Author name: Nazarene Journal

Nazarene journal

Who Is Jesus Christ? (Article of Faith II – Jesus Christ)

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Who is Jesus? A good teacher? A moral man? A prophet? A martyr? No.He is more. Infinitely more. The Church of the Nazarene declares, in Article II, Paragraph 2 of our Manual: “We believe in Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead; that He was eternally one with the Father…” Jesus is not created.He is —eternally one with the Father,sharing the same divine essence. “…that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary…” He didn’t stop being God —He became God in the flesh.Fully divine.Fully human.Two perfect natures united in one Person: “…very God and very man, the God-man.” He lived the perfect life we could not.He embraced death that we might live. “We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and that He truly arose from the dead…” Not symbolically.Not spiritually.He truly arose — with His body —every part of human nature fully redeemed. “…took again His body, together with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven…” And He didn’t vanish.He ascended.He’s alive.And He’s active: “…and is there engaged in intercession for us.” Jesus is praying for you —even now. What Does Scripture Say?The Bible reveals this Jesus from prophecy to resurrection: Matthew 1:20–25 – Born of the Virgin, called Immanuel Luke 1:26–35 – The angel announces He is the Son of the Most High John 1:1–18 – “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word became flesh” Acts 2:22–36 – “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” Romans 8:3, 32–34 – He condemned sin in the flesh and intercedes for us Galatians 4:4–5 – God sent His Son, born of a woman Philippians 2:5–11 – He humbled Himself unto death… God exalted Him Colossians 1:12–22 – All things created by Him… reconciled through His blood 1 Timothy 6:14–16 – The King of kings, immortal and dwelling in unapproachable light Hebrews 1:1–5; 7:22–28; 9:24–28 – The perfect High Priest, interceding eternally 1 John 1:1–3; 4:2–3, 15 – We have seen, heard, and touched the Word of life… He is the Son of God This is the Christ we confess: Eternal, Incarnate, Crucified, Risen, Ascended, Interceding. Jesus Christ — the God-Man.

Nazarene journal

Did You Know There Are Nazarene Universities and Colleges Across Asia-Pacific?

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Have you ever asked: “Are there Nazarene schools in Asia?” “Does the Church of the Nazarene train leaders in the Pacific Islands?” “Do we have universities that prepare teachers, pastors, and nurses in this region?” You’re in the right place — and this article might just surprise you. Yes, the Asia-Pacific Region is home to some of the most vibrant and mission-driven Nazarene educational institutions in the world. But before we list them… 📚 Why Nazarene Education Matters These are not just schools. They are centers of calling, where students are trained not only for careers — but for Kingdom impact. In these classrooms, students… Study theology Learn to preach, teach, counsel, and serve Train as nurses, educators, and leaders And most importantly — deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ They come from cities and islands, highlands and coastlines. But they leave with one mission: To serve Christ and to serve people. 🌏 Nazarene Universities, Colleges, and Seminaries in the Asia-Pacific Region Let’s take a closer look at where God is raising up leaders through education: 🇵🇭 Philippines Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary – A regional hub for graduate-level theological training. Philippine Nazarene College – A holistic Christian college nestled in the mountains of La Trinidad, Benguet. Visayan Nazarene Bible College – Serving central Philippines with Bible-focused training. Central Philippine Nazarene College – Equipping students for Christian service in the Visayas and beyond. 🇮🇩 Indonesia Indonesia Nazarene Theological College – Preparing pastors and leaders in one of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nations. 🇯🇵 Japan Japan Nazarene Theological Seminary – Forming leaders with deep roots in Scripture and Japanese culture. 🇰🇷 South Korea Korea Nazarene University – A full university offering degrees in theology, rehabilitation, education, and more — serving with global impact. 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea Melanesia Nazarene Bible College – Discipling future pastors across PNG. Melanesia Nazarene Teachers College – Equipping Christian educators to shape young minds. Nazarene College of Nursing – One of the region’s most trusted training centers for compassionate healthcare workers. 🇦🇺 Australia Nazarene Theological College – Located in Brisbane, this college provides solid theological education for Australia and the South Pacific. 🇫🇯 Fiji South Pacific Nazarene Theological College – Serving multiple island nations with extension centers and remote learning. 🇹🇭 Thailand Chapman International College – A multicultural college with programs in Thai, Burmese, and other languages. Southeast Asia Nazarene Bible College – Training emerging leaders across Southeast Asia. 🇹🇼 Taiwan Taiwan Nazarene Theological College – Teaching Scripture and theology in Mandarin and preparing students to serve in a unique cultural setting. 💬 What Makes These Schools Special? They’re places of calling — where God confirms a student’s purpose. They’re culturally rooted — offering training that fits the local context. They’re globally connected — united by the mission of the Church of the Nazarene. They’re mission-focused — equipping students to serve where Christ is needed most. Whether it’s a pastor in Papua New Guinea, a teacher in Thailand, or a nurse in the Philippines, these institutions are forming leaders who go where the Church is called. 🙏 God Is at Work in Every Classroom From the tropical islands of Fiji to the bustling cities of South Korea… From the rice fields of Thailand to the highlands of the Philippines… God is moving. In every class, every prayer meeting, every outreach, every graduating student — the mission continues. This is Nazarene education in the Asia-Pacific Region. This is how the Church grows stronger.

