SUBJECT: Discussing Differences in the Church

What I have for you this afternoon is more of a lecture than a sermon. Though it is not based on any one verse in the Bible, I believe it is what the Bible teaches on the subject. No one talk can exhaust what the Word of God has to say on any topic, of course, but this—I hope—will stimulate you to think over the issues, study them, and pray for the wisdom that God so liberally gives to those who ask Him for it.

The topic is Discussing Differences in the Church.

I’ve got to begin by limiting the subject. By differences in the church I don’t mean personality conflicts or petty squabbles. What I’m getting at are the disagreements we have from time to time over serious matters of doctrine and practice.

Note the word, we. The issues on which we should have a dialogue are not those that separate believers from unbelievers. The Church is never allowed to debate the Divinity of Christ; we affirm that "without controversy". The same thing is true of clear moral issues. We must not argue the plusses and minuses of adultery, for example, as though it might not be a sin.

The differences that we should discuss are those within the Church—various opinions held by people who belong to Jesus Christ and want to know His will.