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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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,

5. 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”

6. 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?

7. 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!

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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?

11. 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