Daily Devotion

Woman, Rise—Now Is Your Time

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Shepherds in His Image: Called and Ordained (Part III) “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…” — Joel 2:28 Now Is Your Time Woman of God, you’ve waited long enough. You’ve second-guessed your calling. You’ve silenced your sermons. You’ve settled for less because others said you weren’t enough. But the Spirit is still calling. And the time is now. What If This Generation Is Waiting on You? What if the next revival needs your voice? What if the broken girl on the street needs your story? What if your obedience is the spark that lights a wildfire of holiness? You don’t need permission. You already have a calling. These women were not exceptions. They were examples. Nina Gunter. Carla Sunberg. And You. Nina Gunter stood before thousands and proclaimed the gospel with holy fire. Carla Sunberg leads with pastoral insight, global wisdom, and deep Wesleyan holiness. And now it’s your turn. Different culture, same calling. Different generation, same Spirit. What If You Don’t Rise? What if you stay hidden, even when the Spirit calls you out? What if someone’s salvation is on the other side of your “yes”? “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” — Romans 10:14 You were not meant to blend in. You were made to break through. To the Woman Reading This: You are not too late. You are not too young. You are not too loud, too soft, too anything. You are called. You are chosen. You are Spirit-filled and sent. Now is the time. Rise. What if today is the day you stop hiding? What if you preach with boldness, walk in purpose, and lead with courage? What if history remembers you as the woman who said yes to God? Woman of God, stand up. Speak out. Step forward. The harvest is ready. The Spirit has been poured out. Now is your time.

Daily Devotion

You Are Waiting on God… What If God Is Waiting on You?

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Shepherds in His Image: Called and Ordained (Part III) “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” — Isaiah 6:8 Woman of God, Hear This. You’ve been waiting— For confirmation. For open doors. For someone to say, “Now it’s your time.” But what if the One you’re waiting for… is waiting for you? What if heaven has already spoken, And God is simply waiting on your yes? What If You Are the Answer to Someone’s Prayer? There is a girl praying for a mentor. There is a man who needs to hear your testimony. There is a generation searching for truth— What if you are the voice God wants to use? Scriptures That Still Speak Today Joel 2:28-29 – Your daughters will prophesy. Acts 2:17-18 – Both men and women will speak God’s message. Romans 16:1 – Phoebe, a servant of the church. Romans 16:3 – Priscilla, a co-worker in Christ. Romans 16:7 – Junia, an apostle What If It’s Not About What You Can Do—But What God Can Do Through You? You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have a platform. You don’t need permission from people—only a word from God. Carla Sunberg didn’t wait for a title. Nina Gunter didn’t wait for approval. They stepped out when the Holy Spirit called—so can you. What If God Is Saying: “Daughter, Why Are You Waiting?” What if you’ve been saying “I’m not ready,” And God has been saying, “You’re already chosen.” What if your delay is delaying the breakthrough for others? What if the very thing you’re afraid of is the very thing God has anointed you for? A Holy Confrontation Woman of God, you are not disqualified. You are not too late. You are not invisible. God sees you. God called you. And heaven is waiting. Today’s Call Don’t wait for the perfect moment—move in obedience. Don’t wait to feel “worthy”—walk in faith. Don’t wait until it’s easy—step into your anointing. “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” — Luke 1:45 Final What If What if this message is God’s way of saying, “Now, Daughter. Go.” You’ve waited long enough. God is not late. But neither are you. Say yes. Step out. Speak life. You are called. Now the only question left is: What are you waiting for?

