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12 to equip
the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of
Christ,
Differences
separate us and similarities unite us. No one would argue
this, in theory at least. How then can we explain so many
Christian denominations and so many styles of worship and so
many different lines of Biblical theology? What does one
make of it all?
Having grown up in the Mar Thoma church I have been raised and
have come to learn and accept our church’s theology through
various Bible study and LEAD groups. Despite my personal
beliefs and teachings, I get confused every time I hear and see
other churches following the same God, but at times worshiping
differently. Especially when it comes to fundamental
doctrines or sacraments done differently, part of me asks how can
this be? While the debate of our differences goes on
forever, our similarities is where I find hope.
No church or believer argues that Christ died for our sins, loves
us unconditionally, created us, is graceful, etc. I’ve also
found solace in knowing that all Christians are called to serve
and spread His good news: the Gospel. Vs 11 reads “So
Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists,
the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of
service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we
all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God
and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness
of Christ.
Through service we are called to build up the body of Christ.
This is the only way to attain to the whole measure of the
fullness of Christ. As the Thanksgiving and Christmas
season approaches, it is once again the season of serving and
giving to those in need. My favorite moments have always
been where I am alongside by fellow believers, despite their
denomination, race, gender, nationality, and we are all serving
those less fortunate. Whether we select a local soup
kitchen, serve in neighborhood missions, Northeast Regional Youth
Fellowships, Mexico Mission, Operation Christmas Shoe Box, or
another service God places on our heart, we need to remember that
it is part of the bigger picture of uniting as a church and
uniting as children of
God.
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