A few years ago a historic meeting between the New Testament Church Of God and the Church Of God Of Prophecies was held. Recently, the Assemblies of God hosted the leadership of the Church Of God In Church in another historic meeting. Pope Francis symbolic outreach to the Orthodox Church is another in these historic meetings of splinted relationships.
I wonder if there is a greater move back to the unified Church that crosses all denominational labels. Could it be that we all are searching to understand and live out the principles of the Kingdom of God in our lives? In this search we sometimes fall short but we should keep pushing forward. I think we have to be careful as we enter this period in church history. Unlike other periods it seems that we are more segregated than ever. There are more denominations, loose affiliations, independent groups with a range of theological opinions.
I wonder if there is a true desire to unite what would happen:
- Who will call the ecumenical council meetings?
- Who would attend?
- Who would lead?
- What will be sacrifice?
- Who will ‘stay and play’ or who will ‘take their ball and go home’?
I pray that whenever traditions, cultures or rituals hinder the Gospel message, that we leave tradition, culture or ritual at home.
There is a shaking and re-shaping, where it ends and what it would look like is yet to be known. It will remain the same and it will change. There will be a change, are we ready for it? I pray that the mission of the Kingdom of God will take center stage.
