So I came to this thread to hear Paul's insights on which of these QB's we have the best chance with. Came away with even more respect on how he navigates discussion of religious differenes.
If permitted I would weigh in on this topic simply by saying. Following the Bible and the commands of Jesus are paramount for all disciples of Christ. After living the last 6.5 years in a conservative Islamic culture amongst one of the most highly persecuted unreached people groups on the planet has helped give me some healthy perspective. We have house church here with some of the only other families of Christ followers here: our team (baptists), British Pentecostals, and Norwegian Lutherans. I hate to even write a denomination for myself as Christ designates us as Disciples, as does the rest of the NT (261 times in the first 5 books). What I have learned in our fellowship is that we have to be One Kingdom. One doesn't mean the same. It's like a bull's eye, we have to agree on the central things, some that have been mentioned here mostly pertaining to Christ, who He is, his authority, his divinity, his resurrection, and our place in heaven due to Him..as well as other things such as abiding, being led by the Spirit, having fruits of the spirt, etc. Other things (outer rings of the dart board), don't have to be 100% agreed upon; things like worship style, etc. Differences are okay and discussing them as well as being prepared to discuss them in a respectful manner (1 Peter 3:15), which including timing/method, is paramount.
This way of thinking becomes more obvious when the Kingdom NEEDS each other and must be united in one mission for one kingdom under one savior. Discussion certainly can be done in a healthy way and I would recommend any that truly want that discussion meet up for coffee in person or virtually so that tone and intent isn't missed over a keyboard.
Now, @Paul Strelow , tell me how we're gonna get Baker to be a tiger? Or at least tell me that we're actually going to upgrade through this QB situation. Thanks for your hard work! For many in this thread, keep laboring for the Kingdom!
Go Tigers!
If permitted I would weigh in on this topic simply by saying. Following the Bible and the commands of Jesus are paramount for all disciples of Christ. After living the last 6.5 years in a conservative Islamic culture amongst one of the most highly persecuted unreached people groups on the planet has helped give me some healthy perspective. We have house church here with some of the only other families of Christ followers here: our team (baptists), British Pentecostals, and Norwegian Lutherans. I hate to even write a denomination for myself as Christ designates us as Disciples, as does the rest of the NT (261 times in the first 5 books). What I have learned in our fellowship is that we have to be One Kingdom. One doesn't mean the same. It's like a bull's eye, we have to agree on the central things, some that have been mentioned here mostly pertaining to Christ, who He is, his authority, his divinity, his resurrection, and our place in heaven due to Him..as well as other things such as abiding, being led by the Spirit, having fruits of the spirt, etc. Other things (outer rings of the dart board), don't have to be 100% agreed upon; things like worship style, etc. Differences are okay and discussing them as well as being prepared to discuss them in a respectful manner (1 Peter 3:15), which including timing/method, is paramount.
This way of thinking becomes more obvious when the Kingdom NEEDS each other and must be united in one mission for one kingdom under one savior. Discussion certainly can be done in a healthy way and I would recommend any that truly want that discussion meet up for coffee in person or virtually so that tone and intent isn't missed over a keyboard.
Now, @Paul Strelow , tell me how we're gonna get Baker to be a tiger? Or at least tell me that we're actually going to upgrade through this QB situation. Thanks for your hard work! For many in this thread, keep laboring for the Kingdom!
Go Tigers!
