The church united behind the decision of the first general conference and chose representatives to communicate it to local churches (Acts 16:4-5). They expected all the churches to accept this decision, not to break away from the group.

Is it wrong for Christians to have doubts? How should we respond when doubts arise in our minds? In this week's podcast episode, I explore what Scripture says about faith and doubt, and why truth bears investigation. 📷: bit.ly/AL21Ep224 📷: youtu.be/qmbITgzMOhA

The letters of Paul & John demonstrate a system of recommendations, withdrawal of recommendations, & warnings concerning certain disruptive ministers, equivalent to a system of ministerial credentials & discipline.

While we have liberty to adopt various organizations & methods, we shouldn’t regard our organization’s guidelines as optional. They are good-faith attempts to implement biblical principles in our historical, social, and cultural context, which God honors (Matt 18:18-20).

In Acts, the general church body sent leaders to inquire about local congregations, missionaries to establish new churches, and teachers to minister in churches

NT church leaders resolved disputes, organized collections of money, made recommendations for evangelists, withdrew fellowship from ministers who persisted in false doctrine or sin, judged false prophets, and warned local churches concerning false ministers

Last Sat: chaired New Jersey/Delaware District Conference, Newark, DE. Steven Beardsley elected district superintendent. Sun: preached at Oak Creek, WI, Pastor Tim Peters, great service despite major flood. Mon: work day in Austin, appointment, swam.

I read 2 recent books with helpful exegetical insights by N.T. Wright: (1) “The Challenge of Acts: Rediscovering What the Church Was and Is.” (2) “Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter”

Tues-Wed: 25th anniv, Apostolic Conference, Madison, MS, for, Pastors Jerry & Jason Dillon, 78 North American Mission families, I preached Wed PM. Thur: preached New England Territory Summons, Tiverton, RI, Pastor Jay Stirnemann, led by World Network of Prayer director Flo Shaw.

I read 2 great resources from new Healthy Homes, Pentecostal Resources Group: (1) Kaleb & Ellerie Saucer, “The Healthy Homes Challenge: A Four-Week Journey for Kingdom-First Families.” (2) Kevin & Laura Payne, “The Blessed Road: Marriage Lessons from the Beatitudes.”

Fri PM: in St Louis. Sat-Sun: 50th anniversary, Fort Madison, IA, Pastor Chris Frank, about 10 churches represented

I read 2 great new resources from UPCI ministries & PPH. (1) For women: “The King’s Daughter: A 21-Day Devotional”; compiled by Tonda Henry, Building the Bridge Ministry; (2) For young adults: “Hyphen Habits: A Young Adult’s Guide to Spiritual Endurance,” Hyphen Ministry.

I read Thomas Trimble, “Digital Dominion: Smartphones, Social Media, and Jesus”; UPCI pastor, UGST grad; excellent, includes “Social Media Bible” of relevant passages (paraphrased); STAIRS approach: self-control, theology, anxiety, identity, relationships, spirituality.

Scripture commands us to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2). Does this apply when parents are not believers? What about situations where abuse and sin have hurt the relationship? Listen now for my response. 📷: bit.ly/AL21Ep225 📷: youtu.be/emrpYZ1Xy-4

I read Alexandra Hudson, “The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves”; civility is more than politeness; means treating everyone with respect, kindness, hospitality; call to reorient public discourse, social media, personal relationships

I read an encouraging, insightful book by UPCI pastor & award-winning songwriter in Columbus, OH; Mark Condon, “Endless Possibilities: The Power of the Nudge”: following God’s will (the nudge), living & acting in faith, story of $3 million miracle building

I read an encouraging, insightful book by UPCI pastor in Milwaukee, WI, Tim Peters, “The Dragon Slayer”: story of almost dying of COVID, overcoming Satan’s attack. Also read 2 mystery novels by Agatha Christie.

I read Louis Warren, “God’s Red Son: The Ghost Dance Religion and the Making of Modern America”; story of Indian religion celebration of late 1800s seeking to preserve culture while adjusting to modern world, many were Christians, tragic suppression & massacre at Wounded Knee.

I read Jan Madden, “James: The Life and Legacy of James L. Kilgore,” former assistant general superintendent and Texas District superintendent; inspiring biography of a key leader under whom I served.

Wed-Fri: in office, St Louis; North American Missions Committee meetings, Loan Fund Zoom call. Fri PM: Evansville, IN, Pastor James Maroney, 75th anniversary, 11th pastoral anniversary, 10 churches represented, 2 received Holy Ghost. Sun AM: Louisville, KY, Pastor Alan Browning.