Vol.

106-2

Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3

Delivered for Gods Glory

Held in captivity and barely alive, this man prayed that he would be an example of Gods power to do anything.

VIEWPOINT
Learning is an active process, as Wendy Chasteens testimony on page 17 indicates. Wendy learned by doing, whether it was riding a horse, sewing, or serving God. She learned because she wanted to learn. Ive had an opportunity to observe some of the learning experiences in Wendy and Jack Chasteens lives. Most of their growing up years, Jack Chasteen and Wendy Broughton lived just outside of Roseburg, Oregon, less than five miles from where I grew up on Quail Lane. Only a few farms, country roads, and the South Umpqua River separated us. We didnt know each other at the time, though my family ate at the Broughtons pizza restaurant occasionally. We didnt know the Apostolic Faith Church where the Chasteens attended, even though it was located just a block from the Broughtons restaurant, nor were we acquainted with their God. However, all that changed when Wendy was saved. Wendy began learning to be a missionary at home; in fact, her invitation introduced my family to the Apostolic Faith Church. Wendy and Jack were both in attendance the Sunday I first visited there on March 17, 1974. The presence of the Lord was also there, and later that night, I asked forgiveness for my sins and was dramatically saved. During my first Portland camp meeting a few months later, Jack invited me to share a cabin with him. He was learning to reach out to new converts when he loaned me one of his neckties, taught me how to tie it, and then stood next to me in the young adult choir. Exactly one year after the Chasteens were married on Valentines Day in 1975, Debbie and I were married, and Jack was one of the ushers at our wedding. Through the years, we watched the Chasteens continue to learn by doing. When the call came for Brother Jack to move from Roseburg to serve as a pastor, the two of them learned how to be a pastor and pastors wife by answering the call and simply beginning to do it. More than two decades after our respective weddings, he and I learned many new things together when we visited our churches in Nigeria for the first time. You may never have the learning experiences that the Chasteens have had, but you will have some of your own. We pray that the contents of this magazine will encourage you to learn from the experiences that God sends your way by . . . well, by simply moving forward!

Darrel D. Lee Superintendent General

Learning by Doing

Modesty Is Gods Design ............................3 Delivered for Gods Glory............................6 Its Possible............................................. 11 Its Still There!......................................... 17 Where Is Your Spiritual Focus?................... 19

Day to Day............. 9 Evidence............... 14 Highlighting Our Heritage............... 21

Higher Way (ISSN #1084-9807) is published quarterly by the Apostolic Faith Church, 6615 SE 52nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206, U.S.A. and is mailed out subscription free. Periodicals postage is paid at Portland, Oregon. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Higher Way, Apostolic Faith Church, 6615 SE 52nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206, U.S.A. AprilJune 2013 2
Higher Way

Modesty Is Gods Design

From a sermon by Darrel Lee

Slavenko Vukasovic | Dreamstime.com

God wants everything about our attitude and appearance to reflect Him.

he Word of God emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine (Biblical teaching). The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that the time would come when audiences would not endure that type of teaching. Rather, people would search for instructors who would offer them something pleasant to their ears, even though it would not impart life to their souls. In 1 Timothy 1:3, Paul instructed Timothy to remain in Ephesus that he

might charge some that they teach no other doctrine than what Paul had taught him, and what he had learned from the Lords teachings. In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul addressed a subject that applies to both men and women: modesty. Modesty is a condition of the heart that is exemplified by what is seen outwardly. Pride is the antithesis of modesty, and individuals of either gender can manifest that attitude.
Higher Way

Modesty is a condition of the heart that is exemplified by what is seen outwardly.

Pauls instruction
Paul gave Timothy some instructions specifically for women regarding this subject. He wrote, In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Christians were to be marked not by the outward appearance, but by what existed within. And the same principle applies in our day. To adorn is to decorate, whether describing a home, a Christmas tree, or ones person. As followers of Christ and His doctrine, we are to adorn ourselves in a manner that reflects Christ, who is dwelling within. When individuals see us, we want that to be what captures their attention. We live in a time when what is wholesome, modest, and discreet, is demonized and characterized as odd. Instead, the immodest and provocative are glamorized. Modern society has a warped view of what is attractive, and that warped view often demands that women who want to be viewed as elegant and sophisticated present themselves in some measure of undress. God has a different view! From what source do we want to receive instruction in this matterour corrupt culture or Gods Word?
4
Higher Way

Men and women can have different views of immodesty. A woman in immodest attire might see herself as simply appearing appealing or attractive, while a man sees her as being intentionally provocative, suggestive, and even seductive. When an immodestly dressed woman walks by, men notice. God-fearing men notice, but are not interested. Thus, immodestly dressed women who are striving to get attention succeed in doing so. However, they capture the attention of the type of men they should not want such attention from, and gain an assessment they probably would not appreciate. If you are a woman, remember that immodest attire especially draws the attention of men who have no interest in godliness. In Pauls letter to Timothy, he noted that immodesty is marked by adornment that is elaborate, extravagant, excessive, or expensive. In contrast, godly women were to be marked by a modest spirit. If we have a modest spirit, we will present ourselves modestly because our desire and motivation will be to avoid capturing the wrong kind of attention. Our motivation will be to capture the attention of the God of Heaven and to live for Him, and that will be reflected in our appearance.

sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons (Genesis 3:7). Part of the problem in many societies is that there seems to be no sense of condemnation for immodest attire. Where is the shame? Where is the embarrassment? This makes choosing to dress modestly a challenge, because the fashion world limits options. However, it also makes a modest individual more of a light in a sinful world. The Lord responded to Adam and Eves shame over their unclothed condition; we read that the Lord God made coats of skins, and clothed them (verse 21). Notice that while Adam and Eve had covered themselves with aprons, God covered them with coats. In so doing, He began to define and teach the principle of modesty.

Throughout the Bible

Instruction regarding modesty continues in subsequent books of the Bible. For example, when God instituted the worship procedures for the Children of Israel, He commanded, Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon (Exodus 20:26). Later, He ordained that the priests were to be clothed with linen breeches, for the express purpose of modesty. Immodesty is personified in the life of Jezebel, the wicked wife of King Ahab, who persecuted Elijah and the other prophets of God. The Bible says that Jezebels religious system included whoredom and witchcraft. Just before judgment befell her, she painted her face, and tired her head (2 Kings 9:30). Instead of humbling herself, as one afraid of divine vengeance, she retained her arrogant and ungodly behavior to the end.

The first lesson in modesty

When God created man and woman in the Garden of Eden, they were modest beings. But then came the Fall of Man. Adam and Eve transgressed, and because of their disobedience, they went from innocence to guilt. Gods Word tells us that their eyes were opened, and they knew that they were naked. Suddenly, they found themselves plagued by shame and embarrassment. To remedy that, they

We live in a time when what is wholesome, modest, and discreet, is demonized and characterized as odd.

Isaiah 3 records what God saw when He viewed the fashionable women of Jerusalem who were more concerned with the latest styles of jewelry, hair dressing, and attire than they were in their spiritual well-being. We read, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet . . . In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon [adornments in their hair and around their necks], the chains [ornaments which dangled from the ears], and the bracelets, and the mufflers, the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, the rings, and nose jewels, the changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, the glasses [mirrors of polished metal], and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. God ordained that because the women had placed their emphasis on clothing and jewelry rather than on God and were proud and haughty, they would be diseased, abused, and judged. Isaiah did not paint a pretty picture. What their culture viewed as fashionable grieved the heart of God.

on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:3-4). He continued by stating, For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves. Holy women emphasized cultivating an interior spiritual beauty rather than primarily focusing on outward adorning.

