Alabama Update September 2014

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

SEPTEMBER 2014

Sanctification–A Second Definite Work of Grace Fundamentals of the Faith–Raymond Pruitt Part I

Having considered the fundamental Scriptural material on sanctification, some of the various interpretations of the doctrine, and a brief history of its course within the holiness-pentecostal movement, we are now ready to examine the doctrine of sanctification as a second work of grace. We will see how it differs from regeneration, why it is regarded as a second work of grace, the significance of holiness in the life of the believer, and what is meant by Christian perfection.

I. How Sanctification Differs from Justification and Regeneration 1. A Comparison of justification and regeneration. Justification and regeneration are two aspects of the same work of grace which follow saving faith. Both are imparted to man in a single instantaneous act. Justification refers to the pardoning act of God in which the repentant sinner is freed from the guilt of sin and brought into a new and right relationship with God. He now enjoys the favor of God instead of being under His condemnation and the object of His wrath (Rom. 5:1). According to Wesley, “The plain, scriptural notion of justification is pardon, the forgiveness of sins.”

It is objective, and refers to one’s status before God. Regeneration is the impartation of spiritual life in Christ to the repentant, pardoned, and believing person, and it happens concomitantly with justification. It is the new birth. It is the spiritual Isaac moving into the house to take up his abode. But Isaac’s moving in does not itself force Ishmael (symbol of the inbred root and nature of sin) to move out.

Ishmael’s removal was a distinctive act apart from the coming in of Isaac (dc. Gen. 21-9-14). Of the relation between justification and regeneration, Wesley writes: Though it be allowed, that justification and the new birth, are in point of time, inseparable from each other, yet they are easily distinguished, as being not the same, but things of a widely different nature. Justification implies only a relative, the new birth a real, change. God in justifying us does something for us; in begetting us again, He does the work in us. The former changes our outward relation to God, so that of enemies we become children; by the latter our inmost souls are changed, so that of sinners we become saints. The one restores us to the favor, the other to the image, of God. 2. Differences between justification and regeneration, and sanctification. a. In regeneration the “spiritual Isaac” enters; in sanctification the “carnal Ishmael” is cast out. b. Justification deals with the guilt of sin; sanctification deals with the power and pollution of inbred sin. c. Justification deals with the acts of sin; sanctification with the nature of sin. d. In regeneration a new spiritual nature is imparted; in sanctification the carnal, or sin, nature is destroyed. e. In justification and regeneration man surrenders in repentance and faith; in sanctification he submits in complete obedience and faith. f. In justification and regeneration one lays down his weapons of resistance against God; in sanctification he moves up on the front line to stand for God (the baptism of the Holy Spirit equips him for the warfare—Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). g. Justification is forgiveness for sins; sanctification is cleansing from its pollution and power. h. In justification the tree of sin is taken away; in sanctification the roots of sin are destroyed. i. In justification and regeneration the sin nature is suppressed; in sanctification it is destroyed (Rom. 6:6). j. In Justification and regeneration one is separated from the world unto God; in sanctification the spirit of the world is taken out of him and a holy nature is given to him. “Israel was taken out of Egypt; then Egypt was taken out of them.” k. In justification man is restored to favor with God; in sanctification he is restored to the image of God. l. Justification and regeneration results in adoption into the family of God; sanctification restores the image of God. m. Justification is a judicial act in the mind of God; sanctification is a real change wrought in the nature of man.

n. Justification gives a title to heaven; sanctification makes one fit for heaven. o. Justification is an experience for sinners; sanctification is an experience for believers. p. In justification and regeneration God gives us forgiveness of sins and makes us new creatures in Christ; in sanctification we give to God our old nature and present ourselves to Him “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Rom. 12:1). q. Justification and regeneration provide the foundation which makes sanctification possible; sanctification is the goal toward which the former aspire. r. Justification removes the guilt of sins already committed; sanctification removes the inclination to sin in the future. s. Justification is imputed righteousness; sanctification is infused righteousness.

