Elizabeth Mullins – Page 12

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 witnessed people 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

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

Prayer Guide—May 2025

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms … — Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV

This month’s Prayer Guide invites us to pray for our churches and communities to live in resurrection-powered hope. Intercede with us and download the Prayer Guide: here.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

GCI Buzz—What is Discipleship?

Discipleship is a journey — and we walk it together. This month’s GCI Buzz helps us reflect on what it means to belong, believe, and become as followers of Jesus.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

WeAreGCI—Gavin Henderson

GCI Testify

Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series, GCI Testify. Join us as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of their experiences with Jesus through GCI congregations and ministries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI.

Watch the entire series here.

Kingdom Citizens’ Toolbox—Live Generously

Citizens of God’s kingdom know that generosity is part of witness.

Bearing witness of the kingdom to our neighbors is a relational, incarnational, active, and missional proclamation. Our generous witness is a demonstration of the good news of Jesus.

The ministry of the Love Avenue is to witness to our neighbors. We invite you to revisit the following Church Hack: Love Avenue Practices

Kingdom Living—Loving Generously

Kingdom living looks like laying down your life for others. Read on to see how these two congregations are loving generously and seeking the flourishing of their neighbors.

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

The Hyderabad congregation has taken a significant step to make Sunday services more accessible by introducing translations of sermons into Telugu, the local language of the city. This initiative, which began recently, aims to serve every individual who attends the church, echoing the compassion and care of Jesus for each person. To support this effort, Mr. Satyanarayana, a seasoned professional translator, joined the congregation to offer his expertise. His involvement has ensured that sermons are delivered seamlessly in both English and Telugu, enriching the worship experience for all.

Several members expressed their joy, sharing how the bilingual services have allowed them to fully connect with and enjoy the messages being preached. The congregation is hopeful that this initiative will encourage more members of the Telugu-speaking community to join in the coming days, fostering inclusivity and spiritual growth.

The church remains committed to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all, furthering its mission to reach every heart with the gospel of Jesus.

By the GCI India Newsletter editors,

Shanti Nirale

Praveen Kumar Chintha

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Twenty-five years ago, the Gold Coast congregation began providing care bags to people in personal distress. All through those years, we took no break providing to a range of organizations. Some looked after unhoused youth, women seeking refuge from domestic abuse, people dealing with substance use, and a whole range of other crises experienced by many in our urban societies.

The problems on the Gold Coast are extensive. Ultimately, we decided to focus on partnering with one organization rather than trying to spread our limited resources around many. We chose the Gold Coast Youth Services (GCYS).

On Sunday, February 2, our congregation celebrated this 25-year anniversary of service, and we were joined by a representative of GCYS, Will Aufai. Will visited, with his wife and daughter, to personally thank the congregation for its faithful and reliable service through the years.

Will gave an outline of the work that the GCYS provides in the community. His warmth and love for those in need made an impact on everyone. He also provided the personal link between the recipients of the care bags in their time of need, and those who contribute to and assemble the toiletry and food bags each month.

Will expressed his gratitude for the fact that the GCYS has been able to rely on our contribution month by month for so many years. Will presented a plaque of appreciation to the congregation, which was accepted by John and Jen Herrmann and Jan Adamson as coordinators of the food and toiletry bags, respectively. In response, the congregation donated a basket of towels to him to aid their assistance program.

Will brought us a clear reminder of the words of the king, expressed in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14 (The Message): I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.

By Rod Matthews, Pastor
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Devotional—Devoted to Others in Love

One Sunday at the worship service, we learned that one of our longtime members, who had been unable to attend church, needed assistance for treatment related to her cancer diagnosis. She had been undergoing various tests and procedures over the past two years or so. A relative came to me saying that our member requested that we visit. This caused me to wonder if she knew she was nearing the end of her life.

The church decided to offer support, and some members decided to visit her after the service. Upon seeing how weak she had become, they urged her and her husband to go to the hospital. She was admitted and received the necessary care, stabilizing her condition.

My wife and I visited her a few days later. Though still weak, her condition had improved. Her husband shared the details of the past days, while she remained quiet but aware. We prayed together, thanking God for his constant presence. We acknowledged that even in our trials, God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). I prayed for her healing and reminded her that sickness does not have the final say, reminding her of her hope in Christ. Soon after, we received news that she was back home.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:10–15

This is the kingdom culture we live by.

Prayer
Our Father, may we learn to love one another as you have loved us, trusting in your grace and goodness in every circumstance of our lives. Amen.

By Dr. Carlos M. Pizarro
Pastor, Quezon City, Philippines

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

Author: Elizabeth Mullins