Chip Brogden's Meditations & News Please Join Live Disscussion Online.

April 26, 2012


Hello Elaine,

Tonight's webinar has been cancelled due to an illness in the
family - mine!

We'll resume next Thursday at the usual time. You can register
and/or listen to replays here:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index


I am your brother,


Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

---------------------------------

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and
maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based
discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion.

To find out more about us, click here:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/about

You can also connect with us on...
Facebook - https://facebook.com/TheSchoolOfChristOrg
Twitter - http://twitter.com/schoolofchrist
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/chipbrogden


(c)2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for
non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Hello Elaine,


Paul said you may have 10,000 instructors in Christ, but not many fathers.

Today we probably have 100,000,000 instructors, teachers, preachers, leaders and gurus... but still, not many fathers.



Why is that?

Join us tonight as we discuss the apostolic heart: what it isn't, what it is, why it's rare, and why we need it:

http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index


Your support of The School of Christ helps us to make these live webinars available for free. Thank you!





I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

P.S. We do these live events every Thursday night. Don't wait for the reminder because one day it may not come. Or it may be too late. Or I may just want to see who shows up without having to be reminded. It's called "taking responsibility for your own spiritual growth and maturity." Don't wait to be told what to do - seize the day, buy up the opportunities, and redeem the time. We do this every Thursday at 8:00 p.m. eastern time, and the registration page is always the same:


http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index


If you can't join us live, you can always catch the replays on this page too. Stay strong!

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Hello Elaine,


Do you ever become "weary of well-doing"?

Sometimes I get "caught up" in the busy-ness of life and forget why I'm here and what I'm supposed to be doing.

Then I get an email like this and it helps me reconnect with my mission.

"Something to think about. Every day there is an Infinite Supply daily devotional in my mail box from The School of Christ. I have to confess most of the time I just delete it because I have so much going on and no time to read it. I say to myself I already know what it says so I don't need to read it. But today I felt the need to open it. It was talking about the gift of Christ. While reading the devotional I was shown: IS it more important to my life and well-being to read store sales fliers, daily gossip from friends, news updates about the crazy world we live in, commentaries telling me their opinions about what is going on in the world, and the list goes on and on. If it were my birthday you know I would make sure to read every email wishing me a happy birthday. Somehow I think we (well I did) get things turned around a bit and lost where my focus should be. The School of Christ takes time everyday to send a daily reminder to me sharing and reminding me of the blessings I have in Christ and where my thoughts should be. I just want to say thank you to The School of Christ for always standing for Christ in such a messed up world and helping me to keep my focus." --D. E.

Lots of things compete for your attention these days.

You have to be intentional about what you choose to focus on. You'll get whatever you consistently seek.

So if you'd like to start your day with a short daily reminder of what's REALLY important, you can sign up for Infinite Supply FREE right here:

http://theschoolofchrist.org/infinitesupply


Stay on the path my friends!





I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

April 12, 2012


Hello Elaine,

Most Christians are carnal!

And that's normal...

Unless they stay that way for several years. Then it's a problem!

What is the difference between being carnal and being spiritual?

How does one progress from carnality to spirituality?

Join us for the live teaching tonight and find out!


You can register for it here (free, but space is limited):


http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index




And if you missed last week's live teaching, you can listen to the replay here:

http://theschoolofchrist.org/mp3/1corinthians2.html


Hope to see you tonight!




I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

April 8, 2012


Hello Elaine,

As we remember the resurrection of our Lord, it is an appropriate time to point out the real significance of Christ being raised from the dead. If Christ is not raised, then our faith is in vain. But Christ has risen, and so our faith is alive.

But while many celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we who know the ways of God "more accurately" also celebrate the fact that the resurrection of Christ means not only His raising from the dead, but our raising from the dead as well. We are the crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, ascended, seated, and overcoming Branches of a crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, ascended, seated and overcoming Vine. Because God has identified us with Christ, His life, death, and resurrection have become our life, death, and resurrection as well.


The following excerpt represents this wonderful spiritual truth. I hope it gives yet another dimension for you to consider on this day of Resurrection - yours, ours, and His.




