Core Values: Evangelical Unity

The five core values of CIU are literally written on stones at our campus: Authority of Scripture, Victorious Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer & Faith and Evangelical Unity.

We also inscribe these values upon our hearts. Our faculty, administration and staff all commit to the solid foundation that was laid in 1923.

Come to CIU and you will strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning. You also will practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom.

Our students can trust us to ensure that their CIU experience will always be fully formed and informed by these five bedrock values:

Evangelical Unity

Evangelical unity means accepting other Christians of evangelical conviction, regardless of denominational or theological affinity, for purposes of fellowship, encouragement, edification and ministry.

Letters for Today: Colossians 1

The Background of the Letter

Paul (Col. 1:1) wrote to the church in Colossae, although he had never met them (Col. 2:1). As a result of Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus on his third round of missionary travels (Acts 19:10), Epaphras became a follower of Jesus and returned to his home in the Lycus Valley, about 100 miles east of Ephesus, where he planted congregations in Colossae and the nearby cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea (Col. 1:7-8; 4:12-13).

When false teaching arose in the church, Epaphras traveled to Rome, where Paul was under house arrest (Acts 28:30), to inform his of events in Colossae (Col. 1:7-8). The so-called “Colossian heresy” was a syncretistic combination of several religious systems. The teaching included elements of Jewish legalism (Col. 2:16-17), Oriental mysticism (Col. 2:18-19), and Greek asceticism (Col. 2:20-23). As a result, it distracted the Colossians from the person of Christ.  The false teaching did not deny Christ, but it dethroned him. It gave Christ a place, but not the supreme place. It made him prominent, but not pre-eminent.

The Purpose and Theme of the Letter

In response to the news Epaphras delivered, Paul wrote a letter to the Colossians (c. A.D. 61-62) in which he proclaimed their completeness in Christ (Col. 2:9-10) and expressed his personal concern for the young congregation (Col. 2:1-5; 4:10-17).

The Opening of the Letter (Col. 1:1-14)

After a salutation (Col. 1:1-2) and a thanksgiving section (Col. 1:3-8), Paul describes his prayers for the Colossians (Col. 1:9-14). Those prayers include his request that the Colossians might be filled with a knowledge of God’s will (Col. 1:9a). The means for knowing God’s will are provided by the Holy Spirit (Col. 1:9b). The purpose of knowing God’s will is that they might work in a manner worthy of Christ (Col. 1:10a). The results of knowing God’s will be seen in their conduct, their relationship with God, their character, and their attitude (Col. 1:10b-12).

The Pre-eminence of Christ (Col. 1:15-23)

The heart of Chapter 1 is Paul’s discussion of Christ’s pre-eminence. The Colossians were in danger of putting other things ahead of Jesus, and Paul wanted to remind them that Jesus is absolutely supreme over all things. He incorporates what many scholars consider to be an early “hymn” about Christ (Col. 1:15-20) and, then, applies that teaching to his readers (Col. 1:21-23). In doing so, he sets out three truths.

Truth #1: Jesus is pre-eminent in creation (1:15-17).

·         Paul makes two claims for Christ (1:15).

o   “He is the image of the invisible God.”

o   “He is the firstborn over all creation.”

·         He supports those claims (“for . . .”) with credentials (1:16-17).

o   “All things were created through him.”

o   “In him all things hold together.”

Truth #2: Jesus is pre-eminent in the church (1:18-20).

·         Paul makes two further claims for Christ (1:18).

o   “He is the head of the body.”

o   “He is the firstborn from the dead.”

·         He supports those claims (“for . . .”) with credentials (1:19-20).

o   “All fullness dwells in him.”

o   “All things are reconciled through him.”

Truth #3: Jesus should be pre-eminent in the lives of the Colossians (1:21-23).

·         They were alienated from and hostile to God (1:21), but Jesus reconciled them and presented them holy and blameless to him (1:22). Doing so brought them into the church, where Jesus is pre-eminent (cf. 1:18-20).

·         They should, therefore, continue in the teaching they had received in the preaching of the gospel (1:23). They should not be distracted by false teaching suggesting that they need something in addition to what they already possess in Christ. 

Does Christ have a rival for your attention and affection? Is he truly pre-eminent in your life, or is he simply prominent? To give him prominence instead of pre-eminence is to de-throne him. Paul’s point is . . . We must make Jesus pre-eminent, not simply prominent.

Getting Personal

Take some time to read though Colossians 1:1-24. Then, reflect on how you would answer the following questions.

1.      When was the last time you told another member of God’s family why you were thankful for him or her (1:1-8)?

2.      What would it look like in your life if you were consistently walking in a manner worthy of Christ (1:9-14)?

3.      Why should it be important for your daily life that Christ is pre-eminent in creation (1:15-17)?

4.      Why should it be important for your daily life that Christ is pre-eminent in the church (1:18-20)?

5.      How should remembering what Christ has done for you encourage you to continue living faithfully for him (1:21-23)?

Core Values: Prayer and Faith

The five core values of CIU are literally written on stones at our campus: Authority of Scripture, Victorious Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer & Faith and Evangelical Unity.

We also inscribe these values upon our hearts. Our faculty, administration and staff all commit to the solid foundation that was laid in 1923.

Come to CIU and you will strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning. You also will practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom.

Our students can trust us to ensure that their CIU experience will always be fully formed and informed by these five bedrock values:

The CIU community seeks joyful reliance upon God for material provision, victory over sin, growth in Christlikeness, and fruitfulness in ministry. Our relationship with Him is expressed in daily prayers of a loving and needy heart.

Core Values: World Evangelization

The five core values of CIU are literally written on stones at our campus: Authority of Scripture, Victorious Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer & Faith and Evangelical Unity.

We also inscribe these values upon our hearts. Our faculty, administration and staff all commit to the solid foundation that was laid in 1923.

