Articles for tag: Christian Unity

The Point of Christianity 3: Christian Reconciliation

Â By Douglas A. Foster Christ knew there would be trouble. He knew the human heart and its tendency toward pride. His intense prayer for his followers “that they may be one” was not a request for a good but optional addition to Christianity””unity was the very essence of it. The walls that separate humans were precisely what Christ came to destroy. Reconciliation is the point of Christianity! And reconciliation results in unity. Tragically, the very people Christ entrusted with his ministry of reconciliation built walls of separation. Christians destroyed the visible unity of Christ”s body. The spirit of division

May 20, 2009

More Than Talk About Unity

By Mark A. Taylor Most biblical ideals are easier to talk about than to practice. I may be able to quote Bible verses about love or patience or forgiveness or grace. But just let the neighbor”s dog wake me with its barking or my coworker across the aisle talk too loud on the phone, and let”s see how I express those virtues! Perhaps no value is easier to promote and also more difficult to experience than unity. Whenever I”m called upon to explain the Restoration Movement to someone who doesn”t know us, I”m faced with this reality. Soon into my

March 22, 2009

Apologetics & Worldview

The Point of Christianity

Â By Douglas Foster If you were to ask a non-Christian, “What is the point of Christianity?” what do you think he or she would say? Based on many people”s experience with professed Christians, he might say the point of Christianity is to make people as miserable and uptight as possible. Or that it is to shape people into vigilantes who get great satisfaction from attacking and destroying those with whom they differ””in the name of Christ and sound doctrine. Unfortunately there is ample evidence to back up these impressions. But what would you, a Christian and a reader of

July 13, 2008

Robert Lowery

Restoration Movement Q&A 2

Robert Lowery reflects on the Restoration Movement’s ongoing relevance, emphasizing John 17, Christian unity, Scripture, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the enduring call to world evangelism.

July 13, 2008

Pat Magness

Culture & Public Square Justice

Restoration Movement Q&A 4

Pat Magness reflects on her deepening commitment to the Restoration Movement, emphasizing local congregations, Christian unity, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and a Christ-centered faith.

July 6, 2008

Greg Taylor

A New Movement and the Choices We Must Make

Greg Taylor urges Christians to move beyond sectarian walls and join a wider Restoration Movement marked by justice, mercy, peacemaking, and service to the poor and powerless.

June 29, 2008

Guthrie Veech and John Mills

Mission & Evangelism

Stone-Campbell Dialogue Addresses Issues of Global Mission

Representatives of the three Stone-Campbell streams met in St. Louis to discuss global mission, Christian unity, overseas partnerships, and future cooperation among the churches.

June 1, 2008

Restoration Movement History Key Documents

One Church

TAKE THE QUIZ: “What Do You Know About the Declaration and Address“ By Victor Knowles Thomas Campbell stood at the rail of the ship and breathed deeply of the invigorating ocean breeze. He was leaving his beloved Ireland and setting sail for America. Perhaps there his health would improve. Perhaps there the religious air would be healthier too””free from the strife and division that had troubled him so in the Seceder Presbyterian Church. Upon his arrival in America in 1807, the 44-year-old minister was appointed to preach in western Pennsylvania by the American counterpart of the anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian Church.

June 1, 2008

Victor Knowles

What Do You Know About the Declaration and Address?

Victor Knowles offers a quiz on the Declaration and Address, testing readers on its authorship, publication, central purpose, memorable language, and Restoration Movement significance.

May 28, 2008

Mark A. Taylor

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

Can We Do It His Way?

Mark A. Taylor reflects on Christian unity, Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, and a Great Communion opportunity calling believers toward the bold possibility of “one church.”

January 6, 2008

Sam E. Stone

Restoration Forum”“Catalyst for Change

A look back at the Restoration Forum and its impact on relationships between churches of Christ and Christian churches/churches of Christ—how conversations, worship, and fellowship helped break down walls and encourage cooperation.

August 26, 2007

William Westfall

Church & Ministry Campus Ministry

Two Christians Pursue Paths to Unity:

Bill Westfall reflects on God’s guidance through decades of ministry and a surprising new season of unity at Boise State University, where prayer and a shared focus on Jesus are helping campus ministers become imitators of him.

May 13, 2007

Pat Magness

Restoration Movement History Key Documents

Celebrating a Celebration

Why celebrate 2009? Pat Magness reflects on the bicentennial of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address and the centennial of the 1909 Pittsburgh gathering—then points to a Lord’s Supper–centered vision for renewed unity.

January 24, 2007

Mark A. Taylor

News & Updates Christian Standard Updates

Deciding What to Move

As Standard Publishing prepares to move, the work of sorting and discarding sparks reflection on what truly lasts. Historic volumes and Isaac Errett’s legacy point to an enduring commitment to Scripture and Christian unity.

September 17, 2006

Judy Hutchinson

Organizations & Events Conferences & Gatherings

NACC Viewpoint 3: Together–It’s Reality

Serving at the Christian Audio Tapes booth, Judy Hutchinson reflects on the NACC as a “working vacation,” a moving testimony of reconciliation, and Jeff Walling’s message stirring hope for unity in Christ.

September 17, 2006

Steven Clark Goad

Worship & Prayer Worship

NACC Viewpoint 4: You Just Had to Be There

Steven Clark Goad reflects on reconciliation among Restoration Movement believers, urging unity of purpose over worship wars. Instruments don’t worship—people do—and the real test is the fruit of the Spirit.

September 13, 2006

Mark A. Taylor

First Step, Big Step?

Using a child’s first steps as a picture of progress, Mark A. Taylor reflects on “first steps toward unity” at the NACC and urges continued fellowship, shared service, and evangelistic purpose.

July 2, 2006

C. Robert Wetzel