Available for Pastoral Ministry
Dear friends and supporters,
We are immediately available for a pastoral ministry and seeking for a community to live and serve. Our vision is for relevant, contemporary ministry and church growth.
Recently, we have completed two transitional ministry assignments: One at traditional church in Mitchell, Indiana; and another at a church plant in Cartersville, Georgia. Our leadership has brought unity, vision, and revitalization to these congregations. We have gained many new friends and relationships that we will miss.
Previously, we enjoyed 18 years in pastoral ministry in New York. Our greatest joy was in such long term ministry where we developed meaningful relationships and made the greatest impact.
Pray with us as we trust God for new ministry direction! Currently, we are packing and preparing to move forward in faith.
Please click on the above pages for ministry info.
– Wes & Patti McCallum
Filed by admin on July 23rd, 2010 under Church, Current Issues, Family | Comments Off
Our Interim Ministry 2008–09.
Community Wesleyan Church — Georgia
a church plant in a growing residential community outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Our transitional interim leadership focused on unity, revitalization, and vision casting. This loving congregation continues to reach many new persons for Christ.
Filed by wes on July 23rd, 2010 under Church, Personal | Comments Off
Our Interim Ministry 2009-10
Mitchell Wesleyan Church, Indiana.
a mission minded congregation of over 100 members with weekly outreach ministries to the city. Our transitional interim leadership focused on unity, revitalization, and vision. Several new persons came to Christ.
Filed by wes on July 23rd, 2010 under Church, Personal | Comments Off
Passion Week 2010
Palm Sunday featured a celebration service of palms, songs, and activities for children. An evening hymn-sing included the “Songs of the Cross”. On Wednesday we viewed the passion narratives from the Gospel of John movie. On Good Friday, our choir presented a contemplative service with readings, prayers, and visual images of Christ’s journey from Gethsemane to Golgotha. Easter Sunday featured a triumphant service of praise songs, choir, and kids’ activities. The church was filled with family, friends, and guests. Several responded to a salvation message.
Filed by admin on July 23rd, 2010 under Church, Current Issues | Comments Off
My Call for Ministry
My call for ministry was more a process than an event. It began in 1978 with a heavenly vision that distinctly got my attention in the early morning hours. Sometime later it was confirmed during a sleepless night of prayer. Later still it was reaffirmed through opportunities for ministry that continued to open up. Ultimately, it was confirmed through other ministers who mentored and ordained me. These scriptures and images are displayed in my office as a reminder of a vision when God revealed himself to me. When life gets tough, I recall that God called me to serve Him.
THE HEAVENLY VISION
Acts 26
13 b … I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me…
16 b … I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17b… I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “So then, … I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven.
Filed by wes on March 17th, 2010 under Personal | Comment now »
The Will of God
THE WILL OF GOD
The will of God will never take you
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercy of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
– Author unknown
I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.
– Phil. 4:13
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—
his good, pleasing and perfect will.
– Romans 12:2.
Filed by wes on March 17th, 2010 under Hymns, Poems | Comments Off
Mom’s Spiritual Influence
I’ve been reflecting lately on the spiritual influence that my Mom had on me as a child. Early she cultivated my spiritual sensitivity and reverence for God. Daily she prayed with me and often spoke of my need to respond to God’s grace. This prepared me for my first response to grace at age 10 during a revival service.
Similar to Susanna Wesley (1669-1742), my mother raised five kids giving each one of us daily spiritual guidance. Like Susanna wrote commentaries on the creeds, Lord’s Prayer, and Ten Commandments; our mom gave similar lessons to her kids. From memory we recited the creeds, commandments, beatitudes, Lord’s Prayer, and psalms. She also taught the church youth class where we learned the catechism and rituals of the church.
Mom loved hymns and gospel songs. She sang them daily as she fed us and chanted them nightly as she tucked us into bed. Perhaps she didn’t think that we were listening, but we were! Israel’s ancient creed states: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” That best describes our Mom! Her love for God was conveyed into the hearts of her children.
Both our mom and dad were preachers and their five kids went to church several times weekly. I often joke that I was raised in a monastery! Perhaps not literally, yet reflecting on my childhood I sense that I had graduated from a seminary.
THANKS MOM! WE LOVE YOU.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. – Deut.6:4-9.
