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Opinions -
Editorials
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Written by Phil Spadaro
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Friday, 23 September 2005 |
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Page 4 of 4
Reaching the Lost
John 17:23b
“May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you
sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Our unity is a
badge of distinction for the world to see. The mainline has established
some great programs we in which we should consider participating,
extending or at least emulating. Continent of Great Cities, Focus
Northeast, Let’s Start Talking Ministry, etc… are well though out and
provide an avenue of outreach with imposing on the sending
congregations. Even at the local level cooperation could prove a boon
for evangelism.
Helping the Poor
HOPEww does a
tremendous job helping the poor. They are a model which shines.
Supporting HOPEww as a fellowship is reasonable and effective. One area
of charity which may use some improvement is disaster relief. The
mainline has (at least) two organizations of note specifically
organized for this sort of effort; WFR Relief Ministries and Churches
of Christ Disaster Relief Effort Inc.,
The Future
In
the '80s, the ICOC was accused of dividing "mainline" congregations by
calling people out to a higher committment. Once again that process has
started from Portland, only this time it is directed at ICOC churches.
If we do not address (and redress) the pattern of 25 years ago we are
creating momentum for more division.
When considering the next
iteration of our movement, let us embrace our heritage and our
brothers. Let us not forget where we come from and the degree of
forgiveness which has been extended to us from our mainline brethren in
the same vain as Christ. Let us let go of the “If we didn’t build it,
it must not work” mentality. Let us move forward as a complete and
unified (in the core matters) brotherhood.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 January 2006 )
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