3. Parallels between justification and sanctification. W. T. Purkiser has put together a series of comparisons between justification and sanctification which the reader will find both instructive and inspirational: a. Both justification and sanctification are expressions of divine love (John 3:16 and Eph. 5:15- 27). b. Both justification and sanctification are subjects of God’s will for man (1Tim. 2:3, 4 and Heb. 10:10 and 1 Thess. 4:3). c. Both justification and sanctification are accomplished through the Word (1 Pet. 1:23 and John 17:17). d. Both justification and sanctification are wrought in the heart by the effective power of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5 and 2 Thess. 2:13). e. Both justification and sanctification are provided by the atonement of Christ on the cross of Calvary (Rom. 5:9 and Heb. 13:12). f. Both justification and sanctification are expressions of the grace of God, and not the achievements of human effort (Eph. 2:8, 9 and Titus 2:11-14). g. Both justification and sanctification are brought to the individual’s heart in response to faith (Rom. 5:1 and Acts 15: 8, 9).

While justification and sanctification are two distinct works of grace, it is important that they not be separated to the point that they have no relation at all. That would be a serious mistake, for the same Spirit works both experiences through the same precious blood of Christ, and imparting the same holy nature. A prime example of the interrelationships is seen in the way Paul brings sanctification into the “justification section” of Romans (3:21-5:1`) and how he brings justification into the “sanctification section” (Romans 6-8). Sanctification is implied in justification and conversely justification is implied in sanctification.

4. The existence of the inbred sin nature in the regenerate. It must be clearly understood that the regenerated person does not practice sinning, for “whosoever” is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin; because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). That is, it is impossible to be a practicing sinner and a child of God at the same time, for “whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God” (1 John 3:10). And the teaching of a second work of grace does not in any way limit the efficacy of the blood of Christ, but points to the twofold nature of salvation, i.e., forgiveness and cleansing. Even though the justified and regenerated believer is objectively righteous before God, his sins all forgiven, his account is settled, and he is “saved to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25), there still remains in him the original inbred sin principle, or nature, which Paul described as “...another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (Rom. 7:23). Spiritual Isaac has moved in, but carnal Ishmael has not yet been cast out.

In writing to the believers in general Paul states, “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would (Gal. 5:17). So long as Ishmael is in the house with Isaac, he will constantly war against him; Ishmael must be cast out before Isaac can live triumphantly and victoriously in his own house. The two are never blended together, but are so radically different that it is impossible to make a composite of the two natures. So long as they are in the same person, he lives with a contradiction within himself. It is no wonder the apostle Paul cried out, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Rom. 7:24). Any mixture of the regenerated nature and the carnal nature would be tantamount to adulterated holiness. The carnal nature must be eradicated.

Part II October Issue

10 Phrases of a Dying Church from Brian Dodd If you don’t like change, you‘re going to like irrelevance even less.” Those are the words of General Eric Shinseki, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army who is currently in the news because of the VA scandal.

Get ready to be challenged.

There are few things as sad as watching a once great church grow old, become irrelevant, and slowly die. W hat is worse is that they either don’t know they’re dying or they simply don’t care as long as those remaining are happy. Sadly, I have witnessed this more times than I wish to count. In addition, I have attended this type of church before.

Here is what I have noticed about many of these churches - at a pivotal point, a decision was made to continue doing ministry the way they always have rather than alter their approach to reach a changing community or the next generation. After months of committee meetings and off-line conversations, the church finally utters the The 10 Last W ords Of Dying Churches – “W e’ve never done it that way before. W e’re not changing.”

Those 10 powerful words subsequently have a ripple effect that lasts generations. As a result, the following are additional comments those attending these churches are bound to say and/or hear shortly thereafter: 1. “Isn’t it great that our music is never too loud?”

2.“Isn’t it nice seeing people in coats and ties and not disrespecting God by wearing jeans and shorts?”

3.“W e’re more spiritual and doctrinally pure than that fast-growing, watered-down gospel, baptizing-hundreds–maybe-thousandsevery-year church down the street.”

4.“Can you believe that church is stealing all our young people?”

