christmas

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On lin eE di tio n

The Healer Among Us at Christmas CHRISTMAS GLOW

Hollywood and the Incarnation Jehovah’s (Not So Christian) Witnesses

ON MY MIND

LANCE COLKMIRE EDITOR

PERHAPS AN UPSIDEDOWN TREE IS THE PERFECT SYMBOL FOR CHRISTMAS. AFTER ALL, WHAT IS MORE TOPSYTURVY THAN THE IDEA OF GOD BECOMING A HUMAN?

You may contact the editor by writing to him at [email protected] or by calling 423-478-7592.

The Upside-Down Christmas Tree

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WAS 7 YEARS OLD when CBS first broadcast A Charlie Brown Christmas. On television I saw the pathetic, drooping little tree that Charlie Brown chose . . . then I went to my grandparents’ house and saw a bigger version of that tree in their living room! Yes, my Granddaddy and Mammaw Denmark were known for dragging home an ugly Christmas tree each year, and we grandkids would mercilessly tease them about it. In our respective homes, we had “perfect” plastic trees—my family’s was silver—so we loved the smell and the shedding pine needles from our grandparents’ evergreen marvels. The year came, however, when Granddaddy decided to buy an artificial tree. The hilarious truth is that when he and Mammaw assembled and decorated their new tree, it did not look much better than the real ones they used to get (as evidenced by the 1979 photo at left). One Christmas, my cousin Kevin and I volunteered to put together the fake tree for them. Unfortunately, we followed the assembly directions backward, resulting in an upside-down Christmas tree. Thankfully, before any Polaroid cameras or sneering cousins came around, we fixed our mistake. Yet, maybe it was not a blunder. Perhaps an upside-down tree is the perfect symbol for Christmas. After all, what is more topsy-turvy than the idea of God becoming a human? Think of the existence the Son of God had in heaven. He lived in perfect, unbroken fellowship with the heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. He was served and adored by angels. He was the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He lived in the perfect beauty, complete safety, and holy environment of heaven. One day, however, everything was turned upside down:

Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this? The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum (Isa. 53:1-3 TM).

In tree terms, Jesus was the evergreen that no one—other than Charlie Brown or my grandparents—would have chosen. My grandfather was raised in north Florida, labored hard in a sawmill, and eventually owned a used-car lot in Tampa. My grandmother was a cook in school cafeterias. Just ordinary, plain, hardworking folks. As for Charlie Brown, he said about himself, “There must be millions of people all over the world who never get any love letters. . . . I could be their leader.” Jesus Christ became a man— described by Isaiah as “a scrubby plant in a parched field”—to reach the millions of “Browns” and “Denmarks” in our world. The question is whether or not we will receive and return His love. When Charlie Brown brought back his beloved scrubby tree, Lucy scolded him: “You were supposed to get a ‘good’ tree. Can’t you even tell a good tree from a poor tree? . . . You’ve been dumb before, Charlie Brown, but this time, you really did it. What a tree!” “What a tree” indeed was our unattractive, despised, and bloodied Savior! We who have accepted Him know “it was our sins . . . that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed” (v. 5 TM). Forgiveness and healing are flowing this Christmas through the God-man. Will you receive Him?

EVANGEL | December 2010

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ONLINE EDITION

Contents

December 2010 volume 100

■

issue 12

COLUMNS

THE INCARNATION

3 On My Mind Lance Colkmire

10 Christmas Glow A needy young man bursts into sacred space. by Grant Swank Jr.

6 Forward Together Raymond F. Culpepper 30 Your Money God’s Way Amie Streater

12 The Healer at Christmas Jesus came to save and heal. by Peggy Scarborough

DEPARTMENTS 15 A Gift of Peace An Iowa Nativity built by German POWs by Marion Amberg 16 Hollywood and the Incarnation Christianity’s influence on the movies by Tony Richie

8 Currents 28 People and Events

18 Jehovah’s (Not So Christian) Witnesses Understanding a religion that ignores Christmas by Leonard Albert 20 The Miracle Mall How a Charlotte church reaches out at Christmas by Steve Wright 22 A Very Present Help Surviving the loss of an infant son on Christmas Eve by John Notter

FEATURES 24 Centennial Celebration in South Africa The Full Gospel Church of God is going strong. 26 Contextualizing the Gospel for People of Other Faiths Lessons learned by 4,500 internationals at “Cape Town 2010”

Subscribe to the Evangel by calling 800-553-8506.

PUBLICATIONS MINISTRIES DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR David M. Griffis DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Terry Hart ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT David Ray

The Incarnation WHILE IT MIGHT frustrate us to see “Happy Holidays” replacing “Merry Christmas” in many stores and advertisements, it should burden us to realize how Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW’s) have undermined the truth of Christmas for millions of people worldwide. The Apostle John’s unique telling of the Christmas story begins with this incredible statement: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). The JW’s—by inserting the word a and lowercasing a letter g—try to strip Jesus Christ of His deity. Their New World Translation (NWT) concludes John 1:1 by saying, “The Word was a god.” As countless other Bible translations testify, the NWT is flat wrong. This Christmas we should loudly sing: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see Hail the incarnate Deity Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King!

WELCOME TO THE ONLINE EVANGEL In the December online Evangel, we offer two great articles not found in the print edition: • “A Very Present Help,” by John Notter • “Contextualizing the Gospel for People of Other Faiths”—insights from Cape Town 2010 Meanwhile, the December print edition features three articles not available online: • “The Season of Advent,” by Daniel Tomberlin and Ben Wiles • “Irrefutable Success,” by Tim Enochs • “Signs and Wonders in the Ministry of Maria Atkinson,” by Melissa Hope You can respond to this month’s Evangel online poll question about giving by going to the www.pathwaypress.org home page. At the time of this writing, here were the results from the November poll question: What is the primary form of discipleship in your church? • Sunday school, 66% • Midweek Bible study, 23.5% • Cell groups, 8.5% • Other, 2% Have an article idea, a praise, or a criticism regarding the Evangel? Write to the editor: [email protected]

MANAGING EDITOR Lance Colkmire CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Robert McCall CFO Wayne Walston PRINTING COORDINATOR Mike Burnett

EVANGEL STAFF EDITOR Lance Colkmire EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Elaine McDavid COPY EDITORS Tammy Henkel, Esther Metaxas GRAPHIC DESIGNER Bob Fisher

EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATIONS BOARD Stephen Darnell, Raymond Hodge, Ray E. Hurt, Timothy Brown, David Nitz , Tony Cooper, Jeffrey Robinson

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Raymond F. Culpepper, Timothy M. Hill, Mark L. Williams, David M. Griffis, Wallace J. Sibley

CHURCH OF GOD congregations meet throughout the United States and in more than 180 other countries. To find a church and times of services near you, access the church website, www.churchofgod.org, or fax your request to 423-478-7616. Publication of material in the Evangel does not necessarily imply endorsement of the Church of God. The Church of God Evangel (ISSN 0745-6778) is edited and published monthly. ■ Church of God Publishing House, 1080 Montgomery Ave., P.O. Box 2250, Cleveland, TN 37320-2250 ■ Subscription rates: Single subscription per year $17, Canada $24, Bundle of 15 per month $17, Canada $28, Bundle of 5 per month $7.50, Canada $11.25 n Single copy $1.50 ■ Periodical postage paid at Cleveland, TN 37311 and at additional mailing offices ■ ©2010 Church of God Publications ■ All rights reserved ■ POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Evangel, P.O. Box 2250, Cleveland, TN 37320-2250. (USPS 112-240)

MEMBER OF THE EVANGELICAL PRESS ASSOCIATION AND THE INTERNATIONAL PENTECOSTAL PRESS ASSOCIATION

FORWARD TOGETHER Christmas, the Fullness of the Time, and the Greatest Mission RAYMOND F. CULPEPPER GENERAL OVERSEER

DURING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON OF “THE FULLNESS OF THE TIME” OF THE LAST DAYS, MAY THE CHURCH REJOICE IN OUR TWOTHOUSAND YEAR HISTORY! INSTEAD OF THE NOISE OF POLITICAL TYRANTS ISSUING DECREES OF INJUSTICE, WAR, AND EXILE, MAY WE AGAIN HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD FROM ANOTHER KINGDOM AND ANGELIC CHOIRS SINGING HEAVENLY ANTHEMS!

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HRISTMAS celebrates the greatest mission of time and eternity—“When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son” (Gal. 4:4). Literally, Paul said, “God sent His Son away forth on a mission” (exapostello). Today’s calendars mark that fullness-of-the-time mission by the number of years—now more than two thousand—since that joyful and momentous occasion. The celebration of Christmas is much more than decorated trees, carefully wrapped gifts, and bountiful meals—even though all of these are appropriately enjoyed. Presenting the stories of Christmas in historical drama, the Gospels depict Christmas as a revelation of God’s new covenant with man—a covenant that was sealed by the gift of His only begotten Son. Paul succinctly explains the eternal results: “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (vv. 4-5).

Christ’s Human Ancestry Genealogical records document the fullness of the time through the human ancestry of Jesus. They note such revered forefathers as King David and his son Solomon; Abraham and his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob; Noah and his sons, who survived the Flood; and Adam and his third-born son, Seth. At the same time, the records do not gloss over the sometimes-sordid stories of the incestuous Tamar, the harlot Rahab, Ruth the Moabitess, the adulteress Bathsheba, and the “far-fetched story” of a pregnant virgin—Mary of Nazareth.

Christ’s Earthly Parents This betrothed teenage virgin willingly surrendered herself to the Holy Spirit and became pregnant, with the Son of God living inside of her womb. Mary believed 6

EVANGEL | December 2010

an angel named Gabriel who said, “Blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28 NKJV). She believed the promise that her Son “shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (vv. 32-33). The fullness of the time produced a young, single, working carpenter whose joyful expectation of a beautiful marriage was marred with the soul-numbing news that his bride-to-be was already expecting a child. But Joseph’s devotional walk with God revealed that “all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matt. 1:22-23).

Worshipful Senior Adults The elderly were not abandoned during the fullness of the time. Zacharias faithfully ministered as a priest of the division of Abijah, living a pure life at home with his wife, Elizabeth. They received the promise of the angel of the Lord and parented a brave young prophet, John. Their son became “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare . . . the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mark 1:3). Just and devout Simeon declared in the Temple, “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation” (Luke 2:30); and the aged prophetess, Anna, “spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (v. 38).

