The lady asked, "What does the chaplain do? Does he pray for the Senate or House?"
The guide answered, "No, he gets up, looks at both houses of Congress, then prays for the country!"
A couple was touring the capitol in Washington, DC, and the guide pointed out a tall, benevolent gentleman as the congressional chaplain.
The lady asked, "What does the chaplain do? Does he pray for the Senate or House?" The guide answered, "No, he gets up, looks at both houses of Congress, then prays for the country!"
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I am endeavoring to take one day off each week for my Sabbath Celebration and rest from my labors with Hugh's News. The most staunch subscriber of Hugh's News who reads every one of them and reports to me on what he read informed me that the one for Sunday took him an hour to read. That tells me, I am giving far too much information, and I am working too hard. Therefore, I will endeavor to reduce the articles and give you only what is reasonable to read in a few minutes. Today, is Monday, June 1. I hope I've have helped you to experience the best Pentecost Sunday in your life. Thank you for allowing me to come to your door with this newsletter called Hugh's News. Your friend in all seasons, Hugh H. Morgan I want to thank Bishop Doug Beacham for his tweet on the Internet. He gave me a link to Empowered 21 headed up by Billy Wilson, president of ORU. Click Here to see and here speakers all over the world. I invite you to connect with their web link and see what the Holy Spirit is doing around the world. The sermon by George O. Wood, the former general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, made my day. I needed his sermon and he takes us back to the Day of Pentecost in the Upper Room in Jerusalem. Laban West brings the series of Quarantine Hymns to a close. Please Click Here on this hyperlink to hear Laban West play these two great hymns: "I'll Fly Away" and "When The Saints Go Marching In." Quarantine Hymn #11 - I'll Fly Away/When the Saints Go Marching In Quarantine Hymn #11 - I'll Fly Away(Albert E. Brumley)/When the Saints go Marching In - For now, this is the last of a series of hymns/gospel songs posted during the spring 2020 Corona Virus/Covid-19 lockdown. Arman Stephens, 80. left this world for an eternity of unending joys in heaven The Rev. Mr. Arman Stephens Arman Stephens, 80, died on the 27th of May in Bethany, Oklahoma. He was born July 13, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Reverend W.K. Stephens and Lorene Wilson Stephens. He married Dee Teague on August 14, 1959. Arman pioneered and pastored many churches. He continued to minister through worship and preaching all throughout the United States and other nations. Arman enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and hunting. Above all, he was devoted to his family and was readily available to anyone who needed Godly counsel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. W.K. Stephens and Lorene Stephens, and his older brother, Sherrill Stephens. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dee Stephens of Bethany; 3 children, Greg Stephens and wife Michelle of Ft. Worth, TX, Tonya Clark and husband Mike of Flower Mound, TX, Trey Stephens and wife Gina of OKC; 10 grandchildren, Kristen, Christian, Olivia, Regan, Madison, Rachel, Jon Marc, Matthew, Benjamin, and Mitchell; 2 great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Gwen. Viewing will be Wednesday, June 3, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 11:00 am at The Gate Church, 7700 N. Council Rd., OKC. [Editor's Comment: I met Pastor Arman Stephens when I was president of Southwestern College, now Southwestern Christian University. The Pentecostal Holiness Church he pastored was not far from the campus of Southwestern. Arman was an energetic, outgoing pastor. I remember that he was active and involved in the events of our college. I remember our athletic department sponsored a fund-raising event where we played basketball on the backs of donkeys. The coaches got Dr. Vinson Synan and me to play baketball in that game. I remember the competitive nature of Arman and his great desire to win the game. In fact, I think the alumni won the game over faculty and staff of the college. The church where the memorial service will be conducted is where Bishop Tony Miller is the pastor. It was built by my friend, Ron Dryden. Ron was a great singer. I knew Ron and his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Leverne Dryden, and his sister. My good friend, the Rev. Dr. Leroy Baker will be preaching Arman's funeral. I wish I could be there to hear Leroy preach.] What Acts teaches about our experience with the Holy Spirit Author: George O. Wood The Book of Acts teaches four things about our experience with the Spirit—what the Spirit is doing when He comes upon us. First, the Holy Spirit creates unity among us without producing uniformity. When the Spirit of God enters us, we do not become clones. In fact, the Scriptures say that the Spirit places great variety in the Body of Christ—varieties of ministry, personality, ministerial office—all flowing out of the one Spirit. The Spirit ministers to us the life of Jesus, which is the source of our unity, but He also brings us to Christlikeness without making us “cookies” cut in the exact same shape. Second, the Spirit taps the potential in our life that no one or nothing else can reach. No one’s life is ever the same after having encountered the Holy Spirit. No person in the New Testament would have ever realized the potential in his life unless the Holy Spirit had been upon him. No matter what our talents and personalities are, and no matter how much energy we bring to any particular assignment or task, only the Holy Spirit can touch the depths of potential in our lives and draw it forth for the Kingdom of God. Third, the Spirit is always leading us in two dimensions simultaneously. He’s always leading us deeper into God and He’s always leading us out into the world. The Spirit’s desire is to make us more spiritual, more Godly, more like Jesus. He wants to lead us deeper into God. At the same time, the Spirit leads us out into the world, because God loves the world. The Father gave His Son to save the world. Jesus told us to go into the world, but He said we cannot go unless the Spirit comes upon us. He told the disciples to wait for the Spirit. Fourth, the Holy Spirit is indeed a Person and as such, you can resist Him, ignore Him or welcome Him. He waits to be received; He waits to be invited. Jesus said to ask the Father and He will give you the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will not storm down the door of your life. He seeks an invitation. We must ask, seek and knock and welcome the Spirit. What is the Holy Spirit saying to me? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ACTIVATION • Spend time thanking God for the creativity of His Spirit. Thank God for your own unique gifts, talents and abilities that have come from Him. • Pray for the fulfillment of all the potential and promise God has spoken over your life. • Set an example for other believers by the way you welcome the Holy Spirit into your daily life. Acts 2:1-17 The Biblical account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem
2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: KJV During the wedding rehearsal, the groom approached the priest with an unusual offer: "Look, I'll give you $100 if you'll change the wedding vows. When you get to the part where I'm supposed to promise to 'love, honor and obey' and 'be faithful to her forever,' I'd appreciate it if you'd just leave that out." He passed the minister a $100 bill and walked away satisfied.