CB


----------------------------------


Identification With Christ

by Chip Brogden

Paul says something very peculiar in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Does Paul mean to say that he was physically there with Christ on the Cross when Jesus died? We know that Jesus was crucified between two thieves and that Paul was probably not even present at the actual, historical event of the crucifixion of Christ.

Then, Paul says that even though he was crucified, he lives. Does Paul mean to say that he was raised from the dead with Jesus also? If so, why have we not heard about this before now? Finally he says he is not really living at all, but Christ lives in him. To the natural mind, of course, this all sounds very strange. This is why we must discern spiritual things spiritually.

It should be obvious that Paul is talking about something other than a physical crucifixion and a physical death, burial, and resurrection. Although he says, "I was crucified with Christ" he does not mean that he was present with Christ in the flesh at the moment of crucifixion; instead, he intends to show us something much more profound. We will soon discover that this experience of being crucified with Christ is not unique to the apostle Paul, but is true of every born-again child of God. Not only Paul, but all disciples of Jesus have been crucified with Christ.

How is this possible? The Bible says that there is an invisible but very powerful union that exists between Jesus and all His disciples; they are one Body. It is a spiritual union. This spiritual union forms the basis of our relationship and fellowship with Christ. Jesus says, "I am the True Vine... live in Me, and I will live in you" (Jn. 15:1,4a). Jesus compares this union to a vine that has many branches. Each branch lives in union with the vine. The same life flowing in the vine is also flowing in the branches. Jesus says He is the True Vine, and we are His branches. This is spiritual union. As branches, we can only grow and produce spiritual fruit so long as we continue to live, dwell in, abide, and be part of the Vine. So then, union with God is not the reward for spirituality; it is the basis of spirituality...


Read the rest of this article, or share your comments:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/identification-with-christ.html

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

March 17, 2012


Hello Elaine,

Hope you're having a great weekend!


We've just posted three webinar replays to the website - Second Thessalonians 1, 2, and 3. You can listen to them here:


http://theschoolofchrist.org/mp3/2thessalonians1.html
http://theschoolofchrist.org/mp3/2thessalonians2html
http://theschoolofchrist.org/mp3/2thessalonians3.html


It has been a rich series. I'm always sad to see a series come to an end.


But the best way to get over that sadness is to start a new series!


So next week we'll begin a huge undertaking: First and Second Corinthians, one chapter at a time.


We'll start with an introduction to the series next week. You can register for it here:

http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index





This series is going to be a real eye-opener. I hope you'll invite a friend and join us on an exciting journey through God's Word.




I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears

March 14, 2012


Hello Elaine,

I stand by the statement I made last week:

"What most Christians believe about the Second Coming of Christ and the End Times does NOT come from their own careful, prayerful, Spirit-led study of the Scriptures. It comes from believing what the pastor, preacher, or Bible prophecy writer told them."


Then I realized that this is the case with many things we were taught in Churchianity - things we never bothered to check into for ourselves.



For example, I keep hearing that "we must love and accept everyone, because we're all on different paths leading to God."

No doubt we should love everyone - even our enemies.


But I'm sorry... Scripture does not teach that we should accept everyone. Nor does it teach that everyone's path leads to God.




Tomorrow night I'll give you at least THREE EXAMPLES of people in the typical church or fellowship who should always be REJECTED - in love! And we'll talk about why, and how. Not based on my opinion, but based on Scripture.


Click the link below to register for the online live teaching:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

Looking forward to interacting with you!





I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org




P.S. If you didn't sign up to get the free chapter from my new book, what are you waiting for? Here's the link:

http://theschoolofchrist.org/newbook.html

(My friend reminded me that the letters in this book were written over the course of thirteen years, not ten. My how time flies...)

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

March 7, 2012


Hello Elaine,

What most Christians believe about the Second Coming of Christ and the End Times does NOT come from their own careful, prayerful, Spirit-led study of the Scriptures. It comes from believing what the pastor, preacher, or Bible prophecy writer told them.


For example, most Christians have been taught that Jesus is coming to "rapture" them before the Tribulation happens, and therefore, before the Antichrist appears.