Political Leaders The fullness of the time also produced world political leaders who issued harsh life-changing edicts—not knowing that the sovereign God would use them for His own purpose and glory. In Rome, Caesar Augustus, counting himself as a

god, decreed “that all the world should be taxed” (v. 1). That decree brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where “she brought forth her firstborn son” (v. 7). The chief priests and scribes explained that Christ would be born there because it was “written by the prophet, And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel” (Matt. 2:5-6).

Common Laborers Common laborers faithfully fulfilling their duty were part of “the fullness of the time” events. Shepherds, “keeping watch over their flock by night,” listened fearfully but intently to the words of the angel of the Lord: “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:8, 10-11). They basked in the brightness of the glory of the Lord and wondered at the exaltation of the heavenly hosts, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (v. 14). Neither the fear, nor the glory, nor the wonder kept them from declaring, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us” (v. 15). Furthermore, “When they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (v. 17).

The Wealthy and the Wise The fullness of the time also blessed the rich and the wise. God used the sciences and the studies of the heavenly constellations in order to announce the new order of His kingdom on earth. “There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matt. 2:1-2). Guided miraculously by the star to Bethlehem, “they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they

presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (v. 11).

Time of Tyranny

The Chosen Location The Christmas stories of the fullness of the time did not end with the exile of the Christ in a strange land. “When Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life” (vv. 19-20). The Christmas stories conclude with the picture of a faithful carpenter father, a young dedicated mother, and an obedient, growing son, living “in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, he shall be called a Nazarene” (v. 23).

Despotic men ruled as tyrants during the fullness of the time, giving no thought to the sacredness of the lives of babies and innocent children. “When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi” (v. 16 NIV). Such tyranny brought forth heartwrenching pain and travail among the mothers of Israel. Yet in the fullness of the time, God providentially directed the

Celebration of the Christ-Mission

affairs of humanity so that His prophetic word was carried out. Matthew declared, “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not” (vv. 17-18). God used the tyranny of the times to globalize His mission to humanity. “An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.’ When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son’” (vv. 13-15 NKJV).

Christmas, then, is a celebration of the Christ-mission. It celebrates the fullnessof-the-time stories of human genealogies, a young and faithful virgin mother, a carpenter father who heard God in dreams, a priestly family giving to the world a voice in the wilderness, an angel of the Lord named Gabriel, an angelic choir, poor but faithful shepherds, rich but faithful wise men, and a Temple prophet and prophetess. But it also celebrates the sovereign victory of the mission over the decrees of Caesar emperors, the rages of Herod kings, the pain from murderous soldiers, and the exile of God’s own sons and daughters. During this Christmas season of “the fullness of the time” of the last days, may the Church rejoice in our two-thousandyear history! Instead of the noise of political tyrants issuing decrees of injustice, war, and exile, may we again hear the voice of God from another kingdom and angelic choirs singing heavenly anthems! As we celebrate the greatest mission of eternity, may we also remember the greatest commission of time. Throughout the celebrations of Christmas, I pray that Church of God families around the world will remember and respond to Christ’s commission to “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matt. 28:19 NKJV). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! EVANGEL | December 2010

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Currents INVISIBLE FATHERS ■ ALANA’S FIRST birth certificate said “Hutcheson”—the last name of a man who shared no biological link to her. Her second birth certificate said “Stewart”—the last name of the man her mother married after divorcing the first. Neither birth certificate mentions her biological father—the man who donated the sperm to create her. Alana changed her name from Stewart to Sveta, a Polishsounding name she adopted after she learned her donor dad was Polish, and then changed it back to Stewart to reidentify with the only family she knows. But it still gnaws at her that her birth certificate doesn’t acknowledge her biological dad, and she’ll never know his name. Stewart’s name changes reflect her search for identity and a way to connect to the father she only knows as “Donor.” Her experience is echoed in the title of a recent study—“My Daddy’s Name is Donor”—that contains troubling findings about the way some donor offspring view their identity and experience family relationships. An estimated 30,000 to 60,000 children are born each year through sperm donation—the product of a $3.3 billion fertility industry that does not have to keep strict records of births, reveal donor names, or regulate the number of children one sperm donor creates. For Stewart and other donor-conceived children, never knowing their fathers has created a crisis of identity. The study, released by the Commission on Parenthood’s Future (CPF), took a representative sample of 485 donor offspring, comparing it with groups of adopted and biological children. It found that donor-conceived children are more likely to express feelings of sadness about their conception and experience family break-up, depression, delinquency, and substance abuse. Forty-five percent of donor-conceived children say that the 8

EVANGEL | December 2010

circumstances of their conception bother them. Sixty-five percent say that their donor is part of who they are. Nearly half feel sad when they see friends with biological parents, and more than half say it hurts when others talk about their genealogical background. The study also found that family breakdown is more common in the families of donor offspring. Overall, 44 percent of donor offspring experience “family transitions” (like divorce) before the age of 16, compared to 22 percent of adopted children and 35 percent of those raised by biological parents. Stewart said her own experience illustrates the family knots that donor conception can create. She thinks the circumstances of her conception—her mother having a child with another man’s sperm—made her mother’s first husband see Stewart as “a symbol of what one man could do that he couldn’t do.” He favored Stewart’s adopted sister—the daughter who had a biological link to neither parent—over Stewart, the child who had a biological link to his wife but not to him.

When he and Stewart’s mom divorced, he only asked for custody of Stewart’s sister. “I don’t really consider anyone my father,” Stewart said—a situation that she says created insecurity and lack of trust. She excelled at school until early adolescence, when questions of her identity began to beset her. Then she plummeted from the top of her class to the bottom and started a string of destructive relationships. She went through a man-hating phase and says her lack of a secure male father figure has made her wrestle with the idea of a paternal God. Stewart, like 61 percent of the donorconceived children in the CPF study, doesn’t oppose sperm donation; she just opposes unregulated donation that leaves children with no knowledge of half of their heritage. Donation should be an altruistic act instead of a lucrative one, she says, and parents and donors should develop relationships with each other. Stewart used to tell people her dad was dead because if she told the truth, they made jokes or turned awkward and silent. Now, to help them understand, she is writing a screenplay about her story. She fantasizes that her donor dad will see it, recognize himself in her, find her, and finally tell her his name.—Alisa Harris (EP News)

Unbelievers Know the Most About Belief ■ WHO CAN BEST answer questions about religion in America? Overall, agnostics, atheists, Jews, and Mormons scored the best on a quiz of 32 questions—from citing the first book of the Bible (Genesis) to naming a preacher from the First Great Awakening (Jonathan Edwards). Greg Smith, a senior researcher at the Pew Forum, said eight in 10 of the atheists and agnostics polled in the survey were raised in a faith, including threequarters who were reared as Christians. Mormons’ high levels of religious knowledge can be credited to four years

of early-morning classes in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and Mormon church history during high school, said Terryl Givens, a professor of literature and religion at the University of Richmond. Likewise, Jews have a strong emphasis on education, he said. Most Americans are somewhat familiar with the Bible, Smith said, but responses to the poll’s nonbiblical questions reveal a lack of knowledge on certain traditional beliefs. For example, just 16 percent correctly said that Protestants— not Catholics—have taught that salvation comes through faith alone (RNS).

By the NUMBERS The average number of religious questions answered correctly by different groups (out of 32 total):

?

Atheist/agnostic

20.9

Jewish

20.5

Mormon

20.3

White evangelical Protestant

17.6

White Catholic

16.0

White mainline Protestant

15.8

“Nothing in particular”

15.2

Black Protestant

13.4

Hispanic Catholic

11.6

ICONOGRAPHER WRITES ‘GOD’S STORY IN PICTURES’ ■ FOR ARTIST Jody Cole, painting is an act of prayer. Under her brush, the faces of Jesus and the saints emerge with each layer of acrylic gouache, their flesh tones framed by rich reds, greens, and blues. A bit of rubbed-on gold leaf halo adds a holy sheen. Cole is a professional iconographer, who creates, or “writes,” the sacred images and instruments of meditative prayer usually associated with Eastern Orthodoxy. The term “writing” is preferred to “painting” because, as Cole explained, “You’re writing God’s story in pictures.” Cole, who lives in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is one of a relative handful of Americans who practice the art as a vocation. As a Roman Catholic, she is one of an even smaller number of professional, self-taught iconographers who are not Orthodox. “My everyday life is now more of a vocation than a job,” says Cole, who left her job as a computer programmer not long after she was introduced to iconography 15 years ago. “The two most important things in my life, besides the people in my life, have been my faith and art, and to be able to have the two together and to express that every day, [it’s] no longer work.” George O’Hanlon, executive director of the California-based Iconofile educational group, estimates there are fewer than 100 professional icon painters in the United States. In contrast, Russia likely has several thousand professional iconographers, he said. In the United States, O’Hanlon estimated three out of four are Orthodox, and most are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. More than half, he guessed, are laypeople.

While there has been a growing interest in icons beyond Orthodoxy, the primary U.S. market is in Orthodox churches and individuals; virtually every Orthodox home has at least one icon to pray with. An icon is far more than decorative art. The word icon means “image,” and graphy refers to writing. According to iconographer Linette Martin’s book, Sacred Doorways: A Beginner’s Guide to Icons, iconography took root in the Byzantine Empire in the fourth century as a visual way of communicating Christian truths. Icons also make the people and events of Scripture and church history present for those who venerate icons. While they’re usually constructed with paint on wooden panels, icons are also made with mosaics, textiles, and metalwork. Cole has done commissioned work for several Catholic and Protestant churches in and around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as well as for individuals. She has also written icons for, and taught, Orthodox individuals, which O’Hanlon says is rare. “I sort of see myself as a bridge between the Eastern and Western churches,” Cole said. In addition to Cole’s workshops and retreats, which draw both clergy and laypeople, she gives talks about the history, symbolism, and techniques of iconography. Traditionally, iconographers do not sign their work. Sometimes contemporary artists will sign their pieces, but almost always on the back, O’Hanlon said. Cole doesn’t sign her pieces unless asked because for her, iconography is a journey of “completely dying to self” for the glory of God, she said.—Diane Bitting (RNS)

