This was a busy and interesting weekend. The very interesting topic for our leadership seminar on Friday and Saturday was cross cultural coaching. Then tonight we had a special prayer meeting with 20 people who are part of the group who will help us start a new congregation on November 27th. The 20 people represented six countries - Canada and the USA, Nigeria, Philippines, Korea, and China.
This morning I preached from Ephesians 4, challenging our International Church to remain unified even as we begin next week to meet in two locations with two congregations. It is most interesting that Paul first challenges believers to live a life worthy of their calling and then challenges them to grow Christian character - humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance with love. Only then comes the challenge: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3)
It seems to me that if we are growing those four characteristics (and other qualities found in passages such as Galatians 5:22, 23) we will be the kind of people who promote and develop peace in any congregation. While some congregations have divided over moral or theological issues, far more have divided due to a lack of godly qualities such as humility and love. Of course the divisive ones often hide behind biblical verses or theological issues, but the real cause of division is pride and a lack of love.
There is so much that unites believers: see the nine commonalities Paul lists in 4:4 - 6. Compared to these, our differences should rarely divide us.
God is pleased with believers who truly live a life worthy of their calling, growing the fruit of the Spirit and fostering unity in the body. It is not always easy - "make every effort" writes Paul. But for God's reputation we need to do all we can to strengthen the unity of the Spirit.
This morning I preached from Ephesians 4, challenging our International Church to remain unified even as we begin next week to meet in two locations with two congregations. It is most interesting that Paul first challenges believers to live a life worthy of their calling and then challenges them to grow Christian character - humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance with love. Only then comes the challenge: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3)
It seems to me that if we are growing those four characteristics (and other qualities found in passages such as Galatians 5:22, 23) we will be the kind of people who promote and develop peace in any congregation. While some congregations have divided over moral or theological issues, far more have divided due to a lack of godly qualities such as humility and love. Of course the divisive ones often hide behind biblical verses or theological issues, but the real cause of division is pride and a lack of love.
There is so much that unites believers: see the nine commonalities Paul lists in 4:4 - 6. Compared to these, our differences should rarely divide us.
God is pleased with believers who truly live a life worthy of their calling, growing the fruit of the Spirit and fostering unity in the body. It is not always easy - "make every effort" writes Paul. But for God's reputation we need to do all we can to strengthen the unity of the Spirit.
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