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GCI President Greg Williams shares moments from his recent visits — stories of teamwork, creativity, and the love of Jesus in action. He invites us to keep reaching out with that same love as we grow together in Christ.

Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSapcbaC9nQ

Program Transcript

Our High Calling in Jesus
President Update (June 2025)

As GCI President, I wish that I could visit every nation and congregation where GCI has a presence. By God’s grace, I have been to dozens, and I come away encouraged and excited for how the kingdom of God is being demonstrated in each unique group of people.

In some of my recent visits, I was thinking about highlights that I saw and experienced, points worth sharing.

In two locations, there had been circumstances where the lead pastor needed to spend a significant amount of time away for either sickness or personal reasons. In both cases, the leadership team rose to the occasion to serve the congregation and to keep the rhythm of the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues alive and moving forward. This is what REAL Teams do.

GCI’s ministry tools found on our website you can find support material for REAL Teams. Let me remind you what this acronym stands for.

R – Relationally Connected: Genuine teammates who respect one another and share good chemistry.

E – Enthusiastically Engaged: A team with a clear focus, a can-do spirit, and passionate determination.

A – Affirming: A team that faces challenges together and are for one another.

L – Liberating Leaders: Teams that aren’t afraid to risk engaging, equipping, and empowering others. Teams that multiply.

I encountered such teams in my recent travels, and it is my prayer to see this become the new normal for GCI.

A second observation I made was by seeing our congregations engaging the tools supplied by our Home Office Media Team — such things as the video sermon bumpers, short scripts for offertories, Revised Common Lectionary sermon outlines, tracking with GCI’s worship calendar, and so on. It was encouraging to witness how each congregation contextualized these tools to take local ownership. This is exactly what our Media Team has in mind.

The third observation was seeing and experiencing the tangible love of Jesus. Of course, our church members are so kind to welcome me as the denominational president, and they especially enjoy the occasions when Susan can be with me. The warm hugs and the kind words lift my spirit. But then seeing how they care for one another and any person who comes through their doors that day. I was especially moved when members would tell me background stories about a fellow member, and stories that build up rather than tear down. The challenge that we face is how will we integrate new people to find the same level of connection and belonging?

Another challenge is taking this connecting and bonding love of Jesus outside the church walls. I have often thought that if a non-GCI person could spend even a short amount of time engaging with our members, that the non-GCI person would want to join in.

Church, we need to be outside of the walls more frequently and intentionally. Then whatever activities or events that we sponsor, they must be crafted to engage with people and have in mind a “come back” event so that the relational engagement continues.

In conclusion, I want to say that I am pleased that our Team Based – Pastor Led model of congregational management is working well. It allows for the participation of all the saints. The ministry tools from our Media Team are adding life and vibrancy to our Sunday worship services, and staying centered in Jesus is key. Intentionality in the Love Avenue is a growth area for us. If we simply direct the love we have received from Jesus with our neighbors, I believe good things will happen.

Let’s keep pressing forward into the mark of the high calling in Jesus. He is our King, and he will keep working with us and in us to grow and expand his kingdom. Amen!

Program Transcript

Our High Calling in Jesus
President Update (June 2025)

In some of my recent visits, I was thinking about highlights that I saw and experienced, points worth sharing.

GCI’s ministry tools found on our website you can find support material for REAL Teams. Let me remind you what this acronym stands for.

R – Relationally Connected: Genuine teammates who respect one another and share good chemistry.

E – Enthusiastically Engaged: A team with a clear focus, a can-do spirit, and passionate determination.

A – Affirming: A team that faces challenges together and are for one another.

L – Liberating Leaders: Teams that aren’t afraid to risk engaging, equipping, and empowering others. Teams that multiply.

I encountered such teams in my recent travels, and it is my prayer to see this become the new normal for GCI.

Let’s keep pressing forward into the mark of the high calling in Jesus. He is our King, and he will keep working with us and in us to grow and expand his kingdom. Amen!

In the World, Not of the World

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

As followers of Christ, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. This New Testament theme originated with Jesus sharing this clear teaching with his disciples the night of his arrest (John 15:19, 17:14-16).

