Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
In recent years, many Pentecostals started a new tradition – beginning the new year with a twenty-one day fast. Long before this became a common practice, I was introduced to Lent, the practice of fasting 40 days in solidarity with Jesus’ journey towards the cross. Continue reading “Is there a place for Lent in Pentecostalism?”
The decline of Methodism has been a theme in Pentecostal churches for decades. As a teenager in the Church of God in the 1970s, I recall our pastor warning that the Church of God was going the way of Methodism. In fact, the two scapegoats among most campmeetng preachers were the lukewarm Methodists and the apostate Catholics. Both were roundly accused of holding to a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. For the moment, let’s talk about the Methodists and why there is hope for the future of Methodism, and Pentecostalism.
Continue reading “Is Church Decline Inevitable?”
The Church of God has always sought to faithfully proclaim and live the Gospel of God’s kingdom. These dual commitments express a holistic spirituality that is demonstrated in personal holiness and social holiness. The first “teaching that is made prominent” of the Church of God were published in The Evening Light and Church of God Evangel (15 August 1910), adopted by the General Assembly in 1911, and published in the Minutes of the General Assembly in 1912. The “teachings” were reaffirmed and amended by the General Assembly periodically. The 68th General Assembly revised the practical commitments in 1988.
Continue reading “It’s time to read our Practical Commitments again”
The words of Scripture are food for the hungry soul. Even so, sometimes those words are difficult to chew.
Continue reading “Sometimes the Bible is Hard to Understand”
I’ve read dozens of books on the Trinity. The more popular books, that is, those written for the people in the pews, are too often not very helpful in unpacking the richness of Trinitarian theology. The more academic books are often too speculative, too novel, or too dense to be helpful for most pastors and disciples of Christ.
Continue reading “Simply Trinity – A Recommendation”
In the Fall of 1978, I traveled through snow and ice in the Carolinas on my way to college – East Coast Bible College in Charlotte, NC. After graduating from high school, I had applied to, and been accepted, at Lee College, Oral Roberts University, and East Coast Bible College. I chose the small, relatively new school in Charlotte. I’ve never regretted that decision.
Continue reading “In Memory of Dr. George D. Voorhis”
St. Augustine was the Bishop of Hippo (in Northern Africa) from AD 395 – 430. Some of his Christmas sermons have been published in the Ancient Christian Writers series – St. Augustine: Sermons for Christmas and Epiphany (The Newman Press, 1952). Following are selected excerpts that summarize his Trinitarian Christology.
Listen, dearly beloved, and see what sound advice the Apostle has for us when he says: As therefore you have received Christ Jesus our Lord, walk ye in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and confirmed in the faith. With this simple and solid faith we ought to persevere in Him, that He may Himself make known to the faithful what is hidden in Him; for, as the same Apostle says, in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.[1]
Continue reading “An Ancient Christmas Sermon – Augustine”