Pastor Caroline - October 28, 2020

 

Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.

Ephesians Chapter 4 Verse 13 New King James Version

 

This is the scripture verse used in Daily in His Presence by David Jeremiah in our reading today, which is pictured for you to read. Please read it though.

In the Good News Bible this scripture reads as follows:

And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ’s full stature.

 

This is a beautiful scripture reminding us of unity. As David Jeremiah writes in his reading today, he explains well the idea of unity and diversity. We all know that many hands make light work. Working together, we can achieve much. A large work can be divided among many and many working together can get the work done quickly. Such as all over the world right now, many churches are involved in Operation Christmas Child, (as are we) where shoes boxes are filled with gifts to send to children in other countries bringing them the love of Christ in the gifts found in each box.  The message of salvation will be introduced to them as well, telling them the true gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ, and how He came to give the gift of eternity. Most will hear this for the very first time in their lives and share it with other family members. Many hearts will be given to Jesus, and this is truly what this work is set out to do, to bring hearts to the Lord.  This is a wonderful mission work and many thousands of people are involved in getting the job done. Glory Hallelujah!!!!!This is a big work, but, because many hands are involved it is carried out to the glory of God. Hence unity and diversity, many people filling and working with the boxes (unity) that each one of us fill with different gifts, (diversity).

 

A church cannot sustain itself on only the efforts of the pastor, minister, or priest. It takes many hands to do the work of the Lord and each person is given a gift or gifts in which they contribute to the church, and all working together, build a church. Whether you have a physical building or an assembly which gathers in a home, or other space, you can build a church which is under the banner of God. When He leads His people by the Spirit, then His peace should bind us together especially when we remain humble, gentle and patient. Let love keep us tolerant with one another. This is Paul’s instruction when you read Ephesians chapter 4 verses two and three. I urge you to read all of chapter 4 as this is a good teaching on unity and diversity. Take note that we are called to serve the Lord, as Christ has prepared all God’s people for the work of Christian service in order to build up the body of Christ. Verse 12 states this clearly. Many gifts, many people, many hands working together, using our separate and unique gifts, allows us to build the church in unity and diversity, bringing it all together under the love of God to be all He sees it to be. A place where we all join together, to encourage and strengthen one another, to study and learn the word, equipping each of us to be the church on a 24-7 basis.

Church never closes, WE are the church, always on call, and ready to do a good work to bring glory and honour to our Heavenly Father.

 

David Jeremiah’s reading today in the last paragraph leaves us with this;

Ask God today: “What is my part, Lord, in building up Your Church? What Grace have You given me? How can I promote the unity of the Body? Let your unique gifts strengthen the unity of God’s people.

 

He sums this up nicely and I pray you will seriously find your way in strengthening the unity of God’s people.

Have a blessed week ahead and work together with others sharing your unique gifts.

 

I send a special thank you to all those who pastor a church body as this is Pastor Appreciation Month. Over the years I have been blessed to be pastored by many whom God has called and they have directed my life. I am eternally and forever grateful to each one and ask God to continue to bless those still here, until one day we all shall be in glory. I appreciate the work you do in the name of Jesus. Bless you all.

May you be blessed in your church with many people to help you carry out a good work unto the Lord for it is with their help this works come to completion. I say thank you to all the many hands who help our church be what God has designed. Blessings upon blessings be with you all.