A Call for Christian Unity
In Abilene
Immediately before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prayed for his disciples and all of those who would come to believe in him. He asked God the Father,
“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.” John 17:23
Jesus prayed that his disciples would walk in radical love and unity because those things show the world that we belong to Him. John 13:34
The world needs the witness of Christians who are shaped by love and united in Christ. This witness is especially needed in a cultural climate marked by division, anger and polarization.
Our witness shows the world the reconciling power of Christ’s cross and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. When we join in the spirit of the age, we dampen our witness and hide the things that Jesus said would set us apart. The way we disagree in all matters ought to be shaped by our commitment to Christian unity and love.
This commitment is especially needed as we move into an election season. Political discussions are inevitably divisive. The Christian faith is not apolitical. The Bible is not silent about our political discussions. But neither is the Bible silent on the way we should treat one another as we have those discussions. This is especially true as it relates to secondary and tertiary issues.
It is our plea that Christians approach this election differently than seems to be the norm for our society. We appeal to the Christians of Abilene to…
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2–3
REGARDING CHRISTIAN UNITY:
- We believe in the essentials of the Christian faith we have unity; in the nonessentials we have liberty; in all things we have love.1 Theological essentials have been articulated in statements as old as the Nicene Creed (381) or as recent the Lausanne Covenant 1974.
- We believe Christian unity is not obtained by absolute agreement or conformity on secondary (nonessential) Christian doctrines, ministry philosophies or methods.
- We believe it is good for Christians to discuss areas where we disagree. Honest, open Christian discussion is a means of Christian growth as iron sharpens iron. Proverbs 27:17 However, in these discussions, even when they end in continued disagreement, we are to seek to outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
- We believe every person is made in the image of God. Even when we disagree, all humans (Christians and non-Christians) should be treated with dignity because of their creation in God’s likeness and the value God has placed on them James 3:1-12.
- We believe Christians are to respond to disagreement, even severe disagreement, in ways radically different from the norm of our society.
- We love our enemies. Matthew 5:44
- We bless when we are cursed. Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14; 1 Peter 3:9
- We turn the other cheek. Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29
- We walk the extra mile. Matthew 5:41
- We walk in honor even when treated with dishonor. Romans 12:17
- We overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
- We believe that words are not only important, but words have the power of life and death Proverbs 18:21. Though our words may be difficult to tame, we believe God empowers us to do even that which seems impossible. James 3:1-12; 2 Timothy 1:7
As an example, we are confident the proposed Sanctuary City Ordinance for the city of Abilene presents an opportunity for Christians in Abilene to demonstrate Christian unity and love in the midst of disagreement.
There are Christians for and against this ordinance. In most cases, the disagreements aren’t over the moral evil of abortion (Scripture is clear abortion is evil.). The disagreements revolve around secondary and tertiary issues (such as the possible downstream civic consequences of this particular type of legislation).
REGARDING THE PROPOSED SANCTUARY CITY ORDINANCE:
- We believe each Christian should prayerfully examine the ordinance and vote in accordance with their conscience. The ordinance can be found on Project Destiny’s website: projectdestinyabilene.org
- We believe Christians should have civil, respectful, and honorable discussions about the merits or deficiencies of this specific ordinance.
- We believe that how one votes on this ordinance is not the “litmus test” for being pro-life. It is one strategy among many in how we might stand for life.
- We believe that we should not vilify, degrade, or say false or misleading things about those with whom we disagree on this ordinance.
- We believe that Christians in favor of this ordinance can have a sincere and heart-felt belief that this specific pro-life strategy would be good and wise for the city of Abilene.
- We believe that Christians against this ordinance can have a sincere and heart-felt belief that this specific pro-life strategy would not be good and wise for the city of Abilene.
It is our sincere prayer and plea that we, the church of Jesus in the Big Country, live with such love and unity in all things that it testifies to the world that we truly belong to Jesus.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20–21
Signed:
C.V. Blake, Pastor of Adults, First Baptist Church Abilene
Rich Brown, Lead Pastor, Grace Point Church, Abilene, TX
Stephen Elliott, Senior Pastor, Elmcrest Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Chuck Farina, Lead Pastor, New Hope Church, Abilene, TX
Joe Grizzle, Senior Pastor, North Park Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Mike Harkrider, Senior Pastor, Wylie Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Gene Hendrix, Senior Pastor, Berry Lane Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Dale Jackson, Senior Pastor, 2nd Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Austin Lawrence, Teaching & Vision Pastor, The Well, Abilene, TX
David McQueen, Lead Pastor, Beltway Park Church, Abilene, TX
Jay Miller, Senior Pastor, Mosaic Church, Abilene, TX
Greg Rake, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Adam Ross, Senior Pastor, Clearfork Baptist Church, Hawley, TX
Jangwon Seo, Senior Pastor, International Baptist Church of Abilene
Larry Tarver, Director of Missions, Abilene-Callahan Baptist Association
Wes Terry, Lead Pastor, Broadview Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
Rodney Watson, Senior Pastor, Lytle South Baptist Church, Abilene, TX
John Whitten, Senior Pastor, Pioneer Dr. Baptist Church, Abilene, TX