Text

John Wesley’s movement began in the British Isles. Its earliest expansion was primarily in areas influenced by the British, such as the United States and several colonies. By 1800, there were Methodist societies in France as well as six other countries. In the next half-century, Methodist…

Recently, Holiness Today (HT) sat down with Nell Becker Sweeden (NS), director of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM). Dr. Becker Sweeden was appointed to this role in 2016 after serving in various other roles in the organization for over 12 years. She holds degrees in Spanish and theology from…

The Holiness and Pentecostal movements both appealed to America’s plain folk. They sprang from common soil and kinship. However, they embraced divergent views about the primary nature of the Holy Spirit’s work. Early Nazarenes were rooted firmly in Wesleyan-holiness theology, so they rejected many…

Like John Wesley, I grew up with a mother who served as my extremely involved pastor. She introduced the Bible through its fascinating stories, which absolutely delighted me and my younger sister. I was very inquisitive and probably a bit doubtful, which is why one of the first verses she asked me…

When I was a senior in high school, I embarked upon a self-induced journey to examine the myriad of doctrines that existed within the realm of Christianity. I visited approximately 30 different churches and was baffled at the variety of liturgical practices that were performed within each…

Round-number birthdays seem destined for special celebration and serious reflection. Such call for celebration and reflection is coming soon: January 20, 2019 is the 350th anniversary of Susanna Wesley’s birth.  How does the “Mother of Methodism” speak to our condition three and one-half centuries…

Jesus spent at least one incredible day with more than 5,000 in attendance. We call the talk He gave the great Sermon on the Mount. Most of those in attendance were considered to be the poorest, the not-to-be-respected, the unimportant, and the outcast). Yet Jesus tells those people, “You are the…

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'…

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…

“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…