Opinion : Pastor's Blog: The beauty of worshipping together during Holy Week

I would like to compliment each and every person who got up early to attend one or more of the ecumenical Holy Week services here in our city of Vinton. These services are an opportunity for members of various churches to gather together, as Christian brothers and sisters, to worship our one Lord. I do not know, nor did I count how many different churches were represented each morning. We were united in the worship of our one Lord, Jesus the Christ, and that is what counted.

Scripture tells us that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for the salvation of all humanity. Many persons will reject this offer. That is their decision. Their demise is well documented. Many will accept the Truth, but choose to worship Jesus in various ways. Not everyone likes the same car – thus we have many models and makes. Not everyone likes the same TV programs – thus a myriad of stations and programming. Not everyone feels comfortable worshipping Christ in the same way, and that is fine. The important aspect is that each person chooses to worship regularly in a house of worship. I encourage each of you to find a house of worship that declares Jesus Christ to be Savior and Lord, and make it a habit to attend regularly. Is there one best church? Not for everyone, but there is one that will feel comfortable to you. You may have to take the time to look and ask others.

Satan seeks to divide, God seeks to unify. When we allow styles of worship, or version of the Holy Bible, or style of music to separate us from our Christian brothers and sisters, just whom are we following? I have already stated that there are many forms or styles of worship and they are all fine for those who feel comfortable with that style. Different styles of worship should never cause us to be divisive. We should take advantage of the opportunities to work or worship shoulder to shoulder with our Christian brothers and sisters whenever possible.

We were each designed as a unique individual by one God. He designed our uniqueness so that no two would be exactly alike. Just two examples of our individual uniqueness are our fingerprints and the blood vessels of our eye. No two persons are the same. That same God, sent His Son to earth to offer to all humanity a unifying relationship of eternal love. One relationship through one Person for all humanity. Millions of unique individuals gathered together in a loving relationship with that creating God. Imagine! Allowing for our uniqueness, God accepts and enjoys many different forms of worship. He just asks us to worship a unique Christ as Christian families or churches.

How wonderful it was to experience several different styles of worship this Holy Week, as the one Body of Christ. Different families gathered together to worship our one God, Jesus Christ. Please consider becoming a part of a Christian family in Vinton. There are almost a dozen to choose from. Find one where you are comfortable and loved. Unless Christ chooses to return before then, I hope to see you at next year’s Holy Week worship services, shoulder to shoulder with your Christian brothers and sisters.