Winning the World

16 Wi nn i ng the Wor l d: Fac i l i tat i ng Urban Chur ch P l ant i ng Movement s

III. The Church Is One (Biblical Identity)

Eph. 4.4-6 (ESV) There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The Church, in whatever form (local, regional, national, or international) is one in Jesus Christ, as one body, faithful to his Word that affirms the messianic hope and which is echoed in the tenets of the Nicene Creed.

A. An expression of biblical fidelity

1. The authority of Scripture

2. The rule of faith and practice

3. The authoritative canon of the Church

B. An expression of messianic kingdom identity

1. Cosmic war myth: the drama of God

2. The covenant of Abraham and David

3. The promise of Messiah

C. An expression of creedal affinity

1. Vincent de Lerins: that which is believed everywhere and always by all

2. “We Believe”: recognized commonality of faith in Christian belief and practice

3. Canonical faith: the norm of biblical faith