April 8, 2024
April 14 Study | Spiritual Gifts
Every Christian has received grace (charis) and therefore has been given gifts (or charisma) from the Holy Spirit to be used in ministry in the body of Christ. . . .
Articles for tag: Ephesians 4
February 1, 2021
A Core Conviction
(for All of Us)
(Read “When Brothers Dwell in Unity,” a companion article by Rudy Hagood’s brother, Fate Hagood.) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore (Psalm 133, all Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version). I have always been passionate about unity. While it might be a manifestation
December 2, 2019
Growing Volunteers to Grow the Kingdom
How These Two Churches Recruit and Equip Servants to Live Out God’s Purposes By Melissa Wuske Crafting an effective volunteer program takes a mix of big-picture vision and nuts-and-bolts programs. Julie Liem, director of volunteers at Eastside Christian Church in Southern California, and Abby Ecker, next steps pastor at The Journey in Newark, Delaware, shared how their churches recruit and equip volunteers—and how they’ve seen the kingdom advance as a result. God’s Design For many churches, it starts with the critical shift from viewing volunteers as “a necessary inconvenience,” Liem said, to seeing them as “the lifeblood of the church.”
September 24, 2018
Lesson for September 30, 2018 | Sanctification: Christ Empowers Me (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 10 (weeks 37–40; September 16—October 7, 2018) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ The Bible lessons now follow a scope and sequence prepared by Christian Standard Media. For more information, click here. ______ Lesson Aim: Sanctified and empowered to serve and build up the body of Christ; serve in love. ______ By Mark Scott According to Dr. James McHenry (Maryland delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787),
December 25, 2017
Lesson for December 31, 2017: Faith to Unite (Ephesians 4:1-16)
Dr. Mark Scott wrote this treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson. Scott teaches preaching and New Testament at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. This lesson treatment is published in issue no. 50″“53 (December 10-31, 2017) of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Mark Scott Historians would have to critique this, but perhaps the world is more polarized than ever. On the eve of a new year can we say that the world is united in anything but sin? Sadly, the church is not much better. The answer to the divisive tensions in the world, and to the
February 6, 2017
8 Best Practices for Pastoral Financial Health
Take advantage of coaching networks available to pastors (yes, that may mean paying a coaching service for your long-term health in ministry). It”s an investment, not an expense, as seasoned ministers have years of advice for you. “¢ Participate in a financial acumen class (Financial Peace, Money Matters, any Larry Burkett program, and others). “¢ Opt for a non-Bible degree undergrad program. (Business would be a good option for ministers.) “¢ Take advantage of spousal insurance or retirement plans. (If your spouse is a teacher, maximize the benefit of retirement plans and paid health insurance.) “¢ Go bivocational. Many pastors
April 22, 2016
Five Ways Staff Members Can Work with the Senior Minister
By Michael C. Mack Bob Russell spoke at a regional gathering of small group ministers held in Louisville in 2009 about how staff ministers can work more effectively with their senior ministers. 1. Find ways to communicate with him, especially when working through an edgy or controversial topic or situation. Be sure to run actions by him first. There”s value in many counselors. You can gain his trust by seeking his advice. Maintain harmony. Regularly communicate with him about your plans, problems, and victories. Be ready to admit your mistakes when you make them. If you sense a distancing between
December 17, 2012
Lesson for December 23, 2012: Alive in the Light of Christ (John 1:1-14; Ephesians 4:17″“5:14)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ By Sam E. Stone Today”s text is especially appropriate as the world celebrates the birth of Christ. The Christmas story does not begin in Bethlehem. Before the world was created, God existed. The prologue of John”s Gospel affirms this. That life was the light of all mankind. Paul”s message to the church in Ephesus some years later also emphasizes that light in the Lord in which all Christians walk. Life-Giving Light John 1:1-5, 14 In the beginning was the
December 10, 2012
Lesson for December 16, 2012: Part of One Body in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-16)
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. ______ By Sam E. Stone When we become discouraged in today”s hostile religious environment, it helps to remember what it was like for the first-century Christians back when the church began. In pagan Ephesus, few people knew anything about Jesus Christ, even less about who or what a “Christian” was. There of all places, it was important for members of the church to stand together as one, representing their Lord to the world. Called to Unity Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul challenged
April 17, 2011
Interview with Justin Miller
By Brad Dupray At an annual growth rate of 65 percent, Real Life Christian Church of Clermont, Florida, was the fastest-growing megachurch in Christian Standard”s survey a year ago. Justin Miller came to Christ at age 9 at First Christian Church, as Real Life was formerly known. As Justin describes it, he came into ministry “through the “˜doggie door” of church leadership.” Asked to serve the youth of the church as a volunteer, he eventually was called to serve as senior pastor in 2002. Since that time the church has grown from about 200 to its current attendance of about
March 9, 2008
An Epidemic of Selfishness
By David Bycroft Many congregations today are being seriously damaged and sometimes even destroyed by Christians who are more led by their own desires than by the Spirit of Christ. Some Christians, both in leadership and in the pew, are becoming roadblocks to reaching our communities for Christ. Many are most concerned with their own comfort, desires, and wants. They say things like, “Well, I like small churches,” or “I think we ought to use hymns and hymnbooks,” or “I don”t think we need coffee and donuts.” This selfish talk always begins with “I think . . .” Does anyone
March 1, 2006
Interview with Steve Wyatt
Steve Wyatt discusses his book Trading Places and what it means to experience true internal change. He explains the “great exchange,” renewing the mind, and staying connected to Jesus for lasting transformation.
February 5, 2006
NACC: Together in Christ
A call to renewed unity within the Restoration family, centered on Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and the 2006 North American Christian Convention theme, “Together in Christ,” in Louisville.
November 30, 2005
NACC: Together In Christ
Reflecting on Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17, David Faust invites the Restoration family to see the 2006 North American Christian Convention as a historic chance to worship, repent, and serve “together in Christ.”
November 6, 2005
The Church Is Constitutionally One (Part 3 of 3)
Using Ephesians 4:1-6, Clint Gill explains the church as constitutionally one—an organic unity grounded in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