This clearly contradicts what Scripture really teaches - that Christ will not return UNTIL certain things happen. And one of those things is the Man of Sin (Antichrist) must be revealed first.


This seems pretty simple. So how do so many people miss it?


"You do err," Jesus said, "Because you don't know the Scriptures, or the power of God."




So if the Harlot Church misled us about the return of Christ, what else did it mislead us about?


We'll talk about some more "signs of His return" tomorrow night. Click the link below to register for the online live teaching:


http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

Looking forward to digging deeper with you.





I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

March 05, 2012


Hello Elaine,


I received a surprising and very unusual gift on Christmas morning a couple of months ago.

This gift was ten years in the making. So that was interesting.

But even more interesting was the fact that I was the one who made it.

How could I take ten years to make my own Christmas gift and still be surprised by it?

Let me tell you the rest of the story and it will make sense.

What I got on Christmas morning was an email from a friend of mine.

Attached to the email was a document containing most of the letters I had written to my friend over the last ten years or so.

My friend had taken all my personal thoughts and confidential musings and ramblings and put them together into a single volume organized by subject, with a table of contents.

The Table of Contents looked like this:

1. Ministry
   
2. Led by the Spirit
   
3. Leadership
   
4. The Church
   
5. Religion
   
6. Judgment
   
7. Judging
   
8. Fellowship
   
9. Community
   
10. Relationships
    
11. Giving Correction
    
12. Receiving Opposition
    
13. Teaching
    
14. Truth
    
15. The Cross
    
16. Prayer
    
17. The Kingdom
    
18. Faith
    
19. The Prophetic
    
20. The Last Days
    
21. Revelation
    

Altogether, this collection of letters added up to nearly 60,000 words of never-before-seen writings.

My friend's spouse (not someone prone to exaggeration) read this collection and commented, "This is better than the stuff he usually writes!"

So they sent it to me on Christmas morning, along with the suggestion that it be published for the benefit of the Body of Christ.

I was intrigued, but unconvinced.

I wanted to know what was so special about these letters that would make them "better" than what I usually write.

So I spent most of Christmas day opening up the time capsule of my own life and reading my letters to a friend.

By the time I finished, I understood what makes them different.

First, these letters are a good example of what I call "straight talk." Writing a letter to one person is much different than writing an article or book for thousands of people. You may not believe this to hear me teach, but I still have a little of the old pastoral habit of holding back a little so as not to unnecessarily offend too many people. With my friend, there was no need to hold anything back. It's the kind of straight talking, plain speaking that people seem to appreciate.

Second, these letters are simple and to the point. Again, when writing for a mass audience, you want to try and keep it simple, but you do have to take into account that everyone is at different levels. It takes time to communicate ideas. You have to go slowly, build a foundation, be thorough, and develop your points one at the time so people can keep up. With my friend, I dispensed with all that and just gave my highest and best possible insights without a lot of puffery.

Third, it's brutally honest. For people in general, it isn't wise to be brutally honest. Even with His disciples, Jesus said there were many things He wanted to say to them, but they couldn't bear it. The truth will make you free, but first it will make you mad! I don't like confrontation and I prefer to teach people and bring them around slowly. But sometimes you just have to be brutally honest and tell people like it is, and fortunately with my friend, I was able to do that.

So after much prayer, discussion with Karla, and allowing myself to be persuaded, we're moving forward with publishing these letters for the edification, encouragement, and instruction of the Remnant.

Since this decision was only recently made, the book isn't ready to order yet... but if you sign up at the link below, I'll send you a free chapter from the book when it goes to press later this month.

Click the link below to sign up for the free chapter:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/newbook.html

Thank you for your support of Christ-centered teaching.




I am your brother,



Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

February 22, 2012


Hello Elaine,

Last week's teaching on the Return of Christ generated a lot of interest. Thanks to everyone who participated!

This week's teaching is Part 2, dealing more with the timing of His return.

To join us online for the live teaching tomorrow night, click here:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

(If you missed a session, you can listen to all the replays from this link as well.)

See you tomorrow night!