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under Family | Comment now »
40 Days of Prayer
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Mt. 6:16-18 NIV
The season of Lent is the time of preparation for the Holy Week observance of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a 40 day journey of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and scripture reading. It is a time of repentance and renewal of our minds, hearts and deeds in conformity with Christ and his teachings. It is the time, most of all, of our return to the great commandments of loving God and our neighbors. Ideally, it is not a season of morbidity and gloom. On the contrary, it is a time of joyfulness and purification. We are called to anoint our faces, to cleanse our bodies, and to renew our souls.
It is our repentance that God desires, not our remorse. We sorrow for our sins and mistakes but we do so in the joy of God’s mercy. We mortify our body, but we do so in the joy of our resurrection into life everlasting. During Lent, we remember Christ’s baptism as we recall the joy of our own baptism. We recall Christ’s life of prayer and fasting as we also fast and pray. We remember Christ’s victory over temptation as we rise above our own temptations. We recall Christ’s sufferings as we deny our self and take up our own cross. We remember Christ’s resurrection in certain hope of our own resurrection.
Biblically, the number “forty” represents a period of testing or trial. On Mount Sinai, preparing to receive the Ten Commandments, “Moses stayed there with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights, without eating any food or drinking any water” (Ex. 34:28). Elijah walked “40 days and 40 nights” to the mountain of the Lord, Mount Horeb (I Kings 19:8). Jesus fasted and prayed for “40 days and 40 nights” in the desert before He began His public ministry (Mt. 4:2). Moses, Elijah, and Jesus each took the spiritual discipline of fasting to the height of perfection. Separately, they each had a mountain top encounter with God. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah saw Christ’s radiant glory and heard the Father’s heavenly voice (Mt.17:1-2).
Other scriptural references include the forty days of rain during Noah’s flood (Gen. 7:4); the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the promised land (Num. 14:33-35); the forty day fast that the Ninevites observed in obedience to the prophet Jonah (Jon. 3:4-5); and the forty days between the resurrection and ascension when Christ revealed himself to His disciples (Acts 1:3).
The use of ashes or oil also has biblical significance. Ashes or dust were sprinkled on the head or body as a symbol of mourning or repentance. This was usually a public expression of humiliation or grief. The bible also speaks of oil and fragrances poured on the head or body for consecration, healing, or burial. Anointing with oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence and grace.
Since ancient times, Christians have practiced a forty day fast to prepare for Easter or “Pascha”. In fact, many early Christians fasted on every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year. Today, Liturgical Christians still observe Lent with a strict vegetarian diet. Others limit themselves to one evening meal daily or abstain from eating meat on Fridays.
The evangelical leader, JOHN WESLEY, encouraged his followers to observe a Lenten fast then continue with weekly “Friday fasts” throughout the year. Every week Wesley began a fast after the Thursday evening meal and ended it at “tea time” around 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Many Protestants do not fast for Lent but may give up a favorite food or activity, or take on a discipline such as devotions or charity work. Because Lent is Christian tradition and not a biblical requirement, many see fasting as a personal choice and not an obligation. In fact, many Evangelical Christians do not observe Lent or fasting at all.
The Lenten season is an excellent opportunity for repentance, restitution, and renewal. Spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, scripture reading, and communion will enhance the experience. Family prayer and devotions will strengthen the home. Outreach to neighbors or the needy will extend Christ’s compassion to others. Fasting will bring our attitudes, appetites, and passions under Christ’s control. Developing new habits requires repetition, time, and discipline. This is a good time to regain control over distractions like the TV, internet, and iPods. Elijah heard God gently whisper in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13). We also can encounter God when we silence ourselves and pray.
© 2008, Pastor Wes McCallum
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
Jesus, Priceless Treasure
1.Jesus, priceless treasure,
source of purest pleasure,
friend most sure and true:
long my heart was burning,
fainting much and yearning,
thirsting, Lord, for you.
Yours I am, O spotless Lamb,
so will I let nothing hide you,
seek no joy beside you!
2.Let your arms enfold me:
those who try to wound me
cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Fires may flash and thunder crash;
yea, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
3.Hence, all worldly treasure!
Jesus is my pleasure,
Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
What to me your story
told with tempting voice?
Pain or loss or shame or cross
shall not from my Savior move me,
since he chose to love me.
4.Banish thoughts of sadness,
for the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in;
though the clouds may gather,
those who love the Savior
still have peace within.
