Church Quote by Luke Timothy Johnson
““For if there is an actual and present rule of God in the world, then it must be found, not in the conquest of visible enemies, but in the triumph of love and life, however halting and partial, over sin and death. And this is the work of the Spirit. And it is the calling of the Church.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Testament and the People of God, 1995
Divine influence is seen not in conquering enemies but in love and life overcoming sin and death, guided by the Spirit.
In simple terms: God works through love, not warfare.
Key Takeaway
Embrace love as a spiritual force.
Themes
theology
spirituality
ethics
Mood
hopeful
inspirational
contemplative
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- community building
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
divine love
spiritual triumph
Christian doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- How can love be a practical response to evil?
- What does “triumph of love” look like in daily life?
A Different Perspective
Love may be challenged by conflict and doubt.
![“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)
