Who throw s the first stone Are you a good judge?

Phil 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. NIV

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, NIV

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to agree with everyone If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to agree with everyone! (every doctrine) 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill Doctrine matters! Essential Non essential “All religions the same” “We are all just trying to get to the same place” “One God, we are all just trying to get to him in a different way”

If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to agree with everyone If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to agree with everyone! But Doctrine Matters! Essential beliefs; Christ is preached Non-essential beliefs People need Jesus God, in love, sent Jesus Jesus died on the cross Jesus rose from the dead Jesus ascended to God Each person must individually decide to follow Jesus Those who receive Jesus have life (eternal) (Traditional orthodoxy holds to one God, made known in 3 persons---Trinity) How God created Is the future determined? Do we have a choice? Virgin birth or young maiden? How will Jesus come again? How will the end of the world come about? Is it OK to use musical instruments in worship?

If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to agree with everyone If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to agree with everyone! (every doctrine) 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill… Early denominationalism His teaching is getting more followers than my teaching! I think my (our) teaching is better The Covenant 5, make that 6 affirmations Life is too short! Stop arguing! Seek what is common among Christian denominations!

If Christ is preached, then… …you don’t have to approve of their motives …but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

What is important is that Christ is preached! The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, There will always be a remnant Underground church Do not leave a campfire (Cannot stamp out the embers) The way to kill a fire; separate the embers They stop burning Their glow fades Satan knows it Dictators know it Their warmth cools The church of Jesus Christ Believe subtle lies that we don’t need the church But we do For all it’s problems, pettiness, bickering, the world needs the church

So What? Making Faith Fun Again Seek the common beliefs in Christian groups Don’t be a self appointed judge; be glad Make your own list of “essential” beliefs Do you really believe your own list? Be a bridge builder in the Christian community Are you willing to learn from someone who believes very differently from you?

Making Faith Fun Again Live the adventure! RISK! Be Content in your position in Christ Move from belief to faith Maintain joy by living your call Speak when the “God moments” happen Make Missions Happen anonymously- give Paul had a huge dream; go back to/create yours