Though I bear much sorrow here,
still in you lies purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!
“Jesu, meine Freude” is a German pietistic hymn written by Johann Franck in 1653. It is inspired by Jesus’ parables of the great treasure and fine pearl (Matt. 13:44-46). Scripture References: Matt. 13:44-46, John 15:1-4, Ps. 73:25, Phil. 3:8. It was translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863 as follows:
1. Jesus, priceless Treasure,
Fount of purest pleasure,
Truest Friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish
Shall my spirit languish,
Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide Thee,
Naught I ask beside Thee.
2. In Thine arms I rest me;
Foes who would molest me
Cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
Every heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Lightnings flash And thunders crash;
Yet, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
3. Satan, I defy thee;
Death, I now decry thee;
Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me
Nor thy threats alarm me
While I sing of peace.
God’s great power Guards every hour;
Earth and all its depths adore Him,
Silent bow before Him.
4. Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my Pleasure,
Jesus is my Choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
Naught to me thy story
Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,
Shall not from my Savior move me
Since He deigns to love me.
5. Evil world, I leave thee;
Thou canst not deceive me,
Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did blind me,
Get thee far behind me,
Come not forth again.
Past thy hour, O pride and power;
Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,
Leave thee now forever.
6. Hence, all fear and sadness!
For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
Yea, whate’er I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest Pleasure,
Jesus, priceless Treasure!
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under Current Issues | Comment now »
Lenten Prayer by John Wesley
O JESUS, POOR AND ABJECT, UNKNOWN AND DESPISED,
have mercy upon me, and let me not be ashamed to follow Thee.
O JESUS, HATED, CALUMNIATED, AND PERSECUTED,
have mercy upon me, and let me not be ashamed to come after Thee.
O JESUS, BETRAYED AND SOLD AT A VILE PRICE,
have mercy upon me, and make me content to be as my Master.
O JESUS, BLASPHEMED, ACCUSED AND WRONGFULLY CONDEMNED,
have mercy upon me, and teach me to endure the contradiction of sinners.
O JESUS, CLOTHED WITH A HABIT OF REPROACH AND SHAME,
have mercy upon me, and let me not seek my own glory.
O JESUS, INSULTED, MOCKED, AND SPIT UPON,
have mercy upon me, and let me run with patience the race set before me.
O JESUS, DRAGGED TO THE PILLAR, SCOURGED, AND BATHED IN BLOOD,
have mercy upon me, and let me not faint in the fiery trial.
O JESUS, CROWNED WITH THORNS, AND HAILED IN DERISION;
O JESUS, BURDENED WITH OUR SINS, AND THE CURSES OF THE PEOPLE;
O JESUS, AFFRONTED, OUTRAGED, BUFFETED, OVERWHELMED WITH INJURIES, GRIEFS, AND HUMILIATIONS;
O JESUS, HANGING ON THE ACCURSED TREE, BOWING THE HEAD, GIVING UP THE GHOST,
Have mercy upon me, and confirm my whole soul to Thy holy, humble, suffering Spirit.
O Thou who for the love of me hast undergone such an infinity of sufferings and humiliations, let me be wholly “emptied of myself,” that I may rejoice to take up my cross daily and follow Thee.
Enable me, too, to endure the pain and despise the shame; and, if it be Thy will, to resist even unto blood!
– REV. JOHN WESLEY (at age 20).
Friday morning prayers –
“A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day in the Week”, 1733.
Filed by wes on March 16th, 2010 under John & Charles Wesley, Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
A Tribute to Dr. Dan & Shelley Berry
Dr. Dan & Shelley Berry are precious servants of God who have patiently endured substantial hardships following their automobile accident 2½ years ago. On Friday, March 5, Shelley passed on to her eternal rest. God has graciously called Shelley to the eternal joy of heaven and the resurrection hope of a perfectly restored body. Glory to God!Dan & Shelley have been faithful spiritual leaders and their nearly 30 year marriage was a true ministry partnership. Shelley’s witness in life and death has touch thousands for God’s glory.
They have been true friends and pastors to both Patti & I. We are deeply touched by Dan’s loss. These pictures were taken on Nov. 30, 2008 shortly after her recovery from a long coma. Shelley was so happy that day, we cherish the memory!
…together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory.
