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
Devotional—Choose Love
Living through the devastation of the Eaton fire in Los Angeles was a harrowing experience. While the smoke and ash were suffocating, my wife, Megan, and I remained safe; however, we know dozens of people who had to evacuate and know many others who lost their homes.
The most comforting thing through all of this was seeing “community” — people coming together to check in on each other and take care of each other. I saw neighbors exchanging contact info “in case of anything,” then checking in on each other with a call or text. I witnessedpeople opening their homes to fire refugees, and people in evacuation zones using sprinklers and hoses to protect their and their neighbors’ homes.
The biggest display of community happened in the aftermath. The city and nonprofits showered us with resources. This demonstration of love for neighbor was never more evident than when donation and evacuation centers put out notices stating they were no longer accepting donations or volunteers because they were overflowing with both and had no space/work to take in more. What better way to live missionally? What better way to live God’s greatest commandment?
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40
I urge you, reader, when in doubt to choose love.
Prayer Lord, we live in such a divided and individualistic society that it seems as though we’ve lost the art of community. Show us how to love our neighbors as ourselves without needing a natural disaster. Amen
By Jesús Molina
Glendora, CA, US
Kingdom Living—Celebrating Resurrection
Kingdom living looks like acknowledging the source of our new life, the risen Jesus Christ. Read on to see how these congregations celebrated Easter with baptisms and by proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with their neighbors.
River Road, Oregon US
GC River Road celebrated Easter with a baptism. What a joyous occasion!
Big Sandy, Texas, US
During Holy Week, GC Big Sandy participated in several community activities, while hosting some of their own. The week began on Palm Sunday with worship and a service dedicated to rehearsing the Passion.
On Thursday evening, the congregation gathered for a special event dedicated to celebrating the Lord’s Supper. A reception was held in the fellowship hall. Many foods that may have been eaten in Jesus’ day, including lamb, humus, bread, and dates, were served on wooden dishes, along with pomegranate juice and wine in carafes. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for the service. Elder Jerome Ellard and Dave Ferguson wore costumes and did readings based on the story of the two disciples who encountered Jesus Christ on their way to Emmaus. Those who desired, participated in communion and foot washing, and the evening service ended as everyone sang a final hymn.
On Friday evening, Elder Jerome Ellard, who is currently president of the Ministerial Alliance, and I participated in a Ministerial Alliance gathering for Good Friday with our neighbors. The Ministerial Alliance brings together people from many different faiths in the area and works together to help those in need, specifically through the Agape House, which provides food and clothing for locals.
GC Big Sandy member and youth group leader Carrie Campbell organized an Easter egg hunt for the community on Saturday morning. GC Big Sandy members donated eggs we had stuffed earlier in the week. Neighborhood children enjoyed the egg hunt on the Civic Center’s lawn and took pictures with Miss Big Sandy and the Easter Bunny.
On Easter Sunday, church members gathered at the city park with the community for a sunrise service hosted by the Ministerial Alliance. GC Big Sandy provided snacks and hot drinks to our neighbors.
Following this service, we enjoyed a continental breakfast in their fellowship hall. Members contributed egg casseroles, biscuits and gravy, yogurt and fruit, and various donuts and pastries for the breakfast, which were served along with coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and milk. Following the breakfast and fellowship time, the congregation gathered for the Easter celebration.
The worship service was immediately followed by a baptism ceremony. Arturo Ramirez was confirmed and participated with Pastor George in baptizing his wife Kimberly and their children, Sophia, Arthur, Katherine, Sarah, and Brynleigh, along with another young relative, Ellie Roach, whom Kimberly had been discipling. The various church members who had participated in discipling this family were also included in the baptism ceremony. This joyful end to the Easter celebration was followed by an indoor Easter Egg Hunt for the youth.
By Linda Rex, Elder and Hope Avenue Champion
Big Sandy, TX, US
Richardson, Texas, US
The first time GC Richardson organized an Easter egg hunt at the city park across from our worship location, it was embarrassing. More than 200 people showed up, and we didn’t have enough eggs! We’d planned for only 50 people because less than 20 kids had shown up in the past when we held the hunt on our church property. The second year, we were better prepared and have continued to improve, creating space for building relationships that point to Jesus through this simple, traditional Easter Sunday egg hunt.
After worship, our members had a picnic and prepared for the egg hunt. Before we kicked off the hunt, I shared briefly why we organized the event — rejoicing with our neighbors on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. I explained that early Christians used eggs as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection to teach kids. The hard shell representing the sealed tomb, the cracking of the shell representing the resurrection, and the gifts of God in Jesus to humanity. I also encouraged the kids to be kind to each other as they picked up their eggs.
Members engaged in conversations with neighbors, which is a primary reason for the event. I was struck, now in our third year, by the more relaxed, engaging and accommodating posture of our members as they interacted with the diverse group of children and families present. Many who attended expressed their gratitude and a willingness to be informed of future events.
This year, we distributed more than 4000 eggs and 650+ people participated. About 250 people filled out our electronic connection card to register for the event, some using the QR code to register onsite. We promoted the Easter egg hunt on our website, Facebook, Nextdoor, and invited previous attendees by email. Members donated eggs and volunteered to fill them with candy, notes, and trinkets. Members also hid the eggs over two fields (one field for ages 5 and under, and the other field for ages 6 and up). Members played games with the kids before the egg hunt began.
