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Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Romans 15:5-7

Hello My Friends,

A little over twenty years ago, Sarah and I stopped in on a Sunday morning to check out the church. We were welcomed quickly and felt right at home among people that cared and wanted to support us on this new path. We were received into this group of loving followers of Christ.

What does it mean to receive one another?  

Paul invites us to do just this in Romans 15:7. Paul is emphasizing the theme of inclusion of the Gentiles who were the non-Jewish people of that. While the message of Jesus was spreading to the Jewish people that the Messiah that they had praying for had come in the form of Jesus, the message was also reaching far beyond. Paul is telling the Christian community in the city of Rome that all are welcome to the Good News of Jesus Christ and should be received with open arms.

What does that mean for us?

Beyond loving our neighbors, Paul is writing, as the body of Christ, we need to accept, love, be patient with, and get to know one another. This has recently become a point of focus, here at BCC, as we have had new folks coming to be part of worship services, fellowship opportunities, service activities, youth programs, etc. Our church has always been a loving and supporting space for all on their spiritual journeys and I know it will continue to be in the future.

I invite all of us to make sure we are taking the time to get to know the people behind the new faces that are coming with us to follow Jesus. Learn about their journey and about them like you would a new friend. Because that is what they are, new friends and new siblings in Christ.  

We have all, at some point, been the new person trying to fit in amongst a pre-existing group of people. It can be uncomfortable and challenging getting to know people who have long histories together. Let’s make it easy for folks. I invite all of us to move around before worship to make introductions and just say good morning. If someone is sitting by themselves maybe we can invite them to sit with us or maybe invite them to join us at a table during coffee hour.

As Paul writes, “therefore, receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.”

With much love,

-Pastor Brian