Despite Jesus' prayer that all Christians "be one," divisions have been epidemic in the body of Christ. Though we may think we know why this happens, Christena Cleveland says we probably don't. Learn the hidden reasons behind conflict and divisions, the unseen dynamics at work that tend to separate us from others. Here are the tools we need to build bridges.
These days, there’s no dirtier word than “divisive,” especially in religious and political circles. Claiming a controversial opinion, talking about our differences, even sharing our doubts can be seen as threatening to the goal of unity. But what if unity shouldn’t be our goal? In Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us, Layton E. Williams proposes that our primary calling as humans is not to create unity but rather to seek authentic relationship with God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us. And that means actively engaging those with whom we disagree. Our religious, political, social, and cultural differences can create doubt and tension, but disunity also provides surprising gifts of perspective and grace. By analyzing conflict and rifts in both modern culture and Scripture, Williams explores how our disagreements and differences—our disunity—can ultimately redeem us.
With this manifesto, John Dupré systematically attacks the ideal of scientific unity by showing how its underlying assumptions are at odds with the central conclusions of science itself.
Christians cannot remain indifferent to the divisions in the Church today. In this study guide companion, Chan draws on the gospel infused message of Until Unity to remind readers that Church unity is not optional. This study guide includes: Deeper exploration of every chapter in Until Unity Free original videos with Francis Chan Tips for leading and participating in a small group Scripture passages and reflection questions Prompts for group and individual prayer Chan’s emphasis on worship and praise, along with his passionate teaching, make this guide a unique and life-changing exploration of why unity is not just God’s wish for His Church—it’s His command.
Christians have not always presented an inviting picture to the world. Too often we have failed to show the beauty of authentic Christian love. And the world has disregarded Christianity as a result. Francis A. Schaeffer challenges Christians to respond compassionately to a needy world and to show the mark of Christ in all their actions.
Division. Polarization. Strife. That's life-as-usual in today's world. But it shouldn't describe the church. It's time for Christians to listen, reach out, and work together for the common good. But how can God's people achieve true unity in a fallen world? What sort of cooperation is actually possible? Luder Whitlock has an answer-a good one-and an appeal. He shows how we can learn from studying God's views on church unity and from historical schisms as well as agreements. And, once we embrace the goal of unity, Whitlock points us to specific, realistic steps we can take to realize a united community under God. Book jacket.
Churches all over the world work to spread the gospel of Christ, but this work is done in many different ways by many different denominations. Jesus and Paul were quite clear that the church of God was to be in total unityespecially with regard to the teachings of the gospel. So how do we bring the many denominations into a unity that will enhance a genuine team effort to present the true gospel to the world? In Unity in the Faith, author Bradford Mark Rosenquist shows why church unity across all denominations is an absolutely necessary work that must be accomplished for gospel success. First outlining what church unity is and what has been a historical obstacle to this unity, Rosenquist goes on to show how integral unity is to the gospel message of Christ. In the end, Unity in the Faith provides both an analysis of unity as well as a roadmap that Christians and church leaders can use to promote true unity in their congregations. It takes a cooperative effort to reach the world with the truth about Jesus and the kingdom of God. The universal body of Christ must therefore overcome the current disunity so that as one we can live up to Christs admonition to go into all the world and preach the gospel.
Denominations. The mention of the word is often enough to spark strong reactions, regardless of whether one is for or against them. This hopeful new volume, made up of contributions from prominent evangelical leaders, argues for the importance of denominations, highlighting their significant strengths while acknowledging potential weaknesses. Contributors from a variety of backgrounds (Anglican, Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, and Methodist) share their own personal stories related to why they identify with a particular tradition and yet still maintain a robust sense of evangelical unity across denominational lines. Far from merely highlighting differences, this book celebrates the unity that believers enjoy in the gospel for the purpose of fostering productive dialogue and increased understanding within the fragmented landscape of modern evangelicalism.
Soon after Joshua DeKirt discovers time-travel, he is approached by a reclusive billionaire with a very strange request. Anaxander Lashe wants Joshua to kill him...but only at a precise moment in time. And so begins a great adventure, one most men would give anything to experience. But unbeknownst to Joshua, his agreement with Lashe has delivered him into a situation in which his very soul may be at stake, for he has unwittingly made a deal with the entity who has been foreordained to destroy the world.
