Pentecost In Our Day

General Superintendent Rufus Reisdorph  Dec 23, 1959

Wesleyan Methodists entered the current quadrennium with a new administrative setup.  Together we share a common spirit of expectancy; we unitedly pray for a manifestation of Divine power that will surpass what we have previously known.  Is this but wishful thinking?  Or, is it a definite possibility?

Consider the import of Pentecost; it came as a part of a Divine plan.  It did not introduce the ministry of Holy Spirit; He moved “in the beginning!”  With remarkable power He ministered to and through certain individuals during the Old Testament dispensation.  But the Day of Pentecost was a mountain peak which marked the dawn of a new era.

Organizations with the Church must of necessity build promotional programs; these are usually made, however, with reservations, for questions which demand changes may arise.

Our Lord’s disciples did not plan the Day of Pentecost; Jesus Himself announced it and instructed the men where to go and what to do in their anticipation.  They obeyed and made adjustments in keeping with His command.  Their co-operation in the procedure was one hundred per cent; they were all with “one accord in one place!”

The first step toward Pentecost is to embrace the promise.  Jehovah declared, “I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and you daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out of my Spirit” (Joel 2: 28, 29).  “Those days” are these days—days for a great moving of the Holy Spirit!

The second step toward Pentecost concerns God’s will as it relates to procedure.  Procedure is important!  Doubtless the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been hindered many times through procedures that were not in harmony with His purpose.

Observe, the disciples went to the Upper Room to seek and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit.  That was the only item on the agenda—the one thing of importance.  Often more than a brief season of prayer spotted at certain points in the program of the Church is required to bring Pentecost.

The disciples tarried ten days before they were endued with power from on high.  The Holy Spirit’s ministry does not necessarily follow either calendar or clock.  He is revealed to and works through those who are wholly abandoned to Christ.

Wesleyan Methodists, are we ready to face the fact of our greatest need a personal and pervading manifestation of the Holy Spirit?  Where other claims take priority, God will leave us to solve our problems.  Christ is the Head of the Church.  As her File-Leader, He must be so recognized that no conflicting power can interfere with His ministry and program.

Observe a woman making a garment, a contractor building a house, a scientist in the laboratory: each follows a certain pattern, a blueprint, or formula to obtain specific results.  Pentecost was neither an accident nor a repetition.  Pentecost was a “new thing.”  It was a new way—a way of power, a way of victory.

It was discovered through obedience, faith, prayer and an abandon to Christ.  As a result of the new power upon the Church, God was manifested in the community.

Regardless of the bracket in which he serves, if each leader in the Church would enter upon an effective prayer life and lead his colleagues in the same, it would do more to bring about a Spiritual awakening than any other one thing.

Note, the disciples were unable to comprehend and follow through to a personal Pentecost until they were instructed by the Master.  Being instructed, they obeyed, and Pentecost was the result.  New power flowed through new channels.  Crystallized form could not contain it. Revival and resultant evangelism are the burdens of the Holy Spirit, who ministers only through those who respond in simplicity to all of His claims.

"... Like a Tree"

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth fruit in its season.”  Ps 1:3

` This Scripture quotation is a far-reaching simile which accurately describes the Christian’s life.

He is “like a tree.” The tree speaks eloquently of stability, beauty and fruitfulness. It draws its vigorous vitality from hidden sources and springs, making it independent of temporary conditions.

Some facts concerning trees should be noted:

A tree uses every hour for growth. It thrives on sunshine and is washed and refreshed by rain.

The tree sends it roots deeper into the earth in areas where it is compelled to brace itself against strong and persistent winds.

The tree toughens its bark and sends it roots farther afield because of drought. Under such conditions it may not grow as fast or as large but it keeps growing.

When some careless axmen hacks the tree cruelly, nature provides a healing fluid and before long the wound is fully covered with new growth.

The tree bears its fruit without fanfare or ostentation, and never complains because the fruit is neglected or refused by man.

There are no two trees alike. You can spend weeks trying to find two that match, and you will fail. There are very many species—the drooping willow, the square-shouldered oak, the graceful elm, the murmuring pine, the shimmering beech, the shady maple, the fruitful apple tree, and a thousand kind, each having its own beauty and its own usefulness.

Our Scripture is saying that people are like that. Each has his place in the world; each has his own work to do; and he who would imitate another will fail and rob his won life of its richness.