On the day of the wedding, when it came time for the groom's vows, the priest looked the young man in the eye and said: "Will you promise to prostrate yourself before her, obey her every command and wish, serve her breakfast in bed every morning of your life, and swear eternally before God and your lovely wife that you will not ever even look at another woman, as long as you both shall live?" The groom gulped and looked around, and said in a tiny voice, "Yes, I do" then leaned toward the priest and hissed: "I thought we had a deal." The priest put a $100 bill into the groom's hand and whispered: "She made me a better offer." Bishop Doug Beacham reports on Vinson Synan's Memorial Service at Oral Roberts Universitiy5/30/2020 Dr. Morgan,
Bishop Randell Drake took this photo at the close of the memorial service for Dr. Synan. It is of all the speakers standing with Carol Lee Synan. From left to right: Doug Beacham, Dr. Billy Wilson, Mary Synan Clark, Dr. Connie Dawson, Carol Lee Synan, Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, Dr. Harold Hunter, Dr. Daniel Isgrigg, Dr. Wonsuk Ma, and Pastor Rodney Fouts. There were other IPHC connected people present at Christ’s Chapel for the service, including Mrs. Susan Beacham, Bishop Talmadge Gardner, Dr. Tom Murray, Dr. Garnet Pike, Dr. Jay Pike, Rev. Matt Bennett, Dr. Johnny Swails, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Dalton, Dr. Adrian Hinkle, Mrs. Brenda Phillips, Rev. Jesse Heath, and the aforementioned Bishop Randell Drake. There were certainly others but these are the ones that I either directly saw or spoke to. All the speakers did an excellent job commemorating Dr. Synan’s life and giving glory to God. Of particular note were the personal remarks by the Synan’s oldest child, Mary Synan Clark. She effectively communicated the humor, warmth, and love of this special family. Blessings to you, Doug Beacham We have learned from the Apostle Paul's visit to Miletus to confer with the Elders of Ephesus who came 40 miles to be with him about the joy of giving. Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost. He was taking a special offering he had been collecting from other Christian believers for the poor saints in the Jerusalem Church. As we think of going to church on this Pentecost Sunday 2020, let us ask God what gift would He desire us to give in a special offering to the church above the tithes? Is that something you might like to consider? Will you obey God if He tells you what to give? May I encourage you to think about it. Selah! I personally have prepared to give a special offering today. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The word "blessed" means more fruitful and more profitable. Obey God today. You will be glad you did. [Editor's special announcement: The church where I am a member and attend regularly is called Christian Life Worship Center, formerly known as Tarkenton Memorial Pentecostal Holiness Church, will have the morning worship on the parking lot at 10:45 a. m. Christian Life Worship Center is located at 125 Kathwood Drive, Athens, Georgia 30607 We will worship in our cars. If you wish to say "Amen" or "Hallelujah" just honk your horn. This is our first worship service as we bring this quarantine to a close. If you have not met our pastor he is Chaplain Pastor Terry Kesling. He is a retired Army chaplain. I used to be his endorser when I served as the director/endorser/recruiter of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. Chaplain (Colonel) Jerry L. Jones is my successor.] “What Does This Mean?” (Acts 2:12). Author: Frank Tunstall One of the scariest things I can think of is that the Pentecostal revival can be lost to the point Jesus bypasses us too! The new paradigm the heavenly Father launched 2000 years ago at the first Pentecost of the Gospel era included a plan born out of divine genius. It birthed the church with Jesus Christ as its head and ultimately bypassed a Jewish worship system that went back some 1800 years to Abraham. It also introduced a new practice of adoration and veneration that focused solely on Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29-36). Christ-centered worship built around the death and resurrection of Jesus continues to be the plan of God to this day. Twenty-first century followers of Jesus must carefully follow the plan so that celebrating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus is the centerpiece of all worship, including every worship service. The old system was anchored in sacrificing lambs and rams, turtledoves and pigeons, in faith that the blood of animals would substitute for people’s sins. The spiritual life of the Jewish people had revolved around spilling blood, and then more, and more, and even more blood, with almost 2,000 years of ‘more.’ King Solomon, for example, sacrificed 142,000 animals as part of the dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 7:5). I have often wondered when Solomon finished offering all of those sacrifices, did he have a nagging feeling he had not offered enough to appease Jehovah God. No person in a works-based system of worship can ever do enough to pay for Jesus’ death on the cross. Never! Over those long years from Abraham to Christ, the number could have reached a million sacrificial lambs, possibly more. The primary place for making the sacrifices was first their Tabernacle, then the Temple King Solomon built, and some 400 years later, the temple Zerubbabel rebuilt. We should remember Jesus also claimed Herod’s temple as “my Father’s house” (Luke 2:49; John 2:16; 14:2), but the temple leaders never claimed Him. The new plan born that Pentecost morning faced the fact that Jesus in His incarnate body could not be everywhere at the same time. Simply put, as the church grew He would not be able physically to serve the needs of His people, and give each one His undivided attention. Further, expecting His followers faithfully to come to Jerusalem