Come to CIU and you will strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning. You also will practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom.

Our students can trust us to ensure that their CIU experience will always be fully formed and informed by these five bedrock values:

"For God so loved the world He gave..." We prepare each student to have an impact as part of the "missions team," whether in a "sending church" or as one sent. The Holy Spirit dispenses blessings and works through us so that we are a blessing ourselves

Dean's Devos: Loving Like Jesus Loved, Part 4

by Dr. John Harvey

In John 13:34-35, Jesus give his disciples (and us) a new commandment:

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." (NLT)

When we focus on “loving like Jesus loved,” John 13:1-17 teaches us five lessons about the way he loved:

Lesson #1: 

Jesus loved “to the end” (13:1).

“Jesus . . . having loved his own . . . he loved them to the end.”

There are a two possible understandings of “to the end”—to the full extent of his love or to the very end of his life. Perhaps John had both in mind. The point is that Jesus’ love never failed, and it never faded. He never stopped loving “his own,” and he always gave them the very best he had. Can we say the same about the way we love one another?

Alumni Spotlight: Kathi Small (MA Bible, 1996)

After graduating from CIU, Kathi returned to Venezuela and served a total of 10 years. She then served in Perú for 11 years. Now, Kathi lives in Guatemala City and teaches at SETECA (Central American Theological Seminary).

"My seminary degree allows me to teach on the seminary level. I continue to grow in my knowledge and application of what I learned at CIU. Though not due to my degree, I developed friendships that will last a lifetime."

Core Values: Victorious Christian Living

The five core values of CIU are literally written on stones at our campus: Authority of Scripture, Victorious Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer & Faith and Evangelical Unity.

We also inscribe these values upon our hearts. Our faculty, administration and staff all commit to the solid foundation that was laid in 1923.

Come to CIU and you will strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning. You also will practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom.

Our students can trust us to ensure that their CIU experience will always be fully formed and informed by these five bedrock values.

Victory in Christ comes to those who yield humbly to the Holy Spirit who makes us more like Him in our daily lives.

Dean's Devos: Loving Like Jesus Loved, Part 3

by Dr. John Harvey

In John 13:34-35, Jesus give his disciples (and us) a new commandment:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (NLT)

Jesus says this commandment is “new” commandment, and the Greek word (καινός) means “new of a different kind.” How is this commandment different from the “great” commandment to love God (Deut. 6:5) and the “royal” commandment to love our neighbor (Jas. 2:8)?

Jesus’ commandment is new, because it carries new significance:

“Your love . . . will prove . . . that you are my disciples.”

Jesus says that loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is the strongest apologetic for Christianity that we can offer. Just as Jesus’ life demonstrated that the Father had sent him, so our love for one another demonstrates that Jesus has sent us.

Alumni Spotlight: Edward Canyes (MA, 2012)

Since I graduated in May of 2012 I worked on staff at my home church in Lexington South Carolina. I oversaw small groups and kids clubs. I helped to recruit and train over 70 volunteers for the kids clubs. I also led the small group leaders (about 50ish) and their well-being and equipping.
I resigned from that position in July of 2015. 

January 2019 I was asked to join a leadership group to start kids clubs in South Florida. Since January 2019 the leadership group has grown and the leadership raised enough money for two full-time employees and we launched October 1st 2019. 

The basic model of Game Day ministry is a triangular relationship between game day, the local church and the local elementary school to conduct kids clubs and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. I was tasked with writing the first business model as well as a ministry model and the process in which the ministry got started. We had several very intelligent people speak into this whole ministry venture. During this time I realized the absolute necessity for ministry leaders to have some kind of business knowledge or background. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a family that was business orientated so I learned a lot of the things that I used for the business model from my own personal knowledge.

The ministry model was based on many principles I learned from leadership training at CIU. Between CIU and the global leadership summit gave me a great base to start this ministry venture. As of March 1st 2020 we have 15 partner churches and about 10 schools that we are in direct communication with on a weekly basis. We are starting three clubs by the end of March possibly a fourth in April. This fall we're looking to launch between 10 and 15 clubs based on all the relationships that we've been building over the last several months. Many of the schools were unable to accommodate us this year but next school year there will be many opportunities. God has been absolutely amazing in this venture. He has continued to bring people to the ministry lead us, convict us, and grow us as people and as ministry leaders. It is an absolute joy to go to work each day just waiting and seeing what God has in store for that day! Game Day is everyday! 

My degree through CIU has helped me in many different aspects. The majority of the leadership principles that I learned I have applied on a weekly if not daily basis. All of the small group training and equipping at CIU has helped me with small group development when I worked on staff in Lexington, SC and helped me to grow the small group ministry. The necessity of taking care of the small group leaders so they can take care of the body of Christ was essential. Going deep with their understanding and knowledge and equipping and then going wide with the opportunity to duplicate small groups was an absolute essential ingredient that I used and learned that from CIU.
The current ministry opportunity that God has me connected with now I use most if not all of the leadership principles that I learned at CIU and the global leadership summit. I was honored to be a part of three global leadership summits while I was at CIU. CIU has equipped me well for the ministry that I have been a part of since I graduated. 

Faculty Focus: Dr. Michael W. Langston, Professor of Chaplain Ministries

B.S., University of Louisiana; M.A., The Naval War College; M.Div., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; D. Min., Bethel Theological Seminary; Ph.D. University of Aberdeen
Dr. Langston joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry in 2011 and has taught Chaplain Ministries from that date until the present. Before coming to Columbia, he served as pastor of a congregation in North Carolina, law enforcement chaplain, and United States Navy chaplain. He is also a graduate of the Naval War College. He is ordained and endorsed through the Southern Baptist Convention.

Core Values: Authority of Scripture

The five core values of CIU are literally written on stones at our campus: Authority of Scripture, Victorious Christian Living, World Evangelization, Prayer & Faith and Evangelical Unity.

