In Israel's northern city of Caesarea Philippi, among the ruins of a worship centre dedicated to the Greek god Pan, a cave exists that was long believed by those who worshipped there to be the doorway into the netherworld. It was in the vicinity of this grotto, the alleged gateway to hell, that Jesus promised: "Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18).
From Pentecost in the first century to the present day, Satan has attempted to destroy Christ's Church—yet it endures. From a small group of Jewish outsiders in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago, Christ built His Church to reach even the remotest parts of the world. Despite controversies, wars, and denominational splits, the Church continues to be the means through which God announces to a dark and dying world that light and life have come in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
For these reasons, and many more, we learn about and appreciate the body of Christ, the Church.
When you’re swimming in the ocean, it takes intentional effort to keep from drifting away. If you take your eyes off the shore, you’ll likely end up somewhere you never intended! And the same is true of our churches.
As we enter adulthood in our faith, one of the most significant realizations to draw upon us is a healthy understanding of and appreciation for the church.
Christ is building His church, He is setting the captives free, and the powers of hell cannot conquer it.
As Scripture fills my mind, something changes deep within my heart. I quit focusing on my burden, I stop comparing, and I start considering the load another may be carrying.
It would have been so nice to move to a new city and only need to consult my handy “How to Find a Church in Six Simple Steps” brochure in order to make my decision.
Conflict, like anger, is natural. What makes conflict sinful is wrong motives for it and negative manifestations of it.
Join Chuck Swindoll in this special message, Encouraging Essentials for a Dynamic Ministry, and learn not only how to prevent erosion in your life but also how to deepen your intimacy with God in a way that will overflow to others.
In recent years, the average attention span has gotten shorter, and many pastors are truncating their sermons to accommodate their audience. But the church isn’t meant to be an audience…it’s a family!
Too many churches have forfeited their charm and become places of shame, not grace. Let’s put an end to that!
When it comes to caring for widows, it’s easy to be pulled by emotions into unwise decisions. That’s why Paul’s instructions are so helpful. And so are his practical reminders.
Sign up to receive Chuck Swindoll’s Daily Devotional in your inbox seven days per week.
Insight for Living is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.
1-30445 Progressive Way • Abbotsford, BC • V2T 6W3
info@insightforliving.ca
1.800.663.7639