We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.
John StottRead
An unchurched christian is a grotesque anomaly. The New Testament knows nothing of such a person. For the church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought. It is not an accident of history. On the contrary, the church is God's new community.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of the church in the Christian faith as a central aspect of God's plan.
John Stott highlights that being a Christian without being part of a church community is fundamentally flawed, as the church is an integral aspect of God's divine purpose. He argues that the church is not merely an afterthought or a historical accident; rather, it is a deliberate creation by God to establish a new community of believers who collectively fulfill God's intentions.
Themes
ChurchCommunityChristianityFaithGodPurpose
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon on the significance of church membership, this quote could emphasize the necessity of belonging to a faith community.
More from John Stott
All quotes →Mission arises from the heart of God Himself and is communicated from His heart to ours. Mission is the global outreach of the global people of a global God.
John StottRead
Saving faith is resting faith, the trust which relies entirely on the Savior.
John StottRead
It is a great comfort to know that our judge will be none other than our savior.
John StottRead
To encounter Christ is to touch reality and experience transcendence. He gives us a sense of self-worth or personal significance, because He assures us of God's love for us. He sets us free from guilt because He died for us and from paralyzing fear because He reigns. He gives meaning to marriage and home, work and leisure, personhood and citizenship.
John StottRead
Many (Christians) have zeal without knowledge, enthusiasm without enlightenment. In more modern jargon, they are keen but clueless.
John StottRead
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