Renewal
Journal # 17 (2001:1): Unity
Contents
Editorial: Unity,
not Uniformity
The Spirit of the Lord is speaking loudly and clearly to the church now
about unity – not uniformity.
Unity is biblical – Jesus demands it.
We have no option on that. We
are one, and are to demonstrate that oneness by our love for one another.
Jesus commanded that on his last night with his disciples before he died
(John 14-17).
Uniformity is unbiblical. We
are meant to be different – different gifts but the same Spirit, different
services but the same Lord, different ministries but the same God (1 Cor.
12:4-6).
We make an awful mistake if we want others to think as we do – because
our thinking is too small at the best of times, and always distorted or limited.
Another awful mistake is to want others to worship or work in the same
way we do. The Spirit gives a great
variety of gifts and ministries.
All over the world the Lord is raising up movements of unity across
churches. This demands humility,
repentance and forgiveness. Ministers
are often the last to come on board because they are trained in their own
tradition, and may be critical of other traditions. Often, the people in the congregation are more excited about
unity than ministers!
This issue of the Renewal Journal celebrates unity, not uniformity.
George Otis gives astounding accounts of visible unity among very
different churches – different in theology and practice, but one in the
Spirit. They demonstrate that to whole cities and regions.
Richard Riss reminds us of key lessons from revivals, where again there
has been great unity amid wide diversity.
Donald McGavran, pioneer in church growth writing, broke new ground in the
seventies by insisting that churches need to take the power of the Spirit
seriously, and expect God to heal – to do what he says he does.
It’s worth careful consideration.
We will never understand life’s mysteries, but that’s no excuse to
run from Scripture. God is God, and
wants to do ‘exceeding abundantly’ above everything we can ask or even think
about (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Cecelia Estillore, a medical doctor, tackles head on the mystery of the
spiritual dimensions of warfare with practical application in ministry,
especially healing and deliverance. Cecelia
earned her B.Min. degree at Christian Heritage College School of Ministries,
which is also the Citipointe International Institute of Ministry.
Australian Reports are beginning to tell of stronger unity among
Christians, demonstrated in a groundswell of united gatherings for prayer and
ministry. Keep praying.
You can’t make this happen. God
can, and does.
Global reports continue to be astounding. No one can keep up with the outpouring of the Spirit in the
world today. Evil abounds, but
grace abounds so much more – and usually that abounding grace does not make it
into the newspapers! But that news
fills the Heavens with rejoicing over every sinner who repents.
©
Renewal Journal #17: Unity (2001:1)
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