Because it Matters…Unity
Unity = 1.the state of being one; oneness. 2.a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. 3. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification. 4. oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement.
There you have the definition of UNITY. All of those nice sounding words that we know are only possible to put into practice with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The importance of unity in a church cannot be stressed enough; it’s not just important but it is necessary for a church to function in a way that would correctly represent our Saviour, Jesus Christ. When you consider the option to unity it helps to draw a more clear understanding of the absolute imperative of a body of believers moving as one in the unity of Christ.
We have all heard enough toxic horror stories of church splits, factions and gossip within a church that render that church powerless to preach the good news because you can’t produce fresh waters of life from such a polluted, spirit-grieving environment. Sadly, some of the ugliest conflicts I have ever witnessed have been within the confines of the Body of Christ.
Yes, I know that correct teaching and doctrine are important. Also that we will not all agree with one another in some doctrinal areas, but we can be in fellowship and unity if we have built a correct scriptural foundation on the basis of the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the inerrancy of His Word.
Unity matters becasue it is an expression of the Lord Himself. We can’t fake unity. Why does it matter? Prayerfully consider the following verses:
Rom 15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
John 17:22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Eph 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Col 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
We are members of the Body of Christ. He has equipped with all that we need to work together for His Kingdom. In the end isn’t this all that matters? Our life for His Glory!
James R. Smith
“How Far Will God Travel?”
“How far will God
travel…to bring
refreshment and
His love?
This was the question I asked over and over again to myself and Sarah Jane B. I asked it to friends and audiences during conversations and public presentations while in Coventry, Bangalore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Mokokchung, Kohima, Dimapur, and Enkoping, Sweden.
An ancient Hebrew Proverb reads, ”Like a cold glass of water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land.” The theme of this, my second, trip to India and Nagaland and Europe was this proverb. Early on in Coventry, England as we, Sarah Jane and I, said our “first” of many goodbyes to our many hosts we were told, “Your visit refreshed us!” My reflection upon our effort and extent of travel caused me to meditate upon God’s effort expended in reaching human beings with His love. After all, “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to give us everlasting life.” If there ever was a long distance traversed to refresh the souls of mankind it was Christ’s first missionary journey from heaven’s throne to earth’s soil.
God’s love produced the desire within me to refresh friends and strangers alike in the nations that we would visit. My timeline would extend across 41 days and 41 nights, over 24,000 miles on 11 different air flights. I slept in 7 different beds, ate 7 different cuisines, and drank from 7 local water sources (after boiling, of course!). My carry-on and two luggage pieces were filled with clothing for 3 different cultures and 3 different climates. During travel slots within my itinerary I experienced several 24 hour periods with absolutley no sleep. One of the gifts given to me by the Lord were ”prayer nights”, all mentioned in my journal, during which 2 or 3 hours of sweet sleep met my need and the rest of the night was spent in intercessory prayer and worship. These nights I loved especially!
“Health is Number One!” – Ask Sarah Jane how often I declared this. When travelling in a developing nation staying healthy has to be on the top of the list. Despite my lack of sleep and the arduous & rigorous schedule, excellent health was mine from start to finish! Your prayers for me were effective, my dear Morning Star family! “Beyond my human ability!” was a frequent thought and statement from my lips.
With regard to bringing refreshment, my target audiences were three: 1) Morning Star Mission partners in Mokokchung, Nagaland, India and specifically Tiala Ao, Moa & Sentila Jamir, and the administrators, staff, and students at the Nagaland Bible College and the Nagaland Children’s Residential School; 2) both current and prospective HOPE FOR CHANGE (www.H4Cinternational.org) partners; 3) those Indian and South Asia Christians who have experienced or who are experiencing human rights discrimination and suffering for living the Gospel message.
In 7 different locations I was given opportunity to speak about The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) to those who were previously unaware of such a day and such a global prayer event. On seven different occasions my listeners were held in rapt attention as I explained the breadth of modern-day religious persecution in fifty-five nations affecting 800 million Christian believers. Each one pledged to pray on Sunday, November 8, 2009 and to observe IDOP in coming years.
On IDOP Sunday I was in a church service in Enkoping, Sweden and given “as much time as I needed” to teach about IDOP, share a personal experience, and lead the congregation in prayer for persecuted Christians. In my absence, Cynthia Peters graciously agreed to lead Morning Star’s annual observance during MSCF’s Sunday morning meeting. I thank Cindy for her heart and committment to this message and that, together, we both serve International Christian Concern (ICC) as volunteer representatives. In every location I left ICC’s literature and web site address (www.persecution.org).
I did not have to think long about which of the numerous personal testimonies to share with the Enkoping congregation. While at the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Bangalore base on Tuesday night, October 13th, my last night there, a young woman named Mercy sat at my table during my last supper there. I had seen her earlier in the day as she was cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms in the YWAM Hospitality Suite. I noted that she had done a superb job and the whole place was immaculate.
Mercy poured her heart out to me and told me that her father’s life had been threatened twice, her family had to flee their home, and that her home was ransacked in their absence. Mercy was giving me a first-hand account of the horrific violence that broke out in Orissa State during late August and continued during all of September, 2008. During last year’s visit to India I had met a pastor and Christian brother who told me their own compelling personal tragedies.
Mercy’s faith was shaken, her mind filled with anxiety and stress, and she told me that she repeatedly asked the Lord, “Why was He allowing this persecution to come to her people?” and “Since You are allowing it, why are You not helping my people?”
