Life of the Church - Exodus Books

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At the Lord's Supper, Christians eat and drink together. We call it communion because by it we are unified in Christ. This togetherness—this community—is central to the life of the Church. Its distinguishing feature is not multiplicity, but oneness: "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph. 4:4-6).

Like all good stories there is unity to the story of the Church. It looks much different now than it did in the first century, but it's still the same Church. Part of its life is this story: where did it come from, who keeps it together, where is it going? While there are all kinds of interesting particulars, there is really only one answer to these questions: Christ. He is the founder of the Church, He is its sustainer, and He is the goal toward which it is progressing. History will culminate in the absolute glorification of Christ before all creation, and the Church's primary task is to prepare the way for Him. The Church is healthiest when Christians are most dedicated to this task. This doesn't mean the death of denominations, it simply means they will be working humbly together. Just as the men of Israel worked together to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem (Neh. 3), so all Christians regardless of denomination must build the kingdom together.

To be successful the Church must be healthy internally. Its worship must reflect the standards and guidelines found in the Bible, and its observance of the sacraments cannot be taken lightly or neglected. The Church is to be the one consistently safe place for Christians in a mostly hostile world. This is not to imply the Church is a location or building but that it is a spiritual presence providing refuge for the people of God.

The apostle John made it plain how the Church is to hold itself together. The world will know us by our love, he said. "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:11). The Church is at its best when it is filled with the selfless love of Christ and is sharing that love with the world.

It is the Church's responsibility to spread the kingdom Christ set up during His lifetime. This kingdom is spiritual and its citizenry is increased whenever someone is baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but it exists in a physical world and will lead to the transformation of all civilization and culture. While this goal often seems hopeless and beyond reach, God has promised that the Church will triumph:

"On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

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Parent Categories

Christian Books

Life of the Church

Subcategories

Church Government

- 9marks: Building Healthy Churches

- Church Membership

- Women in Ministry

Church Ministry & Service

Corporate Worship

Discipleship & Community

Ecclesiology

Evangelism & Missions

- Missionary Stories

- World Religions, Cults and Sects

Preaching the Word

Sacraments

- Baptism

- Communion (Eucharist)

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10th grade (Ages 15-16)

