Liberty Fam,
When was the last time you read the book of Ephesians straight through? It is one of my favorite books of the Bible. Yesterday Pastor Karen shared on being “Together in Diversity” and took us through the entire book. If you have a chance, read it through this week. There is just so, so much there!
Ephesians 2 discusses how God has destroyed the “us and them” between Jew and Gentile and He has formed a “new humanity” through the Cross. We are now being rebuilt by the Holy Spirit. As we engage with those from different cultures, languages, political persuasions, religions,. . . on and on the list goes (and my list is not alphabetical #PastorKaren) we are reflecting the image of God who values variety. While there are challenges in diversity, we never get a crack at true biblical unity without difference. Unity is displayed through Christlike love and Christlike love is how the world knows that Jesus is the Messiah (John 17). So yeah, let’s think through the diversity thing and lean into it!
We have been talking about some big picture stuff in this series. The Trinity. The Church. Human relationships. The family. The community. And now diversity. We zoom out to see the scope of how magnificent and expansive God is when reflected in an interdependent way through us. Keep zooming out because that reimagining is essential. These weekly check points though give us space to zoom in. How can we zoom in to diversity this week?
Zooming in on Diversity
- How may the Lord be asking me to grow in His view of diversity? Who in my life is different that the lord wants me to pray for, get to know, and include in my life?
- Who could I take out for coffee or lunch this week who I ordinarily would not because some of the differences feel a little awkward? Could I start a conversation with them and maybe even invite them to get together this week?
- As I read through the book of Ephesians, what do I notice about diversity? What do I notice bout the cosmic, spiritual battle we are in that includes a spiritual fight for unity?
On Thursday I have quite a bit of flexibility this week. I would love to meet anyone who has space for coffee or lunch at my place or a nearby coffeeshop in Tucker. Please reach out if you have something to talk about, want to laugh, or just need someone to pray along with you. I can Zoom whenever as well. These early months of growing together are so important. Praying for you this week!
Together,
John
John D. Trotter
Senior Pastor, Liberty Vineyard Church
Sunday’s sermon: Together in Diversity (Pastor Karen Sculley)