June, 2006

ONE FOR THE SAKE OF MANY

Jesus prayed to God the Father: "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me...." (John 17:20-21, RSV)

In John 17, Jesus prayed first for those He elected to be His disciples, for those who would become the apostles of the Church. But as indicated above, His prayer was also for those who would believe because they would hear the apostolic message preached. As the message of the apostles spread throughout the world and extended through the centuries, millions of people would come to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son sent from the Father. Jesus prayed that these future believers would be one, just as clearly as Jesus and His Father are one, as they would become "in" the unity of Jesus and His Father. According to Jesus’ prayer, this unity among believers has an evangelical purpose: "so that the world may believe...."

The Community Renewal Services here at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church -- which will take place on June 5-7 (Monday-Wednesday, beginning at 7:00 each evening) -- signal that Jesus’ prayer is being answered by the Father. During these services, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Nazarenes, other Christians, and seekers will be gathered in one place to hear the Gospel of the apostles, to be encouraged by witnesses formed by the same Gospel, and to be edified by the Good News put to music. All of this will be done so that more of the world -- or at least more of Carteret County or more of Morehead City -- might believe in Jesus Christ.

Make plans now to attend each of the three Community Renewal Services. Even if attending these services will be inconvenient -- if they will hurry your dinner or limit your evening routine -- do your very best to attend each evening. If Jesus’ prayer is truthful (and we know that it is), your presence will help to demonstrate unity with many other Christians. In addition, your presence will help the world -- or at least a small part of the world -- to believe.

Jesus prayed that "they may all be one...so that the world may believe." Early in June, you can participate in the Father answering His Son’s prayer.