Bryan Hodge

Turning The King’s Heart

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Bryan Hodge

“The King’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1).

What does this mean? Does this mean that every action of a king (or country leader) is directed by God? Was Solomon’s heart turned to idolatry by God (1 Kings 11:1-8)? Was Ahaz turned to human sacrifice by God (2 Kings 16:1-4 cf. 2 Chronicles 28:1-4; further – Ezekiel 23:36-39; Leviticus 18:21)? Was Adolf Hitler directed to do evil by God? Surely not! If God directs every action of kings, then why are kings instructed how to walk (e.g. 1 Kings 2:1-4; 3:14; 9:4-5)?

(1) It means that God is powerful. His doings humbled the heart of Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:10-13) and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-36).

(2) It means that God can turn the hearts of a king for his own purposes, and to accomplish His will. He used Pharaoh (Exodus 7:2-5; 10:1-2; 14:17-18 – note, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart will be considered in a future writing). He used the king(s) of Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-7, 12-14; Jeremiah 50:18). He used the king(s) of Babylon (Jeremiah 27:6-11 cf. 25:12; 50:18; 51:24; Habakkuk). He used Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1-3).

It should be understood that there is nothing in the wording, “He turns it wherever He wishes,” which implies that God does this directly, without means. Hearts can be turned by means. Solomon’s wives “turned his heart after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4). Consider the role of John, “He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17 cf. Malachi 4:5-6).

God has directed and turned kings by means. He provided information to David (1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 9-13; 30:7-8; 2 Samuel 5:18-19; 5:22-25). He provided the circumstances to humble Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:10-13) and Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-36). He stirred Cyrus to allow the Jews to return home (Ezra 1:1-2). How God stirred Cyrus, we are not told in Scripture. However, there is no reason to believe that this was done by directly changing the heart, without means. Josephus suggests that Cyrus was stirred to do this after reading his name from the book of Isaiah (Josephus Antiquities 11.1).

(3) It means that God is ultimately in control. His plans will be accomplished. Certainly not every action of every king is approved by God. Kings sin, and God allows this (e.g. Exodus 9:34; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; 1 Kings 12:28-33; 1 Kings 21:25-26). However, God, not earthly kings, is ultimately in control. His plans will not be thwarted. This ought to give us comfort.

“Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You… In God I have put my trust, I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:4).

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do” (Luke 12:4).

“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

Posted in God's Providence, God's Sovereignty, Government, josephus, Proverbs, Textual varients | Tagged 1 Kings 11:4, 1 Kings 12:28-33, 1 Kings 21:25-26, 1 Kings 2:1-4, 1 Kings 3:14, 1 Kings 9:4-5, 1 Samuel 15:22-23, 1 Samuel 23:1-13, 1 Samuel 30:7-8, 2 Chronicles 28:1-4, 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, 2 Kings 16:1-4, 2 Samuel 5:18-19, 2 Samuel 5:22-25, adolf hitler, afraid, ahaz, assyria, babylon, confort, cyrus, cyrus read his name in book of isaiah, Daniel 4:28-36, David, direct or by means?, Exodus 10:1-2, Exodus 14:17-18, Exodus 7:2-5, Exodus 9:34, Ezekiel 23:36-39, Ezra 1:1-2, fear, God allows sin, God humbled manasseh, God humbled nebuchadnezzar, God is powerful, God is ultimately in control, God stirred cyrus, God turns heart of king, God used assyria, God used babylon, God used pharaoh, God will accomplish His purposes, God's plans not thwarted, habakkuk, Isaiah 10-12-14, Isaiah 10:12-14, Isaiah 10:5-7, Isaiah 44:28, Isaiah 45:1-3, Jeremiah 25:12, Jeremiah 27:6-11, Jeremiah 50:18, Jeremiah 51:24, John the baptist turns hearts, josephus, josephus antiquities 11, Leviticus 18:21, Luke 12:4, Luke 1:17, Malachi 4:5-6, manasseh, nebuchadnezzar, pharaoh, Proverbs 21:1, Psalm 118:6, Psalm 56:4, Romans 8:34, Solomon, solomon's wives turn his heart, trust in God, turning heart by circumstance, turning heart by influence, turning heart by information | Leave a comment

Denominations: Community or “Non-Denominational,” Cowboy and Biker Churches

Posted on December 27, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

Community Church or “Non-denominational” Church refers to independent local congregations which have no affiliation with the major denominations. Determining exact numbers is difficult. A study released in 2010 by the Hartford Institute For Religion Research reported that there were more than 12 million adherents in the U.S.A. to nondenominational churches (Nondenominational & Independent Congregations, hirr.hartsem.edu).

Cowboy Church is popular in Texas, Oklahoma and beyond. I have been unable to find stats on total membership. In 2012, Fort Worth Magazine stated, “Today, between 36,000 and 40,000 people are regularly attending Cowboy Church in Texas” (Boots on Hallowed Ground by Gail Bennison, March 5, 2012, fwtx.com). There are more than 200 churches in the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches or AFCC (americanfcc.org).

Biker Church numbers seem to be unknown. Chris Marely, pastor of Biker Church USA in Bangor, Maine, said “Our mission – vision… was to have 10,000 bikers in the Bible every week… but we have far exceeded any of those numbers. I can’t even tell you what they are today. We’re in New Zealand now. We’re in Africa. We’re in Canada. We are all over” (Bikers Get A Bad Rep, So They Started A Church Where They Feel Welcome by Robbie Feinberg, February 29, 2020, npr.org).

History

1. Community Church

Some trace the Community Church to nineteenth century America. “The earliest origins of the community church movement are likely from the nineteenth century and the practical concerns of many small American communities: there was not enough members of individual denominations to each have a congregation, and many times such Protestants would come together to establish a community church of sort” (Community Church Movement, astudyofdenominations.com).

However, a real movement began in the twentieth century. “The community church movement began in the early twentieth century alongside ecumenism and represented an attempt to aspire to the ideal of that movement: Christians, mostly Protestant and Evangelical, coming out of denominations and being unified in a community church concept” (ibid). The International Council of Community Churches (ICCC) was formed in 1950 (About, icccnow.org). Not all community churches are a part of this council

2. Cowboy Church

The Cowboy Church Movement is relatively new. Its beginnings are in America. It developed in the twentieth century. (1) In the 1940’s, Carl Stuart Hamblen, a country singer, began to host a radio show called “Cowboy Church of the Air” (Where Have All the Cowboy Churches Come From? By Maurice Cammah, July 23, 2014, texasmonthly.com). (2) In 1972, Glen Smith, a professional rodeo clown, began to minister to the rodeo community (Boots, Blue Jeans and Bibles: The Truth About Cowboy Churches by Hannah Jones, May 17, 2019, smudailycampus.com). “Glenn and his wife, Ann, were the pioneers and the first full-time ministers on the rodeo trail… The couple founded Rodeo Cowboy Ministries in the 1970’s, also known as International Western World Outreach Center with headquarters in Midland, Texas… He preached at the first cowboy service at the NFR (national finals rodeo) with the PRCA (professional rodeo cowboy association) Director’s approval in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Glen Smith, obituary, legacy.com; Published by Midland, Reporter-Telegram on February 12, 2010). (3) In 1986, Jeff Copenhaver, a world-champion calf roper, started a regular meeting Cowboy church with a permanent location at Billy Bob’s Texas bar in Ft. Worth, Texas (History of the Cowboy Church, Cocolalla Cowboy church (Idaho), ccowboychurch.org). (4) In 1990, Harry Yates and his wife Joanne Cash Yates (Johnny Cash’s youngest sister) started the Nashville Cowboy Church. These seem to be the first permanent meeting sites in the U.S.A. One source says, Ft. Worth (Texas) was the first, Calgary (Alberta, Canada) was the second, and Nashville (Tennessee) the third (ccowboychurch.org). However, there appears to be some dispute of the order of these first three.

3. Biker Church

This is a recent movement. The history available seems to be scant. In 2006, Frank Lengel, a Baptist, started going to Biker rallies. He drew caricatures of bikers. He said, “As a part of our biker ministry, 83 people made a profession of faith or rededication.” However, as time passed he wondered “Where are those 83 people now?” (10,000 Bikers “in the Bible” is the goal of Biker Church USA, November 6, 2009, baptistcourier.com). Lenger launched Biker Church USA in 2009, in South Carolina.

Beliefs and Practices

1. Community Churches

It is impossible to summarize the beliefs and practices among Community Churches. Some have ties to major denominations but have replaced denominations names, rebranding themselves. Others have no ties to the major denominations. Some are charismatic. Others are not. Some have traditional denominational worship. Others are very non-traditional.

While many of those churches are self-described as being “non-denominational,” the reality may at times be better described as “all-denominational.” There tends to be de-emphasis on doctrine. Unity has priority over doctrine. One source says, “In many cases, these community churches were a true amalgamation of beliefs. In a quest for unity, each group would compromise on some doctrinal or practical point that caused contention with the other group. As a result, many community churches had very loosely defined beliefs and allowed wide variations of beliefs among their members” (What is Community Church?, gotquestions.org). Another says, “As denominational particularities are ignored or hidden, what’s often left is a ‘lowest common denominator’ spiritually that is often little more than ‘worship’ and ‘discipleship’ devoid of cognitive content” (What Does the Growth of Non-denominationalism Mean? By Aaron Earls, August 8, 2017, lifewayresearch.com).

There is sometimes a trend to develop the church around what people want. Before Rick Warren launched Saddleback Church, he conducted a community survey. He writes, “I wrote down in my notebook five questions I would use to start Saddleback: (1) What do you think is the greatest need in this area? (2) Are you actively attending any church? (3) Why do you think most people didn’t attend church? (4) If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for? (5) What could I do for you?” (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, chapter 11). While there is nothing wrong with asking questions, let us remember the church belongs to Christ. The first consideration should be on what He wants, not what man wants. Sometimes people want things that are not what they need. Sometimes people want things that are unbiblical.

Rick Warren comes from a Baptist background. Saddleback’s beliefs are very Baptist. He does not believe that baptism is necessary for salvation and he believes in eternal security or once saved, always saved doctrine (What We Believe, saddleback.com).

