janbear
08-18-2007, 06:53 PM
Handshakes and Hugs
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Psalm 97-99, Romans 16
Key Verse: Romans 16:16
When we hear the word church, if we think only of
a building, we miss the point. The word does
apply to a church building, but in reality the
church is people. Actually, if you take the
people out of the building, it is no longer even
a church building. As Paul concluded his letter
to the saints in Rome, he gave them a powerful
reminder of the truth about the community of
believers. A careful reading of the chapter
reveals:
1. The church is people who are diverse (vv.
3-16). In this list we find diversity in race
(Jewish and Gentile), in rank (slaves and free)
and gender (nine of the 27 are women). Paul
evidently thought highly of them all!
2. The church is people who are united. Paul
spoke of his "sisters" and "brothers" and called
them "beloved." Then there are the fellow workers
and fellow sufferers. Six times he referred to
meeting in houses. The essence of the church is
its unity, since it is the one and only community
in the world in which Christ has broken down all
the dividing walls.
3. The church should be a place of handshakes and
hugs (v. 16). In Paul's day, the holy kiss was a
visible and tangible gesture of greeting. It was
more than a formality; it was an expression of
fellowship and of love for others.
There is diversity in the Body of Christ, but by
His work He has brought us together. That unity
should be obvious and genuine. Church should be a
place of handshakes and hugs.
Do you struggle in your relationships with other
believers? Consider what Paul did. He commended
the believers, recognized the differences but
realized that we are one in Christ. Recognize
this truth and live it. Learn to love others in
Christ.
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Psalm 97-99, Romans 16
Key Verse: Romans 16:16
When we hear the word church, if we think only of
a building, we miss the point. The word does
apply to a church building, but in reality the
church is people. Actually, if you take the
people out of the building, it is no longer even
a church building. As Paul concluded his letter
to the saints in Rome, he gave them a powerful
reminder of the truth about the community of
believers. A careful reading of the chapter
reveals:
1. The church is people who are diverse (vv.
3-16). In this list we find diversity in race
(Jewish and Gentile), in rank (slaves and free)
and gender (nine of the 27 are women). Paul
evidently thought highly of them all!
2. The church is people who are united. Paul
spoke of his "sisters" and "brothers" and called
them "beloved." Then there are the fellow workers
and fellow sufferers. Six times he referred to
meeting in houses. The essence of the church is
its unity, since it is the one and only community
in the world in which Christ has broken down all
the dividing walls.
3. The church should be a place of handshakes and
hugs (v. 16). In Paul's day, the holy kiss was a
visible and tangible gesture of greeting. It was
more than a formality; it was an expression of
fellowship and of love for others.
There is diversity in the Body of Christ, but by
His work He has brought us together. That unity
should be obvious and genuine. Church should be a
place of handshakes and hugs.
Do you struggle in your relationships with other
believers? Consider what Paul did. He commended
the believers, recognized the differences but
realized that we are one in Christ. Recognize
this truth and live it. Learn to love others in
Christ.