Winning the World

Session 7: Summary 139

b. This principle of freedom applies to Jews, to those under the Law, to those outside, to the weak, and to all people.

c. We are to “become all things to all people,” which means that we are to use our freedom to contextualize the Gospel in the hearts and minds of the groups God has called us to, all with the intention to “save some.”

5. The Principle of Connectivity : Connect your identity and practices to the regional church to which you are a part, e.g., “the churches of God in Christ in Judea,” 1 Thess. 2.14 (ESV) – For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea . For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews. a. Churches that thrive and grow associate with one another based on their regional proximity with other apostolic churches, 1 Cor. 16.19 (ESV) – The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. b. Churches that thrive and grow are connected to apostolic-level governance, 1 Cor. 7.17 (ESV) – Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. c. Churches that thrive and grow are taught the same apostolic doctrine, 1 Cor. 4.17 (ESV) – That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.