We also inscribe these values upon our hearts. Our faculty, administration and staff all commit to the solid foundation that was laid in 1923.

Come to CIU and you will strive for academic excellence with the Bible at the core of all learning. You also will practice skills related to personal and vocational goals in the community away from the classroom.

Our students can trust us to ensure that their CIU experience will always be fully formed and informed by these five bedrock values.

Authority of Scripture

The Bible is the ultimate foundation and the final truth in every aspect of our lives. We concentrate on mastering God's Word, learning to understand its meaning and apply its teaching

Dean's Devos: Loving Like Jesus Loved, Part 2

by Dr. John Harvey

In John 13:34-35, Jesus give his disciples (and us) a new commandment:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (NLT)

Jesus says this commandment is “new” commandment, and the Greek word (καινός) means “new of a different kind.” How is this commandment different from the “great” commandment to love God (Deut. 6:5) and the “royal” commandment to love our neighbor (Jas. 2:8)?

Jesus’ commandment is new, because it involves a new standard:

We are to love like Jesus loved (13:34b):

“. . . as I have loved you . . .”

Jesus sets the standard. 1 John 3:16-18 tells us that part of that standard is that Jesus loved sacrificially and actively. That is, we must be willing to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. It’s not enough just to say that we love one another. We must practice what we proclaim.

Alumni Spotlight: George (Clay) Weeks (MDiv, 2001)

Since graduating from the Seminary and School of Ministry, George helped with a church plant (Salt and Light Church). He served by teaching/preaching and helped to start and lead Celebrate Recovery. George went on to work as member care/pastoral care for the IMB in Central Asia. He and his family are presently back in Sumter, SC serving as the worship leader/pastor/elder at Salt and Light Church.

"My time at CIU provided me with a strong biblical world view; strengthened my understanding and appreciation for God's love for the nations; I learned how to put together sermons and study the word; I was mentored by so many of the professors. I have maintained a strong relationship with Roy King over the years. Without being trite, I came away with a deeper love for God and a desire to lead others to know him and love him." 

Faculty Focus: Dr. Markus Klausli, Professor of New Testament & Greek

B.A., Seattle Pacific University; M.Div., Columbia International University; S.T.M., Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary

Dr. Klausli joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary and School of Ministry in 2013 and teaches New Testament and Greek as well as Biblical Contextualization. Before coming to Columbia, he served from 2006-2007 as an adjunct professor at Southwestern Theological Seminary and then from 2007-2013 with Liebenzell USA as lecturer for New Testament and dean at CIU’s European School of Culture and Theology in Korntal, Germany. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society as well as the Society for Biblical Literature. He has served as a pastor in Germany and taught in South Africa.

B.A., 1993, Seattle Pacific University; M.Div., 1996, Columbia International University; S.T.M., 2001, Dallas Theological Seminary, Ph.D., 2007; Lecturer-Internship, 1996 Union Bible Institute, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Pastoral Assistant, 1997-1998, Church of God, Luedenscheid, Germany; Interim Pastor, Church of God, Marl, Germany 1998-1999; Lecturer, 2000, Center for Biblical Studies, Dallas, Texas; Adjunct Professor, 2006-2007, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Forth Worth, Texas; missionary with Liebenzell USA serving as lecturer for New Testament and since fall of 2009 as acting dean at the CIU branch campus: European School of Culture & Theology 2007-2013; Professor for NT & Greek, Columbia International University, since 2013.

Published periodical articles, essays, dictionary entries

“Wunder in der Bibel” (Miracles in the Bible) @ Mission Weltweit (Worldwide Missions –magazine of the Liebenzell Mission, Germany), May/June 2010.

Published book reviews

Lewis R. Donelson. Review of I & II Peter and Jude: A Commentary. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. In JETS 54: 406-408.

Papers presented

“'Sharing in the Sufferings of Christ’ – Reassessing the Use of the Messianic Woes to Characterize Suffering in 1 Peter,” presentation at the annual meeting of the Facharbeitsgruppe für Neues Testament (Study Group for New Testament) in Marburg, Germany, March 3, 2008.

Our Mission

Columbia International University educates people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. We pursue this mission as an academic community modeling, mentoring, and motivating students to cultivate spiritual vitality and character formation, acquire knowledge in biblical content, gain interpretation skills, to develop competence as critical thinkers and communicators, formulate a comprehensive biblical worldview for themselves, and explore and initiate experiences that are ministry-focused.

Both the curriculum and the community life at CIU are intentionally designed to stimulate a dynamic context in which each student is assisted and encouraged to:

• Know Christ by learning submission to His lordship and dependence on the Holy Spirit, thus making progress in conforming to His image.
• Know the Word by gaining mastery of its content and understanding of its meaning, by assimilating and applying its truth, and by developing skill in the use of study tools.
• Know oneself by an increasing awareness of spiritual gifts, personality types, and personal potential.
• Know people by becoming sensitive to their needs and the contexts in which they live, improving communication with them, no matter their culture.
• Know the skills required in a particular area of ministry. By “ministry” CIU consciously and intentionally includes those who are called by God to minister in and through professional disciplines-whether in communication, education, business, psychology, or other professional disciplines where training programs are being developed.

In addition to the faculty, the university provides resources for learning and curricular guidance necessary for progress toward these goals. CIU expects students to be active participants in the spiritual, academic, social, and physical dimensions of college life. As they do, they come “to know Him” better and are able “to make Him known” more effectively. We believe God’s purpose for CIU institutionally and for its faculty and students individually is achieved only by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit through yielded believers.

Dean's Devos: Loving Like Jesus Loved, Part 1

by Dr. John Harvey

In John 13:34-35, Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a new commandment:

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (NLT)

Jesus says this commandment is “new” commandment, and the Greek word (καινός) means “new of a different kind.” How is this commandment different from the “great” commandment to love God (Deut. 6:5) and the “royal” commandment to love our neighbor (Jas. 2:8)?

