PE Videos
By Ken Horn | April 29, 2010
Most of our videos in one place.
The Pentecostal Evangel is part of the growing slate of programs available on demand from AGTV. Here are some of our programs. Just click on the blue lettering to go to a video.
AGTS student Martin Monacell on debating atheists
Monte Madsen, President of the Latin America Bible Institute
Current Evangel Informational Video
Dr. George Wood interviews Ken Horn on Dr. Wood’s Conversations program
Steve Donaldson, president and founder of Rural Compassion, is interviewed by Ken Horn.
Dr. Clyde Hughes, general overseer of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ
AGTS President Dr. Byron Klaus is interviewed by Bob Cook and Ken Horn on PE Connections
John W. Kennedy, PE news editor, on AG Ministry Spotlight
Pentecostal Evangel 1999 Promo
View all the TPE covers for 2008 in a short slideshow.
Topics: AGTV | No Comments »
Key Healing Verses to Memorize
By Ken Horn | April 26, 2010
Basic verses about healing. Tap the reference to see the words. Drill yourself on this regularly to make these important verses a part of your life.
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Pentecostal Evangel Videos
By Ken Horn | April 22, 2010
Most of our videos in one place.
The Pentecostal Evangel is part of the growing slate of programs available on demand from AGTV. Here are some of our programs. Just click on the blue lettering to go to a video.
Monte Madsen, President of the Latin America Bible Institute
Current Evangel Informational Video
Dr. George Wood interviews Ken Horn on Dr. Wood’s Conversations program
Steve Donaldson, president and founder of Rural Compassion, is interviewed by Ken Horn.
Dr. Clyde Hughes, general overseer of the International Pentecostal Church of Christ
AGTS President Dr. Byron Klaus is interviewed by Bob Cook and Ken Horn on PE Connections
John W. Kennedy, PE news editor, on AG Ministry Spotlight
Pentecostal Evangel 1999 Promo
View all the TPE covers for 2008 in a short slideshow.
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Empowered21 Report
By Ken Horn | April 19, 2010
Tulsa, OK – More than 10,000 people from nearly 100 nations gathered April 8-10 at Oral Roberts University for Empowered21: Global Congress on Holy Spirit Empowerment in the 21st Century.
10,000 Worshipers in the Mabee Center
Empowered21 brought together premier Christian scholars, leaders and Spirit-filled believers of multiple generations from all over the world to address the future of Spirit-empowered Christianity and how to engage new generations for Christ.
Speakers challenged attendees at five plenary sessions to engage new generations more effectively to address the realities of the 21st century. International leaders representing all seven continents participated in the final service.
Billy Wilson, Chair of Empowered21 and Executive Director of the International Center for Spiritual Renewal, said, “Saturday evening’s session was unprecedented. … The Holy Spirit is at work all over the globe and it was proven clearly during this session. Thousands of attendees presented themselves in renewed dedication to the fulfilling of the Great Commission in our generation.”
International speakers included Tommy Barnett, senior pastor of Phoenix First Assembly of God and founder of the L.A. Dream Center representing the North American Continent; Pastor Claudio Freidzon, founder of the Rey de Reyes church in Buenos Aires, Argentina, representing Latin America (Central and South America); Ulf Ekman, founder and pastor of Word of Life Church and founder and president of Livets Ord University in Sweden, representing Europe; tennis great Margaret Court, founder and senior pastor of Victory Life Centre in Australia, representing the Australian continent; E.A. Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) representing Africa; Niko Njotorahardjo, Senior Pastor of the Gereja Bethel Indonesia in Jakarta, representing Asia and Arthur Blessitt who represented Antarctica because he carried the cross there.
There were 210 specific learning conversations, which were divided into tracks such as Church Planting, Youth Ministry, Prayer, Worship and many more. Assemblies of God personnel leading sessions included Prince Guneratnam from Indonesia, Dick Eastman, Jeanne Mayo, Jay Mooney, Jesse Miranda, Ron DiCianni, Ken Horn and others.