The example of Sara

Peter went on in this passage to refer to one specific woman: Sara, the wife of Abraham. What Peter mentioned was Saras modesty, though he was not ignoring that she was a beautiful woman. Scripture records that Abraham told his wife, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon. Sara was very attractive, but Peter noted that she was marked by her modesty. Modesty is always attractive. When we address a subject like this, we may be accused of trying to send people back to the 1950s. Actually, we are trying to send you back further than thatwe would like to send you back to the admonition given at the time of Creation. Do not uncover what God deems should be covered! That principle was instituted back in Genesis and carried through the Old Testament to the New Testament. It applied then, and it applies now. There was immodesty in the 1950s. There was immodesty in the 1920s, and in the 1800s. It is described in Bible times. Immodesty has always existed! Modesty is not a matter of going backward or forwardit is a timeless principle of Gods Word. It is a matter of learning what the Bible teaches, and being interested enough in pleasing God that we follow the

guidelines of Scripture. When we do, we are blessed. We need look no further than the magazine covers by the grocery store checkout counter to observe how society has glamorized indecency. The devil is selling people a bill of goods that will leave them bankrupt. By contrast, the Word of God offers wholesome teaching that will leave a person flourishing if followed. It instructs, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

A matter of choice
God has created a way whereby we can live holy, soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Yes, we will stand out from the crowd. If we want to blend in with the crowd, we have that option, but that is not an option God desires us to exercise. Which will you choose? Gods Word makes it plain what we should do as followers of Christ. Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Let us ask God to help us to put into practice the principle of modesty. As we do, we will indeed be a testimony to the world. Darrel Lee is Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith Church and pastor of the headquarters church in Portland, Oregon.
Higher Way

Inward adorning
In the New Testament, godly women were noted by what is referred to as their chaste conversation, or conduct. The word chaste is translated in other Scriptures as pure, clean, and modest. The Apostle Peter alluded to these pure, modest women, saying, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting

Delivered for Gods Glory

G
od can give a devastated by this true peace that news, and she asked will stand the that I be given a leave test of time and will to come and see her. remain even when one While there, I learned faces life-threatening that my other brother situations. This has had relocated from been my personal tesCameroon to Calabar, timony for over fortyNigeria. Although I nine years. had never met him, In 1957, I was born I pled with my mother in Eket, Akwa Ibom to let me go live with State, Nigeria, into him, rather than senda polygamous family ing me back to Lagos. with twenty-five chilIt was a big relief when dren by eight women. she agreed. When I was about four Until that time, I do years old, my father not ever remember was fatally injured being taken to church. in an accident as he However, in Calabar, was returning from a a little girl who was a regional council meetdistant relative invited ing. Upon his death, me to an Apostolic Xrisca30 | iStockphoto.com the consequences of Faith Sunday school. his polygamy virtually In April of 1964, I went destroyed my family as for the first time. Inside Held in captivity and barely alive, the effort to succeed him the Sunday school hall, this man prayed that he would be him we sat on mats on the became a war between family members. Some floor. There I heard an example of Gods power were consumed with the about Christ and His struggle, and the uncerlove, and something to do anything. tainty of the future about the Sunday caused others to scatter school teacher generBy Owen Richard Owen in different directions. ated a deep desire in My father left nothing in his will for me, and from my earliest my heart to return. Now I understand that it was the Spirit recollections, life was a real challenge. of God. In a youth service one Sunday afternoon a while My mother had seven childrenfour boys and three later, some children sang, While Jesus is whispering to you, girls. She loved us, but had no means of dealing with the come sinner, come. As I was listening, the Spirit of God responsibility of our upkeep. Because of the inter-family gripped me, and at the end of the sermon, I went forward strife, she did not think it was safe for any of us to remain and prayed to God with deep contrition. Even though I was in our village, so my oldest brother moved to another part young and had not committed big sins, the little ones of Nigeria, and the next brother went to Cameroon. She needed to be confessed. As I prayed, God came down and felt her only option was to send me to Lagos, Nigeria, to made a real change in my heart. This experience brought become a domestic servant with the promise that I would an unspeakable joy like an overflowing river in my soul. be sent to school. Rigorous daily tasks and regular beatings Within a short time, God helped me to pray through to were my lot there. sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Before long, the message came that my oldest brother Until my conversion, I had been a well-loved child at my had been poisoned and had died. My mother was brothers home, but that attitude suddenly changed. The
6
Higher Way

situation became challenging and disturbing. My brother Hope Waddell Training Institution, one of the most famous thought that I had been brainwashed and that I would grow secondary schools in Nigeria. Eventually, my brother sent a up to be useless. As time went on, my circumstances dete- message that he would be willing to finance my education, riorated. At about 4 a.m., I was made to wake up and fetch but he said I must not come to their house. However, he did water from the public tap, about fifty meters away, and this not follow through very well on this promise. Many times, was a struggle because the tap was so busy. On Sundays, our pastor handed me envelopes which contained money my breakfast was unduly delayed with the intention of pre- that someone had given for me, and to a large extent, this is venting me from attending Sunday school. how my secondary education was financed. What a big God we have! He specializes in things When I was thirteen years old, I was informed that I must choose: forget about church and stay at home and thought impossible by man. While I was preparing for my go to school, or continue with my new life in Christ and final secondary school examinations, five years after being forget about home and school. On my own, I am afraid I kicked out of my brothers house, I received a message would have made the wrong decision, but God gave me the from my brother. He said that I could return home, and when I did, I received a surprisingly boldness to choose Him. I said that as warm reception. much as I wanted to stay in the home In time, I told my brother that I and go to school, I was not prepared When I was would like to further my studies, posto do so at the expense of my deep sibly outside Nigeria. He said that religious conviction. thirteen years old, he loved me and would sponsor my One Sunday when I came back I was informed that education. Four years after completfrom the evening service, the door of secondary school, I was able to the house was locked. My brothers I must choose: forget ing begin attending college in Portland, wife opened the door and saw me, but I was not allowed to enter. At about church and stay Oregon. After being in Portland for about one year, that same brother about midnight, a neighbor came out at home and go to assured me of financial support to and took me into his house. I could complete my education. However, not sleep and though I tried to pray, school, or continue two weeks later, he was involved in the heaviness in my heart was almost with my new life in an automobile accident and did not overwhelming. Early the next mornsurvive. He was my only remaining ing, I went and stood in front of Christ and forget brother. The news hit me hard, and our house. My brother opened the I fell down before God, asking many door, and he had my few shirts in his about home and questions. As I was pouring my heart hands. He threw them on the ground school. out to Him, I felt a hand on my shouland said, Thats the end of you in der and a Voice said, My son, I want this house. My hot bitter tears were to remind you of those five years. Yes, nearly uncontrollable. People rushed your brother was alive, but you were in to plead with my family, but they said they were sick and tired of me, and that I must leave. like an orphan. I took care of you then, and I am going to I picked up my few worn-out clothes from the ground and take care of you now. Immediately, I rose to my feet, wiped my tears, and said, Lord, I humbly bow to Your divine wept, Lord, what is this? Where do I go? It is hard to explain the pain and anxiety of that will. God was faithful to His promises and provided for momentI had no home, no siblings to turn to, and no my needs for the next ten years while I studied and received food. I did not know where the pastor or my Sunday school four college degrees. While I was still in the United States, I received a job offer teacher lived. However, the God of Heaven was there and was watching over me. A young man from the church lived from the Federal University of Technology in Owerri, Nigedown the street in a small, single-room, thatched house. He ria, and also an award called Return of Talent. Part of the award benefits included a lump sum equivalent to a years took me in, trusting God to take care of us. It appeared there was no hope of furthering my educa- salary. This was given to me while I was still in the United tion. My clothes were worn out, and there were days with- States, and it took care of the entire cost of my relocation out food. Sometimes I would lie on my back on the green back to Nigeria. After working at the university for twelve years, God grass and look into the sky, wondering if God had forgotten me. Yet, we have a divine Creator who has plans for His miraculously gave me employment with a leading gas and children. If we keep our hands in His and wait on Him, He oil company. As the Superintendent of a land transport unit, my responsibilities included purchase, maintenance, will work out His plans in our lives. During my last year in the elementary school, I had passed and operation of light vehicles as well as heavy equipment. the entrance examinations and been interviewed for three There were over five hundred personnel in the unit, beside different secondary schools, and admission was offered numerous contractors. From my first day, I declared my to me from all three. Before my brother put me out of his stand as a God-fearing person who cherishes honesty and home, he had paid an acceptance fee for admission into the hard work. The main purpose of my appointment was to put
Higher Way

