pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: unity


by Leave a comment

One in and Through the Holy Spirit

Reading: 1st Corinthians 12:3-6

1st Corinthians 12:4-6 – “There are different spiritual gifts… different ministries… different activities but the same God who produces all of them for everyone.”

As we turn to 1st Corinthians 12 today and tomorrow, we focus on the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of all believers. Paul’s words echo the beautiful diversity found in creation and balance that with a unity as the body of Christ. In verses 3-6 we look at the general use of spiritual gifts in the church and world.

The first work of the Spirit addressed by Paul is the ability to declare Jesus as Lord. Understanding Paul’s missionary zeal, I do not think he is referring to whispering our profession of faith or using our faith in quiet, behind-the-scenes ways. Yes, there are places for both. But in general we are called to live out a public witness, bold and confident in Christ.

In verses 4-6 we read these words: “There are different spiritual gifts… different ministries… different activities but the same God who produces all of them for everyone.” We will delve into our varied gifts tomorrow, but today we focus on our diversity or uniqueness and on our unity. Each person is given a unique set of gifts from the Holy Spirit. This leads one to this ministry or to that activity. Another’s unique gifting leads them to this activity or to that ministry. Where would the church be if we all had the same gifts and all did just one thing?

Yet there is unity in God’s design too. We see this in the last words, “the same God who produces all of them for everyone.” The gifts and the ways we use our gifts? All to be the one body of Jesus Christ seeking to accomplish God’s plans and purposes for our lives and for our world – not just for the church – “for everyone.” May it be so!!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making each of us just as you need us to be. Thank you for my gifts and for the gifts of each person in the body of Christ. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, put us to doing and being, each in our own unique ways yet united under Jesus’ lordship. Build our connectedness and our effectiveness, all for your glory and for the transformation of this world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

One

Reading: John 17:6-11

John 17:11 – “Holy Father, watch over them in your name… that they will be one just as we are one.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

Returning to John 17 today, Jesus’ prayer continues. The focus shifts to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus refers to all believers as “the people you gave me from this world.” Those who “belong” to Jesus – and this includes you and me – are those who keep God’s word as the rule of life. We have received God’s words, some of them from Jesus, and we understand that Jesus was sent by God. Sent as God incarnate (in the flesh) we understand Jesus as the revelation of God on earth.

In verse 9 Jesus states, “I’m praying for them.” We are part of “them.” Jesus prayed then for all who believed in him as Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit continues to pray for all believers. Your name and my name are lifted into God’s presence. As this prayer of Jesus continues, he prays, “Holy Father, watch over them in your name… that they will be one just as we are one.” Because we are not of this world once we become a new creation in Christ, we need watching over. We become targets of Satan once we declare belief in Jesus. The spiritual battle amps up once we declare that we belong to Jesus. This is our reality. This is why Jesus prays for unity.

As the body of Christ we are called to mirror the unity that we see between Jesus Christ and God. This unity, this intimate connection, is grounded in and empowered by love. The love of Christ in our hearts guides us to also pray for one another and at times to be the answer to those prayers. This love leads us to keep one another safe, cared for, provided for, comforted, encouraged, connected… Walking together with Jesus Christ, may we be one as Jesus and God are one.

Prayer: Lord God, unity is often hard. This world and its ruler are constantly seeking to pull us away from you and back into our old selfish ways. Christ in Spirit seeks to counter this, building our connection with you. Open our hearts to continue to receive your word, your love, your presence. And receiving, may we in turn live out these gifts in our faith communities, bring you the glory. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Devoted?

Reading: Acts 2:42-45

Acts 2:43 – “A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles.”

Today and tomorrow we walk with the early, early church. The Holy Spirit has just come upon the apostles and other believers. In the opening verse we see what the first “church” was like. They studied the word of God and the example of Jesus. They gathered regularly to be in fellowship and to share meals. They spent time in prayer. To all of these practices of faith, “they devoted themselves.”

