The Holy Ghost is our Sanctifier, and when He sanctifies He takes up His abode in the heart. His sanctifying baptism purifies the heart and He comes to dwell therein.

He is the abiding Comforter. He does not come and go occasionally, but remains; and once being filled with God, it is the believer's privilege to keep filled without a break.

Throughout the history of Christianity, many women have exercised personal power and influence upon the Church. Yet, many of their stories are not widely known. Some have suggested that we know more stories of men because they were more significant in regard to influence. Thus, at times we may reject the impulse to retrieve the stories of key women from history. We make the circle too narrow. But what if that circle were extended?

It is within that space that we discover the wonderful stories and contributions of women in church history, including that of Susanna Wesley.

“I am a Promise!” This was the title of a delightful children’s song by the Bill Gaither Trio back in 1975. It is also a true description of the life of every human being who God created, even those with disabilities. Nazarenes in Xenia, Ohio, USA, chose an appropriate name for a Sunday School class they started as an outreach to adults with special needs more than 25 years ago—The Promise Class. 

During the 2017 General Assembly, I gave a Friday night message based on one of God’s greatest promises. It is quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and is found in Joel 2: “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29).

What God promised through the prophet Joel, He did on the day of Pentecost.

Q: What can congregations do to help increase biblical literacy?