#1 - True & False Unity

In this teaching, Thomas Cogdell addresses the concern that work towards Christian unity could produce a "false unity." What is true unity? False unity? How do we rightly respond to those whom we disagree with, to the extent that we question whether or not they are "real Christians"?

This is the first in what is anticipated to be a series of four teachings on the topic of Boundaries of Reconciliation. It was given at Christ the Reconciler during the retreat on 10 September 2022.

The teaching is also available on YouTube, which has the scripture references and other helpful slides intermixed throughout:

#2 - Apostolic Authority, Submission, and Love

The end of Boundaries of Reconciliation #1, True & False Unity, was the ruling of the Jerusalem Council on the controversy of Gentiles becoming followers of Jesus. This second teaching in the series picks up there by addressing the gift of apostles to the church; the role of apostolic authorities in safeguarding unity, and the beauty of healthy mutual submission.

At the end of the teaching, Amy introduces the word "apostolate" and the concept of Christ the Reconciler as an apostolate, whose leaders carry apostolic authority for the community, but are also submitted to apostolic authority in their own traditions.

Teaching given at a Christ the Reconciler retreat on 12 November 2022.

The teaching is also on YouTube, with scriptures slides included, if you prefer to watch it:

#3 - Prophetic Responsibility, Submission, and Freedom

In this teaching, Thomas Cogdell continues the Boundaries of Reconciliation series with the 3rd teaching. One objection to the True & False Unity teaching (#1 in the series) could be - “But I am a prophet, I speak truth to power, even if it means calling out those who are following a ‘false gospel.’”

This teaching looks at the responsibility of a prophet, from the perspective of both the Old and New Testaments. It addresses the relationship of the prophet to other leaders in the body of Christ, and how the prophet should respond when they malfunction and don’t respond properly to the word being brought. (Of course, the prophet can also malfunction!)

This teaching was given at Christ the Reconciler during the retreat on 28 January 2023.

The teaching is also available on YouTube, which has the scripture references and also super-high-quality, no-expense-spared graphics 😂 intermixed throughout to help you follow and grasp what is being presented.

#4 - Malachi 3:16 Conversations

In the fourth and final teaching in the Boundaries of Reconciliation series, Thomas Cogdell addresses the practical question - "What should our conversations around the dinner table be like at Christ the Reconciler?"

This teaching was given at Christ the Reconciler during the retreat held on April 22, 2023.

The YouTube video has scripture slides included, and the train video embedded.