Jesus’ commandment is new, because it is directed toward new subjects:

 We are to love other believers (13:34a):

“Love one another . . .”

The great commandment is directed toward God. The royal commandment is directed toward our neighbor. The new commandment is directed toward our brothers and sisters in Christ and reminds us that our relationship with other followers of Jesus transcends all other human relationships. Human blood might be thicker than water, but Jesus’ blood creates a bond that is even thicker.

Alumni Spotlight: Garry Knussman (MDiv, 1977)

Garry and his wife are retired but very active in ministry at Truth Community, which started just 8 years ago. The Knussmans are charter members.

"My M.Div. from the grad school/seminary provided me with a solid foundation of biblical/theological & practical knowledge for my variety of work, service, and ministry efforts at the ministries and churches I was and am a part of.

My degree also provided me with a strong resource base (books, commentaries, periodicals) for maintaining and increasing my knowledge of Scripture, the church, and various service and leadership opportunities. What I learned and experienced at CIU (then CGS) helped me form and keep alive a desire for Christian discipleship and service."

Faculty Focus: Dr. Steve Johnson, Assistant Professor of Ministry Care

B.A., Indiana University (chemistry & psychology); M.S., Indiana University (philosophy); M.A., Christian Theological Seminary (marriage & family therapy); Ph.D., Indiana University (philosophy); ScD, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj, Romania (evidence-based psychotherapy)

Dr. Johnson moved to Columbia after serving 17 years as a pastor of Care and Counseling at a church in Connecticut. He has also served as the vice president of the board of trustees at the Albert Ellis Institute for cognitive behavioral therapy/rational emotive behavior therapy in New York City. There he supervised psychotherapists from around the world. Since 1993, Dr. Johnson he has been a private practice psychotherapist specializing in treating addictions and trauma. He has also taught Muslim Studies at CIU as an adjunct professor for nearly 20 years.

Dr. Johnson is a devoted writer who publishes in the areas of Muslim studies, psychotherapy, and philosophy. His current work focuses on the philosophy of the self-operative in models of psychotherapy.

He is married to Carol Stone, who is a biochemist and epidemiologist employed as a bureau chief in the South Carolina Department of Public Health. His two daughters, Lauren and Shannon, are both pursuing careers in psychology.

Spring Break, March 9-13

Have an enjoyable break!

Remember to Spring Forward!

About CIU

CIU was born out of a prayer group of six women who sought the Lord for a means to evangelize and disciple mill workers in Columbia. The results went beyond their expectations. The CIU ministry was founded in 1923 as Columbia Bible School, occupying the former Colonia Hotel in downtown Columbia in 1927. The school became Columbia Bible College in 1930, one of the nation’s first four-year Bible colleges. Graduate courses were first offered in 1936, marking the beginning of what is now CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry. The school moved to its present 400-acre campus in suburban Columbia in 1960 and changed its corporate name to Columbia International University in 1994. In the 2009-2010 academic year, programs were moved to the following colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Intercultural Studies, and the Seminary & School of Ministry.

The Prayer Towers

Robert C. McQuilkin was CIU’s first president, holding the office until his death in 1952. He was succeeded by G. Allen Fleece, who led the university until 1966. Robertson McQuilkin, son of the first president, served from 1968 through 1990. Then Johnny V. Miller, current CIU emeritus faculty member and former pastor, served as president from 1991 through 1999. George Murray was appointed president in 1999 and then as chancellor in 2007. Dr. Bill Jones served as president beginning in 2007 and was appointed chancellor in 2017. Dr. Mark Smith currently serves as president and has been serving since 2017.

As our motto states, CIU was founded for the purpose of preparing students “To know Him and to make Him known.” Our purpose remains the same today. All programs emphasize spiritual development, biblical training, and ministry skills development. From the early years until the present, CIU has focused on the five core values: the Authority of Scripture, World Evangelization, Victorious Christian Living, Prayer and Faith, and Evangelical Unity.

The school’s first class boasted seven students. Currently CIU enrollment includes over 1,100 students, with several hundred students involved in non-traditional and distance education programs. Approximately 18,000 students have received training from CIU and hundreds of our alumni serve throughout the world.

Columbia International University is a multi-denominational Christian institution of higher education dedicated to preparing world Christians to serve God with excellence. Its educational units offer degree programs ranging from associate level to doctoral level. All programs emphasize spiritual formation, mastery of biblical content and interpretation skills, cultivation of a biblical worldview, ministry skills development, and vocational competency.

CIU serves students from over 40 states and 30 foreign countries. More than 52 church denominations and independent fellowships are represented in the faculty and student body and about 30 percent of CIU graduates working in cross-cultural contexts.

Dean's Devos Part #6 – Ephesians 3:14-19 - What Every Christian Needs

by Dr. John Harvey

This passage is Paul’s second prayer for his readers. It’s a single sentence that divides into four parts.

Paul prays to the Father of our new family (3:14-15).

Paul’s prayer actually has a Trinitarian structure—Father, Spirit, Son. He begins with the Father and highlights God’s fatherhood.

Sometimes, if we have had a bad experience with our earthly father, it becomes difficult to get a proper perspective on our heavenly Father. But Paul has already told us that we have a good, loving, gracious heavenly Father. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (1:2). He is the Father who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ (1:3). He is the Father of glory, who gives us spiritual wisdom and insight (1:17). He is the Father to whom we have access by the Holy Spirit because of what Jesus has done for us (2:18).

And in these verses, he is specifically the Father from whom “the whole family in heaven and on earth is being named” (3:15). That translation is better than “every family” because Paul has told us that we have a new family to enjoy (2:11-22). And you know what? That family is bigger than we understand. It’s not just the Chapin Presbyterian family. It’s the family of God around the world, and it’s that “so great a cloud of witnesses” in heaven the author of Hebrews describes (Heb 12:1).

