ONE FOUNDATION

Neither pray I for these alone, but
for them also which shall believe
on me through their word;

That they all may be one; as thou,
Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may b one in us:
that the world may believe
that thou has sent me.

And the glory which thou gavest
me I have given them: they may
be one, even as we are one.
John 17:20-22

One of my favorite Bible studies is from John 14-17. These chapters are so rich in love and concern on Jesus' part. In chapters 14 through 16, Jesus spoke to his disciples with regard to His soon departure. He gave a lot of promise and encouragement they couldn't have understood in the moment. By the way, those promises are important for us today the same as back then. Chapter 17, however, is what has come to be known as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. It is a gem above all gems as He prayed for those dear men He had loved and led. The last part of that prayer looks down through the ages to where you and I are right now. The above verses are just a samples of His concern for future believers.

This all has come to my attention because of an event that happened recently at the supper table where we were at the time for a five-day seminar. The tables seat eight and we happened to be alone at one table. A couple approached and asked if they could join us which is the usual question no matter how many are already at the table. We welcomed them.

I would say the couple was perhaps early 60's, nice looking and quite personable, especially the gentleman. They took their seats and proceeded to say grace between them which again is normal for that setting. Usually people look at each other's name tags to at least see where folks are from as a point of conversation. This time, that didn't happen. With his very polished voice, he looked at us and simply asked, “Are you Baptists?” He could have asked us most anything to begin a conversation, but this sounded a little odd, but Brian answered in the affirmative.

With that, in between bites, the man began with giving us his history with Baptists. He had been an association director a couple of times, had offers to pastor but not I'm sure what he ended up doing. He did indicate he was finished with Baptists and they were happy in a non-denominational setting. He had even told his pastor that their church reminded him of a Baptist church. His pastor replied that he was honored to hear that.

After eating, we went into the auditorium. The guest pianist began playing a short concert prior to the speaker coming to teach us.. For at least ten minutes, she played one hymn using a variety of style for each time she played it. As God would have it, after our interesting supper, she played “The Church's One Foundation.” It brought back lines to my mind as she played. Some phrases from that blessed, old hymn came to my mind:

*The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord.
*One holy name she blesses; partakes one holy food
*Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One

...and there are others describing our Kingdom citizenship because of what Christ has done for each of us. There were several usages of the word “one” throughout the hymn. Name tags gave no church affiliation at this place. I never heard denomination discussed, only this one time. We were there as God's Kingdom Kids and it was so refreshing. We believers are all a part of God's family, no matter the name of the church or denomination. We believers stand on our mutual foundation....Jesus.

Thank You dear Jesus for doing so much to bring us to Yourself. Thank You for Your Word and Your Spirit that teaches us from it. Thank You for the fellowship we have with other believers because of You dying for each of us. Forgive our sin and keep us from the evil one. We love you...in Your precious name...Amen