Unity

“Future Neighbors” – Revelation 7:9

Revelation 7:9

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,”

As we reflect on unity this week, it’s fitting to end with a look to the future. In the book of Revelation, John is given a glimpse of those who will stand at the throne worshipping the lamb together. People from every tribe, nation, and language. This vision of our future is a testimony of God’s sweeping love and a reminder that our spiritual family extends far beyond those who are just like us. Part of revealing and reveling in God’s Kingdom here on earth is showing love and grace to our diverse brothers and sisters that will one day be our eternal neighbors.  
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • What is the significance of white robes? What about the palm branches? 
  • Revelation was a letter of encouragement for the persecuted church in John’s day. How would this image have encouraged them? How might it encourage you? 
  • What can you do this week (prayer or action) to lift up your future neighbors?   

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?

Explain – what does the passage mean?

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?


Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

 

photo by monkeybusiness from elements.envato.com

 

 

 

 

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“Preparing Your Heart” – Psalm 131:1

Psalm 131:1

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.”

This short psalm (just 3 verses) is labeled A Song of Ascents. Of David. It is one of a group of ascent psalms attributed to King David. There are several possibilities for the original use of these short psalms. Some suggest that they were sung by those making pilgrimage up to Jerusalem for the festivals, some suggest they were recited by the priests ascending the stairs into the temple courtyard. Either way, they can be seen as psalms to prepare the heart and mind for worship.
 
One of the elements of worship is humility – having the right perspective of who we are in relation to who God is. We are coming into the presence of the Most High. The more we focus on this truth, the more we remember our place. We are finite, He is infinite. We are fallen, He is perfection.
 
In our access to God through Christ, we are brought into the family and made co-heirs with Christ. However, we must make sure that the familiarity we are afforded through God’s mercy and grace is tempered with honor and respect.
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • What do you think David meant by “my eyes are not raised too high?”
  • Is this psalm suggesting we shouldn’t pursue the big questions in life? 
  • What are some things that you can do to prepare your heart for worship? List one or two in the comments below.  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?

Explain – what does the passage mean?

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

 

Photo by Alain Wong on Unsplash

 

 

 

 

 

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“The Star of the Show” – Philippians 2:3-5

Philippians 2:3-5

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”

 Paul’s admonition here falls into the category of ‘easier said than done.’ It’s our natural default to always think of and look out for ourselves – our preferences, our aspirations, our reputation. The movie we play in our head usually has us as the hero or the victim, but always the star of the show. Other people are simply supporting staff, extras coming into and out of scenes that highlight OUR story. But Paul is saying here to give others equal billing, or worse, put them ahead of ourselves?
 
If you’re like me, you might be thinking, “Impossible! I can be nice to others, but consider them as more significant than me? That’s a tall order.” But this isn’t impossible, it’s just uncomfortable. It’s part of dying to ourselves, which is part of being a disciple. This death to self doesn’t just allow us to follow Christ, it also creates an ensemble cast that points to Him as the TRUE star of the show.
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • Are there some people that you find it particularly difficult to count as “more significant than you?”
  • How might you look to the interest of others today?  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

Photo by Oscar Keys on Unsplash

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“Worth the Price” – Philippians 2:1-2

Philippians 2:1-2

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and one mind.” 

As Paul writes to the believers in Philippi, it seems as if he’s giving them a checklist of items, that once fully checked off, they can move on to “completing his joy.” But Paul is actually the one checking off the list. He is using a rhetorical conditional statement to refer to items they already knew to be true. Paul was reminding them of all that Christian community held for the believer. He was emphasizing how important Christian fellowship was to their health, growth and effectiveness. They needed to guard and protect this fellowship by being of one mind. 

Maintaining unity among a diverse group of people can be difficult. But unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We all have our opinions, preferences and agendas – it’s only human. However, these things take a back seat to the mission of the gospel. In times where we need to humbly submit our own desires for the church to be in full accord, Paul is saying the prize is worth the price.  

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:

  • What are the benefits that Paul lists of being in Christian fellowship? (hint: the first one is “encouragement in Christ”) List them in your journal or in the comment section below. 
  • As you look at that list, can you think of instances where you experienced these firsthand among a fellowship of believers?
  • Which of these benefits do you need most right now?  
  • How might you create these elements among the fellowship today? 

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?

Explain – what does the passage mean?

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

 

 

 

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