life 8 believer 24 32 · 2020-03-04 · (psalm 1:1-3 – “…his delight is in the law of the...

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CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

8Hearts Burning

Within Us

24A Life of Obedience

32Fellowship in the

Life of the Believer

The

LIFEof the

BELIEVER

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HOLINESS TODAY

E D I TO R I N C H I E FFrank M. Moore

M A N AG I N G E D I TO RJordan P. Eigsti

CO N T E N T E D I TO RNathanael Gilmore

D E S I G N E RKevin Williamson

G E N E R A L S U P E R I N T E N D E N T SEugénio Duarte

David GravesDavid Busic

Gustavo CrockerFili Chambo

Carla Sunberg

G E N E R A L S E C R E TA RYGary Hartke

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H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 1

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 0

H O L I N E S S T O D A Y . O R G

EDITORIAL: Why Not Today? —Frank Moore . . . . . . . . . . . 2

FOREWORD: By Our Fruit They Will Know Us —Jordan Eigsti . . . . . . . 3

A Heritage of Discipleship —Harold Graves . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Hearts Burning Within Us —Dan Gilmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Sacred Space —Brian Powell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Into His Presence —William Sawyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Spiritual Reading —Mark Harmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

A Life of Obedience —Glen Gardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Building God’s Kingdom —Shirley Fischer and Krista Sigui . . . . . . . . 28

Fellowship in the Life of the Believer —David Wilson . . . . . . . . . 32

AFTERWORD: The Life of the Believer —Nathanael Gilmore . . . . . . 38

2 H T M / A 2 0

WHY NOT TODAY?“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” —Ephesians 2:10

“Why doesn’t the Lord transport all new believers straight

to heaven as soon as they repent of their sins and

confess faith in Jesus Christ?” A minister asked that

question following an altar call service when I was a student at a

Nazarene university. He said life would be easier for new believers

if they did not have to face temptation or live in a world weighed

down by sin.

I have pondered that question often since my college days. I acknowledge that Christian faith would be much easier if God transported new believers immediately to their heavenly reward. Faith would become sight in the blink of an eye. However, God’s plan for our salvation does not usually include an immediate transfer to our heavenly home. Here are some ideas I have pondered in response:

1. Ambassadors. Jesus prayed specifically for His disciples in John 17:15, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” He added in verse 18, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Rather than isolating ourselves from people who need Jesus, He calls us to reflect His light as His ambassadors. He said in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

2. Character. We make hundreds of decisions every day. Choices that honor Christ join together to form habits. These choices and habits shape our character. Christian character molds our desires and appetites toward God’s will and plan for our lives. Paul said in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

3. Relationship. The Holy Spirit works in our lives every day facilitating a per-sonal relationship with God. We grow and develop that relationship across the years and find ourselves vitally connected to our Creator in ways that defy description. Love between family members offers one illustration of this incred-ible relationship. “Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers” (Hebrews 2:11).

E D I T O R I A Lf rank m. moore—editor in chief

The Holy Spirit works in our lives every day facilitating a personal relationship with God.

4. Christlikeness. God has a way of growing Christ’s ambassadors in Christian character and in deep-er relationship with himself to make us more like Jesus. As we serve Him and fellowship with Him on a daily basis, we become more like Him. As Paul said, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever–increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”(2 Corinthians 3:18).

“Why not transport us today?” I think John Wesley offered a good response to that question when he said, “By salvation I mean, not barely, according to the vulgar notion, deliverance from hell, or going to heaven; but a present deliv-erance from sin, a restoration of the soul to its primitive health, its original purity; a recovery of the divine nature; the renewal of our souls after the image of God, in righteousness and true holi-ness, in justice, mercy, and truth.”1

This issue of Holiness Today features practical habits God offers us so that we might mature in our faith. We call them means of grace because God ministers to us in special ways as we open our-selves more fully to Him through these practices. I pray that the Lord will use the articles in this issue to deepen your walk with Him.

Frank Moore is editor in chief of Holiness Today.

1 “A Farther Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion,” I, i/3, in �e Works of John Wesley (vol. 11; ed. G.R. Craig; Abingdon, 1989), 106.


F O R E W O R D

BY OUR FRUIT THEYWILL KNOW US

by J O R D A N E I G S T I

The life of the believer is modeled by Christ and marked by submission and discipline. Too often, people are tempted to view the life and teachings of Christ through an egocentric lens that best suits their current situation or agenda, recalling aspects of who He is while forgetting others. “Christ loved — all we need to do is love and

accept each other!”, and “Jesus told us not to judge, so it’s not my place to correct him/her” are phrases that are tossed around frequently. Love and mercy are core attributes of Christ, but we must not attempt to pick and choose some of His teachings to the neglect of others. Perhaps this attitude prevails because we want to retain control or simply because we are uncomfortable with the idea of full surrender.

Piecemeal application of Christ’s teachings to our lives simply will not work. We must, instead, surrender our lives entirely to Him; we must deny ourselves and take up our crosses daily and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). Rather than attempting to apply Christ’s teachings to sections of our lives in ways that maintain our comfort, the life of the believer is ever seeking Christ and pursuing more and more ways to further the kingdom of God and bring praise to His Holy name! Christ reminds us that good works are inseparable from a life wholly devoted to Him: “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:16-18). If you are a Christian, it follows that you will act like Christ and good fruit will come from your life.

From submission and devotion comes discipline. The believer is saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), but that faith brings transformation. We are a new creation through Christ’s sacrifice and must show our faith by our deeds (James 2:17-18). Unmistakably, a pattern of dis-ciplines emerges in the lives of those who truly seek the Lord.

Attributes of a Christlike life can first be seen in a Christian home and are often displayed through mentors and friends we encounter in the Church. We must engage Scripture and have active prayer lives in order to understand who Christ is and what He desires for our lives. Other disciplines such as service, stewardship, study, and fasting are ways through which we wor-ship our Creator. In our work for the Kingdom, we find common causes and are strengthened through fellowship with other believers.

Though each of us will encounter unique challenges and circumstances throughout our lives, Christ’s model for living applies to each and every situation. As we submit our lives to Him and pursue disciplines in our faith, may good works and good fruit follow that will please the Lord and point others to His truth and power.

Jordan Eigsti is managing editor of Holiness Today.

4 H T M / A 2 0 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 54 H T M / A 2 0

A s a Christ-follower, I am called to a life of sacrifice and service. This was first modeled to me by my parents. Their life of complete consecration and servant leader-ship profoundly impacted my life. Their love for God

and others knew no limits. They joyfully revealed the characteris-tics of being a Christ-follower as Jesus taught us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and love your neighbors as yourself ” (Matthew 22:37-39).

