Non-Negotiables - Part 1 : What Are We Even Doing? Not all truth carries equal weight We’re called to know, build on, and defend the core truths of the Christian faith without getting distracted or divided by side issues   Point 1: Not All Truth Is Equal 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day”   Truth All biblical truth matters, but not all truth is essential to salvation If you try to carry everything like it’s essential You’ll crush yourself You’ll crush others   Maturity is knowing what matters most and keeping the Gospel central   Point 2: The Non-Negotiables Are the Foundation   The Core Non-Negotiables    Jesus is God John 1:1 Colossians 2:9 He didn’t just speak for God—He was God He died for our sins Isaiah 53:5 2 Corinthians 5:21 The cross wasn’t a tragedy. It was a substitution He rose from the dead 1 Corinthians 15:17 Romans 10:9 No resurrection means no hope But Jesus did rise We’re saved by grace through faith Ephesians 2:8–9 Titus 3:5 Not earned Not maintained through performance It’s all Jesus The Bible is the Word of God 2 Timothy 3:16 Psalm 119:105 It’s not outdated It’s God’s truth revealed and alive God is Father, Son, and Spirit Matthew 28:19 John 14:16–17 One God in three Persons This is the framework of the Gospel The Father sent The Son accomplished The Spirit empowers and seals   Why it matters  If you remove any one of these, Christianity collapses   Point 3: Negotiables Shouldn’t Divide You Romans 14:1 “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters”   Examples of negotiables - Worship styles - End times timelines - Bible translations - Tattoos, clothing, holidays - Drinking alcohol   These may shape how you live, but they shouldn’t decide who you walk with in the faith   Titus 3:9 “Avoid foolish controversies… they are unprofitable and useless”   Not everything is essential Some things are open-handed We can still love Jesus and see things differently     Reflection Questions Have I made secondary issues more important than the Gospel? Do I know what I believe about the core truths and why I believe them? Do I treat others with grace on disputable matters or try to win every argument?