In Israel's northern city of Caesarea Philippi, among the ruins of a worship center 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, two thousand 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.
“How to Recognize a Healthy Church”
by Charles R. Swindoll
Chuck Swindoll lists six essential qualities that every healthy church should reflect. See how your church lines up—or use this checklist as you search for the right church for you.
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“God’s Body-Building Program”
What is God doing during this present time? The answer is clear, according to the New Testament. It's the same project He's been working on since the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost. Jesus said, "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18), and that is what He has been doing. In this lesson, we will consider what building the church means, what it includes, and why it is so important. Because all who are born into God's family become members of His body, we need to understand the benefits of such a union.
Browse through our list of products to find books, audio series, and more resources to encourage you as you seek to become a better student of Christ's church.
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The Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal
by Charles R. Swindoll
hardcover book
The twenty-first-century church is eroding. Seeking greater cultural relevancy, the church has drifted away from its dependence on the Bible. In far too many churches, worship is wispy, preaching is puny, and eternal impact is small. What does the church need? An awakening!
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Koinonia: A Recipe for Authentic Fellowship
study guide
“All for one and one for all!”
This motto described the brotherhood of the Three Musketeers; unfortunately, it rarely describes the fellowship of many Christian churches. Fellowship—mutual love and care for one another—is supposed to be the hallmark of every Christian and church, so why isn’t it true of more believers and their churches?
88-page softcover study guide (eight chapters)
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Church Family Values
CD Series
“Good Church” . . . sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? We agree.
Too often, a church takes its cues from the world and simply offers services to consumers. Chuck Swindoll reminds us that the church should instead value integrity in leadership, honor among everyone, and grace balanced with accountability. Sounds more like a family, doesn’t it? That’s what church should be . . . and can become.
4 messages on 4 compact discs with 64-page softcover workbook
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