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Friday, June 28, 2013

Oh, Mexico





“To fill empty bellies, to build shelters for the homeless, and to put silver and gold in the cups of beggars without any concern for the eternal nature of their souls is an exercise of futility. Our hope should always be the gospel. Our hope should always be that people would hear, understand, and come to know God in a powerful way.”

This excerpt from Matt Chandler’s, The Explicit Gospel, seems particularly fitting this week. For those who don’t know, I just got back from a weekend Mission trip to Acuña, Mexico. The group of 18 guys built a house for an elderly woman in just 1 1/2 days (estimated to take 3). We really buckled down and got it done, and it was a great experience.

We built the house as part of Casas por Cristo, a Christian ministry that coordinates teams to build for those in need in Mexico. It is similar to the organization through which I met Juliet, Manos Juntas Mexico. Her father coordinates teams for that organization.

Both have the same end in mind. To be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching those in need, and sharing the gospel. Many times Christians use mission work as a way to simply “do a good work,” without much thought as to the state of the individual for whom they are building.

With our particular woman this week, the pastor who sponsored her was receiving criticism from other pastors because her family does not attend church regularly. She is a Christian, but has no means to get around, and has a bad leg. Her family, from my understanding are not believers.

The team leader from Casas Por Cristo who helped our team said that many times the pastors in Mexico feel like they should only be building and helping those who already believe. This is the wrong perspective.

The goal of these organizations is to spread the gospel through mission work. The teams who generally build come from churches across the United states, from various denominations.

Christians understand that through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we bear good fruit. That is to say that we do not do these works to somehow earn good standing with God. We are already justified by belief in Christ, and the product of that is to show his love through doing the right thing. This includes the field of mission work.

What always worried me about churches who were very mission focused is that they felt they were somehow earning better standing with God by doing it. I’m sure within the ranks, there are some Christians who are seeing it this way, and it’s a pretty common misconception within the Christian realm.

I avoided going on these trips for awhile because I wasn’t sure how it played into spreading the gospel. The trip I took with the youth group, when I met my wife, seemed normal enough. We probably sang some devotional songs and said a prayer or two, but I cannot remember the goal of any of us being to directly try to communicate the gospel to the people for whom we were building.

To be fair, few of us spoke the language. Though, there are always translators at the sites, so I suppose if the desire was strong enough, it could have happened. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this trip. I had joked that the last mission trip I was on I ended up just singing for the team because I was so bad at manual labor. I had decided this time to participate in the physical building as much as possible. The first day I smashed my guitar picking finger with the hammer, and somehow cut my other hand with it as well. Minor injuries to be sure, but not entirely unexpected based on my “experience” with tools and physical labor.

The men on the trip were very supportive and kept encouraging each other when trying new things, so that if there was an aspect of the house we wanted a part of, someone would show us how to do it.

The second part of the first day day on the site, I felt strongly compelled to speak with the woman for whom we were building. I mustered up the Spanish I could remember and started a conversation.

My first line in spanish to a new person is usually something about my wife being from Mexico. This allows me time to think of another phrase or two. I found out our woman’s name was Julia, which was cool since my wife is Juliet. Julia asked if we had kids and I jokingly told her we had two dogs. I showed her a picture of Juliet with the puppies and she smiled.

I didn’t know enough words to go into a full gospel presentation (at this time I did not know if she knew God or not), so I just interacted as best I could, and listened to what she had to say. It was all in Spanish so some of it was context listening. After I finished talking with her, some neighbor boys came down to the worksite to see what was going on. I began chatting a bit in Spanish with them as well. Eventually, I couldn’t remember enough Spanish to maintain the conversation so I offered them some of our snacks instead. They were very excited to get some chips and treats. They stuck around through the rest of the building of the house, and even helped with the stucco part near the end.

In the end it wasn’t some elaborate talking gospel presentation, but just simply being there and being helpful, that likely spoke the most to them. The woman’s family were there for the dedication of the house and we prayed over the house after speaking through a translator to the family about God’s love for them.

