December 2009

It's Temporary

Trouble abounds. Sin seems to run rampant. Nearly every media outlet (and there are many!) constantly reminds us of the heartache, evil, and trouble around us.

While it is good to stay informed, sometimes the intense and constant influx of messages full of fear, death, and trauma can overwhelm even the most faithful and optimistic believer.

The Real Purpose of Theology

The formal study of theology involves many of the characteristics of learning any established and long-explored field of study.  To study theology properly, one must learn nuances of theological language, including terms that are difficult to pronounce. We explore trends in thought, various methods of interpretation, and disputed aspects of Scriptural texts, among other things. 

Getting Our Minds Right

Many will recognize that the title of this devotional comes from the 1967 Paul Newman film Cool Hand Luke.  In this film, set in the 1940s, Paul Newman’s character (Luke) gets arrested and placed in a brutal Florida prison.  After trying to escape, Newman’s character is placed in solitary confinement under almost unbearable conditions.  After being released back into the general population bunkhouse, the warden utters these famous lines: “You’re going to get your mind right… and I do mean right!” 

The Reason for the Inconvenience

When I was a teenager, I heard a preacher make an impassioned plea in regard to the work of Jesus on the cross: “Jesus went through a lot of trouble just to get your attention!”

Even a cursory understanding of the life and work of Jesus reminds us that there was a great deal of inconvenience in the life of Jesus: His birth was a struggle for His parents and for Him, He grew up in an arduous time and in a difficult part of town, He faced growing opposition as He sought to usher in a new kingdom, and He was put to death in the cruelest way imaginable.

Holiness is not a Private Issue

In Scripture, God reminds His people, “Be holy, because I am holy” (Lev. 11:44-45; Lev. 19:2; 1 Ptr. 1:16, NIV). For those who desire to obey this command to “be holy,” it is helpful to discover how God is holy.

We Really Believe This!

Holiness is a central tenet of Nazarene theology. However, there have been misconceptions about holiness and what it means in the lives of believers for many years. In many of his writings and sermons, John Wesley found himself clarifying what is and is not meant when we use words like “holiness” or “entire sanctification.”

The Fateful Call

I was living my life as normal, serving the Lord, providing for my family, and serving His Church. Then came "The Call." That fateful call. When "The Call" comes it always rocks my world. Many times it seems that it's the Lord reminding me He knows I'm still alive. Other times it's clear there is much more to it and I am supposed to spend extra quality time with Him.

I have always strived to follow God's will, no strings attached. It didn't matter the size of the congregation, the climate, or the remuneration. I simply obey.

Teens Making Disciples Who Make Disciples

The teens in the 'Golden Youth' group at the Bayanihan Church of the Nazarene in Antipolo, Philippines, are taking seriously Jesus' command to 'go and make disciples.'

In November 2008, one of the leaders of the youth group, 17-year-old Michael, used an EvangeCube to present the gospel to a friend at San Jose National High School. The friend, Angelo, responded and prayed to receive Christ into his life.

It's Just That Simple

The first time I saw her at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, I liked her. As I entered the library, she looked up and smiled. Oh, not the business-as-usual smile, but that of a welcome, I-am-so-glad-you-came smile. "Hello, Tita (Aunt) Gen," she cheerfully greeted from behind the counter. She knew my name. I learned that she was Lilian "Luz" Tambongco, a licensed librarian and student at the seminary in the Philippines.

Luz is married to Adrian, or Andy as he is frequently called. They are both graduates of Visayan Nazarene Bible College in Cebu, Philippines.

An Old Chestnut

The chestnut, like other nuts, is encased in two shells, an outer and an inner shell. The outside case is very rough, full of sharp thorns and stickers. In the proper season, when the rains and frost come they soften this outside burr, and when the sun shines on it the burr cracks open and folds out, and the chestnut falls from its rough encasement.

How true this may be said of the sinner!