My parents taught me and my siblings to approach God in full assurance of our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. In Acts 17:27-28, we are reminded that God is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being. Through family devo-tions and prayer, my siblings and I learned that we can approach God with absolute trust and confidence that He is with us at all times. This relational understanding of Jesus as my personal Savior was pivotal in my development as a believer. That intimacy with God provided the means by which I could imitate His example.

A HERITAGE OF DISCIPLESHIP

by H A R O L D G R A V E S

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is

perfect.” —Matthew 5:48

4 H T M / A 2 0 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 5 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 5

A HERITAGE OF DISCIPLESHIP

My parents’ example taught me and my siblings that discipleship begins in the home. They taught us by precept and practice to love God unreservedly and to love others unconditionally. Early on in my ministry, on one cold Saturday afternoon, I was hurrying to get my Sunday sermon ready. A busy week had hindered the comple-tion of my sermon for the following morning. As I was working on a passage from Matthew 25:34-46, I was startled by a loud banging on the church door next to my office. “I really don’t have time for this. I will ignore them and maybe they will go away,” I thought.

Again, the banging sound on the outside door penetrated the walls of my office. Somewhat agitated, I thought, “They’re not going away.” So, I left my office, walked down the hallway, and opened the door. There he stood, a stranger with blood streaming down his head. “Can you help me?” he asked.

He stood outside, shivering from the cold. I asked what had hap-pened as I invited him in. He explained that he had been in a fight with his girlfriend. She had gotten the best of him with a whiskey bottle and told him to get out of the car. As the car sped away, he saw the church and came for help. He began telling me his story as we walked to the church kitchen. He was a Vietnam veteran who had become addicted to alcohol and drugs during his deployment. He was ravaged with brokenness. I shared the gospel with him as I served him soup and hot coffee. I told him how much God loved him and how God could change his life. We prayed together.

6 H T M / A 2 0 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 7

HE TURNED AND ASKED A PENETRATING QUESTION: “MAN, ARE YOU JESUS?”

He was concerned how he was going to get home since his ride had left him on the highway. I took him to the bus station and bought him a ticket home. As I walked him to the bus, he turned and asked a penetrating question: “Man, are you Jesus?” I was taken aback. I said to him, “No, not at all, but I do know Him.” With that, he hugged me and climbed aboard the bus.

That question “are you Jesus?” took over my mind and pierced my heart as I drove back to the church to finish my sermon. The gospel narrative gripped my heart with new meaning:

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the cre-ation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” 1

As Christ-followers, we have assurance from the words of Jesus, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). The assurance of God’s presence enables and empowers us to live as people of hope. This hope is not based on the outward conditions or circumstances of our lives; it is formed by the indwelling presence of Christ.

1 Matthew 25:34-40

6 H T M / A 2 0 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 7

HE TURNED AND ASKED A PENETRATING QUESTION: “MAN, ARE YOU JESUS?”

The Apostle Paul wrote, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the full-ness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).

My discipleship journey began in the home of my parents who taught me the most important characteristics of a Christ-follower—to love God unreservedly and others unconditionally. I learned I can face the twists and turns in the road of life because of the abiding hope found in the immeasurable love of Christ.

So, on that cold Saturday, when pressed with the decision on whether or not to open the door, the training I had received kicked in. I’m thankful it did. In a small way, what I had received, I was able to pass along.

Harold Graves is the president of Nazarene Bible College in Lenexa, Kansas, USA.

God’s presence

enables and

empowers us to

live as people

of hope.


HEARTS BURNING WITHIN US

by D A N G I L M O R E

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,

for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,

thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17

8 H T M / A 2 0


The Emmaus road encounter following the resurrection of Christ, recorded in Luke 24:13-35, gives us a profound example of the power of God’s Word. This interaction between Christ Jesus and two of His disciples, occurring

on the very day of Christ’s resurrection, stands as a seminal and instructional message to all future disciples of Christ. In it we see the intended divine methodology for transforming the hearts and souls of humanity. Simply, our Lord used the Holy Scriptures to transform these two weary travelers. In the time it took to travel the short distance between Jerusalem and Emmaus, these two dis-ciples had actually journeyed much farther; they had moved from despondency to exhilaration, from the environs of doubt and hope-lessness to the land of heavenly joy and gospel fervency. They gave testimony as to the source of this change when they declared, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (v. 32).

It is important to keep such transformational power close to our hearts and ready at hand. The mighty weapon of Scripture is singu-lar in its power to set hearts aflame for Christ! Think of the over-whelming instances of redemption God has declared in His Word and accomplished by His Word.

Here is a very short list: by the Word of God, mankind’s self-jus-tification is stopped, and we understand our guilt and need for a Savior (Romans 3:19 – “Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God”); we are converted by the Word of God (Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul...”); the Word of God is able to save our souls (James 1:21 – “...receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls”); by His Word we are sanctified (John 17:17 – “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth”); His Word cleanses us (Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word”); His Word illuminates our way and guides our steps (Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”). Meditating therein is the source of true success

H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 1 11 0 H T M / A 2 0

that the Word is his lamp and light, yet wantonly neglects it?

Let us also diligently watch against “the danger of displacement.” There are many glittering trinkets that the enemy dangles before us to cause us to forsake the Word of God, such as worldly wisdom, human traditions, convention, disputes of “science,” etc. These are the “broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13) that the foolhardy exchange for the eternal Word of God.

T here is a pervasive conception, often prevalent even within Christ’s Church, that the man or woman of the Word is simple-minded and

unlearned. Those who are swayed by this false conception believe that they must replace the Bible with “more reputable” sources of knowl-edge: sources that garner the praise of people. These are treacherous channels that change with the shifting sand of the whims, predi-lections, and vices of humanity. The Psalmist declared, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your com-mandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more under-standing than all my teachers, for Your testi-monies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your pre-cepts” (Psalm 119:97-100). Dear brothers and sisters, let us all embrace the ridicule of the worldly minded for being “people of the Word!” Let us harden ourselves from any reproach that would cause us to turn away from the Holy Scriptures. Remember, we are “born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forev-er” (1 Peter 1:23)!

Rev. Billy Graham used a simple yet powerful phrase in his Bible-centered evangelistic mes-sages: “The Bible says!” In this day of shifting “morality,” people need to know what the Bible says! In an age of uncertain authority, the Church needs to affirm and hold to what the Bible says! In a time when the very foundations of society are breaking up, the Christian must live by and

(Psalm 1:1-3 – “…his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night…”). By the Word, we foil the snares of the evil one. As example, notice that three times our Lord used the Word to expose and defeat the tempters lies (see Matthew 4:1-11).

