“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4).
TEXT — Romans 14:1-9
Message
Any human association, of necessity, is characterised by differences of ideas, interests and understanding. The church is not an exception. It is an assemblage of people of different economic, social, geographical, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and have come together for the purpose of fellowship with God and one another.
Apostle Paul warned the Roman Christians against prejudice toward one another. He categorised the members into two classes: those strong in faith to eat everything, and those weak in faith and are selective about what they eat. The first class eats everything, knowing that the coming of Christ has cancelled strict prohibitive eating and strict observance of Jewish festivals. The other class eats according to Mosaic laws and observes festivals. He stressed that whatever each group does, it must be done unto the Lord, their Master, who will judge according to their motives and hearts.
In the present era, it is not the eating or observance of festivals that is distracting the church. It is internal disputes hinged on doctrinal differences across denominations and even amongst members of the same church. In fact, it has often led to division and fragmentation of churches. This should not be the case. Every assembly belongs to Christ and to Him will they render account.
How you accommodate individual differences will determine whether you are actually a true Christian. Let us avoid any form of prejudice and discrimination against fellow Christians, whether in our congregation or of other denominations. Our focus should be to evangelise sinners, restore the backsliders and strengthen the believers.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
3 comments
Very significant and direct live touching message. God bless this ministry, renew their wisdom and strength daily for this great task.
In the bid to avoid prejudice we be mindful of the scripture which says “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 1:21-23.
Very significant and direct live touching message. God bless this ministry, renew their wisdom and strength daily for this great task.
In the bid to avoid prejudice we be mindful of the scripture which says “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 1:21-23.
Hallelujah