By Jeff Keck
International Vice President
A couple of weeks ago I woke up with a single word ensconced in my mind, Camaraderie. The idea of camaraderie is one of friendship and shared community. Scripture is replete with references of togetherness, oneness, and unity.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” Psalm 133:1-3.
Azusa StreetRiders is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the Church and our post-modern society. Jesus gave His Church a mandate to go into all the world and make disciples of every nation and the meaning goes beyond ethnos and extends to culture as well.
However, the motorcycle sub-culture historically is suspicious of organized society and that includes the Church. Yet, those of us who have been delivered from this sub-culture know the power and hope of the preached Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our bikes along with our Apostolic distinctives are ministry tools that Jesus is using in these last days to reach into the darkened corners of no-man’s land and come away with treasure for Heaven.
We are the “segulah” that God has chosen to meet the challenge of this end-time generation, but one question still remains, “Who is going to reach them if we don’t?”
Paul was quite poignant with his references from Psalms and Isaiah, “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:11-15.)
But without unity and love for one another we are in no position to reach anyone. Jesus was very clear on this point. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35.)
It is impossible for to fulfill our ultimate purpose of making disciples if we don’t first have love one to another. True love “agape” is the glue that keeps us together and functioning without schisms and disunity.
Paul expounded on the necessity of being fully gifted by the Holy Ghost, but he also said, “Agape never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:8.)
Without love for one our entire enterprise will be void of fruitfulness as the barren fig tree. So, let’s all come together and endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and Go and Make Disciples!
