Dr Paul Allen

The Bible reveals some things to us that are “hard to understand” ( 2 Peter   3:16 ). We recognize some of these things in our experience, but when we try to define or explain their essential nature or how they actually work, we find ourselves utterly perplexed. Take, for instance, the Trinity. Relating to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is, in many ways, much easier experienced than explained. A child can believe in, interact with, and trust the triune God , but the combined power of the greatest theological minds of the past two millennia have not been able to explain triune mechanics. We know it works, but we don’t know how. Or consider the coexistence of God’s universal, absolute sovereignty ( John 1:1 –3; Ephesians   1:11 ; Hebrews 1:3) and human personal accountability for our moral choices (Matthew  12:36 ; Romans 2:2; 2 Corinthians   5:10 ; Romans  9:14 –23). We know this reality by experience. We can all point to God’s sovereign intervention...

The word “movement” is often used to describe a kind of vital, dynamic human organization , in order to distinguish it from what are called “institutions.” Both of these words can have broader meanings, but for the sake of this discussion let us define them in the following ways. A movement is marked by an attractive, clear, unifying vision for the future together with a strong set of values or beliefs. The content of the vision must be compelling and clear so that others can grasp it readily. It must not be so esoteric or difficult that only a handful of people can articulate it. Instead, it must be something that all members of the movement can understand and pass along to others. By contrast, “institutionalized” organizations are held together by rules, regulations, and procedures, not by a shared vision. This unifying vision is so compelling that it takes pride of place. First, the vision leads to sacrificial commitment. Individuals put the vision ahead of their own interests and c...