From Ben – 18 October 2015
This Sunday we once again celebrate our International Sunday, recognising the fact that although we are a congregation of people drawn from at least 20 countries, in Christ we are one new people.
I have no doubt in my heart and mind that this unity is just what Jesus wanted. The beauty of the gospel is that it is for all people and all nations the world over. When Jesus died on the cross as our sin-bearer and substitute his arms were stretched wide open to embrace all people everywhere.
Just before he went to the cross, he spent time praying that the divided peoples of the world would find a new unity through him. He prayed, “Father I pray that they may be one, just as you and I are one” This unity is possible through faith and trust in Christ who breaks down all barriers and distinctions, making us one new united people of God.
The N.T. repeatedly calls on all of us to put cultural and historic divisions aside and live as God’s new united community drawn from every tribe, nation and people group. The gospel of unity is the hope of our divided and segregated 21st C society. The gospel moulds us into a new people group, devoid of any discrimination. It is this remarkable unity we celebrate today.