This past weekend (September 29-October 1), Debbie and I had the great fun of taking a team from the International House of Prayer here in Kansas City, to First United Methodist Church in Midalnd, Texas. We led a prayer conference and found a community hungry for greater intimacy with God. As we stepped into the first session, we found Methodists (they were the hosts), Southern Baptists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, and a smattering of others joined together for that one common cry - "We are hungry for more of God!"
I was reminded of John Wesley's famous sermon, Catholic Spirit, in which he described just such a scene. He contends that while Christians understand that we are to love all mankind, there is "a peculiar love which we owe to those that love God." He quotes David, "All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth..." As the sermon continues, Wesley admits that all Christians do not practice this special affection for the saints. He identifies "two grand, general hindrances" to our loving other Christians as "they cannot all think alike and, in consequence of this, secondly, they cannot all walk alike..."
His thesis then follows: "But although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we notlove alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite..."
We had the great privilege of witnessing this "catholic spirit" this weekend as many different branches of the Body of Christ joined together in worship and prayer. Thanks to the great people of Midland for your hospitality and love. We look forward to watching you grow together as the Church of Midland becomes a house of prayer for all nations.
No comments:
Post a Comment