Before pressing on in the passage, we must ask ourselves a few questions. Does this sound like your church or community of faith? Are the people in your community of faith devoted to these practices? And are you, an important part of the body of faith, are you personally devoted to giving daily and regular attention to these practices of the faith? Devotion to the spiritual disciplines, as individuals and as a community of faith, it is a necessity if verse 43 is to be realized in and amongst us.

In verse 43 we read, “A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles.” The sense of awe and the signs and wonders – these are the actions of God. We cannot in any way manufacture these things. The awe, signs, and wonders are, if you will, God’s “response” to our faithful devotion. When we are faithful to the practices of our faith, we open ourselves up to God working and acting in our lives and in our faith communities. The Spirit at work then leads to unity, to caring well for one another, and to the revelation of God’s goodness in the world. These faith practices will, in turn, lead to adding to the community “those being saved.” So, again, the questions: Are you and is your faith community devoted to these regular practices of the faith?

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, upon our faith communities, and upon our neighborhoods. Filled with your Spirit, increase our devotion: to you, to the example of Jesus, to the community of faith, and to the unsaved world. Draw us day by day closer to you so that you may use us and our communities of faith in more and more transformational ways. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Adopt the Attitude

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5 – “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.”

Paul begins chapter 2 writing about choosing humility over selfishness. This brings unity and joy to the body of believers in Philippi and also to the world around them. The same is true today. Turning to verse 5, Paul connects this idea to the example set by Jesus Christ. Here we read, “Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus.” In other words: be like Jesus.

Using what is believed to be an early Christian hymn that predates the writing of Philippians, Paul lays out “the attitude of Christ.” Holding more power than anyone before or since, Jesus did not exploit it. Just the opposite: he emptied himself, “taking the form of a slave.” Jesus chose to be a servant to all, not a master over all. Each of us hold some degree of power, whether over many people or just a few. Do we do as Christ did, using our power not to exploit but to lift others up?

Jesus became humble without limits – except in his love. Jesus’ love knew no bounds. His humility led to an absolute obedience to God, driven by his love of God, which ended at the cross. Jesus never sought to glorify self or to draw any attention to self, practicing a piety that was not about self in any way. He sought to serve, to love, to teach and practice forgiveness. Through this example, God “highly honored” Jesus, giving him “the name above all names:” Lord.

Jesus was first in line in heaven, seated at God’s right hand. Coming to earth he stood at the end of the line, thinking of self last. Because of his humble obedience to God, Jesus became the first of many to enter the kingdom of God. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, others, others, others. Serve, serve, serve. Give, give, give. Lift up, lift up, lift up. Forgive, forgive, forgive. Surrender, surrender, surrender. Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love… Amen.


by Leave a comment

Unity Yields Justice and Peace

Reading: Psalm 122

Psalm 122:9 – “For the sake of the Lord our God’s house, I will pray for your good.”

Photo credit: Wylly Suhendra

The Psalm of David that we read today rejoices in worshipping God in Jerusalem. The city is both the seat of power for the kings of Israel and it is understood to be the seat of grace for the King of Kings. This song would be sung by many people each time they journeyed to Jerusalem to visit the temple, to offer sacrifices, to celebrate their holy days.

Themes of unity and justice and peace are woven into this Psalm. Unity is found in the people of God coming together to worship the Lord. This is both in actual worship in the temple and it is in the way that they lived their daily lives. God is the thing that unites. The unity found in and through God gives the people of God strength and power. This power is so different from the world’s power. The strength and power that comes from unity with God and with one another leads to justice and peace in the land and in the peoples’ lives.

David writes these words in verse 9: “For the sake of the Lord our God’s house, I will pray for your good.” He prays this prayer with unity and justice and peace as his goal. When the people of God are faithful to the will and way of God centered on Jesus’ example and teachings, then unity with God and with one another will yield justice and peace in our homes, in our communities, and in our world. May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, be the king of our hearts. Sitting on the throne of our hearts, guide us to a unity that brings justice and peace to our hearts and to our lives. Centered on the love of Christ as our guide, make us people who stand for and work for justice for all and for peace in all places. O God, may it be so. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Take Hold of True Life

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:17-19

1st Timothy 6:17-18 – “Tell people who are rich… to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.”

