Unity in the Church

18 January, 2010

Mick Christianity , , , , Leave a comment

“For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?  What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.”

-Paul (1 Corinthians 3:4-5)

Looking at this verse, I cannot help but think of the present state of the Church.  Particularly the denominational division that exists.  Close to Crossroads I know of Presbyterians, Lutherans, Catholics, and Baptists who all meet in their own building and do their own programs.  At some point in history there was some disagreement (usually theological in nature) that caused a separation.  Generations pass, and the divide still exists.

Where is the unity that Jesus prayed for?

Are we so caught up in thinking we are right that we fail to remember this prayer?

Although I strongly believe that we are coming to an age where Christ-followers unite to help change the world, we are still in a state of division.  Sure, people have a preference in preaching styles, music choices, and rituals, but that does not mean we cannot work together.  There is a hurting world out there that needs to be loved, and who better than the Church to share the love that God has.

I don’t think we need to all be together on Sunday morning, that would require one massive building.  What I’m saying is that if we really want to impact the community, there must be some change.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

-Jesus (John 17:20-23)

A Response to Pat Robertson

17 January, 2010

Mick My Thoughts , , , , , , , 2 Comments

The tragedy that happened in Haiti this past week has been heart wrenching for the world.  Seeing the poorest country in the western hemisphere get demolished by an earthquake just tears me up.  Pat Robertson made a remark that greatly disturbed many people, including myself.  What ever happened to loving the world instead of condemning it?

Donald Miller, author of best-selling book Blue Like Jazz, has a great response to Robertson’s remarks.  I want to encourage you to read his blog post entitled A Response to Pat Robertson’s Comments About Haiti.

We need to look at this disaster as yet another opportunity to show God’s love to hurting people.  Please don’t use this as an opportunity to scrutinize and cast judgement on those in need.

Book Review: The Hole in Our Gospel

12 January, 2010

Mick Book Review, Christianity , , , , , 3 Comments

I was really excited to start reading The Hole in Our Gospel as World Vision has always been a company I have respected.  Written by their president, Richard Stearns, this book poses a challenge to engaged people into helping others.  Though I much agree with what Stearns had to say, the read was not too enjoyable.

To be completely honest, I was just simply bored with The Hole in Our Gospel.  Even with the excitement to receive it in the mail, once the pages started to turn my interest was quickly lost.  It was a challenge to read this book, and to be quite honest, I didn’t even finish it.  There has been a lot of praise for Stearns writings, but personally I just could not keep the momentum going.

On the flip side, it is fascinating to see how God has called Stearns to the ministry he is currently doing.  If you want to read a story about someone making a sacrifice to further the Gospel, look no further.

In the end, I would not recommend this book to read for enjoyment.  If you are looking to learn more about World Vision, or be encouraged for outward forcused, then give The Hole in Our Gospel a try.

Why Does the Church Exist?

11 January, 2010

Mick Christianity , , , , , 1 Comment

Why does the Church exist?

Before I get too far into this discussion, we need to define what the Church is.  You can see a previous blog on church vs. Church to read how the word should be used.  In paraphrase, Church is the global network of Christians who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  With that being said, what is it’s purpose?

Matthew 19-20 explains that we are to make disciples of Jesus all over the world.  If this idea is not further developed, however, someone could use brutal force to make Christ-followers.  But anyone who has studied the scriptures knows that this is just not the case.

So the church is to share the message of Salvation that can only be found in Jesus.  And it is by God’s grace, through our faith that we are saved.  See Ephesians 2:8.  Our faith would mean nothing without God’s grace.

So back to our original question, “why does the church exist?”  It’s not a social club.  It’s not a place where only the clean dressed can come.  It’s an agent of God’s grace.  So as the Church, we need to show grace to people in order to spread the Gospel.