Christ Church Daily Devotion April 18 2024

The devotional reading from Romans chapter 15 emphasizes the importance of unity among followers of Jesus Christ. The division between Jew and Gentile followers was a problem in the early Church, just as there are many areas of dispute today. Although we don't need to agree on everything, the Bible highlights the need for unity. We should follow Jesus' example and form relationships with one another. Praising and glorifying God is also essential. The power of the Holy Spirit is present when believers worship together, regardless of language barriers. The prayer is for God to unite us so that the world may find hope in Him. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for April 18, 2024. Today we will be reading from Romans chapter 15, verses 4-7 and verses 12-13. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that, through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ had, so that, with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. And again Isaiah says, The root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations. In him the Gentiles will hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the greatest obstacles in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ today is divisiveness in the Church. The problem is not new, but that doesn't make it any less serious. Paul indicates that the division between Jew and Gentile followers of Jesus was problematic in the early Church, just as we have many areas of dispute today. Though we don't need to agree about everything, the Bible emphasizes that followers of Jesus Christ should demonstrate unity. We can achieve this by following the example of Jesus as we serve and form relationships with one another. We should pray that God will give us the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus has had. We should also praise God and bring glory to God. Paul instructs his readers to praise, rejoice, and sing hymns to express their unity and to glorify God for his mercies. Shouldn't we, who have received God's love and salvation, lift our voices to praise him in unity? I have had the pleasure to worship God with sisters and brothers in many different countries. Often, I cannot understand the words being sung, but I know we are one in the Spirit. It thrills my heart to sing to God with other believers because I know the power of the Holy Spirit is there with us as we worship our Savior, Jesus, together. Your personal worship option today. God, make us one. Unite. Unite us. So that the world may know that they have hope in you. Amen.