Leading the “Spirit-filled Publishing & Writing” Session
Dr. Mark Rutland, president of Oral Roberts University — and former president of Southeastern University of the Assemblies of God — said: “Empowered21 was an historic moment, an intersection of nations, cultures and generations.”
At Empowered21, like-minded people of faith representing 640 million Pentecostal/Charismatic believers around the globe effectively gathered in unity to prepare for a great move of the Spirit in the 21st century.
“The generations connected,” Wilson said, “the fire of God fell, one of the broadest learning opportunities in the movement’s history was experienced and the face of Spirit-filled Christianity was turned toward the future.”
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Margaret Court: “It’s better than winning Wimbledon.”
By Ken Horn | April 15, 2010
Peggy (right) and I met Margaret Court, one of the greatest tennis players ever, and her daughter in the ministry team room at Empowered21. It was a blessing to share some time with this gracious and godly lady. She won Wimbledon, the pinnacle of tennis success, 3 times, took 62 Grand Slam titles and a total of 86 majors. Today she pastors Victory Life Centre in Perth, Australia and is also a television evangelist. She gave Peggy and me a copy of her book, Winning Faith. We talked about pastoring, leading lives to Christ and discipling them. Referring to that she said, “There’s nothing like it. It’s better than winning Wimbledon.” And that’s something she knows about. P4090061
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Answers to some common questions about Easter
By Ken Horn | April 3, 2010
Where did the name Easter come from?
An early Christian writer (Bede, c. A.D. 673-735) claims that it came from the name Eastre, a Germanic goddess of spring. The celebration of Christ’s resurrection apparently replaced the pagan festival.
Is the word Easter in the Bible?
Not really—in the original languages. But it does appear once in the King James Version in Acts 12:4. This was corrected in the New King James and other English translations. The word translated Easter in Acts is from the Greek tò páscha. It is translated Passover each of the other 28 times it appears in the King James, as well as in the other English versions.
What is a better name?
Resurrection Sunday is a far better representation of the true meaning of the day.
How early did the celebration of Christ’s resurrection begin?
The earliest historical reference of a formal celebration by the church appears in the middle of the second century. History records a debate then that took place over the correct date of celebration.
How is the date figured anyway?
We don’t have enough room to explain this one. The usual statement—Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon after the first day of spring—is not precisely correct, because there are certain “ecclesiastical rules” that can change the dates.
The important thing to know about the date is this: Even though Christians celebrate the resurrection year-round, Easter draws multitudes of people who seldom ever darken the door of a church. It’s a wonderful yearly opportunity to proclaim the truths that lie at the core of our faith.
What is Lent?
A period of 40 days prior to Easter that begins with Ash Wednesday. It is primarily emphasized in liturgical churches. Christians from churches of this tradition are commonly expected to fast and/or give up other things during this period.
What does Mardi Gras have to do with Easter?
Mardi Gras is from the French meaning “fat Tuesday.” The day before the beginning of Lent became a time of feasting and raucous celebration. This celebration has become a longer festival of overindulgence that has become quite depraved and godless.
What is the true meaning of Easter?
The true meaning of Easter is clearly found in the suggested better name—Resurrection Sunday. It is a celebration of the historical fact that Christ rose from the dead, as well as the fact that we serve a living Savior today.
Topics: history, theology | No Comments »
Easter or Resurrection Sunday?
By Ken Horn | April 2, 2010
Some have criticized Easter for being a holiday with pagan roots. In the early centuries of the Church it was quite common to commandeer pagan celebrations and offer Christian alternatives … much as many churches do today with Halloween. Sharing a date with such non-Christian events does not negate the value of these days for Christians.
The celebration of Christ’s resurrection apparently replaced a pagan festival that honored Eastre, a Germanic goddess of spring, beginning in the middle of the second century. Thus Resurrection Sunday is a far better name and representation of the true meaning of the day.
The celebration of Christ’s resurrection stands at the pinnacle of Christian remembrances. Christmas celebrates the Incarnation — the beginning of the working out of God’s plan of salvation. Resurrection Sunday is even more important than Jesus’ coming to Earth because it completed this vast plan of salvation. When the Son of God was raised from the dead, everything had been done that was necessary to provide salvation for sinful mankind. Because of this, Christians rightly celebrate the Resurrection year-round.
