In the last session we began to look at how conflict and division in the Church occur across the boundaries of denomination and churchmanship. We looked at some of the key issues that divide Christians at present, and we sought ways of better hearing and understanding where those we disagree with were coming from. More importantly, our time together and our struggle to reach that point of understanding will have required that we open ourselves to the possibility of loving the other person, or group, not with our own meagre resources but through the grace we have been promised in Christ.

In this session, we shall try to build on the good things gained in our last meeting, as well as continue to address those issues and debates that are a stumbling block to us and to the neighbour with whom we disagree. But in this session, we shall be focusing our discussion on the question of truth.        

Opening Conversation

Try to pick up where you left off in the last session. If, during that meeting, you had broken through into new ground in terms of the group dynamic and your individual relationships, try to build on that, but also remember that simply being nice to one another is not a sufficiently strong method for reinforcing the bonds of peace. Remind yourselves in this conversation, that no matter where the discussion leads you, we all love and worship the same Lord.

Video

Bible Readings          

• Eph. 1:3-10
• John 14:6
• John 18:33-38
• John 8:32

Key Points

• Your truth vs. my truth
• The truth promised by Jesus
• The meaning of ‘true religion’

Questions and Discussion Points

• Is the truth about the Christian faith something we know within ourselves? Or can it be learned from others? Christianity has been described by one of its detractors as ‘talkative’ and, by implication, shallow. Do you think this criticism is justified? Give reasons.
• How might we, in our ministry and witness, be more imaginative in our portrayal of the truth as it pertains to Christ and to scripture? What do we learn about truth, for ourselves, our church and for the times we live in, from the conversation that took place between Jesus and Nicodemus?
• What do you think Jesus meant when he said ‘the truth will set you free’?
• Do you have a particular parable, or passage of scripture, which conveys a fresh meaning to you every time you read it?
• ‘Recognising our need for God is a revelation of truth’ Do you agree?
• What does loving a Christian from a different churchmanship require of us?