	"But Don't All Religions Lead to God?" Navigating the Multi-Faith Maze by Michael Green from Baker Books for 7th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $13.00
	Against All Odds Lord, I've ruined my life. I'm yours, if you still want me by Jim Stier from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99
	Alphabet Makers A Presentation from the Museum of the Alphabet by Hyatt Moore from Wycliffe Bible Translators for 8th-Adult in History of Books & Language (Location: HISV-BOOK) $5.00 (2 in stock)
	Ashamed of the Gospel by John F. MacArthur jr. First Printing, Underlining from Crossway Books for 10th-Adult in Ecclesiology (Location: XTH-ECC) $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Atlas of the Islamic World by Francis Robinson from Facts On File for 9th-Adult in Historical & Cultural Atlases (Location: HISRF-ATLAS) $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church A Guide for Ministry by Michael Lawrence from Crossway Books for 10th-Adult in Biblical Theology (Location: XTH-BIB) $8.50 (1 in stock)
	Blood of the Moon The Roots of the Middle East Crisis by George Grant from Wolgemuth and Hyatt for 9th-Adult in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $4.00 (1 in stock)
	Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism by Thomas Watson from Banner of Truth Trust Theology for 9th-12th grade in Puritan Writings (Location: XCH-PUR)
	Book of Psalms for Singing by Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America from Crown and Covenant for 7th grade-Adult in Hymnals & Psalters (Location: XWO-HYMN) $21.00
	Carved in Ebony Lessons from the Black Women who Shape Us by Jasmine L. Holmes from Bethany House for 10th-Adult in Biography Anthologies (Location: BIO-ANTH)
	Cell 58 Imprisoned in Iran (alternate title) International Adventures by Dan Baumann from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $12.50
	Christian Theology and Ancient Polytheism A Comparative Study for Youth by Marcia Brim from Brimwood Press for 6th-12th grade in Tools for Young Historians (Location: BIBWV-TYH) $35.00
	Christianity, Cults & Religions by Rose Publishing 7^th edition from Rose Publishing for 10th-Adult in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $4.99
	Christianity, Cults & Religions from Rose Publishing for 9th-Adult in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $14.99
	Classic Baptism An Inquiry into the Meaning of the Word as Determined by the Usage of Classical Greek Writers by James W. Dale from P&R Publishing for 10th-Adult in Baptism (Location: XWO-SAC1) $8.00 (1 in stock)
	Compact Guide to World Religions Understanding and Reaching Followers of Other World Faiths by Dean C. Halverson from Bethany House for 9th-Adult in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $16.00 $9.50 (1 in stock)
	Created to Flourish How Employment-Based Solutions Help Eradicate Poverty from HOPE International for 7th-12th grade in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $3.00 (1 in stock)
	Creeds of the Churches A Reader in Christian Doctrine from the Bible to the Present by John Leith 3^rd edition from Westminster John Knox Press for 10th-Adult in Creeds, Confessions & Catechisms (Location: XTH-CREED) $26.50
	Cry from the Streets Rescuing Brazil's Forgotten Children International Adventures by Jeannette Lukasse from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $9.00
	Dayuma Life Under Waorani Spears by Ethel Emily Wallis from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99 $7.50 (1 in stock)
	Dispatches From the Front Stories of Gospel Advance in the World's Difficult Places by Tim Keesee from Crossway Books for 10th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Early Islam Great Ages of Man by Desmond Stewart from Time-Life Books for 9th-Adult in Great Ages of Man (Location: ADU-HISGAM)
	Elders of the Church by Lawrence R. Eyres from P&R Publishing for 10th-Adult in Clearance: Christian Books (Location: XCLE) $2.00 (1 in stock)
	Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer from InterVarsity Press for 10th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $4.00 (1 in stock)
	Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer from InterVarsity Press for 10th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA)
	Face to Face Meditations on Friendship and Hospitality by Steve Wilkins 2^nd edition from Canon Press for 9th-Adult in Hospitality (Location: SS-HOS) $14.00
	Five Pioneer Missionaries by Various from Banner of Truth Trust Biography for 9th-Adult in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS) $13.00 $7.00 (1 in stock)
