ALIGNED FOR MISSION
by Rev. David Wells, PCCNA President
from Testimony and Enrich Magazine, PAOC
The mission of the church, as commissioned by Jesus, has been before us for close to 2,000 years. His people, empowered by the Spirit and motivated by the love, grace, and truth of our Lord, are to go to all peoples and proclaim the good news, which brings transformation. The mission’s fruit is to see disciplined followers of Jesus developed, who in obedience are baptized and observe all that Jesus commanded as they too go and make disciples. This cycle of disciple-making indicates the mission is being fulfilled.
It is always good to be reminded that the Giver of this commission is the “Lord of the harvest,” the One who oversees this mission. Our responsibility is to obediently hear the call and follow the Spirit’s guidance as we participate alongside the Lord’s entire body.
Here’s the thing—the whole mission does not rest on one person, one church, one group of churches, one Christian communion, or even one generation of Christians. It is way bigger than any of those. The Lord calls, and we respond as have millions before us, and 100’s of millions are doing even as I write. All His people, called by His name, whatever their “branding,” are chosen to be witnesses to those in the multiple contexts He sends them to.
In many Christian circles, 2033 is being commemorated as the 2,000 anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus, His ascension, and His outpouring of the Spirit on His Church to fulfill His mission. This has resulted in a unified understanding in many parts of the global church that the Lord of the harvest is calling His people to be “aligned for mission.” Tap the button below to "READ MORE."
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"ALIGNED FOR MISSION"
PCCNA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 22–23, 2023
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
HOTEL:
Embassy Suites by Hilton
1000 Woodward Place NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-245-7100
*Request the PCCNA conference rate if reserving by phone.
ROOM RESERVATIONS:
PCCNA Conference Rate: $139/per room
Room Types: King or Standard Double Queen Beds
Hotel stay includes a hot breakfast buffet!
REGISTRATION OPTIONS:
Early Registration: $85/Person (before December 31, 2022)
Regular Registration: $95/Person (after December 31, 2022)
Walk-In Registration: $105 (at the door)
Registration includes lunch and dinner on February 22-23.
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PCCNA MEMBERSHIP
ANNUAL RENEWAL REMINDER
You are valuable to the ministry of PCCNA as we "demonstrate unity in the power of the Spirit." We believe that together we can create an environment for the Spirit of the Lord to descend upon us for a mighty move of God in North America.
Thank you for your annual member contributions that are making a difference in our ministry efforts. We hope you will plan to attend our annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 22–23, 2023.
Annual membership renewal reminder letters were sent out by mail on November 8th. If you have not received your reminder letter, please email Barb Gray at info@pccna.org
For your convenience, you can process your membership online at: pccna.org/donate.aspx or make your check payable to PCCNA and mail it to the following address:
Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America
P.O. Box 3986
Cleveland, TN 37320-3986
Should you select the option to process your membership online, please contribute additional funds to cover online transaction fees.
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REDEEM THE TIME
by Presiding Bishop, Drew Sheard
Church of God In Christ
Time is the material of life.
Time measures our earthly existence. Time often appears very different from the position we occupy.
If we are anxious to obtain something good or if we are suffering pain, time creeps with the pace of a snail. But if we dread some evil or fear the removal of some good, time flies with irresistible rapidity.
We are often at a loss because there is no substitute for time. Time is a real scarcity. We are not guaranteed any substantial amount of time.
Three score and ten is said to be a long life. But what is life? Very few reach enjoy a large portion of time. Most do not reach half their period. There are eighteen years of childhood and folly. One third, approximately 23 1/3 year passes over in sleep. Leaving approximately 29 more, so that out of a long life of 3 score and 10, which is 70 years, only 30 years can be calculated and accounted for.
Life is a period of stewardship of our time.
"Redeem the Time" (Ephesians 5:16)
"Whatever your hands find to do, do it!" (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
"I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: because the night cometh, when no man can work." (John 9:4)
Tap the "VIEW MESSAGE" button below to watch this powerful message by Bishop Sheard.
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LOSING LISA
by Chris Hansler
Open Bible Churches
Open Bible
Lisa and I had known each other since we were five years old because she was my best friend’s little sister. We began dating after I finished high school, married in the summer of 1985, and were married for 36 years.
February 14, 2022, was our fortieth Valentine’s Day together. It was also the last night I would be with her. The breast cancer, which we thought she had beaten in late 2020 after aggressive treatment that included chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, and radiation, returned with a vengeance in October 2021. That was when we received the shocking prognosis that she had maybe up to two to five years left.
