Embracing Diversity in Christian Ministry
Embracing the inclusive teachings of Mark 9:38-41 and Acts 19:13-16, we explore the importance of accepting and supporting fellow Christians who serve in Jesus' name, regardless of their affiliation. The lesson is clear - unity in purpose, even amidst diversity, is paramount in the kingdom of God.
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Presentation Transcript
Mark 9:3841 38 Teacher, said John, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. 39 Do not stop him, Jesus said. No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
Acts 19:1316 (NIV84) 13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out. 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you? 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
Mark 9:3841 38 Teacher, said John, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. 39 Do not stop him, Jesus said. No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
1. Thats our job (entitlement/privilege) 2. The kingdom comes through them ( Who is the greatest? ) 3. Resentful over the success of others
Mark 9:3841 38 Teacher, said John, we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us. 39 Do not stop him, Jesus said. No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.
Whoever is not against us is for us.
What is our fundamental posture towards those Christians who are seeking to minister in Jesus name, but who aren t following us ?
Celebration and Support
Philippians 1:1518 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice
What is our fundamental posture towards non-Christians who are seeking to do good, but who aren t following us ?
Celebration and Support
Reflections 1. We aren t in charge of God s kingdom. 2. God s kingdom breaks forth through flawed people, with flawed theology, with flawed methodology, with flawed motives. 3. Those doing different ministry to us aren t a threat or liability. 4. Non-Christians doing good should be encouraged and supported. 5. When good things are happening, celebrate and thank God!
Whoever is not against us is for us.