for the special feast days year after year, from wherever they were worldwide, was unrealistic too. The new plan had to be designed so that a hundred million people and more could be worshiping God at the same time, with each person known to the Lord by name and each enjoying the Lord’s undivided attention. The Holy Spirit is just that capable, and is such a divine genius that the Spirit does not need to put anyone on hold or use up any time researching a problem. Dear reader, when you start absorbing this reality, you will begin to understand the limitless power of the Trinity. No computer system ever built can achieve such a communication goal, but the Holy Spirit does it routinely, day after day, and never misses a name, or address, and never confuses or forgets a request. He even stores our prayers in golden bowls in heaven (Revelation 5:8). Jesus did reach out several times to the temple, but “His house” was much too small to house His plan to save the world. In any case, it seemed every visit Jesus made to the temple in His ministry ended in conflict. More than a thousand years of tradition in temple worship certainly helped make the transition to the new order difficult. The solution of the Heavenly Father was not to try to assimilate the new covenant into Moses’ system. The Holy Spirit simply would not be able to build the Lord’s Church around the Jerusalem Temple and its system of worship, making it a division of Judaism, for example, much like the Pharisees and Sadducees. And, in any case the religious leadership of the temple would never make Jesus Lord of the temple, the sole and final sacrifice for sin, and in His own divine Person the center of worship. A primary reason the Jewish religious system turned on Jesus with raw hate was their belief Jesus wanted to destroy their beloved temple, although He did not. They were so dedicated to their past, they could not see their future – the new thing God was doing right before their eyes (Isaiah 43:19). Jesus did prophesy its destruction, however, and three Gospel writers recorded the prophecy (Matthew 24:2; Mark 13:2; Luke 21:6). Instead of trying to blend the Gospel with the temple, Jesus bypassed it with a New Covenant. One of the scariest things I can think of is the Pentecostal revival that began at Pentecost, and was repeated at Azusa Street in Los Angeles in 1906 could be lost to the point Jesus bypasses us as well. Jesus’ body was the temple that Jesus voluntarily sacrificed. In His own Person, Jesus was and remains today the essence of the temple of God. “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days,” was a prophecy of Jesus’ death and resurrection that referred to the Lord as the final sacrifice for sin, not to the destruction of the temple (John 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:18; 1 John 2:2). Jesus’ blood that dripped to the ground to the last drop meant God had sacrificed Himself in our place, becoming the substitute for our sins. Jesus did it without demanding any price (Isaiah 52:3; 55:1). In fact, any estimate a person can imagine is woefully inadequate to pay for Calvary’s horrors. No, Jesus did not desire to destroy the temple, but that very charge was leveled against Him at His Sanhedrin trial (Mark 14:57). In the paradigm of the New Covenant, the centerpiece would be a new kind of temple; a temple of the heart. “I will put my law in their inward parts,” God said to Jeremiah, “and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33, KJV; Luke 17:21). It meant in the new worship plan, “where [even] two or three are gathered together,” Jesus said, “there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Divine genius! It all began that day in the Upper Room in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit fell on 120 worshipers of Jesus. The morning was marked by a powerful, rushing wind, and cloven tongues like fire sat on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and the church Jesus leads was born (Acts 2:2-4; Matthew 16:18). It is now for us, their successors, to carry the torch of this blessed experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit until Jesus comes back. The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, and it is followed by power for service, as we walk in the Spirit, hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart with our Lord. We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love, For Jesus Who died, And is now gone above. Refrain: Hallelujah! Thine the glory. Hallelujah! Amen. Hallelujah! Thine the glory. Revive us again. Dear Friend, As our nation convulses with pain, anger, and hatred, this is a moment for Christians to shine for our Lord, who is the Prince of Peace. The Bible says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26, ESV), yet each sundown is bringing with it the darkness of more violence and destruction in more cities. Scripture also tells us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). This means doing what we personally can do to right wrongs and help the hurting. It also means praying fervently to our Heavenly Father for Him to change hearts and heal our land. The One “who is in you” — Christ — “is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Because this is true, I am calling on all churches across our nation to make tomorrow morning — Sunday, May 31 — a time for special intercession for our nation in their Sunday morning services, whether in person or online. Will you pray, and will you share this with your pastor? We need to pray for PEACE, because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Pray for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). Pray for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4). And pray for an OUTPOURING of His wisdom and direction for our leaders and officials who are dealing with this crisis. Ask God to change hearts and heal this divide in our nation. Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday, which marks the day the Holy Spirit filled Christ’s followers after He ascended back to the Father. There is no better time for us to seek a fresh visitation from God upon our lives, homes, churches, communities and country. May God bless you, Franklin Graham President & CEO Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Arman Stephens, 80, died on the 27th of May in Bethany, Oklahoma. He was born July 13, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Reverend W.K. Stephens and Lorene Wilson Stephens. He married Dee Teague on August 14, 1959. Arman pioneered and pastored many churches. He continued to minister through worship and preaching all throughout the United States and other nations. Arman enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and hunting. Above all, he was devoted to his family and was readily available to anyone who needed Godly counsel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. W.K. Stephens and Lorene Stephens, and his older brother, Sherrill Stephens. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dee Stephens of Bethany; 3 children, Greg Stephens and wife Michelle of Ft. Worth, TX, Tonya Clark and husband Mike of Flower Mound, TX, Trey Stephens and wife Gina of OKC; 10 grandchildren, Kristen, Christian, Olivia, Regan, Madison, Rachel, Jon Marc, Matthew, Benjamin, and Mitchell; 2 great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Gwen. Viewing will be Wednesday, June 3, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service. Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 11:00 am at The Gate Church, 7700 N. Council Rd., OKC. Dear Visionary Leader: I heard it said many years ago: Christmas is Christ with us, Easter is Christ for us, and Pentecost is Christ in us. I trust that you and your ministry is on the pathway to personal Pentecost this coming weekend. Two weeks ago, the Global Church Network was fortunate to host The Normal 21st Century Church Livestream. Twenty-six Christian leaders brought powerful presentations, challenging us NOT to go back to normal, but to move forward to the Christ-given normal of victory! As Dr. Kenneth Ulmer stated, "The worst place to be is where God was, instead of where God is now." We are humbled to report that more than 37,000 pastors and leaders joined us from every world region for the livestream! Over the last three years, the Billion Soul Network transitioned to the Global Church Network. The official announcement took place on October 31, 2017, at Castle Church, Wittenberg, Germany. GCN was hosting the Wittenberg 2017 Congress, commemorating the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 Thesis on Castle Church door. Since that time, the Global Church Network website (www.GCNW.tv) has been updated and the Global Church Learning Center has become the Global Church Divinity School. Special announcements regarding online training will happen in June. The growth of the Global Church Network is on the projected path of one million networked churches by the end of 2021! In 2005, the Global Church Network set a strategic goal of the planting of five million new churches for a Billion Soul Harvest by 2020. The missional goal was not to reach a billion but to win a billion people to Christ. On November 7, 2019 (14 years later), the collective harvest of five million churches for a billion souls was accomplished through networked leaders worldwide. This missional success has placed the Global Church in a strategic advantage to complete the Great Commission by the 2000th Birthday of the Church (www.Finish2030.com). FINISH 2030 is focused on planting churches, establishing hubs, equipping leaders and translating Scripture in the hardest places in the world! Message Continues In Visionary Coaching Pentecost: Gateway To The World Acts 10:38-48 The Book of Acts is not the Old-Time Religion, not the New-Time Religion, but it is the All-Time Religion. Thus, it is the "Any-Time" Religion and Every-Time Religion! I am going to give you from God's Word, three marvelously, wonderful witnesses that will attest that Jesus Christ is the saving Son of God. God does not want us to have to be a question mark with our head bent over an exclamation mark, standing up straight and tall, saying, "Yes, praise God, I am child of God." Our text tells us about Cornelius. He was a Gentile. Up until this time, the Gentiles had not been added to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. All those early believers were Jews. Cornelius was a Roman army officer. He's from Italy-garrisoned there in Palestine. He was hungry to know God. God supernaturally connected this Roman army officer and the Apostle Pete. God has arranged a divine appointment. Cornelius is standing in front of Peter. He has pulled together all his friends, his neighbors and his relatives. They all come together and sit in front of Peter. Basically, Cornelius says, "We have to come to hear you tell us the truth." In Acts 10:38-48, we read: Peter begins to talk about: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses"-underscore that phrase- "we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses"-underscore that again- "unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead." Now, I'm going to give you these three Pentecostal witnesses. I. We Have A Personal Witness of the Saints In verse 39, Peter says: "And we are witnesses..." I want you to imagine a jury, and you're trying to get on that jury-you're impaneling the jury. You want the jury to be impartial, but you want the jury to render a good verdict. With this in mind, you are going to get a broad section of the community. You're going to put that broad sectioning in a jury box, give them the facts and ask them to come to a conclusion. Well, this is what our Lord did when he pulled together the Apostles. The Apostles had been with our Lord for three or four years. They lived with Him. They walked with Him. They were