Sunday, January 22, 2012

Brothers in Arms

    This week's message, Come Together,  is a 'members only' kind of sermon.  Just like Christianity itself, it is larger on the inside than could ever be understood from the outside looking in.  It is classified FKUO -- For Kingdom Use Only

    It is rare that posting to this blog is so far beyond me.  I have been unable to get it done to my satisfaction, and decided at last to go ahead and share instead why  it has been so tough to do.  This week, so much of what we discussed in class seemed more based on our connection in the Holy Spirit than in anything we said aloud.  Capturing the unity we have in Jesus Christ in a few typed lines feels like trying to preserve a kiss;  a little foolish to even attempt.

    As a Church (capital "C" intentional) I think we all know there are rough times ahead; the flames are already warming our feet.  However, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,  we also know we are not alone as we enter the fire.  We have God, and we also have each other.

    So what?

    Well, that kind of unity, the bond that enabled the persecuted early Church to conquer the known world, doesn't just happen.  As things heat up, we would do well to understand what they understood about being brothers (and sisters) in arms.  We need to Get it, together , if we intend to see this thing through.

    Sow what?

    The early church left footprints when they walked this out; those tracks are our B.L.U.F. for this week.


    * Pray in the Holy Spirit, to shed the love of God abroad in our hearts (Jude 1:20 , Rom 5:5)

    *  Embrace the spiritual disciplines

    * Avail ourselves of the unfailing guidance of the Holy Spirit

    * Interdependence is commanded; we are to bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2)

    * Embracing the gospel as individuals is critical to togetherness; our greatest common ground is the Mercy & Grace of  God. They were "in one accord" each time in the book of Acts right before the power of God fell upon them (Acts 1:14, 2:1, 2:46, 4:24, 5;12, 15:25).

    Next week, we study what it looks like when we all get out of the boat, and walk on water together.

Blessings,

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