Monday, November 22, 2010

Denominations


…you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Paul introduces us to a “truly global faith…where only one category remains: all believers. Across cultures and races, God is building a new family: we are joined together in Christ, and in our multi-colored, many-tongued expressions, the Holy Spirit dwells.”

Gerard Kelly, writing for
Scripture Union USA, is Senior Pastor of Crossroads International Church in Amsterdam.



Dear God,

How is it that we divide up into denominations? St. Paul, steeped in the tradition of his own religion and culture learned a better way:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(Galatians 3:28)

Yet there’s a human inclination to choose sides. I tend to associate with people that look like me, think like me, live like me.

Father, don’t let church become my private club. It should be more like a base camp. A place for supply. A place where an expedition begins - even an adventure!

Lord Christ, you prayed for unity, that we would be one.
(John 17:11) No barriers. No boundaries. Help me to find common ground with all believers in your teaching, your example, your presence. Amen.

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