructive. He never rebuked the disciples for their lack of understanding, nor did He attempt to straighten out their thinking. Instead He reached for their hearts. In particular, three times He asked Peter this question: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” (John 21:15). Perhaps this was Jesus’ way of showing us that right affections are more determinative to our actions than merely having the right understanding. Author Stephen Land would certainly agree. In A Passion for the Kingdom, he suggests that orthopathy (right feeling), not orthodoxy (right believing) or orthopraxy (right behaving) is at the center of the Pentecostal message. According to Land, right feeling drives both right behavior and right living. If by “feeling” Land means emotion, then his thesis is not on a solid foundation. All of us have experienced the fickleness of emotions, either in ourselves or in people in

our lives. Emotions change often, and for some people emotions change quickly. Feelings fade. But if by “feeling” Land means religious affections, then he is on much more solid ground. Paul admonished the Colossians to “set your affection on things above” (Colossians 3:2). The KJV and a number of other versions translate the Greek word phroneo as affection. Some versions use the word “mind” in place of “affection.” Vine’s suggests it is something to do with moral intention. Whatever its precise meaning is, it means more than just thinking the right thoughts. Perhaps the best way to illustrate this

The question then is how do we shape values? How do we impact the hearts of those we lead? distinction is by examining the difference between what we believe and what we value. Pretend with me that a couple, parents to two elementary school-aged boys, is having a conversation about the pastor’s Sunday morning sermon. It was a message about being a godly father. A key point of the message was that it is difficult to have quality time with children without spending quantity time with them. The husband, convicted by the message, affirmed his belief that he needed to spend time with his boys so he was going to turn down any overtime at work. His wife, always concerned about the wellbeing of the family, was thrilled because she also believed the boys needed time with their father. As a result of the sermon, the father rearranged his schedule to make sure he had significant time to spend with his

boys. However, a few weeks later the boss asked the husband to take the lead on a new project. He strongly hinted that a significant promotion and raise was tied to the successful completion of the project. Because of the demands of the project, the husband began to stay late and go in on Saturday. If you could have asked him, he would affirm that he still believed it was important to spend time with his boys, but he valued the promotion and the raise. The father illustrated that what we value always trumps what we believe. The question then is how do we shape values? How do we impact the hearts of those we lead? This should be easy for Pentecostals. Our typical church service is experiential. Church without an altar call is atypical. However, when we shift our emphasis to a teaching environment, we shift our aim from the heart to the head. We dispense information rather than engage the heart. For discipleship to be truly transformational it must touch both the heart and the head. Perhaps the most effective method of touching the heart is by telling stories. Stories, especially stories built around similar themes have a way of rewiring our values. If it is true that we shape the future by the stories we tell, then we must be intentional about telling the right stories. And in doing so we can help this generation set their affections on things above.

Robin Johnston is the editor in chief and publisher of the United Pentecostal Church International.

APRIL 2015

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