Since we had some extra time after finishing early, the final day was open ended before heading home. We decided to visit a foster home in the area with which our church has connections. I didn’t know what to expect, but I felt a stirring inside and was excited to visit these kids. We arrived and almost immediately our guys started playing a game of soccer with them. It was fun to watch, and I took some pictures and video of it. As I wandered around the grounds, I noticed a little girl was sitting alone. Using what Spanish I could recollect, I asked her name. She said it was Michelle, though she was quite shy even with that response. I told her my name is Chris. She wandered off back inside so I sat down at a desk on the patio and continued watching the game.

Eventually, Michelle wandered back outside and sat down in front of me. She still was shy, but I decided to try conversing again. Again in Spanish, I asked,

“Do you not like soccer?” She replied, “No.”
“I don’t like to play it either, I prefer to play guitar,” I said. At the mention of guitar her face lit up.

I remembered having my guitar in the van so I walked over to retrieve it, planning to play a song for her. I returned to my seat and opened the guitar case. Almost immediately, the game stopped and the boys who had been playing began coming over. Before I knew it, I had kids surrounding me. They noticed my collection of harmonicas (different keys for different song keys) and began reaching for them. I handed them out with a measure of joyful feeling, knowing they were about to have some fun. They began playing them immediately, and smiling all the while. Michelle was still sitting to the side, but the music had peaked her interest.

I took out my guitar and a harmonica for myself and began to play “La Bamba,” the only Spanish song I could think of at the time. Everyone gathered around and began singing along. The boys were blowing into harmonicas of all different keys, creating what I can only describe as “joyful noise.”

The song finished and I played a few more as the kids sat and listened. At one point, I was going to play my original tune, “South of the Border,” because it had some Spanish verses. I called our translator over to help me introduce it to the kids, but began speaking Spanish myself introducing it. Unexpected, since I was not exactly sure what to say prior to starting to speak. 

Rafael, our translator, joked that if I wanted he could translate my Spanish back into English, since I was already doing a good job of speaking fluently. A few other little girls joined the circle of kids, and presented me with a beautiful yellow rose. They had some homemade crafts as well that they passed out to our group. The rose is in my Bible now.

We finished up and got back in the vehicles to head back to Texas. My heart was heavy, and I missed the kids already. Our group leader, Stephen, had said these trips could change you. He was right. I got back to Texas longing to visit the kids one more time, or to do some other helpful work.

I kept daydreaming about the shy little girl whose face lit up when I told her I played guitar. “The guitar playing gringo,” I pictured her saying.

This past week has been packed with our church putting on Mega Sports camp. It is an outreach ministry to local kids and our church kids that want to spend a few days learning a sport and worshipping God. It’s good evangelism, as it is held in a park where there are many passers by to hear the music and the message that opens each afternoon. I just finished putting together the video for it, and that will be the final culmination of a busy, but blessed week. Last Thursday when we loaded up and drove off to Mexico, I didn’t know that a week later, I would be more excited than ever to join in our ministries throughout the church, and really get plugged in.

There will be a co-ed mission trip this fall, and I’ll do whatever I can to make it happen, so Juliet can join me this time. Her passion is missions so I know she’ll love it too.

I came home with a shirt from Casas por Cristo that says, “I need Mexico more than Mexico needs me.” In a way, that was true. I needed to unplug and just get back to basics for awhile. I got perspective, got my hands dirty, and connected with God on more than my usual intellectual level. 

Going forward, I finally feel that I am beginning to bear good fruit, as scripture says to do. I don’t want to be a casual Christian, and Mexico has given me my first steps towards living for Christ, and for those who still need to know Christ, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.




Sunday, June 16, 2013

A Celebration of Father and Sons

The Clan of Byers Men


I think there is sometimes a misconception in our society as to how men are supposed to interact with other men. Specifically, when it comes to men in the same family. 

Today, as I reflect on memories of the past with my dad, I am abundantly thankful that he never had too much trouble sharing his love for my brothers and me. 

It wasn't always easy. In the past we had a dynamic where at the end of a long phone call there was a quick silence as both of us decided who, if either, would be first to say "I love you." Sometimes we got it out. Sometimes we didn't, but we always knew what the other wanted to say. 