I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

P.S. If you're looking for the four-part audio series that goes into greater depth, you can find out more about it here:

http://theschoolofchrist.org/listen/the-rapture-fact-or-fantasy.html

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

February 15, 2012


Hello Elaine,

I'll get right to the point...

This week's live teaching is on the return of Christ.

You're going to learn the difference between the "Rapture" and the "Second Coming of Christ."


The difference is huge. It's the difference between religious tradition and Biblical truth.
Given the interest in this subject (together with the release of our audio teaching on the Rapture last week), we expect this live webinar to fill up fast.


So click on this link to register now (f.r.e.e.):
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

Please note that registration doesn't guarantee your space. You'll need to login early to make sure you can get it.

(Kind of like the wise and foolish virgins - if you snooze, you lose!)

See you tomorrow night!





I am your brother,

Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

February 5, 2012


Hello Elaine,

February is a special month for us.

My birthday is in February.

My wife's birthday is in February.

Our wedding anniversary is in February.

And our escape from "Churchianity" happened in February, 1999.

If you aren't clear about what Churchianity is, take a look at this:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/escape-from-churchianity.html

If you need help making your own escape, or have questions, let us know. We understand. We've been there.




I am your brother,




Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

January 27, 2012


Hello Everyone,

Present truth is difficult to hear, but essential to your spiritual well-being in these last days.


Here is the replay from last night's teaching on "Walking Worthy"...
http://theschoolofchrist.org/mp3/1thessalonians2.html

Some listeners reported afterwards that the audio began breaking up as I started talking about the spirit of Antichrist. It wouldn't be the first time!


But the replay came through just fine, so the Testimony is secure.

Until next time!




I am your brother,




Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org





P.S. Bad news about Brittney - the MRI shows a torn ACL in her knee. She will need physical therapy, surgery, and more physical therapy. But she went to school today. Thank you for praying!

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears

January 25, 2012


Hello Everyone,

Our younger daughter (Brittney) injured her knee while snowboarding this week. She's in a brace and it looks like she's finished for the season. She's in some pain and will be embarrassed to know I'm talking about her, but we would appreciate your prayers for her!

Tomorrow night we continue our new series on the Second Coming of Christ. What should we be doing while we're waiting for Jesus to return? It's a good question... join us as we explore the answers!

Here's the link to register:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

Did you miss last week? You can listen to the replay from this link as well.

There is never a charge to register, but we appreciate any small donation to help defray the cost. Thank you!


See you soon!



I am your brother,




Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

Hello Everyone,

Hard to believe we are over halfway through January!

Tonight we're beginning a new series on the Second Coming of Christ. The first message is from First Thessalonians 1.

You can listen and participate right where you are. Here's the link to register:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

No charge to register, but space is limited (and we've been filling up spots since last week).
Have a great week!

I am your brother,


Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org


THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. http://theschoolofchrist.org/about
You can also connect with us on Facebook,

https://www.facebook.com/TheSchoolOfChrist.Org


Twitter http://twitter.com/schoolofchrist and
YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/chipbrogden

©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

January 13, 2012


Hi Everyone,

Winter has finally arrived in western New York... we've got a nice little snowstorm blowing outside.


Last night's teaching on "The Day of the Lord" was well-attended and has been posted in record time! You can listen to it here:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/mp3/2peter3.html

We're starting a new study next week on Thessalonians. Sign up (free) here:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index


Have a great weekend!




I am your brother,




Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.

January 10, 2012


Hello Everyone,

Hope you're having a great week. Karla is a little under the weather, but getting better. Still no snow for us in upstate New York.

Quick reminder: you're invited to join us online Thursday night for the Internet Bible Study. We'll discuss "The Day of the Lord" from Second Peter 3.

Here's the link to register, or to listen to last week's replay:
http://theschoolofchrist.org/learn/internet-bible-study-index

If you can join us live we would love to have you.



I am your brother,




Chip Brogden
http://TheSchoolOfChrist.Org

THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST is dedicated to your spiritual growth and maturity through Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Scripture-based discipleship that focuses on relationship, not religion. To find out more about us, click here. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
©2012 TheSchoolOfChrist.Org. Permission is granted for non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.