When we live together in unity, it means we come together
and unite for the cause of Christ. Each one of us has different gifts and we
can use those gifts to serve the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-8 and 1
Corinthians 12:12-30 are both great passages about the various spiritual gifts.
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its
parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12, NIV).
Isn’t that an excellent analogy? We, the church, are like a body; many parts
working together and each one has a different function within the body. I
appreciate my pastor because he often points out the various roles fulfilled
within our church. He has a humble attitude about his own position and points
out those who are not often recognized. We come to church on Sundays and
Wednesdays to find everything clean and the temperature is cool inside when it’s
hot out and warm inside on cold days. It is like that because people are
willing to give of their time to clean, and someone comes in early to adjust
the thermostats to a comfortable temperature. It may not appear to be important,
but it helps bring about better harmony and fellowship among the believers. We
can each do what we can to bring glory to God and to unify the body of Christ. There is no role that’s too small, God can use anyone!
Showing posts with label Unity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unity. Show all posts
Friday, April 24, 2015
Unity
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity!” Psalms 133:1 (KJV)
When we live together in unity, it means we come together
and unite for the cause of Christ. Each one of us has different gifts and we
can use those gifts to serve the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-8 and 1
Corinthians 12:12-30 are both great passages about the various spiritual gifts.
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its
parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12, NIV).
Isn’t that an excellent analogy? We, the church, are like a body; many parts
working together and each one has a different function within the body. I
appreciate my pastor because he often points out the various roles fulfilled
within our church. He has a humble attitude about his own position and points
out those who are not often recognized. We come to church on Sundays and
Wednesdays to find everything clean and the temperature is cool inside when it’s
hot out and warm inside on cold days. It is like that because people are
willing to give of their time to clean, and someone comes in early to adjust
the thermostats to a comfortable temperature. It may not appear to be important,
but it helps bring about better harmony and fellowship among the believers. We
can each do what we can to bring glory to God and to unify the body of Christ. There is no role that’s too small, God can use anyone!
I am currently participating in the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge. My theme is life lessons from the Bible. You can find more information about the challenge by clicking on the badge to the right or click here for a list of participants. It has been an interesting experience so far and I have enjoyed finding and visiting other blogs. If you are a fellow participant, thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!
When we live together in unity, it means we come together
and unite for the cause of Christ. Each one of us has different gifts and we
can use those gifts to serve the body of Christ. Romans 12:4-8 and 1
Corinthians 12:12-30 are both great passages about the various spiritual gifts.
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its
parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12, NIV).
Isn’t that an excellent analogy? We, the church, are like a body; many parts
working together and each one has a different function within the body. I
appreciate my pastor because he often points out the various roles fulfilled
within our church. He has a humble attitude about his own position and points
out those who are not often recognized. We come to church on Sundays and
Wednesdays to find everything clean and the temperature is cool inside when it’s
hot out and warm inside on cold days. It is like that because people are
willing to give of their time to clean, and someone comes in early to adjust
the thermostats to a comfortable temperature. It may not appear to be important,
but it helps bring about better harmony and fellowship among the believers. We
can each do what we can to bring glory to God and to unify the body of Christ. There is no role that’s too small, God can use anyone!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Seasons
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every
activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives a list of opposite extremes within
the seasons of life. Throughout life, we go through many different stages, and
everyone tends to go through these seasons at different points in their
timelines. There are some seasons that everyone goes through, like childhood, adolescence,
and adulthood; and there are some seasons that some people do not experience. As
a thirty-year-old single woman, I can definitely see this. Most of my peers are
married, many have children, some have or are working on doctorates, and a few
never went to college. Even within those big picture stages, there are periods
of grief and moments of pleasure. It is a marvel that we are able to maintain
friendships amongst these various seasons. God tells us to “Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15, NIV). Sometimes, you may
just have to look outside of yourself and your own situation, and look at
things from another person’s perspective. If you have been in their season
before, then share with them what helped you through it or what you enjoyed
about it. If you can’t relate, then at least offer some words of encouragement.
Believe me, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to take the time to share
in someone else’s joy or grief. I wish I would do it more often.
I am currently participating in the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge. My theme is life lessons from the Bible. You can find more information about the challenge by clicking on the badge to the right or click here for a list of participants. It has been an interesting experience so far and I have enjoyed finding and visiting other blogs. If you are a fellow participant, thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 gives a list of opposite extremes within
the seasons of life. Throughout life, we go through many different stages, and
everyone tends to go through these seasons at different points in their
timelines. There are some seasons that everyone goes through, like childhood, adolescence,
and adulthood; and there are some seasons that some people do not experience. As
a thirty-year-old single woman, I can definitely see this. Most of my peers are
married, many have children, some have or are working on doctorates, and a few
never went to college. Even within those big picture stages, there are periods
of grief and moments of pleasure. It is a marvel that we are able to maintain
friendships amongst these various seasons. God tells us to “Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Rom. 12:15, NIV). Sometimes, you may
just have to look outside of yourself and your own situation, and look at
things from another person’s perspective. If you have been in their season
before, then share with them what helped you through it or what you enjoyed
about it. If you can’t relate, then at least offer some words of encouragement.
