file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940313.txt
          -------------------------------------------------------


          OUR DAILY BREAD                            Sunday, March 13, 1994
          ---------------
          Read:  Philippians 1:12-18

                                 CHURCH COMPETITION

                          Whether in pretense or in truth,
                     Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice.
                                 --Philippians 1:18

          Three  churches,  located  on  different  corners  of  the   same
          intersection, didn't get along together.  One Sunday each of them
          opened their meeting with a rousing song service.  It was a  warm
          day   and  all  the  doors  and  windows  were  wide   open.  One
          congregation began singing the old hymn, "Will There Be Any Stars
          in  My  Crown?"  The  strains  had barely  faded  away  when  the
          congregation across the street started singing, "No, Not One, No,
          Not One!"  They had scarcely finished when the third church began
          singing, "Oh, That Will Be Glory for Me."

          Of course, this is just a humorous story, but it reminds us  that
          a spirit of divisive competition does exist among some  churches.
          Naturally,  we will want to support our own church, pray for  it,
          and rejoice in its growth.  But we must never feel self-satisfied
          or be critical of churches that have problems or are not growing.

          If there is a place for "competition", let it be to oppose  those
          who deny scriptural fundamentals and the gospel.  But if a church
          is true to God's Word and is winning people to Christ, regardless
          of  its label, let's rejoice.  That should be our  attitude  when
          faced  with  the competitive motives of envy  and  strife.  Let's
          avoid church competition.

          Author:  Richard W. De Haan

                         Christ is made the sure foundation,
                          Christ the head and cornerstone;
                          Chosen of the Lord and precious,
                           Binding all the church in one.
                                       --Neale

          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
          -------------------
          The fruit of Christian unity grows out of our union with Christ.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:   Joshua 7-9





-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained 
from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any
group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members
and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------