Christ’s Agents; February 10, 2022

Posted on February 12, 2022 by jgarrott

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

This whole passage is so rich! Sometimes the “theological” parts of Paul’s letters can seem very difficult, as even Peter acknowledged, (2 Peter 3:16) but his passages like this, included in just about all of his letters, hit us right where we live. This verse doesn’t leave out any part of our lives. The Japanese expresses it as “everything about you.” Is there anything in your life you can’t honestly do in Jesus’ name, that is, as His representative? Then it’s something you have no business doing. Most of us have a very limited image of who God is and how He is involved in our lives. Jesus’ famous words about the hairs on our head being counted (Matthew 10:30) should be corrective to that. We have trouble thinking of going to the toilet in Jesus’ name, but that is an important part of our physical health, and we are stewards of the bodies we inhabit. Most people couldn’t imagine sex in Jesus’ name, but that’s because they have fallen for the devil’s lies about it, instead of keeping it in the context of holy matrimony. (Now there’s an old-fashioned term for you! C. S. Lewis, that marvelous Christian writer of the 20th Century, had some very interesting views on that, having married relatively late in life.) The point is, no part of our life is excluded, but in everything we are to be Christ’s agents, giving thanks to God for everything He allows us to experience.

I’m in the middle of a bit more training in this. Yesterday, as we were in the process of taking a 97-year-old friend out for a birthday dinner, we had a call from another friend that her mother had died the day before. That friend was very upset, after having called to talk to the Buddhist temple where the family is registered, because all they would talk about was money (knowing that our friend is well-to-do). She said they were like gangsters! She’s not yet a Christian, but I did her wedding a few years back, and she wanted to know if I would be willing to do a small family funeral for her mother. I of course agreed, so after we had finished the birthday dinner we hurried home and changed clothes and went to conduct an informal wake service. Today we will go to the home again for the funeral, and then to the crematorium. Our plans for today are completely changed from what they were, but we have the conviction that we are acting as Christ’s representatives. We have known that family for 40 years, interacting with each of them in many ways on many levels, and this could well be God’s plan for bringing the current generation to Him for salvation. I cannot control that, but I can act in humility and obedience, and leave the rest up to Him.

Father, thank You for Your plans. We certainly can’t see to the next minute, but You see from Creation to eternity. Help us indeed act as Christ’s agents in everything, so that all thanks and praise may go to You. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Christian Living; February 9, 2022

Posted on February 12, 2022 by jgarrott

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Paul expands on this for the next several verses, but this explains the basics of Christian living pretty well. It has to start with the Lordship of Jesus Christ. As came out yesterday, there is no salvation apart from that. However, accepting Him as Lord isn’t a “once and done” sort of thing; we have to keep walking it out. That’s exactly the idiom the Japanese uses, following the Greek. “Living in Him” is true enough, but it can seem theoretical at times, whereas walking is a concrete activity we can all relate to. However, that activity has got to be tethered to Him. Just as a plant can’t grow without roots, so we have to be rooted in Him to grow. This goes back to the extended image of the vine and the branches that Jesus Himself used in the Upper Room. (John 15:1-8) Also, ours is not a “fact-free faith,” as some accuse us of practicing. There is plenty of verifiable history to it, and in contrast to the people to whom Paul was writing, we have the whole Bible readily available to us. Sadly, many cultural Christians seldom if ever read the Bible, and that is dangerous indeed. Society is playing out before our eyes what happens when Americans are ignorant of their founding documents – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights – and ignorance of the Word of God is even more dangerous. Just as some people are insisting that the US Constitution is a “living document” that should change with the times, some people are twisting the Bible and ignoring the parts they don’t like in order to make it “fit” their chosen lifestyle. That is the height of self-deception, fostered by the father of lies. (John 8:44) However, when we choose submission to Christ, live in fellowship with Him, and grow in faith and in knowledge of His truth, then we have every reason to overflow with thankfulness, because we have greater riches than this world could possibly generate.