Photo credit: Shane

Continuing in 1st Timothy 6 today, Paul instructs Timothy on how to minister to those Christians who do have wealth, power, status… There were and are people that God has blessed with gifts and talents and legacies that has and have allowed them to be rich in the things of this world. Paul first addresses the dangers of this place in life. One can easily become prideful and arrogant. This often leads to isolating oneself from those who are seen as “less than.” From this place of heart and mind one can place their hope in their worldly riches instead of in God. Some falsely think, “Who needs God when I have all of this?”

Paul’s instruction to Timothy is this: “Tell people who are rich… to do good, to be rich in the good things they do, to be generous, and to share with others.” To do good and to be rich in good works is to engage the world around you. This counters the choices to isolate and to look down on those without wealth, power, status… To do good for others draws us into relationship and here we find our commonality, which leads to unity. To be generous and to share what we have lifts up those without and it grows one’s compassion and empathy, deepening one’s desire to practice generosity. To do good and to be generous draws us closer to God and to one another.

In verse 19 Paul states that these actions lay a “good foundation for the future.” This foundation is an ever-growing compassion and love for neighbor and a continual growth in one’s relationship with God. Living out our faith in these ways allows us to “take hold of what is truly life.” This is loving God and neighbor with all that we have and are. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to be people of love and compassion. Guide us to people and places that need to experience these things. Open our hearts and hands to serve you through serving those in need. In these ways, use us to draw others closer to you. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Reconciled Together

Reading: Ephesians 2:11-16

Ephesians 2:13 – “But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who were once so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Chapter 2 opens with Paul reminding the believers in Ephesus that they were all once “people of this world,” living for self, doing whatever felt good. Living this way, they were “children headed for punishment.” But because of God’s great love and grace, they were saved. The believers were offered and accepted the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Beginning in verse 11, Paul reminds the Gentile Christians that they were once without Christ. Non-Jews by birth, they were “aliens rather than citizens… strangers to the covenants.” Because they were on the outside looking in, they were without hope. Continuing from this place of lostness, Paul writes, “But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who were once so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” The Gentile Christians now know the love and grace of God. They now are citizens of God’s family, heirs to the promises.

Shifting gears, now addressing the Jewish Christians yet wanting the Gentile Christians to still hear, Paul writes, “Christ is our peace.” Jesus is what unites Jew and Gentile into one group. Through his sacrifice, Jesus “broke down the barrier” that had separated them. The law of love detailed in Christ’s life and teachings has now replaced the “detailed rules” found in the Law of Moses. “By the cross,” Jesus reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God, making them one, ending their hostility to God and to one another.

As Christ continued to break down barriers, the division between Jew and Gentile became less and less. Yes, there were still parts of each that remained, but it no longer divided them. Today, what divides Methodist from Catholic from Baptist from… is much less important than what unites us as the body of Christ. May this truth increasingly become a reality for all believers today, just as it did in Ephesus.

Prayer: Lord God, continue to open hearts to unity in the body of Christ. Help us to see our great commonalities rather than our small differences. Lead the church today to be united as the family of God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Focus on the Good

Reading: Romans 16:17-20

Romans 16:19 – “But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil.”

As Paul closes his letter to the Romans, he returns to a familiar topic: Christian unity. On one level, in our age where the church has split into literally 100’s of denominations, this passage applies to individual churches. Yet on the larger level I can’t help but think that all these divisions grieves the heart of God. At what point do genuine theological differences divide and at what point is it personal preference or opinion that leads to division?

Taking broad strokes today, Paul warns us to “watch out for people who create division and problems against the teaching you heard.” Paul is talking about a core set of theological understandings about Jesus and what it means to truly follow him. My mind goes to the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets… that we used to wear. This question still makes a great filter for Paul’s warning. Paul continues to advice concerning these folks, writing, “Keep away from them. They are serving their own feelings.”