It is to that Father whom Paul prays for the Ephesians—and for us.

He asks that the Spirit will strengthen us (3:16-17a).

Paul’s request is clear to see but a little challenging to understand. The first part is understandable—“that we would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner person” (3:16b).

Paul has already prayed that the Spirit would give us wisdom to understand who we are in Christ (1:17-18), and he has already explained the great power that’s ours because God is at work in us (1:19-22). So verse 16 is clear. But what about verse 17a? Doesn’t Christ already live in us (Gal 2:20)? Isn’t Christ in us already the hope of glory (Col 1:27)?

The key is the word Paul uses for “dwell.” When he says in Galatians 2:20 that Christ “lives” in us, he uses the word for “to be alive” (ζαω). When he talks here about Christ “dwelling” in our hearts, he uses a different word (κατοικεω). The word here means “to settle down in permanent residence.” It’s the difference between leasing and owning. It’s the difference between renting space on a part-time basis and settling down as a full-time owner

So, let me ask you: Is Jesus the renter or the owner of your heart? Is he a part-time tenant or a full-time resident? Does the Spirit need to do some work in you so that Jesus can take full control of your heart?

The purpose of his prayer is that we will know Christ’s love (3:17b-19a).

If Christ is truly residing permanently in our hearts, we will begin to comprehend how great his love for us is. It’s as though Paul can’t find enough words to describe it “breadth, length, height, depth . . . that surpasses knowledge.” It’s the similar language to what we sang last week in “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”—“deeper than the mighty rolling sea . . . higher than a mountain, sparkling like a fountain . . . broader than the scope of my transgressions . . . greater far than all my sin and shame. How shall my tongue describe it? Where shall its praise begin?”

Paul prays that the Spirit will help us catch a glimpse of that love. Have you caught that glimpse? Have you begun to live in light of Jesus’ love? If not, isn’t it time to start?

The result will be that we will experience God’s fullness (3:19b).

NASB reads “the fullness of God.” That phrase could mean the fullness that God supplies, or it could mean the fullness that God is. The latter is probably the better understanding: the fullness that God is.

So, what is the result that Paul wants to see in the lives of the Ephesians—and in our lives? He wants to see us become as holy as God is holy and as perfect as God is perfect. What he wants to see is our sanctification.

Sanctification includes three aspects: (past) becoming saints, (future) living as saints in God’s presence, and (present) growing as saints every day. It’s our present sanctification about which Paul is praying here. He wants to see us growing. He wants to see us becoming every day more fully who we already are in Christ.

How are you doing? Are you becoming every day more fully who you already are in Christ? If not, isn’t it time to start?

Jesus gives us new riches to appropriate.

How rich are we? From this passage:

• We have a Father who has brought us into his family.
• We have a family that is bigger than the eye can see. 
• We have the Holy Spirit powerfully at work in us. 
• We have Jesus dwelling in our hearts through faith. 
• We are the objects of the love of Christ that surpasses understanding. 
• We have the potential to experience all the fullness of God. 

It’s like the end of C. S. Lewis’ seventh book in the Narnia series, The Last Battle, where the characters challenge each other to go “farther up and farther in!” Where do you need to go farther up and farther in? Is it understanding more fully who your heavenly Father is? Is it allowing the Spirit to strengthen you with his might? Is it allowing the Son to take up permanent residence in your heart? Is it comprehending more accurately how much Jesus loves you? Is it becoming more fully every day who you already are in Christ?

Will you choose one truth and focus on it this week? Jesus gives us new riches to appropriate. Which aspect of those riches will you appropriate this week?

Alumni Spotlight: Danny Carpenter (Master of Arts Old Testament, 1990)

"After leaving CIU I went to Venezuela with TEAM from 1991 until TEAM left in 2009. I then returned in 2010 to continue my work with the local church, this time with the denomination I was with at the time. I taught mainly Old Testament courses at Las Delicias Bible Institute in Eastern Venezuela for several years before it closed. I worked in a local church in Maturín, Venezuela, where I served as one of the pastors/elders, helped plant a church, co-started and facilitated in a church-based theological training center, co-authored a book with the other elders in Spanish (Biblical paradigm for church leadership), did leadership training locally, across Venezuela and in other countries, and did counseling.

My first wife, Linda, passed away of cancer in 2013. We had two children, Jessica and Stephen. I married a Venezuelan lady, Yulmari Sequea in 2016. She had two children, Saraí and Rommel. We came to the US in May, 2019. I resigned as a missionary in order to care for my 92-year-old mom in Waller, Louisiana.

I currently am dean of the Bible Studies Department and professor of Pro-META, an online master's program in Spanish for Latin American leaders. I am also helping a Hispanic church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

I published a small book in English with my twin brother, Lanny, entitled Causes of church decline. I recently published a book in Spanish, Esta cosa llamada el amor: hacia una comprensión del amor desde la perspectiva bíblica (This thing called love: toward a comprehension of love from the biblical perspective). I also co-wrote a study on Hermeneutics with my brother for Light of Life Ministries.

My Old Testament degree had helped in a number of ways. First, I've been able to share my love for and the importance of the Old Testament with Latin Americans. Many of them had not understood much of the Old Testament or its importance for today.

Second, I've been able to understand better the New Testament. I have a better appreciation for the strong connection between the testaments."

Faculty Focus: Dr. Karen Grant, Professor of Youth Ministry, Family and Culture

B.A., California State University, Chico; M.A., California State University, Stanislaus; M.A., Moody Bible Institute; Bible Certificate, D.Min., Columbia International University

Dr. Karen Grant joined the CIU faculty in 2001 and continues to teach Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture courses in the Seminary & School of Ministry. Before coming to Columbia, she served as senior high women’s director and junior high director in congregations in Illinois. She has ministered cross-culturally in South Africa, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras. She is currently serving as the Youth Director at her church and on the board of directors for a camp & conference center.

Published books:

Contributor to Breaking the Gender Barrier in Youth Ministry: The emerging role of women in youth leadership. (Chapter 11: Thinking Creatively) Victor Books. (1995)

Contributor to Youth Ministry: What’s Gone Wrong & How to Get in Right. Abingdon Press. (2013)

Contributor to Studies on the Go: James, 1-2 Peter, & 1-3 John. Zondervan (2014)

Spiritual Life at CIU

We educate students to impact the nations with the message of Christ. Our faith, mission, & values permeate every aspect of the CIU experience and are the foundation of spiritual life at our Christian university.

Weekly Chapel Services

Chapel services are central to CIU’s educational program, designed to inspire and motivate fellowship and spiritual growth. The chapel schedule brings the entire university community together for worship. Small groups also connect students in a more meaningful way.

The CIU values are reflected in every student as they engage communities locally and abroad.
Local Church Involvement

Students are encouraged —really, expected — to join a local church.

Mission Trips

Mission trips allow students to share God’s word with the world.

CIU leadership lives out CIU’s mission and values by sharing their hearts and life’s work with the community beyond our campus.

The spirit of Christ lives at CIU and in everyone who works, studies and resides here.

Dean's Devos Part 5: Ephesians 3:1-11 – A Stewardship of Grace

by Dr. John Harvey

Let’s take a look at what Paul has to say about this mystery that is the gospel.

Verses 3-7 describe the mystery of the gospel.

Paul’s argument is a little complicated here. It’s as though he begins one idea; then, breaks off to chase another idea; then, returns to his original idea. Regardless, he makes three points about the gospel. First, it was not made known to previous generations (v.5a). Second, God’s Spirit has now revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets (v.5b). Third, it brings the Gentiles into the promise (v.6). That third point is huge and goes back to what we talked about last week—the fact that God has broken down everything that divides us, has us made into one brand new race, and has totally reversed our helpless, homeless, and hopeless condition.

Certainly, the idea was implicit in the OT.

• Abraham – “In you all the nations of the earth will be blessed.”
• Jonah – “Go to Nineveh and preach.” 
• Isaiah – “I have placed you as a light to the nations.” 
• Psalms – I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the nations.” 

But Jesus made the implicit explicit:

• Matthew 28 – “Disciple all the nations.”
• Mark 16 – “Preach the gospel to all creation.” 
• Luke 24 – “Forgiveness of sins will be preached to all the nations.” 
• Acts 1 – “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” 

The message of salvation is now a message that’s for everyone, and Jesus has entrusted it to us as a stewardship of grace.

Verses 8-12 describe the impact of the gospel.

Paul continues by explaining what the preaching of the gospel does. He highlights four results. First, it proclaims the unsearchable riches of Christ (v.8)—and we can never get to the bottom of those riches. Second, it brings to light the mystery that has been hidden in God (v.9)—but now it is revealed in Jesus. Third, it makes known God’s multi-faceted wisdom (v.10)—it’s like a sparkling diamond under a bright light. It fulfills God’s eternal purpose (v.11)—it accomplishes what God has intended since Adam and Eve sinned.

Do you know what’s amazing? What’s amazing is that Jesus entrusted this gospel to his church to make it known to all the nations. Jesus has entrusted the gospel to us as a stewardship of grace. If we don’t share it, no one will.

Verse 13 describes the cost of the gospel.

The last point Paul makes about the gospel is that it comes with a cost. When he wrote to the church in Ephesus, Paul was in prison in Rome. Why? Because of the opposition he encountered among the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. But imprisonment wasn’t his only tribulation. Take a look at the list in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27.

What cost are you willing to pay for sharing the gospel with others? A little embarrassment? The possibility of rejection? The possibility of being considered a religious weirdo? Just remember the glory that results when someone responds in repentance and faith (“which is your glory”).

Jesus gives us a new message to share.

That message extends the good news to everyone. It has an amazing impact. it comes with a cost, but when someone responds in repentance and faith it bring glory to God. We talked earlier about the servants entrusted with the talents. They were given stewardship over their master’s money. We have been given a stewardship of grace over something far more important: the gospel.

In Matthew 24:45-46, Jesus asks this question, “Who is the faithful and sensible [steward] whom his master put in charge?” His answer is, “Blessed is that [steward] whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” In Matthew 25:23, Jesus utters the words we should all long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful [steward].” your stewardship of grace this week? Will you hear Jesus say “Well done!”

Alumni Spotlight: David Satterlee (MDiv Cross-cultural Ministry, 1989)

David has enjoyed a fulfilling career in software testing while serving the local church in teaching Sunday School and some lay preaching.

Chapel This Week: Feb 25-27 Authority of Scripture Week

Dean's Devos Part #4: Ephesians 2:11-22 – Welcome to the Family

Sermon in a Sentence: Jesus gives us a new family to enjoy.

In this passage, Paul follows the same three steps he used last week: what we were, what God did, and who we are.

Verses 11-12 remind us of what we were then.

Since Paul is writing to Gentiles, he uses Jew-Gentile relations as a case study. The Gentiles had three problems (v.12). First, they were without Messiah (helpless). They had no help available when Messiah came. They were on the outside looking in. Second, they were without citizenship (homeless). They were like illegal aliens with no place to call home. Third, they were without God (hopeless). They had no hope for the future and were living “lives of quiet desperation” (H. D. Thoreau).

Actually, those problems do not simply describe one group of people. They describe each one of us. We were separated; we were isolated; we were alienated. We were away from home and on our own. We were all alone in a sea of humanity. The poet says that no man is an island, but that’s exactly what we were—each of us was an island with no connection to any other island and a lot of water in between.