But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory
he will reveal to us later. – Romans 8:17-18 NLT.
Filed by wes on March 4th, 2010 under Current Issues | Comment now »
Christ’s Call to Worship
THESE ARE THE WORDS OF HIM…
• who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.
• who is the First and the Last and died and came to life again.
• who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
• whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze.
• who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
• who is holy and true and holds the key of David.
• who is the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
TO HIM WHO OVERCOMES…
• I will give the right to eat from the tree of life.
• I will give the crown of life.
• I will give some of the hidden manna.
• I will give him a white stone with a new name written on it.
• I will give authority over the nations.
• I will give him the morning star.
• I will never blot out his name from the book of life.
• I will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
• I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.
• I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God.
• I will give the right to sit with me on my throne,
just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
HE WHO HAS AN EAR,
LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
– Adapted from Revelation 2 & 3 niv.
Filed by wes on February 20th, 2010 under Readings, Prayers | Comment now »
John Wesley’s Accountabilty Questions
John Wesley discipled converts in “class meetings” or “bands” consisting of 12 people pursuing the discipline of Christian godliness. One or more of the following accountability questions were asked of each person weekly:
John Wesley’s Band Meeting Questions:
1. What known sins have you committed since our last meeting?
2. What temptations have you met with?
3. How were you delivered?
4. What have you thought, said, or done, of which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
5. Have you nothing you desire to keep secret? (this one was optional).
For well over a century this method of discipling was continued by Wesley’s followers. The “class meeting” was common practice as late as the 1960′s in North America. As a child, I recall these class meetings in various churches of the Champlain Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
Reference: John Wesley’s Class Meetings: a Model for Making Disciples, by D. Michael Henderson, Evangel Publishing House, 1997, pp. 118-9.
Filed by wes on December 17th, 2009 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | 1 Comment »
Questions for Self Examination
Here is one set of questions similar to what John Wesley gave to members of his discipleship groups more than 200 years ago.
The questions have their origin in the spiritual accountability group started by Wesley when he was a student at Oxford — a group that detractors called “The Holy Club.” The first list appeared about 1729 or 1730 in the preface to Wesley’s second Oxford Diary. Similar questions appeared in his 1733 A Collection of Forms of Prayer for Every Day in the Week. As late as 1781, Wesley published a list of questions like this in the Arminian Magazine.
Questions for Self Examination
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21 Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22 Is Christ real to me?
John Wesley was an 18th century Anglican evangelist and founder of the Wesleyan Tradition.
Filed by wes on December 16th, 2009 under John & Charles Wesley, Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
One of our great privileges in life was to attend the Wesley Choral Festival at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York on February 18, 2007. The occasion was the Charles Wesley Tercentenary (300th anniversary) of his birth. A 300 voice choir with orchestra presented the most “excelling” arrangement of Wesley’s hymn, “Love Divine”. We were ecstatic with joy and praise. For Charles Wesley, JESUS is the “Love Divine” that excels all other loves. The final verse of this hymn states the destiny of the sanctified life: “changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.” – Wes & Patti McCallum.
1.
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down;
fix in us thy humble dwelling;
all thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation;
enter every trembling heart.
2.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into every troubled breast!
Let us all in thee inherit;
let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
3.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
4.
Finish, then, thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Words: Charles Wesley, 1747
Music: John Zundel, 1870
Filed by wes on December 16th, 2009 under Introduction | Comment now »
O Love Divine What Hast Thou Done
O Love Divine What Hast Thou Done
The incarnate God hath died for me!
The Father’s co-eternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
The immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified.
Behold Him all ye that pass by,
The bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come sinners see your Savior die,
And say “Was ever grief like His?”
Come feel with me His blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified.
Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss,
And give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
– Hymn by: Charles Wesley, 1742
Filed by wes on December 15th, 2009 under Hymns, Poems, John & Charles Wesley | Comment now »
John Wesley’s General Rules (1743)
Many churches set membership commitments for their constituents. Here is an interesting set of
GENERAL RULES set by John & Charles Wesley in 1743 for those attending the class meetings. Initially, only one condition was required to attend — a desire “to flee from the wrath to come, to be saved from their sins”. However, to continue attending one was expected to observe THREE AREAS OF WEEKLY DISCIPLINE:
1. Doing no harm by avoiding all evil;
2. Doing good towards others; and
3. Attending all the means of grace (worship, communion, prayer, scriptures, fasting).
A lay leader was responsible to guide a group of 12 persons in their spiritual disciples. Typically, a class meeting had more seekers than perfected Christians. This class meeting model was observed in many churches for over 200 years but phased out of use in the 1960’s.
