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Beyond Conflict: The Church moves Forward
Manage episode 297783238 series 2953038
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In this scriptural exposition of 2 Corinthians, Rev. Paul approaches the wide theme of church conflict found throughout both letters of 1st and 2nd Corinthians. With 80% of US churches in some stage of plateau or decline, its sadly very likely many Christians are all to familiar with such things.
But the issue isn't impossible, and the solution isn't even to be found in some new program or technique. It's not about music, politics, style, or superficial things, but about being faithful to the reason why the church exist in the first place! [As explained in the first 4 sermons in the series (only 1 and 4 were recorded)] The congregation in Corinth was struggling with multiple issues, so this sermon treats the main faucets of the conflict.
But the key problem was, it was stuck. Does your Church or Christian walk seem stuck? Moving forward is actually quite easy as Rev. Leonard explains. It just takes being dissatisfied enough to actually leave Egypt!
Rev. Leonard's primary thesis is the solution the Apostle Paul advocated was not dwelling on the existing conflict, but on moving forward with the church's true calling. The wisdom being to fold, as old conflict grow smaller in the rear view mirror, and a more broadly mature church of tomorrow can address issues that elude its maturity today.
In the first part, Rev. Paul looks at the Apostle's solution, sending Titus, and delves into the key instructions he gives Titus in Titus 3:7-10. Titus is instructed to remind the people to grow in good works, and to avoid being divisive. Often, churches are divided, but how exactly do we diagnose it?
Second, the Church's commision is "as you go Make Disciples" (Matt), but sometimes the "going" part gets tough. This is a timely message for anyone who is eager to see their church move forward, is wondering why old problems linger, and wonders what attitudes we can take to do something about it. With examples from life, this message shows why this is vital.
It's been a long time since Rev. Leonard has clocked in a message over 20 minutes; this message is so relevant to today, to the majority of churches, that it is worth going into the issue at length.
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