Tag Archives: unity

The Welcoming Church: talking with people who don’t trust religion

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When people say they don’t trust religion, they’re often reacting to how organizations or individuals may have failed them. But God won't fail you.

David just talked with a first-time visitor who complained, “This church is not right for me because I don’t trust religion.” He told us, “Many people feel uneasy about religion because they see it as an institution full of flaws or hypocrisy.” But from a biblical viewpoint, the heart of Christianity is not an institution—it’s a personal relationship with God Continue reading The Welcoming Church: talking with people who don’t trust religion→

What about people who are not mentioned in the Bible?

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A great multitude which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.

There are over 3000 people named in the Bible and it’s easy to think these people are more important to God and more loved by God than the rest of the people in the world. But this goes against the scriptural teachings on the universality of God’s image, sin, and redemption and also misses the inclusive mission of the church Continue reading What about people who are not mentioned in the Bible?→

They left us because they were not of us (1 John 2:19)

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Does 1 John 2:19 mean people that leave us are not saved?

Does 1 John 2:19 mean people that leave us are not saved? The interpretation of 1 John 2:19 has sparked debate among Christian groups, with some using the verse to label those who leave their local fellowship as unsaved and dangerous. This has led to the prohibition of fellowship, prayer, or even sharing meals with such individuals. However, it is Continue reading They left us because they were not of us (1 John 2:19)→

Acts 13 the most important inflection in the great commission

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Acts 13 is the most important inflection in the great commission: Paul commissioned by the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria to be a light to the ends of the earth

The Bible contains many superlative inflection points but Acts 13 is the most important for the church. Before Acts 13, most of the great commission happened in Jerusalem and Samaria, but it had not spread very far in a global sense. But at this great inflection point, in Acts 13, the gospel starts to spread throughout the world. And it Continue reading Acts 13 the most important inflection in the great commission→

Pursue a life of love as your highest priority

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Pursue a life of love as your highest priority like your life depends on it.

When the Apostle Paul wrote to a defiled, divided, and proud-of-it church in Corinth, he first rebuked their sins, and then he encouraged them to become a mature, loving, working church. Right in the middle of this encouragement, he told them, “Make love your highest priority!” Most churches need this same rebuke and encouragement today. A new commandment I give Continue reading Pursue a life of love as your highest priority→