companions. They ate together. They fellowshiped together. I want you to think about what kind of a group they were. For example, John was a young man. He was a visionary. He was sort of a philosopher type of fellow. Simon Peter was the opposite of John-the big fisherman, the hard-working fisherman. I imagine that he had pretty salty language before he got saved, because he slipped into it after he got saved. He knew how to curse and swear. Next, there was Simon the Zealot. The word "zealot" means "right-winger." He was a political activist; a Zionist. He was for Israel. The opposite of him was Matthew the Publican. Do you know who Matthew the Publican was? Matthew the Publican was a tax collector. Matthew had sold-out to the Roman government. Palestine had been occupied by the Roman government. Can you imagine how you would feel if the Russians took us over, and one of our own became a tax collector for the Russians? They thought of Mathew as a turncoat. Can you imagine having Simon and Matthew on the same jury, trying to ask them to reach a unanimous verdict about anything? Next, there was Nathaniel. Nathaniel was a cynic. Remember? He was the man who said, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Then, there was Thomas. He was a doubter. He said, "I'll not believe unless I see the print of the nails in his hands and in his side." There was Philip. Philip was a figurer. Jesus said, "How are we going to feed these?" He said. "It will take so much money to feed these five thousand." He had one of these little calculators in his mind. He was one of these guys who had everything figured out. He was a facts and figures type of leader. There was also James. James was a businessman. He was a no-nonsense guy. We cannot forget Andrew. Andrew was such a nice guy. He is the guy running around patting little kids on the head and saying, "There's a little lad here. He's got five loaves and a few fish, and so forth." We could not have gotten a wider mixture than these eleven and they come out with unanimity as witnesses about the Lord Jesus Christ! They witnessed primarily to three things: They witnessed to His virtuous life; His vicarious death and His victorious resurrection. A. His Virtuous Life (10:38-39) They witnessed: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power Who went about doing good healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnesses..." B. His Vicarious Death (10:39) In verse 39: "And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; Whom they slew and hanged on a tree." C. His Victorious Resurrection (10:40-41) In verses 40 and 41 we read, "Him God raised up the third day, and showed Him openly. Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, Who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead." Can you imagine a courtroom, when you are trying to attest to the historical facts of something, and you bring five hundred witnesses in, who say, "We all saw the same thing. We all experienced the same thing." "Well," you say, "maybe you saw something, but maybe it was a ghost." Peter says, "It was not a ghost. We sat down and ate with Him. I mean, we actually touched Him and handled Him. We ate with him." A lot of people say, "That's all a lie. Somebody just recorded it but it is not true." Do you think that it's a lie? You'd better go back and read in secular and profane history and find out how these people died-these early Christians. They died for what they believed. These eyewitnesses died. This same Peter was crucified upside down. Some people will live for a lie, but no man will willingly die for a lie. These people died for their faith because, they had learned to laugh at death; because they knew that Jesus Christ had come out of that grave. The testimony of the saints of all of the ages- is one dramatic truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They said, "We are witnesses," to Cornelius. "We are telling you what these eyes have seen and what these hearts have experienced." II. We Have A Prophetic Witness of Scriptures (Acts 10:43) In verse 43, we read, "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins." This verse gives us the key to the Old Testament. Do you know what the Old Testament is about? It is about Jesus. "To him give all the prophets witness..." Do you know what the Old Testament is saying? It's saying, "Jesus saves." Peter said: "To him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him"-(Jesus)-"shall receive remission of sins." The Bible is not written, primarily, to give us the history of Israel. It's not written, primarily, to tell us about ceremonies and rituals. It is written to tell us that Jesus saves. When you open the Bible Jesus steps out of the pages. In the Garden of Eden, when God slew innocent animals and made a covering of skin for Adam and Eve, it pictured the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Cain and Abel had an argument over religion, and Abel slew an innocent lamb for the atonement of his sins, Abel's lamb spoke of the Lord Jesus. In Genesis 3:15, where God spoke of the seed of the woman Who would bruise the serpent's head, He spoke of the Lord Jesus Christ. God said build a tabernacle. As one came into the tabernacle, there was a brazen altar, which speaks of Christ our Sacrifice, because animals were slain there. Next, the person came to a laver, which speaks of Christ our Sanctification. Next, there is a table with bread on it-the showbread, which speaks of Christ our Sustenance. There was candlestick, which speaks of Christ our Sight. Nearby was an altar of incense, which speaks of Christ our Supplication. Inside are the Holy of Holies and the Mercy Seat, which speak of Christ the Satisfaction for the sinner's sin, where the blood was sprinkled there. All of this spoke of Jesus Christ. Every priest in the Old Testament pictures the Lord Jesus Christ-our Great High Priest, Who intercedes for His people and makes intercession for us.
