Why is sharing letters between churches important for spiritual growth and unity? Scripture Snapshot “After this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and see that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.” – Colossians 4:16 Why Paul Expected Churches to Share Letters • Shared revelation: God’s truth, once delivered, belongs to the whole body, not just one congregation. • Doctrinal safeguard: Circulating inspired writings protects against local error and keeps every church anchored to the same gospel (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Mutual encouragement: Testimonies of God’s work elsewhere fan faith and perseverance (Romans 15:4). • Practical guidance: Each letter carries Spirit-given instruction for everyday discipleship (Acts 2:42). • Visible unity: Swapping letters weaves believers into one tapestry rather than isolated islands (John 17:20-23). Spiritual Benefits of Circulating Letters Today 1. Doctrinal Clarity – “I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:27 – Shared reading guards the church from drifting into private interpretations. 2. Corporate Edification – “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey…” – Revelation 1:3 – Reading together moves truth from the pulpit to the pew, stirring obedience. 3. Hope and Endurance – “Everything that was written… was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4 – Hearing God’s past faithfulness fuels present perseverance. 4. Gifts in Action – “He gave… pastors and teachers, to equip the saints… until we all reach unity in the faith.” – Ephesians 4:11-13 – Teaching letters activates God-given gifts, equipping every believer. 5. Seamless Fellowship – “I appeal to you… that you may be united in mind and conviction.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10 – The same Word creates the same convictions, knitting hearts across geography and culture. Unity Rooted in Common Truth • Truth precedes unity; Scripture supplies the non-negotiable foundation. • When Laodicea reads Colossae’s letter and vice versa, both churches submit to the same authority. • Result: diversity of people, but one confession, one mission, one Savior. Growth Fueled by Shared Testimony • Stories of Christ’s work in another church spark fresh faith locally. • Letters reveal how theology meets real-life issues—family, work, persecution—showing believers they are not alone. Practical Takeaways for Modern Congregations • Read Scripture publicly every gathering; let multiple voices participate. • Exchange testimonies, teaching series, and resources with sister churches. • Prioritize expository preaching that walks the church through entire biblical books. • Encourage small groups to study the same passages the whole church is hearing, reinforcing unity. • Support translation and distribution efforts so every believer worldwide can “read the letter.” • Remember: the church grows tallest when the Word travels widest. |
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