The Watchman, And Real Nazarenes Pt. 3

The Watchman

by Scottish pastor, Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

Thy way, not mine, O Lord, however dark it be;

Lead me by Thine own hand, choose out the path for me.

“…if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ … I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.” Ezekiel 33:6-7

“Some one, then, must undertake the ungracious task of probing and laying bare the evils of the age; for men must not be allowed to congratulate themselves that all is well. If others will not, he will.

If others shrink from the obloquy of such a work, he will not…. He loves his fellow-men too well. They may upbraid him; they may call him a misanthropist, or a prophet of evil; they may ascribe his warnings to the worst of motives, such as pride, or arrogance, or self-esteem, or malice, or envy; but he will give no heed to these unjust insinuations.

He will prefer being thus misunderstood and maligned, to allowing men to precipitate themselves upon a ruin which they see not. Rather than that they should perish, he will allow his own good name to be spoken against. He will risk every thing, even the hatred of brethren, rather than withhold the warning. If they give no heed to it, he has, at least, saved his own soul. If they do, he has saved both his own soul and theirs.

He would rather take up the glad tidings of peace, and tell men of Him who came the first time for shame and death, and who is coming the second time for glory and dominion; but he feels as one who has a special and personal message to deliver, which cannot be postponed.

He must remember that he is a watchman; and, having seen danger pressing on, he must not hesitate to make it known. He must speak his message of forewarning and rebuke, sparing no arrows, and neither smoothing down nor hiding any form of sin, but laying his finger upon every sore, and beseeching men to turn from their ungodliness. The evils around him press upon him sadly; the coming evils are foreshadowed upon his spirit, and, therefore, he lifts up his voice like a trumpet.

Satan has many snares which need to be detected; the world has many spells and lures which must be disenchanted; religion has many guises which must be unmasked, many devious paths of inconsistency which must be pointed out, many cherished errors which must be condemned, many carnal taints which must be abhorred and shunned. All these he must protest against without fear or favour.”

Smooth let it be or rough,

It will be still the best;

Winding or straight, it leads

Right onward to Thy rest.

I dare not choose my lot;

I would not, if I might;

Choose Thou for me, my God,

So I shall walk aright.

 

 

Real Nazarenes Part 3

I am a third generation Nazarene taken to church at two weeks old.  Both of my grandmothers helped to start a Nazarene Church in Jerome and Johnstown, PA.  Two of my uncles and aunts pastored Nazarene churches.  My family and I sang in Nazarene churches as the “Singing Carrico Family” for many years.  I traveled and sang in an Iowa Youth Tour in 1967 with Dr. Jim Diehl and District Superintendent, Dr. Gene Phillips.  My heart is broken over the apostasy that has come into our denomination.  The emergent/new age teachings have been taught in our colleges and seminary and now we are having to deal with pastors, district superintendents, lay people and perhaps general superintendents deceiving our people.  God help us!  We need a Holy Ghost revival of true repentance and turning back to the Lord Jesus Christ from the very top officials right down to those who sit in the pews.  When it is time for me to pull my letter out of the Church of the Nazarene, I will do so.  With what I see going on right now, I don’t think it will be much longer.

Meldora Rapp

 

Well, I am a real Nazarene. I hold credentials in the Nazarene church as a District Licensed minister. I do support the COTN both in polity and in the Manual. However, we would be fools to realize that the church is not in trouble. We are. We are facing the worst form of an attack and that is from the inside. Those forces who malign us for being concerned Nazarenes, do not understand the fight or just how far this has gone. We must earnestly contend for the faith, once delivered to the saints.

When we compromise that Bible we end up condoning sin. We must not give into the world. We have allowed the world to infiltrate the church. If we fail to realize this, we are fools. We must draw a line in the sand and boldly say no more!

If we do not stand for truth in these trying days, then we will not stand when we need to. We are Nazarenes and should be above this emergent thought and stick to the word of the Lord for our answers.

We must pray and seek the Lords face and be bold enough to take a stand. If we cannot do this, our fate is sealed. If we give in to the world’s ways, compromising on sin and the only way to God is through Christ, we are lying to ourselves and those around us.

There is an opportunity here to stop the loss of people leaving the denomination and once again make the Nazarene church a beacon of light in a lost and dying world. Return to the ways not of the Catholic church, but of the Bible. In its words we find the answer to the problems of the world and of sin. When we love the sinner and the sin, we have crossed the line. May the Lord forgive us.

Mark Fonner

Real Nazarenes: Part 2

“I am afraid many people have allowed the denomination to become their idol rather than taking a stand for Truth.”

I agree with that statement, sadly.  What about you?  Have you made the Nazarene denomination your idol?  Think about that question, as you read a few more testimonies from Nazarenes (some former).

