Unity

I've been thinking a lot about unity lately, partially because I see a lot of division around me, and partly because this is the recent topic in theology. Ephesians 4:3-6 says "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Therefore my Question has been over and over why are we so divided? The more I thought about this, read scripture verses, and studied this topic the more I began to realize we are humans. In theology we talk about matters of dogma, which are essential to salvation, and then doctrine, which is what congregations personally believe. Bottom line is were all going to slightly differ on what we believe, and there will never be complete unity of thought on earth. However, I am by no means stating we should then have all of our own separate churches, and never come together due to disagreements. Like I said before we all hold these matters of dogma that can unite us all. In other words we all believe the Gospel message so as churches we need to start to set aside our differences and become unified. We are not supposed to be separate bodies of believers unified in our own separate churches, we are to be one unified body of believers. That means churches should come together to serve the community, or have worship services together, and well there's so much more. Millard Erickson said "we are to realize that the church of Jesus Christ is ONE church. All who are related to the one Savior and Lord are indeed part of the same spiritual body," he goes on further to say "Christians of all types should work together whenever possible. If no essential point of doctrine or practice is compromised they should join forces." After all when we are unified we will have a much more powerful witness (John 17:21).

So yes this is what I like to think about late at night, and this is what I am currently praying for. I want us all to come together so we can expand the Kingdom of Heaven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmTeN6zLJYs
Also when thinking about unity Flower City Work Camp came to mind. Once a year all the youth from churches in Rochester get together to serve community. This is a clear example of Unity :)

20 reasons why I love Rochester

Last week I listed why I love Malone so much, and as I sit in my wonderful house in Rochester I thought to myself man I also really love this place. So just to make sure no one thinks I could love Malone more then Rochester here are my 20 reasons why I love this place

1. My youth group. These kids are awesome. I love them so very much.
2. I have such an amazing family. (Numbers 3 through 6 are why my family members are amazing
3. My dad is such a man of God, and I couldn't ask for a better father. He's one of my best friends :)
4. My mom is such a lovely lady who has a servants heart. She loves people, and people love her.
5. My big brother and little sister are hilarious. We like to spend a lot of time together.
6. I'm pretty sure no one has cooler Aunts and Uncles and cousins then me.
7. The friends I have here constantly show me what it means to love others deeply.
8. Garbage plates: I so wish we had these in ohio.
9. I always thought we had the lamest beach ever, then I went to Ohio. Now I go to the beach all the time, and its a great place to be.
10. Summer nights are the best here. I have friends that I love to be around, and we just like to simply sit outside and enjoy the warm weather.
11 Theres some cool playgrounds here in the area.
12. MDT parties will always be the best in Rochester.
13. My bed in the comfiest bed of life at home. I have such a hard time parting with it when I go back to school.
14. The holy Spirit is moving here, and a revival is about to happen.
15. I like my house. It smells good.
16. I have so much fun whenever I come home.
17. WEGMANS
18. Abbotts ice cream is delicious.
19. There are a lot more places to go on adventures in Rochester then Canton.
20. Downtown Rochester as in tfh downtown, javas, ice skating outside, and spot coffee are some of my favorite places to go.

The end.