--Oliver G. Wilson

The Beauty of Holiness -- Part II

Another factor in the beauty of holiness is dignity.  I am not talking about aristocracy, except as I might speak of the aristocracy of character.  I am not thinking of the rank that an individual attempts to create for himself, and is afraid lest those about him will not realize that he has it.  I am talking about a dignity that is spontaneous, that flows naturally out of a life.  It is something that I can see in the wholly sanctified, even those who may not have much of a formal education, and perhaps not too much of formal culture or refinement.  On the other hand, they have God in His fullness; and that of itself gives to them a dignity, a status in their group, a respect from those about them that nothing else can produce.  Money can’t bring it; position can’t convey it; education in and of itself can’t guarantee it-only a holy life can cause it.

Some time ago I visited an industrial plant. There were some working there who not so many years ago were in sin, but now they are saved and sanctified.  Without any effort on their part at all, that is, so far as creating a standing is concerned, they now have a place in that organization which they didn’t have before they found this glorious experience of perfect love in Christ.  There is a sense in which one might say that getting saved and sanctified always lifts one above the social level where he was before.  It gives him a standing which was never his before; not because of anything that he consciously does to bring this about, but because of that which is seen in his life-the radical change which has been brought about.

Thus there are in the beauty of holiness not only variety, color, symmetry, or order, but there is also rank, or dignity.  Further, any person who has these characteristics in the spiritual realm sets forth an example which is attractive and inspirational.  His very presence has lifting power.  It is not only pleasing and attractive, but also it is beneficial and uplifting.  One definition of inspiration is given in these words:  “It denotes the awakening, quickening, or creative impulse especially as manifested in high artistic achievement.”  This well describes the effect of the beauty of holiness.  This means that he who has become holy, and lives the holy life, becomes an artist for the Master; better still, he is a work of art himself, a divine production.  He who is holy holds a unique place in the art gallery of life.  God is painting through him a picture which is attractive and enabling, which will tell for Him as it is exhibited day by day in this sinful world.  Therein lies the beauty of holiness!

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (I Chronicles 16:29)


--Stephen S. Wright

The Beauty of Holiness -- Part I

Returning to Kansas City from Camas, Washington, a few days ago, I boarded a plane at Portland, Oregon.  We came by way of Denver, Colorado.  Early in the evening we came down over the Rockies into Denver.  The skies were clear and the atmosphere was free from fog and smoke.  This made it possible for the lights of the city to be seen in one sweep.  As our big plane descended slowly, we had plenty of time before landing to view them.  They were in great abundance and of every description-fiery, red, yellow, bluish-green, orange, pink, and many other shades.  Also, many of them could be seen, not as haphazardly placed, but as arranged according to certain patterns.

This unusual sight of a city at night gave me a new thought as to the beauty of holiness.  In this scene, spread out before my eyes on that beautiful night, there were variety, color, order, and dignity-fitting characteristics for the description of the beauty of holiness.

The holy life has variety.  It isn’t monotonous; it isn’t a single lane, or single-street affair; sameness doesn’t rule it.  It has the power of manifesting itself in a variety of ways, of getting out on a person in many different forms.  Holiness is an actual experience, and it is a life.  It has both intellectual and emotional content.  It is Godlike, and yet it is possessed by a human being.  It can sing, and it can pray.  If you want a full and varied life, get sanctified wholly.  If you want a limited, stingy existence, retain the carnal mind and go only part of the way with God.  A full life, a glorious life, a blessed life, a varied life, come by going all-out for God, by consecrating your all to Him.

But the beauty of holiness also has color.  One may ask, but what does this stand for?  It signifies quality, character.  If you are saved and sanctified, you are not living a colorless life, a life which doesn’t stand for anything, a life that has no backbone, a life that is childish or largely undeveloped.  If you have been cleansed from inbred sin, the image of God has been restored within and there is color in your life.  It stands out and up; it has meaning for those who come in touch with you.

The third characteristic of life of holiness which makes it beautiful is symmetry, or order.  Such a life has system to it; it is not dominated by haphazardness.  Holiness is related to all parts of life-physical, mental, and spiritual; and all parts of life are related to it.  Life is not lopsided; it is well rounded.  There is a proper place for prayer, for churchgoing, for giving, for witnessing, for fellowship, for glory, for blessing, for joy, for sacrifice.  And the wonder of all this is that these various activities work together for good; they are one, and none can be given up, or eliminated, or encroached upon.  The beauty of holiness means that the life which is lived wholly for God has symmetry, or order.

--Stephen S. White

Never Judge a Day by its Weather

One morning an 8-year old prayed, “We thank You God, for this beautiful day and for our food.”  It was one of those gloomy, foggy, California days when they could not see the sun, and the mother presumed the prayer was said out of habit.