Of course this applies as much to me as it does to anyone. I have been incredibly blessed, but what sets me apart from many is that I realize it! As comes out again and again in the Bible, gratitude is indeed the key to happiness. (Actually, secular psychologists confirm that as well, but they don’t necessarily grasp to Whom we should be grateful.) However, I’m not to take any of those blessings for granted but recognize that they are all grace, and not something I have earned or to which I’m entitled. Such an attitude would extinguish my gratitude, and thus my joy. I have been given the privilege of sharing God’s grace with those around me in many ways, and the more I do that, the more that grace abounds to me. I happen to fill the office of pastor, but I need to help the believers understand that they are just as much instruments of God’s grace as I am, whatever their specific title or occupation. At root, we are all children of God and His agents to the world around us. I am to be training believers to recognize that and live it out.

Father, thank You for this clear image. It relates to what I feel You would have me speak on Sunday, but I don’t know exactly how yet. Help me hear You clearly so that Your Word may go out undistorted, building up the Body of Christ for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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The Kingdom of the Son; February 8, 2022

Posted on February 11, 2022 by jgarrott

Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

There’s a lot of good content in this chapter, but Paul’s sentences are so long it’s hard to pull out just one thought to write on it! However, this part is indeed a gem. As has come up in the readings just recently, the Bible is filled with references to evil being dark and God being light. I don’t think it was an accident that the first act of Creation was when God said, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) Jesus famously said that people don’t come to Him for salvation because they like the dark, because their deeds are evil. (John 3:19) The problem is, there’s no salvation in the darkness, and we need to be saved. We are right to be ashamed of our sins, but God knows everything we’ve done anyway, so the only answer is to come to His light. The particular expressions in this passage are interesting. The Japanese uses a character in writing “dominion” that means “pressure.” Practically everyone complains about “being under pressure” from one thing or another. As Paul said, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) The way out of the pressure is to come to Jesus! At the same time, we don’t come out from under the darkness into some amorphous la-la land, but into the kingdom of the Son. When we pray in the Lord’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” we often fail to realize what that means. A kingdom is under the control of the King! American Evangelical Christians tend to separate “Receiving Christ as your Savior” and “Making Jesus your Lord,” as though the second half of that were just a part of spiritual growth. Paul was clear that making Jesus your Lord is an essential part of salvation. (Romans 10:9) If we want to be out from under the crushing weight of sin and evil, the only answer is submission and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord.

This of course applies to me as well. I delight in the liberty of the Spirit, but I am not immune to the temptations of darkness. I’ve got to remember where my citizenship lies. (Philippians 3:20) When temptations come, I’ve got to remember that’s none of my business; it’s no longer “natural” for me, because my nature is now hidden in Christ. As a pastor I am constantly dealing with people who can’t seem to get their allegiances straight. I have no high horse from which to look down on them, but I need to keep speaking the truth to them in love; (Ephesians 4:15) I need to come alongside them to teach and admonish them as necessary. (Colossians 3:16) We all need help to keep walking in the light! (1 John 1:7)

Father, thank You for this reminder. This picture, of transferring from one realm to another, is one that comes to me frequently. Help me indeed live it out and communicate it effectively, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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The Secret to Happiness; February 7, 2022

Posted on February 11, 2022 by jgarrott

Philippians 4:12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

This passage could be labeled, “The Secret to Happiness.” We see verse 13 quoted often, usually out of context, but don’t see verse 12 mentioned very often at all. It certainly doesn’t agree with the “Prosperity Gospel” people! They like to focus on verse 19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus,” again taking that out of the total context of this chapter. Paul went through a lot, as he cataloged in 2 Corinthians 6 and elsewhere, but he seems to have complained fairly little, and the secret is right here. Not too many people can say the second half of verse 11 in all honesty: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” It is clear to anyone observing humanity objectively that we create our own happiness by our attitudes. If you have a sense of entitlement, you will be unhappy any time you fail to get what you think is “your due.” If you are eaten with ambition, you will be unhappy any time you feel you aren’t “getting ahead.” It has become a cliché, but it is true nonetheless: it all boils down to an “attitude of gratitude.” Paul didn’t demand things of God, but received them with joy, thanks and praise. Even physical ailments didn’t stop him in that, because when God didn’t heal him of a persistent problem after Paul had prayed earnestly three times, but rather said, “My grace is all you need,” Paul’s response was, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) People in general strive for happiness, when God has already provided all we need, if we will recognize and receive it.