	God Makers A Shocking Expose of What the Mormon Church Really Believes by Ed Decker & Dave Hunt from Harvest House for 10th-Adult in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $7.00 (1 in stock)
	Great for God by David Shibley from Master Books for 7th-12th grade in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS) $9.59
	Handbook of Christian Apologetics Hundreds of Answers to Crucial Questions by Peter Kreeft & Ronald Tacelli from InterVarsity Press for 9th-Adult in Beginning Christian Apologetics (Location: XAP-BEG) $22.00
	Hipster Christianity When Church and Cool Collide by Brett McCracken from Baker Books for 9th-Adult in Ecclesiology (Location: XTH-ECC) $15.99 $6.00 (1 in stock)
	Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch from Lewis and Roth Publishers for 10th-Adult in Hospitality (Location: SS-HOS) $4.75 $3.00 (1 in stock)
	How to Grow in Christ by Jack Kinneer from P&R Publishing for 9th-Adult in Bible Reading & Study (Location: XBI-STUDY) $6.80
	In the Beginning by Chaim Potok 1^st edition from Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. for 10th-Adult in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20) $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Jesus Among Other Gods The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message by Ravi Zacharias from W Publishing Group for 10th-Adult in Evidential Apologetics (Location: XAP-EVI) $9.00 (1 in stock)
	Law of Kindness by Mary Beeke from Reformation Heritage Books for 10th-Adult in Church Ministry & Service (Location: XWO-MIN) $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Let The Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper 2^nd edition from Baker Books for 10th-Adult in Clearance: Christian Books (Location: XCLE) $10.00 $5.00 (1 in stock)
	Let The Nations Be Glad! The Supremacy of God in Missions by John Piper 3^rd edition from Baker Books for 10th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $16.99
	Living on the Devil's Doorstep From Kabul to Amsterdam International Adventures by Floyd McClung from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99 $7.50 (1 in stock)
	Lords of the Earth by Don Richardson from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $9.50 (1 in stock)
	Man With the Bird on His Head The Amazing Fulfillment of a Mysterious Island Prophecy by Abbe Anderson, John Rush from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $7.50 (1 in stock)
	Mecca by Desmond Stewart from Newsweek Books for 8th-Adult in Clearance: History & Geography (Location: ZCLE-HIS) $3.00 (1 in stock)
	Narrow Road Stories of Those Who Walk This Road Together by Brother Andrew, Elizabeth Sherrill, Jars of Clay, John Sherrill from Revell Publishing for 10th-Adult in Biographies (Location: BIO) $9.00 (1 in stock)
	Narrow Road Stories of Those Who Walk This Road Together by Brother Andrew, Elizabeth Sherrill, Jars of Clay, John Sherrill from YWAM Publishing for 10th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99 $9.00 (1 in stock)
	Operation World The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation by Jason Mandryk, Patrick & Robin Johnstone 7^th edition from Biblica Publishing for 9th-Adult in Prayer (Location: XCL-PRAY) $15.00 (3 in stock)
	Operation World The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation by Jason Mandryk, Patrick & Robin Johnstone 7^th edition from InterVarsity Press for 9th-Adult in Prayer (Location: XCL-PRAY) $25.00
	Peace Child by Don Richardson from Regal Books Biography for 10th-Adult in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS)
	Peace Child by Don Richardson 4^th edition from Regal Books Biography for 10th-Adult in History of Missions (Location: XCH-MIS) $15.99
	Persuasions A Dream of Reason Meeting Unbelief by Doug Wilson from Canon Press for 9th-Adult in Beginning Christian Apologetics (Location: XAP-BEG) $12.00
	Praying through the 100 Gateway Cities of the 10/40 Window from YWAM Publishing for 4th-Adult in Prayer (Location: XCL-PRAY) $4.00 (1 in stock)
	Praying through the 100 Gateway Cities of the 10/40 Window 2^nd edition from YWAM Publishing for 4th-Adult in Prayer (Location: XCL-PRAY) $9.99 $4.50 (1 in stock)
	Princess Adelina An Ancient Christian Tale of Beauty and Bravery by Julie Sutter from Vision Forum Historical fiction / Irish missions for 7th-10th grade in Historical Fiction (Location: FIC-HIF) $12.00 (1 in stock)
	Publish Great Things Basic Principles of Missions, Practical Involvement in Missions by H. Douglas Garland from Bob Jones University Press for 9th-12th grade in BJU Bible Modular Series (Location: BIB-BJUMOD) $13.33 $6.00 (1 in stock)
