In Jesus' Name

PRAY ON "PRAYERS..."

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www.biblegateway.com
Mark 9:38-41 (NKJV) *part 1*


The Disciples Forbid Another to Use Jesus' Name

38 Now John answered (Jesus), saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”
39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

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The disciples were jealous of a man who healed in Jesus' name because they were more concerned about their own group's position than in helping to free those troubled by demons. Whether, it's ego or ignorance; as believers, there are too many factors, such as affiliations and denomination that separate us.  The Name of Jesus should actually bring us together.

I was having dinner with a friend this weekend, I mentioned the owners of Chick-Fil-A and how I admired their business model because as a family, they are unafraid to share their faith in Jesus.  My friend's instant reaction, "He's Mormon!"

Do you see the error here?  I didn't know if they were Mormons that wasn't my point.   If you will read the below, you will see what my point was/is:



Famous for being closed on Sundays, in an interview with ABC News's Nightline, Dan Cathy (son of company owner S. Truett Cathy) told Vicki Mabrey; "He wanted he and his employees to spend time with family and worship."

Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy is a devout Christian who has taught Sunday School for over 51 years and whose religious beliefs permeate the company to this day. The company's official statement of corporate purpose says that the business exists "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A." The chain invests heavily in community services (especially for children and teenagers) and scholarships. Cathy's beliefs are also responsible for one of the chain's distinctive features: All Chick-fil-A locations (company-owned and franchised, whether in a mall or freestanding) are closed on Sundays.

“	Our decision to close on Sunday was our way of honoring God and directing our attention to things more important than our business. If it took seven days to make a living with a restaurant, then we needed to be in some other line of work. Through the years, I have never wavered from that position.	„
—S. Truett Cathy

Chick-fil-A has promoted religious groups via toys and CDs included in children's meals, much as movie studios promote new movies via McDonald's Happy Meal toys. These have ranged from including toys from the Christian television series VeggieTales in children's meals to including Financial Peace for Kids children's books by Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey and CDs from the Christian radio program Adventures in Odyssey, as children's meal incentives. The last show mentioned is produced by the radio division of Focus on the Family, and typically heard on Christian radio stations.

Chick-fil-A and Focus on the Family also have a history of cross-promotion. Chick-fil-A has also sponsored meetings by the group All Pro Dad; All Pro Dad is a group with affiliations with Focus on the Family via a group called Families First; Families First promotes a large number of conservative religious causes, including covenant marriage.

Chick-fil-A has also directly sponsored other religious campaigns. One of the groups sponsored by Chick-fil-A is Athletes in Action, a sports missionary arm of the Campus Crusade for Christ.
Another link between Chick-fil-A and religious groups includes promotion of National Bible Week. S. Truett Cathy is the chair of the National Bible Week Committee.

Truett Cathy is also heavily involved in the WinShape Foundation, a non-profit organization which was started in 1984 with its goal to "shape winners" by offering summer camps, retreats, foster care, and other services.

In New Jersey, they give support to Choices of the Heart.

Chick-fil-A received prime product placement in the 2008 Evangelical Christian produced Fireproof, in a scene in which the main character, working to save his troubled marriage, soothes his wife with the company's chicken noodle soup.


I'm not saying that the owners of Chick-fil-A are perfect, I don't know them- but that also, isn't the point.  None of us have it all correct-  there is no other Jesus (nor will there ever be).  But look what they are doing in the name of Jesus.  They are taking one of the strongest stands I've seen, in a very feasible way; that honors the God that we serve.  Ever since I saw the Nightline report I've been inspired by it.

When we refuse to associate with or judge Christians from other denominations because (1) other people or groups are not affiliated with our denomination, (2) their projects do not involve the kind of people with whom we feel most comfortable, (3) others don't do things the way we are used to doing things, or (4) our efforts won't receive enough recognition.  Correct theology is important but should never be an excuse to avoid helping people in need.

Being Baptist, non-denominational, Mormon, Catholic, Jehovah Witness or whatever denomination is no greater than the other.  Jesus' followers will not all resemble each other or belong to the same groups.  When the people who are on Jesus' side have the same goal of building up the Kingdom of God, they should not let their differences interfere with this goal.  Those who share a common faith in Christ should cooperate.  People don't have to be just like us to be following Jesus with us.  Let's get our focus off the wrong things.  God will deal with what is incorrect in each and every one of us.  Unity is key with believers; UNITY.  Satan loves that we separate over the most insignificant reasons. What any of us get wrong will be addressed by God's Spirit within us- for God deals with our hearts (rebuke will be administered-for false teachers will not last);  and by Jesus Himself when we meet Him face to face.

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Daily Prayer:  Jesus, bring Your people together.  To work together for the purposes of Your Kingdom, loving You and one another.  That's it!  LORD, correct the lies, falsehoods, and incorrect information that we have received and are living on.  Help us to join together under the same Word and Your true Spirit.  I thank You LORD, for each and every person who believes in You.  For You are great and worthy to be praised; and how blessed are those who have accepted You into their lives.  May they build goodness upon the Truth that You instill in us and live a life geared toward pleasing our Heavenly Father.  I rebuke all false teachers, seeking to destroy Your children and Your Kingdom.  They have no power and cannot stand against the blood of Christ.  Let us remember to test and prove EVERYTHING by the Word of God.  In Your Mighty Name, amen.


*Chick-fil-A info found: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick-fil-A