Michael Brown, “Wheat and Weeds: A Prediction About the Coming Split in the United Methodist Church” Stream.org (January 5, 2020).

Roger E. Olson, “Pentecostal Theology: A Brief Description” Patheos (January 16, 2020).

Andrew K. Gabriel, “Pentecostal Women in Ministry, What they Want, and #MeToo” AndrewKGabriel.com (January 16, 2020).

Andrew Gabriel introduces this video: “In today’s video, I interview Dr. Kimberly Alexander from Regent University’s School of Divinity in Virginia Beach, [VA]. I ask her about how Pentecostals have typically thought about women in ministry, what women in ministry say they actually want, and about Pentecostals and the #MeToo movement.”

Paul J. Palma, “The Legacy of Massimiliano Tosetto: Italian American Pentecostal Pioneer” iFPHC.org (January 22, 2020).

Roger E. Olson, “Why Theology Is Necessary” Patheos (January 21, 2020).

This article by Roger Olson is the second part of a series entitled, “Christian Theology–Answers to Questions.”

Geir Lie, “Oneness Pentecostalism in Norway” Journal of the European Pentecostal Theological Association (January 23, 2020).

Abstract: “This article examines and analyzes the evolution of Oneness Pentecostalism in Norway, a tradition which has literally passed under the radar of Scandinavian researchers. The article identifies nine Oneness groups and different denominations whose impact is growing particularly among immigrant Christians. The essay provides biographical data on various founders and the churches and denominations they established. Highlighting the theological and ethnical diversity of the movement, Lie suggests that missionaries, immigration, and reverse migration have significantly diversified the structures, theologies, ethnicities and leadership of Oneness Pentecostalism in Norway.”

Roger E. Olson, “Are All ‘Christians’ True Christians?” Patheos (January 30, 2020).

Church historian Roger Olson strongly challenges church leaders to state clearly and publicly when so-called Christians are behaving immorally.

Mark Deymaz with Harry Li, “Here Come the Skinny Cows: Four reasons tithes and offerings are about to drop dramatically” CT Pastors (Fall 2019).

In this book excerpt from The Coming Revolution in Church Economics: Why Tithes and Offerings Are No Longer Enough, and What You Can Do about It (Baker, 2019), this special edition of Christianity Today looks at the future of giving and sustainability for churches.

J. Lee Grady, “Brazil Has Become a Global Hot Spot for Revival” Fire In My Bones (February 12, 2020).

Congratulations to Craig Keener being elected by the Evangelical Theological Society as their president for 2020.

Jonathan Smith, “Smart Budgeting for Tech Purchases: Why it’s time to rethink the three-year replacement rule for hardware” Church Law & Tax (January 27, 2020).

Image: Francois Olwage

Craig Keener, “A Worldwide Vision for Theological Education” The LOGOS Academic Blog (February 20, 2020).

The meeting’s location was at the Alleluia Covenant Community school. Coincidentally, several of the presentations at the consultation were about covenant communities. Covenant communities are fairly new to the Church, and are an attempt to follow the example of the Jerusalem Christian community depicted in Acts.[2] For reasons unclear, Early Christianity followed the model of Jewish monasticism for which there is no New Testament model or mention,[3] and bypassed the covenant community described in Acts. Most covenant communities are ecumenical, as is Alleluia. Alleluia is predominantly Catholic, but led by a Methodist layman, Mr. Bob Garrett. In recent years, he has gained an international renown for his leadership in furthering Christian and Spirit-filled ecumenism.

Like the Jerusalem Christian community described in Acts, covenant communities are groupings of families, sometimes with attached singles, that bind together with certain rules to further their Christian life and holiness. An interesting example of this; Alleluia teens are not allowed to date as couples, but frequently go out as a group for sports events, field trips, etc. This provides plenty of opportunities for budding romances – but avoids the awkwardness and dangers of couple dating. (Do I hear the moans of anxious parents for similar rules in their churches?)

Covenant families live in close proximity, and this assists not only in prayer time together, but mutual help in such things as baby-sitting and home schooling. Families worship together during the week but go to their denominational churches on Sunday.[4] All of this makes life more socially engaging than normal, and more importantly, assists in avoiding much of the corrosive secularism of contemporary society.[5] One of the benefits of having the CLF meet at the Alleluia Community is that on can observe some of these dynamics in action.