EVANGEL | December 2010

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W

E WERE SEATED beneath the mammoth, lofty pulpit in Boston’s historic Trinity Church. Along with some 2,000 worshipers, we had gathered for the annual candlelight carol service. Handsome faces wreathed in expensive scarves passed through the large heavy curtains that divide the outer quarters from the sanctuary. Women garbed in their seasonal finest gracefully seated themselves in the ancient pews. “A person has to get here an hour early to get a seat,” I overheard a man whisper to his friend. Even as he spoke, ushers were pointing to side walls where late arrivers could stand throughout the service. On the expansive platform, poinsettias smothered the regal churchly furnishings. A lone gold cross hung from the front’s very center, as if to crown the ornate display ablaze with color in celebration of Christ’s birth. Majestic strains pealed forth from the organ: “Trumpet Tune in C Major,”

Christmas GLOW by J. Grant Swank

by Henry Purcell; “Sonata for Flute and Organ,” by George Frederick Handel; and others. One by one, dozens of tall white candles were being lit. They stood as silent soldiers amid the flowering plants. Our family had invited guests to join us that chilly December evening. Since this worship had become a cherished tradition to us over the years, we relished sharing it with special friends. We awaited anxiously every move, nuance, and musical offering to be placed before God. Looking to my left, however, I noted a young man who did not seem to fit. He was crouched over at first, bent with his head magnetized toward the floor. Then, 10

EVANGEL | December 2010

With 2,000 worshipers packed together to celebrate Christ’s birth, would a young man with special needs be welcomed?

with a sharp twist to his right, he slung himself about, rearing his black hair into the air with a jerk. His dark eyes shot at me, then bounced away, then back again in my direction. I noticed some saliva mixing with his beard. Obviously, the man at the other end of the pew did not notice the youth’s behavior, for he was mesmerized with the lighting of the candles. I wondered what his reaction would be whenever he did glance to his left. There he would witness a crippled man with crutches, a crooked body garbed in denims and flannel shirt. How had I missed this young man’s entrance within our hallowed corner of the sanctuary? Without notice, he had simply slipped in, wedging his way into our tidy mosaic of season’s liturgy. Presently I saw an usher—black-suited with a red carnation in his lapel—stoop over the young man, whispering something into his ear. Oh, no! I gasped inwardly. After all, this was Christmas. And we were in a house of God. If ever love feasts were to be in fashion, surely this was the time. Surely this usher was not demanding that the poor young man leave for fear of disturbing the sedate! The usher left him. The young man’s head flipped back again while two hands led two arms into jutted motions scraping the air. One leg shot out and then back against the floor. His eyes darted back to me. Fright was all over his face. Suddenly I felt sick because of my fear of what was going to happen to this man. Would the ushers, with a veneer of kindness, lead him away from the rest of us? What game would they play to convince him that he would enjoy the service better from a side room somewhere? People kept milling about, some stretching their necks, hoping they would find some tiny space on a pew for sitting. Few caught sight of the intense drama going on nearby. What could I do? I had no authority in this church. There was no speedy network of rescue that I could call into play and so relieve

the anxious, confused black eyes beneath his furrowed brow. Seemingly out of nowhere, an attractive young lady seated herself beside the youth. I saw her place her hand upon his shoulder, then lean near to his ear, whispering something. Her smile was comforting, understanding, as she turned her head to look straight into his eyes. Presently those distraught limbs began to calm down, and his head settled itself more evenly atop his neck. The young woman said no more. She just sat there, listening to Vienna’s “Westminster Carillon” from the organ. The usher who had spoken with the young man then passed right in

Suddenly I felt sick because of my fear of what was going to happen to this man. Would the ushers, with a veneer of kindness, lead him away from the rest of us? What game would they play to convince him that he would enjoy the service better from a side room somewhere? front of him, going across the aisle to the second pew from the front. That tall churchman had spotted a space 12 inches wide. With diplomatic graciousness, the usher informed the person seated next to that space that he would have a visitor sharing the worship. Back to the attractive woman and crippled man, the usher made his way. Gently, he lifted the young man under his arm, taking the crutches in his other hand. It was as if the Red Sea parted there for the crossing of this twosome; no one interfered. In no time, the youth discovered himself being presented with the best seat in the house. Smilingly, the person to his right welcomed the lad into the pew.

Again, seemingly out of nowhere, a man in his late 20s, dressed in denims and flannel shirt, his hair tied in a knot at the back of his head, knelt down alongside the handicapped one. I watched him assist the other in shedding his winter jacket, first one arm and then the other drawn out of the sleeves. Next, he carefully placed the crutches on the floor right inside the seat. That done, the kind man joined the attractive lady elsewhere, but within eyeshot of the crippled man. Then I heard the opening Christmas hymn being sung from a back balcony. The soprano lifted her voice with “Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for His bed. . . .” I could not help but turn around to see the sight. There was the robed soloist surrounded by others dressed in holiday splendor. After all, this was the start of something very special. Worship had begun. Slowly I turned back to face the sanctuary’s front. But in the turning I glanced again at “my friend.” I saw then the most marvelous sight. Still mixed with the hairs of his black beard was a bit of spittle, but now in his eyes I saw joy. He, too, had heard the opening words of Christmas praise. He was looking over at the attractive woman and her companion. I did not mean to be prying, but I could not help but glance at them as well. There they were, beaming with kindness rendered, so happy that he was all right, that he had been given a good place to sit, so ready for the worship of the King. On the second verse, the congregation was to join the soloist. With a shining face, the youth twisted his mouth in jubilation. The furrow was gone from his forehead, thank God. With the rest of us he was singing out, “With the poor, and mean, and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.” Although it was still days before the 25th, I knew in my heart that for me, at least, Christmas had begun.

Grant Swank pastors New Hope Church in Windham, Maine. EVANGEL | December 2010

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by Peggy Scarborough

The HEALER Among Us at Christmas The Word became flesh and walked the streets with healing as His agenda. Not once did He say someone’s case was too hard for Him.

C

HRISTMAS is a time of great expectation, happiness, and celebration; but it’s also a time when the Enemy plays havoc with the emotions of those who are sick or have suffered loss. It’s a time when some think, Does Jesus really care about me? Others wonder, Will I still be here next Christmas? God expressed His love for sick and hurting people when He sent the living Word, Jesus, to earth in a Bethlehem manger. John wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14 NKJV). In 1850, John Millais painted a controversial picture of the boy Jesus in Joseph’s carpenter shop. He titled it Christ in the House of His Parents. Jesus had made a gash in His finger, and blood streamed to His feet while Mary comforted Him. Although this picture came from the artist’s mind, it depicts the fact that Jesus lived among us and understands our pain. God’s Word took on human flesh. This is the Christmas story. The Word became flesh and walked the streets with healing as His agenda. He healed multitudes of people with all kinds of diseases. Not once did He say someone’s case was too hard for Him. He healed 10 unclean lepers who were outcasts of society (Luke 17:12-14); He healed those who were paralyzed (5:1726). He said to a man with the withered arm, “Stretch forth thy hand,” and he was healed (6:10). Jesus healed the demoniac of Gadara (Mark 5:1-13). He healed Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter (vv. 38-42). He healed a woman who had been bleeding for 12 long years (Matt. 9:20-22). He

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healed the deaf, the mute, and the blind. He healed all who came to Him. When Christ died, He died for our sicknesses as well as for our sins (Isa. 53:5). In that package of salvation comes healing, deliverance, wholeness. Healing and salvation go hand in hand throughout Scripture. The Greek word sozo means “saved” and “healed.” The word translated as “saved” in Romans 10:9 is the same Greek word used by Mark when he said, “as many as touched him were made whole” (6:56, italics added).

Battle Against Cancer There is nothing so devastating as hearing the words, “You have cancer.” I heard those words in 1990 while my husband and I were pastoring in Troy, Michigan. It is also a frightening experience to discover that you have heart trouble, sugar diabetes, lupus, or some other lifethreatening disease. When such a diagnosis comes, many people do not know what to do. Many listen to the doctors’ statistics and give up, often dying prematurely. Before my crisis came, God had been leading me to teach healing on my radio program. I had also held a healing school in our local church every Thursday morning. People were being healed and helped. Then, it was as if all hell assailed me. Even though I knew a lump was there, I wasn’t afraid because cancer did not run in my family. I had been told by my doctor that the lump was a muscle and there was nothing to fear. But I went for my annual mammogram. After a week, I had not heard back from the doctor, so I called his office. The

secretary snapped, “If there was a problem, Mrs. Scarborough, the doctor would have called you. He is a busy man.” I insisted that she check my file, but she could not find my report. In just a few minutes the doctor called back and said, “Nothing to your report. It says ‘slight thickening.’ X-ray again in six months. I see this every day. But if you were my wife, I might send you for a second opinion.” My husband said, “We’ll go for a second opinion.” On July 5, 1990, I taught my healing school that morning until noon. Then my husband and I rushed to the doctor’s office in Pontiac. The doctor looked at my mammogram and said, “No problem whatever, but let me take a look at the lump.” I watched a puzzled look come on his face as he said, “Don’t get your hopes built up about a thing in this world. You have cancer, and it’s a big one.” I was so full of the Word from healing school that the words rose up out of my spirit, “I will not have cancer.” “I hope you are right,” he replied. Then he did a needle biopsy and sent it along with me to the hospital. After arriving back at our church office, I called to get the report from the needle biopsy. “Yes, it’s cancer all right,” the doctor told me over the phone. I handed the phone to my husband and rushed to the church altar to pray. I then called my friend, Barbara Yoder, who had taught female care to medical doctors at the University of Michigan Medical School but was now a pastor in Ann Arbor. She suggested I come over

Christ in the House of His Parents, by John Millais

that night and let her examine the lump, which was as large as a hen egg. Because of her past association with the medical school, she was able to get me an appointment with the best surgeon in the area. Barbara later said in a message in one of our women’s meetings, “I have had years of experience in the medical profession and had examined thousands of women, but I had only found one tumor in all my life that was larger than the one Peggy had. When I examined that tumor I knew it would be a miracle of God if cancer was not already spread throughout her body.” The fear was overwhelming. Fear like I had never known overtook me at times. I had to listen to Bible verses about healing around the clock. Cancer has three spirits: infirmity, fear, and bondage. This battle was the biggest spiritual battle I had ever fought. Here I was teaching that healing is in the Atonement, and now this was happening to me.

