In our Americanized version of the New Testament church we often measure a local church’s health by how many people attend services, the number of programs that are offered, and the size of its budget, etc. This should not be surprising as in our society we view the success of Read more
All organisms have a genetic code. This genetic code is referred to as DNA. It is DNA that gives each organism a specific expression. The New Testament makes it clear that the church is a living organism. Consider a few of the terms that are used to describe it: a Read more
When we think of the purpose of the church, it is common to think primarily in terms of what the church does, whether it be for the faith community, those in the world, or even for God. The New Testament communicates a lot about the functions of the church and Read more
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. – Psalm 46:1-3 Wherever you Read more
When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the Read more
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a Read more
What is your perception of the church? I dare say that even many of those who are followers of Christ likely have a negative or cynical view of the church. I get it. Churches often have reputations of infighting, divisions, and abuse. Even if a church is what one would Read more
by Sam McKeen Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – James 5:16 (ESV) Sharing personal struggles and confessing one’s sin to others is not a common Read more
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for Read more
by Sam McKeen Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or Read more