I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Francis Schaeffer speak at a conference some years ago. The name Francis Schaeffer is well known in the Christian world as he was a leading apologist for the Christian faith and founder of L’Abri Fellowship, near the village of Huémoz, Canton Vaud, here in Switzerland. More than anyone else, he found a way to connect the gospel to the great issues of modern life. Although he has died, his voice still sounds out through his books, videos and audio recordings. God gave Francis Schaeffer two great burdens: First, showing the relevance of the gospel for the deepest needs of modern man; second, calling the church to stand for objective truth and observable love.
Dr. Schaeffer emphasised this second theme many times during his ministry. He wrote often about the necessity for the church to unashamedly proclaim the truth of the Bible to a world that has largely abandoned any concept of absolute truth. He also challenged evangelicals to display observable love. In his book, “The Mark of the Christian” he wrote, “Love—and the unity it attests to—is the mark Christ gave Christian to wear before the world.” That challenge was all the more appropriate when you consider that Dr. Schaeffer came from a denomination which had experienced many divisions. Perhaps that background caused him to feel the urgency of demonstrating Christian unity before a watching world.
In Jesus’ great High Priestly prayer, He prayed for unity among believers based on the believers’ unity with Him and the Father. (John 17: 21-23) Christians can know unity among themselves if they are living in union with God. For example, each branch living in union with the vine is united with all other branches doing the same. When we demonstrate this oneness, we will convince the world that the Father sent the Son, and that the Father loves believers deeply and eternally, just as he loves the Son. (Verse 23)
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34, 35) This Sunday we considered Romans 12:9, 10 under the general theme of “Being an Authentic Community,” where these verses teach us some aspects of biblical love.
Join us for Corporate Prayer at 10 am on Sunday (Transport from Rüschlikon Station at 09:50) and then the Worship Service at 10:30 am.(Guest Service) Fellowship and refreshments after the service.
Bruce Davie, Pastor/Elder