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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

One Promise

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Many People, Same Promise

They came from a variety of backgrounds and places. Some were of Jewish descent while others shared a different heritage. Some were poor and could barely make ends meet while others had plenty of wealth. They lived in different locations and celebrated different cultures. They were a diverse people, but they received the same promise.

They received the promise presented by Christ. That is, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through grace. This was the same promise for everyone.

Paul writes to the Galatians in chapter 3, “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ than you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs, according to the promise.”

The promise was offered to everyone and the only deciding factor was acceptance. The Lord only looked at the heart and nothing else.

The Lord has not changed. He still only looks at the heart and nothing else. You and I may be part of a diverse group of people, but the promise made to us is the same. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds and places, but we can share in the Lord’s grace.

The Bible challenges us to look at one another’s heart rather than outward appearance. How well do you and I meet this challenge?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Unity

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The labor of unity.

Intending to raise cattle, a New York family purchased a ranch in Kansas. They could not agree on the name of the ranch, and when a family friend visited, the would-be rancher explained the disagreement.

“I wanted to name the ranch the Barr J, my wife favored the Susie Q, one of our sons wanted the Flying W, and the other son preferred the Lazy Y,” explained the rancher, “so we named it the Barr J Susie Q Flying W Lazy Y Ranch.”

The friend asked, “Where are all your cattle?”

“They did not survive the branding,” stated the rancher.

Disagreement usually brings about disaster, while unity brings peace. In Ephesians 4, Paul implores us to labor for unity in love.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”

As Christians, our attitude should be one of humility, patience, and gentleness. When we see others hurting, we should have a desire to act. Our actions should bring with them meaningful results.

Max Lucado asks, “Is your attitude toward other believers marked by love, humility, patience, and gentleness? Paul encouraged us to display unity in the body of Christ and accept one another in love. If you are not doing that, check your attitudes. Your spiritual gifts and talents should help bring the body of Christ together.”

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