10.17.07
“ONE IN CHRIST!”
Isaiah 43:10-12
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
An event occurred in my life that I have rarely mentioned. I am not sure that my dear wife, Joyce, knows about it. More than fifteen years ago I was called before a regional church council. I had been serving a particular church for some time and was being considered for a permanent assignment.
Walking into the meeting I was lighthearted and optimistic. The local church was pleased with my ministry and it seemed to be a perfect fit. The meeting, however, seemed to be more of an inquisition than an interview.
There were no questions asked about my view of Scripture or faith. No one asked about my conversion experience or walk with the Lord. The group was more interested in where I had received my education. I had not attended one of their schools, but one from a sister denomination.
Ah! There it was! The dreaded “D” word–denomination! From the point where they discovered I had not attended one of their schools, the curtain of denomination dropped in front of them. I am not sure how long the interview lasted after that, but my fate was sealed. I was notified by mail that I was not suited.
It is so easy to place barriers between ourselves and others. I am tempted to list some of the things which divide us, but I will leave that for you to contemplate. I would like to take a positive approach and consider the attitudes that will break down barriers and draw us closer to the Lord.
As Christians, we often spend more time fighting with other church groups than taking the battle to the enemy. Someone has called it, “Evangelizing the evangelized.” Even within a particular church it is possible for factions to bicker and contend with other groups within the same church.
By breaking down barriers I do not mean turning away from God’s established truth. In fact, relying totally in God’s Word is the answer. When we spend our time feasting on God’s Word and pouring our heart out to Him, we will find the key to break down the walls of separation.
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil