I in them and you in me --- so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:23
This past Sunday, we began by listening to the Word being read about out great Creator in Genesis chapter one. We sang "This is My Father's World." We said aloud the Apostles' Creed, together affirming our faith in God our Creator, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit who abides in each believer. Then we sang "Holy, Holy, Holy" to worship the Trinity on Trinity Sunday.
Reverend Albright spoke about the unity of the body and the peace we receive in the body as we are connected with God through Jesus.
Unity: Oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement. In my words: A coming together with one divining Spirit for the common good.
Reminded of Corinth --- a church in turmoil --- who received a letter from Paul instructing them to go back to the basics. Belief in God, His Son Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for sin out of His love for us, and the need to stick together in fellowship with other believers to spread the gospel, make disciples and enjoy the peace only experienced as followers of Jesus.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts,
but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
1Corinthians 12:12
Does this mean that we agree about everything? No. Paul continually talks about the body having different parts with different functions so that, when working as one, it accomplishes the work God has proposed to be done. Does that mean that the hand never gets upset with the foot? Or the eye with the ear? Again, No.
This is when we have to step back and look at the big picture, go back to the basics, like we did this past Sunday, and remember who God is and who we are and where we are because of Jesus. And this:
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:3
Just some thoughts from Sunday.
Linda Tomlinson
No comments:
Post a Comment