Posted: 5/19/03
Singles urged to be people of God
By Becky Bridges
Texas Baptist Communications
PASADENA–Like the first Old Testament patriarch of Israel, Christians are called out to become part of a new family. And that may mean leaving blood relations behind, according to Mike Stroope, professor of Christian missions at Baylor University's Truett Seminary.
“When God called Abraham, God was speaking to one individual and pulled him out of his comfort zone to create a new family,” Stroope told about 400 participants from 100 churches attending the Texas Baptist Single Adult Conference at First Baptist Church of Pasadena.
Christians, called to become part of a great community, will move toward a promise, he said. “God has promised us, just as he did the Israelites, that we will become a new nation that he will bless.”
God provides the power, Stroope added. “We demonstrate who God is by knowing him through relationship so others can marvel and wonder and talk about our God. We aren't walking around like any other people. We have now been brought nearer to God through Jesus.”
God's power can be demonstrated today by how Christians defy cultural bias and become one family despite heritage and cultural differences, the professor explained.
“I am Dutch and German. I've laid down my Dutchness to join this new community and have a heritage that began with Abraham. Pedigree doesn't matter as much as being a people of God.”
Christians must consider themselves “as now inside the tent, when we were once outside–as a part of a race, and born into a new nation,” Stroope said. Through a relationship with Jesus, Christians became a kingdom of priests and now are responsible for interceding for the nations.
“We are to proclaim his excellency and not just have a spiritual checklist. We should be careful that we not make community the point. The world isn't impressed with our theology. They aren't impressed with our technique,” Stroope warned.
Instead, Christian community exists for the name of God so that as believers walk together through neighborhoods and at their jobs, the world might marvel at their oneness, he said.
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