I slip from this at times, but in general I think I must have a better handle on it than the average person, because people are impressed by how much I enjoy life. I have disappointments, certainly, but in general I am very aware of God’s overwhelming grace toward me. I am most often frustrated when I can’t or don’t perform as I feel I should, messing things up by my actions. I am very much of a work in progress! Every once in a while I get fixated on something I would like to have, but I have learned over the years that temporal things are just that, temporary, and choose not to let myself be eaten up over it. It is very true that I can’t maintain that attitude on my own, but God indeed strengthens me, just as He did Paul, and in Him I can do it.

Father, thank You indeed for Your grace toward me. Helping me understand the secret of contentment is a huge blessing! I do certainly want to see more harvest in Your kingdom; I don’t want to be content with people going to hell! Help me be fully submitted and available to You at all times and in all ways, not only for my own peace and joy but for the blessing of those around me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Practical Christianity; February 6, 2022

Posted on February 8, 2022 by jgarrott

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

It seems like every time you turn around, someone is quoting some part of the passage from verse six on, whether it’s in person, in a song, or on Facebook. That’s an indication of two things: this is really good advice, and it’s really hard to do. Much of the time we just give this passage lip service, which is why Paul puts in this verse. He is confident as to the quality of the example he has set, but here he expresses the clincher: put it into practice. Jesus (John 13:17) and James (James 1:22) said very similar things. It does us very little good to know things intellectually or theoretically if we don’t put them into practice. That’s one reason persecution can be very valuable to the church: it forces us to examine what we really believe, what we are willing to suffer or even die for. Someone has said that the unexamined life isn’t worth living. Paul, along with Jesus and James, is telling us to get real, to apply God’s truth where the rubber meets the road. That forces us to be honest with ourselves and with God. James said, quite accurately, that failure to do so is deceiving ourselves. We don’t want to do that! Actually, on some level we might actually want to, but it’s very dangerous. Just like a child learning to walk physically, we have to learn to walk spiritually, and we are just as prone to falling down. There’s a reason such children are called “toddlers!” Many, many Christians are barely toddling around, spending more time sitting, or even flat on their face, than they do moving forward. That’s not surprising, but after a while it can get really old. We need to look at the examples that have been set for us, like Paul, and get busy putting those things into practice.

Naturally, this applies as much to me as it does to anyone. As a pastor, it’s my job to help people stand up again and take at least a few more steps. For myself, I’ve long felt James 1:22 was written expressly for me! However, Jesus’ focus, that if you follow through and do the things you know you will be blessed, (John 13:17) is the most helpful, being positive rather than negative. It’s the carrot, while James expressed the stick, and Paul is essentially neutral. In any case, I am to set a good example by living out the truth I know. I have been learning over the past few years through studying Coaching that there are far more effective ways of transmitting truth than just giving lectures. That’s why Paul mentions so many different learning vectors in this one verse. As a pastor, I need to come alongside people and show them how to live for Christ and walk with Him. If I will do that, they will have a much better chance of applying the truth I speak to them.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me apply, live out, the many things You have taught me in so many ways through so many people. Thank You for all who were faithful to be the examples I needed. May I in turn be the example You want me to be for all who are watching me, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Spiritual Maturity; February 5, 2022

Posted on February 8, 2022 by jgarrott

Philippians 1:9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.

