Planting Churches among the City's Poor - Volume 1

238 • P LANTING C HURCHES AMONG THE C ITY ’ S P OOR : V OLUME 1

Theological Diversity Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis • World Impact’s Candidate Assessment Program (for missionary applicants). Wichita: World Impact.

I. The Importance of Theology

A. It is critical to credible faith: Rom. 10.17 – So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

B. It is critical to apostolic community: Jude 1.3-4 – Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. C. It is critical to godly leadership: Titus 1.9 – He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

II. The Reality of Diversity in Christian Traditions

A. We are diverse in our patterns of religious authority : how we make decisions and recognize rulership

B. We are diverse in our hermeneutical methods : how we read and interpret the Scriptures

C. We are diverse in our lived traditions : how we worship and serve the same Lord of all

III. The Essential Rule of Faith: The Nicene Creed

A. The Vincentian Rule of Theological Conviction: “All possible care must be taken that we hold that faith which has been believed everywhere, always, and by all” (Vincent of Lerins, “A Commonitory,” Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers ).