An author that taught the message of union with Christ with a God-centered perspective was DeVern Fromke. Books such as The Ultimate Intention are on the required reading list for Network220.org counseling ministries. I appreciated some personal calls and correspondence with him in his later years. Brother Fromke went to be with the Lord a couple of years ago. Author Frank Viola posted his respects for Devern Fromke’s ministry at Frank’s popular blog:

“One of my mentors has gone to be with the Lord. A treasured spiritual luminary has left this earth. DeVern Fromke is now with God. He was 93.

“I met DeVern in 1993 along with Stephen Kaung (disciple of Watchman Nee)… Fromke ministered in conferences with the man who has had the most influence on my life, T. Austin-Sparks–though Sparks left this realm before I ever heard his name. All of these men gave me my foundation in the Eternal Purpose of God. And I still marvel at the depth of revelation whenever I read Sparks…

“He, along with Kaung and Sparks, were pioneers of God’s Ultimate Purpose. I’m grateful for his life and legacy. Beyond everything else, he showed me how to carry the Lord’s highest message without being egotistical or high-minded. DeVern was a portrait of the humility of Christ in a gifted vessel.”

Posted by Frank Viola, October 29, 2016 https://frankviola.org/2013/02/22/devernfromke

DeVern Fromke’s books for adults and children are still available at https://fromke.com/

-JBW

“When children are little, they are happy to boast about their dads … how big they are … how strong they are … My Dad Is The Best Dad In The Universe is my best attempt to boast in the same way about my Heavenly Father.”

“Each line in this 12 minute video was inspired by a Bible passage … Over 150 in total!
This video can be downloaded for free along with the audio narration and text.”

When you visit AbbasKids.com, download the free video, Cartoon Gallery and PDF books by Barry Adams. They are full of visual grace-and-truth for children of all ages!

Just Be A Friend / Out Reach Groups
is a collection of articles dedicated to providing Evangelism & Discipleship helps to local churches to encourage their congregations to get out into their communities to share Christ wherever the need.

The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20, is the New Testament Church’s Call to Service and to Faithfulness. This collection of articles is concise, brief and to the point. It’s purpose is to get a church’s congregation out into the community to just be a friend to others in Jesus’ Name through small outreach groups …

It is extremely important to realize that this is not a campaign. Campaigns are good in that they cause us to carry out and practice what we should be doing and need to be doing for the sake of the Great Commission. But they are literally close dated … What we do justbeafriend.org has realized much more as a success for the Glory of God and His Kingdom’s Work as we make these truths a daily practice of our church’s daily walk 365 days a year every year. This emphasis has to come from the top down. From the pastor to the congregation.

https://justbeafriend.org/

Ian Thomas’ books such as The Saving Life of Christ and The Mystery of Godliness continue to be accurate and dependable resources to share the message of the Exchanged Life. We believe this New Covenant perspective should be central to pastoral ministry. Thomas was used of the Lord to launch the Capernwray Bible Institutes in various countries. Derek Burnside teaches at the mother school in England. In this online video message, Derek speaks on the topic “I’m in Christ and He’s in Me” (John 14:20). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOoczLDCUOw

A couple of years ago I met a team from Long Hollow Baptist Church. I picked up a copy Rediscovering Discipleship: Making Jesus’ Final Words Our First Work by their lead pastor, Robby Gallaty, and Ed Stetzer. Robby emphasizes the value of adding a “D Group” to the local church’s disciple-making model. This group is a gender-specific group of about 3 that includes more accountability and intentionality. In Rediscovering Discipleship he relates this model to the disciple-making the New Testament and of John Welsey.

Last weekend I was in Nashville and had the opportunity to worship at Long Hollow. Pastor Robby was concluding a series on the basics of this disciple-making path–“Modern Disciple.” The messages include:

• You Need the Church and the Church Needs You (1 Cor. 12:12-19)
• Find Community (Acts 2:41-47)
• Making Jesus’ Last Words Our First Work (Matt. 28:16-20)
• Every Member is a Minister (Eph. 4:11-14)

You can view or listen to these foundational messages here: LongHollow.com

– JBW

A new five part video series by Phil Jones has been posted. The theme of union with Christ is a foundational theme for personal renewal. See the introductory message and links at the FBC Powelll page under the Videos tab on this site.

And here is a PDF Bible study document on this theme by John Woodward: Believers_Fourfold_Union_With_Christ

• Sessions 1, 2: “Verify Your Salvation” – Dr. Phil Young
• Sessions 3, 4: “New Life in Christ” – Dr. Dan Riley
• Sessions 5, 6: “The Spirit-Filled Life & Victory” – Dr. Phil Jones

• I was indulgent and unrestrained.  Marked by these in some degree or another: anger, temper, gossip, discord, frustration, anxiety, worry, harshness, meanness, doubt, unbelief, rebellion, and disobedience.
• My life existed without spiritual sweetness: no aroma; no magnetism; no authenticity; no glow; no victory; no rest; no fruit; no abiding; no surrender; no death to me.
• For many of us on the outside all looks in order: our Christian dress, attendance, service, offerings, praise, prayers, devotions.
• But all emanating from self-conforming and performing of the Christian culture.
• We have replaced serving the world with serving God believing that in that service comes true spiritual growth, fruit and rewards.  
• In other words, “The show had no glow.”

• One full of agape love, joy, calm delight, peace of mind and spirit, enduring patience toward self and others, softness in manner , acting benevolently toward others without any thought of return, confidence and assurance in God, humility and genuine meekness, the ability to be spirit controlled in conversation and in the necessities and needs of life and in one’s relationship to God.