Category: Unity
Subject: Unity
Sermon: “If You are the Christ, tell us plainly”
In John 10:22-30, Jesus was surrounded by a probable hostile group of questioners, who demanded He clearly reveal whether or not He was the Christ. Jesus’ revealed their prejudice against Him and claimed, “I and My Father are one.”
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Euodia and Syntyche
The love letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians had a single sour note, revealed in Philippians 4. We know nothing of the circumstances, but in the midst of the righteous efforts of this faithful congregation, there was some kind of strife between two women of the number.
Paul wrote, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul wrote with love and gentleness, but there was a problem of some type. It seems that if the problem were doctrinal, Paul would have arbitrated the issue by revealing God’s will on the matter. Most probably the strife that existed was something else. It may have been a matter of personality, perceived slight, or another inconsequential matter, though it may have seemed large to the ladies.
Regardless, it was something that could not rightly stand in the way of their unity. Paul had already encouraged the Philippians, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). He now called upon those mature Christians in Philippi to “help these women” (3) gain a unity that was not present. The next time you think your issue is important enough to strive against your brother, think twice!
The Platform of Unity
Ephesians 4:1-6 describes a basis for our unity as Christians. Jesus prayed for His followers to be unified in John 17. Paul relates that desire of our Lord by writing, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called… endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1,3). He indicatesa the way that unity can be attained, by lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering and love (2). But, the unity is not merely a “getting along”! It is something that has a basis, a standard that all adhere to. Unity would not be obtainable without this commonality. Verses 4-6 describe that standard. Continue reading “The Platform of Unity”
Our Basis for Unity
In Ephesians 4:4-6 Paul expresses a series of unique things that constitute the basis of our faith. Unfortunately these truths are often challenged by those who do not understand them. It is our basis for unity, a worthy walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.
- One body. The church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Not many churches. Denominationalism is sinful (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10-ff).
- One Spirit. The Holy Spirit, one of the three persons that are God (cf. John 14:26).
- One hope. The hope of heaven, available through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 6:19-20).
- One Lord. Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Acts 2:36).
- One faith. While various truths and messages from God preceded Christ’s covenant, today it is the sole means of approaching God. The Christian’s faith in Christ, its particulars revealed in the New Covenant (Jude 3).
- One baptism. Several baptisms are mentioned in the Bible. However, only one is universally commanded and applicable to every man. Baptism in water for the remission of sins! (Acts 2:38).
- One God and Father. Not polygamy. Only Jehovah exists! (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6). Paganism is a lie.
Those who do not accept these truths are heretics. (Much of the religious world included). However, those who accept it are derided by most. Accept it regardless!
Sermon: Jesus’ Prayer for You and Me
Stan discusses the final part of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. He prayer for disciples like you and me!
Paul’s Appeal to Philemon
It is important to learn how to get along with brethren. This is an effective skill that helps to maintain unity among God’s people. It is especially important when there is any hint of trouble—whether disagreements or other potentially challenging circumstances.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Paul had such a sticky wicket to deal with when he converted an escaped slave, and had to petition the slave’s owner for mercy. Fortunately, the slave owner was himself a Christian, and so there was common ground that could help in resolving the potential conflict.
Sermon: I Am the True Vine
Jesus is the source of life, and His disciples must be in spiritual fellowship with Him. Without Him we can do nothing.
The Origin of Unity
In Philippians, chapter two, Paul comments on the remarkable example of our Lord. “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (2:6-8).
Jesus was in the “form of God.” Before His incarnation, He was in an exalted state. The word “form” should be understood as a state of deity. In other words, Jesus was fully God. With this the apostle John is in full agreement. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
Warped and Sinning
“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).
Paul’s description of the divisive man is a rather strong denunciation of the sin. In the NKJV, the word “warped” is used in translating the Greek ekstrepho. Other translations use the words words “perverted” and “subverted.”
Warped best reflects the etymology of the word. It literally means to twist or turn out. Thayer defines the word, “to change for the worse, pervert, corrupt.”
Picture a warped piece of wood. It is useless to the carpenter who desires a precise and square result for his project. Since it is twisted or turned from that which is straight, it can’t serve its intended purpose.
The purpose of the Christian is to reflect His God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The primary attributes of God include love (John 3:16) and unity (John 17:20-21). A divisive man has turned away from these fundamental characteristics, to something that is much worse, something corrupt.
Brethren, we need to examine ourselves, and be sure that we are not guilty of bringing strife to God’s people. There is nothing more antithetical to being a child of God!
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Sermon: The Church – God’s Family
The lesson discusses the various attributes that should be present in the church, which is described as God’s family. They are Love, Selflessness, Unity, Affection, Dependability and Encouragement.
Contending for the Faith
The United States is among the most tolerant and permissive of societies. Yet it is a society that is extremely intolerant of a very few things. One example of intolerance is with regard to “political correctness.” There are certain attitudes and ideas, which if expressed, lead to the ruin of public reputations and careers. Often those who rush to condemn these attitudes, (what they call “hate speech”), are the same ones who clamor over the right to freedom of expression. This is incongruous, but is nevertheless a rather prominent feature of our day.
This is also true in religion. These permissive influences claim that all religions have worth and that religious criticism is a form of that “hate speech.” Pleas for toleration have led many to the irrational claim that all these terrorist attacks by Muslim fundamentalists had “nothing to do with religion.” They ignore the fact that such extremists have declared a “jihad” (holy war) against all non-muslims. Continue reading “Contending for the Faith”
The Christian’s Responsibility to the Brethren
The Christian has the responsibility to be hospitable, to see unity with fellow believers, to edify his brethren and to love them as well.
Sermon: Bible Unity
Speaker: Bob Ward.
Bob discusses the Bible imperative to unity. It’s importance, and how it can be obtained.
Sermon: One Body, One Spirit
Sermon by Jeremiah Cox.
A textual study of 1 Corinthians 12-14, expressing the purpose of spiritual gifts (edification), and discussing unity in the Spirit.
