Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "When Disciples Disagree."  Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Psalm 145:1-5,18-22
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
John 20:19-22

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "When Disciples Disagree" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Summary

The sermon explores the topic of "When Disciples Disagree," focusing on how Christians can navigate differences within the church community, especially in light of the Nicene Creed and its historical controversies.

Key Points:

• Nicene Creed’s Role:
  The Nicene Creed is presented as the church’s answer to the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?”—serving both worship and witness. The sermon emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth about Jesus in both contexts.
• Scriptural Foundation:
  Drawing from John 20, the sermon highlights Jesus’ appearance to the disciples after the resurrection, offering them peace, healing their wounds, and sending them out as witnesses. The arrival of the Holy Spirit is described as transformative, bringing freedom and boldness to believers.
• Disagreements Among Disciples:
  The sermon distinguishes between disagreements with non-Christians and those that arise among believers. It humorously recounts trivial church disputes to illustrate how minor issues can escalate within communities.
• Historical Division – The Filioque Clause:
  A significant portion discusses the Filioque clause (“who proceeds from the Father and the Son”) in the Nicene Creed, which led to a split between Eastern and Western churches. The sermon explains the theological and cultural reasons behind the disagreement and its lasting impact.
• Four Marks of the Church:
  The sermon unpacks the Creed’s description of the church as “one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic,” explaining each mark:
  • Unity: The church is unified by grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.
  • Holiness: The church is set apart and shares in God’s life.
  • Catholicity (Universality): The church embraces diversity.
  • Apostolicity: The church maintains continuity with the message of Jesus and the apostles.
• Living Out the Creed:
  The preacher encourages the congregation to focus on what is essential, to recognize and celebrate differences without letting them divide, and to pursue unity, integrity, diversity, and apostolic continuity through the Holy Spirit.
• Ecumenical Spirit:
  The sermon closes by affirming that local churches are not in competition with one another, but united against the forces of darkness. It calls for love and unity among all who confess faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Final Encouragement:
The congregation is encouraged to return to worship, seek peace, and boldly pursue healing and unity, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide and transform.

Prayer

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