One week later I was in Gurgaon in Haryana District outside of Delhi. It had been a week since checking my email. When I saw my incoming mail, there was an email from Mercy…MercyOrissa to be exact. She told me that my words to her had answered her two questions which had plagued her for thirteen months. My words were,”On November 8, 2009 Christians in thousands of American congregations would be praying for Indian Christians, that India was on top of my list for IDOP 2009, that audiences all the world over were learning about persecution because of what happened in Orissa State, and that the courage of the Indian Christians was an inspiration to all of us.”
This part of her email read, “You are such a blessing sis for me. After talking to you I feel so relaxed in my mind and in my body. Because from a long time I been filled with sadness and pain. But when I meet you my heart filled with joy. Because the whole (Christian) world is praying for me. Thank you for telling me that on november you people are praying for Orissa. Your sis MercyOrissa”
“Like a cold glass of water to a weary soul, is good news from a distant land.” Proverbs 25:25
How far will God travel to bring His love, His refreshment, His peace? The answer that I have experienced is…as far as it takes.
In His grace always,
Sarah Anne Smith
A Cold Glass of Water for You
This will be quick since it is very late here on Saturday night and I must be getting to bed after a LONG day, actually, and a VERY EVENTFUL week. Hopefully, I will be able to write more about the many recent encounters and short trips and ministry times before we leave Gurgaon or once we arrive in Nagaland next week. At ant rate this blog is to offer some refreshment to all of you who comprise Morning Star Christian Fellowship.
You may remember that my travel scripture theme is Proverbs 25:25 which reads, “Like a glass of cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” Well, I am now in a very distant land from the USA and I must tell you that Morning Star folk are deeply loved by the Lord Jesus and that I have not experienced deeper nor more stirring worshippers and musicians & singers and preaching in all of my travels. God has given many of us within MSCF a resolve to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. And…He has revealed to us the NECESSITY of waiting upon Him while we sing songs of praise and thanksgiving. His grace towards us is abundant my dear family in God. With much anticipation I look forward to being home after the Lord’s purposes are completed in me here on the sub-continent of India and to join you in singing to our God.
More later, God willing…
Sarah
OVERVIEW OF WEEK IN BANGALORE
Well, if one picture is worth a thousand words, then I have just sent you eight thousand words and I must say with great effort Ask James about using other’s computers while depending upon multiple servers across the globe and Internet capabilities in developing nations. In fact, James, you may have to straighten this blog article up a bit!!!
Our week in Bangalore included the teaching sessions with the DTS students (PICTURED BELOW), a visit to LIVING FOUNTIAN GATES CHURCH on Sunday, lunch with Jojou (YWAM STAFFER) at THE EMPIRE BUFFET, and attendance at YWAM’s South India Annual Conference. That is not all we did since there were spontaneous discussions, prayer gatherings of the 2/3 sort and enthusiastic fellowship interactions over tea. Judging from the enormous amount of feedback directed to me everyone was refreshed by our visit and by the ministry of the WORD OF GOD through the PARABLES OF JESUS. The REMA WORD to many was Galatians 6:9 – DON’T GIVE UP! Many took the time and effort to thank me with tears in their eyes and deep gratitude. The honor was mine.
Please take time to read my blog on MBELE! REGARDING OUR CHANGE OF PLANS. Our Lord Jesus moved with swiftness to protect us and supply unplanned lodging for ten days here in Gurgoan, India. A day or two is needed to publish the story on he Internet.
I am thinking of all of you and praying for your strength and comfort during this time of loss of dear brother, Frank Amodeo. I send my deepest condolences to Pris, Neil & Lisa and their families, and Marie.
Your prayers for me are being answered. His peace, security, health & provision, and purpose are being manifested. You are my spiritual family!
Finally, to the man I admire the most & love, James, and to our three sons and their families, I send my deepest affection and admiration.
In HIS GRACE always,
Sarah
YWAM DTS @ Bangalore, India
Hello, everyone at Morning Star!
Today is Friday, October 9th and Sarah B. and I have a break in the action here at Grace Mansion. We arrived in Bangalore at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning after flying through the night from London’s Heathrow’s Airport. Neither Sarah nor I slept on the nine hour plane ride. Despite that fact neither one of us felt too poorly, we looked forward to taking a nap before our busy schedule began. Well, that did not happen since we were swept up into the activity of YWAM staffers & students right away. This was a time that I ESPECIALLY felt your prayers for my strength!
The first class of my three-day teaching series began at 10:30 a.m. the morning we arrived and continued until 1:00 p.m. I can tell you that was the longest time ever for me to teach the Word of God. The supernatural part is that I felt amazing energy and an immediate rapport with the twenty-five (or so) DTS students (Disciple Training School). They are from many states from across India and also Korea and the Philippines.
The curriculum topic is, “My Identity in Christ”, and I have revitalized an eight-year old study of mine entitled, “The Parables of Jesus”, to illustrate who we are and who we can become as taught in the parables.
Thirty-two parables are recorded in the four Gospels with the majority finding inclusion in Luke’s rendition. The Gospel of John contains only two – The Parable of the Good Samaritan and The Parable of the True Vine which is the last recored parable being given at the Last Supper. His last three words in this parable are: LOVE EACH OTHER. With tears flowing and hearts touched deeply by the Spirit of God we concluded the study.
The Presence and Anointing of the Lord was tangible to all sitting in the lecture hall from the first to the last reading of these precious gifts from our Lord Jesus. I know fully well that the Lord was answering your prayers, my family in God at Morning Star, and my dear husband, James’, as well! Thank you!These students are preparing for various types of ministry and it has been a pleasure to teach them this week. They are ALL hungry for God and His Word.
The food is sufficient and tasty, my bed comfortable, with toilet nearby and we now have hot water. My stash of teas from home and my vitamin supplements are keeping me healthy also.
Much love,
Sarah
Note: One of the staff members is Maria from Brazil; I brought my Belo Horizonte T-shirt with me. (;>0
