Author: Shannon Elder

Inspiration and Information from the
National Association of Wesleyan Evangelicals

Your NAWE Companion

‘N AWE
He Is Alive
Richard Smith, Pataskala, OH

April—May 2015

The EMPTY cross and the EMPTY grave are the true symbols of our faith and hope. In looking at the resurrection of Christ, let us look at how foundational it is to our Christian faith:
The resurrection of Christ is THE MOST CONVINCING
EVIDENCE OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH.
When Jesus was asked for His credentials He gave them “the sign of the prophet Jonah” and told them that He would die but on the third day rise again. The Romans sealed and guarded the tomb but Christ broke those puny bonds. The early apostles boldly proclaimed the resurrection. If the resurrection is true, then all Jesus’ teachings are divine and all His works are true.
The resurrection of Christ is THE SEAL OF HIS FINISHED
WORK OF SALVATION.
Jesus went to the grave, taking all the sin of the world upon His shoulders. He satisfied the judgment of God that sin must be paid for by death. Paul said in Romans 8:34: “Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God…” (NASB). Jesus went to the cross to provide a substitute for our judgment. He arose from the grave and with that power He has defeated sin, death, and the devil.
The resurrection of Christ is THE GUARANTEE OF THE
BELIEVER’S RESURRECTION.
Jesus said, as recorded in John 6:40, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day” (NASB). Christ could make such a claim because He Himself would lead the way and prove its possibility and truth. The good news is that those who know the redemptive work of Christ will be resurrected to reign with Him.
Rev. D. William Sangster, a British Methodist, spearheaded a renewal movement after World War II. His ministry was ended by a disease which progressively paralyzed his body, even his vocal chords. But the last Resurrection Sunday he spent on earth, he was still able to move his fingers. He wrote: “How terrible to wake up on Easter and have no voice to shout, ‘He is risen!’ Far worse to have a voice and not want to shout.”
He is alive!! He is alive indeed!!!

Praise & Prayer

Let’s give thanks for our risen Lord and for the special opportunities we have to share the gospel with others in connection with Easter.
Pray for our churches and their Easter-related ministries and worship services.
Pray for those participating in our Ministers’ & Wives’ Retreat on April 7-9.
Pray for Howard Ledford who will be having knee replacement surgery on April 20.
Pray for the plans and preparations being made for our Annual Meeting in July.

Getting to Know You
Ronnie Jones
Dewey Fleming, Dalton, GA

Most of you know Ronnie Jones. He is a familiar figure at Annual Meetings, Pastors and Wives Retreats, and other important NAWE gatherings. Often he is found working behind the scenes in planning and strategy development. Ronnie is a member and credential holder with our young Association. He has been with us from the start.
Ronnie is a native of Dallas, Georgia, and a product of the Paulding County School System. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science Degree in textiles. Ronnie spent 25 years in the carpet industry, and came to Dalton, Georgia in that process.
As the years passed Ronnie felt called to ministry and enrolled for theological studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He distinguished himself as an able student by graduating with a 3.7 in Biblical Studies.
God’s path for Ronnie was to be both unique and significant. After just a short time in the local church ministry, Ronnie was invited by Asbury to return for ministry in the work of institutional advancement. He served for several years as the SE Regional Representative for Advancement, followed by a period as the Interim VP of Finances, under the then president, Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas. He is now finishing his distinguished career of service as the Director of Planned Giving.
Ronnie is married to his high school sweetheart, Brenda Wills Jones. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Ronnie is a legendary hunter and an avid golfer. His business card carries Proverbs 22:29 as a life verse. It says, “A skilled man will stand before kings and rulers in high places.” And so he has! Congratulations, Ronnie Jones, we’re glad you are part of the NAWE.

Recommended Resources and Conferences

New Room Conference
This is billed as “A Distinctively Wesleyan Gathering”. It is closely connected to Asbury Theological Seminary. According to its website, “It’s a gathering of men and women ready to recapture the Wesleyan vision for who and what the Church can be in the world.”
The conference is going to be held in Franklin, Tennessee on September 16-18. Space is limited, so it is advised that you get your registration in soon.
Scheduled speakers include Dr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary and Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church.
Several from the NAWE have already registered for this event. Therefore if you can attend, you will know some others there and we will have the opportunity to fellowship together.
To register or for more information go to their website at www.newroomconference.com

Calendar

April 7-9— the 2015 Ministers’ & Wives’ Retreat in Helen, GA
July 14-16— the 2015 Annual Meeting in Covington, TN
Visit us at www.theNAWE.com