Healthy, Growing Churches (4)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3.1-3

Homilies on Colossians 7
John Chrysostom (344-407)
“See how Paul has transferred them into heaven itself. For, as I said, he is always bent on showing that they have the very same things that Christ has. Through all his epistles the tenor is this, to show that in all things they are partakers with him. Therefore, he uses the terms head and body and does everything to convey this to them.”

The unity we have with other believers is a spiritual unity. It derives from Christ, by His Spirit. It is nurtured by Christ, according to His Word. It focuses on Christ, as our common end and hope. It refracts Jesus through the varied gifts, personalities, and callings of His Body’s members. It testifies of Jesus. It binds and joins us together in worshiping Him. We cannot achieve unity with all believers around creeds or denominations. We must not allow differences or distances to keep us from working hard at realizing our unity and expressing Christ’s Body together in various ways. Only as we contemplate Jesus, preach and teach Jesus, and follow daily in Jesus’ steps can we hope to achieve any true measure of unity in our churches, and with Christ-honoring churches throughout our community. Where such unity exists, peace obtains, joy abounds, and works of service to one another and the world are simply what we do. No wonder Jesus said that, when the world sees our unity, it will believe the Father has sent Him.

Is it the practice of your church “to show in all things that they are partakers” with Christ? Can you think of some ways this focus might be sharpened among the churches in your community?

T. M. Moore

Mission Partners Outreach
The work of ministry is what saints are being equipped for, and which they do in the “as-you-are-goings” of their lives. But the flock of the Lord must be equipped for this calling, and Jesus has set shepherds over the flock to do that work. How can we equip the sheep to live for Christ and be His witnesses? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church. Want to learn how it works? Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information. I will show you how to make this ministry work in your church.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Quotations from Church Fathers are from the Ancient Christian Commentary Series, published by InterVarsity Press.