Synopses & Reviews
The Groundbreaking Book That Inspired a Return to the Principles of the New Testament Church
Includes Study Guide for Individual and Group Study
Do you long to experience the amazing energy and empowerment God gives to His people when they live in close, loving, caring community with Him and with one another? If so, this is the book you want to read, to implement, to build upon.
Body Life shows you how to practice deep koinonia fellowship, to carry one anothers burdens, to share one anothers hurts, confessing to one another, rejoicing with one another, encouraging one another, celebrating the diversity of our gifts and abilities while maintaining the unity of the Spirit. Using principles from Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, Ray Stedman helps you discover the dynamic purpose of the church and the exciting role of each member in the body of Christ.
“In Body Life, Ray C. Stedman uses the leverage of the Word itself to bring us back to the churchs real meaning and mission. With strong, convincing arguments he points to the weaknesses within the institutional church, and clearly reminds us of the strength inherent in Christs body, the true church.”
• BILLY GRAHAM
“This powerful books impact on the church has been significant. It is time that a new generation recognize the blessings that flow to those who accept Stedmans challenge . . . It is the first book that achieved widespread recognition for its emphasis on fellowship, the diversity of spiritual gifts, the “one anothers” of Scripture, and the importance of maintaining unity.”
• R. R., Aurora, CO
Review
In Body Life, Ray C. Stedman uses the leverage of the Word itself to bring us back to the church's real meaning and mission. With strong, convincing arguments he points to the weaknesses within the institutional church, and clearly reminds us of the strength inherent in Christ's body, the true church.
Synopsis
Ray Stedman's classic book on church renewal shows you how to help your church recapture the vigor and passion of the early church, a radical body of enthusiastic believers who spread the Word of God throughout the world! Includes study questions.
Synopsis
Ray Stedman shows you how to recapture the vigor and authenticity of the early churcha radical body of enthusiastic believers who spread the Word of God throughout the world! This bookconsidered a classic by manybrings you challenging questions that make
Body Life both personal and practical.
Body Life is a groundbreaking book inspiring churches and disciples to return to New Testament Christianity. Using principles from Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, Stedman helps you discover the dynamic purpose of the church and the exciting role you have to play in the body of Christ.
About the Author
Dr. Ray C. Stedman (1917-1992) grew up in the rugged cowboy country of Montana. Abandoned by his father when he was a young boy and emotionally cut-off from his mother, Ray had a ruggedly independent upbringing. Yet, through faith, he matured into one the great pastors, expositors, and spiritual leaders of the twentieth century. Todays church is filled with pastors and leadersmen like David Roper, Charles Swindoll, and Luis Palauwho consider him their mentor and lifelong friend. Ray was a mans man, who ended up being the father of four daughters. He and his family lived through the turbulent era of the 1960s and the Jesus Movement, a time of turmoil and heartache for Ray and his wife, Elaine, and a remarkable time of growth and expansion in his own ministry. Biblical teaching (exposition) was Rays calling and his passion, and he motivated people by the power of the preaching of the Word of God. He also inspired and taught many through the written word. With over nineteen books to his credit, from
Spiritual Warfare to his insightful commentary
Adventuring Through the Bible, Stedmans published works span the experiences of Christian life. Ray Stedmans preeminent goal was to be a faithful steward of the gifts God had given him. (Taken from the cover of
Portrait of IntegrityThe Life of Ray C. Stedman by Mark S. Mitchell)
Table of Contents
Foreword by Billy Graham /
7 Publishers Preface to the Revised Edition /
9 Chapter 1: The Most Powerful Force on Earth /
11 Chapter 2: The Churchs Highest Priority /
21 Chapter 3: Not Union—Unity! /
37 Chapter 4: All Gods Children Have Gifts /
57 Chapter 5: Discovering and Using Your Gifts /
75 Chapter 6: According to the Power /
85 Chapter 7: How the Body Works /
95 Chapter 8: Shaping Up the Saints /
115 Chapter 9: The Work of the Ministry /
129 Chapter 10: Keeping the Body Healthy /
145 Chapter 11: The Goal Is Maturity /
161 Chapter 12: Impact! /
187 Body Life Problems and Solutions /
213 Study Guide /
219 Notes / 255