WESLEY’S GENERAL RULES (1743).
THERE IS ONE ONLY CONDITION PREVIOUSLY REQUIRED IN THOSE WHO DESIRE ADMISSION INTO THESE SOCIETIES, — A DESIRE “TO FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME, TO BE SAVED FROM THEIR SINS:” But, wherever this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
FIRST, BY DOING NO HARM, BY AVOIDING EVIL IN EVERY KIND; especially that which is most generally practiced: Such as,
— the taking the name of God in vain;
— the profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work thereon, or by buying or selling;
— drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity;
— fighting, quarreling, brawling; brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling;
— the buying or selling unaccustomed goods (that have not paid the duty);
— the giving or taking things on usury, that is, unlawful interest;
— uncharitable or unprofitable conversation, particularly speaking evil of Magistrates or of Ministers;
— doing to others as we would not they should do unto us;
— doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as
— the “putting on of gold or costly apparel;”
— the taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus;
— the singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God;
— softness, and needless self-indulgence;
— laying up treasures upon earth;
— borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.
It is expected of all who continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
SECONDLY, BY DOING GOOD, by being, in every kind, merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and as far as is possible, to all men;
— to their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick, or in prison;
— to their souls, by instructing reproving, or exhorting all they have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that “we are not to do good unless our heart be free to it.”
— By doing good especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others, buying one of another; helping each other in business; and so much the more, because the world will love its own, and them only:
— By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed:
— By running with patience the race that is set before them, “denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily;” submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and off-scouring of the world; and looking that men should “say all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord’s sake.”
It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
THIRDLY, BY ATTENDING UPON ALL THE ORDINANCES OF GOD.
Such are,
— the public worship of God;
— the ministry of the word, either read or expounded;
— the supper of the Lord;
— family and private prayer;
— searching the Scriptures;
— and fasting, or abstinence.
These are the GENERAL RULES of our societies; all which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written word, the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these, we know, his Spirit writes on every truly awakened heart. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be made known unto them who watch over that soul as they that must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways; we will bear with him for a season: But then if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.
— JOHN WESLEY, CHARLES WESLEY.
May 1, 1743.
Filed by wes on December 15th, 2009 under History, John & Charles Wesley | Comment now »
Changing Wine into Grape Juice?
Today, the use of unfermented grape juice for communion is the standard practice for most Protestant churches. However; few know the origins of this custom that dates back to 1869 with Thomas Bramwell Welch, M.D. (1825-1903), the founder of Welch’s grape juice. Welch, was the first person to stop the fermentation of wine by applying Louis Pasteur’s pasteurization process to Concord grape juice. He developed this “alcohol-free wine” specifically for use in the church where he was the communion steward in Vineland, New Jersey. Initially, Welch’s grape juice was intended solely for communion in the church. This was an innovative idea at a time when churches typically poured fermented wine out of a pitcher and into a large “common cup” or chalice. By 1893, small individual communion cups were introduced by Rev. R. W. Ryan, who owned an individual-cup-making company in New Jersey.
Few know that the founder of Welch’s grape juice began as a Wesleyan Methodist preacher and an outspoken activist for the temperance movement. Thomas Bramwell Welch, gradated from the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary in 1844 and served Wesleyan Methodist congregations at Pound Ridge and Herkimer County, New York.* He retired from active ministry after his voice and health failed him. In 1851, he graduated from medical college and served as a dentist until 1880 in Vineland, New Jersey. Vineland was also the center for National Camp Meeting Association for the Promotion of Holiness. Undoubtedly, Welch was influenced by these camp meetings that attracted crowds of over 20,000 people annually. In 1865 he began grape processing plants at Vineland, New Jersey and later at Watkins and Westfield, New York. Throughout his life he was an outspoken temperance activist and fought against the devastating effects of alcohol in Vineland, Millville, and Bridgeton, New Jersey and also at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Wesleyan heritage includes Thomas Welch, a preacher who resisted the social evils of his day and changed the communion tradition in America. However, the novelty of grape juice served in tiny cups didn’t catch on right away as few parishioners saw the need for such innovation. Thomas Welch and his son, Charles, spent years promoting this new tradition in many churches that resisted change. By 1893, Welch’s grape juice became a national favorite as thousands sampled it at the Chicago World’s Fair. Possibly, it was the World’s Fair that brought the cultural acceptance of grape juice to the church. 1893 was the same year that a Methodist preacher, Rev. R. W. Ryan, published several articles defending his novel invention of individual communion cups. Many resisted the idea of serving communion in a “shot glass”. Another innovation was the use bleached leavened bread. This idea gained acceptance in the 1930’s when Wonder Bread™ introduced sliced bread.
