Church Quote by John Gresham Machen
“And God grant that His fire be not quenched! God save us from any smoothing over of these questions in the interests of a hollow pleasantness; God grant that great questions of principle may never rest until they are stettled right! It is out of such times of questioning that great revivals come. God grant that it may be so today! Controversy of the right sort is good; for out of such controversy, as Church history and Scripture alike teach, there comes the salvation of souls.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Christian Faith and the Church, 1915
He urges that deep, contentious questions must be pursued rather than avoided, as they spark spiritual renewal and truth.
In simple terms: Questioning fuels spiritual growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace honest controversy for truth.
Themes
faith
truth
controversy
revival
Mood
passionate
serious
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- church debates
- personal belief crises
- academic theology
- missionary work
Key Concepts
theology
ecclesiology
apologetics
Questions to Reflect On
- What uncomfortable question might you be avoiding?
- How can controversy deepen your faith?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding conflict can lead to complacency and shallow faith.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
