September 2012

Are We Christians?

It was an ordinary day. The weather was ordinary. The work was ordinary. Life seemed ordinary. But a divine appointment had been made for that Saturday afternoon.

Phabujom, a Hmong village in northern Thailand, is one of many villages in the mountain areas located at the end of a road. Although Phabujom does see a small number of tourists trek through the village, it is not a tourist destination; no trinket stands, no stores to entice passing travelers, no "cultural sideshows," and no advertising signs of any kind.

Are We Christians?

It was an ordinary day. The weather was ordinary. The work was ordinary. Life seemed ordinary. But a divine appointment had been made for that Saturday afternoon.

Phabujom, a Hmong village in northern Thailand, is one of many villages in the mountain areas located at the end of a road. Although Phabujom does see a small number of tourists trek through the village, it is not a tourist destination; no trinket stands, no stores to entice passing travelers, no "cultural sideshows," and no advertising signs of any kind.

Nazarene Connections: Irvine Boal

Born and raised in Glasgow and a lifelong Nazarene, Irvine Boal now lives in Troon, Scotland. He is a member of the Irvine Church of the Nazarene. The names may match, but the church name has no connection to 'Irvine' Boal other than coincidence. He enjoys Indian food, is an avid photographer, and is a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

Scotland is on what Nazarene district?

Make Room for Family

In this issue of Holiness Today our focus touches the concerns of family: Being family, helping families, and cherishing families in the Body of Christ. When I think of family, St. Paul's words come to mind: "Make room for us in your hearts" (2 Corinthians 7:2a).

I once heard a definition of friendship by Elbert Hubbard that said: "A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." In a similar vein, some would say a family knows all about you and still loves you.

The Screwtape Letters Meets a Charitable Discourse

My Dear Wormwood,

I am writing to commend you on your most excellent strategy for dividing the body of our Enemy. They have all but forgotten the admonition of their ancient hero, Paul, to keep their eyes on the goal of knowing the One who causes us such grief. You now have them debating their differing viewpoints in a tone and tenor that more befits the way we converse in the pits of our fiery home than in the spacious confines of theirs.

Tips for Teens and Families

7 Tips for Getting Along with Siblings

Often the hardest people to get along with are in our own households, especially brothers and sisters. So what are some tips for getting along with those in your house?

5 Things Your Teen Won't Tell You

My nearly two-year-old daughter recently experienced physical pain. Her tiny hand was in the crack of a door that was closed — the person closing the door had no idea my daughter was standing with her hand at the hinge. The X-ray revealed a fractured thumb.

Women in Ministry: Conviction or Culture

The mission statement of Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City includes the intentional phrase "to prepare men and women for the practice of Christian ministry." At NTS this academic year, 63 women are preparing for ministry. The majority of these women are preparing for pastoral ministry in answer to God's call in their lives. They are committed Christians. They are actively pursuing the preparation process prescribed by the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.

60-Minute Mission

I admit it. I was one of 'those' moms. You know: the mother who worries no one else could provide for her child like she could, worried about routine and schedule more than cuddle time. I was a working mom and Sunday services were a precious oasis of rest. I enjoyed the music, the sermon, the community. But mostly I just loved being able to sit still.

60-Minute Mission

I admit it. I was one of 'those' moms. You know: the mother who worries no one else could provide for her child like she could, worried about routine and schedule more than cuddle time. I was a working mom and Sunday services were a precious oasis of rest. I enjoyed the music, the sermon, the community. But mostly I just loved being able to sit still.