“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” - Psalm 133:1
I am so very thankful that Grace Church is still dwelling together in unity after all the turmoil of the last 18 months! In-person, online, or on Radio By Grace, we continue to gather around the “Word of God.”
We continue to love one another!
We continue to follow our Lord Jesus Christ!
We continue to represent the Gospel everywhere we go!
As great as this blessing is for Grace Church, it seems to be the exception instead of the norm for many of our friends.
Last week, Pastor Ed Taylor wrote a wonderful blog post regarding this issue. Here are a few excerpts I’d like to share with you -
We are unfortunately living in a time where decency, reasonableness, and human compassion have taken a back seat to anger, frustration, and winning the argument, even among the leadership of God’s precious Church. Along the way there are spiritual casualties, many of them. Why? Because so many have forgotten the agape love of Jesus! Life and ministry is now about winning an argument, instead of about winning the lost and loving our neighbor!
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Pastors and leaders like me have taken the brunt of angry responses. I’ve seen a lot of nastiness in the 20 years I’ve been the lead overseeing pastor of Calvary Church, but wow, this season is so much more intense! Whatever decision is made, on just about any topic, you can be sure that it will draw widespread support and widespread animosity. Most of the time, your pastor’s email box is filled with the animosity, unfortunately. Ministry throughout 2020 now into 2021 has become a minefield of pain for many pastors and leaders.
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Since you’re reading this, I’m asking you, I’m begging you, to humble yourself before the mighty hand of God today and pray for your pastor, spiritual leaders, and enemies. Yes, pray for those who hold to a differing opinion than yours. I’m sure you can cogently make your point, but as you do, please don’t destroy the person who disagrees, especially if they are unsaved, especially-especially if they are your brother and sister in Christ.
- Pastor Ed Taylor, Calvary Chapel Aurora
Would you please join me as we continue to pray not only for Grace Church but also for the Church of Amarillo and the Church across this land? It’s obvious to me that the unity and love we enjoy at Grace are not being demonstrated in many other places. I would greatly encourage you to read all of Ed’s blog posts by clicking the link below. It’s very heartfelt and accurate to the condition of the Church and our country.
We are tremendously blessed with the UNITY we have maintained by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. I’m proud of you guys and the demonstration of love that we continue to exhibit to one another.
Your pastor loves and appreciates you deeply.
Bill
John 13:34–35 (NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”