She asked the boy what he meant by thanking God for a beautiful day when the weather was anything but beautiful.  With a spiritual grasp that astonished his parents, he answered, “Mother, never judge a day by its weather.

Those Miserable Thorns...

Thorns are hard, prickly things.  So are the thorny experiences of life.  Yet every one of these “not joyous but grievous” experiences is given by God to the Christian for a definite purpose, His spiritual perfection.

      

      He chastens, i.e. He disciplines, for our profit that we might

      Be partakers of His holiness (Heb. 12:5-11).  The Lord will

      Perfect that which concerneth me (Ps 138:8).

But how about the thorn that stays with us?  Naturally we pray for its riddance.  BUT IT STAYS!

When the Apostle Paul realized that this staying thorn was the Lord’s will, he at once made friends with it and sought ways to use it to God’s glory.  And that took the sting out of the thorn.  So much so that he said,

      I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities 

      (2 Cor 11:30; 12:5)

He cashed in on God’s promise.

      My grace is sufficient for thee (2 Cor 12:9).

And so he pressed on to a new plane of Christian living and to new highways of spiritual adventure and discovery, never dreamed of by those of unruffled lives.

Was it not so with Joseph when sold by his own brothers into Egypt, a most trying and bitter thorn in Joseph’s life?

      Ye thought evil against me, said Joseph, but God meant it unto

      Good (Gen 50:20).

      “What God means is always too good to be lost and is worth

      all it costs to learn.”

George Matheson, the Scottish preacher who became blind, was gripped with this truth when he said, “My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn.  I have thanked Thee for my roses, but not once for my thorn.  I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory.  Teach me the glory of my cross.  Teach me the value of my thorn. Show me that my tears made my rainbow.”

Those miserable thorns!

What “eternal weights of glory” they may be!

And sure—thy life will richer grow,

He grace sufficient will bestow,

And in heaven’s morn thy joy ‘twill be

That, by His thorn, He strengthened thee.

--Claude A. Ries

Don't Try

I have often heard people say, “I’ll try anything once.”  The statement sounds smart and the person says it is brave and confident

But it is not wise.  Pharaoh tried once to cross the Red Sea as did the Israelites.  He and his who army perished in the attempt.

Such a statement is both rash and unchristian.  The Christian will “walk humbly” with God and refuse to walk in the counsel of the ungodly.  These are thing the Christian will not dare to try.

Don’t try to live without God in your life.  Pray to Him regarding all your hopes and plans.  “In all thy ways acknowledge him.”

Don’t try to live without the Church.  Respect your pastors, attend its services.  Join the ranks of fellow Christians; don’t try to fight the battle alone.  Share the responsibilities of the church-financially, spiritually, and administratively.  Love the Church, pray for its peace and prosperity.  Work for its success.  You’ll be delighted perhaps surprised-at the large dividends received on your investment.

Don’t try living as near the world as possible.  This is a very dangerous practice.  It is to live in a zone of doubts and defeats, to say the best of it.  At its worst, it could mean spiritual disaster.  Of course, to renounce the world is to invite the world’s mockery and scorn.  At the same time it is to invite true Christian joy and safety.  “Nearest to God is best!”

The Difference -Psalm 124

“If the Lord had not been on our side…”

The little word “if” found in verses 1 and 2 of this Psalm is the margin between victory and defeat; overcoming and being overcome; advance and retreat.  From the purely human standpoint, perhaps it appeared to David that this margin was too narrow; the forces on both sides were evenly matched; one swing of the pendulum either way would determine the outcome.  From our human vantage point, and afflicted as we are with limited vision and short-sightedness, many of life’s experiences and battles are like that.

Observe that which confronted Israel.  David said “men rose up against us” (v. 2).  These were angry and able men, whose “wrath was kindled against us” (v. 3).  We were the targets of their vengeful fury.  He pictures the waters as raging, bent on overwhelming them; yea, they were “proud waters,” boastful and confident of sweeping all in their wake (vv. 4, 5).  The enemy is further depicted as a fowler-experienced and subtle, with his snare set for the catch (vv. 6, 7).  All of which serves to remind us that life has its opposition and its conflicts.

