One of the things I have always loved about the church since I was very young is that we are one (Phil 1:1-13, Gal 3:26-29). We are “red and yellow, black and white,” rich, poor, old, young, of various nationalities. Some were raised in the church while others came into the Lord’s church later in life. There is pretty much any demographic you can define represented in the church, nearly infinite lines along which we can divide ourselves. Many others may try to divide over one or more of these but not so in the church. We are one!
As a child growing up in the south in the 60’s I was taught, and saw it practiced in the church, that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34,35; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:5-9).
I was taught:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28, NASB).
As Christians, we are grafted into God’s family as brothers and sisters with each other and with Christ. We are united as one in the mutual quest to please God as he wants to be pleased. The various groups of our church are meant to aid us in that quest.
Today we begin a young adults’ group (singles and couples, 20’s and 30’s). The shepherds believe this is an important and crucial time in many young Christians’ lives as they continue to grow in their faith. It is our wish that this part of our family will form bonds and connections that can help them to remain faithful functioning members of the Lord’s church until they are ushered into eternal life in heaven. Our “Vision” book lists other groups that can help you to plug in to your family here and to help in the work of the church. Get involved in the group(s) that you feel you can best be edified and in turn edify others.
We will always be one, working together to please God and helping us all get to heaven.
For the elders,
Gary Woodall