Someone recently asked me what I would focus on if I were trying to steward new life in a declining or stagnant congregation. I told them I would focus on three things intently, and I would not waver. Renewal First, I would cultivate a culture of renewal/revival: a kingdom culture of transformation. We should do … Continue reading Three Things
The “world” is a spirit or a force that opposes, attacks, and outright rejects the Spirit of Christ. Don’t be fooled by the spirit of this present age, it’s not good. In fact, Scripture teaches that the spirit of the world is antichrist: “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This … Continue reading Spirit Of The Age
Dialogue is important. It’s healthy to discuss issues, express convictions, and voice opinions prayerfully. However, when dialogue leads to continually questioning biblical truth it becomes problematic. The reason for this is there are certain teachings that are so central to Christian faith and practice that there’s no need to debate them. In fact, we shouldn’t … Continue reading Strange Teachings
Political correctness in and of itself is not a bad thing. In the simplest of terms, it’s a way of treating people with respect regardless of ethnicity, gender, race, religion, socio-economic status, and other things that have the potential to divide. According to that definition, Jesus was politically correct. He treated everyone with dignity because … Continue reading Political Correctness
General Assembly is the quadrennial gathering of the global family that is the Church of the Nazarene. Every four years delegates from all over the world come together to celebrate what God has done, discern how the Holy Spirit is leading, and make decisions about how to faithfully advance the mission of Making Christlike Disciples … Continue reading General Assembly Resolutions
Becoming vulnerable is the first step toward freedom. Vulnerability exposes our weakness and enables God to break down strongholds. We cannot function in freedom until we become brave enough to confront the strongholds that hinder the advancement of the Kingdom in our lives. God is so much better than we give Him credit for. I … Continue reading Repentance & Holiness
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11 “Gotcha Day” is a term used in the adoption community. It refers to the day when adoptive parents finally get their child. It’s … Continue reading Gotcha Day
The Bible—it’s been a source of lively discussion for centuries. It’s a shame when it moves from being a source of healthy dialogue to a form of division, especially among those who claim to represent what is contained therein. I love the Bible. I trust the Bible. I believe the Bible is reliable. I believe … Continue reading I Believe—Literally
Passionate, mission-minded, revivalistic, evangelical, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus that started in a Glory Barn believing in the life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit… That’s who we are. It’s who we’ve always been. It’s what makes us unique. For some time it seems we’ve been struggling with an identity crisis. Some within our tribe lean toward … Continue reading Nazarene Generations
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot about the roots of the Church of the Nazarene. As with any denomination, God uses specific groups of people to accomplish unique things. No doubt, the men and women that called themselves Nazarenes in the early days were catalysts in the 20th Century Holiness Movement. Phineas F. Bresee, founder of the … Continue reading Centers Of Holy Fire
Brian L Powell 