Subscription Lists
The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
In just a few days our nation will celebrate her birthday...the Fourth of July!! We are so privileged to live in a wonderful nation overflowing abundantly with many, many blessings!!
But just think how much greater this nation could be if God's church were truly unified? Wasn't that the final prayer of Jesus (John 17) just prior to His arrest and crucifixion?
I believe sincerely that one of the things that breaks God's heart today is for Him to see how His 'church' has become so fragmented and divisive. It seems that so many churches just huddle in their church buildings and spend a majority of their time, energy and resources defending their stance, justifying their opinions, and judging other Christians. And yet Jesus' command was for His church to "GO, make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And to teach these new disciples to obey all the commands.
But how can we take the 'Good News' into the world if we won't even associate with the folks who attend the 'other' church across town??!!
How can we share God's love if we are snubbing our neighbors who don't believe 'exactly' like we do? Can we actually call them our 'brothers' and 'sisters' in Christ?
Strangely enough - this very issue has been chewed on among the churches in the Restoration Movement for over 160 years! In the book "Journey of Faith: A History of the Christian Church" - Alexander Campbell was being harshly criticized for fellowshippping with Christians who were not immersed. His response to this argument has become known as the Lunenburg Letter (1837). Here's a sampling of his letter...
"Who is a Christian? I answer, anyone that believes in his heart that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah, the Son of God; repents of his sins, and obeys Him in all things according to his measure of knowledge of His will. There is no occasion, then for making immersion, on a profession of the faith, absolutely essential to a Christian - though it may be greatly essential to his sanctification and comfort. He that hence infers that none are Christians but the immersed, as greatly errs as he who affirms that none are alive but those of clear and full vision."
Now - the intent of 'The Central Point' today is not to ignite a doctrinal debate or argument...but it is my sincere desire to encourage each and every one of us to embrace others in God's love and to honor Him and respect Him and serve Him.
It saddens me to overhear Christians arguing...cynically putting down other Christians and denominations . . . all the while, there are lost souls dying and going to hell for eternity!
I really like what Max Lucado said in his book "When God Whispers Your Name". "Seems to me God gives a lot more grace than we'd ever imagine. We could do the same. I'm not for watering down the truth or compromising the Gospel. But if a fellow with a pure heart calls God 'Father', can't I call that same man 'brother'? If God doesn't make doctrinal perfection a requirement for family membership, should I? And if we never agree, can't we agree to disagree? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God allows me with my foibles and failures to call Him 'Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others?"
God...please create in me a clean heart with the express desire to serve You faithfully, to be obedient to You, and to love others . . . regardless if they agree with me or not!!!
C'mon church...let's lock arms with other Believers and let's go into the world and reach out to the lost and hurting with love...God's love!!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Focus" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.