I take pride in the fact that a lot of who I am today is directly inspired by/encouraged by my father. 


Sense of style and good looks included :)


We grew up in a consistently loving household. Andy and I never had any inkling of what it might feel like not to be loved deeply by both of our parents. I count that a major blessing as it is much less common these days. 

Of course, we got in trouble as all kids tend to do. I remember I used to mentally base my dad's mood on his facial hair. When he was fully shaved, he was in the best mood. Full beard, meant serious dad. Mustache (while they were popular) was somewhere in between. 

It turns out mood was often based more on how Andy and I were treating each other on any given day than hair growth, but I recall that being an important gauge to a younger version of me. Maybe that's why Juliet won't let me grow a mustache. Too "mood neutral." 

I used to sit on the couch, with him in his man chair (recliner) watching back-to-back baseball games on television. He had a tendency, however engrossing the game might have been, to doze off mid game. Unless it was a Cardinals game. 

It's funny the habits and interests we pick up directly from our parents. My love of music is directly passed down from him. He tried giving me a left-handed guitar when I was barely old enough to hold the thing. Turns out if it had been a right handed guitar, I might be a prodigy by now. My left handed handwriting was no gage for how I would play guitar. Still, he knew a love of music was something important to encourage early on. It practically defines me at this point. 


Looking more comfortable holding it right-handed


We grew up immersed in the Beatles, so naturally to be like dad, they became my favorite band as well. Overtime, I graduated into other artists, but I always looked to his taste for guidance. While Andy branched off into a Backstreet Boys phase that he probably isn't keen on me mentioning here, I stayed true to the oldies. Andy would later double back to real music so the story ends well.

It's funny how I would passively base a lot of my interests on my dad. I don't think it was so much seeking approval, as desiring to share activities and interests. He would have approved regardless of our choices, but it felt extra special to share common ground.

As I picked up guitar during my teenage years he was encouraging. I wasn't quite the expert I am now (wink wink), but he kept me thinking that I was and pushed me to continue improving. 

When we played with our band the Huntsman (Andy and I), my greatest gigs were those in which he was able to attend. I tailored set lists to his tastes and was always excited if we were trying some new harmony or re-playing a classic favorite of his. 

The smile is why I did it. My dad has an infectious smile. It's one of my greatest desires in life to cause it to appear. I've been blessed in that he has approved and been proud of most of what I've done so far in my life. So, thankfully I see it every time I see him. 




He also has had moments of concern for me. His vested interest in my life decisions in all areas, though he considers lecturing, I consider sage-advice. Sure it may have the appearance of a lecture, but I treasure the words of wisdom (even when I fail to implement them as suggested). 

We have rarely disagreed, but in those moments, we have always come to a place of conflict resolution. We used to drive up to Civitan Park in Muskogee and park the car on the hill to have discussions that would last hours. They were about the more serious things in life most of the time, but we always had an element of love and civility in the midst of even the toughest discussions. 

The abundance of memories I have with my dad are too numerous to list, but I'll try to name a few key ones that I remember. 

The day he met Juliet for the first time, though he was cautiously optimistic for me when I announced my plans to marry, was a great day. He loved her immediately, and I knew he was happy I had only partially heeded his advice, thrown a bit of caution to the wind and moved forward with the marriage. He was never against it, but just advised on important matters to consider beforehand. I don't think he can imagine his life without Juliet now.  That makes me smile (dang, I'm making myself a bit teary eyed again...every time I type the word smile). I must have a connection to that word as it relates to my dad. He has never asked me to seek his approval, but much of my daily decisions are based on what he would think. His influence on my life has been larger than he probably realizes.


One of the first visits to Cheddars with Juliet
Sunglasses Buddies

When my stepmom, Kristen, was sick recently, and I went to help him out around the house, I saw my dad worried for one of the first times. He wasn't Mr. Always Tough Man by any means, but he had genuine concern written on his face this time. The hugs that week were extra important for both of us as we prayed for her to get better. When all went well, it was one of the hardest times I've had to leave to come home. There was a new connection developing in the midst of trial. 