Citizens of God’s kingdom are called to be present in our world and be different. But how can we be? The plainest way to say this is that believers can be active in society, but instead of being shaped by society’s values, we are being shaped by the growing relationship with Father, Son, and Spirit, reflecting God’s nature.

Jesus inaugurated and led a counter-culture movement. That always sounds appealing to the younger generation striving to find its voice and make its mark. Finding the path of following Jesus is our hope for the emerging generation.

In what ways was Jesus counter-cultural? Let us consider Jesus’ approach toward women, children, and non-Jews.

Women

Jesus treated women as equals to men, which was revolutionary for the Judaic culture. Actively engaging women in conversation was radical for a Jewish rabbi. Then, to be in the company of a Samaritan woman and to hear her life story and to reveal himself as the Messiah was a crescendo of crescendos.

From Christ’s encounters with the sisters, Mary and Martha, we see how he valued their company, their hospitality, their friendship, and their worship. Jesus treated women with dignity and respect and valued their shared relationship.

Children

When the disciples were shooing children away, Jesus scolded them and conversely invited and welcomed the children. He took them in his arms and blessed them.

We see multiple examples in Scripture where Jesus was healing and protecting children. He elevated their worth when he said, “You must become like a child to enter the kingdom of God.” He was citing their willingness to believe, their excitement and curiosity that was untainted. It is my opinion that Jesus values the playful, joy-filled nature of a child. Jesus and his Church love kids!

Rather than becoming hard and cynical, Jesus desires that we all retain the awe and wonder of a child.

Non-Jews

Whether it was a Samaritan woman at a well or a Roman soldier whose child was ill, Jesus treated all people openly and with compassion and mercy. Being that Jesus is simultaneously human and divine; it does not escape him that all people are created in the image of God and should be respected as such.

In honoring the image of God in all people, Jesus willingly went to Calvary to die for all. In GCI, we like to say that ALL are included in the life and love of Jesus. Jesus is Savior of all and actively draws all people to himself.

Galatians 3:28 reverberates in our minds. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The launch of the Church began on a Pentecost Sunday, and we celebrate its rich history. From then until now, the Church has been most impactful when it has treated others with the love and care of Jesus. Proclaiming the goodness of Jesus and demonstrating the flow of his love through us in how we treat others is how the Church shines as a beacon that Christ intended.

The radical transformation we see in the more than 3,000 gathered in Jerusalem that Pentecost morning is exactly what we hope for the Church of 2025. Let us be a part of this Spirit-led, counter-culture movement of Jesus and swept up into the ever-expanding kingdom of God.

Following Christ in kingdom living,
Greg

Scripture: God’s Gift

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I recently had a discussion on Facebook with an old high school friend who expressed that all he needed from the Bible was Christ’s sermon on the Mount. He projected doubt on Paul’s conversion and voiced an impression that the original disciples never fully accepted Paul’s apostleship.

It concerns me that we live in a reductionist environment, especially as it relates to how we view God’s written word. Obviously, we rely on the Living Word, Jesus himself, but he has blessed us with his stories of how he has been faithful to his created children and provided us with words of revelation to live by. We are blessed to have the God-breathed, inspired written word of God as we are guided through the Spirit with the abiding presence of the living Word.

During a conversation with recently retired Equipper editor, Rick Shallenberger, about this topic, he expressed a desire to write about why he believes the Bible is among God’s greatest gifts.

I’m happy to share what he wrote.

“The Chosen” is one of my favorite television shows; I love how they have created believable background stories for many of the stories we see in the Gospels. But what intrigues me in almost every show is when the disciples are talking among themselves and sharing passages of Scripture. Bibles were not available to them; scrolls were kept in the synagogues. Yet, as depicted on the show, these men were able to quote long passages of Scripture.

This was because Jewish males were encouraged to memorize the Torah, beginning at age five. Classes were held in the synagogue. Many went past the Torah to also study the writings and the prophets. As a result, some had much of the Old Testament memorized. They valued and loved the written word. This love for Scripture inspired many to write; we have several examples in the New Testament.

How important is the Bible? While I can argue that the Bible is not needed for salvation, which is obvious because thousands became Christ followers without the Bible, I believe the Bible is an important gift from God.