5.“I hear we’re having to cut the budget because giving is not what it used to be.”

6.“Isn’t it great having all this room on the pew to spread out.”

7.“I love singing all four verses.”

8.“Don’t worry about our attendance. Let me tell you how large our membership is.”

9.“Are you coming to Monday night visitation? How about the W ednesday night prayer service?”

10.“Remember the good ‘ole days.”

11.“Visitors, please stand.”

12.“I hear it’s just a show over there.”

13

“W e just formed a Committee on Committees.”

14.“W e don’t talk about money. W e preach the Bible.”

15.“You don’t want that fast growth. Slooooow growth is what you need.”

16.“Isn’t it great getting out of the parking lot quickly?”

17.“The poor will always be with us.”

18.

“I’m really tired about having to hear about lost people all the time.”

19.“Pastor, I think we need to start praying for revival.”

This is taken from Brian Dodd's Leadership Blog. You can enjoy more of his writing here: http://www.briandoddonleadership.com Do these phrases hit close to home for you? Are there any more comments you want to add that you’ve heard?

Alexander City: Kids Krusade was well attended. Justin and Keshia Peters and their crew did a wonderful job with the crafts, devotion and games.

The youth and children had a car wash to help with the expenses at the church. This was a blessing to us.

Browntown: In June we had a Family Day lunch and service and Father’s Day Brunch.

July we had another Family Day service and celebrated Pastor Butch’s birthday with lunch.

Chickasaw: We celebrated the birth of a new church baby boy, Grayson Matthew Jones. His proud parents are Wesley and Connie Jones. We are so blessed to have them attending our church. They recently moved from the Birmingham area.

Connie was raised in Chickasaw and left us a few years ago to marry Wesley. We are so happy to have them back and Grayson is precious to us all. The International General Assembly was wonderful! Each session from beginning to end was anointed by God’s wonderful presence. We are so thankful to have our new General Overseer, Bishop Clements and his wife, Linda. They are dedicated to the Lord to help lead us and the great family of God’s children. Our prayers are with them. We are so happy to have Brother and Sister Jones back as the leaders of the Alabama Saints. What a blessing they are to us. May God continue to lead His ministry through them.

Our love and prayers are with them.

May God continue to keep and bless us all.

Fayette-North Pointe: North Pointe celebrated with Bryan and Christina

Greenpond: Praise His name. VBS was a great success. Thanks to Tammy Brewer and staff for their hard work and dedication.

Five new members have been added to the church. God’s Spirit is being manifested in a marvelous way in each service.

The Seniors enjoyed a peach picking trip and lunch at the Peach Ray as they dedicated Miss Emma Layne to God. Big sister, Leanna was also dedicated and she sang the song “Beautiful Day. Brother Smalley was surprised with cake and ice cream for his birthday celebration. Plans are underway for Friends and Family Day to welcome as many as possible.

Gadsden-Living Waters: The Holy Spirit is moving in a strong way here at Gadsden. Over the past 3 weeks there have been several messages in tongues with interpretations, pleading for those lost to come to Christ. Revival is here!

Grant-Sanctuary on the Mountain: We want to thank all who came to celebrate the ‘new birth and rededication’ of the ministry and the building at Grant.

What a blessing it was to have our area pastors and their members join us. It is encouraging to know that our church is part of a body of believers who pray for and support one another. We are thankful for some visitors since and thankful for the opportunity to share Christ with these.

We are glad for the opportunity that God has given us to be part of what He is doing and what He is about to do for the city of Grant. We are expecting great things.

Park.

Haleyville-Pathway: Our prayers are with Brother Clements. May he be the tool God can use to lead the church.

Huntsville-Mastin Lake: God has been bringing in our “Lost Sheep” for months, slowly but consistently.

In so doing, we have seen drug addiction delivered, depression destroyed, bitterness and unforgiveness broken and spiritual healing. Some months ago, we began as leaders to dream about breaking 100 outside of special services and to begin to average it as well. While numbers are not the focus, souls are. For several weeks during the last few months, we were close, but never reaching100. So to God be the glory for we have reached 100 in our attendance with many others out! There are so many blessings I could share but simply, “Thank God for His Spirit, direction, anointing, and favor!”

