The Truth Matters and How We Share It Does As Well

This week during the routine Theological Life session at 6:30am in the morning (this is a group of young adults that discuss theology before the rest of the West Coast wakes up) we talked about calling other Christians out for what we see as misguided theology or misinterpreted scriptures. Are we called to be "unity at all costs" types of people or are there things we must stand for and speak out about? This is the tension of a technology and information saturated culture. Everyone has an opinion and everyone has a global platform to share it.

It is far too easy to call our the heresy of the other than it is to admit we personally have preached something wrong. So how do we live as salt in this cultural reality and still cling to the things that are important? I suggest we use as a guide two ideas 1) the truth matters & 2) so does how we share it.

The truth, as best as we can interpret it, demands to be proclaimed and error should be shown for what it is. There are central truths of the Christian faith that as people of faith we must cling to. It gets sketchy here because we each have our own list of essentials. We should not however be shy about holding truths and being passionate about them. I am big on grace, so when I hear something others than grace I want to stand up and tell the truth of Christ. I think it is a truth that matters greatly.

At the same time how we share the truth matters greatly as well. The group of young theologians usually conclude that in order to communicate truth well we should be in relationship. That ruins it for the world of social media. I might write a post about some truth but it sounds like nothing more than noise unless we have relationship and you know I care enough about you to be honest and call you to something better. So we are careful to share the truth in relationship. The gospel we scream at the top of our lungs to the whole world - the truth about using scripture well and avoiding unprofitable perspectives, we share in relationship. I don't always do this well, but thankfully there is grace for that and I am learning a better way.

The truth is vitally important and when asked what we believe to be true we must convey it with clarity and humility. And it is best shared where there is enough relationship to make a difference.

What do you think? How can we stand for truth with grace?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Artisan Disruption

This week while in Phoenix for a couple of stirring days thinking about equipping the church and living into our missional calling together I experienced artisan disruption.  The lads and I were heading to the second day of the gathering and decided to find some local coffee spot to fuel our morning. When the first stop was closed we rounded the corner into another shop that pushed against our attempts at constant efficiency.  Inside a small art gallery (which also had a hair salon) there was a coffee bar, with one barista doing more than just making drinks, he was making art. The guy had form, precision, and and exacting hand as he made each drink.  The line was out the door yet he carried on, unhurried, unhindered by demand. He was the artisan.  At first I felt out of place. After all I am the guy who drinks from carafes at Panera because I have a sip membership. So to be in a bespoke establishment pulled me out of my element to begin with. This is a discomfort I enjoy
Read more

We don't need better slogans we need to better understand grace

Admit it, you, like me have wasted entirely too much time thinking of new acronyms and poster ideas that will launch us into holiness. And all that we have achieved is lame preaching on being "better" and trying harder and the realization that we fail time and time again. We don't get grace. Matt Chandler is staring this problem in the face and calling it out. "The problem as I perceive it as a Pastor is that most of those who claim to know and love God want to see sin lose its power in their lives and walk in greater intimacy with Christ; most are exhausted and have been trying to mortify sin by promises and threats rather than through the weapons grace provides. By "promises" I mean they believe that they will have life to the “full” and get a great house in heaven if they behave in this manner or that manner..." "Another very popular sport... is fighting residual sin with our own vows and resolution—these become our defense.  In the end, you a
Read more

Art Azurdia on Spirit-Empowered Preaching

This week the Philadelphia Partnership hosted Dr. Art Azurdia. The partnership's goal is to encourage and edify pastors in Eastern Washington, three times a year through preaching from respected influencers. Art was asked to preach on what it means to be Spirit-empowered preachers. In his two sessions he challenged assumptions and gave pastors a thorough study of scripture on being filled with the Spirit and emboldened to preach. I am pleased to share these sessions with you and encourage you to share them with others. In session one, Art showed us that Spirit-empowered preaching must share Spirit-purpose. [vimeo http://vimeo.com/85478195] In the second session, Art walked through Acts and revealed the fruit of being filled. [vimeo http://vimeo.com/85478194]   Many thanks to Art Azurdia for joining us and special thanks to Dave Stone for capturing these sermons.
Read more