All of the Old Testament is about Jesus-all of it. "To him give all the prophets witness..." What a testimony! What a testimony to the unity of the Bible. What a testimony to the inspiration of the Bible. What a confirmation of our faith is the Bible. The Bible was written over fifteen hundred years, by forty different authors, in three different languages, and by people from all walks of life. And yet: "To him"-(to Jesus)-"give all the prophets witness..." We must never entertain the idea that there are several plans of salvation in the Bible. The Old Testament people were not saved one way and people in the New Testament were saved another way. The message of the prophets is that Jesus saves. Jesus said: "Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad" (John 8:56). The Bible says that the Gospel was preached unto Abraham. There's never been but one plan of salvation-it's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. People in the Old Testament were saved by looking forward to Jesus. We are saved by looking backward to what Jesus did. Yet, we are all saved by looking upward to the Lord, Who lived then, Who lives now, and Who is the Savior of the world. III. We Have A Praise Witness of the Spirit (Acts 10:44-48) In verse 44: "While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the Word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, and as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God"-the word "magnify" God means to "praise" God. "Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Peter gave the first witness; the Scripture gives the second witness; and the Holy Spirit gives the third witness. While they were hearing verse 43: "To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Hame whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." In other words, "You are saved, Cornelius, by believing in Jesus. Salvation is by grace. You just believe in the Lord Jesus, and you'll be saved." Cornelius' heart is so hungry. Peter didn't have to talk Cornelius into anything. He just believed. Immediately, he received the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. Why did God give Cornelius gift of tongues? I'll tell you why: God now is enlarging the Church to include the Gentiles. The whole story of Cornelius is that the Gentiles are now being added to the Church, and both Jew and Gentile are becoming one Body. The first time that we read, "spoke in tongues" was in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost. That was the Jewish Pentecost. In Acts 10, we have the Gentile Pentecost. God is saying to Peter, "Peter, you know what you received back here, in the book of Acts-in chapter 2? Cornelius has received the same thing that you have. The same God that saved you, Peter, has now saved Cornelius. The same Spirit-baptism, that I have given to you, I am giving now to Cornelius." The speaking in tongues was the outward evidence of the internal work of God in the hearts of these people. The amazing, wonderful thing was that God was giving the Holy Spirit to live within the hearts of men. When I was attending the University of South Alabama in 1980, in Mobile, Alabama, the enemy of our souls whispered to me, "What you believe about Jesus and your salvation are not true." When I heard his whisper and his words, I spoke out loud to him. I said, "I know that I know what I believe is completely true. I have experienced in my life, what the Christians experienced on the Day of Pentecost. I know all of this is true!" From that moment until this day, he has never again tempted me to doubt the authenticity of Jesus, His Word, or my salvation. What we need today is not 1st Century Pentecost. We need to experience the true power of the Holy Spirit in our lives! We don't need to go back 2,000 years, but to catch up with what the Holy Spirit is doing. Until The Last Person Has Heard, Dr. James. O. Davis Founder/President Global Church Network Cochair / Global Networking Joyce Meyer: Overcome Fear That Keeps You From Your Destiny Author: Joyce Meyer The Word of God has power to set you free from fear. (Photo by Nathan McBride on Unsplash) God has a wonderful plan for each of our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says, "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 hope and a future." When we put our faith in Jesus as our Savior, we put ourselves in a position to walk out our God-given destiny. Sadly, many believers in Christ aren't living out their destiny because of fear. The fear of man is a common problem that causes us to worry about things such as, "What will they think of me? What are they going to say about me? What will they do if I don't do what they want? What if they reject me? What if they don't like me?" Everyone struggles with insecurity and the fear of rejection to some degree. And there's nothing wrong with wanting people to like you. But when we are so focused on being people- pleasers that our fear of being rejected, judged or criticized controls our choices, we're being controlled by the fear of man. If we're going to get free of fear and really pursue everything God has for our lives, we have to make a decision that we won't let fear be the ruling factor—we will not live with fear! Instead, we can learn how to live courageously by the grace and strength we have in Christ. The True Meaning of Courage It's important to understand what it means to live courageously. It doesn't mean we will never feel fearful, because the truth is, we will never completely get rid of the feeling of fear. But it does mean that when we feel afraid, we can do whatever we need to do through Christ who gives us strength (see Phil. 4:13.) We can follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and do what God puts in our hearts to do, rather than settle for an OK or average life. And God wants to do amazing things in our lives that will likely pull us out of our comfort zones and require us to walk by faith to do them. Now, I'm not talking about making foolish choices or doing things that are dangerous because you don't want fear of those things to hold you back. Being free from fear means we can be bold and take risks instead of just doing what seems "safe" but keeps us from becoming everything God has created us to be. I remember when I had to make some bold, scary choices so I could move forward in God's plan for my ministry. I had friends who didn't think I had the right personality to be a Bible teacher. There were people in my church who didn't think women should teach the Word. And there were family members who didn't understand the call of God on my life, and they rejected me because of it. It was a very hard time, but I'm so glad God gave me the courage I needed to do it afraid. Now it's scary to think about where I would be if I hadn't trusted God and followed His plans for me because of fear that I'd lose my friends and not be well thought of by others. The Strategy to Conquer Fear The only way you can conquer fear is to confront it—to keep going forward with God while the enemy of fear is trying to drive you backward. Remember that "the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7, NIV). When you're struggling to do what you know God wants you to do, go to the Word for encouragement. Here are a few powerful Scriptures you can use to conquer fear: —Isaiah 41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." —Psalm 118:6 says, "The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" —Psalm 27:1 declares, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" —Romans 8:31-32 says, "...If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" The Word of God has power to set you free from fear! Take time to study these verses and pray for God to help you live courageously in His will for your life. You'll discover there's nothing more exciting than overcoming fear and finding freedom to fulfill your destiny. For more on this topic, order Joyce's four-teaching CD series Facing Fear and Finding Freedom. You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting joycemeyer.org. [Joyce Meyer is a New York Times' bestselling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries Inc. She has authored more than 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and Your Battles Belong to the Lord (FaithWords). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit joycemeyer.org.] The Reality of Christ, His Kingdom Should Grow in Your Heart During This Pandemic
