Category: Unity
Subject: Unity
The Patternists: Unity VS Truth
In the introduction to Robert Shank’s book, Life in the Son, William Adams wrote:
“Some will consider that ‘unity’ is more important than truth and that, right or wrong, conformity to tradition and popular opinion is the only wise course. Men so easily become enslaved by a vested interest in the status quo, and many will refuse to venture the risk of honestly searching for truth at the possible expense of comfort.”
His words were a response to Shank’s view of the possibility of apostasy. Though he personally believed Calvin’s doctrine concerning the perseverance of the saints, he was impressed by Shank’s arguments.
He states a valid truth. Many times people believe as they do because “everyone else does,” or because “that is what we’ve always taught!” To such people, Bible teaching that contradicts their traditions is to be rejected simply because it differs from what they hold as precious.
There is no conflict between the unity called for in the Bible, and the pursuit of truth. In fact, True unity can be obtained only as we embrace the truth. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians to “all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
May we be fair-minded as the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
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The Patternists: Bible Based Unity
The Bible reveals discord and division to be sinful. When the Corinthians showed themselves to be divided, Paul wrote, “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3).
There are two ways to avoid discord. The first is commonly practiced by religious groups today. It is through compromise, setting aside doctrinal disagreements in order to get along. This is a tenet of those denominations that count themselves part of the ecumenical movement, a movement dedicated to “universal Christian unity” based on an acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices.
The second way is the Biblical philosophy of unity, based on mutual acceptance of the divine standard, the truth of God’s word. This way is identified clearly in Jesus’ prayer to God, recorded in John 17:20-21, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Our unity must mirror the unity of Jesus and His Father. Jesus stated clearly in John 5:30, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.”
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1:10). This unity in speech, thought and judgment can come only when all agree with and submit to the will of God.
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From the Preacher’s Pen: Truth Does Not Divide!
It is a fundamental concept worthy of constant affirmation: “Truth does not divide!” It is common for people today to count the Lord’s church among the many denominations that populate the religious landscape. They make no distinction, other than to charge God’s people as being sectarian simply because we seek to differentiate between truth and error!
It is error that brings division between seekers of Christ. In contrast, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The claim we make of being simply followers of the Word of God, unwilling to deviate to the left or the right, is one worthy of examination. When it is put to the test, if it is found to be a false claim, then we acknowledge that we are no better than any other religious person who seeks to teach “as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). However, if our claim is true, then all should seek to be part of that which “came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).
Religious people clamor for diversity, freedom and change. In contrast we offer unity, bondservice to the Lord, and “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (cf. Jude 3). The appeal may not be popular, but it is the basis of our standing with God. Remember the words of the Lord, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Sermon: The Body of Christ
One of the many metaphors that the Holy Spirit uses to describe the relationship between Jesus Christ and the saved is that of a body. The phrase, “the body of Christ” indicates Jesus’ dominion, and the harmony that should exist when each member of “the body” pulls together in service to the Head.
Unity Among Brethren
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
Unity is indeed pleasant and good. It is, unfortunately unattainable with those of the world. They stand opposed to truth and righteousness. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household’” (Matthew 10:34-36). It is a common, but unfortunate mistake to think that we can be one with the worldly. This can only happen if we compromise. Instead, John wrote, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
In the News: Guardians of Doctrine
On Thursday, the Catholic Pope released a text giving his view of who should be selected as Catholic bishops as the Catholic church goes forward in the 21st century. Of course, the Catholic church’s concepts of how bishops are to be selected, what their qualifications are, and the nature and extent of their rule are all contrary to what is revealed in the New Testament. In this short article, however, it is our intent to examine one aspect of the Pope’s message. Consider the following quote, taken from a report on the document:
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
Sermon: One Mind and One Mouth
An expository lesson covering the text of Romans 15:1-6. God calls us to unity, to be of one mind, and one mouth as we receive one another.
Sermon: The Carnal Man and Division
The Apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 3:1-11 that division of any type is an indication of a carnal man and unacceptable to God. We have been called to holiness, and such purity requires we work together in unity and love.
Sermon: The Correct Path to Unity
John 17 and other passages are used to establish that unity can be obtained only as disciples submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in doctrine and conduct.
Sermon: Must We be Perfect to be Pleasing?
Sermon by Kris Braddock – Third of three sermons discussing in detail the basis for fellowship in unity. In this lesson Kris establishes that the call for unity based on doctrinal uniformity does not demand perfection. Our Lord makes provision for growth and maturity.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Coming to Agreement on Matters of Faith
Sermon by Kris Braddock – Second of three sermons discussing in detail the basis for fellowship in unity. In this lesson Kris shows that those with a good heart, and a willingness to study together, can come to unity in matters of faith.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Biblical Basis of Fellowship
Sermon by Kris Braddock – First of three sermons discussing in detail the basis for fellowship in unity. This lesson establishes the fundamental truths upon which the series is based.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Platform of Unity
This sermon examines the text of Ephesians 4, which establishes a platform every Christian must accept, forming a basis for unity.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Choices Local Churches Must Make
Each local congregation must decide to be steadfast in the face of opposition and false doctrine; Zealous in the Lord’s work; and, work for Unity and Peace.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