Reading Philippians gives you a warm feeling, because Paul so obviously had a very warm, close relationship with the believers there. This, after all, was where he and Silas were famously beaten with rods and put in stocks in the innermost part of a prison, until God literally broke them out with an earthquake, and the jailer and his household were dramatically saved to eternal life. (Acts 16) In any case, Paul felt a deep emotional connection to them, and they were the only group from which he accepted financial support. These verses express what he prayed for them, and they are rich indeed. He starts by talking about love, since that was the foundation of his relationship with them. However, this wasn’t just an emotion, but was rooted and grounded in knowledge and insight. Emotion isn’t bad in itself, but it is a poor foundation for life. Paul wanted their know­ledge and insight to grow so that they would grow spiritually to be the kind of disciples that bring credit to Jesus Christ our Lord. We often forget that the only Bible people had initially was the Old Testament, and in a Gentile city like Philippi, they probably didn’t even have that. For that matter, the printing press was over a thousand years in the future to them, so any reading material they had at all was hand copied. That required total dependence on and obedience to the Holy Spirit! These days we are totally spoiled by the full Bible being available in countless translations, not just in printed form but electronically, so that we can have it on our phones. Having things easy rarely leads to maturity! That is clearly illustrated by the abundance of “snowflakes” today, who are “triggered” by anyone who so much as disagrees with them. Such people are hardly disciples of Jesus Christ, whatever they say. We should rejoice at the hard times, knowing that if we keep our eyes on Jesus we will come out of them in far better shape spiritually than when we went in. (Hebrews 12:11)

This naturally applies to me. I often comment that I feel James 1:22 was written for me, because I have had a knowledge of the Bible since I was quite small, but I am still tested frequently as to how well I am living out the truth I know. “Knowledge and depth of insight” isn’t just academic or theoretical, it is practical in every area of life. I too want to be filled with the fruit of righteousness for the glory of God, and to do that I’ve got to stay alert and obedient, never stopping with just lip service to anything my Lord asks of me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I often joke that the reason I stay young is because I never mature, but I never want that to be more than a joke! Help me indeed grow and mature continuously, until You call me home, so that I may be a support and guide to those around me, bringing many into active discipleship to Jesus Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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Living Wisely; February 4, 2022

Posted on February 6, 2022 by jgarrott

Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Talk about a familiar passage! I use 21-33 every time I do marital or premarital counseling, and 19 and 20 are a dearly loved song that I’ve translated into Japanese. Verse 18 is of course frequently quoted both in relation to alcohol and to being filled with the Holy Spirit. That leaves these three verses, and they too are dearly loved, and for good reason. We have an incredible capacity for foolishness! The common term of “sophomore” comes to mind. We generally use it to indicate a 2nd year student in a 4 year academic course, but by its Greek roots it means “wise fool.” In other words, they know a little, but don’t know how much they don’t know. That describes us very well! We need to be reminded of how foolish we are by nature, but life has a way of doing that, if we’re paying any attention. This is a universal issue, and it certainly applies to the life of faith. YOLO is an acronym that has been popular in recent years: You Only Live Once. That’s certainly better than belief in reincarnation, thinking you’ll have infinite opportunities to get it right, but it’s often used as an excuse for reckless or otherwise foolish behavior. Paul is expressing much that thought, but from a far wiser perspective. In other words, we need to recognize the opportunities God gives us and make full use of them, doing His will on His schedule for His glory. It’s interesting to see that Paul too thought he lived in “an evil age.” We are surrounded by the grace and love of God, but at the same time we are in the age when the devil is rampant, doing all the destruction he can. That age won’t come to an end until the return of Christ as King, so until then, we need to be wise! God gives us all opportunities to share the good news of His kingdom, and otherwise express His love and grace to those around us. We never know when a particular opportunity is unique and will never come again, so we need to be sensitive, and as the Japanese expression puts it, “bring the opportunity to life.” Someone’s eternal life might well depend on it.

