Mark 9:38–41 (NKJV, also appearing in Luke 9:49-50)
38 Now John answered Him, 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.”
Mark 9:38-41
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.
Jesus addresses an act of mild spiritual arrogance in this passage, as the disciples basically said, “If this witness, this exorcist, is not part of our group, they cannot be right.” This type of attitude in the church today leads to factionization of the body. If you are not part of our local church, or our denomination, then you are not quite right and should probably just stop holding services and join us. This spiritual arrogance weakens the power of the church, creating small movements that claim to follow Christ, when one united body could overcome the true enemy and win the world! The Great Commission is for all the church, all Bible-believing congregations, movements, denominations, associations, and any other type of church or parachurch or ecumenical organizations. If you are teaching and preaching the true Christ, then we should have fellowship and cooperation. Don’t let the name on the door stop you from walking side-by-side with another true Christian. Work together to dispel darkness and share the true light. We can do more together, and better.
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LIVE@5 – February 2(Wed), 2022
Devoted To You 
