Doctrinal Minimalists

Sermon Notes

We are DOCTRINAL MINIMALISTS.

[1 Corinthians 2:1-2] When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. [2] For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.

At the core of our faith is JESUS and His work on the CROSS.

[Matthew 22:35-40] One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: [36] "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" [37] Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

Jesus calls us to focus on what matters most: loving GOD and loving PEOPLE.

[Ephesians 4:3-6] Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. [4] For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. [5] There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

When we UNITE around Jesus, we become a powerful force for the GOSPEL.

[Romans 14:1] Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

We should hold onto what UNITES us rather than what DIVIDES us.

[Matthew 28:19-20] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Jesus' final command to His disciples was to GO and INVITE.