When Juliet was having her surgery during the miscarriage, he was checking in with me and keeping me positive. I declined his offer to come down because I wanted to be strong, but I think now I should've taken the chance for some quality time with him. 

I thank my dad for deciding with my mom at an early age to get Andy and I into church. I'm not sure anyone has seen my other blogs, but there seems to be a decidedly Christian influence on them. I can thank both of my parents for that. I understand not everyone in my family may be connected to God in the same way currently, but I am thankful that I was encouraged to do so. As Juliet and I have deepened in our faith, we have faced a lot of adversity. Thankfully, my dad has been supportive. He'll listen to me ramble on about this event or that sermon with open ears. We had our deepest discussion yet last time I visited, and ventured into the oft forbidden (don't discuss religion) territory. It was a great talk. 

I know he is happy to be back playing in the church band at First Methodist. Any chance to have a guitar in his hands is great for him. He is modest about his true abilities, but I know he's great at it. He can sing too, lest he try to tell anyone otherwise! 


True Guitar Playing


There are many activities we've shared over the years: Baseball games, vacations, concerts (really good ones). Every chance we get to visit him is a happy day for me. It has been hard in the past to split our time equally with him and my mom since they are separated, but I think in a way it makes the time spent with him that much more special. We often know it's limited so we don't waste time.

Two Nearly Identical Pics a Year Apart



And that would be a good theme for this day in general. Don't waste time. I'm sure that as much as I love talking to my dad, I haven't talked to him as often as I would like. There are probably still topics to be broached, and things to be shared. As an adult, you get to develop a whole new element of a relationship with your parents and I love that we've reached that point. Suddenly, things are more open. I've still got questions, and I'm sure he does too. We'll continue dialoguing as long as possible because it's those conversations I treasure. 

So, I think to close on this day for celebrating dads, I will venture into a tougher area for me, and mention some of my strongest desires for my dad. Juliet says to me that broaching certain subjects is still awkward for us, and I want to begin changing that.

Dad, you know where our faith stands, and support us. And, I know you are a man seeking God. I want to encourage you today to let go of the world around you, and just be immersed in your faith. I'm so happy to see you all back in church, but don't let your questions or doubts ever keep you from reaching out for that true connection. God has truly blessed our lives, and it was you and mom who first planted that seed. I'd love to see that come full circle, for us to pray together, learn together and grow in another element of our relationship.

I want you to come to Austin as often as you can (though I know it's tough to coordinate). We miss you all and have difficulty getting the time off to visit as often as we used to. Any trip, no matter how short or long would be a blessing. 

Keep up the good work with Michael. You've got him in the youth group, heading down the same road that Andy and I got to travel at that age. Encourage him in the faith, keep him focused. He's a great kid, and I'm happy to have him in my life as well. Thank you for raising the three of us so well.
Father/Son Hat Time

Andy and My Dad bond best over Baseball



I can't speak for Andy and Michael, but I know a father/sons trip someday might be a good way to relive the old trips when you, Andy and I would venture into fun territories. 

Keep your heart on God and your family. You have blessed us already more than you know. 

You are more than deserving of this Happy Father's Day!



Master Tower Inspector (I do not share his fearless ability to conquer heights)




*Almost forgot to mention grilling. My dad can grill up some very tasty treats...Lemon chicken stands as the favorite*

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Doctrinal Disagreement: In Everything Charity

There is a mindset present in the Christian church of which I have recently been made aware that provides a good framework for how Christians approach doctrine. In many ways, it solidifies the idea that there are aspects of scripture that are essential, and cannot be debated. It helps to remedy the often bitter battles between Christians in terms of doctrines that are not essential, but still important. Using this as a guideline, I feel like it is necessary to clarify a few of the essentials and non-essentials for those who may not have considered it before.

It has become a passion of mine in the past year to really assess the aspects of Christianity of which Christians should have no debate or disagreement. While I acknowledge there will always be disagreement present, this at least lays a bit of framework with which we can began to approach one another in the faith peacefully.

The mindset with which we should approach doctrine according to this phrasing is as follows:

In essentials, Unity; In nonessentials, Liberty; in everything, Charity.