I loved the Nazarene denomination because I felt it was the closest denomination to the Word of God.  My grandparents and parents were active faithful members.  I grew up as an active, proud member of the Nazarene church and went to a Nazarene University where I met my husband.  He was also a third generation Nazarene.  We raised our 3 children in the church.  One of our daughters went to a Nazarene University and our son went to the Nazarene Bible College.  It was heartbreaking to have to leave the Nazarene church due to the denomination embracing evil practices and not believing in the infallible Word of God.  Through it all I discovered that I love God and His Word more than any denomination.  I am afraid many people have allowed the denomination to become their idol rather than taking a stand for Truth.  God’s Word is the only real truth we have to stand on in this evil world.  Praise God for His love and faithfulness to us.  My husband and I are very active in a Bible believing church where people are being saved every week and all of our children and grandchildren are loving and serving the Lord – but not in a Nazarene church – how sad.
Deena Triggs

I am a real Nazarene.  I  am the daughter of a farmer in Oklahoma,  My dad was called to preach when I was about 4 yrs old.  My Dad went to college at Bethany-Penile College for two years (although he already had a couple of degrees) and graduated in 1950.  Then he began pastoring in the Church of the Nazarene. He pastored two churches  in Oklahoma before we moved to Texas to start a new church which was never got off the ground.  He then accepted a church in
Texas.
I was saved at the age of 5 in a church at the Bethany College church in a revival.  I have been involved in the church for 62 or so years.  I have played the piano, organ and keyboard as my service to our Lord.  I was on the church board many years and helped in many areas.

When I realized that the church was teaching and allowing to be promoted that the Bible is not the inerrant word of God in all things I was very upset. I believe it is inerrant in all things from it’s original transcripts. I began searching and learning what was happening.  I saw in our local church the new teachings that do not match up with the scripture. The Nazarene church is going along with false doctrines and not standing up against them.  Our own pastor did not believe that all the Bible was the inerrant word of God….he called it literature.  I had to leave. I do not believe in these new teachings and could not stand to hear it or support it.  They are adding to the word of God, and practicing things that are from all kinds of religions.  If God’s Word does not teach it, I do not think we should either.

I pray for my friends and family that still attend that they will not be deceived.  It is so deceptive.  Most do not want to know or hear about it, but God will not be mocked.  His Word is Truth.
Virginia Bowen

I am a “Cradle Nazarene”, having been taken to the church of the Nazarene of which my parents were charter members when I was one week old.  That has now been more than 77 years ago.  It was in the Church of the Nazarene that I was taught about the love of God, the wrath of God, and the plan of salvation, including the second work of grace, heart holiness and scriptural advice and admonitions for holy living.  It was in the church that, as a young child, I first came to know Christ, and it was in the church that I was encouraged through the years when I needed spiritual encouragement and prayer.  Christ was first and foremost – over personal pleasures and ambitions.  So – several years ago, I began to hear about, and personally know of through trusted friends, about the “trend” in the Christian church, including the Church of the Nazarene, of this deceptive movement known as the Emergent Church Movement.  It has been very disturbing. I have observed also that the message of heart holiness is not being proclaimed as strongly as it once was.  I have seen a number of emergent practices publicly admitted to by a pastor in a COTN that we previously attended in a different location from which we now live.  And I have heard from many friends about experiences in their churches where this deceptive philosophy is being promoted and practiced. And I am personally aware of “Bible” studies that are actually not Bible studies at all, but sessions on books written by emergent authors.   Yes – I will speak out against the emergent movement without feeling that I am being divisive.  I want others to be aware of what is happening and hopefully, avoid falling prey to it.
Margerete Gilroy

 

I gave my life to the Lord at North East Nazarene Camp the year after I was in fourth grade and totally committed my life as a teen. My grandparents, John and Lilly Wetzel started Lavelle Church of the Nazarene (name changed) in their home. …My parents, Tom and Muriel Wetzel have given their entire lives to the Lord and were managers of North East Camp for 18 years and my mom was Phila. district missionary president for ? years. I had great examples of what a Christian should be, which helped me make my decision. We have stayed with the Nazarene church despite many bumps in the road, because we agree with the doctrine. I don’t know how much longer we will stay if the church gets off the right track!
Sandra Sands

 

A REAL Nazarene…what is that….one who joins the church…one who teaches a class (possibly using “emergent” materials)…one who warms a pew on Sunday buts sees nothing wrong with getting a little drunk on Saturday nite….one who puts …a token 20 in the offering plate…or one who holds true to the holiness tradition and understands what that means! Unfortunately I am no longer a member of the Nazarene church…but I am a third generation Nazarene (both from Dad & Mom). One grandfather was a pastor who started many churches in 3 states. The other helped start a Nazarene church in his hometown. Both my parents were born into the Nazarene church and faithfully served in the church. I attended both ENC & ONU (graduate). I was on the same track…until…something just wasn’t right about materials being used and the lack of holiness preaching. My husband & I found what was missing at the local Wesleyan church. Strong Holiness preaching at a church busting at the seams (1999 – less than 100; 2011 over 2,000 and 4 additional “network” churches). You know there has been talk for years about the two merging…maybe I’ll become a Nazarene Wesleyan? Unfortunately “emergent” garbage is in all denominations, you just have to find a church that avoids it.
Shirley Hunsberger Schindel

 