2. Cowboy Churches

Some Cowboy Churches are not affiliated with a major denomination; while others are. “It would be a mistake to assume all Cowboy Churches hold exactly the same beliefs. Originally the churches were independent and non-denominational, but that changed around 2000 when the Southern Baptist denomination entered the movement in Texas. Other Cowboy Churches are affiliated with Assemblies of God, Church of the Nazarene, and United Methodists (Cowboy Church Beliefs and Practices by Jack Zavada, updated July 3, 2019, learnereligions.com). The largest Cowboy Church in the world is in Ellis County (Texas). It is affiliated with Texas Baptist (This Texan Cowboy Church is the Biggest in the World, Hannah Phillips, June 22, 2017, culturetrip.com).

As stated, beliefs vary. The statement of faith put out by the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches. (AFCC) sounds very Baptist (Who We Are, americanfcc.org). The Maxdale Cowboy Church (Bell County, Texas) sounds Wesleyan Holiness (“Entire Sanctification”) and Pentecostal (“Divine healing,” and “The evidence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost …witnessed by the physical sign of speaking with other tongues” Further, they declare “This ministry…declares itself strongly for the supernatural ministry and the operation of the ministry gifts in the assembly…). It is also pre-millennial (see: About Us, Our Beliefs, dev.milmediagroup.com; previously, About Us, maxdalecowboychurch.com).

3. Biker Churches

Biker Churches, like Cowboy Churches, have differing origins and beliefs. Some are independent, associated with no major denomination. Some were planted and are associated with a major denomination – such as Baptists, the Methodist, the Assembly of God, and the Nazarene Church. The Open Road Biker Church in Georgetown, Texas was founded with the help of the Baptists General Convention of Texas (Georgetown Biker Church Welcomes All, John Rutledge, July 16, 2015, baptiststandard.com).

While there is nothing wrong with reaching out to a certain demographic, the church should not be about culture but the gospel. The early church was composed of both Jew and Gentile. I have heard some ask concerning a church, even the local church where I preach (I am serious, these type things have been said): “Is this an old people’s church or a young people’s church?” “Is this a city church or a country church?” (even, “You are changing us from a country church into a city church”) “Is this a black church, a hispanic church, or a white church?” (even, “They would be happier with their own”). Such thinking is foreign to the scriptures and God’s plan. It comes from man and not God. What we should seek is to be His church, the church of Christ. It should not be our club, but His church. There should not be needless divisions among us over race, age, or culture. In Accra, Ghana there is a Ghana Police Church. What is next, Farmers Church, Sheepherders Church, Bankers Church, Accountants Church, Teachers Church, Retailers Church, Oil workers Church, Railroad Workers Church, Steel Workers Church, Taylors Church, Cooks Church, Artisans Church, Rich people Church, Poor people Church? How many ways can we needlessly divide? Jesus brought together fishermen, tax collectors and even a zealot. The Gospel should draw us together in one body. There is room for all in the church of Christ.

Posted in culture, denominations, Doctrine, History, Stats | Tagged 1940s, 1950, 1970s, 1972, 1986, 1990, 19th century, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 20th century, aaron earls, accountants church, accra ghana, afcc, africa, age, alberta canada, all denominational, amalgamation of beliefs, america, american fellowship of cowboy churches, americanfcc.org, ann smith, artisans church, assemblies of God, assembly of God, astudyofdenominations.com, bangor maine, bankers church, baptism of holy ghost, baptist, baptist church, baptist general convention of texas, baptistcourier.com, baptiststandard.com, beliefs and pratices, bell county texas, biker church, biker church usa, biker ministry, biker rallies, bikers get a bad rap, billy bob's, black whit or hispanic church, book the purpose driven church, boots jeans and bibles, boots on hallowed ground, boots on holy ground, calf roper, calgary, canada, caricatures, carl stuart hamblen, ccowboychurch.org, charismatic, chris marley, church rebranding, cocilalla cowboy church, cocolalla cowboy church, cocolalla idaho, community church, community church movement, community survey, cooks church, country or city church, cowboy church, cowboy church of the air, cowboychurch.org, culturetrip.com, denominational affiliation, denominations, dev.milmediagroup.com, divine healing, division, drawing power of gospel, ellis county cowboy church, ellis county texas, entire sanctification, farmers church, feel welcolm, first cowboy churches, fishermen, frank lengel, ft worth, ft. worth magazine, fwtx.com, gail bennison, georgetown biker church, georgetown texas, ghana africa, ghana police church, glen smith, gotquestions.org, hannah jones, hannah pillips, harry yates, hartford institute for religion, hartford institute for religion research, hirr, hirr.hartsem.edu, history, iccc, icccnow.org, independent churches, international council of community church, international western world outreach, jack zavada, jeff copenhaver, jew and gentile in one church, joanne cash yates, john rutledge, johnny cash, largest cowboy church, learnreligions.com, legacy.com, lifewayresearch.com, lowest common denominator, maurice cammah, maxdale cowboy church, methodist church, midland reporter-telegram, midland texas, nashville, national finals rodeo, nazarene church, nazarenes, needless division, new zealand, nfr, non-denominational, nondenominational, nondenominational and independent congregations, nondenominationalism, npr, oil workers church, oklahoma, oklahoma city, old or young people church, one body, open road biker church, pentecostal, police church, poor people church, prca, premillenneial, professional rodeo cowboys association, Race, radio program cowboy church of the air, rail road workers church, rebrand, retailers church, rich people church, rick warren, rick warren questions for community, robbie feinberg, rodeo clown, rodeo cowboy ministries, rodeo cowboy ministry, saddleback california, saddleback church, saddleback.com, sheepherders church, smu, smudailycampus.com, south carolina, southern baptist, stats, steel workers church, strange questions, tax collectors, taylors church, teachers church, tennessee, texas, texas baptist, texas monthly, texasmonthly.com, tongue speaking, united methodist church, unity, unity over doctrine, wesleyan holiness, where are they now, zealot | 1 Comment

The Testing of One’s Faith

Posted on December 24, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

Make no mistake about it. One’s faith will be tested, and tested again, in this life. James writes of “the testing of your faith” (James 1:3). These tests are common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13). We should not be surprised when tested for such is not strange or unusual (1 Peter 4:12).

Let’s consider some ways that James indicates Christians are tested.

1. Attitude when life is difficult

James 1:2-3: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

“Godisnowhere” could be viewed as, “God is now here” or “God is no where” The same letters in each, even the same order, but different views.

Even so, the trials of life can be viewed differently. Some see such as an opportunity for spiritual growth (James 1:1-2; Romans 5:3-4). Others become discouraged and give-up.

One should not give up. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12).

2. Attitude toward prayer

James 1:5-8, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally… let him ask in faith, with no doubting… for let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.”

When one has difficulty seeing how the difficulties of life can be used for spiritual growth, one should pray. This is the context.

Prayer is important to a Christian’s spiritual health. Prayer is mentioned six times in this book (James 1:5-8; 4:2-3; 5:13; 5:14-15; 5:16; 5:17). One’s prayer life may be a great indicator (or barometer) of where one is in his spiritual walk.

“Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray? When you met with great temptation, did you think to pray? When your heart was filled with anger, did you think to pray? When sore trials come upon you, did you think to pray? (Song: Ere You Left Your Room This Morning by M.A. Kidder)

3. Attitude toward God

James 1:13-14: “Let no one say when he is tempted ‘I am tempted by God’… each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

The focus has changed. The earlier part of this chapter concerned external trials and difficulties (James 1:2-11). The focus now is upon internal trials or temptations (James 1:13-18).

Man often tries to mitigate or deny his responsibilities for sin by pointing the finger elsewhere. Some blame environment. Some blame parents or spouse. Some blame God. However, temptation itself starts with the desires one has within him. Examples: The desire to preserve one’s life may produce a temptation when faced with persecution.

It is not sinful to be tempted. Even Jesus was temped (Hebrews 4:15). The issue is how we respond to this temptation.

“Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin” (Song: Yield Not To Temptation by H.R. Palmer)

4. Attitude Toward God’s Word

James 1:19-22: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath… receive with meekness the implanted word… be doers of the word and not hearers only.”

When life is difficult, instead of being filled with wrath toward God or man, and instead of rashly opening one’s mouth and spouting angry words, one should be swift to hear God’s word. When temptation comes one should meditate on the word of God.

Moreover, one should not hear only. One should hear and do God’s word. The word is to be lived. Anything less is self-deception (James 1:22 cf. 1:26-27). As with prayer, even so with Bible reading – such may be a great indicator (a barometer) of where one is in his spiritual walk. Remember, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

5. Attitudes toward others

James 1:27: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble…”

James 2:1-ff: “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality… Listen my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him.”

James 3:9-10: “With it (the tongue – B.H.) we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursings. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.”

James 5:4-5: “Indeed, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in the day of slaughter.”

James 5:19-20: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his ways saves a soul from death and cover multitude of sins.”

Some live their lives with little or no regard for others. However, Jesus taught, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Paul wrote, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). John wrote, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

James instructs: (a) One should care for the weak (James 1:27). (b) One should not disrespect the poor (James 2:1-ff). (c) One should be careful with our use of the tongue toward others (James 3:9-10 cf. 1:26). The use of tongue is spoken of throughout this book, six times (James 1:19; 1:26; 3:1-12; 4:11-12; 5:9; 5:12). “Angry words! O let them never from the tongue unbridled slip; may the heart’s best impulse ever check them ere they soil the lip… Love is much too pure and holy, friendship is too sacred far, for a moment’s reckless folly, thus, to desolate and mar… Angry words are lightly spoken, bittress tho’ts are rashly stirred, brightest links of life are broken by a single angry word… ‘Love one another,’ thus saith the Savior; children obey the Father’s blest command” (Song: Angry Words, by H.R. Palmer). Someone has written, “‘The boneless tongue, so small and weak, can crush and kill,’ declares the Greek/ ‘The tongue destroys a greater horde,’ the Turk asserts, ‘than does the sword’/ The Persian proverb wisely saith, ‘A lengthy tongue – an early death!’/ Or sometimes takes this form instead, ‘Don’t let your tongue cut off your head’/ ‘The tongue can speak a word whose speed,’ says the Chinese, ‘outstrips the steeds’/ The Arab sages said in part, ‘The tongue’s great storehouse is the heart’/ From the Hebrew was the maxim sprung, ‘Thy feet should slip, ne’er the tongue’/ The sacred writer crows the whole, ‘Who keeps his tongue doth keep his soul.'”(d) One should be fair in business (James 5:4-5); (e) One should seek to convert the lost (James 5:19-20).

