#695 One in Christ

#695 “One in Christ” / by Ralph McIntosh / Ralph@actsfoundation.us / December 23, 2009

On Saturday November 28, it was a great privilege for Susan and me to walk with believers from Manchester Anglican Cathedral to Salford Cathedral (Catholic) near Manchester England. The procession was made up of about 350 to 400 believers in Christ from many cultures and denominations including Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Salvation Army, Pentecostal and more! There were awesome services on both ends of the march and there was singing and praising the Lord in the march itself.

The church leaders of each denomination wore their official attire and many of the marchers carried signs proclaiming “King of Kings,” “Word of God,” Light of the World”, etc. The banner at the front of the procession said, “One in Christ.” A number of national flags were carried too. The marchers passed out cards that also said, “One in Christ” and told the story of the event to people on the sidewalks. Each marcher had a sticker on the shirt that said, “One in Christ”.

Along the journey, which went right through a major shopping area, I was able to get one man to proclaim, “Here I am, Lord, use me!” I was also able to witness to a man begging after I gave him some change I had.

The peaceful march was an amazing show of faith to the community and was supported by attending mayors of both cities. We had wonderful police escorts who were very kind and professional.

There were a few people at the end of the march who protested but they were a minor voice compared to the unity shown by the majority of the people. I was thankful to see all the denominations worshiping together and proclaiming to the community their love for one another. It is so valuable to the Christian community to show the world that we serve one Lord!

Eph. 4:4. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.Have you reached out to someone of another denomination recently? Have you attended their church? Have you invited them over for dinner? What have you done to spread the love of Christ beyond your favorite, comfortable circle of friends? Maybe you could organize an event like this one in your area!


A blessed Christmas ...to you from the ACTS Team!
From: Ralph & Susan McIntosh
Jewel Van Valin
Leonard & Kristin Gumm
Jeff & Rosemary Harris
George & Julie Hobbs
Pitt and Joy Gills
Aaron and Michelle Abergas
Susan Black
Earl & Sharon Washburn
Instituto El Rey Staff & Students



Christmas is...

Christmas is when we remember,
Once each year in late December,
How a God, so far away,
Sent His Son to come our way.
Christmas is what was foretold,
By the prophets wise and old.
Christmas is God's perfect gift,
To mankind, their spirits lift.
Christmas is a happy time,
Jesus birthday, and a sign.
Christmas comes again each year,
With eternal, Godly, cheer.
Christmas is, for you and me,
A most perfect way to see...
Christmas as God's visual call,
"Come, behold Him, Lord of all!"
Let this Christmas touch your heart.
From the world, come apart.
Let this Christmas be a gift...
You give God...His Spirit lift!

--Ralph E. McIntosh
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www.actsfoundation.org