Some have questioned Paul’s statement to his young protégé, Timothy, when he said:

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NRSVA

All Scripture? Does this mean that every word of the Bible is infallible? That every story is exact in its details? Can the answer to every question be found in the Bible? No, that would be silly. People reproduced and translated the scriptures, and people make mistakes. Further, there are topics the Bible doesn’t cover; it wasn’t meant to provide the answer to every question. However, the Bible is fully authoritative for all matters of faith and salvation.

The Bible was meant to point to Jesus and to the kingdom of God. The Old Testament is story after story of God’s faithfulness, albeit written by humans in particular cultures and with their personal perspective of what they were experiencing or how they were being inspired. So, while all Scripture is breathed by God, it doesn’t mean every word, jot, tittle and punctuation mark were written with God’s hand.

Here are a few reasons I believe the Bible is one of the greatest gifts:

- It reveals an eternal, triune God who is perfect and through the Spirit will convict the world that rejection of Jesus is the basic sin, that righteousness is imputed from Jesus alone, and Jesus has the final word on judgment.
- It reveals a God who is faithful, who operates out of his love for us, who had a plan for us from the very beginning, and who guaranteed his plan would be fulfilled by sacrificing himself.
- It reveals a God who is our Abba/Father, our Savior/elder brother/friend, and our Comforter/Teacher who lives in us.
- It shows us how to live — “love others as I have loved you.”
- It gives us direction — Great Commandment/Great Commission.
- It teaches us how to have right relationships, esteeming others better than ourselves.
- It shows real people going through real struggles, encouraging us that God loves us through all we go through.
- It shows God fulfills his promises — he can be trusted, counted on, believed.
- It reminds us of our true identity — saints, beloved, redeemed children of God.

As Paul told Timothy, the Bible is profitable for teaching on a myriad of topics, but primarily about who Jesus is, who we are in him, and where our future lies. It is profitable for reproving and correcting. God doesn’t leave us in a blame game; he corrects us so we can learn the next step, that the Bible is profitable for training in righteousness, to help us grow in grace and knowledge.

There is much more to this topic. I encourage you to read “Scripture: God’s Gift” (2013), a 6-part series by Gary Deddo.

By Rick Shallenberger

P.S. Thank you, Rick, for the helpful reminder that we are people who seek to be well-grounded in the scriptures. And I would add that more than articles about the Bible, find a good, reliable translation and let the stories of the Bible wash over you. As a Christmas gift to myself I purchased The C.S. Lewis Bible in the New Revised Standard Version. And in a digital age where we reflexively ask Google for answers and have a deepening confidence in AI, let’s be on guard to not devalue the place of Scripture. Greg

Already Not Yet

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In Luke’s Gospel, we read:

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed;nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Luke 17:20-21 NRSVA

The Pharisees asked a question that has been on the minds of people from all ages. Jesus provides a mysterious, spiritual answer. The kingdom is among you or within you. They, and probably us as well, were looking for tangible markers. What events and conditions would take place for Father to signal to the Son it is time to return?

Rather than starting with describing the deterioration of humanity, like the time of Noah, Jesus challenges their thinking. Which is more important, that we are in the kingdom or that the kingdom is in us?

In the GCI booklet, The God Revealed in Jesus Christ: an Introduction to Trinitarian Faith, we read:

Jesus has not simply done something for us, he has done something with us by including us in his life, death, resurrection and ascension. Paul explains this in Ephesians 2:4-6:

- - - When Jesus died, we, in our sinful human nature, died with him.
    - When Jesus rose, we, in our reconciled human nature, rose with him.
    - When Jesus ascended, we, in our redeemed human nature, ascended and became seated with him at the Father’s side.

All that Jesus did as a human was done on behalf of humanity. When he died, we also died. When he rose from the grave, we also rose. When he ascended to heaven and sat down at Father’s side, we ascended, too. So, when Jesus came announcing his eternal kingdom he had humanity in mind. The kingdom is not some far-off ethereal concept like Camelot or Nirvana — it is life in and with the King.

If Jesus is present in us, so is his kingdom. Jesus has inaugurated the kingdom, and he also speaks of a fullness yet to be completed. This is why we use the phrase, “already but not yet.” We live in the tension between this present evil age and the glorious age to come when Christ returns in glory to make all things new.