in place control systems to curb abuse of company assets. Instead of bringing the knife, however, all the captors scatOnce the new systems were proving effective, a number of tered. The leader stepped over me, locked the door, and left people were very displeased with me. Being unable to bribe me. In about ten minutes, he returned, and I thought the me with gifts or money, they decided to wait me out, think- final hour had come. Surprisingly, he untied the towel over ing that I was only going to be with the company for two my mouth and in a few minutes untied my hands and legs. years. However, the management was happy with the work Then he left me like dead wood on the ground. I was doing and decided to retain me. Lying there, I prayed, Lord, my body cannot take this While the management was pleased, other interested par- anymore. I am prepared to step into Your presence. Please ties looked at me as an obstacle that must be removed at all open the gates for me. In my heart, I did not sense a costs. By 2005, the company had realized the high risk asso- response from God. Then I prayed, Lord, if there is one ciated with my office and assigned armed guards to escort person to benefit from my experience, I want You to prove me and watch my house. I received a number of threat- to the world that You are the God of Daniel that can do ening letters and phone calls, but I was something that no other can do. God leaning on God for protection. Since it heard that prayer. was uncomfortable to move about with Early the next morning, one of the an armed escort, I normally did not have The men attacked captors opened the door and said, The them during the weekends. fact that we did not kill you last night me from all In 1991, I had been asked to begin shows that you are worshipping a living preaching at church. Then in 2007, I God. Hold fast to your God. Even this directions and was appointed to pastor a church in hardened criminal attested to the power violently bundled Eket. In addition to the high demand of God to protect His own. of my employment, we were constructFinally, my captors came and asked me into one of ing a new church building. On Sunday, me to make a choice between my life November 30, 2008, I was anxious to and my money. I told them that I pretheir cars. get to the church earlier than usual. My ferred life, and efforts were made to wife pleaded with me to stay for breakliquidate my investments. However, fast, but I told her that I could not wait. the bank required that I come to their About fifteen minutes after I left, some offices in person to release the funds. people knocked on our gate. My wife heard them say, His My captors put me in the center of a circle where they were car is not there; he has gone. She did not know that they cooking a concoction in a big pot, and they invoked spirits were hired killers who had planned to pick me up at our to destroy me and my family if I failed to bring the money. house that morning. Convinced that I was under their control and would thereThe men knew the location of the church, and later that fore return with the money, they blindfolded me, led me day, six of them followed me home in two cars. Thankfully, to a car, and then drove for a long time. When they finally my younger daughter had decided to stay at the church and stopped the car, they removed the blindfold and left me. All not travel home with me. As soon as I stopped in front of alone, I stood by the roadside, not knowing where I was or our house, the men attacked me from all directions and what to do. Eventually some cars passed by, and one driver violently bundled me into one of their cars. They pushed stopped and was willing to take me to Eket. me to the floor of the car, and in the process my head During my ordeal, around the world, people had been was deeply wounded with the butt of a gun, and my right prevailing in prayer, and God had not forsaken us. My shoulder was broken. When we arrived at their destination, release was miraculous, and of course, God had the power they threw me into a totally dark room with only one door, to make all the captors spells and curses invalid. To God be which was well secured, and said that I was a dead man. It all the glory! felt as if I was in a dark hole. Now, some years after my kidnapping incident, I live They kept me captive for thirteen days, and during that to tell the story of the power in the Blood of Jesus to pertime, the depths of mans wickedness was displayed. I was form signs and wonders. Yes, I have been to the mountain kept in total darkness and subjected to inhumane treat- top of joy and also in the valley of affliction, but God is ment. The most horrific was the night they planned to kill always there. I thank Him that He ever helped me to make me. A long towel was stuffed into my mouth and tied firmly the choice of giving Him my heart. Through my years in to the back of my head. My hands were tied behind my back elementary school, secondary school, and the university, and my feet were tied. A strong alcoholic drink was poured He kept me as His child. Today, I am still doing my best over my body, and I was kicked and burned with the drugs to live at the center of His will. One of these days, my feet they were smoking. My wife was called on the phone so she are going to walk on the streets paved with gold. This is my could listen to how I passed from this life. portion of the sure mercies of God. The leader asked one of the men to bring the knife and the bucket. That fellow said I was to die at midnight and it Owen Richard Owen is on the ministerial staff of the Aposwas not yet that time. The leader shouted, We cannot keep tolic Faith Church West and Central Africa Headquarters at him until midnight; hes a dead man, and he must die. Anthony Village in Lagos, Nigeria.
8
Higher Way

DAY TO DAY

Life Is An

ur perspective on trials can make a difference in how we handle them. For me, a little personal motto has been helpful. Let me explain how that came about. When the calendar said I had reached an important milestone ageforty years oldI took stock of my life. My blessings were many. I have a good wife who loves me, and we have a son and a daughter who respect us. In addition, I am part of a church congregation that appreciates me, and my career as a college professor is fulfilling. However, my life was very predictable. As an academic, I could plan my days two or three years in advance, and did so. At church, we had regularly scheduled services. While I appreciated the stability and security of my life, part of me longed for adventure. So, after my mid-life review, I decided to launch out a bit. My motto for this was Life is an adventure.

Adventure!
By Mark Staller In my effort to be something of an adventurer, I began to explore the natural world around me, fitting in these excursions between my regular responsibilities. A day hike in the Tehachapi Mountains near our home was a start. A kayaking outing off the coast of Santa Barbara with dolphins swimming alongside was memorable. Joshua Tree National Park had giant boulders to climb and tight crevices in the canyons to squeeze through. In time, my wife was persuaded to do some adventuring with me on our vacations. We have hiked the narrow trails of the Grand Canyon, seen whales spout in the ocean, and watched the glaciers calve in Alaska. Since I learned to fulfill my desire for adventure in these ways, my need for security and stability is balanced with the quest for action and adventure. Although my schedule is still fairly predictable, now I make an effort to find time to include adventure trips in it. It isnt surprising that my thoughts also turned toward whether my spiritual life had adventure. The Bible does not have the word boring in it. Biblical men and women sometimes had complaints about their lives, but the Scriptures never once record that they complained about being bored. Rather, the God of the Bible seems to delight in calling human beings to accomplish challenging, almost impossible tasks. He asks them to step outside their comfort zones and to engage in great adventures with Him. Consider a few examples. God called Noah to build a giant ark to save his family and the creatures of the earth from a massive flood. (See Genesis 6.) Noah was recruited to be
Higher Way

Sergej Razvodovskij | 123rf.com

The word boring cannot be found in the Bible. And it does not have to describe your life!

God often leads people into difficult situations and helps them face incredible odds in order to accomplish remarkable feats.

a boat builder, an animal keeper, and a storm survivor. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and his family to travel to a far-away land. (See Genesis 12.) Abraham obeyed and found himself engaged in fire-and-brimstone storms, desert battles, mountaintop sacrifices, family squabbles, and divine manifestations. God called Joseph to be the savior of his family during a famine. (See Genesis 45.) He had strange visions, was sold into slavery by his brothers, was falsely accused and put into prison. Then, in an amazing turn of events, he interpreted a dream for Egypts ruler, and was made second-in-command of the nation. From that position of authority, he became responsible for disaster preparations. When the Children of Israel cried out to God from their Egyptian bondage, God sent them on a great wilderness adventure. (See Exodus 13.) They survived ten plagues in Egypt, crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, were led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, and faced hunger, thirst, and hostile elements. After they reached the Promised Land, God helped them be victorious in an astonishing number of military campaigns.
10
Higher Way

Throughout the history of the Children of Israel, God called judges, then kings, and eventually prophets to lead His people and declare His Word. They prevailed against incredible odds in battles, were warriors and rulers, and at times endured mockery and disdain, risking their lives to proclaim the coming judgment of God. Jesus called the Apostles to forsake their ordinary lives and to follow Him on an extraordinary journey of faith. After a brief time of training, He told them to spread the Gospel throughout the world. (See Mark 16.) The Apostles preached the Good News, healed the sick, enraged the status quo, and turned the world upside down. History records that almost all of them were martyred. The sacred Scriptures reveal a God who calls human beings to live for Him, which will be a great adventure. It is easy for us to hope that following God will be safe or predictable, and that He will make our lives easier. Yet, on the contrary, God often leads people into difficult situations and helps them face incredible odds in order to accomplish remarkable feats. During the first forty years of my life, I sometimes prayed, God, please do not allow anything too difficult to

come my way. You know how weak a person I am. You know I wouldnt be able to handle it. However, God did not answer that prayer. About seven years ago, He allowed several hard situations to come into my life all at once. It felt as if God took me up to the edge of a cliff and then pushed me off! But this helped me discover that although I could not handle life on my own, I could lean on God. Even when life is hard, God is still good. Oh, I do not prefer pain and suffering. However, when God allows pain and suffering to come, I truly believe that He is working out all things for my good. My faith is rooted in Gods Word, which says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Many other Scriptures also give assurance that God has a plan and is working it out as my life is yielded to Him. Now, if disaster strikes, I remind myself that life is an adventure. When the unexpected occurs, I remind myself that life is an adventure. When there are painful, difficult circumstances, life is an adventure. Since there is a longing in me for adventure, how can I complain when God sends it my way? The Life is an adventure motto inspires me to look to God and then confront and embrace the worst that life has to offer. A great adventurer is a person who has faced many dangerous situations and survived. If I want to be a great adventurer, then I must be willing to take risks and face my fears. I cannot shrink back from hardship, pain, and suffering. The greater the trials, the greater the adventure! Maybe this thought will strengthen you when you face unexpected circumstances. God has a special adventure plan for each of us, and we can trust Him to take us through. Mark Staller is pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in Tehachapi, California.

