Scripture Readings: Prov. 31:10-11; Ps. 54;
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37
Sermon by Martin Manuel
from Mark 9: 30-37: Prov. 31:10; Prov. 9:10; James 3:13-16
Restoring Humility to our Humanity
Introduction
Though we all possess the corrupt, fallen human nature that resulted from Adam and Eve's rejection of God, there is good news: The eternal Son of God, in the person of Jesus, entered into the human condition, assumed our corrupt nature, and through his life of perfect submission to the Father overcame its fallenness, opening to all humans the possibility to be who they truly are in him—their true selves, beloved children of God.
Now, through the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit, God works to conform believers to... Read the article
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Scripture Readings: Prov. 1:20-23; Ps. 116:1-9;
James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38
Sermon by Lance McKinnon
from James 3:1-12
A Word Fitly Spoken
[caption id="attachment_9589" align="alignright" width="215"] James, the brother of Jesus (public domain via Wikimedia Commons)[/caption]
In his epistle, James, the half brother of Jesus, begins by seeking to strengthen the faith of Christians going through difficult trials. Then in the section of the letter covered in today's reading, he warns his readers against relying on their own abilities (including the use of their tongues) during those trials, rather than relying on Jesus.
In James 3:1, he tells them to not envy teachers who may be perceived as having more influence. Teachers use... Read the article
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Scripture Readings: Isa. 35:4-7; Ps. 146;
James 2:1-13, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37
Sermon by Linda Rex
from Mark 7 and Isaiah 35
Hearing and Speaking the Word
Introduction
Stories about animals that talk and understand humans are fun and fascinating for children and adults alike. Perhaps that's because God created us for relationship. We see our dog’s tail wagging and wish he could tell us what he is so happy about. We wonder, why does our cat meow loudly every time she gets done eating? Is she saying thank you? Is she praising God?
Jesus honors the faith of a Gentile woman
Perhaps in the world to come we will have an answer to these questions. In the meantime, we can learn something from the story in today's Gospel reading... Read the article
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Scripture Readings: Deut. 4:1-2, 6-9; Ps. 15;
James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Sermon by Sheila Graham
from Deuteronomy 4, Mark 7 and James 1
(drawing from the Expositor's Bible Commentary)
Embracing True Freedom
Introduction
According to popular legend, just over 500 years ago, on October 31, 1517, German priest and theologian Martin Luther defiantly nailed a copy of his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
[caption id="attachment_9390" align="aligncenter" width="539"] (source)[/caption]
For many years, Luther had tried hard to be righteous in order to avoid suffering God’s wrath. He fasted so often he permanently damaged his body; he caused himself... Read the article
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Kid's Korner this month is from Georgia McKinnon.
[caption id="attachment_340" align="alignright" width="150"] Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)[/caption]
It's the time of year when churches may want to offer a "Back-to-School Blessing" event for the kids (children and teens) and teachers in their congregation and target community. If you've never held an event like this, you may wonder what one would look like. Or you may be asking why you would want to hold an event like this.
The "why" of having a Back-to-School Blessing is directly tied to the "who" question we often ask: "Who is this God we serve?" The answer is that this God is a blessing... Read the article
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In recent travels visiting GCI conferences and congregations around the world, I've been addressing our vision for Healthy Church. A key aspect of realizing that vision is having in place within each of our congregations what we call the "faith, hope & love avenues"---places where, by the Spirit, church health emerges. Below is our Team Based-Pastor Led Model (click to enlarge and download the pdf) followed by explanatory text that looks at each avenue. I ask that you prayerfully study this material and discuss it with your leaders. ---Greg Williams
[From the GCI Ministry Toolbox at Resources.gci.org/avenues]
When all three avenues are in place and operating well, the members of the congregation, experiencing deep... Read the article
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By Ted Johnston, GCI Publications Editor
[caption id="attachment_10000" align="alignright" width="167"] Ted Johnston[/caption]
As Greg Williams mentions in his letter, with this issue of Equipper, we've begun a series examining the related topics of worldview conversion and whole-life discipleship. In this article I'll help lay the foundation for the series by addressing what worldview is and why it matters a great deal.
Stated simply, a worldview is a person's view of the world. It's how they see (interpret) reality. Each of us (whether we know it or not) has a worldview, and as shown in the diagram below, it powerfully affects how we think, feel and live. Our worldview is thus of great importance, not only to us personally,... Read the article
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By Gary Deddo, President, Grace Communion Seminary
Sadly, some Christians embrace the non-biblical belief that if they have sufficient faith, God will not allow them to suffer severe trials. This erroneous belief is part of a false gospel called the "prosperity gospel" or, sometimes, the "health and wealth gospel.” It not only places huge burdens on believers who suffer (sometimes even overthrowing their faith), it badly misrepresents God and his plan for his people.
Perhaps there have been times in your life when you were suffering and asked, Why is God allowing this to happen? Where is God? We all relate with the feelings that accompany those challenging questions. To answer them, it’s vital that we understand what God tells... Read the article
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By Rick Shallenberger, GCI-USA Regional Pastor
This is number 9 in Rick's series on leadership. For other articles in the series, click a number: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
[caption id="attachment_158" align="alignright" width="196"] Rick and Cheryl Shallenberger[/caption]
I’ve had some great bosses in the many jobs I’ve had over the years. I've also had some not-so-great ones. Some seemed to bend over backwards to help me succeed; others seemed bent on making me look bad. As a result, in some jobs I’ve done well and been given more and more responsibilities, in other jobs I couldn’t wait to leave and spent much of my time looking for work elsewhere.
I’ll never forget the time I was called into the office and chewed out for... Read the article
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This issue looks at challenges church leaders face at church and in their personal lives. Also included are the July Prayer Guide, articles on leadership and suffering, and RCL-synced sermons for August.
From Greg: Mind the Gap
GCI Vice President (and Incoming President) Greg Williams urges GCI leaders to take action now to close the gaps between what we say we value and what we actually do.
Prayer Guide: July 2018
Here are topics from our GCI family to pray about each day in July.
On Leadership: Power Test
Rick Shallenberger examines a primary source of a leader's influence.
God's Answer to Suffering
Gary Deddo addresses the question: Why does God allow us to suffer?
Kid's Korner: We Believe
Lance McKinnon reviews... Read the article
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