One Another

Monday September 10, 2012

Good morning everyone!

This morning (and all last night for that matter!) God was placing on my heart some of the things He has in store for our family.  Some of these things I wrestled within my heart, He never said this life would be easy.  In the end God confirmed the work that He is working inside of me.

"So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:5 NASB

Committed followers of Jesus are called to community not seclusion. Jesus had His disciples, Paul had the church, even monks have brothers in the monastery and nuns have sisters in the nunnery. Men and women of faith are not islands of isolation, but a beautiful Body of Christ intricately woven together by God's grace. Just like a physical body relies on a variety of organs and appendages, so the spiritual body is interdependent.  Every believer is a unique work in Christ, tempered by the interaction of the Holy Spirit and providence of God's Holy Word.  Every believer is uniquely qualified to fill the place that Jesus intends them to fill within the body of the Church.

Christ calls us to one another. We need one another. Yes, we are complete in Christ, but we are incomplete without a Christ-centered community. When Christ called us, He called us to Himself and to His body of believers. Spiritual growth slows absent engagement with other sincere souls. We are part of a worldwide movement of faith and good works initiated by the Spirit through the Church of Jesus Christ and His disciples. Our vision radically expands when we are part of a mission much bigger than ourselves. Rely on the Holy Spirit to direct and grow you, not the 'wisdom' gained that belongs this world.
 
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common." Acts 2:42-44

United by faith we flourish by faith. What the enemy seeks to divide, Jesus Christ unifies. Together we align around the God's agenda: share the gospel, feed the poor, plant churches, heal the sick, make disciples, educate, preach, teach and care for widows and orphans. Christians who serve together have no time for the sideways energy of irrelevant arguments. We need one another-like an army we cover each other's back.  Encourage your brothers and sisters in the gifts that God has ordained within them and recognize their uniqueness in Jesus Christ instead of disapproving of their differences.  If Christ is ultimately glorified and His Word is spread then our purpose as a Church is fulfilled.  In doing so, you have seized an opportunity to honor Christ.

We need one another for prayer and perspective. We need one another for protection and encouragement. We need one another because we are in a spiritual war. We need one another because we are weak and vulnerable. We need one another because we are strong and proud. We need one another to protect us from ourselves. We need one another to know one another and to be known. We need one another because God says we do.  Allow acceptance in your heart for those who hold different opinions than yours, so long as they glorify Christ and honor His Word.  God will use these people to help grow your own faith in Him to better equip you for the work He intends you to perform to further God's kingdom.

Religion is not solitary with your Savior Jesus. When you are with other followers of Christ you are encouraged, prayed for, and held accountable. Yes, you can worship in private, but when you gather for public worship you experience the diversity of God's children. The energy and education you receive when you engage other brothers and sisters in Christ is necessary for spiritual growth. If you had a bad church experience, prayerfully participate in a new place of worship. Go where you can better know God.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Please pray for my family and I over the next few weeks.  We will be taking the final steps to pursue the chaplaincy as our primary ministry.  Among the tasks ahead are the administrative requirements that must be completed through our church, my endorser, and the Navy.  Crissi and I would greatly appreciate your prayers and encouragement as we continue take care of these tasks ahead of us in furthering Christ's kingdom for His glory.


Blessings,


Daniel Robinson