Nazarene journal

What Happens After We Die? Article of Faith XVI – Resurrection, Judgment and Destiny.

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This is the question that has haunted the human heart across all generations: What happens when we die? Is death the end? Is there a second chance? Do we just sleep? Will we rise again? The Church of the Nazarene does not guess. It speaks from Scripture, and this is what we believe: There Will Be a Resurrection “We believe in the resurrection of the dead, that the bodies both of the just and of the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their spirits—‘they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.’” — Church of the Nazarene Manual, Paragraph 16 No one stays in the grave forever. The just and the unjust The saved and the lost The righteous and the wicked All will rise. This is not symbolic. It is real. Bodies will be raised. Spirits will be reunited. There will be two resurrections: The resurrection of life The resurrection of damnation (See John 5:29) Will Everyone Face Judgment? “We believe in future judgment in which every person shall appear before God to be judged according to his or her deeds in this life.” — Church of the Nazarene Manual, Paragraph 16.1 Yes. No one is exempt. No one is overlooked. No one is misjudged. You. Me. All people. We will all stand before God, the Righteous Judge. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” — Genesis 18:25 See also: Romans 2:6–11; 2 Corinthians 5:10 Our: Actions Words Hearts …will all be weighed. But this judgment is not random. It is just. It is holy. It is based on truth. Is There Hope? “We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who savingly believe in, and obediently follow, Jesus Christ our Lord…” — Church of the Nazarene Manual, Paragraph 16.2 Yes — there is hope. But not: In our goodness In our works Our hope is in Jesus Christ. If you believe in Him and follow Him, then your destiny is not fear — It is glory. Life with Christ Forever Resurrected Renewed Restored But What About Hell? “…and that the finally impenitent shall suffer eternally in hell.” — Church of the Nazarene Manual, Paragraph 16.2 This is a hard truth, but it is real. Hell exists. Not because God is cruel, But because God is just. Those who: Reject Christ Refuse to repent …will face eternal separation from God. See Luke 16:23–26; Revelation 20:14–15 God offers mercy now — But the door will not stay open forever. So, What Should We Do? Believe Repent Follow Jesus Live now in light of eternity. Worship with joy Witness with urgency Walk in holiness Because: Resurrection is coming Judgment is coming Glory is coming Choose life — today. 📖 Scripture Testifies: Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep… will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame…” John 5:28–29 – “All who are in their graves will hear His voice…” 1 Corinthians 15 – “If Christ is risen, so shall we be also.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” Matthew 25:31–46 – The separation of the sheep and the goats Revelation 20:12–15 – Books were opened… the dead were judged. This Is Not the End There is life after this life. There is judgment after our choices. There is a future — and it begins now.