Of course this applies to me. I have been a “sophomore” more times than I could possibly count! I have a high IQ, but that’s not at all the same as being wise. As Proverbs famously puts it, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) Again as James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) There is no genuine wisdom apart from God, regardless of how much knowledge I might accumulate. I feel I miss many opportunities to share Christ and otherwise serve God, so I need to keep pressing in to be more sensitive and obedient. It always feels good to realize I’ve met a divine appointment!

Father, I do want to live wisely by Your standards. Help me not gauge things from a humanistic perspective, but always be submitted to You to recognize Your plan in each situation, indeed bringing every opportunity to life and making the most of it, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Children of Light; February 3, 2022

Posted on February 6, 2022 by jgarrott

Ephesians 5:8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

This is an important statement, but Paul had to illustrate it in the middle of saying it because otherwise it would seem so theoretical as to be meaningless. We don’t necessarily go around thinking about whether something is light or dark unless there are actual lumens involved. Paul is talking about a fundamental shift of nature here, and we often have trouble either believing it has happened or grasping what it means. This is actually a further restatement and refinement of what he discussed in Romans 6 about being “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11) Jesus and many others in the Bible associated light and life, so this passage is in no way out of the mainstream of God’s revelation. However, as I said, we don’t generally go around thinking in these terms. That’s why Paul stuck verse 9 in there, explaining the characteristics of a life lived in the light. We don’t understand it all, so it’s important to get the help of the Holy Spirit to know and do what pleases God, what is really a manifestation of the light of the life of Christ within us. If we will do that, we will discover the peace, joy, and satisfaction that everyone seeks, but many plunge into darkness in that pursuit.

Of course I’m talking to myself here. I wish every facet of my life were light, but I’m not there yet. It’s comforting to know that Paul never “arrived,” either! (Philippians 3:12-14) As a pastor, I find that many people are confused as to what is light and what is not. As Paul said, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14) I am to seek God consistently myself, for my own sake and as an example to others. A song of a few dozen years ago, Children of the Day, expresses that fairly well, but the irony is that the group that sang it fell apart after being deceived by the devil. I am never to think that knowing the facts is sufficient; I’ve got to live them out. (James 1:22) This seems to be a very common issue for leaders/teachers in the Church. Somehow we think or feel that because we are leaders, that exempts us from the things we are teaching, when it doesn’t at all. It’s just like politicians being notorious for thinking they don’t have to follow the rules and laws they create. That’s not the case at all. As James said, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) I have no excuse for any darkness in my life.

Father, thank You for this reminder. You know my weaknesses better than I do! Help me walk in full humility and live out the truth You have placed in me, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

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Salvation; February 2, 2022

Posted on February 4, 2022 by jgarrott

Ephesians 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

This brings to mind a brief video clip from the Internet that my wife called my attention to a few days ago. A young man gave a very perceptive and theologically sound answer to the often-heard question of why God sends people to hell. He said, “God doesn’t send anybody to hell; we’re headed there on our own anyway. God in His mercy gives us a way out so that we don’t have to go to hell.” That’s a superb answer, and it meshes perfectly with these first ten verses of Ephesians 2. This verse makes that exact point. Too many people think they’re entitled to heaven, when their own actions have more than earned them a place in hell. None of us deserve heaven, being transformed into the likeness of Christ and spending eternity in perfect fellowship with Him, but God in His amazing grace, mercy and love has opened the way for us. And there is indeed only one way, as Jesus Himself said. (John 14:6) Repentance and faith are the necessary keys, and the Holy Spirit is the “GPS” to keep us on the path. One reason the world hates Christians is that they want what we have but don’t want to give up the sin they cling to, so they accuse us of “elitism.” It doesn’t matter that we’re begging them to receive the same grace we have, they just want to justify themselves in their rejection of what God is offering them through us. Yesterday I read the tragic news of a former Miss America who committed suicide, apparently influenced by online bullying. I’m sure the devil had plenty of material to accuse her of, but those who were his agents are certainly guilty of greater sin. She didn’t have the foundation of faith to see herself as a child of God, so she followed the course her flesh laid out. That should be an object lesson to us that no amount of the world’s acclaim can equal God’s approval, and no amount of the world’s rejection can overcome God’s acceptance. As verses 8 and 9 famously proclaim, we have no room for pride, but every reason for overwhelming gratitude.

