What Is Holiness of Heart and Life?

Verse of the Week: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17


Pastor to Pastor
I heard a lay person ask a pastor to explain the distinctive beliefs of the Church of the Nazarene in contrast to a Southern Baptist. How would you answer? Certainly we don't need to compare ourselves to others, but we do need to be able to articulate what we believe, and what is the central focus of our doctrine, which is to be sure the doctrine of holiness.

Could you explain holiness in an elevator? (In other words, in just a few seconds, when you may never see the person again.)
I found this explanation or definition in a little book that David Ching gave me to read entitled, Making Disciples by Sondra Higgins Matthaei. The quote came from another book entitled, Responsible Grace.

"Inward holiness involves total commitment to God, singleness of intention, centering one's life completely on God. It includes believing in, trusting, loving, worshipping, and obeying God. It consists of constant reliance on God's grace and using God's gifts to become what God intends us to be. (Charles Yrigoyen, Jr.)

That is simple, succinct, and powerful. Preaching and teaching this, the essence of the holy life, can be challenging, but it is an encouraging, helpful, and hopeful message.

Go for it!

Last Sunday was a full and fulfilling day. Elaine and I began by driving to Brookhaven First (MS) for the morning service where beside preaching I had the wonderful privilege of dedicating the newest addition to the parsonage, Lillian Marie Rego. what a precious time and beautiful family.
After a wonderful lunch in the parsonage we drove to LifePointe Community Church in McComb and were thrilled to participate in the installation of Rev. Keith Matthews as the new pastor. What a great service, and Keith wife Samantha sang and rocked the house. Wow!
Following the service I drove to Vicksburg First to guide a reception and interview for a pastoral candidate with the church board. All in all a long and rich day.

This Sunday: I will be conducting the dedication of the new sanctuary and improvements at BridgePoint (Brandon, MS) in the morning and preaching and holding a board meeting at Vicksburg First in the evening.

Special Notes

Open Churches: (MS) Union, Vicksburg First, and Jackson Emmanuel
(LA) Kenner First and GracePointe


Important Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray for Lynn Witbeck (Starkeville, MS) and Cheryl Bradley (Crowley, LA) who lost father and mother, respectfully.
Pray for Rev. Mike Whitten and family. Mike's father passed away this week and his funeral was Wednesday.
Rev. Derek Catron, pastor at Lake Charles First (LA), is recovering for surgery at home. Because of the extent of his surgery recovery will take some time.
Rev. Ruby Walters, pastor of Lucedale, has suffered paralysis of her vocal chords due to some recent surgery. She cannot speak and obviously cannot pastor/preach. She is taking a leave and the Dr's. are hoping she will regain use of her voice in about 6 months. Please pray for this precious lady. Brenda Teston, pastors wife at Moss Bluff (LA) will have surgery in the next couple of weeks on her foot. Please pray for her as she is just recovering from major surgery a few months ago. Continue to pray for Rev. Jerry Cole, McVay Memorial.

We had a good response to the POPS in MS and are looking forward to our time together in LA tomorrow at Rocky Creek Camp.

January 31 is the date for a wonderful time of celebration with all of our African American church from both district at Hattiesburg First at 3:00 pm. If you are within driving distance why not cancel your evening service and come to Hattiesburg to support this great service of inspiration and encouragement.

PALCONS are scheduled for Trevecca (TNU) Region May 11-14 and Southern (SNU) Region June 28-July 1. These are going to be incredible events and you are encouraged to start planning now to participate. As we enter a new year please put this in your budget. If one doesn't work in to your schedule try another. Dates of the other events are at http://www.nazazrenepastor.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: No one should ever be appointed to a senior position (church board/district board?) unless top management (pastor/DS) is willing to have his or her character serve as a model for subordinates. Peter Drucker

Book I am Recommending: "Making Disciples" by Sondra Higgins Matthaei
This book is a study of the writings of the Wesley's, including Charles and Susanna that reflect on the discipleship model established by John Wesley that served as a model for Methodism. One of the benefits of the book is that it reflects on helping someone "know they are a Christian." It also focuses on the community of faith and how it provides opportunities for accountability and responsibility and how both of those are marks of making and being disciples of Jesus. This book was recommended by Rev. David Ching. Very well worth the read.

LET'S TRADE PRAYERS