God’s kingdom is present in the witness of the Church, and still, it often seems to be a hidden kingdom. As followers of Jesus, he wants us to shine the light of his truth and grace and make his kingdom known, visible.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

We underestimate our ability to impact the world for good. Therefore, we become comfortable being hidden, hunkered down awaiting the glory to come. Each of us has the light of Jesus in us through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. The light of Christ in you can make a tremendous difference, even if it’s one neighbor or one family member at a time. GCI brothers and sisters, let’s resolve to join Jesus announcing his kingdom in word and deed. His kingdom is present, and it is expanding as he works through you and me to draw others to himself.

Kingdom Culture — be a part of it!
Greg Williams

Diversity in Unity

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In March, the six GCI Superintendents gathered in Charlotte for our bi-annual retreat planning meeting. (Sadly, Daphne Sidney from the Australasia region was unable to attend in person due to a cyclone in Queensland.) I asked Dan Zachariah to write this letter to highlight the special gifting GCI has as a global body of believers. The gathering of the superintendents is a microcosm of our global family, and it greatly encouraged me to meet with these fine men and women to discuss and pray about the direction of our church around the world.

We understand a denomination to be a group of congregations spread over a wide geographical area. It customarily holds to a specific theological focus and subscribes to a common governance structure. It tends to remain united through a common set of beliefs and practices. By this definition, GCI is a denomination — a global denomination with 550 congregations serving 30,000 members in about 68 countries spread across six regions of the world. As a denomination we subscribe to core Christian orthodoxy. Our focus is Incarnational and Trinitarian theology as revealed in the Bible, which we hold to be inspired and infallible in all matters of faith and salvation.

Denominationalism might sometimes give a negative picture of Christianity, but there are strengths in being an international, global denomination. An important one is that it helps disciples of Christ recognize the wide diversity that exists in God’s creation and his purpose for humanity. It fosters an acceptance of diversity of humans and encourages participation to bring unity in that diversity. This is also how the Bible would describe the dynamic of the kingdom of God.

From that momentous calling of Abraham, God continues to reveal that “all families of the earth will be blessed” through him. By choosing to work with one nation (ancient Israel), God clearly intended to bless peoples beyond them, never allowing inclusion into his grand purpose for humanity to be limited — not by nationality, ethnicity, social status, or gender (Galatians 3:28). This biblical reality helps us to understand that distinctions were meant to be recognized, preserved, celebrated, and to provide a platform for communal wholeness and belonging. This synergetic reality of our Lord’s kingdom reveals the important fact that we can thrive in our distinctives and are only complete together.

The revelation to John shows the inclusive nature of the kingdom that God has ultimately ordained for humankind.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9-10

This is the Kingdom Culture that GCI, as a denomination, celebrates as one of its core strengths. GCI has a footprint in six regions globally. Every one of them is diverse in its ethnicity, language, culture, and challenges. Our denomination actively and intentionally engages in dialogue amongst its regions to reflect and promote kingdom-centered lifestyles. We value the rich lessons that every region brings to our denomination, be it the African value in the interconnectedness of individuals (‘Ubuntu’), the Asian value of compromise in resolving conflicts, or the European value of solidarity necessary to prevail.

These, and many more, are lessons learned together and strengthened as the leadership and members come together on occasions of celebrations and official meetings. In every one of these meetings, we see the need to respect the other, no matter which part of the globe they may be from. We intentionally respect community without compromising on individuality. The goal is always Christlikeness so that we may mirror and reflect the character of God ultimately.

The mission of GCI is to be the healthiest expression of the Church of Jesus Christ that we can be in beliefs, words, and deeds. Being a global denomination provides greater clarity to God’s grand design for humankind and helps us on this journey to become a healthy church.

It is a privilege for us to be a global denomination. This affords us the blessing of knowing God’s precious people from differing cultures and backgrounds. We reflect our triune God — diversity in unity. It makes every effort meaningful and worthwhile to follow what the apostle encouraged us to do: “accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7). And, indeed, the praise is to our loving, inclusive God! We welcome people to join with us in living and sharing the gospel as a denomination.

