Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Reconciliation

In 2006, a concerted effort was made by many members of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ to re-establish the cooperation that had existed among us in the 19th century. From the North American Christian Convention to the International Soul Winning Workshop, we were encouraged to pursue unity.

I support the reconciliation of Churches of Christ and Christian Churches. Both groups have a high degree of respect for the Bible, accepting it as inspired and accurate. We have a common desire to understand and follow its teachings. We accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We acknowledge our need to learn from him and to follow him. We know that we can be saved only by God's grace through trusting in Christ and what he has done for us in his death and resurrection. Both groups teach that the proper responses to God's grace are faith, repentance, and baptism (immersion) in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. Both networks of churches are evangelical in that we want the whole world to know what Jesus Christ has done to save us from the punishment that we deserve. The basics are in place for a high level of cooperation among us.

For the sake of Christ, we should reconcile whenever and wherever possible.

The apostle Paul wrote, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit---just as you were called to one hope when you were called---one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:1-6, NIV).

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

One problem with this is too many that want to reconcile also want to reconcile with those who do not believe that Faith's response is baptism for the forgiveness of sins. They wish to bring in all who make any kind of profession of faith. They use the instrument for leverage to other accept things. I personally am against the instrument. I am personally against denominationalism.

Anonymous said...

completely

humble and gentle


He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Psalm 25:9

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15




what kind of power is this?


How great is God—beyond our understanding! The number of his years is past finding out.
Job 36:26

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28



we will never agree

that is why we must obey


My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12

Terry Laudett said...

Anonymous,
Thanks for reading my blog.

Terry Laudett said...

Nancy,
Thanks for your encouragement to be humble, gentle, and loving. I appreciate your thoughtful responses to my posts as well as your blog.