d reu F

am Dre

stim

m e.co

From a sermon by Erik Calhoun

R
Although scientists have accomplished many feats once deemed impossible, sin can only be removed through the atoning Blood of Jesus.

ecently I came across an article posted on the New Scientist website which listed ten impossibilities that were ultimately conquered by science.1 As I read through the list, I was reminded of the verse in the Book of Daniel which says that in the end times, knowledge will be increased. We certainly live in an age when knowledge is exploding in all directions. For many years, scientists supposed that the feats on this list were simply beyond the capabilities of man. For example, in 1934 Albert Einstein was quoted in the Pittsburg Post Gazette as saying, There is not the slightest indication that [nuclear energy] will ever be obtainable. It would mean that the atom would have to be shattered at will. Its not possible. Just five years later, scientists figured out how. The first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was initiated on
Higher Way

11

December 2, 1942, and less than three years later, detonation of atomic bombs brought about the end of World War II. In 1954, the USSR became the first nation to harness nuclear energy to produce some of its power. The impossible had become possible. Another item on the list was heavier-than-air flight. The next time you travel by plane, think of this one when you board. The list says, The number of scientists and engineers who confidently stated that heavier-than-air flight was impossible in the run-up to the Wright Brothers flight is too large to count. In 1895, Lord Kelvin, who invented the Kelvin scale used on thermometers, was among those who said that such flying machines were impossible. Eight years later the Wright Brothers took their first flight. Consider space flight. For centuries the idea that one day a human being might be catapulted into space was thought to be simply preposterous. I understand that in order to get beyond the pull of gravity, a craft must reach escape velocity of 11.2 kilometers per second. I dont know how aeronautical engineers developed the technologies to make such a feat possible, but Sputnik was launched in 1957, and the first manned space craft flight followed four years later. While mans efforts have made possible many achievements once considered impossible, the Book of Hebrews

describes an impossibility that will never become possible. We read in Hebrews 10:4, For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. The writer of Hebrews knew his audience. He was addressing the Jewish nation, and when he said the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins, they knew he was alluding to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. As part of the worship ceremonies ordained for Israel, animal sacrifices to atone for sin were made on a regular basis. Verse 3 of that same chapter says, But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. That remembrance of sins still takes place today, though the sacrificial rituals are no longer practiced. The Jewish New Year occurs during September or October, depending on when the new moon appears, and at that time the Jewish people observe the Feast of Trumpets. This begins the Jewish High Holy Days, which conclude on the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement was, and is, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. That day is what the writer of Hebrews was referring to: a remembrance of sins made every year. Chapter 16 of Leviticus describes very clearly what the Children of Israel were to do on that day. The high priest was to take a bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. He was to wash himself and put on holy garments, and then approach God on behalf of the people. First, he made atonement for himself. After killing the sacrificial animal, he would take a censer of burning coals from the altar and burn incense before the Lord in the Holy of Holies. Then he would take the blood of the offering and sprinkle it seven times on the Mercy Seat. When that was done, he would repeat the same ritual with another animal, for the Children of Israel. This act of atonement brought reconciliation between the people and God, but the sacrifices had to be repeated year after year. Hebrews 10:11 relates, And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. Then the writer goes on to make a vital contrast. The perfect nature of Christs sacrificial death is highlighted by his words, But this man [Jesus Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. Thank God for the atoning Blood of Jesus! What was once considered impossiblefull deliverance from sin was made possible by Jesus death at Calvary. Blood is vitally important. Human blood begins flowing in the very early stages of fetal development. In fact, just twenty-two days after conception, a babys heart begins to beat with its own blood. I remember when my wife and I went for the first ultrasound of our oldest son, Graham. The picture was grainy and you could not make out much,

12

Higher Way

but you could see a distinct I remember taking a bar of heartbeat. I will never forget soap and trying to scrub my that picture! chest. Actually, I knew soap Not only can we be forgiven Now Graham is almost would not take away sins, five years old, and blood through Jesus atonement, but I tried anyway. Howis of great concern to him. ever, because Jesus shed His it can also cleanse us of the When he falls down and Blood and died for us at Calskins a knee or elbow, his vary, our sins can be washed carnal naturethe inward first question is, Mommy away. Salvation and forgivetendency toward sin that (or Daddy), is it bleeding? ness do not come through Our response determines shaking the preachers hand, we inherited from Adam. how hard he cries. It might accepting Christ, or being be only a tiny speck of blood, baptized. We are saved when but if he bleeds, he cries. we look to Calvary and by A bit of research about faith accept the provision human blood reveals some interesting facts. A heart beats that was made there for our sins through the shed Blood 35 million times a year, pumping one million barrels of and sacrificail death of Jesus! The Spirit of God witnesses blood in an average lifetime. Our blood travels 12,000 miles with our spirits that we have been forgiven. We have peace a day as it circulates through our bodies. There are four in our hearts, and freedom from guilt and shame. major blood groups: type A, B, O, and AB. Type O-negative Not only can we be forgiven through Jesus atonement, blood is called the universal donor because it is compat- it can also cleanse us of the carnal naturethe inward tenible with any blood type. dency toward sin that we inherited from Adam. We read While the attributes of human blood are amazing, the in 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, [plural, referring to Blood of Jesus Christ is unique. Because God was His Father sins we have committed] he is faithful and just to forgive us and He was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Jesus Blood was our sins . . . Forgiveness occurs when we are saved, but the without sin. Hebrews 10:4 declared that it was impossible writer does not stop there. He continues, . . . and to cleanse for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sin, but us from all unrighteousness. Hearts can be cleansed from the Blood of Jesus provides for exactly that. It makes the the sin nature and made holy through the sanctifying impossible possible! It is universally available and univer- power of Jesus Blood. Hebrews 13:12 relates, Wherefore sally effective to cleanse sin. Every sin can be taken away by Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own the Blood of Jesus Christ! blood, suffered without the gate. Jesus gave His life at Calvary when He became the PerThe Blood of Jesus does a perfect work in our lives fect Sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Through His death because He was the Perfect Sacrifice. Hebrews 10:1 points and shed Blood, He purchased our redemption. In 1 Peter out that the Mosaic Law was a shadow of good things to 1:18-19, the Apostle told those in the Early Church, Ye come. A shadow is simply a shape. It does not reveal much were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and except the outline or general shape of the object. The Old gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition Testament forms of worship gave an indistinct picture of from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, Christs later and perfect Sacrifice. Jesus Blood provides for as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. a perfect work in our hearts. Redemption is needed. The Fall of man created a horriToday, have your sins been forgiven? Do you know what ble mess in this worldbroken hearts, broken lives, broken it means to have the Blood of Jesus applied to your heart? families, broken communities, and broken nations are all If not, you can find deliverance from sin, and power to the result of sin. Violence and war are occurring around live a life without sin from now to eternity. There truly is the world. The continent of Africa alone has been marred wonder-working power in the Blood of Jesus! by more than twenty major civil wars since 1960.2 Much of the world is currently consumed in armed conflict or Erik Calhoun is youth leader of the Apostolic Faith Church struggling to maintain an uncertain peace. But Jesus offers in Portland, Oregon. peace which begins in the hearts of individualsa peace 1 that passeth all understanding. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13556-10-impossibilities-conqueredAs a child, I was taught that all of us were born with sin by-science.html spots in our hearts. When I was around five or six years old, 2 http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/