My only panacea was to run to the Word. Matthew 15:13 became a rhema at this time: “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” I realized that the Word had to be my priority. When conversation around a dinner table became ordinary, I had to excuse myself and run to the Word. Harold and Marion Spellman of Peniel Ministries canceled all their appointments to come so they could be with me until they felt I was safe. Nineteen other intercessors met me at the hospital in Ann Arbor at 6:00 a.m. on the day of the surgery. Marion helped me write the healing Scripture references on the palm of my hand. The surgeon told me on the morning I left the hospital to go home, “The biggest concern we have about you is the large size of the lump. What we know about cancer is that it spreads.” The battle became more severe when radiation treatments began. The big

machines were terrifying. Putting on that ugly grey gown made me feel like a leper. I soon began taking my Bible with me to treatments. Sitting in the waiting room, I bathed my mind with what God said about sickness and healing. Then during the treatments, I began to picture the Word of God along with the radiation rays becoming bullets, knocking the cancer cells out of my body. Healing comes in various ways. Some are healed when someone with the gift of healing prays for them. Others are healed when elders of the church lay their hands on them and pray. Some are healed, as were the lepers, as they go their way in faith. Some are healed by taking Communion daily, remembering Jesus as their healer. Most are healed by taking the Word of God and standing on it. In my case, healing came with a process of time after warring against the Enemy with the Word of God, the name EVANGEL | December 2010

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of Jesus, and the blood of Jesus. When symptoms have tried to bring fear on several occasions, I have run to the Word and found that it works. When another life-threatening attack occurred, I fought the same way and was healed.

Healing Schools Immediately after fighting for my life against cancer, I went to downtown Detroit and rented a banquet hall for a healing school. The people who came were healed, but the biggest healing was coming to my own life. Every time I taught that we have a healing covenant, I became stronger. Twenty years later, I am still conducting healing schools. For the last 10 years, I have conducted a healing school in downtown Conway, South Carolina, in an upstairs room in a bookstore where healings are a regular occurrence. A woman battling lung cancer came one day. She knew nothing about the Word of God or church. All she wanted was to be healed. She then got the revelation of standing on the Word of God. Day after day, she declared, “Jesus, Your Word says I am healed by Your stripes.” Jesus did heal her, and she is still healed today. In a healing school in Florida, a young woman came in filled with anxiety. Halfway through the teaching session, she shouted, “It’s gone!” She had come with a lump under her arm that disappeared as the Word was being taught. A woman in Conway came to healing school one day while suffering terribly. For months she had battled with constant headaches. Hers was another incident of just meditating on the taught Word of God and being healed. The Word of God heals. One lady who had a major problem after surgery on the arteries of her legs came to the bookstore when she was

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very sick. She told the bookstore owner the doctor had said there was nothing he could do. The owner, who is one of the counselors in the healing school, prayed with her. The sick woman kept returning, soaking in the Word of God, going home and quoting healing scriptures, praying the Word, talking the Word, and acting on the Word. When her doctor saw her after a few weeks, he was in shock. The hole in her artery had healed. The doctor

acknowledged he could do, k l d d that h what h h ld not d God had done. I am often asked what we do in healing school. We teach on how to fight for healing. One must know what God thinks about healing. It is crucial that the sick person understands that God is no respecter of persons and He never changes. What He said in the Bible He is saying today. In healing school we urge participants to make getting well their priority. Their starting point is the will to

live and seeing themselves well. Goal setting is a must. It prepares the sick person both emotionally and spiritually to regain their health. People who have been given a life-threatening diagnosis have to learn to overcome. Of vital importance is the warring person’s eating habits, and the Bible has a great deal to say about that. Exercise is a great help in getting through many diseases. Some people have to be led in forgiving others and themselves before healing can come. Sick people must learn to use their weapons of warfare: the Word of God, the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, praise and worship, prayer, resistance, and testimony. We attempt to train the regular attenders in how to minister to sick people. We urge them to use the Word of God in all their ministering. We remind them of what Oral Roberts said years ago: “I take no credit when they are healed, and I take no blame when they are not.” When people are healed, it is God’s work. God sets people on a shelf who begin to touch the glory that belongs to Him alone. Christmas can be a season for healing. This year, break away from all the business of the season. Focus on the Healer who came and dwelt among us and has left us with His written Word to say to us what He would say if He were walking on the earth today. When h you want to ask, “Where is God?” and “Does He care about my sickness?” realize He is there within the lines of your Bible. He loves you. He feels your pain because He came and dwelt among us and is still dwelling with us in the pages of our Bible. He is your healer.

Peggy Scarborough and her husband, Neigel, pastor the Socastee Church of God in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

A Gift of

PEACE by Marion Amberg

I

T’S A TRADITIONAL Nativity scene: Christ child; angels; wise men; shepherds and sheep. What isn’t traditional is who made it: German prisoners of war incarcerated at Algona, Iowa. The story begins in 1944 when Sergeant Eduard Kaib was captured in France and shipped to Camp Algona. This base camp in north-central Iowa housed 3,200 German POWs and oversaw 34 branch camps in Minnesota, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Injured and suffering from ulcers, Kaib was also mired in depression. He missed deeply his homeland, family, and German religious traditions. One day, this radio operator had a divine idea. “Sir, I would like to build a Nativity scene,” Kaib asked Camp Commander Arthur T. Lobdell. Permission was granted, and Kaib and several other POWs began work on the 60-statue Nativity. The half-sized figures were crafted of concrete on wire frames, covered with plaster, and then sculpted and painted. Though tools were crude, this Nativity is an artistic marvel—details are incredibly realistic and vivid. “The sheep’s wool actually resembles wool,” said Wes H. Bartlett, compiler of A Collection of Memories of the Algona Prisoner of War Camp, about the 30-odd sheep that look wooly enough to be sheared. At the stable, Joseph holds a red lantern over the Christ child and Mother Mary—her blond hair and blue eyes a Germanic touch. No featherweights, the

concrete angels keep watch, while the Magi and camels look on exuberantly. Overhead, stars illumine the holy night. In December 1945, seven months after Hitler’s surrender, Kaib assembled the Nativity on the edge of Camp Algona. For many area residents, a trip to “Bethlehem” was their first glimpse into the prison compound . . . and POW’s hearts. “I knew we would be looking upon the captured enemies who had been fighting our boys and who had taken our sons and daughters,” wrote Ralph Kitterman in A Collection of Memories. As the POWs sang Stille Nacht (“Silent Night”), tears slid down the parson’s face. “Our bodies were

cold, but our hearts were burning within. The concept of Christmas and the family of God became most real.” But it was a child who saw the song’s “radiant beams from thy holy face.” “I remember it like it was yesterday,” recalled Jan Leaneagh Fausnaugh in A Collection of Memories. “In a crib . . . the two hands of baby Jesus reached up and out, as though the creators of the figures reached out to us.” Before returning home to Germany, Kaib made permanent arrangements for his “Gift of Peace.” Marshall Fields Department Store in Chicago reportedly offered $5,000 for the scene, but Kaib was not swayed. The Nativity would remain in Algona, the source of its inspiration. To this day, thousands of pilgrims flock to Algona every December to see and hear the message of Christmas. “Peace on earth, goodwill to men,” the statues seem to ring out. “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” the Iowa plains echo in joyous reply.

Marion Amberg writes from New Mexico. This story is condensed from an article that originally appeared in St. Anthony Messenger. Learn more about the Camp Algona Nativity at www.pwcamp.algona.org.

The Camp Algona Nativity Scene

EVANGEL | December 2010

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by Tony Richie

Hollywood and the

INCARNATION Can popular movies help believers better understand and engage contemporary culture?

G

REG GARRETT’S The Gospel According to Hollywood argues that Christians will do well to engage their culture to encounter its deeper spiritual truth and meaning. The eyes of faith see beyond film producers, directors, and actors to an underlying reality in the human condition as created and shaped by God. Many Christians may choose to avoid entirely the explicit evil that often comes out of the distortions of so much of the modern media’s so-called art forms. Sometimes “coming out and being separate” is undoubtedly the safest and wisest course (see 2 Cor. 6:17-18). However, being in this world but not of it is also the challenge of the Christian (John 17:15-16). Whether we like it or not, contemporary culture is impossible to escape altogether (1 Cor. 5:10)—including Hollywood. Therefore, Christianity Today’s “CT at the Movies” opts for discerning engagement as a viable alternative for conscientious saints. Assuming some level of Christian engagement with Hollywood culture, we may be surprised at Christian influence on Hollywood itself. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a particularly apt example.

By Way of Comparison With Christ’s Incarnation Sometimes Hollywood clearly draws on Christianity for inspiration. It has long been known that a good, God-fearing woman can change a wandering man’s ways (Angel and the Badman, Gail Russell and John Wayne, 1947; The African 16

EVANGEL | December 2010

Queen, Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, 1951). It has also learned to value sacrificial death (The Omega Man, Charlton Heston, 1971; Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood, 2008). Occasionally a witness comes through absence. The Coen brothers’ 2007 crime thriller, No Country for Old Men, depicts blind fate in a world without faith. And it’s agonizingly ugly. How horrible the world would be without “God with us!” Better to press on with Denzel Washington, The Book of Eli (2010), firmly believing that at journey’s end, faith in God’s Word will be forever vindicated. Meanwhile, everyone should be treated with dignity and no one is beyond redemption (Tommy Lee Jones, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, 2005). Powerful encounters at the intersection of the divine and the human have a profoundly incarnational aura. Steven Spielberg’s 1982 blockbuster film, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, reflects the influence of Christ’s incarnation. E.T. comes from the heavens to earth and ultimately must return. E.T. takes on human life through a sort of symbiosis with his human friend, Elliott, without losing his otherworldly nature. E.T. has the power to heal, work miracles (fly), and bring dead things (flowers) back to life. He ultimately sacrifices his own life for another. Astoundingly, E.T. experiences a “resurrection,” suddenly reviving and racing to his spaceship in the forest for a climactic “ascension.” Before departing, E.T. promises to be with Elliott always. A rainbow appears in the sky. Indeed, without stretching it, Christians can profitably

explore overt or covert testimony in popular films to the greatest story ever told, the story of the Son of God and Savior of the world. Authentic incarnation of spiritual values in a good story makes them accessible to a wider audience. People who might not choose to see a film about Jesus’ crucifixion may go watch a Spider-Man movie without realizing that its themes of sacrifice and service resonate strongly with Christian values. This can be a great conversation starter too. I took a teenager to see Spider-Man 2 for his birthday. Later, we discussed its ethical and spiritual implications regarding power and responsibility. Another time, a men’s group viewed Star Trek together. Afterward, a couple of us discussed God and the universe with fresh vigor.

