By REV. DR. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

The March for Jesus moves along the streets of the world June 10, representing the new thing God is unfolding for his people and for the world to see.

Many of us participated in a Christmas Parade, a special event by which merchants and high schools could show their stuff. Many of us have watched a Braves Victory Parade, celebrating the continuous winning of our team.

The March for Jesus, however, can't be called a parade. The March for Jesus is a visible, mighty, and joyous demonstration of just how much Jesus Christ means to us. Marchers are saying that: that if others and sometimes we can march for or against civil rights, gay rights, abortion rights, right-to-life, right-to-tote-a-gun, then a whole mess of us Christians ought to exercise the right to march for Jesus.

It is not an easy thing to pull together a march. Yet, if we march for Jesus, it is worth every effort. To stage a march, the Fayette County High School must approve the use of their parking lot; the City of Fayetteville Police Department must approve a route for the march; the Fayette County Board of Commissioners must approve the use of the parking lot at the Stonewall Complex; the Marshall's Office must clear the parking lot and maintain restroom decorum.

Still, folks, pay attention here. We can march for Jesus! If Christians in China wanted to demonstrate for Jesus, you know where they would find themselves. But, we can! So, we oughta'.

If you will be in town this Saturday morning, let me encourage you with everything in me, use your freedom and demonstrate for a cause in which you stake your eternity. We will begin to assemble at 9 a.m. at the Fayette County High School parking lot (behind Arbys and Captain D's) and we will march out at 10 a.m. The march route is only one mile, but it will be a blast. At least seven churches will be providing a moving music float. Last year, members from more than 50 churches participated. You will be on your way home before noon. You cannot miss; it is the greatest opportunity to show your God that you love his son, Jesus.

Now, back to what I was trying to get over to you. These are new days for Jesus folks. We have discovered that greater is he who unites us than the doctrine that divides us. I love unity and the new friends it has provided me. Yet, I am still a born again, evangelical, Bible-believing Baptist. I can swallow neither everything the Pentecostals believe nor the Liturgical churches believe nor . . .

And I have it on good faith that they cannot swallow everything I believe.

Christian unity, however, does not depend upon our swallowing, but us praising together our Lord Jesus Christ. So, Christians, will you walk a mile for your Christ? It is a new day, so we might as well enjoy it and get in on the new things God is doing!

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the Religion Home Page