6. Attitude towards the world

James 1:27: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: …to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

Some love the sinful things of the world (1 John 2:15-17). James warns, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Hebrews says, “Pursue… holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

7. Attitude towards time

James 4:13-17: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make profit; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

The end may be closer than one thinks. This point is made in one of Jesus’ parables, where God says to one, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (Luke 12:20).

Posted in Bible Study, christian growth, Endurance, evangelism, Faith, God, God`s word, life, Man, Prayer, Priorities, Soul Winning, Suffering, Temptation, Textual study, Time, Tongue | Tagged 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 john 2:15-17, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 Peter 4:12, 7 tests, 7 tests of faith, attitude, barometer, blaming others, blessed is the man who endures, book of James, brevity of life, care for weak, careful with tongue, count it joy, covering sin, crown of life, cursing men, day of slaughter, desires, difficulties in life, discouragement, do God's word, do not disrespect poor, do not hold faith with partiality, dont blame God, Endurance, endure, external trials, fair in business, fraud, friendship with world, God, God's word, godisnowhere, h.r. palmer, hear and do the word, hear God's word, Hebrews 12:14, Hebrews 4:15, heirs of the kingdom, holiness, honest, internal trials, james 1:1-2, james 1:12, james 1:13-14, james 1:13-18, james 1:19, james 1:19-22, james 1:2-11, james 1:2-3, james 1:26, james 1:26-27, James 1:27, james 1:3, james 1:4-8, james 2:1-ff, james 3:1-12, james 3:9-10, james 4:11-12, james 4:13-17, james 4:2-3, james 4:4, james 5:12, james 5:13, james 5:14-15, James 5:16, james 5:17, james 5:19-20, james 5:4-5, james 5:9, life is a vapor, life is difficult, Lord of sabaoth, love God, love one another, luke 12:20, lusts, m.a. kidder, matthew 4:4, Matthew 7:12, others, partiality, patience when tested, Philippians 2:4, poem The Tongue, prayer in James, priorities, pure religion, receive with meekness the implanted word, rich in fath, romans 5:3-4, saving a soul from death, saving souls from death, seek to convert sinners, seek to save others, self deception, song angry words, song did you think to pray, song ere you left your room this morning, song yield not to temptation, spiritual barometer, spiritual growth, swift to hear slow to speak slow to wrath, temptation, temptations common to man, test, testing faith, the implanted word, the poor, the rich fool, the uncertainty of life and tomorrow, the use of the tongue in James, time, tongue, treatment of others in James, trials of life, wages of laborers, what is your life?, world, wrath | 1 Comment

Christ is…

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

Paul, Silas, and Timothy evangelized Philippi, Macedonia in about 51 A.D., while on Paul’s second great missionary journey. Among the converts were Lydia and her household, and a Philippian jailer and his household (Acts 16).

This began a long relationship between Paul and these brethren. They supported Paul’s work (Philippians 4:15-16; 4:10; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5). He visited Philippi again on his third great missionary journey (Acts 20:1-3, 6), in about 57 A.D.. He wrote to them while in custody of Roman authority in about 61 or 62 A.D. (Philippians 1:1, 12-14).

The book of Philippians seem to serve several purposes. First, it is a support letter (Philippians 4:15-18). Paul is grateful for their support. Second, it is a letter of commendation (Philippians 2:25-30). Epaphroditus work as a messenger for the church is appreciated. Third, it is an appeal for unity (Philippians 4:2). He wants Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind and work together. Fourth, it is an appeal to stay focused (Philippians 3:12-15; 3:20-4:1). Fifth, it is an appeal to stay positive (Philippians 4:4, 8-9).

This book also makes Christ prominent in every chapter. Let’s notice, Christ is…

1. The purpose of life.

“Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21).

Paul is clear about his purpose in life. He is here to magnify (make large) Christ in this world. And if he were to die doing this? So be it. Death for the Christian is not loss. It is gain.

What about us? Are we clear about our purpose? We are here to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31).

2. The Pattern of Life

“Let this mind by in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

The context concerns our care and concern for others. The previous verse reads, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Jesus is our great example. He left the glories of heaven, came to this earth to live as a man, and die on a cross for us (Philippians 2:5-8). “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Are we following His example? Christians should be concerned about others. “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).

3. The Prize of Life

“I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ… I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8-9, 14).

Paul considers what he had given up to follow Christ worth it, in order to gain Christ and the prize which is in Christ. This in context includes things in which he once placed his confidence for righteousness (Philippians 3:2-6).

What about us? Are we willing to count all things rubbish that we might gain Christ? Are we willing to set aside religious beliefs that stand in the way of gaining Christ? Are we willing to set aside earthly pursuits, if needed, to gain Christ?

Do we desire to gain Christ? “Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace; On the street of glory let me life my voice; Cares all past, home at last every to rejoice (Song: Oh I Want to See Him by R.H. Cornelius). “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, the one who saved my by His grace; When he takes me by the hand, and leads my through the promised land, What a day, glorious day that will be” (Song: What a Day That Will Be by Jim Hill).

4. The Power of Life

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Paul is stating that he could cope with the situations of life. He could handle poverty and riches (Philippians 4:10-13). He could do this because Christ strengthened him. Credit belonged to Christ.

Do we have a “can do” attitude about the Christian life? The Christian life is not impossible (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can do it through Him (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Ephesians 6:10-17).

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Denominations: The Salvation Army and Church of the Nazarene

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

The Salvation Army (TSA) states that it has about 27 thousand officers (minsters), and about 1.5 million soldiers and junior soldiers (members, or salvationists) in 2021 (statistics – The Salvation Army International, salvationarmy.org). It claims about 430,000 members in the U.S.A. (2021 Annual Report, salvationarmyannualreport.org).

The Church of the Nazarene (COTN) reports that it had about 2.6 million members worldwide in 2020 (General Secretary releases 2020 statistics, Nazarene.org). There are about 611 thousand members in the USA and Canada (ibid). The state with the greatest number of adherents was California in 2010. The state with the highest percentage to state population was Idaho in 2010 (Church of the Nazarene, thearda.com).

History

We are considering these two denominations together because of their roots. Both have a historical connection with the Methodist/Wesleyan Church.

1. William Booth (1829-1912), Catherine Booth (1829-1890), and The Salvation Army. Here are some details about William Booth prior to TSA. He was born in Sneinton, Nottingham, England. His parents struggled with money. They provided little religious training. His father insisted that he and his siblings attend church, but rarely went himself. His mother told him, “Be good William, and all will be well.” His teen years were eventful. He became a pawnbroker apprentice for six years. His father died. He became a member of the Methodist church.

In 1849, he moved to London. He worked as a pawnbroker. He also became a “lay preacher.” In 1855, he married Catherine Mumford. She had been reared in a Methodist home. She grew up reading the Bible. She was also a feminist. She encouraged her husband to preach. He was ordained a minister by the Methodist New Connexion (Methodist Reform Church) in 1858. In 1859, Catherine wrote a pamphlet, Female Ministry: Women’s Right to Preach the Gospel. She began to preach in 1860, telling her husband that she had something to say.

William and Catherine left the Methodist New Connexion (MNC). There had been disagreements with the Methodist, and later the MNC. William’s bringing the poor in the front door of the church house, instead of the side door, and giving the poor the best seats in the church house had stirred controversy in the Methodist church. His desire for the MNC to support him to do evangelistic work among the poor, instead of being assigned a circuit, and the MNC refusal to do so, frustrated him. He also disapproved of the MNC allowing producers and purveyors of alcohol to become members. Therefore, they became independent itinerant preachers in 1862.

In 1865, they started The Christian Mission. The work was centered in London’s East End. They used social programs, such as feeding the poor in soup kitchens, to open doors to their message.

In 1878, the name was changed to the Salvation Army. It was organized along military lines with military ranks. William Booth became its first General. Catherine Book held the rank of Commissioner, the second highest rank.

[Some of the works consulted for this history: The Story of The Salvation Army by Sian Ellis, britishheritage.com; The General Next to God: The Story of William Booth and the Salvation Army by Richard Collier; Handbook of Denominations by Frank S. Mead and Samuel S. Hill; William Booth, christianitytoday.com; William Booth, biography. yourdictionary.com; Who We Are, arizona.salvationarmy.org; William Booth, The New Standard Encyclopedia; The Salvation Army, The New Standard Encyclopedia; Catherine Booth, britannica.com; William Booth – Salvation Army 1953 Documentary, YouTube; What is the Salvation Army?, Ready to Harvest, YouTube].

2. Church of the Nazarene The COTN has its origin in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The church of the Nazarene came out of the Methodist Holiness movement and may be considered an effort to reform Methodist practices and teachings. One Nazarene source writes, “As time passed, the preaching and teaching of the doctrine and experience of the Spirit-filled life (Sometimes called entire sanctification or Christian holiness) began to wane within Methodism in the U.S. and Great Britain. Opposition even developed to those Methodist seeking to maintain a focus on the biblical call to holy living. This resulted in the organization of new denominations… About that same time (latter part of the 19th century), a holiness revival spread across the U.S. In addition to Methodist, the revival involved member of many Protestant denominations. Sadly, the holiness movement was not universally popular, and opposition… arose. Such opposition led groupings of holiness people to band together for mutual encouragement. The Church of the Nazarene was born in the context of this banding together of various small associations of local churches that had been formed to preach and teach holiness” (Our history – The Church of the Nazarene, snu.edu).

“The Church of the Nazarene” started out as a single church in California. “The Church of the Nazarene began to be organized in 1895 in Los Angeles, California, based on the doctrine of entire sanctification” (History of the Church of the Nazarene, learnreligion.com). Various mergers occurred in 1907 with eastern Holiness groups, and in 1908 with southern Holiness groups. October 13, 1908 is considered by many to be the start of the denomination (snu.edu). It was first called the Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene. In 1919, the “Pentecostal” was dropped because of it becoming associated with tongue speaking and Spiritual gifts (britannica.com).