By Way of Contrast With Christ’s Incarnation The award-winning Avatar, released this year, is the highest-grossing film ever. In Hinduism, an “avatar” references manifestations of a deity in human, superhuman, or animal form. Director James Cameron ingeniously applies the idea of a human mind in an alien body. Thus Avatar invites reflection on the uniqueness of Christ’s incarnation. For me, the incarnation of Jesus Christ suggests significant contrasts with the mind-bending media phenomena of this movie fantasy. Avatar, with its magnificent special effects, is basically a space western. It has lots of action, some drama, and even romance. Avatar also has more than a

little politics. Personally, I did not appreciate its one-sided, negative take on the military. While the abuse of power and misuse of force motivated by greed and prejudice is a sinful fact of human history and society, it is also the case that many patriots risk their lives defending us from tyranny and terrorism. Our enjoyment of freedom, including freedom of religion, is unimaginable apart from their heroic efforts. Yet Avatar poignantly portrays the interconnectedness of all life, human and nonhuman, even of nature. This reminds biblical believers of our Creator, of our status as creatures, and of our God-ordained relationship of responsible stewardship to God’s creation (Gen. 1:1; 2:15). Perhaps in spite of itself, Avatar has some religion—although admittedly elusive, hard to pin down. On the planet Pandora, the Na’vi, a humanoid race with their own language and culture, exhibit strong signs of a kind of eco-centric spirituality. Notably, Cameron considers theism evidentially unsupported. He calls agnosticism “cowardly atheism,” bravely branding himself an atheist (Rebecca Keegan, The Futurist: The life and films of James Cameron). In Avatar the mind of a paraplegic Marine is technologically placed in a specially prepared Na’vi body so that he might gain their trust and persuade them to allow the exploitation of their natural (and spiritual) resources. As he moves among them and learns their ways, he finds himself changing. Eventually, he converts to their side and helps lead the fight for their way of life. Mentally and emotionally broken, they help him heal or become whole. Finally, he becomes one of them. The plot climaxes with a sort of pseudo-resurrection. My only brother, Timothy, now with the Lord, was a quadriplegic. I am excited to see a physically challenged character in a leading role. Perhaps many of us can identify with a character struggling to overcome deep mental and emotional wounds as well. Yet there are clear contrasts with Christian concepts. Jesus Christ did not come from heaven to earth so that humanity could

E.T.

Discerning viewers may be surprised at Christian influence on Hollywood itself. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a particularly apt example.

Book of Eli

who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:11-12 NIV). Jesus did not come from heaven to earth because He needed us to help Him. He did not need healing; we did. Christ came that we might be made whole through Him. The incarnation of Christ is a unique, non-repeatable event. Church of God theologian French Arrington calls it “a miracle of the most profound significance” (Christian Doctrine). In Miracles, C. S. Lewis said the Incarnation is “the central event in the history of the earth” and “the central point in Christianity.” Religions like Hinduism and Islam can make do without any miraculous elements. That is not the case with Christianity. Hinduism is mystical. Islam is natural. But Christianity is supernatural. It is “the grand miracle” that sets the stage for everything else. Jesus did not merely inhabit a human body; He became a human being. God became flesh! Jesus was fully God and fully human. Through the Incarnation, Christ revealed God (John 1:18), offered Himself a sacrifice for sin (Heb. 10:1-10), destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), became a merciful and faithful High Priest (Heb. 2:17), and provided an example for holy living (1 Peter 2:21). Hallelujah!

Far Beyond Special Effects

Avatar

save Him. “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17 NIV). Neither did Jesus come to exploit humanity. Rather, He “gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Gal. 1:4 NIV). Certainly the Son of God became one of us, but—and this is very significant—“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those

We can be grateful for the all-too-rare instances when Hollywood positively portrays Christian faith and spiritual values. But Christians should not settle for shallow and slim celebrity-style “theology.” Technological trickery and dazzling special effects cannot satisfy Christ’s disciples. Christians are birthed by and nurtured on faith in the fuller, heavier reality of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJV). Now there is an exciting story. Most importantly, it’s true. Amen!

Tony Richie pastors the New Harvest Church of God in Knoxville, Tennessee. EVANGEL | December 2010

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I

T WAS RAINING this past Easter Saturday morning. We heard a knock at the side entrance of our home. We had two visitors from the area Kingdom Hall. The older one was an attractive girl who looked about 18 years old. The younger one was a boy about 10. The girl had invitations for us to join them at the Kingdom Hall for a “Memorial of Christ’s Death” service the next day. It was pouring rain, it was Saturday, but here they were with a personal invitation to their church. I wondered how many Christians would be out on this rainy morning inviting people to attend Easter services at their church.

Who Are These People? The Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the teachings of their founder, Charles Taze Russell, and his successor, Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford. They date back to 1870 when Russell organized a Bible class in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There are more than 7.3 million of them, and last year they spent an incredible 1,557,788,344 hours on the street! They baptized 276,233 new converts—that’s 756 per day. These people have some strange teachings. They claim Jesus is really Michael the Archangel, the first and greatest creation of Jehovah God, who came to earth, lived as a man, and died and rose a spirit, who came back invisibly in 1914 and established his headquarters (the Watchtower) in Brooklyn, New York! They deny the Trinity, eternity of the soul, deity of Christ, eternal torment in hell, person of the Holy Spirit, bodily resurrection of Christ, and salvation by faith in Christ— just for starters. They think the cross is pagan, they don’t believe in celebrating birthdays or holidays, they don’t salute the flag or serve in the armed forces, and they won’t take a blood transfusion. They think heaven is about filled up and only the anointed 144,000 people (elect Jehovah’s Witnesses) are going there. They hope to escape annihilation at the hand of Jehovah and live in a reign of peace on “paradise earth.” 18

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by Leonard C. Albert

Jehovah’s [NOT SO CHRISTIAN] Witnesses What h Do They h Believe? li ? Here are some of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ views on major Christian theology: Holy Trinity. Let God Be True, published by the Watchtower, says, “Sincere persons who want to know the true God and serve Him find it a bit difficult to love and worship a complicated, freakish-looking, threeheaded God” (p. 52). Deity of Christ. The Jehovah’s Witness publication From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained declares, “The Bible shows that there is only one God . . . greater than His Son . . . and that the Son, as the firstborn, only begotten, and ‘the creation by God’ had a beginning” (p. 164). Jesus Christ was Michael the Archangel. In Reasoning From the Scriptures, they say, “The Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth” (p. 218).

Holy Spirit. A Watchtower magazine article reads, “God’s Holy Spirit is not a God, not a member of a trinity, not coequal, and is not even a person. It is God’s active force . . . and . . . may be likened to a radar beam” (July 15, 1957). Existence of Hell and Eternal Punishment. “It is so plain that the Bible hell is the tomb, the grave, that even an honest little child can understand it, but not the religious theologians” (Let God Be True, pp. 72-73). The Soul of Man. “It is seen that the serpent (the devil) is the one who originated the doctrine of the inherent immortality of the soul” (Let God Be True, p. 66).

What Do They Practice? Most of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ dogma comes from their Watchtower magazine,

which has been published continuously since 1879. The monthly “public edition” has an average print run (according to the January 1, 2010, issue) of 39,601,000 copies, making it the largest circulation Read three articles not available online magazine in in the December the world. It print edition of Evangel. is published in 182 languages. Here are a few of their practices: They believe that only the Watchtower Society can interpret the Bible. Individuals cannot. Most of them do not expect to go to heaven. They teach there are two classes of Christians: a “little flock” who are bornagain children of God (this would be the 144,000), and the “great crowd” or “other sheep,” who will live in “paradise” on earth after the destruction of the unbelievers. Only the “little flock” will go to heaven. They believe salvation must be earned through works—there is no other way to get one’s name written in the Book of Life. Witnesses are forbidden from saluting the flag or engaging in political activities because they see that as an act of worship. They do not celebrate birthday parties, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, or Easter because they say they are unbiblical celebrations. Blood transfusions are strictly prohibited. They base this practice on Acts 15:20; 21:25; and similar verses advising Christians to “abstain from blood.”

Why Is Their Bible Translation Different? They have their own translation of the Bible (we believe it is false) called The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, and they believe it should be used over any other version. I have been studying this translation for over 30 years and I can tell you conclusively that it contains quite a number of errors. Greek scholar Bruce Metzger said, “The Jehovah’s Witnesses have incorporated in their translation of

the New Testament several quite erroneous renderings of the Greek” (Theology Today). They have altered the Scriptures to fit their own theology. This version is not to be trusted.

What Goes on in Their Church? I have been to their Kingdom Hall. The service is slow, methodical, and boring. Everything they do reflects their theology—even their songs. The words of one that we sang still ring in my ear: “From house to house from door to door, we separate the sheep from goats.” All evangelical Christians are the “goats.”

These people are growing because they use a biblical method but not a biblical message. We have to show them Jesus. It is so tempting to try to debate all of their strange teachings. How can saluting a flag be idolatry? There is nothing biblically wrong with having a birthday party or celebrating Christmas or Easter. But think it through—what if you could convince a Jehovah’s Witness that all these teachings were false? Would he or she be saved? The truth is that only Jesus can save the lost! We must show them Jesus. Our plan of witnessing is to show that Jesus is God and the only way to salvation.

They deny the Trinity, eternity of the soul, deity of Christ, eternal torment in hell, person of the Holy Spirit, bodily resurrection of Christ, and salvation by faith in Christ—just for starters. The service is lackluster. They say they study the Bible, but they really do not. They use books, printed by the Watchtower, that they follow to the letter. Questions with answers are printed on every page. They are no discussion topics, for the Witnesses are not allowed to question the authority of these books. After the service, they have a time of fellowship. The night I was there, they gathered around me and asked where I was from. I told them that I had found the truth. To them, this means a person has become a Jehovah’s Witness. Then I said, “I have found Jesus! He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!” We had quite a discussion that night!

We have written a great witnessing booklet that will help a believer share his or her faith with this group. It is called What Jehovah Wants His Witnesses to Know. Members of the Watchtower Society are advised to minimize social contact with nonmembers, especially in reading other religious viewpoints. We have prepared this booklet to look like a Watchtower magazine and have used a generic address on the inside cover. It is perhaps the most powerful way to present the message of salvation to them. To order your copy, call us at 423-478-7287 or order online at www.usamissionspe.biz//resources. In the “search” tab, type Bks065.

How Do We Show Christ to Them?

Leonard Albert has been teaching on the cults and personal evangelism for 35 years. He has conducted meetings and seminars in all 50 states and has traveled to many foreign countries. Recently he was appointed as coordinator of personal evangelism in the Church of God USA Missions Division in Cleveland, Tennessee.