On Wednesday afternoon, the CLF group drove over to Burns United Methodist Church to participate in an Ash Wednesday service. It was a wonderful expression of unity in the Body of Christ. Brief sermons were given by Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic and Baptist ministers before the imposition of ashes.

The members of the CLF who came to Augusta came from the United Sates and many parts of the world. We were all hosted by the families of the Alleluia community. Not only did this eliminate hotel charges, but most feel real delight to live for a few days within a covenant community. My host this year was a local Lutheran pastor, the Rev. Mike Freed and his lovely wife, Vera. Rev. Freed is an elder of Alleluia as well as an active pastor to nearby Ascension Lutheran Church. I came one day early and had the pleasure of attending his Sunday service and ministering healing at the end of the service.

This year’s CLF had several issues on the table. One was, coincidentally, a presentation and description of several world-wide networks of covenant communities. A presentation was given by members of the Work of Christ Covenant Community of Lansing, Michigan, one of the first ever birthed from the Charismatic Renewal. This community sprouted other communities under the name “Sword of the Spirit” which now have ninety-three communities in forty-three countries in Asia, the South Pacific, Latin America and Europe.[6] These communities are self-governing, but under similar covenant rules. Seventy percent of its members are Roman Catholic, with 5% Oriental Catholic (Coptic) and the rest Protestant.

As a virus pandemic rages across the globe, Christian History magazine reveals how Christians founded “Healthcare and Hospitals – in the mission of the church,” Issue 101.

Christian History Institute (CHI), publisher of Christian History magazine (CHM), offers its latest issue, #101, titled: “Healthcare and Hospitals – in the mission of the church.” The issue examines how a core Christian belief, that humans are made in the image of God, inspired the notion of healthcare and founded the institution known as the hospital. These two ideas help define the modern world where solutions are sought and care is provided in contrast to a pre-Christian era in which the sick were cast out and the dead were left to rot unattended, causing increased suffering and death.

This issue, #101 Healthcare and Hospitals – in the mission of the church, features a collection of in-depth articles chronicling how, from its earliest days the Christian church carried out active ministries of philanthropy and care for the sick. Christian medical care is founded on the biblical belief that human beings are created in God’s image. The Bible reads: “And God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness….” God’s creation of human beings in his image (rationally, spiritually, morally, volitionally) implies that human life is precious and must be protected.

Early Christians valued the body and the medical arts necessary to heal it as gifts from a loving God. The roles of the doctor and nurse emerged from Christian communities and European monasteries that during the Reformation began to practice and model the Great Shepherd. Christians taught  the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25–37, as did Jesus, who stated that it was the despised Samaritan who proved himself a neighbor, having compassion on a wounded man and giving him medical aid when even priests and Levites of his own religious community passed him by.

The editor and contributors to this issue, ask challenges questions that are faced the world today: How should the church respond to the devastating global epidemics and pandemics being faced today? How can healthcare workers bring their faith to bear within today’s secular institutions? How can family members and ministers help patients to negotiate the maze of the twenty-first-century healthcare system while keeping a sense of God’s presence in the process of healing? As in so many areas, there is still much to learn from our forebears.

CH issue #101, contains 14 features and shorter side-bar articles; a chronology timeline; an archive of rare artwork & photos; a ‘letter to the editor’ section and an extensive reading list compiled by the CH editorial staff. The magazine is fully available on-line and can be conveniently read on screen at: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/issue/healthcare-and-hospitals-in-the-mission-of-the-church

The following major articles (click to select) can be accessed on-line and reprinted with permission:

A New Era in Roman Healthcare  by Gary B. Ferngren, professor of history at Oregon State University.
How the early church transformed the Roman Empire’s treatment of its sick

Basil’s House of Healing  by Timothy S. Miller, is a professor of history at Salisbury University (Maryland).
How a fourth-century monk pioneered the hospital

From poorhouse to hospital  by Timothy S. Miller, professor of history at Salisbury University (Maryland).
How the Christian hospital evolved from a house of charity that cared for the poor to the medical institution we know today

The hospital experience  by Jennifer L. Woodruff Tait is adjunct professor of history/church history at Asbury Theological Seminary, Huntington University, & United Theological Seminary.
What would it have been like to receive care in a medieval hospital?

