Christian Unity on Display

Services

Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

03/21/2024

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Last evening, we ended our Wednesday evening Lenten services, and I am sad to see them come to an end. The churches - and their pastors - who make up the Irvington Association of Ministers are a great group of people. So many people from our several different churches came up to me after the service last night and shared how much they enjoyed worshipping in other churches and hearing the voices of other pastors. I think what we have experienced is just a glimpse into what worship in heaven will look like after Jesus comes again. 
The Apostle Paul wrote these words in Ephesians 4: "I ... beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." 
So often we allow our differences to define us and divide us. We do have theological differences of opinion, but these words from Paul should remind us that when it comes to the most important things we are united. We believe in one body of Christ, in one Holy Spirit, in one Lord, Jesus Christ, and in salvation through faith in him, and in one God of all. We may differ in how we baptize, but we all baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
Paul knows that we need help when it comes to unity because our human tendency is to divide. Christian unity comes through the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit. But he offers us some advice on how to start. First, be humble. Recognize that you might not be right all the time. And, even if you are, it is only because of God's grace. Next, be gentle in how you speak and how you act. Even if I believe I'm right (and am right), I don't have to tell everyone! Third, be patient with others. God knows I need others to be patient with me; so, I need to extend them the same courtesy. Finally, bear with one another in love. If love drives what I do, the first things will come more easily. 
When you think of Christian unity, what image do you see? Can you even imagine what it will look like? And what would our world look like if we started to live in Christian unity today, one of us at a time?
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Last evening, we ended our Wednesday evening Lenten services, and I am sad to see them come to an end. The churches - and their pastors - who make up the Irvington Association of Ministers are a great group of people. So many people from our several different churches came up to me after the service last night and shared how much they enjoyed worshipping in other churches and hearing the voices of other pastors. I think what we have experienced is just a glimpse into what worship in heaven will look like after Jesus comes again. 
The Apostle Paul wrote these words in Ephesians 4: "I ... beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." 
So often we allow our differences to define us and divide us. We do have theological differences of opinion, but these words from Paul should remind us that when it comes to the most important things we are united. We believe in one body of Christ, in one Holy Spirit, in one Lord, Jesus Christ, and in salvation through faith in him, and in one God of all. We may differ in how we baptize, but we all baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
Paul knows that we need help when it comes to unity because our human tendency is to divide. Christian unity comes through the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit. But he offers us some advice on how to start. First, be humble. Recognize that you might not be right all the time. And, even if you are, it is only because of God's grace. Next, be gentle in how you speak and how you act. Even if I believe I'm right (and am right), I don't have to tell everyone! Third, be patient with others. God knows I need others to be patient with me; so, I need to extend them the same courtesy. Finally, bear with one another in love. If love drives what I do, the first things will come more easily. 
When you think of Christian unity, what image do you see? Can you even imagine what it will look like? And what would our world look like if we started to live in Christian unity today, one of us at a time?
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