Memory Verse:
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I AM Accepted…
I have a dream that burns within my heart. I was very young when I first felt the fire of that dream. Its warmth has kept me going down a different path that separates my way from the world. Even in church circles I am different. A square peg trying to find my way through the round hole. Maybe you are too…and never realized it.
As a Christ-follower I never really understood why there were “denominations” of believers. To me, a denomination is a mathematical term used to quantify or an English term used as an adjective to describe the more superior word (noun). Why do we need denominations in the family of God? My experience has been that denominations are exclusive, divisive and, well, negative. You must join, perform, and perpetrate the belief for that church to flourish.
A few years back, my “word of purpose” was Unity. There should be unity in the body of Christ. Unity in the Church (with a capital “C”). Does this thought ever cross your mind? Look at what the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:4-6:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
UNITY means we are all ONE.
Jesus established the Church. The members of the church were followers of the Way (John 14:6). The Way is a person: Jesus! Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Lord of All. When we each stand before God we will be asked ”What was your relationship with Jesus?” The question will NOT be “What denomination did you belong to?” The question will be “Who do you belong to?”
When Paul stood before the council of Jews (as reported in Acts 24) he talks about his experiences and commitment to the Way. He was asked about his beliefs because they were radical. Paul lived his life following Jesus’ example. He was “All In.”
There is another word that describes someone who strives to live like Jesus: Christian. Because Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah and the Son of God, He is known as Jesus Christ. Those who choose to live life by His example can call themselves Christians.
Unfortunately, the world hears the term “Christian” and thinks “Pharisee,” “Hypocrite,” and “Judgmental.” Do those words describe your walk with the Lord? If we truly live our lives like Jesus, we will show love and compassion, grace and mercy, and generosity. The world will want to know us and our Savior. Jesus’ life changed the world. Jesus living in you will change the world also. Let’s change our world in Jesus’ name and live it by His example.
Jesus gave us a gift. Have you accepted it yet? Just like with any new gift, we have to learn how to use it properly. Apply yourself to learning who Jesus is and what His life was about. Jesus will Rock your World!!! So, back to denominations…
Paul, in his letter to the church in Corinth addresses the division in the church over which leader they were going to follow (1 Corinthians 1). The man leading the church was not as important as Jesus Christ as the head of the church. The Corinthians received correction over their wrong thinking. We need to check our allegiances, too.
If this topic of Unity of the Body of Christ has sparked an interest for you, please read First Corinthians Chapter 1, ask God to give you an understanding of being “One with Christ,” and a part of a larger body of believers (The Church).
Look at these words of beauty and warning:
“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.”
Proverbs 30:5-6
“And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.”
Revelation 22:18
These words are from the book of wisdom and the best friend of Jesus. Follow the Great I AM. Accept His Gift, it’s free. Learn the Truth, follow the Way and let Him show you how to LIVE. You have been chosen by Jesus. You have been ACCEPTED into the family of God. What is your response to Jesus?
We are a City on a Hill. We are to be shining the Light. We are ONE. United we will Stand. Divided we will FALL.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Jesus,
You are the Christ, the Messiah, the One who gives us Life and Love, Grace and Mercy. Teach us to love like You. Help us to accept our place in Your Church body. We all have a part to play as we reach the lost for You, Lord. Open our eyes so that we can see where we have gone astray. Give us the desire to be one with our brothers and sisters. May our love for You bind us together and the divisions be erased. We want to be the Church—Your Church, ONE CHURCH. Father, gather Your children home. Thank You for making us that City on a Hill leading the lost to You. We love You, Jesus.
AMEN