This list could go on and on as “All Scripture is given by inspi-ration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Knowing that God’s Word is so vital and formative to His work of redemption, we can be certain that the enemy has always and will continue to exert his power to corrupt its effect on mankind. The enemy’s ongoing standard line of attack upon the Word of God is first seen in the Garden of Eden. The serpent’s method of deception was to sow doubt in Eve’s mind about God’s Word in two ways. Firstly, he questioned its transmission, challenging her with the subtle question, “Is this really a message from God?” He asked, “Has God indeed said...?” (Genesis 3:1). This line of attack is intended to cause us to doubt that Scripture is indeed the Word of God. The second line of attack was to question the accuracy of Scripture. Do the principles and proclamations hold up to reali-ty? The serpent enticed Eve to further doubt by declaring, “You will not surely die...” (Genesis 3:4). Biblical orthodoxy has always declared that the Word of God is true. Psalm 119:160 says, “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”

There are two other dangers that we must watch against. I would describe these as “the danger of neglect” and “the danger of dis-placement.” Both are subtle schemes intended to turn us away from the Word of God and therefore must be vigilantly resisted!

The prophet Jeremiah declared this warning: “For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jeremiah 2:13). I know this rebuke has a broader application, but I would like to narrow it specifically to our treat-ment of the Word of God. Without doubt, “the danger of neglect” is self-evident. We cannot benefit from the resource of Scripture if we do not turn to it! All the wisdom of eternity awaits us in that Holy Book, but we must daily go to the spring of living water; how can we thrive and grow in our spiritual life without it? The warn-ing of Jeremiah is a warning against spiritual slothfulness. Surely our loving Father would chasten us against the neglect of His Word, for who can tell of the perils that await the one who knows

H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 1 1

declare what the Bible says! The promise is sure, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

Do you sense, as I do, that we need an outpour-ing of God that would cause our hearts to burn from within with a holy fire, a work from heaven that will cleanse our sin and heal our land? Do you long for that holy refining fire from heaven that will burn off the dross in our souls and pro-duce the precious metal of heaven? Then join me in rekindling a love for God’s Holy Word. Purpose to read it, study it, live by it, and pro-claim it!

God declared to Joshua at the commencement of his leadership over the nation of Israel, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). There are many things that vie for our attention, but true success is found when we commune in and live by the eternal Book of God.

Dan Gilmore is district superintendent of the northern Michigan district Church of the Nazarene.

All Scripture quotations in this article are from the New King James Version.

WE CANNOT

BENEFIT FROM

THE RESOURCE

OF SCRIPTURE

IF WE DO NOT

TURN TO IT!


1 2 H T M / A 2 0 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 1 3

Being around people gives me energy. I thrive in social settings, and large gatherings leave me feeling alive. Being an extrovert has served me well in ministry over the years as church leadership requires a certain level of social engagement. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than meaning-

ful collaboration with like-minded people.

Although I am an extrovert by nature, my favorite place in the entire world is a room above my garage. I sit there often. In those moments, my only physical companions are the Bible, my journal, and a cup of coffee. The ambiance consists of what little light makes its way through a small arched window and the sounds of Christian Celtic music playing softly in the background.

This room is my sanctuary, my prayer closet; a sacred space set apart for me to “be still and know” (Psalm 46:10). Sitting in a place void of any interaction with people, I engage in the most important activity of my life: prayer. So, while I am an extrovert, I have learned through the discipline of prayer that spiritual vitality is discovered in moments absent of human interaction.

INTIMACY IS THE KEY

Intimacy with Jesus is the key to success in life, and prayer is the key to intimacy with Jesus. Prayer includes so much more than talking to God or asking Him to do something for us. My favorite part of prayer is listening for His still small voice to speak into the innermost parts of my soul.

Prayer is deep calling unto deep (Psalm 42:7). It involves silence and solitude. It brings depth to our relationship with Jesus that is not easily shaken. It teaches us to process life with wisdom that comes from above. Through prayer, God reminds us that we are much-loved children and that His love for us is personal, steadfast, and never-ending.

SACRED SPACE

by B R I A N P O W E L L


Jesus modeled that intimacy with God is an essential part of life. My favorite illus-tration of this is found in Luke 10:38-42, when Jesus visits the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha anxiously prepared the house for visitors, her sister, Mary, merely sat at Jesus’ feet, taking in His every word. When Martha complained of her sister’s lack of concern to help, Jesus responded, “Only one thing is necessary,” and Mary got it right. Mary understood something Martha had yet to learn—engaging His presence was more important than anything else.

EMBRACING THE WILDERNESS

I refer to my prayer room as “the wilderness.” While the idea of being alone in the wilderness is frightening for some, Scripture teaches that Jesus “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” (Luke 5:16).

Society teaches us to take the easy road. The temptation is to believe that easiness is hap-piness and that satisfaction without sacrifice is possible. Yet, Jesus teaches the opposite. He warns us that the well-worn path is one that leads to ruin. Jesus says the road less traveled leads to life, and few people are insightful enough to find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

The word “wilderness” may have negative connotations for some. We tend to think of the wilderness as barren and isolated, which does not sound enjoyable. However, Scripture reveals it as a solitary place where God shapes our identity like no other. Thus, efforts to avoid the wilderness causes us to miss deeper revelation from God that comes at best by way of embracing the wilderness.

The wilderness is a familiar place for God’s people. God called Moses from a burn-ing bush on the backside of the desert. The children of Israel spent 40 years in the wilderness unlearning Egypt’s pagan influences while learning to rely solely on God. Elijah received renewal from the Lord after fleeing into the wilderness in fear for his life. John the Baptist spent his entire adult life in the wilderness, preparing the way for Jesus. The apostle Paul was led into the wilderness of Arabia as God prepared him for ministry. Jesus Himself spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by the enemy.

Why should we think it would be any different for us?

“The Lord Said to Him: I have heard the prayer

and plea you have made before me; I have

consecrated this temple, which you have built,

by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my

heart will always be there.” —1 Kings 9:3


“INTIMACY WITH GOD IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF LIFE”

A TESTING GROUND

Exodus is the story of God leading Israel out of captivity in Egypt. His purpose was more than just “getting them out” of slavery. God wanted to “get them in” to a land flowing with milk and honey and thus keep His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God was bringing them out of one place and into another, so they would understand His sovereignty and love (Exodus 6:5-7). Furthermore, Exodus 13 reveals there was a shorter road to the Promised Land, yet God opted for the 40-year route. In the process, God allowed them to build a relationship with Him.

One month into the trip, God led His people to the Desert of Sin where there was nothing to eat. As soon as they arrived, they began to protest. So God sent manna from heaven to feed them. After this, the Israelites traveled to a place where there was no water. Once again, they found themselves in a difficult situation.

God was shaping them for the future. He knew they would never make it to the promised land until they learned to trust Him completely. Therefore, the wilderness was one long lesson on dependency—a testing ground for God’s people. I think it is safe to say that most people do not enjoy tests. Tests make people anxious because they prove whether a person has learned and understands or not.

