Galatians 4:6
Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.â€
The idea of slavery is a concept that though understood is foreign to our experience. Total submission and commitment were demanded of a slave. A slave was property rather than a person. He was at the mercy of his master. He was completely disposable. If age, sickness, weakness, or disobedience became a source of irritation to the slave owner, the master would not hesitate to sell or take the life of his slave.
There have been cases, however, where slaves have been freed by their masters. Although it has not been a common occurrence, some have even been adopted into the master’s family. In the Roman culture if a slave was adopted it meant that he became a citizen, his debts were paid, his family alliance was changed, and he became an heir to the master’s wealth. He was no longer a slave. He was now a son.
This is what takes place when we are delivered from the slavery of sinfulness. We become a citizen of heaven, the judgment of sin against us is cancelled, our allegiances to our former life and associations are changed, and we become a joint heir with the Son of God. We are no longer slaves but children of God.
Dr. Gayle Woods
Luke 16:10-13 (10)
Who is Mr. Church of God (Holiness)? In my opinion that title should be given to Dr. I. C. Holland. He has served the Lord in the Church of God (Holiness) from an early age and he has served well. Even while attending the University of Missouri as a young man he was active in the ministry. The desire to preach the Word and pastor the people of God continued to be a love and a burden to him. And yet this ministry was not exclusive. He became very active at Kansas City College and Bible School. He served as Professor, Academic Dean, Vice President, President and finally as Board Member. He is interested in the mission of the church abroad. He has served on the World Mission Board for many years and has traveled to represent the work on numerous foreign fields. This barely scratches the surface of his official involvement in the Church of God (Holiness). In addition, the people saw his interest in their lives as he demonstrated his outstanding memory. Names of people previously met on one occasion accompanied by remembrances of personal interest caused many to stand in awe. As Chairman of the General Convention he served with dignity, wisdom and poise. The list continues seemingly without end regarding one who took Romans 12:1 literally and gave himself to Jesus Christ in unselfish and tireless labor.
Dr. Gayle Woods