The first thing that stands out to me here is the idea of Unity on the essentials. These days within the body of Christianity, there are many essential doctrines beginning to be compromised in favor of pleasing the general public and man's opinion. Biblical pastors, theologians and scholars have started looking to popular opinion instead of scripture to determine each one's idea of essential doctrines.

Because of the changing cultural climate of the day, it is more important than ever to unite on the essentials of the faith. After all, if we cannot agree on elements that make Christianity what it is, how can we be representative of the faith to the rest of the world? We cannot go out and disciple the nations if we can't agree on what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

The second part of the statement that stands out to me is that of Charity. This one I struggle with a bit because I know all too well what happens in the heat of a debate on some issue of theology. Most of what I write that is convicting or edgy, gets met with a hearty dose of argument. Some for positive, some for negative. In those instances, sometimes being charitable to the person engaging you is not the simplest of things. Sinner that I am, sometimes I'd rather just smack someone with a Bible and say, "because Christ said so." I think that's an honest assessment so I won't delete that, though I know it may paint me slightly less "perfect" in people's eyes (sarcasm included). My point simply is this. Charity, in the midst of an argument or debate on something one is passionate about, is often difficult, but decidedly necessary. Without charity, we risk losing the opportunities to really assess our faith and what it means to be a Christian. We also lose any touch we may have with those who do not know Christ, as they tend to run at the first sign of a believer who doesn't appear perfect. This is society's misconception that Christians are somehow perfect. We in the faith know, of course, that we are fallen just as everyone else, and that without Christ's grace, we'd be no better off.

The final part of the statement to address before citing some specific examples is that of liberty. I will ask for forgiveness ahead of time for this because it is certainly my least favorite aspect of that statement. The word liberty makes me imagine situations in which Christians continue to throw out essentials because they perceive some truths of the faith as non-essential. When given the "liberty" to do so, it become s difficult to address serious problems within the faith when they do arise. A repetition of the statement above will silence any attempt for someone to appeal to an individual who thinks an essential doctrine is non-essential. In my opinion, more liberty leads to more subjectivism, which leads to pluralism, which undermines everything Christ stood for. That probably makes me part legalist, and I pray each day I don't let my study of theology paint me that way. But, I am fallen, and try though I might, I am passionate about correct theology. And, lest anyone challenge that statement immediately, my "correct theology" is scripturally based, not something I invent myself. I'll try to cite proofs for that as we dive down the rabbit hole to look at some more specific examples. The verses used are meant as a reference, and are by no means exhaustive. In many cases there are quite a few more relevant verses to each doctrinal statement. I've included links to past blogs for some as well when it is relevant for additional info on what I've written for some of these. So grab those Bibles and let's get to learning.
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1) In Essentials: UNITY- To clarify, essential is any teaching which cannot be disregarded if one desires to go by the title "Christian," and reflect, in many cases, issues that can be detrimental to one's salvation if rejected. At the very least they become a slippery slope into disbelief. Many of these were Christ's direct teachings, and a rejection of the concept, is a rejection of the one who taught us.

Some essentials are general in nature initially. When we get further into them, some elements may become non-essential.
Ex: We believe Christ will come again, we disagree on the framework for how. Coming is essential, how he comes, non-essential.

Biblical Inerrancy-

Primary Proof Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16
Other Proof Verses: 2 Peter 1:20-21; Proverbs 30:5; Galatians 1:11-12
Explanation: Christians believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, inerrant and infallible.

*The source was God the Holy Spirit. The agent was human writers (sinful but still used by God). The process was guidance by the Holy Spirit. The result is inerrant and infallible scripture.*

It was broken down well in a recent sermon which I think will help define this better. We look at it with 4 I's: Inspiration, Illumination, Interpretation and Implementation. I'll do a quick individual breakdown here (Thanks Pastor Brian for the sermon).

Inspiration is a supernatural act in which God, without overriding individual personality or literary style, directed human authors in the receiving and recording  of Divine Truth in such a manner that what was written in the original manuscripts was without error, resulting in documents that are the very Word of God.

Illumination is A supernatural act of God in which the Holy Spirit influences believers who are in right relation with God to understand the word of God.