“Our lords the sick”  by Theresa M. Vann, the Joseph S. Micallef Curator of the Malta Study Center at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, St. John’s University (Minnesota).
Christian thinkers Adopted Jewish symbols—but mistrusted their sources

The charitable revolution  by Adam J. Davis is associate professor and chair (Medieval Europe) in the history department of Denison University, Granville, OH.
Why did the twelfth century bring a wave of new hospitals?

Christian History Institute
www.ChristianHistoryInstitute.org
Worcester, PA, March 24, 2020

Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” — Exodus 3:3

God revealed Himself to Abraham as God Almighty and said, “Walk before Me and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1). In the Hebrew, El-Shaddai means the “All-sufficient One.” When Abraham had this Divine revelation, there came with it an enabling to walk before God and be blameless.

But to Moses, God revealed Himself as Jehovah. Jehovah means the “Self-existent One who reveals Himself.” It is the covenant-keeping and redemptive name of God. This name was so sacred to the Hebrews that they never spoke it. It is translated into our English as Lord.

At the time God revealed Himself to Moses as Jehovah, Moses was in real need of this revelation. Israel was in Egyptian bondage, and Moses was chosen of God to lead them out. God reminded him of His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give them the land of Canaan for an inheritance. This was too much for Moses. God had to intervene, and Moses had to see the God of ability and covenant-keeping.

When God was able to get Moses’ vision off the natural and centered upon Himself, He could intervene to do the seemingly impossible. Because of this revelation, through the rest of Moses’ life God was able to give him this marvelous supernatural ministry in bringing redemption to Israel.

PR

“…one of the early 20th Century’s prophetic voices still speaks today…” — Jack W. Hayford

Reprinted with permission from Daily Seedings: A Devotional Classic for the Spirit-Filled Life by Ivan Q. Spencer (selected and edited by Edie Mourey), Furrow Press, 2008.

For more about Ivan Spencer, see “Following in His Steps” by Edie Mourey.

Dr. Elijah J. F. Kim is Founder and President of Grain of Wheat College and Graduate School in the Philippines. He is also the President of Pathos Foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. The purpose of this foundation is to work for revival and awakening in America and the rest of the world. He is the overseer of A Grain of Wheat Christian Ministries in the Philippines. Dr. Kim served as the director of the Vitality Project of Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston and is a former member of the Steering Committee of City Impact Roundtable, USA. He is the author of many books in English and other languages.

The Rise of the Global South is a very substantial volume, both in length and in content, it contains a wealth of information. In addition to the author’s writing the text contains graphs, tables, maps, and statistics that the author has drawn from a number of different sources. The research that was utilized in the writing of this book is quite extensive (the bibliography is a little over 28 pages long). In view of the scope of this book, this review will focus on some of the “big picture” themes that are found in it

The reader will find a significant amount of church history in this book, both European history and American history. Many well-known ministers are mentioned, people like John Wesley, George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, and D. L. Moody. In addition many renewal movements are mentioned, among them are, the Waldensians, the Methodists, and the Quakers. It should be noted that Europe and American did not both follow the exact same religious course, Dr. Kim notes the differences. The reader will also find information about specific denominations in the text. This data reveals that a number of mainline denominations have suffered significant losses in membership over the years.

The decline of the church at certain times has not always been due solely to weaknesses from within. Dr. Kim calls attention to various developments in the larger culture that have had negative effects on the church. He looks at the impact of urbanization, industrialization, and modernization. Though these things are not in and of themselves spiritual, or evil, they have at times had a negative impact on the faith of significant numbers of people.

Greetings with Jesus’ joy!

With the arrival of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the world stage, more than 130 countries have been caught in a public health crisis of yet unknown devastation. Today, in the United States, along with other countries, “ordinary” life as we have known it, is no more. We now daily face a deadly virus, one stealthily transmitted by a person unaware of her or his infection. Suddenly, “social distancing” demands that we restrict human interaction – no handshakes, no high five’s, no hugs, no crowds.

The demand for tests and testing and the widespread closing of schools, universities and businesses, along with cancellations of social, political and religious events, all point to a severely crippled America. We see anxious shoppers entangled in chaotic scrambling for water, food, and yes, toilet paper! Just thinking of the long-term impact on the economy boggles the mind. A vaccine, scientists report, could be as far away as twelve to eighteen months.