First, we must befriend them. Then we must involve them in dialogue about their faith, which revolves exclusively around the Watchtower Society. We must show them that they have been deceived—what they have been taught cannot be proven even by their own leaders.

EVANGEL | December 2010

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by Steve Wright

The

MIRACLE MALL

Compassion giving rise to compassion is the “miracle” this mall is about.

W

HEN THE doorbell rang, the three kids inside the house jumped up and ran to the door with excitement. They had been looking out the window in anticipation of receiving gifts from people they had never met. Their parents had informed them that some church people would be coming by to give them some Christmas gifts. As the father greeted the strangers at the door, he instructed the children to return to the living room and sit politely on the sofa. After a few friendly verbal exchanges, the visitors entered the living room and greeted the children. The kids were smiling, making the room brighter with childlike happiness. The kids were so wound up they could hardly sit still. The words of the strangers, though well intended, were a red light holding up the opening of their gifts. As the gifts were distributed, each child began to open them immediately. They were smiling and laughing and were completely lost in the moment. The kids looked up and, seeing their parents smile, completed the opening of their gifts. The experience was incredible for the kids, but for the parents it was different. The eyes of the husband and wife spoke softly with

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a language only they understood, for their dignity was being impacted. A dignity curtailed, that softly spoke, “I wish we could have given our kids their gifts.” They were thankful, but noticeably there was something not quite complete. Most of us have experienced being blessed by others when we had a need

and, though we were thankful, wishing we had been the giver and not the receiver. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). There is a God-given desire in our heart to provide for our own needs and to help others. Leading a church in San Francisco for over 13 years taught me many things about compassion ministry, especially at Christmas when the world watches how Christ’s followers respond to those who

are in need. Year after year, our church would provide free gifts to many kids of the Tenderloin, one of the poorest and most crime-infested neighborhoods of San Francisco. The kids would smile and enjoy their gifts, but there always seemed to be something unspoken in the “thank you” received from the parents. I could never quite put my finger on what those unspoken words were, but there was something there. I finally came to understand that those unspoken words were connected to their dignity. In reflection, I asked myself, In seeking to serve others, have we unintentionally hurt the parents in some way? I now pastor the Salt Mine Church, which is part of the ministry of 2xsalt in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded by former NBA player Bart Kofoed. 2xsalt is a ministry of sports, mentoring, and church as we seek to be salt and light in our community. Bart Kofoed shared similar feelings about gifts at Christmas as I did. For years 2xsalt has collected gifts to give away to families in need, but many times the same looks and the same unspoken words were seen on the parents’ faces. Something different had to be done. Surely there was an answer that would elevate the parents’ dignity and at the same time

allow the followers of Christ to bless those in need. That answer came with the birthing of the Miracle Mall. The Miracle Mall is a place where families can buy brand-new items with their own money, with the items reduced in price by nearly 90 percent. We decorate our building from top to bottom for the season. We open the doors on a given date early in the morning, and the doors close when the shopping is complete. Each family is assigned a personal helper to assist them with their budget and shopping goals. During this shopping experience, the families and volunteers start a relationship that is deeper than just dropping gifts off at their homes. The mall receives support from the business community, schools, and families. Last Christmas, a local company, C.S. Short, donated new toys ranging from bicycles to race cars. We had so many items to sort through that we invited students from Charlotte Christian School to spend a day moving items into their prop-

er places. Nearly 100 kids helped us that day, and many of them returned to help with the shopping. Also, the mall allows the community to be involved in giving. Individuals are encouraged to drop off new items, and are invited to come back to help the Read three articles not available online shoppers. in the December It is amazprint edition of Evangel. ing to watch families go through the mall. There are none of the sad unspoken words I wrote of earlier. Instead, we see dignity in the parents’ faces. Many people express how much they love the mall and how it makes them feel. Because the prices are right on the new gifts, not only can the people afford to buy their own Christmas presents, but a few even have some money left over. Last year, some gave offerings back to our ministry because of the money they saved and because they were touched so

deeply. You can feel compassion giving rise to compassion, which is the “miracle” this mall is about. At the end of the day last year, we had served over 300 families, and still the blessings of God were overflowing. We had so many items left over from the generosity of the local businesses and families that we were able to donate a truckload of toys to two local hospitals here in Charlotte. According to the staff in charge of finding donations to meet the needs of the children’s hospital, our gifts met their yearly goal. A new model of Christmas giving called the Miracle Mall helps meet families’ material needs while helping them maintain their dignity. If your church has been looking for a different way to help the hurting, maybe this concept will work great in your community.

Steve Wright is lead pastor of the Salt Mine Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

EVANGEL | December 2010

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T

HE COLD DECEMBER morning began as so many others before it. The birds greeted the day, the rays of sunlight danced across the horizon, the squirrels began to scamper about on the forest floor, and a crisp, cool breeze gently blew across the Louisiana landscape. I was grateful for a chance to deer-hunt on this morning since the season was drawing to a close. The holidays allowed me to get a couple of duty-free days. Soldiers don’t get very much time off, and I wanted to make the best of it. The next day would be too busy since it was Christmas, and I definitely wanted to be with my family in

praying mother. At their invitation, I accepted Christ. It wasn’t too much later that His sanctifying power delivered me absolutely. His grace was so powerful as to make me sick when I smell alcohol even to this day. Though I had fumbled and bumbled many times, I had made a commitment to hold on to Jesus no matter what. Now I realize how He holds on to us. Shortly after the sunrise, that nagging sense of trouble came back. Within minutes it erupted into a full-fledged emotional outburst. I decided to get down and call it a day. Near the base of my tree stand was a stump, so I took a seat and

A Very Present HELP How God’s Spirit helped one man cope with his baby’s sudden death. celebration of God’s greatest gift. This particular day—Christmas Eve 1987—began with great promise. Yet, the awful sense that something was wrong began to trouble me again. For the last three days I had felt there was some sort of problem. The Lord and I had talked about it. Heaven seemed silent. No reason came to mind. I began to pray again as soon as that feeling came back that morning. It had been about three years since Jesus had delivered me. At the time of my salvation I was serving in a combat engineer unit in Germany. Germany was no place for a young man who had a family history of alcoholism. Not only did I have a family history, but I had also followed others in the family down that same dark path. When I began to cry out for deliverance, members of the Church of God Christian Servicemen’s Center in Wiesbaden, Germany, witnessed to me of Christ’s power to deliver. They didn’t know it, but God seemed to follow me everywhere since they were not the first to witness to me. Daily I thank God for a 22

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began to pray. After several minutes the Holy Spirit told me to go back to my car and meet two men who were there to talk with me. It was as close to an audible voice as I’ve ever sensed. Suddenly I knew what had happened without any voice at all. The two church members were there waiting quietly at my car. They simply asked me to follow them, and they did seem a little surprised that I knew there was a problem. They had been trying to figure out how to find me since it was only around 8:30 and most hunters leave the woods much later. The Lord had already taken care of that detail. We soon arrived at the hospital. Fellow members of the Fort Polk Christian Servicemen’s Center surrounded me immediately. Many were holding back tears. They spoke words that seemed muted by the realization of why they were all there. I did not tell them that I had known what had happened since the experience at the stump. One

by John Notter Jr.

person finally took me to the floor where my wife was. As I opened the door my wife, Melodie, ran to me and sobbed, “John, Shawn is dead! He’s really dead!” Shawn was our two-monthold son. Melodie had awakened to find him dead in his crib. Shawn was a victim of SIDS—sudden infant death syndrome. I had passed his crib as I readied myself for the morning and had heard a faint rustle in his bed, but I didn’t give him the usual hug or kiss for fear of waking him, my wife, and my daughter. After several surreal minutes, I went to call our parents. The Holy Spirit was already ministering to us through the loving hands of the body of Christ. A brother had called our pastor, who was in Oregon for his first vacation in ages, and he immediately booked a flight home. Others were at our house packing things for our trip to Ohio—our home state. Several were watching our 3-year-old daughter, Tabatha. Others were cleaning our house. A couple was preparing their home for us to stay that night so we would not have to stay in the home where Shawn had died. To this day I don’t remember anything anyone said. I just remember that they were there and that they were a huge help. It is a great privilege to be a part of such a great family as God’s family. The job of calling home was mine. I wanted to do this on my own. I got on an elevator by myself and started down to the level with the pay phones. The door shut. I was alone. At least I thought I was alone. Did I have questions? Yes! Was I angry, confused, hurt, and in pain? Of course! Did I understand? No! I just knew that this same Jesus who had delivered me three years before would see us through.

Not knowing what else to do, I raised my arms and began to worship. I praised Jesus for the short time that we had Shawn. I thanked Him that Shawn was in His presence. I praised Him just for being God. At that moment, I distinctly heard the same sound that I heard in the forest that morning—the sound of a breeze entered that elevator. I believe it was the same noise—though not as loud—as the sound of wind mentioned in Acts 2! With the wind came the calming assurance that everything would be all right in time. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, brought the peace of God that passes all understanding. His enablement to deal with one of life’s hardest hits came to me. It was, and still is, one of the most precious touches of the Master’s presence I have ever experienced. I have been saved now over 24 years. There have been many great experiences with God. There have been worship services in which His glorious presence was indescribable. Once He protected me when a lady put a pistol in my face when some friends and I were witnessing. I’ve experienced prayer meetings that were nearly rapturous. Yet this elevator ride is only topped by the day He set me free! I am still amazed at the personal touch I received by such a loving Savior at a time when I critically needed Him. You may be going through a trial so great that you think you can’t make it. Just stop and remember that the God you serve is more than able to assist and more than willing also. I am sure that faith and trust will lead to an experience that is best summed up by a line from a song by Don Francisco from around the same time as Shawn’s home-going: “No matter what may happen, child, I’ll never let go of your hand.” That morning so long ago did start with a promise: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

John Notter Jr. pastors the Evans Street Church of God in Whitmire, South Carolina.

