One of the greatest threats to the witness of the Gospel is the unity of the Church.  Often it is the Bride of Christ that blocks the spread of the Gospel.  Trials will come; persecutions will always exist; the changing culture will always present new challenges; but the Gospel will overcome all of these if the Church will maintain unity.

Jesus put it this way as He prayed, John 17:21–22 (CSB) “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. ²² I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one.” Jesus understood that unity in the Church would validate her message to the world. 

In Chapter 15 of Acts we read about a threat to that unity.  A group of people came into the church at Antioch and began teaching that circumcision and adherence to the Law of Moses were necessary for salvation.  Paul and Barnabas knew better, so they sent a group to Jerusalem to get input from the apostles and elders. 

After hearing the concerns on both sides of the disagreement notice what occurs, Acts 15:25–28 (CSB) “We have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul…. For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements….”

Notice that they stated they were unanimous in their decision.  There was a debate; there was a difference of opinion; there was not agreement. How did they reach a unanimous decision?  “It was the Holy Spirit’s decision.”  This was the answer to Jesus’ prayer in the garden.  The young church was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus himself was now living in them. Not one or two of them but all of them. And their opinions did not matter anymore. There was something more important living in each and every one of them that overruled their preferences.  And they were one.

As we begin to work toward Re-Entry, we will come with many different views and opinions as to what precautions need to be made and how we should respond. We may not all agree with everything that is decided about how to handle the Re-Entry.  Some of us will be more disappointed than others. Few, if any of us, will agree with all the precautions that are enacted.

There is no precedent as to how this should be done. Except for the one established by the Jerusalem council.  The Holy Spirit will overrule Mark’s preference, the deacons’ preference, or your preference, because it is Unity that matters.  It is the witness to the world that is each and every person’s priority.  Because it is the spread of the Gospel that is our number one priority. May we be able to say with the early church, “For it was the Holy Spirit’s decision—and ours—not to place further burdens on you beyond these requirements….” For we are one.

Father, we pray your presence will be displayed in the unity of Your church as the Holy Spirit makes us one. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SCHEDULE Tonight!

Contact Amy if you need information on how to meet in our Zoom rooms.

Items needed for Food Collection Week of May 4-8

Cereal

Pop Tarts

Oatmeal

Granola Bars/Fruit Snacks

Packs of Cookies

Peanut Butter

Mac/Cheese

Canned Vegetables

Tuna/Tuna Helper

Pancake Mix

Dinty Moore Stew/Ravioli

Chef Boyardee Pizza Kits

VBS on the Road

We are looking for volunteers to lead and/or host 2-hour day camps in subdivisions around our area during the month of July.  If you are interested in teaching or hosting, please contact Bro. Mark.  mark@pinerbaptist.org

Grace Marriage

These sessions are offered as home studies that you can do with your spouse strengthening your marriage.  I urge you to take advantage of this free resource.

Hey everyone!  We want to serve your marriages and your families during this time.  We realize that you are enduring stress, anxiety and uncertainty.  In an effort to help you draw closer to Jesus and one another, we are providing you virtual sessions to do together that will help your marriage and family. These sessions are specifically designed to help you navigate your marriage during this time of quarantine. 

Please contact Bro. Mark if you are interested in accessing this free resource.