Summing Up All Things in Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2:10-3:12

God's eternal plan was fully revealed by Jesus' work on the cross. This new revelation after the cross included God using the corporate church of believers to spread the Good News of Jesus before Christ's second return. Christ's first and second comings were both predicted in the Old Testament, but God's full plan wasn't seen until the cross made it clear. Christians in the present time have great access and assurance before God as they get the privilege to participate in His work, demonstrating His immense wisdom, grace and righteousness throughout the ages past and into eternity present.

Life in the Body of Christ

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4

The purpose for the Body of Christ is to have individual members working together to grow in love in order to bring glory to God. When this happens, Christians are able to see spiritual growth in their lives, allowing them to discern truth versus false doctrine. As a result of the growing maturity and depth within the Body of Christ, sharing Christ's love becomes more and more crucial and new people are able to experience God's love.

Summing Up All Things in Christ (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 2

Jesus Christ's death on the cross abolished the division between Jew and Gentile, who now were able to be equals in Christ. This "mystical union" was made possible through the Holy Spirit permanently indwelling all believers in Christ. As a result, Christians are able to have a deep unity with one another, regardless of race, ethnicity, or other cultural barriers because of Christ's work on the cross.

Achieving the Experience of Unity

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4

The central importance of Christian community is how to achieve and cultivate God-given unity. This is possible for all believers, who have each been indwelt by the same Holy Spirit. Preserving relational unity within Christian community requires humility, love, and forbearance. As we make efforts to grow the unity we have in Christ, God's church is able to flourish in its witness to those who don't know God.

Serving Love in the Body of Christ (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

After reviewing verses 11-15, we uncover more imperatives for a faith-centered community (verses 16-24). In a faith-centered community, believers learn to practice the following: 1) rejoice always; 2) pray continually; 3) exercise gratitude; 4) learn to discern prophetic messages from the Lord; and 5) continue to show God's grace.

Serving Love in the Body of Christ (Part 2)

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 we cover five more aspects of ministry that are imperative for a body of Christ to be effective: 1) encourage one another; 2) admonish one another; 3) care for the weak; 4) exercise patience with one another; and 5) continue to show God's grace to each another. A community rich in those traits will thrive: members will grow spiritually and feel an extraordinary sense of belonging; their unity will also be an effective witness of God's love toward non-Christians.

Will We Be Self-Serving or Other-Serving?

Dennis McCallum

James 5:1-6

We learn in James 5 that God is vehemently opposed to the rich person's self-indulgence, hoarding of wealth, and mistreatment of the poor. The Christian who understands God's mercy and love should lead a life of simple-living and sacrifice, that involves high prioritization of generosity to the poor. The American church has historically been weak in this area. As a result, there is a need for strong leadership in the church on this issue, and for individuals to come before God in deciding how much to give.

Lifestyle Evangelism

John Rue

Connie Rue

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus told believers to go and tell other people about him and the relationship God wants to have with them. One way the early church fulfilled this command was by the way they lived their lives, Day to day, they lived in a way that made others interested in God. It was effective and we are called to do the same. By the way we live our lives, we are either confirming the truthfulness of God or denying it. Find out what lifestyle evangelism looks like, why it works, and practical ideas on how we can incorporate it.\r\n

Materialism and Indifference

John Perkins

Isaiah 61

John Perkins teaches on materialism in the context of trying to grow spiritually with too individualistic of a mindset. He expounds on what it means to participate in the love of Christ and how to be transformed into Christ's likeness within the context of fellowship. Citing Isaiah 61, he also imparts wisdom on the importance of intentionally serving the poor in order to reflect the kingdom of God.