Patrick's Paragraphs - Freedom in Christ (Jan 2006)

We work with twelve denominations in Ethiopia, one in Germany, another in Brazil and at least a dozen in the United States. Our statement of faith is so broad that we can work alongside Christians as diverse as Molu Wengel, which can best be described as “modern hyper-charismatic” and believers from the Ethiopian Orthodox church, which is “ancient traditional.” The common thread among the believers we work with and support is that they are committed to the teaching of sound doctrine and proclaim Christ as Lord.
When Lana and I were living in Ethiopia there were difficult times. Daily life can be a struggle when you are immersed in a foreign culture and you tend to gravitate toward people who share your cultural background. As often as possible we would meet with a English language prayer group that was made up of people from a variety of Christian denominations. We shared three things in common — we were all foreigners, we all spoke English and we all proclaimed Jesus as Lord. We found that when we were hurting and lonely we could pray and eat pizza with anyone who loves Jesus.
I have witnessed a disturbing trend of isolationism among some fundamentalist Christians, and an equally disturbing trend of libertinism among some others. Balance seems so illusive. Where should we draw the lines?
As an organization we have “drawn the lines” with reference to historical Christian orthodoxy. In other words, the basic doctrines of the Christian faith, which can be found in creeds such as the Nicene and Apostle’s creeds. These statements of faith describe for us what it means to be a Christian. Within these proclamations the doctrine of the Trinity is expounded and the Gospel is summarized.
When it comes to our methods and practice we refer to the directions given for the Church in Scripture. It seems that this is the area where so much trouble is found. One man uses scripture to justify his sin, another uses the same passage to condemn. There is a temptation to create a huge rule book and make everyone look and act the same.
I am convinced that “sameness” is from Hell. For example contrast the wondrous variety of nature with the Soviet cement apartment buildings that crushed the beauty of eastern Europe so that everyone could have and be the same. Our rule must not be sameness, but rather be love.
Scripture makes it plain to us what sin is. We refuse to condone sin and prefer simple obedience to the Word of God. Beyond the obvious we as a multi-denominational organization must practice the rule of love by exercising wisdom and discernment concerning disputable matters. Our goal is not to make the churches in Ethiopia American, rather our goal is to edify the Church through the teaching of right doctrine and the practice of faith in love. Our doctrine comes from the Apostles through the preservation of Scripture and teaching from men like Augustine, Luther, C.H. Spurgeon and other men through the years who built their faith on the firm foundations of Christ.
Jesus Himself told us that we, and the world, would know that we belong to Him as we have love for one another. This love is not to be found only in words, but in deed and in truth. Our freedom in Christ is found in love for our brothers and sisters, and practiced through obedience to God’s Word.