A Special Bond
A Special Bond
I have an old t-shirt that I love to wear from time to time. It is comfortable and I feel relaxed in it. It is a little worn so I don’t wear it out of the house…much. I usually put it on at night when I am stretching out for the evening. But when I go on vacation, I have been known to wear it for several days in a row. It unfortunately becomes smelly, as you can imagine, and I have to reluctantly put it in the dirty clothes. I can’t explain why that old t-shirt feels so comfortable, it just does.
This past weekend, our church was privileged to have the King family back with us after a nearly 7-year absence. Philip and Gina and their kids were one of the key founders of Intentional Love Baptist Church. Their hard work in those early years put in motion a church that seeks to love God, each other, and the lost intentionally.
I and others of you have stayed in contact with Philip and Gina over the years. But what struck me about their visit was the bond of love that exists among our fellowship. I heard several people comment that it was as though they had never left. I too felt that same way. But isn’t that the way it is supposed to be in the Kingdom of God?
There is a special bond that exists among God’s people. This is because the same Spirit that saved me and lives in me is the same Spirit that saved you and lives in you. God’s Holy Spirit is what draws and binds us together. Romans 8:15-16 teaches us “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”.
Philip and his family are one with us. Even deeper than that, their church, Calvary Baptist Church in Winchester, is one church with us. We are one because the living God is over us and through us and in us (Ephesians 4:4-6). As believers we are all wrapped in a bond of love.
However, this bond must be maintained and not neglected. Scripture tells us in Colossians 3:14 “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Love must be “put on” each day.
The phrase “put on” means to “to clothe”, just like you are putting on a t-shirt and it must be worn every day. The good news is that when we wear it every day, it doesn’t become worn or smelly like an old t-shirt. Instead, it becomes even more sweet smelling and grows stronger and stronger. The result is a unique unity that only God can provide. I can’t explain how He does it, I just know He does.
These are your Words for Wednesday.
Remember that this Sunday is Covenant Sunday. We will have worship at 10:45 and then review the covenant and sign it. I hope that you will be present for this wonderful time of renewal! Have a great rest of your week!
In Christ,
Kevin
I have an old t-shirt that I love to wear from time to time. It is comfortable and I feel relaxed in it. It is a little worn so I don’t wear it out of the house…much. I usually put it on at night when I am stretching out for the evening. But when I go on vacation, I have been known to wear it for several days in a row. It unfortunately becomes smelly, as you can imagine, and I have to reluctantly put it in the dirty clothes. I can’t explain why that old t-shirt feels so comfortable, it just does.
This past weekend, our church was privileged to have the King family back with us after a nearly 7-year absence. Philip and Gina and their kids were one of the key founders of Intentional Love Baptist Church. Their hard work in those early years put in motion a church that seeks to love God, each other, and the lost intentionally.
I and others of you have stayed in contact with Philip and Gina over the years. But what struck me about their visit was the bond of love that exists among our fellowship. I heard several people comment that it was as though they had never left. I too felt that same way. But isn’t that the way it is supposed to be in the Kingdom of God?
There is a special bond that exists among God’s people. This is because the same Spirit that saved me and lives in me is the same Spirit that saved you and lives in you. God’s Holy Spirit is what draws and binds us together. Romans 8:15-16 teaches us “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God”.
Philip and his family are one with us. Even deeper than that, their church, Calvary Baptist Church in Winchester, is one church with us. We are one because the living God is over us and through us and in us (Ephesians 4:4-6). As believers we are all wrapped in a bond of love.
However, this bond must be maintained and not neglected. Scripture tells us in Colossians 3:14 “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Love must be “put on” each day.
The phrase “put on” means to “to clothe”, just like you are putting on a t-shirt and it must be worn every day. The good news is that when we wear it every day, it doesn’t become worn or smelly like an old t-shirt. Instead, it becomes even more sweet smelling and grows stronger and stronger. The result is a unique unity that only God can provide. I can’t explain how He does it, I just know He does.
These are your Words for Wednesday.
Remember that this Sunday is Covenant Sunday. We will have worship at 10:45 and then review the covenant and sign it. I hope that you will be present for this wonderful time of renewal! Have a great rest of your week!
In Christ,
Kevin
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