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CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION in

South Africa

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NE HUNDRED and fifty years ago, as a direct result of a call to prayer of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) of South Africa, the Holy Spirit was poured out in the DRC in Worcester in the Cape, and later in other congregations as well. This revival was echoed in the Zoutpansberg in northern Transvaal in the late 1870s and spread to all sections of the population in that area. It appears that the DRC could not comprehend or adapt to some of the manifestations of that revival, and we hear very little of it again. Nevertheless, there were families that received salvation at that time and, a generation later, at the end of 1890 and early in the 1900s, there were born-again believers experiencing the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. In 1909, George Bowie came to South Africa as a missionary from the Bethel Pentecostal Assembly in Newark, New 24

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Jersey, under the leadership of Minnie Draper. In April 1910, he started a Pentecostal mission, and it became the Full Gospel Church of God in Southern Africa, a bilingual movement. Bowie’s initial vision was to evangelize the indigenous inhabitants of South Africa. This vision never faded, and the church extended the preaching of the gospel around the nation and many other areas of southern Africa. In 1915, W. F. R. Burton and James Slater opened the Congo to the full gospel. The whole of South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Rhodesia, and further north to the equator, heard the gospel under the banner of the Full Gospel Church. A great work was done among the “colored” (mixed-race) community. In 1925, J. F. Rowlands, later joined by his brother Alex, initiated and led a mighty evangelistic thrust in the Indian community, which has continued to this day.

In 1951, the Full Gospel Church amalgamated with the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee). For many years, the white community had the oversight of the whole church, and all the departments were subject to the Executive Council in lrene. Since 1986, each community has its own moderator and executive council, with a representative on the General Executive Council. This constitutes four associations in one church. In March 1990, the United Assemblies of the Full Gospel Church of God was constituted, consisting of the majority of the black community, the colored community, the Indian community, and a small group from the white community. The church now had two groups instead of four—the lrene Assemblies and the United Assemblies. More than seven years later, in October 1997, the whole Full Gospel Church of God in Southern Africa united to become one structural organization, thus better representing the body of Christ. The 242 assemblies of the lrene Association were united with the 586 assemblies of the United Association, resulting in a total of 828 congregations in the united Full Gospel Church of God, with a conservatively estimated membership of 350,000 people, excluding Namibia. The church has two homes for senior citizens and a number of day cares operated by local assemblies. There is also a

VISION, MISSION, AND STRATEGY OF THE FULL GOSPEL CHURCH OF GOD Vision: Through our leadership and churches, we will make a difference in the lives of our people, our communities, and our country. Mission: We will rightly divide the Word of Truth and, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, preach the full gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, thereby executing the Great Commission. Strategy: • The establishing of new churches • Voicing our opinions, based on our specific Christian convictions, on the social concerns and evils of our day and on matters of national importance • Creating a mutual culture of appreciation toward the church, its leadership, the workers (ministering and emeritus), and head office • Being actively involved in any other meaningful forums (chaplaincy, schools, etc.) which will help to achieve our vision • Training and equipping • Resuscitation

FGC Moderator Anton S. van Deventer and wife (right) worship alongside General Overseer Raymond Culpepper and his wife, Peggy.

Full Gospel Church of God Executive Council

variety off ffood d ministries b being operated d by local churches, and more are in the pipeline. The church has four accredited training colleges and an accredited correspondence college with some 650 students enrolled. There are also two theological schools.

The structural unification of the church formally took place at the Inaugural Conference on October 9, 1997. This made the Full Gospel Church of God a nonracial and structurally integrated church. Through its amalgamation with the Church of God, the Full Gospel Church of

God in Southern Africa is an international church. Through its outreach program into southern and central Africa, it has multiplied tens of thousands of followers in Maputo, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, the Congo, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and other territories.

Thank You, Church of God

W

HAT A JOY it was for the Full Gospel Church of God to celebrate our 100th anniversary in September! From a humble beginning in 1910—when a church in New Jersey sent a missionary to South Africa—to where we find ourselves today, is a testimony of God’s blessing. Not only did the sacrifice of this congregation and the missionary lead to the church here, but also to the extension of the kingdom of God in many of our neighbouring countries. I wonder if Minnie Draper and the church in New Jersey could foresee the fruit of their investment in the most southern part of Africa. One day, they indeed will share in the reward for the many souls that have been saved.

Since 1951, when a “marriage” took place between the Full Gospel Church of God and the Church of God in the United States, you have been part of our journey. I believe the Church of God will be richly rewarded for this investment. We were highly honoured by the presence of both General Overseer Raymond Culpepper and his wife, Peggy, at our celebration. We sincerely thank them for their presence amid a very busy schedule. We were further blessed by the ministry of Bishop William Lee Jr., who in an anointed and very eloquent way expanded on the theme “From Here and Beyond.” Thank you, Church of God, for your part in the 100 years of our existence.—Anton S. van Deventer, moderator of the FGC in South Africa

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Contextualizing the Gospel for People of Other Faiths

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OR SEVEN DAYS in October, 4,500 missions activists from 200 nations came together in Cape Town, South Africa, for the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. One day focused on contextualizing the gospel for people of other faiths and encouraging participants to think about the cost of bringing the gospel to places where it has not yet penetrated. Antoine Rutayisire, dean of the Anglican Cathedral of Kigali, Rwanda, said one problem with the early transmission of the gospel in Rwanda was the presentation method. He said that in the past it relied on Scripture memorization without a sufficient understanding of the context or a sufficient application of scriptural principles to daily life.  “The Rwandan world is one,”’ said Rutayisire. “The animal kingdom and the inanimate world are one. The consequence was that many people were baptized and integrated into churches but when they ran into problems they fell back on traditional religion.” Sophie Lee, a participant from Care Ministries International, said that in her 26

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work with Buddhists it is important to give them a comparison. “[When we talk to Buddhists in Taiwan], we tell them directly who Jesus is, and how our beliefs are different,” said Lee. The founder of Jesuscentral.com, Vipool Patel, grew up in a family that practiced Hinduism. He said that from his experience, he believes many people who practice Hinduism are interested in Jesus, but not as interested in Christianity because of its connection to the people who colonized India. “Rather than leading with religion, leading with Jesus overcomes the barriers of power and religious conflict and preconceptions from the past,” said Patel. “Hence, Jesus Central doesn’t talk about Christianity or controversial religious issues. We stick to the topic of Jesus direct from the gospel—His life, his teachings. Then people have a life change because they are illuminated by the character of Jesus: His compassion, His grace, His forgiveness, His faithfulness. They see what it means to love like Jesus and to be loved like Jesus.” Several speakers talked about Christianity and Islam. One speaker reiterated

God’s promise to the children of Ishmael. She said that Muslims, who consider themselves the spiritual children of Ishmael, are experiencing Christ in unheardof ways. She spoke about churches that use some worship forms similar to Islam, but adhere to Christian beliefs, scriptures, and ordinances. She said the contextualized format has been effective in reaching Muslims. Another speaker told participants to consider the theological messages that have been communicated in the Muslim world. He said a limited theology built on a clichéd gospel is too simplistic for the complex realities of this century. He said we must come to a better understanding of the church in the Muslim world, and the global Church needs to be an example of love and reconciliation as it relates to Islam. Ministry to followers of other world faiths does not come without cost. Another speaker reminded participants that those who carry the message of the gospel might experience intimidation, humiliation, persecution, and suffering.  John Piper is the pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Preaching from Ephesians, Piper said Paul’s life was an example of how God brings followers to himself through the suffering of His servants. “When Paul was willing to go to prison for the sake of Christ, he showed the nations that Christ is more precious than freedom. When Paul was willing to suffer for Christ, he showed the nations that Christ is more precious than comfort and security and prosperity.” Piper called Lausanne to come together on the issue of suffering: “There isn’t anything that surpasses lostness and being bound for an everlasting suffering under the wrath of God.” Then he noted that in

the area of suffering, there are different perspectives among the participants: “There are two truths that are an in tension in this room and in the Church. When the gospel takes root in our souls, it impels us outward to all unjust human suffering. Another truth is, when the gospel takes root in our souls, it awakens us to the horrible reality of eternal suffering in hell under the wrath of a just God. And it impels out to rescue the perishing— “flee the wrath to come!”’ Piper implored the participants, “Could the global Church say this, for Christ’s sake: We Christians care about all suffering, especially eternal suffering. Christ doesn’t want you to choose between pouring your life out for the alleviation of unjust human suffering now and the pouring out your life to rescue the perishing from everlasting suffering which is 10 million times worse than anything anybody will ever experience here. Christ

GOOD HOPE FROM

CAPE TOWN by Grant McClung

C

HRISTIANITY TODAY described it as “the most diverse gathering ever.” Although there were hundreds of “species and varieties” of Christians, one hope bound us together in unity: that the world will come to know Jesus Christ! “Cape Town 2010” was God’s meeting point that displayed the rich diversity of His new creation in Christ Jesus and a hopeful turning point toward the completion of the Great Commission in our time. The outcomes of the conference will be unfolding for months and years to come. Follow www.lausanne.org for resources, links, and news. For now, we feel there is “Good Hope from Cape Town” because Christ followers from around the world are: Committing themselves anew to the truth and authority of God’s Word and

is calling us to pull these together.” Michael Ramsden, a passionate evangelist, apologist, and a lecturer in Christian Apologetics at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, talked further about the cost of sharing the gospel. “The gospel requires and demands everything,” said Ramsden. “Let us live in complete surrender to Him. One day we will all go home. Let us make sure that whatever God is calling us to, we do with humility, we do it with love, and do it in obedience, knowing that our life is not worth preserving but the gospel we preach is certainly worth proclaiming.” Libbie Little, whose husband, Tom, was martyred in Afghanistan, shared her testimony. I think if Tom were here today, he would say that in these difficult, hardto-reach places, grace, God’s grace, is not something you discuss. It’s not something you debate. The idea of God taking on a

to a dependence upon the power of the Holy Spirit in God’s mission. Calling out in grand movements of intercessory prayer for God to shake this world once again with a powerful move of the Holy Spirit in renewal, evangelism, and social change. Challenging their communities and cultures to follow Christ through innovative ways of gospel proclamation and positive social engagement. Continuing God’s global cause into this new century through the emerging generation of younger, dedicated missions leaders—a kaleidoscopic variety of age, gender, ethnic, and denominational diversity. Connecting, collaborating, and conversing together about world evangelization —especially through the new technologies of the 21st century. Because we studied Ephesians and prayed together in small groups every morning, we are drawn again to the “one hope” passage: We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same

form of weakness of a human being coming in the body of Jesus, laying down his life, dying for us, has to be seen. It has to be experienced. In communities where power rules, strength prevails, where you work hard to attain honor and avoid shame, where you get what you deserve, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, this talk about God’s grace, the vulnerability of God, His lovingkindness is too foreign. It’s too distasteful. It’s almost repulsive. It needs to come in small doses over a long stretch of time. . . . May God restore His kingdom in Afghanistan and throughout the world. May each Nuristani who caught a whiff of what the apostle Paul called the very aroma of Christ taste and see that the Lord is good. And may the global church that you represent here so saturated with the fragrance of God’s grace, God’s infinite grace go, spread the aroma of Christ in these hard places to the glory of God.

glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all. However, he has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ (4:4-7 NLT). Through the spiritual gifts God has given us, we will take our Cape Town commitments into our missions future through the training, consulting and mentoring ministry of Missions Resource Group (www. MissionsResourceGroup.org). I will continue my work with the U.S. Lausanne Committee and as a new member of the Global Diaspora Network Advisory Board. Janice will build on her new contacts with global prayer network leaders to enhance her ministry of world missions intercession and training others how to pray for missionaries and nations.