[Some of the works consulted for this history: Our History – The church of the Nazarene, snu.edu; Church of the Nazarene, britannica.com; Church of the Nazarene, learnreligious.com; Founding/Church of the Nazarene, our beginning, Nazarene.org; Handbook of Denominations by Frank S. Mead and Samuel S. Hill; Church of the Nazarene: 10 Things to Know About Their History, christianity.com; History of Church of the Nazarene, History Media, YouTube, What is the Church of the Nazarene, Ready to Harvest, YouTube].

Authority

TSA: “There are three pillars which provide a secure foundation for Christian faith and practice. These three are: the teachings of Scripture… The direct illumination of the Holy Spirit… and the consensus of the Christian community… Each of these three foundational sources requires the authentication of the other two to ensure that gospel truth is maintained” (The Salvation Army Handbook 2020, chapter one).

COTN: “We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, inerrently revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith” (Church Constitution, Manual 2017-2021, Section 4 and 20.2).

Beliefs and Practices

1. Salvation

TSA: “Salvation is made possible through God’s grace and is available to all people” (Handbook, Chapter seven). “We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ… Those who come to God in true repentance and faith discover the overwhelming reality of his freely offered forgiveness” (Handbook, chapter 8).

COTN: “We believe that justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous… and are received by faith, preceded by repentance” (Church Constitution, section 9.3). They have, at least in the past, led people to the mourner’s bench for salvation, a practice which originated with the Methodist and John Wesley (Mourner’s bench explained, everything.expained.today; Methodist History: The Mourner’s Bench, United Methodist Video YouTube). Waymon D. Miller said in a sermon in 1949, which was later printed in a booklet entitled Why I Left The Nazarene Church, “According to Nazarene theology, a person goes to the mourner’s bench to pray away his past personal sins. (And I remind you my friends, that I am speaking from personal experience…) This is the first blessing…But…they must return again to seek the second blessing. The first experience at the mourner’s bench prays them through to salvation from their sins…they have to return to the bench for …Adam’s sin. That is sanctification in a nutshell, according to their concept of it” (missionprinting.us).

2. Sanctification

TSA: “By God’s gracious provision the Holy Spirit works within us and calls us to holiness which is the privilege of all believers” (Handbook, Chapter 10).

COTN: “We believe that sanctification is the work of God which transforms believers into the likeness of Christ… We believe that entire sanctification is that act of God, subsequent to regeneration, by which believers are made free from original sin, or depravity, and brought into a state of entire devotement to God, and the holy obedience of love made perfect. It is wrought by the baptism with or infilling of the Holy Spirit, …empowering the believer for life and service” (Church Constitution, section 10). See above the words of Waymon D. Miller concerning the role of the mourner’s bench.

3. Loss of Salvation

TSA: “It is possible to cease to obey Christ and so forfeit our hope of eternal life” (Handbook, Chapter 9).

COTN: Hal Cauthron and Howard Culbertson of Southern Nazarene University answer, “God offers us a renewed relationship with Him based on Christ’s work on the cross. We choose to begin that relationship and we can choose to continue it or even – tragically – end it” (What we believe and teach, snu.edu).

4. Baptism

TSA: “Unlike most other Christian denominations, The Salvation Army does not observe the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. The Salvation Army believes it is possible to experience the inward grace of which the sacraments are outward signs, without need for the rituals themselves” (Worship Expressions, salvationarmy.org.au).

COTN: “Christian baptism is a sacrament signifying participation by faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and incorporation into His body, the church’ (Sacraments and Rituals, section 701). They baptize both infants and adults (Church of the Nazarene Beliefs by Jack Zavada, learnreligions.com). They do not believe that baptism is necessary for salvation (More Questions and Answers by Jon Twitchell, whitehorsenazarene.org).

5. Lord’s Supper

TSA: see Above

COTN: “The Communion Supper… is a sacrament which proclaims His life, His sufferings, His sacrificial death, and resurrection, and the hope of His coming (Sacraments and Rituals, section 701). I did not find a statement about frequency.

6. Morals

Both emphasize moral living and a sanctified life. Both encourage abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse (Alcohol, Tobacco & other Drugs, Salvationarmy.org.nz; The Covenant of Christian conduct, section 29.5, 29.6). Both are pro-life (Positional Statement: Abortion, Position Statement: Euthanasia, salvationarmy.org; The Covenant of Christian Conduct section 29.5, 29.6, 30; 30.1). TSA seems to be softening on its stance against LGTBQ (nondiscrimination, salvationarmy.org). COTN has not (The Covenant of Christian Conduct, Section 31). Both are opposed to gambling (Positional Statement: Gambling, salvationarmy.org; The Covenant of Christian Conduct, Section 29.2).

7. End Times

Neither have a binding position an eschatology (Handbook, Chapter 11, Not An Escape, holinesstoday.org).

Organization

TSA: It is a top-down organization. Corps (congregations) are grouped into divisions, and divisions into territories with the international headquarters in London, England under the General. The national headquarters in the U.S.A. is in Alexandria, Virginia (Salvation Army Organization, brasscraft.com; USA National, salvationarmy.org).

COTN: “The government… is representative, and thus avoids the extremes of episcopacy on the one hand and unlimited congregationalism on the other” (Preamble to Church Government, Section one). Local churches are arranged into geographical districts, and districts into regions. The Church headquarters is in Lenexa, Kansas (Church of the Nazarene, Christianity.com; britannica.com).

Tidbits

TSA: The phrase “on the wagon” is believed to have come from TSA’s work. Evangeline Booth, William Booth’s daughter, drove a hay wagon through the streets of New York encouraging alcoholics to get on the wagon and ride to TSA (The True History of the Phrase “on the wagon,” The Salvation Army USA, YouTube). COTN: Their name comes from Jesus being called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23). Their being called Nazarenes come from the word of Tertullus at Caesarea (Acts 24:5), in opposition to Paul.

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Denominations: Pentecostals

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

Ascertaining accurate total numbers is difficult. Pentecostalism is not a single denomination, but an umbrella term which includes many denominations “The World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (2020) currently counts 644 million Pentecostals/Charismatics worldwide” (The Society for Pentecostal Studies at 50 Years, brill.com). Notice that this count combines Pentecostals and Charismatics. “According to a Pew Forum analysis of estimates from the center for the study of global Christianity (CSGC) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, there are about 279 million Pentecostal Christians and about 305 million Charismatic Christians in the world” (Christian Movements and Denominations, pewforum.org). [Pentecostals refer to members of denominations or independent churches which also believe in continued spiritual gifts, e.g. tongue speaking, prophecy, miraculous healing. Charismatics refer to members within non-Pentecostal churches who are Pentecostal to some degree in belief and practice. Certain churches have within them a charismatic movement, e.g. Roman Catholic Church].

In the U.S.A., there is an estimated 15-20 million Pentecostals (What’s an Apostolic Christian and Why is Kim Davis’ Hair So Long? by Emily McFarlan Miller, September 9, 2015, usatoday.com, referencing H. Vinson Synan of Regent University in Virginia). The largest Pentecostal Churches in the U.S.A. are: (1) Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It is said to have 6 million members nationwide (COGIC leaders, members take hard hit from Covid-19 nationwide, April 24, 2020, NBC, WMA, Memphis, actionnews5.com). It is said to have 7.7 million members worldwide (COGIC Church Hit Hard By Coronavirus Deaths Among Its Leadership by Madison J. Gray, April 21, 2020, bet.com). (2) The Assemblies of God (AG) is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. It is said to have more than 3 million members in this country (statistics – Assemblies of God (USA), ag.org). The World Assemblies of God Fellowship is said to have more than 68 million adherents worldwide (Five AG Stats You Need to Know, influencemagazine.com). The AG was formed out of the COGIC in 1914. The separation was along racial lines. The AG was primarily white. The COGIC was primarily black (church split – COGIC and Assemblies of God, Ready to Harvest YouTube). There are many more Pentecostal denominations in the United States, including: Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee); Church of God (Anderson, Indiana); International Church of The Foursquare Gospel; United Pentecostal Church International (UPC or UPCI); Church of God of Prophecy, et. al.

History

There have been those who have claimed to possess supernatural gifts, throughout history. (1) The Montanists. “The claim of the ‘gift of tongues’ was common among the Montanists. The heretical group was named for Montanus (c. A.D. 156), who was a priest of Cybele before his conversion. He would reach a state of ecstasy and gave (sic) forth utterances. These utterances were supposed to be oracles of God. Montanus claimed that the Holy Spirit spoke directly through him” (Jimmy Jividen, Glossolalia from God or Man?, p. 63). Montanus had two female prophetesses who worked with him, Priscilla and Maximilla. They prophesied that Christ would soon return to earth and reign from Pepuza, Phrgia, Asia Minor for a thousand years. When this did not occur, many turned away. (F.W. Mattox, The Eternal Kingdom, pp. 77-78; Ryan Reeves, Christian Apologists and Early Heresies YouTube). (2) The Second Great Awakening. At Cane Ridge, Kentucky in 1801 a great religious gathering occurred, with perhaps 30,000 attending. “Emotional excitement ran through the crowd producing physical reactions of various kinds. Some fell to the ground as though dead, others experienced the ‘jerks,’ danced, laughed, ran or sang. This supposedly was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit” (F.W. Mattox, p. 313). Unity was desired, but not achieved. “When (Barton W.) Stone stressed the fact that sinners had the power to turn to Christ a number of strong Calvinistic preachers opposed him” (F.W. Mattox, p. 313).

The modern history of Pentecostalism/Charismatic movement may be understood in three waves. These are:

Classic Pentecostalism

The first wave dates to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Two characters are prominent in this history: (a) Charles Fox Parham (1872-1929). He was raised a Methodist. He attended Southwestern Kansas College, a Methodist College, to prepare for the ministry. He did not complete his education. However, he did serve as a temporary Methodist pastor (1893-1895). Dissatisfied with his experience, he left the Methodist Church. He believed that there needed to be a revival which “could only be achieved by another outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 14, p. 31 (c) 1979). He began to travel to various places to investigate rumors and reports of supernatural healings. In October, 1900, he opened Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas. About 40 students enrolled. He had the students study the topic: Baptism of the Holy Spirit. On January 01, a student named Agnes N. Ozman is said to have started speaking in tongues. On January 03, more are said to have done so, including Parham. Some students were not pleased and left the school. However, Parham was soon holding large Pentecostal meetings in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas. Britannica says, “The roots of the modern Pentecostal movements go back to a small religious school called Bethel Bible College in Topeka, Kansas” (ibid).

