When people learn that my husband and I are starting a new church, the first thing they ask me is, "What kind of church are you starting?" They expect me to ramble off one of the many denominations of Christians that exist. Denominations are important in the sense that people do have preferences for certain styles of music, preaching, etc. But why is that THE first question that people ask? I doubt that they even would understand what kind of church we were establishing simply by listing off a certain denomination. Jesus prays in John 17:20 "That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. . . May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" Jesus is saying here that he desires Christians to come together in one body, one group, one family. So while Hope Springs may be affiliated with the Assemblies of God, the important aspect of our church is that we are calling God's children together under one family. This involves ALL believers in ALL denominations. Paul also asks Christ followers to "agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10) People ask, "why are there so many churches in one community". Well, as I stated before, different preferences. One thing that Hope Springs is taking into account is that we are not against the other churches in Oconomowoc, but rather we are working with them to benefit God's kingdom. The devil can sometimes use these divisions (denominations) to divide us. We become nitpicky about certain things that are trivial. Christ also warns us against such meaningless talk that does not glorify Him. Paul even encourages men to give up myths and genealogies that "promote controversies rather than God's work - which is by faith" (I Timothy 1:4) What controversies or meaningless talk is in our faiths today? How is this affecting those around you? Are those who do not know Jesus getting a wrong picture about what is truly important? (The greatest commandment - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these. - Mark 12:29)
I encourage you to take the time to evaluate your life. What 'meaningless' things are there that may block yourself from God or from showing God's light to others?
And remember, our church is a church dedicated to living Christ's example, to giving to others, to showing love, for giving people a place to find comfort, to finding Christ in a non-judgmental place, to building communities, and to teaching.
THAT is the kind of church Hope Springs is.
I Cor. 9:11
- If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
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