The sickness had shown up as a collapsed lung caused by fluid in her lungs. We then learned that cancer had spread to lymph nodes throughout her abdomen. The decline was quick and difficult. I had to drain fluid from both of her lungs twice daily. She soon lost her ability to get around, and then she lost her appetite. She fought for her life and believed like she always had.
We prayed (as did hundreds of friends and family) and the doctors did everything they could to extend her life. But on the morning of February 15, after a moment of prayer and an exchange of “I love you” between her and me and our kids, Lisa peacefully went to be with Jesus. Tap the "READ MORE" button below to continue reading.
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WORLDVIEW AND
THE GOSPEL
by Elaine McDavid
Evangel Magazine
Church of God Publications
HERE IS BEAUTY and power in the ability to express eternal truths in a way that is familiar and common. However, what is familiar to one person may be foreign to another; and what is common to some may be completely strange to others.
As messengers of the gospel, we must know well the message we carry. Whether we present the gospel from a pulpit or a park bench, we must know the Scriptures well.
There is, however, another important aspect to sharing the gospel with others—the ability to understand their worldview. Although an argument can be made that there are as many worldviews as there are people in the world, it would be impossible to study seven billion-plus viewpoints!
Let’s define worldview before continuing. Simply put, it is a person’s basic assumptions about reality. Sociologist Robert Redfield said, “Worldview is the way a people characteristically look outward upon the universe . . . it is the way we see ourselves in relation to all else.” Tap the button below to "READ MORE."
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RYTHMS AND BALANCE
IN MINISTRY
with Lisa Machen
Licensed minister and certified counselor, Lisa Machen, shares with the PCCNA Women in Ministry Commission how to maintain healthy rhythms and balance in our bodies, souls, and spirits. This is an important topic for the holiday season, which can be extremely busy for those in ministry. Tap the "VIEW WEBINAR" button below for Lisa's dynamic presentation.
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A SEASON OF DISRUPTION
by Rev. Wes Mills, President
Apostolic Church of Canada
“Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore, we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we must be saved by love.” Reinhold Niebuhr
We are living in a season of disruption. It seems that the global COVID-19 pandemic is finally beginning to lose its momentum, but now we are facing economic woes that are shaking the global economy. In North America, inflation is higher than it has been in 40 years, and we are all feeling the pinch of increased costs.
However, in many parts of the developing world inflation has risen astronomically—80 percent or more within the past year—causing severe economic pain for millions of people. As followers of Jesus, how do we make sense of this season of disruption? There is a “go-to” scripture that people often turn to in times like these: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
This verse is often used as a “spiritual security blanket” in difficult times. We find this verse stamped on T-shirts, imprinted on greeting cards and posters, and etched in coffee mugs.
While it is true that God is a God of hope, we need to understand the context of this verse. This verse was written to people in captivity. This verse was written to people who had been uprooted from their homes and taken to a foreign land. This was written to people who were in a season of disruption. Tap the button below to "READ MORE."
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UNDERSTANDING GENERATION Z'S PERCEPTION OF HOLINESS
by Influence Magazine
Assemblies of God
Young People may see Christ
differently due to their worldview.
Not long ago “WWJD” bracelets were the latest fad. Everyone seemed to have one. The bracelets were handed out in large quantities to youth groups, churches, and schools.
The expectation was that when wearing these bracelets, we would look down and ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do in this situation?” Although the trend has faded, I still see people wearing those bracelets.
While the intentions behind the phrase were good, the question of “What Would Jesus Do?” can be misinterpreted based on the individual. People may see Jesus differently due to their worldview or how American culture can misconstrue Him.
A glimpse at Barna’s research into “The Open Generation” and a study by the American Bible Society revealed that the next generation views Jesus in a way contrary to Scripture. We must realize only 13 percent of Generation Z members are biblically engaged according to the 2022 American Bible Society study.
Before we can ask people “What Would Jesus Do?” we need to inquire, “Whom do you believe Jesus is?” Tap the button below to "READ MORE."
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DISASTER RELIEF ON THE GROUND IN FLORIDA
by Pastor Alex Montealnegre
Foursquare Publications
Foursquare Disaster Relief is on the ground in Florida, responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Hear from Foursquare Pastor Alex Montealegre, a Foursquare Disaster Relief advanced lead responder, and learn how you can partner to support Foursquare’s local relief efforts. Tap the button below to "READ MORE" and view the video report.
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Your annual member and organizational contributions make a difference! PCCNA is a member of the ECFA.
Have you given your annual member contribution?
Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America
P.O. Box 3986 | Cleveland, TN 37320-3986
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