Imagine the state of the Evangelical Church today if Martin Luther did not post his Ninety-Five Theses on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31, 1517.  Luther sparked the Protestant Reformation by heroically refusing to recant his beliefs in the face of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles the Fifth.  Martin Luther was formally decreed to be an outlaw and a heretic.

Paul spent most of his apostolic career facing down those who demanded fidelity to Jewish orthodoxy as a condition of true Christianity, which Paul believed made the Cross of no effect.  Paul’s defense of Jesus, and Him crucified, was never compromised by a sense of duty to the accepted religious beliefs of the day.

Christian unity requires adherence to the truth, not submission to religious tradition.  A unity that is not founded in the truth is a unity that does not interest me.  It is the truth that sets me free.

In our discussions we will passionately debate, persuade, and challenge one another as we seek to clearly state God’s truth—Jesus Christ and Him Crucified—and what that means to our lives.  For me, the framework of Apostolic Certainty guides me into a safe harbor.  I am certain that others will strongly disagree with my thoughts, and I look forward to our discussions.

I believe disagreement brings clarity.  It is always okay to disagree; it is never okay to be disagreeable. As we journey towards the truth, let us always be guided by God’s requirement that we love the Lord with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths, and that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

With that said, ……