Apart from Christ, our interpersonal relationships were a mess. The good news is—that was then, but this is now.

Verses 13-18 remind us of what God did.

Verse 13 is where we meet “But now . . .” Verses 13-18 are where we find out about the difference God made in our relationships with one another.

Paul continues talking about Jew-Gentle relationships and says that Jesus’ death had three effects on those relationships. First, his death destroyed the dividing wall (v.14). You see, the Gentiles were forbidden to enter the inner court of the Temple. They were relegated to the Court of the Gentiles. Jesus tore that wall down. Second, his death created a new race (v.15). The word Paul uses (kainos) denotes “new of a different kind.” The new race Jesus was neither Jew nor Gentile; it was Christian. Third, his death gave all of us direct access to God (v.17; cf. Heb 10:19-22). We no longer need to go through a mediator, because there is one mediator between God and man—Jesus (1 Tim 2:5).

It’s not just about Jew-Gentile relations. It’s about every other man-made division as well: black-white, Yankee-Southerner, Democrat-Republican, Carolina-Clemson. God took every division humankind could make and threw all of them into the darkest cave you could ever find, into the depths of the deep blue sea, into the blackest hole in outer space—he made peace among enemies. That’s what’s new: Jesus gives us a new family to enjoy.

Verses 19-22 remind us of who we are now.

“Therefore . . .” marks the conclusion. Jesus has erased all the divisions between Jew and Gentile—and between all of us. In fact, he has done more than erase the divisions; he has brought us together and made us part of something greater than we could ever have imagined. He has made us into his people, his church.

Paul says we are no longer homeless (without citizenship)—we are fellow-citizens of God’s kingdom (v.19). We are no longer helpless (without Christ)—we are fitted together into Christ’s redeemed building (v.20-21). We are no longer hopeless (without God)—we are part of the place where God dwells (v.22). We are now part of a new creation, a new kingdom, a new society. We are now God’s people and God’s family. We now have more in common than natural siblings. And so . . .

Jesus gives us a new family to enjoy.

We were helpless, homeless, and hopeless. We were separated, isolated, and alienated. We were away from home, all alone, and on our own. But now we are fellow-citizens, part of Christ’s building, and the place where God dwells. This new place of belonging is what we call the church. It’s not the building, though. It’s the people. Together we are now the family of God.

If you think about the picture Paul paints, you realize that each of us is uniquely designed and uniquely gifted for a specific role in that family. Each of us has a job to do if the family is going to function properly. Do you know where you fit? Is the family functioning as it should because you are functioning as you are supposed to function?

That’s one aspect. Here’s another. Over in Romans 12, Paul says that members of the family rejoice when others are rejoicing and weep when others are weeping. Why? Because part of being in a family is caring for one another. Do you truly care about the other members of this family? Do you pray for one another? Do you see a need and act on it?

Chapel This Week: February 17-21

Listen to these and other chapel messages

A Valentine's Day Ode to Love

by Dr. John Harvey

Stories on the origin of Valentine’s Day abound. Most likely, February 14 was chosen as the observance of the burial of Valentinius, a priest who lived in the third century. Valentinius ministered to persecuted Christians in Rome, when it wasn’t legal to do so. Part of the legend is that after he healed a lady, he gave her a note signed “your Valentine.” Another part of the legend is that he gave soldiers cut-out parchment hearts to remind them of God’s love. Regardless of the details, the ministry of Valentinius was more about sacrificial love than romantic love. His sacrificial love for persecuted Christians showed others what God looked like. To state that idea as a transferable truth: When we love, others see God in us. That is the truth we see in the three stanzas of 1 John 4:7-12.

The first stanza reminds us that God is the source of love (4:7-8).

Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is from God,
and everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God.
The one who does not love does not know God,
because God is love. 

In verse 7, John states unequivocally that “love is from God.” The Greek preposition he uses paints the picture of “out of from within.” That is, love originates from the very core of who God is. Then in verse 8, John clarifies the reason that God is the source of love: “for God is love.” Love is at the very core of who God is. In his substance, he is “spirit” (John 4:24); in his nature, he is “light” (1 John 1:5) and “love” (1 John 4:8). God is the source of love because he is, by definition, love. He can do nothing other than love, and if we love, we demonstrate that we are God’s children (“born of God”). If others see God’s love in us, it is because he is the source of love. 

The second stanza reminds us that Jesus is the demonstration of love (4:9-10).

God’s love was manifested among us in this,
that God sent his only son into the world that we might live through him.
In this is love,
not that we have loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his son as a propitiation for our sins.

Despite the fact that our love demonstrates that we are God’s children, our love—even our love for God—does not provide a true example of what love is. Only Jesus can do that. Twice John reminds us that “God sent his son,” and he gives two results of that act. In verse 10, John says that God sent Jesus as a “propitiation for our sins.” The idea of propitiation is the satisfying of wrath by a sacrifice. Our pastor in Toronto defined it this way: “God’s frown turns to a smile.” The result in verse 9 follows logically from God’s frown turning to a smile—John says that “we live through him.” Why do we live? Because Jesus died in our place to satisfy God’s wrath. If others see God’s love in us, it’s because he demonstrated love in Jesus. 

The third stanza reminds us that we can be the revelation of love (4:11-12).

Beloved, if God loved us in this way,
we also ought to love one another.
No one has seen God at any time;
if we love one another, God abides in us,
and his love has been fulfilled in us.

John began by writing “let us love one another.” Now, he returns to that idea and says it twice in these verses. In John 13, Jesus taught that our love for one another proves we are his disciples. Here, John says that our love for one another lets others see God in us. That idea is pretty amazing when you consider that John 1:18 says that no one has ever seen God, but the son has “made him known.” When you put this idea together with the rest of Scripture, it teaches us that God reveals himself through creation, through Scripture, through Jesus, and through our love for one another. That last one is both encouraging and challenging. When God abides in us, and when his love is perfectly fulfilled in our love for one another, others see God in us. How’s that for a valentine to the world? 

