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A Family of Equals...
"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:14-19)
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Second Paragraph of the Declaration of Independence.
Yours truly forgot to mention a key text during Sunday's sermon. It's in the outline, but I wanted to reemphasize it so that we all are "on the same page" or "up to speed" on the issue of equality in the church, the family of God.
Paul explains the why we are equal in 2 Corinthians 5:14-19. First, Christ died for ALL, thus ALL died (to sin and self) to live for Christ in verses 14-15. All have sinned (Romans 3:23). God's love and grace has been demonstrated through Christ to all (I think that the term "world" in John 3:16 cover everyone). All need to respond (see Acts 17:30 - "all men, everywhere, to repent..."). We are on equal footing before we are saved (Romans 3:23) and after we are saved (see Galatians 3:28 - "neither Jew, nor Greek," etc.).
Paul next mentions that we regard (literally "know" or "recognize") no one according to the flesh in verse 16. When we grasp this vital truth, then prejudice dies. When we apply this fact, then the main cause of division ceases. Notice the quote given above from the Declaration of Independence. Our founding fathers acknowledged this fact, but forgot to make total application on this. We fought a Civil War over some of the principles that concern this and are still trying to apply the concept in America's social and cultural landscape. The same holds true for the church - we still need to work at applying the principles of equity in how we deal with each other. Note that Paul mentions this: " Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." (Romans 15:7). When we forget or forsake this concept, the church will dissolve from a fellowship to worship society.
The reason for the what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:14-16 is that everyone has been made new and have been reconciled to God (and to each other) through Christ in verses 17-19. Next time we assemble together, take a look around at your brethren. We are lost in sin without the blood of Christ, yet we all are saved by the grace of God. Are we different? Yes! But we are united by the common bond of Christ!!!
From Bill in love...
Last update : 29-04-2010 11:19
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