	Reformed Means Missional by Samuel T. Logan, Jr. Fir from New Growth Press for 10th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $14.00
	Rule of St Benedict by St. Benedict & Timothy Fry, editor from Penguin Classics Devotional Material for 9th-Adult in Medieval Literature (Location: LIT2-MED) $16.00
	Rule of St. Benedict in English by St. Benedict & Timothy Fry, editor from Liturgical Press Devotional Material for 9th-Adult in Medieval Literature (Location: LIT2-MED)
	Secret Believers What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ by Brother Andrew from Revell Publishing for 10th-Adult in Biographies (Location: BIO) $18.00
	Shakespeare the Christian I The Bible in Shakespeare's Plays by Ralph Smith from Covenant Media Foundation for 10th-Adult in Shakespeare Materials (Location: LIR-SHA) $35.00
	Story of Islam From Muhammad to Suleiman the Magnificent by Suzanne Strauss Art from Pemblewick Press for 7th-10th grade in Middle Ages (Location: HISW-MID) $17.50
	Story of Islam From Muhammad to Suleiman the Magnificent by Suzanne Strauss Art 2^nd edition from Pemblewick Press for 7th-10th grade in Middle Ages (Location: HISW-MID)
	Student's Guide to Religious Studies ISI Student Guides to the Major Disciplines by D.G. Hart 1^st edition from Intercollegiate Studies Institute for 9th-12th grade in ISI Student Guides to the Major Disciplines (Location: ECON-REF) $12.99
	Supper of the Lamb A Culinary Reflection by Robert Farrar Capon from Modern Library for 10th-Adult in Culture of Food (Location: COOK-CUL) $14.40
	Surprised by Hope Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N. T. Wright from HarperOne for 9th-Adult in Eschatology & Prophecy (Location: XTH-ESCH) $24.99
	Tactics A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl 10th Anniversary Edition from Zondervan for 9th-Adult in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA) $19.99
	Taking the High Places The Gospel's Triumph Over Fear in Haiti International Adventures by Jemimah Wright, Terry Snow from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99 $9.00 (1 in stock)
	The Koran by Anonymous Revised from Penguin Classics for 10th-Adult in Medieval Literature (Location: LIT2-MED)
	The Koran by Anonymous Revised from Penguin Classics for 10th-Adult in Medieval Literature (Location: LIT2-MED) $16.00
	There's a Sheep in My Bathtub by Brian Hogan 1^st edition from Asteroidea Books for 10th-Adult in Church History (Location: XCH-HIS) $15.95
	Thousand Year War in the Mideast by Richard Maybury 1^st edition from Bluestocking Press for 10th-Adult in Uncle Eric books (Location: ECON-ERIC) $17.95
	Tommorow You Die "You are a traitor. . .and traitors are shot." International Adventures by Reona Peterson Joly from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $7.50 (2 in stock)
	Torches of Joy A Stone Age Tribe's Encounter with the Gospel International Adventures by John Dekker & Lois Neely from YWAM Publishing Missionary Biography for 10th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99 $8.00 (2 in stock)
	Totally Surrounded With Danger on Every Side Would She Live to Fulfill Her Destiny? by Christina Davis from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99
	True Community The Biblical Practice of Koinonia by Jerry Bridges from NavPress for 10th-Adult in Discipleship & Community (Location: XCL-DIS) $7.50 (4 in stock)
	Understanding the Times The Collision of Today's Competing Worldviews by David Noebel 2^nd edition from Summit Ministries for 9th-12th grade in Summit Worldview Curriculum (Location: BIBWV-SUM) $10.00 (5 in stock)
	Understanding the Times A Survey of Competing Worldviews by Jeff Myers & David Noebel 3^rd edition from David C. Cook for 9th-12th grade in Worldview Resources (Location: XWV-RES) $40.00
	Walking Miracle A Vision for Asia, a Prayer for Healing by Art Sanborn from YWAM Publishing for 7th-Adult in International Adventures (Location: BIO-INTADV) $14.99
	What Is Worship Music? Basics of the Faith by Paul S. Jones from P&R Publishing for 10th-Adult in Basics of the Faith (Location: XNC-BAS) $3.50
	Which None Can Shut by Reema Goode from Tyndale House in Islam & Sharia Law (Location: XAP-ISL)
	Why Baptize Babies? An Explanation of the Theology and Practice of the Reformed Churches Answers in an Hour by Mark Horne from Athanasius Press for 10th-Adult in Baptism (Location: XWO-SAC1) $5.00
	World Religions by John Bowker from DK Publishing for 5th-12th grade in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $19.99
	World's Religions by Huston Smith 50th Anniversary Edition from HarperOne for 10th-Adult in World Religions, Cults and Sects (Location: XAP-WRCS) $10.00 (1 in stock)

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