Higher Way

13

EVIDENCE
My mom was a wonderful Christian example to me when I was a kid growing up. She was faithful in bringing us children to church. One of my earliest memories is of sitting in the tabernacle with my feet barely able to touch the floor, listening to the sermons, testimonies, and songs. However, going to church didnt make me a Christian. When I entered my freshman year of high school, God was talking to my heart. My friends would ask why I didnt go to certain events and I would tell them my parents were strict and I went to a church where we didnt do those kinds of things. My friends were very persistent and asked me more about church. They actually wanted to come to church with meand did. Brother Ed Habre preached, but the Lord was talking louder than he was. He was talking to my heart and said I needed to make a choice. I went to the altar right after the meeting and gave God my heart. I began to serve Him. I had a testimony that I could stand on. I was a witness to my friends and family. I am sorry to say, though, that during my senior year, I let the cares of life come in. I got a job and lost that time spent in prayer and reading the Bible. I let the love of God slip out of my heart. God brought me back that fall. I committed to serve Him the rest of my life. There are challenges in life, of course, but the Lord has always been that Rock for me that I could go to. I am so thankful I have a Christian husband and my four children are saved; we can serve the Lord together. Marlene Heintz and I had been told that I needed to ask God to cleanse me before He could fill me with the Holy Spirit. That is what I was doing, though I didnt really understand what sanctification was. I asked God to cleanse me, and that day I felt the power. God cleansed my heart. I was crying and physically shaking. I kept on praying, and He filled me with His precious Holy Spirit. I continued praying on and off for several hours that night. God has been with me since. He has never left me. There have been ups and downs in my life, of course, but God has always been there. I never want to turn back. I dont want to have anything to do with the world. I want to serve the Lord. I recommend these three experiences. God can change your life. He can make you different than you are today. When I had only been saved a few months, I could look back and see that I was a different person. It was amazing. Although I was still me, I could see a totally different person. God changes lives. Will Rozmaity dont deserve all that He has given me. I want to serve the Lord with all of my heart, and bring my girls to church, so they can have a testimony too, and make Heaven their home. Debbie Hinkle

I thank the Lord for saving me, sanctifying me, and filling me with His Holy Spirit. About twenty-two years ago on a Sunday afternoon, I knelt down before God. I was newly saved,
14
Higher Way

The Lord saved me when I was thirteen, a very delicate age. I was broken and I had a lot of heartache. There had been many difficult things in my life that I had just dwelt on, to the point that at times I didnt want to live anymore. But the Lord met me when I was in that condition and He saved me. Almost a year later, He brought me to this church. He has been my Guide since then. I am thankful that the Lord brought my husband, Cameron, into my life and that He has given us two beautiful girls. There was a time when my greatest desire was to have two girls, but I had a lot of health problems. The Lord blessed me, though. He also healed Harmony when she was little. I

My heart is overflowing. I just love to be in church. I live close by and dont have to miss many meetings, but still every meeting is special to me. I am so thankful for the family of God. Many times, I think how miraculous it was that a church paper from here reached a farm house in the bayou down in the southeast corner of Arkansas. It was a random mailing, but God knew there were hungry hearts there. My parents took the way. They received the church papers for eight years and they just loved them. Those papers were their lifeline. They moved to Portland and I was born shortly after that. I had the privilege of being raised in the Gospel. I didnt take it very seriously, though, until I saw that my life was going in the wrong direction. On the weekend of my eighteenth birthday, I prayed. Jesus made a wonderful change in my life and I got rid of that load of conviction. I have never wanted to go back. There is nothing to go back to. So many good things have happened in my life and I owe it all to the Lord. I am thankful I had the privilege of working in the church library for over twenty years. I loved it. I want to do any little thing I can for the Lord, I owe everything to Him. Shirley Johnson

I started coming to the Apostolic Faith Church when I was in the third grade. I came to Sunday school. At that time my life was not very good. I was

PERSONAL TESTIMONIES OF THE POWER OF GOD

raised in a single-parent home with my sisters and brother. It was hard, but the Lord saw that I was not happy. I had a lot of questions that I couldnt talk to anyone about. Through going to Sunday school and seeing the lives of the people there, I learned that God loved me. When I was a little older, the Lord gave me the opportunity to live with a Christian familyTom and Betty Lambert. I saw their lives and I knew that I wanted to be a Christian because it was a good life and a happy life. I had to make the decision for myself, though. When I went to youth camp the first time, I learned that Jesus is my Answer. That has helped me through everything that has come my way in life since then. The Lord saved me when I was fifteen. Right afterwards, a good friend who used to pick me up for church, gave me a little booklet titled Thirty Days on the Road to Eternity. I learned something new every day. This booklet was very, very important to me because I didnt have anyone to go to. It was just God and me. He has been with me. He sanctified me and baptized me with the Holy Spirit. I have had to go through some difficult things, but I think of them as reminders that I need to be dependent on God. I have never regretted serving God. I want to continue until Jesus returns. I want to be an example for my family, my nieces, and my nephews. I want to be an example for everyone else, too. I love God with all my heart. Valeska Paulsen

I want to say a few words of thanksgiving today. A few months ago, I was in a serious car accident and ended up in the hospital with a fractured back and neck. The people of God stood by me during that time. I am grateful for every letter, every card,

and especially every prayer. Prayers were prayed for me all over the world. I got a phone call from my aunt in California, who is ninety years old, and she told me that she prayed for me three times a day. A little four-year-old boy in our Portland congregation brought me a helium balloon of a turtle and a jigsaw puzzle of a tractor and said to me, I pray in the morning and I pray at noon and I pray at night. And here I am, back in the house of the Lord. A few years ago I signed up for some medical insurance, and my daughter set up online access for me. I told her what to use as a password, but when I went in for an exam and the secretary asked, What is your password? I could not remember. I called my daughter to see if she could tell me, and she said, You told me the password should be Give me Jesus. So I told the secretary, Give me Jesus. That worked! I was saved when I was nine years old. Jesus took me through grade school and high school. He helped me raise my family. And it was with Jesus that I went through this recent accident. When you are in the back of an ambulance and they are cutting off your clothes and you lose consciousness, you can cling to Give me Jesus. I havent slept a whole night through since the accident but I am doing a lot of praying. After my wife died of cancer a few years ago, I found a note she had written that said, If what I am going through will make me a better person, I dont want to waste it. That has been my prayer over these past months. I thank God for His presence in my life, and I want to be all that He wants me to be. Del Barrett

prayed for me recently when I was very sick for an extended time. I was so feeble, I couldnt believe it. I really relied on the prayers of the saints, and I knew God was answering those prayers. Then I spent five days in Colorado with my sister who was dying. Her daughter told me she had been awake for four days, afraid that if she went to sleep she would die. However, when I got there we were able to pray and do devotions together. She was so sweet and slept many, many hours. She was never agitated or confused, but really had peace in her heart. She told me she just wanted to go home. I am so thankful for what God can do. Vickee Martin

God saved me when I was a teenager. It was such a beautiful experience when He forgave my sins. At that time I didnt know the path that I would take through life. I am thankful God has been there all the way. Six months ago, I received the diagnosis of a very large cancerous tumor in my body. I knew God was in control, though. That peace that we sing about just dropped down into my heart. There have been many mountains in the past six months, but every time I get to a mountain, it just moves out of the way. Each time, I look back and think, Oh, was that a mountain? God has smoothed the way. He has been there the whole time, and I thank Him. Deanna Wager

I am thankful for a God who answers prayer, and also for praying people. I want to thank everyone who

Praise the Lord that I feel the presence of the Lord in my life, and I am so grateful for that. I didnt always feel this way. Even though I have always gone to church, I didnt always enjoy the services. I didnt know the
Higher Way

15

Lord for myself. One day when I was around the age of thirteen or fourteen, the Lord came in and saved my soul. Then, throughout high school and into college, I struggled and knew I needed more. One day I told the Lord I needed to recommit to Him and be sanctified. He came down and washed me with His love and sanctified my soul. I began to ask that He fill me with the Holy Spirit. One Friday evening, He did just that. He set me on fire for Him. Ever since then I have been running for God. God kept me serving Him through high school and college. He kept me on the job; He has kept me in church; and He has been with my marriage and family. I will never turn back because He has been too good to me. John Wyatt

and that is all I can say. I surrendered to God, and when I got done surrendering I was saved. I knew I was saved. The peace of God flooded my soul and I have never been sorry. There has been water under the bridge and water over the bridge since then, but God has always been there, and He has given me the grace to just keep looking to Him. The night I got saved, I wanted to make Heaven. That was the only thing I could think of. I still want to make Heaven my home. I know that is Gods will, and by His grace I want to make it. Byron Parker