We all know and see people and leaders who regularly choose selfish ambition over humble service to the common good. We see people in positions of power using “smooth talk” to justify the things they are doing and saying that would make Jesus cry and weep if he were present today. In the midst of all this Paul turns to the individuals that make up the church, saying, But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil.” In the midst of a world focused on self, you focus on the good. Love God and love neighbor. Let that be your guide. Be well aware of the evils and stay innocent of these things. And trust. Yes, trust that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan.” Lord Jesus, come soon. Come soon.

Prayer: Lord God, as churches and as believers, we have so much in common in our theologies and understandings. Use these primary matters to create more unity in the family of God. Help us to understand that secondary and tertiary matters do not have to divide us. Lead us to make better choices, to model Jesus’ love better. Gather your church to be the witness that you desire us to be. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Love – Boldly and Completely

Reading: James 2:1-4

James 2:1 – “My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Photo credit: Shane

The letter of James focuses on Christian identity – what it means and looks like to live as a believer as a pilgrim in a foreign land. Christians were a very small minority, whether amongst the Jews in Israel or amongst the pagans in the Roman world. The pressures and challenges of living faithfully in these settings were great. The need for close community, unity within that community, and love amongst the brothers and sisters of Christ were all essential for James and for the churches that he wrote to.

For James, Jesus was the model of faithful living. Jesus set the example of love and he redefined who was welcome in the family of God. As we turn to chapter 2, we do so with these things in mind. In verse 1 James writes, “My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These first few words remind the believers (and us) of their deep familial connections to Jesus and to one another. This impacts how one treats and acts towards others. James continues, condemning the practice of showing favoritism. This practice is counter to Jesus’ example, therefore it is counter to being a part of the family of God and to being a part of a church community.

Treating one who is well off differently than the one who is poor is simply not what Jesus modeled. To give the one in fine clothes a preferential seat while yelling the poor person to go stand far off or to sit at other’s feet – that is becoming an “evil minded judge.” It is allowing stereotypes and prejudices to impact how we practice loving our neighbor. It is wrong in every way. It denies the image of God in the other and in ourselves. All are beloved of God. All are worthy of our love. In thought, word, and action, may we love boldly and completely.

Prayer: Lord God, it can be tempting to show preferential treatment to one person or group. Our humanity is quick to evaluate potential gain and to evaluate potential cost. In the times when we are tempted, remind us of your love for all people, especially for the least of these. With this Holy Spirit reminder, guide us to act faithfully in the way of love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Building the Kingdom

Reading: Matthew 12:24-30

Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom involved in civil war will become a wasteland. Every city or house torn apart by divisions will collapse.”

We begin a week focusing on unity, peace, and love with a passage from Matthew 12. The Pharisees and Jesus often had interactions that highlight the differences between faith in Jesus and the religion of Judaism. The point of contention in today’s reading centers around the casting out of demons.

After healing a demon-possessed man, some people are beginning to ask of Jesus, “This man couldn’t be the Son of David, could he?” The Pharisees do not think Jesus is the Messiah, so they seek to offer an alternate explanation for the healing of the man. The Pharisees declare that Jesus can cast our demons because he is in cahoots with Satan. In response to this claim, Jesus counters with: “Every kingdom involved in civil war will become a wasteland. Every city or house torn apart by divisions will collapse.”

Unfortunately we have seen this happen again and again in kingdoms, cities, homes, and even in the church. Civil strife, personal conflict, selfish ambitions – they all lead to and very often end in disunity, division, collapse. Satan is almost always the author of this. What Jesus is doing is just the opposite. By the power of God’s spirit, Jesus heals, bringing reunification, belonging, wholeness. With the same power of the Holy Spirit we can counter disunity and division.

Jesus offers a summary statement in verse 30: “Whoever isn’t with me is against me, and whoever doesn’t gather scatters.” When we speak words of peace and love that lead to unity, we are gathering with Jesus. When we work to end strife, conflict, and other sins that lead to division, then we are working with Jesus, seeking to build the kingdom of God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, where there is division, use us to bring unity. Where there is conflict, use us to bring peace. Where there is hatred, use us to spread love. Where there is separation, use us to build a bridge. In all ways, use us to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. Amen.