(b) William Joseph Seymour (1870-1922). In December 1905, Parham opened another Bible College in Houston, Texas. Seymour met Parham and asked to attend his school. He was not allowed a seat due to the race issue; but he was allowed to listen to the lessons through an open door or window (William Joseph Seymour Biography, noteablebiographies.com). Seymour had bounced around religiously. He was sprinkled as an infant in the Catholic Church. He became a Methodist in 1895. He was ordained a minister in the Church of God in 1902. Then, he studied under Parham, where he connected baptism of the Holy Spirit with tongue-speaking, and not just holiness.

Seymour moved to Los Angeles, California in 1906 in order to work with a small holiness church. Due to his teachings on tongue-speaking, he literally found himself locked out of the church building, in his first month. He and a some others began to meet in the house of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Asberry on 214 North Bonnie Brea Street. A few, it is said, began to speak in tongues, on April 09, 1906. Then, on April 12, Seymour is said to have begun to do so, for the first time.

The group soon outgrew the house and moved into an unused AME church building, located at 312 Azusa Street. The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1909) became a mecca for the Pentecostal movement. The assemblies were interracial, unusual for the time. “Today, the following groups in the United States look to Apostolic Faith Mission that stood at 312 Azusa Street as having a role in their very existence: Church of God in Christ; International Church of the Foursquare Gospel; the Assemblies of God; the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World; the United Pentecostal Churches; Church of God (Cleveland, TN); the International Pentecostal Holiness Church; the Vineyard Christian Fellowship; Victory Outreach; the Macedonian International Bible Fellowship; the Apostolic Fe en Christo Jesus; and, the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ” (Azusa Street Mission, 312azusa.com).

2. Charismatic Renewal

The second wave comes in the 1950’s and 1960’s. It seems to start in California. It occurs within non-Pentecostal churches. “In 1959, Dennis Bennett, an Episcopalian clergyman, announced to his congregation in Van Nuys, California, that he had been baptized with the Holy Spirit and had spoken in tongues” (The Three Waves of Charismatic Christianity by Angus Steward, cprc.co.uk). It occurred within Catholicism in the 1960’s (Catholic Pentecostals by Kevin and Dorothy Ranaghan). Charismatics, unlike many Pentecostals, do not believe that one must speak in tongues or manifest gifts of the Spirit (Ranaghan, p. 220; The Three Waves of Pentecostalism, ligonier.org). This wave does not have its roots in holiness churches. Therefore, Charismatics may dress differently than classical Pentecostals. They may wear makeup and cut their hair (Ryan Reeves).

3. Neo-Charismatics/Neo-Pentecostals

The third wave dates to the 1980’s. This wave emphasizes health and wealth (ligonier.org). The third wave emphasizes physical healing, inner healing, deliverance from evil spirits, prophecy and other signs and wonders more than tongue speaking (Committee to Study Third Wave, Pentecostalism II, p. 6, crcna.org). Many of today’s televangelist are Neo type Charismatics/Pentecostals.

[Among the works consulted for history: Jimmy Jividen, Glossolalia; F.W. Mattox, The Eternal Kingdom; Christian Apologists and Early Heresies by Ryan Reeves YouTube; Encyclopedia Britannica; Charles Fox Parham, encyclopedia.com; Who Was Charles Parham, gotquestions.org; William Joseph Seymour Biography, noteablebiographies.com; William J. Seymour, ihopkc.org; Pentecostalism: WilliamSeymour, christianhistoryinstitute.org; William Seymour and the History of the Azusa Street Outpouring, revivial-library.org; What was the Azusa Street Revival?, gotquestions.org; The Azusa Street Revival – 1906, apostolicarchives.com; Azusa Street Revival, blackpast.org; Miracle on Azusa Street, nytimes.com; The Influence of Azusa Street, scielo.org.za; Azusa Street Mission, 312azusa.com; The Three Waves of Charismatic Christianity by Angus Steward, cprc.co.uk; Catholic Pentecostals by Kevin and Dorothy Ranaghan The Three Waves of Pentecostalism; ligonier.org; Committee to Study Third Wave Pentecostalism II, crcna.org].

Authority

COGIC states: “We hold the word of God to be the only authority in all matters and assert that no doctrine can be true or essential, if it does not find a place in this word” (What We Believe, COGIC.org).

AG states: “The Bible is our all-sufficient rule for faith and practice” (Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths, ag.org).

Beliefs and Practices

It is impossible to cover what all varieties of Pentecostals believe and practice. “Pentecostalism” is a very broad umbrella term.

However, there are some common traits. Most are Trinitarian (However, there are Oneness Pentecostals, e.g. UPC). Most believe in the infallibility of Scripture. Many believe that man is born in sin. Most believe that man must repent and believe in Jesus to be saved. Most practiced water baptism by immersion. Most believe in the modern-day baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some practice feet-washing. Most are premillennial in eschatology.

Let’s consider what the two largest Pentecostal denominations in the United States say.

1. Salvation

COGIC: “We believe that man is saved by confessing and forsaking his sins, and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ” (What We Believe, cogic.org).

AG: “Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ” (16 Fundamental Truths, ag.org).

2. Water Baptism

COGIC: “We believe that water baptism is necessary as instructed by Christ… However, we do not believe that water baptism alone is a means of salvation, but an outward demonstration that one has already had a conversion experience and has accepted Christ as his personal Savior. As Pentecostals, we practice immersion…” (What We Believe, cogic.org).

AG: “The ordinance of baptism by immersion is commanded by the scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized” (16 Fundamental Truths, ag.org).

3. Lord’s Supper

Both believe that the Lord’s Supper is symbolic of Jesus’ suffering and death for us (cogic.org; ag.org). They do not state the frequency that it is offered.

4. Feet washing

COGIC: “Feet washing is practiced… These services are held subsequent to the Lord’s Supper; however its regularity is left to the discretion of the Pastor in charge” (What We Believe, cogic.org).

5. Eternal Security

AG: “The Bible also teaches that believers who have accepted Christ as Savior can be lost if they repeatedly disregard the teaching of scripture, continue to resist the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and finally reach the point where they turn away from their Savior” (Assurance of Salvation, ag.org).

6. Holy Spirit Baptism

COGIC: “We believe that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is an experience subsequent to conversion and sanctification and that tongue-speaking is the consequence of the baptism in the Holy Ghost… we… believe that a Holy Ghost experience is mandatory for all men today” (What We Believe, cogic.org).

AG: “All believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek… the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire” (16 Fundamental Truths, ag.org).

7. Divine Healings

COGIC: “The Church of God in Christ believes in and practices Divine Healing” (What We Believe, cogic.org).

AG: “Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers” (16 Fundamental Truths, ag.org).

8. Premillennialism

AG: “The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with his saints to reign on earth for one thousand years” (16 Fundamental Truths, ag.org).

Organization

1.COGIC is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s government is episcopal in nature. The current presiding Bishop is J. Drew Sheard (J. Drew Sheard elected as COGIC’s New Presiding Bishop, Katherine Burgess, Commercial Appeal, March 21, 2021, commercialappeal.com).

2. AG is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. It’s government is more congregational in nature. There are two types of AG churches. General Conference affiliated churches are autonomous. District affiliated churches, “are those which have not yet developed to the point where they qualify for full autonomy. All assemblies are required to adhere to the statements of fundamental truths and a biblical pattern of conduct” (structure, ag.org).

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Denominations: Methodist/Wesleyan Church (Part 2)

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

Authority

1. Bible

“The Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not written therein, nor may be proved thereby is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an article of faith, or necessary to salvation” (The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, Article 5; see also – The Confession of Faith of The Evangelical United Brethren Church, Article 4).

2. Book of Discipline and other Documents

“The Evangelical United Brethren Church’s Confession of Faith and the Methodist Episcopal Church’s Articles of Religion help us understand what we believe as United Methodists. The writings of Methodism’s founder also continue to guide us. John Wesley’s Sermons On Several Occasions, his Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and the General Rules of the Methodist Church continue to inform our faith and practice” (United Methodist Foundational Documents, umc.org).

“We do not see the Discipline as sacrosanct or infallible, but we do consider it a document suitable to our heritage… It reflects our understanding of the Church and articulates the mission of The United Methodist… The Discipline defines what is expected of its laity and clergy” (The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016, Episcopal Greetings, pp. v-vi).

Beliefs and Practices

1. Free Will

“We believe man is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil… we believe, however, man influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit is responsible in freedom to exercise his will for good” (The Articles of Religion, Article 7). This is called Prevenient Grace or Preventing Grace. God provides to all enough grace to overcome the effects of the fall so that man has free will to respond to God. “Wesley uses the metaphor of a house to describe our spiritual journeys. Our justification he calls the door. The conviction of our sins and the recognition of our need for salvation, he likens to a porch. Prevenient grace is the grace of the porch. It prepares our hearts and minds to hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to respond in faith” (God at Work Before We Know It: Prevenient Grace by Joe Iovino, umc.org; Also: What is Prevenient Grace: Seven Minute Seminary by Dr. Charles (Chuck) Gutenson, seedbed YouTube).

2. Justification or Salvation

“We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort” (The Articles of Religion, Article 9). Justification is considered the door way of salvation (Justifying Grace: Seven Minute Seminary by Dr. Charles Gutenson, seedbed YouTube).

3. Baptism

“Baptism is not only a sign of profession and mark of difference whereby Christians are distinguished from others that are not baptized; but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new birth. The baptism of young children is to be retained in the Church” (The Articles of Religion, Article 17). “We believe Baptism signifies entrance into the household of faith, and is a symbol of repentance and inner cleansing from sin, a representation of the new birth in Christ Jesus and a mark of Christian discipleship” (The Confession of Faith, Article 6).

They do not believe that it matters how one was baptized. Immersion, pouring, and sprinkling are all considered acceptable (What do I Need to Know About Baptism in the UMC?, umc.org).

They baptize infants. “In all forms of Christian baptism, God claims those being baptized, whatever their age or ability to process their faith, with divine grace. Clearly an infant can do nothing to save himself or herself, but is totally dependent on God’s grace, as we all are – whatever our age” (FAQs About Baptism, Membership, and Salvation, umcdiscipleship.org).