But Easter is also important with regard to evangelism. Multitudes of people who seldom darken the door of a church will show up on an Easter Sunday. That makes this day a wonderful yearly opportunity to proclaim the truths that lie at the core of our faith. Easter is rightly a joyous celebration of a powerful spiritual truth that has continued to impact lives for nearly 2,000 years.
The true meaning of Easter means Resurrection Sunday is a better name. It is a celebration of the historical fact that Christ rose from the dead, as well as the fact that we serve a living Savior today.
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Joseph R. Flower passes
By Ken Horn | March 29, 2010
From AG News:
The Rev. Joseph Reynolds Flower, 97, long-time minister and former executive officer with the Assemblies of God, entered the presence of the Lord, Monday, March 29. He was born in Indianapolis in 1913 and observed his 97th birthday on March 1.
Assemblies of God General Superintendent Dr. George O. Wood said, “For 44 years of our 96 year history, a Flower served as general secretary of the Assemblies of God. J. Roswell and Alice Reynolds Flower were part of a small company that helped found the church. J. Roswell served altogether 26 years as general secretary. Their son, Joseph R. Flower, was elected general secretary in 1975 and served until his retirement in 1993. It was my great privilege to succeed him in office. Brother Flower served our Fellowship with passion and excellence. He was a joy to be around. His wit and humor complemented his wisdom and godliness. The Assemblies of God is richer because of the contribution of this true Pentecostal statesman. He has now joined his dear wife, Mary Jane, in that heavenly host of witnesses. As a Fellowship, we are deeply indebted to them and their family for laying strong foundations that support today the world-wide outreach and growth of the Assemblies of God.”
Joseph Flower was a year old in 1914 when his father and mother, J. Roswell and Alice Reynolds Flower made a decision that was to change the destiny of the Flower family. His minister father attended the organizational meeting of the Assemblies of God in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and was elected general secretary of the new organization. Joseph’s parents transferred ownership of their Christian Evangel magazine (now the Pentecostal Evangel) to the Assemblies of God.
When the Assemblies of God moved its offices and printing equipment from Findlay, Ohio, to St. Louis, in 1915, the Flower couple moved with their two children, 2-year-old Joseph and baby Adele.
In 1918, when Joseph was 5, his parents moved with the Assemblies of God headquarters to Springfield, Missouri, where they helped set up the new offices and Gospel Publishing House at 434 W. Pacific Ave. Joseph attended Weaver Elementary, Pipkin Jr. High, and later Central Bible College. His other schooling included Jr. high and high school in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Franklin Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
He was preparing for a teaching career when he attended a camp meeting in western New York. He said later, “It seems that God dealt with me in a special way at that camp meeting to go into the ministry.” In 1932 he returned to Springfield and enrolled in Central Bible College to prepare for the ministry, graduating in 1934.
His ministry with the Assemblies of God from 1934-1954 included pastorates in Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. The New York District of the Assemblies of God elected him as superintendent in 1953, a position he held until 1975 when he was elected to the national office as the general secretary, which brought him back to Springfield after an absence of more than 40 years. He held the general secretary’s position until retiring in 1993 at the age of 80. During his long ministry, he wrote numerous articles for Assemblies of God periodicals and served on various administrative committees, and boards — including the boards of Central Bible College, Evangel University and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.
Joseph married Mary Jane Carpenter, an evangelist, in 1940. She preceded him in death in 2000. Their three children survive: Joseph, Jr., Mary Alice, and Paul. He has 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, the Rev. David Flower, Springfield; a sister, the Rev. Suzanne Earle, Limington, Maine; and a sister-in-law, Verna Flower, of Arlington, Virginia. Siblings who preceded him in death were Roswell, George, and Adele.
Five of the Flower children — Joseph, Adele, Suzanne, George, and David — received ministerial ordination with the Assemblies of God. Another child, Roswell, was preparing for the ministry at Central Bible College at the time of his death. The other three sons — Joseph, George, and David — followed their father as Assemblies of God district superintendents. Inspired by their parents’ Christian devotion and hope for life beyond this life, the children’s positive greeting was the familiar “Maranatha, our Lord cometh.”