God’s desire for our lives is that we continue to learn valuable lessons and that we keep trusting Him. At every stage, in every situation, in the good times and the bad, God wants us to realize that life’s circumstances do not define who we are because God already knows us completely.

WILLINGNESS TO WITHDRAW

Intimacy with Jesus is the study guide for all of life’s tests. Intimacy is knowledge without the need for words; it teaches us that Jesus is enough. It brings a sense of divine familiarity that helps us navigate life even when God does not seem to be making things clear. Spending time with Jesus in a place void of distraction teaches us to discern the will of God like nothing else.

Closeness is an integral part of any relationship. For example, I know my wife well enough that I can make decisions that affect us both, even when I have not spoken to her, and she can do the same. I know what she likes and dislikes. I know what makes her happy; I am intimately acquainted with her. It is the same with God. Establishing routine times of prayer creates a rhythm for us to become more familiar with God’s ways and how they relate to our lives.


“INTIMACY WITH GOD IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF LIFE”

I am convinced that prayer is the most important activity of the Christian life. Spiritual growth does not happen outside of a person’s communion with God through prayer. No matter how many sermons you hear, devotions you read, or classes you attend, prayer remains the primary means of grace by which intimacy with Jesus is established.

Jesus “often withdrew”—He was deliberate about it (Luke 5:16). Intentionality reveals a deep level of spiritual maturity in the life of the believer. There is a big dif-ference between God leading you into the wilderness and you choosing to go. Jesus’ life was marked by His willingness to withdraw. What is your life marked by?

To withdraw means “to retreat from; pull-back; move away.” Interestingly, the Greek word, ὑποχωρῶν (hypo-cho-ron), literally means, “to slip away into the wilderness.” So what did Jesus withdraw from? Luke 5 reveals that He withdrew from the crowds, the activity, the notoriety, the pressure, and the expectations—and He did so often.

Life can become busy very fast. We often go to bed at night with our minds full of incomplete tasks. We live with projects half-done because there is not enough time in the day. That means if we are unwilling to let go of some things—silence the phone, stop responding to messages, get off social media, miss an episode of our favorite TV show, give up a hobby—we may miss the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit. If you are incapable of leaving something undone, Christianity will merely be another activity on your already busy schedule.

Jesus does not want you to make Him part of your life; He wants to become your life. Our lives become one with Jesus in the wilderness—a sacred space set apart for the sole purpose of spending treasured time with Him.

My “wilderness” is a room above my garage. The wilderness could be a park, the woods, the backyard, a porch, a swing, a field, a barn, or anywhere else you find time to connect with God regularly. The setting of the wilderness does not matter nearly as much as what happens when we get there. So, make sure you get there often.

Brian Powell is district superintendent of the Kentucky district, Church of the Nazarene.

1 6 H T M / A 2 0 H O L I N E S S T O D AY. O R G 1 71 6 H T M / A 2 0

INTO HISPRESENCE

by W I L L I A M S A W Y E R

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with

manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man

does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of

the Lord.” —Deuteronomy 8:3


Although physical exercise is of some value in this life, spiritual exercises and disciplines hold value for our lives now and in the life to come (1 Timothy 4:7–8). Spiritual disciplines are a means of grace that the Lord

utilizes to mold and shape our lives in the image of Christ. As believers with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we are to continue to grow in grace, knowledge, power, character, and depth of insight until we reach the full measure of the stature and fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). In this sense, alongside worship and prayer—both personal and corporate—fasting serves as an important spiritual discipline drawing us closer into God’s presence.

Fasting, in essence, is setting apart time with God, avoiding distrac-tions of daily routine to focus on discerning the Holy Spirit’s direc-tion for spiritual empowerment and wisdom. The Bible is descrip-tive rather than prescriptive when it speaks of fasting. Except where believers are limited by health concerns, they can avail themselves of the power that comes through fasting combined with the other disciplines. Some are led by the Holy Spirit to fast for an extensive period, as Christ was in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13). Others will be led, like Daniel, to alter their diet for a period and give up certain foods and beverages (Daniel 10:2-3). Examples of a limited fast would include the elimination of such things as meat and/or desserts, and beverages such as coffee, tea, and/or soda for a designated time. Some may choose to fast for two or three days for specific reasons and invite other Christians to join with them, just as Esther did on behalf of the Jewish community in the prov-ince of Susa (Esther 4:3–17) and as the apostolic church practiced (Acts 13:2). Some choose to follow the lead of holiness leaders in our history and go without food from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on cer-tain days of the week.

Those who are consistent in fasting alongside prayer and the min-istry of the Word can be certain, from the example of others, such as Daniel, Esther, Paul, Silas, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that these means of grace can provide a clear channel for the flow of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual disciplines prepare the believer’s heart so the Lord can do more than we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20–21).


SPIRITUAL

FASTING IS

AN ACT OF

CONSECRATION

AS WE

INTENTIONALLY

GIVE UP A

PHYSICAL NEED

TO RELY FULLY

ON THE SPIRIT.

The spiritual discipline of fast-ing is found in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus set the example by fasting, praying, and meditating on the Word. His example creates the expectation that those who are His disciples will fast and pray in alignment with the will of God revealed in the Scriptures (Luke 4:1-13; 5:35), giving us the power of the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts clean.

Christ came to do the will and the work of God the Father. When we practice the disci-pline of fasting, we need to follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for an extended fast of 40 days and was tempted by the devil. It was fasting, coupled with prayer and the Word of God, which gave Him the victory over Satan, spiritual forces of darkness, and the temptation to sin. Just as His disciples did, we, too, learn from His exam-ple—every victory Jesus won is possible for us to experience as we live and put into practice the same spiritual disciplines. After Jesus spent extended time in fasting, prayer, and the Scriptures, He was strength-ened by attending angels and led out of the wilderness by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Beginning in Luke 4:14, Jesus returned to His earthly minis-try in the Holy Spirit’s power. The rest of Luke’s Gospel con-tains narratives that link Jesus’ victory over Satan in His wil-derness experience to the spir-itual victories that set people free from sin, brought healing to the sick, miraculously fed


the hungry, and raised the dead. It is not realistic to expect to do the greater works Jesus did with-out practicing the same spiritual disciplines He taught and lived (John 14:12).

The Gospel of Luke tells us that the power that flowed through Christ from the Holy Spirit gave Him the physical stamina to spend all night in prayer. Spiritual fasting, along with other disciplines, provides the means to make tough decisions as seen throughout Christ’s ministry (Luke 6:12).