I am a Nazarene elder, but I am considering changing my ordination to the Wesleyan church over the issue of Scriptural Inerrancy. I’m a small church pastor with little influence. I support the stand the CNs are taking, but I need to go where I can serve God best.
Anthony Scott Rose

 

Even the government thinks I’m a real Nazarene. I left after 41 years because of what was entering my local congregation and what I saw popping up in denominational publications, but like my wife, I still love what the church was and continue in prayer for her. The government line…I still have my Army dog tags showing Nazarene on them.
James Scullin

 

I am a real Nazarene. I am (at least) a third generation Nazarene, dedicated, baptized, and married in the Nazarene church. We are raising our daughter to be the fourth Nazarene generation in our family. I am a member in good standing at Ne…w Hope Community Church in Chandler, AZ. I head up a special outreach ministry making prayer shawls for those struggling with different life situations. I am also on the Arizona/Southern Nevada Women’s Ministry Council and serve as the Publicity Chairperson of that council.
Janessa Osborne

 

I am certainly “credentialed” in the CotN, but found out I was “Nazarene” in my beliefs decades before actually becoming one on paper. I was raised in the Presbyterian Church until coming to know Christ personally (age 11), then predominant…ly attended Baptist, Church of God (Anderson), and AoG churches throughout most of my Air Force career.

18 years ago, I attended my first Nazarene church in SW Texas, and fell in love with a bunch of good, godly and holy Nazarenes.  They were the ones who affirmed my calling into full0time pastoral ministry.  Since then, I’ve never found a denomination I could or would more readily align myself with- no other denomination, in my experience, more clearly advances Wesleyan-Arminian holiness the way the CotN does.

My heartbreak comes when I see so many leaders within the denomination I so dearly love so eagerly “abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1).  And even worse, they are leading others down that same path of destruction.  There are times I feel like a very small fish in the pond, but I will remain faithful to the people God has called me to lead and serve- they will know and will hear God’s Word.
John A. Roberts

 

 

I am a Nazarene. I don’t contribute to the site often but I check it and read what has been posted every day. Thank you all so much. I love the denomination and pray that God will undertake and stop what is going on. If it is not too late!
Esther White Korpics

 

I am a 3rd generation Nazarene and my kids are the 4th generation. 18 months ago we almost left the Nazarene church. We were part of a church plant that is now going emergent. Gave 8 years to building the ministry but could no longer go along with the direction.  We were able to return to our planting church and have become involved once again in the ministry there.
Darren Krauter

Beating A Dead Horse

I’m sharing this latest post from Christian Lady‘s blog.  Some good insight from another Christian who has experienced things we should not have to experience.

Uh, it is so hard to be a Christian at times.  It’s been a long three years of learning since we began to really pay attention to problems in our former church.  Last night we had a meeting with one of the pastors from the church we currently attend.  The pastor could tell based on what we said that we have many hurts from our former church.  He said something interesting, that someone had decided to leave this church recently.  The man stated, “I am leaving here, but these are the things I have gained from this church…”  It was a disagreement, to be sure, but it was also a list of ways God had used the church to help him grow.

I do think we did experience good things in our former church.  There was fellowship with other believers, there was some good teaching (a few pastors in particular).  We did have some great times in our small group, made life long family, life long friends.  We also did learn from some people who despite the church had a habit of studying the bible.  Some lacked discernment (obviously we did and by the grace of God began to realize there were problems, how otherwise I do not know…blind I tell ya).  At any rate, we did gain things, we did grow.

However, there was false teaching there.  Most people preaching/teaching it had no intention to teach falsehood.  They had bought into it and didn’t know.  I know we all have, at times, had an uneducated concept of one thing or another about Christ or salvation etc.  I do believe there are those who just make mistakes and haven’t studied and know no better.   There are others who are deceived and despite being taught truth, they are convinced this or that teaching is the truth and is better.  There are others blinded by their own pride, their own agenda.  I think our former church was (and likely still is) filled with some true believers, some believers who are mistaken, some who are deceived.  Then it also has many who think they are believers but aren’t because the teaching has led them astray.  Then there are those who have come in and are being appeased, but are not in the faith.  Every church has some of this, but not outright deception.

I believe our former church doesn’t just have doctrines with which people can agree to disagree, and can debate about.  I do believe there is more to it, and that is where the hurt lies.  No matter how nice the lead pastor, no matter how much you believe he has good intentions, he is teaching falsehood.  Spiritual formation as it is taught in our former church seems to be works based.  All the “seeker friendly” stuff is about filling the pews, and misses the mark when teaching the gospel.   The preachers spent too much time off message, and that is where my pain can be found.  There are people still going there, and even if they are true believers, and even if there is some growth, I cannot help but believe it is stunted.

And yet, God can use a bad thing for good.  Beauty from ashes.

So there I go again, thinking of my former church and realizing how stupid we were.  We were blind, and it hurts.  It hurts when others cannot understand things, and do not see the false teaching for what it is and challenge it.  It hurts to know their kids are in the church and are buying it all, eating it all up.  And then they wonder why they leave the church and don’t ever come back?  What are they being offered?