Brothers and Sisters Separated, Yet One Family In Christ

Genesis 14 - 15

Separations - Have you ever noticed how the Bible is full of stories of people separating from each other?  Today we find Abram and Lot's herdsman quarreling with each other over the land that they share.  So they separate.  They may separate, but it doesn't divide them for when Lot is captured by the armies of alliance of the 4 kings, Abram goes out to save him.

God's people have been separating for a very long time :) ; however, differences - quarrels should never divide us so that we cannot recognize and support our family members in the Body of Christ.  There should be and are times that we have opportunity to come together with people of other denominations for mutual purpose - to support one another in our mission - to proclaim the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ, our one Lord and Saviour. 

Yesterday, at our Music Fest, I was reminded of our mutual service to God and his people as I looked out on the musicians and the crowd in attendance and saw in our NALC/LCMC congregation members of ELCA, Aura Lutheran Church (no denomination), Roman Catholic, Baptist, United Methodist, and United Church of Christ congregations (yes, I know all these individuals - been around for awhile) all gathered together to Worship God, to celebrate the Spirit of God who stirred our hearts through music and to support the hungry and homeless through their offerings.  I smiled as I was asked about the schedule for the Zeba Methodist Indian Camp Meeting next week.  It appears the larger community has gotten to know my schedule well.  I am usually a guest preacher at the Camp Meeting once or twice during the week; however, this year I will be at the Theologial Convention and the NALC Convocation in Ohio so I had to decline the offer.  But, if you get a chance go - go and meet and hear their new Pastor preach - go and join in some of those old hymns that they sing so well.  Worship with them and on Friday join them as they circle the campfire with hands joined together in Christian fellowship and love.  We may be separated by denomination, but they are your brothers and sisters in Christ.

We thank God for all our brothers and sisters in Christ and for the opportunity to serve with them.