Christ urges His disciples of all ages to pray for effectiveness in their work. He also reminds His disciples that the only means to break through some demonic strongholds of oppression and possession and to set people free from the power and dominion of sin is through fasting combined with prayer (Matthew 17:21). Christ urged the disciples to fast and pray fervently and persistently, trusting the promises of God to ensure breakthroughs in times of conflict, persecution, and suffering. Spiritual disciplines are the means of grace that ensure perseverance and build and maintain a robust faith. Our com-plete dependence on and faith in Christ help us guard against backsliding due to the distractions, pressures, and worries of life. The Luke narrative underscores that the principles of disciplined

Fasting clearly

displays reliance

on Christ

fasting, prayer, and the Scriptures protect us from the enemy’s onslaught against our souls.

Spiritual fasting is also a means of grace to both intercede for and witness to those who may or may not believe. As Christ fasted and prayed for victory over Satan’s power and interceded for His disciples to be empowered in the Spirit, so also must His followers intercede for fellow believers and those to whom they minister. Practicing the disciplines provides a model that others can fol-low as they are seeking a closer relationship with Christ. Spiritual fasting is an act of consecration as we intentionally give up a physical need to rely fully on the Spirit.

Fasting clearly displays reliance on Christ to work through the believer who is fasting and making petitions through prayers. As evidenced in Acts 13:2, in the face of an important decision, the apostles sought the Holy Spirit’s direction through worship and fasting. When Christians practice spiritual fasting, they can successfully intercede in faith with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will bring grace, conviction, repen-tance, discernment, and growth in the individual, family, local church, and broader culture. As believers, we have the privilege to be empow-ered through God’s Word, fasting, and prayer. In this way, we, too, can lead other believers into a deeper life of total surrender and dependence on God. Truly, fasting invites us to have separat-ed times with God; through this sacred act, we are drawn closer to God and to one another in addition to discerning God’s will for our life and ministry

William Sawyer is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Global Ministry Center, Church of the Nazarene, and the Board of General Superintendents Chief of Staff.


In the state of Arizona, where I live, there is a beautiful National Monument near Flagstaff called Walnut Canyon. One of the amazing features of this area is the ancient dwell-ings built beneath natural overhangs in the limestone and

sandstone cliffs. These dwellings, 33 in all, were built by the Sinaqua Indians over 8 centuries ago.

In order to view the dwellings with their smoke-stained walls and tiny doors, one must first climb down over 200 steps from the edge of the canyon. Imagine walking down 240 steps and 800 years into the past. Imagine, still, climbing back up those steps and into the present! It is quite a breathtaking experience.

I do something like this every time I pick up my Bible or a good book. I step into the past and learn from its residents. I have had a growing love affair with books for many years. It has been only recently, however, that I have discovered how to best benefit from them.

Most of my reading had been for information. Sometimes I read for motivation. I am learning now to read also for transformation.

SPIRITUAL READING

by M A R K A . H A R M O NOriginally published in the Herald of Holiness, October 1993

“The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, but the mouth of

fools feeds on folly.” —Proverbs 15:14


SPIRITUAL READING

Reading for transformation has always been a standard element for spiritual growth. Traditionally, it has been called lectio divi-na, a Latin phrase meaning “divine reading” or “sacred reading.” Today’s student of the spiritual disciplines calls it “spiritual read-ing,” “reading for formation,” or “reading for holiness.” At its best, spiritual reading is sitting at the feet of those who have walked the way before us and learning from them. Reading for transformation becomes reading for companionship. It is reading that ultimately leads to prayer.

The Bible, of course, is our primary book for spiritual reading. The apostle Paul assures us that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righ-teousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Spiritual reading also includes solid, Christ-centered books. John Wesley continually encouraged his Methodists to read. He was so convinced of the benefits of the discipline that he abridged and reprinted many of the books that had been his own “companions” along the way in a series called A Christian Library. To a divinity student, Wesley suggested meeting with a small group and “read the closest and most searching books you can, and apply them honestly to each other’s heart” (Letters 3:207, Dec. 4, 1756).

This kind of reading demands certain skills that reading for infor-mation or motivation does not. In our hasty “grab and gobble” society we must acquire or recover the basic skills of leisurely, reflective, and repetitive reading. Someone has likened spiritual reading to sucking on a lozenge rather than gulping a meal.


READING FOR TRANSFORMATION LEADS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

John Wesley recognized early the demand for these special reading skills. Here is a summary of his Advice on Spiritual Reading:

1. Plan a specific time each day for Spiritual Reading, and as far as possible, stick to it.

2. Prepare yourself for reading by a) intentionally reading for the good of your spiritual life and b) praying that God would enable you to see and do His will, discovered in what you read.

3. Be sure to read leisurely, seriously, and with attentiveness rather than skimming hastily.

4. Pause often and allow time for God’s grace to shed light on your reading.5. Consider, every now and then, how you might put into practice that about

which God is speaking to you.6. Whatever book you begin, read through to the end. Read and reread passages

which speak to your needs.7. Put yourself into your reading, allowing it to warm your heart as well as enlight-

en your mind.8. Select pertinent quotations for memorization.9. Conclude your reading with a short prayer to God that He would bless it to your

soul’s good.

Here are two simple exercises you might try in order to incorporate reading for holi-ness into your life. Take your time as you begin spiritual reading. You are not reading for information or motivation but for transformation.

SPIRITUAL READING OF SCRIPTURE

1. Find a quiet place away from telephone, television, and visitors.2. Select a short passage of Scripture (two or three verses).3. Read them and then read them again. Finally, read them out loud, savoring

every word.4. Repeat a verse over and over, emphasizing a different word or phrase each time.

For example: “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” could be repeated: “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” and “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” and “Bless the Lord, O my soul!” and finally “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”


READING FOR TRANSFORMATION LEADS TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

SPIRITUAL READING OF

CHRISTIAN LITERATURE

1. Find a quiet place away from telephone, tele-vision, and visitors.

2. Begin reading in a selected Christ-centered book.

3. Read slowly, leisurely, reflectively.4. When you come to a sentence or paragraph

that especially speaks to you, stop. Read it again. Perhaps read it aloud, softly.

5. Apply the truth of the passage to your life. Is there any change you must make, fault to correct, or grace to claim? Commit yourself to obedience!

6. If you enjoy journaling, copy the sentence or paragraph into your journal or reflect on it in your journal.

7. Begin to memorize a favorite sentence from the passage.

8. Thank the Lord for your insight and either continue reading or go about your day.

Through spiritual reading you can enjoy walking down the steps into the past and conversing with those who have walked with Jesus before you. You can enjoy climbing back into the present, knowing, by God’s grace and help, you are a bet-ter person.

Mark A. Harmon, Herald of Holiness, October 1993

Spiritual reading

is sitting at the

feet of those who

have walked the

way before us

and learning

from them.