In Washington, D.C., the rapid spread of COVID-19 compelled a historically contentious Congress to pass an unprecedented bipartisan funding bill. These funds will underwrite the costs of urgently needed resources – many associated with job loss, childcare, medical leave, emergency equipment, and nutritional needs. Clearly, the COVID-19 pandemic has the power to affect us all in ways more drastic and more frightening than anyone could have predicted.

People of faith, however, can access a greater power – the power of God. In times of great stress, people of faith need not be overwhelmed. Crisis may reign but God is strong and unmovable. Each of us can declare with the confidence of the psalmist: God is my refuge and my fortress… my God, in whom I trust (Psalm 91:2). Our attitude toward this “new normal” should not be hopelessness and despair.

As people of faith, we can pray that COVID-19 will peak, decline, and descend into nonexistence. Surviving this outbreak will take more than medical expertise and modified behavior; it will require the steadfast faith of God’s people, drawing strength from both “In God We Trust” and “E pluribus unum.” This is not a time to panic, but a time to activate our faith and trust the blessed assurance of God’s faithfulness to us.

At the same time, we must attend to precautionary measures:

• Educate yourself about coronavirus (COVID-19). Ask questions. Stay up to date with information from credible sources, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Maintain strict personal hygiene. Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and warm water, and avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth.
• Prepare for a possible imposed quarantine. Stock up on food, water, medicine, household supplies, entertainment, communication devices and other essentials to sustain your household for 6-8 weeks.
• Pay special attention to elderly loved ones and to any person in the home with a compromised health condition.
• Maintain contact with family and friends through radio, telephone, television, and social media. Visit them “in person” on Skype!
• Remain calm and prayerful. Seek peace in spiritual pursuits. Explore new ways to stay positive, encouraged, and constructively busy.

Times like these are reminders that health, life, and normalcy are more fragile than we probably realized, but we must always remember that God is in control. Until we can congregate again in person, know that I care deeply about your well-being and will be lifting you in prayer.

Grace and peace be multiplied upon you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Antipas

The Rev. Dr. Bill De Arteaga has had over thirty years of healing ministry experience and has often dealt with viruses of various sorts, including influenza. Here is what he suggests to do when you suspect you or a loved one has been in contact with the new coronavirus.

http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/personally-combating-the-coronavirus/

Image: Ben White

“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world.” — John 17:6

In the ancient East, proper names had a special significance. The name of a person often presented some characteristic of that person. This is true also of the names of God. In His names, He reveals His character and His manifold relations to His creatures.

Jesus’ life and ministry were revelations of the Father. He came into the world to manifest the Father in all His manifold character. The disciples would naturally know Jesus as a man after the flesh—as a Nazarene, the son of Joseph and Mary. To come to know Him as the Son of God, they had to have a revelation.

Additionally, each New Testament character differed from the other in natural traits and characteristics, so Jesus had to be manifest to each one in some special way in order for each to actually know Him as the Son of God.

Thomas’s unbelief, for example, had to be surmounted before he could know Him. Thrusting his hand in the riven side, he cried, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

The woman of Samaria was startled by the knowledge Jesus had of her past life. Then, He carefully unfolded to her what the living water was and who it was that was offering it to her. Afterward, she had to exclaim, “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (John 4:29).

PR

“…one of the early 20th Century’s prophetic voices still speaks today…” — Jack W. Hayford

Reprinted with permission from Daily Seedings: A Devotional Classic for the Spirit-Filled Life by Ivan Q. Spencer (selected and edited by Edie Mourey), Furrow Press, 2008.

For more about Ivan Spencer, see “Following in His Steps” by Edie Mourey.

Just behind my living room sofa stands a table. On it is what I call decorative clutter—a dried floral bouquet, a ceramic jar, a candy dish, two small lamps, and two framed photos. The one sepia-colored photo is from the 1940s and pictures my grandfather, Ivan Spencer; his second eldest son, Merritt Spencer; and a plow horse.

The ornately-carved mahogany picture frame seems unfitting, for both Ivan and Merritt are in their dungarees and appear quite disheveled. The only ornamental thing in the picture is the U.S. Army service cap pushed back off Uncle Merritt’s forehead.

But I remember the day I decided to place this particular picture within the grip of this decorative frame. I thought then, as I do now, the frame and photo didn’t go together, but I loved the juxtaposition of the two. The picture frame stood like the nicely suited man of God Ivan was to so many who knew and respected him. But the photo told the truth about the man—he was a farmer. Ivan Q. Spencer, founder of Elim Bible Institute and Elim Fellowship, was a cow-milking, plowing, seed-sowing, harvesting farmer.

