2 Corinthians 1:20 English Standard Version (ESV) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Verse 19 identifies him here as Jesus Christ. We often prefer him be capitalized as Him when it is Jesus Christ. It makes it obvious in that way. Because some quotes do not include identification of exactly who is the subject of discussion, it is best to know our scriptures in context.

When we left off yesterday we mentioned that our friends bring Christ to our discussions and that we might hear Christ speak through them. When do we know him is Him?

The Spirit in us will say yes, this is true. Now anyone can speak truth but does that mean it is Christ speaking through another? That is where the Amen comes into play. It refers to God’s glory who in our present circumstance is the presence of Christ in us. A yes and amen together indicate that it is Christ in us confirming that it was indeed Christ in another that is speaking.

Christ in us will always agree with Himself in others. Why is it important to know this?

God does not need our permission to speak through us, we belong to Him and He is God. God can do all things. We are not all experienced in being used of the Lord in this way and when it does happen, the one being used of God needs to hear it to understand the power of God within them is at work to the glory of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 King James Version (KJV) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

When God witnesses to us, it is important to acknowledge His witness, to the benefit of everyone.

Galatians 4:6 English Standard Version (ESV) And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Logic says that since Christ abides in our hearts, He goes with us wherever we go.

Not everyone will come to that conclusion. Not everyone will agree with that logic.

Romans 14:22 English Standard Version (ESV) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

This is also true.

What this passage means to one of us does not mean that everyone has the same understanding. There may come a time when the faith we have is held dear to us and not up for discussion. Issues under discussion by a group tend to seek agreement. Some things are so important that agreement has to be reached. Some opinions are not important.

It is when we begin to pass our judgments onto others about things that should not matter that harmony in the body of Christ is broken and divisions occur. We will gather those who agree with us and shun those with differing opinions.

Look to statements of faith that are the cornerstone of any administration of faith, those issues are set before everyone to read. Those are important issues. It is important that if we are to worship with this body of believers that we agree on every point in statements of faith. If we cannot accept those issues as truth, we should go elsewhere.

Whenever anyone brings up an opinion that is not contained within established statements of faith, those opinions are free to be discussed. We are encouraged to reveal our understanding of scripture because the cornerstone of understanding is the revelation of truth by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 18:20 English Standard Version (ESV) For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

We bring Christ with us into our gatherings. Look to hear Christ in each other. AMEN