A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE

by G L E N G A R D N E R

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted

with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be

dishonest with much.” —Luke 16:10

2 4 H T M / A 2 0


I grew up in a wonderful home with great parents. My mom, a Spirit-filled woman, loved God in ways I can’t explain. My dad, a wonderful man, did not come to Christ until he was 67 years old. He was a successful businessman, but his god was money

and work. If you would have mentioned the word “stewardship” in my home, there would have been a stunned silence. My mom tithed what she could from our family’s grocery money which she received each week. I found out later that my father never knew about this. She gave in secret because it kept peace in our home.

In addition to financial giving, I watched my mom faithfully serve the church in other ways. She taught Sunday school, lead the youth group, and served on the church board. My mom modeled con-sistent stewardship for me. Her faithful service to the church was a means of grace through which, I believe, our family was directly influenced. These early stewardship practices prepared me to become a Christlike disciple before I even knew the word “steward-ship.”

When Kayla, my wife, and I married in 1975, I quickly discovered that she wanted to practice stewardship in our marriage. However, because of my upbringing, tithing 10 percent of our income was a concept I wasn’t familiar with. Kayla immediately talked to me about giving faithfully to the church, and we began giving 10 per-cent of our income; this felt like too much to spare for a newlywed couple as we were both students and didn’t make much money.

One early stewardship lesson came at a moment when we did not have much money. Our checking account only held about 18 dol-lars at the time. A semester of seminary tuition was due to be paid in full at the beginning of the semester. We didn’t have the money to pay tuition, much less groceries or fuel for the car that would get us through another week. Yet, we felt prompted to give 10 dollars. I still vividly remember that Sunday morning. We went to church, and in my pocket, I had the 10-dollar check written to the church.


As the offering plate got clos-er, I thought about groceries, tuition, fuel, rent—everything we needed. I was not thinking about “why” I was giving. I was thinking about what we risked losing. My heart was pounding. What should I do? Because stewardship had been modeled for me my whole life, I knew I must put the check in the plate. So I did, and I watched that plate go down the aisle, wondering how in the world we were going to survive.

Obedience was practiced that day in an explicit way. Since those days, my understanding of stewardship has expanded far beyond obediently giving money. Stewardship involves everything I do. I am called to be a faithful steward of my time, work, and other activi-ties. I am called to faithfully balance my time for God, family, self, and the Kingdom. It is critical to my becoming a Christlike disciple.

You may wonder how we survived. My wife and I went home that Sunday afternoon and took a nap, when a knock on the door disturbed our rest. We opened the door to Kayla’s aunt and uncle. They told us that earlier that morning, as the offering plate passed them during their church service, they experienced God gently nudging them to help us. While they told us the story, I wept. At the same moment we were obediently giving our 10 dol-lars to God, God was meeting

our need and speaking on our behalf across town as another offering was collected. The amount they gave us covered the entire semester of tuition, a week worth of groceries, and a tank of gas in the car.

When our chil-dren were born, we taught them

how obedience to God goes hand and hand with God’s faithfulness to us. I could write on and on about how God has blessed our lives abundantly in ways we could never have imagined. Obediently steward-ing my time, talent, and financ-es, and consecrating them all to God, has become an integral part of my life. I always want to obey the One who called me to His heart and called me to pas-tor His church.

When I was a pastor of a local church, I always believed that if the church didn’t pay their part in supporting God’s mis-sion through the world, I had no right to preach on tithing. I didn’t feel I had the right to ask people to do personally what the church wasn’t willing to do corporately. So, our churches always paid our budgets and tithe, and God blessed the churches we pastored in ways beyond explanation.

As stewards of all God gives us, I hope no one is looking for ways to do less. I hope we’re looking for ways to engage more. How can we be more faithful? How can we serve

How can we be

more faithful?

How can we

serve more?


more? How can we be God’s people in this present day?

I am grateful my mom decided she would be faithful to the means of grace in her life. Her obedience shaped my thoughts on generous giving. No matter what obedience looked like, whatever circumstance we were in, I have always found that generously giving is one of the greatest things God allows me to do. I didn’t know Luke 6:38 in those early days, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that living a life of generosity tilled the ground where God would work and bless. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Glen Gardner is the district superinten-dent of the Eastern Michigan District, Church of the Nazarene.

THESE EARLY

STEWARDSHIP

PRACTICES

PREPARED ME

TO BECOME A

CHRISTLIKE

DISCIPLE



BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM

When I think of the word service, Work & Witness comes to mind as one example. Work & Witness is a program comprised of groups of local church members who sacrificially give their

time, abilities, and money to serve others. These teams serve through various ministries, such as construction, evangelism, medical care, sports, and humanitarian projects, and have a big impact in the communities they serve. What surprises most Work & Witness team members, however, is the impact the min-istry has on their personal lives — the ways they are inspired to make changes in their own habits or ways of reaching and loving others upon returning home. Many return home and immediate-ly begin saving for the next trip, either back to the same place or to a different country. Work & Witness and other mission trips have a way of becoming contagious and changing lives beyond what you can imagine. They changed our life!

My husband, Jon, went on his first Work & Witness trip with our home church in Kansas City many years ago. Jon’s dad offered to pay for half of his children’s way if they went on a Work & Witness trip. He knew the deep and lasting impact such a trip had made on his life, and he wanted the same for his children. Jon accepted the offer from his father, and after a few more trips, he felt God calling him to volunteer service on the mission field, which later turned into full-time global missionary service.

by S H I R L E Y F I S C H E R

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will

enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one


BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM

Growing up on the mission field from an early age, I watched my parents serve God in whatever way possible. My parents first felt a call to serve as Work & Witness volunteer Nazarene missionaries for eight years in Venezuela, South America. Those first eight years as volunteer missionaries turned into well over two decades as career missionaries: 15 years in Venezuela and 12 years in Quito, Ecuador. I saw my parents serve both the locals in the churches, the towns where they worked, and the team members they hosted. Early in their time on the mission field, my parents made it a point for all of us to serve as a family. My sister and I would travel with my parents as they traveled and hosted the teams.

My mom used her teaching degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University to teach my sister and me. While we were on the road with Work & Witness teams, we would dedicate the mornings to our schoolwork and the afternoons to get involved in service: spending time in the kitchen helping team members cook meals for the rest of the team or doing odd jobs on the jobsite. This way, I watched my parents model what it meant to serve. This is one of the many things I appreciate about my parents. They made it a point to do ministry and serve as a family, which has molded and shaped me to this day. Because of the way I grew up, I have accepted God’s call on my life to serve, whatever that may entail. This could look like serving interna-tionally as my parents did or serving in my local church or community.

and K R I S T A S I G U I

who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

—Matthew 7:21


HE FELT GOD CALLING HIM TO VOLUN TEER SERVICE ON THE MISSION FIELD.

Work & Witness changes the lives of those who go and serve, and it opens people’s eyes to what missions work is really like. Throughout the years, we have had the privilege of seeing the effects of taking both long- and short-term mission trips and how these can influence and shape your life when you return home. Through the act of giving and serving on a missions trip, people have become more generous to help and volunteer their time in everyday lives.

