Controversy Matures God's Church

If you’ve been in Moscow for more than five minutes (or have access to the internet), you know that our pastors and ministries are often engaged in some broader debate or controversy. And so this morning I want to offer a way of understanding these occasions, with a simple thesis—controversy matures God’s church.

It is clear that throughout history—moral, theological, and doctrinal disputes are a means by which God grows His church and strengthens the truth in each generation.

As we have been working through the Book of Acts, we see the church in its infancy not with doctrinal purity, perfect unity, or at peace with the world around it – but rife with controversy and collision. Likewise, the great early Creeds of the church all came about as the fruit of serious doctrinal debate over orthodoxy and heresy. And of course, in the Reformation the gospel broke through and shined brightly in a time of intense division and dispute in the church. 

Even the Westminster Confession of Faith, one of great our doctrinal standards, was written during a bloody religious civil war in hopes of unifying the churches of the British Isles. As the late J.I. Packer once said, "The best theological work has been done under pressure of controversy and urgent need."

And so as you look around us at the broader landscape of Christianity today, and even more specifically our small Reformed corner, you should indeed lament unnecessary disunity and strife. But at the same time, you should not lose hope simply because words have been exchanged and lines have been drawn. While we may never excuse sin in the midst of controversy, and our aim should always be unity in the truth, you can trust that God is continuing to purify His church through it all. 

And so the exhortation is to not be alarmed at whatever the latest debate or fight may be. Do not become anxious regarding it all, but attend to your own station, not giving the conflict more attention than is necessary for you to love God, lead your families, and fulfill your duties with joy before the Lord.