Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

As followers of Christ, we are called to a profound journey shaped by the Holy Spirit—a journey that empowers us to see not just ourselves but also others, viewing them as unique contributors to the tapestry of God’s creation. This journey takes us toward a goal of unity, where our differences do not divide us but ultimately strengthen us. The Holy Spirit is integral to this mission, leading us towards a future defined by diversity, acceptance, and a shared purpose in Christ.

The Great Commission: A Call to Every Nation

The Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:19–20, sets the stage for this united and multidimensional church. Jesus instructed His disciples, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This scripture not only emphasizes the importance of spreading the gospel to every nation but also signifies His command for believers to gather in unity around a singular mission.
When we dive into this scripture, we tap into a vast reservoir of meaning. At the heart of Jesus’ message is the powerful affirmation of God’s intent for all people. Different ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and experiences converge under one banner—the love of Christ. The calling extends beyond evangelical endeavors; it connects us as members of His body, woven together to reflect His light.

The Power of the Holy Spirit: Unifying Our Differences

The arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 demonstrates how essential divine intervention is for this mission of unity. Acts 2:46-47 highlights how the early church thrived amidst diversity. They “broke bread in their homes” and “ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” The early believers understood that their various backgrounds melted away in the presence of God. The Holy Spirit prompted this—bringing together different nations and peoples into a singular movement motivated by love and worship.
Discipleship is essential to this process; it is our active response to the immense gift we have received through Christ. It is the commitment to lay down our lives and take up the life of Christ within us. By allowing the Holy Spirit to live through us, everything changes. This new perspective redefines how we engage with the Great Commission. It highlights that these commands are for disciples—those who are willing to go beyond mere belief and immerse themselves in the fullness of the Spirit’s power.
This draws attention to the fact that our differences are not a hindrance to our faith; rather, they are a vital component of God’s design. When individuals from varied backgrounds unite under the banner of Christ, we create a microcosm of God’s kingdom—a beautiful kaleidoscope of humanity working in concert for His purpose. Each unique perspective enriches our collective understanding and enhances our worship experience.

The Role of Intention in Unity

In my local community, there is a church that exemplifies this vision of unity effectively. It’s a gathering place where cultural diversity permeates worship and ministry. It is a place where various backgrounds are celebrated and encouraged while holding true to the Scripture. Those gathered here reflect the very nature of God, the Creator of oceans, stars, and the countless peoples of the earth. This church not only recognizes but embraces diversity in a way that glorifies God.
The Holy Spirit was not sent simply for signs and wonders or to put on a show—He came to empower us to be witnesses for Christ. As we see in Acts 1:8, Jesus calls His disciples to receive this empowerment with a purpose: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” With this power, we are equipped to share the good news and draw others to Him, extending our reach “to the end of the earth.”
This experience aligns with the prophetic words found in Joel 2:28-32. Joel foretold of a time when the Spirit would be poured out upon all people, leading to an outpouring of visions, dreams, and revelations. Embracing diversity equips the Body of Christ with the strength to fulfill the Great Commission and live out the mission of the church.

A Deeper Understanding of Discipleship

As we engage in this great mission of unity, it is important also to reflect upon what it means to be a disciple. Discipleship goes deeper than simple belief; it is a paradigm shift—a move towards becoming unified with the Holy Spirit and His purpose to make Christ known. When we transition from simply believing to being disciples, we recognize that our mission involves laying down our lives in order to lift Christ in our communities.
Being a disciple demands an active choice—a daily commitment to deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Him. This journey requires a surrender of our own desires for the greater good of unity within the body of Christ. It is not free; it comes at a cost—a cost that includes rejection, sacrifice, and the willingness to embrace others who may be different from ourselves. Salvation, while a free gift, is distinct from discipleship, which expresses our response to the incredible sacrifice of Jesus.
In Galatians 3:28, Paul reminds us of the radical nature of our unity in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This radical statement urges us to look beyond superficial identities. Our unity in Christ transcends cultural barriers, societal roles, and gender differences. Instead of seeing diversity as a barrier, we should celebrate it as part of God’s handiwork.

Experiencing God’s Love in Community

Unity under the leadership of the Holy Spirit reveals the fullness of God’s love. This is vividly captured in Revelation 7:9, which gives us a glimpse of heaven—a diverse multitude that includes “people from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” standing before the throne of God. The unity of worshippers is an image of the rich mosaic God intends for His Church on earth.
Through our communal interactions, we create an atmosphere where love thrives and acceptance permeates. This is the essence of living out our faith together, where the body of Christ embraces the kaleidoscopic diversity of its members. Here, we find space to exchange ideas, grow in understanding, and foster relationships empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The call for unity is essential as we navigate the complexities of our modern world. In similar fashion to past believers, we must open our eyes and ears to what the Holy Spirit is prompting us to do in our churches and communities. With intentionality, we can embrace differences while promoting unity; through shared experiences, we reflect God’s love in practical ways.
Are you ready to move from being a believer to becoming a disciple who lays it all down for the sake of following Christ? This is the essence of true discipleship—laying down our lives to take on Christ’s life within us. Will you go all in for the one who went all in for you? Let us commit ourselves to being diligent disciples of Jesus, actively participating in the Great Commission with enthusiasm.
May we seek out opportunities to build bridges across divides instead of walls that separate. When we embrace this mission, not only do we reflect God’s glory, but we also invite the world to witness a beautiful tapestry of humanity, stitched together by the love of Christ.
Together, may we fulfill the call of the Holy Spirit, united in purpose, aimed at bringing glory to our Creator, and illuminating the world around us with the message of love and grace found in Christ alone.