The Core of Christianity

In Ephesians 4:3, Christians are called to "Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace". With so many denominations that come under the umbrella of Christianity, how can we possibly do this? God has been so gracious to create each one of us with different gifts, passions, talents, abilities and experiences. He also has blessed us with free will and thought – likes, dislikes, opinions, and preferences. We are not all created exactly alike because it shows the vastness of God.  But sometimes our differences become a hindrance to us being the church. They get in the way of how we are to function as the body of Christ.  Let’s face it, just because God has called us and chosen us, doesn't mean that we have achieved perfection. We are still human and have to deal with the effects of the Fall. We still have a sinful, selfish nature part of us, yet God has invited us to live in relationship with Him and each other. How do we do this?

The answer is by understanding this diagram. It was recently shared with me by my good friend and fellow pastor, Dave Argue. It is taken from John 14:6 where Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life".

The core truth of Christianity is that Jesus is Lord. He was with God in the beginning. He was God, became flesh, lived and died - rose again the third day - now seated at the right hand of God. (John 1:1-2, 14, Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:6-11,  Romans 10:9). Jesus was not just a teacher, but is Lord of the universe, the Savior of all people and Ruler of life. He is worth dying for.

The next circle is doctrine. This is a group of denominational formulations of faith. They are developed in the midst of Bible study and experience. Such things might include belief about water baptism, the Lord's Supper, Sabbath observance, original sin - to name a few. These are topics to debate.

The third circle is convictions. These are strongly held matters of private conscience, personal beliefs of what is a right lifestyle and behavior. These are for dialogue.

Dave Argue writes, "Hopefully as we understand truth in this way, we will die for what is central to our faith but not kill for what is not. We will debate heartily the formulations of doctrine, but not cease to love those whose doctrinal positions differ from ours. And we will remember that truth reaches to the outer circle too. How enriched we are by the dialogue that sharpens our convictions."

Spiritual Leadership

“Spiritual leadership springs forth in grace from our very desire for God’s presence. This does not take effort or striving. It takes courage, a kind of showing up, attentiveness.

—Gerald May

In God's hands

The future is in God’s hands, not yours.... Try only to make use of each day; each day brings its own good and evil, and sometimes what seems evil becomes good if we leave it to God... 

—François Fenelon (seventeenth-century cleric)

Prayer for Syria

God of Compassion,

Hear the cries of the people of Syria,
Bring healing to those suffering from the violence,
Bring comfort to those mourning the dead,
Strengthen Syria's neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees,
Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms,
And protect those committed to peace.
God of Hope,
Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies,
Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria,
And give us hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Prince of Peace and Light of the World,
Amen

Source: Catholic Relief Services (used with permission)