6/22/13- The Oneness of the Church

21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.(John 17:21-23)

Thoughts: Jesus prays the church would be one.  In some ways that prayer has gone unanswered.  In other ways it is answered.
    The classical marks or signs of the true church are "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic."  We will look at these signs now. 
    One- while the visible church may be diverse. spread out, divided by language, culture, theology, or personality, the invisible church is united.  John Leith says, "The unity of the church is easier to confess than conceptualize."  It is a matter of faith- more than a matter of geography, or the ability to recognize each other.  Just as a one dollar bill or a twenty dollar bill are all different but are all the same money- just different denominations. So the church is one though many- and is often labeled different denominations.  Each congregation is united to the next- not by a creed, or by a label,or even by recognized mission- but by God.
     It is very important in this post-denominational age that we recognize the oneness of the church.  This is not something that may happen in the future- but is happening now.  Today more than ever before a minister from one denomination may preach in another denomination's church (so Lutherans have agreements with Episcopalians and Presbyterians).  On the mission field ministers from various traditions have worked together for the common good for years.  "Non-denominational" churches look beyond an affiliation to obtain a minister.  Today there are more non-denominational churches in America than denominationally affiliated churches, and this trend is growing. Many old divisions came from the country-state churches people came from in Europe (Germany and Nordic was Lutheran, England was Episcopalian, Scotland/ Netherlands/ Switzerland was Presbyterian). Some of the things that divided Christians- whether there were elders or not; whether we sprinkled, poured, or submersed in baptism; exactly how old someone was when we baptized- have become what they should be- secondary.  New divisions center around ethics and basic beliefs- which are more substantial, but still not worthy of division. When we get to heaven- the invisible church will be seen for what it is- one.  We would do well to "make every effort keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).  May His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. 

Prayer: Help me, O Lord, to recognize the tie that binds us all- your self.  May your Spirit unite me in love with other believers.