Leesburg: Our church was recently turned into a Army camp for a week for The Army of the Lord. On site were tents, a hummer, special Ops obstacle course, a mess hall, and most importantly recruits! The week was filled with dramas, music, crafts, recreation, and on Friday night a special inflatable obstacle

course. Statistics: Attendance 182 average, 53 saved, 15 baptized in water. On Celebration Sunday the attendance was 210 with a 100 people attending the baptismal service. To God be the glory. We held a Sister Myrtle Goza 95th Birthday Celebration with all of her family attending, down to the 6th generation.

Short Creek: God is blessing! We are seeing visitors each week, our youth are becoming involved in worship, helping around the church and praying in the altar. Pray for our community and schools as the children prepare for another school year. Jesus is coming soon, we must be about our Father’s business.

Summerbrook: What an eventful month. Our youth went to a car show at Noccalula Falls. They enjoyed cars, train ride and the zoo.

The church was packed with over 120 in attendance at our district area meeting. Brother Ortiz delivered an awesome message, had great singing, and the area youth performed. It was a blessing to see all ages worshiping together. When God’s people get together, good things happen.

Tarrant: July...a very busy and exciting month. We participated in coming together with our Tarrant High School officials and churches to pray for our schools and students for the upcoming year. We were honored to host the True North Birmingham District Missionary Service with Paul Zagre and family from Nigre, Africa. This was a great night in the Lord. We want to thank Short Creek for inviting us to join them in worship for their revival.

We ended the month with ‘Family Night’. God truly blesses His Children.

Winfield City Family: We had a great youth service (Back to School

Blast) with youth praying and seeking God in the altars. We also had a children’s outreach in the community with 31 free backpacks for school supplies given out. We thank God for the laborers into His harvest and we are thankful for the foundation work on the new building. Below is the foundation of our new building in Winfield.

Self-development.

We tend to prioritize the expected stages in life such as getting an education, starting a career, getting married, setting up housekeeping, having a family....We develop all these things, but what about developing ourselves? The truth is, none of these other areas will be successful unless we work on ourselves. Here are some tips for selfdevelopment: * Know yourself. The first step to selfdevelopment is becoming aware of your personal strengths, weaknesses, dreams and desires. Self-awareness is critical for determining the direction for your growth. God will give insight as you seek Him.

North Alabama Update We are excited about the work God is doing in North Alabama. Two of our churches have just completed a repair and remodel project, Hazel Green and Grant, and I know they will be blessed through this unexpected circumstance with many blessings! Just a few weeks ago we celebrated with Grant in a dedication service and in a few weeks our area will worship together at our next “Area Gathering” at the Hazel Green church.

Also, Mastin Lake is having a Back to School Bash with Brother Andrew High ministering that evening.

Our pastors are doing a great work. We are seeing God unite us, as together we are stronger than alone. We have united around the simple but profound truth that it is all about Jesus and reach others for Jesus.

Tips For Abundant Life Carolyn Guyton

* Value yourself. John Maxwell says that “you must see value in yourself to add value to yourself.” Low selfesteem is a barrier to success. If you don’t believe you can grow personally, then you won’t.

“Personal development is the belief that you are worth the effort, time and energy needed to develop yourself.” Denis Waitley * Invest in yourself. Dan Miller, in his 48 Days podcast, explains the need to prioritize reading books, listening to podcasts, attending seminars and coaching. He recommends investing 3% of your total income in yourself.

You can get started by adding selfdevelopment to your monthly budget.

Making the effort to advance and grow personally will produce incredible dividends.

Seek every day for the abundant life that only comes from God. For free e-book, subscribe to Live! mailing list at liveyourfullestlife.com facebook.com/liveyourfullestlife; cguyton2@att.net

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Line with Dr. Wessly Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 AM Dial 712-432-1690

Prayer

STATE WEB SITES Alabama Update Blog: WWW.al ab a ma u p d ate.blogspot.com Alabama Web Site: alcogop.org Youth-Tim Beck Web: www.experiencehydrate.com www.hydrateministries.com ÈÈÈÈ AVAILABLE FOR REVIVALS Rodney Bridges, 707 4th Street SE, Ft. Payne, AL, 35967; 205-3175642.