4. Lord’s Supper

“Transubstantiation… cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is repugnant to the plain words of scripture” (The Articles of Religion, Article 18). “We believe the Lord’s Supper is a representation of our redemption, a memorial of the suffering and death of Christ…” (The Confession of Faith, Article 6).

“Each local United Methodist Church determines how often to celebrate communion. Many churches celebrate communion once a month, often on the first Sunday… Some churches now celebrate every week” (How Often Do We Have Communion?, umc.org).

5. Sanctification

“Sanctification is that renewal of our fallen nature by the Holy Ghost… enabled through grace, to love God with all our hearts and to walk in his holy commandments blameless” (The Articles of Religion, Article 25).

This allows one to live in the house. Preventient grace and convicting grace brings one to the porch. Justifying grace is the door. Santifying grace allows one to live in the house (Sanctifying Grace: Seven Minute Seminary by Dr. Charles Gutenson, Seebed YouTube).

This is sometimes referred to as the second work of grace. The first work of grace occurs when one is justified. The second work of grace occurs in sanctification. “God’s sanctifying grace changes us and leads us to increase our faith, which leads to good works. Just as a one-sided marriage fails, a one-sided relationship with God fails, also. We must participate in the relationship God offers us, and God’s sanctifying grace leads us to do that” (Distinctive Wesleyan Doctrines, fumcwf.org).

Methodists do not believe in once saved, always saved doctrine. “Our church teaches we can end up ‘losing’ the salvation God has begun in us, and the consequence of this in the age to come is our eternal destruction in hell” (Do United Methodist Believe “Once Saved, Always Saved?”, umc.org).

6. The General Rules of The Methodist Church by John Wesley

“It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First: By doing no harm, by avoiding even of every kind… Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men… Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God… These are the General Rules of our societies” (The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016, The General Rules of The Methodist Church).

7. Women

“Women were given limited clergy rights in 1924 and were accepted for full ordination in 1956. In 1980 the United Methodist Church elected its first woman bishop” (United Methodist Church, britannica.com).

8. Homosexuality

The UMC is nearing division over this subject. A proposal is currently being considered to split the Church over this issue. This is scheduled to be decided in the August 2022 General Conference (United Methodist Conservatives Detail Breakaway Plans Over Gay Inclusion, A.P., March 02, 2021, nbcnews.com).

SMU, accepting of lgbtq, has claimed that it is not under the authority of UMC. This led to a lawsuit against the University (SMU sued as it moves to cut ties with United Methodist Church, religiousnews.com). SMU won this lawsuit (Judge Rules for SMU Over Jurisdiction By Sam Hodges, March 23, 2021, umnews.org).

Organization

The United Methodist Church has an organizational structure greater than the local church. “The United Methodist Church does not have a central headquarters or a single executive leader. Duties are divided among bodies that includes the General Conference, the Council of Bishops, and the Judicial Council” (Structure, umc.org)

The local church does not fully control church property. “All properties of United Methodist local churches and all other Methodist agencies and institutions are held, in trust, for the benefit of the entire denomination” (The Book of Discipline 2016, paragraph 2501).

Types of Methodists

There are many types of Methodists. Here are a few:

1. United Methodist Church

The Methodists split over slavery in 1844-1845. The two Churches which formed out of this split were: The Methodist Episcopal Church and The Methodist Episcopal Church, South (Encyclopedia Britannica).

These two Churches merged in 1939. They became The Methodist Church (ibid).

The Evangelical United Brethren Church (Methodists of German heritage) merged with them in 1968, in Dallas, Texas. They became The United Methodist Church (ibid).

2. African Methodist Episcopal Church

“This Church began in 1787 when a number of members of St. George’s Methodist Episcopal church in Philadelphia withdrew in protest against racial discrimination… The body was formally organized as The African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816” (Frank Mead and Samuel Hill Handbook of Denominations, p. 159).

3. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

“This Church dates from 1796, when it was organized by a group of members protesting discrimination in the John Street church in New York City… The present name was approved in 1848” (Mead, pp. 159-160).

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Denominations: Methodist/Wesleyan Church (Part 1)

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

Ascertaining accurate total numbers is difficult. The Methodist church is greatly divided. There are 23 separate Methodist bodies in the U.S. alone (Frank S. Mead and Samuel S. Hill, Handbook of Denominations, p. 159). “The World Methodist Council is made up of 80 Methodist, Wesleyan and related Uniting and United churches representing over 80 million members in 138 countries” (Our Worldwide Church Family, worldmethodistcouncil.org).

The United Methodist Church (UMC) numbers about 12.5 million worldwide. Membership in the U.S.A. is almost 7 million (The Denomination’s Membership tops 12.5 Million by Heather Hahn, Jan. 29, 2018, umnews.org). This is the largest branch of the Methodist Church in the U.S.A.. The most populous region of the USA for UMC membership is the Southeastern region (umdata.org). The top states by percentage of state population are: (1) Iowa, 7.7%; (2) Oklahoma, 7.5%; (3) West Virginia, 7.4% (2010 stats, thearda.com). The top states by number of members are: (1) Texas; (2) Georgia; (3) Pennsylvania; (4) Ohio; (5) Florida (ibid).

There are other churches which are of Methodist stock. We will mention only four. (1) The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) has about 2.5 million members worldwide (Introduction, ame5.org). (2) The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ) has about 1.4 million [African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church, crcc.usc.edu]. (3) The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) has about 1.2 million members (About the CME church, thecmechurch.org). (4) The Wesleyan Church (TWC) has about 138,000 (2018 TWC Statistics, wesleyan.org). The first three are predominately black in membership. All four were formed due to issues involving race or slavery.

History

1. John Wesley (1703-1791) and Charles Wesley (1707-1788).

These brothers were born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, Great Britain. John was the fifteenth, and Charles was the eighteenth of nineteenth children born to Samuel and Suzanna Wesley (ten survived infancy). The family struggled with poverty. Samuel Wesley was Rector of Epworth, an Anglican minister.

John, likewise, would become an Anglican minister. He received a M.A. degree from Oxford in 1727. He was ordained a priest in 1728. He returned to Oxford for residency work in 1729.

Charles Wesley followed the same path. While a student at Oxford, he started a Bible study and prayer group with two other students. When John returned to Oxford, he became the leader. The group grew over time to fourteen. Among the group was George Whitefield. Some of the other students referred to the group as the “Holy Club.” They were also called “Methodists.” F.W. Mattox writes, “Due to the extreme worldliness of the university campus the little group suffered much ridicule and began to be called ‘Methodist.’ This name was given to them because of their insistence upon a ‘method’ of strict observance to all the prayer book demanded. They contended that a satisfactory life before God required that they follow the method prescribed in the prayer book. They fasted on all appointed days and took communion every Sunday. They denied themselves every luxury and amusement, and saved all of the money possible to pass on to more needy individuals” (F.W. Mattox, The Eternal Kingdom, p. 286). “They became known as ‘The Holy Club’ or ‘Methodist’ because of the methodical way in which they carried out their Christian faith. John Wesley later used the term Methodist himself to mean the methodical pursuit of biblical holiness” (The Methodist Church, bbc.co.uk). Charles received a M.A. degree from Oxford and was ordained a priest in 1735.

2. Georgia

The colony of Georgia received its charter in 1732. It was the last of the thirteen colonies. It was the brainchild of James Oglethorpe. He wanted a place to resettle debtors from England. King George II wanted a buffer between South Carolina and Spanish Florida (Georgia Colony, britishempire.co.uk).

In 1735, John and Charles accompanied Oglethorpe to Georgia. John went as a missionary to the colonists and the natives. Charles went as secretary to Oglethorpe. They stayed two years. The mission work was not very fruitful (Mattox, p. 286; Charles Jacobs, The Story of The Church, p. 330). A controversy occurred in Georgia. John developed an interest in Sophia Hopkey, the niece of the Governor of Savannah. He decided not to marry her. She, then, married William Williamson. Her husband discouraged her attendance. He did not want her near John. After a lapse in attendance she attended, but John refused to serve her communion. This led to controversy and an exit from Georgia (John Wesley Trial: 1737, encyclopedia.com, The Life of John Wesley, Ryan Reeves Youtube; New Standard Encyclopedia Vol. 10 © 1938; Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 19, p. 760 © 1979).

3. Change/Conversion

There are certain things which changed the Wesley’s religious thinking: (1) On their way to Georgia (1735) a series of storms were experienced. In one storm John Wesley became frightened. He wrote, “How is it that thou hast no faith?” (John Wesley, Journal, January 23). Another storm came and many passengers became frightened. However, a group of Moravian emigrants seemed to be at peace. He wrote, “The Germans calmly sang on. I ask one of them afterward, ‘Were you not afraid?’ He answered, ‘I thank God, no.’ I asked ‘But were not your women and children afraid?’ He replied, mildly, ‘No; our women and children are not afraid to die’” (Journal, January 25). Why was he frightened and they calm?

(2) In Savannah, Georgia (1735-1738) the Wesleys continued to have contact with Moravians [The Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum or Unity of Brethren) has its beginnings in 15th century Moravia and Bohemia (Czechia). The Church was influenced by Lutheran Pietism in the early 18th Century]. John Wesley asked about their calmness and his lack of calmness. A Moravian names August Spangenberg replied, “’My brother, I must first ask you one or two questions. Have you the witness within yourself? Does the Spirit of God bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?’ I was surprised, and know not how to answer. He observed it and asked Do you know Jesus Christ?’ I paused and said, ‘I know He is the Savior of the world.’ ‘True,’ replied he, ‘but do you know that he has saved you?’ I said, ‘I do.’ But I feared they were vain words” (Journal of John Wesley, February 07, ntslibrary.com).

(3) Back in England (1738) the Wesleys continued to have contact with Moravians. Charles began to teach Moravian Peter Bohler the English language. (Journal of Charles Wesley, February 20th, Wesley.nnu.edu). On one occasion, Peter asked Charles some questions about his hope of salvation. “He asked me, ‘Do you hope to be saved? ‘Yes.’ ‘For what reason do you hope it?’ ‘Because I have used my best endeavors to serve God.’ He shook his head, and said no more. I thought him very uncharitable, saying in my heart, ‘What, are not my endeavors a sufficient ground of hope…?’” (Journal of Charles Wesley, February 24). Peter also interacted with John. On one occasion, Peter told him, “My brother the philosophy of yours must be purged away” (Journal of John Wesley, February 18). He told him, “Preach faith till you have it; and then, because you have it” (ibid, March 04).