We have hosted an average of eight teams per year and have had the opportunity to see and hear stories of the many ways lives are changed. Some lives are transformed spiritually and others materi-ally, but more than anything, we have seen an increased desire for service. We saw one team member go from fighting against her call to serve as a long-term volunteer, to God calling her and her hus-band into full-time missionary work.

God calls us to live out missions wherever we are: both on specified mission trips and in our daily lives at home. One couple felt called to leave the pastorate to serve voluntarily at a small Christian insti-tute. Other team members have returned home to help in Spanish ministries in their communities. When my husband, Jon, returned from a mission trip, he and others from the team wished to con-tinue serving. They would gather every weekend to help a nearby congregation with improvements on their church building.

I truly enjoyed getting to know and accepting into my fam-ily those who gave of their time to serve as volunteer mis-sionaries in either Venezuela or Ecuador, several of whom continued in answering God’s call to serve the Lord all over the world. I never truly understood the sacrifices these indi-viduals made. Several quit their jobs in order to come serve because they felt God calling them to learn more about mis-sions or to give of their time and efforts. Looking back, that seems like a scary thought—quitting your job, giving up your sole source of income and stability because God is calling you to serve. However, I also understand that when God calls you to serve, you say yes.


HE FELT GOD CALLING HIM TO VOLUN TEER SERVICE ON THE MISSION FIELD.

It is overwhelming to explain the positive impact and the many changes God brings in people’s lives through serving in His Kingdom. Many more stories are yet to be told; none-theless, our Work & Witness missions experiences keep inspiring and changing not only the people we serve but our family as well. And, the Work & Witness program is just one example of service in Christ’s name. God invites all of us to step out in faith and follow Him in service to His Kingdom. He will spiritually bless you in amazing ways as you partici-pate in this means of grace!

Shirley Fischer is a lifelong missionary in the Church of the Nazarene currently serving in Ecuador. Krista Sigui, her daughter, serves as administrative assis-tant in Global Clergy Development at the Global Ministry Center.

I have been blessed at every stage of my life to be a member of a local church that fosters an environment where one can serve both local-ly and globally. I have experienced serving on short-term mission trips, which have taught me the value of coming

Other team members have returned home after a mission trip and decided to take the steps to become involved in ministry. This could look as simple as becoming a better layperson serving in his or her church. One team member in particular was not interested in missions when he went on a missions trip, and he even experienced a sports injury on the trip which poorly affected his entire attitude. However, God changed his heart at a back to school night when his daughter expressed her desire and call to become a missionary. Before long, his entire attitude towards mis-sions shifted: he started serving on the missions council at his local church, led many Work & Witness/evangelism teams over the years, and became actively involved with a nonprofit orga-nization in his town.

together with others to be part of something bigger than myself. By working shoulder-to-shoulder and sharing life with people in an environment that may be unfamiliar to the team, I realize how work-ing together strengthens and builds relationships beyond the time spent on the trip itself.


FELLOWSHIP IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

by D A V I D P. W I L S O N

“… I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the

house of the LORD.” —Psalm 122:1

3 2 H T M / A 2 0


In almost every church building in North America, and in many areas globally, there are places designated for fellowship among worshippers. These rooms may be large enough to hold an entire congregation or as small as a simple space for coffee and conversation. Normally, “fellow-

ship” suggests that food and beverages will be made available to help break the ice and create a relaxed atmosphere for meeting people or getting to know them better. However, if conversation over a meal or cup of coffee is the extent of interpersonal connection, true fellowship is minimal. Jesus had something more in mind for His disciples.

An oft-used word for fellowship in Scripture is koinonia. That term is used in a variety of ways throughout the New Testament.1 In Acts 2:42, 2 Corinthians 6:14, and Galatians 2:9, koinonia refers to partnership—believers joining with each other in order to achieve a common goal. In 1 Corinthians 10:16, koi-nonia means participation or communion—believers sharing together in the body of Christ during the Eucharist. In Romans 15:26, koinonia involves giv-ing—believers contributing their resources to help care for the needs of other believers. The thread that runs through all of these examples is commonality. True fellowship starts with two or more people having something in common. For Christians, that connection is relationship with Jesus Christ.

There are at least five elements that followers of Jesus often have in common. First, they all have a common Savior. All believers reached a point in their lives when they realized they were separated from God by their sins. They understood they could not be reconciled with God on their own, no matter what they did. They needed a Savior: Jesus.

Second, all believers have experienced a common conversion. Some had a dramatic moment while others made a rational decision. Nevertheless, all have repented and turned from a self-pleasing way of life to a God-honoring existence.

Third, all believers practice a common lifestyle, modeled after the example set by Jesus Himself. This lifestyle involves more than following a list of rules and regulations. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and teachers of the law not only followed the law to the letter, they were also committed to the interpretations of the law. And yet Jesus said, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). In fact, Jesus’ life and teaching demonstrated that justice, mercy, and compassion stemming from a heart of love were qualities that identified His followers.

1 �e Analytical Greek Lexicon, 235.


WHERE TRUE

FELLOWSHIP

EXISTS,

PERSONAL

DESIRES ARE

SET ASIDE FOR

THE GOOD OF

THE WHOLE.

Fourth, all believers have a common purpose. Jesus provided the mission statement for His followers: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). While some Christ-followers are slow to embrace this purpose, Jesus’ intention was for all who believe in Him to be involved in sharing His life-giving message.

The final element of commonality held by all who trust in Jesus is participation with others in a community of mutual care and shared trust. Christians were not meant to lead solitary lives. Admittedly, some believers are forced to live in isolation by cir-cumstances not of their own choosing. In contrast, the normal life for every Christ-follower is to be part of a true fellowship.

What does that fellowship look like? Acts 2:42-47 and 4:32-37 give us a clear picture of the early Church, a model of true Christian fellowship. The word that stands out in 2:42 is “devoted.” Those in

this Scripture passage were all like-minded in living out what Jesus taught. They listened attentively to the apostles who had been with Jesus. There were no textbooks to explain the instructions of Jesus, only the words of the apostles who had lived with Him, listened to Him, and watched His every action. The believers were perhaps filled with questions, and the apostles helped them understand the mind of Jesus and what He desired for His followers. It is no won-der these early believers were “devoted to the apostles’ teaching”!

Twenty-one centuries later, we are fortunate to have more tools than the early Church did to help us understand discipleship. We have the full canon of Scripture and countless studies by scholars who have given their lives to promote the Christian faith. True fellowship of believers includes dedicated study of Scripture and companion texts to help Christ-followers grasp and apply the teachings of Jesus.

