This past week, spending time again in a foreign country, going to church, worship events, or spending time in fellowship with non-US believers, I was reminded of something important.
The body of Christ in its most authentic sense really knows no national, cultural, ethnic or racial boundaries. Jesus is the center and reason for our salvation. We (around the world "we") all have this to celebrate!
Yes, differences exist. Yes, different groups and individuals within the worldwide church differ on worship styles, worship songs, theological teachings and emphases. The diversity of these elements, I think, brings great pleasure to God. The fact that believers at Church Y in Nashville, TN worship through style such and such while at the same time Church X in Buenos Aires worship differently through style so and so -- God really digs that!
Differences can go too far to where they cross the line of appropriate and pleasing worship to God. But in the differences, I don't think they should be considered wrong by one group or another.
"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
In the end, we are going to unite before the throne to worship and celebrate the great gift of grace we find in Christ, and Christ alone.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9 NIV)
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