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?