A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

shy of anything that looks like urgency or fanatical devotion. This is one reason why the New Testament seems to them to be a strange and often repellent book.

~ D. Elton Trueblood. The Incendiary Fellowship . San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1967. p. 23.

G. A rule that can be adapted culturally and theologically to give expression to our own distinctive cultures and histories, (i.e., the contextual principle)

1. Exegetical evidence

a. Christ has set us free, Gal. 5.1 – For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

b. The Lord Jesus was anointed by the Spirit to preach release and deliverance to the broken and poor, Isa. 61.1 – The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. c. All who come to Christ can receive rest and release, Matt. 11.28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. d. Those abiding in the Word of Christ are truly set free, John 8.31-36 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never