Grateful for God’s grand design,

Danny Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, India

Resurrection Sunday

Lessons of Leadership

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I am pleased to have Kalengule Kaoma (KK), GCI Superintendent for Africa, write the letter for this edition of Update. We have more GCI members in Africa than any other continent and the work of preparing, recognizing, and launching new leaders is important for the present work and future growth that we anticipate. KK has done intentional work alongside his four regional directors, who have also been integral in helping to establish national directors who have direct impact on our wide array of pastors. This multiplication and empowerment of leaders is the groundwork that’s needed to have the capacity to receive those whom the Lord calls. Our prayers go up for Jesus to bless this group of newly appointed leaders.

In GCI across Africa, we are faced with several opportunities to transition our leaders. These opportunities are available on congregational and regional levels. As a result, we have experienced several transitions in the last twelve months.

Dictionaries indicate that transition refers to a process of change. In this article, I limit transition to change of leaders in congregational and or regional offices.

The reason for transitioning leaders has mostly been age-related. Most of our leaders who have transitioned out of their offices are at least 70 years of age. Energy levels, mobility, health, length of service, availability, and travel demands also contributed to decisions leading to transitions.

Benefits of timely transitions

Our leaders who have served the Lord for a long time have accumulated vast experiences, knowledge, and maturity. These traits must be passed on to younger leaders. Transitions are like a relay race. The oncoming runner passes the baton to the next runner who takes off at greater speed. But the runner who brought the baton runs on for some distance. In effect, the two runners run together for a while. This effectively provides support to the runner who has picked up the baton.

In our leadership transitions, experienced leaders have the opportunity to come beside the new leaders. Experienced leaders give support, counsel, guidance, and answers to what may seem like new, perplexing, and challenging situations that arise while the new leaders are adjusting to their roles. In executing the process of transition, we have drawn from biblical narratives because we desired smooth transitions.

Examples from the Bible

Elijah prayed a double portion of the Spirit over Elisha. John the Baptist, who had paved the path for Jesus, made the profound statement, “I must decrease so that he may increase.” Jesus himself shows how to prepare others for leadership. He prayed all night before selecting the 12 disciples. He invited them to come and be with him traveling across Judea, ministering to people. The disciples observed Jesus for months. They joined him in ministering to the crowds that gathered to hear Jesus. Jesus spent time quizzing their understanding about who he was and giving them deeper insight beyond the parables Jesus told to the crowds. He proclaimed that they would be fishers for people, and he prepared them for this calling. In GCI, we endeavor to do likewise.

Transitions in Africa

Gardner Kunje (left) w incoming RD Marshall Dube

Biblical examples of leadership transitions encouraged us to courageously effect transitions in Africa. Here are the highlights:

Two national directors passed the baton recently. In Nigeria, Essien George passed the baton of national director to Meshack Igbineweka. GCI Ghana welcomed Theophilus Nii Okai as the new national leader.

We have also commissioned two new regional directors. In December 2024, Central Africa Regional Director Gardner Kunje of Lilongwe, Malawi transitioned leadership to Marshall Dube of Harare, Zimbabwe. In January 2025, another encouraging transition took place in Accra, Ghana. West Africa Regional Director Theo Nii Okai received office authority from outgoing RD Emmanuel Okai. [See image at the top of story.] Together with members of the Christian Council of Ghana, national directors from GCI Nigeria and Togo attended the service with a number of members from around Ghana.

Kalengule Kaomo, Takalani Musekwa, Gardner Kunje, Chimba, Marshall Dube

Lessons from leadership transitions

- Long term. Bearing in mind that at one point of the leadership path or another, leaders will be required to step aside. For this reason, leaders need to prepare someone to step up and take the role of a current leader. As soon as a leader takes up a leadership role, one must start preparing other people as possible replacements.
- Create a team of leaders. Jethro’s advice to Moses to create teams of captains of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands coupled with Jesus’s plan of working with a team of three, twelve, 120, 500, and more form a basis upon which to emulate team leadership concepts. While a congregation may not have lots of members to draw lots of people, it is prudent to have teams of leaders who can be prepared for future leadership roles.
- Proactive/intentional knowledge of leaders in the team. Creating a leadership team is one thing. Knowing the leaders on the team is another. Knowing team members calls for close relationships. Without close personal relationships, it is difficult to know members of the team. This too makes it difficult to be certain about who is suitable to be the next leaders. This does not take away the role of the Holy Spirit in directing leaders about next leaders. God works through our relationships.