So, maybe Valentinius gave soldiers cut-out parchment hearts, and maybe he signed a note or two to ladies with “your Valentine.” But God gave the greatest valentine of all: he sent his own son to die for us so that we might live for him. And now, we can reveal God’s love to a watching world by loving one another like Jesus loved us. When we love, others see God in us.

Dean's Devo's: Part #3: Ephesians 2:1-10 – “But God . . .”

by Dr. John Harvey

Sermon in a Sentence: Jesus gives us new lives to live. 

Paul sets out his teaching in three steps: what we were, what God did, and who we are.

Verses 1-3 remind us of what we were then.

We were dead in our trespasses and sins (v.1)—not almost dead, not partially dead, not sort of dead. We had zero righteousness, zero holiness, zero knowledge of what it means to know God, and zero ability to choose for God.

We were dominated by “the prince of the power of the air” (v.2a)—Satan controlled us and our actions. Everything we did was dictated by the powers of this age: the world, the flesh, and the devil.

We were disobedient just like everyone else who is “in Adam” (v.2b)—we might know what God wanted us to do—whether through a knowledge of his law or through conscience—but we did the opposite.

We were doomed to experience God’s wrath (v.3)—we were on a one-way conveyor belt to hell, where we would experience the full wrath of God for all eternity.

Isn’t that a lovely existence? Don’t you want to stay right there forever? But here’s the problem: we didn’t know there was anything better. Dead, dominated, disobedient, and doomed was the only existence we knew. But there’s good news.

Verses 4-7 remind us of what God did.

Verse 4 begins with these words: “But God . . .” With those two words, the entire direction of our lives changed. We were headed for disaster, an eternity separated from God, but God stepped in and changed everything.

In 1:15-23, Paul talked about the great new power that raised Jesus from the dead, seated him at God’s right hand, and put everything under his feet (1:19-22). Now Paul tells us that God did the same thing for us—he made us alive with Jesus, he raised us with Jesus, and he seated us at God’s right hand with Jesus.

Why did God do it? Because of the great love with which he loved us (v.4). To what end did he do it? To show the surpassing riches of his grace (v.7). What’s the result? We talked about it last week: we were born again to a living hope (1 Pet 1:3).

Verses 8-10 remind us of who we are now.

We know verses 8-9 very well, but we sometimes stop there. If we do, we miss Paul’s point entirely. What’s Paul saying? He’s saying that it’s not about our works; it’s about God’s works. In fact, 2:10 says it pretty strongly: “His work we are.”

But there’s more. God made you alive, raised you, and seated you with Christ in heaven, so that you could make a difference on earth—so that you could walk in the good works he has “pre-prepared” for you.

We now have new lives to live, and we should live them according to the plan God has prepared for us and in the manner God expects of us.

You see, Jesus gives us new lives to live. We were dead, dominated, disobedient, and doomed.

But God made us alive with Christ, raised us with Christ, and seated us with Christ in the heavenlies. So, now, we have new lives to live. If you have been made alive, raised, and seated with Christ, what are the good works in which you should be walking?

Black History Week: A New Perspective on “Grace Relations"

By Naomi Balk, CIU Student Writer

CIU celebrated Black History Month with Dr. Charles Ware, executive director of Grace Relations at the College of Biblical Studies in Indianapolis. In a week of Chapel messages, Ware challenged students to allow “grace relations,” not just race relations, to characterize their association with people of different backgrounds and ethnicity.

The week was organized by CIU’s African American Student Association (AASA) bringing students together for an ice cream social, a Gathering or open forum, and a banquet.

AASA president, Brandon McClaine said that God was “truly speaking through the week.”

“There was a sense of growth and maturity [on campus],” McClaine said. “I think after this week, it’s up to us to continue in [the revival],” adding that students were empowered with “the right tools to go out and impact the community.”

Dr. Charles Ware challenges students to "grace relations" at Black History Month celebration.

In one Chapel message, Ware addressed the excellence of love from 1 John 4:9-11 and John 13. Instead of being called white or black, Ware said, “Color me love. That’s the command, because He loved us. … We need to be so free in His love that we can selflessly love others.”

He challenged the CIU student body, “Is the gospel powerful enough for racial reconciliation? Do we dare believe that we can move beyond race relations to the unity of grace relations?”

At the Gathering, Ware joined with CIU Philosophy Professor Dr. Jonathan Reibsamen and students who worshipped and engaged in a Socratic style discussion about race topics in a safe space.

The Banquet was a celebration of how far America has come in race relations, and a challenge to consider what it means to leave a legacy.

Bernard Backman, the grandfather of AASA’s event coordinator Donte’ Mackey, gave a charge to students.

“I was born in 1950. [The] era [of segregation] was my era,” Backman said. “We have come a long way. You meet no strangers, only friends, that’s something my mamma told me.”

Backman referenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream that his children would one day live in a nation where they are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

“King’s dream is remembered for the legacy of his dream which is reaching completion,” Backman said. He finished by challenging the students, “What’s your legacy going to be?”

George Huff, a CIU junior, said he was deeply moved by the banquet.

“AASA has positively moved our campus in an extraordinary and even inspiring way,” Huff said. “A lot of people talk about positively impacting culture, while AASA is actually doing it.”

Meanwhile in a personal interview with Charles Ware, he said he hopes the students have a good understanding of the love of Christ for them as sinners saved by grace, and are secure in that identity.

“Practically, they can create relationships with others,” Ware added. “We have to get to us-and-us conversations because in us-and-them conversations someone’s got to lose. But if Christ wins, we advance the kingdom of God. If I can (help some) see in that direction, praise God.”

Hear Black History Week Chapel messages with Dr. Charles Ware at CIU’s podcast page.

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