I do find the comments on this blog interesting. One’s perceptions of what other churches believe and why they are “doing” what they are (i.e. the “winds” that blow through them) may say more about our personal beliefs than theirs.

I, for one, am committed to building a biblical faith, one that is found through personal struggle with ones own heart and the word of God. That faith will be often perceived by others who have a “2nd-generation” faith as radical and even “hung-up.”

I do, however, agree that the comfortable distinctions and definitions of movements within “Churches of Christ” are not as easily made as new generations move upon the scene. Those movements are little more than a curiosity for me as compared to my working with those in my sphere of influence. When it comes to moral issues such as Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage, I will be true to my faith in the Lord, and stand upon what I clearly know. I will not hesitate to teach and influence those that I can on these and any other matter revealed by our Lord.

I fear that many are developing a faith that stands for nothing and as a result has no salt or light to influence others for the Lord.

Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

Thanks for your kind comments. That helps alot.

Alan:

I think you are right as far as the “mainline” congregations go. I worry alot for our brothers and sisters in the non-institutional congregations, though. I’d like to see more unity within our group as well as between the rest of the movement…the NI preachers I know right now are so hung up on MDR that many of the NI congregations aren’t even talking to each other anymore.

-Clarke

I really think the winds are blowing in our favor. There seems to be a trend away from drawing partisan lines over disputable matters. If we are sensitive and persistent in advocating reconciliation, I think we’ll find a growing number of people willing to participate. God is at work.

Alan