I marvel at how God brought me to Himself. I was born in Tacoma, Washington, and raised in this church. I lived in different places and went to a few of our churches, but none of that saved me. I am glad that God just stayed right by my side. He was right on my trail. His Voice was always there speaking to me by His Spirit, dealing with my heart. At different times in my life, He dealt with me rather strongly. At other times, it seemed like I was kind of free of Him, doing my own thing. I am so thankful for one night in 1978 during camp meeting. I didnt have to go to church that night. I had a set schedule of when I had to be in church, partly due to my job, and that night I was off. People called and tried to get me to goa friend called and my dad called. They even came and were going to drag me to church, it seemed. I was not willing to go to church, but God came and got me at home. I made a deal with God. I wouldnt go to church and pray, but I would pray where I was. I have wondered why God let me do that. I dont know, I just know that when I threw up the white flag to God, I got saved. And I didnt have to worry about how to get rid of all my sins. The white flag went up,
16
Higher Way

I certainly have praise in my heart for what the Lord has done for me. I often think back to my growing up years, living on an Indian reservation up in northern Washington. My older brothers were all alcoholics, and I was starting to go in that direction myself, though I was just a young teenager. I had gone a long ways into sin real fast. However, I am so thankful that the Lord saw the desperate situation that I was in. He came down and changed the course of my life. We were having cottage meetings in our own house, and I went to a number of those little services. I would always hide my cigarettes outside, because if my mom found them she would throw them in the stove. And I would always slide out the door as soon as the church service was over.

One night, April 17, 1958, I was going to leave after the meeting like I usually did. I grabbed hold of the doorknob to turn it, and the knob just spun in my hand. So I thought, It is time for me to get honest here. I am so glad that when I got honest with the Lord, He came down and wonderfully saved me. What a change He made in my life. A few years later, while serving in Vietnam, I had a very close call. A mortar hit about eight feet behind me just after I went over a hill. The guys who saw it said, Man, you came close to being snuffed out! They asked me, Were you scared? I said, Ive got the Lord on my side. I trusted the Lord in every situation and He took me through. The Lord sanctified me, and while I was living in Denver, Colorado, He filled me with the Holy Ghost. It was the opening service in the new church there, in the upper room, and we were having an ordinance service. The Spirit of the Lord came down and blessed me. I was over in the corner by myself, praying and pouring my heart out to the Lord, and He came down and wonderfully baptized me. Not too long ago my boss called me into his office. He said, Rich, I want to ask you one thing. How come you are always so happy? How come you always smile? I was able to give him my testimony of what the Lord has done for me. I would not trade this Gospel for anything that this world has to offer. Rich Butler

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

Acknowledge For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). God be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18:13). Confess If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Repent I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:3). Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19). Forsake Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him . . . for he will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:7). Believe For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). If you are a new Christian, write us and request the tract entitled, Starting Out.

www.apostolicfaith.org

Its Still There!

By Wendy Chasteen

I remember riding my horse and thinking . . .

Salvation was so real to me that day, and it is still real today.

pixalot | iStockphoto.com

here are many things in my life to thank the Lord for, but I am most grateful that someone took the time to invite me to church. I am thankful that the Lord can find people no matter where they are. In my case, I was across the creek, and God was able to find me there. When I was growing up, my family lived in Roseburg, Oregon. Also, my parents had a ranch in Rogue River, a city about seventy-five miles south of our home, and my grandparents on my dads side lived there. In the summertime we spent the weekdays at the ranch. On the weekends, we went home so my folks could catch up at their pizza business. As well as doing chores at the ranch, there were many opportunities for my two sisters and me to ride horses, which I loved.

Dad bought my first horsea Shetland pony named Mistywhen I was about twelve years old. After I was in junior high school, my folks moved to a place across town that had more property and a bigger house. There was enough acreage to have cows as well as our horses. Our property had a creek on it, and to get to our barn, we had to cross the creek and walk on the other side. The neighbors on that sidethe Chasteenshad five boys and one girl. Not long after we moved, my sisters and I met the Chasteen boys in a cow pasture and started talking. Because I was cocky, I said some swear words. When they did not respond, I thought to myself that there was something different about them. Before long, the Chasteens invited us to the Apostolic Faith Sunday

school, and I went. On my second visit, I stayed for the church service which followed and heard something I had never heard beforethat Jesus died on the Cross so I could be saved from my sins. In spite of limited knowledge, that really resonated with my heart, and God revealed Himself to me in a mighty way. After the service, I went to the altar bench at the front of the church and prayed. I had never prayed at an altar before and did not know what to say or what to do, but the Lord was faithful to show me. I remember thinking that, although I had lied and taken the Lords name in vain, I really hadnt done anything terribly bad. But it condemned my soul to know that Jesus had died for me. It just broke me to pieces, and I felt so dirty. I asked Him
Higher Way

17

to come into my heart, and He did. I didnt know what to expect, but it was so wonderful. When I went home after that meeting, my face had a smile, and I was excited and wanted to tell everybody. In my mind, I wondered if what I felt in my heart would fade away. Later that afternoon, a girlfriend and I were riding horses, and I can remember thinking, Its still there! Its still there! Salvation was so real to me that day, and it is still real today. Although I did not know what being a Christian would mean, God was faithful to teach me. The cursing was gone; there was no longer any desire for it. As questions would come up, our neighbor lady and other women in the church were so caring and supportive. There was a desire in my heart to look like a Christian, and this prompted me to learn to sew. My mother helped me make a skirt, and after that I learned by trial and error there were some dramatic errors, but I learned by doing. When I felt lonely, God was there. I could whisper a prayer, and it was almost like calling Him on the phone. If I said, Lord, I need You, He would help me. My bedroom was the only one in our daylight basement, and there were times when my parents probably heard me praying. Because I wanted to be kept, God took me through day by day. The people at the church invited me to a camp meeting in Portland, Oregon. While praying with two other girls in our cabin, God sanctified me. Again, I did not know what to expect, but I knew when I received it. Gods Spirit let me know in my heart. Later, God baptized me with the Holy Spirit as I tarried in prayer with some faithful ladies. I was so happy and excited, and that experience gave me real fervency. I was going home by bus, and while waiting at the depot, I handed out Christian tracts. My desire was to share the wonderful news of what Jesus Christ can do in a persons life. When we were in high school, Jackone of the neighbor boysand I began dating. The summer after we graduated, we were at camp meeting in Portland at the same time. Right
18
Higher Way

before it was time to go home, Jack asked me to marry him, and I was happy to say yes. Our wedding was February 14, 1975. The Lord has brought me through some trials, but every day there has been comfort because I knew I had a Savior. There would have been trials whether I was a Christian or not. As a Christian, I have had the best Friend in the world walking right by my side One who cares for me and loves me. When I am hurting, I fall to my knees

