Friday, May 7, 2010

Unity

a verse or two

Then I heard all beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, "Praise, honour, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!" Rev 5:13 CEV

Spiritual Walk and Musings: Christian unity in our community.

The revelation the apostle John received on the isle of Patmos paints a picture of all creatures worshiping God the Father and Son in unity (Rev 5:13). Great multitudes that no one can count from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before God unified in worship (Rev 7:9 – 11). In 2007 Vivienne and I were in Bali singing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs of praise at the first ever global gathering of all the Council for World Mission (CWM) missionaries; it was to celebrate 40 years of CWM. It was a great feeling – being with people of other cultures together worshiping God. It was a time of unity, gathered together in Christ to worship Father Son and Holy Spirit. 

There is a depth and richness that comes from true Christian unity. There is encouragement and growth when in solidarity we share our stories of faith. There is learning and objectivity of faith that can’t happen when one remains a lone ranger. There is high level of humility and teachableness when one is willing to listen and learn from people who are different yet have faith stories to share.

A question I have for you is what would unity of the churches in Richmond Waimea look like? On the back page of this parish news is a copy of the statement the local Richmond Waimea church leaders agree to each year. It’s a great statement of unity of the churches in our district. What other things can the churches of Richmond Waimea do in unity? Why not muse on this and share your ideas with others.

To Ponder and Pray: Christian Love - Selfless & Giving Love.

Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Part of Christian love is giving to others those things that you would want them to give you if you were in their situation – and it's doing so even if they can't pay you back. In fact, it's doing so especially if they can't pay you back! Christian love is respect for others. It's mercy. It's charity. God's Love is unselfish and unconditional. It is which we all need to strive toward.

God Bless, Jon.