What does it mean when we read of Christians needing to “all agree” (1 Cor. 1:10) and be “of the same mind” (Phil. 2:2)? On the lowest level, all of us have personal interests with no spiritual significance. I like to call these “preferences.” Your favorite ice cream flavor. Where you choose to vacation. What you think makes a person attractive. Unless you are an egotistical moron, you respect the phrase, “to each their own.” On the middle level are non-salvific spiritual conclusions on how to live your life. These are the issues where Christians must decide, but often (even within the same church) have different perspectives. I call these “convictions,” or we could say “non-essentials.” Watching movies. How to school your children. Women’s clothing. What to do with Halloween. In these things, we respect another’s freedom (or liberty) in Christ. Then at the top level are the essentials for salvation and church unity. The doctrine of justification by faith. Obeying the Bible. Sharing Christ with others. These are the essentials and it’s in these things and these things alone we have unity – total agreement.

Randy Smith

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
	Japanese	Other	3	Cups

INGREDIENTS

3	c	Rice Vinegar; see note
1/2	c	Ginger; see note
1	lg	Lemongrass; see note
6		Serrano chilies; see note

INSTRUCTIONS

Notes:  A: Japanese Unseasoned Rice vinegar, Marukan with the green
:          label or Mitsukan.
:       B: Ginger, quarter-size thin coins, smashed.
:       C: Lemon grass, pounded, then cut into finger lengths, 3 inches.
:       D: Green or Red Serranos, tipped and halved.
:          #1 Combine all of the ingredients in a non-aluminum pot, then
bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Remove the pot from the heat and let
stand until cool.
:       #2 Store the mixture in a clean glass jar. If you wish, you may
strain out the solids before storing, but do not press down on them while
doing so. Another alternative is to leave only the chilies in the jar for
color. The vinegar may cloud, but its flavor will not be affected.

A Message from our Provider:

“God: the most lovable person in the universe”