Author: Bert Farias A crisis as such we've been presently in can make one bitter or better, more carnal or more consecrated, more earthly, worldly and temporal minded or more heavenly and eternally minded. Question: Are you closer to Jesus now than you were before this pandemic? Is He more real to you? Is the reality of His Kingdom more important to you now? Personally, I really enjoy watching sports, but I can honestly tell you that I haven't missed them during this favorite sports season of mine when there are usually exciting rounds of playoffs and a new season of baseball beginning. The Lord is doing a deep work in many hearts during this pandemic. The reality of Christ's invisible ingdom is coming to the forefront of many believers' hearts and lives. This is one gigantic difference between the early church and today's church. "About that time King Herod extended his hands to harm certain ones from the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword. Seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to arrest Peter also" (Acts 12:1-3a). "The very night when Herod would have brought him out, Peter was sleeping" (Acts 12:6a). Question: Would you be able to sleep the night before your execution? Peter did. Some could say it was the gift of faith in operation, but I also believe Jesus was so real to Peter, he didn't care if he died and departed to be with Him. He was missing his Master. The post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus to His disciples made them know He was alive and no longer hindered by time and space as He went back and forth from heaven and to earth and then back to heaven. "When He had spoken these things, while they looked, He was taken up. And a cloud received Him from their sight. While they looked intently toward heaven as He ascended, suddenly two men stood by them in white garments. They said, 'Men of Galilee, why stand looking toward heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven'" (Acts 1:9-11). This is the same reality we've got to come to as believers in Jesus. When Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples witnessed the power of an endless and indestructible life. It forever changed them to fully pursue Christ and His Kingdom, and be no longer bound to this world and all its enticements, entanglements and allurements. This is the same journey of transformation we must be on. Jesus as God the Son had no beginning and no end, just like eternity. Hungry and thirsty believers can access eternity through Christ who went before us as a forerunner behind the veil. How exciting! "We have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, which enters the Inner Place behind the veil. This is where Jesus has entered for us as a forerunner, since He has become the everlasting High Priest in the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 6:19-20). You see, in the same way the first Adam closed the door to the paradise of Eden, Jesus opened it again when the veil was rent in two. "Now it [was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was [darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two" (Luke 23:44-45). It's amazing that the penitent thief went into paradise with Jesus (v. 42-43). In a sense, Jesus opened the way to a new garden of Eden. The post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus unveiled a mystery to His disciples, not only that Jesus was no longer dead, but that He was now alive with access to travel between heaven and earth, with zero limitations of time and space. Jesus was giving us a peek into the eternal future of the saints, who shall live and travel in both realms during the millennial age and in the future ages to come in a new heaven and new earth. Amazing! To a measure, we can learn to live that way now in both the natural and spiritual world, because we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6). Hallelujah! No Need to Fear Anything Now And so we need not fear this pandemic or any other crisis that will come in these last days, and there will be many more, as Jesus foretold. Instead, let us focus on the transformation God wants to do in us to learn to live in two worlds—both the natural and the spiritual world. This is the privilege of those believers who are hungry and yearning to follow the pattern of Jesus, the Son of God, who lived in both worlds, even in His earth walk. Jesus learned to walk in the now with His Father, and we must learn to do the same—to access the realm of eternity and not be limited by time and space. Jesus is in the now. He is the Great I Am, and is always speaking to us from the eternal now. We must not relegate Him to the future only, and we must not limit Him to what He was to His disciples in His earthly ministry. We are in a different time now in the final hours of the last days. Many spectacular manifestations are just on the horizon for us—divine appearances, angelic visitations, people being translated supernaturally from one geographical place to another as Philip, the evangelist was (Acts 8), great signs, wonders and marvels are about to happen. The glory of the latter house must be greater than the former house. Let us not focus too much on last days crisis, plagues, pandemics, pestilences and so forth. Jesus said these things would come. Instead, let us keep eternity in our hearts and know that God is above time and space, and wants to speak and communicate with us from the eternal now. We can experience this kind of intimacy with Him all the time as we learn to cultivate the new garden of Eden in our hearts— acres and acres of it. This is what it means to live our lives in Christ where we are seated in heavenly places. May God give the reader understanding. [Bert Farias' books are forerunners to personal holiness, the move of God, and the return of the Lord. They also combat the departure from the faith and turning away from the truth we are seeing today. The Tumultuous 2020s and Beyond is his latest release to help believers navigate through the new decade and emerge as an authentic remnant. Other materials/resources are available on his website, Holy Fire Ministries. You can follow him personally on Facebook, his Facebook ministry page, or Twitter. Pursuing Racial Justice and Reconciliation
