Let's Be Clear: The Priesthood of All Believers

The notion of the priesthood of all believers (1 Pet. 2) by no means negates the important and biblical roles within the local church. It also does not denigrate the calling and office of pastor/elder/overseer or that of the deacons (1 Tim. 3 & Titus 1). Instead, this biblical conviction reveals to us that laypeople have vocations and callings of their own that also entail holy responsibilities, authorities, and blessings.

Because of Christ, all believers—like the priests of the Old Testament—may come into the presence of God through the blood of the Lamb. All believers can handle holy things (such as the Bible) which was at one time denied to the laity. All can proclaim the Gospel to those who need its saving message.

"The priesthood of all believers means that all Christians enjoy the same access to Christ and are spiritually equal before Him. The priesthood of all believers did not make everyone into church workers; rather, it turned every kind of work into a sacred calling" 

Source: Gene Edward Veith, God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life

When Breaking Fellowship Becomes the Best Option

Christians, there may come a time when breaking fellowship becomes the best option. Where disagreements on secondary issues affect our ability to effectively achieve our primary aim. We see an example of this, in Acts 15, when the apostle Paul parted ways with his dear friend and ministry companion, Barnabas.

However, what is also important to remember is that neither of these men lost their focus on Jesus Christ or the greater mission of The Church. In their choice to part ways, they never lost their love or deep respect for one another and the gospel continued to spread throughout the world.

Brothers and sisters, we are but simple vessels for the fame and glory of Jesus Christ. We don't work for our own glory, but instead for the glory of the only one who deserves it! While we may differ on certain secondary doctrines, and while these doctrines may be important enough to break fellowship over, we agree on what is absolutely essential:

"Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God." | 1 Pet. 3:18

Therefore, go and make disciples...together!

#GrowOn #TheWordSpeaks #TrueCommunity

A Moral Vision for Your Family.

Men, do you have a moral vision for your families , a zeal for the house of the Lord, a magnificent commitment to the advancement of the kingdom, an articulate dream for the mission of the church and a tenderhearted tenacity to make it real? You can't lead a godly woman without this. She is a grand being! 

There are hundreds of such men in the church today. And more are needed. When the Lord visits his church and creates a mighty army of deeply spiritual, humble, strong, Christlike men committed to the word of God and the mission of the church, the vast army of women will rejoice over the leadership of these men and enter into a joyful partnership. And that will be a grand thing. 

John Piper | Doctrine Matters