Mark 9
1 Corinthians 12:13-14 – For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
1. One God…many denominations. Across the landscape of Christendom, there are hundreds, if not thousands of separate denominations and churches. Some are separated due to personal convictions or callings to specific locations and people groups, but many are due to varying doctrinal beliefs and earthly traditions. Sadly, these differences have created great schisms in the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-6 – I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
For many children, going to the local ice cream shop is exciting. The ice cream shop has several flavors (even 31) to choose from: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Gold Medal Ribbon, Mint, Cookies and Cream, Old Fashioned Pecan, etc. The children rush into the store with their favorite flavor on their mind. Sometimes if there’s a new flavor, they may ask for a sample taste to see if they like it. If they like it, they want more of it on a cone or a cup. They may want a waffle cone instead or a sugar cone…maybe have it in a milkshake or part of a sundae. As each child selects something different, they don’t fight to ensure each of them have the same flavor and type (i.e. cone, shake). Each child is free to eat their flavor and when they leave, they each enjoy their flavor of ice cream together.
A disciple is a person that is conformed into the image of Jesus through careful study and obedience to His life example, commands, and guidance through the Spirit.
Jesus outlines what one must do to be a disciple, how a disciple is identified, and how they are to live. Below is a listing of scriptural references that further outline the preceding sentence. Disciples:
1. Are not forced to follow Jesus (John 6:43-71).
2. Are drawn by the Father (John 6:44).
3. Must hate their father, mother, wife, children, and their own life (Matthew 10:32-39; Luke 14:26-33).
Within some Christian music industry, some have incorporated a rating system on new music. For the Christian music industry and artists, the goal should be to glorify God through music; bring people closer to Him (through praise and worship); and instruct others toward godliness through music. With CD reviews, these reviews give the impression that Christian music is about good and bad production. Though there are Christian artists that might not provide as ‘polished’ as others (due to money or resources), each of them have the same goal…or at least they should.
As Christians, we must be careful not to allow our decisions or comparisons that equal that of the world. We must keep our focus on the context of glorifying Christ and not comparing products. We should celebrate the works of each person that seeks to proclaim God’s message to the world – whether it is a polished product or not.
God has given each of us a message to share and a light to shine. May we do so with the strength, grace, and anointing given to us through Christ. May we see the unity of the underlying message of Jesus Christ and not the differences among us.
Celebrate Christ!
Mark 9:40 – For he that is not against us is on our part.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Bob Smith
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