Week of Christian Unity Prayer of Illumination May the words of my mouth
And the meditations of our hearts Be acceptable in your sight O lord, our Rock and Redeemer. Amen.
A Jew and a Christian A Jew and a Christian were arguing about the ways of their religion.The Jewish man said, "You people have been taking things from us for thousands of years; The Ten Commandments, for instance." The Christian replied, "Well, it's true that we took the Ten Commandments from you, but you can't actually say that we've kept them!"
Not only do we not follow all of God’s laws but we have also
divided his church! After the Reformation The Protestant have abandoned tradition. But slowly we have adopted many back: Liturgical coloursVestments Common Lectionary But we still differ in dogmas. We individually, or as a group, may believe and cherish certain doctrines, the basis of our fellowship is life in Christ. Those who have faith in Christ share faith with all of us. Because our faith is one of life and love it is more than just one doctrine and interpretation. The oneness in the life of God through Jesus Christ is a stronger bond than organizational or denominational affiliations.
What denomination?
A woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas Cards. "What denomination?" asked the clerk. "Oh, good heavens! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well, give me 30 Catholic, 10 Baptist ones, 20 Lutheran.
While enjoying a wide range of Christian fellowship, we strive to promote faith in one God, and the unity of the Spirit among all people. with those who call on the Lord (2 Tim. 2:22). We seek to walk with all lowliness and humility, bearing with one nother in love, being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-3). The doctrines of the Bible have never divided Christians; but human opinions of those doctrines have always done harm. Could it be that our Christian Unity is not meant to be exemplified in One True Church, but rather that all Christian Churches, in their diversity, make up that Unity? However in Ephesians chapter 4 we have the theme of a body, which must work in unity. God’s Christian church as a body with many parts, has its place and function. Often we are too set in our ways and in our beliefs and fail to listen to what God has to say.
Man made dogma, tradition and reform is not God’s will for his church. Christianity itself is split into a myriad of denominations just as the body is split into many different parts and limbs. Each limb and organ of the body has a specific function, all being distinctive and very different. Is this how the church should be ? The various denominations are all valuable and all have their function, without them the body, which is the church, could not function so well. For each denomination is different, and offers a harbour for different people. Yet all these churches are striving for the same thing. They all strive to gain souls for Christ, and to bring the message of Christ to the people. Then why can't the churches
acknowledge that they are one already, one in purpose! Their unity comes from their difference. Each denomination has its purpose within the one church. For not all people can believe the same way. Perhaps a Catholic needs dogma, discipline, and tradition to make him feel comfortable in worshipping the Lord. In contrast the "free thinking" churches have a different feel and function. Free of Creed and overbearing dogma they see God how they wish. Could it be that this is why God has let this so-called division come to pass. We have a unity of separate parts, a body of many limbs and organs, each with its own specific function and place in God's Holy plan. This unity comes from belief in one God, Father Son & Holy Spirit. The unity stems from our belief that salvation comes solely from Christ. We all follow the message of the Holy Bible,
and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And so we will find our home with Christ among the parts of the one body that is the true church of God. The Lord's Supper We can worship together but due to man made interpretations of the Eucharist, we cannot yet celebrate communion together. 1 Corinthians 10:14-17 All churches have a universal belief in the Lords Supper. All churches, in some form, believe in the Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Wine, which is a participation in the body of Christ. Through this we are all united as Christians. It does not matter whether we believe in Con- or Trans-substantiation the Real Presence, or a Memorial service. Scripture can prove all of these views. Why then can we not bring ourselves to say that all forms are right? Let us believe
that the true meaning will only be revealed on earth when Christ returns !
Gates of Heaven. A man arrived at the gates of Heaven. St. Peter asked, "Religion?" The man said, "Methodist." St. Peter looked down his list and said," Go to Room 24, but be very quiet as you pass Room 8." Another man arrived at the gates of Heaven. "Religion?" "Catholic." "Go to Room 18, but be very quiet as you pass Room 8." A third man arrived at the gates. "Religion?" Jewish." "Go to Room 11 but be very quiet as you pass Room 8." The man said, "I can understand there being different rooms
for different religions, but why must I be quiet when I pass Room 8?" St. Peter told him, "Well, the Baptists are in Room 8, and they think they're the only ones here."
Unity is not the same thing as uniformity. The New Testament model is unity in diversity (1 Cor. 12). Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body"
(Rom.12:3b-5a). So it seems that we through our differences can continue to love one another and worship on occasion together, but we will not in the near future be able to fully commune together. But I believe that ultimately it is not important to what faith or denomination we belong, But whether we believe in one God and worship him though our Saviour Jesus Christ. Ascription of Glory And now to him,Who by the power at work within us Is able to do far more abundantly That all that we ask or think,To him be glory in the church And in Christ Jesus To all generations,For ever and ever. Amen.