Reminded

Recently our elders approved and addition to our auditorium. It is a physical addition which anyone who attends our assembly time would see. It is, like most anything, controversial to someone...herein lies the difficulty...I suppose that we all know that a gathering of 3 or more people, or maybe two or more people, brings with it different likes, dislikes, points of view, perspectives, beliefs etc...So what do we do as people of God who have to handle situations where differences exist? How do churches live together when members have really different points of view (just like the Christians in the bible churches by the way)? Well, two things: 1) Ephesians 2:14 says in the context of Jew/Gentile believers "He himself is our peace." That is, both Jew and Gentile alike have come to Christ Jesus. With all eyes on him there is peace. When the focus is on Him - the person of Jesus - there is peace. Paul says in 1 Corinthians that we are one because we eat of one "loaf" (10:17). We are ONE because of Jesus - we are family -co-laborers-co-workers...because of our belief and obedience to Him. 2) Ephesians 4:1-2 call us to humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance in love. Relationship words all. Knowing we are different God has given us two things: 1)Jesus and 2) The Spirit of kindness (watch his fruit Gal. 5:22). If we can all acknowledge Jesus and treat each other with the fruit of the Spirit we should be fine. This reminds me of how HE calls and wants me to be. Foree