Some traditions are hard to change. Someone once gave me an antique communion flagon pitcher and chalice from the 1800′s. Whenever I use it, I am humbled to think of my predecessors who served communion a century before I was born. I am sure that they resisted change too!
A TIME LINE OF COMMUNION CHANGES
1864 Methodist General Conference urged the use of unfermented juice.
1869 Dr. Thomas B. Welch experiments with pasteurized grape juice.
1880 Methodist General Conference standardizes the use of unfermented juice.
1893 Rev. R. W. Ryan introduces individual communion cups.
1893 Welch’s grape juice introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair.
1930’s Wonder Bread™ introduces “sliced bread” (the newly adopted communion standard).
* Thomas Welch’s ministry in the Wesleyan Methodist Church is documented in an obituary written by his son, Dr. Charles E. Welch. http://www.vineland.org/history/welchs/DrTBWelch.html
Filed by wes on December 14th, 2009 under Church, History | Comment now »
Ancient Baptisty
Baptistry at Sardis (below). Reused marble slabs with crosses superimposed over pagan inscriptions.
Baptistry, Basilica of St. John, Ephesus, Turkey (below).
Baptistry at Philippi (below).
5th Century Baptistry at Emmaus (below).
Baptistry at Ephesus (below).
Filed by wes on November 28th, 2009 under Church, History | Comment now »
Count Your Blessings
Count your blessings, not your crosses;
Count your gains, not your losses.
Count your joys, not your woes;
Count your friends, not your foes.
Count your smiles, not your tears;
Count your courage, not your fears.
Count your full years, not your lean;
Count your kind deeds, not your mean.
Count your health, not your wealth;
Count on God, not on yourself.
– Adapted — Author Unknown.
Filed by wes on November 26th, 2009 under Holidays, Hymns, Poems | Comment now »
Veteran’s Day Tribute
My grandfather:
Claude J. McCallum, 1890 – 1948.
Served in France during World War I, U. S. Army.
Filed by wes on November 5th, 2009 under Genealogy | Comment now »
Father’s Day 2009
I am a man created in God’s image,
Of Adam’s race, now marred by pride and sin.
But thru’ God’s Son, Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior,
I am a man who’s now restored to Him.
The Mighty God who made me has redeemed me,
Now I’m His man, for Jesus reigns within.
I am a man reborn to serve my Father.
“Your will be done in me,” my spirit cries.
My life has found its dignity and purpose,
I’m not a creature of brute chance or lies.
To Christ my King I yield my whole existence,
Now as His man, I’m destined for the skies.
I am a man appointed by my Savior
To show His love in all I do and say.
His Holy Spirit is my source of power
To live in light and point to Christ the Way.
Lord fill me now and help me seize the moment,
That as Your man, I’ll serve Your cause today.
I’ll be a man who walks with God in worship;
I’ll be a man who walks with men as friend.
I’ll be a man who loves and serves his family;
I’ll be a man on whom God can depend.
Lord Jesus Christ, my King and Commander,
I’ll be Your man, until my life shall end.
– Jack W. Hayford, ©1994, Annamarie Music, Tune: Finlandia.
Filed by wes on June 20th, 2009 under Holidays, Hymns, Poems | Comment now »
Quiz: What is the Kingdom of God?
This quiz relates to my recent sermon on this topic. Take this online quiz that measures THE KINGDOM OF GOD according to 8 values. My quiz results are as follows:
You Scored as THE KINGDOM AS A CHRISTIANIZED SOCIETY.