Then the writer ventures to suggest what might have been, but for the victory margin.  We shudder to contemplate the possibilities, and yet how real they loom.  “If it had not been…,” then here is the end result.  These angry, wrathful men would have made short work of ridding the world of us!  These swirling waters had gone over our soul and “overwhelmed us” (vv 4, 5).  The inference is that soul loss and spiritual tragedy are involved.  The enemy would have snared us and made meat of us, said David (vv. 6, 7).  How solemnly terrible to become victims of the enemy’s wiles!

But now the light breaks through!  Men are in bloody combat.  Blow after blow is truck.  Men tremble and stagger.  And then we behold the tide turn.  It is revealed that the margin of victory is not some thin line of endurance; nor some man-made fortress; nor some intangible quality; but a Person, the Lord Himself!  The “if” is removed.  “The Lord was on our side.”  He is the difference!  Because He was on our side, said the Psalmist, ungodly men did not swallow us up.  The “proud waters” did not overwhelm us.  The snare was broken and we escaped as a bird into new found freedom.  Then, as with a shout of victory, the writer declared, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made the heaven and earth.”

To us as individuals this speaks encouragement.  For the church it should boost faith.  It is not by human might or power; not by money or equipment; not be ingenuity or cleverness; not by size or influence; not by man’s invention or abilities; but by the power of His Name!  Let us not only know this, but practice it.  God is on our side, but we miss the blessedness of it unless there is realization.  The host of heaven were on hand in the prophet’s day, but it meant nothing to his servant until his eyes were opened to behold them.  When this becomes a reality, then we can say, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Dare we consider the related truth?  Hear the man of old, challenging a people given to vacillation and indecision with the call:  “Who is on the Lord’s side?”  It is said that someone expressed to President Lincoln during the tragic war years concern as to which side God was on.  The President immediately replied that he was more concerned that we might be found on God’s side.  Identifying ourselves with Him is the vital thing.  He has a plan for His church.  Are we working with Him in consummating that plan?  He has a program to evangelize our world; are we participating in the Divine program, or are we operating a detached program of our won?

It is sincerely believed the He has a blueprint for Kingdom advancement through the channels of Wesleyan Methodism.  It behooves us to seek for that pattern, as revealed through the New Testament, as well as through the direct ministry of the Holy Spirit.  The cry of the hour is for outreach, evangelistic passion and a soul-winning ministry.  Let us work with God in fulfilling His plan for His church.  That is the difference between failure and fruitfulness; between man’s frail efforts and the divinely-assured success.  Throw out our “ifs” of doubt and uncertainty; write in the confidence born of assurance that God is for us.  Then our lives and labors shall reflect, not human frailty but the Divine ability.

--B. H. Phaup, General Superintendent

And A Little Child Shall Teach Them

The Choice of God

Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.”

These words were spoken directly to the disciples whom Christ had called from various walks of life.  Some of them were fishermen.  They were rugged, honest and industrious, but not great.  One was a tax gatherer, but that only added to his unpopularity.  Of the remainder we know little.  Why did Jesus choose them?  Another question is of more practical importance, Why did He choose us?

God chose us because He loved us.  It was not for what we were, but what He could make of us.  It was not what we would mean to the cause, but what Christ could mean to us.  Oh, that today we would become all His for time and eternity.

--Royal S. Woodhead

A Buttonhole Christian

A clerk who had been converted in the meetings invited his employer to attend.  One evening he was there and sat across the aisle from Mr. Arthur Tappan.  He appeared affected during the sermon, and Mr. Tappan kept his eye on him.  After the dismissal Mr. Tappan stepped quickly across the aisle, introduced himself and invited him to stay to the aftermeeting.  The gentleman tried to excuse himself and get away, but Mr. Tappan caught hold of the button on his coat and said, “Now, do stay; I know you will enjoy it!”  and he was so kind and gentlemanly that the cutlery man could not well refuse.  He stayed and was led to Christ.  Afterward he said, “An ounce of weight upon my coat button saved my soul.”  More “buttonhole Christians” are needed.

God's Word - A Firm Foundation

I want people to fill their minds with passages of Scripture while they are well and strong, that they may have sure help in the day of need. I want them to be diligent in studying their Bibles, and becoming familiar with their contents, in order that the grand old Book may stand by them and talk with them when all earthly friends fail. From the bottom of my heart, I pity that person who never reads their Bible. I wonder how they expect to draw their consolation in their time of need.


~ J.C. Ryle

http://jcrylequotes.com

The Greatest Definition of Worship

To Worship Is... 

To quicken the conscience by the holiness of God,

To feed the mind with truth of God,

To purge the imagination by the beauty of God,

To open the heart to the love of God,

To devote the will to the purpose of God.

--William Temple