That The World May Know

Good Morning,
 
In dealing with the lost souls in this world, we all have met those who ask:  "Why are there so many different churches, with differing beliefs.  How does anyone know what to believe?"  Now we realize that is usually just a diversion from their own need.  Pointing at the church instead of facing their sin, and acknowledging their need for the Savior.  But many times the church is at fault with her petty arguments.  The church, the body of Christ, is united when we focus on the love of Jesus, realizing His love embraces everyone who will repent, accept Him and love Him.  That's what the lost sinner needs to see in the church, and then they can acknowledge that need for their own sinful soul.  God loves the individual in the lost world with pity, but the converted individual as His child, even as He loves Jesus.
 
"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." (John 17:23)
 
We have been called to serve as witnesses, not judges.  In today's Scripture reading, Jesus prayed we would testify in complete unity so the world would believe the truth about Him. When several credible witnesses say the same thing, it carries impact. Instead of focusing on our differences and getting into endless arguments, we can bear witness that Jesus took the punishment for our sins because of God's great love for us.  Is this not what a confused lost soul needs to hear anyway?  For you see, our witness is not so much for the benefit of other Christians as it is for the lost, because He was praying:  "....to let the world know..."
 
Be blessed today as you realize, if you are a disciple of Jesus, the Father loves you even as He loves His Son.  (Amazing Grace)

Henry