Church of God missions specialists Grant and Janice McClung participated in Cape Town 2010.

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people and events

For daily news updates about what’s happening in the Church of God and Evangelical world, visit FAITH NEWS NETWORK, at www.faithnews.cc.

Loving Spirit Infuses 100-Year-Old Congregation BUSHNELL, Fla.—Daniel Kellum has been pastor of the York Street Church of God since 1997, and he is a happy man. In November, he led the congregation in observing its 100th anniversary with a Thanksgiving Homecoming celebration. Eleven years earlier he helped the church pay off its indebtedness. In between those two benchmarks, Kellum experienced the darkest period of his life, but the York Street members were there for him. In July 2006, Kellum developed soreness in his throat that antibiotics did not help. He could not produce saliva and his taste buds quit working. Cancer was found in his tonsils. In 35 days, his weight dropped from 203 to 139 pounds. Over the next four months, he was given 35 radiation treatments and three heavy doses of chemotherapy. By August, other preachers were filling the pulpit for him—primarily Milton Williams, former pastor of the nearby Linden Church

of God; and Patricia Burnham, whose late husband, Lee, once led the Bushnell congregation. Come November, Pastor Kellum was rarely able to attend church. Pastor Kellum remembers the Sunday when church members gathered in the front yard of the parsonage to pray for him, believing God for his healing. However, as 2007 began, the pastor still could not carry out his duties. In April, he began preaching again, but it was terribly difficult. He said, “I struggled spiritually as well as physically. I could not find any inspiration for my sermons. But the church members always encouraged me, complimenting my preaching.” He added, “Even though I could not preach for many months, the

church paid our insurance, allowed us to live in the parsonage, and never said a word about it.” Church member Joyce Higginbotham said, “We love our pastor. He would drop everything to be there for us when we needed him, and we wanted to be there for him.” Pastor Kellum said his illness gave him “greater compassion for the sick” and inspired him to reach out to others who are suffering. This November, however, was a time to sing and shout, as

Daniel and Rita Kellum

the York Street Church celebrated its centennial. In 1908, the first Pentecostal tent revival was held in Bushnell by Evangelist Gus Diffenworth. In 1910, the Church of God was organized by Sam Caruthers. The church’s history records: “About 1915, C. M. Hawkins, a recent convert, and Urias Dolphus Tidwell had a burden for a house of worship. They were supported by the prayers of the people. After locating a large abandoned house about 10 miles in the country, they borrowed tools and carefully dismantled it. Dolphus’ father, U. David Tidwell, and two other men with horse wagons hauled the lumber. Many local residents gave free labor and small offerings to help with the completion of the church.” While the original building was replaced in the 50s, the same spirit that shaped the Bushnell congregation’s early days is still alive. Just ask Daniel Kellum.

LEE CELEBRATION

President Paul Conn and his wife, Darlia, cross campus with Dr. Lois Underwood Beach through a human wall of students. A pioneering faculty member in Lee’s natural sciences discipline, Dr. Beach is one of the honorees for whom a wing of Lee’s new Science and Math Complex is named.

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CLEVELAND, Tenn.— Hundreds of guests, alumni, and community leaders gathered on Lee University’s Math and Science Complex lawn on September 24 for the Celebration 2010 event. Before the ribbon cutting, 62 VIP alumni—one for every year of Lee’s history at the current location—joined the faculty and board of directors in a march across campus, through a gauntlet of cheering students, toward the new complex.

2010

This year’s event marked the end of the “Press Toward the Mark” campaign. Launched during Celebration 2006, the campaign raised over $34 million used to build the Math and Science Complex, the new School of Religion building, a new health clinic, and offices for the Leonard Center. The funds also purchased property adjoining the campus, contributed to new endowed scholarships, and assisted with other projects.

Church Marks Freedom From Debt MEN AND WOMEN OF ACTION

2011

IOWA PARK, Texas—On August 15, the Lakeview Church of God celebrated its 25th anniversary with a note-burning ceremony. Under the leadership of Pastor Ted Gray, the church paid

off its $250,000 indebtedness in just five years. Iowa Park’s mayor, Joe Ward, read a proclamation establishing August 15 as “Lakeview Church of God Day.”

INTERNATIONAL RALLY Coming Together, Working Together, Sharing Together February 18-19, 2011, in Sevierville, Tennessee Register by calling the MWOA offices at 423-478-7955.

Mark Williams, second assistant general overseer (right), and Pastor Gray burn the church mortgage.

Sudden Rain Damages California Church

DECEASED MINISTERS and COMPANIONS

GROVER BEACH, Calif.— In 1967, Reynolds Ritchie and his wife, Faye, accepted their first pastorate—the Grover Beach Church of God. More than four decades later, they came out of retirement to lead this church again. Originally built in the 1950s, the church needed a new roof. In a time of year when almost no rain falls, four layers of shingles were being removed when, incredibly, on October 5, two storms collided over the central coast of California. Rain fell for two days. The church’s newly refinished pews, the piano, and the organ

BRIGHT, Earl Herman; 88; ordained bishop; Florida; Lerlean Matthews (daughter)

were hurriedly moved to the building’s north side, which was still under roof. On October 8, Pastor Ritchie wrote, “With quick action by our people—18 at this time—we avoided what could have been a major loss.” He added, “Twenty-eight blowers and five large dehumidifiers are blowing day and night. Our expenses are to pay for new carpeting, base molding, and the very large electric bill for this type of remedy. However, the Grover Beach Church of God will keep on keeping on.”

ANDERSON, Raymond L.; 86; ordained bishop; Ohio; Shirley Anderson (wife)

HARRISON, George W.; 83; ordained bishop; South Carolina; Verbilee Harrison (wife) HAYES, Joseph Emory; 86; ordained bishop, North Carolina; Ruth Hayes (wife) McKEE, William Arial; 80; ordained bishop; South Carolina; Esther Driggers (daughter) SMITH, William Edward; 80; ordained bishop; Alabama; JoAnn Smith (wife) THOMAS, Edward F.; 81; exhorter; Ohio; Noriene Thomas (wife) WATTS, Cleo; 88; ordained bishop; Tennessee; Sue Watts (wife) YOUNGBLOOD, Irene J.; 82; ordained minister; Kentucky; Rhonda King (daughter)

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YOUR MONEY GOD’S WAY

Facing a Financial Crisis By AMIE STREATER

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, MY RECKLESS SPENDING HABITS LEFT MY FAMILY WITH MORE THAN

$100,000 IN CREDITCARD DEBT. SINCE WE SURVIVED IT, I THINK ANYONE CAN.

Amie Streater lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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OST OF US will suffer a financial crisis at least once in our lifetime. Such a crisis can come from job loss, divorce, severe illness, death in the family, or bad money management. In this economy most of us, even if we are doing OK, know someone who is not. Knowing what to do, or knowing what to tell someone who comes to you for advice, is crucial to walking through it as quickly as possible and with a minimum of scars. I have been there. Several years ago, my reckless spending habits left my family with more than $100,000 in credit-card debt. When we added up the damage, we were shocked and traumatized. Since we survived it, I think anyone can. Here are several pointers. Know you are not alone. Feeling like the dumbest, unluckiest, or most persecuted person on the planet is not going to get you anywhere. Always remember that as bad as it is, someone else somewhere has it worse. Pray for them and don’t feel too sorry for yourself or beat yourself up. Hanging your head in shame or feeling like a victim will not serve you in the long run. Find something to be grateful for . . . and then find something else to be grateful for. Repent of any bad behavior that got you into your mess. Repentance means to turn the other way and do something different. You can repent to God by praying, “Father God, I am so sorry for the way I have been managing my money. Please forgive me. Help me to be smarter with my money, and please send people who will help me. Thank You for forgiving me, and bless my efforts to get financially healthy.” Cling to your spouse. I know it is easy to fight right now, but resist the temptation. You need each other now more than ever. Regardless of who was at fault, let it go and fight the fight together. Talk, talk, and talk some more, but make sure your conversations are healthy and results-oriented. This is coming from someone who was almost solely responsible for running up the family debt and blessed by a man who never once called

her on it. Don’t point fingers. If your spouse is responsible, he or she already knows it, so don’t make the problem worse by continuing to point it out. If you are single, you need an accountability partner to lean on. It can be a parent, a close friend, a pastor, a Bible study leader, your mail carrier—it doesn’t matter who. Find someone who knows what the Bible says about money and knows how to manage money wisely. Don’t trust some broke person who wants to boss you around for a little while. Find a financially healthy, mature Christian whose life looks like the life you want to have. Then do what they tell you to do. Find a good church. You cannot do this alone. You need a circle of committed friends around you to walk with you. You need sound biblical teaching. If you don’t know what that looks like, read my book, Your Money God’s Way (available from Pathway Press: 800-553-8506; www .pathwaybookstore.com). Attend Financial Peace University. Go to www.daveramsey.com/fpu to find a nearby class. Attend every week; no excuses. Do the homework. Work the program. It works if you do. It gives you a sensible series of steps to clean up your mess. When you’re done, sign up for the next class. Keep going until you “get it.” I’m currently leading my 14th class and I get something new out of it every time. Accountability rocks. Pray. Pray your socks off—morning, noon, and night. Pray without ceasing. Tell God how you feel and how scared you are. He cares and He will help you. There is nothing else in heaven or earth more powerful than prayer. I’m proof of that. Save money any way you can. Don’t keep doing the same things. Look for ways to trim expenses. Learn how to be thrifty. It can actually be a fun change of pace. Know that Jesus loves you. It’s not just a song. Now more than ever, know that God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. Jesus already paid the price for your mistakes and your failures. Receive His love and help.