Christians shouldn’t withdraw from the world, but by being present in it they can transform it. The kingdom is not only spiritual, but social, political, and cultural.
| THE KINGDOM AS A CHRISTIANIZED SOCIETY |
|
83% |
| The Kingdom as a counter-system |
|
75% |
| The Kingdom is mystical communion |
|
67% |
| Inner spiritual experience |
|
58% |
| The Kingdom as Earthly Utopia |
|
50% |
| The Kingdom is a Future Hope |
|
42% |
| The Kingdom as a political state |
|
42% |
| The Kingdom as Institutional Church |
|
8% |
The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever. – Revelation 11:15b
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness… - Matthew 6:33a
Filed by wes on February 15th, 2009 under Personal, Theology | Comment now »
How Deep the Father’s Love for us
Filed by wes on February 7th, 2009 under Video Clips | Comment now »
Alas! and Did my Savior Bleed
Hymn written by Isaac Watts, 1707. Sung by the Sharon Singers.
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For sinners such as I?
Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His Soul in anguish stood.
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can not repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
’Tis all that I can do.
Filed by wes on February 6th, 2009 under Hymns, Poems, Video Clips | Comment now »
The Lord’s Prayer
I CANNOT SAY…
I cannot say “Our”,
if my religion has no room for others and their needs.
I cannot say “Father”,
if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily living.
I cannot say “Who art in heaven”,
if all my interests and pursuits are on earthly things.
I cannot say “Hallowed be thy name”,
if I, who is called by His name, am not holy.
I cannot say “Thy kingdom come”,
if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.
I cannot say “Thy will be done”,
if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
I cannot say “On earth as it is in heaven”
unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.
I cannot say “Give us this day our daily bread”
without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellowmen.
I cannot say “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”,
if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot say “Lead us not into temptation”,
if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot say “Deliver us from evil”,
if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.
I cannot say “Thine is the kingdom”,
if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.
I cannot say “Thine is the power”,
if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say or do.
I cannot say “Thine is the glory”,
if I am seeking my own glory first.
I cannot say “Forever”,
if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.
I cannot say “AMEN”
unless I honestly say,
“Cost what it may, this is my prayer.”
– Author Unknown, The Evangel, 3/27/85.
OUR FATHER,
who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
– Matthew 6:9-13
– Book of Common Prayer, 1928.
Filed by wes on February 5th, 2009 under Readings, Prayers, Video Clips | Comment now »
Our Father video
OUR FATHER by Don Moen
DISCLAIMER :
You must agree to the following statement or leave this website. All Don Moen – Our Father lyrics, artist names and images are copyrighted to their respective owners. All Don Moen – Our Father song lyrics are restricted for educational and personal use only.
Filed by wes on February 4th, 2009 under Video Clips | Comments Off
Principles of Spiritual Restoration
This outline is from my recent teaching series on the Principles of Spiritual Restoration. A believer who sins often needs help to be restored to the family or church. Adapt these principles according to the circumstances and the severity of the situation.
KEY SCRIPTURES
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. –1 John 2:1
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:7-9
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. — Galatians 6:1-3.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. — James 5:16
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. — 2 Corinthians 7:10
RESPONDING TO GOD
- Avoid justifying or rationalizing your actions.
- Make an honest confession and repentance of sin.
- Forgive yourself, accept Christ’s cleansing.
- Forgive others who may have harmed you.
- Ask the pastor(s) to receive Holy Communion.
- Consecrate yourself afresh to God and His will.
- Ask God to sanctify your attitudes, thoughts, and motives.
- Pursue holy living and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
- Develop spiritual disciplines of worship, prayer, fasting, scriptures, etc.
- Safeguard yourself against repeating the same sin.
- Never think that you are above sin or temptation, even Jesus was tempted.
CONFESSION
- Confess public sins publicly, and private sins privately.
- Keep your confession brief (use carefully selected words).
- Express genuine repentance and remorse for sin.
- Focus only on your own sin (not the sin of others).
- Confess to specific sins (not generalized mistakes or errors).
- Guard against details that may hurt the reputation of others.
- Apologize directly to those that you may have harmed.
- Express your desire to make restitution and reconciliation.
- Request forgiveness and prayer support.
- Exalt Christ (avoid a self-centered confession).
RESPONDING TO OTHERS
- Make restitution with those who you have wronged.
- Respond with humility and limit strong emotions.
- Limit your conversation to only those directly involved.
- Discontinue discussing resolved matters.