Interpretation is a supernatural act of observing the context (historical and literary) and content (grammar and words) to discover what it meant to them (early believers) so I can determine what it means to me. It cannot mean to me what it did not mean to them.

Implementation is a supernatural act of letting the Word of God to work in you so that you can apply it to your life.

I spent slightly more time on this one because if a Christian does not believe in the inerrancy and infallibility of God's word, they will likely discard the other essentials.

Belief in Trinitarian God-
Primary Proof Verse: Matthew 28:19
Other Proof Verses: Genesis 1; John 1:1; http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-text-triadic.htm
Explanation: Christians believe in God in Three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I find this diagram quite helpful to explain the concept of Trinity


Divinity of Christ-
Primary Proof Verse: Colossians 1:15-20
Other Proof Verses: John 1:1-3; 1 John 2:23; Hebrews 1:2; John 8:58
Explanation: Christians believe Christ is God, second person of the Trinity
Blog Reference: Our Own Personal Jesus

Virgin Birth
Primary Proof Verse: Matthew 1:18-25
Other Proof Verses: Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 7:14;
Explanation: Christians believe that Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary

Christ as the only means of reconciliation with God
Primary Proof Verse: John 14:6
Other Proof Verses: Acts 4:12; John 8:24, 58; John 10:30-33; John 11:25; John 5:18; 1 Tim 2:5; 1 John 4:14; John 10:9
Explanation: Christians believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to be reconciled with God and inherit eternal life with Him.
Blog Reference: No Other Name ; The Non-Negotiable Doctrine



Resurrection
Primary Proof Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:3-28
Other Proof Verses: Matthew 27:50-53; Romans 6:8-11; Zechariah 12:10; John 19:36-37; Luke 24:2-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18;
Explanation: Christians believe that Christ died (crucifixion), was buried (tomb), resurrected (after 3 days), and ascended into Heaven (disciples witnessed this)
Blog Reference: Did It Really Happen?

Second Coming 
Primary Proof Verse: John 14:1-4
Other Proof Verses: Matthew 24: 43-44; Mark 8:38; Hebrews 9:28
Explanation: Christians believe Christ will return someday to judge the living and the dead


Forgiveness of Sin
Primary Verse: Acts 2:38
Other Verses: 1 John 1:9; Acts 10:43; Romans 10:9, 13; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 8:24; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Explanation: Christians believe that those who put their faith in Christ's atoning work on the Cross, and express true repentance and desire to leave sin and be reconciled with God, will be forgiven their sins.

Future Resurrection
Primary Proof Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Other Proof Verses: Daniel 12:2; 1 Corinthians 6:14-15; Revelation 20:12-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Explanation: Christians believe in the future resurrection of our bodies into their original intended form (we see Christ's resurrection body as an example of our future eternal bodies)

Realities of Heaven and Hell/ Judgment of Life
Primary Proof Verse: Hebrews 9:27
Other Proof Verses: 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 21:1-8; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:41, 46; Luke 16:1-31; Luke 23:43; Daniel 12:2; Romans 6:23; John 14:2-3; John 3:16; Mark 16:16
Explanation: Christians believe in Eternal life, both for those saved by Christ, and those dead in sin. We acknowledge existence of Heaven and Hell as one of two options for the final resting place of an individual. Christ's atonement is the only means by which we can be reconciled to God and inherit eternal life in Heaven. Rejection of Christ is rejection of God and condemns one to Hell. There is no in- between, and there is no leaving one for the other. Eternal is the key word.
Blog Reference: A Helluva Situation ; Heaven: Our Hope in Christ


This is not an exhaustive list of what Christians believe as essential doctrines, but they are some of the big ones. I'll briefly look at some non-essentials below to balance this out, but pay special attention to those mentioned above. Any Bible-believing Christian or Pastor, should have no trouble in accepting those and some others that were not explored. We are by no means perfect, so if there is some disagreement with those, it would be wise to search God's word and come to God in prayer so that the truth of it can be revealed to you by His spirit. We worship Him in spirit and in truth.