I try to start each day by asking, Lord, help me to reflect Your love to someone.
and ask Him to help me. There have been happy times, too. I thank God for the many things He has done for me. He gave me a wonderful husband and family. Hes given me great friends. Not long after I was saved, my dad bought a sewing machine for me, and that became an enjoyable activity that has continued all these years. The Lord has helped me use it as an instrument to reach out to others and an opportunity to teach and share. Weve been able to give away clothes and quilts, and Ive encouraged young women to sew as a way to help their families. The Lord has been with me in business places. For nearly ten years, I was the manager of an orthodontic office. On my desk was a little plaque with the verse, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). When difficulties came up, the Lord helped me to pause and consider this verse. I would say to myself, More of Christ will help me through this. When I would read my Bible and pray a little more, the Lord always fulfilled His promise. Then God took this Sunday school girl and made her a pastors wife. That is a privilege! When my husband was

asked to be a pastor, it brought new opportunities and also some new challenges. It was necessary for me to learn about a new role in life. My husband needed a wife, not a manager! Financially it was a big change. After we moved, we were still trying to sell our home in Roseburg, and I wondered how we would be able to continue making the payments. Then a government refund check came for something that we did not realize had been overpaid. It let me see that God knew exactly what was going on, and He would take care of us. There have been times when we were asked to relocate and I felt nervous about things, but God has always been faithful to help us. When we move to a new place, we learn to know more people and make new friends. The family of God has been so good to me. In recent years weve had the opportunity to visit churches in the Caribbean. It has been a blessing to fellowship with the believers there, and now we have even more friends spread further around the world. When I was a girl, my dad told me, If you get bucked off a horse, get right back on. If you dont, you will have fear. In my youth, I was bucked off, rolled on, and stepped on by horses, and I proved that Dad was right. Serving God can be a bit like that. When hard things come in life, it might feel as if weve been bucked off or rolled on, but when we purpose to keep going with God, He delivers us from fear and helps us keep serving Him. Most importantly, God has given me the opportunity of eternal life. The Lord is coming soon. I feel it in my heart, and I know others do, too. I try to start each day by asking, Lord, help me to reflect Your love to someone; help me to reflect Your love to this world. I am so thankful for every day and every opportunity that He gives me. I want to be a light for Him in this world. I have learned that if I will just love God, He will love me back many times more. Wendy Chasteen is a member of the Apostolic Faith Church in Chehalis, Washington, where her husband is the pastor.

Where Is Your Spiritual Focus?

Are you looking so hard at the problem that you cant see Gods solution?
o you ever have trouble locating something that is right in front of you? Sometimes I have that problem when I am searching for a particular item in the pantry at our house. My wife, Gale, will assure me that the can of soup I am looking for is there. I scan the shelves, move things around, and check the shelves again and again. Finally I call to Gale, I dont think it is here . . . Typically, she will walk to the shelf and put her hand right on that can of soup! My response is usually something along the lines of, Oh, there it is! I simply had not focused on the right object, even though it was plainly visible. The same problem can occur when it comes to our spiritual lives. Our attention can be so focused on the challenges surrounding us that we fail to see the available resources that are so vital to our spiritual well-being. We find an example of that in an account found in the sixth chapter of 2 Kings. The country of Syria was at war with Israel. However, each time Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, planned a raid or an ambush, God revealed the kings plans to Elisha the prophet. And then Elisha gave that military information to the king of Israel. This thwarted the king of Syrias plansnot once or twice, but multiple times. Eventually, Ben-hadad figured there must be a spy in his midst who was relaying information from his war council straight to the enemy, and he demanded to know who the guilty party was. One of his servants responded that none of them were betraying his trust, but that the prophet Elisha was telling Israels king of Ben-hadads plans, even those that were discussed secretly. Ben-hadad commanded, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him (2 Kings 6:13). He was told that Elisha was in Dothan, so he sent a band of soldiers there with horses and chariots to capture the prophet. Since God was revealing military information to Elisha, wouldnt Elisha be aware of Ben-hadads intention From a sermon by Howard Wilson
Higher Way

swilmor | iStockphoto.com

19

to capture him, just as he was aware of the kings military of the Lord? Yes, the Syrian army is there. We do not deny moves? But that did not seem to occur to Ben-hadad, so he that as Christians we face challenges and trials. However, sent a detachment of soldiers by night to take the man of Gods horses and chariots of fire are always there too! It is God captive. up to us to decide which we are going to focus on. Verse 15 relates, And when the servant of the man of Psalm 34:7 promises, The angel of the Lord encampeth God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host com- round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. This passed the city both with horses and chariots. The town verse does not tell us to ignore our challenges or trials. It was completely surrounded by the enemy. To this young just tells us that the angel of the Lord is present with us man, the situation seemed hopeless. He cried out, Alas, my in every situation. If we honor and serve the Lord, He is master! how shall we do? While the prophet understood there. Now, if we attempt to battle through the situation his servants concern, he answered, on our own, that is our choice. But Fear not: for they that be with us Gods Word promises in multiple are more than they that be with places that He will be there for Think back for a them. What a classic response of us. We are told that the Lord will moment on the past trust and confidence in God! Then be a shield and buckler, a refuge, we read, And Elisha prayed, and a hiding place, a high tower, and year. Does your mind said, Lord, I pray thee, open his our shelter from the storm. In the go to times when God eyes, that he may see. And the Lord New Testament we find assurance opened the eyes of the young man; that God knows what we are going blessed and and he saw: and, behold, the mounthrough, and He will make a way of tain was full of horses and chariots escape with every trial. So we have prospered you? Or of fire round about Elisha (2 Kings a choice. We can choose to dwell on does it go only to 6:17). the challenge, or we can choose to Has the Lord ever helped you on Gods provision. trials and temptations? dwell get your focus directed to the right Sometimes it may feel as if the place? Perhaps you faced a time enemy soldiers get bigger and when you were surrounded by better armed as life goes on. The enemy soldiersproblems and trials that seemed threat- trials that we faced when we were in high school seem ening in the extreme. Then, just when it seemed there was insignificant compared to the challenges we face today. But no hope, the Lord came down and opened your spiritual God has not changed! The enemy soldiers who camped understanding. In a moment you no longer focused on the around us during our younger years could not stand before problems. Instead, you saw the horses and chariots of fire Him, and the ones we face today will be vanquished as well. that were surrounding you, and you realized that God was The enemy would have us believe that no one else has been in control! through what we face, that no one else has had to endure The physical process of seeing is more than images being something like we are enduring, that no one else has ever transmitted to our brains. There is also a process that felt this way. The fact is, we all face challenges, but not one involves sorting and choosing images. Scientists are learn- of the situations faced by man is too much for God. I like the passage in Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first ing that we cannot process all the information our senses transmit to us at any given moment. They say that if our the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these brains did not have the ability to ignore some information, things shall be added unto you. We often suppose that the all these things this verse refers to are spiritual blessthey would become overloaded. As an example, I wonder how many of you noted the ings such as foundational spiritual experiences and healnumber of chairs on this platform. While you were aware ing, or material blessings such as steady employment and of the chairs, most likely you did not bother to pay any financial security. However, I believe it could also mean attention to them. If you were the janitor and needed to the delivering power of God. That is also part of what is make sure they were all in the right place, then you would added to our lives. When we seek God first, He provides have looked carefully and could tell me that there were six the horses and chariots of fire when we need them. It is chairs on the first riser, twelve on the second, and so on. just that simple. Today, if you are feeling discouraged or challenged to the However, most of us probably took no notice of the seating arrangement. If I arranged for a lion to walk in that side point where you are not sure how you will get through the door, and stroll across the platform, though, most of you day, it may help to check your focus. Are you looking at would notice! The brain decides which images are impor- God or at your problems? Remember, God offers the protection, the power, and the grace you need. Ask Him to tant enough to pay attention to. The same principle applies when it comes to our spiritual help you keep in view the Heavenly army that is encamped vision. Think back for a moment on the past year. Does around you! your mind go to times when God blessed and prospered Howard Wilson is pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in you? Or does it go only to trials and temptations? The question is: are you looking at the Syrian army or at the chariots Richmond, California.
20
Higher Way

Heritage
It seemed likely his mother would die before they could get across the country, but this man saw a miracle and found...

