No Differences

Continuing on in 6 Testimonies' chapter, "The Observance of the Sabbath", in the section "Preparation for the Sabbath"

There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day (Friday). On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit, "confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." James 5:16. 6Testimonies p 356

This is a rephrasing of what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23,24)

In Jesus' saying, the implication is that God doesn't reconcile with us if we don't reconcile with our "brother" first. In Mrs White's the implication is that we aren't healed unless we get rid of our bitterness, anger and spite by humble confession and prayer.

If God is unable to bring reconciliation and healing into a worship service, will we see Him at all? If we are so busy thinking evil of our "brethren" are we going to be able to really worship? How much of the "coldness" and formalism of some church services is really just a result of differences in the congregation?

Undoubtedly one of the most Inspiring Worship Services ever was recorded in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit not only came visibly and audibly but thousands of passersby were convicted, repented and were baptised! At least one reason this happened was that they were "all with one accord" or "together".

Imagine what would happen if everyone who attends Toronto church spent Friday making sure that we had nothing against anyone "in the family or in the church" so we could all seek God in unity on Sabbath morning. Maybe Jesus' prayer to His Father that "the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:" (John 17:22), would come true. Maybe there would be a new Pentecost and Toronto would be "made perfect in one" with the inevitable outcome that all Toronto would know that Jesus is the Son of God and that God loves His church as He loves His Son (John 17:23).

Now that would be inspiring!