The devotion of the early Church extended to participation in each other’s lives within the body of believers. There was a spirit of generosity that leveled the playing field economically, making rela-tionships with each other possible. Those who had much shared with those who had little. When there was a need, those who had land and possessions sold what they had and gave the proceeds to help meet the need. The commitment of the early believers to each other was extreme. Selfish hoarding appears to have been non-exis-tent (with one notable exception in chapter 5). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, they gave what they had and “there were no needy persons among them” (4:34).

The spirit of generosity went beyond finances. Early believers invested time to help others grow in their newfound faith. A great


Most importantly, early believers were devoted to prayer. Jesus gave His disciples an outline for prayer in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-15). Time after time, the book of Acts records how the believ-

ers prayed, praising God and seeking His guidance in their deci-sions, and for their ability to fulfill His purpose.

True fellowship by believers—in meetings, social gatherings, or private conversations—involves prayer. I often have heard the leader of a group of believers say, “Let’s pause for word of prayer.” In fact, what we need most is not a “word of prayer” but a “season of prayer,” lingering in the presence of God until we are assured of His guidance. Prayer builds relationships, both with God and with fellow believers.

There is one more aspect of true fellowship demonstrated by the early Church: unity. The believers were “one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32). I’m sure they didn’t always agree on everything, and from time to time, tensions occurred (see Acts 6:1ff ), but they were able to stay united as a body of committed Christ-followers.

In true fellowship among the followers of Jesus, there is unity. Most divisive issues are petty, personal preferences that disrupt the Body of Christ. Where true fellowship exists, personal desires are set aside for the good of the whole. A spirit of harmony enables the church to move together in a God-pleasing direction.

There is a place and a purpose for church meals, for coffee and conversation, and other social activities. Even so, as followers of Jesus, let’s not settle for anything less than the full measure of what our Lord desires for fellowship among His people.

David Wilson is executive pastor at Marion Church of the Nazarene in Marion, Ohio, USA, and former General Secretary for the Church of the Nazarene.

example of the spirit of generosity was Barnabas, the “son of encouragement.” He had the ability to help financially (4:36-37) and was also the first to accept Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:27); he paved the way for him to join the body of believers. He appeared to have a gift for welcoming the mar-ginalized (Acts 11:22-24 and 15:36-41).

True fellowship includes a spirit of generosity. In a recent meeting, I heard a leader ask, “What do you have with which you can be generous?” We celebrate when financial needs are met by the generosity of people with means, but a spir-it of giving goes beyond financial support. In fact, money is not always the most needed act of generosity. It is often easier to write a check to provide for others to do the work than it is to become actively involved ourselves. Generosity includes giving our time, doing the difficult work of listening to the needs of others, speaking words of encouragement, practicing acceptance, and spreading hope—like Barnabas!

Early believers were also devoted to breaking bread together. There is a two-fold understand-ing of this practice. The first is the celebration of the Eucharist as they shared bread and wine, emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus. This sacrament employed the powerful senses of sight and taste to remind believers that Jesus died for their sins.

Acts 2:46 says that they also “broke bread in their homes and ate together.” There was purpose in these meals that went beyond social niceties. These were times of sharing joyfully what God was doing and praising Him for His gracious work among them.

True fellowship among believers occurs when we do more than talk about politics, sports, or how the kids are doing in school during our meals together. When believers share their faith and how God is at work in their lives, His Spirit lifts the conversation to a new level. Jesus promised, “Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

3 6 H T M / A 2 03 6 H T M / A 2 0

A F T E R W O R D

THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER

by N A T H A N A E L G I L M O R E

The life of the believer encompasses activity, thanksgiving, and sanctification. Christians live in relationship with God in which these elements of faith are ongoing. As believers train in godliness, blessings abound for life now and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

Words such as “practice,” “discipline,” or “training” may bring to mind uncomfortable or exhausting activities even though they ultimately produce good results. Good habits are often devel-oped through uncomfortable means and require an extra measure of discipline. Hebrews 12 states that “no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful…” (v. 11). God clearly declares His require-ments for behavior in His Word and provides cleansing and empowerment through His Holy Spirit to live according to His will. Too often, the world sets the bar low when establishing requirements for morality. Sinful inclinations lead to habits for some that can become so familiar that they feel a part of their identity. But God revealed in His Word that believers are called to purity (Leviticus 19:2). This is made possible through Christ by turning from sin and living according to the Word of God (Matthew 19:26; Psalm 119:9). Individuals facing the difficulties of life, temptations, addictions, and consequenc-es of sin must remember that God graciously offers forgiveness through faith in Him. Repentance is an active response to God’s grace.

Believers are to be thankful for the grace of God that He bestows. Living in thanksgiving takes place through a personal relationship with God, giving thanks both privately and publicly. Consequently, a life of thanksgiving cultivates habits that safeguard against the destructive forces of sin and misguided notions of self-sufficiency, and sustain an active awareness of undeserved grace. Such a life is lived in appreciation of the fullness in Christ that the Spirit brings (Colossians 2:6-15, Galatians 5:22-23). God created man and woman in His image and gave them the ability to create (Genesis 1:27-28). These creative works do not save believers; rather, they come naturally as expressions of thanks to God. A life of thanksgiving is a change in perspective on reality in which Christians give thanks in all circum-stances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Through active, Spirit-led lives, God makes believers holy. The sanctifying work of the Spirit gives believers new hearts and renews their spirits. God told Jeremiah that He would place His law upon all human hearts, and He told Ezekiel about a new heart and a new spirit that, with His help, could keep His laws and please God (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:25–27). As Scripture displays, if believers draw near to God, He will draw near to them (James 4:8a). Sanctification happens as believers live in total surrender to God, giving up their way for His. Having an active faith, giving thanks in all circum-stances, and submitting to God is life for the believer.

As we worship, so we believe, so we live.

Nathanael Gilmore is content editor of Holiness Today.

Most Americans dread April 15. It’s not just the taxes, but the time and energy it takes to gather information, complete forms, and �le. For clergy with unique situations like self-employment tax and housing allowance, tax time can be even more daunting.

Fortunately, ministers have a friend at pbusa.org. There you’ll �nd tax guides for clergy and church treasurers updated annually by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Plus, there’s helpful information in our Memo series about housing allowance, Social Security, and business expenses – all in easy to understand language.

Tax Day will never be a time to look forward to, but with convenient tools like these, you can prepare and �le taxes with greater con�dence.

You’ll �nd these helps under the Resources tab at pbusa.org. Of course, if you have questions about taxes or other clergy �nancial issues, we’re as close as [email protected] or 888-888-4656.

Note: Pensions and Bene�ts USA and its partners do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. The information we o�er is not intended to substitute for advice from professional tax or �nancial planners, or lawyers. For information related to your speci�c situation, consult your own trusted specialists.

April15 Doesn’t Have to Be Taxing!

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