Like most Christians, Disciples Affirm:
Open Communion
The Lord’s Supper, or Communion is celebrated in weekly worship. It is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Freedom of belief
Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.
Baptism by immersion
In baptism the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new life of trust in God begins. Although Disciples practice baptism by immersion, other baptism traditions are honored.
Belief in the oneness of the church
All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service.
The ministry to believers
Both ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
Humanity has historically had trouble when our knowledge and technology advance, but our morality and ethics lag behind. The law of unintended consequences, which I’ve talked about many times, figures into this; but there’s more to it than just that.
Looking back at it from here, I’m not sure that Solomon’s temple was an unqualified good for his people. It was a great and magnificent building project, one in which many of Solomon’s people participated. Such building projects often bring a people together with a common purpose, sort of like fighting, supporting, and ultimately winning the Second World War brought the people of many nations together. That isn’t a bad thing, of course. But in the case of the temple, not everybody who worked on it did so voluntarily.
Morning Prayer for November 6, 2024. Scriptures: Psalm 13; Revelation 3:1-6. Hymn: O Breath of Life. CCLI streaming license #20546947.
Morning Prayer for November 5, 2024. Scriptures: Psalm 13; Revelation 2:18-29. Hymn: As with Gladness. CCLI streaming license #20546947.