Transitions are inevitable and important. The Holy Spirit works through mortal human beings with limited life spans. Naturally, human leaders’ bodies will wane in their strength and health. This requires replacement. Sometimes, other factors will call for leadership transitions. Hence, denominational, regional, congregational, and ministry leaders should always be ready to effectively transition officers at various levels of church leaders. In Africa, leadership transition is an ongoing activity.

Under the leadership of Jesus,
Kalengule Kaoma, Superintendent of Africa
Lusaka, Zambia

Kingdom Participation

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

The apostle Paul writes to the beloved believers in Thessalonica, reminding them to live vigilantly, with clear thinking, as they anticipate the pending coming of the Lord. Not only are believers, then and now, to be awake and sober, but we are to be armed and guarded.

In I Thessalonians 5:8, we see the preeminent graces of faith, hope, and love that mark the kingdom-minded people of God and keep them centered in the person and purpose of Jesus. Hope being rooted in Jesus is the assurance of his work in the world today and his pending coming. Faith is the motive within, the abiding relationship with Jesus that colors our thoughts, desires, and actions. Love has transformed you and me and is exhibited in outward ways as we worship the triune God and serve our neighbors. Paul has this thread of teaching in all his letters to the early church because he knows this is how they (and we) stay wrapped in Jesus and are empowered to act as kingdom citizens now.

Paul spells out more details as to how we more intentionally live kingdom life now and represent him well until his return.

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets,but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 NRSVUE

Paul begins this passage by appealing to us that we respect and tangibly honor the pastors and church officers who labor among us because their work is meant for our good. I would echo this about our church leaders around the world. I see that they are Christ-centered, dedicated people who sacrificially serve the church. I say a big Thank You to them!

I invite you to go back and re-read the quoted scriptures. This time, look for words like all, always, without ceasing, and entirely. You could circle or highlight these words.

What did you learn from this exercise? For me, I see how Paul is inspiring us to be “all in.” When you read the record of Paul’s personal life you see a transformed persecutor of the church who became an amazing champion for the church, who lost all earthly reputation and status to stake everything in knowing Jesus (even in suffering and to the power of the resurrection).

Being sold out to Jesus and reflecting Jesus to the world around us is the most counterculture practice that we could possibly engage in. The imperatives in Paul’s robust teaching are to encourage and build up. Actively doing this inside the church seems quite natural, but Paul says we are to be this way with all people. This is how the kingdom witness of the Church will happen in your neighborhood and in mine.

Allow me to give you another assignment. Methodically go through the list of actions in this passage, asking yourself, “How am I doing in this area?”

- - Esteeming the church leaders in my life.
  - Being at peace with others.
  - Graciously confronting idlers.
  - Encouraging the downcast.
  - Helping the weak (James says to especially care for widows and orphans).
  - Being patient with others.
  - Actively seeking to do good to all people.
  - Expressing joy.
  - Having a vibrant prayer life.
  - Leaning into the guidance of the Spirit.
  - Discerning between good and evil and then choosing the good.
  - Taking to heart the teaching of my pastor and church.
  - Minding the condition of my body, mind, and soul with intention.

Wow! That’s quite a list for consideration. Perhaps this would be a wonderful guide during this season of Easter Preparation?

I have one exceptionally important disclaimer that cannot be missed. These are not virtuous qualities or behaviors that can be accomplished by the human spirit. It is the One who calls you, loves you, and empowers you who will be faithful to accomplish these things in you — it is Jesus, the King of the kingdom.

Intentionally living kingdom values,
Greg

God’s Promised Rest in Christ

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In our Kingdom Culture series, I previously wrote about being a kingdom citizen and drew attention to the people of Hebrews 11. Today I am backing up in the book of Hebrews to chapter 4 to show why the heroes of the faith chapter were so relentless in their pursuit.

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

‘As in my anger I swore,
“They shall not enter my rest”’,

though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.’ And again in this place it says, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day—‘today’—saying through David much later, in the words already quoted,

‘Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.’

