The chestnut, like other nuts, is encased in two shells, an outer and an inner shell. The outside case is very rough, full of sharp thorns and stickers. In the proper season, when the rains and frost come they soften this outside burr, and when the sun shines on it the burr cracks open and folds out, and the chestnut falls from its rough encasement.

How true this may be said of the sinner!

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Every year during the Christmas season, we decorate our homes, spend hours baking cookies, and try to avoid going into debt when buying gifts. And what do we get for all this trouble? A wonderful January spent cleaning up, losing weight, and paying bills. Christmas can be such a hassle.

In what is being called the "historic" 27th General Assembly this past June [2009], delegates once again affirmed Article X-Entire Sanctification, from our Articles of Faith. It is important that every Nazarene understand what many call, "our distinguishing doctrine."

In what is being called the "historic" 27th General Assembly this past June [2009], delegates once again affirmed Article X-Entire Sanctification, from our Articles of Faith. It is important that every Nazarene understand what many call, "our distinguishing doctrine."

How few there are! How refreshing to run up against them! We find them here and there like an oasis in the desert. They do not come by chance, nor are they creatures of more favorable environment, nor have they their Christian strength by heredity. Some of the very best and strongest Christian characters we meet are of all people void of favorable environment, and have not been blest with any sweet disposition by heredity.

Strong Christians are strong only by the grace and power of God.

How few there are! How refreshing to run up against them! We find them here and there like an oasis in the desert. They do not come by chance, nor are they creatures of more favorable environment, nor have they their Christian strength by heredity. Some of the very best and strongest Christian characters we meet are of all people void of favorable environment, and have not been blest with any sweet disposition by heredity.

Strong Christians are strong only by the grace and power of God.

Satan has too much sense to tempt some people with gross sins. He knows very well that it would be time wasted and thrown away. We are fortified against the great evils that engulf many of the ungodly. But how about the little things that creep in and spoil the experience and interfere with our communion with the Holy Spirit?

It is one thing to protect a vineyard against the large animals that wander out upon the common, and quite another to guard against the little vermin that creep through the cracks of the fence or underneath.

Jesus said it first. He was praying for His disciples—first century and twentieth century—them and us. His petition—“Sanctify them” (John 17:17, NIV). Why? First, that they might be kept clean in a dirty world – protected from “the evil one” (John 17:15, NIV). But just as clear and important is the second provision of their sanctification—“that all of them may be one” (John 17:21 NIV). Holy hearts would produce holy unity.

Jesus said it first. He was praying for His disciples—first century and twentieth century—them and us. His petition—“Sanctify them” (John 17:17, NIV). Why? First, that they might be kept clean in a dirty world – protected from “the evil one” (John 17:15, NIV). But just as clear and important is the second provision of their sanctification—“that all of them may be one” (John 17:21 NIV). Holy hearts would produce holy unity.