- Avoid the appearance of evil (to restore your character).
- Preserve the witness of your church or family.
- Submit to those in spiritual leadership over you.
- Be accountable to a respected partner.
- Accept that fact that some people may never forgive you and move on.
- Ask God for grace to deal with difficult people.
CONSEQUENCES
- Some people may be hurt, disillusioned, or angry.
- Some people may avoid you, your family, or church.
- Some people may spread rumor and gossip.
- Your witness may be compromised.
- Your character may be questioned.
- Some people will doubt the sincerity of your repentance.
- Some consequences may never be reversed.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- It takes time to heal emotions and restore confidence.
- It takes time to rebuild trust, respect, and leadership.
- Very little sin is private; most issues have an impact upon others.
- Un-confessed sin will keep you and others in spiritual bondage.
OTHER SCRIPTURES
1 John 1
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Matthew 3
5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by (John) in the Jordan River.
Luke19
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Ephesians 4
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Luke 14:11
11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
James 4
6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Romans 12
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matthew 18
15“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
1 Thessalonians 5
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Avoid every kind of evil.
Filed by wes on February 4th, 2009 under Spiritual Discipline | Comment now »
A Hymn for Mother’s Day
Lord of life and King of glory,
Who didst deign a child to be,
Cradled on a mother’s bosom,
Throned upon a mother’s knee:
For the children Thou hast given
We must answer unto Thee!
Since the day the blessed mother
Thee, the world’s Redeemer, bore,
Thou hast crowned us with an honor
Women never knew before;
And that we may bear it meetly
We must seek Thine aid the more.
Grant us, then, pure hearts and patient,
That in all we do or say
Little souls our deeds may copy,
And be never led astray;
Little feet our steps may follow
In a safe and narrow way.
When our growing sons and daughters
Look on life with eager eyes,
Grant us then a deeper insight
And new powers of sacrifice:
Hope to trust them, faith to guide them,
Love that nothing good denies.
May we keep our holy calling
Stainless in its fair renown,
That when all the work is over
And we lay the burdens down,
Then the children Thou hast given
Still may be our joy and crown.
– Christian Burke, 1903.
London, England
http://www.nethymnal.com/htm/l/l/llkglory.htm
Filed by wes on January 28th, 2009 under Hymns, Poems | Comment now »
Isaac Watts video clip
Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was one of the most prolific hymn writers in the English language as well as being one of the first. Before Watts’s time, people sang psalms in churches rather than hymns, and many of Watts’s hymns are paraphrases of the psalms.
Filed by wes on January 22nd, 2009 under Hymns, Poems, Video Clips | Comment now »
Charles Wesley video clip
Filed by wes on January 22nd, 2009 under John & Charles Wesley, Video Clips | Comment now »
Thanks to God for My Redeemer
LISTEN TO AUDIO: Thanks to God for my Redeemer
THANKS to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
THANKS for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
THANKS for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
1891 – by August L. Storm, translated from Swedish to English.
August Ludvig Storm was born on October, 1862, in Motala, and converted to Christ in a Salvation Army meeting. He joined the Salvation Army Corps and became one of its leading officers.
Carl Ernest Backstrom, the original text translator pastured Evangelical Mission Covenant churches in Nebraska, Iowa, and Ohio. He translated it for the Covenant Hymnal, 1931.
Filed by wes on November 15th, 2008 under Holidays, Hymns, Poems, Readings, Prayers | 1 Comment »
Biblical Mentors
Jesus’ greatest influence was not with the 12 disciples or the crowds. Rather, it was with intimate disciples like Peter, James, and John. He mentored Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He also warmed the hearts of two disciples on the
Moses to Joshua
Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the
–
So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through Moses. –
Eli & Samuel
So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the LORD for him.” Hannah … said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always.”
…they brought the boy to Eli, and she said to him, “As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” —
Elijah and Elisha
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not.”
He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the
Mordecai to Esther
Now there was in the citadel of
Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.
But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up. –
Jesus to the 12 Disciples
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons. –
Jesus with Peter, James, and John
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. –
Jesus to the 70 Disciples
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field
The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. —
Jesus with Mary, Martha, & Lazarus
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. –
Paul to Timothy
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. – Timothy 2:1-2.
Lois to Eunice to Timothy
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. —
Paul to his Leaders
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. —
After spending some time in