John preached to a man on death row. He saw how this message of faith brought comfort to the man (ibid, March 27).

Charles came to believe in the doctrine of justification by faith alone after reading Luther’s commentary on Galatians. He wrote, “Salvation by faith alone, not an idle, dead faith, but faith which works by love, and is necessarily productive of all good works and all holiness” (Journal of Charles Wesley, May 17). He found peace. He wrote, “I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ” (ibid, May 21).

John did the same three days later after hearing Luther read. He wrote, “In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt that I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins” (Journal of John Wesley, May 24).

Prior to this change in John and Charles Wesley, they seem to be trying to achieve salvation by good works. This brought no peace.

4. George Whitefield (1714-1770)

Here are a few details concerning him. He was born in Gloucester, Great Britain. His mother was a tavern operator (The Bell Inn). At Oxford he became a member of “the Holy Club.” He led the group after the Wesleys departed for Georgia. He received a B.A. from Oxford and was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Church in 1736. He was ordained a priest in 1739. He became a very popular preacher in the colonies, and a key figure in the Great Awakening during the 1740’s. “In one year Whitefield covered 5,000 miles in America and preached more than 350 times” (Great Awakening, history.com).

Following Whitefield’s first trip to America (1738), he found few opportunities to preach in church pulpits. He began to preach open-air meetings in the countryside to the poor. Whitefield convinced the Wesleys to do the same. John Wesley wrote, “I reached Bristol and met Mr. Whitefield there. I could scarcely reconcile myself at first to this strange way of preaching in the fields… I had been all my life (till very lately) so tenacious of every point relating to decency and order that I should have thought the saving of souls almost a sin if it had not been done in a church (building – B.H.)” (Journal of John Wesley, March 31). The Wesleys came to use this setting for preaching.

Trouble occurred over Calvinism. George Whitefield became a proponent of Calvinism. This was in step with orthodox Anglican teaching. The Wesleys opposed Calvinism. John believed that it represented “God as worse than the devil; more false, more cruel, more unjust” (Free Grace. A Sermon preached at Bristol, quod.lib.umich.edu). The difference turned into a controversy between 1739-1741. Those with Whitefield were Calvinist Methodist. They eventually dropped the Methodist name. Some became the Presbyterian Church of Wales. Others became a part of Congregationalism (Calvinist Methodist, oxfordreference.com; Ryan Reeves YouTube, Wesley and Whitefield). Those with the Wesleys became the United Societies of Wesley (Ryan Reeves).

Whitefield and the Wesleys eventually made peace between themselves. They simply agreed to disagree on the subject. John Wesley seems to have coined the phrase “agree to disagree” (10 Fascinating Facts About John Wesley and United Methodism, resourceumc.org).

5. Separation from the Church of England

The Wesleys set up societies within the Church of England. They worked within the Church. They attracted many who were not an active part of the Church of England – those who could not afford the pew rents or dress in the right clothes (John Wesley, The Faith That Sparked the Methodist Movement, Vision Video). They did not desire to leave the Church of England. Charles Wesley said before his death, “I have lived and I die in communion of the Church of England” (F.W. Mattox, The Eternal Kingdom, p. 288). John Wesley said prior to his death, “I hold all the doctrines of the Church of England. I love her liturgy and approved her plan of discipline” (ibid). “After the death of John Wesley, the Methodist Conference which met in 1793 declared, “We are determined in a body to remain in connection with the Church of England” (ibid). Separation was never formally declared, but did come. (1) Methodist Societies had their own rules. In 1743, John Wesley prepared, “General Rules” for the societies. (2) They began to ordain their own preachers. “After Anglican clergy fled America during the Revolution, Wesley was faced with caring for some 15,000 followers there. The Bishop of London refused to ordain clergy for him, so Wesley ordained ministers on his own authority” (A Brief History of John Wesley and Methodism, trentonunitedmethodistchurch.org). Wesley ordained Thomas Coke in 1784 to be Superintendent in America. Coke, with authorization from Wesley, ordained Francis Asbury as joint Superintendent (Coke, Thomas, bu.edu). The Methodist in America were in reality separated from the Church of England. Charles Jacob writes, “The assumption by Wesley of the right to ordain ministers was a definite break with the Church of England, and once the break had been made, Wesley continued to ordain men, first for other British possessions, and finally for England itself. At the same time with the first ordinations, he completed the Methodist Church organization by vesting in the General Conference all the authority which he had personally exercised over the preachers and the societies” (Charles Jacobs, The Story of the Church, p. 333).

6. Work

There is no denying that the Wesleys worked with zeal in what they did. John Wesley is said to have traveled 250,000 miles on horseback in preaching, and to have preached more than 40,000 sermons in his life (John Wesley, biography.yourdictionary.com). Charles Wesley is said to have written more than 6,500 hymns (Charles Wesley, songsandhymns.org). These include such well-known favorites as: And Can It Be That I Should Gain?; Christ, The Lord, is Risen Today; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Jesus, Lover of My Soul; Soldiers of Christ, Arise.

(Among the helpful works consulted: Encyclopedia Britannica; New Standard Encyclopedia; The Journal of John Wesley, ntslibrary.com; The Journal of Charles Wesley, nnu.edu; The Story of the Church by Charles Jacobs; The Eternal Kingdom by F.W. Mattox; The History of Methodism, methodistheritage.org.uk; A Brief History of John Wesley and Methodism, trentonunitedmethodistchurch.org; 10 Fascinating Facts About John Wesley and United Methodism by Jeremy Steel, resourceumc.org; Methodist Church History, learningreligions.com; Wesley v. Whitefield, christianhistoryinstitute.org; Handbook of Denominations by Frank Mead and Samuel Hill; Ryan Reeves, YouTube, The Life of John Wesley; Ryan Reeves YouTube; Wesley and Whitefield; John Wesley, The Faith that Sparked the Methodist Movement, Vision Video, YouTube; Georgia Colony, britishempire.co.uk; Great Awakening, history.com; Coke, Thomas, bu.edu; quod.lib.umich.edu; John Wesley, biography.yourdictionary.com; Charles Wesley, songsandhymns.org; oxfordreference.com; umnews.org; worldmethodistcouncil.org. These are some of the works I found helpful).

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The Truly Wise

Posted on September 15, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).

The truly wise demonstrate their wisdom in two ways. (1) They demonstrate it by good conduct. True wisdom goes beyond intellectual learning. Christians should seek to live by God’s word. James instructed, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” (James 1:22). Jesus stated, “Whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock…” (Matthew 7:24). (2) They do their works in meekness of wisdom. Guy N. Woods comments, “Meekness of wisdom (wisdom stripped of all arrogance, pride, and desire for worldly acclaim)… One may indeed be meek and not wise; but, one who is truly wise will be meek; and, where meekness is wanting there is evidence of the lack of wisdom also” (Guy N. Woods, The Epistle of James, p. 182). It is possible, even likely, that the words especially apply to the ones who teach. The chapter began by addressing those who would be teachers (James 3:1 cf. 3:13). The term “wise” can be used to refer to spiritual teachers (e.g. Matthew 23:34). Guy N. Woods comments, “The word ‘wise’ is from sophos, a teacher; and ‘understanding’ is from epistemon, one skilled. Thus, the question raised is, who is really a skilled teacher?” (Woods, p. 181). J.J. Turner comments, “The wise teacher will honor knowledge by putting it into practice in his everyday life” (J.J. Turner, The Book of James, p. 107).

R.L. Whiteside commenting on another passage said this, “Any man is a poor teacher if he does not teach himself while he is teaching others. He is a poor preacher that cannot preacher better than he can practice, but he is a poorer preacher if he does not try hard to live up to his preaching” (R.L. Whiteside, A New Commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Saints at Rome, p. 60-61).

“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual, demonic” (James 3:14-15).

Boasting of one’s wisdom does not make one wise. In truth, it is evidence to the contrary.

Here are two signs that one is not truly wise. (1) Bitter envy is a sign that your wisdom is not from above. Here is how other translations render the original word: bitter jealousy ASV; NASB; ESV. The original word, zelon, means here “an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy” (Thayer). Christians should not be envious of each other (cf. Numbers 11:25-29; Philippians 1:15-16, 18); (2) self-seeking is another sign, which is closely related to the first. Here is how other translations render the original word: faction ASV; selfish ambition NASB, ESV. The original word, eritheian, means “ambition, self-seeking, rivalry… party-making” (Vine’s). “Used of those who electioneer for office, courting popular applause… a partisan and factious spirit” (Thayer). We should not seek to make followers of self (cf. Acts 10:25-26; 14:11-15; 20:29-31; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Titus 3:10-11).

Any wisdom which promotes envy and self-seeking is not from God (James 3:15). It is earthly (of earthly origin), sensual (springing from human desires), and demonic (demon-like). Such wisdom produces confusion (disorder) and evil (James 3:16). It will lead to problems between brethren. It will cause damage in the church.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

Here is true wisdom, God’s wisdom. It has these characteristics: (1) It is pure. The origin word, hagne, means “pure from defilement, not contaminated” (Vine’s). The word is sometimes used of sexual purity (e.g. Titus 2:5; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 11:2). It can also be used of purity from sin (e.g. 1 Timothy 5:22). The wise seek to maintain purity (cf. James 1:27).

(2) It is peaceable. The original word, eirenike, means, “peaceable, pacific, peace-loving” (Thayer). The wise seek to live at peace with their fellow man (cf. Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14).

(3) It is gentle. The original word, epieikes, means, “seemingly… equitable, fair, mild, gentle” (Thayer). Foy Valentine comments, “That is to say it is forbearing, patient under provocation, respectful of the feelings of others, considerate, moderate” (quoted by Rubel Shelly in What Christian Living is All About, p. 67). The wise have this quality. It is especially needed in teachers (e.g. 2 Timothy 2:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 2:7).

(4) It is willing to yield. Other translations read: easy to be entreated KJV; reasonable NASB; open to reason ESV. The original word, eupeithes, means – “easily obeying” (Thayer). Adam Clarke comments, “Not stubborn nor obstinate; of a yielding disposition in all indifferent things” (studylight.org). The wise are of this nature (e.g. Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 10:31-33).