2. In Non-Essentials: LIBERTY

I may not go as in depth with these, as there is still obvious debate on some of this. I personally find some of these essential to my faith, but understand others may disagree. These are not salvation issues, but rather doctrines that are important, but not essential to calling oneself a Christian.

Genesis Account
Primary Proof Verse: Genesis 1, 2
Other Proof Verses: John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-20;
Explanation: Christians disagree as to whether God created ex nihilo (out of nothing) or used natural evolutionary processes to bring about creation. While I believe a literal interpretation of the Genesis account shows reverence for God's authority, and is the best explanation for how the world came to be, especially in regards to how one views the Gospel as it is interwoven between the Old and New Testaments, I also acknowledge many will disagree. Multiple theories within the church exist on this topic.
Blog Reference: No Refutation for Creation ; The Quiz Heard 'Round the World

Rapture of the Saints
Primary Proof Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Other Proof Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:52; Revelation 3:10; Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Explanation: Some Christians believe in a Rapture, in which Christ returns for his faithful church, prior to a period of Great Tribulation on the earth, which previews his Final coming to restore creation and bind Satan. There are three primary views (Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation and Post-Tribulation). I like the idea of it, and continue to study it, but am not quite as tied down by the idea as I may have been in college when I was deeply studying it. I am in favor of Pre-Tribulation Rapture.

Baptism
Primary Proof Verse: Matthew 28:19-20
Other Proof Verses: Romans 6:3-6; Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-33
Explanation: Christians will agree that Baptism is a part of one's being a Christian, and is an outward expression of faith in Christ. Christians disagree on the method by which one is baptized (sprinkling -v- immersion), and some believe Baptism is Equivalent to Salvation whereby, one cannot be truly saved without Baptism. Others understand it simply as an outward expression of salvation, but not damning if saved, but not baptized.
Blog Reference: Joy Comes in the Mourning


Hell/Heaven (Not their existence, but what it will be like)
Primary Proof Verse: see Above section Heaven and Hell
Other Verses: See above section on Heaven and Hell
Explanation: Christians acknowledge Heaven and Hell exist and are the two options for eternal resting place. Christians often disagree on the forms they will take, and what exactly each of these places will be like. The Bible gives us many clues, but it is still a source of heated debate. There is also a false view circulating that suggests God will eventually empty Hell and save everyone. This Universalist view is a false teaching, and should generally be avoided for Bible-believing Christians. The idea itself negates the atoning work of Christ on the cross by suggesting we needn't do anything to be reconciled with God other than going through a period of punishment. This is not Biblical.
Blog Reference: See Above: A Helluva Situation and Heaven and Our Hope in Christ

While there are many other topics on which Christians disagree, these are a few of the more common ones. Again, they sometimes overlap with essential doctrines, and unfortunately many Christians today even want to debate the essentials. However, looking back at our statement from the beginning, we need to maintain an attitude of Charity toward one another when discussing these matters.

3: In Everything: CHARITY

Before I type the last word of this, I understand that many of my Christian brethren are not going to agree with everything I've stated above. I would hope on the essentials we have agreement, but I know in my heart that may not even be the case. Why do I have a passion for corrective teaching? I'm not sure, but I know God keeps pressing on my heart to discuss and write about these things. The cultural shift today says many false things about what it means to be a true follower of Christ. It is easy to get caught up in false teaching, just as Paul warned us many times.


"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" Galatians 1:8


Misrepresented and false doctrine was a problem for Paul, and the Bible tells us it will be a continuing problem. I see more of it in the past few years than I ever noticed before. Christians really need to learn to stand firm on the foundational doctrines that the Bible presents as essential to the faith. We cannot begin to disciple others in and out of the faith, until we have a strong foundation in God's word and counsel. My prayer today is that my Christian brethren will so a little soul-searching to really find out what they believe. Then, that they would search God's word and pray for understanding, so that we may regain lost ground, and live out true Christianity. In everything, with grace and understanding, we address these issues with a charitable, positive attitude. In doing so, we maintain Christ's love, even in the midst of dividing theological issues.


Paul's prayer to the church leaders in his day is a hopeful one, that we can still strive toward.

"I appeal to you, my brothers and sisters, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1:10