Sunday, May 20, 2001
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Sunday, May 20, 2001 |
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Cooperation because of Christ By DR. KNOX HERNDON
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that over the years I have observed a lot of people and churches professing to be Christian. I have also observed that if someone truly professes to be a follower of Christ, then changes do occur in their lives. If there is no change, then what has it profited the individual or the people around them for them to have become a Christian? Is it just "fire insurance" for the individual? My Bible says, "By their fruits you will know them." While I was an Army chaplain, we worked on a daily basis with the entire spectrum of different denominations. We had chaplains from over 200 recognized endorsing agencies representing various Christian religious groups. If that doesn't boggle your mind, think how important it was for us all to cooperate to accomplish the mission of defending our country and providing spiritual support for soldiers and their families. I worked with every imaginable Christian faith group, many of which were very close to my religious roots and some who were, in my opinion, only sympathizers at best. One thing I noticed about the ones professing to be Christian was their attempt to see the bigger picture of the Kingdom of God. In other words, these men were willing to "COOPERATE" for the greater good of professing Christ to a dying world. We had our differences. Some wore robes in the pulpit, some did not. There were different modes of communion. Some used grape juice some wine. Some had music, some did not. Some had candles in their worship, some did not. Some quoted the Apostle's Creed, some did not. Some carried the cross down the aisle at the beginning of the service, some did not. Some had the choir process at the beginning of the service and then depart at the close of the service, some did not. Some had an invocation and benediction, some did not. Some services played Bach and some only Gaither. Some worshipped on Saturday some did not. Some observed dietary laws, some did not. Some wore distinctive under garments to denote their faith, some did not. Some raised their hands in worship to God, some sat quietly and worshipped. Some utilized a keyboard and a drum set, some used only the pipe organ. Some used only the hymn book some only stapled together song sheets. Some used prayer beads and prayer books, some did not. Some knelt when they prayed, some sat quietly in the pews. There were different theologies of baptism. Some immersed, as I did, and some practiced baptism through sprinkling. I will never forget the story from my father who served as a Southern Baptist chaplain in both WWII and in Korea. There was a soldier who had a fatal wound and dad had him cradled in his arms during his last hours. Dad shared the gospel with him and he received Christ. The soldier then asked dad to baptize him. Dad had no means to do this and even his and the soldier's canteen was empty and there was no water around. Dad reached down and scooped up a handful of dirt and placed it on his head and said "I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." Throughout all of these experiences I have, however, noticed a common ground with most of those who, in my opinion, loved God. This common ground was our FAITH in CHRIST as LORD and COOPERATION WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS. This past weekend we conducted our fourth annual March for Jesus. We had a good turnout of people and it certainly was a message to our community that there are believers who are willing to let the whole world know where they stand. Our two themes were "UNITY and the fact that "WE ARE NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL" There was, however, another message. Whereas we had several churches participating, we are still not where we should be. We could have and should have had every church bus and van in the Fayette area. We could have and should have had a five- mile- long march. Whenever there is a countywide or citywide Christian event the pastors need to encourage their congregations to support it 100 percent. Of course, some might feel that Heaven will be segregated, with only their church group there. May God forgive us for the lack of insight into the basic Gospel message. God created us all and loves each and every one of us enough to send His Son to die for each and every one of us. For that message, it is worth getting out of our ivory towers and marching and cooperating. The world is watching how we get along and IF we practice what we preach.
Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor of His House Community Church (SBC) and a former Army chaplain. The church has moved to its new location just below Senoia on Ga. Highway 85, a mile south of Hwy. 16 below the fire station. Visitors are welcome. Church office and
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