Believe me, it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it to take the time to share
in someone else’s joy or grief. I wish I would do it more often.Friday, April 17, 2015
Onesimus
“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son
while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become
useful both to you and to me.” Philemon 10-11 (NIV)
You’re probably thinking, “What a strange choice for the letter
O, who is this Onesimus?” Well, I’m glad you asked. We are introduced to this
man in the short book of Philemon. There is not much written about him, but
there is enough to piece together some of his story. We know that he was
Philemon’s slave and he ran away. Then he met Paul, who was in prison at the
time, and he became a Christian. The notes in my Bible say that Onesimus’ name
means useful, and it appears he was very useful to Paul. Knowing that it was
right for Onesimus to return to his master, Paul sent his new helper back with
a plea to Philemon. Paul had also led Philemon to Christ, so he said that they
were no longer master and slave, but brothers in Christ. Paul’s plea was that
Philemon would be willing to forgive Onesimus instead of flogging or even
killing him as was the custom. Paul even offered to pay any debt Onesimus had
accumulated. Some scholars* believe that Paul was also subtly hinting that he
wanted Philemon to be freed from slavery so that he could further assist Paul. I
enjoy this story because it’s a basic example of what forgiveness and brotherly
kindness look like. It shows that we are all in unity with Christ. “You are
all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus…there is neither Jew nor Greek,
slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians
3:26, 28 (NIV)
*Source- Holman, Illustrated Bible Handbook
I am currently participating in the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge. My theme is life lessons from the Bible. You can find more information about the challenge by clicking on the badge to the right or click here for a list of participants. It has been an interesting experience so far and I have enjoyed finding and visiting other blogs. If you are a fellow participant, thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!
You’re probably thinking, “What a strange choice for the letter
O, who is this Onesimus?” Well, I’m glad you asked. We are introduced to this
man in the short book of Philemon. There is not much written about him, but
there is enough to piece together some of his story. We know that he was
Philemon’s slave and he ran away. Then he met Paul, who was in prison at the
time, and he became a Christian. The notes in my Bible say that Onesimus’ name
means useful, and it appears he was very useful to Paul. Knowing that it was
right for Onesimus to return to his master, Paul sent his new helper back with
a plea to Philemon. Paul had also led Philemon to Christ, so he said that they
were no longer master and slave, but brothers in Christ. Paul’s plea was that
Philemon would be willing to forgive Onesimus instead of flogging or even
killing him as was the custom. Paul even offered to pay any debt Onesimus had
accumulated. Some scholars* believe that Paul was also subtly hinting that he
wanted Philemon to be freed from slavery so that he could further assist Paul. I
enjoy this story because it’s a basic example of what forgiveness and brotherly
kindness look like. It shows that we are all in unity with Christ. “You are
all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus…there is neither Jew nor Greek,
slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians
3:26, 28 (NIV)Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does
not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not
easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
1 Corinthians 13 is often called The Love Chapter because it
explains what unconditional, agape love looks like. God showed us the perfect
example of His unconditional love when He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to
die for our sins. God’s love is a remarkable thing, and through His example and
by His strength, we can learn to love others the way Christ loves us. God tells
us to not only love our families, but our neighbors, and even our enemies. It’s
certainly not an easy task, but we have a great example to follow: “But God
demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ
died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). Stop and think about the way you treat others
throughout the day. Do you treat them with love and kindness? With
indifference? With rudeness or anger? Even the smallest gesture or word of
encouragement can be used to show God’s love to someone else.
On a side note, I thought it was noteworthy that I reached 1000 pageviews yesterday! I would like to thank two of my best friends (they know who they are) and a handful of family and friends I’ve met through church who have been my loyal readers since I started this blog. They are the ones who brought the first 600 views, and the rest have come with this challenge. Thank you all who have come to visit and I hope that you have enjoyed it so far!
I am currently participating in the Blogging from A to Z April 2015 Challenge. My theme is life lessons from the Bible. You can find more information about the challenge by clicking on the badge to the right or click here for a list of participants. It has been an interesting experience so far and I have enjoyed finding and visiting other blogs. If you are a fellow participant, thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave a comment!
On a side note, I thought it was noteworthy that I reached 1000 pageviews yesterday! I would like to thank two of my best friends (they know who they are) and a handful of family and friends I’ve met through church who have been my loyal readers since I started this blog. They are the ones who brought the first 600 views, and the rest have come with this challenge. Thank you all who have come to visit and I hope that you have enjoyed it so far!
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