Thankfully, our previous congregation (I guess I could call them all "little c" churched and not the Church) graciously blessed us on our way and still "includes" us as part of the fellowship of believers. But sadly, many people don't experience this type of understanding. They are shunned and rejected as if they had abandoned the faith. And it saddens me, because of course, we're all spending eternity together. How sad to isolate and show partiality to those who "do what we do," "go where we go," and "look the way we look." And I think of Paul wandering around, never really having a "church home" but always calling the congregations within each city his beloved, his brothers and sisters.
I wish we could get back to a deeper understanding of the Church, setting aside the denominational boxes, setting aside the competition and envy, and rejoicing with one another in all things.
Deut 10:17 | "The great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality …' |
2 Chron. 19:7 | "For with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality…" |
Job 34:19 | [God] "who shows no partiality …" |
Acts 10:34 | "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism" |
Romans 2:11 | "For God does not show favoritism." |
Galatians 2:6 | "As for those who seemed to be important--whatever they weremakes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance." |
Ephesians 6:9 | "and there is no favoritism with him." |
Colossians 3:25 | "… and there is no favoritism." |
1 Peter 1:17 | "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's workimpartially …" |
i like this.
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