There’s an old adage that goes something like this—“You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the boy.” For Ivan, this was true. He was ever a farmer, preparing for each season and endeavoring to fulfill the agricultural duties associated with it. And as a son of God ever looking for the next move of God, this revivalist continued to sow and reap in the harvest fields of his generation. (That’s the inspiration for the title, Daily Seedings.)

Yes, Ivan was committed to harvest preparation. In 1912, God gave him a vision that helped him stay his course. He saw Spirit-filled people scattered throughout the world. The purpose for “this world-wide diffusion,” as he called it, was for these to “intercede for greater things for the peoples of their respective localities.”

Furthermore, he saw this movement grow in number but not in power. This led to a time of sifting and testing which ultimately led to a glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All of this he saw in his vision.

Ivan Spencer kept always the vision of God’s global harvest field before him. He preached, taught, and lived in preparation for the great end-time harvest that would come as a result of a great end-time revival. As he wrote many years ago:

Not only in the planting season and in harvest but throughout the year; the farmer lives for his fields. He is constantly plowing, fertilizing, seeding, weeding, and finally harvesting. Even his winter months are spent in preparing seed, repairing fences, and in general making things ready for planting. This is his life; this is the thing that makes him a farmer. And he will do it year after year, each time to be rewarded at harvest.

Don’t you want to be rewarded at the harvest? Don’t you want to experience that great end-time revival? I know I do, and I also know both the revival and harvest require preparation of our personal hearts and lives.

We need to nourish our own souls; we need to cultivate and seed the individual soils with the Word of God. What better way to do so than by sowing the Word-reflections of a committed harvester into our hearts.

As you read each daily reading, I trust your life will be impacted for revival and harvest as his words have so impacted mine. May his word-seeds be planted in your heart. May they produce an abundant harvest in your own soul as you labor in the field of souls.

—Edie Mourey

“…one of the early 20th Century’s prophetic voices still speaks today…” — Jack W. Hayford

Reprinted with permission from Daily Seedings: A Devotional Classic for the Spirit-Filled Life by Ivan Q. Spencer (selected and edited by Edie Mourey), Furrow Press, 2008.

For more about Ivan Spencer, see “Following in His Steps” by Edie Mourey.

Where does your authority come from? Your answer to that question makes a difference.

Leaders deal in the realm of authority—it’s the currency with which we get things done. We prefer the word “influence.” It is a better term. It more accurately describes the innate function of leadership. It communicates what we are about better than “authority,” but at the end of the day if a leader can’t handle authority, he or she can’t lead.

Leaders often struggle with handling authority. Some leaders take advantage of their authority, others barely act on it. Some leaders over-step their authority, others hide behind it. The wisest of leaders understand that the authority wasn’t theirs in the first place and steward it with wisdom, grace and strength of character.

Where does your authority come from? Your answer to that question makes a difference. What you believe about the source of your authority shapes how you handle your authority.

The Source of Your Authority

There are two primary sources of authority: God and Man. The two are usually integrated. The important point is that you are never the source of your own authority. The implication is that it doesn’t belong to you. The complication is that you are still held responsible.

God gave leaders gifts and abilities. He gave us the ability to influence, skills to work with, and talents that give us a unique edge. He gave all these things to us, and they are ours to keep. But ultimately they did not begin with us. Is this a fine line? Perhaps it is, but again, how you think about this really matters.

I have sat in many ordination services where young pastors were commissioned into the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That night they were scared to death, humble, and quick to acknowledge that all that they have came from somewhere else. Their God-given talents and their earthly-given opportunity to exercise those talents, all were given to them.

Then as time passed, they began to believe that they owned what they had been given, and some even began to believe they were the source of their own authority. And in these cases, nearly always, the ministry headed for trouble. Looking from the outside in, this seems impossible. But it is no more impossible than a young couple standing before a pastor reciting their sincere promises of love before God, family and friends only to find themselves a few years later in a bitter divorce.

Phrases like “my church,” “my staff,” and “my ministry” may be innocent, but they may also be a preview of ugly things to come. You may resist here, saying “But it IS my church, I’m the one held responsible.”

This is the complication I stated earlier. The life of a servant is complicated. We are responsible for that which does not belong to us.