Dear Brother and Sister in Jesus Christ,

Although I come from a Baptist background, I minister with a little fellowship of non-denominational believers in Fontana Dam, NC. We serve the spiritual needs of vacationers, employees, and surrounding residents of Fontana Village. (Sometimes it's folks who are just plain, "curious".) Because I minister every week in a constantly changing environment, I encounter many different Christians from a variety of denominations and faiths.

This summer, I was invited to worship with an African-American couple who were part of a large group meeting in the Village. We met as they were visiting our church garden, His Garden of Grace. They began praying, right then and there, for complete healing, both spiritual and physical, in Graham County, Fontana Community Church and me, specifically.These concerns were shared with their group, and the prayers continued. It was amazing to me that a "black" group from Mississippi would take on spiritual intercession for Graham County! But what is it that the Lord said about confounding the "wise" with the "foolish"? ("Confound it!" my precious Mama used to spout when she was just tired of the whole mess of life. Bring it on, Lord!) My soul was lifted, and I reciprocated by praying in earnest for complete healing in their lives, too. Just yesterday, I was assured their prayer continues and they plan another visit here next year with more people, promising more intercession and healing for this area. Call me crazy, but I can see it happening already.

Last week, our church hosted a large group of Seventh Day Adventist bikers. They gathered from all across the US for a spiritual retreat here in the Village. As I ministered daily through coffee service and building maintenance, I was welcomed into their worship times. Friendly, spiritual exchanges occurred often. I noted, too, that there were also several in the group who were from other denominations and faiths. By the close of the retreat, we actually seemed comfortable and accepting of each other. I was even invited to hop on a Harley and tour "The Dragon"! (I passed on that one.) At times, we boldly expressed our love as we fellowshipped and sang together. I actually worshipped so vigorously, I got hoarse!

As I reflect on this experience, I have begun to realize that this should be the norm for the body of Christ rather than the unusual. I suppose we shy away from these settings because we perceive that there are too many differences in theology to keep it from working. Since the Word of God (Jesus) teaches that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, we do actually have a common bond, and a common need. And, given the fallen nature we all struggle to overcome continually, every single denomination and faith most certainly has a theological flaw or two somewhere, along with God-given spiritual gifts. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all came together, chucked our flaws, and networked our spiritual gifts? Sounds like heaven, literally. Imagine resting in the Sabbath (Jesus) as God ordained; ministering spiritual and physical healing through the Holy Spirit, regardless of who we are, as Jesus modeled; and baptizing in the river, following Jesus's example; etc.

Again it does sound like heaven! After all, there won't be multiple worship services scattered all over heaven to accomodate denominational fortresses or grand theological differences. Supposedly, we'll all be praising God, together.

It's high time we had a little choir practice for heaven, don't you think? How about let's get hoarse, together, singing "Hallelujah" to the Almighty! Selah!
 
PS. There are a zillion reasons why this can't and shouldn't happen. But there is one really good reason this will happen, VERY SOON, one way or another: JESUS IS COMING!