September 2023 Newsletter |
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Unity today is so prized yet so rare. Most of us know it when we see it, but it’s tough to define it.
Over the years, I have enjoyed the Star War movies. In these sagas unity is defined by what team you are on. On the one hand, the Jedi Code taught it’s followers to not give in to feelings of anger toward other life forms, which would help them resist fear and prevent them from falling to the dark side of the Force. Unity had no emotion, only peace. Contrarily, the Sith Code taught its adherents that unity was achieved when the strong subjugate the weak. Power went to the biggest and maddest. Unity never included anyone who did not subscribe to the totality of being a Jedi or a Sith. In essence, unity was held by whomever held power.
In Ephesians 4, Paul calls all Christians into a common camp, anchored in a code of unity for all believers. It’s much different than this world or the Star Wars universe. Paul deliberately points towards unity as a bond that helps believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have been called.” He goes on to state that “there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
This is revolutionary. God is the only source and reason for all believers to be unified. This is ground zero and the source for a Christian code of unity. Our unity should gloriously reflect the perfect unity found in God- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit! There are no lightsabers in God’s Kingdom.
It also seems that as believers are more unified, God’s grace grows and expands and touches people everywhere.
There are a couple of questions. Do I live in a spirit of unity or discord? Do I look for ways to cooperate with those whom I disagree with or do I slay them? Do I look for ways to share common ground with those who I could not imagine being in heaven with me? Perhaps, the level of unity in the church determines how much God will work through us. Perhaps, it’s a deep reflection of our own genuine faith or lack. Unity births oneness.
For Christ’s Body, this is where the rubber meets the road as we minister and care for the homeless. Most of our homeless friends never experience the joy and contentment of being in unity or oneness with anyone or anything. Their world is one of constant brokenness, loneliness, and discord. Their world is one of desperation of mind, body, and spirit. Giving God’s grace to them introduces a wonderful and beautiful way of life beginning with unity with God! The Gospel works like water, seeping in and breaking iron-clad bondages, offering oneness with God into their desperate world. It’s a powerful antidote.
Our name alone denotes the body of Christ, unified and working together. It’s the church coming together as one to offer a witness to the world. More than ever, we want you and your church to join our work this fall. Help us to bring unity and oneness to the homeless.
Could I ask you to pray right now for Christ’s Body?
Blessings to you!
Pastor Jim
If you have any questions, prayer requests or other issues, call us at 303-860-1272 or email us at info@christsbody.org.
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CMA RIDES IN FOR OUTREACH TOGETHER |
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Last weekend was hopping here on 850 Lincoln Street!
We were able to join with a team from the Colorado Christian Motorcycle Association to minister together during our Saturday street outreach. In one three hour morning, over 50 people were prayed with, and together we shared God’s love and the Good News of Jesus Christ to so many.
It is such a blessing to come together as the body of Christ and minister to those we love! We had one guest who shared with a volunteer “I came down from my building looking for a crack pipe and am leaving with something totally different, in tears, because you gave me God’s grace.” This gentleman had been loved and helped by SO MANY volunteers that he was simply overwhelmed by the only One who can save, redeem and transform us.
Thank you Colorado CMA for your support and involvement in our Saturday outreach. Praise God for brothers and sisters in Christ, and for His work through you!
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WARREN WELCOMES JESUS HOME |
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I recently had the opportunity to join the Saturday outreach team as they gathered to assemble 600 lunches in preparation for a mass distribution. I’ve done these outreach efforts before, and witnessed the expressions of gratitude on the sun baked faces of the people we serve. I’ve seen the shoeless whimper with joy as their callused, worn out feet slide into a pair of comfortable shoes. I’ve seen what a hug can do, and what it means to someone when you ask them their name.
I have not seen what happened with Warren. Now it’s all I hope for with every outreach.
When Warren rode up to the van on his beat up bicycle he was dejected and hesitant. He and I started talking as I handed him a lunch and a couple new pairs of socks. I learned he has been on a waiting list for housing for 2 years. He has been struggling with health issues and unemployment due to those issues for many years. Our conversation seemed Spirit led as I asked him about his faith. He said he gave up on God years ago.
We embraced and I told him “well, Warren, God hasn’t given up on you!” He teared up and asked me if I would pray for him and ask Jesus to come back home; home in his heart. As the team gathered around Warren, we all prayed together and hugged him before he rode away.
The Lord is ever-present in our efforts. We never know what it’s going to look like, or who or what we may see! I want you to know how grateful I am for that unpredictability. Sometimes when God surprises me, like He did with Warren, it stokes the fire for compassion. His plans are greater than our plans!
What a beautiful day and an incredible team, UNITED to serve the “Warrens” of Denver, as much in need of spiritual care as they are in need of something to eat.
Thank you for supporting our work and making this encounter a possibility. But more importantly, thank you Lord for keeping Warren in your care. May he be filled with your grace and peace as he struggles to make his way.
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JOIN US! Help serve at our monthly Taco outreach!
Thursday, September 29th
as we partner with Kitchen One for One to serve those in need.
Email Christina@Christsbody.org for more details or to sign up
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BOB GETS BLESSED
For those of you that might be unaware, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Christ’s Body has the privilege of serving right out of our building! We open the garage and distribute shoes, clothing, and hygiene items. We provide showers, haircuts, dental care and other services. We serve a hot lunch to anyone who may be experiencing homelessness in the area.
It is an amazing opportunity to bless individuals in the depths of desperation, and a space to introduce the love and care of Jesus into their worlds!
Recently, a gentleman named Robert happened by during a Tuesday service. He was paroled a couple weeks prior, and had been sleeping on the street while trying to find work. By chance, he stopped in to see who we were, and what we were doing.
After lengthy conversation we were able to help him on a level he never expected. Our CORE (community re-entry) program had a room opening! Over the next 2 days we communicated with his parole officer and had him approved for a 90 day stay.
In a matter of 3 days, this man went from sleeping in an alley, to sleeping in a building. In a room of his own. In a bed with clean sheets, with a bathroom down the hall where he could bathe.
This is what your generosity provides. This is why we consider you partners in the work we do every day. If we were not able to be open for service on Tuesdays, Robert might have just wandered down the street, and spent another night… or week… or month sleeping under a bridge or in an alley.
Thank you for helping us bless Robert with a safe place to rest his and start to put the pieces of his life back together!
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Donations? Stop By during Regular Donation Hours:
Monday - Friday from 8 AM - 2 PM
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