”’…bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Eph. 4:1–3). The question is: in this divided world, how can we foster this kind of unity within the church? And one answer is: by remembering our union with Christ.” - 9 Marks
‘Revelation 5:9 and 7:9 paint a glorious picture of the Church: redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, united in worship. These saints come from every imaginable background—linguistic, cultural, social, and generational. Though they are one in Christ, they retain their distinctiveness.” - P&D
“Notice Paul’s first question: ‘Has Christ been divided?’ … . The cure, then, for church conflict begins by understanding that Christ Himself is united. Christ is not at rivalry, or in competition, or at war within Himself.” - Cripplegate
“…those who build their reputations on destroying the reputations of others will end up with terribly dark lives.” - C.Leaders
“A misguided view of spirituality affects how others and oneself are viewed. Being ‘wrong’ on some issue is viewed as a spiritual problem, and being ‘right’ is often treated as if it comes from a closer walk with God. This can end up with both sides infected with pride and judgmentalism.” - Dave Doran
May I confess that theological triage, as commonly presented, does not work for me?
Some twenty years ago, Albert Mohler (2004) offered sage advice that Christians should discern between (1) those doctrines which are the “most central and essential to the Christian faith,” whose denial marks one as not being a Christian; (2) those doctrines which are recognized as preventing fellowship within a church or association; and (3) those variations in doctrinal belief which can be accommodated within a church or association. There is merit to this form of ranking, as it is centered on those things which are “of first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3–4).
“A 25-hour-long event broadcast last weekend from seven locations around the world, Gather25 is the latest effort to bring together the global church for worship across tribes and tongues.” - CToday
“The Lord calls believers to love, forgive, and accept one another—precisely because He has loved, forgiven, and accepted us in Christ.” - Ligonier
“All who love the gospel must pray for a greater sense of the virtuousness of catholicity. And yet in an era where marginalized believers look for as many allies as possible, I fear more of us might need to pray that our catholicity doesn’t become a vehicle for compromise.” - 9 Marks
“The Internet leads to ‘context collapse.’ It places into a space that is intrinsically faceless and lacks geographic borders. That space generalizes language and thought, ignores the very real differences between people and places, and pushes us toward highly generic ways of speaking and thinking.” - 9 Marks