Joey Dobbs: Member of Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy.

Telephone (205)746-3017.

Earlean Emerson, P O box 1863, Hamilton, AL 35570. Telephone (205) 921-5637.

Christine & Curtis Englebert, 111 Woodland Road, Dora, AL 35062 Telephone (205) 648-2871 or cell # 205-275-1199. cenglebert2871@charter.net. Fill in for pastors also.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 30 Cordova, AL 35550; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129. Fill in for pastors also.

SPEAKING AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS: James Adkins, P O Box 921, Collinsville, AL 35961-0920,

Telephone (256) 524-3130.

Anita Falkner Parker, 3615 Moody Pkwy, Moody, AL 35004.

Telephone (205) 640-6207.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 30; Cordova, AL, 35550; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129.

BIRTHS Aliceville: Lydia Grace was born July 25 to parents, Aaron and Megan (Pate) Guthrie.

Chickasaw: Wesley and Connie Jones were blessed with a boy, Grayson Matthew, on July 21st.

Hazel Green: Thomas Beckett Boyett was born July 18th. His parents are Willie and Brittney Boyett.

DEDICATION Fayette-North Pointe: Emma Layne and Leanna were dedicated by their parents Bryan and Christina Ray.

Tammy Inman Judy Lyles Crissy Lynn K. T. Martin Nita Noe William Noe Shane Pate Damon Rose Linda Simpson Joan Smith ANNIVERSARIES Kenneth and Ann Humphries Gerome and Sarah Key Robert and Judy Lyles Ron and Pam Martin James and Linda Simpson Daniel and Laura Stronge Butch and Chris Tanner Kenneth and Elaine Wilkins

COMING EVENTS DEATHS Greenpond: God called July 1st for Kathryn Hall.

Greenpond: Tillman Pardue left this life on July 25th.

Twilleytown: Helen Thompson was called from this life on July 19th.

SEPTEMBER PASTORS/WIVES BIRTHDAYS Annzella Abernathy Julie Barber Chris Bates Brenda Chance Jackie Cleveland Terry Gann Virginia Holcomb

Hydrate Campus Tour September 23 Thompson High School October 14 Hamilton, MS K-12 MS September 26-27 Ladies Conference Camp Boothe October 24-25 Men’s Conference Camp Boothe November 6-9 Gordon-Conwell Seminary Camp Boothe December 31January 3 Winter Conference “The New American Revolution”

9/03/2014 Greetings Unshakable Men! This is Neal Wright, your Men's Conference Director. We are gearing up for a powerful state men's conference in October. Specifically, the dates for this year's conference are October 24-25, 2014 at our state retreat facility, Camp Boothe.

We are planning for an amazing time with powerful worship, relevant teaching and dynamic ministry. We believe that God wants to raise up men of unshakable faith and undaunted courage.

Our burden is to see men move from being mediocre to mighty. Men that are unshakable in the face of a collapsing world all around us. Where are the mighty men, whose faith will rise above the dark abyss that threatens to engulf our churches, communities, and nation? Without these model men of character, purpose, integrity, purity, and faithfulness our churches, and eventually our nation, will crumble.

We are challenging every man to rise up to this noble call and join us for a powerful weekend with God. We believe that this particular weekend will touch your life, and give you the fuel and resources you need to become unshakable in your walk with Jesus Christ. Through these unshakable men, we will model, mentor, and multiply their life in Christ until our churches and the entire nation is transformed from within.

Get ready men to be challenged to become UNSHAKABLE men of God! I am anticipating a great turnout and outpouring of the Holy Spirit for Men's Conference 2014 at Camp Boothe.

Stay tuned for more information to be sent out soon containing all the necessary information for you to be a part of this exciting Men's Ministry opportunity. I can't wait to see you there!

