I've continued to reflect on John's word to us yesterday. In the sermon, we thought about the detail of how many fish were caught (153), but John's final note, "and though there were so many, the net was not torn" (John 21:11), is encouraging to me.
Central's net is strong. We have been a large church long enough to be accustomed with new people in our midst. We realize that we'd be much weaker without the new people. And, it's not just a size thing-we're not merely looking to replace those who die or move away during the year. It's really about being the Body of Christ and celebrating the variety of gifts that God sends us to get or brings in among us.
Central's net is strong. We have been a large church long enough to be accustomed with new people in our midst. We realize that we'd be much weaker without the new people. And, it's not just a size thing-we're not merely looking to replace those who die or move away during the year. It's really about being the Body of Christ and celebrating the variety of gifts that God sends us to get or brings in among us.
The Body of Christ is diverse. Within it are people who look like you and people who do not, people who think like you and those who do not, and people who live like you and those who do not. All of that can make for an exciting life together and it can sometimes be unsettling.
Even so, I am convinced that God has woven our net well and that the Holy Spirit will keep it from tearing, no matter how many or which fish God helps us catch.
Even so, I am convinced that God has woven our net well and that the Holy Spirit will keep it from tearing, no matter how many or which fish God helps us catch.