⁸For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. ⁹So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; ¹⁰for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours as God did from his. ¹¹Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. Hebrews 4:1-11 NRSVA

Entering God’s rest is the ultimate pursuit. If this rest was achievable by observation of a weekly Sabbath day, then the rest from creation through to Joshua would have been enough. And if simply setting aside a day to cease from labor was adequate to enter God’s rest, then human works would have been enough, too.

Why does the author say “… his works were finished at the foundation of the world”? The picture from Genesis shows God creating the earth and all that it is in it and then resting on the seventh day. The creation story is awe-inspiring, and it points us to a God who spoke and the material world came into being. Amazing!

Revelation 13:8 adds an astounding piece to the creation story that helps us have a clearer understanding of the concept of God’s rest:

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. (NIV)

The Father sending Jesus was the plan from the beginning. In fact, the entire Old Testament history was the stage being set for the main character to appear. The mysterious rest the writer points to is the abiding, healing, empowering relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the only one who gives true rest to the weary and heavy laden.

Hebrews 4 may appear to be pitting obedience against faith. The reality is that we can only enter the rest by the faith of Jesus and faith in Jesus. It is through faith alone that we are saved, and it is by faith that we believe and obey. The surrendered life of reliance on Jesus is how the saints of old remained faithful and obedient to the many hardships that came their way.

So, today as you hear his voice speaking out to you, open your heart and enter the rest of Jesus.

Resting in Jesus,
Greg

Kingdom Citizenship

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Susan and I enjoy visiting the various U.S. Presidential Libraries. Last March we were able to visit Harry Truman’s and Dwight Eisenhower’s on the same day. We learned that Truman and Eisenhower understood that the President of the United States should be the model American citizen. The U.S. President should personally set an example of what is right and good in our country. This notion struck me as simple, yet profound.

If we are citizens of the kingdom of God what are valid indicators of our citizenship? The most comprehensive list that speaks about kingdom citizenship is found in Hebrew 11. Let’s consider these examples from the Bible “Hall of Fame” and the attributes that distinguish them. (Please take the time to read the entire chapter and reflect on the details that cannot be contained in this short article.)

Faith

As good Bible students, we know that faith is the hallmark characteristic.

- Faith as trusting in God beyond our circumstances and challenges.
- Faith as demonstrated by believing in a God who can do immeasurably more than can be conceived or imagined.
- Faith as assurance and conviction.
- Faith as the rock-solid certainty that he who has begun a good work will complete it.

Living as pilgrims and strangers in this world

Setting our eyes on Jesus and his kingdom, “a better country,” is how we walk the same path as those who have gone before. This is in keeping with the words of Jesus when he told the original disciples to be in the world, but not of the world.

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 NRSVA

Obedience despite sacrifice and suffering

No matter what we give up in this life or what suffering comes our way, knowing that we are in union with Jesus and included in his eternal kingdom is more than enough.

- Whether leaving the comfort of our physical homes and dwelling in tents.
- Whether waiting on God and trusting for the conception of a child.
- Whether thrown into a cage with lions or a consuming fire and not knowing if we come out alive.

Identity with Christ and the community of the great cloud of witnesses

Because of what we read in Hebrews 11, we move higher in our spiritual comprehension to the connecting thoughts of chapter 12.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of^] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

No person in the Faith Chapter endured more or suffered more than Jesus himself, a perspective that brings clarity and evokes worship. Just as the people of faith looked to Jesus for rescuing from sin and the weights of this life, we join them in the race we are now running. It is a beautiful image to think about the amazing company of pioneer believers who have gone before us, and the leader of the parade is Jesus.

The bottom line is that Jesus is the Author and Finisher of this race. He has run the race in our stead and put up with everything along the way. All the people of faith who have run the race could only do it one way — by their union with Jesus, following in his steps, their eyes fixed on him.

As kingdom citizens in the 21^st century, we don’t know what we may be called upon to do, nor do we know what suffering or persecution may come our way. But we do know that Jesus is with us every step, and there is a city prepared by God for our eternal home.

Resting in the Author’s finished work,
Greg

Category: Hear From the President

Our High Calling in Jesus

Program Transcript

In the World, Not of the World

Scripture: God’s Gift

Already Not Yet

Diversity in Unity

Resurrection Sunday

Lessons of Leadership

Kingdom Participation

God’s Promised Rest in Christ

Kingdom Citizenship

GCI Update

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