Unshakable, Pastor Neal Wright

Alabama Men’s Conference

October 24-­‐25

Camp Boothe – Greenpond, AL www.campboothe.org

12.31.14 – 1.3.15

The Next American Revolution Winter Conference 2015 www.hydrateministries.com

July Statistics

2014

CHURCH

SM

TITHES

CHURCH

SM

TITHES

Alexander City Aliceville Alton Altoona Anniston Praise Worship Bayou La Batre Bessemer Hopewell Rd Woodland Hills Boaz Boldo Brown’s Chapel Browntown Calera Harvest Chapel Carbon Hill Chickasaw Citronelle Clanton Collinsville Harvest Center Cordova Cottondale Cunningham Bridge Decatur Dothan Dry Valley East Lake Highlands Elba Elkmont Eoline/Tuscaloosa Fayette-North Pointe Fort Payne Gadsden Living Waters Goodwater Joyful Praise Gordo Grant-Sanctuary Greenpond Grove Hill Hackleburg Haleyville Pathway Hamilton New Heights Happy Hill Harris Chapel Hartselle Hazel Green

27 6 53 15

2566.00 3336.54 3688.38 3432.06 7223.64 550.00

81 No Report No Report 28 129 24 22 9 18 20 63 29 21 9 33 8 21 20 No Report No Report 134 40 111 51 40 44 61 --18 30 ---

7694.75

44 13

Huntsville Mastin Lake Bell Road Mission Jasper Leesburg Lincoln Mentone Montgomery Moulton Munford Silver Run Odenville Pelham Parrish Phil Campbell Pinson Parkway Poarch Red Bay Robertsdale Rock Cliff Russellville Living Word Sheffield Cliff Haven Short Creek Sterrett Summerbrook Tannehill Mission Tarrant City Trinity Worship Twilleytown West Blocton Winfield Family World Outreach

126 67 7 No Report --46 91 124 19 11 21 No Report 68 117 4 40 7 --47 --No Report --80 6

12385.10 9003.36 1263.50 1276.50 4373.02 --7835.89 1244.80 4977.00 2261.00

----578.00 3110.10 1140.20 1690.80 --846.00 2043.87 4212.00 586.31

47

4775.26

18 43 No Report 72 No Report 183 72 No Report --44 15 39

1400.25 6018.19 8371.40 21661.50 3856.94 11790.80 7313.81 1328.00 ---

3162.00 4528.40 2050.85 1129.00 1191.00 3214.22 1467.00 2935.07 3654.42 954.32 1600.00 1589.93 1495.28 2778.45 1637.00

15680.72 4029.85 4416.68 3571.00 2851.95 10146.45 4409.00 2258.85

THE ABOVE STATISTICS WERE TAKEN FROM REPORTS (FROM TREASURERS) RECEIVED IN STATE OFFICE AS OF AUGUST 2014.

The following reports were received in the State Office for previous months: June Cordova 68 --Cottondale 105 --East Lake Highlands 41 --Hazel Green 46 ---

ALABAMA UPDATE Church of God of Prophecy P.O. Box 707 A Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0707

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No.256 BESSEMER, AL

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Sympathy to our Ministers Families

Evelyn Hull August 18, 2014 Deacon Don (Louise) Hull’s mother

Becky Farr Mojica August 18, 2014 Mike Mojica’s wife

The Alabama Update is the official monthly publication of the Church of God of Prophecy in Alabama. Yearly subscription rate is $7.00.

Statements in this publication referring to the Church of God have reference to the Church of God of Prophecy. Articles and news briefs submitted for publication must be received by the fifth of the month for publication, and should be sent to: Alabama Update, PO Box 707, Bessemer, AL . 35021-0707.

L. V. Jones, Editor Billie Ruth Jones, Assistant Editor C======================================= SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Enclosed is $ for a year subscription ($7.00 per year) to the Alabama Update.

Name (Please print)_____________________________ Mailing Address_______________________________ City_______________State_____Zip Code__________ Church_______________________________________