I too am by nature an object of wrath, just as Paul says here. My mind goes in all sorts of devious paths. I too need to be “transformed by the renewing of my mind.” (Romans 12:2) I sometimes do things I shouldn’t, and I certainly fail to do things I should. I shouldn’t need to be on a physical “death row” to realize that would be my rightful place apart from the grace of God. Only when I recognize my own “natural condition” am I able to reach out effectively to others to draw them from death to life. Frankly, so far I’ve not been terribly effective at that, which probably reflects on a failure to be appropriately grateful for God’s mercy and grace toward me. I need to let the Holy Spirit work in me fully, washing out old thinking and attitudes so that I will express the love of God without distortion, drawing many into His family for their salvation and His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You also for that video, and for the very clear word You spoke through that young man. May I like him be fully available for You to express Your truth through me, so that many will be set free to repent and believe for their salvation. Thank You. Praise God!

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The Church; February 1, 2022

Posted on February 3, 2022 by jgarrott

Ephesians 1:22-23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

We not only have too small a concept of God, we have too small a concept of the Church! Omnipotence and omniscience are just words to us, but we don’t really even have words to express the nature of the Church. The problem is that we think in terms of human organizations, or even physical buildings, and that hardly begins to touch on the Church as Paul expresses it here. This is indeed the glorious Bride of Christ, that Paul touches on in chapter 5 of this letter and John writes a good bit about in his Revelation of Christ. We speak glibly about “the Body of Christ,” but we hardly know what we’re talking about. Again, human organizations and our experience of them get in the way. The closest thing to “denomination” in the Bible is “sect,” and that, rightly enough, is hardly a “feel good” term to us. The Protestant Reformation was an essential event in the history of the Church, triggering many corrections within the Roman Catholic organization as well as spawning what are now countless Protestant groups, but none of those can claim exclusive rights to being The Church. Frankly, any group that tries to do so practically excludes themselves from it by their very claim. For centuries the Catholic Church tried to do so, but thankfully that has greatly subsided. I am reminded of C. S. Lewis’ famous statement, in The Great Divorce, that one thing we know for certain is that when we get to heaven, we will discover we were all wrong somewhere. None of us has the whole truth without error, and failure to grasp and acknowledge that lays us wide open to being manipulated and used by the devil, the father of lies. That’s not to say we shouldn’t have assurance in what we believe, but it is very much to say that we must walk in humility, allowing the Holy Spirit to correct our errors. Only then can we begin to fulfill the transcendent vision of the Church that Paul presents here.

I was raised in a thoroughly denominational environment, but it was in Japan, where the total number of active Christians of any label was less than 1% of the population. That made it much easier to see anyone who knew Jesus at all as a brother, rather than a rival or even an enemy, as I have seen many times in the US. When we came to Omura in 1981 I was immediately coopted by a denominational organization, but events led to an organizational split in less than three years, and since then I have been steadfastly non-denominational. We have been invited to join various groups over the years, including the one from which we split, but I have always felt a check on that. I am not superior to them, but the moment I put up a denominational label, someone else will consider me an enemy, or at least a rival. The lack of an umbrella organization has been difficult at times, but I have felt great freedom in having fellowship with people carrying all sorts of labels. When we mutually focus on Jesus Christ as Lord, everything else fades into insignificance.

Father, thank You for the magnificence of Your plan. We miss so much by superimposing our human constructs on it! Help me walk in full humility and submission to You, expressing Your love, grace, and holiness in everything I do and say, so that the Body of Christ may indeed be built up as You intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

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