| By Rod Huron
Is it possible in today's world to be simply a Christian-not a particular kind of Christian, but merely a follower of Jesus Christ?
We have our labels: Evangelicals, Charismatics, Premillennialists, you name it. None of which terms, by the way, can be found in the Bible. Plus our catchwords: inerrancy, liberalism, Restoration, independent, and so on.
But only a Christian? Looking into the Bible to discover the what and how and why. Granting someone else freedom to do the same-without forcing your misunderstandings on him or him forcing his on you. Believing that God can do in another heart what He's done in yours. Refusing to build a wall of separation.
Where can you find people like this?
Some of them come to the North American Christian Convention-the preaching, teaching, singing, fellowship gathering the second week in July.
They're not delegates sent to argue policy. They come to learn, to worship and to study the Bible. They discuss methods, ideas, missionary work, church growth, prayer and more.
They come because they want to, and when it's over they go home encouraged and ready to serve Christ a bit better in their churches and home and private lives.
Twenty-thousand may attend, but it's doubtful that one of them agrees with everything there. In workshops and hallways and study groups they voice their differences and are stronger because of it. They try to focus on what unites instead of what could separate.
They are not a denomination and don't want to be, yet their churches often work together. Mention a need and they are quick to respond. They have their faults, but they try to serve the One who is Perfect.
If you'd like to come, it's held in July each year. You'll love it.
Rod Hurron is executive director of the North American Christian Convention, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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