hen the thirteen colonies became thirteen free and independent states they still faced a difficult problem; building a new nation. Those from Georgia considered themselves Georgians, people from Pennsylvania called themselves Pennsylvanians, but they didn't see themselves as Americans and therefore did not feel unified. Some of the wisest men of that time realized that we must be united in order to be a strong country. To attain that strength each state relinquished some of its power when it signed the Constitution. A great and powerful country arose from that union.

We were blessed to have Dave Embree from the Christian Campus House at SMSU as our guest speaker on Sunday. His sermon was on unity within the body of believers. Mr. Embree encouraged and challenged us to live the prayer of Jesus in John 17. Even while anticipating the cross Jesus prayed that we would find unity. "That they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me." Jesus knew that there is strength in unity. He prayed, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." What an immense responsibility we have to the unsaved. We are poor representatives for God when we argue over divisive matters that hold no eternal consequence. Unification, as Mr. Embree pointed out, is not simply coming together and sharing a pew with someone or having the whole congregation under the same roof, it happens when we start working and serving together. Using flour, butter, and oatmeal as an illustration he emphasized that they are individual ingredients even if put in the same bag. When mixed together, however, you have the start of something more desirable: cookies. It's human nature to divide everything, we put people in categories by age, race, political parties, etc. God wants us to abandon our personal agendas and unite in Him. That doesn't diminish our individuality. Ephesians 4:11 assures us that we are individuals with our own gifts to use for the purpose of furthering His kingdom. Just as those thirteen states surrendered power to form a great nation we need to surrender our lives to God to build a united body of Christ.

The Hillside Christian Church annual rummage sale will be March 25th - 27th. Donations will be accepted and appreciated. The money earned will help teenagers attend Christ In Youth (C.I.Y.) this summer.