For the Jewish community, to reject the work and the people of God was to reject God himself. For us, to reject any person who has the Holy Spirit is to reject God himself, as well. 

The gospel vision of a unified Jesus community is a wonderful blessing. It brings joy to us. But it can only be a reality if we actually receive and welcome others in the name of Jesus Christ. 

We'll celebrate the fact that the gospel of Jesus creates this community. And this community is infused by the Holy Spirit. 

We can and should celebrate what we have in that. 

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