We live in a world that is divided. There is little unity in the world today. Are we really living in the "United" states? There is disunity everywhere around us, racially, ethically, politically, in families, and even in the Christian churches. Some division is good. We should want separation of good and evil, sin and righteousness, criminals and society, But the real problem from the beginning is what sin brought. Sin brought division between God and humans and fostered hatred humans against humans. Sin has created hostility between each other and continues to spread. The fallen self and deciding what is right and wrong without the guidance of our creator, has forced people to group together and point negatively at those that don't think like them or act like them - - - Today we call it "labeling" others or better definition is "racism! ". The Apostle Paul addressed this attitude of difference with the Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus and to all Christians today. What is true unity? How should we view each other, especially in the church.
Ephesians 2:11-22 NIV Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Charities
Ross Jutsum State of the Heart – An inter-denominational ministry of music and worship.
New Life for Haiti New Life for Haiti - Home
Bengali Evangelistic Association Bengali Evangelical Association (bengalimission.org)
Bible Gateway BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.
GCI Grace Communion International (gci.org)