Highlighting Our

A New Way of Life

By Paul Struhar

ver forty years ago, when I was a young man twenty-two years of age, I arrived in Portland, Oregon. Sin had robbed me of everything; my health and everything good in my life was gone. My father had been a drunkard, so I grew up in the slums of one of the eastern cities. I am sorry to say that I followed in his footsteps. I learned to drink and gamble and carouse to my own sorrow. My father passed away when he was younghe paid an awful penalty for the life of sin he had lived. When I saw the error of my ways and wanted to turn over a new leaf, I joined a church. I signed the pledge not to drink anymore and became the preachers right-hand maneven with all my sin. But that did not take the tiger out of my heart or the sin out of my life. I would go to the church and then to the shows; to prayer meeting, and then to the pool hall. I was the social secretary of the church and ran the social functions, but there was still that desire in my heart to have my own wayand I had it. For years I struggled on and only became worse instead of better. My mother was a Christian woman, but she was sick with tuberculosis, and the doctors could not help her. They ordered her to go to a sanitarium, but she did not want to go. I had a

Christian uncle who attended the Apostolic Faith Church in Portland, Oregon, and some of the people from the church sent us a church paper. That paper brought joy to my mothers heart and she desired to go to Portland. One day she asked if I would take her. She hardly expected me to say that I would do so, but she had been praying and God was working on my heart. I said yes, as I was weary and ready for a change. I thought I would have a good time, take a few months leave from my work in the East, and then go on down through California and back to my work in Pennsylvania. The doctor said it would be a good thing for me to do to build up my body. When Mother asked me to put a For Sale sign on the house, I did so. It sold the next day and she had the money. We bought tickets for my mother, my two little sisters, and myself to go to Portland, though no one expected my mother to live long enough to get there. In fact, when we reached Chicago, Illinois, she almost died, and we had to get off the train and let her rest for a day. I sent a telegram to my uncle in Portland to have the Apostolic Faith people pray for her. They did pray, and we got on the train again. Mother went to her berth, and there she prayed and consecrated her children and
Higher Way

21

everything she had to God. The next morning as we traveled through Omaha, Nebraska, she woke up healed. She never had any lung trouble or hemorrhages after that. We were four days and five nights on the train, and arrived in Portland on a Sunday morning. On Sunday afternoon I brought Mother and my sisters

Paul Struhar sharing the Gospel with seafaring men visiting a church service. to the church to meet with the people of God. After the service, the ministers prayed for her and she walked many blocks back to where we were staying. The Lord wonderfully blessed my mother and permitted her to live for thirty more years and to be a blessing to many people. I went to church that Sunday afternoon out of courtesy to my uncle, and with the thought of arguing with the old gentleman. However, what I heard in that service took all the argument out of me. I heard testimonies of the redeemed. A man who had been a drunken sailor testified. He said he had been kicked out of his country, put in jail, had his teeth knocked out, and that he had done everything he knew to get rid of the liquor habit, but he couldnt do it. His testimony got to me, as my father had been the same type of man, and I was following in that path. God had saved that drunken sailor and from that moment on, he had been living a clean, respectable life.

I want to tell you, God keeps books, and although I had my life all hidden from my fellowman, God brought it all before me.

That Sunday afternoon in the Apostolic Faith Church, the Gospel appealed to my heart. I raised my hand for prayer at the close of the sermon, but I didnt go forward to the altar and get saved, even though I knew that I truly needed a new start in life. The people of God prayed for me, and I cancelled the rest of the tour and quit my job in the East. For many months I went to the meetings. Then I bought a home far from church so I wouldnt have to attend the services every night. But I was working with some people from the Apostolic Faith, and I began to get under such awful conviction that I couldnt sleep. One night I settled it in my heart that I was going to get saved, and it seemed that the load lifted somewhat and I was able to sleep. The next morning I told one of the boys at work, I want to get to the meeting tonight and make sure. He said, We cant come after you tonight, but I will tell the workers about this and we will put a request in for you, and we will pray for you. That night I got to church on my own, and I was there to hear the request read! After the service, I prayed at the altar, but my heart was so full of doubts I couldnt pray through to victory. Some time later, while at work in the shop one day, I was painting the top of a boxcar and praying. I was thinking of the testimonies I had heard and wishing I had a testimony like that in my heart. That morning God began to deal with my heart. He began to show me what it would cost me. It wasnt the few hundred dollars I had in the bank, but it was to completely surrender my heart and life to Him. The thought of a restitution came up before mesomething I wouldnt have confessed for anything. Would I be willing to go back over that past life and straighten it up? I want to tell you, God keeps books, and although I had my life all hidden from my fellowman, God brought it all before me. I said, Yes, Lord, and God heard my prayer. I jumped off the boxcar onto a little platform, and my heart was full of joy. It was settled in my mind that I was going to make that restitution. Right there the witness came into my heart

22

Higher Way

that I was saved. The Lord cleaned me up on the inside and on the outside right on the spot when He saved me. No more cigarettes, no more drinking, no more carousing, and no more blaspheming! The old life went out. I couldnt tell how it went out, but it went. The restitution that I needed to make was to a storekeeper who had employed me. I had taken his merchandise and money. God gave me the grace to ask his forgiveness and pay back what I owed. I am glad God sent me back over my old life to straighten it all out, and I had a wonderful time going back and paying the men I had defrauded. When our family was on the way to Portland, I had intended to pass my two little sisters on to our relatives upon our mothers death. Instead, God healed our mother, and my sisters were reared under the sound of this marvelous Gospel. It was my privilege to see them give their hearts to God. God has helped me to say no to the sins that once had me bound and I have stayed with it. My tongue hasnt slipped for over forty years. God has kept me. He also restored my health and gave me the strength to work hard. Today, I am a businessman in this city, with many men working for me, and God keeps me living an honest and upright life. I count it a privilege to live for Jesus. Paul Struhar became a zealous worker in the Apostolic Faith Church. He went into business in Portland, but never became too busy to do the Lords work. He served as head usher for years, and had many opportunities to relate what God had done in his life. During World War II, God gave Paul a special burden for servicemen. Nearly every Sunday, he would take his car downtown to the bus and train depots, and invite men who were traveling through the area to church. Over the years, he received many letters expressing the gratitude of lonely servicemen who had enjoyed the spiritual uplift and friendliness they found in Pauls home. He served the Lord faithfully in the Apostolic Faith Church until his death in 1963.

A Statement of Bible Doctrine

We believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible, and endorse all the teachings contained in it. Following is a summary of our basic doctrines. The Divine Trinity consists of three Persons: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost, perfectly united as one. Matthew 3:16-17; 1 John 5:7. Repentance is a godly sorrow for and a renouncing of all sin. Isaiah 55:7; Matthew 4:17. Justification (salvation) is the act of Gods grace through which we receive forgiveness for sins and stand before God as though we had never sinned. Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17. Entire Sanctification, the act of Gods grace whereby we are made holy, is the second definite work and is subsequent to justification. John 17:15-21; Hebrews 13:12. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is the enduement of power upon the sanctified life, and is evidenced by speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. John 14:16-17,26; Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-4. Divine Healing of sickness is provided through the atonement. James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24. The Second Coming of Jesus will consist of two appearances. First, He will come to catch away His waiting Bride. Matthew 24:40-44; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Second, He will come to execute judgment upon the ungodly. 2 Thes salonians 1:7-10; Jude 14-15. The Tribulation will occur between Christs coming for His Bride and His return in judgment. Isaiah 26:20-21; Revelation 9 and 16. Christs Millennial Reign will be the 1000 years of peaceful reign by Jesus on earth. Isaiah 11 and 35; Revelation 20:1-6. The Great White Throne Judgment will be the final judgment when all the wicked dead will stand before God. Revelation 20:11-15. The New Heaven and The New Earth will replace the present heaven and earth, which will be destroyed after the Great White Throne Judgment. 2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1-3. Eternal Heaven and Eternal Hell are literal places of final and eternal destiny. Matthew 25:41-46; Luke 16:22-28. Marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman that is binding before God for life. Neither person has a right to marry again while the first companion lives. Mark 10:6-12; Romans 7:1-3. Restitution is necessary, where in wrongs against others are righted. Ezekiel 33:15; Matthew 5:23-24. Water Baptism is by one immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 3:16; 28:19. The Lords Supper is an insti tution ordained by Jesus so that we might remember His death until He returns. Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Foot Washing is practiced according to the example and commandment Jesus gave. John 13:14-15.

You may obtain additional information about these doctrines, and learn about our publications in foreign languages by writing to the Apostolic Faith Church at 6615 SE 52nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206, U.S.A. or visiting our website at www.apostolicfaith.org. Before these magazines are sent out, they are a lways prayed over for the healing of the sick and the salvation of souls.

Higher Way

23

Randall Lee Photography

What are you building with spiritually?

cripture challenges us to take heed how we build our spiritual lives because in time to come. every mans work shall be made manifest (see 1 Corinthians 3:11,13). Are you anchored to the true foundation, Jesus Christ? Are you using quality construction materials that will endure? The Higher Way magazine can help you follow the Biblical pattern for quality building of your spiritual life.

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

Subscribe today!
Visit the Higher Way page to sign up for a free subscription to the full color version of the Higher Way online. You may also sign up to receive the print version of the Higher Way by mail, or renew your current subscription. To keep our records up-to-date, we must hear from you at least once a year.

Browse past editions of the Higher Way online!