--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: So the fundamental question before the…" description: "\"“So the fundamental question before the church is who is Lord? Is the church the lord of Jesus Christ, so that it has liberty to edit and manipulate, a..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aba/john-stott-1926_freedom_so-the-fundamental-question-before-the-c_2511816.png" --- # So the fundamental question before the church is who is… ![“So the fundamental question before the church is who is Lord? Is the church the lord of Jesus Christ, so that it has liberty to edit and manipulate, accepting what it likes and rejecting what it dislikes? Or is Jesus Christ our Teacher and our Lord, so that we believe and obey his teaching? He…” quote by John Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aba/john-stott-1926_freedom_so-the-fundamental-question-before-the-c_2511816.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aba/john-stott-1926_freedom_so-the-fundamental-question-before-the-c_2511816.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aba/john-stott-1926_freedom_so-the-fundamental-question-before-the-c_2511816.png) > ““So the fundamental question before the church is who is Lord? Is the church the lord of Jesus Christ, so that it has liberty to edit and manipulate, accepting what it likes and rejecting what it dislikes? Or is Jesus Christ our Teacher and our Lord, so that we believe and obey his teaching? He still says to us, ‘Why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?’ (Luke 6:46). To confess Jesus as Lord but not obey him is to build our lives on a foundation of sand. Again, ‘Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me,’ he said in the upper room (John 14:21). Here then are two cultures and two value systems, two standards and two lifestyles. On the one side there is the fashion of the world around us; on the other side is the revealed, good and pleasing will of God. Radical disciples have little difficulty in making their choice.”” [John Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-stott/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote challenges believers to align professed faith with obedient action, warning that merely calling Jesus “Lord” without following his teachings leads to an unstable foundation. **In simple terms:** Faith must be lived out, not just spoken. Key Takeaway Align belief with deeds. Themes faith obedience authenticity spirituality discipleship Mood reflective serious Type theological instructional When to use this quote - church leadership decisions - personal moral choices - teaching ministries - community standards Key Concepts Christian doctrine moral integrity covenant relationship Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure your actions match your professed beliefs? - What obstacles prevent you from following teachings you claim to value? 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Again, ‘Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me,’ he said in the upper room (John 14:21). Here then are two cultures and two value systems, two standards and two lifestyles. On the one side there is the fashion of the world around us; on the other side is the revealed, good and pleasing will of God. 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