Diversity is the key to finding ways to grow and move forward. Whether the goal is to expand one’s self, a church, a business, or an entire community, progress can be made by implementing different methodologies and involving people of various backgrounds.
Keep the lines of communication open by praying to God the Father in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus. In the context of Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the church, underscoring that despite the variety, they all originate from the same Spirit.
“I Therefore (Paul,) the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation where with you are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
But each of us is given the gift of grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Church members often forget that the church building and its resources belong to God and should be used for the advancement of the kingdom. There are 168 hours, 10,080 minutes, 604,800 seconds, and 7 days a week. Most places of worship doors are open a few hours a week. Because of the lack of accessibility, the church has missed opportunities to reach and minister to people.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The church should be reaching outside of our comfort zones for the betterment of the church and our communities. As we see the conditions and opportunities of our city and Jefferson County, the church leadership, support, and resources are needed. Jesus stated this biblical principle. The church family must take initiative, which may be the most important thing a person can do to succeed in life and the workplace.
We should always take the initiative to seek God first in our lives. It is our goal to reach people across every social status and ethnic group, to help in every season of life, and to provide a place of growth and learn about our precious Savior Jesus Christ. We believe it is time for us to come together for such a time as this, to cross cultural, denominational, and social boundaries.
Church leadership, support, and resources are very much needed. Jesus stated this biblical principle. Jesus makes it clear that our neighbor is anyone around us, regardless of their walk of life, ethnicity, religious or socioeconomic status, and location. The One Church demonstrates love for our neighbor whether in a good relationship or not.
Blinded by our pride, passions, and ambitions, people sometimes go into a path in life that will inevitably cause people to fall and bring destruction. Pride says: “I don’t need anyone’s help; I know it all already. I’m never wrong about anything.”
However, Christians should remember the importance of community. Acts 2:44-45 says all the believers were together and had everything in common and they sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. People ages 18 to 45 are not as visible in the church (congregations) today. Of course, people will come up with every excuse and then some more on top of those.
Growth can occur at times when we begin to question ourselves and parts of their lives with us. Conviction needs to happen, not condemnation.
Romans 8:1 says “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV) Unity with God, church, and community is vital for Christians to embrace and live out this concept (Word of God) in our everyday lives for the achievement (the higher calling) of God.
Go God Go.
Anthony Armstrong is senior pastor at Unity Christian Fellowship Church at Pine Bluff.
Editor’s note: Pastors, ministers or other writers interested in writing for this section may submit articles for consideration to shope@adgnewsroom.com. Writers should have ties to Southeast Arkansas. Please include your phone number and the name and location of your church or ministry.