First published 2017
Christopher Leonard examines how modern churches struggle with the same tensions that split early Christian communities. The senior pastor of Community Church of Fish Creek argues that believers have created a false choice between salvation through faith and following Old Testament commandments. Leonard studies Paul's letter to the Galatians to show how ancient church divisions mirror today's conflicts. He contends that Christ fulfilled rather than abolished biblical law, and that genuine faith requires more than intellectual agreement. Leonard identifies why Paul opposed gentile participation in Jewish ceremonies while maintaining that God's commandments protect rather than imprison believers. The book includes workbook sections designed to clarify Paul's actual message. Leonard presents his vision of church unity based on shared purpose rather than identical practices, arguing that effective evangelism starts with building trust and pursuing reconciliation.
Genres: christian-fiction, religion, church-history, theology
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: faith-vs-works, reconciliation
Setting: Galatians, Fish Creek
Period: Early Christianity
192 pages · Paperback · Sermon To Book