The Glory of God

I have been at a conference for the Church of the Nazarene called M15. It is where thousands of Nazarenes have gathered to worship, grow, learn, and know what it means to be a church on fire for God. The theme has been, “Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.” We have been in existence for over 107 years. Our founder, Phineas Bresee, had a life changing experience in 1885. He referred to it as the “greatest experience of his life.” Bresee said, “There came with it into my heart and being, a transformed condition of life and blessing and unction and glory, which I had never known before” and “There came into my ministry a new element of spiritual life and power.”

Julie Best writes about it in Grace and Peace Magazine. She says, “One of the formative lessons Bresee learned about self-emptying is that it is the way to holiness. Kenosis leads to theosis, or union with God, whereby one’s nature becomes so completely consumed by holy love that selfish pursuits are suspended by a passionate allegiance to serve a holy God no matter the cost. Holiness to Bresee was more than wholly dying to self; it was becoming fully alive to commune with Christ along the path from suffering to glory. Bresee described this theosis as holiness.”

Phineas Bresee’s life was changed when he consecrated his whole life to God. He was not satisfied with mere Christian living. He went all out and opened his life up to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. From that day forward he was walking totally in the Spirit of God because the Spirit of God has his full attention.

Leviticus 11:44 says, “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.” We also read in 1 Peter 1:13-16, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Seek God with all your heart today. Don’t put it off. Celebrate the fact that God wants to live in you and fill you with His presence.

Great things are happening all around us. I am so glad we have a praying church. God’s spirit was evident last Sunday. From praying around the altar to the baptisms at the end of the second service. One family told me that their children really enjoyed watching the baptisms. They went home and baptized all of their dolls and stuffed animals. Now that is going to be one holy playroom.

This Sunday we will continue to look at Jesus final week in the series from Matthew 21, “Lead Me to the Cross.” Let’s pray for God’s anointing in our services.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org