We thank Father, Son, and Spirit for the wonderful weather, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to come together in kingdom-living neighboring!
By Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, TX, US
Pictures by Naia Moya and Ronnie Boyce
Kingdom Citizens’ Toolbox—Praying Scripture
Citizens of God’s kingdom embrace Scripture as “inspired by God and 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).
How good and how pleasant for members of Christ’s Body to dwell together in unity! We’re called to work together toward being mature, equipped workers for the kingdom. It is encouraging to hear how these regions and congregations are dedicated to this purpose.
Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa
A conference was hosted in Aruka center in March for the GCI pastors of South Africa. National Director Takalani Musekwa wrote: “We gathered for a historic pastoral conference, a moment that felt much like the people of Israel stepping into the land of promise with a brand-new culture.”
Waikanae, Wellington, New Zealand
“A House of Prayer” was the theme of this year’s Refresher Weekend. Thirty members from all over NZ, including six from our Masterton Filipino congregation, enjoyed a stimulating and challenging exploration of the importance of prayer in Christians’ lives.
After dinner together on Friday evening, I led an introductory session launching out of Jesus’ statement that “God’s house is to be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). I emphasized, “We are that house, so prayer must be an important aspect of our lives, and we are here to improve our prayer lives.” We concluded the session by viewing a short video by NT Wright, “How Should I Pray?”
Saturday began with another session on the Lord’s Prayer as an outline for our prayers. The ensuing weekend presentations covered the topics of “Worship in Prayer,” and “Prayers of Lament,” “Intercessory Prayer,” and “Praise in Prayer.” On Saturday evening, a Q & A session addressed questions submitted by the attendees.
Throughout the programme, there were several opportunities for members to pray individually and in small groups. For example, after explaining how the lament psalms show us that it’s never wrong to cry out to God in our pain, members wrote their own lament prayer, based on a situation important to them. Another time, members meditated and prayed through one of the psalms using a meditative prayer format known as Lectio Divina.
The programme was wrapped up with a reminder of the GCI-Australasia Vision Prayer. We are told to “devote yourselves to prayer” (Col 4:12) and to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kind of prayers” (Eph 6:18), and God tells us that he “inhabits the praises of his people” (Ps 22:3).
Here is just one of the positive comments received afterwards:
“Wow, what a weekend. Thank you for helping us to learn more about the different aspects of prayer. Instead of just mere words to God, there is now a more focused, open, deeper and faith-filled dimension in our prayers. “
By Dennis Richards, Pastor
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
In April, Grace Communion Cleveland hosted their annual LiLY Women’s Conference. A total of 72 women gathered for a time of fellowship, reflection, and renewal under the inspiring theme, “As He Has Forgiven You” (Ephesians 4:32).
GC Cleveland pastor, Tamar Gray, and the worship band set a powerful tone for the weekend. Attendees participated in a “Getting to Know You” activity.
GC Cincinnati pastor, Julie Frantz, shared a heartfelt message on forgiveness, emphasizing that it is not enabling abuse or seeking revenge, but rather a rejection of pride and a call to view life through Jesus.
Tess Scott, speaker and author, encouraged attendees to embrace forgiveness without shame, reminding us that God restores, and Jesus carried our burdens to the cross. Tess Scott also spoke on healing and forgiveness, emphasizing that Jesus paid our debt. She introduced four key principles: Remember, Release, Receive, and Rely. The evening concluded with moving testimonies that inspired reflection and healing.
On Sunday, Pastor Tamar Gray brought the LiLY Women’s Conference to a powerful close, urging everyone in attendance — including family members — to embrace forgiveness as a “new normal.”
As we reflect on these transformative messages, we eagerly anticipate all that the Lord has in store for 2026. Follow us on Facebook @lilywomensconference for more details.
Rosa (left) with Love Avenue Champion Pat Shiels
By Rosa Hulse, Women’s Ministry Leader
Cleveland, OH, US
Pasadena, California, U.S.
Beginning on Wednesday evening, members of GC Pasadena gathered until Sunday for a retreat in April. God blessed us with good weather — snow the whole day on Saturday. We enjoyed plenty of food and relational bonding. And of course, we had games that everyone enjoyed.
Every day, after eating our breakfast, we began with worship and a devotional. We also watched and discussed Dr. Gary Deddo’s YouTube videos, “Who Are You Lord?” parts 1–4.
One person shared this highlight: “I want to share Jesus and engage in my neighborhood.” We ended our time together with communion.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you, Lord.
By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US
Meet Dawson Nathaniel
“People must know who Jesus Christ is, and that they are to build their life with faith as Jesus as the pivot of our lives.”
Get to know Dawson Nathaniel, Love Avenue Champion in New Ashongman, Accra, Ghana. He’s passionate about neighborhood engagement and sharing the gospel wherever he’s called. Read more here.
GCI Home Office Jobs Available
GCI is hiring!
Two full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.
The Legal Coordinator and Assistant Secretary to Board of Directors position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.
The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.
If you would like further details on the position(s) or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.
Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for any of these positions at the Home Office.
2026 Denominational Celebration
The Denominational Celebration
will be held
in Dallas, Texas, U.S.
on July 23-26, 2026.
Please mark your calendars. More information will be made available in mid-2025.
Dear GCI Family and Friends,