Nazarene journal

Who Is the God We Worship? (Article of Faith I – The Triune God)

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Have you ever stopped to ask: What kind of God do we believe in? Is He far away and unreachable? Is He silently watching from a distance? Is He just a force in the universe — or something far more personal and powerful? If these questions have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. And you’ve come to the right place. Because the Church of the Nazarene answers this question with both clarity and reverence. Let’s begin with the words found in Article of Faith I, Paragraph 1 of our Church Manual: “We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, holy in nature, attributes, and purpose.” Take a moment to let those words soak in: 🕊️ Eternal 🌌 Infinite 👑 Sovereign 🔥 Holy He is not a man-made idea. Not just one god among many. He only is God — the one true God. But here’s the amazing part: His holiness doesn’t make Him distant. It defines His very nature — His love, His light, His purpose. And then the Manual says something even more awe-inspiring: “The God who is holy love and light is Triune in essential being, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” 🌿 So What Does That Mean? This is what we call the Trinity. Not three gods. Not one God wearing different masks. But One God — eternally revealed in three persons: God the Father God the Son (Jesus Christ) God the Holy Spirit Three persons. One being. Equal in power. United in purpose. Perfect in love. This truth is not just a doctrine in a manual — It’s a biblical truth, rooted in the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. 📖 What Does the Bible Say? Let’s trace the presence and nature of this Triune God across Scripture: Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning God created…” → The eternal Creator at work Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – “The Lord is one… Love the Lord your God…” → He is One, and He calls us into relationship Leviticus 19:2 – “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” → His nature is holiness Isaiah 6:1-7 – → A vision of God’s holiness and majesty that overwhelms the prophet Matthew 3:16-17 – → At Jesus’ baptism: The Son is baptized The Spirit descends like a dove The Father speaks from heaven → All three persons revealed together John 14:6–27 – → Jesus speaks of the Father and promises the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 13:14 – → “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit…” Galatians 4:4–6 – → “God sent His Son… and the Spirit of His Son…” Ephesians 2:13–18 – → Through Christ we have access to the Father by one Spirit 1 John 1:5 – “God is light…” 1 John 4:8 – “God is love…” ✨ So, Who Is the God We Worship? He is not distant. He is not silent. He is not unknowable. He is the Sovereign Creator, the Holy One, the eternal Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is holy love, holy light, and the Holy One we adore. This is the God we worship in the Church of the Nazarene. And this is the foundation of our faith, straight from Article I of our Articles of Faith.

Daily Devotion

God Still Calls Her: Women in Pastoral Ministry

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This is a question many Christians still ask today. Can a woman be a pastor? Can she preach? Can she lead? The Church of the Nazarene’s answer is clear: Yes. Absolutely. “The Church of the Nazarene supports the right of women to use their God-given spiritual gifts within the church…” — Manual, Paragraph 501 Women are not second-class citizens in the Kingdom of God. They are called, gifted and commissioned—just like men. The Biblical Foundation for Women in Leadership The Manual isn’t making a modern political statement. It’s grounded in Scripture and the redemptive work of Christ. “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 Through Jesus, we are made new. And in His redeemed Body, we don’t divide people by race, status, or gender. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile… male nor female… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28 The Church of the Nazarene recognizes that some passages (like 1 Timothy 2:11–12 or 1 Corinthians 14:33–34) have been interpreted to limit women in ministry. But these must be understood in light of the whole of Scripture. Because: Joel 2:28–29 says sons and daughters will prophesy. Acts 2:17–18 shows the Holy Spirit poured out on all. Romans 16 mentions women like Phoebe (a deacon), Priscilla (a teacher), and Junia (among the apostles). Philippians 4:2–3 calls two women Paul’s coworkers in the gospel. These are not exceptions. They are part of the Spirit’s plan. The Church of the Nazarene recognizes that when God calls someone, we don’t say no based on their gender. The Manual states: “Interpreting [Paul’s] passages as limiting the role of women in ministry presents serious conflicts with Scripture…” — Manual, Paragraph 501 It also says that restricting women violates the character of God—especially as seen in Jesus. Jesus welcomed women. He taught them, ministered with them, appeared to them first after the resurrection. He elevated them. And so do we. What Does This Mean Today? Women can serve as elders and deacons. Women can be pastors, preachers, superintendents, even General Superintendents. Women can lead, teach, and shepherd, just like men — as God leads them. We do not promote women in leadership because of social pressure. We do it because we believe: God calls whom He wills. And we say yes to His call — no matter the gender. So to every woman reading this: If God has called you, If the Spirit has gifted you, If the Church has affirmed you — Go forward. Lead. Preach. Serve. You are not alone. You are not less. You are sent.