The Bible uniformly teaches the essential dignity of all humans and the shared desire to belong in community. Yet, the devastating reality of sin results in denigration and alienation. Christians affirm that the Gospel brings reconciliation not only between God and humanity, but also among estranged groups of people (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14–18; Colossians 3:11). God will ultimately form a new humanity from “every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9). In light of this Biblical vision, racism is an affront to the value of individuals created in God’s image and to the divinely designed diversity of redeemed humanity. This denial of personhood and belonging runs contrary to the peace and unity that God intended in the beginning and that the Bible depicts as our destiny. Racism appears in beliefs or practices that distinguish or elevate one race over others. When accompanied and sustained by imbalances of power, prejudice moves beyond individual relationships to institutional practices. Such racial injustice is the systemic perpetuation of racism. Its existence has unfairly benefitted some and burdened others simply due to the color of their skin and the cultural associations based upon perceptions of race. The United States has a tragic history of genocide against Native Americans, the cruel practice of enslaving Africans, and the unjust segregation and exploitation of immigrants and the descendants of slaves. While the United States has made significant strides toward legal and social equality in principle, the legacy of racism and implicit racial bias still leaves many Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics and other ethnic minorities vulnerable to a variety of social ills. Our churches have a special responsibility to model good race relations (Romans 10:12). We believe Christians should support well-conceived efforts that foster dignity and responsibility and rectify the effects of our racist history, including the disproportionate impact of poverty, incarceration and educational inequity. America has made substantial progress in legal and social equality, but much work remains to address overt racial enmity and passive indifference. While people of good will and of good faith may differ on particular policies, we urge followers of Jesus to engage in serious and sustained efforts to combat racism. We confess and repent of the Church’s role in justifying or ignoring racism and racial injustice, and call on Christians of all races to reject white supremacy. We lament their continued existence within the Church and in society, and we resolve to pursue healing and reconciliation. We encourage American Christians to understand more fully the historical and contemporary facets of racism in our country: the tragic mistreatment of Native Americans, the expressions of anti-Semitism, the impact of slavery and segregation on African Americans, the exploitation of Hispanic Americans and other immigrants, the exclusion and internment of Asian Americans, cultural beliefs about white racial superiority with respect to ethnic or racial minorities and more. These have created and reinforced complex economic disparities and social inequalities. We seek an end to racial injustice by advocating for policies that respect and affirm the dignity of all races and ethnicities, that seek to redress the wrongs perpetrated and that achieve just outcomes in both church and society. We also commit to developing leadership that reflects the diversity of our communities and provides further opportunities for racial reconciliation. Racial injustice denies a significant segment of our population full participation in our society and prevents our nation from fully realizing its stated aspirations. Those who are racist or racially indifferent remain trapped in a false sense of self and others, blinding them to the sense of community that democracy requires. The nation will flourish when people of all races and ethnicities are able to contribute equally to society. For this reason, we support strong protection of the voting rights of all citizens and oppose efforts to suppress voter participation. As Christians are ambassadors of reconciliation, we have a unique and compelling call to provide leadership for the benefit and dignity of all (2 Corinthians 5:16–20). A free download of “For the Health of the Nation” and discussion guide are available at NAE.net/forthehealth. Printed copies are also available to order. Acts 2 This Scripture reading covers the entire second chapter of the Book of Acts. Read for your edification.
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. KJV A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?"
"Sixteen," the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. "How do you know that?" "Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the Bishop said: 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer" Donald Dean Burchett, 87, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2020, at Neodesha Care and Rehabilitation in Neodesha, Kansas. Don was born on February 27, 1933, to Jody and Viola Burchett in Copan, Oklahoma. On May 29, 1954, Don married Bonnie Ray Charter. Bonnie passed away on December 21, 2000. He married Donna Horst in February 2003. She also preceded him in death in 2005. Then, on August 8, 2006, he was united in marriage to Joy Stewart Kerley. During his 44 years of pastoral ministry, Donald led only one congregation: Chapel of Praise/Cathedral of Praise in the Kansas (now Harvest) Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC). He served as Bishop of the Harvest Conference (now the Harvest District of Acts2Day) for 16 years. By virtue of that position, he served as a member of the IPHC General Board of Administration and on the Southwestern College Board of Regents. Donald’s heart’s desire was to see the churches in the Independence, Kansas, area worship together. That is why he held Winter Word Camp Meetings in Independence for eight years. As a pastime, Donald enjoyed fishing, which he jokingly called “visitation.” (Visitation was the name of a fishing boat owned by his close friend, Jack Weaver.) He delighted in playing jokes on people, and he loved to play fastpitch softball. He played his last game when he was 64 years old. He also loved golfing and just being with people. Donald’s love for young people is reflected in the fact that he and Bonnie fostered 10 children. Donald was predeceased by his parents, his wives Bonnie and Donna, and his brother, J. Dwight Burchett. He is survived by his three children: Terry (Kenni), Belinda Cotton, and Randy (Cindy); eight grandchildren: David Chism, Shawna Adams (Jesse), Steven Burchett (Tina), Benji Chism (Whitney), Jennifer Tucker (Gary), Cassie Graham, Joshua Burchett (Kelley), Yalanda Moore (Craig); four foster children: Harlis Harriman, Tony Tuner, Tracy Chamblee, and Donnie Baker. He is also survived by 27 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, his brother Bobby (Jeanie) Burchett, and sister-in-law, Mary Burchett. A “family-only” funeral was held on Friday, May 22nd, in Independence, Kansas. Because of restrictions imposed during the Coronavirus pandemic, a public memorial service for Donald Dean Burchett has been postponed until August 22. The location is yet to be determined. Photo Credits: Photo by Wickham Family Funeral Home [Editor's Comment: It was my privilege to know Bishop Don Burchett. I travelled to the Kansas Conference when he was superintendent several times to represent Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. Each time I was invited to preach at Christian Heritage in Wichita when Damon Burrows was the pastor. Damon was a faithful member of the Chaplains Ministries, IPHC Board. Damon was a special friend. He had served in the Navy and loved the military. He would have made an outstanding military chaplain. However, God had other plans for him.] |