When the Assemblies of God established the archives and visitors’ center in 1999, the executive officers honored the family by naming it the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. Their family photos, videos, and memorabilia are among the many historical items on display.
Joseph was a member of Central Assembly, Springfield, Missouri, where he succeeded his mother as teacher of the Homemakers Sunday School class. He was a familiar figure at basketball and football games and other activities at Central Bible College and Evangel University.
In looking back over his life — through some difficult times — Joseph once said, “I always felt that God was there behind the scenes controlling my destiny and being in charge of all the circumstances.” And he often quoted Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV). “Maranatha, our Lord cometh.”
Friends may call Wednesday, March 31 at Greenlawn Funeral Home North from 6-7 for visitation. There will also be a visitation at Central Assembly of God, 1301 North Boonville, from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, April 1 with memorial services to follow at 11.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that in Joseph Flower’s memory contributions be made to the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center at the Assemblies of God headquarters.
An interview from the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center with Joseph Flower can be found at: agtv.ag.org/Flower1980.
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This week in AG history — March 15, 1947
By Ken Horn | March 26, 2010
From AG News:
“It will not be long before the Christian youth of today will be succeeding the older generation.” General Superintendent Ernest S. Williams voiced this fact in 1947 on “Sermons in Song,” the weekly Assemblies of God national radio broadcast that preceded “Revivaltime.” Williams then offered a challenge to the youth of 1947 to “(present) before the court of this world true Christian character, firm in righteousness, founded upon a consecration that is unshakable.”
The youth of 1947 served well and now are handing the baton of faith to yet another generation. Williams’ challenge is, perhaps, even more relevant today than it was 53 years ago. He continued:
“Each era of history presents its challenge-each generation its particular problem, unique in its magnitude. In this era of sordid sin, disregard for God and the moral law, the breakdown of the home, and pursuit of sensuous pleasure, Christian youth are needed who will steadfastly resist the tide; who will cry aloud against the evils of the day and spare not; who will be true ambassadors for Christ in the business world and in social life…To be ambassadors for Christ-what a fearful yet glorious calling!”
Read the rest of Williams’ challenge to youth in the March 15, 1947, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel.
Also featured in this issue:
* “Grace Abounding” by A. G. Ward
* “Wet Wood Among the Saint” by Nelson E. Hinman, responding to the question, “Why is Pentecost not being repeated today?”
* “Called to Suffer” by Amy Carmichael
And much more! Click here to read this issue now!
Pentecostal Evangel archived editions courtesy of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. For current editions of the Evangel, click here.
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Outreach seeks Global Prayer Initiative partners
By Ken Horn | March 22, 2010
Convoy of Hope is seeking prayer partners for its recently launched Global Prayer Initiative.
“As Convoy of Hope continues to reach out to the poor and suffering by holding citywide outreaches, responding to disasters, and feeding hungry children, we knew we could be even more effective if we undergirded our efforts with organized and deliberate prayer,” says Thomas E. Trask, chairman of the organization’s Global Prayer Initiative. “Through prayer we believe hearts can be changed, the poor and suffering can be healed, communities can be reached, hope can be restored to individuals and families, and the impossible can be made possible.”
Leaders from the Global Prayer Initiative are seeking prayer partners who will pledge to pray from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday.
According to Hal Donaldson, president and founder of Convoy of Hope, the Global Prayer Initiative is desperately needed.
“Each year more than 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes,” he says. “One billion people do not have regular access to clean drinking water. And countless people die daily having never heard an adequate gospel presentation.”
Trask and his team started holding prayer summits on January 21 - the first being in Phoenix - and they will continue to meet in cities throughout the nation. Harold Sallee is serving as U.S. director, and Tommy Lofton is international director.
“Our goal is to regularly intercede on behalf of the poor and suffering and bring attention to their plight,” says Trask. “The Global Prayer Initiative aims to raise up a multitude of followers of Christ who are committed to praying for the poor and suffering.”
To become a prayer team member, visit pray4hope.org.
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