Description
Book SynopsisThe official Spring Harvest book for 2017 on the theme of unity .
Trade Review“As a non conformist addressing a predominantly evangelical constituency, Malcolm winsomely challenges the default position of so many churches of all traditions where disunity and separation seem to be accepted as inevitable and unavoidable. His analysis is measured and compassionate but hard-hitting as he builds up a biblical case against the `blind spot’ in which churches choose to tolerate disunity while yet professing to be thoroughly biblical. His concern is not about structural unity nor about lowest common denominator unity-at-all-costs. He is, however, passionate about a thoroughly biblical concern for truth matched by a deep resolve to love and engage with those Christians with whom we may differ, to the point where walking away from them is an absolute last resort. In the 500th anniversary year of Martin Luther’s 95 theses, this is a timely and even prophetic book which flows from a strongly missional heart.” -- Rt Rev Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
“The call to unity runs all the way through the New Testament: Jesus called us to it; Paul called us to do it and yet still we struggle with it. In fact it is so hard that it is tempting to give up on unity entirely. This brilliant book reminds us of why unity is so important and why it is vital for the health and wellbeing of the church. It is a must-read for anyone serious about their faith and what it calls them to be and do.” -- Paula Gooder, Theologian in Residence, The Bible Society
“Jesus didn’t give us any language to explain how we would differ from each other within his Church. We use labels to explain our inevitable differences, but he gave us one common identity – `disciples’. And he made clear that the mark of being his disciples would be unity expressing itself in love. Malcolm’s wonderful book serves the body of Christ in a time of tensions and divisions by reminding us that we are, and could only ever be, one body.” -- Paul Harcourt, National Leader of New Wine England
“It is almost scandalous that we have so little concern for the unity of God’s people – here is an urgent and passionate book that offers help and hope. Malcolm Duncan offers profound encouragement from key Bible passages, grapples honestly with the contemporary challenges of church life, and demonstrates personal commitment to the cause of unity across the country. A welcome and timely call to action for every church that is committed to the cause of Christ.” -- Jonathan Lamb, Minister-at-large, Keswick Ministries, and IFES Vice President.
“National church leader and prophet, Malcolm Duncan, offers us the glorious vision of a united Church – one which fulfils Jesus’ high priestly prayer, which receives the Father’s commanded blessing, which confirms the Spirit’s baptism into one body, and which causes the world to sit up and take note.” -- Simon Ponsonby, St Aldates, Oxford
“This book is profound, prophetic and heart-stirring. What is unity? Malcolm expounds scripture’s answer. He reminds us that unity is something we already have, not something to strive for; it is something to maintain and to live from. This unity is a unity of love in which we love each other because Jesus first loved us, and we him; a unity based entirely on the relationship between heart and heart, a unity that is profoundly missional in its impact.” -- Stephen Ruttle, Senior Advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and trustee of New Wine, a leading UK barrister
Table of ContentsContents
Foreword 13
Acknowledgments 15
Unity Matters 17
We’re Family 34
God’s Plea 55
Confessing Our Division 69
Christ’s Cry for His People – That We May Be One 84
The Bedrock of Paul’s Conviction – We are One 132
One Body – A Shared Family 147
One Spirit – A Shared Life 163
One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
– A Shared Future 199
The Blessing of Unity 228
Weaving the Threads Together 247