Nazarene journal

Did You Know There Are Nazarene Universities and Colleges Across – South America Region?

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People often ask: How is the Church raising leaders in South America? Do we have Bible colleges and seminaries here too? Are we preparing pastors and teachers from this region? Yes — with passion and purpose. The Church has planted schools across South America where learning and calling go hand in hand. Let’s take a closer look. ✓ Seminario Bíblico Nazareno Chile (Chile) ✓ Seminario Nazareno Boliviano (Bolivia) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno del Cono Sur (Argentina) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno del Perú (Peru) ✓ Seminário Teológico Nazareno do Brasil (Brazil) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno Sudamericano (Ecuador) ✓ Instituto Bíblico Nazareno (Peru) What Happens in These Schools? These are more than buildings with classrooms. They are places where hearts are shaped for God’s mission. Students come to grow — spiritually, theologically, and practically. They leave ready to serve in churches, communities, and beyond. From Argentina to Ecuador From Brazil to Chile Each school reflects the heartbeat of holiness and service. This is the Church in South America Rooted in Scripture Driven by mission Empowered by the Spirit.

Nazarene journal

Did You Know There Are Nazarene Universities and Colleges Across – MesoAmerica Region?

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You might ask: Are there Nazarene schools in the MesoAmerica? Where do pastors and teachers prepare for ministry? Is theological training accessible in this region? Yes — and it’s thriving. Across Mesoamerica the Church has established schools where faith and learning come together. Let’s see where it all happens. ✓ Caribbean Nazarene College (Trinidad) ✓ Seminario Nazareno de las Américas (Costa Rica) ✓ Seminario Nazareno Dominicano (Dominican Republic) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno Cubano (Cuba) ✓ Seminario Teológico Nazareno (Guatemala) ✓ Instituto Bíblico Nazareno (Guatemala) ✓ Séminaire Théologique Nazaréen d’Haiti (Haiti) ✓ Iglesia del Nazareno en México Seminario (Mexico) Why Do These Schools Matter So Much? These aren’t just campuses. They’re communities of calling. Students here learn to preach, to teach and to lead. They study the Word deeply. They grow in holiness and purpose. In places like Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico and Haiti — These schools are equipping people for more than ministry. They’re shaping lives to transform nations. This is what it looks like when education meets mission. This is the heartbeat of the Church in Mesoamerica.

Nazarene journal

Did You Know There Are Nazarene Universities and Colleges Across – USA/Canada Region?

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You might be wondering: Does the Church have universities in North America? Where do future pastors, missionaries and teachers train? Is biblical education still a priority in the West? The answer is yes. The USA/Canada Region has a strong foundation of Christian higher education. Let’s walk through the places where learning meets calling. ✓ Ambrose University (Canada) ✓ Eastern Nazarene College (Massachusetts, USA) ✓ MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kansas, USA) ✓ Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio, USA) ✓ Nazarene Bible College (Colorado, USA) ✓ Nazarene Theological Seminary (Missouri, USA) ✓ Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho, USA) ✓ Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois, USA) ✓ Point Loma Nazarene University (California, USA) ✓ Southern Nazarene University (Oklahoma, USA) ✓ Trevecca Nazarene University (Tennessee, USA) ✓ Institut Biblique Nazaréen du Québec (Canada) What Sets These Schools Apart? Each of these schools is committed to more than academic success. They are shaping men and women to serve Christ with wisdom and compassion. Students prepare to preach To teach To lead To love Whether in science or theology Whether in ministry or the marketplace They are equipped to live out their faith wherever God sends them. From Canada to California From Massachusetts to Missouri The mission is the same — Christlike disciples for a Christlike Church. This is leadership development Rooted in truth Guided by grace Empowered by purpose.

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