(5) It is full of mercy. The original word, eleous, means – “kindness or good will toward the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them” (Thayer). “The outward manifestation of pity” (Vine’s). We are to be a merciful people (e.g. Luke 10:36-37; James 2:1-3, 13).

(6) It is full of good fruit. The fruit of the Spirit should characterize us (cf. Galatians 5:22-23). We should bear fruit with patience (Luke 8:15). We should be full of good works (Titus 2:14; 3:8; 3:14).

(7) It is without partiality. Other translations read: variance ASV; unwavering NASB. The original word, diakritos, means – “to separate, make distinction, discriminate” or “to be at variance with one’s self, doubt” (Thayer). Some take this to mean that one should not hold the faith with partiality (cf. James 2:1-4). The wise views each soul as precious. Others take this to mean variance within the person. Guy N. Woods comments, “The wisdom which is from above enables one to be firm in his views, and to entertain complete confidence in God and in his word” (Woods, p. 194). The word was used earlier in this book (James 1:6; 2:4). The wise avoid both of these meanings of usages of the word.

(8) It is without hypocrisy. The original word, hupokritos, refers to – “an actor, stage-player” (Thayer). We should not be simply playing Christianity; we should be genuine (cf. Romans 12:9).

This wisdom does not produce confusion and evil. It produces righteous behavior (James 3:18 cf. 1:20) and peace (James 3:18). If every Christian lived by this wisdom, the church would be at peace among its members.

One brother remarked, “Not everyone can have the IQ of a genius. Very few will have the opportunity to achieve notoriety in science, education, or the professional world. But everyone can have the wisdom described by James in this very beautiful passage. We can all submit ourselves humbly to God and live under his control” (Rubel Shelly, p. 69).

Posted in christian growth, Christian Influence, Preachers, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged adam clarke, asv, bitter envy, christian living, demonic, diakritos, earthly wisdom, education, eirenike, eleous, envy, epieikes, epistemon, eritheian, esv, eupeithes, foy valentine, full of good fruit, full of mercy, gentle, good conduct, good fruit, good works, Guy N. Woods, hagne, how to show wisdom, hupokritos, IQ, James 1:22, James 3:1, James 3:13-18, jealousy, jj turner, Matthew 7:24, meekness, mercy, nasb, peaceable, poor teacher, pure, r.l. whiteside, rubel shelly, self seeking, sensual, sophos, teacher, thayer, unwavering, varience, vines, willing to yield, Wisdom, wisdom from above, wise teacher, without hypocrisy, without partiality, zelon | 1 Comment

7 Spiritual Tests

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Bryan Hodge

The book of 1 John was written for four stated purposes: (1) “that your joy may be full” (1:4); (2) “so that you may not sin” (2:1); (3) “concerning those who try to deceive you” (2:26); (4) “that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (5:13). Notice the last stated purpose. John wanted them to have confidence of eternal life.

John provided these with seven spiritual tests whereby they could evaluate their spiritual condition. Let’s consider these tests, and apply these to self.

1. Is your Christianity more than words?

“If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7).

The word “darkness” refers to that which is contrary to God’s will (1 John 1:6 cf. 2:4). The word “walk” is in the present tense. It suggests a manner of life, a life-style. It is impossible to maintain fellowship with God, while living a life-style that is contrary to God.

The word “light” refers to that which is consistent with God’s will (1 John 1:7 cf. 2:3). The word “walk” is in the present tense. It suggests a manner of life, a life-style. It is possible to maintain fellowship with God, through the blood of Christ, while living a life-style according to His will (cf. Psalm 119:105; John 8:12). Guy N. Woods comments, “This is a state of grace – not human perfection – and we should be ever-more thankful that in spite of our imperfections we may through grace enjoy his approval” (Guy N. Woods, Questions and Answers, Vol. 2, p. 188).

How are we living? Are we seeking to live in submission to His will?

2. Are you humble enough to admit your sins?

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Some will not admit their sins. They are self-righteous. They have trouble recognizing their own sins (e.g. John 9:40-41; Luke 18:9-14). Some recognize their sins, but hide such (cf. Proverbs 28:13).

We need to be humble enough to confess, admit our sins. Peter told Simon, “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22). Proverbs says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

How do we deal with our sins? Are we willing to repent and pray, confessing our sins?

3. How far are you willing to go to justify self?

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:10).

Are you willing to make God a liar? The word “confess” (homologeo) literally means “to speak the same thing,” that is “to assent, accord, agree with” (Vine’s). It is used to mean “confess, declare, admit… to confess by way of admitting oneself guilty of what one is accused of…” (Vine’s).

Some will not admit that they have done anything wrong, even when scripture is used to expose their actions as sin. Such people make God a liar.

How do we deal with sin? Do we admit sin? Or, do we deny what the Scriptures plainly say to defend self?

4. Do you truly love God?

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:3-5).

The word “know” is sometimes used of “favorable knowledge” or “fellowship.” Consider: Matthew 7:21-23. This is how it is being used here (1 John 2:3 cf. 1:7; 1 John 2:4 cf. 1:6).

The word “keep” is in the present tense. It is describing how one lives, the consistent manner of life.

It is not enough to claim academic knowledge. Do we really know Him as we should? Do we have fellowship with Him? Do we love Him? We show our love for God by living a life of obedience to Him (1 John 5:3; John 14:15, 21, 23).

How is our love for God? Do we love Him enough to live for Him?

5. Are you following Him?

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

To “abide in Him” (cf. 2:6) is equivalent to “knowing Him” (cf. 2:4) and “having fellowship with Him” (cf. 1:6). Roy Lanier Jr. comments, “Here, as well as in John 15, the word ‘abide’ (menein) means more than simply to be in Him. It includes the idea of remaining in Him… The essence of the word is a permanent and intimate association, not temporary or superficial. This union lasts” (Roy Lanier Jr., Epistle of John, p. 32). On the word “abide” see John 15:1-8.

Does our walk identify us with Him? Paul instructed, “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). Again, he wrote, “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).

6. Do you have hatred for your brother in your heart?

“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:9-11).

The word “brother” may be used in different ways. It may refer to brothers in a family (e.g. 1 John 3:11-12). It may refer to fellow citizens in a nation (e.g. Acts 2:29 cf. 2:36; Acts 2:37; 22:1-3). It is sometimes used of fellow humans, brothers in Adam. It is used of relationship in Christ (e.g. Galatians 3:26-29 cf. 4:28). In context, “brother” seems to refer to brother in Christ (1 John 2:7-8 cf. John 13:33-34; 1 John 3:16; 4:11). However, other passages clearly show that we are to love our fellow man (Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 10:25-37).

One who hates his brother is in darkness (1 John 2:9, 11). It is a serious thing to be in darkness (1 John 2:9 cf. 1:6). Guy N. Woods comments, “Jesus commanded us to love one another (John 15:17); he made love the badge of discipleship (John 13:35); and without it, one remains in darkness – the element which characterizes all away from God” (Guy N. Woods, A Commentary on the New Testament Epistle of Peter, John, and Jude, p. 229). Again, he describes the one in darkness, “The inner condition is one of darkness; the outward life is a walk in darkness” (ibid, p. 231).

There are sometimes difficulties between brethren. We should not hate one another. We should endeavor to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). We should desire reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15). We should be forgiving (Luke 17:3-4; Matthew 18:21-35).

Do we love our brother(s) as we should?

7. Do you love one another?

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

The words “one another” seems to refer to love between brethren. It is addressed to “beloved” (cf. 1 John 3:2). It concerns “one another” relationship (cf. 1 John 1:7; 3:14-15).

This was not written for the purpose of telling the non-Christian what to do to be saved. Bill Lockwood, “The grand mistake of the Baptist pulpiteers in this is the utilization of passages (such as 1 John 4:7) that refers to the continued obedience of the child of God and trying to make them germane to the process of conversion of the non-Christian” (Hammer & Tongs, September-October, 1995, p. 6).

Love is essential in our relationship with God. Love is not the only condition to continued fellowship with God, but it is a condition. If we want to be spiritually related to God, we must love.

Our love is to be more than words. It is to be sincere (Romans 12:9; 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Peter 1:22). It is to be fervent (1 Peter 1:22). It is to be expressed in action. “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

We are to be abounding and increasing in love (Philippians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). We are spiritually nothing without love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). How is our love for one another?

Posted in christian growth, Fellowship, Forgiveness, Humility, Love, Repentance, salvation, Sin, Textual study, Word Study | Tagged 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 Hohn 1:4, 1 John 1:10, 1 John 1:6-7, 1 John 1:8-9, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:26, 1 John 2:3-4, 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 2:9-11, 1 John 3:14-15, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 3:2, 1 John 4:17-18, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:3, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter1:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, 2 Corinthians 6:6, 7 spiritual tests, abide, Acts 8:22, badge of discipleship, beloved, bill lockwood, blood of Jesus, book questions and answers, brother, Christian behavior, christian living, confess sin, continued obedience, do you love God?, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:8, favorable knowledge, fellowship, fervent love, following His example, Forgiveness, God is love, Guy N. Woods, hammer and tongs, hate, hatred, hiding sin, homologeo, humility, imatators of God, increase in love, John 13:35, John 14:15, John 14:21, John 14:23, John 15:1-8, John 15:17, John 8:12, John 9:40-41, justifying self, keep commandments, keeping peace, knowing God, life style, light and darkness contrasted, love expressed in action, love of brethren, love one another, Luke 17:3-4, Luke 18:9-14, making God a liar, Matthew 18:15, Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 7:21-23, menein, mistake of baptist, more than words, one another, Philippians 1:9, pride, Proverbs 28:13, reasons why 1 John written, recognizing sin, reconciliation, repent, Romans 12:9, roy lanier jr, self righteous, seven spiritual tests, simon the sorcerer, sincere love, spiritually related to God, state of grace, the Christian life is possible, the christian walk, the example of Jesus, vine's, walk in darkness, walking in light | Leave a comment

Bryan Hodge

Turning The King’s Heart

Denominations: Community or “Non-Denominational,” Cowboy and Biker Churches

The Testing of One’s Faith

Christ is…

Denominations: Pentecostals

Denominations: Methodist/Wesleyan Church (Part 2)

Denominations: Methodist/Wesleyan Church (Part 1)

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