The Church we’re talking about isn’t the building you come to on a Sunday morning or your denominational affiliation. This, big ‘C’, Church is the one described in Scripture as the body and bride of Christ.

In John 17:21 Jesus prays that His people would be one so that the world would believe. When I look at the church today we’re far from one. At best we’re a fractured picture of the beauty of Christ.

So here’s what I wonder…Is it possible for all these individual churches, with their different denominations and doctrinal stands, to come together in order to fulfill Scripture and impact this generation with the gospel, grace and love of Jesus Christ?

I believe it is. What if every church, regardless of denomination or creed would agree to move beyond the walls that separate us in order to work together to accomplish those things that unite us? What if we recognized that we are not, like so many businesses, competing organizations but each individually members of the big ‘C’ Church. We are designed to serve with one another. God built us to be better together.

Wouldn’t it be beautiful to see churches of various denominations and sizes, from different parts of town, socioeconomic status, race and creed come together in order to demonstrate to the world the loving kindness and grace of God through Jesus Christ? I could see it starting right here in Green Country. It begins with common belief…

“We are The Church in Green Country – a network of self-governing, local communities of Believers individually expressing our worship to God, ministry to people, and faith in Jesus Christ as we collaborate, cooperate and communicate with one another in order to fulfill God’s passion for this region.”

Eventually this relationship could become more clearly defined by the core beliefs and core values on which we all agree. For example…regardless of denomination or church affiliation every church can affirm core values such as:

• Prayer
• Volunteer & Leadership Development
  
• Social Justice

Imagine the influence leveraged by each church collaborating, cooperating and communicating with one another in order to meet the needs of our community as we each share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It’s as simple as this: Jesus prayed for unity. We should live it.

We are better together.

God Bless,
Chad

Jesus gave his life so that we could be forgiven of our sin – so that we could have a right relationship with God. Out of this relationship we receive an eternal home in heaven. His divine power gives us everything we need for life and godliness. It all begins by trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.

John 14:6, “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Romans 5:8, “But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”

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God loves you. His does not want you to be separated from Him. He doesn’t want you to have to suffer the consequences of your sin. So He gave His only son, Jesus, to take the punishment for your sin and mine. Jesus suffered the consequences of our bad choices, our bad actions, our bad attitudes. Jesus suffered the consequence of our sin.

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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The mistakes we make, the sins we commit, have consequences. These consequences affect us today and in the future. They affect our relationships with family and friends. It also affects our relationship with God. The consequences of our sin could last forever.

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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Everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes it’s an accident. Other times we deliberately choose to do the wrong thing. Either way the Bible calls this sin and sin separates us from God.

Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

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God loves you and has an incredible plan for your life.

John 3:16, “For God so love the world He gave His one and only Son that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

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I’ve heard about spies and under cover operatives – police officers – who ‘Go Dark’ – it means they cut off all contact & communication with their handlers, head quarters and home base. It’s while they’ve gone dark that they face their greatest risk. During this time they are:

1. Vulnerable to attack.
2. Susceptible to temptation
3. Alone – completely alone.

What happens when a spy ‘goes dark’ is rarely good.

Going Dark seems to be a consistent choice of some who call themselves Believers today. For reasons I’m certain they consider necessary many will separate themselves from their church, their family and their God – during this time they will face their greatest risk. They are:

1. Vulnerable to attack.
2. Susceptible to temptation.
3. Completely alone.

It’s an odd choice to make, but I see church members make this choice all the time. 1 John 1:5 says that with God you will NEVER go dark. 1 John 1:6 is even more convicting. It says if you say you follow God then choose to go dark that you are a liar who doesn’t practice the truth.

Today, may you walk in the light. No matter your circumstance may you see that choosing to ‘go dark’ is really no choice at all. May you resist temptation, be invulnerable to attack and recognize that with God, and His people – you are never alone.

Have you been through a dark time? How did you get out? Use the comments area to share your story.

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